Disclaimer: I don't own anything here, just an idea, but trust me you can't get anything from that! Leave me to live in fiction

Summary: Sara's been going to a country bar to find her release, without anyone knowing. Now, it's Nick's birthday, and the group decided to take him there. Of course, Sara's not that crazy about the idea…Why? She's been known to sing a few songs there and she wants to keep that for herself. Of course, the stars are not on her side…

Thanks to: NickGilGreggonumber1fan, Gorgeous Nick Stokes, Emowyen, saeo, icklebitodd, heartagram69, loose-cannon-with-a-gun, BeTrAyEd DaUgHtErS, Blondie, Space-Case7029, lou xx, GeorgeEadsLover, Grace (really guys, you're the best! And for all of you expecting sara to sing, you won't be disappointed. Just not in this chapter...:))

Chapter 5 – A birthday kiss

Catherine parked her car in front of the bar glancing at the big house that stood before them,

"This is a big place!"

Sara was trying to see if the guys came early, but she didn't recognize any of the cars.

"Yeah, it's big. The owners live on the top floor, but they remodeled the bottom one for this."

"Partying in the living room. Cool!" – Catherine nodded approvingly. – "Well, are we going inside, or are we going to sit in the parking lot the entire evening?" – Cath asked as she noticed that Sara didn't even unbuckle her sit belt.

"Funny. Let's go. Help with the guitar." – she got out of the car taking a deep breath. There they were.

As they approached the entrance, Sara noticed Rob on the front door. He was one of the bouncers, but as long as she was going there, she never saw him actually doing his job. Most of the time, he sat in front talking to people. He noticed her right away.

"Well, well, well, isn't this one of my favorite girls?" – he also had a small accent. – "And you brought someone new. Rob, nice to meet you." – Rob offered Catherine a hand which she accepted smilingly. The man spread good energy around him.

"Catherine, nice to meet you."

Rob noticed a guitar and he looked at Sara.

"So, I presume you'll be expecting someone else, or did you decide to play tonight as well?"

Sara quickly shook her head.

"O, no, no playing, no singing tonight." – Catherine chuckled at once causing Rob to look at her.

"No singing? Ah, damn! And I was preparing myself to enjoy your beautiful voice. So, what's with the guitar?" – a couple of people passed by them, some of them nodding to Sara. That sight was very strange to Catherine and finally she realized Sara was not panicking for nothing. There was no way she could hide her truth for the rest of the evening.

"Well, some of ours colleagues are coming as well. Actually, one of them is from Texas and has a birthday, so we decided to do something special for him. Which brings me to another matter. I need a favor."

"Anything I can do to help. Especially of it has something to do with a birthday surprise."

Sara felt stupid thinking about what she wanted to ask. It would appear that she's embarrassed. She almost changed her mind, but Catherine jumped in.

"Well, considering the fact none of us knew that Sara was coming here, and that includes the birthday boy, she wanted that to be a part of her surprise for him. So, if you could spread the news to the waitresses. It's part of the birthday surprise, him being from Texas and all."

Sara felt Rob eyeing her but she said nothing.

"Sure, no problem. So, I presume the guitar is for him?" – Sara nodded. – "Well, he's one lucky bastard. I'll talk to Janis so she can spread the news. You girls enjoy yourself. And if you want I can keep the guitar here, until your group arrives. It's getting crowded there, so it would be safer."

Sara thought about it, and decided it would be for the best. She handed him the guitar and he placed it in the small room next to the entrance.

"Don't worry, honey, it will be safe." – Rob read her mind. – "Now, go enjoy yourself!"

Both of the women smiled and entered. They left their jackets in the wardrobe and Sara could see Catherine absorbing the scene.

"It's quite something, isn't it?"

"Hell, yeah. It's huge! But, there's something warm about it."

"Yes, that's why I like it. It's nothing like the clubs in the center."

Sara saw one of the waitresses waving her and recognized Janis.

"Come on. There's Janis."

They walked through the crowd, again people nodding to Sara until they reached a small blonde woman who linked her arm with Sara's.
"Well, Rob tells me you'll have company tonight. And that we have to pretend we don't know you?" – Sara wanted to apologize, but Janis stopped her before she even had the chance. – "I'm kidding. He also told me it's a part of a surprise. So, for the rest of the evening, you're a stranger to me. But, before I start acting like I don't know you, here's your table for the evening. Now, my name is Janis and I'll be your waitress for tonight."

"Very funny. But, thanks, though." – Sara smiled at the little woman feeling very grateful. And relieved. – "This is Catherine, one of my colleagues, by the way."

"Nice to meet you." – Janis nodded – "So, what can I get you? Sara, a beer for you?"

"Yeah, thanks."

Catherine agreed on the drink, and Janis went her way. The place was crowded, although it was fairly early. Sara absorbed the scenery. The place was made from wood mostly, tables and benches also. That kind of arrangement provided more room. Chairs took a lot of room, and people could squeeze on a bench. Their table wasn't very big, but there will be plenty of room for their group. She only hoped that Nick will sit next to her.

"Well, as long as Greg doesn't sit next to me, I'll be fine." – she thought, She loved Greg, but sitting that close on a bench was the perfect way for him to act like himself. Catherine noticed that Sara was in deep thought and she kicked her under the table a little.

"Care to share?"

"Nothing, I'm just checking the place. The band is still not here." – that was the only thing that worried her. If they are late, maybe Rob won't have the time to warn them as well.

"Well, it's still early. Come on, lighten up. And tell me; are there any cute guys here?" – Sara knew Catherine was just trying to ease her mood, but she was willing to give her a shot.

"As a matter of fact, there are. See those two guys at the end of the bar? The left one is actually a science teacher. Available and on the market:"

"So, why are you not interested in him?" – Catherine eyed her.

"Not really my type."

"Science teacher not your type? Since when?" – Sara pierced her with her look. She knew Catherine was referring to Grissom, but she couldn't really blame her.

"I'm just not interested."

"If you say so. He's very cute though. How are his moves?" – Sara looked surprised by Catherine's question which caused her to laugh. – "I meant, his dance moves."

Sara felt her cheeks blush, reminding her that she became way too paranoid this evening. And the guys weren't there yet.

"Well, actually, he is my dance partner here. I picked up several things from him."

Catherine nodded, obviously admiring the fact. There was something in a man who can dance.

"Well, maybe you two will have the chance to show some of your moves."

"I…don't think so."

Janis approached their table with their drinks.

"Here you go. By the way, Sara, Jason said hi." – Catherine realized that was the left guy's name.

"Tell him hi for me, and can you explain this also?" – she really didn't want to explain everything.

"Oh, I already did. He wanted to come over, but I stopped him. He likes your friend, though." – Janis winked at Catherine causing the older woman to smile. Just than she noticed a few faces that she never saw and she figured out that was Sara's group. – "Well, I'm going back to my role. I presume this is your group?"

Both, Sara and Catherine looked over to the door and saw that Warrick, Greg and Nick arrived. Catherine waved at them.

"Yap, that's them. Well, they clean up pretty nicely. Don't you think?"

The question was referred to Sara, but her eyes were fixated on Nick. He really looked great. Although, there was nothing special about his look, but the idea of seeing him outside of work made her excited. Sara noticed that he had a new shirt, and it fit him perfectly. The olive color really suited him, even if he wore black most of the time. The jeans he wore also made her think of some naughty things. She caught herself gulping, a move noticed by Janis. She leaned forward whispering.

"I presume he's the birthday boy?" – Sara smiled nodding her head. Luckily Catherine wasn't looking. – "Well, I think you could've gotten away without buying him a present, because he is looking at you like he's ready to unwrap you."

"Janis!" – Sara screamed causing Catherine to look.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing, I just stepped on her foot. Well, I better show them to their table." – Janis was smiling causing Sara to shift in her place. – "Hello, boys, my name is Janis and I'll be your waitress. This is your table. " – she grabbed Nick's arm and literally pushed him next to Sara. – "What can I get you?"

"Very subtle, Janis." – Sara thought as she smiled at Nick a little.

The boys agreed on beer and Janis went on her way. Warrick sat next to Cath and Greg sat next to Nick.

"Well, this is a great place!" – Greg exclaimed as he took in the scenery. Warrick's eyes followed as Nick was looking at Sara.

"Well, you look very nice."

"You mean, compared to how I look every day?" – she joked.
"No, I didn't mean that. It's just…" – he glanced over her body noticing the whole look causing Sara to shiver. – "You really look like you belong here. And trust me, I know what I'm talking about."

"Well, it's your birthday and I couldn't come in my track suit."

Nick coughed a little, feeling the redness in his cheeks.

"Well…I appreciate it. Really appreciate it." – Nick smiled now causing Sara to blush.

Warrick coughed nudging Catherine a little. She looked at him as he motioned her to play along. Nick and Sara were oblivious to the rest of the crowd, and Greg was observing some girl who passed bye.

"You know, you girls forgot to give our Nick a birthday kiss."

AN – Well, this is all for now. :) Next chapter is coming very soon. Trust me! But, I would love to hear what you think of this one.