Reaching Out

Chapter 22

Two days later…

Lindsey turned back one more time, stopping in the doorway of their bedroom to look at Megan who was sleeping peacefully. Finally there were all settled in their new apartment. Her mother and Sara had just gone out to do some grocery shopping, while Magda had left for work.

After closing the door behind her she walked over to the living area where Sam was settled on the couch.

"Still sleeping?" the short-haired blonde asked.

"Yes," Lindsey replied as she sat down next to Sam. "I told her she shouldn't move around that much." The young woman shrugged before continuing, "But she's a Sidle…Stubborn."

Sam snorted, remembering two rather stubborn women…And their last name wasn't Sidle.

"Hey! Watch it," Lindsey said, poking the paramedic's ribs with her plaster cast-free fingers.

"Ouch."Sam rubbed the offended ribs, a look of mock hurt appearing on her face.

Lindsey reached for her glass of orange juice. "So how are you and Magda doing?" she asked before she downed a gulp.

Sam wasn't expecting that question. She had briefly talked to Magda that afternoon. She had just arrived after her shift while Magda had been on her way back to the SF Inn again. As she looked up towards the young woman she was met with curious eyes. She blushed as she scratched the back of her neck. "Lunch was…Nice."

"Nice? Just nice?" Lindsey started. "Come on…How did it really go?"

Sam smiled. "We talked."

The young blonde sighed, shaking her head. "And?"

"And…That's it. We had lunch, we talked. We're…" Sam started, clearing her throat before continuing, "We're on friendly terms again."

Lindsey smiled. "That's good. Great."

"Yeah," Sam said shyly. "She's doing much better now."

"What happened between you two?" Lindsey inquired.

Sam closed her eyes, shaking her head. "Long story..."

"Okay." the young woman nodded in understanding as she curled her legs underneath herself. Thinking that topic was closed, she remembered her mother and Sara were flying back to Vegas in two days.

"Could y-"

"We'd b-"

The two locked eyes, Lindsey holding up her hand, motioning for Sam to continue. "We'd been together for several years, when she started to fall down. She didn't want my help and pushed me away," Sam said quietly. "But she's got her life back on track."

"Are the two of you getting back together again?"

"No," Sam said a little too quickly. "We only just started talking again."

Lindsey raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "So, you're not getting back together yet?"

Sam blushed again. "No," she started. "Not yet." Finally she voiced what she'd know all along. Part of her still cared deeply for Magda and still hoped that they would get back together again. However, there was could also still feel the pain Magda had caused when she'd pushed her away, and that made her very cautious this time.

"Well," Lindsey started as she patted the paramedic's shoulder. "As a wise paramedic once told me, don't give up on her."

Sam smiled. "I won't. Now, what were you going to ask me?"

"Well, Megan and I hoped you, and perhaps Magda, could go with us when we bring Mom and Sara to the airport."

"I'll have to check my schedule. Day after tomorrow, right?" Sam asked as she took her BlackBerry out of her pocket.

"Yeah. They're flying at 2 am."

"Hmmm," Sam started as she checked her schedule. "I'll have to see if I can change my shift. I'll let you know."

"Okay." Lindsey nodded. "I'll call Magda tonight. Unless…" she added as she smirked at the paramedic again.

"Unless what?"

"Unless the two of you are going out on a date tonight?"

This time it was Sam who poked Lindsey. "I told you we were just getting on friendly terms again." Getting up from the couch, she stretched her arms above her head and tried to loosen the muscles in her shoulders.

"Right," Lindsey replied with a snicker.

Sam picked up a pillow from the couch and threw it at Lindsey. "Well, seeing as how you're only making fun of me, I think it's time for me to go." She walked to the front door and grabbed her jacket from the coat rack. "You know you can call me whenever you guys need something, right?"

Lindsey looked up at the short-haired blonde. "Yes, Sam," she replied, a smile on her face.

"Good," Sam said, as she donned her dark blue paramedics jacket. As she opened the door she waved once, then turned to leave.

*-*-*-*-*

After they dropped off the groceries at Lindsey and Magda's apartment, Catherine and Sara headed for the SF Inn again. They were tired. Both physically as well as emotionally, the last days had been very draining.

As the two women were walking across the parking lot towards the entrance of the Inn, Catherine spoke up, breaking the silence that had hung between them from the moment they'd left the girls. "Sara?" she started, trying to get the brunette's attention.

"Hm?" Sara stopped, turning back to Catherine as she shoved her hands in the back pockets of her jeans.

Catherine reached for Sara, placing a hand on the taller woman's shoulder. "Look, we're both tired. How about we order some room service and have an early night?"

Sara smiled. "Sounds like a good idea," she said as she locked her eyes on Catherine's. She saw the tiredness in Catherine's eyes, but now -the first time she really dared to look into Catherine's eyes, into Catherine's soul- she saw so much more in those sapphire eyes.

"After these hectic days a quiet, relaxing night is very welcome. Plus," Sara started, but it was Catherine who finished her sentence. "It gives us a chance to talk," Catherine said, her eyes still locked on Sara's.

Sara nodded. "Yes," she whispered. "Come on. Let's go." And together they headed for the Inn's entrance.

They entered their room and as Sara took Catherine's jacket she said, "Listen, why don't you go and have a nice soak in that huge bath tub. I'll order us something to eat."

Catherine turned back to face the younger woman and pulled her in for a hug. Catherine was amazed by how good it felt to be in Sara's arms. How perfect they fit together. "I'm glad I have you to get through this," she said as she leaned back and looked up into Sara's dark eyes.

"I'm glad Megan has Lindsey to get through this," Sara smiled. Slowly, she leaned in and let her lips softly graze Catherine's. "Now, go try out that bath. Then, during dinner, we can talk."

Catherine nodded. "Okay." She pulled Sara close for one last hug, then headed for the bathroom.

After ordering their dinner, Sara slumped down on the couch, kicked off her shoes and turned on the TV. She smiled as she heard a soft singing coming from the bathroom. Turning her head a bit towards the bathroom she started to listen attentively to Catherine's voice. The velvety sound of the strawberry blonde's voice sent tingling sensations up and down her spine.

Just as Sara turned the TV's volume down to hear more of Catherine's beautiful soothing voice, she stopped singing, almost as if she knew Sara was eavesdropping on her. With the mesmerizing sound now gone, the spell was broken and Sara turned her attention back to the TV, settling on an old Hitchcock film.

About half an hour later, dinner arrived. Just as she opened the bottle of wine, Catherine walked back into the room. "All relaxed?" Sara asked as she handed her one of the glasses she'd just filled with red French wine.

"Yes," Catherine replied. "It was very nice." As she watched Sara set everything out on the table the lovely aroma's of the food she'd ordered filled her nose. "Smells wonderful."

"Well, Ma'am," Sara started as she motioned to the chair. "Please take your seat, and let's see what Magda has cooked for us."

*-*-*-*-*

Within no time both their plates were empty. The food the Inn's chef had prepared had been delicious, and now, the two women were completely sated. Catherine swirled the last bit of wine she had in her glass. "Magda's a magnificent chef," she said.

"She is," Sara agreed. "Sam told me they talked," she added as an afterthought.

"Yeah? That's good." Catherine drank the last bit of wine, put the glass back on the table, then stood up. "Shall we talk have our talk on the couch?"

Sara nodded, standing up as well. Walking over to the couch she settled down at one end of the couch, waiting for the strawberry blonde to join her. "Do you want some more wine?" Sara asked. "There's another bottle left."

"No, thank you," Catherine said as she sat down next to Sara. Taking the brunette's hand, Catherine started to smile. "This is a bit awkward, isn't it?"

Sara smiled her gap-toothed smile. "A bit, yes," she replied as she linked her fingers through Catherine's. "I…" she started, but didn't really know how to continue.

Catherine propped her legs up on the couch, sitting close to Sara, though the only place they were touching being their entwined hands. She knew she should give Sara a few to gather her thoughts and let her get out what she needed to say.

"Do you think that this is just the result of what happened with Megan and Lindsey?" Sara suddenly asked.

"No," Catherine started. "It might have speeded up things, but you and I both know this has been going on for much longer."

Sara reached out and cupped Catherine's cheek. She let her thumb trace the luscious lips. "I never had enough guts to tell you how I feel about you." Sara said softly. "Showing my feelings, being open about them, is something my family beat out of me," she added in a whisper.

She looked up from Catherine's lips into her sapphire eyes. "But these last few days, even though it things were looking bad, I was so glad you were here. We didn't talk about it before now, but being together during this…I now realize that I can't evade these feelings any longer, Catherine. I'm in love with you," Sara said. "Have been for quite a while now."

Catherine's lips showed a small smile. "Do you remember when we went for our first after-shift drink with the team?"

Sara thought back to one of the first weeks of when she'd joined the Las Vegas Crime Scene Unit and nodded slowly, her eyes still locked with Catherine's.

"That's when I knew."

"And you never…?" Sara trailed off as Catherine started to shake her head. "No," Catherine said. "You never showed any interest. Or so I thought. Perhaps if I'd looked more closely…"

This time Sara shook her head. "You still wouldn't have known. I'm a very private person when it comes to my feelings. Always have been."

Catherine leaned in closer, unconsciously wetting her lips with the tip of her tongue. "If you don't want this, now is the time to say so."

Sara knew that this definitely was what she wanted. She wanted Catherine. Had been wanting her for years now. Leaning in, she closed the distance between them, kissing Catherine slowly.

Before she realized what happened, Catherine had straddled her lap and wrapped arms around her neck. The kisses that had started as slow, loving kisses soon grew passionate and hungry. Sara's hands settled on Catherine's hips, her fingers finding small patches of uncovered skin. Raking her nails across the soft flesh she made Catherine moan into their kiss.

Feeling breathless, Catherine rested her forehead against Sara's. "Wow," the older woman said, a grin plastered on her face. "If I'd known you were such a great kisser-"

But before Catherine could finish her sentence, Sara had claimed her lips in another passionate kiss. Her hands were itching to touch more of Catherine's hot flesh and so, Sara's hands sneaked underneath her shirt. She caressed Catherine's back, all the while kissing her, their tongues dueling to dominate the kiss.

"Sara," Catherine muttered into their kiss. The brunette's eyes fluttered open, revealing dark, lust-filled eyes. Cupping Sara's head in both her hands, Catherine made sure she had her attention before she spoke again. "I want to make love with you," she practically whispered, her voice trembling in anticipation.

Sara nodded. "I want that too," she said. Pulling Catherine close for a hug, Sara buried her nose in Catherine's neck, taking in the strawberry blonde's scent. Making sure she had a tight grip on Catherine, Sara stood up from the couch. Catherine, surprised by Sara's strength, quickly wrapped her legs around Sara's waist. And with their bodies entwined like that, they headed for the bedroom.

*-*-*-*-*

Sam got out of the shower stall, a towel wrapped around her body. She always enjoyed a nice long shower after her five mile run. Sam looked at herself in the mirror above the bathroom sink, running a hand through her damp hair. She needed a haircut.

A small smile tugged at her lips. Sam couldn't help but think of Magda's fondness of her hair. "More like a fetish," the paramedic said to herself, chuckling as she remembered the first time that Magda had practically attacked her hair.

She walked into her bedroom and sat down on her bed. Grabbing her cell phone from her nightstand she gathered all her nerves and decided to call the Latina. The first steps had been taken, and now they were trying to piece their friendship back together again. They still had a long way to go, still had a lot to talk about. But deep down, Sam knew it was worth it.

After dialing the number it took only a few seconds before the phone was answered. "Hello?"

"Magda? It's Sam. I hope I didn't wake you."

"Hi, hey. No you didn't. I just got home from a late shift," Magda replied, sounding very chipper.

"Ah, okay. How are you?" Sam asked, raking her fingers through her hair again, this time trying to get her nerves to settle.

"Good, thanks. You?"

"Fine," Sam said. "Listen, would you like to go for a coffee or lunch…Or something?" Sam knew she'd started rambling, but she couldn't stop herself. "Tomorrow?" she added quickly. "Or if you're too busy-"

"Sam," Magda interrupted.

"Yes?"

"Take a deep breath, Sam. Calm down."

As Sam did what she was told, she heard the small chuckle coming from the other Latina. "Yeah, uhm…Right."

"I'm off at noon. We could have lunch together tomorrow?" Magda continued, deciding not to tease Sam any longer.

Finally getting her act together again, Sam cleared her throat before speaking up again. "That would be nice. Shall I pick you up at the Inn?"

"Sure."

"Twelve thirty okay?"

"Yes. That's fine. Shall we go to that nice bistro near Union Square?"

Remembering the bistro Magda was referring to, Sam smiled. "I haven't been there in a while."

"Neither have I," Magda replied softly. "Well, see you tomorrow then."

"Till tomorrow. Bye." Sam threw her cell phone next to her on the bed. She let herself fall back on the bed as well, knocking the breath out of her lungs, then taking in a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart. Get a grip, Samantha. You're acting like a teenager, she berated herself mentally.

Then, as the realization of the fact that she would be going on a date with Magda tomorrow set in, a big smile appeared on her face. A date? Is it a date? She asked herself. Do I want it to be a date? "Yes," she said aloud.

Continued…

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