Note: 4 scenes (2 NC, 1 GT and 1 GS) had to be edited to avoid violating the rules of this website. They will only be found in their original form on my website accessible via my homepage link. Thanks, Maggs
Feasibility Study
Written by: Ms Maggs / Edited by: KJT
Chapter 100: Getting It Back – Part 11
August 26, 2005 (Day 107)
Celeste's Apartment
7:40 p.m.
While Hodges hadn't seen Celeste before her makeover, Greg had. So when the front door was opening, it was Greg's reaction Tawny anticipated most.
Upon seeing the woman standing in the doorway, Greg smiled warmly. "Hi, you must be Celeste's sister. Could you tell her we're here to pick her up for dinner." As he stared, he wondered why the sister didn't give Celeste some style tips. The fashionable black clothes, classy makeup, funky hair style and trendy glasses made this woman look fantastic.
Celeste turned to Tawny. "You told him to say that."
"No!" She bubbled. "I didn't, that's what's so cool!" Slapping Greg on the back Tawny declared, "This is Celeste."
"Wow!" He blurted, hoping she didn't read too much into his stunned reaction.
Celeste knew she must have looked really bad before the makeover because Greg was in shock.
After clearing his throat, Hodges said, "Could um…someone introduce me?" At first he was thrilled by the woman's chic appearance, and then he saddened. Surely he'd only be getting only one date, because no woman that trendy would want to date him.
"Sorry!" Tawny shoved Greg out of the way. "David Hodges…this is Celeste Munroe. Celeste works at the University Medical Center's pathology lab. She enjoys reading and does advanced crossword puzzles in ink, which just blows my mind. Celeste…this is David Hodges. David works in the LVPD Trace Lab. He likes movies and collects vintage board games." Then she stepped aside to watch for a chemical reaction between the two lab geeks.
Hodges nervously made the first move. "Hi…nice to meet you."
"Hi." Celeste eyed the man warily. Dressed in the trendiest of shirts, he looked too cool to be dating her. She figured he must have agreed to the date as a favor to Greg. Resigned that she wouldn't be getting a second date, she decided to use the evening as practice to sharpen her rusty dating skills.
"Pathology, huh?" David shifted anxiously in the door way. "I've always found pathogens, especially the horrifyingly lethal ones, fascinating. I read this paper on Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever. It was awesome. Nice detail on the phases and an especially thorough description of the final crash and bleed out process. Liquefied organs aren't easy to describe. I was highly impressed."
Just as Greg was going to pinch his buddy for bringing up rotting organs and death in the inaugural seconds of his first date in ten years, Celeste responded.
"Have you read The Hot Zone by Richard Preston? It's one of my favorites. That initial depiction of the person crashing to bleed out on the plane ride hooked me and I couldn't put it down!"
"Are you kidding?" Hodges lit up. "I have an autographed copy. I bought it off Ebay!"
Tawny and Greg breathed simultaneous sighs of relief and then Tawny suggested, "Should we go in for a drink like you planned, Celeste when we spoke earlier?"
"Oh. Sorry." Celeste backed up. "I didn't mean to leave you standing outside. Come on in."
As soon as Tawny stepped into the apartment she panicked. While she had taken great pains to make Celeste appear as hip as possible, her apartment sent the opposite message. Particularly the enormous collection of Harlequin books and Harlequin clown dolls taking up every inch of the book-shelved wall she was facing. "I'm hungry," Tawny blurted. "We should go right to the restaurant."
"I made snacks," Celeste reassured her friend.
"Great." Greg bounded inside. "WHOA!" The exclamation was in response to half a wall covered in creepy porcelain clown heads. "Are you from a circus family?"
Macaluso's
7:45 p.m.
With the first act behind them and all parties still uninjured, Gil was hoping an explosion wouldn't build in the second to go off in the third. He found the whole concept bizarre because his wife was normally a wonderful, compassionate and empathetic person, who devoted her life to making the county a safer and better place. But she was different around Heather. She tweaked a piece of Sara that was still healing and fanned the last flames of Sara's last insecurity.
Seated at a table in the center of the refined restaurant, Jim was confident that Heather wouldn't lose her cool. After all, she was an important business woman in town and had a reputation to protect. In the dining room this evening were both local business owners and clients of hers. Normally he'd never worry but, Sara was the one person in town who seemed to get under her skin. While Heather fronted a tough persona as a job requirement, she had a vulnerable side. It almost never showed. Something about Sara tweaked it though. However, instead of oozing vulnerability, she overcompensated and turned into a flaming bitch.
On the way to their table she had pointed out that one of the waiters, Rolf, was a regular customer. His peccadillo of choice was watching his submissive play with red paint until she coated her body. Then, he would verbally scold her for making a mess before reprimanding her with his hands and leaving harsh hand prints all over her body.
Jim had tipped the maitre d' well to make sure Rolf wasn't their waiter.
"So…" Jim opened his menu. "I don't know about you kids but, I'm starving." His plan to order as much food as possible was underway.
Sara smiled warmly. "Since we have two old lovers at the table we should probably start off with an order."
When everyone gaped at her she anxiously asked, "What? You said you liked the calamari here so…"
Gil leaned over, whispering in her ear. "You said two old lovers, not two calamari lovers."
"Oh!" Sara knew what Freud would say about that slip. "I meant…two old lovers of calamari."
"Excuse me." Heather winced. "Are you implying I'm old?"
"No…uh…" She stammered. "I was implying your love of calamari, like Gil's, was old…which I now realize I shouldn't have done because, I don't know you. Your love of calamari could be new."
Jim flagged the nearest waiter. "I need a scotch. The lady needs a glass of your finest pinot noir. There's a twenty in it or you if you get it here in sixty seconds."
Gil raised his hand. "My wife will have a cranberry and soda and I'd like a scotch too…but make mine a double." He hadn't planned on drinking but, ten minutes into the double date adventure Gil knew it was his best survival option.
Little America Hotel
7:51 p.m.
Freshly showered and wearing a comfy pair of boxers, Nick took a seat on the bed, ready for the next adventure. "Who's going first?" He called out to Carrie who in the bathroom. Chuckling to himself, he readied the supplies, surprised at his level of excitement. Grabbing the remote Nick decided to wait on ordering the movie until they were done, and instead opted for a music channel.
Upon emerging from the bathroom wearing the bikini she purchased from the shop next to the tattoo parlor Carrie announced, "You first." Fidgeting with the fuchsia halter top she anxiously asked, "Does this bathing suit look okay on me?" Next her fingers went to the waistband of the hipster bottoms and tugged a little higher, hoping it would cover her bellybutton.
Nick answered the question by grabbing Carrie, tackling her against the bedding and bestowing an energetic kiss. He did it because he wanted to kiss her for looking so cute in the little suit but, he also did it to avoid the use of words. He knew she was tense over her appearance in her first two-piece since she was nine, and didn't want to say the wrong thing.
"So you like it?" Carrie inquired when they parted.
"Didn't that kiss make it clear how I felt?"
Her radiant smile replied on her behalf. "Okay, Tex…lay back and prepare to get inked." With her supplies in hand, Carrie straddled his hips.
Relaxed and happy, Nick remarked, "Look at the progress I've made. I'm not remotely uptight while you're pinning me down and branding me with your mark."
"You're right. I don't feel any tension in your body. Congratulations on your breakthrough." After successfully applying the tattoo she leaned in, gently blowing on it to expedite the drying process.
Lying there, with his fiancée sporting a tight bikini top while bent over and blowing delicately on his flesh, Nick remarked, "Uh…you're about to feel a slight increase in body tension, Sweetheart, but it has nothing to do with anxiety. It's all about you in that bikini."
Pleasantly flustered by the reference to her appearance, she sat up. "Sorry."
"Don't be." His hands found her waist. "And don't go."
"Why?" Feeling the heat of his gaze on her body Carrie giggled, "What would you like me to do?"
"I'd like you to take off that bathing suit…" He serenely instructed while removing his hands from her body and placing them behind his head. "…while I watch."
The combination of his low, smooth voice and the bold request sent a dizzying current through Carrie. While she had removed her clothing in front of him a plethora of times, it had never been in an exhibitionist manner. "I…"
"Trust me…" He encouraged her with his eyes and a deft shift of his hips. "…you can't possibly do it wrong, Sweetheart."
Wrinkling her nose she squeaked, "Can I shut off the lights?"
"You can if you want to, Darlin'. But if we leave the lights on, I get to appreciate your outrageously sexy body and you get to see my reaction. That's what makes it fun." Softly he suggested, "How about letting your hair down for me? See how that feels."
Reaching up, Carrie grabbed the clip holding her hair in place and yanked it out.
"Oh yeah…" Nick murmured as he watched her auburn mane crash against her silky shoulders. Her one move brought every inch of him to life. "That was perfect, Baby." He wanted more but, it was up to her.
Carrie suddenly understood the point…seeing his reaction, fired her desire. Wasting no time, she popped the back clasp of the halter. Simultaneously exhilarated and frightened, she gasped from the boldness of the move.
"There's no rush," He coached, thrilled she had decided to forge ahead.
With the clasp open, Carrie sought the courage to finesse the top off properly.
"Nice and slow…make me wait." He grinned widely. "Hell, you're in control, Sweetheart…make me beg."
Returning his grin, Carrie realized Nick was looking to recapture that out of control feeling she'd managed to incite so well once before. Suddenly she found an overabundance of confidence and had a new idea. After re-clasping her top she announced, "Let's even things up a bit." Lunging to the side she grabbed her silk robe and removed its belt. "If I'm venturing out of the comfort zone…you're coming with me."
Stunned, Nick watched with wide eyes as she snaked the robe belt through the lattice-work headboard. "You want to tie me up?" Saying it made his pulse soar and he couldn't imagine the rush he'd get when she actually did it. "Uh…"
"Trust me…" Smirking, Carrie leaned in to nibble Nick's ear and whisper the same words of encouragement he had uttered. "…you can't possibly do this wrong, Sweetheart."
"Fair enough." A self-proclaimed expert on the art of escape, Nick knew he'd be able to free himself from the weak knots his fiancée was tying. "Are you sure you haven't done this before?" He joked as she re-poised herself on his hips. "Because you seemed really into ropin' me, Darlin'."
"Like so many things I've done with you recently, it's my first time." During the heated discussion they had on his birthday, Nick told her that he'd never be able to let her tie him up. Locking eyes with him she murmured, "I'm suddenly into it, because trust is my aphrodisiac and you just gave me an overdose."
Celeste's Apartment
8:01 p.m.
In the kitchen alone with Tawny, Celeste checked her watch and twittered with excitement. "Twelve minutes and nothing's gone wrong. That's a good sign, right?"
"Definitely." Tawny continued spreading crackers on a blue ceramic plate as instructed. "And you've already discovered you things you have in common…like gruesome virus stories and cream soda."
"Can you believe he likes cream soda too!" Celeste declared, while filling four frosty mugs of ice with her favorite beverage. "Thank you for pushing me to do this, Tawny."
"No problem." Dumping out the plastic bag of pre-cubed cheddar she explained, "It's easier to do things that are safe and familiar and it's alright to be scared but, you can't let the fear hold you back. It's like me with school. All it took was a little encouragement from Greg and I'm back at it and loving it." The bag of cheese empty she giggled. "I started going to therapy, can you tell?"
"Yes…you sound just like Dr. Phil. I bet if he hired you as his co-host, more guys would watch the show." Placing the four glasses on a tray Celeste took a deep breath. "Okay…I'm ready."
"One thing before we go back out there." Tawny's tone turned serious as she took the next step in her plan. "Celeste…if at some point David becomes unattractive to you this evening, promise me you won't hurt his feelings. You see, like you, he suffered through a terrible breakup."
"Really?"
"Yes." Tawny heaved a sigh for dramatic effect. "Only months before their wedding, his fiancée gave back the ring. She told him she didn't love him and that she had been cheating on him for a while. That same day she packed her bags and ran off to California with a sleazebag and never looked back. David hasn't been on a date since."
"Wow…" Her hand on her chest Celeste remarked, "David and I could end up like Diane and Martin in Healing Hearts - Volume Seven!"
And while the women were in the kitchen, Greg and Celeste's potential prince were in the living room full of creepy clowns.
The collection wasn't limited to Harlequins. She had seven different types of clowns categorized and shelved in different parts of the apartment. Having studied the extensive collection since arriving, Greg inquired, "Which one freaks you the most?" He pointed to one with blazing red hair and beady blue eyes. "This one is most likely to visit my nightmares. He's spawn of Chuckie."
"I…" Before he could finish Hodges coughed deeply.
"Would you go to the bathroom and drink some water already." Greg shook his head. "You're starting to sound like a victim of one of those nasty viruses you were enthused about earlier."
After another round of deep ones Hodges rasped, "Does she have any pets? I think I'm having an allergic reaction."
Greg glanced around looking for signs of pets. "I don't see evidence of shedding and there's no pet paraphernalia." Motioning to an arm chair he instructed, "Take a seat. I'll get you a cup of water from the bathroom."
"Thanks." While Hodges sat in the chair waiting for his liquid relief, he felt something dart up his pant leg. "AH!" He leapt up as claws sunk into his calf. "HELP!"
Greg, Celeste and Tawny flew into the living room.
"What's wrong!" Tawny yelled when she saw the terror on David's face and watched him frantically protecting his crotch as he screamed.
"Something crawled up my pant leg!" He shook his left leg violently trying to knock loose the creature, while protecting the family jewels. "I think it's a squirrel and he's after my nuts!"
Celeste shrieked, "Don't hurt him! It's one of my ferrets…Prince Xavier or Princess Gwendolyn!"
"Get it out!" David started hacking uncontrollably.
Celeste moved forward then retreated. "We just met. I can't stick my hand up your pant leg!"
When Tawny saw David turning red she said, "I think he's hyperventilating from the stress." She grabbed the glass of water out of Greg's hand and tossed its contents towards David's face. "Is that better?"
He started blinking furiously. "OH! My contacts!" With the excess water and spasmodic blinking, he had squeezed them right out of his eyes.
"Greg!" Tawny pointed at David's pants. "Get your hand up David's pants and snatch that ferret!"
"Don't squeeze him too hard." Celeste bit her nails in panic over the safety of her furry best friend. "If you squeeze him, he'll nip."
Having already shared way too much intimacy during the drunken kiss, Greg balked, "No way!" Then he saw Tawny's glare. "I mean…no way can this be happening. Wow!" Dropping to the floor, Greg shoved his hand up Hodges's pants, wincing at the feel of his thick, curly leg hair and beefy calf. "Yeah…I'm definitely hetero."
Gasping for air Hodges said, "He's clinging to the top of my inner thigh just waiting for a shot at my balls."
Snaking his hand closer to Hodges's crotch Greg groaned, "We're definitely even after this, Pal. No more broken nose guilt." Finally he felt an abundance of fur. "Please tell me I'm petting one of the royal ferrets and not you."
"Grab it!" Hodges barked.
Celeste was quick to remind the rescuer, "Gently!"
"OH!" With his arm still in Hodges's pants, Greg lurched, knocking him off balance.
Unable to see without his contacts Hodges reached out for something to grab. Unfortunately he knocked over a floor lamp which crashed into a shelf of harlequin clown heads. "What was that!"
"The damn furball bit me and I let go." Greg said as his index finger throbbed in pain. "Wait…I think I found him."
"My clowns!" Celeste rushed to save her harlequin heads.
"Sanders! That's me, not the ferret you're grabbing!"
"OH!" Greg jerked out his hand and scrambled away.
Having waited long enough, Tawny walked over, unfastened Hodges belt and reached for his zipper. Then she yanked down David's pants and retrieved the pesky rodent. "Princess Gwendolyn is safe!" Then she glanced down at David's fitted boxer briefs. "Wow…I'm impressed."
"Are you checking me out?" Hodges raced to pull up his pants.
"You were!" Greg snipped. "Why are you always checking out my co-workers when they're in their underwear? First Nick in the pool house, now Hodges."
Tawny shrugged. "I think the bigger question is…why are your co-workers always ending up in their underwear whenever we go out?"
"How do I compare to Nick?" Hodges blurted. "Don't answer that. Well…uh…unless it's good news."
"I have some good news for you, David," Tawny snickered. "And for Celeste if you two get serious one day."
"What about me?" She came over and plucked Princess Gwendolyn out of Tawny's hands. "Sorry…she's quite an escape artist."
Macaluso's
8:20 p.m.
Longing to escape, Gil stared at the emergency exit, wishing a waiter would steer a flaming baked Alaska too close to a fire alarm. He equated the dinner with a trip to the dentist. Although you know it's the right thing to do to prevent further decay, you'd much rather be some place else…anywhere else.
Jim reflected in silence as he polished off his scotch. Appetizers had gone well. The safe small talk he had been orchestrating was working. There was an obvious tension but, it wasn't horrible. Actually, everyone was on their best behavior and trying to make it work. And yet, Jim knew for certain he'd rather be at the dentist.
Once their dinner order had been placed Jim announced, "Gil…I need to see you in the lounge for a little work chat." Reaching over he patted Heather's hand. "Hey, maybe this would be a good time to give Sara your letter."
Gil glanced at Sara, to make sure she was alright with the surprise arrangement. "Honey?"
"Go ahead," She casually replied. "You know you're dying to hear what's going on at the lab." She glanced at her tablemates. "He keeps saying he's enjoying the suspension but he's not fooling anyone. He can't wait to be back in the office. Go ahead, Honey." She kissed his cheek. "Heather and I are both grown women. We don't need babysitters."
Jim coughed lightly. "Okay, then." He slipped out of the booth. "We'll probably only need fifteen minutes." He figured it best to let them know how long until the light at the end of the tunnel.
As soon as the men were gone, Heather retrieved the letter from her purse. "I didn't write this at Jim's request, I initiated it. I'll admit I never would have written it were it not for my relationship with Jim, I wanted to smooth things over to make things less awkward for him."
"Thank you." Sara studied Heather's eyes while accepting the folded 8 ½ by 11 inch piece of white paper. "I appreciate your honesty."
Heather nodded, waiting anxiously for Sara's reaction to the letter.
After a quick sip of water, Sara unfolded the paper and began reading.
Sara,
While I realize my deplorable behavior during our two encounters does not warrant such a courtesy, I understand that you are a warm and compassionate person and therefore ask you to read this letter and hear me out.
The explanation I'm about to give you, no matter how trite or immature it may seem, is the truth. I will not make excuses for my actions. I'm merely offering an explanation and an apology.
My reaction at The Enchanted Garden during our first meeting, as well as my personal attack on you the night you were working the case at The Dominion, had nothing to do with you personally. I don't know you, therefore, I couldn't possibly loathe you. It's what you represent that set me off.
You are the type of girl that men, like Gil Grissom, want to protect. I, on the other hand, have always been the type of girl that men want to abuse and/or abandon– my father, boyfriends and lastly my ex-husband.
Why does any woman show her claws? Jealousy. You were right that night at The Dominion. I was jealous. Not that you had Gil, but because you had been deemed worthy of the one thing I've never been able to attain from him or any other man – protection.
I apologize for my behavior and for lying to you about my motives. I assure you, should our paths cross in the future, I will not act aggressively or try to provoke you again.
Also, please know that I wish you and Gil the best. From what I've heard about you, I understand you are both good people who are suited for one another. I hope you find great joy in the days and years ahead.
Thank you for reading this through,
Heather
After reading the letter, Sara took a couple of cleansing breaths. "Thank you for the letter and the apology. I believe you."
"Wonderful." Heather smiled.
"And I'm sorry for snapping at you in the locker room the last week." Sara re-folded the letter. "I made a decision to go on the offensive the next time I saw you rather than letting you get the upper-hand a third time."
"Completely understandable. No apology necessary. I was a bitch the first two times and everyone knows the third time's a charm." Heather sipped her pinot. "Sara…I don't expect us to become best friends, but for Jim's sake, I do hope we can get comfortable enough to socialize."
After shifting uncomfortably in her seat Sara admitted, "Since we're being mature and honest…I have to tell you that I really don't think that will ever be possible because of what you do for a living."
"Excuse me?" Heather bristled. "Are you this judgmental of everyone or just me?"
"I'm not being judgmental. I'm being honest about how I personally feel." Sara leaned forward and lowered her voice. "I can not support a business that not only allows, but encourages violence against women."
Sighing, Heather informed her, "You, like so many people, just don't understand it."
"What's there to understand?" Sara felt her anger simmering. "Women under your roof are chained, whipped and smacked by men to the point their bodies are often left permanently scarred. I don't need to understand anything more than that."
"I provide a safe, healthy outlet for…"
"Healthy!" Sara snapped. "What's ever healthy about a woman getting physically abused?"
"If you'd let me explain what I do then maybe you would have a better grasp on the subject matter."
Sitting there, she finally understood the words Carrie spoke in regards to her abuse…my shame disappeared as soon as I stopped keeping his secret. The abuser's control over you stops once you tell and the more people you tell, the higher the odds of helping someone else. That's why I tell my story, Sara. I want kids to know the power they have…I want them to know how freeing it is to stop hiding the truth.
There, in the middle of the restaurant, Sara decided to finally stop keeping the secret. "Believe me…I have a grasp on the subject matter. I was an expert by age nine." Leaning in, Sara lowered her voice. "I don't need to stop by The Dominion and observe or have you interpret. I had a front row seat in my house growing up. I know what a submissive woman sounds like when she's getting smacked with a leather belt. I've watched a man dominate a woman. I've seen the thrill in his eyes and heard the excitement in his voice while he's doing it. Instead of getting paid a salary for playing the part of my father's submissive, my mother got flowers and candy the next day along with a promise that it would never happen again." Her voice cracked. "What he really meant was until he felt the need for power again."
Heather was quick to counter. "I provide an outlet so men don't go home and live out their fantasies with an unwilling wife. I'm preventing the scenario you just described."
"With all due respect… in my opinion, men who compulsively need to dominate and beat women need help, not an outlet."
"Like you said, it's your opinion and that doesn't make it correct." Heather calmly explained, "These fantasies have been going on since the dawn of time. Like prostitution…there are some things you can't eradicate."
"Like murder?" Sara forced air in her lungs then regrouped. "That night at The Enchanted Garden when I realized you and Gil had been together, I wasn't worried that the two of you had sex. I slept with a bunch of men before Gil. I expected, at his age, that he had been with plenty of women and I didn't care who they were. What made me run out of there sick to my stomach was the thought that he needed to play the role of the dominant…that he needed to physically control a woman. Because I know that passion and domination can start out small, but burn out of control. And while domination looks horrifying, you know what's even more terrifying?" Grabbing a napkin she dabbed her eyes. "The reaction of the submissive when she decides one day that she's had enough. I was nine when I stood over my father's dead body." Sniffling she said, "Maybe you'd understand where I'm coming from if you had seen the smile on my mother's face while she held the bloody knife and watched my father bleed out. It's an illness. You legitimize it. Now can you grasp why I have a problem with that?"
"Sara…" Heather leaned into the conversation. "I was never in your shoes, but I was in your mother's. I was minutes away from killing my ex-husband. The only thing that stopped me was the knowledge that my daughter was sleeping in the next room and she needed me with her, not in jail. While my husband was in the ER, I packed up and ran."
"I hope your daughter is grateful for that choice."
"Every day."
Dazed and confused Sara asked, "How can you watch young women being physically abused when you know what it feels like?"
"Like I said…I see it as prevention and it's not abusive if both parties are willing participants. I let people live out their fantasies." Heather wrapped her fingers around her water glass and explained, "And the girls who work for me come from truly abusive situations. They're used to getting smacked around for free. I give them a chance to earn a handsome salary for the same treatment and while they are working they're expected to get an education and become financially and emotionally independent."
"You honestly think you're helping them?"
Heather nodded. "Yes. Take your friend Tawny for example. I wanted her to work for me. For years she let men abuse her for free. Even now, while Jim has assured me Greg is a decent man, it doesn't change the fact that Tawny is pregnant at twenty-two with no education and no financial stability. She's completely reliant on Greg for emotional and financial support. And she lucked out with Greg. What if another, less upstanding young man, had gotten her pregnant, and turned his back? A girl like her wouldn't be able to support two children without selling her body in some way. That's what I'm trying to prevent for my girls."
Trying to see the foreign point of view Sara prodded, "So you think it's better for these girls to be abused as long as they have goals? The end justifies the means?"
"It's one way to break the cycle, yes." Heather studied Sara's eyes. "If you're so appalled by violence against women, then tell me…what are you doing to help women caught in the cycle?"
"You mean besides my job as a CSI?"
"By the time you get involved as a CSI it's too late for prevention…unless you're talking about preventing him from moving on to the next victim." Heather sat back in her chair. "Hasn't someone already paid the ultimate price?"
Sara thoughts turned to Kay Shelton. "Many times that's unfortunately the case." She reconnected with Heather's eyes. "But twice now we've had victims who were tied to your place. Things don't always play out the way you intend."
"They never do in real life either."
"Two DBs are two too many."
Heather countered, "How many DBs due to domestic violence were there outside of my place in that same amount of time?"
"Many," Sara answered coolly. "And like your two…they're unacceptable losses."
"I believe we'll have to agree to disagree on the manner in which we help." Heather extended her hand. "But we are united by a common goal. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Still emotional, Sara accepted the handshake. "Thank you for making me realize that I'm not doing enough. But now that I'm no longer a prisoner of my dirty family secret…I intend to embrace it, and do a whole lot more. If in the course of my actions I should do something that offends you, now that it's not personal, it's for the good of the cause." After a sip of water Sara released her tension through a nervous smile. "I hope this was good for you too, because I feel renewed."
Little America Hotel
8:57 p.m.
Laying on her belly while Nick gently blew on the wet Rising Phoenix tattoo, Carrie wore a grin as bright as the desert sun. "How does it look?" An artist at the tattoo parlor suggested it be placed in the small of the back rather than off to the side. "After the revitalizing experience we just shared, I'm positive I picked the right symbol." While she had started off skittish, afraid to reveal or touch her own body, the trepidation didn't last long. Nick's encouragement and his willingness to overcome his own inhibition quickly turned her into a free spirit at peace with her sexuality.
"It's perfect. And it looks great on you," He declared while sliding over to lay by Carrie's side. "I think when you have your bathing suit on you'll be able to see half of it poking out the top."
"Excellent." She cued up Nick's requested movie. "I can't believe you chose Hitch, when you could have chosen a testosterone-infused action flick."
"Are you kidding?" He gently caressed Carrie's bare back. "After what we just enjoyed, there isn't a scrap of tension left in me." Nick couldn't believe how ultimately relaxing it had been to have Carrie be in complete control. She had pushed him to the brink of ecstatic insanity, making him squirm and plead, before releasing his wrists and passionately making love. Afterwards, they both agreed this was their new number one. "I want to savor this feeling, not replenish my stress. Romance matches my mood." He chuckled lightly. "And Will Smith has been in lots of movies where stuff blows up and he's too cool to sell out to the wuss side like Keanu."
"Ah…I knew there was a little more to it."
"You want your robe or something, Darlin?" She never laid around naked for long after the loving.
"Nope. I'm still enjoying my body." Grinning, she snuggled closer. "I'm letting you share in the enjoyment too."
Carefully spooning her so he wouldn't brush up against the newly placed tattoo Nick teased, "You're not going to take this to an extreme are you? Maybe suggest we become full-time nudists and vacation with others in the buff, playing naked volleyball and basketball? Because I'm all for being naked with you as much as possible, just not in the company of others. And trust me…you don't want to be playing naked sand volleyball and fall on your ass."
"Are you speaking from personal experience?" She glanced over her shoulder.
He laughed. "No, not playing volleyball. But I was piss drunk and naked on a beach once trying to pee. In the process, I fell on my ass. Weeks later I was still finding sand."
"Gee…I wish I had known you back in your glory days." She giggled.
"If you had…you wouldn't have accepted my ring."
University Medical Center
ER
9:04 p.m.
Watching Hodges getting his head stitched, Greg shook his head. "Has the ringing in your ears stopped?"
"Finally."
"Good." Greg was keeping him company while Tawny went to see Celeste's office at the hospital.
Jill Wilson, the doctor and a friend of Celeste, asked, "How did you do this exactly?"
"You tell her …it's too embarrassing."
Greg chuckled, "Okay, but I may embellish for comedic effect." After clearing his throat he began, "While I was trying to remove a ferret from his pants…"
The doctor stopped sewing when laughter had her in stitches. "I've only heard about using gerbils and always thought that was urban legend. Just kidding…I've heard Princess Gwendolyn is quite an escape artist."
"And she bit me." Greg showed his red finger.
"Let's put something on that after I'm done here." Composing herself, the doctor resumed her work.
"My girlfriend threw a glass of water in Hodges's face when he was having trouble breathing and knocked his contacts out…"
Dr. Wilson asked, "How's that Benedryl working, David? Has your throat stopped closing?"
"Yes." Hodges cringed, thinking this was the worst blind date in history.
Greg continued the story. "My buddy leans against a bookshelf and feels something furry on his arm. He thought it was the other ferret, but really it was the fur coat of one of Celeste's porcelain dolls. In his post-traumatic ferret disorder panic, he takes off. However, since he can't see, he crashes into the coffee table and goes airborne…I was thoroughly impressed by the hang time. When he lands, he smacks his head into the corner of the wall, knocking himself out and requiring…how many stitches?"
"Six."
Hodges groaned, "I was hoping to see stars with Celeste…not by rendering myself unconscious while running away in terror from a ferret."
Once again the doctor had to stop stitching. "Running away in terror from a ferret. There's another thing I've never heard."
Greg laughed from the belly. "Oh yeah…Mustelaphobia…it's epidemic among grown men."
Hodges swallowed the phlegm in his throat along with his pride. "Celeste is probably at the station filing a restraining order."
Macaluso's
9:52 p.m.
"This is good," Jim teased. "We made it through three courses without breaking anything or having someone call the cops. I'm feeling lucky so I'm going to order coffee and dessert and see if we can continue the streak."
"Very funny," Heather needled. "Sara and I had a very enlightening conversation earlier. Isn't that right?"
Sara nodded. "Absolutely. While we have significant irreconcilable differences, we have some things in common….like understanding the value of a Harvard education." Under the table she gave her husband's hand a squeeze. After her heated discussion with Heather, she asked him to step out on the patio with her for a little TLC. While she was happy to have unloaded a little more of the burden, it had left her raw and emotional.
"That's right." Jim nodded. "Heather's daughter attends your alma mater."
"Speaking of daughters, "Sara smoothly segued, "how was Ellie doing when you saw her before dinner?"
"She was having her best day yet." He nodded confidently. "The pain from her injuries is subsiding and she made it the whole day on half the amount of Valium. I'm encouraged. For the first time…I'm really encouraged." He took Heather's hand and brought it to his lips. "I couldn't have done it without help."
In spite of the gross discomfort Jim's relationship with Heather had caused, in that moment Gil felt it was worth it. Although his friend never spoke of a need for companionship, Jim was human and it had been there. As much as his was all those years he spent alone, or pining for Sara, and never admitted his loneliness or deepest desires. It was nice to know that Jim had found someone to fill the void.
Sara watched as Heather grinned at Jim. Remembering the words in the letter… because you had been deemed worthy of the one thing I've never been able to attain from him or any other man – protection. As much as she couldn't reconcile what Heather did for a living, Sara was happy to see her get a shot at the one thing she always desired. Relaxing in her chair for the first time that evening, Sara smiled warmly. "So, I take it that Ellie is still on board for going to the rehab center in Flagstaff tomorrow?"
Flagstaff
Little America Trail
11: 07 p.m.
While Nick set up the telescope, Carrie spread the Mexican blanket. "It's a great night for this…clear sky, perfect temperature, and this is a fantastic spot."
"I thought so when I was hiking out here yesterday." He backed away from the telescope. "How's your astronomy knowledge, Darlin'?" Nick motioned for her to take a glance.
"Got an A in college." She stepped forward and took a peek. "That would be Deneb…also known as Cygnus the Swan."
"Impressive."
While staring at the stars Carrie snickered, "Why did you take Astronomy in college, Nicky?"
"Because science is my life!" Coming up behind her he cracked up. "And I thought it would impress chicks if I showed them the stars."
"Exactly what I thought," She replied while focusing the telescope on a new constellation. "Too bad you didn't take cooking classes…that would have impressed me."
"Why did you take Astronomy, Sweetheart?" Stroking her hair he said, "Wait…I think I know. Sadly…because it could be done safely from the backyard."
"That's right," She answered while turning to face him. "Tell me what that one is."
After pecking her lips, Nick took a look. "Leo…my sign."
"I studied Astrology too…to impress guys."
Adjusting the telescope he groaned, "That's bull. You've never gone out of your way to impress a guy in your life. And why should you …you're impressive just being you."
"Oh! Now that was smoooooth Stokes." She giggled. "My mom was into it actually. When she was too weak, I'd have to read every horoscope out loud for her. When I realized it took her mind off the pain, I started reading books about it to her. So I'm a self-taught expert."
"So what does my sign say about me?"
"Leos are honorable, trustworthy and bold. They act from the heart, like to be noticed, seek validation and need approval. That's you to a tee."
"You think so, huh?" Pleased with himself, he stood back. "I lined up Sagittarius for you."
"You're rusty," Carrie remarked while looking up at Nick's selection. "That's Cancer."
"Whoops. Yeah, I dated a lot of them…they were all too crabby."
"Nicky, that joke was so badeven the nocturnal creatures are heading to bed."
"Good…then we'll have privacy." He grabbed her by the waist, pulling her close. "I never dated a Sagittarius before you. What's their story? I'm guessin' they're excessive planners and love shoes."
"Not quite." She playfully scolded. "Sag's are generous and loving. They appreciate philosophy and law…they're idealists who think of the world around them before themselves…and they enjoy liberating experiences. We know that last one is true after tonight."
"The rest is true too." With that, Nick took her hand and led Carrie to the blanket. "Telescopes are fun but, I prefer the natural way."
Snuggling close they laid back on the blanket.
"You'd never see this many stars from our apartment balcony. It's too bright in the city."
"All the stars in Vegas are on stages," He quipped. "That's why I keep hoping we'll find an affordable house on the outskirts. But with the way real estate prices are soaring I have a feeling we'll be settling for something small in one of the cookie-cutter neighborhoods."
"We're too relaxed to talk about something stressful. Let's stick to talking stars." Enjoying his tight embrace Carrie sighed. "Here's something you don't know. Leo and Sagittarius are both fire signs."
"I hope that's a good thing." He chuckled then changed to a loving tone. "What would you mom say about our combination?" It was something he wanted to ask for a while.
"Fire signs are on the same emotional wavelength. They value love, romance and relationships." Nestling closer she smiled. "And they can be intensely passionate when together."
"All true…we've proven that several times, but especially tonight." He smiled blissfully as he held the women he loved in the moonlight.
"When two fire signs come together they fuel each other's passions…not just the sexual ones, and together they are capable of doing great things." Her voice softened to a whisper. "They are considered one of the Zodiac's most perfect matches. I know my mom would agree…not just on the Astrological facts…but about us."
"That's good to know." Smiling as bright as the stars above Nick remarked, "Okay…are you ready for my next smoooooth move, Darlin'? Because I'm crushin' on you big, and can't hold it back any longer."
"Hmm…how high on the cringe-meter is this smooth move?" She teased.
"You'll have to tell me afterwards." In mid-reach for the portable CD player he had brought, he stopped. "Carrie…I'm serious when I say this, I've never played this for another girl. When you hear the words you'll know why." Then he chuckled. "And yes, I planned this, once I knew you had stars on your list. Now call me a hypocrite so we can get on with enjoying the moment."
"Hypocrite!" She laughed with him.
"That's okay…I know I'm impressing you with my planning skills so, it's cool." He pressed play and cuddled close while waiting for, Stars over Texas by Tracy Lawrence, to start. "I've been waiting a long time to play this song for someone special so please, don't get technical and point out that we're in Arizona and not Texas. You'll kill the mood like you did when you said I couldn't be a sailor shipping out from Vegas."
Laughing at herself Carrie squeaked, "I promise, Honey."
Peeling her glassy eyes off the stars, Carrie turned to face her future husband. Without question she knew he meant every word. "It's off the charts smooth, Nicky. I'm crushin' on you big."
He beamed with pride. "I couldn't have planned a better reaction from you." Grazing his lips over hers Nick whispered, "I love you…for as long as the song says. Tell me you know that's true."
Caressing his cheek she whispered, "See…that's the Leo in you, Honey. You're seeking validation."
Slapping his forehead he groaned, "I can't believe you're pointing out my flaws during my romantic song to you. I was oozing some real vulnerability there for you, Darlin'."
"Oh my god. You're right! I'm so sorry." Unable to contain her laughter she said, "Please keep oozing."
"I can't now…" He started laughing with her. "…you stopped the flow. I might be able to trickle, but I can't ooze."
"Why did you have to say trickle?" Sitting up she glanced around. "All of a sudden I have to go to the bathroom."
"You're killin' me with the romance, Darlin'." He sat up next to her. "Pick a spot, any spot."
"I've never peed outside." Suddenly she heard a million creatures crawling in the darkness. "I'm too scared to go out there and drop my drawers."
"Come on." Taking her hand, Nick tugged Carrie to her feet. "We'll add it to your list of things you did for the first time on this vacation."
"Wait!" A new panic set in. "I can't pee with you there." The more she talked about it the worse the urge got.
Baffled he replied, "We live together and we're getting married. Not to mention, I've intimately explored every inch of your body on this trip. But you can't pee with me nearby?" He joked, "I pee next to Warrick and Greg all the time and I'm not even marrying them." Taking her hand again he tugged her away from the blanket, toward a nice spot. "I'll close my eyes, plug my ears with my fingers, and sing."
"Then how will you hear me if I scream for help?"
Rolling his eyes he groaned, "Roxie…this is exactly why we didn't go camping in the first place." Suddenly he had a brilliant idea. "Hey, I hope you don't mind…" Stepping over to a tree he lowered his zipper. "All this talk inspired me and I'm not embarrassed because, in my previous life of debauchery, I did this plenty of times around women."
"That's so low, Nicky!" Crossing her legs she grimaced
"Ahhh…much better." After zipping up, he returned with a smile plastered on his face. "What are little Garrett and Megan going to say when we tell them that we can't go hiking or camping because mommy is afraid to pee in the woods?"
"I'll tell Megan I'll buy her a new pair of shoes and I'll promise to take Garrett to ride the kiddie train." She stuck out her tongue. "So there."
"Let's remember to discuss our diverse parenting styles in the future." Nodding he said, "Right now, I'm heading back to the blanket for some ice cold water."
"Fine!" She popped open the button on her jeans. "And I don't need your help so keep sitting on that blanket."
"Okay, Darlin'." He didn't bother lying down because he knew what was coming.
"Nicky…" She whimpered a minute later.
"Yes?" He grabbed a few napkins from the backpack, as well as Carrie's bottle of Mango hand sanitizer.
"I don't have any tissues with me. I was going to use leaves but…what if they're poisonous. Do we have anything in the pack?"
"I have some napkins." Standing up he joked, "May I enter your pee zone?"
The Townhouse
11:17 p.m.
With the jumbo package of toilet paper he had retrieved from the pantry, Greg returned to the master bathroom. "Here you go." He extracted a roll and handed it to Tawny, who was passing the time reading Glamour on the toilet.
"Thanks, Honey." She tossed her magazine on the counter. "Those new boxers are cute."
"I thought you'd like them. Hey, we should probably keep the toilet paper in here rather than in the kitchen, huh?" He walked over and opened the cabinet to stuff the other eleven rolls inside. "Only problem is, when we run out of napkins and paper towels, we'll have to walk in here for a roll."
"Or we could just get better about shopping." At the sink she turned on the hot water and pumped a glob of soap in her left hand. "Do you think your dad will get suspicious if I'm going to the bathroom all the time?" She scrubbed vigorously.
"If he does, I'll tell him you have a sexually transmitted disease that requires you to frequently apply ointment. That should throw him off the pregnancy trail, don't you think?"
Tawny snapped a towel at his ass. "So not funny." After drying her hands, she checked her appearance in the mirror. Standing there in only her hot pink bra and matching g-string she sighed. "I think he'll know by looking at me."
Greg turned to catch Tawny's reflection.
"Check out how bloated my boobs are." After unfastening her bra's clasp, she tossed the garment and cupped her breasts. Kneading them she said, "They feel so different."
"Luckily my dad won't be touching them." From behind, Greg slid his hands up Tawny's body and took over the inspection. "Sorry…my hands got jealous of yours."
"Don't they feel different?" When he didn't answer she giggled. "I know one part of you that's feeling fine, but how's your back?"
He grinned. "My back feels fine, but what about your cervix? How long did the doctor tell us to wait?"
Bummed she sighed, "Damn…we have three more days to go." Taking Greg's right hand she tenderly placed it on her abdomen. "What about the baby bulge? Does it feel bigger to you too?" Relaxing against his chest, she closed her eyes.
Slipping his hand under the top edge of her g-string he smoothed his palm over the area. "It does." He dipped lower. "I think it's twice as big since Monday. That's good…it means the babies are really healthy and growing." With his free hand he brushed her hair from her shoulder and planted butterfly kisses in its place. "Do you realize, I've only taken you out three times, and all three of those dates were ruined by Hodges? I promise when we're in California, we're going to have some real dates. Hodges won't be there so we'll be safe."
"I can't wait." Quivering from his pleasurable touch, Tawny whimsically asked, "What kind of dates will we be going on exactly?"
Remembering what he had learned from Dr. Myers…that women need words to augment their fantasies and recalling the snippets of romance novels he had read in the bookstore, Greg decided to talk up a storm while engaging Tawny's body. As a bonus, since they were in front of the large bathroom mirror, while providing the verbal fantasy, Greg had his picture worth a thousand words right in front of him. "One night, I plan on taking you out for a romantic candlelit dinner. The restaurant is right on the ocean and the whole time we're there I won't be able to take my eyes off you. Afterwards, I'll take you for a stroll down the beach and at sunset, I'll hold you in my arms and tell you I love you. You'll of course ask me how much, and I'll say…." He spoke in a sexy whisper directly into her ear. "Like the tide that's ebbing and flowing over our feet…I'll never stop."
"Oh…Greg," Tawny sighed with satisfaction.
Moving to her other shoulder, he grazed kisses while continuing the story. "Even though there's a cool sea breeze, we're burning up with desire. We're dying to be together. Since we don't have enough privacy at my parents' house, we don't go back there. Instead, I get us this great room at an oceanfront B&B. The room overlooks the waves crashing against the rocks below. It's so beautiful, Tawny…like you. I'm thrilled to be there with you, because we haven't made love in a while. As soon as we get to our room, we can't keep our hands off each other."
On cue, Tawny turned and reciprocated an equal level of attention on Greg. "You were saying…" She closed her eyes once more.
"We uh…" He forced his gaze away from the mirror so he could focus. "We tumble onto the bed, tearing at each other's clothes and saying how good it feels to finally be together. Because the windows are open, we can hear the waves against the rocks outside. The powerful sound of the ocean is so forceful…it drowns out everything except our pounding hearts." He paused to gulp some air. "As we begin to make love, the wind picks up and the curtains are snapping in the breeze around us. The tide is getting stronger too…like our passion."
Tawny's mind was on the verge of exploding along with her body. "I'm so turned on…by the sound of those waves below."
Placing his hand behind Tawny's head, Greg crashed his lips against hers, repeating the move several times in rhythm with the waves in his story. "It feels so good…at the B&B we never want it to end…but we know it must." He gasped upon halting the surge of kisses. "Do you feel the same way?" His eyes gravitated back to the mirror and a second later he was slipping.
"Yes! It's perfect. Don't change a thing…about the date." Tawny gripped Greg's shoulder. "Because you painted such a clear picture of the place in my head, it's like…I'm there!"
"And I'm with you."
While Tawny savored the fantasy image in her mind, Greg enjoyed the reality reflected in the mirror.
When her breathing finally slowed, Tawny purred, "I had a fantastic time on our date. Thank you for taking me to that special place."
"Thank you for letting me join you there." Leaning his forehead on hers Greg panted lightly. "Let's definitely do it again some time."
"I'm free tomorrow." She giggled while walking Greg backwards toward the shower. "How about you? Think you'll be up for it?"
"Definitely. Tomorrow it is." Laughing with her, he opened the shower door. "I think I'll take you dancing."
Moonlight Lounge
11:32 p.m.
When Gil pulled his Mercedes up to the valet booth at the posh club Sara curiously asked, "What are we doing here?"
"Surprise!" Gil put the car in park and loosened his tie. "The night is still young and I'm taking you dancing."
"What!" She stared in disbelief. "In public? Did Heather knock me over the head and render me unconscious? Because I definitely have to be hallucinating this."
Undoing the top two buttons on his crisp, azure, shirt he grinned, "It's really happening and instead of stepping on your toes, I'm going to knock your socks off."
When the valet opened Sara's door she slipped her hand in his palm, stepped out of her husband's Mercedes and into an alternative universe. "I really don't believe this is happening. Here, of all places…this is an uber-high roller hangout."
"Believe it." Gil took his wife's arm and upped the bravado. "I consulted an expert and she said this is exactly the place a man of my wealth and power should bring my beautiful, classy wife when she's decked out for a night on the town."
Grinning as they waltzed through the gilded doors held open for them Sara teased, "Who are you and what have you done with my introverted husband?"
Chuckling, he led her through the well-appointed hall to the red velvet and gold lounge, which was fashioned to resemble the old one of the same name from forty years ago. There would be no top-40 drivel played here by an obnoxious DJ. Instead, a live 10-piece band with a singer named Monique filled the room with beautiful music…classics…the kind of music that, with the right dance moves, would make a woman swoon.
When greeted by a supermodel quality hostess wearing an elegant gold dress, Gil held up a $100 bill and said, "Grissom…my wife and I have a table reserved."
"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Grissom." Sonya smiled. "Right this way."
Sara's jaw dropped.
"What, Darling?" Gil navigated her through the crowd of patrons who were either richly beautiful or beautifully rich.
"Are we on one of those hidden camera shows?" Sara blurted when Gil held her chair.
He barely managed to keep a straight face. "…I'm the only child of mega-millionaire Ron Grissom. Isn't it about time I embraced my family name and began making up for lost time? Like Batman fights crime for a living, but lives the carefree life of a billionaire when he is Bruce Wayne…I have chosen to do the same. When I'm not fighting crime, I'll most likely be found enjoying life to its fullest with my beautiful wife." He accented his point by brushing a kiss over the back of Sara's hand. "Are you swooning yet?"
"I'm getting close," She chuckled.
"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Grissom." The waitress flashed her million-watt smile. "What can I get you this evening?"
"I'll have a glass of your finest scotch and my lovely wife will have a cranberry and soda with a twist of lime because…we're expecting." Reaching into his pocket he produced a piece of paper with a $100 bill clipped to it. "Would you please give my request to the band?"
"Certainly."
"Okay." Sara sat back in her chair chuckling. "Catherine or Tawny? Which one walked you through this?"
"Tawny…this afternoon." He relaxed in his chair. "Aren't I a quick learner?" Glancing around he joked, "I bet people in here really think I'm a lifelong player and you're my trophy wife."
"And how does that make you feel, as Dr. Myers would say?"
"Honestly? Just a bit sleazy…or, in other words, a bit too much like my father."
They shared a laugh.
Next Gil informed Sara, "Check this out." He pulled another piece of paper from his jacket. "Tawny drew me a map of the place and the asterisks are the spots where people go to fool around. She also said that for five hundred dollars you can have an hour in one of the private rooms."
Sara stared at the paper. "How many times has she been here?"
"I'm thinking at least as many times as there are asterisks on the paper."
"Ugh." Sara handed it back. "Here is something I never thought I'd say…I'm so glad Greg forgot his condoms that day and got Tawny pregnant."
Gil raised a brow. "Don't worry…one hour in a private room isn't good enough for my wife. I reserved a room at the Bellagio. My father would probably yell at me for not getting a suite…but I need to work up to extravagance."
"You're kidding?" She giggled at the idea. "You really have decided to be a player. But I didn't pack a bag."
Proudly he replied, "I packed one for you, my Dear…it's in the trunk."
"That's impressive," She told her husband, just as the waitress returned with the drinks.
"Mr. Grissom…the band will play your selection immediately following this song."
"Thank you." Lifting his glass he waited for his wife to do the same with hers, then quoted Emerson. "Love and you shall be loved. All love is mathematically just, as much as the two sides of an algebraic equation." Gil smiled brightly. "Thank you for completing my equation, Sara."
Clinking her glass to his she beamed.
"Just in time for our dance." He took a quick sip before setting down his glass. "Darling…would you do me the honor?"
"I'd love to." She slipped her hand in his and let him lead. "We've danced twice, are we dancing to one of our songs?"
"No, we're dancing to a sultry classic that befits the mood of this place and my heart." When they reached the center of the floor he pulled her close. "At Last…Etta James."
"I love it," Sara gushed while swaying in her husband's arms. "And you really are a quick learner."
Enjoying the compliments and the moment Gil remained silent, opting only to press his cheek against Sara's and listen to the enchanting melody.
While Sara was enamored with her husband and the song, she was rendered breathless when he suddenly and smoothly dipped her.
"What do you think about that?" Gil asked upon returning Sara to her feet. He knew his execution had been perfect.
"Now I'm swooning."
"Excellent."
Hodges's Apartment
11:58 p.m.
Standing in front of David's enormous wall of books and vintage games Celeste smiled. "What do you want to play next?" She had agreed to stay and keep him company since he lived alone but needed to stay awake due to his head injury.
After polishing off his cream soda Hodges enthusiastically replied, "Magilla Gorilla or Bionic Crisis."
Celeste pulled Bionic Crisis from the shelf. "I always loved the Six Million Dollar Man."
In his best TV announcer voice Hodges said, "We can rebuild him."
She knew the intro by heart. "We have the technology."
"We have the capability to make the world's first Bionic man." He couldn't believe she knew it too.
Sitting next to him on the couch she swooned, "Steve Austin will be that man."
"Better than he was before." His attraction to her was off the charts.
"Bigger." She inched closer.
"Stronger." He leaned in.
"Faster."
"Should I?"
"Kiss me!"
August 27, 2005 (Day 108)
The Bellagio
12:47 a.m.
After opening the door to their room, Gil swept his wife off her feet and into his arms, kissing her passionately.
"You're ruining me," Sara sighed as she went limp in his arms. "How will I ever be happy back in my little house in the suburbs with my husband and seventeen Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches after a night like this with a man as debonair as you?"
"If I laugh any harder I'll drop you." Gil used his foot to shut the door and hurried towards the bed.
When she hit the bed hard Sara cracked up. "Okay, you really do need to consult Nick on that move." Then she realized Gil was gaping at her. "Remember…Greg said Nick was much better at getting him into bed than you?"
"Shhh, that's a mood killing statement, Sweetheart…and whatever you do…don't bring up the toe thing." Reaching over he plucked a red rose from the vase of two dozen he had ordered for the room. "Let me re-swoon you."
She accepted the rose. "Thank you." Then she proceeded to rip the petals off.
"What the hell are you doing!"
"I'm littering the bed with rose petals so we can make love on them!"
"Oh." He laughed. "I do recall seeing that in a movie once now that I think of it."
"I need a few more." She held out her hand. "Ow!"
"Sorry!" When he saw her bleeding from the thorn prick all he could do was shake his head. "The good news is I also ordered chocolate."
"That's a guaranteed swoon, Honey." Leaning over she pressed her lips to his. "Thank you for all this."
"It's a warm-up for your birthday." A smiled eased over his lips as he opened the box of chocolate. "I hope the birthday version goes a little better." He brought the truffle to Sara's lips. "It's after midnight so I can say this. Happy Anniversary, Sara…one month ago today we danced for the first time."
"In Colorado." She couldn't believe she didn't realize it sooner.
"And tomorrow will be our one month wedding anniversary." He radiated happiness. "So I thought we'd lounge around here until Sunday morning and celebrate."
"Huge swoon happening!" Sara tossed her arms around his neck and kissed Gil like he was heading off to war at dawn.
"Now I'm swooning."
"Excellent."
Author's Notes:
I hope every NC, GT and GS shippers found some happiness, romance and humor in there. (Sorry, CW shippers – they were working and it wouldn't have been romantic to show them over a dead body. LOL I kept trying to think of way but couldn't get it to work in with the rest of the stuff. They will be in the epilogue though and attending the BBQ!)
NOTE: no ferrets were harmed in during the writing of this chapter.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts,
Maggs
Next Chapter: Getting It Back - Part 12
Posting: Late Friday