Disclaimer I don't own CSI the franchise or the characters CBS does, I just borrow them to write my stories.
A/N Thanks to my speedy Beta graciebutterfliedgsr for all her good work, any mistakes that remain are mine. Also thanks to all the readers who have read my story and those who have left a review. Sorry for making you all wait for this chapter, I know you have been waiting patiently, but it was quite a difficult chapter to write, as we have only seen very minor interaction between the two characters on screen, and I wasn't sure how I wanted them to act towards each other, and I had to alter it several times as new ideas popped into my head. I would really appreciate reviews on this chapter, as this is the only one so far that has given me any trouble, so I would like to get an indication as to what you think of my direction with the way the story is progressing.
Dead bodies and New life Chapter 35 - Lunch with Heather
Sara pulled her car up on the driveway in front of Heather's house. She was a little nervous and allowed herself a couple of minutes to try and calm herself and think: Is this stupid? Should I have listened to Gil's concerns with more thought? Am I pushing my luck meeting Heather, after Gil spent the night with her and I gave him hell for three days, just because I wouldn't listen to him? Will I be setting our relationship up for more problems with my insecurities?
She closed her eyes briefly and breathed in and out slowly I can do this, I will show both Heather and Gil I am strong, and I might be able to put to rest some of my insecurities concerning her and Gil.
With renewed confidence she got out of the car and approached the door ready to knock, straightening her clothes she knocked firmly on the door.
The door opened and Heather smiled and said "Sara, hello come on in, is Grissom not with you?" she politely asked.
Sara smiled as convincingly as she could "Gil got called out to a scene that may be connected to his serial case, I hope you don't mind me coming here on my own. I thought it wouldn't be right if we both canceled at the last minute" she replied as she followed Heather into the depths of the house.
"No, it's quite alright Sara, the invitation was to you too, and I know how important Grissom's work is to him and how his schedule can interfere with his daily life" Heather said as she indicated for Sara to sit at a small table that was covered with a table cloth A fine bone china tea set sat on the table minus a tea pot, with white napkins and silverware "If you will excuse me for a couple of minutes, I just need to pour the hot water in the pot and collect the food" she smiled at Sara.
"Yes that's okay" Sara replied, then looked around the room at the old antique furnishings and obviously very feminine touches.
It was not what she had expected from a woman who used to be in the submissive/dominant business. The Heather that Sara had caught short glimpses of at the lab and the one associated with the rumor mill at work was a different person to whom Sara had seen the day before and was now experiencing. She could see why Gil would be intrigued by Heather, she was similar to him in that she could also compartmentalize different aspects of her life. She was intelligent, commanded full attention and gave her full attention to the people she was in conversation with and was gracefully elegant.
Heather placed a tea pot and two china plates of delicately trimmed sandwiches on the table.
"Watercress, Brie cheese and red onion. Grissom said you were vegetarian but ate dairy products. The watercress is high in iron, it should be good for your pregnancy. I hope you like them" Heather smiled and sat down.
"Yes I like all three and thank you, it was very thoughtful of you to think of my dietary needs" Sara watched as Heather poured the tea.
"I am also informed that you like Assam tea, that is what we have here, how do you like it Sara?" Heather asked her guest.
"Sugar, no milk or cream, thank you" Sara smiled, genuinely feeling a little more relaxed with the other woman "Is Alison not joining us today?" Sara asked to start conversation.
"No, she lives with her grandfather Jerome my ex husband, I get to have her here a couple of times a week though now, thanks to Grissom speaking up for me to Jerome" she paused "I will never be able to thank Grissom enough for what he did for me, when I thought everything looked bleak, and I thought I would never have any contact with my granddaughter, my last connection to my daughter Zoe" she sighed regretfully "I had no future when the courts handed sole custody to Jerome and we were not on speaking terms. Grissom gave me back a future when he persuaded Jerome to let me be a part of Alison's life" she smiled softly at Sara as she reached for a sandwich.
"I am glad Gil could help you, and I am glad you are getting to be a part of Alison's life and are happy, It will be thanks enough for Gil if he has been a part of making his friend happy" Sara smiled warmly at Heather and reached for one of the small sandwiches.
"Gil is a very special person and you are a very lucky woman Sara to have captured his heart. I can see he loves you very much and has done for a very long time. I would like to become your friend if you would allow it, and I am sure Grissom would be pleased too" she smiled genuinely.
"I would like that very much, thank you Heather"
They ate and drank their tea and chatted comfortably and found out they were both fond of different types of tea, and although Sara proffered to drink her tea at home out of a fine bone china cup, Heather went the whole way and owned several different full fine bone china tea sets. This is what Heather was showing Sara now in her kitchen "Oh they are really pretty, and very delicate looking Heather" Sara said.
"I ordered and had them shipped over from England, I also have some British teas sent to me on occasion" Heather replied, smiling.
"I love the different teas but have never thought of ordering them on-line. I might give it a try" said Sara looking at Heather and smiling.
"Come on Sara we will be more comfortable in the family room" Heather indicated to follow her "You're not in any rush are you, I don't want to keep you if you need to be somewhere else"
"No, I don't start work until five and Gil will probably pull a double shift so I would only be at home on my own anyway" Sara smiled at Heather wanting, to continue their conversation.
They both settled on large comfy chairs in the bright airy room.
"Sara, if you don't mind me asking, just say so if you don't, but how have you been coping with things after your kidnapping?" Heather asked, genuinely interested.
Sara looked into Heather's eyes, trying to read her motives for asking her the question, or any emotions in her eyes that could help her decide if she wanted to discuss the kidnapping with her. The last thing Sara wanted to see was pity or sympathy directed at her. When she saw no sign of either she sighed lightly. Should she take a chance with this woman and trust her with her personal thoughts and feelings, when she hardly knew her?
Gil had said to Sara that he was the only one that Heather trusted with handling her case, so Heather obviously had trust issues, but trusted Gil, but could I trust her? I trust Gil, and Gil trusts me, but does Gil trust her, he has never said to me that he does?
Heather could see the internal struggle that Sara was having, trying to decide to talk about personal things to her. She had had the same feelings towards Sara, but felt that Sara was someone she could trust
"Sara, it's okay, you don't need to tell me, I understand really I do" Heather said softly trying to reassure Sara.
Sara sighed again softly
"I am sorry I took so long to answer you Heather, it's just I haven't really discussed in detail how I feel, or how it has affected me with anyone yet. It is hard enough with everyone at work keeping an eye on me, thinking I am going to break, so I don't want to discuss it with them and worry them, and have them wrap me in cotton wool" she looked softly at Heather, hoping she would understand.
The two talked for several hours comfortably before Sara had to make a move to go get ready for work, so she said goodbye and arranged for her to come for lunch sometime at her and Gil's home, then left to drive to work.
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