Doctor Gilbert Grissom hated the very thought of having to attend these formal dinners, but it was required and - well he had no choice in it - so there he sat, just like every other one he was "invited" to attend.

His tie was to tight, his new shoes were making his feet and he felt like a fool in his rented "monkey suit".

He could think of a million places where he would rather be then the yearly "let's see who we can impress and who we can bull shit who" dinner at WLVU.

There would be music and dancing, eating and drinking. Speeches of all kinds and lengths. Awards would be handed out, retiring staff members would be recognized and new staff members introduced. People would talk about what they would or would not like to happen in the upcoming year, department heads would complain about a lack of funds for their respective departments - blah … blah … blah.

Grissom sat way off in the corner by himself hoping no one would notice him. He looked around the room, he knew most of the people there but still felt uncomfortable around them. Grissom was not a people person, he valued his privacy, he often fantasized about a place where there was no one except his bugs and him - now that would be heaven.

Dr. Grissom taught entomology, he was the number one entomologist in the state of Nevada. At one time he was asked "Why bugs"? He grinned, "Bugs don't judge you and they don't lie."

A young lady handed him a fresh drink, "Is everything alright, Professor Grissom?"

"Yes, Mary Ann," Gil replied.

Like so many of the others who worked the dinner that evening, Mary Ann was a student at WLVU just trying to make an extra buck or too.

"Let's get things started," Dean Miller said, "The sooner we get the 'business' end of the evening over with the sooner we can relax and get to the food and dancing."

Three professors were retiring, their achievements were acknowledged and each gave a short speech. Their replacements were introduced, it was then that something caught Grissom's eye, well not something - someone. Sitting on the stage was the most beautiful brown eyed brunette he had ever seen.

He sat his drink down and picked up the program that was handed to him as he walked in the door. The program listed everyone who was to be given an award, everyone who was retiring and all the new staff along with a short biography.

Grissom listened as Miller introduced the newest member of the mathematics department - Professor Sara Sidle.

Quickly Grissom turned to the page with her name on it, he read:Miss Sidle was born in Tamales Bay, graduating high school as valedictorian. She attended Harvard and graduate school at the University of California, Berkeley.

"Impressive," Grissom thought to himself as he read her bio. But that didn't impress him as much as she did. Sara was beautiful, not in a way that most men would think, her beauty was inward. Her smile, her eyes, her mannerism. Everything about her fascinated him and Gil knew he had to get to know her.

Grissom shook his head. "Let's be real," Grissom said to himself, "Why in heavens name would a woman as beautiful as her want anything to do with an old man like him."

Sara was only 28 and Gil was 15 years her senior.

"Now that's one hot lady," Michael, a man sitting near Grissom said to, Brandon, his companion, "Wanta make a bet on how long it will take me to bang her?"

Brandon laughed, he said that his wife, Carol, went to collage with Sara.

"You'll never bang that one," he said, "Colder then Greenland."

Michael laughed, "Then that makes it more of a challenge."

"Now THAT is something I want to bang," Brandon said, looking at Mary Ann.

"Go for it Stud," Michael said, "Just make sure your wife doesn't find out."

Brandon stood and walked toward Mary Ann, "She hasn't yet." Michael laughed.

"That's cause I've been banging Carol," he said to Grissom as if Gil gave a damn who was "banging" who.

Grissom was, thankfully, alone again.

With all the formalities over the food was served and the dancing started, Gil had considered sneaking out.

"Dance with me," the voice of an angel said.

Gil looked up, it was Sara. Gil smiled, took her hand and led her to the dance floor.

Heaven was in his arms as they glided around the floor.

Gil's hand was on the small of her back, her skin was so smooth.

Unconsciously Gil began to run his thumb on the exposed skin, Sara moaned softly.

It was then that Gil realized what he was doing, "I'm sorry."

Sara smiled, "I'm not."

"Perhaps I should introduce myself," Gil said.

"Dr. Gilbert Grissom needs no introduction," Sara said.

This made Gil grin, and feel old at the same time.

"Hey," Brandon called to Michael, "Gramps is dancing with your piece of tail."

"Gramps can have the iceberg," Michael laughed, pointing toward Mary Ann, "I have a date with a live one."

The rest of the evening was heaven on earth to Gil, Sara never left his side.

As the evening came to a close Gil asked Sara if he could escort her home, "A beautiful lady like yourself should not be alone at night."

Sara agreed. "I am staying at Olds Hall," she said.

Gil laughed, "So am I."

Olds Hall was an apartment complex for single professors.

Gil and Sara stepped outside, Sara shivered. "It's cooler then I planed on," she said.

Gil removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders.

"Thank you," she said.

On their way to the complex they talked about things in general.

"I'm in 304," Sara told Gil.

Once more Gil smiled, "We are neighbors, 306."

Gil unlocked her door for her. "Goodnight, Miss Sidle. It has been an enjoyable evening."

"Thank you, Dr. Grissom. And it's Sara." she said.

"Gil," he said.

Sara smiled and tenderly kissed him goodnight.

Have not decided if I should add more to this or not, I will leave it up to you.