Chapter 5

Sara awoke refreshed and feeling more like her old self for the first time in months. Her conversation with Catherine had been the right choice. One major point checked off of her list of things that needed to be done. Before she could pack or sell or move, she needed to clear the air with Catherine. So, that being out in the open had definitely made the rest of her list easier to accomplish. All except one - talking to Greg. He was visibly upset by the display that she and Cat had made on the dance floor. He looked up to Grissom and probably felt she was betraying him. It was time to clear the air.

Sara entered the Crime Lab and searched for Greg. She finally found him with Archie discussing some new tracking software. She entered the room cautiously. Archie smiled at her and got up to give her a hug.

"I heard you were back!" She patted him on the back and smiled at him as he took his spot back in his seat.

"Yeah. I'm doing a forensics training series with PD." Sara watched Greg's reactions. He was staring off into the distance.

"So, did you need me specifically or were you looking for our man Sanders here?" Archie patted Greg on the arm, causing him to jump slightly, bringing him out of his stupor.

"I, uh, need to talk to Greg, actually." She smiled warmly at Greg. "But it was good to see you again, Archie. Stay out of trouble!" Sara teased as she grabbed Greg's arm and pulled him along with her out into the hallway. He frowned at her.

"Greg, we need to talk." Sara stood in front of him. He refused to make eye contact. "What is with you?"

Greg stared at her now. "Me? I don't think that is the problem."

"That's why we need to talk. I can see you are not happy with me, so I think you need to understand some things before making judgements." Sara was again leading him by the arm. They walked down the winding hallways and out the door to the parking lot.

"Where are we going?" Greg asked grumpily.

"Lets just go sit over there on the grass. Its breezy out today, there's a shade tree. No eyes of people in the lab on us as we talk." Sara smirked. Greg followed her.

They sat down side by side on the top of the small berm facing the building. Sara took Greg's hand in hers as she began. "Greg, you and I have always been honest with each other. And I think you are under the wrong impression on some things. So, I think its time we talked and got some things out in the open and cleared up."

"Ok, but I know what I saw. You and Catherine were getting a LOT closer than just friends dancing and having fun. So, you can save your speech on how I misinterpreted what happened out there on the dance floor."

"No, Greg. You interpreted correctly." Sara paused for a moment and let out a deep breath. "Gil and I broke up a few weeks ago."

Greg's head whipped to the side in an almost comical manner. His eyes were wide in disbelief. "You what? I can't believe. Why? What happened?" He was up on his feet again and pacing in front of Sara.

"Greg, please, sit down. Let me explain." Sara tugged on his hand and pulled him down beside her on the grass. "I love Gil, I really do. But we aren't IN LOVE with one another. There were so many reasons we were together, and they were all the wrong ones. We tried, we really did. But after the time apart, when we were back together, it just wasn't the same."

"Ok. So you aren't IN LOVE anymore. I can understand that." Greg looked her right in the eyes as he spoke. "Tell me this. Why Catherine?"

"That's a little bit tougher to explain. I'm still trying to figure it all out. But I wanted you to know I wasn't cheating or playing games. Cat and I have always had a love/hate relationship."

Greg stared off into the distance, watching people as they entered the building. They sat silent for a few minutes, Greg finally finding words. "I'm sorry it didn't work out with you and Grissom. I guess I just thought you would always be together. It took you two so long to get to a relationship place, I thought it would stick."

"I did too." Sara smiled at Greg and pulled him into a warm embrace. "So, you're not mad anymore?"

"No, I'm not mad." Greg grinned and stood up, pulling Sara with him. "We should get to work."

"Right." Sara brushed off her pants and followed Greg into the building. When they reached the layout room, Greg turned to Sara and gave her a sheepish smile.

"What?" Sara asked with a smile.

"I was just thinking about you and Catherine." His boyish grin getting wider.

"GREG!" Sara warned.

"What? You two were hot! I was just too upset to realize it until now."

Sara rolled her eyes at him as she exited the lab. "Men". Greg just smiled.

Sarafound Catherine in her office after shift. She was filling out paperwork and didn't notice she was leaning against the doorjamb observing her every move. She looks cute in those glasses, Sara thought to herself and smiled.

"How long have you been standing there?" Catherine smiled at her, taking her glasses off.

"A few minutes." Sara walked towards her, smiling, and took a seat opposite from Catherine at the desk. "I like the glasses."

"Yeah, well, I wish I didn't have to use them. Just another reminder of my age." Catherine leaned back in her chair and let out a deep sigh.

"You aren't old Cat. Age is a state of mind." Sara grinned at her.

"Keep it up, Sidle, and I may start to believe that." Catherine threw her a sexy smile in return. "So, what brings you by?"

"I, uh, had a chat with Greg." Sara leaned in closer to the desk as they spoke. "I explained things to him, so eventually word is going to get out about Gil and I."

"Oh, well how do you feel about all that?"

"Well, they need to know. I don't want everyone mad at me the way Greg was after seeing us."

Sara shot her a look, arching an eyebrow.

"What exactly did you tell him, Sara?"

"I told him why Gil and I split and that he did not incorrectly misinterpret what was going on between us out on that dance floor." Sara stared at Cat's face wanting to see her reaction. Her eyes got wide and she opened her mouth as if to speak and then let out a sigh and sat back in her chair. "So, what's going on in your mind right now, Cat?"

"A lot is going on Sara." Sara frowned at that comment. Catherine smiled at her. "But don't worry, Sidle. I made a promise to myself a long time ago and I intend to keep it."

"What exactly does that mean? What promise?" Sara was confused.

"Oh, don't spend time wracking that brain of yours and second guessing yourself, Sara. You will definitely find out soon enough." Catherine once again shot her a sexy grin. Sara smiled back.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Both women's eyes shot to the doorway at the sound of Ecklie's voice.

"No, not at all, Conrad. What can I do for you? Or was it Sara you needed?"

"I need to speak with Sara. So, Ms. Sidle, if you will?" He indicated with his arm that she should join him in the hallway. Sara shot Catherine a look and got up to join the Undersheriff out in the hallway for God only knows what type of discussion,.

Catherine watched Sara's reactions to Ecklie through the window of her office. She couldn't make out everything they were saying, but she knew Sara's looks and movements all too well. She smiled to herself. She still was in disbelief that Sara was here. Sara and Grissom were no longer together. Sara seemed interested in pursuing a relationship with her! It was all so perfect that it was hard to believe it was real. Catherine smiled when Sara shot her a look, rolling her eyes as she followed Ecklie down the hallway.

"I guess some promises are just meant to be kept." Cat whispered to herself and turned back to her paperwork.

A/N: Ok, so this has been a LOOONG time in between and I apologize. I got a little stuck and this is what popped out. Its not very exciting but Greg had to be dealt with I think. Next chapter, more fun and some excitement! I PROMISE!!! hehehehe. I got inspired to write again after that little exchange between Cat and Sara on Thurs episode. Now if the writers would only take a note and get those two together! So, leave a review! I really do appreciate them!!! Thank you, my lovelies!!! Wendy