Disclaimer: I do not own NCIS or any of it's characters.
Chapter 4
Taylor's mood had improved a little by the next morning. Maybe Tony was right and there wouldn't be a second date. She'd been asleep by the time her dad got back last night so she watched him suspiciously over her bowl of cereal. She was sure Tony would have told him that she knew, but he hadn't mentioned it, not yet anyway.
"You enjoy the movie last night?" he asked as he unfolded the newspaper.
"Was ok." she shrugged, trying to keep the conversation to a minimum.
"Not going to ask how my night was?"
She could feel him watching her, as she stirred the Rice Krispies in her bowl.
"No." Not wanting to look up she concentrated on making little whirlpools with her spoon.
He sighed and set the paper down.
"Look at me Taylor." He didn't continue until she looked at him.
"I know you don't like the idea of me going out with Patricia."
She confirmed this with a glare.
"But it's happening, and I don't want to hear that you're giving her a hard time at school. Am I clear?"
Not answering she looked back down at the now soggy cereal.
He reached over and lifted the bowl away.
"I want an answer."
Silence.
"Taylor!" he was losing patience now.
"Yeah, okay. Can I have my breakfast back now?"
"Make it quick." He slid the bowl back over to her. "You don't want to be late."
"Not my fault." she muttered round her spoon.
"Never is! Come on I'm leaving now, if you want a lift.
Taylor lifted her bowl and drank what was left before running after her father.
Taylor had only entered NCIS when she was ambushed by Tony.
"Good day at school?" he asked as he fell into step beside her.
"When's it ever good?" she asked suspiciously, he'd never met her at the door before.
"At least it's Friday."
"Uh huh."
He moved in front of her forcing her to stop just outside the bullpen.
"Aw come on! What did you do to her?"
"Do to who?" Then it it clicked what he was fishing for.
"Patricia. I've been waiting for the phonecall all day, what did you do?"
"Nothin'."
"Nothing?" He stared at her in disbelief.
"Nothin' Tony."
He let her walk past, then went over to Tim and proceeded to remove fifty dollars from his wallet, slapping it down on the desk. Tim smiled smugly as he counted the money out. Tony shot her a disappointed look before slinking back to his own desk.
Stashing her bag behind her dad's empty desk, she announced that she was going to see Abby. Staying up here would only make her think about 'that woman' and she didn't reckon Tony would let her forget that she hadn't been brave enough to try anything today.
Taylor was able to hear Abby from outside the lab, singing away to the music on her CD player. Grinning she slipped into the lab, sneaking up behind Abby before tapping her on the shoulder.
"Hi Abbs nice singin'!"
Abby jumped, before spinning round, huge smile on her face. "You trying to give me a heart attack?"
He shook her head and climbed onto one of the tall stools. "Did you have a bet on me today too?"
"Oh, you mean like Tony. No I didn't. Just ignore him, he's an idiot."
Taylor wasn't going to argue with that.
"Who's an idiot?" Gibbs appeared behind them.
They both answered at the same time. "Tony."
"You're probably right."
"So what brings you down here? I haven't got any results yet." Abby glanced round at the flashing instruments behind her.
"That's ok, you can let Tony know when you do. We're going to sneak off early today."
Taylor slid off the stool to stand beside him. "We are?"
"We are. Go on, grab your stuff, I'll meet you out at the car."
They both watched as Taylor disappeared up the stairs.
"You still on for dinner on Sunday? I hoping the more people there, the less likely Taylor's gonna act up" Gibbs asked.
"You bet. You told Taylor you've invited Patricia yet?"
He shook his head before walking towards the elevator. "Not yet. I'm going to soften her up a little first. Taking her to a Capitals game tonight."
"Good luck!"
"Thanks Abbs, see you Sunday."
The game that night was brilliant. Lots of goals, and a few fights thrown in for good measure. As they walked through the car park, Taylor still wearing her giant foam finger, Gibbs figured this was as good a time any to break the news about Sunday.
"We're having a few people over for dinner on Sunday."
"Yeah?" She wasn't really interested, she was still thinking about the winning goal.
"Yeah. Abby's coming, so are Ziva and Tony.," he took a deep breath before continuing, " and Patricia."
Taylor stopped dead.
"Why does she have to come?" she asked angrily.
"Because I want her to. "He walked back to where she was standing and put his arm round her shoulders, keeping her close as they started moving again.
"I don't!" she protested, kicking at a stone on the ground. "I don't have to be there do I?"
"I know you don't, and yes you do have to be there." They had reached the car now and he held the door open for her, making sure she put her seatbelt on. He looked over at her before he started the engine. She was sitting quietly, hugging the foam finger with a scowl on her face. He wasn't sure if he should be worried or not. He'd expected more resistance. Maybe she was getting used to the idea. Feeling a little more optimistic he slipped the car into gear and joined the long queue to leave the car park.