Disclaimer: see first chapter
A/N: I never expected such a response for this story. Thank you to everyone who is following along! These next few chapters should whet the appetite for all the Snickers out there. They are also the last of the chapters that have already been written, so it may be a few days before I get the next chapter posted. I'll work on it whenever I have the chance, but the weather is finally sunny and warm, and if you're from anywhere around Cleveland, you know that usually doesn't last long. Still, I'll try to keep my notebook close by. And bubblecat, you should get the answer to your question in about two chapters or so!
By the time they arrived at the office holiday party, a banquet hall at the Tangiers which everyone was surprised Ecklie had sprung for, the party was in full swing. Nick and Sara spotted everyone sitting at a table towards the back, but as they headed over, Sara felt the pressure on her bladder begin to build.
"I'm gonna make a quick detour, okay?" she whispered into his ear before heading off towards the ladies room.
As she emerged from the stall to wash her hands, she found Sophia Curtis in front of the mirror, applying a layer of lipstick. Sara was torn between facing her and trying to sneak out quietly without being noticed, but in the end, hygiene won out, and Sara made her way to the sinks. She was intent on not making eye contact, and instead focused on the look she remembered seeing on Nick's face as she had emerged from her bedroom earlier that night. If she didn't know better, she could have sworn she saw the vaguest hint of desire. Sara wasn't about to delude herself into thinking it was true, but it boosted Sara's self confidence to think that she could have that effect on Nick.
Her distraction worked so well that she was almost to the door before she realized Sophia was calling her name. Sara steeled her gaze and turned to face the woman who had so ungraciously revealed her secret to the rest of the team.
"Did you want something? Because, if you don't mind, Nick is waiting for me," Sara replied coldly after a few seconds of silence.
"I just wanted to apologize, for what I said. I shouldn't have done it in front of your entire shift. It was very unprofessional. I just wanted to let you know that."
Sara was thrown for a second, not expecting an apology from Sophia. She knew her own fault by using department resources, and not wanting to cause an argument, she merely nodded and gave Sophia a small smile before exiting the ladies room.
She was greeted by the team when she got to the table. "Sara, you look lovely this evening," Grissom stated, smiling at her from his place next to Catherine.
"Damn girl, where have you been hiding that dress?" Warrick exclaimed. Greg seconded Warrick's statement as he leaned over to give Sara a kiss on the cheek. She blushed while Catherine rolled her eyes.
"I told you that dress would be a hit, but you didn't want to listen to me…"
"Thank you Cath," Sara replied grinning. "You were right."
"Do my ears deceive me? Sara Sidle admitting that someone else is right? Quick, somebody, mark this down for posterity," Nick joked from behind her. Sara turned at the sound of his voice, beaming up at him while he placed a drink in front of her before settling himself in the chair next to her. The look exchanged between Nick and Sara was not lost on their co-workers.
"So," Greg started, "I believe that Ms. Sara is supposed to supply us with some news today…"
Nick chuckled as Sara feigned innocence again. He found it much funnier now that he knew the information the rest of them were seeking.
"You know, don't you man?" Warrick questioned Nick. "Girl, I thought you were gonna tell us all together."
"What can I say," Sara laughed, "He's very persuasive…plus, he made me food. I had to give in."
"So come on," Greg whined impatiently, "Is it Gregory or Gregarina?"
"Sorry Greggo, there is no way in hell I'm naming my child Gregarina…"
The table beamed back at her. She found their enthusiasm contagious, and soon the boys were all arguing over who would be the best uncle while she, Catherine, and Mia discussed names in between Sara's frequent bathroom breaks. Greg jumped in every once in awhile, still lobbying for 'Gregarina' until Warrick whisked her off to the dance floor.
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