Chapter Two: Small Talk

Catherine was about to put her jacket on when she heard a car in her driveway. She walked to the door, still fighting with the sleeves. An elegant and slightly embarrassed Sara stood outside.

"Hey, come on in. Would you like something to drink?" Catherine asked.

"No, I'm fine, thanks," Sara replied as she took not more than two steps into Catherine's hallway.

"Let's go then," Catherine said as she went to the couch where she had dropped her purse. As she turned back, Sara was already out the door. Catherine rolled her eyes and sighed. Where was the fire? Sara's mood would be hard work, but Catherine had never passed up a challenge. She was the 'people person' for a reason, wasn't she?

The drive was a bit awkward at first, but as soon as Catherine started talking, Sara visibly relaxed. There was no way that the older woman would let silence ruin their night out.

"Have we ever gone out for dinner before?" Catherine asked more to herself than to Sara.

"Just the two of us? No, we haven't. Just a few drinks, I think. It's weird, you know, you and I, here, together… it's not something I thought would happen," Sara said, her eyes focused on the road.

"Why not? I mean, I know it's not like we've been best friends in the past, but we haven't been enemies either," Catherine said as she slightly frowned. She took a moment to study Sara's expression. Sara wasn't serious, was she?

"Yeah." Sara smirked.

"Oh, come on, we weren't that bad!" Catherine replied to her colleague's doubtful remark.

"No, you're right," Sara said, slowly shaking her head, but without diverting her attention from the drive. "We just are two very stubborn women."

"Stubborn? I'd say with very strong personalities. We were, and still are, bound to clash every now and then," Catherine replied shrugging.

"Okay, okay, you win, as usual."

Catherine grinned. "I like how it sounds, even if it isn't true." Catherine let Sara's comment slip, but wondered if there was something to fix between them.

They arrived at the hotel and left the car to the valet. They approached the entrance.

"It has been ages since my last dinner here," Catherine said as they walked through the main entrance and said to the receptionist that she had a reservation at the Michael Mina restaurant. She had chosen that restaurant because it was rather fancy, without being exaggerated, and had a large choice of vegetarian dishes.

"I've been here just once before," Sara said, as she followed her boss and admired the luxurious surrounding.

"Hot date?" Catherine casually asked, as she led the way through the lobby toward the entrance of the restaurant.

"Hmm… We didn't even make it past the main course."

"You've got my attention," Catherine's eyes glinted with mischief. "I remember Eddie taking me here every time he wanted to impress me. He also proposed to me here. He booked a table and… a room."

"He hadn't booked a room, but maybe he should have…," Sara's words were almost whispered, as if she was talking more to herself than to Catherine.

"Ladies?" the host interrupted their exchange. He then led them to their table and, as the two women were getting settled, he said, "A waiter will come to you in a bit to take your order. Here is the menu. Would you like anything to drink while you wait?"

Catherine looked at Sara and realized that perhaps a drink would help both of them to better dive into the right spirit of their 'girls' night'.

As the waiter left with their orders, Catherine realized that Sara still hadn't looked at her once since they sat at the table. Her eyes had wandered around, pretending to be interested in the room décor, or she had busied herself, looking for something in her purse or checking her phone. Catherine wondered if she should have chosen another restaurant, something off the Strip, maybe. Sara clearly wasn't at ease.

"Sara, do you want to go somewhere else?" Catherine finally asked.

"No, no. I like this place. It just reminded me of...," Sara tried to reassure her friend, as she cursed herself for being so hopeless concealing her feelings, to Catherine at least.

"Your hot date. Yeah, I gathered that. It seems to have been quite the naughty dinner...," Catherine smirked playfully, hoping to help Sara relax. Then she mischievously added, "Care to share?"

Sara smirked back. Then, as if she suddenly realized the implications of her expression, blushed, and, begging for mercy, asked, "Do I have to?"

"It's up to you. I have plenty of stories about this place, even if I'm not proud of a few of them. I can entertain you for the entire dinner, if necessary, but now that I know you have something juicy to tell, I'll pester you all night to know."

"Okay, okay. I was with Grissom, and, before sending your dirty mind on overdrive, he got called in," Sara finally revealed.

"No way! Really? Gil and you at the Bellagio? I can't believe it! That man keeps surprising me!" Catherine's excited mood was killed by Sara's sudden awkwardness-she just nodded, averting her eyes. Catherine couldn't read her. They were joking, at least she was. Catherine didn't want to pry into Sara's private life; even if tempting, it wasn't why she invited Sara out. She just wanted to lighten up a bit Sara's mood and, maybe, help her see things in perspective. What was bothering Sara so much about that date with Grissom? After studying Sara's face for a few moments, she decided the subject was best left closed for the time being.

"Well, we know sex wasn't a problem -You and Gil have great sex," Catherine finally said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Oh God. I really said that, didn't I?" Sara said blushing profusely as she closed her eyes and hid her face behind her hands.

"Yeah. Don't worry, it was cute," Catherine reassured her colleague.

"Cute? How is it cute me making a fool of myself?"

"It's not usual to see you so on edge at work. And Hodges was really being … well, Hodges." And they laughed together.

Their drinks were served and Catherine couldn't help thinking that there had never been a better moment to have a drink. Grissom and Sara's sex life. Just what she had always dreamt to talk about. Catherine mentally rolled her eyes as she grabbed her glass.

Catherine held her glass midair and made a toast, "To us."

"To friends," Sara replied, as a warm smile spread on her face.

Sara's words were full of meaning. She wasn't a woman used to talking without thinking beforehand. She meant what she said and Catherine couldn't be anything but flattered.

The waiter arrived and took their orders. Catherine also asked for a bottle of gewürztraminer, a white wine that could well harmonize with their different choices in food –vegetable pasta for Sara and seafood for herself. Sara appreciated Catherine's choice of restaurant and her knowledge of wines. Catherine explained that dining with Sam had had its advantages. They amiably chatted until their dishes were served. While they were enjoying their food, a man approached their table.

"Fancy meeting you here, Ms. Willows! How are you? And who is your nice friend?"

"A colleague, Mr. Haney. Sara Sidle. I'd love to chat with you, but I'm sure your lady friend won't like waiting for you," Catherine coldly replied.

"Can I invite you to my table?"

"No, thank you. We're okay."

"My loss. See you soon, CSI Willows," the slimey man said, as he walked back to his very young friend.

Sara had followed the exchange, quite amused. Seeing badass Catherine at work was priceless.

"Can you believe him? I've interviewed that man at least five times for different crimes, even murder once, and I think he didn't even spend an hour in jail. He's such a jerk. Did you see that girl with him? I'm sure she's not older than Lindsey. That's what makes me the saddest-young girls believing that he's a god," Catherine said, sighing heavily.

"Meeting such people is usual in our line of work. They sometimes creep me out, and I'm an adult woman wearing a gun. I just can't imagine growing up here. This city taints young minds. Hell, this is sin city. Everything is a fake. And don't get me started on morals. Raising a child here should be a crime."

"You really have a great opinion of this city, haven't you?" Catherine stated chuckling.

Sara flushed a bit, realising she got taken away in her speech. She was talking to Catherine there – Las Vegas native, ex-dancer and mom. How about start digging?

"Hey, Sara, it's Catherine Willows you're talking to. Born and raised in Vegas by a showgirl, ex-stripper herself and ex-wife of one of the many wannabe producers this city is full of. I've seen the worst of this city, and not only because of my job. But I've been lucky. I'm pretty much happy with who I am today and didn't regret anything of what I did. I'm not saying that if I could go back, I would do the same things; but I wouldn't be me. Every past choice took me where I am today."

"I don't know how you can do it."

"What?" Catherine asked a bit confused.

"You can forget and go on. I can't."

"Do you think it's just that? Just forget and move on? It's hard work, girl!" Catherine smirked, and continued, "Above all if you see day by day the proof of your mistakes in front of your eyes. At some point you have to realize that you have to swallow your pride and ask for help if you want to move on. I'm here because of Lindsey. She gave me the strength to keep fighting on."

"Maybe that's what I miss," Sara said before her brain caught up with her mouth.

"A child?" a surprised Catherine asked.

"No, not that. You know, I'm really not used to this girl bonding," Sara said as she was looking for the right words to express her thoughts. "I've never talked as much as today with someone and I'm not sure I can explain myself. I came here in Vegas, so many years ago, because Grissom called. He needed me and I ran here. I left everything behind without a second thought. And he did everything to keep me at arm's length. And I just accepted that. I tried to move on, and you know how well it went. After Hank I focused even more on the job. I should have gone away, back to San Francisco maybe. Instead I stayed. Obviously, I am not good at taking care of myself," Sara half jokingly said before going on. "I was burning out. I got suspended and Gil forced me to open up. I still can't believe he did it. I thought he would never dare. Anyway, we got closer and closer, and after Nick's kidnapping, Gil took the risk. I knew it had to come from him. I waited and eventually I had what I wanted."

Catherine had carefully listened to Sara in silence. She knew well that was an unique chance to get to know more about her friend, and she wasn't going to waste it, but now she was confused. Even when Sara finally had what she wanted, she left Vegas and Gil. There was something missing. Sure thing, Sara's near-death experience in the desert had probably been a reason, but still...

"But you went away nonetheless," Catherine said, more stating a fact than looking for a reply.

"It just wasn't right. I was exhausted, mentally exhausted. Our relationship wasn't enough anymore to keep me here. I had nothing to keep me fighting on, I think."

"What about now? Do you feel the same?" a concerned Catherine asked.

"No… I don't know. I love Gil and our marriage works, but… when I came back to Vegas, it should have been only temporary. I was waiting for new funds for the project I was working on in South America. Those things can take months, if not years. Grissom was in France and I couldn't see me as a housewife in Paris for months. Ecklie called, he said you were shorthanded, and I asked to come back. I knew well what was waiting for me here – the same things I ran away from a year and half before. I think I wanted to prove myself. I told myself it would have been just a six-months' gig. I missed you guys; I missed the lab and the job. I felt as a part-time criminalist. It has worked for a few months, maybe a year, but then… I started to feel a bit restless. I took short leaves to go to Gil and it worked. But now I'm not sure it will be enough. He could be away for years. And now if I stop and think about my feelings, I feel alone. I miss him and he's not coming back any time soon. I know he loves me, but will it be enough for me in the long run? A long-distance relationship forever?"

Catherine wanted to reassure her friend that Gil would understand, but she was not totally sure he would. At least he soon would be home. She had to have a chat with Gil and then maybe should invite both of them for lunch. She wanted to ask more, to know better what Sara was feeling, help her, but she feared Sara would hide again. On the other hand, there was a question that had always bugged her-it was now or never.
"Have you ever thought of having a child? I'm sorry, I don't want to intrude, but I've never heard you talking about children."

"They just have never fit in my life. I don't think I could be a mother. A little one totally depending on me... I can't even take care of myself."

"But you thought about it, didn't you?" Catherine asked, smiling warmly.

"Yeah, I did. We talked, Gil and me. But with his genetic hearing problems and my doubts, we pretty much decided it wasn't a thing for us."

"Do you regret that?" Catherine boldly asked.

"No." Sara's voice was firm.

Catherine knew there was more behind Sara's decision, but the purpose of the dinner was not to force Sara to open up. She didn't want to push her luck and have Sara shutting down. It was time to end the questioning and save it for another time. She looked around and caught the waiter's attention. It was time to go back to their dinner.

When their new orders were placed, Catherine and Sara went back to small talk. Catherine let Sara lead the conversation.

The rest of dinner went smoothly. Sara asked about Lindsey's classes and Catherine behaved as a proud mom would do. Soon was the time for the dessert – always a hard choice.

While they were reading the list of desserts, Catherine's phone buzzed. She quickly looked for her phone in her purse, hoping it wasn't the lab. Being the boss, she really never had a night off. If something big happened they would call her in anyway. Catherine quickly hid a smile as she read the sender ID. She put the phone back in her purse.

"Not work related, I guess," Sara said, noticing Catherine's satisfied reaction.

"Oh… no, it was Lindsey. She will be back home before I thought she would."

"Then you should call the pool guy!"

"You're right, it's the first thing I'll do tomorrow morning," Catherine replied with a smile and, as she noticed the waiter approaching, asked, "Did you choose your dessert? I'll have a pear tart."

"Root beer float," Sara said with a big grin as she closed the menu.

"Thank you," the waiter said as he took note of the desserts chosen.

"I've always wanted to come here and taste this dessert. It's one of the chef's specialties," Sara explained.

"You won't be disappointed," Catherine knowingly replied, "Lindsey loves it."

"Does Lindsey still take ballet classes? I remember she got the lead role in the school recital last year."

"She's too busy now, but she's taking drama classes and next summer she's going to a drama and ballet seminar in New York. It will cost an arm and leg. But she's my only child and she loves that. Looking at her when she talks about it is priceless. Her eyes glint and she gets excited as a child at her birthday party," Catherine said as her eyes glinted just as her daughter's would do.

"You're such a mom, Catherine," Sara said giggling.

"Thank you, Sara! Now, if just my daughter would actually tell me something of her life instead of just asking me for money for her projects… but it's okay, it's her time to find herself," Catherine half jokingly replied.

"It's hard work to be a mom, isn't it?"

"It is, but I wouldn't change it with anything in the world."

The drive back to Catherine's house was uneventful. The women kept chatting until Sara stopped the car in Catherine's driveway and turned to look at the woman.

"I really needed this night off, boss."

"Did you really? Are you really Sara Sidle?" Catherine asked jokingly.

"Don't mock me. I don't live for my job, at least not anymore."

"Sorry, I couldn't help it," Catherine grinned, "It has been a nice night. We should do it some other time."

"Yeah, sure. You need another chance to uncover my darkest secrets."

"You know me too well," Catherine replied as she started giggling.

"Thank you for this dinner."

"You're welcome. I'll let you go. It's our night off, and we deserve to sleep at least a few hours. See you at work. Bye," Catherine said as she slid out of the car.

"Okay, bye," Sara replied. She was a bit surprised that Catherine abruptly ended the evening, but she was glad since it was very late.

Catherine stopped at her front door and looked back at Sara. She waved as the younger woman started her car and drove away. Catherine couldn't help a knowing smile as she turned to unlock her door.

#

As Sara parked her car and got out, her trained eyes noticed a soft light coming from inside her living room window. While heading to her apartment, Sara wondered if she could have forgotten to turn off the light. Maybe she was a bit nervous about the dinner with Catherine. She arrived in front of her door, and inserted the key, but, surprisingly, the door wasn't locked.

She knew she could have left the light on, but she definitely did not forget to lock her door! What if there was someone inside? She didn't have her gun with her. Apartment dweller Sara started to panic, but CSI Sidle took charge. She studied her lock for any signs of forced entry. She took out her phone and, as she was about to dial 911, she heard footsteps approaching the door from inside. She froze. The door opened and her panic immediately vanished and a big grin spread on her face.

"Hi, honey," Gil Grissom welcomed his wife.

A/N: Sorry, this story ends here. I thought about another chapter and I also started writing it, but it wasn't working. This had to be just a small talk between Sara and Catherine... Now, if you're curious to know what will happen next, you have to let me find an interesting way to write GSR, bacause, really, it's not my thing, (LOL). I have a few ideas and some of them are already on paper, opppps... on screen, so don't give up hope! ;)