Entering into the bar, Jo was immediately aware of how few people were present. Empty tables made up most of the floor, a stark contrast from the only other time the detective had been to Sullivan's. An impromptu get together after a case marked the first time Jo had felt acceptance from her new colleagues. Don, Danny, Lindsay, Hawkes and Adam had all been there. Mac had not made an appearance, not to anyone's surprise. Jo had quickly ascertained the head of the New York crime lab was not a party person.
To see Mac dancing on the floor with Lindsay, Jo's jaw almost fell to the floor. The young detective was swaying easily to the oldies rock song pumping out of the jukebox in the corner, Mac doing his best to keep up with her. Lindsay was laughing and encouraging him, Mac giving her a hesitant smile in return. He looked almost relaxed.
Adam apologized from beside her as he sprayed her with a few stray drops of water removing his coat, drawing her attention away from the dance floor. He gave her a sheepish smile as he offered to take Jo's sopping wet coat.
Shaking drops of water off her umbrella and handing it to Adam, she wondered when the downpour was going to stop. The city was becoming water logged, storm drains starting to become overburdened with the sluice of water. It however, was not dampening the spirits of the team's gathering.
"Thanks Adam," Jo watched as Adam headed to the bar to join Danny, Don and Hawkes who appeared to be ordering drinks. Jo seized the opportunity heading to the table occupied by Stella. She sat codling a beer, a satisfied smile on her face as she gazed out at her friends. Jo didn't know the woman very well, but she sensed a distinct sense of ease.
"Stella? May I sit down?" Jo interrupted politely, Stella immediately finding her gaze and smiling broadly.
"Of course, sit." Jo returned the smile, sitting opposite her so she could also watch the floor. The song had now changed to a slow song, Lindsay now practically begging Mac to stay on the floor with her. The older man appeared to be obliging, Lindsay smiling triumphantly.
"I've never seen him so relaxed," Jo commented, indicating to Mac. Stella laughed.
Relaxed is not a word I would associate with him very often. He is known to do it occasionally," Stella took a long swig of beer, followed by a long sigh. "In all the years I have known Mac, I can count on both hands how many times I've seen him let loose."
"Good...so it's not just me then," Jo lamented, Stella casting an understanding smile. "I don't know how he stays upright sometimes."
Silence followed, Stella appearing to lose herself in thought. On more than one occasion, Stella had asked that very question, usually resulting in the same stubborn, pig-headed answer. 'I'm fine Stella.' The first year after Claire's death had been the most tumultuous, Stella struggling to help save her partner from losing himself. Mac did his best to convince everyone he was mentally prepared for duty. Eventually, he had come to terms with the insomnia and Stella did her best to keep him from spending every night in his office.
That was one of the things she missed the most, their late night discussions. More often than not, case drabble would lead to some off-handed topic Stella purposely brought up to help him relax.
"Stella?" the other voice drew Stella back from her thoughts causing her to give Jo an apologetic smile.
"Sorry," Stella offered, shaking her head. Jo brushed off her apology with her own smile.
"No need to apologize. I'm sure it is a little over whelming being home." Indicating to their colleagues hanging about the bar, she chuckled. "They weren't exactly shy showing their excitement at your visit."
"Yeah, it's not going to be easy to go home," Stella confessed, hoping that her friend's had not made the newest member of the team jealous. Stella blushed slightly, "about that..."
"Don't worry about it. I never intended to fill your shoes or I never would have succeeded in blending into the team. I had that pegged right off," Jo replied, cocking her eyebrow with a sly smile.
"Well it makes me feel better knowing they are in good hands," Stella saluted with her beer before taking a drink.
"About that... Any tips from the master?"
Pausing Stella thought for a few moments before putting on a serious look, indicating with her finger for Jo to lean in closer.
"First off, Flack hates it when someone mentions his hair. If you ever need ammunition to deflate his alter ego, it's the perfect weapon." Stella paused as she held up a second finger. "Danny is always the last to know anything, don't mess with the natural lab gossip chain. It keeps him on his toes."
By this time, Jo had broken into a chuckle. "Go on."
"Thirdly, Adam is reduced to a sputtering pool of geek if you offer him a compliment and in return will do just about anything. Use that card wisely. Fourth, Sheldon will always be smarter than you but needs encouragement to remind himself that from time to time."
"Fifth," Stella held up her entire right hand, "Lindsay has a good gut and is usually right. Small town girl, big heart and sometimes needs help to not overlook the big picture."
"This is good, keep going," Jo prompted, her chin resting in her hands.
"Sid."
"Sid," Jo repeated.
"Never ask him a question you're not prepared to hear the entire answer too." Stella missed the ME, his New Orleans's counterpart not having near the same wit or interesting stories.
"I already learned that one, with some help from Danny." Jo recalled when she had asked Sid about a certain case at Danny's suggestion, the ME launching into a lengthy and prolonged discussion about intimate body piercings. Danny had smiled innocently as he excused himself, stating he had already heard the tale.
"That leaves only Mac, saved the best for last no doubt." Jo watched as Stella searched out her friend who had finally pulled Lindsay off the dance floor and appeared to be procuring another drink with the others.
"You have to know when to pick your battles. My best advice for you is Mac Taylor is not going to change. I believe he feels that deep down that his life is a punishment for what he lost and could have had. Sometimes, it feels like he is not allowed to have a good time. " Stella paused, as she saw the team heading towards the table once again.
"At best, take solace in small wins such as him napping in his office or going home after only a couple days at the office. Cherish the moments where he laughs and let's go of his burden even a little."
Jo was quiet; taking in the heartfelt information Stella had infused into their conversation. Jo noted the emotion brimming in her emerald green eyes, Stella catching her gaze and laughing off the building feelings. "That sounded a lot less corny in my head."
"No. It was perfect." Jo smiled reassuringly, wanting to give the almost stranger a hug but choosing instead to pat her hand maternally. "Every word was appreciated and will be put to good use."
"Good," Stella answered quietly.
A familiar scent reached her nose and a warm body slid in beside her. She turned to greet Mac who gave her a suspicious look. "What did I say about you two conspiring against me?" he tried to sound scolding but both women merely laughed.
"Is he always this suspicious?" Jo asked playfully. Mac sent her a warning glare.
"It's that old cop mentality. Always a cop," Danny piped up as he slid in the booth. All three shot him threatening looks.
"Watch who you're calling old Messer," Stella shot back, he lifted his hands in a surrendering fashion.
"Well what have you two been talking about that has been so interesting?" Mac asked, his gaze moving from one to the other.
"Just commenting on your dancing ability Mac, I was telling Stella I didn't know the boss was so spry on the dance floor."
"You two are poor liars," Mac groused, pulling his beer to his lips for a drink. The group shared an easy laugh, which only caused him to scowl further.
Stella grabbed Mac's arm and proceeded to push him out of the booth. "Stella what are you doing?"
"Proving a hypothesis, I know you can make me look good on the dance floor." Before he starts to complain once again, Stella grabs his hand. "It's a challenge Taylor."
Sighing heavily, Mac leads her onto the dance floor as another slow song serenades them from the jukebox. They both ignored the whistles from their teammates, Stella smiling to reassure Mac. His uncertainty was evident on his features, but a tentative smile graced his lips.
Mac took her hand gently while Stella rested her arm lightly on his shoulder and his other arm softly held her close. They began to sway to the music, Stella giggling as she tripped and they stopped to correct themselves.
"I have my work cut out for me," Mac chided with a smile. Stella swatted him in return.
"Focus on making me look good," she began to follow his motion fluidly, his hands guiding her around the floor as they got into a rhythm. It was a challenge for Stella to not take over and attempt to lead instead allowing Mac to steer her around the floor. His hands were lightly guiding her where she needed to be, Stella smiling as she peered up at her best friend.
"Mac Taylor, you have been holding out on me. Next time I have to dance anywhere, you're coming. I don't look like a total fool with you around," Stella ordered.
"It always amazed me that for an intelligent, independent and sexy woman you never knew how to dance." Mac stated quietly. He had teased Stella on more than one occasion about her lack of dancing skill. The first time had been at his wedding reception.
"I can't Mac."
"What do you mean you can't? It's a slow dance not the salsa," Mac encouraged, Stella remaining firmly seated in her chair. The waltz continued to play around them as couples entered onto the dance floor. Mac spotted Claire sending him a smile as she danced with her brother.
"Mac, you say slow dance I say disaster."
"Stella, you can't be that bad," Mac pleaded, holding out his hand once again. Stella looked from his hand to his blue eyes, Mac taking the opportunity to give her a broad smile. "Consider it my wedding present."
She sighed loudly, finally rising and taking his offered hand. "Does this mean I get to keep the china set?"
"Ha ha," Mac replied as he pulled her onto the dance floor.
He had been surprised at her insecurity and imbalance on the floor but eventually they had worked into a not so awkward rhythm. He himself had not been so accomplished then either, that had come later after participating in dance lessons with Claire.
It had been an activity they had always enjoyed. Swaying to music lost in each other's arms had been a stress reliever for both of them. The lessons had been a way to get out together. The salsa had been one of Claire's favourites although they had just started learning that one before 9/11.
"I don't remember you being this good before," Stella watched as Mac was pulled from his thoughts. He cleared his throat before responding.
"I used to take lessons with Claire. It's been a long time since I used them," he offered in explanation, Stella studying him before replying.
"How is it there is still stuff I don't know about you after a decade?" she asked feigning exasperation. Mac chuckled, glad to move his thoughts away from his wife and decided to change the subject.
"I didn't realize you and Jo would get along so well," Mac confided, as they moved around the small dance floor.
Stella shrugged, "She is likeable and I like her humour."
Silence ensued for several bars of the music, each enjoying the other's company. The swooning notes of the blues instruments allowing them the opportunity to deny the outside world awaiting them. Ignorance was bliss, as the saying goes.
"Stella, I'm really glad you came to visit," Mac spoke softly, Stella looking up to meet his gaze with a warm smile.
"Me too," Stella replied.
The music continued, whisking them away into their own rapture for a few more moments.
Across the room, their table of friends said nothing. Everyone knew there was nothing to say.