I Didn't Mean to Love You

Chapter 2

Gibbs and his team caught a nasty case on Monday and worked it almost non-stop until late Wednesday night. Even Abby and Ducky were pulling late nights trying to figure this one out. Eventually, as usual, they got the pieces to fit together and on Thursday morning they arrested the bad guy they'd been working so hard to find. That meant paperwork all day Thursday and most of Friday but it was okay because they were all exhausted and ready for a quiet Friday and a do-nothing weekend.

While the team was upstairs doing their reports on Friday morning, Ducky visited Abby in her lab. The nugget of an idea that had taken root the previous Friday had been growing just a tiny bit and Ducky thought Abby might be able to help him nudge it along.

"Hey, Ducky what are you doing here in my humble abode?"

"Abigail, let's talk in private if you have a moment."

Abby was suddenly alert because she recognized the gleam in Ducky's eyes. He was scheming and Abby loved nothing more than a good scheme.

"Sure, Duckman, what's up? You have something cooking in that brain of yours I can tell. What is it? You know I love it when you plot and scheme."

"Yes, I do have something I'd like to have your help with but it must be on the down low, as you young people say these days. I mean very, very low. As in secret."

"I get you. Who are we talking about here, Ducky?"

"Jethro. And Kate."

Abby almost jumped out of her chair. She had always thought those two should get together but her feeble efforts to help that along many months ago had failed miserably. If Ducky was on the task though it just might work.

"Yes! I'm in. Whatever you want to do I'll help. Why are you on this now Ducky?"

"Jethro and I ran into Kate when we were having dinner last Friday night. She was in the same restaurant we were and when we went into the bar for a drink after dinner she saw me and came over. Jethro was away at that moment but came back while Kate and I were talking. They were cordial but somewhat stilted with each other. I think Jethro is still smitten with her. Do you know if she is seeing anyone?"

"I don't know but I doubt it. She really likes Gibbs or at least she did a few months ago. I tried to get them together a couple of times but it never worked out. I'd love to give it another try. Do you think Gibbs will kill us if we do this?"

"He will probably threaten but of course we're perfectly safe."

Abby rolled her eyes and rubbed her hands together in excitement.

"Do you have a plan Ducky?"

"Just a vague idea. I think we just need to get them together in a situation where Jethro would be more or less forced to spend time with Kate. You know how reluctant he is to get close to anyone. However, if Kate is as persuasive as I think she is it won't take very long for her to break him down."

"I agree. And if we can get them to the same place at the same time and leave them alone Gibbs is too much of a gentleman to go off and leave her there."

The co-conspirators sat in silence for almost five minutes before Abby raised her hands and exclaimed, "I've got it. I know how to do it. I invite Kate out for drinks. You do the same with Gibbs. You're late and when Kate and I get there I get her to go in first and then I drive off. She's stuck there and Gibbs will be waiting for you so he won't leave right away. After I drop Kate off I'll call you and then you call Gibbs and say you can't make it. Blame your mom or something. It won't matter what you say because once they start talking they'll know we set them up. We'll only get one shot at this and if they don't make it work we'll be sunk. What do you think?"

"It could work. You need to arrange with Kate first and then I'll get Jethro there."

"What if he won't go with you? Sometimes he's not very social you know."

"Yes, I know that very well. Don't you worry about that, I'll get him there. I'm not above playing on our friendship in circumstances as important as these."

"I'm going to call Kate right now and see if she wants to meet me tonight. Since the case is closed maybe Gibbs will go with you to celebrate."

"It's awfully short notice. Should we wait until next week?"

"No! I can't stand the excitement for whole week. Let's strike while the iron is hot, Ducky. I'm afraid Gibbs would know I'm plotting if he has a whole week to be around me. I'm calling Kate now."

Ducky just sat back and smiled as he watched Abby scroll through her phone for Kate's number. He hoped this worked the first time because they most likely wouldn't get a second chance. The idea seemed good but they certainly hadn't taken much time to talk out any possible problems. Well, he'd just trust Abby to do her part and he would do his and then it would be up to Jethro and Kate. Ducky listened as Abby connected with Kate.

"Hey, Kate how are you? I was just talking to Ducky and he said he ran into you last week."

"Yes, I saw him and Gibbs out and about. How are you Abby? I keep meaning to call you but work has been crazy."

"I know, for me too. Listen, are you busy tonight? We just closed a wild case and I could use some company that isn't someone I've spent all week with. Are you up for a drink and some hanging out?"

"You know, that sounds terrific. You want to meet somewhere?"

"I'd love to see your new place. How about I pick you up about 7:30, you give me a tour and then we head out."

"Sounds like a plan. Where are we going? I mean casual, dressy or what?"

"Let's do casual. I'm excited to see you. Be there around 7:30."

"Great. Thanks for calling Abby. See you this evening."

Abby had a huge smile on her face and Ducky was pleased that the first part of the plan had gone so smoothly.

"We didn't talk about where to go. Some place casual that Gibbs will feel comfortable with. I want him to be relaxed so he'll stay a while with Kate. Maybe get something to eat. What do you suggest, Ducky?"

"How about the Tavern? I know Jethro likes it and we have met there several times for drinks so he won't be suspicious if I ask him to meet me there. It's casual as you suggested and they can get food there if they want."

"That's perfect. Kate and I have actually been there for lunch so I know she likes it and won't think anything of us going there."

"Good work Abby. Now, let's hope our little ploy is successful."

Ducky gave Abby a quick hug and started for the door.

"I'll go up and ask Jethro to meet me there at 8:00. You have Kate there a few minutes after. How do you plan to get her in ahead of yourself?"

"I'll have Tim call me at 8:00 and I'll tell her to go in and get us a seat while I talk to him. I'll let her off and go to park the car. This is going to be so fun but I wish we could be there to see it happen. You know Gibbs won't tell us a thing. I'll have to get all the scoop from Kate. If one of them doesn't kill us first."

"Yes, it would be fun to be there and see it unfold but I think I'll feel safer if I'm at home. Good luck on your end. Call me when you've dropped Kate and gotten safely away."

Ducky and Abby shared a laugh and hugged then Ducky left and Abby got back to work. Anxiety kept Abby on edge all day and she was thankful she had nothing in the works for Gibbs' team. If she had had to face him during the day it would have driven her mad. When five o'clock finally rolled around she was quickly out of the lab and on her way home.

Ducky too was grateful he had no reason to encounter Jethro during the rest of the day. As he was leaving shortly before five he detoured to the squad room to fulfill his part of the plan.

"Hey, Duck you on your way out?"

"Yes, it was a blissfully quiet day and I'm glad for the respite after the week we all had. Would you care to join me for a drink later this evening, Jethro? Mother has some friends coming over and I will surely want to be out of the house."

"Sure, what time do you need to escape?"

"Why don't we meet at the Tavern about eight o'clock."

"Sounds good. I'll see you then."

"Splendid. See you later then."

Ducky happily took the elevator down to the parking garage and called Abby to let her know he had managed his end of the deal. So far so good he told her.

The two plotters had indeed hatched a successful plan. At least as far as they had control of the situation it was successful. Abby arrived at Kate's shortly before seven thirty. She didn't want to be there too early as she was not sure how long she could be with Kate without giving away the plan. She had not seen Kate's new townhouse and after a tour the two ladies set out for the rendezvous spot. Abby of course insisted on driving, promising Kate they would call a cab if necessary later.

"It was so good to see Ducky last Friday. How is his mother these days?"

"I think she's still doing well. She has all those little dogs and they drive Ducky crazy. She really dotes on them and tells Ducky they're like her children. I don't think he really appreciates that comparison."

"No I'm sure he doesn't", Kate laughed. "I'll tell you Abby, he and Gibbs looked pretty good. They were both wearing suits. I don't think I'd ever seen Gibbs in a suit. I was afraid to ask the occasion. You know some people only get dressed up for funerals or job interviews."

"I know. I love Gibbs in a suit but it's a rare occasion. I think they were just celebrating a case closing and Ducky chose that restaurant which is kinda dressy. But Gibbs was treating so he did it for Ducky. I think he'd do anything for Ducky."

"And for you. And probably Tony and McGee."

"True."

Abby stole a glance at the clock and saw it was nearing eight o'clock. They were only about five minutes from the restaurant. As they pulled into the parking lot Abby quickly scanned the half filled lot and saw Gibbs' car was there. She drove to a row nearer the back of the lot and parked. Stalling for a few moments she fixed her lipstick and straightened her pony tails. Then she and Kate got out and walked toward the door. They were almost at the door when Abby's phone rang. Timothy was right on time as usual. Abby stopped to dig her phone out of her bag and checked the caller ID.

"Oh shoot, it's McGee. I have to take this, it might be about a case. Why don't you go in and get us a seat at the bar and I'll be right there. It's too loud in there for the phone."

"Okay. Should I get a table?"

"Let's sit at the bar for a while and see what's happening. We might just have one drink and then move on."

"Good idea. Okay, I'll get us a spot. Can I order for you?"

"No, I won't be a minute. I'll just see what he wants and hopefully take care of this really quickly."

Kate headed into the restaurant while Abby turned back toward her car and answered McGee's call. Abby was sure Gibbs was inside because she recognized his car in the second row. She wanted so badly to sneak in and watch but she knew that would not be a good idea for several reasons. Not the least of which was it would ruin the plan.

TBC