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: heartagram69, Gorgeous Nick Stokes, BeTrAyEd DaUgHtErS (well, I think you'll like this chapter.), Beka Rhade, Emowyen ( I REALLY love your reviews! You point out the good things, and give me a few ideas. Hope you will like this too.), Cheryl, cheersZG (I'm glad you found yourself in Janis. And I hope you don't give your friends as much as trouble.:)), AnMaDeRoNi, Mma63 (Thank you soo much), Space-Case7029 (well, Janis is pretty special), ANNJE, charmed1818, saeo, fanficaddict, Daisyangel (well, Warrick gave him his present before, so I didn't write it here. Truthfully, I couldn't remember anymore work related gifts.:)), bubble cat, umm
Chapter 7 – Let's welcome our lovely miss Sidle
Nick let go of Sara, only now noticing the card. He untied and opened it. He was never good at hiding his emotions, and this time he didn't even want to hide them. The written words were the most beautiful ones someone ever dedicated him. And it was Sara who wrote them. That made him feel even more for her and he thought that wasn't possible. His whole heart already belonged to her, not that he was willing to admit that to anyone. Not wanting to fall apart and admitting his undying love for her in front of everyone, he smiled, even though his face showed more than a simple affection.
"Well, I have to say, this is getting to be one of my favorite birthdays." – the group shared his smile. The atmosphere was becoming a little bit intense, so Greg decided to easy it up a bit.
"So, is there dancing here?"
"The band is not playing yet, Greg. But, I promise you, I'll dance with you tonight." – Catherine patted him on his hand.
Nick glanced towards Sara who was smiling seeing how Greg was excited by the idea.
"I believe I mentioned my goal for this evening, miss Sidle."
Sara decided to play dumb.
"And what was that?"
"Well, to share at least one dance with you. Now I know, you're not crazy for this type of music, but don't worry, I'll hold you."
Sara took a sip of her drink glancing at Nick.
"I'm not worried. And it is your birthday; I'll try to survive for one night."
"Good. I'm gonna hold you to that."
"You do that." – they shared another look while the group was discussing something work related. Just than, the band went up on the stage and everyone started to applaud, causing Nick and Sara to break the connection.
"Hello, everyone! I'm glad to see some old and some new faces this evening! I welcome all of you here and I hope you'll enjoy yourselves!"
Everyone started clapping as the band started their first song. Sara immediately recognized Keith Urban's song "You're my better half".
Car door slams; it's been a long day at work
I'm out on the freeway and I'm wondering if it's all worth
The price that I pay, sometimes it doesn't seem fair
I pull into the drive and you're standing there.
Normally she would sing along, but she had to restrain herself. However, she started to grin as her favorite part of the song came.
And you look at me
And give me that come-here-baby smile
It's all gonna be alright
You take my hand
And you pull me close and you hold me tight.
She glanced towards Nick who was smiling.
"That's the smile…" – she thought.
It's the sweet love that you give to me
That makes me believe we can make it through anything
'Cause when it all comes down
And I'm feeling like I'll never last
I just lean on you 'cause baby
You're my better half.
Sara really wanted to sing along, especially the next part. But, that would blow her cover. However, Nick didn't have that problem as he sang along.
They say behind every man is a good woman
But I think that's a lie
'Cause when it comes to you I'd rather have you by my side
You don't know how much I count on you to help me
When I've given everything I got and I just feel like giving in.
He looked at her which caused her to blush and smile shyly. She knew the song word for word, and every time she listened to it, she thought of Nick. They were really good in their jobs, but when they worked together they were even better. They completed each other.
"This is a good song! I've never heard it before" – Catherine yelled over music dancing in her seat.
"Yeah, actually, it's quite good." – Warrick shared her opinion. Grissom however got his hands on his book and he was oblivious to everything.
As the song was coming to an end, Sara began to wonder what they will play next. Usually, they started with a fast song, but the slow song always followed after. They loved to mix a little, to feel the crowd in the beginning. One day, it was raining, and everyone was more into slow songs. She tried to recognize the melody feeling Warrick's look on her. He motioned to her that he'll keep his mouth shut. The song they decided to play caused Nick to shift in his place. It was "She's in love", by Mark Wills and every time he heard it, it reminded him of Sara and her crush on Grissom. The song was actually on a CD he borrowed her. Catherine got nervous sitting in one place for that long, so she grabbed Greg's hand and pulled him up.
"Come on, let's spin a little!"
A lot of people were dancing, so they joined them. Catherine laughed at Greg since he had no idea where to put his hands. Finally, she placed them on her hips and Greg blushed.
"It's just a dance, Greg. Relax!"
Everyone laughed as they watched Greg squirm. Nick stopped smiling when familiar lines came.
Told everyone I'm doing fine
Learned how to get on with my life
I just want what's best for her
So I lied
Found a note on my door last night
Said, "I'll be your friend 'till the day I die"
But you should know I found someone
Now she's in love.
He looked over at Grissom, who was still engrossed in the book. However, Warrick caught his eyes and smiled sympathetically. The entire staff knew about Sara's crush. However, it appeared to be over. Not to Nick, of course, who was always paranoid when it came to Sara.
She's in love
She's got that fire in her eyes
She's in love
How her smile lights up the sky
It's like she's walking on air
She's been set free
Still I can't believe
She's in love
Strolling down a one-way street
She's in love
You'd swear her heart has wings
She's in love
Why can't it be me?
It never occurred to Sara what Nick was thinking. Sure, she had a crush on Grissom before, but that was all over. She didn't know if Nick had someone special in his life. Sure, they were friends, but he could've dated someone and not tell anyone. That was the reason why that song always made her feel sad. The way how Nick smiled always seemed related to something. The last past weeks his smiles became more frequent, and she was terrified that they were related to some new girl in his life. A girl that wasn't her.
"Why can't it be me?" – she sang the words in her head.
She was so engrossed in her thought she didn't even see Janis waving at her.
"Ahm..Sar, I think that waitress is trying to catch your eye." – Warrick nudged her.
"What? Where?" – she asked confused. She looked around seeing the panic look on Janis's face.
"Well, that wasn't very subtle of her." – she thought as she was starting to stand up. Nick and Warrick looked at each other as she left the table without explanation. Janis's look was enough for that. Something was going on and she could explain later. Of course, she would have to think up an excuse.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" – Sara asked panic showing in her voice.
Janis was out of breath as she led her aside. They finally reached the very end of the room and Janis sighed.
"I'm…sorry."
"Sorry about what?" – even if Sara wasn't a CSI, this was a dead give away moment that something bad will happen.
"You see, I was in the basement when the guys from a band came in here. They were eager to start playing, so I didn't have the time to inform them about your disguise for the evening."
"Can't you go up there now?" – Sara felt her heart speed a little.
"And how am I supposed to do anything? Do you want me to whisper the situation to John's ear while he sings?"
"Ahm..yes?"- her voice was small, but she knew that was a wish that's not going to happen.
"Look, honey, just pray that John will go through his first set without calling on you. And than I'll explain everything. Promise! I'll even stand next to the stage, so I can tell him as soon as he steps down."
"OK, OK…I think that's a good idea. I mean, the evening just started. It would be paranoid to assume something will happen in the first half an hour." - she started going back to her table, Janis in tow.
"That's the spirit. But, I'll get you another beer, nevertheless. Don't worry, everything will be alright."
Just than the song was finishing, and John stopped playing. He stepped closer to the microphone and announced.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I didn't even realize that our lovely Miss Sidle was here tonight! Let's give her a big applause and ask her to come up here to join us in a couple of songs!"
A/N – Well, people I know that I promised that this chapter would be up sooner, but I've been a little busy. :) But, I think you will like this, nevertheless. And it's a good preview of what will happen next.