Blood and Battle | Criminal Minds (gxg)

Chapter 32

The following Tuesday the elevator doors slide open like always onto a busy floor. I walk through the glass doors, tossing my hair with my free hand. Hotch gave us Monday off, after we worked all day Saturday. Everyone's in the bullpen; Elle, Morgan, and Reid sit at their desks while Garcia and JJ stand between them.

I've hardly gotten any sleep since Saturday night, Riley's words playing on repeat in my head. I don't know what to do. I almost called Elle last night, but decided against it. I wouldn't even know what to say. I still don't.

The sound of my bag dropping onto my chair wakes me from my thoughts as I unload the files onto my desk. I move the bag to the floor and take a seat, rubbing my face in my hands.

"Long night?" Morgan prompts.

"Mmmm," I mumble into my palms.

"How's Riley?" Reid calls from his desk.

I lift my head and glance at him sideways. "Wouldn't know." It comes out more bitterly than I intended.

"Trouble in paradise?" Morgan jokes with a sideways smile.

I stand, already tired of his teasing. "Shut up, Derek," I mutter as I walk past him towards the coffee pot. I hear their conversation as I walk away.

"Long weekend, I guess," JJ sighs.

"Wait, hang on. She didn't call her back? Who doesn't call Carli D'angelo back?" Garcia exclaims in disbelief.

"Maybe she's interested in someone else," Elle suggests.

I freeze at the back counter, the coffee pot in my hand. Is she talking about Riley? Or me? I shake the thoughts away and pour myself a cup. Maybe it'll make more sense after caffeine.

I stare down into the mug. Yeah, I doubt it.

I come back to my seat, noticing the conversation has subsided. I take a big sip, ignoring the heat of the liquid as I swallow. "Look guys, it's not a big deal. And I'm sorry for snapping. Just tired."

"Do you know why?" Garcia exclaims.

Because I'm lying to myself. Because I have feelings for one of the few people I can't have feelings for. Because I'm all screwed up and I don't know how to fix it.

"No clue. I probably traumatized her," I sigh, thinking back to the warehouse. Close enough to the truth.

"Carli, you saved her. I think you can blame the psychopath that kidnapped her for the trauma," Elle tries to be encouraging.

I finally give a small smile. "Fair enough."

My response is apparently good enough for the team, as the subject shifts. "Do you guys want to come over to my place tonight for a game of poker?" Garcia asks us.

"Baby girl, you and poker don't really mix well," Morgan smiles.

"Shush. I have snacks. Do you want to come or not?"

"I'm in," Reid agrees.

Elle rolls her eyes playfully. "Great, now we're all going to lose."

"I can come too," JJ grins.

Garcia's smile widens. "Sugar?"

"Wouldn't miss it, baby girl."

I realize that only leaves me once everyone looks in my direction. Because I really need to spend a night outside of work with Elle. "I don't know, guys. I need to get some sleep..."

"Please?" Garcia regards me with pleading eyes.

I try to hold her gaze but can't help laughing. "Okay, you win. I'll be there, PG."