Feasibility Study
Written by: Ms Maggs / Edited by: KJT
Chapter 92: Getting It Back – Part 3
August 24, 2005 (Day 124)
The Blakes
4:56 p.m.
Walking up to the front door, Sean informed his mentor, "I'm sure my mom will say it's okay because she always wants me to spend time outside getting fresh air."
The boy's enthusiasm brought a smile to his face. "There's your mom now." Gil pointed to the doorway.
"MOM!" Sean ran over. "Mr. Grissom said he wouldn't mind taking me on a hike in the Spring Mountains tomorrow to look for indigenous insects. Will you let me?"
"Really, Gil?" Wendy felt bad he was spending so much time entertaining her son. "You don't have to…"
"It's not an imposition. It's his reward for being such a good helper today. Besides, I'd love the chance to enjoy some cooler air while bug hunting and it's more fun when you have an Entomologically appreciative partner." He chuckled briefly. "Sara's Entomologically tolerant…not appreciative. She was thrilled to be off the hook. Is seven too early?"
"Are you kidding?" Wendy sighed, "The tribe is up by six daily. I'll make breakfast at six-thirty so you can eat before you go. I'm getting kind of jealous actually, I haven't been hiking in ages and the weather will be beautiful out there compared to this heat."
Little America Hotel
Flagstaff, Arizona
5:16 p.m.
When they made a pit stop in Flagstaff, Arizona, both Carrie and Nick agreed the cool weather was the perfect antidote to the sweltering summer heat of Vegas. With its picturesque mountains, rolling forests and proximity to many tourist attractions, they knew the town would serve as a terrific base camp for their adventure.
Because Nick was a realist who wanted his fiancée to be as relaxed as possible, he didn't drive into the forest to pitch a tent at a campground like he used to when he was single. Instead, he drove to the nicest hotel in town, The Little America which, since it was located on five-hundred beautiful acres of ponderosa pines, was almost like camping for him, and with room service, two restaurants, HBO, a luxury bathroom and an outdoor Jacuzzi with a cocktail service available, he knew it was exactly the kind of camping Carrie would enjoy.
After unpacking the truck, Nick was desperate to rid himself of all deer DNA evidence and suggested they toss on their bathing suits, hit the hot tub and grab a couple of drinks. Carrie loved the idea and built on it by adding they should use the time to plan what they would do tonight. Since she hadn't planned anything in over twelve hours Nick thought it best to indulge her for fear she'd implode like Wendy had predicted.
When she emerged from the bathroom wearing her new Liz Clairborne, demure, but elegantly sexy vintage-halter bathing suit in black and white, Carrie saw Nick's eyes pop. "It's new."
"It's making me want to stay in the room." Lounging on the bed in his navy blue swim trunks, he couldn't believe how much bigger her boobs looked.
"I was saving it for the honeymoon. But I'm working up the courage to wear a two piece in Maui so I figured I'd wear this one-piece on the road trip instead." Glancing down at her cleavage Carrie remarked, "The sales clerk said it would make my boobs appear bigger."
"Really?" Nick flashed his trademark smile. "They look the same to me…perfect." And definitely bigger, but to say that would imply they were small to begin with, and he learned not to mention that years ago.
"What about the back?" She turned slowly to give him a glimpse and to show it had a flirty feminine bow for its tie. "Do you like the bow?"
"Bow?" He stated in a curious tone.
"Lift your eyes higher, Tex."
"Oh!" Taking his eyes off her gorgeous ass he chuckled. "The bow's nice too."
Laughing at how entranced he was she grabbed her black sarong and wrapped it around her waist. "Show's over."
"Are there new sandals to go with the ensemble?" He teased as he sprung to his feet, knowing the answer was of course.
"Of course." She sashayed over to her suitcase and plucked out her black Steve Madden espadrilles with their romantic ribbon ankle straps. After slipping them on and tying them she purred, "I think these make it all a little sexier don't you?"
"I think I finally understand the benefits of the right shoes." From behind he nibbled on her neck which was exposed since Carrie had her hair piled on top of her head with a clip. "Okay, if we don't leave right now…we're not leaving."
The Townhouse
5:25 p.m.
Just as Hodges, the last remaining member of the moving crew was getting ready to leave, Greg's cell rang. "Hold up a second," Tawny informed him while she darted across the living room to grab the phone from the kitchen counter.
While Tawny was talking on the phone, Greg hobbled from the couch to talk to his new old friend. "I'm glad we mended things in time for me to use you as moving help."
Rubbing his sore back he replied, "I was just thinking the opposite."
"Are you really going to train with Irving?" Greg couldn't imagine it.
"It's about time I get back in shape," He groaned.
"Back in shape? When were you in shape?" Then he realized how bad that sounded. "I mean…you've never mentioned…"
"I was a swimmer…even had a partial ride to college for it."
Tawny interrupted the conversation by walking over and slipping her arm around Greg's waist. "That was Jim Brass. He asked me if I would mind coming over to try and help him with his daughter."
"Ellie's in town?" Greg remarked in surprise. "I thought they didn't…"
"They don't." Concern filled her voice. "Ellie and I are the same age and…" She didn't want to say the rest in front of Hodges. "He's hoping a peer might be good for her. He doesn't think it's a wise idea for you to come in your state…plus someone else is there you don't like. I feel bad leaving you alone…and I was going to take you to the complex pool to soak in the hot tub. I told him I would shower and be over, but if you…"
"I can stay," Hodges offered. "I have the night off and no personal life. I'm DVRing all my TV shows so I won't miss anything. And you have good food in the fridge since Catherine stocked it for you."
Greg teased his buddy. "Do you trust me enough to go hot tubbing with me? Especially when I'm in a medicated euphoria?"
Still a little gun-shy he asked, "Will you be wearing trunks? And do you have a pair I can borrow?"
"Yes to both."
"Then I'll take my chances because my back is killing me from lifting all your crap."
Grabbing Greg by the hand Tawny warned, "We're new here, and first impressions with the neighbors count so please…don't do anything embarrassing in the Jacuzzi."
Little America Hotel
5:31 p.m.
Having left the room immediately after Carrie strapped on her shoes, the vacationing couple were in the Jacuzzi with beers in their hands ten minutes later.
When they were in Dallas by his parents' hot tub, Carrie shared with Nick that the smell of chlorinated water, because of its connection from the year of abuse she endured from her swim coach, always triggered an anxiety reaction. When he suggested they go back inside his parents' house, she insisted on staying, citing the need to work through the issue because one day her children would want to swim and she would need to be there for them. This was their fourth time together in the water since her admission in Dallas and while she seemed more comfortable than ever, he could tell she was still very tense. "You doing okay?"
"Uh huh," She replied after lowering her beer. "It gets a little better every time." Inching closer she rested her head on his bare shoulder and changed the subject. "I didn't realize how much I missed big trees and cool weather."
"You have any regrets about moving to Vegas?" He asked, hoping the answer was no.
"Yes." Glancing up she flashed a brilliant smile. "I should have moved earlier."
Believing she was ready for a little affection, Nick slipped his arm around her. Just then two college-age muscle-bound guys and three gorgeous girls stepped up to the hot tub and dropped their towels.
"Hey." One of the guys tossed a nod towards Nick.
"Hey," He replied, lifting his beer. "You guys play ball for NAU?" One of the girls had a Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks football shirt knotted over her suit…a telltale sign she was a player's babe du jour.
Carrie tried not to look shocked when the three stunning young women stepped into the bubbling water with string bikinis barely covering their bodacious boobs.
"Yeah, we play ball." The guy leaned over extending his hand. "I'm Craig and this is John." One corner of his mouth curved up. "And these are our newest friends, Sapphire, Amber and Destiny; we them at a club last night." The girls winked and waved as Craig kept talking. "We're tooling around for a couple of days. Are the two of you alum? Did you play ball for NAU?"
"I'm Nick and this is my fiancée, Carrie." Releasing the boy's hand he smiled and watched Carrie politely wave at everyone. "Yeah, I played ball...for A&M." He oozed pride while thinking…that's right Big Sky boys…I played Big 12 ball…the real deal and for the only team that matters.
"No shit." Craig smiled with approval as Amber sat on his lap nibbling his ear. "I bet you saw a lot of action." When he caught the guy's fiancée's reaction, he clarified, "On the field."
"So you're an Aggie." When Sapphire found herself temporarily the odd girl out in the five-some, she scooted closer. "Did you just graduate?"
Carrie rolled her eyes at the idea that Nick still looked twenty-two.
He laughed at the comment. "No…that was well over a decade ago."
Sapphire stared in disbelief. "But you're in such great shape. Do you play pro ball?" She was always looking to trade up and that pipsqueak with the barely B's sitting on the other side of this stud was no match.
Since the girl was sliding closer and Carrie wasn't about to slide next to John, Nick was trapped. "No. Gave it up after college."
"Then you must work out a lot." Under the cover of bubbles, Sapphire slid her hand over Nick's thigh to signal she was his for the taking.
"Uh…" Not wanting to upset Carrie by saying anything out loud, he slipped a hand in the water and covertly removed the unwelcome advance without a word.
Remembering her fiancé's words from earlier at the deer farm… no respectable Texan would let a bunch of females touch her man's ass without doin' something about it, Carrie scooted on Nick's lap, stared down the flirtatious witch eyeing her man like a juicy steak, and claimed her territory before the girl had a chance to make a move. "He works out because he has to stay in shape for his job. He's one of the top Criminalists working for the Vegas Police Department. We're here on a little R&R so he can rest up and catch some more bad guys."
"Thanks, Baby." Appreciative of the compliment and the territoriality, Nick wrapped his arms around his usually PSV-adverse fiancée. Then he used the situation to drive home his point to Sapphire and further Carrie's comfort level with water-based intimacy. "The rush I used to get playing ball for A&M is nothing compared to the one I get from loving you every day." Since Destiny and John were busy playing tonsil hockey and Amber and Craig were doing the same, Nick brought his lips to his fiancée's mouth for a tantalizing kiss.
Carrie knew Nick was always concerned about disrespecting her in public, so it was uncharacteristic for him to make such a wanton move in front of others. His kiss deep and his touch deeper, it stunned her…but once she remembered Sapphire's bold flirtation, Carrie settled down and enjoyed her man's purposeful attention, returning it with verve.
When they broke for air Nick asked in a husky voice, "Darlin', I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little too warm in here. You wanna head back to the room?"
"Nicky…" Playing the part of the giddy co-ed she giggled while embellishing, "Are you revved up again already? This will be five times today."
While trying not to laugh at the idea of sex five times before sunset, he gently massaged Carrie's thigh. "Sorry…I can't get enough of you."
In the heat of the territorial moment Carrie's inhibitions had disappeared, but with Nick's latest move, they returned with a vengeance and she stammered, "Yeah…um…let's…nice meeting most of you." With that she climbed out, grabbed her things and headed for the pool area exit to get some fresh, non-chlorine scented air.
"Looks like you're free after all," Sapphire rasped as she reclined against the wall and let her D cups float. "Tell me where and when."
Nick winked then whispered in her ear. "The lounge…midnight." And when he saw her wink in acceptance, he thought…hope you have fun there and meet someone who really will invite you back to their room.
Desert Arroyo Townhomes
5:47 p.m.
When Greg and Hodges arrived in the Desert Arroyo Townhomes community pool area they were pleasantly surprised to find it lush and inviting with a sand volleyball court, a BBQ area with shaded tables, dozens of wavy palms trees and a beautifully landscaped pool and Jacuzzi area.
Handing Hodges the key to work the gate latch, Greg remarked, "Grissom never mentioned this perk…then again, he probably didn't see it as a perk and never used it." There had to be at least two dozen people milling around the area.
Opening the gate Hodges mused, "I wonder if we'll meet any women."
"If we do you better keep your shirt on or hide under the bubbles up to your neck." Greg snickered, "When was the last time your body saw sunlight, Count David of Trace-slyvania?"
"I work nights and sleep during the day, what do you expect?"
"Look!" A forty-eight year old woman with fire red hair called out. "Newbies! Are you Unit 17? I'm Babs."
"Yes. Nice to meet you, Babs," Greg jovially replied. His latest Percocet was reaching its maximum effectiveness and upping his usual cheeriness to new heights. "I'm Greg Sanders and this is David Hodges."
"Everybody!" Babs cried out. "Come meet 17!" Then she returned her gaze to the two gentlemen. "You'll be such a nice change from the weird man who lived there. He never spoke, kept bugs for pets and…" She shivered. "…touched dead bodies for a living."
The crowd gathered and one well-tanned gentleman announced, "You're just in time for karaoke and cocktail night…every second and third Wednesday." Taking the hand of the dashing African American gentlemen standing next to him he introduced, "I'm Theo Valentine, I'm a Court Jester at The Excalibur, and this is my partner Bill Davies, he's stuffy lawyer type, but I love him to pieces and he keeps me grounded. We just celebrated our fifth anniversary. How about the two of you? Is this your first place together?"
Mandalay Bay
Presidential Suite A
5:56 p.m.
"I hope she likes the place." Lina nervously paced as she and Ron anxiously awaited Gil and Sara's arrival. This visit meant the world to Ron and she wanted it to be perfect.
"It's not like you had anything to do with the décor or the upkeep." He couldn't believe how tense she was trying to make everything perfect for tonight. "I really appreciate everything you've done to make this special…the flowers, the music…as usual, your touch is what brightens up my…"
When the doorbell cut off his wonderful words Lina fought the desire to scream…why now! But since she knew how much the visit meant to Ron she slapped a smile on her face and accompanied him to the door.
"Sara!" Ron warmly greeted her with open arms. "You look stunning in that dress."
With a smirk on her face she replied, "Are you sure this dress doesn't make my ass look fat?" It was the same one she wore to Gil's birthday party.
After a momentary shock Ron laughed. "My son told you about our conversation regarding truth in marriage."
Gil nodded. "Right after I took your advice and it backfired."
"I suppose I gave you just enough information to be dangerous, huh?" He motioned for them to step inside. "Sara…I've been dying to introduce you to the woman responsible for my de-assification… Angelina Maria Cruz Valera."
Sara extended her hand. "What an honor to meet the woman responsible for such a Herculean task."
"I should look older from the stress of it, eh?" She shook Sara's right hand and placed her left on top. "I've been waiting to meet the woman who captured Gil's heart. Call me Lina."
Rubbing his hands together Ron announced "And because I'm still part five-year old…I'm not going to wait…I have a gift for you Sara and I'm giving it to you right now."
"You said you'd wait until dessert, Guero." Lina rolled her eyes. He was supposed to set the mood in anticipation of Gil and Sara being uncomfortable.
"My birthday isn't for three weeks," Sara awkwardly informed him as she watched her husband tense. "And you didn't have to…"
"It's not a birthday gift." Teeming with excitement, he carried the small wrapped box from the desk. "It's a wedding gift to you from your father-in-law…a little belated, but I didn't get an invitation."
"No one did, Dad." Gil eyed the box suspiciously assuming it was a twenty-thousand dollar pair of diamond earrings, a key to a private jet, or something equally extravagant.
"Open it up, Sara…it won't explode." He buzzed like a kid on Christmas morning. "And, Gil…because I know you're standing there wondering if it's the Hope Diamond, I'll uncouthly announce that it was purchased at a run-of-the-mill jewelry store at the local mall. And while it cost less than the daily rent for this suite, I hope you'll find it priceless, Sara."
Dying of curiosity she cracked open the black velvet box. "I…" With her fingertips she delicately lifted the white-gold oval locket engraved with two beautiful butterflies. "I don't know what to say…it's beautiful."
"Open it," He prompted, while watching his son watch Sara.
"Is this…" She bit the corner of her bottom lip in an effort to hold back the hormonal tears building.
"It's Gil's baby picture. I took it to a photographer and he shrunk it. Then I went shopping with Lina to find the perfect locket."
Lina chimed in, "I reminded him that his son used to draw lovely butterfly pictures as a child."
Ron nodded appreciatively in Lina's direction. "So, the butterflies were a logical choice." Eyeing Gil he added, "The other side of the locket is available should you have a child of your own in the future."
Sara grabbed her husband's hand and gave it a squeeze. They had previously had a lengthy discussion about telling his dad the news which ultimately led to Gil confessing he wasn't ready. Considering the significance of the gift Sara was hoping he'd change his mind and tell him now.
"Dad…" Gil nervously cleared his throat. "Sara and I have some wonderful news. We just found out she's three weeks pregnant." Looking him straight in the eyes he announced with just a hint of emotion crackling in his voice, "You're going to be a grandfather."
Ron's right hand flew to his mouth as he realized there would be another generation after all, that he hadn't ruined Gil so horribly that he'd never find happiness and start a family of his own.
"Look who is speechless for the first time in his life." Lina spoke for both of them. "Congratulations! We're very happy for you."
Little America Hotel
Nick and Carrie's room
6:14 p.m.
When he saw Carrie step out of the bathroom in her comfy raspberry robe Nick was happy to find her relaxed again. "Feel better now that you don't smell like the hot tub?" While he showered, she had been soaking in a soothing lavender bubble bath.
Nodding she slipped onto the bed next to him. "Talk about non-traditional desensitization therapy…I should thank Sapphire for helping me make some progress on my pool issue."
"Nah…I already did that for you." He chuckled while cozying up to Carrie. "When you left and I was taking a minute to compose myself after fooling around with you, she said…just tell me where and when. So, I told her...the lounge at midnight, but I never said I'd be there."
"That witch!" Livid, she sat up. "Okay, normally I'd say that was a crappy thing to do, but you introduced me as your fiancée! As if it wasn't bad enough that she was boldly flirting with you in front of me and trying to cop a feel…she outright asks you to meet her for sex?"
"Honey, girls like her don't care about relationship status. Look how many committed people cheat…promises don't mean anything to some people." Taking her left hand he kissed the ring on it. "But they do to us and that's all that matters."
The feel of his lips on her hand and the meaning behind the action soothed her. "I guess I really am still very naïve when it comes to dating games and sneaky tactics…especially from a co-ed's perspective. I didn't live in a dorm, I never went to college parties, never hung out in bars with girlfriends scamming for guys. I missed out on all that."
"You feel like you missed something?"
"Well…yeah." Returning to her position lying next to him she admitted, "Not that I wish I had been a 'ho." She chuckled lightly at the thought of it. "I just think it would have been fun to experience the normal stuff college girls do as a right of passage. It's another thing that pedophile cheated me out of. My poor dad was so overprotective he would never let me live on campus and I was too scared to take the risk." Brushing her thumb over Nick's cheek she sighed, "That's how I graduated from college early and finished number one in my graduating law class…I sat home and studied every night." That's when the idea hit her. "Hey…I just remembered my list!"
"You're gonna make me sing you a sappy love song to cheer you up, aren't you?" He crashed on his back. "I knew it. Do I get to pick it?"
"No singing, Sweetie…at least not yet. I want to do my role-play." Excitedly she explained, "Tonight I want to role play that we're college students who don't know each other. I want to go to a country bar and maybe…" She deviously grinned. "…you'll buy me a drink and ask me to two-step. Maybe I'll say yes. Or maybe I'll hit on you. Maybe I'll even complete my goal of doing all five of mine…role play, booze, dancing, stars and singing, all in one night."
Eyeing her in disbelief he said… "You want to go to a bar and pretend we're twenty-one year old strangers so we can hit on each other?"
"Yes!" It sounded even better when he said it.
Trying to grasp why this was such a great idea to her he quizzed, "Because you think this will give you back that something you believed you missed out on back in college and then you won't feel bad about it anymore?"
"Yes!" Enthusiastic, she sat up and started planning her spontaneous fantasy. "I want it all to be a surprise…everything. We pick different names, make up our life stories and at no time during the night do we snap out of our roles. I want the full wild college girl experience…no exceptions, which means you can't be thinking…oh poor Carrie with the abusive background I shouldn't blah blah blah. I'm going to be Girl X and you only know what I tell you. You be as slick and as smooth as you want to be. Naturally, the only limitation is that we don't hook up with other people. Think you can channel the right stuff to play an outrageously horny college guy?"
"My first attempt at role play didn't go so well, remember?" Shaking his head he reminded her, "In the backseat of Tawny's car while we were waiting for Greg to toss his cookies at Jim's, when we were playing 1950's virgins getting hot and heavy...you yelled at me for saying I was a Navy boy because I couldn't be shipping out at dawn when I was in the desert. Maybe it's just not something I'm good at doing."
After smooching his lips she informed him, "Why do you think I'm giving you advanced notice to develop your story this time? Besides…I think this role play is close enough to your real life past, Slick Nick that you won't have to improvise much beyond the name of your character." Leaping off the bed she ordered, "While I go shopping for the appropriate attire, you need to find the right locale for our little adventure."
"Buying some shoes?" He teased while knowing he shouldn't agree to this game.
"No, I already have my sexy red boots." Shimmying out of her robe she informed him, "I need to shop to complete my girl's look, which you can't see before I get to the bar so you'll have to keep yourself occupied elsewhere. It will be good practice for not seeing me in my wedding dress. Just leave me a note saying where and when to meet you."
"Speaking of meeting you…" Her bare body sent him reeling. "Before we become strangers can we…because all that talk of five times before sunset when we haven't at all has me…"
"No way." Posing, she explained her motivation. "Because if you're horny, you'll work harder to get me."
"Ah." When she disappeared into the bathroom Nick sighed, imagining Carrie dressed sexy and pretending she was single in a bar full of horny guys. "Why do I have a feeling someone's going to end up getting their ass kicked at the bar tonight?"
"Oh!" She rushed out of the bathroom. "I can't wear my ring so would you bring it to the desk and have them lock it in the hotel safe?"
"What!" Now she was going too far. "I think you're…"
"I can't go to a bar and hit on you with a diamond on my finger, everyone will think I'm a tramp!" Holding out her left hand she waited for him to take the ring. "You know I'm right."
"Well, I'm not taking it off," He huffed. "I put that ring on your finger to stay. You can take it off…like you do when you're cleaning it at home. I can't. It will freak me out." He watched her slip it off with ease and when she placed it in his palm he winced. Then he reminded himself she really wasn't returning it for good.
"Thanks, Sweetie!" She pecked his cheek before darting towards the bathroom.
"Hey, Carrie." Nick held up the diamond ring and wriggled his eyebrows. "What if after a night with this new girl, I decide that maybe I'm not ready to settle down after all, so I don't give this back?"
Teasing him back she said, "What if after spending a night with a new guy I decide I don't want it back?"
"Okay we can stop this now." Clutching the ring in his palm, he headed out the door to go to the front desk.
Once Nick was gone Carrie unpacked her red snakeskin boots and giggled. "This is going to be so much fun!"
Desert Arroyo Townhomes
6:32 p.m.
"I'm having SO much fun! This place is so much better than my old apartment." Greg squealed with delight as he sat in the hot tub with Hodges, Theo, Bill, Babs, Mandy and Dave while sipping a tropical drink garnished with a pink umbrella stuck in a slice of pineapple. "What time does Karaoke start?"
"Do you sing? Will you duet?" Theo asked with flair. "Bill refuses to duet with me."
"Mainly because I'm tone deaf," Bill retorted as he knocked back his second beer.
"Do I sing!" Greg took a sip of his fruity drink, cleared his throat and belted out the first verse of When a Man Loves a Woman, partly to prove he could sing, and mostly to prove he was straight so Bill would stop being suspicious of him making the moves on Theo.
"Are you sure you're taken?" Both Mandy, a cocktail waitress at The Mirage, and Dave, a Podiatrist who made his living tending to dancers' feet, asked in unison.
"Not only taken…Tawny and I have not one, but two bambinos on the way."
Hodges enthusiastically announced, "I'm single! I love Mexican food, vintage board games and Cameron Crowe movies. That was uh…directed at you, Mandy, not you, Dave…no offense."
Dave sipped then replied, "Trust me…I'm relieved."
"I've got to get ready for my shift." Mandy bolted out of the tub.
Greg shoved his buddy. "Way to scare her off, Count David. Don't blurt your personal ad to someone you just met."
"Oh and I should take advice from you?" He burst out laughing. "Tawny's the first girlfriend you've had since moving to Vegas how many years ago? No thanks, I'll listen to Theo's advice on how to pick up women before yours."
"I love Cameron Crowe movies," Babs remarked as she eyed Hodges in a whole new light. "I'm single and want to stay that way, but if the evening goes well I might sleep with you."
"Really?" Hodges couldn't believe his ears. He hadn't been with a woman in five years. So what if she was twelve years older and a New Age nutjob? "Is there anything in particular I should avoid that might turn you off, because I'd like to increase my odds as much as possible?"
Jim Brass's Apartment
7:02 p.m.
Jim sat alone in the living room waiting for Ellie to return from the bathroom wondering what the odds of success might be this time. Upon waking she had asked to take a shower, which he was grateful for since it would mean the trampy makeup would be washed off and her wildly sprayed hair toned down. Since she didn't have any belongings with her other than her purse, he gave her the new white terry-cloth robe he received from the hotel in Vancouver last month as part of the package deal.
When she returned to the living room Jim curtailed his gasp before it escaped his lips. With her wet hair pulled back in a simple ponytail and her plain face, Ellie once again looked like the little girl he knew. And for a moment, he believed she was, and then she spoke.
"Where'd you put my cigarettes?" She plopped onto the couch counting the minutes for the Valium she had just swallowed to kick in.
Jim approached with the pack and the ashtray which signaled the kick off of Save Ellie Part 2 as orchestrated by Heather who was outside waiting to brief Tawny and reimburse her for the purchases she was asked to make. "Do you remember this?" He stated as he set down the hand crafted little brown bowl painted with pink hearts.
"You kept it all this time?"
Taking a seat across from her he explained, "I have this box of things…mementos. Some are mine, some are things you gave me when you were a kid. While you were in the shower, I remembered that was in there. How old do you think you were when you made that? Six? Seven?"
"I made it in Brownies." Lifting it she inspected her handiwork. "I was eight. All the girls made them for their dads to give to them at the father-daughter dance. I gave you yours at home because you couldn't make the dance…you were working…like you always were." Placing it on the table she sighed. "Or was that one of the nights you were out cheating on mom? That's how it worked if I recall…she cheated on you during the day while I was parked in front of the TV, and you cheated on her at night so couldn't come to any of my stuff. It was fun…for both of you, not me."
"We can't change the past, Ellie." He realized he must have said that to her at least a dozen times over the years. "For what it's worth, that night I really was working. One of my guys got shot and I had to wait at the hospital for him to get out of surgery. And it was my responsibility to tell his wife and kids what happened when he didn't make it. That's why when I got home that night, after watching a nine year old girl's reaction to the news that she'd never see her father again, I came to your room and woke you up…to hold you and tell you I loved you. That's when you gave me the ashtray."
"And what happened the next day?" She prodded with an edge in her voice. "Did you decide, hey, life's too short so I'll be a great dad from here on out?"
"Nah…I did the same old thing because I was an idiot who didn't know what he was doing. I was lost. Just like you're lost right now." Locking eyes with her he saw she was hooked. "People get scared when they try to turn over a new leaf so they cling to the familiar. It's easier. There aren't any expectations. And most importantly, you can't fail when you're already a failure. At the bottom, there's no risk of falling, right? Isn't that why you're doing what you're doing?"
"Save it…it's too late for you to be a parent." She paused to light a cigarette with a shaky hand. "It's too late for me to be a kid. It's too late for me period."
"That's the thing…it's not." He leaned in. "My friend Gil…he just turned forty-nine. His father left when he was nine. They just reunited. That's forty years Ellie. We don't have that kind of baggage. We've always been here for each other, we just don't get it right."
"This friend…doesn't he hate his father for leaving him?" She shook her head. "Sounds like bullshit to me. I mean…how could he forgive him after all that time?"
Mandalay Bay
Presidential Suite A
7:21 p.m.
Sitting across from her at the table, Ron watched his radiant daughter-in-law wearing the locket he gave her and his heart warmed. Now that he knew she was carrying the next generation of Grissom, he once again felt eternally grateful that his son saw it in his heart to forgive him for the years of estrangement. And then he glanced at Lina who was cheerily doling out desserts and solely responsible for making him take the chance with Gil. In that moment, he realized what he felt for her went beyond friendship.
"Guero!" Lina called again. "Are you going to answer the question?"
"Sorry…what was the question?" He smiled and came up with a lie. "I wasn't listening because I was busy wondering if it will be a grandson or a granddaughter I'll be greeting in nine months. Are you going to find out ahead of time?"
Sara and Gil exchanged glances. "We haven't discussed that yet," Gil replied through a smile. "But if Sara's impatience about things thus far is any indication, we'll be finding out ahead of time."
Sara grinned because her husband knew her so well. "I'm pretty sure I'll have the ultrasound on the first day the doctor lets me. It will give me more time to read up on gender specifics and prepare the nursery."
Gil teased, "And learn how to do the little things you and I don't know…which would be everything relating to baby care and parenting."
"Honey…" Sara gave him a look. "You're an excellent pseudo-father to all the boys in your life…Warrick, Nick, Greg and Sean."
Forgetting they weren't alone for a moment Gil scoffed, "After abandoning my pseudo-son Greg yesterday, my pseudo-son Nick ripped me a new one and told me I was awful at my job, and today when my pseudo-son Sean asked a simple birds and the bees question I paid off Greg to do the dirty work for me."
"Wow!" Ron folded his arms across his chest and chuckled. "You sound just like me!"
Gil's jaw dropped.
"This dessert is delicious!" Sara blurted, hoping to change the subject and prevent her husband from having a stroke. "The whole meal was wonderful, Lina."
"Here all I do is the menu planning." Lowering her spoon she said, "Once we're in the new house I'll have you over and cook a real Cuban meal for you."
"I'd love that." Even though she had only known Lina for ninety minutes, she already felt a bond building. Maybe it was the fact they both loved Grissom men who were relationship-challenged that made her feel instantly close. "My friend Wendy has offered to teach me how, to cook so once I know how maybe you can share some of your recipes?"
"Absolutely." Lina smiled. "I'll start typing them out for you tomorrow. It will give me something to do since there isn't much to do around here except bust Ron's chops and he's not been nearly as annoying since he's reconciled with Gil."
"Forgiveness is good for the soul." Ron lifted his glass of sugar-free iced tea. "And I have so much to live for now because I missed out on so much."
Western World
Flagstaff, Arizona
7:30 p.m.
Determined to make her fantasy as authentic as possible so she would no longer feel she missed out on all the fun young twenty-something girls have, Carrie wanted to look her best. She had been perusing the merchandise at the large western clothing store for a few minutes when a sales clerk, a young man in his twenties, approached.
"Howdy, Miss…my name's Ren." To him, the pretty young lady, dressed in khaki shorts, a navy tank and sandals with her hair in a ponytail looked lost in the sea of cowgirl gear. "If there's anything I can help ya with, you just give me a holler."
Flummoxed by the variety of western fashions, she had an idea. The young man looked like a very nice cowboy, so she asked, "Would you mind giving me a man's opinion?"
"I'd be happy to." Tipping his hat he took a step closer toward the cute little lady.
Moving in she whispered, "I'm trying to get this guy to notice me…a real cowboy from Texas. I plan on showing up at a country bar tonight and when I walk in I want his eyes to pop and have me be the only one he notices. I already have a hot pair of red snakeskin boots, but I need the rest of it. I want to look perfect!"
"I'm afraid I don't know how to help you, Miss." Ren shook his head and sighed. "You already look perfect to me, so how can I possibly suggest improvements?" Leaning in he smiled. "Tell you what…how about you forget about that cowboy from Texas and let this cowboy from Montana take you out tonight? I get off work 'round ten and I assure you, I know how to treat a lady. And don't go changing a thing for me…you wear whatever you're comfortable in, and I'll take you wherever you want to go."
When she realized the handsome young man just hit on her, Carrie's cheeks flushed. "Oh…wow." Her hand covered her mouth as she giggled. "You just asked me out." All three men she had dated, including Nick, were set ups so getting scammed on in a store caught her off guard. "I'm really flattered, but I can't because I'm engaged."
"Excuse me?" Ren scowled at the city girl. "You're engaged, but you're here to buy a sexy outfit so you can hook up with some cowboy at a bar tonight? Now I'm afraid I really can't help you, because you're going to hell in a hand basket, Missy."
"What?" Mortified, Carrie rushed to explain. "No…no…the guy I'm hitting on at the bar tonight is my fiancé!"
"Oh, I get it…" Ren stuffed his hands on his hips. "Look…you don't have a ring on your finger so I know you're not engaged. This is all a story because you didn't want to go out with me. You could have politely declined instead of lyin'."
"No! That's not it!" Feeling bad for unintentionally hurting the nice man's feelings, Carrie squirmed. "My ring is in the hotel safe and the man I'm meeting really is my fiancé, his name is Nick. He's just pretending he doesn't know me so we can hit on each other in this role-play. It's complicated. He's agreed to help me live out my wild college-girl fantasy. You see…I have issues…heavy emotional baggage. I was so sheltered growing up, I never dated, I never partied, and I never boldly flirted with guys, drank too much and woke up hung over. My fiancé's going to help me do all that safely within the boundaries of our monogamous relationship. See!"
Exasperated, Ren sighed and slipped his fingers under his Stetson to scratch his head. "You're from California, ain't ya?" Motioning towards the rear of the store he said, "Come on, Missy…the sexy stuff is back here."
Jim Brass's Apartment
7:45 p.m.
Tawny entered the apartment with the shopping bag of clothes Jim asked her to buy…specifically stating, nothing sexy. "Hi there." She burst into the room wearing a cute floral sundress and yellow flip flops. "You must be Ellie." She walked over to the couch. "Jim's told me so many nice things about you. I'm Tawny Cooper." She thrust her hand forward. "Your dad called and asked me to buy some clothes for you. You and I are the same age so he thought I'd know what you'd like and let's face it…your dad would have picked ugly stuff."
Shaking the bubbly girl's hand Ellie, who was now quite relaxed from the Valium said, "Who did your boob job? They're great."
It was the perfect segue and Jim and Heather faded into the kitchen as planned.
Tossing her purse and the bag of clothes Tawny plopped on the couch next to Ellie. "Dr. Morganstein at the Plaza Medical Center here in Vegas." She gave her D's a puff. "All the girls at the club use him. He's expensive but worth it. I started saving up when I was eighteen. It wasn't hard, I just put all my lap dance money in the bank for a while and when I had enough I went to his office and said let's pump these puppies up."
"You're a stripper?" Looking at her it was obvious she had the right requirements for the job.
"Ex-stripper. Thank god." Tawny rolled her eyes. "Six years. I can't believe I made it that long. But it paid the bills after I had to leave home. Luckily some nice people…co-workers of your Dad's actually, helped me get a new gig. That's how I know your dad. My boyfriend, Greg Sanders, works at the lab with him. And a friend of your dad's, Gil Grisssom, introduced me to Greg. It wasn't long after that before they sat me down and made me realize I didn't have to keep dancing because I had people who cared about me willing to help me make a fresh start."
"Hold up…" A little slow on the uptake from the pill, Ellie finally caught on. "You're bullshitting me. My dad set up this after school special. You were never a stripper."
"What?" Tawny stood up and grabbed the TV remote, flipping to a music channel known for its sultry music. "You think I could fake this?" She gave a little demo of some of her more sleazy moves.
Ellie's jaw dropped. "Whoa…you're good."
From her position on the floor Tawny chuckled, "You don't get to wear the gold bird costume at Tweeters if you're not the best."
"I'm not good at all." She grabbed her cigarettes. "That's why I had to switch to nude dancing to make ends meet. Guys don't care about your moves when you're nude."
"Don't feel bad, I had years of professional dance training as a kid before my dad died. I would have stuck with it if I didn't have to leave home because my mom's scumbag boyfriend decided he'd like to sleep with both of us." She shuddered while rising to her feet. "That's how I ended up dancing in Vegas. I ran away right before I was seventeen." Taking her place on the couch again, she sighed. "You don't know how lucky you are to have a parent who actually gives a shit if you're breathing. My mom…she held the door for me on the way out. I'm sure she's never given me another thought."
Ellie extended her pack. "You want a smoke?"
"Can't…I'm pregnant." Smiling she smoothed her hand over her belly. "We didn't plan it and we were really freaked at first, but we had so many people behind us, we figured things out and now we're psyched. What about you, Ellie?"
"What about me?" She puffed and sighed.
"Why don't you let your dad and Heather and me help you figure things out? Once you get cleaned up you'll see there are many…"
"Here it comes. No thanks, preacher girl." She sunk a little lower on the couch. "My dad is a…"
"What is he, Ellie?" Tawny's tone iced. "A bastard for caring about you? An asshole for wanting you clean? Do you have any idea what I would give to have a parent who wants me! After dancing a couple of years, if I had known my dad was waiting for a second chance to love me, I would have run his door! Run! I would have run there the night I was raped and begged him to help me out of the shit life I made for myself. But unlike you, I didn't have anyone waiting for me." Her tears caught her off guard. "And because I didn't have a dad to call, you know what I did? I went home, threw away my clothes, took a shower and cried for three days. Yeah…I locked myself in my apartment until I had no choice but to get back to shaking my ass so I could make rent. I've been on my own with nowhere to retreat for six god damn years. If you don't want him, maybe your dad will adopt me, you self-centered twit."
Ellie stared at the ashtray she was holding while listening to Tawny catch her breath.
Once her tears were in check Tawny said, "If you can't see the opportunity you have here then you don't deserve to be more than eye candy for a bunch of sleazebags for the rest of your life…that is until you're not attractive enough to dance anymore and start selling your body. Or are you already trading yourself to feed your drug habit?" When she saw Ellie turn away she nodded. "Yeah…I figured as much. That's your full-time future unless you change directions. And one day…even that nastiest guys will find you too skanky to screw, and then you'll be living under an overpass offering BJs for quarters." Adding an edge to her tone she scoffed, "Are you really gonna let that happen because you're still pissed off at your daddy for not being home when you were a little girl? Wake up! He didn't beat, molest or psychologically abuse you. That makes you luckier than half the kids on this planet. Aww poor Ellie…she has to be a 'ho because her daddy didn't hang with her when she was ten. I'm not playing that violin."
"I'm not asking you…"
"You say the word and your dad gets you the best treatment possible." She yelled while getting in her face. "Open your eyes, dammit! Do you know how many girls working at your club will kill for that chance!"
Weakly Ellie commented, "You really think it's possible?"
"Look at me!" Tawny lightened up again. "I'm living proof! I'm clean, I'm going to school and I'm in a great relationship. And I'm not the only one. Your dad works with this lady, Catherine, she's a friend of mine now. She was a dancer with a blow habit and now she's got a career, a daughter and she just bought a house with this great guy. But she had to make it happen herself. You won't have it that rough because you have people in your corner waiting to help you."
Ellie extinguished her cigarette shaking her head. "It's hard to quit…I've tried."
"Life's hard and it's not going to get any easier. You're tired…you're twenty-two and you're partied out." Tawny reached out and gave her hand a squeeze. "I know the look, I saw it in the mirror every day. You know it's true. The party's over."
Desert Arroyo Townhomes
Pool Area
8:47 p.m.
The party, now in full swing, had swelled to thirty people and no one was having a better time than Greg, who was center stage with Theo.
Reclining on a pool lounge chair Hodges remarked in a cocktail-fueled haze, "Maybe they're twins separated at birth." Greg and Theo each had a microphone and were entertaining the crowd as well as any headliner act in town. "Chuckles the Clown and Jingles the Jester…it has a nice ring."
Bill popped the cap off his next beer. "I'm relieved Theo has finally found a platonic playmate who can put up with his silliness. Now I won't have to sing all the boy parts of his favorite duets to pacify him." After taking a sip he groaned, "I especially hate it when he wants me to wear chaps and croon county. I'm from Boston. I loathe horses and being a refined Yankee, I find it very difficult to play the part of the bad boy rancher even with the black Stetson Theo bought me last year."
The Rusty Spur
10:00 p.m.
Because he planned on horseback riding and taking Carrie dancing, Nick had packed all the necessary accessories to look the part of his cowboy character…weathered cowboy boots, faded jeans, a tight black t-shirt to be worn under an untucked plaid button-down, and to top off the bad-boy look…his black Stetson hat. So when he walked into The Rusty Spur to wait for Carrie, he blended in with the locals and took a seat at the bar without raising eyebrows. Or so he thought.
"Bottle of Bud," Nick told the bartender and when he received it, he spun around on his stool to watch the door. It was only ten so the place was only starting to fill for the night. Just enough of a crowd to create the right atmosphere but well before the late night desperation feel these places were notorious for after patrons had too much booze and not enough affection.
Since it was Wednesday, the music for the night would be provided by a DJ, not a live band which meant he could make a request and he started thinking of a few. And while he was, a cute redhead in a straw cowboy hat, white camisole and tight low-rise blue jeans sauntered up to the bar next to him. "Haven't seen you here before," She commented while boldly giving the stranger a once over. "I'm Vicki Lynn."
"I'm just passing through town," He answered while keeping his eyes on the door and bringing the brown bottle to his mouth for another hearty swig.
"That beer looks good, I'm parched." Her eyes focused on his lips when the bottle left them.
"It is." Nick smirked as he watched the door intently. "I got it from the bartender. Two dollar longnecks…I thought it was a good deal. Maybe you should invest in one." He felt the message was abundantly clear to the woman who probably had already slept with every regular…I'm not interested so move along to your next victim.
Vicki Lynn loved the message this bad boy was sending…you're gonna have to work a little harder than that if you want me in your bed tonight, Sweetheart. Since she had already slept with everyone in the place worth sleeping with, she was more than up to the challenge. For now she retreated but made plans for another attack.
With his gaze locked on the door Nick couldn't miss Carrie's entrance.
Neither did any other man in the place.
"Have mercy," Rolled off Nick's lips when he saw her strut in wearing a black gathered tube top with fire-red piping that somehow made her boobs look even bigger than the bathing suit she had on earlier. Instead of straightening her hair she was sporting a head full of sexy curls which cascaded over her deliciously bare shoulders. But nothing could have prepared him for what he spied next…a black denim mini-skirt which accentuated her heavenly curves just right. Nick recalled his words to Carrie in the pool house…if you like this sort of thing…next time wear a skirt, not pants. Access issues waste valuable time. "She really means business." Lastly he saw the boots…the devil-red snakeskin boots she bought in Dallas on a whim. At the time he thought they were a frivolous purchase but now he wished he had paid for them himself. "Whoa."
In his stupor Nick was only cognizant of his reaction to Carrie's entrance, not the reactions of the dozens of other men in the place. So when he saw two guys approach her it was shocking. "Hey…" He was about to jump off his stool and tell them to back away from his fiancée when he remembered the rules of the game. She wasn't his fiancée and she would be taking care of herself.
Knowing it was a game didn't stop him from sweating but a moment later when he saw her politely decline both offers he relaxed and took a sip of his beer.
Having never been in a country bar before Carrie felt like a fish out of water and she immediately wanted to call off the game. But then she remembered how awkward she felt when Nick had taken her to the pool house during Sara's party for Gil and how that night ended up being highly enjoyable and therapeutic. So, she put on her game face and went with the flow. After all, Catherine did say that role plays can help you safely work out issues. Once the night was over, Carrie suspected she would no longer pine for the college adventure she never had.
Trying not to appear nervous, Carrie navigated the place looking for Nick. The note he had left at the hotel said take a cab to The Rusty Spur at ten fifteen and since there was only one Rusty Spur in town she knew she was in the right spot. Finally, when she glanced at the bar she saw him. "Whoa," She breathed out upon seeing him dressed like a good 'ol bad boy. Since he hadn't shaved that morning, his scruff was the perfect compliment to the mood set by his black hat and killer smile.
With two fresh beers in his possession Nick stepped off his bar stool to meet the newest patron of The Rusty Spur. "Howdy," He greeted while tipping his hat. "Like every guy in the place I couldn't help notice you floating in, Angel. But unlike everyone else…I came bearing gifts." He extended a bottle.
After accepting the drink she slyly replied, "Is this your only gift?" She tried desperately not to crack a smile at the silliness afoot.
"No, ma'am it's not." Placing his hand on the wall he leaned in and whispered in her ear close enough to brush his lips over her lobe. "But it's a little early to reveal my other gifts, don't you think? I don't even know your name yet, Sugar." When he felt her quiver Nick knew he was playing it right.
Just like that night in the pool house Carrie was at a loss to explain why she was thoroughly enjoying Nick's naughty-boy smarm. "My name's Missy." She watched his eyes for a reaction to the name, a name she had chosen after Ren used it at The Western Warehouse when he told her you're going to hell in a hand basket, Missy! It was obviously a naughty-girl name.
He loved the name…sweet yet flirty. "Nice to meet you Missy…I'm Travis." He watched her expression for a reaction to his pseudonym, which he selected because a Travis Tritt song was playing when he walked in the bar.
She adored the name…nice but not traditional. "Travis what?" Carrie wanted to see if Nick had thought of a last name too and maybe catch him off guard.
"Travis Daniels," He replied after catching the bottle of Jack Daniels in the bartender's hand. "I'm up from College Station to visit my cousin Jack. What about you? What are you doing in this place other than lighting it up with your gorgeous smile and making all the other women look bad?" He knew that line would make her grin.
Carrie was desperate not to grin but quickly succumbed. "I just transferred to NAU after finishing two years at Cavanaugh County Community College in Kansas." She'd thank Tawny for telling her all about her home town when she returned to Vegas. "Yeah…I'm just a small town farm girl and since I just turned twenty-two this is my first time in a real bar."
"Kansas?" Nick remarked with a lilt in his voice. "Well Missy…you're not in Kansas anymore." Taking her arm he led her over to an open table. "And tonight this Texas cowboy is gonna show you a real good time." When Carrie lit up he thought, this role play thing is a piece of cake.
"Hmm…" Leaning against the table she sighed, "Thanks for the offer but the night is young and I'm leaving my options open, Travis." Raising her beer she winked. "Thanks, for the drink. Maybe I'll catch you later." Then grinning wildly she strutted away wishing she could catch the dumbfounded expression on Nick's face.
Entranced by the swing of her skirted hips Nick shook his head. "Yeah…there's gonna be trouble."
Desert Arroyo Townhomes
Pool Area
10:11 p.m.
Upon finding the note tacked on the door, come to the community pool area ASAP, Tawny hoped Greg wasn't down there causing trouble on their first day in their new home. But nothing could have prepared her for what she saw as she walked through the gate.
Greg was standing on a mock stage with a very flamboyant man singing, Shake Your Groove Thing.
"Tawny!" Hodges drunkenly called out from the pool deck turned dance floor where he was shaking it with Babs. "Chuckles and his new pal Theo are singing some Peaches and Herb so we can boogey down."
"Uh…is Greg Peaches or Herb?"
"Herb!" Hodges replied before bumping booties with Babs.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Tawny watched her man gyrate, quite impressed with his ability. She had never seen him dance before. "His back must be feeling better." Then her gaze returned to Hodges, whose Disco-Nightmare dancing style horrified her.
Hodges, having watched Pulp Fiction many times, started mimicking John Travolta's moves when dancing with Uma Thurman. "I'm sure Greg's back is killing him but he can't feel the pain because in his drug fog, he forgot he wasn't supposed to drink and had sucked down two cocktails before I asked him if he had taken something for the pain before coming out here."
"Hodges!" Tawny saw red. "You're a terrible babysitter!"
The Grissoms'
10:21 p.m.
Standing in the bedroom in full panic, Sara exclaimed, "You want me to offer to babysit threeof Wendy's kids so you can surprise her and take her hiking with you and Sean?"
"I thought you'd be happy for the practice now that you're pregnant and the clock is ticking before we have one of our own to care for." Gil stared at his wife. "You'll be great."
"I barely managed Ashley with you and Sean helping me!" She loved the idea and the sentiment behind it because Wendy really did need a break but reality prevented her from supporting it. "There's no way!"
"Maybe you can ask Tawny to help you," He suggested through a smile. "She has to be great with kids because she lives with Greg."
"Well…" Sara considered the idea. "Maybe she needs the practice too."
"Why don't you call and ask her?" Gil walked into the bathroom holding a new magazine. "Let me know what she says."
Grabbing the phone Sara punched in Tawny's cell number.
"HELLO!" Tawny screamed through the phone trying to resonate over the noise.
Sara moved the phone a few inches from her ear. "Are you out clubbing?"
"No, I'm in the townhouse pool area. There's a party."
Sara rolled her eyes. "Are the freaks singing disco?"
"Yes…including my freak."
"Oh…" Sara cringed. "Sorry…I should have guessed that Greg would fit in with that boisterous crowd. They freaked Gil out. Especially that woman Babs…she's a real nutjob. Sleeps with anything breathing."
"Really!" Tawny giggled. "She and Hodges just headed back to her place with for a little mid-party private party."
"Are you trying to give me nightmares?" Sara shivered and shook off the thought of Greg's disco singing turning on a woman enough to sleep with Hodges. "Speaking of nightmares…would you want to help me out with one tomorrow?"
Next Chapter: Chapter 93: Getting It Back - Part 4
Teaser: The night is far from over...
Posting: Friday
Thanks for reading and for your comments on the last chapter!
Maggs