It was about a week later until Spencer finally called me. I was laying on my couch with a cup of tea in my hand. A number I didn't recognize called me.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Grace?"

"Yeah. Who is this?"

"It's Spencer Reid." I couldn't help the relief I felt. I was so worried that he hadn't remembered my number.

"Hello!" I cringed at how excited my voice came out.

"Hi," he repeated, laughing lightly. "I just thought I'd call so that you had my number."

"Well I'm glad you called."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Why is that?"

I felt slightly stupid then. I didn't know what to say. I laughed awkwardly. "I don't know. I just really like talking to you."

He was quiet for a moment. I was worried I had said too much.

"I really like talking to you, too, Grace." A smile spread across my lips. "Can I see you?"

"When?"

"Soon?"

I bit my lip in thought. "I think you know my work schedule at this point. We could always try to get lunch again, but that didn't work so well the first time."

"I've actually been given some leave from work for the week so we shouldn't be interrupted."

My mind was filled with questions again. This man was such a mystery to me.

"That's pretty lucky," I stated.

"I guess it is," he laughed. "I'd really like to make up for last time and, uh, have, um, a real date with you."

The word date stopped my heart. I noticed the way it wavered slightly when he said it. I was glad he seemed as nervous as I was. I took a breath. "I'd love that."

"Great!" He sounded genuinely relieved. "How does lunch on Wednesday sound?"

"Perfect!"

"Perfect," he repeated. "I'll see you then. Goodnight, Grace."

"Goodnight!"

As soon as he hung up, I threw down my phone and let out a giddy squeal. I felt so juvenile. For the first time in years, I was genuinely excited to go out with someone.

I had a date with Spencer Reid. It was officially a date. I almost couldn't believe that it was actually going to happen.

I poured the rest of my tea out in the sink. My phone rang from the other room. When I picked it up, I was surprised to see my brother's name on the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Grace?"

"Hey, James." I heard him sniff. He sounded like he was crying. "James? What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I-I'm fine, Gracie." He took another pause. "I'm at the airport right now. I just flew to America."

I couldn't speak for a moment. James and I hadn't talked in a month or two and I had no idea. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah," he laughed. "I had a plan to move in with one of my friends, but it just all fell through."

"What does that even mean?"

"I landed and I got a call from my friend's ex-girlfriend. She was letting me know that he had just been arrested for breaking a restraining order that I didn't even know she had against him. So, now I'm in DC with no way to get back to England and no where to stay."

I closed my eyes. Of course. "If you get a cab, you can be at my apartment in an hour."

He let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Gracie. You're the best. I swear I won't be intruding long. I'll get a flight back home as soon as possible."

"It's not a problem, James. You can stay as long as you need. I'll see you soon."

"Thank you. I love you. See you soon." He hung up and I set my phone down. My fingers played with my hair. I didn't know what to expect from James. The last time we spoke wasn't the most pleasant. Luckily, he seemed to be over it.

It had been quite the day. I decided to put on a movie to keep me up until James got there.