I waited around after my shift, hoping Grissom would show soon. So far, Nick and Greg had returned. Catherine entered the break room.
"You still haven't gone home yet?" she asked. I shook my head. "Any specific reason why?"
I gave her a look.
"I'd think it'd be pretty obvious," I snapped. Catherine's brow creased. I sighed. "Sorry. I shouldn't take my anger out on you."
"Don't worry about it." Catherine waved her hand. "Grissom should be back any time. You worried?"
"Hardly," I snorted.
"I'd advise against jumping down his throat, Tia. He's not apt to reconsider his decision to take you off the Masterson case."
"Do I really care at this point?" I made a face. "It's a huge case. I can so handle it."
"Of course you care, Tia," Catherine replied calmly. Total mom voice. A small smile played on her face. "That's why you're good at your job. And you care about Grissom, which is why you get so upset with him."
"I believe I can suss out my feelings for Grissom on my own, thank you," I interjected sourly. I stood abruptly. Catherine watched me silently. Great. Gossip about Grissom and me now. Suddenly, the blonde grinned.
"Welcome back, Gris," she said, staring beyond me. I turned to see a haggard-looking Grissom. "I should get going. Tia wanted to talk with you, anyway."
"I " I stopped and glared at Catherine. She smiled innocently and stood. Before she or Grissom could speak, I tried again. "It wasn't anything important, Grissom."
"Are you sure?" he asked, sounding exhausted. I shot another glare at Catherine.
"Positive. Besides, what's to say that hasn't already been said? You are the boss, after all."
Catherine's face fell as she sensed the oncoming argument. Grissom merely sighed, having known this was coming.
"Tia," he began.
""Forget it, Grissom. I'll see you tonight, Cath. Thanks for the talk." I grabbed my bag and headed for home. As it turned out, now I was even more ticked off at Grissom and I knew I'd hear all about it at work the next evening.