Hotch was right about the location of the 24-hour diner, and soon he and Christine were sitting in a booth, talking as they drank hot coffee. When the waitress came to take their orders, Christine hesitated.
"Go ahead. What would you like?" Hotch asked.
As she continued hesitating, he added. "You always made sure my team and I were taken care of and had enough to eat. Now, it's my turn to take care of you."
He looked up at the waitress. "What kind of soup do you have?" he asked.
"Chicken rice, black bean, and chili," she replied.
"Chicken rice sounds good," Christine hesitantly told her.
"And, do you still have those good yeast rolls?" Hotch asked.
"Oh, yes," the waitress replied. "You have no idea how many people ask for them!"
"Good," Hotch told her. "Bring an order of those, too."
After Hotch had placed his own order for an egg white veggie omelet with toasted English muffin, he turned his attention back to Christine. "I couldn't help but notice," he commented. "You've lost weight. I hate to sound like Rossi, but that's not good."
Christine smiled at him. "Well, the diet at the yoga center doesn't exactly encourage weight gain," she reminded him. "Although, I do admit to occasionally sneaking off to the local general store to get a candy bar or some ice cream."
"That sounds more like the Christine I know," Hotch smiled back as he reached across the table to put his hand on top of hers. "How are you doing?"
"Better," she replied. "I know I'll never be the same person I was before, but I'm learning to live with myself. My writing helps. What about you? I notice that you are still eating healthy. Training for another marathon?"
"In five weeks," Hotch confided. "I'm hoping to better my time from my last run."
"Super - Good luck with that!" Christine exclaimed. "And, how is Jack doing these days?"
Hotch's face lit up. "Just great!" he told her. "His soccer team is in the finals again this season!"
"What did they have to do to quality?" Christine asked, adroitly redirecting the conversation.