A Friend In Need
By
Sydne
Rating: CSI 2
Disclaimer: All characters belong to CBS, etc…
Summary: Down time
Chapter 4
Once safely ensconced in their bungalow, Grissom asked Catherine for the funeral home information.
Digging in her purse she found the information that the detective had given her. Taking it out, she handed him the piece of paper.
He took the information and sat down at the desk. Pulling his cell phone out of his pocket, he quickly dialed the number for the funeral home.
As he spoke with them, she watched as his shoulders slumped and he started rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand. Walking up behind him, she laid her hand upon his shoulders and began to rub the tense, weary muscles.
After several minutes, he hung up the phone. He started to pull away from her and she pushed him back into the chair.
"Shh, relax," she whispered in his ear.
"You don't have to do this, you know?"
"I know, but I want to."
She continued rubbing his shoulders and neck until she felt the muscles begin to loosen under her fingers. When he started making soft moaning noises, she removed her hands.
"Better?"
"Much. Thank you."
He turned just in time to see her sit on the edge of the bed. Rising he walked over to her and sat down next to her. Taking her hand, he looked into her eyes.
"I appreciate everything you're doing for me."
"I know, Gil."
After a moment's hesitation, she gathered her courage up and asked, "When is the funeral?"
"Day after tomorrow. I'm going to go to her house tomorrow and get some of her stuff together."
"If you want, I'll help."
He looked deeply into her eyes and remarked, "I can't believe how fortunate I am to have you."
She smiled at him and raised her hand to caress his cheek.
"You would do the same for me."
"I wasn't there for you when Eddie died."
"I know, but you had your own problems to deal with at the time. We're past that anyway. You would be there now."
"You're right I would."
Catherine's tummy decided to give a wild rumble at that point. Her face flushed red with embarrassment.
"Hungry?"
"Yeah, it's been awhile since our last meal."
"Lets go get some dinner. I know where there used to be some good restaurants."
"That sounds wonderful."
Smiling, she stood up and extended her hand. He grasped it and she pulled him upright.
Together they left the room and went in search of a restaurant.
They settled on a small seafood restaurant with a view of the ocean. The host sat them at a window table where they could watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. The colors of the light mingled with the red of Catherine's hair. It made it look as if her hair were constructed of gold and fire. Even though he was sad, Gil noticed her beauty and made the effort to compliment her. The conversation during dinner lifted his spirits up and he began to relax and enjoy the meal. There had been enough tension for both of them during the day.
When the meal was over and the sun had set, the couple returned to the hotel. They decided to take a walk around the grounds before returning to their bungalow.
Passing the pool area, Catherine noticed the hot tub. Turning to him she said, "That looks nice. I didn't pack your trunks or my swimsuit unfortunately."
Seeing the disappointment in her eyes, he replied, "If we have time tomorrow, maybe we could get some. It does look good."
Surprised that he would be interested, a dazzling smile lit her face. She squeezed his hand and held it until the reached the door of their bungalow.
When they entered the room, she walked to the closet where she had stored her bag earlier in the day. She rifled through the contents until she found a discrete pair of flannel pajamas her mother had packed. "Gee, Mom. I guess you didn't want me to get lucky," she thought.
"Gil, I'm going to change," she said as she motioned to the bathroom.
"Okay, I'll go in after you."
Catherine quickly used the restroom and changed into her pajamas. When she returned she found him sound asleep on the top of his bed. She pulled the covers back and lightly draped the cover over him.
"Sleep well, my friend," she whispered as she leaned down a light kiss to his forehead and smoothed back the curls framing his face.
She watched him for a few more moments before turning to her own bed and crawling in. Reaching up, she turned the light out. She looked over at her friend and hoped she would have the strength to help him during the next few days.
TBC…