Chapter 8
Agent Shea Salazar gathered the team in the meeting room and handed out new case files. "Another case completed which means a new one to work on. Remember, we are making a difference even if it's not that visible."
Gina tried to listen to her boss drone on and on about the new case but she couldn't focus. Her mind was on Elliot Beckett and their possibly upcoming date. She was anxious about her feelings towards Elliot.
Gina didn't realize the meeting was over until there was a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to find Shea starting at her with a worried look and she blushed.
"Someone on your mind?" Shea questioned with a small smile.
"Yeah," Gina nodded, slowly gathering up her paperwork. "Elliot texted me a few days after I called and got her voicemail. I like her but I lied about having a boyfriend."
Shea hummed. "Why?"
"I panicked a bit," Gina explained. "She lost her husband not too long ago and I'm scared that she's just transferring that lost love feeling onto me. I'm not a rebound."
"And what if she's already done grieving her loss?" Shea asked. "What was her reply after you told her that you have a boyfriend?"
Gina sighed. "She still wants to be friends with me. She was quite honest and bold about that. Plus she asked me to brunch and corrected me when I said friend date."
Shea smirked. "You set the boundaries and she's respecting them. I'm guessing her kid likes you too."
"Reese does," Gina smiled warmly. "Cute kid. She'll be a heartbreaker."
Shea patted Gina on the back. "Just hang out with her and talk it out. She knows herself more than you currently do so go research when you're not at work. I need you to focus on the new case."
"Thanks, Shea," Gina beamed. "I needed this talk."
"Anytime," Shea grinned. "Now back to work."
/ - / - /
[Gina] Hi, Elliot. Are you busy?
[El] Never too busy for a friend
[El] So what's up?
[Gina] I'm free this Saturday for brunch and other things
[El] Other things? You shouldn't put ideas into my head
[Gina] What kind of ideas?
[El] I was thinking a trip to the spa would be good
[El] I'm feeling tense from interviewing new staff members
[Gina] Spa sounds good. New staff?
[El] A few of them jumped ship for a new restaurant a block away
[Gina] *gasp* Those traitors!
[El] Thank you for taking my side. Anyways, the spa has a morning opening on Saturday. You in?
[Gina] Yeah. I'll drive to your place.
[El] Would you mind driving my car on Saturday?
[Gina] No, why?
[El] My 1996 Lexus LS400 needs a driver and gas. I still have a fear of being in a car...
[Gina] Don't worry. I'll save you.
[El] My knight in shining armor. Come by at 7 and enjoy a light breakfast before we head to the spa. Although we need to drop Reese off at her uncle's.
[Gina] Got it. Make it vegan.
[El] Vegan it is. Anything, milady?
[Gina] Have a good night, El. Need to get some Zzzs.
[El] Good night and sweet dreams, Gina