Hi…*waves sheepishly* Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter up. I've been insanely busy at work (working 6 days/week) and am trying to plan a wedding and all that jazz. Add to that that I've hurt my knee (not to mention a smattering of foot trouble) pretty bad somehow, so I'm trying to deal with that, and sitting at a computer for hours to write isn't a smart idea cause my knee locks up and it becomes painful to walk. Enough about me, though…

I apologize for taking so long to get this chapter up. It's been written for awhile, and I just haven't gotten a chance to post it. However, I've gotten a lot of the next few chapters written, so updates shouldn't take too long. This chapter is unbetaed, so any mistakes are mine, and all mine. I read and reread and reread my work again several times before I post, and am really picky and all, but I do seem to miss some things, and I do apologize for that. However, you all have been waiting for the next chapter, so I made the decision to post it unbetaed.

Enjoy, and let me know what you think about it! The next couple of chapters are definitely going to pick up in the drama AND Grillows factors, so the faster/more you review, the faster I'll be posting the next chapter….*HINT HINT* lol

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Catherine stifled a yawn for what seemed like the thirtieth time in the last twenty minutes. Normally she loved to shop, but not when she was exhausted and the shopping wasn't even for her. She lazily flipped through a rack of dresses, trying to find the type of dress that Sarah had described. Straight down the front, kinda poofy in the back, some sequins along the breasts…be not a lot, no train, and sleeveless but not a tube top. Talk about being a little TOO specific…Catherine didn't understand why Sara just didn't have a dress made if she had such specifications…

So far, she had found two dresses that had met the description…or so she thought…only to have Sara's maid of honor shoot down her suggestions with a scoff or a flick of her hand. Why the hell am I even here if you're going to ignore my suggestions?! Catherine had wanted to scream at the woman that was accompanying them. However, she had remained calm, choosing to simply bite the inside of her cheek to stop herself from saying something that she would regret.

Warily, Catherine looked over the racks, seeing Sara's friend intently looking over every dress on the rack adjacent to hers. The woman had been introduced to Catherine as Elizabeth, but the blonde was about to start calling her Queen Elizabeth. She was about five foot ten, the heels she was wearing causing her to tower over Catherine's five foot four heel clad frame. She wasn't thin or heavy, but somewhere right in between. Elizabeth had dark hair, nearly black from obvious hair coloring, and brown eyes that didn't sparkle. She had a presence about her that screamed dictator and Catherine was about to start calling her 'ma'am' when she addressed her.

Catherine usually wasn't intimidated by people, even the suspects that she faced everyday, but there was something about this woman that made her very nervous. Maybe it was the way that her eyes trailed over Catherine as they shook hands, Elizabeth's gaze taking in Catherine head to toe. And it wasn't even like she was checking Catherine out; it was more like she was scrutinizing her, or sizing up an enemy. She wasn't sure why Elizabeth would consider her an enemy, as they had literally just met.

It wasn't even just that. When they had shook hands, Elizabeth had gripped Catherine's hand tightly, pulling the blonde woman easily to her. Catherine had indignantly resisted the treatment, as she wasn't one to accept being bullied or pushed around, especially since she left Eddie. She attempted to pull her hand from Elizabeth's iron grip, confusion on her face as she searched Elizabeth's dark eyes, only to have the taller woman squeeze Catherine's hand tighter as she said, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Catherine. Sara has told me all about you."

Bull…shit…

Catherine had been wary to face Sara's other friend, but nonetheless extended her hand to the other woman, moving her fingers to try to get some feeling back into them after Elizabeth had attempted to crush her hand in a vice grip. "I'm Catherine," she had told the woman.

She seemed a little friendlier than Elizabeth, and had responded shyly, "I'm Kristine." Kristine was the youngest of the trio, obviously, but Catherine wasn't sure exactly how old she was. She was probably about thirty or thirty-five, and a tiny little woman. She was a little shorter than Catherine, and couldn't have weighed more than 120 pounds. She had long blonde hair that was streaked with black and piercing green eyes. Kristine was wearing a short skirt, sleeveless top, and, despite the heat, black boots that complimented her legs. And it wasn't as if she looked like a hooker who had walked in off the streets; Kristine's outfit was classy and beautiful, much like the woman herself.

With a shake of her head, Catherine continued looking through the dresses, not really focusing on any of them as she thought about how she would rather be at home right now, curled under her blankets and fast asleep. She wondered why she had even agreed to come out shopping. Catherine was sure that Sara would have understood if she would have declined the invitation, as Sara had worked the grave shift for many years as well and knew how exhausted one could get working long hours…

"I already looked through them." Catherine jumped slightly at the gruff voice, looking up and seeing Elizabeth standing next to her, invading her personal space. She had been lost so deep in her musings that she hadn't noticed that Elizabeth had moved closer to her.

"I…didn't realize that," Catherine answered, reflectively taking a step away from the taller woman. "I'm sorry."

Elizabeth opened her mouth to reply, only to stop when the door to one of the dressing rooms opened. Elizabeth plastered a smile on her face, whistling loudly as Sara made her way out of the room. "Sexy!" she called to Sara. Catherine had to resist rolling her eyes. Elizabeth seemed like one of those people who drew unnecessary attention to people, one of the biggest pet peeves that Catherine had. While she wasn't a shy person at all, it annoyed her when people had to make a big scene to draw people's attention, especially when it was drawn to a group that she was associated with.

Sara blushed slightly, twirling around as her bridesmaids and the wedding dress specialist crowded around her. "What do you guys think?" she asked.

"You look great!" Elizabeth spoke up for the group. Catherine and Kristine nodded as well, and Catherine couldn't help the twinge of jealously that settled in the pit of her stomach as she looked at Sara. Her marriage to Eddie had been on a whim, and she had been forced to pick a dress that she didn't really like; however, Eddie had insisted that she simply choose a dress and get it over with. Sara however…she looked gorgeous and was glowing. And why not? After all, she was fortunate enough to be marrying a wonderful man.

"You guys think so?" Sara asked shyly. "I don't really like the way that the sleeves kind of tilt inwards…" She gestured to the sleeves, which had formed a sideways V on Sara's shoulders. Catherine had to agree. While the rest of the dress looked beautiful, the top half made her look like a modern day Morticia Adams. All she needed was a piece of fabric behind her neck to stick up, and Sara would look like someone who had just stepped out of Transylvania…or wherever it was that they were from. For a brief second of sleep deprived insanity, Catherine imagined Sara walking down the aisle, Uncle Fester accompanying her as she made her way to the alter.

"That can easily be taken care of," the coordinator swooped in, grasping the edges of the material and tugging it from Sara's neck as Catherine fought the urge to laugh at her mental image. "You want it to be kind of like this, right?" The coordinator straightened out her sleeves so that the V was almost invisible.

"Yeah, but…I don't know. I don't really like the design of the sleeve," Sara conceded.

Catherine wanted to cry as Sara said this. This meant more searching and trying dresses on…more time cutting into her precious sleep that she wasn't getting enough of as it was. She suddenly felt her chest tightening, and Catherine had this incredible urge to get out of the building…and fast. The walls seemed to be closing in on her, and she needed some breathing room.

"I uh…I need some air real quick," Catherine stammered. "I'm sorry, it's just really…hot in here," she added lamely. "I'll be right back." Before any of the women could say anything, she fled from the bridal shop.

Catherine exited the shop, breathing heavily as she walked around the corner of the store, resting against the brick wall. She leaned over, placing her hands on her knees as she worked to control the hammering heart in her chest. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, relieved when air finally filled her lungs. She repeated the action over and over several times. When she was sure that her breathing was under control, Catherine opened her eyes and straightened up.

She nearly screamed when she saw Elizabeth standing in front of her, the dark haired woman having seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Catherine looked around her, wishing that she hadn't walked down the alley. While it was daylight, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous that there weren't any people around. There was something about the tall woman that freaked her out. Maybe it was her towering stature, or the fact that she looked like she had looked like she wanted to beat Catherine up the second they had met, but…Catherine was unnerved in the deserted alleyway with this woman.

"I'm sorry to have run out of there," Catherine finally spoke up, stammering slightly, willing her legs to stop shaking. Damn it, what is wrong with me?! Her mind screamed. Why am I so freaked out by this woman? "I…I needed some air," she finished.

"You're jealous."

Catherine blinked, looking around at her surroundings. While seconds ago it had been essential in keeping her upright, she now hated the feeling of the wall pressed against her back. She felt…well, she felt trapped. For a brief moment, she flashbacked to Eddie, how he would corner her into the wall and then slap her across the face before throwing her to the ground and beating mercilessly on her. "I…excuse me?" Catherine managed to ask, putting on her best poker face as she glared at Elizabeth.

Involuntarily, she flinched slightly as Elizabeth moved even closer to her, effectively blocking any escape route that Catherine may have had, as slim as they were. "Don't think that Sara hasn't told me all about you," Elizabeth told Catherine. "I know that you're in love with Gil, and you better not ruin this for them!"

"What…what are you talking about?" Catherine was bewildered as to how a woman she had just met knew her feelings for Grissom. "I'm not…"

"Sara told me how you've always loved Gil, and how you two are chummy. She also told me how promiscuous you are and how you've slept your way to the top," Elizabeth said. "They've worked hard to be where they are now, after that crazy lady kidnapped Sara and that guy was killed."

Catherine felt her blood boiling, and she had to resist punching Elizabeth in the face, as satisfying as that would be. How dare this woman refer to Warrick as 'that guy'? "I…that's a lie," Catherine protested instead of allowing her emotions to flow over. "I have not slept my way to the top, and Sara would never say something like that!" She glared at Elizabeth, attempting to stand up to the taller woman. "And would you mind getting out of my face? You're crowding-"

Catherine was cut off as Elizabeth's hand shot out, her fist wrapping around Catherine's shirt. She yanked Catherine close and said, "Sara doesn't lie to me, bitch. You better stay away from Gil."

Catherine glared at Elizabeth, steadily becoming even more pissed off as the seconds passed. She was tired of being bullied around by this woman, and instinctively, she brought her hands up, using her nails to dig into Elizabeth's hand. The effect was immediate, as Elizabeth hissed in pain and she let go of Catherine's shirt before the blonde could drag her fingers down her hand. She didn't, however, move from in front of Catherine. "You stupid bitch-" Elizabeth started to yell.

"No, you listen to me," Catherine cut her off. "I don't know who you think you are, but Sara and I are friends! I care about her and Gil, and never would I attempt to break up their relationship. Besides, why the hell would she allow me to be in her wedding if she didn't like me?" Catherine asked.

Elizabeth laughed slightly, shaking her head. "Have you ever heard the saying, 'Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer'?" Elizabeth asked. Seeing realization finally dawn on Catherine's face, she smirked. "Watch your back, bitch," Elizabeth ended, shoving Catherine roughly against the brick wall before walking out of the alley.

Catherine glared after her, resisting the urge to jump on her back and take her down, catfight style. I haven't been in a catfight since I was dancing at the French Palace, Catherine thought. Granted, I took the bitch down then, and could probably take this one down too – if I got a running start – but that's beside the point. Indignantly, she smoothed the wrinkles in her shirt that had formed thanks to Elizabeth's grasp, pushing herself off the wall with a sigh. The tightening in her chest came back with a vengeance, and for a brief moment she wondered if she was having a heart attack.

No, Catherine realized. It was pure, unadulterated pain for a love that she knew could never…would never…happen.

She had to fight back a sob as she lifted her head to the sky, her blue eyes taking in the clear day as she fought to breathe. For a minute, she considered getting back in her Jeep and taking off, to just leave Sara and Gil and Queen Elizabeth and go about her life…alone. It had worked in the few months that Gil had been off in Costa Rica, and it would work for the rest of her life. Not that it would even work…Gil would be at her home, knocking on the door the second that Sara told him that Catherine had left the bridal shop without letting them know.

And anyway, Catherine Willows was not a runner. She didn't hide from her fears, nor did she run from threats. She couldn't help but think back to Adam Novak, the sleazy defense attorney that she had met in a bar so many years ago. He was a real jerk, and after he had been drug in for questioning in a murder, he had shown up at Catherine's house. She would never forget the feeling that had coursed through her veins when she saw the man standing on her sidewalk, talking nonchalantly to her mother and daughter. Catherine felt anger like she had never felt anger before as she stepped out of her SVU. It took all she had not to whip out her gun and shoot him right between the eyes. She supposed that she hadn't had time to be afraid then, hence the reason she was able to stay under control and not panic as she assessed Adam.

No…she faced her fears head on, fighting until the last possible moment. Not only had that strategy kept her sane in the past, it had also saved her life a few times. There was no way that she was going to hide from Grissom and Sara's wedding, as painful as it would be.

Besides… Catherine thought. There's plenty of fish in the sea. I'm sure that there is someone out there for me who will treat me right, love me, and then one day marry me…

But they aren't Gil Grissom.

Catherine shook her head, breaking herself out of her juvenile thoughts. For God's sake, Willows, get a grip. I'm not some horny teenager just entering puberty; I'm a God-damned grown woman!

Sighing, she smoothed her shirt again, wondering briefly if there were any marks on the back of her shirt thanks to the brick wall she had been leaning…and shoved…against. Deciding that she didn't really care, she reluctantly made her way back to the store.

Catherine made her way back into the bridal shop, winding her way through the aisles of garments until she found the group she was looking for. She ignored Elizabeth's glare, smiling weakly when Sara looked at her.

"You okay, Cath?" Sara asked, taking in Catherine's pale, sweaty skin.

"I'm fine, Sara," Catherine answered. "I just needed to get some air. I was…ah, overheated."

Sara nodded skeptically, not believing what Catherine told her. She had worked with Catherine for years, and knew when the blonde was rattled about something. Instead of interrogating her, though, she turned in a circle, showing off the dress that she was wearing. "What do you think?" she asked Catherine. "I think I've found the perfect dress!"

Oh, thank you Lord. "It looks great, Sara," Catherine said honestly. And it did. It was a simple yet elegant dress. It wasn't fancy, yet it was classy enough to sweep a groom…namely Gilbert Grissom…off his feet. "I like it," Catherine added.

"Thanks," Sara said, smiling at her friend.

For a brief moment, Catherine wondered if it was a sincere smile or a victory smirk. Shaking her head slightly, Catherine rubbed her face. Her…encounter with Elizabeth had thrown her off, mentally and professionally. It was her job to be able to read people, to be able to separate fact from fiction, and right now she was just so confused. What Elizabeth had said to her back in the alley made sense, but…did she really want to believe someone who she had just met, versus someone she had worked with for over eight years? She certainly hoped that Sara hadn't asked her to be in her wedding just to keep an eye on her or to make sure that Catherine didn't try to pick up Grissom.

"This is great," Sara gushed. "It's such a relief to find my dress!"

"It's the perfect dress, too," Kristine replied softly. "You look wonderful."

Sara nodded her agreement, admiring her reflection in the mirror. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm exhausted," Sara said.

Are you kidding me? Catherine wanted to scream. I'm the one who just got off work!

"Oh, but Sara," Elizabeth said with a high falsetto that made Catherine want to gag, "We were hoping that you would want to look at bridesmaids dresses!"

Okay, forget the juvenile tendencies, Catherine thought. She was about to kill Elizabeth.

Before she could speak up, though, her phone rang. The group looked at her, and she glanced at the screen to see who was calling. Never did she think that she would be glad to see Conrad Ecklie's name pop up, but if it got her out of the stifling bridal shop, she'd be ready to thank him, even if it meant that she wasn't going to be able to sleep for a few more hours. "I'm sorry, I have to take this," Catherine said in an apologetic tone. She turned from the group before she could see the dirty looks Sara and Elizabeth were shooting her, flipping her phone open. "Willows," she answered.

"Hey, Catherine," Ecklie answered. "You sound like you're awake."

"I haven't been to sleep yet," she told him. "I was running a few errands. What's up?"

"Dayshift needs backup," Ecklie told her, sounding somewhat regretful about asking her. "If you want me to call Nick, I can-"

"No, no, it's my responsibility," Catherine interrupted him. "What do you have?"

"There was a murder outside of Lap Girls on 5th Avenue," Ecklie replied. "That's quite the name for a club-"

"I have to grab my camera from my office really fast, but give me about twenty minutes and I'll be there," Catherine interrupted him, not in the mood to have a philosophical discussion with Ecklie, especially over the name of a club.

"Thanks, Catherine," Ecklie responded. "See you back at the lab when you're finished."

Catherine hung up her phone without a goodbye, turning back to Sara, Elizabeth, and Kristine. "I'm sorry, guys, I just got called in to work," she explained, her words directed to Sara more than the other two. "Rain check on the dresses?"

"Of course," Sara answered, her voice tight. "I'll give you a call?"

"Sure," Catherine answered, looking at Kristine and Elizabeth. "Ladies, it was…" she trailed off, not sure what to say to the duo. While Kristine was smiling slightly at Catherine, Elizabeth looked as if she wanted to tackle the CSI into the plus sized dress rack and tear her to shreds. "It was nice meeting you," she finally finished. "I look forward to seeing you again." The last statement was directed more so at Kristine, but what else could she possibly say?

With a nod to Sara, she turned and headed out to her Jeep. She got in and started up her vehicle, sighing. While putting in even more overtime wasn't the ideal solution to escaping bridal dress shopping hell, it sure beat standing there in her private hell.

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End Part 7/?