Chapter 2

For what was left of the seminar Sara couldn't get Gil out of her mind or her heart, each day they would have lunch together and talk. Sara thought she felt a connection but she could also see the pain in his eyes.

Once, as they walked on the beach Sara had asked him about Sandra. Gil told her of their first meeting and how he knew from that very second that she was going to be the love of his life. He also told of the loneliness her death brought, of the hole in his heart that refused to be mended.

The last day of class Gil asked Sara to dinner, that evening he took her out on the town, they went to one of San Francisco's finest diners and then to an old fashion ballroom where they danced almost every dance.

The moon was full as they walked in silence from the trolley stop to her apartment. Standing in her door way Gil drew a deep breath. "Sara," he started, "You are the most fascinating woman I have meant in a very long time."

Sara smiled.

"You are very special and ….." here he stumbled with his words, "I believe I could care for you it is just that ……. I am not sure."

Sara tenderly touched his cheek, "Gil, you are very enchanting and I must confess that the possibility of a relationship with you intrigues me. I understand your feelings. I am in no hurry, we have all the time we need to let this grow."

Gil looked at her a little confused, he would be leaving tomorrow for Vegas.

Sara smiled, "Three weeks ago I applied for a position in Vegas, I just received the letter of acceptance, we will be working together."

Gil smiled, "Welcome aboard."

Gil looked at the ground and then back at Sara, he was not sure where she wanted this to go. He felt an attraction, he only hoped she was not expecting something he could not deliver.

Sara noticed his discomfort, as much as she wanted to wake up in his arms she knew they were far form that. Sara tenderly kissed his cheek, "Good night Gil. I need to get some sleep and I know you have several things you need to do before your plane tomorrow."

Very relieved Gil returned the kiss on her cheek, "Good night Sara."

It would be two weeks before Sara was too arrive in Vegas, Gil called her several times asking how she was doing and making sure that there was nothing he could do to help her.

The morning that Sara's plane landed the first person she seen was Gil.

"Hey," he said, kissing her cheek, "I have everything arranged."

Sara smiled, "It is so good to see you again."

When Gil said EVERYTHING he wasn't kidding, he had made arrangements with a friend of his for a place for Sara to live and helped with the paperwork so she could get a car.

The owner of the car dealership smiled, "I don't normally sell cars to people who have no local references but I just couldn't turn Mr. Grissom down." The gentleman laughed, "He pulled my backside out of the fire."

"It wasn't just me," Gil said, with just a hit of a blush on his cheeks.

The man let out a hardy laugh. "It sure was. You see, little lady," the man said, "Two years ago my business partner was murdered, everyone thought I did it. You know - likely suspect - most to gain - not to mention we had one hell of a fight at Charlie's Bar the week before. Well I swore on my momma's grave I didn't do it and Mr. Grissom used some kinda bug magic to prove that Kenny was murdered when I was out of town at a convention 600 miles away. Then him and his team rounded up the real killer."

Sara chuckled.

"So when he came in and said this lady was new to Vegas, was gonna be part of his team and needed wheels, how could I say no," the man said, as he handed Sara the keys. "Bugs are the damnest things," the man said as he walked away.

Gil's laugh was mixed with a little embarrassment, "Was just doing my job but you sure can't convince Martin of that."

Gil had made sure that the car was equipped with a GPS so Sara wouldn't get lost. "I believe this is everything you need," he said to Sara as he transferred her luggage from his car to hers, "The GSP has the lab and your address programmed into it so you can find your way to work tomorrow and if there is anything else you need give me a shout."

Sara kissed his cheek and thanked him, she knew he helped his other new hires but she strongly doubted he went this far.

At her new apartment Sara found a potted plant waiting on the table with a note: I KNOW YOU LIKE LIVING THINGS, GIL.

The first person Sara called was Henry Williams, she told him everything that had happened that day. "I think he is warming up," Sara said.

Henry laughed, "I think you may be right."

"Henry," Sara said, "I hope … well what I mean to say …"

Williams cut her off, "Sara, I am thrilled. I have been Gilbert's friend for years. I know he will always have a special place in his heart for Sandra and I know that you are not and will not try to be her, he needs to move on."

Sara smiled, "I don't want to be Sandra and if Gil loves me I want it to be ME he loves."

"Just take you time," Williams said, "Follow his lead. I know way down deep in his heart there is an immeasurable amount of love to be given to the right woman and something tells me it is you."

Sara sighed, "I hope so, Henry, I hope so."