Disclaimer: They're not mine.
Chapter 1
Asking For Help
It was getting to the close of the day when Alex leaned her elbows on the desk, twirling her pen between her fingers. She watched Bobby intently as he wrote notes in his portfolio. Sighing, he looked up. "What's on your mind, Eames?"
She shook her head and went back to her file. Reading only for a few minutes, she glanced up at the clock. Furrowing her brow, she scolded herself. Come on, Alex...just ask him. She cleared her throat until he looked up. "What are you doing tomorrow?"
Flipping his portfolio closed, he narrowed his eyes studying her. "Why?"
Although his tone was soft, it held somewhat of a gruffness about it. She bit her lip, wondering if she should ask him. Straightening her shoulders, her eyes met his, determined to carry out her mission. "I need a tree."
Bobby leaned his head against his hand, watching her. "It's kind of early to think of planting a tree, isn't it?"
She shook her head. "Not that kind of tree, Bobby. A Christmas tree."
Bobby sighed, sitting back in his chair. "Alex..." He looked over at her and saw her pleading eyes. He looked down studying his hands, pausing for a moment. "I'm not doing anything, I can help you get a tree."
Smiling her sweetest smile at him. He grinned back at her, wishing that actually 'getting the girl' was that easy.
Riding the elevator down to the parking deck with his partner, he furrowed his brow. How did I get cornered into this?
Alex looked up smiling, seeing his frown, she slightly nudged him. Wishing she could nudge him right into the Christmas Spirit. "Come on Bobby, it'll be fun."
He bit his bottom lip in doubt. "It's been years since I have gone 'tree hunting'. I, I don't know if I would be very good at picking out tree. Can't you take someone else?"
She sighed, explaining for what seemed to be the umpteenth time. "Bobby, I need help putting the tree on the car, tying it down, and getting it into my house. I'll be there to pick out the tree, unless you want to help with that. Besides, you said you didn't have anything planned for tomorrow."
Tilting his head, he watched the numbers as they clicked down through the levels. Okay, it shouldn't take too long. "When do you want to go looking?"
"Well, you could come by after breakfast, or, pick me up and we'll go to breakfast." She batted her eyes slightly as she looked up at him.
He smiled at her playfulness. "We'll go to breakfast, and then tree shopping."
Alex beamed. "Great, I'll be ready."
Walking her to her car, he made sure that she was in and pulling out of the parking deck before he headed towards his own vehicle. Shaking his head, he knew Alex had plans on helping him through the holidays, no matter how he felt about it.
On his way home, Bobby pulled into a nearby store. Collecting a few items for dinner, he also picked up the newspaper, doubting that Alex had taken the time to scout out local tree vendors. Arriving home, he put his purchases away and padded down the hall to change into his dark blue sweats. As he ate, he circled ads for vendors in Alex's area. He was amazed at how many chose this occupation for just a few weeks out of the year.
Finishing his meal, he put his dishes in the sink. Checking the newspaper again, he flipped open his phone and hit the number for Alex's speed dial. Alex looked at the screen and frown. He better not be canceling on me. She answered. "Hey Bobby, what's up?"
He smiled into the phone at the sound of her voice. "I picked up a paper tonight and checked out tree vendors." He paced the living room, running his hand through his hair. "There seems to be quite a few near you."
Alex smiled. "Any good buys?"
Bobby stopped near the counter, looking at the paper. "Yeah, there seems to be a few offering specials tomorrow, between 7 AM and 10 AM."
"Good. That is, if the trees are just right."
Furrowing his brow. "Just how do you tell if a tree is 'just right'?"
Alex laughed. "By the height, the fullness of the tree, what kind of tree it is, and if it feels right."
He looked at the phone, wondering if he dared asking her how can a tree 'feel right'. "Ah Alex?"
She was laying of the couch with her feet resting on one of the arms, enjoying the light conversation with her partner. "Yes Bobby?"
He sat down in his recliner. "How does a tree 'feel right'?"
Turning on her side, she grinned, brushing her hair out of her face. "I can't explain it. Trees have a way of feeling right. They kind of speak to you."
Bobby raised a brow. I'm suppose to be the one on the edge? He cleared his throat "I don't recall hearing a tree speak to me."
Alex laughed. "They don't actually speak to you." She paused for a moment. "Trust me Goren, I'll show you how to pick out a tree."
He nodded. "Okay, I'll pick you up at seven."
"I'll be waiting for you." With that they hung up their phones. Alex could already feel the holiday spirit engulf her entire being. Her only hope was that Bobby would open himself up to the possibility. Well, all I can say it can't be lack of my trying.
Bobby closed his phone and set it on the table next to his chair. What have I gotten myself into? Trees that speak about being 'just right', and my partner seems to be losing her mind to the holidays. He sighed, rubbing his face with one hand.