An:

'I did not realize that you could sign Sara' Kath Grissom explained as soon as she regained her senses.

'I assume my son did not know either!' Kath glanced over at Grissom the look of bewilderment still marring his features.

"S-S-Sara, when?"

Sara continued to sign even though Grissom had spoken his question. 'Remember the case at the deaf school. You were so understanding, I found it amazing when you were signing. You were so dedicated to that case. I didn't know why. I wanted to be a part of that, it was obviously important to you.'

"You learned to sign?" Again his question was verbalized.

'You were disappointed in me, in all of us. We didn't understand something that was clearly important to you. I didn't like that feeling, so I did something about it.'

'Where?'

'Henderson Community College, on Tuesday mornings. I'm still learning so no big words if you don't mind, Imagine you are talking to a four year old.'

'It would seem that my son's vocabulary has descended to that of a four year old.' Kath and Sara both shared a laugh at Grissom's expense as he still attempted to come to terms with this new revelation.'

They all finished their meals off with little chat, although the beaming smile on Kath's face showed that she was not upset at this. Grissom excused himself to spoon out dessert and Kath took the opportunity to speak with Sara alone, now that she knew she could.

'How did you meet my son?'

'At Harvard. He came up to do a lecture series, first on forensics, then criminalistics, lastly forensic entomology. He inspired me to do this. He talked to me about my aspirations for the future, how I could use my physics training to assist in solving crimes.'

'You met at college.'

'Yeah, he is a great teacher. I don't know why he stopped.'

Kath was again grinning unmistakably 'I think that I do.'

After a short pause Sara couldn't resist throwing a questioning glance at Kath.

'Oh no my dear, I think that is for my son to explain.'

At that moment Grissom returned to the table with their dessert. Kath and Sara continued to chat about Tamales Bay occasionally trying to bring Grissom into the conversation, he on the other hand seemed content to allow the two women in his life to chat together as he looked on.

As it was approaching eight-thirty Sara decided to head home to gather her things for work. After she said her goodbyes to Kath, which included a series of tight hugs, Grissom proceeded to walk Sara to her car as Kath closed the door over to give them what she hoped was some semblance of privacy.

"Thank-you for coming over tonight."

"It's ok; you make it sound like a chore. I had a nice time."

"I'm glad."

"I think your mom might even like me."

"I'm certain that she does, and she has excellent taste."

"I think I just heard a complement in there somewhere."

"You did?" He asked in a humorously faux shocked voice.

"I'll see you in work."

As he headed back inside his thought were swimming. Where did they go from here? Did she think tonight was as perfect as he did? She can sign? This was too much.

'How do you think it went?' Kath Grissom asked with a clearly pleased expression. Grissom took a while to answer as he reeled his thoughts back in.

'Good, yeah it was nice.'

'She is pretty special!'

"Yes.'

'She said that she met you when she was at college!'

'...yeah she was at Harvard.' Grissom still seemed distracted.

'Was she one of the ones with a hangover, or a crush on the teacher?'

Grissom immediately snapped out of his reverie. 'Mother... What are you insinuating?'

'I can see how it would be hard to maintain values as a teacher if Sara is the student.'

'Mom.. you can't say things like that.'

'How long?'

'How long what?'

'Have you loved her?'

'Mom...'

'You are my son, I love you, and I know you better than anyone. My son is in love, and I would guess that he has been for a long time. You have kept a photograph of her for a few years, but this...it probably goes back long before that.'

'Mom things are complex.'

'You love Sara, Sara loves you. You have yet to give me a compelling reason why you can't be with her.'

'Things with Sara aren't what they were. She may have felt something for me once, but now...she is over what she may have felt.'

'GIL, don't be so ridiculous. Were you here tonight? That girl is crazy about YOU. She learned to sign because she didn't want to disappoint you. She didn't come here tonight to have dinner with me. She loves you Gil. Do something before she gives up on you.'