"What are you planning to do now?" Blake asked Laurel later that afternoon.
Lunch was over and Laurel's head was spinning. Besides being introduced to multitudes of new people, she had been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of food. The BBQ place had delivered enough to feed a small village, and Garcia's and Fran's version of 'several sides' had turned out to include multiple salads and pasta dishes. JJ had set the kids and Reid up with chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate, while Morgan's sisters and his aunts had each brought in their own favorite dishes. Fran Morgan was currently busy overseeing the packing up and distribution of the leftovers, and Laurel was thoroughly convinced that she would never have to eat again.
"I'm going to take things slow," Laurel replied to Blake's question. "There is no hurry and I don't want to rush into anything."
"Wise decision," Rossi agreed. "Talk to a variety of people, get some sound advice, and then make your decisions. And, remember, all of us are available to talk and/or listen whenever you want."
"I know," Laurel smiled at him. "And you have no idea how much I appreciate that."
"Now!" Garcia flew across the room, leaving sparkles in her wake. "We need to talk about your daughter and the upcoming skating competition."
"Competition?" Laurel echoed weakly.
"The one coming up in three weeks," Garcia clarified.
"We decided to pass that one up," Laurel explained. "And focus on Regionals."
"Are you sure?" Garcia asked. "Because I have some ideas – "
"I'm sure," Laurel told her firmly. "The entry deadline has already passed and, besides, we don't have time to get a program, music, costume, etc. put together. It's going to have to be Regionals."
And so, the second week of November, the BAU team (with Hotch in the lead) descended on Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, to attend the USFSA Upper Great Lakes Regional Ice Skating Competition.