Since no one was really hungry, they all crowded into a booth and simply ordered a large combo platter to nibble on with their drinks while they visited. The time flew as the team began talking about the things going on at the lab, keeping the topics to the more mundane and comedic details instead of relating any tragic cases. Catherine knew they hadn't forgotten about Lindsey as they had already expressed condolences and promises to help her in any way they could. She was extremely grateful for the chance to think about something else, even if only for an hour or so. Gil was content to sit back and watch the team as they talked, chiming in a few times to contribute a story, but for the most part simply observing. He was proud of Sara, he realized, as he saw a rarely displayed softer side of her while she was speaking to Catherine.

"So I took the trace to Hodges and all he could tell me was…" Sara's voice suddenly faltered. Grissom looked at her strangely, wondering what had changed. It was obvious that something was affecting the younger CSI as she stumbled over the rest of her story. Looking around the table he noticed the change in facial expressions, as if they had all been struck by a fresh wave of grief. Just as he was about to ask what had happened it suddenly struck him as he heard the background music for the first time, his own eyes closing for a moment before he pulled himself together before Catherine could see his reaction.

"Did I miss something?" Catherine looked at the assembled crew, confusion evident in her own eyes as she watched them. "We uhh., just started thinking about Lindsey." Warrick said, semi-truthfully, leaving out the role the song in the background had played in it. Grissom was trying in vain to block out the memories of the recording dialogue as he listened to Don McLean's version of "American Pie" playing in the background of the cafe, they were fortunately saved from further explanation by the arrival of Jim Brass, who had made time in his busy schedule to join his friends. Not catching the tune in the background or its significance he was oblivious to what was affecting the team. But his focus was solely on Catherine as he scooted in at the table, he had always thought of her as a good friend. In moments of weakness he had dreamed of her as being more than a friend, even though he knew it would never happen. It didn't take a detective to know that there was only one man who could claim her heart if he ever had the nerve to try.

The party of friends continued their chatting until a stifled yawn from Catherine drew their attention to the time and the realization that shift started in a couple more hours. After another round of hugs and promises to be there for her any way they could, the team dissipated until it only Catherine, Jim and Grissom were left.

Jim felt awful about not getting to spend much time with Catherine after her loss. It was one of the hardest things Jim had ever done, conveying what happened with Lindsey in the wreck. It tore his heart out to see Cath trying to cope with the loss of her daughter. He found little consolation in the fact that Gil was there for her and wished it was him holding her and comforting her, not Gil. At least he could take solace in the fact that he knew Gil and could trust him, unlike the other parade of men in and out of her life. He sighed with reluctance when his radio came to life and signaled the need for him to return to duty. He pulled Catherine into his arms and held her as he whispered words of support and condolance. He tightened his embrace as he felt her cling to him and fight to maintain her composure. They both took a deep breath and moved apart, but not before Cath kissed him on the cheek and whispered her thanks. He took one last look at her, shook Gil's hand and nodded as he headed back to his car.

"I don't want to go back there," she said with a heavy sigh as Grissom started to pull out of the parking lot.

"You don't have too." He replied instantly, willing to do anything she requested right now. "I'll take you anywhere you want to go," he offered, slowing the vehicle as he waited for her command.

"Thanks," she said with a sad smile, "but I can't do that to Nancy and Mom."

"Cath, this is not about them, it's about you." He said, frustrated that even at a time like this she would continue to put the needs of others before her own.

"You don't understand, if I'm not there…." The ringing of her cell phone halted her explanation. "You're kidding…. Thanks for letting me know….. You're right, I can't deal with that now…… "I'll stay with one of my friends for now, call me when he leaves… Thanks sis." Catherine's end of the conversation certainly had Gil wondering when she hung up the phone.

"What was that about?" He couldn't help but ask as she dropped her phone back into her purse with an annoyed sigh.

"Sam Braun is there waiting for me." She responded in a clipped tone. "I'm sure he means well, but I don't feel ready to face him now. I don't have the energy to deal with this." She admitted with a defeated tone as she looked out the passenger window, deep in thought.

Grissom waited a few minutes as they drove, waiting to see if she would give further instruction. As they passed her house and saw the limousine parked in front, she turned back from the window, "no I just can't do it." She said with a tone of finality.

"Where would you like to go?" Grissom asked softly, willing to take her to the moon if she asked him.

"Would you mind if I crashed at your place for a little while, until I get the all clear signal?" she asked, looking forward to being able to relax in the quiet of his townhouse for a little while before returning to the crowd at her house.

"Not at all," he replied, almost smiling for a second from the happiness of knowing he didn't have to let go of her again, not yet.