Reid's cell phone began ringing. Automatically he reached for it and checked the incoming number. Darn, it was his father again. He started to send it to voicemail.
"Is that your father? I had better talk to him." The girl seemed sure of herself as she reached over and took the phone from Reid. He let it go without resisting.
"Hello, Mr. Reid?" she answered the phone. "Yes, it's Emma. No, you didn't dial me by mistake. I'm here with 'Dr.' Reid and answered his phone. Yes, we are both okay. No, I haven't had a chance to talk to him, he just got here."
She glanced over at Reid. "No, I don't think he can to talk to you at the moment. He's kind of in shock."
Reid continued listening to the one-sided conversation.
"Don't worry! As long as we are together, we should be okay. Do you want me to check in with you tomorrow morning - Will that make you feel better? What time? No, I'll call you. What time do you usually get up? No – No – Don't worry. Will 8 o'clock your time work? Okay, I'll call and let you know. Bye now!"
It was a confusing conversation and Reid didn't understand what was going on. That was unusual for him, and he wasn't at all comfortable with it.
Emma handed his cell phone back to him and gave him a searching look. "Okay, 'Dr.' Reid, we need to talk!"
"What is going on? Is my father involved in something? How do you know my father?" Reid demanded. None of this made any sense to him, and he hated that he had no idea of what was going on. He was always the one who had all the answers.
"I don't really know your father, 'Dr.' Reid. It's just that when I decided this situation had to be resolved, I looked him up to see what could be done. He told me where to find you." Emma seemed to think that explained everything.
"What situation? What is going on?" Reid demanded loudly.
"Okay, 'Dr.' Reid, take a deep breath. This is going to take some time – " Emma was speaking slowly and carefully to him.
Reid interrupted her, raising his voice even louder. "I don't need to take a deep breath – And stop calling me that!" For some reason the way she kept emphasizing the 'Dr.' title grated on him.
"What should I call you – Husband Dearest?" She nearly shouted it at him and Reid realized that, despite her polished façade, she was actually a very scared and upset young girl.
Emma closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Oh, Oh – Okay, that wasn't fair and I apologize. I have had a long, frustrating day, and this situation is starting to get to me. And, I understand that you honestly don't know what's going on. Let's start over."
Emma held out hand, "Hello, Dr. Reid. My name is Emma Nichole Porter and, on paper at least, I am your wife."
Reid just stared at her.
Emma continued, "You are supposed to respond 'Call me _'." She paused before continuing. "Listen, is there a coffee shop around here someplace where we can sit and talk? I don't think your neighbors need to hear this. Or, if you prefer, we can talk tomorrow. I need to find a place to stay tonight anyway."
Reid thought quickly. "I think I had better – Maybe you had better come in. Let me get this stuff picked up first."
He knelt down and began picking up his dropped groceries.
Emma hesitated a moment before kneeling down and helping. "If you are sure, let me help you. You dinner seems to be all over the hallway."