<< Chapter 12: Modeling >>

“Gil I’m so surprised you agreed to come.”

“So am I.” He replied as he rolled his eyes. Lindsey had decided to tag along, and for Gil, the situation was worse. Here he was, with the two Willows, in Seattle’s biggest outlet mall.

They were just entering the mall. It was bustling, even during early hours. The three stopped, all pondering on what to do next.

“So what are you supposed to do, when you’re at a place like this?” Gil asked, as he felt Catherine link her arm in his, and Lindsey take hold of his other arm.

“Follow my lead.” Lindsey said to Gil as the two dragged him into the nearest store, Ralph Lauren.

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When Gil changed into the loose jeans and a white cotton long sleeve sweater, he noticed that he had lost weight since…he couldn’t remember. He hadn’t done any exercise or anything, but he guessed it was after she left Vegas. He realized he looked ten years younger in the clothes that Lindsey had picked out for him. He was shy pulling back the curtains and turning once for them to see.

“I told you, you’d look great!” Lindsey exclaimed as she took a few steps towards him. Gil realized how much taller Lindsey was; she was now Catherine’s height, and Gil gulped as she fingered the material of his sweater. “Don’t you think he looks great, mom?” Catherine stood up, and walked over to them.

“He looks very cute, Lindsey. Good choices.” Catherine replied. Gil didn’t even notice as Lindsey took his wallet and the tags from his clothes as he held Catherine’s gaze. She walked right up to him and she put her hand on his arm. “See? You should wear these more often. Don’t hide in black clothes, Gil.”

“Yeah. Okay.” He replied as he nodded.

“So you’re really okay with being our mannequin for today? Catherine asked, when Lindsey came back with the receipt and led the way out of the store.

“As long as it’s you that’s dressing me.” He told her as he smirked. She playfully nudged his arm with her head, as she giggled.

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It was just five o’clock when they arrived back at Catherine’s house. They were all carrying at least two bags each. Two-thirds of it was to be Gil’s and the other third was Lindsey’s. To Gil’s surprise, Catherine had refused to buy any clothes, and he guessed she was afraid he might buy her something. Their feet were aching as they all plopped down onto the couch with a groan.

“That’s the last time I’m ever doing that.” Gil announced firmly, and Lindsey giggled. “I’m serious. I’m set for life.”

“Yeah. We really did spend quite a bit.” Catherine added, drawing another groan from Gil. “Mr. Grissom, I’m afraid you may be broke.”

“Yeah, I’ll just work more. What else do I have to do?” He half-heartedly joked, but he knew he really had nothing to go back to other than the lab.

“I’m going upstairs, okay? Call me for dinner. Until then…keep your hands to yourself, Uncle Gil.”

“Lindsey!” Catherine exclaimed in shock, but all she was answered by Lindsey’s running up the stairs. Catherine chuckled, and Gil scoffed as he shook his head. “She’s partly right you know, Gil. You couldn’t keep your hands or eyes off me at the mall.”

“I know.” He replied as he looked at her. She smiled at him and he fidgeted.

“So…what about dinner? Are you going to grace us with your company?” She asked, making him laugh.

“It would be an honour for me to sit at the same table as the Willows Family.” He told her, then he realized that they may soon become the Gates family and he was afraid. He had never liked it when she changed her name to Willows, although it flowed; and now it just simply stuck. But he doubted that Ian would be happy with Catherine keeping her dead ex-husband’s name.

“Hmm..how does roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, sound?” She asked, as she got up from the sofa, headed to the kitchen.

“Sounds absolutely delicious. Can I help?” He got up, wiping his hands on his new jeans.

“Sure. Help me cook the gravy.” She requested as she drew out the ingredients for him. When he was set with an apron, which made Catherine burst out in giggles, he cleared his throat.

“Bam.”