They finished dinner and JJ set the table. Henry was wound up and excited so he was talking 90 miles an hour, and it warmed her heart. It was comforting to see Spencer with him. He was so gentle and loving, like a real father. It defeated a little bit of her spirit though, because looking at the three of them talking and laughing together, they seemed like a real family. How could she compete with that? Henry was so beautiful, just like his mother. JJ was rather small for the job she had, but Cherish did not doubt for a moment that she wasn't a hero. She looked like she could hold her own.

"So, where are you from Reynolds? Spence always talks about you but yet this is the first time actually meeting you"

JJ said, turning towards her and drinking from her glass.

The question completely caught her off guard. She was so lost in their unique dynamic she had completely lost track of where she was.

"Oh, uhm, I'm from everywhere really. I moved around a lot as a child, my mother was a single mom so she did her best"

She smiled, hoping that was enough to deter any more questions from her childhood.

JJ nodded and opened her mouth to ask another question, but Spencer piped up and completely snatched her attention. She wanted to hate JJ, but she couldn't. Watching her interact with him was just like looking into a mirror. Desperate for his eyes to fall on her, to engage in conversation.

"My mom called today. She actually remembered my name. It was wonderful"

Spencer said, smiling with pride.

His mother. That was a subject he NEVER talked about. Ever. She didn't even know his mother's name, but he just throws it into dinner conversation? Bitter. That's the only word she could describe the taste in her mouth. JJ seemed genuinely excited for him and put her hand on his. That gesture meant a lot to him, it was written all over his face. Bitter.

"I'm so glad to hear she's doing better. We need to make another trip down there to see her. I know Henry would love to see her again"

JJ smiled.

"I know she would. She talks about him from time to time, when she's in the right headspace that is. I think I might go see her soon. She asked me to read to her again but I just haven't had time"

Spencer said, taking a drink from his glass.

JJ nodded and helped Henry clean up his plate. Henry thanked her for the good food, and took off into the living room to watch cartoons on the couch. She hadn't even noticed that everyone had finished eating, and she had barely touched her plate. She didn't mean to, she was just completely astounded by what was happening right in front of her. When JJ walked away to put away everyone's plates, Spencer locked eyes with her. He knew. Just by his expression she knew that he knew. Busted. She pretended not to notice and smiled at him, but he knew better.

He got up without saying a word, and walked into the kitchen. All she could do was watch him helplessly. He was supposed to be hers. He was supposed to want to spend time with her. What happened?

She started eating some more and stared off at the wall, trying to ignore the hushed conversation coming from the kitchen.

Bitter.

"Henry, Daddy wants us to come home to have some ice cream! Doesn't that sound fun?"

JJ called, coming out of the kitchen.

She saw it. Tears. There were tears in her eyes. She wanted to feel bad for her, she had no idea what this woman was going through, but she didn't. JJ picked Henry up from the couch, and thanked Cherish for letting her have dinner. She said goodbye to Spence and left. As soon as the door closed behind her, she let out a hushed sigh of relief. Spencer sat back down at the table with a troubled look on his face. She hated seeing him like that, it hurt her heart.

"What's wrong Spence?"

She asked.

"JJ... JJ just confessed that she was in love with me"

He said, audibly irritated.

Mm. That hurt. Her breath got caught in her throat and her heart plummeted to her feet. Her blood went cold. She can't compete with JJ.

She was bitter. So bitter.

"What...did you do?"

She asked, her voice hoarse.

"I sent her home. She's the mother of my godson, my coworker, my friend. Nothing more"

He explained irritably.

That made her feel better. So maybe he wasn't in love with her yet, but he did not love JJ so that made her feel like she had a shot. She hated seeing Spencer so conflicted though. She felt as if it was her responsibility to make sure he was always okay.

"I'm sorry Spence. I don't doubt everything is complicated"

She said, offering him a helpless smile.

"It isn't though. She knows how I feel about her. She had a chance before and she chose Will. I made my own decision that day, and I feel nothing towards her romantically"

He explained casually.

That made her feel better. "What are you going to do?"

"Nothing. I just want to relax before work tomorrow."

He sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

"Here. Let's change into our pajamas and watch tv. There's a history documentary on tonight that I wanted to watch"

She said, pulling off her cardigan.

"I don't wear pajamas, but I'd like to watch that with you...You wore that shirt yesterday"

He observed matter-of-factly.

There he was. He was himself again. A smile creeped over her lips as she rolled her eyes.

"I'm so sorry I can't be in pristine shape like you, Your highness"

She smirked.

Normally he would roll his eyes, but she saw relief and even... a smile?

"It's doctor"

He corrected her, taking his shoes off and placing them next to the door to his room.

She giggled and tossed her cardigan on her bed, and changed into some pajamas. She put on some pink plaid pajama pants and kept her blank tank top on. She threw her hair into a quick ponytail and joined Spencer on the couch. He was wearing the exact same clothes from dinner, and she giggled at his mismatched socks. She sat down and tucked her feet under her and laid her head on his shoulder like she normally did. It felt... peaceful. She was happy things were going back to normal. She instantly forgot everything about JJ, and got lost in his presence.

She always did.