A/N: I chose another awesome song from TGW, Alicia listens to it when she's thinking about sexy-time in the episode "Mind's Eye" haha. It's the INSTRUMENTAL version of "Pa' Bailar" by Bajofondo. Enjoy!
YouTube - watch?v=nfD2KzG5Giw
Spotify - track/6CT7lmMAco13bgfBotJweu
Chapter 14: Pa' Bailar
"So you're saying that you can just take these musical ideas, put them in a different key and call them your own?" Alicia demands in animated outrage.
"No, I'm saying that the similarities in my song are part of a larger musical genre!" Eric James argues. That's right, The Eric James, the world-famous singer/songwriter (And sex symbol, but Alicia only knows that because Grace told her, she swears). "I copied no actual melodic material. I'm paying homage to a style, a musical feel - not a particular artist, and certainly not this song."
"Oh, so the two songs just happen to bear the same instrumentation?" Alicia retorts snarkily. "The same rhythmic feel? The same cowbell sound? Let's forget about legal copyright infringement for a moment - why is this not morally wrong, and completely unoriginal? How does this not constitute blatant theft?" Alicia leans forward, continuing in a tirade of accusations.
"Because this is a very slippery slope - there are only so many chord progressions that one can write! And there are only so many different combinations of instruments that a songwriter can use."
After a moment of silence, Alicia nods and leans back in her chair. "Good... Good."
Mr. James exhales like he's been holding his breath for an eternity, and flops down onto the desk. "Holy crap. They're gonna go that hard on me?"
"Yes," Alicia answers simply. "I know the plaintiff's lawyer, how she works. But that's what this witness prep is for."
"You're intense," he notes with a raised brow. "Right now I don't know whether to be frightened by you, or... turned on."
Alicia shoots him a deadpan look. "How about neither. How about just, determined to have this copyright infringement suit dismissed?" She suggests wryly.
"Oh I am, believe me. But I'm just glad that you're on my side of this, I'd have no chance if you weren't. You could be ripping me to shreds in that courtroom and I'd probably thank you after you were finished with me."
Not quite knowing how to respond, Alicia looks away and leans back in her chair with an awkward laugh. "You'll be fine, Mr. James."
"It's Eric, please. And yes, I will be fine. Thanks to you," he praises with a cheeky grin as he stands. "So, be honest - If you were the judge, would you think I stole that song? I know it doesn't actually matter, but... I'd like to know what you think. What you really think. Is this copyright infringement to you?"
Luckily, Alicia can answer honestly with a shake of her head. "No. There just aren't enough objective similarities here. You said it yourself, you can't copyright a musical style." Eric nods but still looks slightly worried. "Hey. We have a good case," she assures him. "And even if we didn't, I'd still be telling you to let me do all the worrying. Okay?"
He reaches out his hand, and Alicia takes it expecting nothing more than a business-like shake. But instead, he leans down and presses a soft kiss to her knuckles. Her heart leaps, just for a moment, before she reminds herself that he is a client and he's Eric James.
Ruby is there standing at the door, eyeing him as he leaves. Her eyes widen comically at Alicia. As soon as he's out of earshot she hisses, "Was that Eric James? Eric bloody JAMES?! Oh, my word. You're blushing and smiling like a schoolgirl. You want him, don't you?"
"What? No," Alicia denies way too quickly.
"Oh, you so do. You want to get naked with him!" At Ruby's exclamations, nearby lawyers raise their heads and peer into the office.
"Ruby!" Alicia hisses, but she can't help letting a small smile break through.
"Alright, I'll shut up. But only if you admit that you find him attractive."
"Fine! I find him attractive. There, happy?"
Ruby shakes her head with an amused smile. "I'm just surprised, is all. He seems a bit... young, for your taste." Alicia wants to argue that he's not that much younger than her, but it would just fuel Ruby's teasing even further. So she just rolls her eyes.
"What do you need, Ruby? I do have a job you know, and clients. Eric James being one of them."
"Who would you say is your celebrity crush?" Ruby asks with narrowed eyes, ignoring her question. "Besides Eric James, of course," she adds with a wink. Alicia lets out a frustrated huff.
"I don't know. George Clooney, I suppose." She's gotten used to skipping past the stammering over Ruby's blunt questions and just answering straight up. She usually tickles it out of her eventually anyway.
"Nice, nice. Classic. So that's the answer that you actually tell people - what's the one that you don't? Who's your guilty pleasure?" Ruby presses with an evil grin.
Alicia sighs. "Oh Ruby, I don't know. Why?"
"Because I need to know these things! I know your deepest, darkest fears and regrets - it makes sense that I should know who you'd bang if you had the chance!" Alicia is about to choke on thin air, but Ruby isn't done making her squirm yet. "And speaking of which..."
"Speaking of which?!" Alicia cries.
"Speaking of which, I have a task for you. Don't worry, you should like this one. It involves, well... orgasms."
Alicia has no words. Between Eric James basically flirting with her and all of Ruby's ridiculous comments, this day has thrown her off balance and she doesn't know what move to make next. She just gapes.
"Yes, orgasms," the young therapist confirms. "It's pretty simple really. Your homework is to have lots of them! As many as possible this week."
Alicia is so shell-shocked that she doesn't even bother trying to question Ruby. She simply notes sarcastically, "Well that might prove difficult, between my divorcing Peter and falling out with Will."
"Who said you needed a man?" Ruby challenges.
"Oh, are you offering?" Alicia snorts, now resigned to how ridiculous the whole conversation has been.
Ruby barks out a laugh and cries, "I mean, you don't need anyone!"
"You mean..."
"Yes, Alicia. You can say the word you know, it's not a crime. Masturbation."
Alicia instantly whacks her hand to her forehead in embarrassment and whines, "I'm way too sober for this."
"I know this stuff makes you squirm, but I'm being serious! This is about you listening to yourself, to your desires, to how you feel. Taking time out for you."
Alicia stammers and shakes her head in disbelief, while Ruby is already up and half-way out the door.
"Well, I'm off. See you for dinner on Thursday, are we still on for that?"
Alicia sighs. "Yes. Zach can't make it, but Grace will be there."
"Good, it'll be nice to properly meet her. Alright. Take care, my love. And have fun!" Ruby calls in a cheeky sing-song.
Alicia rolls her eyes and lets out another sigh. What on earth has her life come to?
Alicia enters the courtroom, Eric James in tow, and finds Will already sitting at the plaintiff's table.
"Of course," she grumbles sarcastically.
Eric turns to her with furrowed brows. "What's wrong? I haven't seen that guy, I thought Diane would be on the other side. Is that bad?" The musician asks worriedly.
"No, it's fine. We just don't exactly... get along."
Erice raises his eyebrows. "I see, so you two have a history. And I thought I was the only man in your life, since you've divorced the Governor and all."
"You've been checking up on me?" Alicia asks with a grin.
"Oh definitely, Ms. Cavanaugh. I had to know what I was up against. I can't imagine a woman like you will stay single for long." Will's head jerks up at this comment, as they take their seats at the defense table. He and Alicia look across at each other and nod.
Alicia turns to her client and leans in to quietly warn him. "Will is going to try and provoke you in cross. I need you not to bite, can you do that?"
"Of course, that's what we've talked about isn't it?"
"Yes, but it's even more important now. He's going to badger you and I won't object unless I absolutely have to. If you keep your cool, he will look desperate and you'll look sympathetic. Don't raise your voice, answer succinctly and don't diverge too much into your musical interests. He'll try to get you talking. Okay?"
Eric gives a nod, biting his lip anxiously. "So… does he give the evil eye to everyone he's suing, or am I special?"
"Oh, you're special," she answers with a laugh.
"He's jealous?" Eric guesses.
She pauses. "I don't know…"
Eric takes this opportunity to lean in and whisper in her ear. "Okay, he's watching us. Smile like I'm telling you something funny and endearing."
Alicia leans away slightly to give him a questioning look. "What?"
He instantly pulls her back in to whisper again. "Pretend I'm charming you. Go on, quick do it!"
Alicia does. She purposefully avoids Will's eyes as she lets a grin rise onto her cheeks. Eric keeps a hand on her arm as he continues whispering in her ear. "I'm just whispering things to make it look like I'm still being funny and sweet. He's a jealous one, isn't he? Okay now for some laughter. I've just told you the punchline, okay? And… go!" Alicia lets out a bark of laughter and doubles over. She didn't think she'd be good at this but they're actually pulling it off. "Oscar-winning performance, Ms. Cavanaugh. Incredible," Eric praises and she laughs genuinely this time.
Will is just frowning down at his case files when the judge enters. As they rise, he glares across at her.
So, that worked. Whoops.
"So Alicia, how's your weekly task going? Are you… enjoying it?" Ruby asks with a cheeky grin, twirling her fork into her bowl of spaghetti. The lawyer gives her a death glare and nods towards Grace, who is eating contentedly.
"What's that?" The young girl asks.
Alicia drops her fork at her daughter's innocent question and raises her eyebrows at Ruby. "Yes, Ruby, what's that?" She presses angrily.
Ruby bites her lip to keep from laughing and turns to Grace. "Well… I can't get into specifics, since it's you know… confidential counseling stuff. But your mom and I have been talking about how if you want something done right, you should, erm… do it yourself. Isn't that right, Alicia?"
Grace doesn't notice her mother practically choking on her dinner, as she turns to Ruby with a smile. "Oh, well that sounds interesting."
"Yes, like I said I can't get into specifics. But let's just say, she's been learning about happiness. And, erm, how to take that happiness into her own… hands." She can barely get the word out with a straight face, pressing her lips together in a desperate attempt to contain herself. Even Alicia's glare softens as she tries to hide a grin.
Grace looks over to see her smiling mother, who is now shaking her head in resignation. "Well, I guess it's working!" She observes politely.
And that does it for Alicia and Ruby, who instantly burst out into roaring laughter.
"What, what did I say?" Grace begs. The two women only cackle even harder.
"Objection, Your Honor - if Mr. Gardner wants to testify, we can swear him in."
"Oh snap!" Eric says quietly from the witness stand.
"Mr. James," Judge Suzanne Morris chastises. "Please keep your exclamations to yourself."
"My apologies, your Honour." He then turns to Alicia and mouths 'sorry' with a wince. She just smiles in response, because Judge Morris sustains her objection and she knows that Will is losing. He's losing badly. This cross-examination is only adding to his defeat. He continues badgering, trying to get Eric to elaborate and slip up about his writing. But it's unsuccessful, the musician is steadfast, calm, and the perfect witness.
In a last-ditch effort, Will manages to dig his hole even further. "Mr. James... what did you whisper to Mrs. Florrick as you stood to take the stand?"
"Well, I believe she goes by Ms. Cavanaugh now."
"Ms. Cavanaugh, then," Will corrects angrily. "What did you whisper to her before you took the stand?!" He demands again.
Alicia stands. "Objectio- Actually I'll withdraw that."
"You will?" Eric blurts out in surprise.
"Mr. James!" Judge Morris snaps. She turns back to Alicia. "You will?" She repeats. Eric just grins up at the judge, earning an eye-roll.
"Yes, Your Honour. I think the witness should answer the question," Alicia responds, nodding pointedly at Eric. He smiles in understanding.
"What did I whisper to Ms. Cavanaugh?" Eric begins. "Well I believe my exact words were, 'Smile and roll your eyes fondly, like I said something cheeky.'"
Will blinks in confusion. "That's... that's what you told her?"
"Yes it is, we've done similar things a few times now. We had discussed how-"
Will instantly tries to cut him off with a loud question and Alicia stands, but Eric has it covered.
"I wasn't finished answering. Would you like me to finish?" The musician asks with a sickly sweet smile.
Oh, she could kiss him.
"Please," Will responds in a grumble.
"My lovely lawyer over there and I discussed how you would overreact in jealousy at the appearance of flirtation between us - just as you did now. She also made it clear that you would jump at any opportunity to stray from the facts of this case, because, well - you have none."
Alicia simply can't hold it in. "Oh snap," she interjects with a laugh. Will whips his head around to fix his glare on her, and she's warned by the judge, but she doesn't really mind.
Eric may just be her favorite witness, ever.
"So he's jealous?" Ruby confirms with furrowed brows.
"Yes!" Alicia cries with a laugh. "It wasn't my idea at first, but he's really getting under Will's skin."
"Hmmm... I don't know about this. I don't think what you need is more tension between you two. Having said that, it shows he still has feelings for you. It's... provocative. And it just might work," Ruby grins.
"All we were doing was whispering to each other," Alicia says in defense.
"Yes, but... he's clearly into you. At least a little."
"What? No!" She denies as if Ruby just told her the earth was flat.
"Okay," Ruby sarcastically agrees with a roll of her eyes.
Alicia sighs. He's not actually into her. Right?
"I've found that there is not enough substantial similarity here - not in any protected elements of the song. Motion to dismiss is granted." Judge Morris bangs the gavel and stands.
Alicia rises and beams down at Eric, who is still frozen. He looks up at her with a confused frown.
"We won?" He asks.
"We won!" Alicia confirms happily.
Eric processes this as he stands, and she holds her arms out for a hug.
In the blink of an eye, he pulls her in by the waist and presses a firm, lingering kiss on her lips.
By the time Alicia's mind has caught up and she pulls away in shock, everyone in the courtroom is staring at them. Including the judge, who hasn't left yet.
"What?" Eric asks everyone after a prolonged silence. He then turns back to Judge Morris. "It's not against any law to kiss her - besides, she's not even my lawyer anymore, right? The case is done, you've banged your gavel thingy and all that?"
"I suppose so..." Judge Morris responds, bemused, and continues back to her chambers.
Alicia gapes. Everyone is still staring. Will's stormy expression is piercing right through her. She stalks out of the courtroom, leaving all of her things behind on the table.
"Alicia, wait!" Eric runs to catch up with her. She sees the door to the unisex disabled bathroom, before darting her head around quickly and dragging him in with her.
"What were you thinking?!" Alicia hisses. "You may not ever see that judge again, but my job is to argue in front of her! I have a reputation and a governor for an ex-husband! You can't just-" Alicia pauses. "Stop looking at me like that."
"Like what, like I want to kiss you again?" Eric smiles, brushing back a lock of her hair.
"Eric!" She cries, stepping away from him. "Look, I... I think you're great. I'm just - well for want of a better term, I'm... emotionally unavailable."
Eric laughs and shakes his head. "I'm not after your emotions, Ms. Cavanaugh."
Alicia rolls her eyes. "And what are you after then, hm? My body? Because I'm sure there are plenty of young-"
"Yes," he growls, reaching out and gripping her waist. Alicia draws in a sharp, involuntary gasp. They just stare, in a stalemate waiting for the other to make the next move. "I'm not interested in emotions, Alicia. I want you. How's that?"
"I- I, um..."
"I know how you've been painted in the media - you're Saint Alicia. But that's not even scratching the surface, is it? No one knows how truly bad you want to be, deep down. But I do." Alicia's heart is pumping furiously, it's like a surge of electricity is jolting through her. "I don't think you can, though."
"You don't think I can what?" Alicia gets out breathily.
"Just be in this moment, ignore everything else - responsibilities, consequences. And just do what you truly want to do."
Alicia narrows her eyes. "Why not?"
"You're just not built like that, I guess," he answers with a shrug.
Alicia's not stupid. She knows that Eric is using reverse psychology to get what he wants. But if she ignores everything else, like he said... she knows that she wants him too. No, not forever. But in this moment? She's at a loss for reasons to turn away this man - to deny his touch.
She closes her eyes for a moment and tries to clear her mind. When they open again she's determined. Slowly but surely, she steps closer towards him. Her gaze locks onto his lips. It takes forever and no time at all, but she's there, she can feel his breath mingling with hers. She closes her eyes again, and slowly closes the distance between their lips. It's soft and lingering, and she needs more. But he pulls away.
"Now that was nice and all," Eric says, "but how about you kiss me like you mean it."
She does. And she feels, she feels his instant touch, firm and desperate and wanting. She feels his tongue tease hers. His hands slide down her back and squeeze her ass, making her gasp into his mouth and moan as he hoists her up onto the bathroom counter. His lips begin a torturous journey down from under her ear, to her neck and down her chest as he unbuttons her blouse. But there's no time for that - meaning she has no patience and just can't wait. She wraps her legs around him and tries hitching up her skirt. Eric swears as his hands search for the zip. Once he finds it his lips return to hers, and just as she starts reaching to unzip his pants, they both hear a phone ringing. Alicia's phone.
She freezes. "Just ignore it," she whispers and brings her mouth back to his. Just as she starts to refocus, the harsh ringtone interrupts them again. "Oh, come on," she growls with a huff. When she reaches out for the phone, Eric becomes incredulous.
"No no no, you can't do this to me!" He begs desperately. She laughs and wraps an arm around the back of his neck, looking down to see who's calling.
"Hi Cary," she answers. Eric begins running his hands up under her blouse and pressing kisses to her neck. "No- yes, we just finished up. She, uh, she dismissed it. Yep. Okay, I'll be there soon."
Eric sighs and pulls away. "Duty calls?"
"Duty calls, unfortunately," she confirms as she starts straightening herself out and rebuttoning her blouse.
"I'll give you a five-minute head start," he offers glumly. "I'm gonna need it for things to... settle down anyway. I'll have a nice, long think about naked elderly people."
Alicia laughs. "Or you could take as long as you like... and have a nice long think about, me?" She suggests, the desire probably as clear on her face as it is in her voice. She needs to get out of here before she doesn't leave at all.
She grins as Eric's face falls dramatically, his mouth wide open in shock. "Holy sh..." is all she hears from Eric before the bathroom door closes behind her.
Alicia sits at her desk, tapping her pen. Her lamp and the outside city lights provide the only illumination. She should probably head home, she's the last one here but she can't concentrate long enough to finish her notes. She starts at the sound of the elevator and relaxes when she sees Eric emerge from around the corner.
"I thought I'd find you here."
Alicia laughs, and rises from her desk to walk around the front and lean back on it. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, I've just been thinking about earlier this morning..." he trails off in a low, suggestive voice.
"Yes, it went well, an easy dismissal." Alicia knows that's not what he means. When he raises his eyebrows, she laughs and looks away almost bashfully. All of a sudden he's right there, leaning into her and gazing at her lips. She places a hand on his chest with a sad smile.
"Not even a kiss for the road?" He jokes.
"Look, Eric... it was... great, earlier today."
"But, there's still this thing with Will?" He guesses.
She closes her eyes and lets out a sigh. "Yes."
"Well I don't know what the story is with you two, but... if you ever want some more no strings fun, call me."
Alicia breaths out a laugh. "I will." He reaches for her hand, and this time she expects the kiss he presses to her knuckles. But it does cause a surge of desire to pulse through her. His grip on her hand loosens as he turns away, but Alicia holds tighter to stop him from leaving.
For a moment they are frozen - Eric looks back in confusion. Alicia pulls him towards her.
"One for the road?" Eric asks, going easily to her.
"One for the road," she murmurs, and their lips meet. Somehow they end up on top of Alicia's desk, half of the papers that used to be there flying off.
They should really find more appropriate places to fool around. When she says as much to Eric, he simply laughs and lays her down onto a cleared space of her desk.
"Don't be silly. You love how dangerous this is." And maybe she does. Either way, she's not complaining.
Nope, she's not complaining at all. Not judging by the noises he's pulling from her a matter of minutes later.
A/N take 2: Hey y'all so this was a little bit saucier than my previous chapters... haha I'm also not a lawyer so if something I wrote is just downright WRONG then I'm sorry and please let me know.
This chapter was also a lot longer than my others - would you like them to be longer in the future, or more regular updates but shorter? What do you think of the direction I took with Eric and everything? Obviously they're not gonna last forever but yeah. Thanks heaps for reading xx