"Secrets" - Chapter 5

Bonding

Elliot parks the car and Olivia doesn't say a word. He looks at her and she doesn't look up. She continues to pull at the small frayed string coming from her purse. Elliot puts his hand on her face and gently pulls her chin to allow him to see her face. Olivia looks him in the eye. Her face shows confusion and a bit of regret.

Elliot: (quietly) "Liv, You look absolutely beautiful tonight."

Olivia: "Don't do this Elliot. You can't do this to me."

Elliot: "Do what to you? I was only complimenting you."

Olivia: "Thank you for your compliment. Casey is waiting."

Olivia adjusts her hair in the visor mirror and dabs on some extra lip gloss, pats her lips together, then slaps the visor back up into place. Elliot watches her the entire time and can not take not being with her.

Elliot: "Don't forget we still have to talk after this."

Olivia: "Yes, Elliot, we do, I have something that I want to discuss with you as well. This involves you and I, both."

Elliot: "Ok, then let's skip this and go discuss this."

Olivia: "No. When I make a promise I stick to it. Let's go."

Elliot opens the car door and does not reply to her. He gets out, goes around and opens her door. She looks up at him. He offers her his hand for help. She accepts and gives him her hand. She stands up and puts her arm in his. Elliot shuts the car door and escorts Olivia into the restaurant.

Inside the Restaurant

Candles are everywhere. It is decorated in beautiful springtime colors and the lighting is dim. Elliot and Olivia are greeted by the hostess.

Hostess: "So, You two are the happy couple. Congratulations for all of the staff. We hope you enjoy your evening. If you need anything, anything at all, just let Tony, your waiter, know. I will show you to your seats."

Olivia and Elliot both looked shocked. They are both speechless. They look at each, then Olivia takes a deep breathe and turns to the Hostess.

Olivia: "Happy Couple? We are only partners. What is going on here?

Hostess: "I am so sorry. You are not with the engagement party. You two look absolutely perfect together and totally happy and secure with one another. I am sorry, I just assumed…forgive me."

Elliot: "No, we are looking for Casey Novak."

Hostess: "Yes Sir, I will show you to your table. Mrs. Novak is expecting you."

Elliot and Olivia give each other a quick glance. Elliot smiles at her. They follow the hostess to the table. Casey is waiting with Fin and Munch.

Casey: "About time you two decided to join us."

Elliot: "Sorry, what is going on?"

Casey: "Well, we thought we would congratulate you two on eight years as partners. We have a big case coming up with Darius Parker and we thought we would spend an evening together before the whole precinct erupts."

Olivia: "Sounds good to me."

Elliot pulls out Olivia's chair and she looks at him then sits. Elliot pulls his chair a little closer to hers and sits too. Casey looks at them and smiles.

Casey: "What took you two so long?"

Elliot: "We were held up at the door by the hostess. She thought we were the engaged couple that are having their party here tonight. (laughs and looks at Olivia)

Munch: "You know, the two of you could pass as a couple. You have been together longer than I have ever been with all of my ex-wives put together." (everyone laughs)

Fin: "If I didn't know the two of you, the way you look at each other sometimes, I would think…."

Olivia: "Ok Fin, Can we eat, I am famished."

They all order their dinner. Olivia sits quiet during the meal other than slight conversation. Elliot keeps his eye on her and keeps thinking about how beautiful she is. He would just like to hold her in his arms. Casey watches the two of them during dinner.

Casey: "Liv, Let's go to the powder room and freshen up. Want to?"

Olivia: "Yea that'd be great." (puts her napkin on the table)

Elliot: "You two want dessert or drinks?"

Olivia: "Sure, Get me a double. You know what I like."

Elliot: (smiles a little smile) "Yea, I know." (looks at Casey, still smiling) "What about you Casey?"

Casey: "Just get me vodka on the rocks. I feel like letting lose."

Olivia and Casey look at each other and laugh and go to freshen up. While they are gone Fin, Munch and Elliot talk.

At the table

Fin: "So, Elliot, What is going on with you and Liv?"

Elliot: "Nothing why?"

Munch: "I don't know, but maybe he asks because you are acting like a pitiful puppy tonight."

Elliot: "Shut up Munch I am not."

Meanwhile, in the bathroom

Olivia: "Case, remember when I told you about what happened that night at Elliot's apartment?"

Casey: "Yes, I thought you to got past that. It was a one time thing."

Olivia: "You know I am a good actor. I have always been honest with you though. I can't help but think that he doesn't want it to be the end of it either."

Casey: "Liv, I thought him and Kathy were going to work things out…Maybe?"

Olivia: "I know Casey, but he wants to talk to me after dinner. I couldn't think of a reason why."

Casey: "Who knows? You better let me know as soon as you do though." (laughs)

Olivia: (laughing with Casey) "You know I got you on speed dial."