Thanks for the great reviews! You have given me a lot to think about. One comment to address: Rossi is getting up in age which is why Hotch brought a chair.

Chapter Twenty-Eight:

Reid and Rayburn agreed not talk to each other all week. Rayburn scheduled a lunch date on Wednesday with Mel, who worked in the press office for the CIA.

"This place seemed like the ideal place to have a secret meeting," Rayburn said as they ate their salads in the food court.

"And there I was hoping you'd take me out to some place with a better view," Mel said.

"We need to discuss why I'm still dating a guy with a daughter mine fights."

"How good is the sex?" Mel asked bluntly.

Rayburn nearly spat out her water.

"What makes you think we've crossed that line romantically?"

"I didn't, I just guessed. There had to be an element of physical chemistry involved."

She lowered her voice. "We did it in his office this past Monday."

"You're acting like school girl you know," Mel said. "I can see it in your eyes. This is partly a game to you."

Rayburn sighed. "I know. What is wrong with me?"

"When did you stop sharing a bed with Dean, three years ago and how long has Spencer's wife been dead?"

"Five. I swear this isn't a game Mel it just feels like it at times."

"And the stakes couldn't be higher," Mel pointed out.

"What do I do?"

"You really think there are any easy answers to that question?"

"No, but I would mind a few hints."

"I don't suppose being straight with the kids in an option," Mel said picking out croutons in her salad.

"No. I have divorce hearing in February and a relationship like this isn't going to look good."

"What about mediation?"

"Dean would never go for it."

"A judge might think differently."

Rayburn pinched the bridge of her nose. "What about Stephanie? I know she is being superbly uncooperative but I still feel bad putting her in a home situation with Jenna because of their mutual disdain for each other."

"I hear kids can adapt to change," she said. "Have you told her therapist anything?"

"No, I can't imagine what her reaction would be."

"Frankly I wouldn't want to be in your shoes, but if I were I'd see how serious Spencer was about the relationship and then consider telling the therapist a hypothetical situation."

"I think I like that idea."

"Just don't blame me then if it explodes."

…

That same night Reid was staring at his computer screen thoughtfully.

"I just don't know what do," Reid said. "What Stephanie did was terrible. How do I make my daughter consider the idea of living with her?"

"Stop defining Stephanie as that person," Alex Blake said. "She sounds like an angry girl with little control over her future."

"Do you think she sees how she's trying to manipulate her mother with these stunts?"

"It sounds like she doesn't care. She's just desperate for control."

Reid sighed. "How does this end Blake? I like Addison. I don't like what her daughter does but I am sure deep down she is a sweet kid."

"You know there a no easy answers to that question. I'd suggest talking to her therapist about the idea of you moving on."

"I can't imagine her reaction."

"Then maybe wait until you can. You haven't known Addison that long. You still have time before the custody hearing to sort out your feelings."

Reid thought for a moment. "I think I'll try that. Thanks Blake."

"There really isn't anyone closer to you both personally and in proximity that you couldn't confide in?" Blake said.

"The team is like family in both good and bad ways. News travels fast and I am just not ready for them to find out about this."

"Then I'll always be there for you Spencer. I can't wait to guest-lecture at Georgetown in this Spring Semester."

"Thanks Blake."

…

Reid saw Jenna to Long's door. After giving him a quick hug she ran in to find Aria. Felecia Long had shoulder-length light brown and always had a casual grace about her. Reid could see where Jenna might think they'd be compatible.

"Thanks for arranging this whole trip," he said. "Jenna can't stop talking about it."

"You're welcome," she said. "I am glad to have the girls explore the Smithsonian for a couple days. It is going to be quite a party with their other friends."

"Thanks for also driving them in. I don't mind driving just don't like—"

"The traffic at this hour," she said. "I know how you feel. But that isn't a problem."

They stood in silence for a moment.

"You know how you could make it up to me though," she said with a broad smile. "Take me out to dinner next week."

Reid looked shocked. "Sure. Where would you like to go?"

"Your choice," she said. "Surprise me."

…

Rayburn was careful to park in a lot one block from Reid apartment. She carried a small overnight bag with her. She took the back stair case to his apartment. It was around nine o'clock when she gently knocked on his door.

"Hi," he said softly and moved back to let her in.

"Hey," she said as she entered. "So what are the odds of a former team member showing up and wanting to hang out?"

"I told J.J. to tell everyone I was locking myself in to work on term papers. Do you have an 'alibi'?"

"I'm staying with my friend Mel."

"I am going out on a date with the mother of Jenna's best friend," Reid said suddenly.

"Sounds like a good cover story," Rayburn said.

Reid faced her. "What if it turns into something more?"

"Then this was fun while it lasted," she said and kissed him.

"We're still going to talk about the possibility of there being more to us right?"

"Of course," she said as she began to unbutton his shirt. "But tonight can we act wild, single, and desperately in love?" She began to massage his chest.

"For tonight yes," he said and kissed her.