Chapter Two

The diner was circa 1960. A sign flickered in the window enticing those who entered to "Try the Wildburger". When Grissom pulled into a spot near the entrance, Sara had her hand on the door, waiting for him to alight from his car.

"You know, Grissom, if I lead the way, it's predetermined that you will be the last one here."

"So I guess it's my treat," Grissom smiled as Sara opened the door, swinging it wide so that Grissom could enter with her.

They found a booth near the back. The menus were on the table behind the condiments. The waitress took their drink order while they perused the menu. When she returned with their drinks, they were ready to order.

"I'll try the Wildburger. It seems to fit the mood of the day. Would you like to split an order of fries?" Grissom looked over the menu at Sara.

"Yes, that sounds good. And I'll have an egg salad sandwich to go with those fries."

With nothing else to occupy them, Grissom suddenly realized they would need to engage in small talk. He wasn't good at small talk. But he was determined not to talk about work.

Grissom folded his arms on the table and said, "So, explain to me how you came to adopt Gil."

Sara smiled and took a drink from her tea. "Do you remember that mutilated body we found in the desert a few years ago that turned out to be a gorilla?" Grissom nodded.

"I was really affected by that case. Animals have such a vulnerability about them. They are totally dependent on human behavior. In the wild, they are dependent on human destruction or preservation of their habitat. Or, in the case of hunting, the disparate tools used hunting for trophies. In captivity, they are dependent on humans for everything. In my research for that case, I discovered how many animals are near extinction because of the human element. Zoos are the immediate solution to preventing that, while searching for long term solutions."

"Everyone needs to do something to solve the problem. I figured adopting an animal was a small thing for me to do, considering the enormity of the problem. Initially, I intended to adopt a Barbary Ape. But when I talked to Kathy and discovered a chimpanzee named Gil was also in need of a sponsor, I couldn't resist. The irony was to much not to do it."

Grissom raised his eyebrows. "What irony?" Sara just smiled and shook her head. "Oh, the irony of having to monkey around with this Gil all night," pointing to himself, "then monkey around with that Gil on your off time." Grissom thumbed toward the direction of the zoo.

Sara laughed boisterously. "Something like that."

"It's good to hear you laugh, Sara. I've missed that."

Sara became serious, looking at Grissom intently. Grissom didn't mean to bring the conversation to such a serious level so felt compelled to say something.

"I had such a good time today. I would really like to do it again."

"I'll be going again next week. Unless a case is pressing, of course. You're welcome to join me." Sara's face was unreadable.

Grissom looked at the table for a moment, contemplating what he wanted to do. Looking up, he said, "I don't want to wait that long to see you." The shock on Sara's face was clear. "Would you like to go to see the new Degas exhibit at the Art Museum after shift tomorrow?"

Skeptical, Sara inquired, "Grissom, are you asking me on a date?"

Grissom hesitated. "What do you mean by a 'date'?" He hated the term 'dating'. It seemed so juvenile.

Sara's expression changed to one of condescension. "An appointment made between two people to do something together with the express purpose of enjoying each other's company." Her tone said she expected him to back out of the offer.

With boldness, he answered, "Then yes, I'm asking you on a date." Grissom's heart was pounding with the realization of what he had just done.

Sara's mouth dropped. She was speechless. After several minutes had elapsed, Grissom was afraid that she was thinking of an excuse not to go.

Taking her signature shallow breath with a slight hesitation, she said, "Is breakfast included?"

With relief, Grissom smiled and nodded, "Absolutely."

Sara smiled in return. "Then you're on."