Chapter Nine

"Hey Catherine."

Turning at the familiar voice Catherine acknowledged the red head approaching her, waiting for her friend to join her side Catherine couldn't help but be curious about the cardboard box she was holding. As Grace joined her Catherine could now see the numerous tuber ware containers that were inside the box, only heightening her curiosity especially as she took in the smells that were coming from it.

"What's with the box?"

"Though you'd guys could do with something a little more filling than fast food or sandwiches, and yes before you ask I was totally bored and decided to pass the time cooking for you guys."

"If it means I'll actually get something decent for my break I'm saying nothing."

Hearing Grace's laughter at the comment Catherine could understand where the woman was coming from; after all she'd had those moments, although they were rare, of utter boredom doing anything to pass the time. However, Catherine felt that the excuse of boredom was only half of what had brought Grace to the Crime Lab; she had a strong feeling that seeing a certain DNA tech had something to do with it. It had become part of the Crime Lab routine to see Grace visit whenever the lab techs found their nights off didn't coincide, always turning up roughly half way through shift when people tried to grab a break.

"What's the theme tonight Grace?"

"Chinese, Chicken Schezwan Rice yours Archie, Chicken Black Bean yours Henry."

Noted the pleased looks both Archie and Henry had at Grace's reply to Archie's question Catherine had to smile at the two techs, the two of them knowing perfectly well that Grace always brought something for all the CSI's and lab techs when she came. Carrying on past the AV lab the two women carried on towards the staff room Catherine found herself thinking back to early that night when she'd dropped off some samples to DNA for processing.

Possibly due to the rare occurrence of Greg wearing a shirt or just pure chance, but as she'd entered the DNA lab the man in question had been looking in the microscope hence Catherine had noticed the silver key hung upon a silver chain around his neck. Handing over the samples Catherine's curiosity had prompted her to question Greg about the unusual item of jewellery, positive that she hadn't seen it before. However, the only reply she'd gotten was that he'd Grace had given it to him on their vacation two weeks ago, the DNA tech being unusually secretive about the gift.

"Tell me if it's none of my business, but what's with the key you gave Greg? An unusually for jewellery isn't it?"

"I don't mind you asking, it's the key to my apartment. Aside from when he had it copied for his keys he's not took it off, says it's my version of a promise ring to him. I know you might thing its silly, but I can't help but think it's sweet."

"Wait a minute, back up, he wears it as your version of a promise ring, so does that mean he got you one."

Taking note of the immediate smile Grace was wearing at the mention of promise rings part of Catherine could hardly believe that Greg had given his girlfriend an item that interdicted long term commitment or engagement, while the other part was thrilled that the two had decided to show each other that they viewed the relationship as long term. Coming to the staff room Catherine was vaguely aware of Nick and Warrick getting coffee, instead she become a typical woman and was wanting to see the promise ring Greg had gotten his girlfriend.

"Can I see it?"

"I was wondering when you'd ask."

Waiting for Grace to put down the box she was carrying Catherine took note of Nick and Warrick looking towards them curiously, glad for once that she was a woman because at least she could come right out and ask whereas they had to pretend disinterest. Taking the offered hand given to her Catherine noted it was on the right, although not a promise of engagement Catherine had a feeling that somewhere in the future it could be a possibility. Taking in the design of the ring Catherine saw the message it was conveying and was once again surprised to see much of a romantic side the quirky energetic DNA tech had.

"If I'd have know Greg had such a romantic side I'd have let him take me not."

"As the old proverb goes 'Never judge a book by its cover'."

"Greg having a romantic side, now I have to know what you two are talking about."

Hearing the disbelieving tone to Warrick's tone Catherine shared Grace's smile as they both turned towards Nick and Warrick, not surprised to see that Nick was trying to contain his own smile behind the green eyes man. If there was anyone in the lab who had an idea about what Greg could really be like it was Nick, everyone knew the Texan viewed Greg as a younger brother, hence offering brotherly advice whenever Greg needed it. Therefore it wouldn't come as a surprise to Nick that Greg had been developing a more romantic side to himself since dating Grace.

"You could learn a thing or two from our boy Warrick, hence why Greg's with the girl and you're not."

"She's got you there 'Rick, just accept it man G's just full of surprises."

"Yeah, yeah, I believe it when you tell me what the guys done."

"You mean besides from the surprise vacation and everything they did, let me think the guy tops it off with a promise ring."

"You're kidding me right?"

Noting the surprise in Warrick's eyes Catherine held out the hand she'd just been looking at, glad to see the look turn into acceptance as the green eyes man walked over to look at the item in question.

"Damn that boy is really making me rethink my dating strategy."

Joining the laughter of her fellow friends at Warrick's statement Catherine started helping Grace lift tubs out of the box, seeing the smirk Grace was trying to hide as she noted that Nick and Warrick were watching them complete the process.

"No I didn't forget you, one Spicy Chilly Beef for you Nick, one Chicken Schezwan Rice for you Warrick and Catherine Garlic and Chill Chicken."

"I have to say Grace I love you."

"You love you to Tex, but we both know it's my cooking you want right now."

"I'm only following your advice that I should start eating more home cooked meals."

"I think the idea was for you to do the cooking Nick, not my girlfriend."

Turning at the familiar voice of their DNA tech Catherine found the light banter which passed between everyone good to hear, it was nice to see a humorous atmosphere between the team rather than a stressed one. It was a shame that Grissom and Sara were still out at a scene otherwise the whole team could be here and really make it entertaining.

"That reminds me both Archie and Mandy are a definite and Henry is a possible."

"You planning something Irish that we should know about?"

"As I matter of fact Tex, Desert Spring Hospital and the LVPD are looking to put together a Charity Dance/Dinner and as part of the evening the local dance studio are going to provide the dancing aspect. But, seeing as this is an event aimed for raising funds for the hospital and LVPD we're going to be partnering everyone up with volunteers from either the hospital or LVPD."

"Now many volunteers have you got so far."

Turning towards Catherine at the question Grace was glad to see the curiosity in her gaze, hoping she would be one of the people who'd volunteer for the event.

"So far twelve from the hospital, eight from the LVPD we've even got Captain Brass willing to learn a slow dance, then there's Archie. Mandy, possibly Henry plus Greg from the Crime Lab. If we can get about thirty volunteers we were thinking if split everyone into groups of five we could put together six different dances."

"Count me in; I'm up for helping raise some money, though I can't promise I'll be able as limber as I used to be."

"That would be great Catherine, and don't worry everyone will be doing a dance they've comfortable with."

"So guys what about you two? You put for volunteering?"

Knowing they were all looking expectantly towards Nick and Warrick as Greg finished his question Grace could see the arguments' quickly leave both of them as they realised it wouldn't look very sporting if they didn't help with the event."

"What the hell I'll in."

"Sure count me, never live it down if I say no."

Chuckling at the two Grace could definitely tell that the event would definitely be an experience, especially when they decided on the dance routines.


A few weeks later

"Now for our third performance of the night, performing the Jive are Archie Johnson and Jasmine Shepherd, Jessica Reynolds and Matthew Carlton, Warrick Brown and Carla Richards, Amanda Freight and Paul Smith and Greg Sanders and Grace Callaghan."

Applauding with everyone else as the third group of the night walked onto the dance floor Nick could tell from the reaction that everyone was looking forward to the upcoming performance. The charity dance/dinner proving to be a success, people from all walks of life had purchased tickets for the dinner and as far as the entertainment was going the first two groups had being received well.

Jim and Grissom had been part of the opening act, the weeks of practice really showing as their groups' performance of the Waltz was excellent. The second group hadn't been a disappointment either with their Fox Trot, with Sara, Mandy and Henry being part of the group. Now with the third group up Nick could say he was a little surprised that his three friends had volunteered for this particular dance. However, taking in the slightly 50's/60's style look that the group had gone for Nick had to admit that they looked more the part than he would have thought.

Watching the ensuring Jive performance Nick was definitely impressed by the three Crime Lab employees, knowing he shouldn't be surprised the more experienced dance partners they'd been partnered with had been excellent teachers. However, watching the fast paced dance before him Nick was seriously regretting letting Grace talk him into performing the Samba along aside Catherine. Despites Grace's assurance's that he'd picked up the routine well he was being to think he was heading to make a fool of himself.

Joining in the applause of everyone else as the performance came to a finish Nick passed his own congratulations to his three friends as they returned to the Crime Labs table, noting from their pleased expressions that they'd enjoyed taking part in the Jive. Realising that he and Catherine would be next Nick had already seen Grace and Catherine's partner David coming to collect their partners to prepare them for the next dance.

"Come on Nick, Catherine we've got half an hour before we're up, time for one last practice."

Seeing the supportive looks his friend were giving him and Catherine Nick still couldn't help the nerves that were beginning to grip him as he followed Grace to the side room where the dancers had been changing and practicing.

"I'm taking it's too late to back out."

"You're going to be fine Tex, you got this routine down, just relax and try to enjoy it."

Trying to follow Grace's advice as the woman took Catherine away to change Nick found it was easy said than done, the nerves refusing to leave. Only having to remove his dinner jacket for the upcoming performance Nick found himself spending the next ten minutes visualizing the steps for the Samba.

"Alright Nick, you want one last practice."

Turning to look at the one who had spoken to him Nick was left speechless for a minute as he took in the plain black dress, the thin straps crisscrossing her neck and shoulders while the slightly flared skirt ended just at upper thigh thus leaving her legs bare although a long trail of material hung on her right side. Having never seen Grace in something that showed off her figure so well before Nick now realised why Greg never bothered looking at other women anymore, his friend was definitely one lucky man.

However, as he took up position with Grace for their last practice he happened to notice Catherine and felt his jaw drop for a second time as he noticed she was wearing an identical dress to Grace only in red. The two women were definitely dressed for this dance, both showing off long legs and allowing their natural beauty to show, he could definitely say they would surprise all of their friends.

"Greg's ok with this right, with the whole dance and dress, not that you don't look good because you do...heck I don't even know what I'm trying to say."

"Chill Tex, I'll take what I'm assuming is a compliment and don't worry about Greg, he gets to see me in a lot less so why would he be a problem."

Unable to respond to the reply he'd received Nick could only take in Grace's amused look before following her lead to get into position as the remaining couples got into theirs for the last practice run through. Chancing a look towards Catherine Nick could see that she was enjoying the opportunity to be a little daring, knowing this was probably the only occasion were he'd have the guts to do something like this Nick decided to follow his friend's example and just enjoy himself. Turning back to his partner Nick returned Grace's smile with his own, letting her know he was as ready as he'd ever be as the dance began.