Sara knocked on his door almost two hours after she'd sent him the text message. She had taken her time to pin her curls up and put on fresh make up. She was wearing a simple sun-dress that hugged her torso and flared at her hips. It ended just above her knees and she completed the look with some sandals. He opened the door and stood there, staring.
"Is this what you wanted?"
"Wow."
"May I come in?"
"Oh, sorry, please come in." He stepped aside to grant her entrance. She took the time to admire him. He had also taken the time to shower. He was wearing a clean, blue polo with khaki pants and loafers. He even splashed on some cologne.
"You look good." She complimented him.
"You look…amazing."
"Thank you."
"Shall we go?" he asked and extended his hand.
"I thought we were going to eat here?" she was confused.
"I never said I was cooking for you. I want to take you to one of my favorite places, is that alright?" He smiled.
"Yes." She said and put her hand in his. He held onto it as he locked his door and led her down the steps she had just climbed. She headed to his car, but he pulled her toward the sidewalk. Once there, he released her hand to loop it around his elbow. Just as she smiled at him, her phone started to ring. She offered an apologetic look and opened the phone.
"Sidle."
"Hey, is this a better time?"
"Hi Jamie, not really; I'm on my way to breakfast." Sara replied carefully.
"Like a date?" Sara wasn't careful enough.
"I guess you could say that."
"Call me later, then and I want details."
"I will call you later. How late will you be up?"
"Call anytime."
"Thanks, bye."
"Bye; GET LAID!" Sara's face reddened, knowing that Grissom had heard the command.
"Sorry, Jamie can be a bit juvenile sometimes."
"Do I know her?" he asked.
"Yes, she took the picture."
"Ah."
"They don't know that you were teaching the lecture. I could have some serious fun if you're willing to play along."
"Maybe."
"I like this." she said.
"What?"
"Walking with you; even if you made me dress up for it." She smirked.
"I didn't make you do anything; I merely requested. If I said I wanted to work on cars or go swimming or bungee jumping, would you still have come?"
"In a heartbeat." she answered without hesitation.
"Why?"
"Because you asked me."
"Why me?"
"Because I like you." She wound her arm through his and gave a little squeeze.
"Would you have done those things if I were Nick or Greg or Warrick asking?"
"Possibly; it depends on the context. If it came across sounding like a date, then I would probably refuse."
"Again, why me? I'm nothing special." he asked.
"You don't see yourself the way I see you. The perspective has changed." she said and walked through the door he had opened for her. It was a tiny place and the one thing he loved the most about it, was the lack of tourists. It was family run establishment and over the years that he had lived in his town house, he'd built up a friendly rapport with the owners. The only downside was that they kept pushing their single daughter on him, hoping for a relationship.
"Hello Gil, how are you this morning?"
"Good morning, Annabelle. I'm well today, and you?"
"I'm well. You're later than usual."
"My apologies. May I have a table for two, please?"
"Right this way. Your usual table just opened up a few minutes ago. Isabelle will be with you shortly." Grissom held out his hand for Sara to scoot into the booth first and then he slid in next to her; much closer than would be appropriate if they were at work. Sara knew that his smile was not genuine when Isabelle's name was mentioned. Likewise, upon seeing her with Gil, Sara's noticed Isabelle's smile falter the tiniest fraction.
"Hello Gil."
"Hello Isabelle."
"I was hoping to see you today." Sara resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the blatant flirtatious remark. Gil squeezed her hand under the table.
"Thank you. Is it too late to place a breakfast order?"
"No, not at all. What can I get for you?" she asked.
"Sara, would you like something to drink?" Grissom looked at her.
"Coffee, please." Sara answered.
"Two coffee's please." He said to Isabelle.
"Coming right up." As soon as she left, Sara casually opened her menu.
"She doesn't like me." Sara said quietly and focused on the choices available to her. Grissom noticed the small, almost invisible smile Sara had on her face.
"She doesn't know you." Grissom argued.
"I can still tell. Everything sounds delicious."
"It's all very good."
"Naturally, or you wouldn't eat here so much." She finally sneaked a peek at him, only to see him smiling at her. Just then, Isabelle returned.
"Here we are, two coffees. Are you ready to order?" Grissom again, deferred to Sara.
"Sara?"
"I need another minute please." Sara made eye contact with Isabelle, who forced a smile.
"Of course, take your time." Sara waited until Isabelle was out of sight.
"Green really isn't a good color for her."
"Let's save this conversation for later." he suggested.
"Agreed and I'm sorry for pushing the issue. I think I'm ready now." Sara covered her hand with his. He smiled and then signaled Isabelle to return. They placed their orders and he turned to her.
"So, what do you see when you look at me?" She took a moment to put her thoughts in order.
"I see a child's soul in a man's body." She held up her hand to prevent an interruption.
"The child in you sees the fun in puzzles. You haven't lost the excitement, which is important for what we deal with every night. You have a natural enthusiasm for what you do and the way you teach it is captivating. I admire that teaching comes so naturally to you. You don't share yourself or trust very easily; when you do, you're fiercely loyal. The man in you is excellent at both reading people and preventing other people from reading you. Many people think that you don't have an Achilles' heel, but they're wrong. It's why you have all the knowledge and all the quotes as easily accessible to you as your wallet or your keys. Someone got in and they hurt you, didn't they?"
"Yes."
"Tell me?" He paused, but it wasn't because he didn't want to tell her. Just like her, he needed to organize his thoughts.
"Only one other person has ever read me as well as you just have. She once told me that my greatest fear is to be known. I think I'm well on my way to conquering that fear; at least as far as you're concerned. Anyway, in college, Leslie was the first girl I had ever been…physical with. I was eighteen. The next morning, she laughed in my face and told me that she only dated me because of a sorority initiation. Her dare was to find and sleep with a science nerd. She got bonus points for me being a virgin. After that, the walls went up and I completely devoted myself to my studies. The only person I freely allow to know me is my mother."
"Wow. Thank you for trusting me with that."
"I wouldn't be sitting here with you now if I didn't trust you; trust us." Their food arrived a moment later. Isabelle was nonplussed to see them holding hands.
"Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"A refill, please?" Sara asked.
"Me too, please."
"I'll be right back." She disappeared and Sara smirked, but hid it quickly. With their coffee refreshed, Isabelle had no reason to linger; as much as she may have wanted to. Sara turned back to Gil.
"Have I been granted entrance to the inner you?"
"Honey, you ghosted in the day we met. Today, though, this minute, I freely let you in. Please, don't hurt me." She looked at his eyes. She saw both the man and the child in him begging her.
"I'll do my best." She smiled and covered his hand with hers.
"What about me?"
"Huh?" she asked after swallowing her bite.
"Don't you want to know what I see?"
"If you feel like telling me, I'd love to hear it." Isabelle watched Gil cup the woman's jaw to gain her full attention. She was getting angry. Her jealousy fueled her actions.
"How is everything?"
"Delicious." Sara answered.
"Perfect as always." Gil complimented. Isabelle smiled genuinely at Gil and politely at his companion before walking away. He was already engrossed with the other woman when she looked back.
"Sara, when I look at you, I see a mollusk. You have had to fight for everything in your life, thus building your thick outer shell. However, I've seen you cry over victims and react to situations beyond your control; hence, your soft inside. Further exploration is needed to confirm a theory that you are very sentimental and treasure the little things. Knowledge became your ally and your outlet. You are stubborn to trust and like me, fiercely loyal and ready to battle for a friend in need. The journey to earn your trust is, in my opinion, well worth the effort. I love that you aren't afraid to voice your brilliant opinions. I adore your compassion towards victims and envy that you are so in tune with your emotions. You're also beautiful." Sara smiled at his almost scientific findings and that it also sounded a little rehearsed. It was one of the things she loved about him.
"Thank you; that is quite likely one of nicest things anyone has ever said to me. I didn't even mind the sea life comparison." He laughed. Sara glanced at Isabelle and could practically see green wafting off of the woman in waves.
"Well, if I can't quote, then I go with what I know." He said.
"It worked. Can I tell you a secret?"
"Sure."
"I think you're even better looking now, than you were all those years ago." she said.
"Thank you; the same can be said about you." He used his thumb to stroke her jaw.
"Thank you, what do you say about taking another walk with me?" He picked up on her subtle hint and smiled.
"I'd be delighted. Let me pay the check." He signaled to Isabelle, who promptly rushed over.
"Yes, Gil, is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Everything was wonderful as always. I'd like the check please."
"I'll be right back." Isabelle walked slowly to complete the task. Grissom held his hand out for Sara to grab onto when she slid out of the booth. Isabelle handed him the check and then Gil led Sara to the front.
"How was everything?" Annabelle greeted them warmly.
"Superb as always." Gil said and Sara was beginning a mental tally of how many different adjectives he was going to use to compliment the chef.
"And you, miss?"
"It was delicious, thank you."
"Thank you kindly. Gil, it's nice to see you bring company for a change."
"I thought so." he said.
"If I may ask, who is this special lady?"
"This is Sara. Sara, meet Annabelle. She is the co-owner of this place." Sara shook hands with the woman.
"It's lovely to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you too. I hope Gil brings you around again."
"We'll see. Isabelle can keep the change." Gil said.
"Thank you, Gil. Good bye Sara." They both waved and left the tiny restaurant. Isabelle stood at the window and watched him grab for her hand. She was fuming. This is how Annabelle found her.
"She is his and he is hers. By the looks in their eyes, they committed long ago. Jealousy will get you nowhere." Annabelle advised her daughter.
"She's not even that pretty." Isabelle said.
"In his eyes, she's beautiful. Now I know why he politely refused your attempts to ask him out. He gave his heart away years ago."
"I still don't like her."
"She's his match. We all have a soul mate. He is hers and she is his. You'll find yours one day. Be happy for Gil, he's finally accepted love into his heart." Isabelle sighed.
"I guess you're right." Annabelle squeezed her daughter's shoulder and both women returned to work.
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A/N: So, what did you think will happen between Gil and Sara next? I'd love to read your predictions. I want to thank everyone for the reviews that have been sent to me so far; please keep them coming. Have great day everyone! Kelly