Aaron Hotchner was on his phone. He was barely listening to the person on the other line. He was staring at the picture of his son. He knew exactly what to say, when to say it. He glanced up to the bullpen and looked back down. It wasn't long before his head shot back up. He was surprised that Rachel was standing in the bullpen, talking to Emily Prentiss. Prentiss pointed to Hotch's office and smiled. Hotch frowned. What's she doing here? He impulsively ran his fingers through his hair and fixed his tie before the knock came on the door.
He grabbed a pen and bent his head down. "Come in."
Rachel walked in. "Nice place you got here." She walked into the office. Aaron smiled at her. "I tried calling you, but..."
"I haven't been home."
"I didn't have your cell number." Rachel leaned over and fingered the diploma on the wall over the couch. "I was worried about you."
"You shouldn't have been." He stood up and walked to the front of his desk.
"After the other night, can you blame me?"
"Yeah, sorry if I scared you."
She turned to face him. "Jack's miserable."
Hotch smiled. "And Haley?"
Rachel turned away. "She's trying to keep him happy."
"Has she said anything?"
"No."
Aaron nodded, knowing that was a lie. "How's Arya?"
"Oh, she's coping with the terrible twos... I just don't think I am... She misses you though... Every Sunday, she just...sits on the carpet... I think she's expecting uncle Aaron to come in and play."
"I'm sorry."
Rachel frowned. "How is any of this your fault?"
Aaron indicated the room. "It's not like I saw my family everyday."
"You know that when Jack grows up, he'll understand."
"I'm not too sure."
Rachel nodded. "I should go." She went to the door and turned back to him. "Come to dinner on Saturday."
"I don't think I'll be able to."
"Well, Arya misses you. And you're family, who needs someone. So if you change your mind, I'm at the same place."
Aaron nodded. "I'll see if I can."