Repata: A Love Story

Trusting the Team

Chapter 8

It's been a week since Tasha and the team returned from Croatia. She kept her promise early and stayed at Reade's apartment. They are starting to settle into a routine. Reade has discovered that Tasha is not a morning person, especially on the weekends. He went out to buy a coffeemaker for her because she's a bit difficult on any day until she's had that first cup.

At the same time Tasha has discovered that Reade IS a morning person. He is too chipper, too early for her. And he's super slow getting ready for work. To compromise they share morning bathroom time whenever possible. Shared shower time is reserved for the weekends because there's no doubt they would be late everyday due to that "distraction".

Reade is concerned that Zapata hasn't heard more concrete details about the deep cover op. Reade did have a follow up conversation with Keaton regarding their "agreement" and his attitude towards Tasha now that he knows about the op. Tasha, on the other hand, hasn't said much because she'd rather not think about being away from Reade. It is becoming obvious to both of them that the more time they spend together, the more they are seriously falling deeper in love. Their favorite conversation is why they waited so long to give in to their feelings. Their second topic of conversation is how and when to tell the team about their relationship.

When Reade told Tasha that Patterson had already figured out they were together she wasn't surprised. She wanted to tell the whole team as soon possible, but certainly before she infiltrates HCI Global. Usually her commitment phobia gets in the way. But not this time. She doesn't want Reade to carry the burden of her op without support. She's beginning to see that she has a team and working alone is not always best. So tomorrow Reade will invite the team over Friday to celebrate them and the limited success of the Croatia mission.

The next morning at work Reade was about to ask Patterson to gather everyone at her lab to invite them over. Before he could do that Kurt and Jane walked into his office to share some information they had learned about Hank Crawford. When they were done Reade took the opportunity to tell them about the gathering at his apartment. "No offense Reade, but our apartment can accommodate the entire team and it's no trouble at all", Jane said as a counteroffer. Kurt agreed and said that Bethany, his 4 year-old daughter, would also be there which was a good reason to host the team. It made sense and Reade agreed provided they allowed him to bring all the refreshments and food. Everyone will be there by 7 pm. Reade found Tasha in the locker room and told her the change in plans. He then asked the team to meet in Conference Room. He invited them to his celebration hosted by the Wellers. Rich joked by asking if they could bring a plus one, and if Reade's date would be Tasha. Reade was extra careful not to look at Tasha but saw Patterson glare at Rich. He simply said, "Rich, I'm engaged, remember? Bring whoever you want. See you Friday." Reade suspected that Patterson already said something to Rich about their budding relationship because they were close and he is rather nosey.

Later that evening Reade and Tasha were eating dinner and laughing about Rich's attempt at making them feel uncomfortable again. "We're going to blow their minds when we walk in hand-in-hand, Tasha said with a mischievous grin. "So you're ok with PDA now Tasha?", was Reade's reply. He loves this "new" Tasha Zapata and she amazes him every day. "With you, yes I am", she said as she smiled and touched his face. "What about the op?", Reade continued. "Do we tell them about that too?" "Reade I don't want you concerned about me with no one to support you. Yes, we should tell them." Reade could see that Tasha was changing, putting her trust in him and the team. He wondered if he should tell her about his "arrangement" with Keaton. For the moment he decided to say nothing. His super spy, the love of his life, would not willingly share the rough parts of the mission if she thought it would upset him. He was hoping he would not come to regret this decision and lose her trust.