Feasibility Study
Written by: Ms Maggs / Edited by: KJT
Chapter 70: Wake Up Calls
August 21, 2005 (Day 121)
The Grissoms'
6:22 a.m.
When the obnoxious sound of Sara's alarm clock jolted the spooning spouses from slumber, Sara groaned, "Please tell me it's not time to wake up." Without moving from her toasty position in the comfort of her husband's arms she pleaded, "It has to be a mistake."
His eyes firmly clamped, Gil muttered, "I don't have my glasses on, so you'll have to read my watch."
With a limp hand she turned his wrist. "Damn." It was true. "It was so much easier to get up for work when I didn't have a personal life." Relenting, she tossed the covers and peeled herself away. "Oh." She grabbed her stomach. "Huh…"
Jarred wide awake by his wife's gasp, Gil bolted up. "What's wrong?"
"Cramps." Dropping her head in her hands, she was overcome with disappointment. "I was so sure…"
Always a logical man, Gil pointed out, "You ate a lot of odd foods right before sleeping, maybe that's it. Because you said it yourself yesterday when you had that bout of spotting, that it was too early, right?"
"No, it's lower than my stomach. I know a menstrual cramp when I feel it, trust me." After sliding out of bed, Sara trudged to the bathroom. "I guess there's only one way to find out."
Crashing back against the sheets Gil exhaled and brought a hand to his forehead, giving it a quick massage. Last night he was 99 percent sure she was pregnant because, as a keen observer of biology, he knew bloated hormonal boobs when he felt them.
Sara's doctor said, because of their combined ages, if things didn't work after four months they could explore other options. Although he had hoped it wouldn't come to that, after seeing Sara's heartbreak he was ready to go for it on this next cycle, because after all, money was no object and her happiness was paramount. Immediately he decided that while Sara was at work, he would research the best places and methods…just like he had done when she needed a therapist. That way, when she arrived home he would be able to give her some immediate hope.
"Nothing there!" Sara flew out of the bathroom and pounced on the bed. "I just remembered, Wendy warned me about false cramping. It's another sign!" Straddling Gil she glowed. "How am I going to be at the lab all day and not test my blood!"
"Don't you dare," Gil sternly warned while a wave of relief washed over him. "I'll report you for gross misuse of County funds. Then you'll lose your job and have to stay home tending to your husband's needs 24/7…hey, on second thought."
Cupping her husband's face Sara leaned in for a kiss.
"I didn't hear you wash your hands." He knew she'd flip.
"Oh!" Jumping off him she hurried back to the bathroom. "Foregoing good hygiene practices indicates exactly how excited I was to tell you my news!"
The dream alive, Gil relaxed in bed. "I didn't think the boobs were lying."
Greg's Apartment
6:28 a.m.
After completing the required W-2G tax document, collecting their $29,832 and celebrating their luck, Greg and Tawny didn't make it home until a little after six a.m.
Still jazzed from the win they found it impossible to sleep, so instead they opted to play Boggle…for real this time. Sitting on the floor at the coffee table the competition began.
Even though he was mentally spent and working on a nasty hangover, Greg had a sneaking suspicion he would win the game. After all, there was no way Tawny was going to let him lose when beating her at Boggle was the first item on his future fantasies list.
When Greg won three minutes later Tawny gleefully strolled over to the desk and grabbed her Algebra notebook. Flipping open to her favorite page she burst into a smile. Since she last checked, he had jotted updates in blue pen…
The Fantasies of Greg Sanders - Summer 2005 Edition:
Meet the woman of my dreams – complete
Fall crazy in love – complete but falling harder all the time
Say 'I love you' to the woman of my dreams – complete but ongoing
Hear the woman of my dreams say 'I love you too'- complete but ongoing
Make love with the woman of my dreams - complete but ongoing all the time (hopefully)
Have the hottest sex of my life - complete but always striving for a new personal best
Get a bigger place to live in with the woman of my dreams
Bring the woman of my dreams to my parents' home in California
Steal and destroy my mother's photo album
Tawny, thank you for making my fantasies realities.
I only have the last three to complete and there's still time.
Much better track record than the summer of '92, don't you think!
The Fantasies of Greg Sanders - Future Edition:
Beat Tawny at Boggle
Beat Grissom at poker
Get engaged
Get married
Become a dad
Be a great dad
Buy a hamster for my kid
Get a really nice house for my family
Have a second baby with my wife ( if it's okay with her)
Take Grissom's job when he retires (and be even better at it than him)
Continue having hot sex and making love with my wife until the day I die
Never stop being quirky and funny no matter how tough my job or life gets
Live every day to its fullest
Live happily ever after with my wife
(I'm sure I'll add more, but I think this is a good start)
I honestly have no idea when any of these things will happen but…
I can't imagine enjoying any of them without you in my life.
I love you, Tawny.
Greg Sanders, Chemist-CSI-Visionary
"Greg!" Ecstatic about the additions, she rushed over and plopped in his lap. "When did you sneak this stuff in here?"
"When you were in the bathroom yesterday." He stole a kiss as he cradled her in his arms and leaned back against the couch. "Which narrows it down to about twenty-five opportunities."
"I know! It's getting worse every day." She remarked in a surprised tone. Grabbing a pen from the coffee table she handed it over. "I believe you have some more fantasy updates to make." Thrilled with the level of progress, she watched him scribble.
Get a bigger place to live in with the woman of my dreams – complete and we can afford furniture too!
Beat Tawny at Boggle – complete (but she let me win)
Laughing at his last remark she confessed, "I guess I should have written more than five words to make it seem like I was trying." Then she realized something horrifying. If he worked each list in the order in which they were written, she was NEVER going to be his fiancée. "How the hell are you EVER going to beat Grissom at poker!" She blurted, hoping she didn't show her cards.
"I don't have to go in order," He assured her, knowing exactly why she was freaking out.
"Oh." Relieved, she jumped up from his lap to return the notebook to the desk. While she was there, the telephone rang and she grabbed it, noting the name on the caller ID. "I think it must be your dad calling from his cell, because it's his name but not your parents' home phone number."
"You have my parents home phone number memorized?"
Walking over she extended the ring phone. "Remember…I'm good with numbers." She giggled, "Oh, and your mom calls me every day to check on the baby."
"Of course." Taking the phone from her hands he cleared his throat and greeted, "Greg Sanders, responsible citizen and vigorous tooth brusher isn't available to take your call right now, he's either a) saving the world or…b) flossing."
"Very funny, Son."
"Oh dad, it's you." He silently laughed with Tawny. "What's up?"
"I know you're probably on your way out the door for work but…"
"No, I have the day off." As soon as he said it he knew in his gut it would come back to bite him in the ass.
"Really?" Scott's elated voice sailed through the phone. "Because I'm in Vegas. I got a call from a colleague in a bind asking if I would sub a presentation at a conference tomorrow morning on the Novum Dental Implant Procedure. I know it's short notice but, I was hoping to stop by and see you and meet Tawny. Your mother can't stop talking about her."
"Uh…" In spite of being up for twenty-four hours, Greg was suddenly wide awake. "Sure. Great. We uh…can't wait to see you today."
Tawny's mouth dropped open as she mouthed…Today! Oh my god! I'm not ready for this! OH! OH!
"How about I swing by around ten, visit for a while and then take you kids out to lunch?"
"Ten?" He glanced up at Tawny and saw her head was about to explode. Frantic, he covered the phone and heatedly whispered, "I have no choice! He knows I'm not working! And if I say no then he'll think I've got something to hide!" After a deep breath he uncovered the phone. "Ten sounds great, Dad."
"See you then. Bye, Son."
When Greg clicked off the phone both he and Tawny started yelling random thoughts. "Ten!" He frantically exclaimed. "We haven't slept in a day!"
"The apartment's a mess!" She shrieked.
"I'm nursing a serious tequila hangover! Do I look like shit!"
"YES! I can't believe he just showed up in town!"
Frustrated, he hung his head. "It's SO like him to pull this kind of stunt. Why didn't my mother warn me! Wait she did leave a voice mail on my cell but I didn't check it. Why didn't I check it? Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"
"Greg!" Tawny finally yelled, attempting to restore some sanity. "We need a plan. I'll clean the kitchen, you clean the living room."
"Okay."
Tawny raced to the kitchen and opened the fridge. "And we'll need to go shopping because all we have to drink is…oh no...I…"
"What is it?" Greg asked while picking up his sneakers from the middle of the living room floor.
"Moldy cheese in the fridge!" Tawny shrieked as she fled to the bathroom. "Morning sickness!"
And as he listened to his secretly pregnant significant other wretch violently, Greg wondered exactly what time in the morning does morning sickness end? Because if it wasn't over by ten, both he and Tawny would look like they had been on all-night benders and that would impress his dad about as much as going a month without flossing. "Sweetie? Feeling better?"
When she answered with another round he took it as a no.
Catherine's House
7:46 a.m.
When Lindsay entered the kitchen, she was relieved to see her mom and Warrick looking alert and reading the newspaper, instead of partied out. Upon hearing about the event at Grissom's house she warned them not to get drunk and stay up all night fooling around because they promised to take her to church this morning. "Hey…thanks for not being hung over and passed out," She announced while opening the fridge.
Without taking her eyes off the newspaper, Catherine calmly replied, "We are hung over, Sweetie. You just can't tell because we popped some uppers and washed them down with espresso."
Warrick shot her a look. "Nice."
Lindsay laughed. "I know she's not serious, Pops." With a carton of orange juice in hand she went to the cabinet. "I'd rather have you guys be able to tell me the truth about drugs and joke around, than be like Tara's parents. They act like nothing exists…drugs, sex, porn. Uh HELLO? One stroll down The Strip and you're offered all three. As totally annoying as you are most of the time, Mom, I'm glad you're not delusional and stiff."
"Awww." Catherine lowered the paper. "I love you too, Honey. I love you so much that I'm willing to risk my life walking into a church for the first time in almost thirty years. Do you have any idea how painful lightning bolt burns are?"
"And don't forget…" Lindsay took a seat at the table. "…at the Youth Group picnic afterwards you might get attacked by a bunch of little old ladies who can recognize fornicators a mile away."
Lowering the Sports page, Warrick playfully tossed a piece of toast at the teen. "How many times do I have to tell you that your mother and I are just platonic friends?"
Grabbing the entertainment section of the paper she rolled her eyes. "If you want to keep up that charade, I suggest soundproofing your bedroom in the new house, so you don't wake me up at night when you're bonding."
Nick and Carrie's Apartment
7:56 a.m.
A year ago, if someone had asked Nick Stokes if he would be waking up extra early on a Sunday morning to cure his tequila hangover so that he could be presentable in time for church services, he would have laughed his ass off. If someone asked him last week he would have laughed too…just not as loud because he wouldn't want it to get back to Carrie. But if someone were to ask him this morning, his reply would be a resounding, Hell yeah, because I'd do anything for my future wife, the woman who rocked my world last night and made me a new man!
So after only a few hours sleep, Nick responded to the horrible sound of his ringing alarm clock, crawled out of bed and threw his weary ass in a cold shower. After that, he marched like a zombie in boxer shorts, out to the kitchen and whipped up a batch of the strongest espresso he could muster. Then, along with a bunch of aspirin and a piece of toast covered in peanut butter to coat his stomach, he downed it all.
After sitting mindlessly in front of the TV for a while, watching scores zip across the bottom of the screen too fast for his sluggish brain, he realized he should wake up Carrie so she would have enough time to get ready…and so they could kiss each other thoroughly before heading out for church.
Returning to the bedroom, he took a seat on the edge of the bed and gently shook her. "Carrie…time to wake up." He took a second to fall a little further in love then prodded, "Darlin'…it's morning. Well technically it was morning when we fell asleep but…" When she didn't respond he shook her harder. "Honey, you're not gonna be happy if you don't have time to debate which shoes to wear, so you need to wake up."
A groan worthy of a wounded animal was the only reply.
"Hey, now." He poked her repeatedly. "Time to get up. Your nieces and nephews will be ticked if we don't show up, because we promised we'd be there for the picnic, remember?"
"Too…tired," She moaned. "I'll buy them each something expensive and make it up to them. Going back to sleep now."
"What! Hell no!" He lifted her petite t-shirt covered body like a rag doll. "I purposely got up and sobered up, and if I did…you are."
"Nicky…where are you taking me?" She grumbled while he tossed her over his shoulder. "Put me back."
"Sorry, Darlin', I'm back in control this morning," He laughed while heading for the shower. "And you need to wake up and get your ass to the chapel on time. Think of it as good practice for our wedding day." While holding her with his left arm, he turned the shower to cold with his right hand. "This is your wake up call." With that he stood her under the freezing water.
She fumbled for the controls while jumping. "OH! OH! OH!"
Grinning he teased, "Funny...that's what you were sayin' last night too."
Turning off the water she pushed her wet hair off her face and timidly remarked, "In the pool house? I can't believe I got so carried away. I'm so embarrassed."
"I'm not talkin' about the pool house." He winked.
"Then what are you talking about?" Gasping she exclaimed, "No! Tell me we didn't have sex twice at Sara's!"
"You don't..." Disappointment flooded his face. "I'm talking about when we got home last night."
Turning her eyes to the ceiling she said, "I don't remember anything after the drive home. Whoa…there's a sign I drank too much wine, huh?"
His voice was distant. "I can't believe you don't remember."
"Sorry, Honey. I'm sure whatever happened, you were great and I enjoyed it." As he started to skulk away, Carrie said, "Wait…I do remember one thing that happened last night after we got home."
"What?" He waited for her to say…you watching Sportscenter.
With a devilish glint in her eye she bestowed a little knowledge on him. "Outrageously passionate, mind blowing, life changing, totally liberating and undeniably fantastic love making, which made me see stars and scream your name repeatedly at the top of my lungs. I do remember that. I recall you mentioning you enjoyed it a little too."
"You!" He flipped on the water once more. "Lying is an abomination! And I'll be making you repent for it after church, sinner."
"Oooh!" She turned the water from cold to hot. "I guess that means I'll be playing the Naughty Girl and you'll be the Good 'Ol Boy who shows me the error of ways." Not only was she saying it, now she knew she could get into it.
Stepping inside the shower with his boxers still on, he grabbed her from behind. "You know it, Bad Ass Blake. Now, how about I give you a little preview?"
Ely State Prison
8:17 a.m.
In his claustrophobic cell, Mike Rodgers lay on his cot in his orange jumpsuit staring at the open King James Bible he was holding in his hands. He wasn't holding a Bible because it was Sunday. No, he cracked it open seven days a week, several times a day. As a matter of fact, he was so devoted, he could quote scripture and verse on the spot.
A lot of cons find religion in the confines of prison, so it wasn't an unusual sight to see even in the solitary confinement block, where the prison's worst or most endangered inmates were housed. Mike was in solitary because he was an ex-cop. Criminals don't like hanging with cops on the outside and keep their distance. But on the inside…criminals were in the majority and a veteran of the force was a prized target.
So it was that Mike was kept locked away twenty-three hours a day and isolated from the general population…a group who would love the opportunity to teach him a lesson or two daily and eventually once and for all. Since the day he arrived he was a model prisoner…never caused trouble…always followed orders…asserted his innocence whenever he could, to whoever was there…and praised the Lord frequently in front of as many people as possible.
"Alright Rodgers," Prison Guard Brad Diego called from the door. "You ready for your ounce of sunlight today? Or are you in the middle of praying for your salvation again?"
Lifting his eyes from the open book he coolly replied, "I'm praying…I'm praying real hard." Mike's cold eyes drifted back to the two pages…both shielded with newspaper clippings his brother had sent him…one from the Las Vegas Journal-Review's front page and one from its community section.
Every day he read those headlines and the articles beneath. He read them for motivation and then he let his brilliant and evil mind drift…
Gil Grissom and his wife of eight days, Sara (Sidle) Grissom were reunited just after four p.m.
Announcing the Engagement of Nicholas Stokes and Caroline Blake
"What passage are you reading?" Diego asked as he unlocked the cell.
"A little something from Leviticus." Mike snapped the good book closed. "One of my favorites."
LVPD Crime Lab
8:32 a.m.
With no calls to go out in the field, Jas and Sara were in the layout room analyzing several articles of clothing from a re-opened case and enjoying the music from Sara's CD player. Sheryl Crow was on at the moment and if Greg were here, Sara had no doubt he'd be busting her chops about nailing her penchant for 'Lilith Fair Rock' at the party last night.
"Sara, I heard Nick mention yesterday that your birthday is coming up soon," Jas commented while jotting measurements. "When is it exactly?"
While taking a measurement she politely replied, "September 16th, but please don't worry about buying me something if that's why you're asking."
"You can't stop me." Jas broke into a smile. Having wanted to give Sara a gift, for being such an excellent mentor, now she had the perfect opportunity. Working for Nick was pleasant but at times he was too controlling and not willing to let her work independently. Sara, on the other hand, would set her up and let her work, all the time being available but never intrusive. That's what made Sunday Jas's favorite day at work…Sara was the boss, not Nick, and now with the addition of Greg providing comic relief, it was perfect. "Any special plans for your birthday, Sara?"
"Anything has to be an improvement over last year," She absently blurted.
"Why? What happened on your birthday last year?"
Sara looked up from the sweater she was staring at and summarized. "First, my now-husband, totally ignored the day and pissed me off. Then I had to process the rape and homicide of a teenage girl, which always gets to me. While at the scene, Nick introduced me to and set me up with Mike Rodgers…who I know you've heard of by now. Like the desperate fool that I was I agreed to go out with the rapist and murderer, who eventually attempted to rape and mostly likely murder me in Tahoe. So you see what I mean about anything from there would have to be up?"
"Oh yeah." Jas shook her head. "Even pulled weeds bound with duct tape from your husband would be a winner after that birthday from hell."
Laughing Sara said, "Exactly. But I'm hoping for more than pulled weeds just the same."
Dropping her pen, Jas said, "At least the birthday nightmare story had a happy ending, right?"
"Yep…" In a relaxed tone, she confirmed, "Gil was brilliant, cracking open the case so it could go to trial, Wendy Blake was a great witness for the prosecution, Nick was outstanding presenting the forensic evidence to the jury, and after their 1-2-3 punch, the guilty verdict rolled in quick. Now that bastard Rodgers is rotting in prison for the rest of his life."
"If only you had a time machine," Jas joked. "You could have said no to the date and spared yourself that entire trauma."
"Wouldn't change a thing." Grabbing her clipboard Sara smiled. "Because if all that hadn't happened, I'd be living in San Francisco listening to Lilith Fair Rock and puking up angst, instead of being happily married. Same goes for Gil…well, he'd be listening to depressing Classical music and living here. Wendy Blake wouldn't have justice for herself or her dead sister and…Nick wouldn't have met his future wife at the trial, which means I wouldn't have Carrie as a friend. Maybe even Greg and Tawny wouldn't have met." She shrugged, "Anyway, the point is that all the good stuff is tied to the bad guy so…hey, did you ever see that movie, Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow?"
"No." She snapped off her latex gloves to get a fresh pair. "What's it about?"
"It shows the impact on one woman's life based on whether or not she catches her train. You see what happens to her if she catches it and you also see what happens if she misses it. Based on that one element, her life is drastically different." Sighing Sara looked at Jas. "In my head I can visualize what life would look life if I declined Mike's invitation, and none of us are as happy. So in that respect…I'm thrilled to have met the bastard. He was a catalyst." Feeling the spasm of another cramp she broke into a bright smile. "And I love the results his chain reaction caused. If he knew how much happiness he brought all of us, he'd be outraged." Her smile widened. "The pissed-off, Lilith Fair Rock Lovin', uber-feminist bad ass, who has no use for men who abuse women loves knowing that."
Desert Springs Church
9:10 a.m.
After pulling into the church parking lot, Nick parked his Xterra in the furthest spot possible.
"Why are you parking so far away?" Carrie inquired while noting the plethora of closer spaces.
Turning off the ignition he smirked, "Because I wanted to kiss you, but since we're not married yet, I didn't think the old church ladies would approve." Leaning in he whispered, "Seriously I can't get enough of you today. And I'm not just talkin' kissin'…although I've certainly enjoyed every one." Stroking her cheek with the back of his hand he confessed, "I know this sounds a little crazy but…this morning I feel like I thought I'd feel when we woke up together for the first time after our wedding."
"It's not crazy…I know exactly what you mean." Her smile was as glorious as the sunny summer day. "Even though I really couldn't imagine either one of us backing out of the wedding, I guess deep down I was concerned because we've moved so fast. But after last night…" Leaning in she rested her forehead on his. "…I can't imagine anything but forever for us, and after the intimacy we shared, I couldn't feel closer to you."
With love drowning their eyes, they eased into a tender kiss, savoring it until an obnoxious pounding on the passenger side window interrupted them.
"Aunt Carrie's sucking Nick's face off again!" Ryan Blake screamed as he pointed at the SUV. "Isn't that against the law at church?" He asked as he opened the car door for his aunt.
Sean gave a little laugh. "Thou shalt not embarrass yourself in the church parking lot, Aunt Carrie."
Holding baby Ashley, Wendy finally caught up with her boys. "I told you to leave them alone that they'd join us when they were ready."
Ryan laughed from his belly. "Oh, Aunt Carrie looked ready! And I know what I'm talking about because I saw the movie at school."
"Very funny," Carrie grabbed her jokster nephew. "Shut your pie hole you little prankster, or I'll tape it shut."
Sean quickly pointed out. "Isn't that verbal assault, Aunt Carrie?"
"Sean, are you going to be a lawyer or a Criminalist?" Carrie laughed, "Actually you'll probably be able to juggle both."
Nick finally joined the group laughing. "Who is she assaulting? She's being a very bad girl lately."
Paul finally arrived with five year-old McKenna holding his hand. "Uncle Nicky!" She tore over to meet her favorite guy.
"How's my Kenna Girl!" He held out his arms, scooping her up and sending her cascading blond curly locks flying in the air.
"Do you like my new dress, Uncle Nicky?" She giggled from his tickles. "Sean says it's covered in coke in nellidays."
"What?" Nick set down the bubbly girl and stared at her white dress embroidered in red ladybugs. "Coke in nellidays?"
Sean stared at the confused muscle head. "Coccinellidae…it's Latin for ladybug, but I guess you don't know that because they probably don't talk about it on Sportscenter."
"Hey!" Nick pointed at his future nephew. "Did Grissom tell you to throw that Sportscenter line at me?"
"Yes." Sean beamed with pride. "I've just been waiting for the right opportunity."
Holding McKenna's hand in his left, he tossed his right arm around Sean while they walked towards the church building. "Here's some valuable information, man to man…bug talk didn't win over a girl for Grissom until he was 48, so I suggest looking for a little balance in your life unless you want to be your own date every Saturday night. Don't limit yourself. Just because you're a brainiac doesn't mean you can't be cool too. Why not be a double threat. You've already got the smile for it." And just as he was about to offer a suggestion, Nick saw a sight that made him freeze in his tracks.
"Nicky?" Carrie asked when she saw the shocked expression on his face. "What are staring at?"
"I must have swallowed the tequila worm last night, Baby, because I'm hallucinating Catherine Willows walking towards the church holding Warrick's hand. What the…" He shook his head and when they were still there he shouted over, "Brown and Willows! Are you sure you want to risk going inside?"
Stunned to hear their names being shouted by a familiar voice, they turned and glanced across the parking lot. "Unbelievable…" Catherine groaned. "We're never gonna hear the end of this."
As Nick approached he guffawed, "What the hell are you doing at church?"
"Nick said hell at church!" Ryan reported. "Mom, that word is on the list."
Lindsay smiled at Sean. "Hey, Bug Boy! You didn't tell me you were friends with Nick. That ups your cool factor a little, which is good because you pretty much depleted it with all the bug talk on Wednesday."
Nick stared at the boy and then leaned in for a whisper. "See…learn about bugs from Grissom, but come to me to learn about girls. I'll introduce you to my friend Greg. The guy was a dork his whole life, but he came to me for coaching last year and turned it all around. Trust me, when you meet his girlfriend, you'll start listening to me."
"That's the kid I was telling you about," Warrick whispered in Catherine's ear. "The mini-Grissom."
"Wait…" Sean thought about what had just happened. "Did a girl just choose to talk to me first instead of my brother? That's quite remarkable."
And while Catherine and Warrick were talking to Carrie and introducing her to Lindsay, Nick whispered in Sean's ear, "Don't let the lady know you're surprised she talked to you, Buddy. And in the future…opt for that's cool instead of that's quite remarkable, unless you're hittin' on an English Lit professor, then you can break out that line, as well as any poetry you've happened to memorize. You're a science guy, this should be easy…it's all about adaptation. Know your target audience and choose words to fit the girl."
Always an attentive student Sean nodded. "Noted."
Once again Nick whispered, "Don't say noted, say, got it, and look authoritative when you do. Helps to do a sharp nod and narrow your eyes a bit."
"Got it."
"Much better." Trying to give the kid a break Nick asked, "You want me to introduce you to her?"
"That would be…" Sean caught himself. "…cool."
"Hey Linds…" Nick flashed his best smile. "I'd like to introduce you to a one of the coolest guys I know. Don't let the bug talk fool you, he's got it goin' on…my future nephew, Sean Blake. Sean…this is Lindsay Willows, my friend Catherine's daughter and a righteous softball player."
"Softball?" Sean smiled. "That's…really cool."
With baited breath, Sean's family intently watched his first public exchange with a girl.
"What sports do you play?" Lindsay asked.
Knowing the boy played chess and that's about it, Nick jumped in. "He runs." It's an easy one to fake, and would also explain the boy's gangly physique.
Unfortunately Ryan chimed in as well. "Yeah…he runs…as fast as he can so he doesn't get his butt kicked by the jocks at school."
Paul grabbed Ryan by the arm. "Let's go see if everything is set up for services. I'm an usher this week."
Sean looked to Nick for a recovery line. But help came from a different source…
Catherine tossed her arm around her daughter. "Forget it Linds…if Sean is the next Grissom, he's way out of your league, trust me. Why do you think I had to end up with Warrick?"
Nick and Warrick exchanged knowing glances while they thought the same thing. Yeah…nothing makes a chick want you more than thinking she can't have you.
And while Lindsay was staring at Sean in a whole new light, Catherine smiled inwardly as she thought…if this kid is a mini-Grissom, then I'm not going to have to worry about this relationship getting out of hand for at least five years.
Nick gave Sean a nudge and mouthed…the smile.
When Lindsay saw the boy her mother told her she couldn't have, flash a million watt smile, she knew one thing for sure…Josh was history. "Hey, Sean, wanna sit with me?"
Sean glanced up at Nick who gave a subtle negative shake of the head.
"Maybe some other time, Lindsay," Sean politely replied.
"Uh…okay." Surprised that he declined she followed up with, "See you at the picnic later?"
To which Sean replied with the suave of a condescending intellectual, "Of course you will, because the church field is only three acres, so it would be impossible not to see me unless you suffer from myopia and aren't wearing contacts this morning. Got it?" He paused to smile. "Cool."
Nick cringed, realizing they would need to work on the delivery because Sean just went from dork to ass in a matter of minutes.
"Whatever!" Lindsay huffed as she grabbed Warrick's hand. "Let's go Pops."
The Grissoms'
9:24 a.m.
When Gil answered the phone and heard his father tell him he was back in town, he breathed a sigh of relief. Not because he was happy to see Ron again so soon, but because he promised Sara he'd be back to meet with her and Nick about B-PAC. Now Sara wouldn't be disappointed.
After exchanging customary pleasantries, Ron eventually asked, "I was wondering, would you be interested in taking a look at a property I'm thinking of purchasing. You know…I don't know the area as well as you do and it's a big investment so…"
"Uh…" He checked the watch Sara gave him, which reminded him of two things…the time and Sara's love. "As long as I can keep my appointment at two with my personal trainer. If you saw the guy you'd know why I don't want him to be ticked at me."
"The realtor is at my beck and call so you name the time."
"How about I swing by about eleven? Are you at the Mandalay again?"
"Yes and eleven is perfect. We can have lunch afterwards."
Pursing his lips he debated calling Ron on the manipulative assumption, but quickly shook off the idea. "Fine. See you then."
After hanging up he decided he may as well get some mileage out of his discomfort so he phoned Sara.
"1-800-I'm in the layout room and Jas is within earshot."
A smile found his lips even though he was tense. "I'm still satisfied from last night so I don't need any services. I called to tell you about some spontaneous plans I made this morning."
"Spontaneous…now there's a word you don't often hear associated with us."
He laughed lightly. "And after last night's new associated words …party hosts and social, one has to wonder what the world is coming to."
"No kidding. So tell me your plans."
"I'm picking up my dad and he's going to show me a property he's considering purchasing. Then we're having lunch."
"He's back!"
"Yes, he is." Hearing her excitement he was happy he had agreed to the plans. "Honey…are you still feeling okay?"
"The only blood evidence is on the sweater."
"Nice code in front of Jas." He smiled wider. "Great. I'll call you after lunch with my father."
"I'll be waiting impatiently to hear what a civil time you had."
"Nice subliminal. Love you."
"I concur."
Greg's Apartment
9:37 a.m.
While Tawny recovered from her untimely first bout of morning sickness, Greg managed to clean the apartment, stow all items his father would categorize as frivolous purchases for a young man who should be focused on building a nest egg, hide everything baby related, and go to the grocery store for snacks and drinks.
On his way back from the store, he stopped at Starbucks and ordered an espresso double-shot for the trip home. It was a fine line…he didn't want to appear exhausted from partying all night, but he didn't want to be so hyper it would irritate his dad.
After parking his Z, he made a quick stop to grab the mail and when he did, he couldn't believe his luck. With the mail under his arms and three grocery bags in his hands he hustled across the apartment complex and rushed inside his apartment. "Tawny!" On the counter, he dropped the bags and all the mail except the large white envelope and hurried to the bedroom.
"Oh my god, is he here early?" Tawny shrieked when she saw Greg's frantic expression. "Do I look okay?" She specifically selected the outfit Mrs. Sanders said her husband would love most.
"You look great!" Grabbing her he slobbered a kiss on her lips. "And my dad's not here yet. But look!" He pulled the papers from the envelope. "I'm being published! My first time! Could this timing BE any better? I can show my dad." Waving the papers he explained, "Grissom encouraged me to start writing and submitting, so I wrote a paper on using current PCR DNA technology to solve cold cases when evidence is degraded. I used the infamous Mike Rodgers trial as my primary example because of the mold that had grown on the jacket with the blood evidence. It's going in a forensics journal next month."
Tawny threw her arms around his neck. "I'm so proud of you."
Returning the hug, he closed his eyes and let her ego-boosting words echo in his head.
"Greg…" She removed the papers from his hand and laid them down on the bed. "…we need to celebrate this later because your dad is going to be here in fifteen minutes and even though you showered, you still look horrible." Taking his hand she led him to the bathroom. "Time for some Dermablend under those eyes, Baby." Closing the toilet cover she instructed, "Welcome to Salon Tawny."
Sitting on the toilet he chuckled, "Just don't put any eyeliner on me because that really ticks off my dad."
"And you know this how?"
"Uh…it was just an experimental phase I went through when I realized it would tick off my dad."
"Oh." And as Tawny applied the super strength eye-bag blocking make-up she wondered exactly what other kinds of phases Greg might have gone through in his life…especially ones that would potential freak out his dad. "Everyone goes through little phases. Yeah…I uh…used to dye my hair a different color sometimes. It's cool."
"Just ask me," He blurted knowing exactly what she was dancing around. "Because I know what you're thinking…and it's not like you'd be the first person to wonder."
Stopping the make-up application she inquired with slight trepidation, "Have you um…ever kissed a guy, Greg?"
"Oh…that's not what I thought you were going to ask." The combination of the espresso and the question made him tap his hands on his thighs. "I thought you were going to ask me if I ever slept with a guy."
"What's the difference?" Then it dawned on her. "Oh…you've never slept with..."
After a brief hesitation he shyly shared the details. "I didn't kiss him, he kissed me. It was a real wake up call too, because I thought he was straight. When it didn't do anything for me, I had to tell him...you know…I'm flattered, but it's not going to happen."
"Did you say it like that?" She knew personally that no one likes to hear that message after taking a risk.
Cringing he recalled the awkward aftermath. "I don't remember exactly what I said because I was pretty trashed, but I definitely know wasn't a jerk about it. It was obvious he was really uncomfortable and it's not like I'm a homophobe. I didn't flip out. I said something like…no harm, no foul, let's move on, and assured him I'm not the kind of guy who exploits people's secrets. I told him it seriously didn't bother me because guys have approached me before and when I declined it was business as usual."
"But the guy didn't react well even though you told him not to sweat it?"
"Not at all." Shaking his head Greg explained, "It was a big risk for him because he wasn't out. When he realized I wasn't up for it...he got upset and even accused me of leading him on. Then I started feeling guilty thinking… considering where I was, and what I was wearing, and comments other people had made about me that maybe it really did seem that way to him."
"Comments? Oh, because you didn't deny stuff people said about you?"
"Right. I mean, I never got nuts when people made cracks about me swinging both ways, because I lived in San Francisco for years, it's not like being gay seems abnormal to me, it's just not for me personally. And getting riled when someone makes a crack, makes it seem like you're hiding something or, that you're vilifying the lifestyle. So I just let it roll off. I don't know. The bottom line is, the whole thing was a mess and it didn't have to be. Then it started to tick me off that he was making it seem like I was being…whatever, it was four years ago…yeah okay…I'm shutting up now." He cringed again. "Are you totally squicked? Is it worse for you than the Lady Heather leash thing?"
"Hell no." Smiling she assured him, "I kissed girls all the time on stage to get the guys tipping big, and the first time, it didn't do anything for me, so I know exactly what you mean." She started reapplying the cover-up again. "It either clicks or it doesn't. I thought it was kind of cool to find out for sure." She giggled. "About myself…and especially about you just now because like I told Irving, I want to keep you…and not share you." Checking her own appearance in the mirror she remarked, "It was hilarious watching the guys get all hot and bothered over me kissing a girl, when it was doing nothing for me." About then she realized Greg was still stuck on…I kissed girls all the time. "Are you hoping for me to bring home a friend one day, Greggy?" She looked at him with a glint in her eye. "Even though it didn't make your list, I know it's every man's fantasy."
He stammered. "No…I…what would make you…"
"I'll be more than happy too," She enticed him in a seductive tone.
"Uh…"
Closing the lid on her make up she informed him, "Right after you kiss Irving for me…a nice deep one."
"Irving's gay?" It was surprising to hear because he didn't get the vibe from him, then again he didn't see that kiss coming four years ago either.
Laughing she strolled out of the bathroom. "No…so what does that tell you about the probability of me bringing home a friend for a play date?"
"I was going to say no!" He followed her into the bedroom. "I'm like a swan…monogamous and I mate for life. Oh…I suppose the delicate swan imagery doesn't help my tough guy image much." He chuckled. "See how I set myself up. But did you know that male swans are very aggressive when it comes to protecting their mate and their offspring? Vicious in fact. And they take a primary role in building the nest instead of leaving all the dirty work for the female. Oh, and this is the best part, they have elaborate bonding rituals including…"
"Stop talking." She held her head. "You're like a train going ninety miles an hour."
He jittered as he entered the room. "I uh…had an espresso double shot on the way home."
"Only a double?" She was thinking quadruple.
"My dad's impending visit of potential doom has me a little tweaked too."
"Really? You're hiding it so well." When she reached Greg's closet she opened the door. "Now let's find you something conservative to impress your daddy." She searched the rack and pulled a solid royal blue button down. "You can keep the jeans but wear this with the sleeves rolled."
"That's my court shirt." He pulled off his t-shirt and tossed it on the floor. "Totally fitting since I'll be interrogated."
Helping him button she teased, "Hopefully your dad won't ask you if you ever kissed a guy."
"Don't worry, I have noooo problem lying to my father." Winking he confirmed, "It's just you I feel insanely compelled to be truthful with at all times. I think it's because I know you've been lied to by every man in your life…your father excluded of course. That knowledge triggers something in my brain that makes me tell you the truth even if it's a really stupid idea."
Just then the doorbell rang.
"Okay, who's ready to be judged and lectured?" Thrusting his arm up he joked, "Me! Me! Pick me!"
Tawny grabbed his hand. "Breathe for me." And while he did she said, "Good boy."
Feeling better he started walking with her out of the room. "Okay, let's go introduce ourselves as Mr. and Ms. Happily Dating Responsibly and Not Expecting a Baby."
Desert Springs Church
9:58 a.m.
Pleased that she had been inside the church building for nearly thirty minutes without hearing thunder rumbling in the distance, and since the pastor hadn't mentioned the phrases eternal damnation or hellfire once, so far, Catherine eased back in her pew and focused on the sermon.
Even if she couldn't glean anything from it personally, she figured there might be something in there she could tease Nick with later. Glancing across the way to where Nick was sitting she noticed he had fallen asleep. So had Carrie. A devious smile crept over her lips as she thought…all that fornication in the pool house will do that, you horny sinners. Now she would be able to tease them with anything because they wouldn't have a clue about what the pastor was preaching…
Oftentimes people use the Bible to fuel their cries of hypocrisy within Christianity. I don't hold it against them. Interpreting the Bible is a right I feel we all have. And Christians and non-Christians are both guilty of selecting verse to prop their arguments while not considering the historical or contextual significance of a passage.
For instance…Leviticus 24, versus 19 and 20 are often used to contradict the compassion of Jesus. "If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for an eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured."
Now to some that sounds like a call for unchecked revenge, but in reality, it's no more than a suggested way to handle disputes equitably. Here's an example, a thief steals a farmer's sheep…this passage would dictate that the thief must make restitution by providing a new sheep to make things right rather than encouraging the farmer to do bodily harm to the thief. Back in the day, this passage prevented the chaos of taking justice into our own hands. Our earliest civil lawsuits if you will. I'm sure if our congregation member, Carrie Blake, from the DA's office was awake and listening, instead of sleeping in the fifth pew on the right, she would concur.
Catherine's hands flew to her face when she laughed out loud.
"Mom!" Lindsay elbowed her. But then she realized everyone in the building was laughing AT Carrie and Nick.
"What?" Carrie snapped at her brother Paul for shoving her. "Why is everyone laughing? Did I miss a joke?"
Paul happily informed her. "No…you were the joke. You were asleep and the Pastor pointed it out. Look at your fiancé…he's still sleeping."
And the Preacher followed up with a tease for the couple and another good laugh for the crowd. "I'm sure they were just up late planning their wedding."
Catherine turned to Warrick. "Okay…I like this guy! This guy is much better than the used to be at my mom's old church. That guy didn't snark and humiliate the audience. Oh yeah…this I can handle."