A/N: Yes, people – Mac accepted Peyton. But read on, he accepted her back because STELLA WANTS HIM TO BE HAPPY. See, even there Mac obeys her.
I've been mean to Peyton and her treatment of Stella – I'll leave you with another question mark this time. Writer's block is going away thanks to the inspiration of the latest CSI:NY episode. And of course, people like you!
Thanks.
As the weeks went on, Peyton has made a conscious effort to be friendly to Stella. Something in what she told her stuck and Peyton now feels differently towards her. The same with Stella.
She's back to her old self – back to inviting the whole team for dinner or a drink at Sullivan's or in her home. She even tells me to take Peyton with me. When she does attend these little parties, she would be good with everybody, talking, laughing even with Stella. It seems that they have patched things up between them
Whatever happens, Stella's my favorite partner in crime. We bring out the best in each other, may it be in solving a case or in a screaming match over whose hypothesis is more valid. Peyton is getting to that level yet, we're still settling into this 'renewed relationship'.
You tell me 'bout the love you've had
I listen very eagerly
"Stella?" Peyton called me from my apartment. "Did I wake you? I'm sorry."
"No, I'm about to get up anyway," I answered. It was my day-off and I don't have anything planned for the day. "What's up?"
I could hear some music playing in the background at her end. "Well, I was just wondering if we can eat lunch together. I know this great new place near your apartment. My treat." Sometimes she reminds me of an old friend in high school. "Please…"
We've been in good terms for months now. No more glares, double meaning statements, and animosity. They're happy, I'm happy. Life is simpler this way. "Sure, meet me at my apartment's lobby at around 11? Is that good?"
"Works for me," she said. "Thank you. I have to go now. Mac would want these results right away. Bye now and see you later."
"Likewise," and we both clicked off.
Although I am friends with Peyton, I see no reason for her to invite me out to lunch today… or any day at that. And she seemed pretty excited during that phone call. That side of her, I'm not used to.
I like to be on time so, I went down to my building's lobby extra early only to find that she's already there. As happy as her voice sounded a while ago, that's how troubled her face looked from where I was standing. She finally spotted me and said hi.
The new place she was talking about was Dao Ming Chow. It's a new Chinese cuisine restaurant a few blocks from my apartment complex. Food's great at a reasonable price. But that wasn't the reason why Peyton invited me over here.
"Stella, I… sort of need your… counsel… on this," she stammered as our steamed dumplings arrived. "I don't know how exactly to say this."
"Peyton, if you need to talk – you could've just told me over the phone," I smiled. It's not that I don't want to talk to her personally. "You could've saved yourself the trouble."
"No, it's okay. I've been meaning to do this," she referred to the lunch treat, "ever since that thing in my office. And… I can't talk about it over the phone; I don't want Mac and the others hearing about this."
Weird. Something she doesn't want Mac to know about. "So, what is it?" She was physically shaking. "Are you okay?"
"Stella, I would understand if after this you would think me insensitive. But I don't know where else to turn to." She sighed and looked at me straight in the eye. "Mac means a lot to me. And I don't want to lose him again. I almost did because of my own stupidity but thanks to you, we managed to stay put. Something in what you said to me that day stuck."
I almost choked on my pork dim sum. I don't know if I would be offended or flattered. "Peyton," I said, stopping her babbling, "what are you suggesting?" My mind was swimming. It was either I stay or stay away from Mac.
Her hand moved so fast to gesture 'no' that she toppled over her teacup. She didn't even wait to clean up when she said, "No, I didn't mean it to come out that way, Stella. I'm sorry. What I am trying to say is… I need your help… concerning Mac."
Oh-kay. What now?
Soooo… what now?
Review and send me those ideas because quite frankly, I don't know why I wrote this part. I guess, I want to end this with everyone in good terms. But hey, I'm NOT ending this just yet.
If you're willing – we're still in for a long ride.