This chapter is a little shorter, and it's more a filler. But the next chapter makes up for it, I promise. Thanks to those who reviewed/followed

I own nothing.

Chapter 2

Alicia's life had become a lesson in avoidance. In addition to avoiding awkward encounters with her boss while at work, she was dodging Peter's calls and attempts to talk citing work, and avoiding anywhere he could find her. It seemed to her the only safe place left was the bar, and boy did she need a drink.

Earlier that day, her mother had come into the office and embarrassed her, telling inappropriate stories to her co-workers, including Will. She tried to stop her but Veronica would not listen, and Alicia had to settle with sending apologetic glances to the (fortunately) few people present. Will just smiled and shrugged it off. Why was he being so considerate? It wasn't making the situation any easier.

When Alicia finished up her work for the night, she asked Kalinda if she wanted to go for drinks. But Kalinda was busy, so Alicia left alone. She wasn't going home yet though, not until it was past a decent time that Peter could call on her, so she headed for the bar, calling Owen on her way to ask him to join her.

He met her at the bar ten minutes later, and they had a few rounds.

"So, this..." he gestured to the empty shot glasses on the bar, "isn't all thanks to our lovely mother. What's up?"

A few drinks ago, Alicia probably would've denied any problem, but now the alcohol had loosened her lips and after staring forward for a moment, grimacing, she faced her brother with a desolate expression. "Peter wants to renew our vows."

Owen's eyebrows rose. "Really? And what did you say?"

"Nothing. I was thinking about it when my phone rang. Thank you, by the way."

"But you didn't say yes. Because of pretty boy?" he smirked. "You should really go for that, you know."

"I can't."

"I still can't see why?"

"I'm married and have responsibilities. Zach and Grace. And there's Peter's campaign. You know, I do love him Owen. I do."

"I don't doubt it," he replied, with only a hint of sarcasm before turning serious, "but you love Will too." Alicia went to interrupt. "Don't deny it. It's pointless.

"And all those things you listed, they're considerations, but they don't lock you in. You have choices."

No, she didn't. She frowned and almost whispered, "Not anymore."

"Why? What happened?" his tone was gentle as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Oh Owen," she said shaking her head, "we shouldn't be talking about this." She didn't want to talk about it. It was too painful to think of what she'd done...

Owen would not take that as an answer and insisted.

"I ended it. For good. It's been unresolved for so long and I've just been hurting him, dashing his hopes all the time. But he still couldn't move on. I had to end it for good so he could move on and have a chance at being happy." She ignored the prickling sensation in her eyes. "I couldn't keep jerking him around."

"I'm so sorry Alicia." He put his arm around her shoulder while she fought to keep it together.

They stayed a little while longer but it was getting late, so Owen took Alicia home.

Veronica arrived at Lockhart/Gardner early the next day in hopes of apologizing to Alicia for her behavior yesterday. Walking towards Alicia's office, she heard voices inside. The glass walls did a really terrible job of keeping things private. It's a wonder that they're able to keep the confidentiality of attorney-client privilege.

"I want to think about it." Alicia's voice.

"What is there to think about? Renewing our vows is the logical thing to do now." That was Peter obviously. Veronica stopped walking and hung back behind a solid wall, hidden from view. This must have been what they were talking about the other night when she came to Alicia's apartment. "Is this about Will?" his voice was low with a hint of annoyance.

"No Peter." This sounded like a tired argument, Veronica thought, and also a lie. "No, there is nothing there. Just give me some time."

Last time Veronica was here she would have bet that there was. But it sounded like Alicia was telling the truth. She wasn't sure what had happened, but she resolved to find out.

There was silence for a moment before the sound of the door opening, and she started walking again so it was not obvious that she was eavesdropping. She past Peter on her way and they both nodded by way of greeting. When Veronica entered the office, Alicia was sat at her desk, head in her hands.

"Hi honey. Everything alright?"

Alicia jumped, surprised. "Fine Mom. I didn't expect you here, we are meeting at the conference room."

"Yes, well, I thought I'd apologize about yesterday. Owen told me that I embarrassed you. So, I'm sorry. I'll try to refrain from similar behavior in the future." Alicia looked to her doubtfully. Thanks for the vote of confidence, sweetheart.

"Okay, thanks. The negotiations will be starting in a minute. We should head over."

Next chapter is half written so should be up in a day or two