It was a short drive from the restaurant to Emma's apartment, and soon everyone was walking down a shabby hallway towards her front door.
"Here we are," Emma announced as she stopped in front of a door, and then took a second look at her doormat.
"It appears that there is a – dead creature – " Garcia began.
"The building manager's cat," Emma laughed. "I think he is in love with me. This is the third present he has left me. I really don't know where he is getting them from. I thought he was an indoor cat who never left the building."
"The third rat?" Rossi questioned thoughtfully.
"The second rat," Emma corrected him. "It was a bird the last time." She got out her key, put it into the lock, and turned it. "Just step over it. I'll get a plastic bag in a couple of minutes and get rid of it."
Everyone looked around curiously as they walked into the apartment. While the place was clean and neatly organized, the furniture was old and showed signs of having seen better days while the carpeting was definitely in need of replacement.
"I have two bedrooms here," Emma explained gesturing. "With twins I knew I would need another bedroom. Also, I'm on the first floor so it will be easier to get everyone and everything in and out. As much as I liked my old place, I faced the fact that I just couldn't stay there."
"Well, the neighborhood is a bit nicer," Reid observed carefully. "And, there is more space for parking. Is some of this your old furniture?"
"Just some of the bookcases," Emma told him. "The rest of the furniture belongs to the grad students I'm subletting the place from."
Garcia looked at Emma. "Sit down," she told her leading her to the couch. "You look beat."
"I am kind of tired," Emma admitted. "I didn't get a lot of sleep last night."
"Why don't you go lie down and try to take a nap?" JJ suggested. "You have had a rough time this morning, and I suspect you can use some rest."
"Much as I hate to admit it, you're right," Emma sighed. "Will you all excuse me for a while? You won't think me a bad hostess?"
"Seeing as how we invited ourselves into your home and back into your life, don't worry about it," Rossi assured her. "Get off your feet and get some rest."
After Emma had apologized again and disappeared into the closest bedroom, Rossi turned to Reid.
"What kind of cooking equipment does Emma have?" he asked.
"I'm – I'm not really sure," Reid admitted. "When we were together we were mostly at my place."
"Well, let's take a look," Rossi declared. "I'm cooking dinner tonight and I need to make a list."
After a quick search of the kitchen, Rossi had compiled a shopping list.
"Okay, Reid, where is the nearest grocery store?" he asked.
"I don't know," Reid replied, flustered. "I've never lived in this part of Las Vegas."
"That's where I come in," Garcia declared. "Let me check on-line and see what I can find for you. What kind of grocery store are you looking for?"
"Just a standard, everyday store will be fine," Rossi told her.
"All right – Sending address and directions to your phone," Garcia caroled after a brief computer search. "Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, you and JJ stay here in case Emma needs something. Reid can come with me and push the cart," Rossi delegated responsibilities.
After first disposing of the dead rat on Emma's doorstep, the two men drove to the supermarket Garcia had located. Rossi began by pillaging the Produce Department and then began leading the way up and down the various aisles. As Reid automatically followed behind him, pushing the shopping cart, he was deep in thought. Abruptly, he realized that they had reached the far side of the store and that the cart was almost full.
Looking around he blurted out, "Is it okay if we go back to the Floral Department?"
"JJ once told me that the best way to start an apology was with flowers," he explained, looking over at Rossi for confirmation.
"JJ would know," Rossi agreed. "What exactly are you apologizing for?"
"Everything," Reid sighed. "Not taking the time to call Emma and talk with her, not paying attention to her, and not appreciating everything she's done for me. I seem to have compiled a rather extensive list."
"Well, I don't know if the list is earned or not," Rossi pointed out as they walked back across the store. "But, flowers are always a starting point. See anything you like?" They had reached the Floral Department. "More specifically, do you see anything Emma would like?"
"That's another one of the things I never paid attention to," Reid confessed. "I have no idea what she likes. Red roses, maybe?"
"No, those are far too serious for Emma's personality," Rossi objected. "Let's try something lighter and more 'fun'. Something we can use as a centerpiece on the dinner table."