Chapter 14
Sunday December 19th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
Baltimore, Maryland
5:30 p.m.
"Well, that was fun," Sara mused as they made their way out of the elevator when they reached deck six. "I don't know about you guys though, but I have every intention of turning on the TV and waiting for our luggage to arrive until dinner. Way too much to try and find our way around ship right now after the insanity that was boarding, and the muster drill just now," she continued with a frown. "Want to come with, girl?" she asked looking over at Liz.
"Actually I think I'm gonna head back to my room and lie down for a bit if you don't mind," replied Liz.
"Not at all. See you at dinner then?" Sara asked. "I think the plan is to meet by the art gallery then head to the Carmen Dining Room," she added as she glanced back to see Warrick nodding.
"I'll see you then," commented Liz, not quite making eye contact with Sara before stopping at her door.
"See you later, Beth," Sara smiled before they were helped along their way down the hallway. Genius planner had stuck Liz at one end of the rooms, with her and Warrick down at the other, and about ten rooms, and the other side of the hallway, between them. Then again, considering every room between them, on both sides of the hallway, minus one; were being used by their group...she supposed the poor person did have their hands full arranging it to everyone's liking.
The minute the door closed behind Liz she let out a sigh of relief. Even though she knew Nick was coming on the cruise she still hadn't been prepared to actually see him and be this close to him, knowing his room was not that far from hers. She made her way over to her bed where she collapsed. She grew tired more easily as the pregnancy progressed and her back had started bothering her about a week ago, all normal according to her doctor, although that didn't help her when it came to actually dealing with the pain.
Meanwhile, the throng of people had lessened as they reached the end of their group. And as Warrick slid the card in their door, Sara waved at Catherine as she slipped into her room across the hall while Sophia grumbled and tried to get her key card to work in the room next door, only to have Hodges appear and help her before smirking as he went to his room next to Nick's, who was next to Catherine.
"Milady, your room awaits," Warrick whispered in her ear, grabbing her attention. Smiling up at him she turned and slipped into the room in front of him. After he shut the door, he immediately went over to double check their oil plug-ins they'd found outlets for the few minutes they were in the room earlier, and indeed, the room now smelled like Macintosh apples.
"I love Yankee Candle," Sara smiled as she walked past the closet and bathroom and headed over to the king-size bed.
"I know," Warrick laughed as she flopped down on her stomach. "Want to get something to drink?"
"Ice Tea?"
"Coming right up," Warrick smiled as he sat down by her feet and picked up the phone off the side table. Rising Sara moved over past their small couch and table to look out the bay window at the Promenade below them in the centre of the ship.
"This was a brilliant idea babe, you know?" she called with a smile as she sat on the window seat and watched people milling about.
"Good thing you saw that special on the travel channel then huh?" he countered as he joined her. "TVs got music stations."
"Really? Well, we must listen then," Sara smiled as he helped her to her feet. "I think this is going to be a good two weeks."
"That makes two of us," he grinned.
Monday December 20th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean
8:45 p.m.
Sitting back in her seat, Sara glanced once more around the dining room. If she had known cruises were so...elegant, she might have gone on one sooner in her life...
They had been assigned to the Carmen Dining Room, the third, and lowest, level of the dining rooms. Just in front of the back wall there were two amazing, cascading stairways flowing up to the upper levels, with a platform area between the stairways at each level. She'd gone investigating the night before. But here on the lower level, a beautiful gold harp was the centre of attention. And on the next level up there was a baby grand piano and room for the string quartet. The real sight though, had to be the crystal chandelier, which Greg had learned, reputed to have cost half a million. It looked like it was worth every penny.
Glancing back down the table she smiled. They had managed to fit the entire group at the large table in the centre of the dining room, and they pretty much had their waiter and assistant waiter to themselves, the poor men had their hands full with their table as it was. Mac, with a French accent on the name, not the Scottish or American pronunciation, was from, of course, France. And had no doubt promptly declared her the strangest patron he'd ever encountered the night before. Not that her kosher, vegetarian meal was all that strange. After all they had a few others ordering kosher, and Nicole was enjoying her own non-kosher vegetarian meal. No, he had nearly taken a double glance when she ordered one of everything for desert. As had the rest of their group. To which she had promptly been led to explain that one of the ladies in her cancer support group was a cruise expert, and had told her that she had to do this. So, she had taken Sherry's advice and here she was. Of course they all missed out on the point of it, until Warrick caught on and when Mac returned he ordered one of everything as well, at which point the two plates of each desert had made the rounds of the tables so everyone could try each of the deserts. Then she and Warrick informed Mac they wanted the cherries jubilee and sorbet respectively.
The sorbet itself was a source of giggles as Sara remembered Jim the night before. After his soup, he kept his soupspoon for further use, not really thinking about it. But then when his sorbet came, he held up his soupspoon and his desert spoon. And looking between the two he declared that that little dinky spoon was for stirring coffee, not eating ice cream.
Shaking her head slightly, Sara reached up to brush the single curl on the right side of her head behind her ear. It was Captain's night. Which meant everyone had to be dressed formally...quite the shock seeing Greg up in a suit and not preparing for court...but such it was. The real fun of the night had been styling her poor wig up to look elegant and formal, without doing too much so she didn't have to go to town with it to get it back to the nice normal long locks to just below her shoulder blades look. Well, that and getting to actually use hair spray without worrying about getting it in your own eyes...now that had been a blast.
"Camera man commeth," Greg spoke up and she glanced up, following his line of sight. Indeed, there was a man with a camera coming towards them, and looking at them as if he was trying to figure out how best to get them all in one picture. Lovely plus of Captain's Dinner nights.
Pictures.
They'd already gone through the joy of getting their pictures taken as couples or families, or as other groups since Sophia declared she wasn't having her picture taken alone, up near the Centrum. It was only a matter of time till they came around for a group picture...
Poor man, he had his work cut out for him.
Two minutes later, the man, who's name was Paul, had managed to figure out the best way to arrange them on one side of the table and had snapped the picture. As Sara watched everyone return to their seats she frowned as she started counting heads. They were missing a person.
"I just thought of something, where's Liz?" Greg asked as if reading her mind.
"She's wasn't here last night either," Sophia pointed out with a frown. "Figured she was tired after the insanity of flying here and all that yesterday..." she continued glancing down the table towards Sara.
"She may be tired. I mean all of us have been all over the ship investigating today," Sara offered. "Not to mention the time change and everything."
"True," some of the others agreed as Mac and Nasser arrived with their salad.
"By the time we leave this cruise, I'll have gained thirty pounds." Jim mused with a smile as he picked up his trusty soupspoon.
"Well, they do warn you that you gain twenty pounds on a cruise," Nick pointed out with a smirk.
"Like we needed to gain twenty pounds," Billy laughed. "Ahh, tomato bisque. Life is good. Ladybird, this was a brilliant idea."
"Thank Sherry. She got me on the idea of a cruise. We just went from a cruise as a honeymoon to a cruise as a wedding," Sara smiled as she looked over at Warrick.
"Also avoided the insanity of a big wedding," Warrick agreed with a smile of his own.
"And what are all of us? Tiny people?" Catherine asked with a smirk.
"Nope, intimate," countered Warrick.
"That works," Catherine nodded.
"What she said," Lindsey agreed with a smile. "So what did everyone who went to the Bon Voyage Pool Party think?" she asked curious.
"Oh oh oh!" Greg spoke up, reminiscent of a kid in a candy store.
"If he says 'pick me, pick me, pick me'; I'm out of here," Gillian laughed.
"Welcome to the insanity known as Greg Sanders," Mia grinned as she looked over at the other woman. "And you don't have to get permission to talk. Just spit it out honey," she continued to Greg. Twenty minutes, and their palate cleanser sorbet and half of their main meal later she sighed. "Okay, I lied. You do have to ask for permission to talk," she groaned as everyone laughed, nodding their agreement.
"Sad, even all of us under the age of twenty-one don't have to do that," Bertie smirked, causing another round of laughter. "So since we have him quiet, what did you think of it Lindsey?" he continued looking over her.
"Well..." Lindsey began with a smile.
Monday December 20th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
Outside Room 6610
10:08 p.m.
Reaching up, Sara knocked on the door and waited, hoping that Liz was there and not elsewhere on the ship. She wasn't exactly looking forward to hunting over the ship, or of camping outside her door, anytime tonight.
"I left the tray outside the door," commented Liz as she opened the door a few minutes later. "Sara?"
"Hey Beth. So what did you have for dinner? The Chicken Alfredo or the Beef Wellington?" Sara asked with a smile.
"Just some soup," replied Liz confused. "Sara...what are you doing here?"
"Last night I wrote off you missing dinner as being tired. Tonight when it was pointed out, after I kicked myself for not noticing fifteen minutes earlier when we first sat down, I realized...something tells me it's just not being tired. So, I came to see how you were doing," Sara explained with a shrug. "Can I come in?"
"Sure," Liz said stepping back to let Sara in the room. "You look nice."
"Thanks," Sara smiled as she adjusted the strap on the little black dress Lindsey had convinced her to buy. "Captain's dinner. You're in luck, you missed having to dress to the nines tonight," she continued with a wink as she made her way to the couch just inside the stateroom past the standard closet and bathroom setup.
"Didn't feel up to it," shrugged Liz as she walked over and lowered herself carefully down next to Sara.
"Figured as much," Sara agreed. "Don't worry, there are two more formal nights. You can get pictures taken and tortured with the rest of us then," Sara smiled. "How are you doing?" she asked softly.
"I'm okay," replied Liz with another shrug.
Sara looked at her for a moment. "Beth, this is me."
"You're point being?"
"My point being, you're not okay. You're not expected to be okay. And of all the people on this ship, I would hope that if you were going to vent, rant, rave, and generally get whatever you're feeling out of your system it would either be me or Warrick that you have here with you. Unless it's Nick and you want to go up one side of him and down the other, at which point I'd be the first to block your door and keep anyone from interrupting, and the first to step inside and help if you needed anyone to," Sara finished with a shrug.
"There's nothing to say Sara," commented Liz as she pushed herself up and walked over to the balcony doors where she stood looking out for a few minutes. "There's nothing I can say," she sighed. "Nick's your friend and he has every right to be here. I just...I'm not ready to face him. Not yet. It's just...It's harder than I thought it was going to be. I thought I was over him, that I'd accepted the fact that I can never have him. But seeing him again...It hurts Sara. I feel like my heart is being torn to pieces again because when I look at him...I lose myself because everything I felt before comes crashing back on me only to have reality rear it's head and remind me that I can't have him because he belongs to another."
"Oh Honey," Sara sighed as she rose and followed after her. "It's only been six months, it's only normal for it to hurt this much. Honey, it hurt to see Griss again that first night, and it had been three years. Differences of course aside."
"I just can't face him yet, Sara," sighed Liz quietly turning her gaze to her friend. "I'm carrying his child and I can't bring myself to face him. I don't even know if I'm going to tell him...if I can tell him knowing that he belongs to someone else. I don't want to be the reason he leaves her and I don't want him with me simply because he feels responsible or because he feels he has an obligation to this child and me. It's not fair to either of us."
"No, it's not," Sara agreed softly. "Honey, he doesn't have to know you're carrying his child. Warrick has agreed that if you want, we can tell them that you're my surrogate, at least until you're ready to tell him the truth. And who says you have to face him here? Other than at the wedding. You two don't have any of the same excursions, I'm pretty sure of that. During breakfast everyone goes over their daily itinerary, so it's fairly easy to avoid him on ship, besides the fact there are fifteen decks on this baby. And even if you come to dinner Beth, you can be at the complete opposite end of the table..." Sara trailed off with a sigh.
"If I come to meals that defeats the whole purpose of 'not seeing him', Sara."
"True. But if you don't attend at least a few, you're going to have the rest of our party knocking on your door," Sara countered softly. "Was able to pacify them tonight, pointing out the time difference and the fact it was a busy day...but I wasn't the only person to notice you haven't been to dinner either night. Phi, Jim, Katrina, Greg...you know he'd be the biggest problem once he gets it through his head to come see if you're alive and drag you to dinner," she continued with a sigh. "We have insane friends, don't we?
"We do," agreed Liz. "I'm just not comfortable, Sara."
"I know, Beth," Sara sighed softly. "Well, what do you say we skip the dinner idea and go with the other? I can convince everyone that you're tired and just want to sleep each night after a busy day. Or that you decided to hit Windjammers or Johnny Rockets some nights."
"I don't care Sara," replied Liz sadly. "Just tell them whatever you have to to make sure they leave me alone."
"Will do," Sara agreed softly. "So, want to ditch the boys and hang out together? We do have an excursion together tomorrow, and I believe everyone other than us is going to that night excursion tomorrow night in Bermuda... " Sara shrugged.
"Sounds good," agreed Liz as she made her way back over to the sofa and eased herself back down.
"Want to go raid Ben and Jerry's and get something sweet?" Sara asked as she followed her towards the other side of the stateroom.
"I would love to raid Ben and Jerry's," groaned Liz. "I'm dying for ice cream."
"Come on girl, let's head down a level and raid those geniuses then," Sara grinned as she offered a hand to help Liz up once more.
Heading downstairs, they fortunately only ran into Lindsey and Bree on their way back from the ice cream place. Both waved, heading towards the teen disco according to Linds. Reaching the stand, they purused the menu for a few minutes before ordering, Sara insisting on paying. She told Liz she could get it next time. Heading out on the deck they leaned against the rails and watched the ocean in the dark.
"How's the banana split?" Sara asked as she dipped her spoon back into the 'Core Sundae' she'd created with Sweet Cream & Cookies ice cream, Chocolate Therapy ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream.
"Fabulous," groaned Liz as she took another bite of her sundae, which was made up of a scoop of Appley Ever After, Chocolate Fudge Brownie and New York Super Chunk Fudge ice cream.
"I think I needed this," Sara mused. "God, I need to go back and see if Phi is still up for me moving in with her too," she groaned as she shifted to lean with her back against the rails.
"I'm not good enough for you anymore?" questioned Liz, a hint of hurt in her voice.
"Oh Beth, no it wasn't meant that way," Sara argued quickly. "It sort of came up while we were briefing the temporary supervisors when I realized that shit, Warrick and I aren't suppose to be together a week before the wedding, Jewish tradition and all, and Phi offered before I had a chance to really think it out..."
"Fine, whatever," replied Liz, a sudden distance in her voice, before turning and facing Sara, the distance in her voice matching a certain detachment in her eyes. "All you had to do was ask Sara and I would have gladly let you stay with me. But since it seems I'm not good enough for you anymore, why don't you just have your new best friend stand up for you as well," she snapped as she turned and walked away from Sara, throwing her sundae out as she passed by a trash bin.
"That so did not go well," Sara groaned. "Well, guess I needed you more than I thought," she continued as she looked at her ice cream, before pushing off the railing and heading up to their deck.
After leaving Sara, Liz didn't know where to go so she started wandering around the ship. She didn't want to run into Nick but she didin't want to go back to her room either. With a shrug to herself Liz decided to take a walk and do a little exploring having never really having explored the ship since she boarded. It took a while but Liz soon found herself on deck fifteen, having made her way up from deck four. Not quite sure what she would find on this deck she was surprised when she entered what appeared to be a chapel, if the cross near the front was any indication. Liz slowly made her way further into the chapel and lowered herself into one of the chairs, sighing heavily as she did so.
"Is everything all right, my Child?" asked a voice from behind Liz, causing her to turn and look at the person the voice belonged to.
"That's a good question, Father," she replied as the priest came and sat beside her.
"What's troubling you, Child?" pressed Father MacTaylor.
"Nothing...everything," replied Liz with a shrug.
"Would you like to talk about it?"
"Actually...if you wouldn't mind, Father," replied Liz hesitantly.
"Of course, Child," soothed Father MacTaylor. "
"Well..."
Tuesday December 20th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
Outside Room 6610
12:56 a.m.
"What do you want?" asked Liz quietly from just down the hall. She'd been wandering ever since leaving the chapel and all she wanted to do was collapse in bed and the last person she wanted to see was sitting up against her door with a cup a hot chocolate in her hand dozing lightly, blocking Liz's entry
Sara glanced up. "Been wondering if you decided to jump overboard and try your luck swimming back to port," Sara smiled slightly.
"Would it have made a difference if I had?" questioned Liz tiredly, her hand going to her back as she tried to stretch it out a bit.
"Well, I suspect I'd be sitting outside your door for a good while longer. Perhaps freak out Chavez when he and the others came around to attend to the cabins," Sara shrugged slightly. "Probably also drive everyone nuts watching me mope during my wedding and honeymoon because my best friend disappeared," she added softly.
"You didn't seem to mind my being gone for the past day or so," countered Liz. "I bet you didn't even notice I wasn't around."
"Well, okay let's think over the past thirty-two hours since we boarded the ship. So we had that muster thing, and we were together for it. Then you decided to lie down for a while, so didn't see you until dinner, but figured you were sleeping and didn't want to bother you. You didn't show up at dinner, so figured you were probably still tired. I remember what it was like when I was pregnant with Bertie; I was always tired. Didn't want to wake you then either, plus figured you'd get something to eat from room service and I'd see you today. In all honesty I didn't think of you after dinner, which was around...oh ten-thirty, but to be honest I didn't think of anyone as I was a bit otherwise occupied with my fiancé. So I fell asleep about...well I can't be sure but I think it as around well this time last night. Well I woke up for a while last night, but didn't think of you then, same reason as above. Then didn't get up until...I believe it was nearly ten this morning. Had lunch, was going to come see you, but Lindsey mentioned that she thought she'd seen you heading up towards the spa, although it was from the back and the person who she thought was you didn't respond. But I figured well, if she's heading to the spa, maybe she's going to get a back massage which I would kill myself if I interrupted her during so..." Sara shrugged. "Got something to eat, got dragged into a final check with the wedding planner here on ship, so of course thought of you then. Didn't get out of there until three-thirty. Then came back and quite honestly crashed. Woke up at six, and then had to run around getting dressed up. Wondered how you were doing, but never got a chance to call. We were late and barely made it to those damn pictures. Then arrived at dinner, noticed you were missing, thought about you and hoped that it was just that you were tired and avoiding certain people keeping you from dinner two nights in a row. After dinner, ditched everyone and bugged you, we had ice cream, split up, and I came up here and have been outside your door since..." Sara trailed off with another shrug.
"Are you drunk?" questioned Liz in concern.
Sara chuckled as she shook his head. "Just on chocolate. No, just stressed. No alcohol. Well, I did have one of those special coffees with dinner, where they make it by your table and light it on fire…which you haven't seen so why am I describing it," Sara trailed off shaking her head. "No, not drunk. Just immensely stressed. Never realized I would actually miss my mother or the rest of my family as much as I do right now because if they were alive, they would be the ones handling my dang wedding. Add to it us fighting, well I imagine neither of us is really relaxed right now," she finished looking up at Liz. "And you look like you feel like crap."
"That's one way of putting it," sighed Liz tiredly. "My back is killing me and I'm lucky if I get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep at night."
"Scary how similar our pregnancies were," Sara mused. "Have you tried herbal tea and a bubble bath before heading to bed?" she asked as she pushed herself back up to her feet.
"I'm lucky if I can actually get out of the tub so haven't really had that luxury," replied Liz. "I have a minor back injury from when I was a cheerleader in high school. It never interfered with doing it professionally but it's been brutal since I actually started gaining weight thanks to this little one," she said patting her stomach lightly.
"Eeek." Sara squeaked. "That is not good. Well, there goes that idea."
"Believe me Sara, if I could, I would love to submerse myself in a hot bath," Liz said stepping towards her door, now that Sara had stepped away from it. "Unfortunately I have no one to help me if I get stuck."
"That is a slight problem. And I honestly don't know if I'd be strong enough to get you out, or we'd both end up in the tub having to call Warrick for help," Sara mused. "Of course it would help if we had a tub on the ship before we considered this too," she smiled.
"And I'm not about to use one of the hot tubs and risk Nick seeing me," replied Liz as she stepped into her room. "Are you coming?"
"Of course," Sara smiled before following her in. "Besides, can you even use a hot tub?" she asked with a frown.
"Honestly? I have no idea." Liz said shaking her head as she shut the door behind her and leant back against it.
"One of those things about being pregnant. And breast-feeding. No broccoli, no spicy foods, no chocolate, no tea, no coffee..." Sara rattled off.
"I have to give up chocolate?" groaned Liz.
Sara giggled before looking back at Liz. "Honey, didn't you have chocolate tonight?" she asked with a smile. "Don't you think I would have stopped you if that was an actual rule?"
"You are so mean!" cried Liz as she walked by Sara, sticking her tongue out at her as she passed.
"Classic revenge passed down by pregnant women my girl. You should have seen me when I was told that one by Clarie, Nathaniel's wife, a.k.a. Jill's parents. I was hysterical at the thought of giving up chocolate. Chocolate and I were in bed together during those months."
"Hello. Chocolate is a food group. One I have become intimately acquainted with these past few months," replied Liz
"So true," Sara agreed. "It is a vital food group, takes over the meat group in my food pyramid."
"I'd give up breathing before I gave up my chocolate," Liz said as she walked into the bathroom with her pyjamas, emerging a few minutes later.
"Here, here." Sara agreed.
"I'm sorry," Sara began after a moment of silence
"I forgave you about two minutes after I walked away Sara," replied Liz quietly from where she was sitting on the edge of the bed, her gaze on her fidgeting hands.
"I had figured," Sara smiled softly. "Killer mood swings huh?"
"I've managed to keep them in check for so long I think they took the first outlet they could find and unfortunately that outlet was you."
"It's okay honey. Remember? Been there, done that. Besides, you could never stay mad at me. You worship the quicksand I walk on," Sara continued with a smile.
"Quicksand is right," teased Liz. "But seriously, you and Warrick are the only real family I have. Sure I have Calleigh and she'll always be really close to me but it's different than what I have with you and Warrick. And yes my father is still living but he hasn't been a part of my life for the longest time. You and Warrick, you took me in when nobody else would. You made me a part of something I only ever dreamed of and you're willing to help me deal with all these wonderful twists and turns life decides to throw at me. How could I stay mad at the one person who means the world to me?" replied Liz quietly.
"You can't. Just like I can never stay mad at you or Warrick," Sara shrugged. "So enough apologies. We're on our way to the Caribbean. I'm getting married in a week, Adonai help me, and I've got Greg as my fiancé's best man. Oi, now that is scary."
"You're not the one that has to have him lead you down the aisle," groaned Liz.
"True," Sara agreed with a grin. "Nor do I have to dance with him at the reception."
"Oh, my poor toes."
"Well, if it's any consolation. You don't have to worry about a ring and all that like Greg does," Sara smiled. "And he knows that not only will Warrick kill him if he manages to lose the ring from the time he unties it from Jonathon's pillow until he's supposed to give it to Warrick; I will, you will, the rest of the wedding party will, Jim will, Katrina will...and we both know he's still a small bit afraid of her and the whips, then Mia gets him..." Sara smirked.
"Very true but you have to remember Sara, my feet hurt all the time right now and the last thing I need is Greg tromping all over my poor sandaled feet."
"Good point," Sara agreed. "Wait, why are you wearing sandals? I thought we let you know you could wear ballet slippers or something," she asked looking over at her.
"I'm tempted to go barefoot at this point Sara," replied Liz. "My feet don't seem to like any kind of shoe on them at the moment."
"Well hey, we're going to be on sand. Go for it. Not so sure you can get away with it walking around the ship...but once we're at the lounge, I still say go for it. I'm so kicking off my shoes in the lounge..." Sara shrugged.
"Works for me, especially since I'm in a long dress. No one will know the difference."
"Exactly," Sara smiled. "But, it is now the better way towards two in the morning. We're docking in Bermuda in just over five hours and have an excursion only three hours after that...I think we need to get some sleep."
"Works for me," shrugged Liz.
"So, have a very serious question for you," Sara began as she rose from the couch. "Okay, make it two."
"You're going to make me think at this time of the morning?" whined Liz. "Okay, shoot," she continued a few minutes later.
"One, can I crash here for the rest of the night?"
"Like you had to ask," replied Liz throwing a pillow at Sara.
Catching it Sara grinned before taking on a serious look. "Liz, my darling best friend," she began with a sigh.
"Sara? What is it?" asked Liz worriedly.
"Can I stay here until the wedding?" she asked after a beat.
"Of course," smiled Liz. "Now, get your butt over here so the three of us can get some sleep."
"Thank God, I've been ready to drop since midnight," Sara grinned as she pounced on the bed. "You're brother, cousin, whatever figure you want to classify him as, kept me up half the night," she groaned as she rolled over and buried herself under the covers.
"I make no guarantees that I won't do the same," warned Liz as she lay back next to Sara.
"You keep me up half the night, and I'm playing Greg music the night before the wedding, stuffing cotton in my ears, and sleeping through it all to let you be exhausted at the wedding," Sara teased.
"Hey I'm just giving you fair warning here. It's not my fault that I can't sleep because either the little one here wakes me at all hours of the morning or my back is killing and I can't sleep. But maybe having you here will help since I always seem to sleep better at your house than my apartment anyway," countered Liz as she turned over to face Sara.
"Perhaps," Sara agreed. "I could always sing to put the munchkin to sleep," she offered. "Lullabies are my specialty. Four babies sort of teach you every one there is," she giggled.
"That might work. She's pretty active right now so anything to get her to quiet down so her mommy could sleep would be greatly appreciated."
Sara laughed once more before shifting. "Any requests?" she asked as she pulled the blanket up a little higher.
"Anything you want is fine," replied Liz around a yawn.
"Lullaby and good night
In the sky stars are bright
'Round your head Flowers gay
Set you slumbers till day "
"Close your eyes
Now and rest
May these hours
Be blessed"
"Good night dear child
In your white sheets
Rest happy
Dreaming of Heaven"
"When day will be back
You'll wake up again
When day will be back
You'll wake up again."
"Lullaby and good night
In the sky stars are bright
'Round your head
Flowers gay
Set you slumbers till day"
Sara sang softly. Glancing over at Liz she found her sound asleep. Smiling she rolled over and drifted off.
Tuesday December 20th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
Carmen Dining Room
9:32 p.m.
"And how was your meal ladies?" Mac asked as he and Nasser took their dishes.
"Fantastic," Sara smiled before looking over at Liz.
"Wonderful," agreed Liz
"Good to hear," Mac smiled. "And what would you like for desert?" he asked. "I know, one of everything," he began as Sara started to open her mouth. "Would you like to order now? Or wait?" he asked Liz with a smile.
"Oh...uhm...I think I'll just have whatever she doesn't eat if she's having one of everything on the menu," replied Liz uncertainly
Mac nodded and smiled before rising as Nasser stopped next to Liz. "Would you like some tea or another after dinner drink?"
"I'll have some Chamomile tea if you have it please," replied Liz.
"Of course," Nasser nodded as he flipped her cup around on the saucer, already having turned Sara's cup around, before disappearing after Mac. Moments later he returned with two individual pots of hot water, a small pitcher of cream, and a case. Opening it, he let Sara pick her tea bag before moving around to let Liz pick out a bag of chamomile. Disappearing once more, he appeared with Mac and to help disperse all the deserts among the two.
"Lovely fun being waited on hand and foot isn't it?" Sara asked with a smile after they had left once more, after being assured they were content.
"Fabulous." sighed Liz as she poured out her tea.
Sitting back Sara smiled. All in all it had been a good day. They'd gone on their shore excursion that morning, the Dolphin Encounter and Swim. All the girls had gone, and it had been quite wonderful. And the dolphins were so gentle. The guys had been gone an extra two hours then them, having taken the Kayak and Snorkel Combo tour. So lunch was just the girls again. After lunch, she had moved the things she would need for the week into Liz's cabin, and then the two had strolled the promenade and done a bit of window-shopping. And had more ice cream. Then that evening, everyone other than Liz and Sara herself had gone on the Island Spirit Sunset Cruise, with the intention of getting something to eat on land afterwards. Which gave them the privacy to attend the musical production, and enjoy a quiet meal. Mac had been surprised, but pleased; to finally meet the last member of the table, and no doubt the two men were quickly memorizing Liz's preferences. They already knew her's and the others. She hadn't had to ask about the shrimp cocktail along with whatever other option appetizer she wanted tonight, or the fact she wanted tea, or that she was only drinking water. She could get use to this.
"So, did you enjoy the day?" Sara asked as they split the Triple Chocolate cake.
"It was nice having a 'girls' day. And those dolphins..." Liz trailed of with a giddy smile.
"I know. I swear, I'm going to save money so I can do that whole train a dolphin for a day thing at Sea World now next time I go to California or Texas...or Florida," Sara smiled. "Or maybe I can convince Warrick to go to the Dolphin Research Center in Key West for our first honeymoon," she mused.
"Sara, that man would give you the world if he could," laughed Liz in reply
"I know. Scary isn't it?" Sara asked with a smile.
"No. Ideal. Sara you are so lucky to have him."
"I know," Sara sighed blissfully. "You know, not to be blissfully, bride-to-be optimistic. But you will find the guy for you Beth. I know it as much as I know the sun rises in the morning and sets at night."
"I know Sara. I found him already. Unfortunately, he belongs to someone else," sighed Liz sadly.
"Are you sure he's the one though? Perhaps Nick is your Grissom. And somewhere you got a Warrick who is taking his sweet time coming the long route to Vegas, and when he does get here, I'm going to kick his butt for taking so long..." she trailed off with an evil smile for a moment, before her lips took on her normal smile.
"I don't know Sara. I think Nick might be my Warrick if going by the way I hurt every time I even think about him. God I can't even be in the same room as him because I'm afraid of what it will do to me."
"I was the same way with Griss, Honey. Hell, the world thought I was suicidal after he left. It took Warrick a lot to bring me back after he left. But whether he's your Grissom or Warrick, I like to think that you'll be okay in time. After all, you haven't gotten as bad off as I was, and you got Warrick here. If he could pull me back from the brink, I imagine he can keep anyone from getting close. Especially those he's exceptionally close to," she finished with a shrug.
"Yeah well, I'm counting on you and Warrick to help me raise this little one," commented Liz.
"Oh, we'll be there. We get to enjoy parenting with you seeing as we're never going to be blessed with a child of our own after all," Sara smiled. "Well, we are throwing around the idea of adoption now. Damn cancer, damn lack of eggs," Sara frowned. "Okay, hand over the Crème Brule, I need a moment of ecstasy."
"Here," laughed Liz passing the requested dessert. "Sara, you know that even though I have little Nicole here, my offer still stands. All you have to do is ask."
"Oh God, I never told you, did I?" Sara asked looking over at Liz in shock. "God, I thought I had...but those first few weeks are rather much a blur..." she trailed off with another groan.
"Tell me what?" asked Liz confused
"They weren't able to harvest any of my eggs," Sara answered softly. "Wrong time of the month, whatever reason...it didn't work," she continued with a half shrug. "I still can't believe I didn't tell you back then, well, then again no one else knows, except Warrick...but I thought I had told you..." she trailed off shaking her head
"Oh Sara, I'm so sorry."
"It's okay, Honey, I've dealt with it. But as for your offer, I'm honoured, I know Warrick would be too, but we could never ask..."
"I don't seem to remember hearing you ask Sara. I'm offering. It's that simple. Just please think about it all right?" asked Liz.
"Alright, I'll think about. We'll think about it," Sara smiled softly. "Done with desert?" she asked as she glanced around.
"Don't you mean deserts?" laughed Liz as she licked her fork.
"Yup. I blame Sherry for this. She's in the cancer support group. She does this on all her cruises and passes the tradition to at least one female member of her table. She told me I had to do this. Thought she was a bit nuts till the first night. Now I swear she's a genius," Sara grinned.
"Remind me to thank this Sherry if I ever meet her," replied Liz with a smile
"Will do," Sara smiled as she finished her tea. "So, shall we go before the others think to look for us here?"
"Sounds like a plan," agreed Liz as she too finished her tea.
Making their ways upstairs, they reached their cabin just in time to see the Jacksons stepping out of the elevator with Jim and Katrina. Waving they ducked inside and shut the door before glancing at each other and breaking out in giggles.
"That was a bit close. How much you want to bet the rest of the group was in the next elevator?" Sara smiled.
"That's one bet I'd prefer not to take," commented Liz as she sat down on the sofa
"I quite agree," Sara smiled before they heard a knock on their door. "Warrick; has to be Warrick," Sara concluded. "I'll go chat with him, why don't you take the bathroom first?" she continued as she turned towards the door.
"Sure, I can trust you to be alone with Warrick?" Liz teased.
"In the hallway? Of course. It's not like we're back home or at the lab after all," Sara countered with a wink before opening the door and stepping outside, finding her fiancé waiting for her with a flower. "Oh it's beautiful," Sara smiled when she took the hibiscus from him. "What type is it?"
"Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis," he explained with a smile. "I saw it on the cruise and had to find one for you," he continued as she gently brushed the petals. The very center was a bright pink, with pale pink around it, moving out to sunny yellow towards the outside of the petals.
"Thank you. I take it the cruise was fun then?" she asked with a smile as she looked up at him.
"Would have been nicer had you been there," he countered with a smile. "How was your evening?"
"We had a lovely day. Strolled the Promenade, were spoiled by Mac and Nasser. All in all very nice."
"That's good," Warrick smiled as he reached up and tucked a strand of 'her' hair behind her ear.
"Hey you two, time to separate," Jim announced from his doorway across the hall and one door over from them. Rolling his eyes Warrick shrugged before turning towards him. "I'll make you a deal, Brass."
"What's that?" Jim asked with a smirk. "But if it gets you away from the bride so we don't have to worry about you two succumbing to passion and Sara later being angry at herself for breaking tradition, then I'll do just about anything," he added with a smile as Katrina joined him.
"That's what I was hoping you'd say. Can Sara borrow you're laptop?"
"Sure why?"
"Figured we could play a game of gin," he answered with a smile and she nodded.
"I like how your mind works," Sara smiled. "Jim, laptop please? I have a date with my online boyfriend."
"Oh really? What's his name?" Jim asked with a grin.
"Pianoman," Sara smiled.
"Pianoman...fits." Jim mused as he looked over at Warrick.
"What? Don't look at me. I'm meeting Desert Angel 71," he grinned before kissing Sara's cheek. "Have fun honey."
"Have fun with this Angel babe," Sara countered with a giggle before they watched him head down the hallway.
"You two are weird," Jim shook his head.
"Look who's talking there, Jim, half the world would think you two took the cake in that department," Sara said cheekily.
"Oh, give her the computer. I'm not listening to her talk about my love life," Jim groaned before heading back into the room. Katrina laughed before pulling Sara in long enough to get the laptop for her.
Once back in her own room, Sara set the laptop up while Liz was taking a shower from the sound of it. Three hands of Gin later, beating Warrick's butt each time while discussing their day, Liz emerged from the bathroom in her pyjamas, with a comb in one hand as she tried to untangle her wet hair, and a towel around her neck.
"Feel better?" Sara asked as she knocked with an Ace still in her hand, smirking when Warrick was stuck with ten points. Thank you very much pianoman. She typed.
"About as good as you could expect," shrugged Liz as she tossed her towel over on her bed. "What are you doing?"
"Playing Gin with Warrick. Jim caught us talking in the hallway. Played the big bad evil 'dad' and separated us, so Katrina loaned me their laptop so we can chat. Want to take over for a few hands? Friend of yours is on."
"Oh?" Liz asked as she looked over Sara's shoulder and read from Sara's comment of thanks
Pianoman: You're not very welcome.
Ballistics_Girl_74: Shouldn't you two be doing any number of things instead of playing Gin on Pogo while you're on your wedding cruise?
Pianoman: We've been kept separate, Jewish tradition taken to the extreme by our insane cruise mates.
Desert_Angel_71: It's not that bad, ok so the only time we see each other is at meals really, but Liz and I are having a blast. Even if we are avoiding the male population in general. You have to come next time we do a group cruise girl.
Ballistics_Girl_74: Tell my girl hi. Wish I could be there now. But we couldn't let both Cath and I go. Still don't know how you all pulled it off.
Pianoman: Genius Director of the Lab. :-)
"Sure I'll take over for a few," agreed Liz. Nodding Sara turned back to the laptop.
Desert_Angel_71: Hey guys, running to the shower, don't go getting thoughts there, babe. ;-) Liz going to take over.
Pianoman: Have fun, and what thoughts? ;-) Hey girl!
Ballistics_Girl_74: What he said, though with you on the theory about him and 'thoughts'. Hey Liz honey!
Standing Sara grinned. "Have fun. And so far he's lost three out of three, I think it's getting to him."
"I'll remember that," laughed Liz as she took over the laptop.
Desert_Angel_71: Hey Cal. Don't ask how they pulled it off. Just wish you were here. I miss you like crazy and I could so use you at the moment.
Ballistics_Girl_74: Oh honey, you okay? Miss you like mad too. Hmm maybe I can call in sick and fly down to your next stop and sneak aboard. Think they'd notice a stowaway on that big floating palace?
Pianoman: How are things going girl? Haven't had much chance to see you...what Calleigh said, you okay?
Desert_Angel_71: Trying not to stress too much as I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my health, especially at this point.
Ballistics_Girl_74: Darn straight (you know, there are times it stinks they don't allow curse words in here...)
Pianoman: LOL. Calleigh girl, calm down there. We don't need you getting kicked off Pogo. Sara would go nuts not being able to compete against you in Jigsaw Detective. Then she'd be after me to play puzzles with her... scary thought. And girl, it's going to be okay. Being around Nick harder than you thought?
Ballistics_Girl_74: Ha! You're just afraid to get beaten by your soon-to-be wife at a puzzle. Can't blame you, only thing she's better at is Word Whomp, and I don't even play her in that game.
Pianoman: Why do you think I don't play her at boggle? Give me Scrabble any day; at least there I have a chance. She can find some 60 words in the time I can get 30... -shakes head-
Ballistics_Girl_74: Here here. But here we are chattering away about Sara's insanity when it comes to competition in the game world and not letting the real person we are worried about talk.
Desert_Angel_71: I'm terrified of it, Rick.
Pianoman: Why are you terrified of me?
Ballistics_Girl_74: Why are you terrified of him?
Desert_Angel_71: Not of you Rick. God you and Sara are my lifelines right now.
Desert_Angel_71: I'm terrified of him finding out about my secret. I don't want him simply because he feels obligated to be with me because I have his child.
Pianoman: Good to hear. Was going to wonder what my goddaughter was dreaming about to put in your head. :-)
Pianoman: Oh girl :-(
Ballistics_Girl_74: Oh honey... :-( I wish we had something to tell you... But I'm with you on your theory about not wanting him to feel obligated.
Desert_Angel_71: It's just hard seeing him knowing I can't have him even though I'm carrying his child.
Ballistics_Girl_74: :-(
Pianoman: That why we haven't seen you at dinner? Well any meal really?
Pianoman: Can't say I blame you girl. But if that is the case, what do you say I meet you two for lunch tomorrow?
Desert_Angel_71: That is exactly why I haven't been to any of the meals. Sara and I had dinner tonight in the main dining room while you all were out on the cruise. Otherwise I just eat here in my room. I would love if you joined us Rick.
Pianoman: She said Mac and Nasser spoiled you. (Our waiter and assistant waiter. Mac from France, Nasser from Morocco for you Calleigh). So did Sar do the one of everything on you?
Desert_Angel_71: She did. Actually she didn't even have to ask.
Ballistics_Girl_74: Girl, not to have this come out wrong, but you shouldn't let him ruin your cruise for you. He's the one who is an idiot and a jerk (no offence Warrick, I know Nick is a friend of yours). If anyone should be uncomfortable, it's him. Hell, why don't we let him think you're pregnant with someone else's child? You said he didn't seem to believe you when you said you didn't love him; well wouldn't it drive the point home if you came out pregnant with someone else's child. A pregnancy that obviously happened sometime after he left, or even before, for all he knows... God, I'm sounding like a vindictive witch aren't I?
"She's got a point." Sara mused from behind Liz when Calliegh's comment came up less than a second after Liz had answered Warrick.
"Jesus Sara!" cried Liz startled. "Give a girl a little warning next time, will you?"
"Sorry," Sara answered with a sheepish smile as she tied her headscarf on over the growing hair on her head. "Cal continued," she continued with a nod towards the laptop. "Like her idea."
Ballistics_Girl_74: Oh and that is so cool about dinner. That's it. I have a theory, next year we have to take vacation at the same time and go on a cruise the three of us. And our shared daughter/goddaughter.
Desert_Angel_71: Sara likes your idea, Cal. Looks like you'll be taking vacation on your own next year Rick. And as for telling him it's someone else's that might be a little difficult to pull off if he figures out just how far a long I am. And even if he doesn't it won't take much for him to figure out when I conceived after she's born. He'll figure out that it was while he was in town last summer.
Pianoman: Hang on, cell phone ringing, no one speak till I get back ;-)
Ballistics_Girl_74: He thinks we'll listen?
Pianoman: Back, you two are going to love this. I have a message here... And I quote. "HELLO, girl this is why we continually tell you that you can go with the you're carrying a baby for Warrick and I! So it won't work after the fact, will get him to not question now. And by the time we all reach the point of delivery and appearance, I think you'd be a bit more ready to deal with it then". - Don't you love the modern genius of cell phones?
Glancing over at Sara, Liz found her sitting on the bed with her cell phone, and a smirk as she waved.
Ballistics_Girl_74: Wait, back up. Sara's got Warrick on the phone so she can be involved in this conversation too? Go Sara. :-)
Desert_Angel_71: Yes she is.
Liz typed before turning around and tossing a pillow at Sara.
Desert_Angel_71: And I know I can claim it as yours but that doesn't make it easier to see him. It ripped my heart out to push him away and it breaks my heart every time I see him knowing I can't have him.
Pianoman: She says thank you, she's not a certifiable genius for something. And Liz, stop throwing pillows at my fiancé. I want her in one piece for Monday. ;-)
Ballistics_Girl_74: Suddenly I'm a bit glad I'm not there. And last I checked, all of us rated as geniuses. Varying levels yes, but really now... And Sara's got a good idea there, Liz.
Desert_Angel_71: I'm not going to win this argument, am I?
Ballistics_Girl_74: About this? Probably not. But you know we only argue with you cause we love you and want to see you live your life yadda yadda yadda. But we'll also support you no matter what you choose. And if you decide to hide out in your room the rest of the cruise, then make sure you hop online and bug me in Pogo.
Desert_Angel_71: I'll have to steal Rick or Jim's laptop for that Cal. I left mine at home. I've been catching up on my reading the past few days enjoying the sun and the view of the ocean from my balcony chair.
Ballistics_Girl_74: No prob. I'm sure they'll let you if you ask.
Pianoman: Just ask and it's yours.
Pianoman: Sara says she will just steal Jim's for a few more days. And that we have to see the view from the balcony. Wait... she's on the balcony?
Ballistics_Girl_74: Hmm, he's suddenly silent. Wonder if he's making sure that she's not contemplating jumping off the balcony to avoid wedding plans.
Pianoman: No, I'm not. We're discussing wedding plans though.
Desert_Angel_71: They are so perfect together it's sickening.
Desert_Angel_71: Remind me again Cal why you sent me here?
Ballistics_Girl_74: Because I knew they and Vegas could, and turned out to be, good for you.
Ballistics_Girl_74: And hey! They weren't a couple when I sent you out there. That surprised me as much as everyone else in Miami...well, those of us who knew. H was floored to find out the guy who seemed to follow all the rules was dating a fellow CSI. Then showed them Sara's pic and he along with Delko caught on why
Pianoman: Sara - who knew, the way to hush the people in our world was to show them a picture of me.
Pianoman: Why didn't I think of that before now? - Warrick
Desert_Angel_71: Hey I thought I did a pretty good job of getting people to shut up when I show them my Halloween costume. Hey Cal, remember my days with the New Orleans Saints?
Ballistics_Girl_74: Remember? How can I forget? I adored that outfit. You wore it for Halloween?
Pianoman: Yes she did
Pianoman: Sara - you should have seen Greg when he saw her. Thought the boy was going to collapse.
Desert_Angel_71: I was afraid I'd have to give him CPR he was so close to hyperventilating.
Pianoman: I was more afraid that his fiancé would kill him.
Pianoman: Sara - I was more worried about other people killing him. Like Jim, or me...
Desert_Angel_71: I thought Archie was about to join Greg on the floor at one point.
Ballistics_Girl_74: Wish I could have been there, this sounds classic.
Pianoman: Well, we have a video we made of the last time through, our four guides going through together. We can send you a copy.
Pianoman: Sara - That was classic. Jim and Katrina were the scariest married monster couple I've ever seen.
Ballistics_Girl_74: That sounds interesting, you must send. So guessing you were a guide honey?
Desert_Angel_71: Dressed as a cheerleader? Most definitely. Not exactly the type of outfit Catherine would have approved of if she'd seen me in it, not after the whole thing with Lindsey being a cheerleader herself. Catherine really would have gone, excuse the term Cal, ballistic. She was so certain that Lindsey would end up stripping because she was a cheerleader. I can only imagine how she would have reacted if she'd seen me in my outfit before Lindsey graduated high school.
Ballistics_Girl_74: Honey, Cath wouldn't have freaked that bad, really. She just doesn't take change well. You'd be shocked how much she's loosened up since coming back from Vegas. All of us have been rather in fear she's going to morph back into the mood swing diva she was.
Desert_Angel_71: You'll have to excuse me Cal but it's just hard for me to think that she's changed that much. You especially know of my past with Catherine. And believe me there were times I was about ready to kill her myself.
Ballistics_Girl_74: That's completely understandable. Give her a few years to grow on you.
Pianoman: Sara - It's true, she does. We were far from close friends when I first came to Vegas...then again that was true for anyone other than Grissom...
Pianoman: Yeah, I remember when I first started working with her...she was a bit scary.
Ballistics_Girl_74: A bit?
Pianoman: Sara just pointed out the same statement.
Desert_Angel_71: I've heard Cal talk about the first time she met Catherine and you Rick when went to Miami on a case. Even Horatio was taken aback by Catherine's rather abrupt attitude. And not much fazes Horatio Caine.
Pianoman: Very true.
Ballistics_Girl_74: Well, as much as I hate to do this. I got to go. Wolfe and Delko are expecting me to meet them for drinks. I don't go...I'm afraid who they might wake up with tomorrow. Better yet the number of people they might wake up with tomorrow. Those two are too much the ladies men. -shakes head-
Pianoman: Sara - Have fun with them Calleigh. Don't end up in any strange beds yourself ;-)
Pianoman: I concur. But have fun Calleigh.
Ballistics_Girl_74: When do I ever end up in strange beds? I know every mattress there is on a first name basis thanks to work after all ;-) And will do on both counts. Have fun in Bermuda, or wherever it is you're going to end up next. And I want pictures from the wedding. And you; try not to stress too much Liz, and have fun honey. Nick Stokes can jump off an ever-loving bridge for all I care. Or pull a Titanic even maybe... Nah, that is a bit harsh. But maybe he'll miss call and get stuck in Bermuda. It's not like he's serving a major function in the wedding or anything ;-)
Desert_Angel_71: Thanks Cal. Can't wait to see you again.
Ballistics_Girl_74: Same here honey, same here. Night all.
Desert_Angel_71: Night Cal.
Pianoman: Night Calleigh. And night girl. Gonna let you two get some rest. It's not just late for Calliegh after all.
"We already said goodnight," Sara called softly as she shut the balcony door. "So you can just log off if you want."
"Okay," replied Liz before turning back to the laptop.
Desert_Angel_71: Night Rick.
Pianoman: Night Liz.
Liz turned the laptop off before closing it and putting it next to her on the bed. "You are insane girl."
"Known that my entire life girl," Sara countered as she plugged her cell back into the charger.
"It was good to speak with Cal again though," admitted Liz
"Thought you might enjoy that," Sara smiled. "Ready to crash?"
"More than ready," replied Liz before she yawned.
"Nicole want a song?" Sara asked already pretty sure of the answer.
"She would love one," smiled Liz as she put the laptop on the table before climbing into bed.
"I haven't slept this well in weeks."
"That's the beauty of having a best friend," Sara smiled as they crawled into bed. "Any requests?"
"Whatever you feel like," replied Liz with a slight shrug.
"Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine"
"Little one when you play
Don't you mind what you say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine"
"If they knew sweet little you
They'd end up loving you too
All those same people who cold you
What they'd give just for
The right to hold you."
"From your head to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows
But you're so precious to me
Cute as can be, baby of mine."
Liz was out cold once more. Smiling to herself, Sara rose and padded her way back to the laptop.
Pianoman: Welcome Back, Liz sleeping?
Desert_Angel_71: Like a baby.
Pianoman: So, I believe you were planning to beat my butt for the fourth time?
Desert_Angel_71: Not plan, do ;-)
Pianoman: Bring it on baby.
Wednesday December 22nd, 2001
Kings Wharf,
Bermuda Clocktower Shopping Mall
10:45 a.m.
"I don't think I've done this much walking or shopping in months," Sara smiled as she looked at the bags she was carrying. "Never wanted to accept those damn compensation checks, although technically it was the government's fault that he was able to get to us and all...but I'm sort of liking having this extra money to spend just the same," she continued with a laugh as they walked towards boutique.
"You and me both," agreed Liz. "Can you believe the things I found for Nicole?"
"No, they're adorable," Sara smiled. "Oooh, china shop...to look, to look," she grinned as she glanced over at Liz. "How you doing?" she asked as she moved around a table, looking at the various sets.
"Not to bad. At least we're making our way back towards the ship instead of the other way," Liz said.
"Very true," Sara agreed with a nod. "Right now, slipping into my suit and sunbathing on the balcony sounds lovely. Well, that and a few virgin drinks and ice cream," she added with a wink. "Lunch would be good too. Which I think we're supposed to meet Warrick at noon. He said he'd check on reservations since the 'team' was having their practice for the basketball tourney."
"Well, why don't we finish checking out these last few shops and then make our way back to the ship?" suggested Liz. "I know lunch with Rick and then sitting out on the balcony with a deck of cards, some ice cream and some virgin drinks sounds fantastic."
"Hadn't thought of the cards, smart woman," Sara grinned. "We can torment Greg later by saying he missed out on our strip poker match, lots of skin was bared..." she added with a wink as she picked up four individual teacup and saucer sets from four different designs.
"And he'll be kicking himself later," giggled Liz. "Ah but we get our payback in the form of the 'Mr. Sexy Legs' contest."
"Oh I know," Sara grinned as she paid for her purchases. "Well, you ask me, I think we hit every store around. Shall we go back to the ship?"
"Sounds like a wonderful idea," admitted Liz with a smile. "By the time we get back and drop off our stuff in my room it will be time to head over to Johnny Rocket's and meet Rick."
"Yup," Sara agreed as she gathered her new bag. "We should get back before anyone from the gang sees us. They'll think I've become a shopping maniac," she continued with a laugh as she held the door for Liz.
"I think they'd die of shock seeing you with those bags of yours," smiled Liz as they started back towards the dock.
"You and me both," Sara agreed with a smile.
"Well, that was a very productive yet expensive morning," commented Liz as she placed her bags on the bed a short while later before collapsing next to them.
"Very much so." Sara agreed as she joined her. "Cat nap?"
"What time are we meeting Rick?" asked Liz turning her head to look at Sara
"Noon. We still have an hour until we have to be there, we don't have to leave until five minutes before really."
"Then a cat nap sounds absolutely wonderful," sighed Liz.
Nodding Sara rose and helped her move her bags over to the table. Leaving her to nap, she headed over to the desk and popped open the laptop and plugging in her headphones. After she had been listening to the soundtrack of Wicked and playing Calleigh at Jigsaw Detective for a while, Sara logged off the laptop and woke Liz from her 'cat nap'. Heading out of their room, they made their way up to the 12th Deck to meet Warrick.
"There are my three lovely lunch companions," Warrick smiled when he saw them
"Hey Rick, how was your morning?" asked Liz as he pushed her chair in for her as she sat down before doing the same for Sara.
"It was...interesting," he smiled as he took his own seat. "What about you two? How was shopping?"
"Shopping was plentiful," smiled Liz in reply
"A lovely way to spend the morning," Sara agreed. "I found some more tea cups," she added as she opened her menu. And Liz girl found lots of things for our goddaughter."
"I'm having visions of a Caribbean theme for the nursery." admitted Liz.
"That sounds like a beautiful room," Warrick smiled. "And good to hear you had so much fun. It sounds like I'm going to need to get on Billy about building you more cases for your teacups," he continued with a half smile before looking at Liz. "Did you ever think when she contacted her family and inherited those tea cups from her grandmother's estate it would become such a large thing to collect teacups?"
"Everyone collects something. For Sara it's teacups," shrugged Liz.
"Thank you, Girl. And you're the one who suggested we build cases around the dining room for them all," Sara pointed out with a smile. "Besides can you blame me? It's tradition for Jacob women to collect teacups. Tradition that whoever is passed the collection must add to it. I've got six generations of Jacob women depending on me to continue the line. Right now I'm just making up for the ten years I missed out on continuing the collection for the family," she finished with a shrug as their waitress arrived.
"Hello, my name is Arrianna. Welcome to Johnny Rockets, can I get you something to drink?"
"Can I just have a Sprite please?" asked Liz.
"Of course," Arrianna smiled before looking at Sara then Warrick. Marking down their Chocolate Malt and Strawberry Milkshake she continued taking their order when they told her they were ready. Heading off with a smile and promise of their drinks and starters, they looked back at each other before smiling.
"So, enough talk of tea cups," Sara began.
"What shall we talk about then?" Warrick asked with a smirk. "Wedding details."
"Oh dear God, please, no more," Sara cried dramatically.
"The bride doesn't want to talk about her wedding? Someone call the papers! Wait, maybe we should call the cops. I don't think this is really Sara," teased Liz. "Who are you and what have you done with my friend?"
"She was killed by months of rehashing everything with the wedding planner," Sara countered as Arrianna returned with their drinks and the three plates, one of American Fries, one of Cheese Fries, and one of Onion Rings.
"Can't say I blame her, even I'm afraid of that woman," Warrick added as he snagged an onion ring from Sara's plate.
"Leave the Rings alone, or I'll steal your cheese fries," Sara ordered as she slapped at his hand slightly. "Mine," she continued with a smile.
"Could you be a little more possessive there Sara?" teased Liz.
"Technically, I could," Sara grinned. "I could take my beloved onion rings and go to another table," she added with a wink.
"There are no free tables here," Warrick pointed out with a laugh.
"Darn, there go my plans for the afternoon.
"Would you two like to be alone?" Warrick asked with a smile.
"Maybe we should just leave Sara and her onion rings in peace?"
"Nah, I much prefer the living company," Sara laughed.
"Good because I don't think my ego could take knowing you preferred the company of onion rings to your best friend," replied Liz as she put a fry in her mouth, "So Rick, what was so interesting about your day?" she asked a moment later.
"Nothing," he answered with a shrug. "We practiced till we were dead on our feet, the entire time I was counting the minutes until our lunch."
"Sounds rather uninteresting then," Sara agreed with a smile. "How will you ever survive the rest of the days until the cruise when no one will be dictating your life to keep you away from your three favorite ladies?"
"I have no idea in all honesty," Warrick gave another half-shrug. "Probably go insane."
"We both know he is actually quite enjoying the time with the boys, and still he tries to make us feel like princesses by saying he doesn't," Sara mused as she glanced at Liz. "How did we get so lucky to have him in our lives?"
"I have no idea," replied Liz shaking her head. "Fate I guess."
"God, I love fate then," Sara grinned.
"Me too," agreed Liz returning Sara's smile. "I thank fate everyday for taking me to Miami which led me to Vegas."
"And Calliegh," Warrick pointed out as their food arrived.
"Of course Calleigh," agreed Liz.
"A toast, to Calleigh and everyone else responsible for the three of us being here today," Sara proposed with a smile.
"To Calleigh," they chorused with a smile before turning their attention to their meals and other topics of conversation.