Chapter 11
[moggie note: This here story was gsrfan's idea. She emailed the yahoo group to find someone to write it, but I only agreed to write this story if she did it too. We each write half a chapter and put both parts together to make one chapter. The outcome of this team work is this story that you all seem to enjoy reading. Basically, she needs some reassurance that this story is being read and reviewed. Plus shy grin I'm feeling guilty for not putting a note in the last chapter and mentioning gsrfan. Sorry bud, hangs head won't happen again.]
"How can people willingly put themselves through this," Sara sighed, as she lay on the floor of the sauna with Allison, they were supposedly pampering themselves in preparation for tonight's big party.
"It's supposed to be relaxing." Allison reassured her, "just give yourself a minute to get used to it."
"Relaxing." Sara laughed. "This is torture."
"I thought you were used to the heat." Allison queried.
"No, I'm used to the cool air conditioned labs at the lab." Sara explained.
"Lab? I thought you and Gil were in law enforcement." said the other woman, clearly puzzled.
"We are." Sara quickly recovered. She hadn't realized her mistake until it was too late, "But a lot of the time I have to work with the crime lab guys, you know how it is, you can never get the staff."
-Thank god Grissom isn't here, if he had seen that lapse, he would have had a heart attack-
"Oh right, you two make such the perfect couple. I've never seen two people as happy."
-Try telling Grissom that- Sara thought. "Thanks, people say that all the time." She lied. "I wonder what the boys are doing right now."
"Oh, I have a pretty good idea." Allison grinned.
Little did she know that her idea was absolutely correct. At that precise moment, their better halves were sitting in the bar. She knew Sean could never resist, he was supposed to be getting ready for tonight, but he never understood why women thought that it took all afternoon to do that.
"Hey Gil, you want another?" he asked, noticing Grissom had been staring at his beer bottle for the last ten minutes.
"Huh, oh, no thanks. Sorry, I don't seem to be able to concentrate."
"You okay, you seem a little out of it?"
"I'm okay, I'm just a little pre-occupied today."
-More like nervous as hell. Tonight is going to be so.... so.... damn I can't even explain it to myself-
"It's just newlywed jitters. Everyone gets them. You're not used to being married, but it'll come to you." Sean explained.
"Yeah, you're absolutely right, that's what it is." Grissom said through gritted teeth.
"So, I wonder if the girls have picked out their dresses yet." Sean thought aloud.
Grissom became more interested in the conversation at this point. -Sara in a dress- That was a sight that he would pay to see.
"You know what women are like, they can never make up their minds." Grissom laughed, trying to push images of Sara from his mind unsuccessfully.
"Do I have to wear a dress?" Sara complained. "I'd much rather have a suit or something."
"No you can not wear a suit Sara. Come on, we're going to find you the best dress you've ever seen. Gil won't know what's hit him."
At that thought, Sara brightened. Shocking Grissom would be worth wearing a dress.
"Okay, I am your prisoner, do with me as you will." Sara joked.
"Excellent!" Allison beamed, "Lets go."
"What could possibly take so long?" Sean wondered, they had been waiting for at least half an hour.
"I don't know what your wife is up to, but Sara is usually never late." Grissom offered.
-What can she be doing?- Just as that thought entered his mind, his answer walked into the room.
At the top of the staircase stood the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, she was wearing a pale blue dress that flowed down to her feet and had delicate straps resting on her shoulders. Her hair was curled and up in a style that Grissom could only describe as enchanting.
Sara entered the room and looked around for the guys, she couldn't see Grissom staring at her from the corner until Allison nudged her and pointed them out. Sara was taken aback, she'd seen him in a suit many times, but this time it was different, she couldn't explain why.
She smiled one of her famous smiles and made her way down the stairs towards them.
"Wow, you girls look great." Sean complimented them, "I take back everything I was thinking."
"Sara, you look, um, you look great." Grissom stuttered.
-Great job genius, that won't make them think you've never seen her like this before-
"Thank you, you look great as usual." Sara said taking his hand. "Shall we?" she asked, gesturing towards the restaurant, "We want to get a good table." she added, winking slightly at Grissom.
Taking the hint, it meant only one thing, one with a view of the suspect.
"Good idea honey, let's go."
-Honey? Man does he like that word!- Sara smiled. -Not that I'm complaining-
For the first time since they had been there, Sara felt completely at peace with the way they were acting as they walked hand in hand to the restaurant, she only hoped that Grissom felt so too.
Music from the band had caught the interest of many couples and they were currently dancing to the numerous slow songs that sang about love and life. The tables were organised in a semi-circle, surrounding the dance floor and band so those who still sat at their tables could watch and listen.
The lights were bright, showing the whole room as the waiters and waitresses served food and drinks, but as they suddenly dimmed and candles were lit, it occurred to one particular couple that it was dark outside and the evening had progress rather quickly with many talks about work with minor touches of personal information.
"Sean?" Allison smiled at her husband as the music changed to play what seemed to Grissom and Sara as a favourite for them as they watched them leave the table for the umpteenth time to dance.
Sara spied on them and sighed inwardly. -Well, perhaps when I do get married that I'm as happy as they are- She dropped her gaze to the man beside her, but quickly drew them away and played with her spoon as she stirred her coffee. -He hasn't looked at me for a whole 20 minutes- She chanced another look, but he still had his head turned in conversation with doctor Jenkins. -Must have stepped over the mark about something. I knew I shouldn't have bothered sprucing up. I could be in the hotel room reading-
Grissom's stomach turned when he felt Sara's hand fall from it's resting place on his. His in depth conversation with the suspect had drawn him into work mode and he'd forgotten about Sara.
-This is work. We have to get information- He argued with himself. -She can't turn this personal. It's work. It's a case-
She looked up as the suspect left the table and walked towards a couple on the other side of the room. -I suppose it's time for the third degree again-
"I'm sorry." She spoke before he had a chance to.
He sighed and pushed his empty coffee cup and saucer away. "Sara."
She laughed lightly, but there was no amusement there. "No, you were right. I can't help it. I keep making it personal. I'll try harder. I promise." She pushed her chair back to stand.
Grissom's head snapped up. "Where are you going?"
Sara shrugged and stood. "I think I'll go. I'll see you later."
-What!? Oh no. I blew it- Thinking fast, Grissom looked over at Allison and Sean before eyeing the band. "Do want to dance?" He asked her suddenly, before turning to her standing form.
"It's ok. We don't have to. I know this is uncomfortable for you. I'll leave you to, you know." She smiled hesitantly and turned to walk away.
-I don't know what has happened to us, but I can't keep doing this- She thought sadly as she took a few steps away.
Allison and Sean returned to the table to see Grissom sitting alone. "What happened? Where's Sara?" Allison asked, looking around.
"Oh, erm..." Grissom sighed and rubbed his hands together. "I..." He sighed and stood. "I'll be right back." He smiled nervously and rushed after Sara.
-This better work or I could be sporting a pretty good black eye by morning- He looked around and caught her hand before she could step out the room.
"Sara, come back to the table." He said gently, squeezing her hand and pulling on it slightly.
-Please Sara- He pleaded, waiting for her to respond.
-Why is he making this harder?- She asked herself as she turned back and sighed. "Grissom-I."
-Ok, I can do this- He smiled and tilted his head in that charming way Sara loved. "Would you dance with me? Please."
She stared at him for a long time. Only when the current song ended did she nodded and allow him to lead her back through the tables and towards the dance floor.
Sean grinned and leaned into his wife's side. "They're coming back." He whispered.
Allison looked up as Grissom lead Sara over to the dance floor just as a slow song started to play. "I wonder what happened?" She asked her husband, but smiled and shook her head. "Doesn't matter. As long as everything is ok now."
Finding a spot on the smooth wood, Grissom turned and gently pulled on Sara's hand. She instinctively placed her hand on his shoulder and adjusted her other hand with his. She kept a strictly friendly distance as they started to dance. More than surprise flickered through her eyes as he closed the space and pulled her a little tighter, bringing their chests together.
-It's work, it's not real. He'd never do this if he had the choice. It was all for show- She kept telling herself as she stared at his shoulder, avoiding any contact with his eyes. She knew that this was going to be awkward later even if it was an innocent gesture.
-How am I going to survive this when we go back to the lab, back to real life? What will the others think?- So many questions and all came to a bad conclusion. He would never change, not for her. He doesn't care for her that way. She knows it's an act. -But, I wish I could never forget this moment or the other moments we've shared over the past few days-
"What are you thinking?" He asked her, his breath bouncing off her cheekbone.
Looking at him briefly, she plastered on a fake smile. "Oh, nothing really. Just thinking."
Grissom nodded silently and guided her around the dance floor.
-I knew this would happen- He thought sadly. -What was Jim thinking volunteering us? We don't do this. It's not what we do. We're scientists, not bait-
Grissom let his hand slip over the soft material of her dress as his fingers lightly started to feel the fabric under his touch. -This whole, thing, has wrecked everything. How can I go back to my lonely life after sharing so much with her?- He had to think about what they had shared. It wasn't truths, he was still scared of the outcome to that conversation. They had shared brief kisses, touches, albeit holding hands and hugs, but it was special to him. -Was it to her? Does she still feel something for me?-
As the song came to an end, the dance floor came to a stop. Some left to head back to their seats, some stayed and some joined them.
-I'm glad he danced with me. He doesn't know how much it means to me when he holds me, even it it's an act- Sara smiled hesitantly at him as she pulled away, but it faltered when he pulled her back to him as the music started up again.
"Griss-" She whispered his name and stared into his eyes.
He slipped his arm tighter around her waist and pulled her to him. "One more." He said softly. -Don't let this end Sara. Please let our connection still be here- He kept his eyes on hers as they began dancing again.
Sara pushed the thoughts and feelings of his actions being genuine, deep down, saving them for when she was alone. She could enjoy him alone, where he couldn't break the spell and run her hopes away with the distance he likes so much between them.
Moving her hand from his, she lightly placed it on his shoulder and let her eyes break from his and stare at the collar of his jacket. -I bet he doesn't feel that way anymore- She thought sadly, her chest tightening with the upset questions floating around her mind. -Maybe I should just forget everything that's happened when this case comes to an end. He'd do the same anyway. He wasn't into change-
Grissom watched her face closely, studying every inch as her eyes focused on anything but him. He leaned his head forward and closed his eyes as he kissed her cheek.
-Huh?- Sara looked at him as he pulled back. She watched his eyes open slowly. "What was that for?" She asked him, wondering what was going on.
He smiled and turned them slowly. "I want to kiss you."
-Uh oh- His mind stuttered. -I was thinking that, not suppose to say that- He argued pettily with himself.
Sara stared at him for a long time. -He wants to kiss me? It's nothing- She smiled shyly at him. -It's all an act.- She told herself.
Grissom's smile faded slightly as he looked at her. -But I do want to kiss her- He told himself.
Allison nudged Sean's arm and pointed to the couple kissing. "Looks like they made up."
~*^*TBC*^*~
[moggie note: This here story was gsrfan's idea. She emailed the yahoo group to find someone to write it, but I only agreed to write this story if she did it too. We each write half a chapter and put both parts together to make one chapter. The outcome of this team work is this story that you all seem to enjoy reading. Basically, she needs some reassurance that this story is being read and reviewed. Plus shy grin I'm feeling guilty for not putting a note in the last chapter and mentioning gsrfan. Sorry bud, hangs head won't happen again.]
"How can people willingly put themselves through this," Sara sighed, as she lay on the floor of the sauna with Allison, they were supposedly pampering themselves in preparation for tonight's big party.
"It's supposed to be relaxing." Allison reassured her, "just give yourself a minute to get used to it."
"Relaxing." Sara laughed. "This is torture."
"I thought you were used to the heat." Allison queried.
"No, I'm used to the cool air conditioned labs at the lab." Sara explained.
"Lab? I thought you and Gil were in law enforcement." said the other woman, clearly puzzled.
"We are." Sara quickly recovered. She hadn't realized her mistake until it was too late, "But a lot of the time I have to work with the crime lab guys, you know how it is, you can never get the staff."
-Thank god Grissom isn't here, if he had seen that lapse, he would have had a heart attack-
"Oh right, you two make such the perfect couple. I've never seen two people as happy."
-Try telling Grissom that- Sara thought. "Thanks, people say that all the time." She lied. "I wonder what the boys are doing right now."
"Oh, I have a pretty good idea." Allison grinned.
Little did she know that her idea was absolutely correct. At that precise moment, their better halves were sitting in the bar. She knew Sean could never resist, he was supposed to be getting ready for tonight, but he never understood why women thought that it took all afternoon to do that.
"Hey Gil, you want another?" he asked, noticing Grissom had been staring at his beer bottle for the last ten minutes.
"Huh, oh, no thanks. Sorry, I don't seem to be able to concentrate."
"You okay, you seem a little out of it?"
"I'm okay, I'm just a little pre-occupied today."
-More like nervous as hell. Tonight is going to be so.... so.... damn I can't even explain it to myself-
"It's just newlywed jitters. Everyone gets them. You're not used to being married, but it'll come to you." Sean explained.
"Yeah, you're absolutely right, that's what it is." Grissom said through gritted teeth.
"So, I wonder if the girls have picked out their dresses yet." Sean thought aloud.
Grissom became more interested in the conversation at this point. -Sara in a dress- That was a sight that he would pay to see.
"You know what women are like, they can never make up their minds." Grissom laughed, trying to push images of Sara from his mind unsuccessfully.
"Do I have to wear a dress?" Sara complained. "I'd much rather have a suit or something."
"No you can not wear a suit Sara. Come on, we're going to find you the best dress you've ever seen. Gil won't know what's hit him."
At that thought, Sara brightened. Shocking Grissom would be worth wearing a dress.
"Okay, I am your prisoner, do with me as you will." Sara joked.
"Excellent!" Allison beamed, "Lets go."
"What could possibly take so long?" Sean wondered, they had been waiting for at least half an hour.
"I don't know what your wife is up to, but Sara is usually never late." Grissom offered.
-What can she be doing?- Just as that thought entered his mind, his answer walked into the room.
At the top of the staircase stood the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, she was wearing a pale blue dress that flowed down to her feet and had delicate straps resting on her shoulders. Her hair was curled and up in a style that Grissom could only describe as enchanting.
Sara entered the room and looked around for the guys, she couldn't see Grissom staring at her from the corner until Allison nudged her and pointed them out. Sara was taken aback, she'd seen him in a suit many times, but this time it was different, she couldn't explain why.
She smiled one of her famous smiles and made her way down the stairs towards them.
"Wow, you girls look great." Sean complimented them, "I take back everything I was thinking."
"Sara, you look, um, you look great." Grissom stuttered.
-Great job genius, that won't make them think you've never seen her like this before-
"Thank you, you look great as usual." Sara said taking his hand. "Shall we?" she asked, gesturing towards the restaurant, "We want to get a good table." she added, winking slightly at Grissom.
Taking the hint, it meant only one thing, one with a view of the suspect.
"Good idea honey, let's go."
-Honey? Man does he like that word!- Sara smiled. -Not that I'm complaining-
For the first time since they had been there, Sara felt completely at peace with the way they were acting as they walked hand in hand to the restaurant, she only hoped that Grissom felt so too.
Music from the band had caught the interest of many couples and they were currently dancing to the numerous slow songs that sang about love and life. The tables were organised in a semi-circle, surrounding the dance floor and band so those who still sat at their tables could watch and listen.
The lights were bright, showing the whole room as the waiters and waitresses served food and drinks, but as they suddenly dimmed and candles were lit, it occurred to one particular couple that it was dark outside and the evening had progress rather quickly with many talks about work with minor touches of personal information.
"Sean?" Allison smiled at her husband as the music changed to play what seemed to Grissom and Sara as a favourite for them as they watched them leave the table for the umpteenth time to dance.
Sara spied on them and sighed inwardly. -Well, perhaps when I do get married that I'm as happy as they are- She dropped her gaze to the man beside her, but quickly drew them away and played with her spoon as she stirred her coffee. -He hasn't looked at me for a whole 20 minutes- She chanced another look, but he still had his head turned in conversation with doctor Jenkins. -Must have stepped over the mark about something. I knew I shouldn't have bothered sprucing up. I could be in the hotel room reading-
Grissom's stomach turned when he felt Sara's hand fall from it's resting place on his. His in depth conversation with the suspect had drawn him into work mode and he'd forgotten about Sara.
-This is work. We have to get information- He argued with himself. -She can't turn this personal. It's work. It's a case-
She looked up as the suspect left the table and walked towards a couple on the other side of the room. -I suppose it's time for the third degree again-
"I'm sorry." She spoke before he had a chance to.
He sighed and pushed his empty coffee cup and saucer away. "Sara."
She laughed lightly, but there was no amusement there. "No, you were right. I can't help it. I keep making it personal. I'll try harder. I promise." She pushed her chair back to stand.
Grissom's head snapped up. "Where are you going?"
Sara shrugged and stood. "I think I'll go. I'll see you later."
-What!? Oh no. I blew it- Thinking fast, Grissom looked over at Allison and Sean before eyeing the band. "Do want to dance?" He asked her suddenly, before turning to her standing form.
"It's ok. We don't have to. I know this is uncomfortable for you. I'll leave you to, you know." She smiled hesitantly and turned to walk away.
-I don't know what has happened to us, but I can't keep doing this- She thought sadly as she took a few steps away.
Allison and Sean returned to the table to see Grissom sitting alone. "What happened? Where's Sara?" Allison asked, looking around.
"Oh, erm..." Grissom sighed and rubbed his hands together. "I..." He sighed and stood. "I'll be right back." He smiled nervously and rushed after Sara.
-This better work or I could be sporting a pretty good black eye by morning- He looked around and caught her hand before she could step out the room.
"Sara, come back to the table." He said gently, squeezing her hand and pulling on it slightly.
-Please Sara- He pleaded, waiting for her to respond.
-Why is he making this harder?- She asked herself as she turned back and sighed. "Grissom-I."
-Ok, I can do this- He smiled and tilted his head in that charming way Sara loved. "Would you dance with me? Please."
She stared at him for a long time. Only when the current song ended did she nodded and allow him to lead her back through the tables and towards the dance floor.
Sean grinned and leaned into his wife's side. "They're coming back." He whispered.
Allison looked up as Grissom lead Sara over to the dance floor just as a slow song started to play. "I wonder what happened?" She asked her husband, but smiled and shook her head. "Doesn't matter. As long as everything is ok now."
Finding a spot on the smooth wood, Grissom turned and gently pulled on Sara's hand. She instinctively placed her hand on his shoulder and adjusted her other hand with his. She kept a strictly friendly distance as they started to dance. More than surprise flickered through her eyes as he closed the space and pulled her a little tighter, bringing their chests together.
-It's work, it's not real. He'd never do this if he had the choice. It was all for show- She kept telling herself as she stared at his shoulder, avoiding any contact with his eyes. She knew that this was going to be awkward later even if it was an innocent gesture.
-How am I going to survive this when we go back to the lab, back to real life? What will the others think?- So many questions and all came to a bad conclusion. He would never change, not for her. He doesn't care for her that way. She knows it's an act. -But, I wish I could never forget this moment or the other moments we've shared over the past few days-
"What are you thinking?" He asked her, his breath bouncing off her cheekbone.
Looking at him briefly, she plastered on a fake smile. "Oh, nothing really. Just thinking."
Grissom nodded silently and guided her around the dance floor.
-I knew this would happen- He thought sadly. -What was Jim thinking volunteering us? We don't do this. It's not what we do. We're scientists, not bait-
Grissom let his hand slip over the soft material of her dress as his fingers lightly started to feel the fabric under his touch. -This whole, thing, has wrecked everything. How can I go back to my lonely life after sharing so much with her?- He had to think about what they had shared. It wasn't truths, he was still scared of the outcome to that conversation. They had shared brief kisses, touches, albeit holding hands and hugs, but it was special to him. -Was it to her? Does she still feel something for me?-
As the song came to an end, the dance floor came to a stop. Some left to head back to their seats, some stayed and some joined them.
-I'm glad he danced with me. He doesn't know how much it means to me when he holds me, even it it's an act- Sara smiled hesitantly at him as she pulled away, but it faltered when he pulled her back to him as the music started up again.
"Griss-" She whispered his name and stared into his eyes.
He slipped his arm tighter around her waist and pulled her to him. "One more." He said softly. -Don't let this end Sara. Please let our connection still be here- He kept his eyes on hers as they began dancing again.
Sara pushed the thoughts and feelings of his actions being genuine, deep down, saving them for when she was alone. She could enjoy him alone, where he couldn't break the spell and run her hopes away with the distance he likes so much between them.
Moving her hand from his, she lightly placed it on his shoulder and let her eyes break from his and stare at the collar of his jacket. -I bet he doesn't feel that way anymore- She thought sadly, her chest tightening with the upset questions floating around her mind. -Maybe I should just forget everything that's happened when this case comes to an end. He'd do the same anyway. He wasn't into change-
Grissom watched her face closely, studying every inch as her eyes focused on anything but him. He leaned his head forward and closed his eyes as he kissed her cheek.
-Huh?- Sara looked at him as he pulled back. She watched his eyes open slowly. "What was that for?" She asked him, wondering what was going on.
He smiled and turned them slowly. "I want to kiss you."
-Uh oh- His mind stuttered. -I was thinking that, not suppose to say that- He argued pettily with himself.
Sara stared at him for a long time. -He wants to kiss me? It's nothing- She smiled shyly at him. -It's all an act.- She told herself.
Grissom's smile faded slightly as he looked at her. -But I do want to kiss her- He told himself.
Allison nudged Sean's arm and pointed to the couple kissing. "Looks like they made up."
~*^*TBC*^*~