She tried ice cream. She tried wine. She tried a failure of a Wii Tennis conversation with Zach. She even tried a hot shower. Now, watching the clock switch over to midnight, she picks up her phone. 'Hey' is all she has to say.
'Hey. You okay?' His voice is concerned, sweet as ever.
'Yeah.' It's said on a sigh, with a slight smile he can't see. 'Where are you?'
'The office.'
'Oh.' That surprises her, has her turning in place to sit on the bed as she gnaws on her lip.
His response is quick 'I could be somewhere else if…'
Her answer comes out in a breath. 'Could you meet me at your apartment? The kids are asleep and Owen's here so…' She takes a second to breathe, still chewing on her lip. 'I just want to talk for a minute.'
He arrives barely after her. She's waiting in her car for him and they go up together. He hasn't seen her dressed so casually in years and the sight takes him back. He gives a quick apology, he got sidetracked by Diane, but she just smiles. She doesn't talk in the elevator.
They barely make it inside, his keys thrown on the side table and her hands clutched in front of her, before she starts. 'I don't really know what to do with what you told me earlier. I'm glad you told me the truth but it hurt to hear it. But I'm glad you did it even if I don't…approve?' She gives a quick shake of her head, her hands going to her hips. 'God. I don't know. I'm glad you did it. I needed the job. I'm just not sure what to think about that. With knowing I cost someone else…'
'Alicia.' At this he interrupts. 'You're a good lawyer.'
'I know. No matter what David Lee says, I'm good at my job.' Of this she's sure. 'But what if she would have been better? What if she needed the job too?'
'If she was good enough to be hired by us then she was good enough to be hired by someone else.' His tone is calming, then what she said occurs to him. 'Wait, what David Lee says…?' The confusion is all over his face but she's still staring into space.
'That's true. You wouldn't consider someone unqualified. Somewhere would take her if she was that good.' Her head nods, comforted. She looks back, 'I talked to Celeste. We got drinks.' A wry smile crosses her face, 'A lot of drinks.'
Now his calm confusion turns to true alarm, 'Okay. Alicia whatever she said…' His hands are out as he steps towards her.
'Don't. Don't worry about it.' She smiles calmly at him now. 'She tried to cause her chaos. And she said you would always disappoint me and you didn't. You told me the truth.' She shrugs gently before adding amusedly, 'She did say she was going to break us up though.'
'Did she?' Now his eyebrows are raised. As much relief as he feels at her answer he isn't yet sure if this is funny or not.
'Yeah. I laughed at her.'
For a moment they just smile at each other.
Her tone turns intimate, 'Did I mention the kids are in bed and Owen is there?' This time when she bites her lip it isn't out of worry.
His smile grows. 'You did.'
'I had a bad day.' Her eyes are still a little sad but her expression now is confident. She needs this distraction. This is why she's here.
'I know.' His smile turns regretful but she steps forward, almost touching him.
Her head tilts slightly, 'Want to make me forget? Just for a little while?'
His hands go to her face and his tone is as gentle as his smile when he says 'As long as you want.'
