This is fun.
Chapter Three:
Reid twisted and turned in his sleep the night before the press conference. He knew he needed to sleep but he couldn't. More than anything, he wanted a change. A change in the trajectory of his life. It was a big risk but he was prepared to take it to see where it led him. He wasn't sure he'd find love, but he hoped he'd find a brighter, if more complicated future.
After a quick breakfast, he found Faye waiting for him in the lobby at seven in the morning.
"You didn't sleep well," she stated.
"Would you if you knew your entire private life was about to become public knowledge?" he said.
"We'll do something about those dark eyes before we get to the briefing room," she said.
"Okay," he said as they walked to her car.
"How do you like Drake Roland?" she asked conversationally.
"He seems nice," he said with a shrug.
"And full of himself," Faye said.
Reid didn't respond.
"He's been doing this for eleven seasons," she said. "He thinks of himself as a therapist even though he has a degree in theater."
"So, I should consider him a friend even when I can tell he is only performing for the cameras," Reid said.
"You catch on quick," she said.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"Why was there no flash photography yesterday?"
"I didn't want you to feel like you were reliving the days of getting your mug shot taken," she said.
Reid stood for a moment.
Faye stopped too.
"I also asked the press to perform no flash photography. I know this is an adjustment and I want to make it easier because, believe it or not, I have pure intentions."
He continued to walk. "You really think I can find true love?"
"I think it is worth a shot."
…
"Lonely Hearts has always been about searching for true love," Macy Tomlin intoned. "Our record may not represent this but that will not stop us from looking for love for the loneliest souls.
I would not call our newest Heart a lonely soul, but someone whose life is at a crossroads. A place where he could continue to wait for others decide his fate or choose a new path. One of our producers found him sitting on a bench and asked him to choose a journey that lead to love.
He is truly like no other Heart we've had before. He is a hero, a survivor, and skilled at reading people which also adds for a delightful new twist. If you recognize his name it is because he was declared innocent. His name is Dr. Spencer Reid and he is our new Lonely Heart!"
Dressed in a blazer and vest but with no tie, Reid stepped forward. He could not see camera flashes but he heard the snapping sound. Macy made way for him to stand in front of the podium.
"Hi," he said with as much confidence as he could muster. "My name is Dr. Spencer Reid. I have PHDs in Math, Chemistry, and Engineering. I have worked for the FBI in the Behavioral Analysis Unit since I was twenty-two. Recently, I was framed for the murder of a dual citizen in Mexico. I violated several ethics guidelines while being in Mexico therefore I am no longer an active agent pending a formal hearing.
When a producer approached me, I took it as a sign that I needed to put myself first and try to find something that has been evading me: Love. I have fallen in love but it has never lasted. I know the odds are stacked against me but I want to try. This is a very public way to pursue love but I have thought through the consequences and set ground rules. I'm ready to be America's Lonely Heart."
Macy stepped forward.
"We'll take a few questions now."
Reid pointed to a hand being waved.
"Do you think being on this show will hurt your chances of returning to the FBI?"
"I don't and if I return, I don't plan on serving in the same capacity as before."
"What are you looking for in a woman?"
"Intelligence and a kind heart."
"Is your family comfortable being on camera?"
"That is personal and you'll have to wait and watch to find out."
Macy appeared again.
"That is all for now," she said and they stepped off the stage.
More cameras snapped as they left through a rear exit.
"You did great," Macy said smiling.
"Thanks."
"How did you feel?"
"Calmer than I thought I would."
"Your next job will be charming America and somehow I don't think that will be a hard thing to do."
…
"Guys quit fooling around!" Marci said. "The next Lonely Heart is about to be announced!"
Jessica and Brianna appeared with glasses of wine. "I hope it's Scott the guitar player with the dreamy eyes," Brianna said.
"I read somewhere that they aren't picking someone from last season," Jessica said.
"That could be interesting," Marci said. "A new guy, whose body we haven't seen already."
They laughed. Brianna then shushed them.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Rolland Drake said dramatically. "I can say that this is one of the most unique lonely hearts I have ever seen in my years on the show. If you know his name it is because he has recently been found innocent of murder."
The women gasped.
"I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Spencer Reid."
Hearts fluttered at the sight of him. His wavy hair. The slight nervous grin on his face. He was dressed in a brown vest over a white dress shirt with a dark blazer. One button was prominently undone.
There was a round of applause in the audience on TV.
"So Spencer, what would you like to say to America right now?"
"First, hi, I guess. Second, um it is going to be a pleasure to be on your television screens more often in twelve weeks."
"What are you looking for in the perfect woman Spencer?"
"I'm looking for someone with a caring heart."
"I hear you like chess. Would you like her to be a chess player?"
"I'm just looking for someone who cares about people. Whether she can play chess really doesn't matter."
"Thank you, Spencer. I look forward to assisting you on your journey to find true love. When we return, we'll check in on Rene and John's wedding plans. Have fun Googling Spencer Reid during the commercial break, ladies."
Marci and her friends sighed.
"He's cute."
"I think he's honestly looking for love."
"He's perfect."