After the fruit is served Ziva looks at the offerings and places a few of the pieces on her plate. Forgoing any of the whip cream she drizzled more of the balsamic vinegar over them. "I would have thought that you would have grilled some figs as well. They are very good grilled." She says getting in at least one more dig she adds as an afterthought. "I suppose they are a difficult fruit to handle unless of course you are familiar with them."
Mandy smiles sweetly as she reaches for the whip cream. "All of the figs were over ripe I bought the plums instead. I'm sorry the fruit is not to your liking." We do have Coffee and tea with some homemade Biscotti for later. I can get that if you prefer."
Ducky quickly wipes his mouth with his napkin, Mandy is a lady. Even his own mother couldn't have delivered a rebuke with such a panache. At the same time making her meaning known that Ziva is being an discourteous guest.
Feeling a need to change the subject Brad holds up his beer and makes a toast. "To my friend Tony, a man who's dreams were shattered by me, only to have me bring him back from the brink of death. For the friendship we share and the joy our wives give us. May you and Mandy have everlasting happiness together."
"Hear, hear." Ducky adds lifting his glass of wine.
"Brad." Tony says softly.
Grace takes joy in having Sam take a piece of fruit from her. "What a sweet little boy."
"A holy terror if you ask me." Brad replies. "He gets into everything."
"As he should." Ducky says as he places peek-a-boo with his napkin.
" Tony where did you get the bird house? My mother would love to have one." Greg asks.
"I can give you the address, it wasn't to expensive either."
Matt stands and rubs his hands together. "Excuse me, could you please show me where the bathroom is."
"Not a problem Matt. I'll show you the way. I'll give the address to Greg while we're in the house, save me from having to look for it later."
"Anthony if it not to much trouble could I please have a cup of tea."
"Of course Ducky it would be my pleasure, I'll even bring out a pot of coffee I imagine that Gibbs and Grace both are having caffeine withdrawals by now."
He tries to sneak passed Gibbs to avoid the head slap that he knows that Gibbs surely wants to give him only to get slapped on the arm by Grace.
"Ouch." He says as he rubs his arm.
"Go, and make sure you bring those cookies!"
"Yes, Ma'am." He tells her saluting with two fingers.
He returns in ten minutes caring a tray with a pot of tea and coffee. As he is walking toward the table he calls out to Tim and Jimmy. "Can you go get the other tray for me as well as the plate of cookies."
"Not a problem Tony. Come on Palmer."
"Mandy, I can't find the cookies you bought for Sam."
She shakes her head and gets up from the table, she knows that he is lying, He is the one who put the cookies away. "I'll get them. You didn't make a mess of my kitchen did you?"
"Not me." He replies with a boyish smile, shaking his head the whole time.
Tony keep the smile on his face as he puts the tray down on the table. Not looking at either Ziva or Abby he is trying to keep his temper in check. He wants to talk to them but he wants to get control of his temper first.
"Where are our dates? Did you chase them off with your excessive chatter?" Ziva asks smirking the whole time. "I saw you talking with them about some sport, what to they call it remembering your laurel days?"
"The expression you are looking for is Glory days, Ziva and if any one has the right it would be Tony." Brad tell her his voice carrying a biting tone.
""That's it I've had enough of the both of you and your rotten behavior. You're both acting like spoiled brats."
Hearing the anger in his voice Gunny comes over and sits by his side his ears alert for any command that might be coming.
"I take your crap and disrespect at work. But not here not in my home. You've been rude to my wife and that is one thing that I will never forgive you for. She did nothing to you except welcome you into our home."
"You should have married Ziva she is better for you." Abby spat right back at him.
Laughing is the only response that Tony gives but not a happy laugh a bitter one. He looks at both of them and can see they are both seething with anger having to listen to him.
"It would never have happened, why would I marry a person that pointed a loaded sig at me after pushing me to the ground?" He looks at her and masks his expression. "Just like Tim is never going to marry you, Abby."
"How can you say that? He'll change his mind I'm perfect for him."
"Because, I've seen the ring that he is going to use when he asks April. April is not bully or a brat, nor is she needy like you. She is a very nice lady, they are perfect together."
"Are you going to tell us were are dates are, or not?" Ziva demand as she stands.
Gunny seeing the exchange stands and growls at both Ziva and Abby. Tony touches his head and commands him to sit with one gesture of his hand
"They called for a cab and left. They did ask me to give you a message."
"Well what is it?" Abby asks .
"Don't call us, ever again."
"Don't look at DiNozzo that way. You only have yourselves to blame for the way you behaved. So knock it off! Drink your coffee, tea, eat the cookies. Wait a bit then thank Mandy for having you over. Then leave and don't come back. Understand?" Gibbs tells them glaring at them, daring them to talk back to him.