She'd always had a crush on Spike Thomson and to be honest, who didn't? But she was also head of the "Lynda/Spike Fan Club", and again, who wasn't part of that? She'd even called her rabbits Spike and Lynda for goodness sake. So having a major 12 year old girl crush on Spike Thomson didn't bother her, because it was normal. Everyone knew it and no one cared fantastic, just the way she wanted it. But Colin Matthews was different. He grew on her, year after year, his actions and words slowly pecking away at her. Every year a different part of Colin emerged. The first year of the gazette Colin tended to be the butt of all the jokes. She'd never forget that night when she took on Sarah's late shift, and Colin bursts into the office completely oblivious to the fact that he was wearing a pink rabbit suit. Maybe that was the first moment? She couldn't help but think he looked a bit cute all flustered and bothered. But then soon enough her attention was back on Spike, cool calm collected, Thomson. Maybe it started when he helped out Cindy? He'd showed a side of himself that Toni had never seen before; he actually showed he could care about something other than money. He also proved that he wasn't completely thick; he had noticed something wrong unlike so many others. She liked it when he cared, and especially when he'd show how much he cared about her, but she had ruined all that….
"Toni. Toni!" Nicola practically had to yell to bring her back to earth.
"Sorry Nic, I was just thinking." Toni apologised. Nicola looked confused, and Toni explained.
"Did I ever mention that I worked at The Junior Gazette during my school years?" Toni smiled.
"No, wow so you worked with Lynda Day and Spike Thomson? Oh my god!" Nicola was like some sort of fan girl. "I read that newspaper all the time when I was in school."
"Yes, interesting times and people. Did you ever read the "Junior Junior Gazette" page?"
"Yes of course! Wait, you're Tiddler aren't you!" Nicola exclaimed.
"Yes Toni "Tiddler" Tildesley, because I was small, my last name and I was reasonably popular" Toni laughed. "Now I'm just a first class lawyer bitch as you know."
Nicola just laughed before continuing "Well, it's not just Mr Thomson you will be representing. Apparently Lynda Day wants you to both do this case and defend The Gazette itself."
Toni felt a wave of concern. "What have they done?" "They're getting sued for defamation, and fraud."
"Excellent." Toni sighed, "Well we better go see my client. Liam!" She called over to the small office across the hall. "Liam, go get your robes. I'm going to show you how to nail a DUI."
…
"Right, this is only a first offence and usually it'd be a slam dunk easy 50 hours community service whatever result. Problem is James Thomson is a celebrity reporter so prosecutors want a bit more blood spilt." Toni explained to Liam as they walked towards the court room. "So we sell him a bit more to the judge than usual."
As she got closer she saw them. Her heart started to beat in her chest faster and she felt her hands go clammy.
After what felt like forever she stood in front of the seated Spike and Colin. Spike looked terrible, unshaven and tired. Colin looked like Colin, suit and tie and a five o clock shadow. He looked good, she thought before pulling back to reality.
"Great to see my lovely, caring wife here." Spike remarked to Colin, both hadn't noticed Toni standing there.
"I hadn't realised the two of you had come out. Congratulations." Toni chuckled handing out a razor and shaving cream to Spike.
"Tiddler!" Spike looked up smiling. "It's been too long. Do you carry that stuff all the time?" He chuckled taking the products off her hands.
"Most of my clients are hardened criminals. So yes, apparently I'm a stylist as well as a lawyer. You know no one has called me that in almost 10 years."
"You haven't grown in 20 though." Spike smirked as we went to the bathroom.
"Liam, can you pass this on to the court. First thing is getting rid of this ridiculous grand theft auto charge. I mean come on, I know he's famous and all but…" Liam took the papers and headed inside leaving only Colin and Toni.
"Colin." She acknowledged him, showing no emotion.
"Hi Toni." Colin sighed. "You look good." Toni couldn't help but let a small smile escape. They stood there for a minute unsure of themselves. The last time they saw each other played on both their minds.
"Look I wasn't the one that asked for you, Lynda did. But you are the best and…"
"Colin its fine. I don't know the details yet, but it's fine."
"Let's get this show on the road folks.' The American twang came from behind them.
"Let's go then."