Disc. I don't own these characters, I can only wish. The characters and CSI in general belong to their respective owners. I do own the plot of this story, however.

Please read and review. It's the longest story I've written and would really like to know if people are enjoying it before I go on to finish it so it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! x

Catherine was beginning to panic as it dawned on her that she only had 30 minutes left to get ready for her date that night and her bedroom looked like it had been ransacked. Various dresses, tops, skirts and shoes lay scattered around and she still hadn't managed to put an outfit together. She sighed as she slumped onto the bed, looking around.

"Linds! Can you come in here and help me, honey?" she called, thinking that a little guidance from her teenage daughter was what she needed. She listened as she heard Lindsey approaching and entering the room.

"Yeah, what is it Mom?" The younger blonde asked, taking note of the mess and the fact that her mother was still in her dressing gown.

"Are you even going out tonight? Uncle Gil is going to be here in like 15 minutes."

"Yes, I know that. I just have no idea what to wear," Catherine replied, sounding defeated.

Rolling her eyes, Lindsey shifted across the room to her mother's wardrobe, being careful not to trample on any of the garments lying around. She stared into the wardrobe for a minute, nibbling on her forefinger nail before reaching for a simple, deep purple cocktail dress.

"Here, put this on," she ordered, passing the dress to her mother.

"Lindsey, this is old and I don't know if it even fits me anymore," Catherine complained.

"Well you won't know until you try it on and who cares if it's old. Nobody will even know," Lindsey argued. "Go on, hurry!" She pushed the dress into her mother's hands.

Hauling herself from the bed, Catherine went into the bathroom to change, laughing inwardly at the way her daughter was treating her while Lindsey searched the room for a pair of shoes.

"Nope… Umm nope. Ooh, these are nice now where's the other?" Lindsey muttered to herself as she scanned the room.

Meanwhile in the bathroom, Catherine looked at herself in the mirror, trying her hair in different styles but not entirely happy in the dress she was wearing. Taking a deep breath, she let her hair fall around her shoulders and straightened up her outfit. She opened the bathroom door, re-entering the bedroom as Lindsey glanced up from her mother's jewellery drawer.

"Perfect," she grinned but Catherine screwed up her face a little.

"I don't know, Linds. It's a little short, I'm too old for this sort of thing now."

"It's not!" Lindsey argued, "You look great now try these on with it," she instructed, handing a pair of silver stiletto sandals to Catherine. The strawberry blonde sat on the bed, fastening her shoes as she heard the doorbell sound.

"I'll get it!" Lindsey exclaimed, bounding out of the room." Looking in the mirror, Catherine tilted her head a little, taking in the image she saw, all the while listening to the familiar voice chatting to her daughter. She thought to herself, nibbling on her lower lip when she was interrupted by the bedroom door being opened.

"Hey Mom, I thought you could do with Uncle Gil's opinion too so I brought him up. Maybe he'll be able to convince you that you look fine," Lindsey smiled.

"Linds, the place is a mess. I'll come downst-" Catherine was cut off as Lindsey hauled a shy-looking Gil into the room.

"Oh hey Gil," she laughed a little. Gil's eyes wandered around the room before resting on the sight of Catherine before him.

"Couldn't find something to wear, huh?" he chuckled, receiving an embarrassed smile from Catherine. Lindsey watched the pair for a minute then interrupted.

"So she looks great, right Uncle Gil?" she beamed.

"Yeah, you look gorgeous Cath," he smiled softly, nervously placing a hand on Catherine's elbow and encouraging her to turn around. She complied, twirling slowly, allowing Gil to judge her outfit from every angle and let out a small giggle at the dazed expression Gil's face had adopted.

"I'm glad you like it, Gil," she laughed. Gil felt a small nudge in his arm and turned to find Lindsey smiling cheekily at him. As Gil began to blush, they heard the doorbell again. Gil was relieved that it had interrupted them and prevented any more embarrassment on his part. Catherine took a deep breath and proceeded to leave the room but felt a soft tug on her arm.

"Wait, you forgot your jewellery," Lindsey reminded her, grabbing a sparkling silver and diamante set from the dresser. Catherine fixed her earrings while Lindsey fastened her necklace and handed her a matching bracelet, helping her to fasten the clasp. The doorbell sounded again and Catherine hurried from the room, grabbing her bag on the way. Lindsey followed behind Gil, closing the door behind her.