Roses & Crime

Part 6- Late Night Talks

You pull up to the book store, and put it into park. You decide to put some lip gloss on and pull your hair out of a bun, to make yourself at least a little presentable. Shutting off the car, you climb out of your car and head into the book store.

The bell rings as you open the door, and you breath in through your nose. You've always loved the smell of book stores, it reminds you of the happy parts of your childhood.

You head down isle by isle. When you get to the true crime isle, you walk faster, trying not to think about Spencer. You were mad that now you can't read one of your favorite type of books without thinking about him. You get to the back of the store when you realize that you hadn't actually looked for a book, you were too busy thinking about Spencer. You start back through the isles, actually looking this time, when the bell rings at the door. You were slightly surprised since it's so late, but you just shrug it off. You pick up a couple books, they looked like a book that wouldn't make you think of Spencer.

A worker comes over to you to tell you that they will be closing at 12:00 a.m., 30 minutes. You tell them that you were almost done and head to the next isle as they walk off.

You hear someone coming up behind you, but you don't turn around, assuming that it was just a worker fixing the shelves, but when you hear the voice, you freeze.

"Didn't expect to see you here so late." He said matter-of-factly.

You feel the heat rising up your neck, to your face. You didn't expect to find Spencer here, especially at this hour. You slowly turn around, and give him a gentle smile.

"I could say the same for you." You added.

"We just got done with a case and I wanted a new book to read. You?" He asked.

"I couldn't sleep, so I decided to read a book, but I wanted a new one." You say. If only he knew why you couldn't sleep or read any of the books you had at home. You look up at Spencer, he seemed distracted.

"Are you okay?" You asked, concerned.

"Uhh.. yeah, just a bad case." He muttered "Why?" He attempts a laugh "You care about me?" He asks, trying to sound playful, but you could tell he was hurting.

"Do you want to talk about it?" You offer.

He went to reply, but he was interrupted by the employee telling us we had 5 minutes.

"Sorry, I'll let you go get some books." You say, not wanting to push it.

"No, it's okay, I'm sure I have some books at home." He looked like he wanted to say something else but hesitated. "I'll walk you out." He said after you checked out.

You both walk to your car in silence. You were still concerned about Spencer, but you didn't want to make him feel like he had to tell you about it. As you get to your car, you muster up the courage to say something. "My offer is still on the table if you need someone to talk to." You turn, and look into his eyes. You notice they are watery, like he is about to cry. Next think you know, he is hugging you like he's worried that if he let go, you would disappear.

"What's this for?" You ask with a softness, worried that the slightest hint of discomfort would cause him to pull away.

"I'm sorry, I just needed a hug. Nobody has asked me if I was okay in a while." He apologized.

"It's okay, I just... didn't expect it." You replied. You never wanted him to let go, but too soon, he did. But right after he pulled away, you saw that he was crying. You gently wiped away his tears, only for more to come.