"I never figured you for a football fan."
"I'm not really. I was given the tickets as a birthday present." Reid held the door open. The diner was buzzing with dozens of conversations, many of them about the game. "I couldn't give them back and I heard you were a Redskins fan, so I figured why not? I spend most Saturdays we aren't on a case at home doing laundry and reading. The change was nice."
They slipped into a table by the windows.
"I guess Gideon is more than just your investigative mentor."
"You saw that?"
JJ laughed. "I'm an FBI special agent. Being observant is part of the job."
A bubbly waitress appeared at the table. "What can I get ya?"
"Cheeseburger, no onions. French fries. And a diet soda." JJ replied.
"Sure thing," The waitress nodded. "What about you, honey?"
"I'll have the same. But just water to drink." The waitress nodded and disappeared behind the counter. She returned a minute later with their drinks.
"I'm actually glad he did it. We hardly ever talk about things that aren't work. I never know what to say. Small talk isn't exactly something you can learn from a book."
"You do seem to be uncomfortable a lot."
"Side effect of growing up a total freak." Reid shrugged. "But today was good. I mean, I didn't know what was going half the time and I pretty much just cheered when you did. But it was fun."
JJ squirmed for a moment, playing with the wrapper from her straw. "About today . . ."
"What?"
"Spence. I like you. You're a sweet guy. A bit of a nervous wreck at times, but you mean well."
"Thanks, I think."
"I don't want to hurt you. But I have to be honest. I like you as a friend. And that's all. I'm not attracted to you, you aren't my type."
"Your type?"
"I'm sorry, Spence." JJ looked at him uncomfortably.
"I'm confused. I asked you out and you said yes."
"You actually had the guts to ask and I didn't want to be mean and shoot you down. Plus Morgan was watching and I didn't want to give him something else to tease you about."
"I see."
"You're a great guy. And you're totally going to find someone that thinks you're the perfect guy in the world. I'm certain of it."
"And us?"
"I was hoping we could just be friends. We can hang out, talk. Grab a bite to eat, even go see a movie. But just as friends."
"Just as friends." Reid nodded. He leaned back, staring at the window for a long moment.
"Spence, are you okay?" JJ finally asked.
"Yeah. You were honest. I appreciate that. I was just thinking about Monday. Morgan's going to ask --"
"Let him. Doesn't mean you have to tell him what happened." JJ grinned. "I'm not going to. I'm not going to say anything to anyone."
"You're not?"
"Nope. It's like that saying about Vegas."
"You mean, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."
JJ nodded. "And what happens at Redskins games, stays at the game. Besides," JJ grinned mischievously, "not knowing will drive Morgan insane."
"That does have a certain appeal to it."