I wanna thank everyone who read this story, especially those who left a review behind. They make me smile. :) THANK YOU.

Disclaimer: I don't own Lie To Me.

… … …

There are things you just can't control.

You can't control whether it is going to rain or not, on your wedding day. You can't control whether there is going to be an empty space on the parking lot for you or not, when you are already late for work. You can't control whether there is going to be a blackout or not, in the middle of an important videoconference. You can't control whether there is going to be a knock on the door or not, when you are taking a bath.

And those little things you can't control, they eat you inside.

Because you bought a Vera Wang wedding dress that is now soaking wet. Because you were already late for work and got a speed ticket for driving too fast towards the closest parking lot that is still pretty far away from the building where your office is. Because you were about to settle on a millionaire deal and it all went black before you heard the final answer. Because you were drinking a glass of wine and enjoying your bubble bath when someone knocked at the door and you had to rush out.

And those little things you can't control, they drive you mad.

But every once in a while, something you couldn't ever predict happens. And that something, as incredible as it might sound, happens to be great.

… … … …

Gillian Anderson, who had an arm wrapped around the child's waist so that she wouldn't fall off her lap, reached out with her free hand and shook the one that had been presented to her.

She was about to introduce herself when someone else started talking from behind her. She turned around slightly, both her hands now resting on Emily's waist and they both looked up at the same time, the same face expression of confusion taking over their faces.

If anyone had taken the time to record that moment, they would probably realize that the actions between the woman and the child had been in perfect synchrony. It's not a rare event, but it usually means one of two things: either the two people involved spend too much time together or they share a very strong bond.

Knowing that those two had met a few minutes ago, what could it be? Certainly not many people would care but… could that be the reason behind Cal Lightman's smile? Or was he just happy to see his friend Liam?

"Bloody hell!" Said Liam with his thick English accent. "If it isn't Cal Lightman himself!" He added, resting a hand over Gillian's shoulder as he kept his eyes focused on Cal. "I can't believe I am finally having the pleasure of meeting your family."

Gillian felt a sudden need to start laughing.

What an interesting misunderstanding, she thought to herself.

At least that was until her eyes found Cal's face, as that simple look caused her to go from amused to confused and then to concerned. She had just gotten into the middle of something that was everything but good. At least, that was what Cal's face was telling her. Instinctively, her grip on Emily became stronger, in a protective way.

"Liam." Said Cal politely. "I see everything was forgiven and forgotten." His voice tone was cold and cynical, causing Gillian to shiver under Liam's touch.

"Not really, mate. Taking baby steps towards it, though." Liam answered, finally looking down and acknowledging the woman and the child that was sitting on her lap. "Talking about baby steps…" He started, a smile that was everything but truthful playing on his face. "Your baby girl grew up fast… and your wife…" He said, checking Gillian out. "Looks absolutely stunning."

That was it.

Cal looked like he was about to explode and Gillian wasn't really enjoying the fact that the stranger's hand was going down.

"Sweetie, you should go get your mother now. It's almost time to eat." Gillian whispered on Emily's ear before kissing her forehead and letting the child go with a smile.

She then stood up and turned around so that she was now standing by Cal's side and facing the man that seemed to have the power to upset him.

"Thank you for the compliment." She said gracefully, hiding the annoyance that seemed to want to come out. "But I am afraid you've got the wrong person." She added. "I am Gillian Anderson. And we…" She gestured between her and Cal. "We have actually just met." She then turned to Cal and smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, by the way."

"Oh… I am so sorry." His pupils going wide with interest. "But seriously, what kind of husband leaves a wife like you alone?"

"The kind that trusts his wife." She replied, her face expression growing confident as she noticed his body tensing up.

"They still make those, huh?" He commented, his choice of words and behavior showing that he was no longer at ease. "Well…" He ran a hand through his hair embarrassedly. "I should go. I've a meeting before dinner." He said, putting both hands on his jeans front pockets. "Was great to see you." He nodded in Cal's direction. "And it was an absolute pleasure to meet you." He allowed his eyes to travel down Gillian's body before nodding in approval and leaving.

"Men." She murmured as she rolled her eyes before sitting down. "Oh, no offense." Her face went reddish for a moment as she looked up at Cal. "I didn't mean to…" The grin that took over his face told her that he knew exactly what she had meant. "God, stop playing me, will you? I've read your books, you know? Not fair reading a colleague."

Cal had a hard time getting over the fact that she was the most adorable woman he had ever seen. And besides having that adorable side, she could still stand tall in front of men like Liam. He could see that she was a fighter and that she was not afraid of going after what she wanted.

What was also giving him a very hard time – quite literally – was the fact that she was absolutely gorgeous.

Bloody hell, this woman is one hell of a toxic combination, he thought to himself before raising an eyebrow as he noticed she had stopped speaking. He made a mental note to focus on her words only, next time.

How did he know there would be a second encounter? First, because they were going to share the table for the whole week. Second, because there simply had to. If destiny – or whatever people believe in these days – didn't bring them together, he wouldn't mind trying his luck at finding her. He didn't really have anything better to do, anyway.

Even though he was speechless for a moment, his brain found a way of reminding him of the words that had come out of those pink lips that looked so perfect… so touchable… so kissable…

Hey Cal, focus, will you? She is still waiting for you to react, remember? And besides, you are married.

He cleared his throat loudly and put his elbow on the table before resting his head on his hand. "Oh, so you really work at the Pentagon. For a moment I thought you were here because of your husband."

"I don't have a husband." She said, showing him her hands. "See? No rings at all."

"Oi, doesn't that mean you lied to me?" Cal asked, raising an eyebrow in amusement.

"I didn't lie. He asked me a question and I gave him my opinion. I never said I was married… he thought I was though… and I am actually glad he did. There was something about him…" She stopped herself from going any further. "I just didn't like him." She finished with a shrug, thanking herself for being able to stop and not diving into a deep Freudian analysis of Liam.

No, she wasn't the kind of person who enjoyed judging other people, but she did like to understand them. Since she had started practicing, she had actually been very lucky. She had been accepted at the Pentagon right after finishing her Masters and had started working with very complicated cases. She still remembered the reactions she used to get from the people that had already been there for years and found themselves at her office so that she could evaluate their profile. Many found it complicated to open up at first but Gillian's personality quickly won them over.

It was very complex at times though. Most of the people who worked there seemed to live surrounded by a dark atmosphere of secrecy and commitment.

But hey, who doesn't enjoy a good challenge?

"Wouldn't have taken you for a player." Said Cal, his eyes studying her face closely. He would have expected her to break the eye contact but she didn't retract.

"Who's playing what?" Zoe asked, breaking the mortal yet weirdly comfortable silence that had grown between the two of them as they stared at each other.

He noticed that she wasn't planning on breaking the eye connection any time soon. Apparently, she had taken it as yet another challenge.

A gorgeous player who enjoys a good challenge, he thought to himself, Dear God, save me.

He winked at her before looking up at the woman who had just approached their table, seeing a smile taking over Gillian's face through the corner of his eye. She had won.

Emily sat by Gillian's side, grabbing her hand and starting to play with her fingers.

"Zoe, meet Gillian. Gillian, meet my wife, Zoe."

"How do you do?" Said Gillian, giving Zoe a cordial nod.

That was it.

He was officially fascinated by that woman.

… … …

Sorry it took me so long to update.

I do hope you enjoy this chapter.

It is slightly longer, isn't it? ;)

Anyway, R&R if you feel like it, alright?

Thanks again!

See you soon,

Tess.