Alex couldn't help but notice the tension that had risen up between Penelope and Aaron. And being the person that she was, she wanted to know exactly what had caused that to happen. She couldn't get Penelope alone, though, so she just watched and waited.

Finally, once lunch was over, she managed to catch the perky young woman's eye and jerked her head over towards the living room. Penelope nodded slightly and they both got up and made their way over to the room. Penelope plopped down on the couch and reached out for her hand, pulling her onto the spot next to her. "At least when I'm talking to you, I don't have to talk to Hotch," she murmured as she rested her head on Alex's shoulder.

"And why don't you want to talk to Hotch?" she gently asked, running her fingers through Penelope's hair. It was nice to sit like this, as it made her feel like she could be talking to her own daughter, if she and James had ever been so blessed.

"Because I made a mistake earlier. I was talking to Derek, inviting him over to this little get together, and I was talking about how JJ has a crush on Hotch, and how he kissed me, again."

"Again?"

Penelope nodded. "Yeah. And no offense, but I wish Erin was here. She's been giving me the best advice, Alex. I just, I'm so conflicted, since I'm still seeing Sam, and I have feelings for Hotch and Derek. My heart is being tugged in three different directions, and I feel like I'm going to break. And that's not a good thing, given the work I do."

"Oh, Penny, perhaps you need to take a quick vacation. Clear your head of everything and focus on who is the most important to you. I know that it won't be easy, but you'll know what to do, I promise."

The younger woman sighed deeply as she cuddled closer. "You and Erin are like the mothers of our group, you know. Maybe I will take a few days off. Would you like to go with me? Perhaps we could go to a spa for pampering."

"And what about JJ? You wouldn't want to leave her out."

There was a slight pause. "We're still not on level ground. And I'm so afraid that, since Hotch did kiss my cheek again, she'll not want to speak to me. I know that she went through a terrible ordeal, and I know that I would let her yell at me and be angry. I just don't want to rock the boat too much. I, I would hate to lose her friendship."

"I understand." They sat quietly for a little bit, and Alex found that she liked holding Penelope close. That there was something comforting about the way the woman trusted her, after the disastrous way their relationship had begun. "All right, let's have a spa day tomorrow. And we'll invite JJ and not tell her anything about today, okay?"

"I suppose. And maybe we could see if Jess wants to come along…"

"Come along where?" the woman in question asked as she joined them in the living room. Taking a seat on the floor in front of them, she smiled shyly, and Alex wondered what was going through her head. "Well?"

"We're taking a spa day. Alex seems to think that we all need to rest and relax for a day, seeing as how Dave and Erin are away. What do you say? Do you want to come?"

"Ooh, you're going to the spa?" Tabitha asked excitedly.

"You have school to go to, missy," Jessica drolly replied. "Brian and I did not just spend all that time working on your paper with you for you to skip school the day it is due."

Tabitha rolled her eyes a little. "You sound exactly like my mother, Jessie. You're supposed to be on my side!"

"Oh, honey, no. No. I have a feeling that your mom would be glad to know that I'm encouraging you to be responsible. When you get to be an adult, you can't always play hooky."

"I suppose. Do you think I'll get an A on my paper?"

Jessica smirked as she patted the spot next to her, welcoming Tabitha by her side. "If you get anything less than an A, we'll just have to have a little chat with your teacher."

Tabitha grinned as she snuggled in close to Jessica, and Alex had to wonder at what point they had become so close. It really was amazing how much like a large, extended, family they were becoming, and she sighed a little as she tugged on Penelope's hair. "Or, I could…no. Never mind. Erin would kill me, and I rather like the advice that she gives. But if your teacher should fail to listen to reason, I might be able to dig up some dirt on them."

"That would be awesome, Penny!" Tabitha's smile widened as she rested her head on Jessica's shoulder. "Now, why are we hiding out in here? Are we avoiding someone?"

Alex felt Penelope stiffen slightly beside her. "No one. Why would you think that?"

"Because of how you reacted just now. So, spill. Are you avoiding Aaron or Derek? Because either one of them are yummalicious."

"And they're old enough to be your father!"

Tabitha quickly shook her head. "Uh uh. Daddy is six years older than Momma, so unless they're almost sixty, that ain't happening. Besides, a girl can look and dream. Right?" Penelope nodded and Alex couldn't hold back her smile. "So, tell me, which one do you like?"

"If I had to guess, I'd say both," Jessica replied before clapping her hand over her mouth. "Sorry!" she squeaked out.

"It's fine."

A familiar throat cleared behind them, and Alex knew that the time had come for Hotch and Penelope to have their little chat. "All right, why don't you let me take a look at your paper, Tabitha. I can be the final read through."

Tabitha nodded and jumped to her feet, helping Jessica up. "That sounds great, Alexandra. Come on." The girl grabbed hold of her hand and led her from the room. Alex just hoped that Penelope was still speaking to her come tomorrow.