What Happens Next

XXIV. We Really Do Need a Girls Night

 "So you and Reid?" 

The corners of her mouth rose into a smile as Emily watched the blue bar fly across the top of her screen, indicating her message had been sent. She placed her phone on the sofa, refocusing her attention to the dog who's head rested gently on her knees. 

"You're such a good boy," she cooed through pursed lips, her hands ruffling his thick fur. 

Alpha's eyes closed in appreciation, his tail thumping softly against the rug. She leaned forward, planting a kiss on the dog's head causing him to wiggle out of her grasp. Rather than chase after the affection of the animal, she reached for her glass. 

One of the best parts about her former colleague and current long distance friend was the fact that Penelope Garcia was a partial owner in an increasingly popular distillery, often meaning that she needed help in the process of creating and improving on their flavors. Discounted and sometimes even free whiskey was never something Emily was opposed to. 

As she raised the glass to her lips, she felt her phone buzz on the cushion next to her. She sipped quickly, and exchanged her glass for her ringing cell. JJ's name lit up her screen and she answered the call excitedly. 

"Emily!" she was greeted with a scolding.

"JJ," she approached cautiously, dipping her toes into water she was unsure of. 

JJ's voice was hushed as she whispered aggressively "Me and Spence? What are you talking about?"

The nickname. Emily knew she was safe. 

"I may have some. . . insider information," she surmised, believing there was more to the story Spencer had told her. 

After a long pause, she spoke, "What do you know," JJ's voice was flat. Business like, as if there was something to be hidden.

"Nothing," the older woman admitted, obviously taken aback by the shift in the blonde's tone. 

JJ sighed, almost sounding relieved when she declared: "there's nothing to know anyway, Em."

"Yeah," her voice raised as if she might have been asking a question. 

"What? Did he say something to you?"

There it was. Hopeful. The response she expected at the start of the call. 

"I thought there was nothing to know."

"There's not."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Emily. I am sure."

"Four hours is a long drive, JJ."

"He's my friend," she growled, feeling as though her defense was pointless.

"He's Rossi's friend. Mine too. Way less of a drive for us, you know."

"So?"

"So," Emily's voice trailed off as she dragged out the word, "Why'd you do it?"

JJ was quiet. Emily felt the tension through the phone, her heart breaking for the blonde on the other line. She knew the feelings shared between the younger profilers were more complex than she could comprehend. She just wished that they could see their situation the way she did.

"JJ," Emily started, sensing she had made the other woman uncomfortable and trying to take it back.

"No, Em, I know," JJ's breath was unsteady as she inhaled, "I just don't know."

Emily laughed through her nose, causing a smile to erupt on JJ's own face, "shut up," she mumbled. 

"Listen, JJ, for what it's worth I think you should give it a shot. A real shot. I don't wanna hear any of that 'it's complicated' business because it isn't anymore. He clearly has feelings for you, and I know you still have feelings for him."

More silence. JJ's eyes tracked the movement of the light reflecting off her bedroom floor as the wind blew through her open window, allowing the curtains to dance. 

"What am I supposed to say, Emily? He lives in a different state! We have kids! It's not easy."

"Tell him how you feel. You guys are not stupid people, you can make it work."

"I just- I feel like if it were meant to be then there wouldn't be so many problems," JJ's voice was shaky, hurting herself with her own words. 

"That's ridiculous."

"How?"

"Because life is full of problems! Are you telling me that you think Luke and Penelope aren't meant for each other?"

"What are you talking about? Of course they are have you seen them?"

"Yeah! And I've seen you and Reid! Do you think it was easy for Luke to pick up and move to New York with Penelope at the drop of a hat? He had just started at the B.A.U., he din't want to leave but he did it for her, to make it work with her. You two will find something that works."

"But they don't have kids involved."

"Well first of all, they do now."

"What?" gasped, JJ was taken aback.

"Lady, we really need a girls night," Emily chuckled, "but seriously, life is complicated, JJ. Your complications happen to be kids. So what?"

JJ sighed, unable to form a viable argument in her head. 

"We really do need a girls night," she said finally. 

"You can come to our next virtual coffee date if you'd like," Emily suggested, feeling as though she had gotten through to her friend. 

"Virtual coffee date? Count me in!"