Catherine walked into work feeling optimistic. After feeling humiliated yesterday, the feisty blonde realized it was all for the best. She should have known Grissom didn't want a relationship. He was too practical. It hurt Catherine to admit she had feelings for her boss, but it hurt even more knowing the feelings weren't reciprocated. Catherine had decided long ago to not let men mess with her, so when she got home and had time to think, Catherine decided this included Grissom too. But that didn't mean she couldn't pick out the hottest (work appropriate) outfit she had to wear today. It was simply a coincidence that had nothing to do with making Grissom pay.

And that's why Catherine felt okay strutting down the hallway, her hair in soft curls that brushed her shoulders, a white frilly blouse resting loosely on her shoulders, with tight jeans and black boots.

She turned into the break room and immediately rummaged through the fridge in search of orange juice. She was trying to kick the coffee habit. Catherine smirked when she heard a wolf whistle from behind.

"Damn Cath, looking good!" There was always a mutual attraction between Warrick and Catherine.

Catherine took a sip of the orange juice she had found a moment before and smiled innocently at Warrick. "Why thank you Mr. Brown, I must admit you look quite dashing yourself."

Warrick blushed. Catherine started to laugh and sat on the white couch that occupied the middle of the room. Before Warrick could calculate a witty reply, Grissom walked into the break room. He glanced suspiciously from Catherine to Warrick, wondering if a new romance was budding. He hoped not.

Grissom was planning on telling Catherine alone, but maybe it was a good idea to have a witness. Catherine was looking at him expectantly, waiting for him to talk. She wasn't going to make this easy for him.

"Well I have an announcement you two," Grissom tried to muster up some enthusiasm, "We're going to California!"

Almost too quickly Warick shouted, "Really? Who would have thought…"

Catherine narrowed her blue eyes. "When are we going to California."

Grissom squirmed, "Um… Five days."

Sensing trouble, Warrick left the supervisors alone.

Catherine glared at Grissom, "Lindsey has a dance recital Gil, I can't leave!"

Taking his chances, Grissom walked from the glass doors to the couch Catherine resided on.

"I know Cath, and I'm really sorry. Ecklie just told me our team is speaking at a conference. I don't think we have a choice."

Catherine sighed, knowing he was right. Her initial anger started to melt away. Mostly.

"It's fine. Lindsey will understand." She glanced at Grissom, "You can sit down. I don't bite."

Grissom smiled tentatively and rested on the comfy couch. Why did Catherine always look so stunning?

Catherine took the moment to bring up what happened last week. She pulled her feet up to the couch and turned to face Grissom.

"I want you to know I'm not upset about what happened between us. We were both tired from the long shift. You're my best friend, Grissom. I don't want this to change anything." She looked into Grissom's blue eyes and hoped, for her sake, that he bought the lie.

He did. Grissom mumbled his agreement and stood up.

"By the way," Grissom turned around, "We're driving to California." He spun on his heels to the door before Catherine could throw whatever was nearest to her at his head.