Wouldn't You Know It
A/N: I don't know about you guys, but I kinda like Agent Navabi. I like her spunk and I hope she sticks around the show, because Lizzie definitely needs a female friend (heck, the show needs more women!). I'm borrowing this character for this chapter, because sometimes, Lizzie needs a pep talk with another girl.
. . . . . . . .
Chapter 12
"Liz, it's alright...really."
"Oh, god…"
And that was all that she could mutter, gasping with a hand over her lips. She had just kissed Ressler…and she had no idea why. Or rather, she knew why, but how…how could she so recklessly abandon all decorum, propriety, and dignity…and just kiss the damn man with no consideration for the aftermath? It felt as though all clarity had somehow become detached from every faculty of her mind and body…and now what kept her heart beating was an unmanned train wreck of pure and unadulterated insanity.
Liz couldn't look at him in the eyes…it was as if she could see the reflection of his very thought of her, that of a crazy and aggressive hussy. And she would agree with that assessment. This was not some school yard, where an infatuated young girl could kiss a boy and run away in giddy. No…she couldn't very well run at the moment, although all she wanted to do was crawl into the smallest, tiniest place of a crack in the corner, and possibly live there forever. This entire scene made no sense to her, and the more she tried to think…just so that she could explain it…that was when everything around her began to swirl in blurry lines of fuzzy shapes and sounds.
But her mental obscurities came to a screeching focus when she heard laughter coming from Ressler, in that deep guttural trembling. She knew that sound all too well. He must've found something amusing about this mortifying situation, and she couldn't help but to look into his eyes for dispel of the mystery.
"Liz…come on, relax. It's not a big deal."
"I'm so sorry…I don't know why…"
"Don't worry about it. Hey, I'm still alive, no harm done."
"I'm just…so sorry…"
"Look," he placed his hand upon her shoulder, perhaps to comfort her peaked nerves, "I understand how that happened."
Those words came down upon her with a leaden thud, and she eyed him with a suspicious dread. He couldn't possibly mean…or could he? She swallowed hard to keep her voice from quivering. "You do?"
"Yeah, your head is still wrapped up in the Jake and Lily thing. It's the undercover effect…it happens all the time."
"Umm…right…"
"You said it yourself, it takes some time to flush it out of your system. You may not even be aware, but something about this situation triggered your brain to…"
"I get your point…"
"But, it does look like I'm not the only one in need of a session with a psychiatrist. Shall I speak to Dr. Friedman on your behalf? I'm sure she can squeeze you in for a weekly session."
"Don't you dare." Liz sighed in relief that Ressler wasn't going to probe deeper, and she was happily eager to entertain him at his understanding.
"Alright, alright…your secret is safe with me. But I am a little disappointed though…I was hoping we can go for a couple's therapy."
"That's not funny…"
"It's becoming a bit of a problem that you find me absolutely irresistible. It's obviously a huge distraction for you, what…with my good looks, charm, and…"
"The depth of your self-flattery is truly…bottomless."
They shared an easy laughter, and even after, his smile remained on his face with a lingering focus upon her eyes. Liz knew what he was doing. He was being gentle with her, attempting to ease her flighty nerves, and deflect her attention from the embarrassment of her mortifying gaffe. Liz had expected him to make rash of assumptions about her…and her feelings…but rather, he was concerned for her. Whether he truly believed that her kiss was a result of the undercover effect…well, that remained to be seen, but she was anxious to gloss over it at the moment.
"Well, I guess I should get going. It's been a quite an eventful morning already." Ressler spoke sheepishly while giving the back of his head a good scratch.
"Yeah…I better get ready myself. I need to take a shower…"
"Way to give me a parting thought, Liz."
"Shut up, Ress…"
He waved his hands in animated surrender, "I better get outta here before I say anything else and get my ass kicked." And he started his walk down the hallway, "Bye, Liz…see you in a week."
"Bye, Ress. And thanks for being a good sport." He must know what she meant by that…right?
"Anytime."
And he did. Leave it to him to never miss a beat, however sly or furtive. Liz watched him walk along the hallway, until he disappeared at the corner toward the elevator. With the last image of his blond hair flapping in the air as he took slow languid strides, she couldn't help but to bring her fingers to her lips, putting a soft pressure upon just where his lips were. And in the company of no one, Liz was fully willing to admit, with all the heart's heave of abandon, that she desired nothing more than Ressler to kiss her back…for him to want her, just as she wanted him. Every step he took further from her, she desired its return, as swift as the next flutter of her heart that was occupied only of him. And already, she winced at the tangible pang, of distant dimness overtaking the heart that helplessly and utterly ached at his absence.
. . . . . . .
"Agent Keen…Agent Keen…Liz…"
"Yes…? I'm sorry…"
Liz looked up abruptly to the sound of the voice invading her daze, finding Agent Navabi standing by the door of her office with her arms crossed. By the faint inquisitive frown upon her visitor's face, Liz could only guess that she had been caught, again, of staring at Ressler's empty chair with her thoughts far from work at hand. He had been gone for only two days now, and as much as Liz had resisted, she just couldn't help but be distracted by the thoughts of him. And it had become increasingly difficult to attend to her cases, or to anything else for that matter.
"Is everything alright?" Agent Navabi peered into Liz's eyes, but also followed the trail to the chair in focus. This woman was sharp, and Liz was reminded to be extra careful around her and keep her emotions well guarded. It was true that the mysterious agent had slowly proven herself to be a formidable ally, and Liz would even admit that she trusted her to a great degree. But at that moment, Liz felt repelled by what was surely a disguised probe, especially as Navabi had caught her twice before of staring at Ressler's empty chair. She winced at the dogged reminder that Reddington had figured out her feelings towards Ressler; she certainly didn't need another inquisitive mind to join in that undeserved company. And by Navabi's sharp eyes fixated upon Liz, but forcibly softened by the guileless smile, Liz wasn't about to buy any of her harmless overtures. But already, Liz was sure the tall agent had detected something, as she had a certain sixth sense about digging out the very thing that others wanted to be kept buried.
"Yes, of course. What can I help you with?"
"Just wanted to inform you that your trip to Whittleton is cancelled for tomorrow. Actually, Aram has been assigned to the case, so he will be accompanying me."
"I see."
"Well, it's a relief for you, isn't it?" A small smile appeared on Agent Navabi's face, "This is a good break for you, since you just came back from Philadelphia last week. I gather you're still a bit exhausted from that trip."
"No, I'm alright. It was only for three days or so."
"Still, undercover is a difficult work, especially for the psyche. It's a good call from Cooper, we wouldn't want to overload you."
"I could handle it."
"Speaking of…how's Agent Ressler? I hear he's on…vacation?"
"Yes, for five days."
"And it is very well deserved. But knowing him, he must be hating it right about now."
And right about now, Liz had expected their conversation to be over. In fact, it should've been over as soon as Agent Navabi had relayed the information intended for Liz. Yet, Navabi didn't look like she was about to budge from the doorway any time soon, and Liz felt all of her senses alerted as to what this woman could be up to.
"Have you spoken to him, by any chance? Just curious if he's relaxing by the beach somewhere." Agent Navabi had now left the doorway, and was leaning lightly against her desk, the very spot that Ressler would park himself so often.
"No, I haven't."
"Well, he's not really a beach type, I don't think. He's more of a mountain guy. Wouldn't you agree?"
"I'm…not sure."
Agent Navabi must've taken that as a cue, and with a smile still intact, she started an easy saunter toward the door. She eyed Ressler's chair, then turned to Liz, "I do hope he manages to do something glorious…it'd make living vicariously through him that much more fun."
"If I hear anything, I'll let you know." Liz regretted that her tone was unnecessarily curt and prickly, but she needed Navabi to just stop talking about Ressler…as if she knew him, at all.
"Oh, by the way, Aram and I are going to grab drinks after work today. You're more than welcome to join us."
"I don't know…I have ton of errands…"
"Liz…don't give me that errands business. It'd do you good to come out, plus Aram will love it. Come on, what do you say?"
"Umm…"
"Just couple of drinks, that's all."
. . . . . . . .
"So, where's Aram?"
Agent Navabi and Liz were seated by the bar in a busy pub just outside of the downtown area. Even though it was midweek, the pub was unusually crowded with throngs of people, and the music was turned rather too loud for her taste. Liz looked around the pub once more, looking for Aram. They had driven separately, and Liz was sure the tall techie was right behind her.
"He called a few minutes ago. He had to go back to the black site." Navabi spoke with a hint of nonchalance, just as she took off her coat and hung it on the back of the chair.
"For what?"
"He needed to get some files ready for tomorrow, so it looks like the girls' night out. How about some beer?"
"Sure…"
It wasn't until the second pitcher of beer had arrived and Navabi had poured Liz a glass full that she ventured onto the topic that Liz was fully expecting. They were done with all the preliminary talks about the current cases, and all the pretense and pleasantries. Navabi leaned closer to Liz, gearing up to the intended topic, the very purpose of this night even. It was almost laughable that Navabi can be this predictable, and Liz simply smiled to endure the inevitable hurdle.
"Liz, can I ask you a personal question?"
"Fire away." Liz took another gulp of the beer, enjoying the effects of the alcoholic tingles permeating in her body. She felt relaxed by the wave, and even considered entertaining Navabi a bit.
"Umm…don't take this the wrong way, and let me know if I've overstepped my boundaries. But since we're colleagues, and all…"
"Samar…what is it?"
"And certainly we've come to know each other better…I may even think we're friends, of some sorts…"
Liz chuckled at Navabi's uncharacteristic show of uneasiness, "I'd rather that you just spill it. What's on your mind?"
"It's about Don."
When did she start calling him by his first name? "Yes, what about him?"
"Liz, I'm sure you two are pretty close. I mean, it certainly looks that way." Navabi eyed her carefully, as if she had just haphazardly threw a first punch of impropriety. And she was waiting for Liz to continue onto that trail of ushered path.
"We've been partners for about three years now. We're definitely closer, in that sense."
"Right…I suppose what I meant was…you two are perhaps close beyond the scope of work…"
And there it was. Liz took another gulp of beer, perhaps to allow that moment of amused victory…and mystery…to linger in the air. Navabi was careful with her words, and she held up the proper boundaries with easy finesse, but she also had that sharp glint in her eyes, and Liz was sure Navabi was already on to her.
"No…we're technically just partners."
"Technically?" Navabi was just thrown a bone, and she knew it. She smiled in muted satisfaction, "I don't see why you need to use that word to label a relationship. Unless there was more to it than that, technically."
"We're just partners, nothing more."
"I see." She leaned back in her chair and studied Liz's face, "Don…is an interesting guy."
"That, he is."
"You know, when I first met him, I thought that man should be the face of the FBI, in all of its stuffy, rigid, suited, bureaucratic son of a bitch glory. Forget the no-nonsense, this guy must eat Fed regulations for breakfast, and breathes Fed protocols for living."
Liz chuckled at the thought of Ressler's face imprinted upon the bureau manual, "Right…my thoughts exactly."
"I mean, it's just too severe, harsh, and cruel the way he treats his…hairline. Come on, that hair is almost pasted and painted in globs of blond trademark goo."
Liz let out a soft laughter, but recalled his unkempt look during the undercover operation, and countless other cases where he had to play the part. "I'm willing to give him a break on that hair of his. Ressler loosens up when in occasion."
"In my past line of work, I've met many people like him…like Don the agent man. That's all they knew of life, and they followed that narrow path of purpose with blind commitment and without compromise. It is so easy to become entrapped in that hellhole, to not see anything else beyond that cyclone."
Navabi paused a slight, and continued, "But that's not Don, is it?"
"No." Liz shook her head gently, and she was struck with how much she had missed Ressler at the moment. She wondered what he was doing…and whether he could be remotely aware that his two colleagues were deep in conversation over him.
"He's…full of surprises. And that's coming from a woman whose job is to dissect surprises, and destroy them." Navabi laughed at her own jest, "And still, I feel like I've yet to figure him out."
"You'll see that Ressler…Don…is not that hard to figure out."
"Really?" She leaned closer to Liz with eyes sparkling in curiosity, "You're telling me you have him figured out?"
"Well…what I meant was, he is not as mysterious as you think. He's quite simple, in my opinion."
"If you mean that he's a typical guy…"
"That he's happy when his belly is full, would rather watch football than anything else…doesn't speak more words than he has to, stubborn as hell, clueless about feelings, abrupt in behavior…"
"Clueless…about feelings?"
"Well…" Liz had to think fast to retract, "Like a typical man. Can't figure things out with the ladies."
"I see…" Her eyes narrowed like a sly detective in obvious introspection, "I've never been in a situation with Don where feelings were involved, so I haven't observed him in that way."
"I've just had more conversations with him, that's all."
"Right…conversations outside of work."
"You can say that."
Navabi smiled at Liz after a lazy look around the bar, or perhaps she was buying time while getting ready for another tease drop, "Well, if you ask me…Don is quite an attractive man. He's a handsome fella."
"Yes, quite."
"And very well-built, I might add. He takes care of himself."
"I don't think it's merely for the looks. I gather he wants to be fit, for the job."
"Well, then, thank God for its benefits, as it clearly shows." Navabi took on a inquisitive tone, "What is your opinion on that, Liz? What do you think of the situation where one is attracted to his or her partner and…develops feelings?"
"That's a…tricky situation."
"Tricky, but not that uncommon. There are already certain feelings…of loyalty and concern…between two partners that are a natural product of working together. But those feelings can certainly grow to be something else, in time, as two people get close. I mean, one can't control who they're attracted to. And the more they try to squash those feelings, it just becomes an ugly mess."
"You speak as if coming from your own experience."
"Personally, no, I haven't had the misfortune." Navabi snickered, "I wouldn't know what to do with all the complications. That would drive me insane….I'd be a total emotional wreck."
"Well, I haven't had the experience, either." Liz offered sheepishly, but Navabi spoke over her, as if she had no interest in what Liz had to say…or pretend…at the moment.
"Liz, have you ever thought Don may have developed feelings for you?"
"Excuse me?"
"What I mean is, he certainly has deep feelings…of concern for you, and…"
"We are partners…"
"I would say it runs deeper than that. It's obvious that he cares for you…very much…and he's very protective of you. You can't tell me you haven't felt that."
"I don't…"
"Part of it is, yes, that's what partners do…protect and watch out for each other. But, with Don…I know what I've seen. There's something more going on with him, something more complicated…and I'm willing to bet that he has some feelings for you, and most likely he doesn't know what to do with them."
"I'm sorry but…that's ridiculous. You're reading into his good intentions, as simple as that."
Navabi shook her head, but softly snickered with gentle eyes, "Well, Liz…I'm just telling you what I've seen. And believe me, in these situations, I'm never wrong."
"And it'd be Ressler, that stubborn and smug bastard, who would break that record."
"Perhaps…or perhaps not."
Navabi and Liz shared a relaxed laughter, and allowed the music of the pub to fill in the space between them for a while. It didn't escape Liz that Navabi hadn't asked her whether she had feelings for Ressler; Liz had almost expected Navabi to interrogate her on that. Liz studied the face of the agent sitting opposite her, wondering just what may be going on in that mind of hers. What other secrets did she harbor…what other unuttered words resided in there?
"By the way, when is our agent in question coming back?" Navabi played with her now empty glass, but they both knew their beer tab was done for the night.
"In about three days, I believe."
"I expect him to come back fully rested and well tanned…and slightly hung over."
"Doubt he'd be much tanned."
"Oh?"
"He went to his family's cabin in the mountains. There is a lake there, but it isn't exactly a resort spot for a tan."
By the surprised knotting of Navabi's eye brows, Liz wasn't sure whether she had lied to her earlier about his whereabouts. She couldn't recall just what she had told her…damn it. "I just remembered…that he went to the mountains."
"Well, that abruptly halts my attempts to live vicariously through him. I'm not much of a mountain gal, you know. Too much work." She eased her suspicious tone a bit, "When I'm on vacation, I will do nothing but be waited on and served upon…preferably peach martinis and fresh towels by the pool."
"Yeah…same here." Liz agreed with her sentiment, and even produced a small grin to convince, but her heart was already at the memory of Ressler asking her if she wanted to go with him…to the cabin. There was no question about it…it would've been absolutely a bad idea if she went with him. He was thoughtless in asking her, even if it was intended as strictly platonic, as friends if they were. And if she was just as thoughtless, she would've gone with him. And then what would've happened?
"So…I suppose the next couple of days are freed up for you, since you're off the case now." Navabi spoke with a certain knowing smile, as if she'd just read Liz's mind.
"I was thinking about reviewing some old cases…"
"Liz, if I could…I mean, if I may…suggest something…"
"Yes?"
"Why don't you go join Don for couple of days…at his cabin? I'm sure he'd love some company."
"That is…out of the question." Liz was startled by the bold assertion, and recoiled even at the thought. And she couldn't explain why, but she felt suddenly affronted by Navabi and her reckless suggestion. How could she possibly think that would be a good idea? Just what is she trying to do?
"I'm just thinking he'd like a familiar face out there. I know I would."
"Well…it's not going to happen…"
"Knowing Don, he must be bored out of his mind."
"It's absolutely not happening."
"Listen, Liz…no need to get worked up over it. Why don't you just sleep over it…and see where it takes you."
. . . . . . .
Liz breathed out a deep sigh of relief as soon as she arrived at her apartment, locking the door securely behind her. She quickly shed her dark overcoat and carelessly threw it upon the sofa, then sauntered toward the kitchen for a drink of cold water. She took in a long gulp from the tap, hoping it would assuage her rattled nerves and tense shoulders. But the drink did nothing to ease her of the irritated sensibilities, and she cursed loudly at the failings of herself. Damn it…why does she do this to herself?
Then, with a forced huff, she strutted back to the living room with determination and picked up her coat resting on the sofa. She fished into the coat pocket, and grabbed her cell phone, pulling it out swiftly with resolve and firm conviction. Then she simply stared at the phone, resting in her hand.
Could she do it? Should she do it? During the entire drive home, a fierce battle was engaged in all recesses of her mind, debating and countering of whether she should…call Ressler…and possibly see if his invitation to his cabin still stood. She would be lying if she wasn't feeling tempted, beyond reason, and she would like nothing more than to see Ressler, at his cabin like it was some corner of the world carved out just for the two of them. Even the mere idea filled her with elated anticipation, and she relinquished her heart to even dare to hope…of something…of certain desire and reverie.
But it was then that her rationale invaded and fired its dissenting outcry, calling her thoughts reckless and shortsighted. She was pushing herself into his life, and she cringed shamefully of being perceived as a pathetic attempt at garnering his attention. She felt like some silly school girl, lacking propriety and decorum in asking for own invitation to the party. No, she couldn't possibly do this…she couldn't possibly entertain the idea of calling him tonight. Most likely, Ressler would be enjoying himself out there, in all of its tranquil and peaceful escape that he desperately needed…and it would be most improbable, even impossible, that he would be thinking about…her.
But…and there's always that devilish but…she just couldn't help but to duel the doubt with hope, and now the phone was resting in her hand. She kept her fearful gaze upon the device that sat innocently, its silver outlines glistening against the lone lamp of the room. She breathed in a fitful of air, and exhaled in shallow ripples. Could she really do this?
. . . . . .
Liz got off the elevator of the black site, and promptly made her way toward the office. She was clutching onto her travel coffee mug, and she looked around the floor that was barely filled with agents and technicians. It was early, just after seven o'clock, but she was certain Cooper was already well situated in his office. And Agent Navabi might be around the corner somewhere.
With her mind fully occupied with the files she left on her desk the previous night, Liz hastily opened the door of her office while taking a small sip of her coffee. She had hardly taken another step when she heard the voice.
"Hey…Liz."
"Ressler…"
Liz had almost dropped the coffee mug, from the utter shock of seeing him planted in their office, casually leaning against the file cabinets on the back wall. No other thought entered her faculties, while all the existing thoughts were helplessly muddled in the stupor of now dazed realities. It had not, in every sense of the word, entered her mind that she would see Ressler today.
"I thought…I thought you're coming in tomorrow." She had been counting the days, and his five-day vacation officially ended the next day.
"Well, I had enough of the mountains. Umm, sorry I startled you."
"Yeah…I mean, no…no, that's alright." She fought hard to compose herself, and to return to normal heart beat. She walked briskly to her desk, and safely set down her coffee mug, "I guess, welcome back."
"Thanks." Ressler smiled rather hesitantly, and walked toward his desk facing hers, "So, what's been going on around here?"
"I've only had one case during the last few days, but I've been replaced…by Aram. It's an identity scam, of some sorts. But we have plenty of time to talk about that later…what I want to know is, how was your vacation? Your cabin in the woods?"
"It was alright…it was very quiet and very alone."
"You didn't get into a fight with a bear, did you?"
"Close, but no." Ressler chuckled at the thought, "The life in the mountains was…pathetically uneventful. I had my fill of sardines, oat meal, hot chocolate, canned beans…"
"Hot chocolate?"
"Just go with it, Liz. Anyway, I had to come back a day earlier because the power went out. Plus, I was bored out of my mind."
"Well, glad to see you've survived. And you look strangely…well-rested."
"That's what you do when you're bored…you rest." His lips parted into a wide grin, then he straightened his tie, "By the way, Cooper wants us in his office in ten."
. . . . . . .
It was close to eight o'clock in the evening when Liz arrived back at the black site after a full day of surveillance with Agent Navabi. As the elevator door opened, she quickly shot a glance toward her office, and though the window she spotted Ressler sitting in his desk. Furtively sighing a breath of blissful satisfaction, Liz quickly and rather awkwardly parted ways with Agent Navabi, and walked briskly toward her office.
"Hey, Ress…"
"Yo." He looked up from the files in his hand, and produced a toothy grin at the sight of her at the door.
"Yo?"
"Just trying a different approach. Sounds hip, doesn't it?"
"Hardly." Liz chuckled as she took off her heavy coat, "Are you heading out soon?"
"Yeah, in a while. And I'm not the only one who's working late…any developments out there?"
"Not particularly. Cooper wants a debrief the first thing tomorrow morning." She leaned into his desk, "What are you up to?"
Just then, Aram appeared at the door with his dark jacket slung on his shoulder, "Agent Ressler, agent Keen.."
"Hey, Aram. What's going on?" Liz looked up to the tall techie, who looked to be leaving the site for the night.
"Well, Agent Navabi and I were thinking perhaps we can all grab drinks tonight. You know, now that the gang is all together, and especially…now that Agent Ressler is back, and all."
Aram eyed Ressler with shy adulation, but such sentiments were expectedly not reflected upon the usual expressionless countenance. Liz looked upon Ressler with faint disapproval. "What do you say, Ressler? Feeling like some company tonight?"
"Well…"
"There's a new bar that opened up in downtown…I thought, maybe we could try it out." Aram seemed to insist, "It's been a while since all of us hung out…and I'd love to hear about all your adventures, Agent Ressler. And your first drink is on me."
Liz knew that wouldn't exactly persuade Ressler, so she had to do her part, "Come on, Ress. How can you say no to a free drink? Whiskey on rocks, isn't it?"
"Yeah…and it'd be fun," Aram chimed in with careful enthusiasm.
"Well…" Ressler got up slowly from his chair, and stretched his shoulders a bit, "As much as I'm going to regret it, Aram…I'm going to have to pass on that drink tonight. I've got some…errands I need to take care of."
Liz knew he was lying, and she couldn't help but to feel the tinge of disappointment that he wasn't willing to…join her that night. Aram was disappointed as well, "Are you sure, Agent Ressler? Are you sure you can't make it out tonight?"
"No, and I'm sorry. Next time, definitely."
. . . . . . . .
The next day was filled with meetings with Cooper, and yet another surveillance field work with Agent Navabi. Liz saw glimpses of Ressler here and there, but she was practically out of the headquarters for most of the day. When she finally returned to the black site, it was almost nine o'clock at night, but Ressler was surprisingly still at the office.
"Hey…" Liz muttered as she entered the office, feeling exhausted and agitated at having been on her feet all day.
"Well, the queen returns." Ressler looked up, his eyes following her as she plopped down upon her chair.
"Yes, she has."
"I gather it was a long day."
"You gathered right."
Ressler chuckled lightly, and kept his eyes upon her, "Hey, I'm sorry about bailing out on you guys last night."
"Don't worry about it. You had…errands."
"So, you knew I was lying…right?"
"It's no big deal. I understand."
"You understand?"
"Yeah…you weren't up to spilling your adventure times to Aram. And you know, having to pretend you're actually enjoying our company. Oh, the pressure…and the bother."
Ressler's eyes widened in unbelief, or pinched nerve. "Hey, it's not like that."
"Well, just to let you know, that new bar wasn't too bad. Aram did buy us drinks, or maybe I'm just a lucky tag-along. I get the feeling he's a bit sweet on Agent Navabi."
Ressler allowed a long pause before responding, "I was thinking…maybe we should grab drinks tonight."
"You're not serious…" Now it was her turn to eye him intently, to gauge where his change of heart was coming from…perhaps it was the boulder of guilt placed upon him by her prickly words.
"I'm serious…if you're up for it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure."
She then sat up from the chair, and took out her cell phone, "Alright, then…I'll call up the gang."
But before she could start looking up Aram's number, Ressler hastily spoke to stop her.
"I was thinking it could be…just us…for drinks."
. . . . . . . .
