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: BeTrAyEd DaUgHtErS (you're really making my days with your reviewes! – I hope you like the song choice), charmed1818, fanficaddict, braelyn, Jenuine, CinnamonFaerie, alwayswrite05, Shelbers, Bookworm0485, AnMaDeRoNi, Sahariah, Space-Case7029, icklebitodd, heartagram69, isabell89, Gorgeous Nick Stokes, slythringrl, shadowryder, GeorgeEadsLover, Blondie, Emowyen (I hope you like this!), bubble cat, spooky-phoenix, moonlightpoetry, Gabrielle, Mma63, angel-nat-nat
Chapter 8 – Surprise, surprise…
Catherine and Greg returned from their dance, and Greg looked like he was on seventh heaven. He got to share a slow dance with one of the hottest women he knew and he wasn't hiding his excitement.
"Well, Greggo, you look like you had a good time." – Nick chuckled seeing Greg's flushed face.
"Hey, I got to dance with Catherine. If that's not the good reason to be in a great mood, I don't know what is. And, boys, I highly recommend it." – he winked at Catherine who simply rolled her eyes. Nick on the other hand had other plans. Sure, he had no problems dancing with Catherine, but his mind was set up on someone else. He was eager to share a dance with Sara who was talking to Janis. He looked over and saw that she was getting nervous. But, he couldn't tell what was going on. Warrick was still laughing at Greg who moved in his seat trying to demonstrate just how he danced with Catherine.
"Well, I guess, Cath, that you'll have to dance with me also." – Warrick smiled at the woman next to him.
"No problem, Warrick. However, I think birthday boy deserves the dance first. What do you say, Nick?" – she saw that he was on the other planet staring at something. She followed his look and saw Sara discussing something with Janis.
"Well, this can't be good…" – she thought. Not wanting for Nick to get suspicious, she turned the conversation around.
"Hey, Nick!" – she yelled a bit.
"What?" – he turned around startled.
"I got the dibs to dance with you first."
"Oh, OK." – he wanted to turn around again, but Catherine grabbed his arm.
"Hey, did I tell you how Lindsey picked up your gift?"
It was obvious to Warrick that Catherine was trying to distract Nick. Since he also felt that something was going on, he decided to play along.
"Yeah, Nick. Aren't you worried that a little girl can already tell that you need help?"
"Funny. But, seriously, your presents are obviously trying to tell me something." – Nick joked around, distraction obviously working.
"Nick, you're a good CSI. Don't worry." – Grissom chipped in not taking his eyes from his book. Everyone turned around and started to laugh. It was just like Grissom to stay in his world, but still take part in the conversation.
"Thanks, man. And I won't." – Nick said.
"Nick knows we were just joking." – Warrick added and paused a bit, getting and idea. – "However, if our presents were trying to tell him that, I wonder what Sara's present was saying…"
He said that almost to himself, but still loud enough for everyone to hear. Catherine hid her smirk taking a sip from her beer raising her eyebrows at Nick, waiting for an answer. Everyone's eyes were on Nick. Like the question was referred to him.
"I wouldn't know." – he blushed at looked down trying not to grin.
"You wouldn't?" – Catherine asked.
"No."
"Even if you think really hard?" – she decided to point out some things that were obvious. Those two need a real push. These little hints weren't working for them. And luckily, Sara wasn't at the table to kill her. However, Nick's mind still didn't allow him to see things through this perspective. He didn't allow himself to think Sara was trying to show him something. It was easier to think it was just a present. If not easier, it was safer for his heart. He looked her up straight in the eyes.
"No."
She decided to drop it catching the change of his behavior. His eyes changed from happy to sad.
She nodded and looked up to look at the band. The song was finishing and she saw the singer looking at Sara's direction. He whispered something to his guitarist pointing at her.
"Oh, hell…" – she muttered causing everyone to look at her.
"What is it?" – Warrick asked worried. She smiled nervously not really knowing what to say. However, John didn't have that problem.
"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!"
"Funny, that almost sounded like he said Sara's name." – Greg laughed looking at Catherine who was doing everything else but smiling. Her mouth opened and closed a few times, but no words were actually coming out.
Nick noticed the silence and looked at her.
"Catherine?"
"I can't believe this…" – Sara froze in place.
Janis put one hand on her shoulder.
"Did I mention the fact that I'm sorry?" – Janis apologetically smiled.
Sara however kept staring at John who was motioning for her to come up.
"You know, I think it's better that this happened now…you know…before everyone…ahmm….you can now do something…ahm…something…you know what? – Janis raised her hands in surrender. – "I've got nothing! You're screwed. I don't know what to say. You better go up. I think you'll be safer there than at your table."
Sara glanced towards her crowd, and everyone was staring at her. All except Catherine who was motioning for the waitress to get more drinks. That woman knew how to estimate the time when drinks will be needed.
She grabbed the tequila shot from one table and gulped it turning to Janis.
"I'm going up."
"That's the spirit!"
Just than the band started to play the song and Sara froze again a little, looking back at Janis, who was trying not to laugh.
"Well, maybe Mr. Buckaroo over there won't notice the lyrics…"
Sara shook her head and approached the stage with everyone clapping. Janis turned around and not looking at anyone she muttered.
"Yeah, fat chance." – than she realized that the group who was sitting at the table Sara snatched the drink from was looking at her funnily. – "I'll get you another shot. On the house." – she smiled and left to get a better view.
Sara came near a stage and John pulled her up smiling at her.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen. A big applause for our lovely Sara."
She smiled at him deliberately avoiding people's stares. The band repeated the first part of the song and Sara took a deep breath before approaching the microphone. She closed her eyes and started to sing swaying a little in the rhythm.
I ain't a lookin' for a smart guy school guy
Some proud in-crowd decked-out necktie
I need a man who can tame a wild mustang
Knows the difference 'tween love and lust thang
Somebody who looks a whole lot like you
Buckaroo
She opened her eyes seeing everyone getting wilder. She smiled feeling a little more relaxed as she sang the next part.
Ain't interested in a yes 'mam yes man
I'll pass on the politically correct man
I'm set on fencin' in a desperado
Takes my breath away like Colorado
Who ain't afraid to walk a mile in my boots
Buckaroo.
Her eyes shifted towards Nick who was staring at her with his mouth open. Remembering the next part she closed her eyes a bit.
"Oh, God help me." – she thought.
Heaven knows what I might do
If I had me a cowboy like you
Oh, Buckaroo
She looked at Nick and their eyes locked together for just a second, but enough for Nick to blush, causing Warrick to laugh.
Catherine screamed a bit standing up clapping.
"Alright, Sara!"
Greg joined in, as he saw Sara start to dance on the stage letting her self relax. She took the microphone in her hand and continued.
Don't have to wow me like a long beard Shakespeare
Just talk plain talk right here in my ear
If you aspire to sophistication
I'll tell you now you're in the wrong location
Get out of here before this country girl gets to you
But, if you like sunset on the painted desert
The Lone Ranger and spaghetti westerns
I'll tell you right now I'm the one for you
Oh, Buckaroo
The song was ending and Catherine started to clap again, nudging Warrick next to her to do the same.
"Come on guys, our girl deserves a big applause!"
They all joined her clapping, even Nick who was now smiling full force. Catherine leaned forward not wanting everyone to hear as she whispered in Nick's ear.
"Well, Nicky, have you changed your mind about the meaning of your present?"
He turned to her, waiting for her to continue, but she only pointedly raised her eyebrows at him.
A/N – Well, people, there you go! "The song"! I want to thank all of you who suggested the song, but I already had a song in mind, hence the title. :)
Tell me what you think of a choice. It's a Lee Ann Womack song – Buckaroo.