DISCLAIMER:Don't Own it. No Money Made... Just for fun and enjoyment.
A/N: Last chance to back out before it heats up around here.
REVIEWS: Thanks to all who have reviewed. Waking up to your amazing words have cost me some sleep over the last few days, but it is so worth it!
Chapter 43
Stephanie was putting the last of the food onto the platters as Thomas rounded everyone up and moved them to the tables. She was aided by Catherine and her mother and they were working wonderfully together. Stephanie could not recall a night when everything had gone off with so few hitches. She and Thomas had taken care of their talk with Gil with a minimum of tears. Father Wilhelm had managed to tear himself away from the rectory long enough to join them for dinner. Catherine had agreed to stand up for her alongside her mother with a maximum of tears (but that had been factored into the equation). But most of all, Warrick had successfully gotten Sara to join them for dinner. Stephanie was not sure what he had said to pull that off, but she was going to thank him, no matter.
Following her conversations with Catherine and Warrick, Stephanie was certain that her suspicions regarding her uncle and Sara were dead on accurate. She had spent years listening to him regale her father with stories about the talented young woman, and when she finally had the opportunity to meet her, she was horribly disappointed with the way she had behaved. Helluva first impression, Poindexter, she thought to herself.
Her father had worked with the woman on a few cases when she was with the San Francisco Police Department, and had confirmed to Gil, she was indeed first rate. Her mother had her own theories about Gil's choices in companions, but Stephanie felt she knew her uncle better than anyone; possibly even better than he did.
Even though their first meeting was less than ideal, she could tell right away that Sara Sidle was exactly what her uncle needed. She was smart, she did not back down from a fight, and she was strong. Stephanie instantly felt that her strength was probably her best quality, along with her courage. She knew those were two things Gil would need in a relationship, more than most anything, because his fear would sap him of both things, and his partner would need to have some to spare. Stephanie knew, without a doubt, Sara was that person. The only thing left to do was to convince the two parties in question of that fact.
When Catherine came in for another armload, Stephanie motioned for her to come closer, "Hey, can you snag Uncle Gil for me? I need to talk to him a sec."
"No can do, Thelma," was Catherine's only response.
"Wait, I thought you were Thelma?" They both laughed at the comment, but Stephanie continued. "Seriously, I'm not the one after the hot younger guy… Mine is older, so that makes me Louise."
Catherine scrunched up her face as she hoisted one of the platters from the counter, "What hot youn-…"
"Hey ladies, can I lend a hand?" Warrick stepped into the kitchen to assist them in transporting the food and would have been hard pressed not to notice the looks that passed between them. "I don't even wanna know… Just gimme somethin' to carry." They both laughed at his discomfort and the timing of his entrance. He took the platter from Catherine and went into the dining area.
Catherine shook her head at Stephanie, who was still laughing, "You are soooo bad."
"Truth hurts… But seriously, I need to talk to Uncle Gil, can you go grab him please?"
Catherine took the remaining bowls and shook her head again, "Nope… He left."
"WHAT?" Stephanie nearly dropped the bowl she was holding when she heard Catherine's answer. "You were supposed to make sure he stuck around. How're we-…"
Catherine shushed her quickly, "Calm down… He didn't leave alone." That time Stephanie was struck dumb by the answer. "And according to Warrick… We can stop worrying about your uncle."
The only thing Stephanie could think to say was, "Go, Uncle Gil."
Her mother chose that moment to re-enter the kitchen, "Oh honey, I forgot to tell you… Gil had to leave. He and that other girl from your work got a call, or something, and had to leave in a hurry."
"You saw him?" Stephanie was shocked that her mother had noticed anything.
"Well, yes… He was getting into his car around back when I took the trash out to the bin. Nearly gave the man a heart-attack, to boot." Her mother went about her business getting a few things from the counter before turning back around to leave again, "Oh, and he wanted to make sure one of us could drive Catherine home tonight, but I told him that wouldn't be a problem."
Catherine bumped Stephanie with her hip, "Home? Funny he would say that."
Stephanie was confused, "Why?"
"Because my car is sitting out in front of his place right now."
They were both silent for a few moments before Stephanie finally broke their quiet contemplation of the events that had transpired, "So, do you want to borrow my car this weekend?"
