Killer Affair | Spencer Reid Short Story

Not Fond

Spencer

I took a slow, steadying breath as I knocked on Rossi's door, Gwen standing close beside me. Tonight felt like a test. I wanted the team to see what I saw in her, to understand why she meant so much to me. I was never one to bring people into my personal life; my work and my friends were usually kept separate. But with Gwen, I wanted them to know her. I needed them to.

The door swung open, and Rossi greeted us with a warm smile that settled my nerves, if only a little. "Spencer! You're finally here—and Gwen, right?" He extended a hand to her, and she shook it, flashing a polite smile in return.

We stepped inside, and I could already hear Penelope's voice carrying from the living room. I glanced over at Gwen, trying to gauge if she was as anxious as I was. But she seemed as calm as ever, unbothered by the idea of meeting my team. She had this self-assuredness that fascinated me—a certain quiet control over every situation, even one like this.

As we moved into the living room, Penelope was the first to approach, her face lit up with genuine excitement. "Gwen! I've heard so much about you!" She gave her a quick, warm hug that surprised Gwen a little, but she accepted it with grace, offering a soft laugh.

"Nice to meet you, Penelope," Gwen said, her voice smooth and calm.

Penelope turned to me, her eyes dancing with excitement, and mouthed, "She's beautiful." I felt my face heat up a little, and I managed a nervous smile, just as Emily and Derek made their way over. I knew they'd be the ones to watch tonight, the ones who'd be the hardest to win over. They both nodded to Gwen, giving her friendly but cautious smiles.

"Gwen, this is Emily and Derek," I introduced.

Emily extended a hand, her gaze sharp and observant as always. "Spencer's told us a little about you," she said, her smile polite but curious. "We're glad you could join us tonight."

Derek nodded, crossing his arms. "Yeah, we're always interested in meeting the people our boy brings around."

Gwen met their looks evenly, her voice calm and unruffled. "I appreciate the invitation."

Dinner went by in a bit of a blur. We gathered around the table, plates and glasses clinking as conversation flowed. Gwen stayed polite and engaged, even when the team inevitably turned the questions on her. They weren't overtly grilling her, but I knew them well enough to see when they were digging for more. Derek, especially, didn't seem entirely convinced, asking her a series of subtle but probing questions about her work, her interests, her background. Gwen fielded each one with ease, meeting him with polite, measured answers.

Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't landing right. I caught the occasional look exchanged between Derek and Emily, subtle and quick, but I knew what it meant: they sensed something off, something that didn't sit right with them. It made me anxious, the thought that they might not understand her the way I did. I wanted so badly for them to see the Gwen I knew, the one I'd grown close to.

By the end of dinner, Gwen was still composed, but I could feel the strain in her posture. I reached for her hand under the table, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze. She looked over at me and gave a small smile, a silent reassurance that she was all right.

After the plates were cleared and Rossi had poured everyone a last glass of wine, we said our goodbyes. Gwen handled it gracefully, thanking each of them for their hospitality. Penelope hugged her, and even JJ gave her a warm smile, but Derek and Emily remained a little distant, still watching her with those skeptical eyes.

The drive back to my apartment was quiet, a tension hanging in the air that I couldn't quite shake. As we stepped inside, I finally let out a sigh, feeling a strange mixture of relief and disappointment.