Profile // A Spencer Reid Love Story

Chapter 8A // Words With Coffee

Chloe's POV.

Once I had arrived back at my apartment, I quickly fixed up my hair and makeup, leaving my outfit as the same. Although I was well aware of the fact that this was not going to be a date, my nerves told me otherwise. I had not been on a date, or as a matter of fact, hung out alone with another guy, for the past two years. Ever since what had happened with Adam, my ex-boyfriend, guys had become a red flag for me. 

I'd rather not go into the horrible details, but, basically I had met Adam back in college. We were both in the same psychology course together and hit it off well before the class even started. He was quite amazing. After a few months of dating, I was convinced that he was the one. As cliche as that sounds, he was the only guy that I had ever felt such a strong connection with. He was my everything, literally, he was. I focused so much time on him, and I had even moved out of my dorm so that we could live in an apartment together. 

Things went great, for the first two or three months of us living together. After that, he'd start coming home drunk or high every night. Adam was the kind of guy who went to all of those crappy dorm parties and fraternity parties. He'd always ask me to go with him, but I personally hated parties and large crowds. It gave me anxiety and I would always find myself not being able to breathe. Anyway, he was a violent drunk. Not the kind of drunk that would stumble and fall whilst laughing hysterically, but the kind that would scream profanity at me once he'd stepped foot in the apartment and then try to break down the door to the bathroom while I hid in there, crying hysterically. I didn't tell anyone. Ever. I still haven't. None of my friends or even my parents know. I was so disappointed and embarrassed in myself, I couldn't bare to let anyone else know what I had been through. My parents and I couldn't afford to send me to another college, so I got my dorm room back and did my best to steer clear of Adam for the rest of my college years. At first, he wouldn't leave me alone. He would harass me as I walked across campus or try to catch my attention during our class. However, eventually it died down, and it was as if he had never existed.

At least, I'd like to believe that he didn't. Everything that had happened with him is always at the back of my mind. He is the reason that trying to pursue a relationship with another guy is so difficult for me. After I left him, I went into this period where I wouldn't really talk to anyone or go out anywhere. I spent my days going from classes to back to my dorm room. My roommate, who was also a good friend of mine, knew that there was something wrong, but never asked. I wouldn't have told her anyway.

Reid came to pick me up a few minutes after I had gotten back to my apartment. The nerves that had bundled up in my stomach immediately burst after I heard a knock on my door. This isn't a date, I told myself. Even if either of us had wanted it to be, it wasn't allowed. Yeah, people have dated their co-workers before, but in this particular field, although the rule remained unspoken, it was well known that dating another agent was not permitted. The consequences of dating one were also unspoken, but I'm sure that it involves losing your job or getting into a hell of a lot of trouble with our boss. 

Hell, what am I even saying? I just met the damn guy and most of the words that we've exchanged so far have been about the case and his schizophrenic mother. Making a big deal out of nothing was one of my specialties. 

I'd realized that I had been caught up in my thoughts, and that Reid had knocked almost two minutes ago. After quickly grabbing my purse and keys, I speed walked to the door and opened it. "Hey, sorry for taking so long. I was a little distracted." I nervously chuckled. "Oh, don't worry about it. I've only been here for about a minute and a half. Are you ready to go?" He smiled. I nodded before locking the door and sticking my keys inside my purse.

We made small talk while heading outside of my apartment building. He opened the passenger door to his car for me, which made me think about the whole 'date' thing once again, and then took his place in the driver's seat. The drive to the coffee shop was only about five minutes long, and we spent the entirety of the car ride talking about the case even though it was over. 

The coffee shop was small and the lighting was dim because the only source of light were the christmas lights that were strung across the ceiling. There was a trio playing classical music on a small stage in the corner of the shop and the smell of coffee instantly hit me as soon as we walked inside. The atmosphere was extremely welcoming and cozy. It was unlike any Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, it was much better. We both ordered two coffees with milk and sugar before taking a seat at a table that wasn't too close to the stage so that we would be able to hear eachother talk. Around me, I could hear the cheerful chatter of families, couples, and friends. 

"This place is amazing. Is this what started your coffee addiction?" I smirked at the light haired boy sitting across from me. "Well, no. I've pretty much been a caffiene addict since high school, even though I started it when I was nine. I do come here a lot, though. Alone, most of the time. That band over there plays here every night. I love to listen to them." At this point, I wasn't even convinced that Reid was human. He must of been a robot of some kind, a very life-like one at that. High school when he was nine? That's absolutely insane, but also extremely fascinating. "I can see why." I replied before glancing over at the small band and taking a sip of my coffee. We both sat in silence for about two minutes, just listening to the band. It was not at all an awkward silence, either. It was calming. 

"So, tell me about yourself, Dr. Spencer Reid. Your life seems a lot more interesting than mine, anyway." I smiled and rested my elbows on the table, placing my chin in my hands. He took a sip and then cleared his throat, "Well, uh, what do you want to know?" He had a nervous tone to his voice, as if he was unsure about me actually being interested. I was, though, extremely interested.