Finding Home, Chapter Fifty One
When Tim got home, he called Lina to see how she was doing. Dani answered Lina's cell phone and reported that she was asleep and promised to let her know he'd called. He was disappointed that they wouldn't be going to the Embassy together but it couldn't be helped. As for everything else, they could wait.
As Tim was about to hop in the shower, Matt called to confirm they were driving in together and picking up Kim and Evander;they agreed to meet at their apartment. After they hung up Tim realized he'd never changed the drive share plan; that could have been awkward. He shook his head at his omission, he was usually more organized and certainly tried to be a more considerate friend than that.
After his shower, Tim dried his hair and then ran downstairs to have some dinner. He suspected any food served tonight would be of the appetizer variety and he didn't want to risk getting anything on his new tuxedo. He made himself a large sandwich and enjoyed that with a glass of lemonade. Back upstairs, he pulled his tux and dress shoes out of the closet. As he dressed he thought about how cool it would have been to surprise the others when he walked in with Lina – and then he put that thought right out of his mind. There would be other times, other surprises. He decided to think about his family instead. He couldn't wait to see Sarah, Rob and hopefully James over the Christmas holidays.
Pete had explained that the four European offices rotated holidays every year, one office worked Christmas Eve, another Christmas Day and the remaining two working New Years Eve and New Years Day. This year the Athens office would be working New Years' Day, so Tim could count on having Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off. Matt was toying with the idea of flying home for Christmas but he hadn't made up his mind. Tim had a sneaking suspicion his family was pressuring him and that he didn't really want to go. He knew he'd spent several days traveling around Europe before reporting in here and he wouldn't have that much vacation time this year; he hadn't yet celebrated his first anniversary with the agency.
He was still early and looking at his watch, decided to try reaching his siblings. He pinged Rob's laptop and smiled happily when Sarah's face appeared. "Hi Sweet Pea, good you're awake!"
"Barely, but yeah, James and I just back from an early pub dinner – Rob got called into work this afternoon. I've been taking naps and I'm almost ready for another one. "
"That's good, but don't sleep for too long, you want to try to sleep as much as possible tonight."
"It's weird. When we got here from the airport, I took a shower and slept for two hours and then I woke up and I didn't feel like doing anything but I didn't feel like not doing anything either. So Rob and I went for a walk and he showed me all the stores and the pub. We came back to the apartment, I mean the flat and I had a sandwich and milk and then I fell asleep again. That's when Rob got called in. I was hungry when I woke up again so James went with me to the pub, probably the earliest dinner they've ever served!"
"Mmm, we might be tied for that honor!"
"How long did you say it took you?"
"A week really, but the first three days, including the day I arrived, were the hardest. So if you follow the same pattern, you've really just got two more days."
"Great, I'll fall asleep in my first class on Monday!"
"That's what caffeine is for – and you'll probably be full of adrenaline anyway. You going to do a dry run for the train ride tomorrow?"
"Yeah, Rob was going to but since he'll probably sleep late, James said he'd go with me. So how are you, OH Tim, you're wearing your new tux! Stand back a little, I want to see it." Tim put the laptop up on a shelf and then stood up and a bit away. "Ooh, Big Brother, you're looking very suave and debonair! Too bad Lina can't go with you!"
Tim shook his head, "Turned out she has her own invitation so we were going to surprise everyone by showing up together but she got sick at work this afternoon. I was in Athens with the uncles and we had lunch with her but by the time we were ready to go home, she was feeling pretty miserable, so no surprise tonight."
"Aw, that's too bad, that would have been fun. Maybe when she's better you can find someplace that's nice enough to wear your tux and whatever she was going to wear."
"Sarah, you're a genius!"
"About time you recognized that, Tim! Really it's just that I'm a girl and you have no clue."
"I humbly agree, little sister."
"So other than your girlfriend – look at that big grin – getting sick, how was your day with the uncles?"
"God, it was so great, I can't wait for you guys to meet them, they're funny and warm and it's just so nice having uncles."
"Um, why? I'm not getting what the big deal is. I mean, they seem nice, but…"
Tim looked at her, "Because we've never had them before. And they're kind of fatherly, they uh..." Tim blushed, "they hug and kiss me like a dad would."
Sarah looked at her brother, "Oh Timmy, I'm so sorry you haven't had that and you don't remember our own dad doing that."
"I do Sarah, but it's been so long and it kinda feels like they're making up for all the years I didn't have any dad. They've told me all kinds of things about our Dad and I wrote some down; I'll send them to you and Rob."
"Ok, that'd be great." She yawned and Tim chuckled, "That's ok, Sweet Pea, it's time for me to get going, you go take your nap! Tell James hi and tell Rob I love him. Love you too."
"Me too, Tim, always. So glad to finally be over here where I can just hop a plane and come see you!"
"Only a few weeks until Christmas."
Sarah yawned again as she nodded and they disconnected. Tim still had a couple of minutes and stood looking at his weapons. He wouldn't take the gun but he felt naked without his knife. Shrugging, he put his knife holster on his right calf and fastened his knife in. Now he felt more secure. He locked the others in his small safe and grabbing his keys, left to meet Matt.
He had just parked in front of the apartment building Kim and Evander lived in when Matt pulled up behind him. "Hey, perfect timing!" Tim locked his car and sat in the front seat of Matt's, sending a quick text to Kim letting her know they were here. He'd thought about going up to get them, but they lived on the third floor and she'd mentioned yesterday that the elevator wasn't working.
"Yeah, I'm glad you're coming with me Tim, always feels kind of strange going in alone."
"And yet apparently they want us there alone. Did I tell you I was told no dates unless you were at least engaged?"
"Wow, no you didn't. Let me guess, you didn't propose to Lina on the spot."
"As a matter of fact…" Tim laughed at Matt's eyes. "No, come on, we've known each other a week. Not to say I didn't fantasize about it, but no. We need to get to know each other and one week doesn't do it."
"Good."
"However, it turns out she had her own invitation to the party tonight but can't make it."
"Oh man, so you were going to have a date after all?"
Tim shrugged, "Doesn't matter, she's home sick." They stopped talking while Kim and Evander joined them.
"That's too bad, Lina being sick. So how was your first trip to the flea market?"
"Fun, my godfather and uncle are crazy and we had a good time. And I found some stuff for Christmas gifts."
"Hmm, find anything for me?"
"Not telling! I was really looking for things to ship home with them but the few things I found I'll have to mail home on my own."
"How come?"
"While Uncle Jim was looking for fabric, I found this yarn that I swear is the same color as my grandmother's eyes, so the woman who was selling it is knitting a sweater for her – and one for my aunt too. I'll mail them home when they're ready. What about you, have you decided whether to go or stay?"
"I don't know, I'd have just enough days including my flights and I'd only be able to stay a few days, not even a full week, just doesn't seem like it would be worth it. I know my folks miss me but I'd rather go when I have more vacation time and make it worth the cost of flying over and back."
"Hmm, how about you Kim, you two ever go to the States for the holidays?"
Kim shook her head, "I went home for Christmas two years ago and my parents came over to meet Evander when we got engaged, but no, we haven't both been."
"What do you do on Christmas?"
Evander spoke, "My family lives on the north side of Athens, we spend it with them."
"That's nice to have family close by."
Kim smiled, "It is, yes! Your sister and brother are coming from London, aren't they?"
"Yes and I can't wait. We've never been apart this long. I don't know what I'd do without Skype."
The four of them chatted as Matt drove. The conversation slowed once they reached Athens and found the right street. They pulled up at the security gate that fronted the parking facility and passed their IDs, badges and invitations over. Tim also leaned over. "Special Agent Timothy McGee, NCIS. I'm wearing a leg holster with a knife; I'm assuming you want to see it."
"Yes sir, if you'll pass it to me, and any other weapons you have on you, we'll get you escorted through building security."
Matt looked at the guard, "Uh, I have mine on too, sorry I thought I'd just need to tell them inside."
"No sweat Agent Watson; it's a courtesy to let us know here. Inside would have been fine."
Both agents passed their knives over and another guard leaned in the window and said to Kim and Evander, "Do either of you have weapons on you?" They shook their heads. "All right, after you park, you two can go on through regular security. You two," He pointed to Tim and Matt, "meet me at the security door and I'll take the two of you through that way." Tim and Matt both recognized him at the same time. "Hey! Good to see you!"
"Yeah, and look at you two in your penguin suits. Lot happier occasion than the last times we met." They nodded, he was one of the Marines who'd been with them during the case; they'd also seen him at the service yesterday morning. After parking, Kim and Evander went on their way and the two agents met the Marine; he escorted them through security and then to a side office where he gave them their knives.
"Expecting trouble?"
"No, just always prepared."
Matt grinned and pointed at Tim. "His fault, he's taught me to always carry a knife, says they don't run out of ammunition."
"That's true, that's actually a saying we have in the Marines."
The Marine looked at Tim quizzically and he chuckled. "Not me! I used to work for a former Gunny but I think I was told that by a former Mossad officer."
"You hang out with some scary people! Anyway, here you go and… Semper Fi." They thanked him and went on to the party, Matt leading the way.
As they walked through the hallway, Tim patted Matt on the shoulder, "You know, if you don't go home for Christmas, I'd like you to join us."
"You and Lina?"
"I think she'll be up north with her family. I meant Sarah, Rob and possibly James after Christmas."
"Wow that would be fun! That sounds better than flying 12 hours each way to be freezing for a week."
Tim shook his head. "They're your family, Matt. You'd be going to see your family, not because of the weather." He paused, "Although I do see your point."
"I was thinking I could surprise them for Mother's Day or the Fourth of July, I'd have more vacation days – and more money saved – by then."
"That's good, if you decide not to go for Christmas."
"You think I should go for that."
"Not my decision Matt and I've never been in your situation, so I can't – and won't – judge."
"Truth is I don't really want to go, Tim. I love it here and I'm not ready to go home and be the dutiful son."
"Ok."
"Yeah?"
Tim huffed, "Matt, I told you, I'm not judging and I meant what I said about wanting you to join us. You can stay over if you'd like."
"Oh, for Christmas Eve?"
"Yeah, gotta warn you though, Sarah will probably drag us all to church."
"That's ok, that sure won't hurt us!"
Tim had to resist the urge to reach over and ruffle Matt's hair. "So I'm not going back to the States. I'm going to stay here, it just seems more practical."
"You change your mind, you better do it quick, airfare's going to cost more the closer you get."
"Yeah, see that's the thing - if I was going to go, I should have planned. I shouldn't have taken that trip around Europe."
"It's hard to know all that practical stuff, huh?"
"Yeah. But you do."
"Raised two kids, had to learn early how to be practical." Tim thought about that. He loved his "kids" and was proud of them but he also wanted his own children. He wanted to give them all the love, support and guidance he'd missed. He planned to protect them in every way possible which he figured guaranteed they'd be rebellious. Laughing at himself, he followed Matt to the party.
When they entered what Matt said was the ballroom, Tim was surprised by the size. He'd only been to the Embassy once but he never would have guessed that this building contained a ballroom and wondered if the room was built specifically for that purpose. Matt saw him looking around and said, "The building is over a hundred years old and it's always been an embassy. I guess back then they built embassies to have parties in them!"
Tim nodded, "Sure looks like it." There was a large dance floor, musicians sitting on one side with small tables and chairs scattered around the edges of the room. Matt looked at his friend. "Come on, I'll show you where we can check our overcoats, plus the food and bar." Tim blinked as he saw servers in the ballroom. "Not allowed to bring drinks in here yourself, but you can order drinks to be served." Matt spoke softly, "Carla said they don't want noisy conversations in the ballroom so you can't bring drinks in, but people do like to have a cocktail while watching the dancing, so they can be served. She said the servers won't bring anything to anyone that they think has had too much. Keeps the rowdier people in the other room."
Tim very quietly asked, "How much dancing are we expected to do?"
Matt shrugged, "I've danced maybe three or four times and Carla said that was fine. Seems like people who are here with someone like to dance more."
Tim nodded, "That makes sense. Hope no one is expecting a waltz out of these two left feet!"
"Only the serious dancers get out there for those and they'll only play a couple of things like that."
They checked their coats and coming out, spotted Kim and Evander with Pete and Trina just sitting down at a table in the 'food and drinks' room. Matt and Tim joined them, Tim glad he'd eaten already. He wanted a glass of wine, preferably a Greek wine, so he asked Evander for his recommendations and then ordered a wine made from white Savatiano grapes, grown locally. Trina wanted to hear about his dinner the previous evening and his first experience at the famous flea market so he told them, including a few stories about his godfather and uncle.
As he listened to Tim talk about his dinner with Lina and meeting the rest of his family via Skype, Pete marveled at how well his friend was handling the many changes in his life in the two short months since he'd left his old team and the States. First he spent that month in England, his first trip outside the U.S. as an adult, with his successful project and making new friends before he traveled here to them. Pete reflected again that Timothy McGee was one of the strongest people he'd ever met. He wouldn't wish his bad experiences on anyone, but he was grateful that Tim had landed here with them. He'd still been a little shy when he got here but his self-confidence was growing stronger each day. He hoped that trend would continue. As he looked around, he wondered where Lina was.
Within a few minutes, Eva, Caleb and Tea had joined them and they relaxed together for a few minutes. When the band swung into its second or third piece, Tim recognized the song as one he could dance to without embarrassing himself. He reached out to Tea, "Tea, would you like to dance?" She smiled, "Yes, I would like that, Tim!" The two of them left the table and after exchanging puzzled glances, Pete and Trina followed. Matt had spotted a young woman he'd danced with at the last Embassy party and decided she would be a good first dance partner. While he wasn't interested in women, he did enjoy dancing. The young woman also remembered him and was happy to partner with him.
When Tim and Tea returned to the table, he found the others watching him a little carefully. "What? Why are you all looking at me like that?"
Trina patted him on the hand, "Timothy, we know Lina has her own invitation, we're wondering where she is!"
Tim sighed. "She got sick at work today, she's home asleep."
Pete shook his head, "Sorry to hear that."
Tim huffed, "I should have realized you would know! I'm sorry she's sick too, that's never fun, but we'll have plenty more opportunities for parties and dancing."
The next time Tim danced, it was with someone Trina spotted. The woman was sitting on a chair in the ballroom watching the dancers, her feet tapping in time to the music. Tim nodded, approached her and asked her to dance. The woman's face lit up as they took to the floor. The tune was a lively one but Tim was relaxed enough that he didn't over-think his moves and enjoyed the dance. Bowing to his partner at the end, he escorted her back to a table where her late-arriving friends awaited her.
When the band finally played a slow dance tune, the couples took to the floor while Tea, Tim and Matt held the table. After that one, they played a waltz and that cut the dance crowd down even more. Tim watched the remaining dancers, in awe of their grace and agility. He'd only seen the waltz performed on TV, never in person. Although he was having a good time, he couldn't help but think how much more exciting and fun it would have been if Lina were here, in his arms as they whirled around the dance floor. The variety of colors of the women's dresses made him wonder what Lina's dress looked like and he resolved to follow through with Sarah's suggestion.
The rest of the evening passed quickly. Tim and Matt found several women without dance partners and enjoyed themselves. The group mixed up their partners so that everyone had a chance to dance. By 12:30 AM, the party was thinning out and when Pete and Trina stood to leave, the others decided they would too. Tim was tired but knew he probably wouldn't sleep for a few hours, especially knowing he could sleep in on Sunday. He hoped he would sleep past 0600 anyway. He mentioned it to the others on the way home and they sympathized, Kim and Matt remembering how hard it had been to leave their families, and thinking that Tim had only known his for a week.
When Tim got home, he hung up his tux and decided that as fun as the dancing had been, it had been a little warm and his tux now needed a cleaning. He shrugged; he'd deal with that on Monday. As he'd thought, he was tired but not sleepy. As he opened his laptop, he laughed at himself for being so predictable. He pinged Ducky and was gratified when the older man answered.
"Timothy, how wonderful to hear from you. Was tonight your fancy ball?"
"Yes, Ducky it was, I just got home and I'm too wound up to sleep yet! Then I realized we hadn't had a chance to catch up since Tuesday's stuff."
"That's right, lad. Did you have fun? I never heard whether Lina would be allowed to go with you." Tim explained what had happened. "Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that. And that probably means you won't see her tomorrow either. A shame, dear boy."
Tim nodded. "Yes, but we had a great time Friday night. We had dinner aboard the Baton Rouge with my godfather and uncle."
"Wonderful! Now I know you saw your uncle Tuesday evening, did you also have a chance to see your godfather as planned?"
"Yes, I got to see them both a few times during the week, well part of it was because they had a case aboard ship and the Agent Afloat called us in to help." Tim filled Ducky in on the case, including the man's Nazi past and the service for the slain sailor. "And around all that, I had lunch with Uncle Dave on Thursday and then dinner with them both Thursday night. That was after I found out about Abby, I was so glad they were here with me."
"I'm relieved to hear you weren't alone, Timothy, although I envisioned Pete and your co-workers helping you through that first shock."
"Oh they did and if the uncles hadn't been there, they would have helped, I know that."
"And then you had dinner with them again on Friday night."
"Yes, with Lina. And we got to meet the rest of the Hubbard and Crane clan via Skype."
"Did you say Hubbard?"
"Yes, my mother's family. And Liz and David Crane are my godparents. He's the Admiral on the Baton Rouge; my Uncle Jim – Jim Hubbard – is the Captain."
"Well, I suppose it is a common enough name; I had a close friend during my time in London by the name of Hubbard. So tell me about the rest of the family."
"I have two grandmothers, an aunt - Jim's wife, two young cousins and my godmother."
"And you met them all via Skype?"
"Yep. It was a little confusing but it was fun and now we all know what we look like!"
"Splendid! Now tell me, aside from her unfortunate illness, how have things gone with Lina this week?"
Tim grinned and filled him in on their time together, including the close call with the kiwi. When he finished he asked Ducky what was new with him and how Gibbs' week had gone after his return to work Wednesday. "I think they're starting to gel. Agent Barnes is a former Marine herself so Jethro is more comfortable with her than he might be otherwise. And Ned Dorneget is doing well. I believe Gibbs requested they be put on rotation beginning Monday."
"Wow, that's good!"
"Yes, the Director is pleased. You know he will be watching quite closely and will be meeting individually with each team member for the first few months."
"I didn't know that. That's going to be tough to do with their schedules."
"I imagine if all goes well perhaps he'll revisit that, but I haven't suggested that to Jethro. He does not seem to be bothered by it."
"That's good. You still haven't told me what's new with you."
"Oh lad, not too much. I'm still enjoying my bridge club on Tuesdays and my Pilates class on Thursdays. There's a new walking trail that's opened near my home so I've used that now and then. And work of course, and waiting for my grandchild!"
"Any word on that?"
"Well, I'm not sure I should say but I will. Jimmy and Breena met with a young woman the other day, they're hoping to become the adoptive parents of her child."
"How far along is she?"
"Nearly 6 months."
"How did they do, did she like them, did they like her?"
"So far, yes, they believe they made a good impression and they liked her as well. We can only wait and see."
"That must be difficult."
"Yes, it seems that it is. I just hope they are able to adopt soon. I'm not getting any younger and I would like to play an active part in the life of my grandchild."
"Ducky, I know Tony, Ziva and I aren't your grandchildren, but you've been a big part of our lives."
"Thank you dear boy."
"Have you heard from Tony?"
"Yes, I had a good chat with him last weekend. He's doing better, he seems a little more accepting of things and not struggling so much to fit in."
Tim thought of the irony of Tony struggling to fit in when he'd been one of the ones who'd refused to allow Tim to fit in. The phrase "payback's a bitch" kept drifting through his head. Realizing that bringing up the subject of Tony was still a thorny issue for him he changed the subject and told Ducky a little more about the dancing that evening.
"Did you learn how to waltz when you were a young man, Ducky?"
"Oh heavens no. I did learn, but that was later. I was in Kenya of all places and someone decided to hold a dance and we doctors were told we should know how to waltz. Now, there were 8 physicians in our group and only 2 of those were women – and none of us knew the first thing about the waltz. Someone found a record album that walked us through the steps, it also had an illustrated guide that went with the album and that is how I learned how to waltz. The tricky part was that with just 2 women, we men practiced not just with them but with each other and of course had to choose who would lead and then the other man would have to figure out how to not lead! When we got to the party, we found we were the only ones who knew how to waltz and the hosts were quite impressed with our very clumsy movements."
Tim laughed, "I wish I could see a video of that!"
"I have an 8mm movie reel of it, if you promise not to tell anyone I'll show it to you when I see you next."
"I promise and I can't wait. Is there any chance of you extending your annual vacation to Scotland to include a week or four in Greece? You'd stay with me, of course and you can drive my car, so your only cost would be the flight."
"That sounds wonderful, Timothy. I would love to plan for that! Shall we wait until after the New Year to figure out when would be the best time?"
"Sure, that sounds good!" Tim yawned, his day – and week – finally catching up with him.
"I heard that young man, you'd best get some sleep and maybe try resting tomorrow, hmm?"
"I will Ducky, promise, especially since I won't be able to see Lina."
"Do check with her in the morning, lad, it may be a 24 bug and she'll be feeling better."
"That would be good, but still, she'd need to take it easy." He made a valiant effort to swallow another yawn and Ducky chuckled. "All right, that's enough. Off to bed with you, my boy."
Tim nodded, "Yes, you're right. Good night, Ducky."
"Good night Timothy, pleasant dreams." They disconnected and Tim finished his nightly routine and never remembered climbing into bed.
