Disclaimer: I don't own the CSI people, duh! I will claim Jessica (and Katie if you like her.)
A/N: Please review. I would love the feedback.
Chapter 3: A Day Late; A Dollar Short
(Sunday morning Danny's POV)
Danny walked into the lab deep in thought. He ran into Stella as he walked into the break room.
"Sorry Stell."
"You alright?"
"Yeah, Jessica and I went on our first official date last night."
"Well, how did it go?"
"I thought it was going great. We talked so long during dinner that we missed the movie. So we walked to her apartment. But she got mad because I said something about her going to the psychologist tomorrow."
"I don't know a lot of psychologists that are against going to another doctor, usually they are all about talking to someone else. I think most of them have a mentor that they talk with, since they deal with other people's problems. Sometimes they need to talk things out as well."
"I think it is deeper than that. She got real defensive when the conversation came to her biological father. I am betting there is a history there."
"Some friendly advice, don't push the topic, Danny. You wouldn't just tell her about Tanglewood yet. Give the relationship time before you get to all the skeletons in both of your closets."
"Yeah, thanks."
Mac walked in with assignments. Lindsay and Hawkes had joined the others in the break room. Danny and Lindsay were assigned a body found in the dump. Hawkes, Stella, and Mac had a double homicide in the Bronx. Everyone headed there own way.
(Sunday morning Jessica's POV)
Jessica woke up around eight and made coffee. She figured Katie and Jordan was still asleep so she set on the couch and tried to read a book. After reading the first paragraph, five times she gave up and tried to look at a magazine. That didn't work either. She had spent a lot of the night before thinking about the date. Around nine, she gave up and went over to Katie's. Jordan and Katie had just got up and made cereal to eat when there was a knock on the door. Katie answered the door and motioned Jessica to the table.
"Spill, any good kissing we should make Jordan leave the room for." Katie asked as she pours Captain Crunch into a bowl for Jessica.
"No I yelled at him before he got the chance to kiss me."
"What?" Katie spit the bite of cereal across the table. "You yelled at him, for what? He better had tried to mug you or something."
"No, he agreed that I should see a doctor."
"Jess, he has no idea what your past holds. He was just trying to be caring. I know what is in your past and I think you should go."
"I know. I didn't sleep too well last night. I kept trying to figure out how to apologize to him. I am such an idiot. I probably ruined any chance I had with him."
"You haven't called him yet?"
"No."
Katie got out of her chair and went over to the table beside her couch and pick up the phone. She handed it to Jessica. "Start dialing, now."
"I don't know what to say."
"How about I'm sorry for being a bitch, I overreacted. That sounds like a good jumping off point for me."
Jessica just sighed and dialed Danny's cell number. She got the voice mail.
"Hey Danny, its Jessica. I just wanted to apologize for my behavior last night; I know you were just trying to be a good friend. I just have issues. Anyway, if you're still interested please call me back. Bye."
Jessica hung the phone up and looked at Katie, "He didn't even answer the phone when I called."
"He probably was at work and didn't recognize the number. He'll call you back."
"I hope so. He said something about going to dinner and a movie this afternoon with Jordan. Katie, I really like this guy. I'm not sure what it is, but I feel so drawn to him."
"I don't know. He reminds me of a typical Staten Island guy. Cocky and a player."
"Well maybe he is. He will probably get bored with me and move onto the next hot thing. Not that I am the hottest thing now."
"Jess, quit. You are beautiful and any guy would be lucky to have you. You can actually hold a conversation. More than I can say for most Barbie's."
"I am not a Barbie."
"Big boobs, and hot, the only thing missing is the blonde hair."
"Whatever, I'm going home to shower. Jordan you coming or staying with Katie."
For the first time Jordan looked up from her breakfast. "If it is ok, Katie said I could go to work with her today."
Katie owned a small record store. She sold everything from cds to eight tracks, and she bought old stuff, and traded for new stuff. It was small but it was enough for her to meet her needs. She had bought it with some money she inherited a few years back.
"Alright, I'll pick you up from the record shop later. Make sure you stay out of trouble. And keep Katie out of trouble too."
Katie through a handful of cereal at Jessica as she got up from the table, and headed out of the door. She got into her apartment and started her shower.
(Danny's POV)
"Why do we always get the dirty jobs?"
"You never went through tiger dung now have you?"
"Good point, but I mean collecting evidence in a dump."
"Well, Mac has a great sense of humor."
"I think we are about done. You ready to head back to the lab. I need like six showers now."
"I agree. Call Mac and let him know we are headed back."
"Alright," Danny grabbed his phone off his belt loop. "Shit, I missed a call."
Danny checked his voicemail, and was shocked to hear Jessica's voice on the other end. He had fully expected to have to convince her to speak to him again.
"Hey Montana, will you call Mac, I have to make a call."
"Yeah. I'll meet you at the car."
"Thanks," Danny yelled as he dialed Jessica's number on the phone.
"Hey, you've reached my voicemail. If you don't leave a message, I'll understand…beep"
"Hey, Jessie, it's me Danny. I was returning your call. Sorry I never heard the phone, I was in the field. Don't worry about yesterday, I am sure I overstepped my bounds. I will call you when I get off. Later." Danny walked to the car and drove back to the lab.
(Jessica's POV)
She heard the phone ringing as she turned the water off. It was no use by time she reached the phone it had stopped ringing. She slipped on the puddle of water as she went back to the bathroom to actually dry completely off. She got dressed and did her hair before checking the message. She called Katie at work as soon as she hung up.
"He called." Katie was barely able to get the greeting out of her mouth.
"Great. I told you he would."
"He is going to call when he get's off. I just wanted to tell you."
"Awesome, I do know things."
"Yeah, I guess. How is Jordan doing?"
"Great she is helping me stock. I told her she could pick one cd to take home with her."
"Please make sure it is something I would approve of."
"Ok. I have to go, got customers."
"Bye."
Jessica felt a little better knowing that Danny had called back. The afternoon came and went before Jessica knew it. She had cleaned the apartment, done all the laundry, and watched a movie. Jordan had called earlier and asked if she could stay until eight when Katie closed up. Jessica had agreed and it was just about eight thirty. She had cooked Chicken Fried Steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans. It was just about ready when Katie and Jordan walked in.
"Please tell me there is enough for me." Katie asked as she inhaled the smell.
"Of course, you ladies set the table it is almost ready." The phone started ringing as she finished her request.
"I'll get it." Jordan ran towards the phone.
"Hello." She stated as she picked up the receiver. "Yes, please hold." Jordan walked into the kitchen. "Jess, it is for you."
"Ok." Jessica finished up and went to answer the phone. "Hello."
"Hey, Jess. It's Danny."
"Oh, hey. How was work?"
"Way to damn long. I was supposed to get off four hours ago. Hey are you all busy?"
"Actually we are about to sit down to dinner. Jordan starts back to school tomorrow."
"Oh I see. Well I guess I will talk to you later then."
"Danny, would you like to join us? We could wait for you."
"Yeah, I would really like that. I was actually sitting in my car debating if I should call or just buzz you."
"You're here?"
"Yeah."
"Ok. I will release the door."
Jessica walked over and let Danny in. She turned to Katie. "He's here. Set an extra place." She grinned sheepishly. Katie just chuckled as there was a knock at the door. Jessica calmly made her way to the door.
"Hey." Danny hugged her as she answered the door. Jessica led him to the dinner table. "Wow this smells and looks amazing."
"Thanks. It is my mom's recipe. I actually have the spices shipped from south Texas. I hope you enjoy it."
"The only reason any one wouldn't like your cooking Jess is if they has no taste buds." Katie piped in as she started to make her plate. The dinner conversation went from Katie's business to Jordan's first day back at school. After dinner, Katie cleaned up. It was the deal the girls had, one cooks, and one cleans. Jessica was getting Jordan ready for bed, "Danny, just make yourself at home. I'll be right back."
"Deal."
Jessica walked into the other room. Danny walked into the kitchen to help Katie. "You don't have to help me. I can handle a few dishes, but there is a beer in the fridge if you will grab me one."
"Sure."
"Hey, give Jess some time. She will eventually tell you everything; it just takes her time to trust people. Men usually take longer."
Danny walked to the fridge and grabbed a couple of beers. "Look, everyone has skeletons, Katie. Jessica is no different. Some people just hide them better than others, not to mention she has had a traumatic event happen. And best I can tell this isn't the first time."
"How'd ya know?"
"I am a CSI; I am paid to look at clues. I figure it has something to do with her biological father, but I am not sure of the details. When she is ready I will listen."
"Good, because I may not look like much but I would hate to kick your ass. She has been hurt way too much in life. You better not be playing her."
"Look Katie, I know I have a reputation for being a player, but I feel something different for her. And I am not planning to hurt her. I would never do anything intentionally."
"As long as we are clear." Katie dried the last plate and headed towards the door. "I have to go grovel over a maid outfit. I'll see ya I'm sure."
Jessica walked into the kitchen about the time Katie was walking out. They hugged and Katie left. "I think I could use one of those."
Danny walked to the fridge and got another beer for Jessica. She took it from him and walked into the living room. She sunk into the couch and Danny set next to her. "Long day?"
"Yeah. Jordan is worried about going back to school. She is afraid her friends are going to treat her differently. I know the feeling."
"Well if they are her true friends there will be no difference."
"That is what I said. Are you interested in a movie?"
"Sure what ya got?"
"Well I am kind of in the mood for a no brainier. How about Dazed and Confused?"
"Sounds like a plan."
The movie had started and Jessica had turned to lean into Danny. He just put his arm around her. She could hear his heartbeat under her head, she felt so secure in that place. She just hopped it would last. She glanced up at Danny and he distinctively looked down. He leaned into her and parted his mouth slightly. Jessica closed her eyes as their lips met. It was a soft, delicate kiss, barely exploring the new territory of each other's mouths. This kissed only lasted a moment, but time had stood still.
