Chapter 4 At Piatto
Soft lighting bathed the main dining hall. Kate saw that most of those tables were occupied by couples. She walked through the foyer and gave her name at the door. "Caitlin Todd here with Riley Scott and company."
The usher smiled and led her up past the main dining hall to a more casual part of the restaurant. This part was like home to her. She and her friends used to practically live here when she was still in the Secret Service. Everything was still the same.
"Kate over here" she Riley beckoning her, an enormous smile on her face. Kate walked over to the group and silently analyzed everyone even though she knew them quite well. She made a mental note to thank Gibbs for making her do that. Analyze everything even if it was familiar to you.
Her thoughts were back on Gibbs and she let out a long sigh. Maybe this was not such a good idea after all. She plonked herself on the floor in between Riley and Sam.
"What can we get you to drink Kate?" Scotch on the rocks please" Kate was not much of a drinker but what the hell she thought. Today was her birthday she was allowed to. "That's a mean drink for starters but it's coming right up."
Kate suddenly felt a tingling sensation in her body. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She only had this reaction for one reason. Gibbs was near. She could feel his presence before she saw even him. It was unnerving. "Stop it Kate he's not here. He's at home working on his beloved boat. Or with the redhead. Or both." There was a twang of jealousy. "Oh Get over it Kate" she thought to herself.