Chapter 8: Together
It's been a week since Tasha and the team returned from Croatia. She kept her promise early and stayed at Reade's apartment. They are starting to settle into a routine. Reade has discovered that Tasha is not a morning person, especially on the weekends. He went out to buy a coffeemaker for her because she's a bit difficult on any day until she's had that first cup.
At the same time Tasha has discovered that Reade IS a morning person. He is too chipper, too early for her. And he's super slow getting ready for work. To compromise they share morning bathroom time whenever possible. Shared shower time is reserved for the weekends because there's no doubt they would be late everyday due to that "distraction".
Reade is concerned that Zapata hasn't heard more concrete details about the deep cover op. Reade did have a follow up conversation with Keaton regarding their "agreement" and his attitude towards Tasha now that he knows about the op. Tasha, on the other hand, hasn't said much because she'd rather not think about being away from Reade. It is becoming obvious to both of them that the more time they spend together, the more they are seriously falling deeper in love. Their favorite conversation is why they waited so long to give in to their feelings. Their second topic of conversation is how and when to tell the team about their relationship.
When Reade told Tasha that Patterson had already figured out they were together she wasn't surprised. She wanted to tell the whole team as soon possible, but certainly before she infiltrates HCI Global. Usually her commitment phobia gets in the way. But not this time. She doesn't want Reade to carry the burden of her op without support. She's beginning to see that she has a team and working alone is not always best. So tomorrow Reade will invite the team over Friday to celebrate them and the limited success of the Croatia mission.
The next morning at work Reade was about to ask Patterson to gather everyone at her lab to invite them over. Before he could do that Kurt and Jane walked into his office to share some information they had learned about Hank Crawford. When they were done Reade took the opportunity to tell them about the gathering at his apartment. "No offense Reade, but our apartment can accommodate the entire team and it's no trouble at all", Jane said as a counteroffer. Kurt agreed and said that Bethany, his 4 year-old daughter, would also be there which was a good reason to host the team. It made sense and Reade agreed provided they allowed him to bring all the refreshments and food. Everyone will be there by 7 pm. Reade found Tasha in the locker room and told her the change in plans. He then asked the team to meet in Conference Room. He invited them to his celebration hosted by the Wellers. Rich joked by asking if they could bring a plus one, and if Reade's date would be Tasha. Reade was extra careful not to look at Tasha but saw Patterson glare at Rich. He simply said, "Rich, I'm engaged, remember? Bring whoever you want. See you Friday." Reade suspected that Patterson already said something to Rich about their budding relationship because they were close and he is rather nosey.
Later that evening Reade and Tasha were eating dinner and laughing about Rich's attempt at making them feel uncomfortable again. "We're going to blow their minds when we walk in hand-in-hand, Tasha said with a mischievous grin. "So you're ok with PDA now Tasha?", was Reade's reply. He loves this "new" Tasha Zapata and she amazes him every day. "With you, yes I am", she said as she smiled and touched his face. "What about the op?", Reade continued. "Do we tell them about that too?" "Reade I don't want you concerned about me with no one to support you. Yes, we should tell them." Reade could see that Tasha was changing, putting her trust in him and the team. He wondered if he should tell her about his "arrangement" with Keaton. For the moment he decided to say nothing. His super spy, the love of his life, would not willingly share the rough parts of the mission if she thought it would upset him. He was hoping he would not come to regret this decision and lose her trust.
Friday finally arrived. Reade left work early to buy food, beer and ice and drop it off at the Wellers. Tasha volunteered to help but Reade didn't want to possibly ruin the surprise. He couldn't wait to see their faces. Little Bethany kept asking "uncle Reade" why he was smiling so much. He just said he was happy it was the weekend and he could spend time with his favorite niece. He laughed as he walked to his car. Tonight will be a big step for he and Tasha, and for the team.
When he came home Tasha was getting dressed. "Hey gorgeous!", Reade said as he walked through the apartment door. He still couldn't believe she was there and they were finally together. "Hey handsome", Tasha replied with a wide smile that completely melted Reade as it always does. "Are you ready for tonight?", she asked. "Yeah, I've been waiting for this since I met you all those years ago when we first started at the FBI." "Edger Reade, did you really know that we would be together back then?" "Tasha I have always believed that love would find a way for us, although we were both so stubborn." She just laughed and hugged him tight. She never thought they would overcome the obstacles that kept them apart for so long. She pulled back to look at him and said, "Whatever is in front of us, we'll get through it together." They just stood there for a while looking at each other.
The two lovebirds decided to have a little fun with the team especially, Rich. Because it was Reade's celebration of the team, he arrived first to help with the set up. Rich and Patterson arrived next and Tasha was the last to show. She actually dropped off Reade and ran a few errands before coming back. When Tasha walked in Rich, who just couldn't help himself, said, "I guess I was wrong." "About what Rich?" Tasha asked as she walked over and hugged the Wellers, Bethany, and Patterson. Then she walked up to Reade and kissed his lips and said, "I missed you."
Jane and Kurt said in unison, "Wait, what?!" They were completely caught off guard. Rich and Patterson smirked but remained silent. Reade replied, "I think we should talk. Does anyone need another drink?" Kurt looked at Reade and said, "Fill me up, and what the hell is going on here?" Rich, in his usual fashion said, "Isn't it obvious?" "Shut up Rich. This isn't your story to tell", Patterson said as she punched him hard in the shoulder. Reade then spoke. "You guys have joked about me and Zapata figuring this out for years. You've asked if we were blind or stubborn. Well, we were both and…now we're figuring this out. Yes, we are together." "Finally", added Tasha. "I finally found the courage to tell him that I love him", she said as she looked at Patterson, who gave her a weak smile. Jane spoke up, "Yeah, but you are, or were engaged Reade. What did you do with Megan?"
Reade explained that he told Meg about his undeniable feelings for Tasha after their bar exchange. She wasn't surprised and left immediately after that. "I felt bad for Meg", Tasha said looking down at her hands. "But I couldn't be Reade's Best Man and I was tired of lying to myself." Rich stood up, raised his glass and said, "Listen. I liked Meg but you two were made for each other. I hope she'll be ok but I love that you are together. Let me be the first to say congratulations!" Patterson, who had been quiet the whole time said, "Tasha, I know that you were just doing your job with Borden. I'm not over it yet, but I will be. I'm so happy for you and Reade. I've encouraged you so many times to tell him how you felt, and just when I'm most upset with you, you've made me the happiest I've been in years! She walked over and gave Tasha a big hug as they both wiped away tears.
The team continued to celebrate Tasha and Reade and the fact that they were truly a team again. As they sat around and talked, everyone was amazed at how smart and thoughtful little Bethany had become. As Reade and Tasha watched Patterson with her, he leaned in and said, "Do you ever see yourself as a mom someday?" Tasha smiled and replied, "Stop reading my mind Edgar Reade." They both smiled because they were thinking about their future together.
As the evening moved on, Reade got the team's attention again. "Guys, there's one more thing we need to share with you." "When's the baby due?", Rich asked. When the team glared at him, he said, "Sorry. Now is not the time for jokes." "You're right Rich", was Reade's response. "Please let me finish. This is serious." With that all eyes were on him as he continued, "Tasha has accepted an undercover assignment that could take her away from the team for a while and it could be dangerous." "What is it?", Patterson interrupted, looking worried. "It involves infiltrating HCI Global", Tasha replied. "My mission is to gain Blake Crawford's trust, especially if something happens to her father. I will then learn all the company secrets and destroy it from within. " "What would happen to Hank Crawford?", Kurt asked. "For one…", Jane spoke up, "Roman might try to take him out. There's something between them that I can't figure out." Reade then said, "Regardless, Tasha is going undercover and she needs our help. But…Keaton is unaware that we know all this." Jane perked up and said, "Oh this should be fun!" She has no love for Jake Keaton after he tortured her in a CIA black site for three months. She knew Keaton was capable of anything. Rich was listening to all this with an understanding that Tasha and Reade have just started their relationship. Although he clowns around a lot, he really cares about this team. He spoke up again and said, "Wait a minute. You two just got together. Tasha, do you really want to take this mission? It sounds very dangerous and you'll be away from Reade…and us. And did I say it is dangerous?"
"I'm sure it will be dangerous", Tasha said as she got up and hugged Rich. "You never cease to amaze me Rich Dot Com." "There is something more dangerous about what Hank Crawford is trying to do. He wants so build a global army on the backs of innocent orphaned children. He says it's about peace but he just wants to rule the world. I won't let that happen without a fight." Reade hugged his super spy and said, "I'm concerned about Tasha's safety too, but I love this woman's courage and I'm going to support her 100 percent and I hope you will too." She just looked up at him. He melted her heart again. "We are all in this together", Jane said. And then they all stood up and made a toast that Kurt started: "Together!" and Patterson joined in, "To family!".
The team continued to talk about the undercover mission and decided that they would do what they do best: develop a plan to bring down Hank Crawford and HCI Global, and to keep Tasha safe while they do that. Tasha looked at her team and her man. She was done being a loner who won't accept help from anyone. She has them and she's never felt this much love and support except from Reade. Now, she has a family to count on. Her family.