The Theory of Attraction: Spencer Reid

iii. Coffee or Tea?

For the remainder of April and into the early weeks of May, Phoebe continued to attend class as usual and focused on her remaining research left for her final paper. Dr. Reid had proven to be a very good source of information regarding pretty much anything she needed to know from brain chemistry to sociology. After a large majority of her lectures, Phoebe would stay to talk to Dr. Reid about whatever the topic in class was for that day. Other students would join, but often they would come and go. Eventually, their after-class discussions evolved from strictly curriculum related to anything from what was recently in the news to the latest book that either had read. Within the few weeks that they had known each other, Dr. Reid and Phoebe had developed an impressive, professional friendship.

It was a Wednesday afternoon, and Phoebe was sitting in the corner of a small coffee house a couple of minutes off campus. The shop was small yet cozy with wooden flooring which added to its rustic feel. Sounds of coffee machines and blenders could be heard over the faint jazz music that was being played through the overhead speaker. The coffee house was relatively empty except for the young barista behind the counter and a few scattered customers. Phoebe, who was currently sat in the back corner in a small black booth, was typing hastily on her laptop. On the table lay a couple of thick hardcover books paired with manilla folders containing a copious amount of paper (enough that Lila would probably yell Phoebe for contributing to the death of the planet). 

The bell attached to the front door rang causing Phoebe to stop her work and glance up towards the entrance. There stood Dr. Reid in the doorway. He looked a little more tired than usual. His light blue button-down dress shirt was slightly wrinkled with the sleeves hastily rolled up his arms. His golden-brown hair was a mess atop his head but managed to still look presentable. Phoebe waved to try to get his attention. When he recognized her in the corner, Dr. Reid lit up and quickly made his way over. Phoebe cleared off part of the table as Dr. Reid put his bag down and took a seat.

"Thanks for meeting me here of such short notice." Dr. Reid spoke looking up at Phoebe. She grinned.

"No problem. I love this place, and it's not like I had anything better to do." She chuckled. The barista made her way over to the table. Spencer ordered a double espresso with extra sugar which made Phoebe visible cringe.

"What?" Dr. Reid asked looking a little offended. Phoebe chuckled.

"I just don't know how you drink that much sugar and caffeine. I could never do that." She shook her head, amused by the look on the young man's face.

"You don't like coffee?" Dr. Reid gasped. Phoebe had no idea how someone who seemed to know just about anything could be this shocked.

"Not really. I'm more of a tea person." Phoebe gestured down at her beige mug filled with earl grey tea. 

"Interesting." Dr. Reid ever hummed. The barista hurried back and handed Dr. Reid his cup. He thanked her and took a sip.

"So are you going to tell me why you asked me to meet you here or is this just your way of asking me out on a date?" Phoebe said jokingly causing Dr. Reid's face to turn a bright pink hue. Seeing his flustered state she added, "I'm kidding."

"I know," He said clearing his throat. "I needed to talk to you because I think I have an opportunity for you that you would like." Phoebe raised her eyebrows intriguingly as Dr. Reid continued, "My boss asked me to interview one of the Unsubs we caught last year as part of a psychological evaluation for his upcoming trial. He's a serial killer with an extremely traumatic past. Of course, you don't have to, but if you wanted, you could come along to use the information to help with your paper. It's right up your alley." He took another sip of his coffee as Phoebe just stared at him. 

Regaining her senses she responded. "That would be amazing! I would love to!" Phoebe was blown away with the amazing proposal. She couldn't believe that she would be able to be in the room witnessing an official FBI evaluation.

Dr. Reid smiled. "Great! I will email you the rest of the information." His phone buzzed and he glanced down. He looks back up at Phoebe apologetically.

"Work?" Phoebe questioned. Dr. Reid nodded. He took a final sip from his coffee and grabbed his things.

"I'm really sorry, but I have to go. I wish I could stay and chat." He apologized again as he rose to leave, grabbing his satchel.

"No, I totally understand. Go fight crime! Save the world!" Phoebe laughed and looked up at him to see him smiling widely. 

"See you later, Phoebe." Dr. Reid turned on his heal and walked towards the cash register where he quickly paid and then headed out the door. She never saw him driving anywhere so she assumed that he was probably walking to the nearest bus stop or train station and then making his way to Quantico. Probably an emergency case or some consulting since Dr. Reid was still sometimes called for certain cases. She sighed loudly and picking up her mug finished the remaining amount of tea. Phoebe was conflicted, but she would never admit it to herself. Deep down, she definitely realized that she had developed a liking towards her professor, but she would be damned if she let herself mess up an amazing opportunity because she had a little crush. 

Gathering her papers and books and stuffing them in her bright yellow backpack, she got up and walked over to the cash register where the barista was standing idly. Pulling a ten-dollar bill out of her wallet, Phoebe went to give her the money, when she was interrupted.

"Darling, don't worry you're already paid for," the barista said with a slight smirk. Phoebe was confused at first, but when she realized what was going on, she couldn't help but feel those same butterflies she felt early. She thanked the barista and began walking back to her apartment. As oblivious and impulsive as Phoebe was, she already had a gut feeling that she was fucked.