Chapter 12: Old Friends

"If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?" - William Shakespeare

The Hoot

2:15pm

Having checked into her room to drop off her luggage Emily headed straight to the casino to talk to the reason behind her visit.

"Emily?" Abby said shocked to be seeing the woman again.

"Abby!" Emily replied overly cheery, arms outstretched.

"What are you doing here?" Abby never imagined to be seeing her again.
The last time she did was as she was storming out of their house with promises that her father would regret something.

"Well I wanted to congratulate you Abby.
I heard that your father finally let you take the lead on one of his many projects.
Don't tell me that you thought just because I'm not in good graces with David anymore that we're not friends?" Emily sounded genuinely hurt.

"No, of course not I'm glad you came Emily!" Abby said delivering one of her signature hugs.

"So" Emily started pulling back. "Where is your father? I'd like to smooth things over with him before tonight."

"You really think that's such a good idea Em?" Abby worried.
She was happy that her friend was back, but she didn't want another fight, especially not tonight.

"Oh come on Abby." Emily whined.
"I just want things back to normal between all of us."

"OK he's at home, but you better behave yourself." Abby warned.

"Thanks Abby. I'll see you tonight." Emily rushed kissing her cheek as she left.

"Who was that?" Parker appeared behind her asking.

"An old friend from Chicago." Abby replied distractedly.
Still not believing Emily had been right in front of her just seconds before.

"Hey Abby" Reid called coming up behind the two.

"Yeah Spence?" Abby questioned.

"Do you need me to help with anything?"

"Did you ask Hardison?"

"I tried but Penelope said he was in the dressing room with JJ.
She also said ' If the socks on the lock don't knock'.
Now I'm not sure what that means but when I got over there a scarf was tied to the handle so I thought it
best to come ask you." Spencer finished confused as to why Parker had snorted and Abby was barely suppressing giggles.

"Sure Spence. There are tables in the dining room that need to be covered." Abby barely got out before she too started outright laughing.

You're not listening to a word I'm saying. I'm pregnant McGee. Twins. Haven't told the father yet. It's Gibbs.
I know it's wrong, but something about his silver hair gets me all tingly inside. (Abby -NCIS)