Third time is the charm. I do not owned Criminal Minds. And thank you to Dragonsmaiden. Now I will warn you, chapter four is coming, but it will be awhile. So please be patience. And thank you for all of your reviews. I am happy that I have people wanting more. And if anyone has any useful commects, please feel free to tell me.Chapter #3
Reid silently cursed at himself for being late as he walked into the restaurant. He had run into JJ on his way out and she too started asking him questions about Ashley. Not only, he had promised her to bring Ashley the next time, they go out for drinks, but also to get that cookie recipe as well.
He looked around and saw a young woman wearing a pair of faded jeans and a chocolate brown jacket. She sat in the waiting room, flipping through a well-worn notebook, running her hand through her copper brown hair, smoothing it away from her face. She bit on the end of her pen, and then looked up, upon seeing him she smiled and stood.
He smiled back giving her an awkward little wave. He walked over to her. She threw her arms around his shoulders and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her for a few seconds.
"I'm sorry that I am late, Ashley," he said.
"It's ok," she said, pulling away from him.
"Hungry?"
"Starving," he answered.
Once they were seated, she shed her jacket, setting it on the back of her seat. Reid had done the same and put his messenger bag underneath the table.
She opened her menu, "So how did the baby shower go?"
He cleared his throat before answering, "It went really well. JJ love the bear and was wondering if she can get the cookie recipe."
"Sure, I will email it to you tomorrow." She looked at him, but Reid who was still looking at the menu, avoided her look.
"So," she said still trying to catch his eye. "You were interrogated like one of your unsubs?"
"Yes," he said quietly, still not looking at her. She let out a little laugh and Reid finally looked up at her.
"I think it is cute." He gave her a half smile before returning his attention to the menu.
"I had to promised JJ that I was going to bring you along the next time we go out for drinks."
"Ok, whenever you are ready."
A few minutes past by when Reid asked, "So have you decided what to get?"
"I can't really decide," she said.
"How about I order for both of us?" She smiled and closed her menu.
"I'm at your mercy," she said.
"Ok," she said after their dinner had been served. "I can taste the cumin and garlic," Reid looked at her, not giving her any hints. He took a slip from his water glass.
"But there is something else," she said, looking at him. He tilted his head to the side, looking at her, still not giving any hints.
She looked away from him, at a spot on the wall, thinking. She tapped her index finger on her lip a few times, before she figured it out. "Ginger," she said. "They put ginger in the chicken curry."
He nodded yes as he glanced at his watch. "Oh, your pill." He set his fork down and held out his hand at her.
"Oh shoot, you're right," she said, realizing she had forgotten. She dug around her purse for a bit, before pulling out her pill bottle. She gave it to Reid; knowing that he had no problem opening the little plastic bottle, unlike she sometimes did.
"Thanks," she said, as he gave her a white pill and then recapped the bottle. His face had fallen a bit.
"Are you ok?"
He nodded yes, "Yeah, just tired. So when is your next doctor's appointment," he asked, trying to change the subject.
She took a drink of water to wash down the medicine. "Next Tuesday. Where I can wait a hour for a fifteen minute session to talk about my feelings," she answered sarcastically.
"You could get a private psychiatrist."
"Which I can't afford," she stopped and looked at him. "Are you sure that you are ok?" Then it hit her, "Your mom?"
He nodded, remembering how he used to have to get his mother pills out of those plastic bottles and make sure that she took them. Although sometimes he would find them hidden in the couch or in the potted plants.
"I'm sorry." She said as she took his hand. He shook his head no, giving it a squeeze.
"I'm alright. I am happy that they are helping you, ok."
"Well let's change the subject. Some of my friends and I are going bowling this weekend. It is one of those glow-in-the-dark bowling alleys. Why don't you come?"
He shook his head again, "I am not really good at bowling."
"Neither am I. I am the Queen of gutter balls and have not gotten a strike yet." He smiled. "Come on, it will be fun," she said. Reid finally gave in and agreed to come.
It was after dinner; Reid had walked Ashley to her car. She leaned against her driver's door.
"Thank you for dinner," she said. He smiled nervously and she laughed. He lowered his head down to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him closer. He slid his arms around her waist, deepening the kiss. He stepped closer to her, leaning her back against her car.
Suddenly she jumped and he pulled away. "It's ok, you didn't do anything wrong." He closed his eyes, bowing his head down.
"Spencer, it just my bad hip. It has been bothering me a bit today."
He took her car keys from her and unlocked the car door for her. He handed them back to her as he held open the door.
She laid her hand on top of his. "See you Saturday?"
"Ok," he answered as she slid into the car and drove away.