NCIS
Don't Push but Don't Hesitate
Chapter 9
Hold On
In the time off that she was ordered to take Samantha made the decision to place the house that she and Steven once shared on the market. The only problem was convincing him to agree. Although they were divorced she needed to know that he wouldn't cause trouble for her if she went ahead with her plans. The day after she was sent home Samantha made arrangements to meet with Steven for lunch at a bistro near his office. When she arrived he was waiting patiently at a table on the patio. As she approached Steven stood and pulled out her chair for her.
"You're looking well." She told him meaningfully.
"Thank you, you are as well." Steven replied.
They took their seats and as soon as they were settled a waiter came over and took their drink orders. Steven asked for sparkling water and Samantha echoed the request. When they were alone again Steven looked at Samantha curiously.
"I'm glad you called, what is it that you wanted to talk about?"
"Well, I've been thinking that it would be for the best if we sold the house." Samantha began.
Steven lowered his eyes to the menu in front of him and turned the page. Samantha observed that his jaw was set and his shoulders had tensed. Rather than pressure him to share his thoughts Samantha allowed him the chance to process her words. Taking his lead she glanced over her own menu and decided on her order just as their waiter returned.
Once they ordered and the waiter was gone again Steven spoke while Samantha sipped her water.
"If that's what you want Samantha then I'm more than happy to oblige." Steven said though his nonverbal language suggested otherwise.
Samantha lowered her glass to the table and leaned forward. She placed a hand over his and gave a gentle squeeze.
"We can make this decision together Steven. It's your house as much as it is mine. The divorce doesn't change the fact that we made memories there. If you'd rather not sell I'll understand." Samantha explained kindly.
Steven was quiet again for what felt like several minutes to Samantha.
"I have no say in any of this Samantha." Steven finally stated. "Everything you want to do is entirely up to you."
Samantha absorbed his words and the tone he used when speaking. His voice was flat and his expression emotionless.
"Well I'm deciding to include you in what happens with the house." Samantha said.
"No, I can't get involved Samantha." Steven replied firmly.
"Why are you acting like this, I'm trying to be civilized." Samantha countered.
Steven shook his head and took both of her hands in his. Gently he kissed each of them then lowered them back to the table.
"There aren't enough words in any language that sufficiently describe how apologetic I am for everything that I've put you through…"
Steven paused while they were briefly interrupted by the arrival of their food.
"You were and still are the love of my life and I betrayed you. It is because of this that I swore to myself that I'd do everything I could to make you happy again, even if that meant letting you go." Steven elaborated.
Samantha was speechless, glancing down at the food in front of her she found that her appetite had dissipated. Meeting his eyes again she felt sympathetic toward Steven.
"I don't know what to say." Samantha admitted.
"I don't want you to say anything. Just promise me that you'll keep me informed if you decide to sell so I can make arrangements for myself." Steven replied.
Samantha nodded feeling that it was a fair request on his part.
"I promise." She whispered.
"One more thing, please keep this conversation between the two of us. I'm in enough trouble with DiNozzo as it is." Steven revealed.
Samantha's eyebrows went sky high.
"Excuse me?"
"You don't know?" Steven asked genuinely surprised.
"All I know is that he hand delivered our divorce papers and brought George with him." Samantha answered.
"That didn't seem suspicious to you?" Steven asked seeming confused.
"Truthfully I was just glad to be getting what I asked for." Samantha stated honestly.
Steven averted his eyes and sighed softly.
"I deserve that."
"Steven, what is going on?" Samantha asked worriedly.
Steven met her eyes and leaned closer so he wouldn't be overheard.
"Tony threatened me if I didn't sign the papers, I'm talking gun to my head and everything. I know I don't have the most reliable track record but I swear on my life that I'm telling the truth. I tried to explain to him that it wasn't necessary because I just wanted you to be happy. It was just difficult for me to accept that you wanted a divorce. He refused to believe a word I said and had me sign with the gun to my head." Steven explained.
Samantha felt disgusted by what she was hearing. It occurred to her that Steven might be dishonest but the look in his eyes told her otherwise. The fact that he had made changes in his life since he nearly killed her such as becoming sober and seeking help gave her more reason to trust him.
"I'll keep this between us." Samantha told him. Though she intended to confront Tony later Steven seemed to believe her words.
The conversation shifted to more pleasant topics while they ate. When it was time to leave Steven paid for the two of them despite Samantha's insistence to do so herself. On the sidewalk they embraced and Steven initiated a brief kiss to which Samantha politely reciprocated. When they separated she assured him she'd contact him about the house. From there they left each other, heading in opposite directions.
When Gibbs left the office on his lunch hour to run an errand he wasn't expecting to find Samantha standing on the sidewalk in front of some pretentious restaurant. What surprised him more than that was the fact that she was kissing her ex-husband Steven. Subconsciously he gripped the wheel tighter causing his knuckles to become white.
In the middle of the street Gibbs jerked the wheel of the truck in order to turn around. This caused other drivers to honk angrily as they were cut off. The tires of another vehicle squealed loudly as the driver veered out of Gibbs' way.
On the sidewalk Samantha turned her attention toward the commotion. Jethro pulled up beside her smirking like the Cheshire cat when he shifted into park at the curb.
"Take a ride with me." He suggested.
Samantha tried yet failed to give him an amused smirk.
"Are you stalking me Agent Gibbs?" She teased dryly.
Gibbs simply chuckled and tilted his head toward the passenger's seat.
"Come on." He urged.
Samantha considered it for a moment but ended up shaking her head.
"I can't, I need to be alone right now." She decided gently.
Stepping away from the window of the truck she continued down the sidewalk.
Gibbs abandoned the truck and caught up to his partner on foot. When he reached her side he slowed to match her pace.
"Does your need to be alone got anything to do with you and Adler kissing just now?" Jethro asked.
Samantha froze after turning to look at him.
"Excuse me?"
"I saw you with him." There was little Jethro could do to mask the jealousy in his tone but he played it off as concern.
Samantha didn't buy it.
"What, are you spying on me?" She accused with narrowed eyes.
"Don't flatter yourself I was in the area to pick up some supplies." Gibbs replied.
Samantha exhaled sharply.
"Right, so it's just a coincidence then huh?"
Jethro ignored the question and instead replied with a question of his own.
"Are you going back to him?"
Samantha was astonished that he would jump to such an outrageous conclusion. At first she considered defending herself. Then she realized allowing him to squirm would serve him right.
"I've considered it." She lied. "Since when did you decide to play the jealous lover?"
Jethro glared at her darkly.
"If you go back to him Sam you'll be making a mistake."
Samantha released a humorless laugh. The behavior caused Gibbs to become confused.
"I'm not going back to him Jethro, but I had you going for a minute." Sam explained.
Gibbs visibly relaxed and draped his arm over her shoulder, steering her toward the truck.
"Speaking of mistakes, have you heard from Lieutenant Colonel Mann lately?" Samantha teased.
"Now who's the jealous lover?" Gibbs quipped as he opened the passenger door for her.
In the truck Samantha was quiet while she processed her conversation with Steven. Tony was looking out for her, she was certain of this. Still he crossed a serious line by threatening Steven the way he did.
While Gibbs drove to the store he favored for hand tools to build his projects he noticed that she had a lot on her mind.
"Do you want to tell me or am I going to have to pry it out of you?"
Samantha exhaled softly and turned away from the window to look at him.
"I don't want to talk about it, okay." She whispered.
Gibbs stopped at a red light and glanced across at her.
"Come here."
Samantha obliged and scooted across the seat toward him.
Gibbs then placed his arm around her shoulders for the second time. In response Samantha rested her head on his shoulder and he kissed her hair.
The simple act provided her with some comfort. Though she wasn't ready to open up just yet it made her feel better to be close to Gibbs.
When they reached the family owned hardware store the pair climbed out of the truck from the driver's side.
Inside the store Jethro found the owner and they engaged in conversation about his latest project and the supplies needed for it. As the men talked shop Samantha wandered through the aisles of the store. Eventually she found the model airplanes for the hobbyists. As she perused the section for no reason in particular she stumbled across a model jet that brought her back to another place and time.
In the shadows she waited for the job to be done with the brim of her hat low over her eyes. Each minute that ticked by while she waited was accounted for. If the job took a second longer than necessary she was to intervene and take matters into her own hands. In the meantime she reached into her coat for the cigarette case she kept inside.
The moment the cigarette she chose was between her lips she heard footsteps on the cobblestones coming her way. It was an expected intrusion which she used to her advantage.
Leaving the alley she found her way to into the street as two men approached. As they drew nearer she plastered on a smile, holding the cigarette close to her lips between two delicate fingers. In fluent Russian she kindly asked for a light.
The older of the two well-dressed gentlemen obliged, reaching into his pocket and producing a lighter. Returning the cigarette to her lips she leaned in and waited for the flame to touch the opposite end. After taking a drag she released a cloud of smoke into the night air. Satisfied, she thanked them for stopping to help in the same language she used before.
The purpose of delaying the men was to ensure that they were who she was expecting. Upon being thanked the men nodded and continued on their way. At first she had hoped for an exchange in flirtation but she knew there was business they had to attend to.
While she smoked she watched the gentlemen disappear around the corner. This would be the last time they would be seen alive by anyone other than their executioners. By the time she was finished the cigarette the job was done. As her partner exited the old brick building she exhaled her final puff of smoke.
"It's done." The redhead announced to her waiting partner.
The first woman reached into her coat for a tissue. After putting out the cigarette she wrapped it into the tissue and pocketed it.
"Don't talk about it here, let's go."
Turning away she began to walk in the same direction where the men had gone.
The redhead had to jog to keep up with her partner.
"Why did you put the butt in your pocket?"
"I don't like to take my chances leaving evidence lying around even on foreign territory."
"Oh, that's a smart precaution to take." The redhead replied.
"I've learned from the best."
The pair of women turned the corner then continued on for another couple of blocks before turning down a dark alley. At the end they located the other half of their team, two men in suits and overcoats with hats covering their eyes. A nod from the superior of the group confirmed that the mission was complete.
It did not take long for the foursome to return to their hideout to collect their equipment and personal belongings. Once they were securely on board the private jet that would be taking them back to America the agents relaxed.
The more experienced of the two females sat down with her superior to give her assessment of the redhead.
Being the only two who communicated in sign language they had their conversation with their hands to ensure it remained private.
"How did it go?" He asked.
"When she came out of there she looked haunted. It was successful, there's not a single doubt in my mind." She answered.
"Good, I trust your judgment." He told her with a smile.
"I appreciate that, I didn't think you'd have me in that position if you felt otherwise."
"I have to admit I had ulterior motives, I want you to feel more secure with her on the team." He admitted.
"I'm starting to, she has potential."
"Then we're on the same page?"
"I still think you like her more than I do but I think we can agree she's doing well."
"Don't worry you're still my number one." He assured her and to prove it he leaned closer and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
The sentiment made her blush.
Soon after their conversation was over they were in the air. During the flight she dozed off with her head on his shoulder. Hours later she was awakened by a violent quaking. A gasp left her lips at the sudden, unexpected motion. As her hands gripped the armrests her partner placed his hand over hers and squeezed gently.
"Samantha, it is only turbulence." Gibbs told her softly.
"I know…it just caught me off guard." Samantha relaxed and her grip on the armrests loosened.
Samantha's shock may have subsided quickly but Jethro's hand remained over hers.
Samantha bit her lip as she glanced down at their joined hands then back up at him.
"Jethro…um…"
"Oh." Gibbs chuckled somewhat nervously and released her hand.
A comfortable silence fell over them for the next few hours of the flight. During that time Samantha jotted down notes on the mission while the details were fresh in her mind.
This time Jethro dozed off with his arms crossed and his head leaned back against the seat. Everything was going well until Samantha felt the need to use the bathroom. In an effort to avoid waking him Samantha had the bright idea to climb over him to reach the aisle. In the middle of her doing so the plane trembled again and Samantha ended up in a straddled position in her partner's lap. If that wasn't embarrassing enough her foot also became lodged between the seats.
Jethro woke up startled at first but quickly became amused when he realized what happened.
"If you wanted to join the mile high club all you had to do was ask." Jethro teased.
Samantha blushed deeply and swatted him playfully on the shoulder.
"I'm sure Diane would love that." She replied sarcastically with a smirk on her lips.
Just then William Decker approached the pair. The expression on his face suggested that he would use this moment against them for years to come.
"Well, well, I always suspected there was something between you two. If I had known you were that kind of woman Sam-"
"Will, shut up and help me, I'm stuck." Samantha ordered.
Decker raised an eyebrow and chuckled. It was his reaction that made Samantha realize how suggestive her words had been.
The three colleagues laughed and with Decker's assistance Samantha's foot was freed from where it had become wedged. Quickly she thanked Decker and made her way to the bathroom with her carry-on.
When she was alone Samantha changed out of her dress which she placed back on the hanger and into the garment bag it came with. The jeans she put on in place of the dress made her feel more comfortable. As she was removing a tee shirt from her satchel the door opened and Gibbs pushed his way in, locking the door behind him, which apparently Samantha had neglected to do.
The bathroom was pleasantly spacious for one person but certainly not suitable for two. Caught by surprise Samantha dropped the shirt she was about to put on. Feeling exposed in only her jeans and a bra she hugged her arms over her chest.
"Doesn't anybody knock anymore?" She asked angrily.
Jethro caught a good glimpse of Samantha in her underwear and tried to play it cool.
"I've seen you in a string bikini. This is hardly the time to be shy."
Samantha huffed and dropped her arms.
"Actually you've seen me naked and if I remember correctly it was because you didn't knock then either." Sam replied.
"Well that's true but I thought I was being polite in not bringing that incident into the conversation." Jethro replied.
"If you're so concerned about being polite then knock next time." Samantha laughed.
"If you're so concerned with privacy lock the door." Gibbs smirked.
"You're a pain the ass." Samantha teased in return. She bent to pick up her shirt then pulled it on.
"What did you come barging in here for? Considering you locked the door I'm assuming this is to be a private conversation."
"Nothing gets by you, except maybe the concept of locking a door in the first place."
Samantha rolled her eyes. This exchange of insults could last a lifetime.
"Jethro…what do you want?"
"I have a favor to ask." Gibbs began.
Samantha fished her toothbrush from her bag and smeared toothpaste onto it. While she brushed Gibbs spoke and she listened.
"Diane and I aren't working out. I need your help getting a divorce." Gibbs said.
Samantha spit into the sink and rinsed then returned her dental hygiene items to her bag.
"Why me, I thought you had a lawyer?" Samantha asked as she began to freshen up her makeup.
"You know how I feel about lawyers. You and your father are the exception."
"So ask my Dad to help you then, Diane hates me." Samantha replied as she leaned back against the sink.
"Well, that's exactly my point, Diane hates you. I have no doubt that Mack can get the job done but I want you." Jethro replied.
"Have you lost your mind," Samantha laughed. "I'm out of practice, Diane will have her lawyers annihilate me and you'll end up losing." She added.
"I have faith in your abilities Samantha, besides you keep your credentials updated." Gibbs pointed out.
Samantha shook her head in disbelief at his persistence.
"Why is it so important to you that I'm in your corner," She asked. "You haven't been married long. Why can't you give it more time?" She added.
"It will never work with Diane. I'm not in love with her, there's someone else." Jethro revealed.
"Who?" Samantha demanded.
The look that Jethro gave her reminded her of the way he used to look at Shannon. Samantha hadn't seen him look at anyone like that after Shannon died. Not even Diane…until now.
"Me…y-you're in love with me?" Samantha stuttered in disbelief.
Jethro stepped closer to her until their knees touched. By the time he brought his hand to her cheek there were tears in her eyes. Gently he wiped them away as they fell.
"I'm in love with you Samantha." Jethro confirmed.
The sound that Samantha emitted in response to his words was a combination of laughter and sobbing.
"Say something." Jethro told her, fearing that her reaction was a form of rejection.
"I love you too." Samantha managed to squeak out.
Jethro broke into a smile and leaned in to kiss her but at the last second Samantha placed a finger against his lips.
"Not yet," She whispered. "First we're going to get you that divorce." She insisted.
It was late in the evening when Samantha was awakened by a clap of thunder. The sound alone shook the house just slightly. As she sat up in bed the thunder was followed by rapid flashes of lightning. Having enjoyed thunderstorms since childhood Samantha was in no rush to go back to sleep.
Leaving her bed she slipped her robe on over her matching nightgown. Strolling into the kitchen she put the kettle on and prepared herself a cup of tea. Outside the wind picked up causing the rain to crash like waves against the window pane.
While she waited for the water to boil Samantha arranged candles around the kitchen and lit them, anticipating a power outage. In addition she started a fire in the living room fireplace. When the kettle whistled she filled an NCIS mug and moved into the living room where she settled on the couch in front of the picture window.
The thunderstorm did not take long to increase in intensity after that. As she watched from the comfort of her home Samantha concluded that anyone would be a fool to travel in such conditions. Immediately after the thought crossed her mind the doorbell rang.
Confused by this Samantha went to answer the door using caution. Instinctively she reached out to flick on the porch light. In the same instant the power went out leaving the house in a flickering orange glow from the firelight. The doorbell rang again but Samantha stood frozen to the spot. Was this some kind of trick or the storm that knocked the power out?
Samantha considered glancing toward the neighboring house to confirm or deny. Then it occurred to her it wouldn't be worth it at this hour. Nobody was awake let alone on the road at this time of night around this neighborhood.
"Samantha, open up!" She heard from the porch.
Relieved to hear the familiar voice of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Samantha advanced toward the door. Unlocking it and swinging it open she found her partner standing before her drenched to the core. With the screen door between them she shook her head.
"What the hell are you doing out during a severe storm warning?" She demanded.
Jethro only smiled and opened the screen door. Samantha stepped back to allow him entry, frowning as he dripped rainwater onto her hardwood floor.
Gibbs cupped his hand beneath her chin and tilted her head up. They locked eyes and he finally answered her question.
"Diane left me." He whispered.
Being significantly shorter Samantha had to jump to throw her arms around his neck. Startled at first Gibbs stumbled backward but recovered quickly since she was light.
For the first time their lips touched in a kiss fueled by passion and love. Samantha's legs wound around his waist no longer a care in the world that his wet clothes were causing puddles on the floor.
Circling around Jethro pressed her back against the door for additional support while he kicked off his shoes.
They didn't end the kiss for even a second as he carried her through the kitchen, past the living room to her bedroom. When they reached the bed he set her down. Kneeling on the mattress Samantha forcefully pushed his jacket from his shoulders. In turn he untied her satin robe and guided it away from her body with a feather light touch. Samantha untucked his polo shirt from his pants and pulled it over his head. For once there was no undershirt beneath which she was grateful for.
Jethro's fingers found their way into her hair and he leaned in to kiss her again. This time it was with less urgency. They took this moment to discover each other by taking it slow.
Samantha was the first to end the kiss, leaning back to look at him. On some level she couldn't believe this was actually happening. On the other hand she had been waiting for this for over a year.
Slowly she moved her hands across his shoulders and down his chest, memorizing the shape of his muscles, the way his skin radiated heat against her fingertips. She felt his skin become tense under her touch and goosebumps formed before her eyes. As her hands migrated toward his belt he drew in a sharp breath.
"Samantha, you're driving me crazy." Gibbs whispered huskily.
Samantha smirked as she met his eyes. Meanwhile her hands unbuckled his belt and methodically unfastened his pants.
"What are you going to do about it?" She challenged.
The answer came when he bunched up the hem of her nightgown and pushed it up an inch at a time. Slowly she became exposed to him until there was nothing left unseen. The nightgown was dropped to the floor once it was removed.
From there Samantha didn't waste time in sliding his pants down his legs until they pooled at his feet in a wet heap.
The love they made from that point forward was the perfect balance of passionate and untamed.
Samantha was returned to the present when she felt a firm grip on her shoulder. When she turned around she found that it was Gibbs behind her.
"We have to go, it's urgent." He told her, not wanting to go into detail with civilians around.
Samantha followed him out of the store no questions asked.
In the truck however she had no problem discussing anything work related.
"I thought I was on suspension." She began as she fastened her seatbelt.
"From the last case, we need you on this one. A patient escaped from Bethesda and he's dangerous." Gibbs explained.
Samantha acknowledged the information with a nod.
"Is that all we know?"
"For now." Gibbs replied as he drove. "What were you thinking about in there?"
"What do you mean?" Samantha asked.
"I tried to get your attention at least three different times. What were you daydreaming about?" Gibbs replied.
"Oh," Samantha blushed. This wasn't the time to discuss how in depth she was thinking about their history. "I'm certain that you don't want to know."
"Try me." Gibbs pressed.
"Well, if you insist, I was thinking about sex." She blurted out. "The first time we were together to be exact." Samantha added.
Gibbs' grip tightened on the steering wheel and he cleared his throat rather abruptly.
"Oh, I'm not sorry I asked." He mumbled incoherently.
Samantha smirked proudly at the fact that she could still get him flustered.
Silence fell over them for the remainder of the ride to Bethesda.
When they got to the hospital Tony and McGee were already there. As a team the agents assessed the scene beginning the process inside. The patient had escaped from the psychiatric in-patient unit. While Samantha and DiNozzo took photographs of the room they questioned the orderly who received a black eye during the break out. Gibbs took notes on what they learned while McGee went to obtain medical records.
Samantha had expressed amazement at the fact that the escaped Marine had broken free from a straight-jacket with his bare hands. It was also discovered that his name was Damon Werth.
Once the team had what they needed from inside the hospital they made their way to the curb. Samantha photographed the tire marks left behind by the vehicle that the Marine had stolen. In the meantime Tony quoted the entire Tommy Lee Jones speech from The Fugitive.
Samantha ignored her partner out of frustration with him. She had not had the opportunity to discuss with him what she found out earlier. It was just a matter of time but she wasn't sure what she was going to say yet.
For the remainder of the afternoon the team worked tirelessly to track down Corporal Damon Werth. They managed to locate his psychiatrist Dr. Adrian De La Casa who explained Werth's condition and brainstormed with Ducky what may happen next.
The team followed a lead to the Walter Reed hospital where Werth caught up to them. In his state of confusion brought on by PTSD Corporal Werth had a physical altercation with the team. In the end the injuries were non-life threatening, though Samantha's were the most severe.
McGee suffered from a dislocated shoulder. Tony had his nose broken and Gibbs had barely a scratch on him. Samantha was not as fortunate as her colleagues. Having suffered from a broken leg along with a concussion she was removed from duty.
When she was discharged from the hospital two days later Gibbs filled her in on what was happening. It had been determined that Werth was being used as a lab rat. The team returned to Bethesda where it was discovered that Werth was being poisoned during the detoxification process.
Later they learned from Werth himself that he had taken steroids in the first place on his own in order to become a Marine. It was because of this that he was denied the Silver Star and stripped of his honor. In the end Gibbs gave his own Silver Star to Werth feeling that it had been earned regardless of past mistakes.
The following morning, after the case closed, Samantha woke up to her phone ringing loudly on the nightstand beside her. Dreading that it was work on a Saturday she reached for it but found that it was only Tony calling. Rather than answering the call she ignored it and adjusted the volume to silence anything incoming. It had been days since she saw Steven at the bistro but she still couldn't seem to have a conversation with Tony that didn't center on work.
The phone buzzed on the nightstand and Samantha only checked to ensure that it wasn't important. As she predicted it was Tony again. This time she stashed the phone under her pillow and got out of bed.
Using her crutches for support Samantha hobbled out of her bedroom and into the living room. Jeanne was sitting at the dining table near the window. The doctor was on the phone with what sounded to be the boyfriend based on the conversation they were having.
"Don't be nervous, I know for a fact they're both excited to meet you." Jeanne had said.
There was a pause then it was Jeanne's turn to speak again.
"It's going to be fine, we'll see you tonight." Jeanne said.
There was an exchange of goodbyes then Jeanne hung up and gave Samantha her full attention.
"Good morning, how did you sleep?" Jeanne stood and pulled out the chair opposite her for Samantha.
"Thank you," Samantha said as she took a seat and propped her crutches nearby. "I slept well, you were right I needed the rest." She added.
Jeanne poured Samantha a cup of coffee and gave a knowing smile.
"You don't have to wait on me." Samantha insisted though she was appreciative.
"I want to, besides you'd do the same for me." Jeanne pointed out.
There was no argument from Samantha about that.
"I'll make you some breakfast, what are you in the mood for?" Jeanne asked.
Samantha adjusted her coffee to her liking.
"Surprise me." She decided.
Jeanne nodded and made her way to the kitchen where she began to cook for her roommate and herself. While Samantha drank her coffee and read the newspaper George sprawled out at her feet. The golden retriever had taken to being especially protective of her since her leg was broken.
When Jeanne returned she set a plate containing a vegetable omelet and rye toast in front of Samantha before sitting across from the agent with her own.
"Thank you." Samantha folded up the paper and set it aside. As she buttered her toast she spoke to Jeanne about their plans for the evening.
"From what I heard your boy toy is a little nervous about meeting your mother and me." Samantha began.
Jeanne swallowed the bit of food she had been chewing and shrugged.
"You heard right, he's not experienced with meeting the parents. A short time after we met he admitted that he never let relationships get that far. He used to be a bit of a player." Jeanne explained.
Samantha raised an eyebrow.
"That didn't seem like a red flag to you?" She asked as she took a bite.
"It did but I gave him a fair chance and I think he's proven that he's changed for the better. Trust me Samantha, he's a wonderful man. I wouldn't be wasting my time if I felt otherwise." Jeanne told her.
"Of course not, given how the last relationship ended." Samantha replied gently.
The pair moved on to discuss where and when they would meet Jeanne's boyfriend and her mother for dinner. Samantha agreed to be on her best behavior because Jeanne knew it would be intimidating enough with her mother present.
After having breakfast Jeanne took George out for a walk while Samantha showered. Once she was dressed and finished fixing her hair she checked her phone for any messages. Tony had called a total of five times including the phone call that woke her up. There was no voicemail but he did send a text which read.
'Have dinner with me tonight. I need my wing woman.'
Samantha never replied to the text message or bothered to call him back. It was too soon to talk to him without losing her temper and becoming irrational.
An hour before she was expected to meet Jeanne at the restaurant Samantha started to get ready. Jeanne had gone to work earlier in the day leaving Samantha by herself to struggle into a dress. It would have been easy if it wasn't for the broken leg. After several failed attempts that included her falling down twice she resorted to calling Gibbs.
A short time later he arrived at her apartment and couldn't resist smirking at her when she answered the door.
"Don't say a word," She warned. "I'm already late and I fell a couple times. Now is not the time to mess with me."
Gibbs nodded and followed her lead to the bedroom. With his help Samantha was dressed in less than a minute and he even assisted in putting her shoe on the uninjured foot. When she was ready to leave Gibbs offered to give her a ride and take George to his place for the evening.
Samantha agreed to it and he brought her to the restaurant where Jeanne was eagerly awaiting her arrival.
When Samantha entered the restaurant she gave the maître d' Jeanne's name and she was escorted to the dining room. When she approached the table Jeanne and Helen were across from one another and the mystery man had his back to Samantha.
Jeanne was the first to notice Samantha coming their way.
"She's here." Samantha heard her roommate announce.
Jeanne and Helen stood to followed by the mystery man. When he turned around to reveal himself Samantha's heart stopped.
Never did she imagine that Tony would be introduced to her as Jeanne's boyfriend.