Title: Love Don't Lie

Author: Angie

Email: What happened in their past?

Disclaimers: CSI Crime Scene Investigation does not belong to me, they are the property of CBS, Alliance Atlantis, Jerry Bruckheimer and the wonderful actors who portray them.

Author's Notes: And welcome to chapter four. The fastest I've ever gotten four chapters out. I'm definitely on a role with this one. I have to express my eternal thanks to Marianne for being a sounding board for my little ideas. And for correcting my lack of question marks. The song used in this chapter is "I Saw Red" by Warrant. For some reason, I really don't like to use them as I write. This story is, well it's a bit Alternate Universe. Gil and Cath are still Gil and Cath, but this takes place in the past. A sort of... what if?

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: Anything in the series is fair game...as of now it's just general ideas

Distribution: The GraveshiftCSI Homepage

Chapter 4

XOXOXO

"Gil! Slow down a minute." Brass yelled, running to catch up. "What's the hurry?"

"I'm late, Jim. What do you need?"

"I just wanted to talk to you a minute. You've been different lately, everything all right?"

Gil stopped just outside the door to the lab. Looking around, he sighed and stopped for the inevitable conversation. "Different how?"

"Happy. Relaxed. Actually leaving work pretty much on time. Taking breaks, and lunches. Nights off."

"And your point is."

"When's the wedding?"

Gil sighed and started walking to his car, knowing Brass would follow behind him. "There's no wedding, Jim. It's only been a month."

"That's a lifetime with you, Gil. How long has it been since you've seriously dated anyone?"

"I really need to get going. I'm meeting Cath, and I'm already running late." He opened the car and hopped inside, but Brass grabbed the door before he could close it.

"Just be careful, okay. Your head over heals… just watch out for yourself."

"I'm fine, Brass. Perfectly fine. Next time we both have a day off, we can all go to dinner together, or maybe one night before shift."

"That sounds great. I really want to get to know her a little better, it can't just be her looks that has you acting like this.

Gil shook his head but didn't comment, instead opting to shut the door and start the engine.

XOXOXO

Ooo it must be magic

How inside your eyes I see my destiny

Every time we kiss

I feel you breathe your love so deep inside of me

And if the moon and stars should fall

They'd be easy to replace

I would lift you up to heaven

And you would take their place

XOXOXO

Catherine looked up as Gil slid into the seat across from her.

"Sorry I'm late..."

She smiled. "Work. I know. It's all right, Gil. It's always all right. I know your work is important."

He reached for her hand, squeezing it lightly. "You're just as important."

"Gil…"

"It's true. And I hate to keep you waiting. I'm always keeping you waiting."

"That's not true, and you know it. I'm just amazed it doesn't happen more often. How you manage to track me down to get messages to me… well I'm not sure I want to know." Catherine's laughter filled the air, and then returned the slight pressure to Gil's hands.

"I work with the cops…. Tracking you down is definitely not a hard thing to do. And they are always jumping at the chance to deliver a message to you."

Catherine blushed. "Gil…"

"Don't 'Gil' me. It's true and you know it." He said, throwing her previous words back at her.

"I've had so many cops show up at my door lately my neighbors are going to start asking questions."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I love that you go through so much trouble to get in touch with me."

"Can I confess something?"

Catherine looked shocked at the unusual request. She nodded and waited for Gil to speak.

"I wasn't just asking them to deliver messages to you. I was worried, so I asked them to keep an eye on you. That neighborhood you live in isn't the safest place and I…. Well I was worried."

She reached across the table with her free hand and placed it over their joined hands. "That's…wow… I have to say… No one has ever done anything like this for me before..."

Gil was about to reply when they were interrupted by the waitress. "Sorry to interrupt you two. I didn't want your breakfast getting cold. Nothing worse then a cold omelet."

He looked up at Helen and reluctantly released his hold on Catherine's hand, allowing the plates to be set between them. "Thanks, Helen," he said as she walked away. Gil looked at the food on the table and then back to Catherine. "So, what did you order for us today?" He delighted in the little ritual they had created.

"Well, I took into account that we are going out tonight, and knowing you as I do I'm sure we'll be eating somewhere delightfully sinful. So, I ordered us a light meal. Fruit salad and a cheese omelet."

"Excellent choice. It sounds delicious."

"You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"Tell you what?" He asked with a grin on his face, knowing exactly what she wanted to him to reveal.

"Where we are going tonight." Catherine stopped at the smug look on his face. "Gil…"

"I love you. Do you know that?"

"What?"

"Everything about you is great. I love that you always say you hate surprises, but you don't. And I love that I know that about you. I love how you draw out my name, how it sounds coming from your lips. I love your lips, how they feel when you're kissing me, how they look when you smile. I love the sound of your laugh, and that I can make you laugh. I love that you know exactly what to say to me. I just…. I love you." He abruptly stopped, looking at their current setting. "It took a month for me to finally tell you this, tell you how I feel… and then I tell you here. I had this all planned out for tonight."

"Here is perfect Gil. This is where we had our first date. Where we've gotten to know each other." Catherine said as she slid out of her seat and quickly made her way around the table, sliding in next to him. She placed her palms on his cheeks, guiding his face to hers before capturing his lips. "I love you, too," she said breathlessly, pulling away from their kiss. "I've never met anyone like you."

They sat together the rest of the meal each exchanging kisses and smiles as they enjoyed one another's company.

Gil set his fork down on the plate, watching as Catherine speared the last piece of melon with her own fork. He turned down the offered fruit and watched as she slipped it into her mouth. He tightened his arm around her, pulling her closer to his side. He didn't want to leave this spot, this position. But he knew they both needed to get some sleep, especially if they were going to be able to get up in time for tonight.

"I really hate to say this, Cath."

"But we need to go. Besides, I need to get my beauty sleep so I can get all dolled up for you tonight." She laughed, running her hand down his chest.

XOXOXO

Everyday I wake up

I thank God that you are

Still a part of me

Opened up the door to which

So many people never find the key

And if the sun

Should ever fail to send his light

We will burn a thousand candles

And make everything alright

XOXOXO

Gil groaned as he hit the snooze button on the alarm clock. Rolling over, he pushed back the covers and threw his legs over the side of the bed. He glanced at the time, three thirty. If things went according to plan, he would be able to get everything done before picking Catherine up at five. Wasting no more time, he left the bed and headed for the bathroom.

Minutes later, a curtain of steam fell through the doorway as Gil walked back into the bedroom. He quickly set about his little ritual, brushing his hair and getting dressed in record time. He looked at the tickets on his dresser, hoping that his plans would be something that would appeal to Catherine. Sliding on his shoes, he decided to forgo the jacket, putting the tickets in his pockets. He reached out and took hold of the small box sitting on the dresser, knowing tonight would be the night. The box was placed in his empty pocket and he left the bedroom, anxious to get the evening started.

Gil went into the kitchen and opened the picnic basket he had put in there before going to bed. The small cooler and tubular cooler were placed on the table and he took the champagne and strawberries out of the refrigerator. The items were packed in the basket and a blanket was soon placed on top. Taking one last look around the room to make sure he had everything, he picked up the basket and grabbed the keys, locking the door behind him as he left.

XOXOXO

"Please tell me where we're going?"

Gil shook his head, enjoying the torment Catherine was going through.

Catherine decided to try a different tactic. "Well, will you at least tell me if I'm dressed all right?"

"You're always dressed all right, Cath. I don't think you could ever not be dressed all right."

She rolled her eyes and turned in her seat towards him. "Nice try at avoiding answering the question."

"I'm not avoiding it. You always look great Cath. And you are dressed perfect for tonight. Trust me."

She turned back in her seat, looking out the passenger window. A smile came to her face as she felt Gil's hand brushing her arm before wrapping around her own hand. "I do trust you." She whispered, not knowing if he heard.

Catherine looked up as she felt the car slow down and make a turn to the right. She saw the familiar building in front of her and questioned Gil. "The art museum? I thought it closed at five."

"I worked a case last year. Someone stole a couple of the pieces. When I found the missing pieces I was told if I ever needed something…. I called in the favor. We have the building to ourselves tonight. Well, us and security."

"Gil… if you keep spoiling me like this, I'm gonna want to be treated like this all the time."

"I'm not doing anything you don't deserve, Catherine. Remember that. You deserve everything." Gil opened the door and left the vehicle before she had a chance to say anything. Walking around the car, he opened the door for her and offered his hand.

"Gil?" She asked as she took his hand and got out of the car.

"What?"

"What did I ever do to deserve you?" She didn't wait for a response, leaning in she kissed him passionately, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Don't answer that. I'm just glad we met."

He smiled and grasped her hand. "Let's go look at some artwork."

XOXOXO

"Where are we going now?" Catherine asked as she looked out the window of the moving vehicle.

"Dinner."

"Any hints?"

"What do you think?"

"I think I'm going to find out when you turn into the parking lot." Catherine laughed. "Even though you aren't telling me anything, I am really enjoying the evening so far. The Monet exhibit was gorgeous."

"I'm glad you liked it. I have to admit I was a little nervous. I wasn't sure if you would like that kind of thing."

"I loved it. Just spending time with you is great, I love everything we do together. But that was just beautiful. Was that the same exhibit your mother took you to?"

"More or less. A few of the pieces have changed through the years."

"Did you see it here, or back in L.A?"

Gil grinned, enjoying their conversation. "Neither actually. It was on a trip to New York. I think I was eleven or twelve at the time."

"And you went willingly?"

"Absolutely. It was one of my favorite things to do with my mother. She knows everything about art. Has great taste. She could talk about it forever, and her viewpoints were always different than mine."

"Her other senses making up for what she was missing?"

"I never thought about it that way. But you're probably right. Her eyes would pick up things others would see. An odd brush stroke. Maybe since she didn't have outside noises distracting her, she could concentrate more fully on what was right before her."

"I'm sure you're right." He said as he slowed down and pulled into the parking lot.

Catherine leaned forward, looking at her surroundings. "What is this place?"

"Just a little restaurant I discovered a while ago. It's away from all the tourist traps, just a little mom and pop type place with amazing food. You'll love it."

XOXOXO

Gil looked across the table to Catherine. The candlelight reflecting in her eyes, she never looked more beautiful. 'This is the perfect time.' He thought and moved his hand to his pocket. "Damn!"

"What?" Catherine asked, startled by his outburst.

"Sorry… um… I left my wallet in the car. I'll be right back." Gil slid out of the booth without looking back, hoping that she bought his excuse.

He hurried to the car, opening the passenger door and rummaging through the glove compartment, looking for the box he put in there earlier this evening. "There it is." He grabbed the box and opened it, smiling at the diamond. He'd never admit it, but he had started thinking about giving Catherine a ring about five minutes after he talked to her. He held off buying the diamond for a while, but when he walked past the jewelry shop and saw the ring, he knew he had to get it for her. The single stone in the white gold setting glistened. He snapped the box closed and tucked it into his pocket.

Walking back into the restaurant, Gil turned the corner and froze in his steps.

XOXOXO

Then I saw red

When I opened up the door

I saw red

Heart just spilled on to the floor

And I didn't need to see his face

I saw yours

I saw red then I closed the door

I don't think I'm gonna love you anymore

XOXOXO

"Cath?"

Catherine shifted her focus to Gil, her heart breaking at the hurt in his voice. "Gil…"

"Who the hell is this, Catherine? Your date for the evening?" He turned in the chair and stood up, confronting Gil. "Did she happen to tell you that she's married?"

"I…"

"Eddie! Get out of here!" Catherine slid out of the bench and stepped between the two men. She turned to Gil. "It's not what it looks like."

Gil remained silent, watching the two of them.

"What it looks like, Gil, is that you are on a date with my wife. And from the look on your face, I'm sure she didn't mention my existence to you. So why don't you just take off, and Cat and I will pick up where you left off." Eddie reached for Catherine and pulled her back into his arms. "Sit down. Now."

Gil watched the scene play out before him. His heart sank even deeper as he watched Catherine follow Eddie's commands. She didn't put up any protest. His mind was still searching for an explanation for what was happening. Catherine was married. Married. He took his wallet out and threw down enough bills to cover their dinner, then turned and walked away.

XOXOXO

"I asked you before Eddie, and now I'm asking again… and I want an answer this time. What are you doing here?"

"My wife is here, on a date, with another man and you ask what I'm doing here?"

"Don't try and flip this around on me. This marriage is only on paper and you know it. As soon as I can get enough money to get a lawyer, this divorce is going through. I haven't even talked to you in three months. How did you know I was here?"

"I have my ways."

"You've been following me?" Catherine's eyes opened in shock. She pushed against him, trying to get him out of the bench. "Let me out of here."

"Why? So you can go after him? 'Gil.' Wasn't that what you called him? He's already gone Cat."

"Just leave, Eddie. You ruined my evening, are you happy? You ruined….everything."

Eddie slid out of the bench and picked up the bills Gil had thrown on the table. "It's the least the bastard owes me for dating my wife." He turned and left, a saunter in his step as he turned the corner.

Catherine watched Eddie walk away, the tears starting to stream down her face. Picking up her purse, she hoped she had enough cash on her to cover their check.

XOXOXO

Gil sat in the car outside the restaurant, his mind still trying to come to terms with everything that happened in the last few minutes. He watched as Eddie walked out of the restaurant and got into a beat up car with another woman. Minutes later, Catherine walked out of the building, standing in front of the doorway and looking around. He watched her for a few minutes, the despair becoming more apparent as time passed. Even from his viewpoint across the parking lot, he could see the tears stream down her face. He couldn't take it anymore. Opening the door, he stood outside the car, keeping his right foot inside. Once she started walking in his direction, he sat back in the car and waited.

Catherine walked up to the door and opened it, leaning down and looking in at Gil.

"Get in. I'll drive you home."

XOXOXO

Then I saw red

When I opened up the door

I saw red

Heart just spilled on to the floor

And I didn't need to see his face

I saw yours

I saw red then I closed the door

I don't think I'm gonna love you anymore

I've been hurt

And I've been blind

I'm not sure that I'll be fine

I never thought it would

End this way

XOXOXO

to be continued