The negative atmosphere in the office was perceptible to all. Hayley and Alex sat in silence, reminded of family arguments from the past. Arguments where everything was said by the silence. Angela continued to chatter in a reassuring way, but everyone was uncomfortable. Brennan was lost, deep in introspective thought and Booth's mind was focused on Cam. He hoped that calling her bluff had been the right thing to do. At the time he had been certain, now he wasn't so sure.
"I heard there's food," Hodgins said, then paused in the doorway, feeling the oppressive mood sweep out into the room. Angela looked at him and offered a tight smile.
"Of course. Booth was kind enough to get take out. Have a seat," she indicated an empty chair as he and Zack both came into the room.
"So..." Hodgins began, his eyes shifting between Booth and Brennan. "this is awkward." he half whispered to Angela who simply gave a knowing smile in response. Neither Booth nor Brennan noticed the exchange, each focused on their own thoughts.
"Dr. Brennan, I've completed the tissue markers on Jane Doe 2873. I just need you to ok them before I proceed."
"Sure, of course, Zack. I'll just go take a look right now." With that, the forensic anthropologist left her office, the need to get some air was stifling. She took a breath as she made her way onto the platform, stepping into her scientist mode. It was ridiculous to get this worked up over Booth. They weren't together. Just because they shared a kiss... Brennan brought a hand up to her lips and smiled faintly before shaking off the expression. No, he was still with Camille, wasn't he?
As Brennan inspected the tissue markers she smiled. Zach had done a perfect job and she could not be prouder of his achievements. His logical approach provided her a valuable ally in the lab, one which she appreciated more than Zach knew. Her mind calmed by the procedural task at hand, she heaved a sigh as her thoughts returned to Booth. Could she really have misunderstood his intentions so greatly?
She wasn't the best at reading people, and she knew that, but with Booth, she always knew when something was bothering him. Stepping back from her feelings, she pulled up what she knew about him. He was catholic, so had strong moral beliefs, and hadn't he insisted on more than one occasion that he didn't cheat? But it wouldn't be cheating if we weren't on a date. No, he would never have kissed me if he were still involved with Cam. He'd probably consider that cheating. Besides, his tie was out of place, but there were no other signs of any physical activity. No, the indicators that he was still seeing Cam weren't there.
So, she wondered what had he been doing with Cam? After all Cam had come out of their meeting with a smile on her face. What could they possibly have done in there to make her smile in such a way? She might, Brennan thought, be smiling to cover up hurt and rejection. After all as the dominant female in their hierarchy she had to maintain her status. But that just didn't seem right. But Brennan could not rely on conjecture, on feelings. What was the evidence?
Cam had been about to fight with her when Booth arrived. How long had he been there, she wondered. He seemed to appear just when she needed him, a fairy god person if you will. Tempe smiled at the thought. It was such an irrational thing to think, but Booth's alpha-male protective qualities pointed that way.
The way he had winked at her as he had left with Cam indicated that he was communicating that his actions and intentions differed in some way; in a way that would benefit herself rather than Cam. He was fighting her battles for her again. And, she mused, he can't have fought them very well if Cam was left smiling.
What could they have been discussing? Did this have anything to do with her? If Cam knew that Booth kissed her, that could be troublesome for the pair of them. Temperance shook her head. She felt like she was delving into some sort of conspiracy. However, after examining the evidence, she found nothing, other than Cam's smile when leaving that indicated she had anything to be concerned about.
Slightly more reassured, she sat down on a nearby stool. She closed her eyes and sighed quietly as she absentmindedly rubbed her injured arm. When did things get so complicated? Caring about someone was the simplest thing in the world. Booth had once told her it was simple because it was not a choice. Loving someone is the choice and once you love that person the rest is easy. This was not easy.
"Hey, you okay?" Temperance opened her eyes to look at her partner as he scanned onto the platform. "When you hadn't come back, we were getting worried."
"I'm sorry," she replied, "I didn't realize I was out here so long."
"Is your arm bothering you?" Booth asked, concern evident in his voice as he closed the gap between them.
"No Booth I'm fine." She assured, half smiling as she deliberately moved her hand from her arm.
"If it's still hurting you will tell me right? It shouldn't be. Maybe you should go back and have it checked. If it heals badly you…" Brennan cut him off by placing her finger across his lips.
"I'm fine." she affirmed standing up steadily. "You worry too much." Before she removed her fingers, Booth kissed their tips lightly, sending a shock of unexpected warmth through her.
"Well, if you're sure you're okay..." Booth gave her one of his lopsided grins, glad to see that she had worked through whatever was bothering her.
"Now, I think we should go back to my office before the food gets cold." Tempe smiled at him and gave his arm a gentle squeeze before heading off the platform. Booth watched her for a moment, unsure whether he would ever figure her out.
Angela looked up to see Brennan reentering the office. She tried to catch her eye to determine what on earth had gone on, but to no avail. Brennan headed straight for the food and having served herself a sizeable portion, she sat cross legged on the floor chatting animatedly with Alex. Booth followed close behind but sat back on the couch watching Brennan with a lazy smile across his face.
Ah, the domesticity of it all, Angela thought as she watched the pair. Hodgins interrupted her thoughts as he began some tirade on not having good help nowadays. The artist looked at her beau with a confused expression.
"I'm sorry, what were you saying?"
"Just that after the incident with the last nurse, I don't know if I trust going through a referral agency."
"Not all nurses are out to steal the family jewels, Jack." Angela smiled, winking at him knowingly. "Perhaps you're not offering sufficient benefits to retain staff. Had you thought about that?"
"Angela the Cantilevar group offer great benefits, accommodation, 30 days paid holiday a year, weekend support, all food catered for, we even allow spouses and children, what more could someone want?"
"Hodgins." Angela paused, a smile lighting up her features, "I think I know someone you would love to meet."
Temperance glanced over at her best friend, smiling as well.
"Really? Who?"
"Alex and Haley's mother, Sarah." The artist caught the eye of her best friend and winked. Hodgins looked from one to the other, a small bit of doubt creeping over his features. Alex and Haley, however were ecstatic.
"Mom's a great nurse," Haley exclaimed, excited.
"I'm sure she is." Hodgins half heartedly agreed glaring at Angela. "Not the kind of suggestion to make in front of the kids Ange. The group have strict specifications in terms of who is considered suitable." Hodgins reprimanded through gritted teeth.
"I could give Sarah a glowing reference." Brennan interjected "She'll be coming by shortly maybe you could ask her if she is interested then." "You want me to ask her to apply? Why me?" Hodgins complained, feeling bitterly like he had been railroaded.
"Because I said so." Angela retorted causing Booth to laugh at Hodgins' situation. His laughter soon ceased following a withering look from Brennan which gave Hodgins a laugh of his own.
"My, it sounds like you all are having a good time in here," came a voice from the doorway. All eyes turned there to see Sarah standing with a security guard. She looked bone weary, yet still had on a smile to greet her children. Alex and Haley immediately ran over to give her a hug. "Thank you again for agreeing to watch them."
"Not at all," Tempe smiled. She glanced over at Hodgins, who seemed to be eyeing the nurse critically.
Both children were excited to tell their mother of all the cool and exciting things they had learned that day. Amongst the excited chatter was talk of beetles and dinosaurs and how cool it was to work in a museum.
The others were silenced listening to the children recount their day. Each realizing that this day had been about the most exciting day they'd in years. Most children would complain at being dragged around a museum and left with little to do in Brennan's office. But these children were truly grateful.
Brennan smiled softly at the pair, unaware of the eyes that were watching her. When she heard Haley mention something about Kristy Yamaguchi's ice skates, she perked up. Maybe she could help out by inviting them on an outing. Sarah listened intently to her children, drinking in every word, and when they were done, she looked up at the group.
"Thank you so much for this, it truly means the world to me, and obviously to them as well."
"It's no problem." Temperance answered sincerely.
"Here have some food." Angela offered, passing her a plate filled with a range of delicious flavors.
"Oh, I couldn't possibly. You've done enough feeding my kids! How much do I owe?" she asked rummaging for her purse.
"Nothing." Booth answered. "Please, Sarah, it's on me, as a thank you for fixing my partners arm. In fact, on that matter she's still suffering with it."
"Booth!" Temperance exclaimed "I'm fine. Sarah I'm fine, he's just fussing." she explained whilst glaring at Booth.
"Let me have a look." Sarah offered moving to sit in front of Brennan. Hodgins watched with interest and catching Angela's eye he began, "Sarah, after you have had a look at that arm I have a proposition for you."