The Start of Something Beautiful
It had been a long time since Nick had been in a relationship, thanks to him working while the rest of the world was sleeping, and vice versa. However, he finally managed to work his way into something of one with Mandy, and it was a doozy.
The two had worked together for quite some time, but had only recently began dating, or at least what one would call dating. They went out every now and then, but not a lot seemed to come of it.
The fact that Mandy sent him mixed signals didn't help either. When it was only the two of them, she was very affectionate, some might even say loving. However, around others, she was a bit of a cold fish. Finally, Nick had enough and approached her about it.
It was a slow night, so Nick decided to talk to the lab tech. He made up an excuse so no one suspect and went to the lab.
"Mandy, I need to talk to you", he told her.
"About…"
"You have been hot and cold with me. When we're alone, you treat me great. But around others, you act like I'm a leper. I'm really confused."
"Do you want me to be lovey-dovey with you at work? Ecklie would have an aneurysm if he caught wind of that," the lab rat told him.
The CSI put his had up and explained that he just wanted her to be a little nicer than she's been. Mandy agreed, and they both went back to work.
Time went by, and Nick began to feel better as Mandy was nicer to him at work. However, another thing with the lab tech began troubling him. He began feeling something he hadn't felt in a long time. He felt like he was falling in love with her.
He invited her over one night to hang out. They knocked back a couple of beers, watched Mythbusters, and just generally enjoyed one another's company. Finally, the Texan decided it was time to tell all. He took a deep breath, and decided what to say.
"Mandy, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a while. I'm starting to feel something that I haven't in what seems to be an eternity. I love you, Mandy".
Mandy didn't say a word for what seemed like an eternity. A huge weight fell upon his chest. He feared that his love would not be returned.
Finally, she spoke. "How long have you felt this way about me?"
"Since forever, it seems. I waited to tell you because I was afraid that you didn't feel the same way," Nick explained.
The lab tech took a deep breath. "What makes you think I wouldn't feel the same way about you? You know how I act around you. For a ladies' man, you seem to be rather clueless".
"So, you do feel the same way?"
"Of course I do, Nicky, probably for the same amount of time. You're the sweetest, most empathetic person I've ever met in my entire life. What woman wouldn't love you?"
Nick smiled, and leaned in to kiss her. "You're smart, funny, sweet, and totally adorable. That's what I love about you. Do you feel better that you admitted it now?"
"Yes, do you?" The lab tech asked.
"Much better." Mandy leaned against Nick and as he wrapped his arm around her. As he did, he couldn't help but think, This is the start of something beautiful.
