Note: Sorry for taking so long - being a lawyer is hard. Oh, and my girlfriend needs at least 5% attention. Hope you guys enjoy this one.
It took a few moments for the Judge to pick up her notepads, the various exhibit binders, and step down from the bench to exit behind her into her chambers. Despite the quick recess, Alexandra remained seated at their counsel table for a few minutes after the judge left for her chambers. As if prepared for this, Marla and Alexandra quickly huddled themselves around Olivia, shuffling papers and writing on notepads, making themselves look busy while they waited for Trevor and Bradley to exit the courtroom. Just as they'd suspected, Trevor attempted to strike up a quick conversation with the Marla and Alex as he walked away from his counsel table, but Marla quickly brushed him off with a wave of her hand. Neither of them wanted to speak to Trevor, no less keep Bradley in Olivia's vicinity any longer than necessary. Once the two attorneys were confident that Bradley and Trevor would be nowhere near the courtroom doors when they exited, Alexandra led Olivia and Marla out of the court room and down the hallway to the left toward a row of benches and gestured for them to sit.
"Is this typical?" Olivia asked, finally breaking the virtual silence that had fallen over them since the Judge exited the court room. Her voice was soft, almost scared, still shaky from the traumatic event that had just taken place inside the courtroom.
"Yes," Alex and Marla answered together in unison. Alexandra caught Marla's eye, smiled, and gestured for her to take the lead.
"Nothing to worry about," Marla continued, "We've got this in the bag. There's no way any judge in their right mind is going to discontinue this protection order – she's going to want to see the outcome of the criminal trial. Family court always errs on the side of caution."
"It's frightening to testify… especially with him sitting right there," Olivia admitted, looking down at the ground, "I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin."
Alexandra smiled, "That's normal… You did fine Liv, just relax."
Olivia gulped at the use of her nickname, looking up at Alexandra with wide brown eyes. Olivia hadn't expected the blonde to use her nickname in front of Marla, especially since the blonde knew what her use of it did to the brunette. Alexandra smiled knowingly as her cheeks turned a slight shade of pink at her own slip. She met Olivia's eyes, holding her gaze for a minute before forcing herself to look anywhere but at Olivia.
"I've got to head outside and make a phone call," Marla told them as she rose from her seat, glaring at her phone with an expression Alexandra couldn't quite read. Marla took note of the two women. Olivia still hadn't looked away from Alexandra, and her associate's lower neck was still a slight shade of pink despite staring at a lone water fountain across the hall from them. Her eyes darted back and forth between the women suspiciously, "I'll be back in 15. Call me if Barth brings us back in sooner." For a moment, neither Olivia nor Alexandra acknowledged Marla's statements. Olivia's eyes were still locked on Alexandra, Alex's had shifted to intently examining every face that walked past before ultimately landing back on Olivia.
"Alex?" Marla asked, snapping the blonde back to reality.
"No problem," Alexandra replied, swallowing hard at her inability to regulate herself in front of her boss.
Marla eyed her suspiciously again before shrugging and walking away from the two women. Alexandra wasn't stupid, her boss knew something was up. At least she didn't say anything, Alex thought to herself.
"How are you feeling?" Alex asked softly, turning to face Olivia once Marla was out of sight and earshot. She'd have to deal with the Marla situation later, now just wasn't the time. "I know that was rough – but you did great."
"Honestly?" Olivia asked her. She shifted uncomfortably on the bench, tugging at the suit she was wearing, never letting her eyes drop from Alexandra's. Surprisingly, Olivia didn't feel as shitty as she thought she would. And now that it was over, she felt stronger than ever. This had been the first time she'd gotten to divulge what life was like with Bradley in front of him. She wasn't hiding anymore.
"I told you Liv; you can always be honest with me," Alexandra told her delicately, watching as Olivia fidgeted with her clothing, "What are you feeling?"
"Strong… Free… I feel good, even if it was terrifying, even if I don't get the protection order… I feel like me again… But, Alexandra… I don't think I could've done that without you," Olivia admitted softly. She, for the first time since leaving the courtroom, looked away from Alex, focusing her attention on her hands, clasping them together tightly on her lap.
"You are strong. And you should feel good, I'm – we're all so proud of you for facing that today… You're stronger than you think, Olivia," Alexandra offered, placing her hand onto Olivia's clasped hands, "You can do this with or without me… I'm just a lawyer, no superpowers here."
"No…" Olivia replied, letting one of her thumbs escape her own grasp and wrap around the back of Alexandra's hand, "You, just you… your smile… your eyes… I spent so much time being afraid of him… I'd never have been able to look him in the eye like that and say those things if you weren't there making me feel protected. You're like a cloak of armor… I – Thank you, Alex."
Alexandra didn't respond, but not for lack of trying. She opened her mouth, closed it, opened it again, and closed it trying to find the words to respond, but could barely think over the sound of her heart beating rapidly in her chest, jumping so hard she was afraid she'd choke.
"You're not just a lawyer, Alexandra," Olivia continued. She looked up again, forcing Alexandra to look at her, "You're incredible… I –" She made herself stop talking, noticing the pained expression on the blonde's face, remembering the promise she'd made to her on Friday morning, "I'm sorry."
Alexandra finally snapped herself back to the present, closed her mouth, and smiled, squeezing Olivia's hands in her own, "It's okay… This is an emotional process; I can't expect you to keep it in check all the time… But, for what it's worth… You did this yourself… but I'm glad I help keep you calm."
Olivia smiled, her eyes darting from Alexandra's eyes to her lips, down to their joined hands, and back again, "This is going to be extremely difficult, isn't it?"
"It might be," Alexandra told her, "It all depends on Bradley's reactions to everything… Trevor wanted to talk about settlement opportunities, so it could be quick. I just – I can't tell you how this is all going to go – Bradley seems to be taking a very… for lack of a better term, fucked up position on all of this."
"No Alex, not that," Olivia said with a soft laugh, "I meant this… you… whatever this is." She lifted her hands, forcing Alexandra's hand to drop onto her thigh as she gestured between the two of them.
Alexandra looked down, letting her hand rest on Olivia's thigh for a moment while she battled internally over whether or not to leave it there. Opting to err on the side of caution, she gave Olivia's thigh a soft squeeze and lifted her hand, placing it into her own lap, "I – I… Sorry… um…" Alex growled internally. Words were her thing, but every time Olivia got her nervous, she could never seem to find the right ones to say – no less stop herself from stuttering through the ones she could find.
Olivia smiled in return, "It's okay… I can handle a little thigh grab." Olivia winked at her, smirking contently at Alexandra's blatant display of her internal battle.
Alexandra laughed awkwardly, once again resorting to looking anywhere but the beautiful woman beside her. When it came to Olivia, she was lost at how to handle things. She took in a few deep breaths, calming her anxiety before responding with a small, exasperated laugh, "Honestly Olivia!"
"You're so cute when you're flustered," Olivia quipped with another half-smile.
"Yes, Liv," Alexandra replied, ignoring her statement and opting to answer the brunette's earlier question, "This is going to be extremely difficult." She shifted her eyes back toward her client, catching the tail end of her mega-watt smile. She groaned at the sight, "Are you kidding me?"
"What?" Olivia asked, as if she had no idea the effect her smile had on her attorney, her teeth poking out to bite the righthand corner of her lower lip.
"You know exactly what you're doing," Alex answered, her eyes locked on the brunette's plump lower lip. Alexandra was struggling, wanting nothing more than to slide her tongue over the skin Olivia's teeth had just bit.
"How is it that fifteen minutes after testifying about my asshole husband, you've got me sitting here smiling and wanting to kiss you like some sixteen-year-old?" Olivia asked, watching the confliction dance across the blonde's face.
"Remember when I said leaving the other night was the hardest thing I've ever had to do?" Alexandra asked, tearing her eyes away from the brunette beside her, catching sight of Marla approaching from down the hallway.
"Yes?" Olivia said, turning to look at whatever had caught Alex's attention.
"This tops it," Alex groaned, standing up to greet Marla as she approached. Alex had only seen Marla nervous on two other occasions. The first had been before the Kaley L. hearing that she'd taken on pro bono regarding the reasonable efforts required by state agencies to attempt reunification with birth parents for orphaned and/or neglected children. The second had been after the Robinson debacle. Alexandra's demeanor immediately changed – her attorney hat finding its place back atop her head.
"Marla?" Alexandra questioned, stepping toward her boss and away from Olivia.
"We closed the office for the evening," Marla hushed into Alex's ear hurriedly, "We've got a problem."
"What's going on?" Alex asked, glancing over toward Olivia who now wore a similar expression of nervousness as Marla. Alex gave her a soft smile, trying to calm her. Neither of them knew what was going on yet.
"Abby," Marla answered, "Abby received some troubling hate mail… She's home safely now, and we hired security to watch her apartment… the police are at the office now with Ted and Rafael."
"What?" Alexandra yelped, a bit too loudly, scaring Olivia, and a few other courthouse patrons who were clearly in the right place at the wrong time, "Sorry," she breathed, turning back to Marla.
"She was threatened, Alex, keep your voice down," Marla scolded, "She's fine, Alex. I promise… The more pressing issues are Olivia and the swarms of press and citizens outside the courthouse." She raised her eyebrow as she spoke, hoping Alexandra would understand.
"The Mayor…" Alex said, "He notified the press?"
"Someone did," Marla answered, looking over at Olivia, "We need to get her out of here quietly… Can you get her back to Long Island safely? I need to get back to the office, we need to ramp up security and I have to help Ted deal with the police."
"Yes," Alex answered quickly, "Of course… My car is in a garage a few blocks down though."
"You and I are no match for the crowd," Marla warned, "We need protection… I'll handle it while you go back in there. You've got this? The closing we worked on is in the exhibit binder, but do whatever feels right, I trust your judgment Alex."
"Of course," Alex answered, "Take my car keys, let me know where to meet you." Alex moved toward her briefcase and pulled the keys to her Cayenne out of the front pocket and tossed them to Marla who easily caught them.
"Keep her safe, I'll text you with instructions," Marla told her, "I need to go find Donnelly." With that, the older brunette turned and darted down the hallway toward the back of the courthouse where the judges' chambers were. Within seconds, she was out of sight.
Alex turned back toward Olivia and tried to smile, but she was unsuccessful. Alex was scared.
"Alexandra?" Olivia asked, standing up and walking up beside the blonde, "What's going on?"
"It's… we need to make a quiet exit. It's – it's gotten bad, Liv," Alex explained, putting a hand on the brunette's upper arm, "But I need you to stay calm okay? We need to appear strong, composed… can you do that?"
"Yes," Olivia answered, searching Alexandra's eyes as she spoke, "Is anyone hurt?"
"A threat was made against Abby," Alexandra answered simply, refusing to lie to Olivia, especially not about someone the brunette had once cared about – that Alex herself cared deeply about, "She's fine… but we are taking extra precautions."
"What?" Olivia gasped, her hand coming up to cover her mouth, "What do they want with Abby?"
"You're taking down the Mayor, Liv," Alex whispered softly, rubbing her hand against Olivia's upper arm gently, "He was a shoo-in for the Senate seat… People are pissed."
"And what? They think Abby had anything to do with this?" Olivia asked seriously, shrugging Alexandra's hand off of her shoulder.
"News spread fast about your relationship," Alex tried softly. There was really no explanation for this. Any photos the press had of Olivia and Abigail were more than five years old, there was no proof they'd even continued whatever their relationship had been beyond 2017. Abby was an easy target, a successful, out homosexual lawyer working for a historically inclusive and very prominent law firm. For those who wanted to see the rather conservative democratic Mayor take a major role in New York politics, Abby and Olivia were easier to blame for this catastrophe than Bradley was.
"That was five years ago," Olivia groaned, "Abigail had nothing to do with this."
"Bradley's team is pushing the narrative that you're using this all as a ploy to keep the shame off of yourself and your affairs with women… I assume they blame her for this," Alexandra told her, "It's going to be okay… nothing is going to happen to Abby."
"That woman can take care of herself," Olivia agreed, opting to trust that Alex wasn't concerned so she shouldn't be either, "I've been on the receiving end of her anger – it's not pretty."
Alexandra couldn't help the pang of jealousy she literally felt course through her veins. She'd never actually been jealous of Abby before. It was a strange feeling; one her brain was having a difficult time processing. Her right hand instinctively moved toward the left and grasped her other wrist, squeezing it hard, subconsciously, "I know; Abby will be okay… the bigger problem is the swarm outside. Marla's going to take care of getting us out of here safely, and I'll take you back to the Island – Noah's at school in Cold Spring Harbor today, right?"
"Miss. Cabot?" A voice from down the hallway called, causing both Olivia and Alex's attention to turn toward it.
"Yes?" Alex responded, acknowledging the small woman walking toward them.
"Judge Barth is ready, Respondent and his attorney are already inside, if you're ready, we can finish up," the woman told her, gesturing back toward the courtroom.
"Of course," Alexandra replied, grabbing her briefcase off the bench they'd occupied earlier, and put her hand on Olivia's back, leading her back toward the courtroom. They'd have to finish their conversation about where Alex would be taking Olivia after this ordeal once the Judge made her ruling.
"Are you okay, Liv?" Alex asked as they walked slowly behind the court clerk.
"I'm good," Olivia nodded confidently. For once, she was ready to face this, "Let's get this over with."
"It's just closing, and a ruling," Alex reassured her, "The hard part is over."
Olivia simply nodded and followed the court clerk back into the courtroom. Alexandra nodded at Trevor in acknowledgement, and blocked Olivia from Bradley's view as she led her back to their table to the right of the courtroom. Once Olivia was seated, she turned her attention to the notepad in front of her and jotted down a few notes while they waited.
"Alex?" She heard Olivia whisper softly. The brunette had scooted her chair back a bit and was frantically trying to shield herself behind Alex's small frame. Alexandra looked up, recognizing the look of fear on Olivia's face. She turned to face Trevor and Bradley. Trevor was lost in the exhibit binder's, looking through the various documents Alexandra and Marla had provided. Bradley, on the other hand was glaring menacingly at Olivia, a menacing grin spread across his face. When he noticed Alexandra's attention had been drawn to him, he shifted his smile to an eerily charming grin and shook his head, looking back toward the front of the courtroom.
She turned back to Olivia and smiled, "Don't let him get to you. He's just trying to intimidate you."
Olivia nodded, but sunk lower in her chair, keeping herself as hidden behind Alexandra's thin profile as possible. As if on cue, the clerk announced the Judge's return, everyone rose from their seats, and Barth was back on the bench, letting everyone know they could retake their seats.
"We're back on the record with Family Court Index. No. 672542021. We're joined by Petitioner, Olivia Benson-Holter and her attorneys…" The Judge paused, looking over the Petitioner's counsel table that was now sans an attorney, "Miss. Cabot, will Ms. Goldstein be joining us again?"
"No, your honor," Alexandra responded, standing up from her seat, "There was an urgent emergency back at the office that she had to deal with. I'll be handling our closing argument."
"Very well… I hope everything is alright… Ms. Benson-Holter is present with her attorney, Miss. Cabot, and Respondent, Mayor Bradley Holter is present with his attorney, Mr. Langan," Judge Barth explained, reading them back onto the record.
"Miss. Cabot, would you like to deliver a closing argument?" Judge Barth asked, looking over toward Alexandra.
"Yes, your honor," Alex answered, standing again.
"You have two minutes," Judge Barth replied.
"Thank you," Alexandra responded, glancing down at the binder in front of her. The closing argument that she and Marla had crafted over the weekend was sitting in the front pocket just like Marla had told her. She moved her hand to grab it, but unexpectedly changed course, walking away from the table and leaving her notes behind. They didn't need a law riddled closing like they'd prepared – no, Olivia's testimony, the evidence presented, and the level of slime ball Bradley had made himself out to be would be enough to carry them. Alex needed to appeal to the Judge's humanity – not her legalese.
"Your Honor, Ms. Benson has suffered a devastating amount of pain at the hands of Mayor Holter for the last five years of her life. She's been punched, choked, beaten, kicked, sexually assaulted…" Alexandra paused for a moment, taking a breath, recalling the Ring video she'd seen down at the precinct during Olivia's interview. She shook herself free of the thoughts after a brief reprieve, and continued, "The sheer level of damage to her person that Ms. Benson has shown you today is evidence enough of the necessity of this protection order. No one deserves to be choked to near unconsciousness on their bathroom floor in front of their son, no one deserves to be forced to their knees and… assaulted," Alexandra continued, faltering ever so slightly as she struggled to echo Olivia's testimony, "No one deserves to live in constant fear… Mayor Holter poses a direct and continuing threat to Ms. Benson. We have no doubt that, if given the opportunity, Mayor Holter would cause grave bodily harm to his wife again… We have no doubt that the criminal proceedings currently underway will result in Mayor Holter's conviction and subsequent incarceration, but we simply cannot wait that long…" Alexandra paused again, looking over to Olivia and giving her a soft smile before she divulged to the Court the emergency at the firm, "Your honor, during the break, our firm received credible information that a death threat was made against an attorney at our firm simply for having had a past relationship with Ms. Benson… The Mayor's reach is powerful and wide reaching. Our client needs protection. Without it, we fear for her life."
Alex paused again, letting the Court take in the gravity of her words, now, Alex opted to remind the Judge of the law, "Your honor, the standard in this court is that the allegations must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence – not beyond a reasonable doubt… We have undoubtedly done that. Between photographs of bruising, videos of abuse, and Ms. Benson's testimony, this Court has the power… no, the duty to protect Ms. Benson. This protection order will not ensure Ms. Benson's safety, but it is a step in the right direction. We implore you your honor, continue this protection order."
Alexandra walked slowly back to the counsel table and reclaimed her seat beside Olivia. The brunette instinctively reached out to her attorney, and gently patted her on the arm, "Thank you, Alexandra," she whispered softly before removing her hand and turning back to the Judge.
"Thank you, Miss. Cabot… Mr. Langan?" The Judge asked, turning her attention to Trevor and Bradley.
"Very briefly your honor," Trevor stated, standing up and walking forward toward the judge.
"We have here a classic case of he said – she said. To continue this heinous punishment against Mayor Holter would be in direct violation of the SCOTUS decision in Lawrence v. Texas. This Court is not permitted to police the sexual actions of consenting adults… While Mayor Holter recognizes his relationship with Ms. Benson has come to an end, he should not be punished for adjusting to her sexual proclivities. Mayor Holter has not been convicted of any crime, and until then, the allegations must be taken for what they are… A scorned wife attempting to ruin the reputation of a well-respected official of this great City… We ask that you permit the men and women of the NYPD and the District Attorney's office to do their jobs… allow them the chance to clear my clients name before tarnishing his reputation any further," and with that, Trevor sat back down at his table, beside a still smirking Bradley Holter.
There was an eerie silence in the courtroom for a few moments as Judge Barth weighed her options and reviewed the notes she'd taken that were sitting on her desk in front of her.
"I'm ready to make my ruling," Judge Barth stated simply, dragging everyone's attention back toward her.
"The evidence that's been presented today paints a very disturbing picture," Judge Barth stated. "I have considered all Motions, testimony and evidence presented, and carefully considered the law within the confines of the Family Court Act, Chapter 686, specifically Article 8 – Family Offenses."
Both Trevor and Alexandra were rapidly taking notes on their respective notepads, while both Olivia and Bradley sat intently listening to the Judge.
"Mr. Langan, I recognize that you do not often practice in my courtroom, however, it must be re-iterated that the burden of proof here is by preponderance of the evidence. That being said, we do indeed err on the side of caution in this courtroom. To start off, I will Order that any and all transcripts, admitted evidence, motions practice, reports, rulings, and any other prevalent documents filed in this Court shall be made immediately available to the Assistant District Attorney responsible for prosecuting the criminal case against Mayor Holter," the Judge said, pausing to allow the attorney's a moment to take their notes.
"Who is the ADA?" The Judge asked.
"Swift," Alexandra replied.
"Thank you. I will Order that all records be immediately released to Ms. Swift," The Judge clarified, "This Court will not substitute its judgment for that of the Criminal Court… we will instead work concurrently with them so that justice will be served… So as to prevent any undue burden or consequence on either Party, this Court will continue the request for a permanent protection order until the final disposition hearing."
Alexandra gulped, looking over at Olivia who looked absolutely floored. How could she not do this now? Alex asked herself as she tried to keep her facial expressions neutral. It wasn't that big of a surprise. Even in the worst of the worst cases, a permanent protection order was hard to get before the final disposition hearing. She looked up and glanced over at Trevor and Bradley, both of whom were smiling widely.
"This is no cause for celebration, Mr. Langan," The Judge stated sternly, turning her focus to the Respondent's table, "I am abhorred by the brutality of the case Ms. Benson has presented today. Whether the damage to her body has been voluntarily requested," The Judge paused, obviously shuddering at her own words, "Or, more likely, involuntarily perpetrated upon her, I am sickened by it… I am even more disturbed by the fact that this is starting to affect third parties…" She turned her attention back to Alexandra, "Miss. Cabot, please do keep us updated on your associate… Ms. Benson has provided credible evidence that Mayor Holter caused severe bodily harm to her by way of physical and sexual abuse… That being said, I will continue the protection order on a temporary basis. We will review that decision again in two months, but I suspect I will be continuing this protection order in accordance with section 842 of the Family Court Act for, at the least, the pendency of this matter…" She turned to her court clerk, "Nicole, please set this for a Review Hearing in three months, draft a notice, and provide it to counsel…" She paused again so Nicole could take care of the instructions Barth had just given her.
"February 9, 2022?" Nicole asked, looking over to Trevor and Alexandra. There was a moment of silence as both attorneys scrolled through their phone calendars.
"After 10?" Alexandra asked.
"11:30?" Nicole asked Trevor.
"Works for me," Trevor responded.
"I'll issue the notice."
Judge Barth turned back to the front of the courtroom, specifically zoning her attention in on Bradley, "Great, thank you… In an abundance of caution – Mayor Holter I am ordering that you be placed on probation for a period of six months. During that probation you will participate in a batterer's education program, for which you will pay the costs of. I am also ordering that you pay any and all costs of medical care Ms. Benson received in the last six months for any damage caused to her person… Mayor Holter – you will remain at least 500 yards from Ms. Benson at all times, including her residence, her place of employment, her attorney's office, or any place where there is a reasonable belief Ms. Benson could regularly appear… If she turns up somewhere that you are, you are ordered to immediately vacate. You are ordered to remain at least 500 yards away from minor child Noah Holter, including his home, his school, and any location where there is a reasonable belief that Noah may regularly appear. If Noah turns up somewhere that you are, you are ordered to immediately leave. There are consequences for failing to adhere to this Order and I will not hesitate to take action to prevent harm to Ms. Benson or Noah. Do I make myself clear, Mayor?"
Mayor Holter looked pissed, but rose from his seat, "Yes, Your Honor."
"Good. While I am concerned that this protection order may not be enough, I am confident that Mayor Holter understands the consequences of breaking this Order and that he will refrain from doing so for his own good… I am awarding sole temporary custody to Ms. Benson, and I am awarding temporary child support to be paid by Mayor Holter to Ms. Benson… Counsel, please submit your worksheets by 5 PM tomorrow evening and I will issue a temporary support order…"
"Of course," Alexandra responded, looking at Trevor who nodded his agreement.
"Miss. Cabot and I will deal with that first thing tomorrow," Trevor agreed.
The Judge turned back to Bradley, "Mayor Holter, you are restrained from committing any further offenses against Ms. Benson and/or Noah Holter. You may not harass, intimidate, or threaten Ms. Benson, her family, or the minor child. You must turn over any and all firearms and weapons to the NYPD for safe keeping during this protection order pursuant to section 842. Any such licenses to carry you may possess are hereby temporarily revoked…"
"Would the Court permit Henshall, Langan, & Associates to retain the firearms? We will provide a log for the Court," Trevor requested.
"So be it," The Judge responded, "You are to turn over all firearms, ammunition, and weapons to your law firm by 5 PM tonight."
"Yes, your honor," Bradley responded.
"You may not commit any acts that create a reasonable risk to the health, safety, or welfare of Ms. Benson or Noah Holter. This is to include restraining you from cancelling any health insurance policies for either of them… A notice shall be served upon the State directing them to prohibit any such cancellation by Mayor Holter," The Judge paused, looking back over to Alexandra and Olivia.
"Ms. Benson, are you currently living in either of the two marital homes?" The Judge asked Olivia.
"No, your honor," Olivia replied softly, her demeanor having changed since the Judge's continued ruling.
"Do you wish to live in either residence?" The Judge asked.
"No, your honor. I want nothing to do with either of those places," Olivia answered honestly.
"Mayor Holter, I will not restrain you from either of your residences. Ms. Benson, I will permit you to enter the two residences on a day of your choosing to collect your belongings. You may have your attorney present, and I will instruct that the costs of a civil assist, or private security, are assessed to Mayor Holter. When would you like to do this?" Judge Barth asked Olivia gently.
"Tomorrow?" Olivia asked unsure.
"We'll utilize private security," Alexandra added quickly. Alexandra stole a glance over at Trevor and Bradley, both of whom had lost their once present smiles and replaced them with serious expressions.
"So be it. Mayor Holter, you will vacate the Gramercy Park residence from 9 AM to 1 PM tomorrow, December 14, 2021 so Ms. Benson may enter with her counsel and security. She is permitted to take any and all of her personal belongings, as well any belongings needed for the care of the minor child… You will similarly vacate the Cold Spring Harbor residence from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM tomorrow for the same purposes… Ms. Benson, are you in need of spousal support?" The Judge asked, turning back to Olivia.
"No, your honor, I don't want anything from him," Olivia responded.
"Counsel?" Judge Barth asked, looking to Alexandra to make sure Olivia wasn't making a statement out of anger.
Alexandra looked back toward Olivia, catching her eyes, silently asking her if she was sure of that decision. Olivia simply shrugged, then nodded, keeping her eyes locked on Alexandra's.
"Your honor," Alex started, "Can we reserve the request?"
"So Ordered," The Judge responded, "Nicole, please issue copies of this temporary protection order to ADA Swift, Petitioner, Respondent, and the probationary board… Mayor Holter, I am confident your lawyer will better explain the consequences of any violations of this order, but I implore you to understand that any violation of this Order may result in your immediate arrest and incarceration for up to six months. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, your honor," Mayor Holter responded, "You have nothing to worry about from me."
"I trust that you will adhere to these restrictions," Judge Barth responded, "Miss. Cabot, anything else from Petitioner?"
"Does the protection order include restrictions on causing Ms. Benson or Noah to be contacted at Mayor Holter's direction?" Alexandra asked, knowing it did, but wanting it read into the record.
"Yes. Mayor Holter may not contact, or cause contact to be made on his behalf," Judge Barth responded.
Alexandra looked over at Olivia and smiled. Olivia looked up, and leaned over to Alexandra, whispering into her ear softly, "Can I ask for my car?"
"Your honor, one more thing," Alexandra said kindly, standing back up to address the judge.
"Go on," Judge Barth responded with a nod of her head.
"Ms. Benson is the owner of a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. She would like possession of this vehicle. Mayor Holter has a 2021 Audi A8 he can utilize, there is no need for him to have both vehicles," Alexandra told her.
"So ordered. Mayor Holter, you shall permit Ms. Benson's retrieval of her vehicle tomorrow, at whatever home it is currently located. You are to refrain from placing any sort of surveillance or tracking equipment on this vehicle, causing any damage to it or any of Ms. Benson's property, and shall continue to make any required payments on installment loans, insurance policies, and/or registration costs and fees," Judge Barth stated.
"Thank you," Alexandra replied, sitting back down.
"Anything from Respondent?" Judge Barth asked.
"We would request temporary supervised parenting time for Mayor Holter with the Parties' minor child," Trevor stated, standing up.
"It is my understanding that we have a hearing on this issue scheduled for this Thursday, December 16, 2021," Judge Barth stated, "Ms. Benson has requested a full restriction of parenting time, which was granted here today. I will not modify that Order now. We will address the request for modification on Thursday. Anything else?" Judge Barth responded.
"We ask that a confidentiality order be put in place, restricting Ms. Benson from further tarnishing Mayor Holter's reputation as he works to fight these heinous allegations," Trevor tried.
"Majority of these proceedings are confidential, Mr. Langan," Judge Barth stated, "But, I digress, Miss. Cabot, any objection to an order of confidentiality?"
"No, your honor, as long as it's mutual" Alexandra responded, "In fact, we would prefer it. Ms. Benson also wishes to avoid any further public scrutiny."
"It is so Ordered. These proceedings shall be sealed, and a mutual order of Confidentiality shall bind you both. Counsel, please draft a joint agreement and file it with the Court by Friday," Judge Barth stated, "Any disagreements, please submit a status report and I will file a written Order on Friday evening… Anything else Mr. Langan?"
"No, your honor, thank you," Trevor stated, sitting back down.
"This will conclude our hearing on Family Court Index. No.672542021. Thank you, counsel. Ms. Benson, Mr. Holter, I trust things will calm down now. Good luck to you both, and we'll see you all back here Thursday morning. Court is adjourned," Judge Barth stated, standing up and exiting the courtroom.
"Alexandra," Trevor stated loudly from across the room, "Five minutes of your time?"
"Make it quick," Alexandra replied, gesturing for Trevor to approach their side of the courtroom. Trevor made quick work of crossing the aisle toward Alex and Olivia.
"I do hope your firm is alright," Trevor stated sincerely, "I wanted to make you aware that Mayor Holter had nothing to do with the threat against your firm."
"Save it, Trevor," Alexandra snapped. She did not care what Trevor had to say, no less to hear his apologies. This also wasn't the first time they'd been threatened, and likely wouldn't be the last. They'd almost had to move buildings to a more secure location last year over an angry ex-wife threatening them and going so far as to enter the Courthouse with live ammunition in her pocket, "Your client's actions have caused his supporters to react in the way that they have. Had he left Ms. Carmichael out of his attempts at destroying Ms. Benson, she would not be under this level of scrutiny… Do not insult my intelligence again, Trevor… Now, what can I do for you?"
"Genuinely Alex," Trevor tried again, "Abigail and I are friends… If I had any concerns that Mayor Holter was behind the threats, I would immediately cease my representation of him."
"That's a load of crap," Alexandra scoffed, "Just leave Abby's name out of your mouth, okay?"
"Alex," Trevor attempted to reason. Alexandra knew that deep down Trevor wasn't a horrible human being. Sure, he dabbled with the shittier residents of New York City, but he wasn't a bad guy at his core. Indeed, Alexandra agreed with him that everyone deserves and is entitled to adequate – and even exemplary if they could afford it – representation, but, she did not believe that lawyer had to be her. No, she left that kind of work to the people like Trevor.
"I know Trevor," Alexandra resigned, eventually, "Now, I'm sure you didn't come over here to talk about Abby… What can we do for you?"
"Mayor Holter would like to settle," Trevor stated, nodding that he understood Alexandra didn't think he was allowing his client to lodge personal attacks against their mutual friend, and Alex's colleague.
"For?" Alexandra asked, cocking an eyebrow, leaning back powerfully in her chair.
"Your first offer; Olivia recants and drops the criminal charges," Trevor responded quickly. Alex's power stance had never failed to kick him down a notch or two.
"Not a chance," Alexandra answered, unwavering, but now crossing her arms across her chest, "Regardless, Swift will prosecute without her… That ship has sailed, Trevor."
"Think about it," Trevor answered, "We both know we can make this go away with the snap of Holter's fingers… get back to me tomorrow evening?"
Alexandra looked over to her client who was sitting there shooting dagger's at Trevor with her eyes. Olivia nodded at Alexandra, signaling she would take some time to think about it.
"Tomorrow," Alexandra replied, "Now please get your client out of here. Neither of us care to be around him for any longer than necessary." Alexandra glanced over to Bradley who was now on the phone talking rapidly to whomever he was speaking.
"I look forward to it," Trevor responded, glancing between Alexandra and Olivia curiously. Between their actions during examinations, and now the blatant display of understanding one another without words, Trevor's interest in the two had certainly been piqued and Alexandra did not miss the realization spread across his face.
Once Trevor walked back toward his client to collect his things, Olivia put her hand on Alexandra's shoulder, "Now he wants to settle? After he's started all of this?"
Alexandra gently shrugged herself out of Olivia's grasp, and turned toward Olivia, "We can't discuss that right now, wait until Trevor and Bradley are gone," she told her, reaching into her briefcase to retrieve her phone to check for a text message from Marla.
"Alex?" Olivia questioned, recognizing the blonde's change in demeanor.
"Liv," Alex stated, pleading with her eyes for the brunette to stop talking as she unlocked her phone and opened up the text messaging app. She had a few, but ignored them, opening the newest message: three
"Okay, sorry," Olivia said, taking Alexandra's hint.
Alexandra smiled at Olivia's recognition and scrolled up to the top of where Marla's messages began. How does she do that?
All exits are blocked. South exit is best. Donnelly lined up extra security, and we've got three armed guards waiting outside the doors for you. They'll take you to a car from Black Car Travel, they'll take you to your car. I parked it in a garage on Broadway and Reade.
Abby is with Adrienne, Kim, and Dominic. Office is okay, police already have a suspect – some guy from an extremist group that hates gays but apparently loves Holter.
Call me when you get an Order. Good luck Alexandra.
Alex sighed a breath of relief that things weren't as bad as they'd seemed. Sure, the swarms of press, and supportive and unsupportive citizens outside the courthouse sucked, but at least Abby was safe, and the police already had a lead on whomever threatened her. Alex quickly texted her boss back and looked up just in time to see Trevor and Bradley exit the courtroom whispering heatedly together.
I'll call you when we get out. Good news.
Someone probably tipped them off too, Alex thought to herself, but she had absolutely no intention of helping them escape the onslaught out front. Bradley couldn't say anything anymore – they'd agreed to confidentiality – but, to what exactly, Alexandra was unsure since the agreement still needed to be drafted. She made a mental note to herself to get a draft over to Trevor as soon as possible and turned back toward Olivia.
The brunette was staring down at her cell phone, scrolling mindlessly through her photographs of Noah. When Alex cleared her throat, Olivia looked up. Alex cocked an eyebrow, examining her face for a moment, her expression hard to read.
"Sorry," Alexandra apologized to Olivia softly, "Remember when I said the uh – our connection is hard to hide?"
Olivia nodded, "I know, Alexandra."
"Add Trevor to the list of people who suspect something," Alexandra said softly.
"Nothing has happened, you haven't done anything wrong," Olivia defended.
"I know. I'm just saying, we need to be more mindful," Alex assured her, "No more talking without talking."
Olivia chuckled softly and smiled, "That was absolutely your fault."
"I plead the fifth," Alexandra answered, gathering their binders and paperwork so that they could leave.
"Do you ever admit to anything without a fight?" Olivia asked, picking up her belongings and following Alex out of the courtroom.
"No, what kind of lawyer would I be if I gave up without a fight?" Alexandra asked with a slight upturn of her lips.
"God you were so badass in there," Olivia told her, following Alex as she led the way through the courthouse toward the opposite side.
"Thank you, Marla and I make a great team," Alexandra answered with a grin leading them down the hallway toward their right.
"No – the way you just went for it with your closing argument thing? God that was so hot… And that judge… she gave us everything – I was scared for a second there… but you did it, Alex!" Olivia said with a smile, "You kicked ass."
"Oh, were you doubting me?" Alex quipped, spotting the security checkpoint at the southern entrance of the building.
"Never," Olivia responded, her voice turning serious for a moment, "Thank you, so much."
"We're just getting started Liv," Alex told her, leading her toward the exit doors. She paused toward the front and tapped the shoulder of a security guard.
"Ma'am?" He asked, turning to face the blonde.
"How bad is it?" Alexandra asked him, gesturing toward the doors. The security guard scanned the woman's body from top to bottom for a moment, then looked over toward Olivia, realization dawning on him.
"I don't mean to size you up," the large man stated, "But you're no match for them ma'am… let me call in some extra security?" He picked up the walkie talkie attached to his belt and went to start messaging for backup when four armed guards appeared at the end of the hall and started walking towards them.
"We're good," Alex told him with a smile, pointing toward the officers walking toward them, "But I appreciate you… How many?"
"At least three stations, last I checked… small crowd. You sure you don't want extra security?" The man asked her.
Alexandra looked at his nametag and grinned, "No thank you Officer Smith, we've got this."
"Miss. Cabot?" One of the armed officers asked, walking up toward them and immediately surrounding Olivia, "Judge Donnelly requested we escort Ms. Benson to her car."
"Yes," Alex answered, "Thank you." She peeked around the officer standing in front of Olivia and smiled, "It's gonna be okay. We've got three armed private security guards out front to take up the back, just follow their lead."
Olivia nodded, but did not return Alexandra's grin. Alex frowned; Olivia was scared and there was nothing she could do about it. Rightfully so, of course – this was a lot for Alexandra to handle, and she was just the attorney.
"Are we ready to move?" The female officer asked, gesturing toward the front doors, "Security is in position."
"Yes," Olivia answered, "Let's get this over with."
The two male officers took their positions, one at each of Olivia's sides. The female officer remained in front of Olivia but directed Alex to stand to her left.
"Miss. Cabot," the female officer stated, "A guard will take your left out front, and two will pick up the rear. Head forward, just keep walking. Follow all of our instructions, we are on direct orders not to hesitate to protect you both."
"I'm good," Alex answered, nodding her head in understanding.
"Let's move," the female officer said assertively, leading them out of the building.
Within milliseconds of opening the doors, camera flashes started going off, questions started flying, and as expected, an armed security guard slid into position at Alex's left, while two guards took up the rear. Alexandra kept her head up high, and walked forward, the black car waiting for them was a simple 100 yards away. They could do this. Thankfully, within a minute, Alexandra and Olivia were both safely in the back seat of the black town car Marla had set up for them and a meager six minutes later, Alexandra was leading Olivia down the stairs of the underground garage to the parking space Marla had parked the Cayenne in.
"Well, that was an eventful morning," Olivia told Alex with a nervous laugh as she buckled her seatbelt in the passenger's seat.
"You're tellin' me," Alex joked back with a smile as she put the vehicle in drive.
"Where are we headed, back to the office?" Olivia asked, watching as Alex pulled the car out of the garage, paid the attendant, and drove out onto the streets of New York City.
"Marla told me I should bring you back to Long Island," Alex answered as she started maneuvering left so she could get them going toward the FDR.
"I take it I need to get class covered again tonight, huh? It's finals – we're supposed to be reviewing" Olivia said, moving to take her phone out of her pocket so she could draft an email to the class.
"Let's call Marla and see how things are before we make any decisions," Alex answered, pulling her phone from her jacket pocket and pressing on the phone app. She clicked over to her favorites, keeping her eyes on the road in front of her and clicked the line for Marla, the phone instantly connecting to her Bluetooth and dialing her boss.
"How'd it go?" Marla's voice boomed through the car after the first ring.
"Broad protection order for Olivia and Noah, full custody of Noah, confidentiality order, temporary child support, she can go get her things tomorrow, he has to keep paying for their care, reimbursed medical expenses, surrender all firearms, whole nine yards," Alexandra answered happily as she swung a left onto FDR and began the ride back toward the Upper East Side.
"Fantastic," Marla answered, "Congratulations, Alexandra."
"Team effort," Alex responded, smiling over at Olivia. The brunette rolled her eyes and returned the smile.
"How are you feeling Olivia?" Marla asked.
"Relieved," Olivia answered honestly, "I just hope this all made him realize how serious this all is – maybe he'll stop fighting…"
"I wouldn't count on it, Olivia," Marla responded seriously, she never was one for sugar coating anything. That was typically Alex's job.
"Wishful thinking," Olivia admitted solemnly, looking out the window. It was early afternoon, and while it had snowed a bit over the weekend, there wasn't much to show for it. The brunette was not surprised that, once again, the meteorologists had gotten it wrong.
"Olivia wants to know if she should be cancelling her classes tonight," Alexandra stated.
"She should be safe on campus. But, we'll keep a private security guard on her," Marla answered, "We want you to try and live your life as normally as possible Olivia… Don't let him get the best of you."
"Okay," Olivia responded with a smile, "I miss getting to do my job."
"Great, I'll call up security – I'm sure Cragen would be a perfect match for you Olivia," Marla told her.
"Is the office still off limits?" Alex asked.
"We're keeping it closed today out of caution," Marla told her, "Ted and I actually just locked up and left a few minutes ago… Work from home, take the day off, whatever you prefer."
"Okay," Alexandra answered, "And Abby is okay?"
"She's fine, not letting it bother her – you know Abby," Marla answered, "Anyway… congratulations Alex, get home safe."
"Thanks for getting us out of there safely, have a good day off," Alex answered, knowing full well her boss was going to use this day to her advantage and not work.
Alexandra hung up the phone as she pulled the car to a stop at the red light in front of them. She opened up her Spotify app, clicked one of her multiple playlists, and set the phone down on the center console between her and Olivia. At the same time, both women reached for the volume dial, Olivia's hand landing underneath Alex's. Alex immediately blushed and pulled her hand back, setting it down on the wheel.
Olivia smiled, turning the volume up to seven, "Don't worry, I remembered."
Alexandra glanced down at the volume indicator quickly, the pulling in her chest returning with a jolt. Goddamnit Liv, Alex groaned to herself.
"What was that?" Olivia asked; it appeared that Alex's statement hadn't been a thought at all, but instead had fallen from her throat with her groan.
"I said goddamnit Liv," Alexandra repeated feigning confidence, her hands gripping the steering wheel. Olivia smiled to herself, leaned over again and turned the volume up to twelve.
"Did I not tell you, Alexandra? I pay attention," Olivia told her softly, leaning back in her seat and chuckling at the blonde's choice of music.
"Taylor Swift?" Olivia asked with a grin.
There are so many lines that I've crossed unforgiven;
I'll tell you the truth, but never goodbye.
Seriously? Alex asked herself, cursing the shuffle feature on her Spotify playlist. Not that she was embarrassed by her music choices, Taylor Swift slaps. But, she immediately dreaded the next line of the song.
"Yes, Taylor Swift," Alexandra answered with a smile, her cheeks turning a light shade of red, "She's great."
Olivia smirked at the lyrics, knowing exactly what was coming. She glanced over at Alexandra and mouthed them to her softly.
I don't want to look at anything else now that I saw you;
I don't want to think of anything else now that I thought of you.
I've been sleeping so long in a 20-year dark night;
And now I see daylight, I only see daylight.
Alexandra immediately pressed the skip button on her steering wheel and cleared her throat. The pull in her chest was starting to turn into an ache she couldn't quite quell, and she was still driving – stuck in traffic no less.
"Taylor fan?" Alex asked, trying to regain some level of control over herself and the situation.
"Noah likes her," Olivia clarified, "I'm a fan by proxy." She smiled at the new song selection.
"This playlist is quite something…" Olivia added with a grin as she turned up the volume a few notches, "But uh, I really – I have to… I love this song."
The day that I met you, the world had just spit me out.
On my way to the bottom, sure I'd never be found.
Then you saw me for me; made me believe in myself.
On the day that I met you, it all turned around.
Truthfully, Alexandra loved the song as well, but the last person she needed to listen to it around was Olivia. Especially not when the ache in her chest was threatening to toss her heart up into her throat. She glanced over at Olivia and suddenly just couldn't bring herself to change the song. The brunette was swaying slightly in her seat, gently belting the lyrics out. She'd seen an array of emotions on Olivia over the last week of knowing her, but never had Alexandra seen Olivia look so free. She tore her eyes from the brunette and looked back at the road. They hadn't gotten very far yet – barely traveling at 8 MPH (13ish KPH) – noontime traffic was serious in the City. She glanced back at Olivia from the corner of her eye, unable to completely tear her attention away. God she is beautiful, Alex whined to herself. For the first time, Alexandra stopped fighting herself. She knew it was hopeless anyway. Alexandra's mind drifted toward the future, a year from now, Olivia's hand clasped in hers while they drove to dinner – not court or the office. Noah in the backseat, Bradley locked up at Riker's. It was innocent enough, and Olivia had made it clear she wanted that too. She turned back to Olivia at the next light, watching the brunette smile and shout the lyrics like no one was watching her.
I'm drunk on your voice; high on the moment.
I'd fall for you twice, if that's what you wanted.
I'd give you my life, from now 'till forever,
I'm falling in love with you over and over again.
Alexandra was lost in thought, watching the brunette croon out the lyrics to the song, shouting nearly as loud as the music booming from Alexandra's sound system that Olivia had turned up to a level the Cayenne only got to on bridges. Alex couldn't help the cheesy grin spread across her face, and when Olivia turned to face her and sang directly to her, "Then you walked down those stairs and I knew my heart wasn't mine," Alexandra couldn't stop her right hand from drifting toward Olivia's head and running her fingers through the thick locks at the base of her neck.
On the day that I met you my whole world came alive.
Fuck, Alex thought to herself as she once again stopped at a red light. She turned her attention back to Olivia, her fingers still playing in the brunette's hair. Olivia continued singing, her voice dropping from a shout to a soft whisper, her eyes locked on Alex's. Olivia reached across the car, dropping her hand onto Alexandra's thigh, squeezing softly. They sat there, starring into one another's eyes until Alexandra finally joined Olivia, whispering softly the final line of the song, "Fall into me, and I'll catch you darlin', let's dance in the streets like nobody's watching, it's just you and me and the song on repeat in our heads."
Neither of them noticed the song change, or the cars start to move around them. They sat there, Alex's hand toying softly in Olivia's hair, the brunette leaning faintly into Alex's gentle touch, Olivia's hand on Alex's thigh, eyes locked on one another, neither woman speaking. If Alex was honest, she wasn't sure she was breathing either. It wasn't until the cars behind them started to honk incessantly that they were pulled from their moment. Alex laughed, both women pulled their hands away, and Alex took her foot off the brake and waved her hand in her rearview mirror in apology.
"Um… Since you have class, were you planning on staying in the City?" Alexandra asked, trying to break the tension that had clearly fallen over them.
"Alexandra," Olivia breathed out softly. Alex turned to Olivia briefly. Olivia's eyes were closed, her chest was heaving, and, for the first time, Alexandra could see a slight blush against the olive skin of Olivia's neck, "I – I can't…"
"Please Liv," Alexandra answered, knowing exactly how her client was feeling. That had been stupid on both of their parts.
"I – I really want to kiss you right now," Olivia told her, gripping the door handle beside her, clearly trying to restrain herself from leaning over the center console and capturing Alex's lips in a kiss that could possibly ruin the blonde's career.
"Class Olivia… what time is class at?" Alex asked, trying to distract her. Self-control Alexandra, Alex reminded herself as the burning in her chest returned with a vengeance. She kept her darkening blue eyes forward, refusing to look at the woman beside her.
Olivia didn't respond at first, trying to gather whatever was left of her resolve, "It's at… 2:30," Olivia finally managed to choke out, her breathing finally calming back to an even tempo.
"So, it's stupid to take you home, you'd just be back on the LIRR from there," Alex told her, "I – I would invite you over… but, I don't think we should be alone in my apartment right now." Alexandra let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding as she spoke, forcing herself to be honest with not only herself, but her client. She wanted nothing more than to bring Olivia home and break every ethical rule she'd ever learned.
"Bring me to campus, please," Olivia told her, "I have plenty of papers to grade before finals." Alex glanced over at her client and smiled, recognizing that Olivia understood exactly what she'd meant and wasn't upset about the lack of invitation.
Alexandra sighed; they were still at least 30 minutes from Columbia – especially since she'd gone the wrong way on the FDR. Now, she'd have to take it up to the Upper East Side and cut across 96th to the West Side to drop Olivia off. This was about to be the longest thirty minutes of her life.
By the time Alexandra was sitting at her desk in the "dining room" of her apartment, it was just after 2:00. She'd already changed out of her suit and into a pair of black jeans and an oversized puffy white crew neck sweatshirt and made herself a cup of coffee trying desperately to distract herself in any way possible. The attorney wanted nothing more than to take the rest of the afternoon off, but she'd acquiesced to forcing herself to work even just for a little. If she didn't distract herself with work, she knew damn well she'd end up spending the whole night thinking about Olivia and that just wasn't a good idea.
The blonde picked up a notebook from off her desk and flipped through the pages to the last page she'd written on. Before leaving for Court that morning, Alex had spent an hour sending out emails, buttoning up a few loose ends on two of her cases, and drafting herself a Memo of everything she'd need to do this week.
Benson: Hearing on PO at 9 AM; Supervision hearing re Noah on Thursday at 9 AM
RPI: File Agreement; draft case close out letter
The Joint, LLC: finish drafting purchase agreement on land, draft paperwork for licensure
Hawthorn: draft Separation Agreement; email Trevor about drafting Separation Agreement
Tyler: Edit Separation Agreement from OC and send to client for approval
Plackard: Draft Parenting Plan, edit Separation Agreement from OC
Gallo: File paternity petition
Richardson: Draft Motion for Termination of Parental Rights, draft paperwork for stepparent adoption
Yanes: Review discovery responses; research if there are any appellate cases overturning and remanding a determination of underemployment for lack of evidence; draft memo to client
Salida: Review discovery responses, draft subpoena for Verizon, Ally Bank, Chase Bank, Live Nation, and Amazon
Lyons: Draft pro hac vice motion for Pennsylvania
O'Reilly: Prep for mediation; submit mediation statement by Wednesday at 2 PM; Mediation Thursday 2 PM – bring Adrienne
Jameson: Talk to Preston about new case
Despite the length of the list, it wasn't exactly a busy week for Alexandra. If she actually wanted to take the remainder of the afternoon off, she could certainly get away with it. At the very least, she could cross off the tasks for Rebecca Palmer Interiors – allowing her to cross yet another case off her list. With January, a divorce lawyer's favorite month, approaching rapidly, closing out a couple of cases now would come in handy once Divorce Month hit.
Before unlocking her computer and opening up a blank draft on the firm's letterhead, Alex quickly pulled out her cellphone and shot a text over to Abby.
Hey, you doing okay? Need anything?
It didn't take long for her best friend to respond.
Honey this is the best thing that's ever happened to me.
Alex shook her head, what?
Have you gone mental?
A moment later, Abby texted back.
Lana and Laura Alex, the sympathy sex is plentiful.
Alex cringed reading the text and tossed her phone onto her desk. Ew Abby, Alex groaned to herself. It wasn't that she was disgusted with knowing the details of her best friend's sex life, in fact, Alex enjoyed hearing the gossip. No, Alex was a mixture of jealous that Abby was getting some when she couldn't have who she wanted, and half nauseated that her best friend would text her during an intimate moment.
She turned back to her computer and opened up her blank letterhead and began drafting a letter to Rebecca, the owner of RPI, regarding their impending withdrawal from her case. Thankfully, the firm had a standard set of language they used for most of these letters, so Alex's drafting took all of fifteen minutes. Once that was done, she filed the fully executed agreement, sent off the letter, and looked back to her list. Absolutely none of it felt appealing to her right now. Her mind was too consumed with thoughts of Olivia. The way she looked letting loose and singing from her passenger's seat, the way her smile radiated as Alex joined in for the end of the song, the way it felt to run her fingers through the short chestnut locks. Olivia's hand on her thigh, letting herself toy with the image of taking Olivia and Noah out for dinner. Knowing that the brunette felt the same way about her made it all that much harder to ignore the pressure that built in her chest every time the damn woman so much as smiled. That smile, those lips. The strength she displayed today on the stand… All Alexandra wanted to do was pull her close and kiss her. What the fuck was so bad about that?
Standing up from her spot behind her desk, Alexandra grabbed her phone, walked into her livingroom and plopped down on her couch, taking the remote off the glass coffee table with her. She switched on the television, laughed at the channel Olivia had left it on days ago – some trashy reality tv network, and curled up into a comfortable ball in the corner of the couch, the same place where Olivia tended to fall asleep. Ugh, Alex groaned to herself, it still smells like her. Rather than back away, Alexandra curled herself in closer to the cushions and took in a deep breath, trying to encapsulate herself in the scent of the woman she couldn't have. She had to admit, the apartment felt extremely empty without Noah and Olivia running around. The guest room had already been cleaned, sheets changed, and all remnants of the two ever being there removed – except Olivia's toothbrush. The brunette had left it behind in the guest bathroom and Alex simply couldn't bring herself to throw it away. Other than that, the faint scent of Olivia's perfume was all that was left in the apartment to remind Alexandra that last week had actually occurred.
"This is bullshit," Alexandra groaned aloud to herself, "We're freaking adults. We should get to decide." She rolled over onto her side and started flipping through the channels. "UGH WHY COULDN'T HE MAKE THIS EASY?" Alexandra yelled out to herself as she landed on a news channel that was, of course, covering the Mayor's scandal. The public outcry for Holter's resignation had reached significant levels, and Alexandra was actually starting to wonder when Holter would make an official statement on it. So far, all they'd heard was from his publicist, saying that Holter would not be stepping down or responding. She growled and changed the channel again, leaving it on old re-runs of Parks & Recreation – at least that show made Alexandra laugh. Despite the fact that her favorite episode was on and Rob Lowe was standing in front of a mirror very seriously scolding himself to just stop pooping, Alexandra couldn't bring herself to laugh. She simply could not stop thinking about how absolutely beautiful Olivia had looked in the car – how fucking free. How good it felt to have the brunette's hand on her thigh. How good it felt to let herself be in the moment with her. "I'm so fucked," she complained to herself.
"I need a fucking distraction," she moaned, grabbing her phone off the couch beside her. The last time she'd needed a distraction from Olivia, Adrienne had done wonders. Sure, they hadn't seen each other much since they'd finally bit the bullet and had sex, but things seemed good between them still. Adrienne continued to talk to her as normal, flirt with her shamelessly, but the redhead had skipped yoga all weekend, making Alexandra think she was avoiding seeing her. Shrugging, she picked up her phone, opened her calling app, clicked on her favorites tab, and dialed Adrienne's number.
As per Adrienne's usual, the redhead picked up the phone on the third ring, "Alex, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I need a reason to call you?" Alexandra asked, feigning hurt.
"Of course not, what's up?" Adrienne responded with a laugh.
"We're okay, right?" Alex probed delicately.
"Why wouldn't we be?" Adrienne questioned, suddenly sounding concerned. Alexandra was really not one to doubt herself or be insecure in her friendships, no less anything, but lately, all Alex had been was insecure and it was clearly starting to alarm her friend.
"I thought you were mad at me…" Alex replied, "We sound like middle schoolers."
"You sound like a middle schooler – I'm perfectly fine," Adrienne responded with a snicker, "What's going on Alex?"
"I'm sorry," Alex told her, "I just – I overthought myself into paranoia and decided you were mad at me… I'm sorry."
"Your vulnerability is showing again," Adrienne answered with a laugh, "And I have to say, it's very endearing… But, for real Alex, stop worrying about everything… we've been fine… Did you just call to ask me if I was mad at you?"
"I have dual motives," Alex replied nonchalantly.
"Does it involve me being naked in your apartment?" Adrienne asked, a hint of playfulness in her voice.
"Do you want to come over?" Alexandra asked her.
"You gonna make me beg again?" Adrienne countered.
"No… I – I'm not trying to –" Alexandra tried, but her embarrassment got the best of her. While Alex was particularly skilled at talking about sex and being sexual while in the moment, Alexandra was often trash at talking about her needs outside of the bedroom.
"Say it and I'm down," Adrienne teased, recognizing her friend's embarrassment, "I'm actually not that far away – Carisi, Kim, and I just finished lunch at Due."
"Adrienne, are you seriously having this conversation in front of them?" Alex exclaimed.
"Not like they don't know we fucked," Adrienne said nonchalantly. She laughed when Alex started yelling at her.
"Oh relax, Alex, I stepped away from the table," Adrienne said with a smile. She had; the redhead had just left the bathroom when Alex had called.
"You're an ass, are you coming over or not?" Alex asked, groaning at the redhead's stupid jokes.
"Well, I'm walking back over to the table now to pay my bill, so I think you've got about ten seconds to decide that for me," Adrienne flirted, walking back toward the lunch table she shared with her co-workers when Carisi motioned that the check had come.
"What do you want me to say Adrienne?" Alex asked.
"What do you want Alex?" Adrienne countered; the smirk was evident in her voice.
"Adrienne," Alex groaned.
"What can I do for you?" Adrienne asked, her voice shifting to a neutral tone. Alexandra assumed she was back at the table.
"I want you to come over," Alex replied, deciding she had bested her friend.
"Why?" Adrienne asked simply.
"Are you back at the table?"
"I'm finishing lunch with my bosses," Adrienne responded flatly, "Is it important?"
"Yes," Alex answered with a laugh.
"I'm going to head home from here," Adrienne responded.
"No, please," Alex whined, deciding that if she wanted Adrienne to come over, she'd have to just come out and say it, "Come over and fuck me instead."
"I can stop by for a little," Adrienne responded, trying to hide the laughter in her voice.
"I hate you," Alex growled, hanging up the phone.
"Fuck," Adrienne cried out as she arched her back, pressing her naked torso tightly against Alexandra's waist. Alexandra smiled wickedly and pumped her fingers faster into the redhead below her, twisting them forward with each withdrawal. She leaned forward, dropping her weight onto her free hand and hovering her body over the redhead's. Her head fell into the crook of Adrienne's sweaty neck, her lips sucking and biting at the salty flesh.
Adrienne had arrived at Alexandra's apartment a half hour earlier and had immediately begun teasing Alex for her phone call. After jokingly accusing the blonde of being obsessed with her if not seeing each other for two days was too much for her, Alexandra divulged the events of the morning to her friend. Once again, Adrienne warned Alexandra that she should withdraw from the case before things got too deep. Alex hadn't taken kindly to that but had drug Adrienne upstairs to her bedroom anyway and slowly started slipping both of their clothes off piece by piece.
Adrienne's hands reached up and gripped Alex's biceps tightly, "Fuck Alex," she groaned as her hips started to grind roughly against Alex's fingers, "Don't stop."
Alexandra groaned deeply, sinking her teeth into the skin at the base of Adrienne's neck. She picked up the pace, positioning her hips toward the back of her hand, using her body to increase the force of her thrusts. The movement caused the heel of Alex's hand to rub harshly across the redhead's clit.
"Oh my god," Adrienne groaned, her body shuddering as she released, her hands forcing Alex away. Alex collapsed backwards on the bed, her body heaving and glistening with sweat from the amount of exertion she'd just been expending. Adrienne bit her bottom lip, trying to calm her still twitching body.
"Jesus Alex," Adrienne whimpered, finally sitting up on her elbows to look at the blonde.
"Glad you came over?" Alex asked with a smirk as she licked her fingers clean and moaned at the taste. Alex had to admit, the no oral sex rule was hard for her to comply with.
"What did she do this time?" Adrienne asked, watching Alexandra's tongue intently, "Stop that… It makes me wonder if your tongue is even half as good as your hands."
"You could find out you know," Alex countered, crawling back up over Adrienne's body and ignoring her first question.
"I thought brunettes were more your style?" Adrienne teased, sliding one of her hands down Alexandra's body, slowly creeping toward her breasts.
"Do we have to talk about her?" Alex asked, her breath hitching in her throat. Alexandra had now fucked her best friend twice, but Adrienne had still yet to touch Alexandra in any intimate fashion while naked.
"Like you weren't thinking of her while you were fucking me," Adrienne chastised, her fingertips finally brushing slowly across Alex's nipple. Both women let out a soft groan.
"I wasn't – actually," Alex responded, dipping her head onto Adrienne's chest and closing her eyes, trying to enjoy the feeling of the redhead touching her like that. She was lying, of course, but Adrienne didn't need to know that. In fact, all Alexandra could see when she closed her eyes was the image of Olivia's naked body that Alexandra had conjured a few nights prior. That beautiful olive skin writhing beneath her, pulling her fingers deeper and deeper. But no, Adrienne didn't need to know that much.
"Surprising," Adrienne whispered, rolling Alex's nipple between her fingers.
Alex moaned softly, adjusting so that Adrienne's thigh was between her legs. Her hips started to grind softly against the redhead, "How are you so okay with this?"
"If fucking me keeps you from fucking her, we all keep our jobs," Adrienne teased, her other hand dropping to Alex's hip, gripping it, and helping her grind harder against her thigh. Alex's eyes fluttered closed again, this time an image of Olivia helping her, coaxing her against her thigh splashing across her eyelids. While Alex knew she shouldn't be thinking of the brunette like that, it was impossible to stop herself now. Thoughts are not justiciable, Alex convinced herself as the Olivia in her mind pressed her harder against her thigh.
"It's just the job for you?" Alex asked, moaning at the increase in pressure.
"Alex, I've wanted to sleep with you for a year," Adrienne laughed, sliding her hand away from Alex's nipple, and down to her other hip, rolling Alex's hips faster.
Alexandra let out a throaty moan and bit down harshly on Adrienne's collarbone. She couldn't help but wonder what Olivia's skin would taste like under her tongue after a round of vigorous sex. Her hips started rolling faster, harder, an unexpected release building in her lower abdomen, "But… again?"
"You're not the only one trying to suppress urges," Adrienne confessed, marveling at the sight of the blonde finally coming undone against her.
"What?" Alex asked, suddenly stopping the movement of her hips and leaning up, panting hard.
Adrienne shrugged, and started trying to move Alex's hips against her leg again.
"No," Alex said, swatting Adrienne's naked chest to stop her, "What urges are you trying to suppress Adrienne?"
"This isn't a cross examination, Alex," Adrienne protested, "I'm not under oath."
"Oh yes you are, you're under my oath, and if you ever want to finish this, you'll tell me," Alexandra countered, folding her arms across her chest.
"You can't even say it," Adrienne laughed, "You're ridiculous… but since you're right and I really need to know what your orgasm face looks like, I'll submit to your damn oath."
"Well?" Alex asked again.
"Abby, dude, Abby," Adrienne groaned, "I'm way too young for her but fuck Alex… what I wouldn't give to –"
Alexandra cut her off, "Oh my god. Please do not finish that sentence."
"What? God Alex, she's so sexy, so smart, so charming," Adrienne groaned, throwing her hands over her face.
"You've got a thing for lawyers huh?" Alex teased.
"We've been spending a lot of time together," Adrienne told her, "It's a new feeling – I just want to rip her pants off every time I'm near her."
"I know what you mean," Alex sighed, "But goddamn Red… can we table that, for now?" She started rolling her hips again, gliding her center against Adrienne's thigh easily.
"Oh, fuck yes," Adrienne groaned, lifting her body and quickly flipping Alexandra onto her back. The redhead groaned at the sight before her, Alexandra lying naked on her back below her, panting, her hips grinding against her. Adrienne leaned on her left arm and slid her right down Alexandra's body until her hand came in contact with the blonde's heated core, "God Alex," she groaned, stroking her fingers through her wet folds. Alexandra's hips bucked forward, a moan escaping her lips.
Alexandra rolled her hips forward, biting her bottom lip as she whimpered at the touch, "Tease me next time." It took everything in her not to moan out Olivia's name. At this point in her fantasy, the redheaded law clerk was no longer touching her, replaced fully by the forbidden brunette of her dreams. Adrienne laughed, sliding her fingers lower. Alex reached down and grabbed the redhead's hand, shoving it lower until Adrienne's fingers slipped shallowly inside of her.
Adrienne took the hint and slid two fingers deeper inside of the writhing blonde, filling her completely with three harsh thrusts of her fingers. Alex whimpered again, her arms pulling Adrienne's body down onto hers. Adrienne slid her fingers in and out slowly, thrusting harder with each roll of Alex's hips.
"Fuckkk," Alexandra drawled, her body gasping for air as Adrienne pressed deeper and deeper inside of her with each thrust, "God yes." Her mind was racing, images of Olivia dancing and singing to her in the car, her hand on her thigh, the gentle pressure of her head in her hand, it was all too much. And suddenly it was gone.
Adrienne withdrew her fingers and slowly wiggled herself out of Alex's grip. The blonde groaned at the loss of pressure and tried to pull the redhead back down on her. Adrienne smiled, leaned up and shifted her body so she was sitting up on her knees between Alexandra's legs. She wasted no time and quickly thrust her fingers back into the blonde's dripping core, using her other hand to hold her hips down roughly.
"I told you, I want to watch," Adrienne responded, increasing the pace of her fingers thrusting into Alex.
Alex pressed her hips upwards unforgivingly against Adrienne's hand, sending her fingers that extra half inch inside of her. Her mouth fell open in a half scream as Adrienne hit just the right spot inside of her. Adrienne's free hand slid downward until her fingertips brushed delicately across Alex's pulsing clit. Both women groaned, Alex letting out a soft whimper when Adrienne picked up the pace of her thrusts again.
"Oh, fuck, Li- fuck… faster… please," Alex husked out, catching herself just in time – the need in her voice evident to the redhead. The blonde rocked her body back faster, harder, meeting the redheads pumping fingers on each stroke. Adrienne obliged and picked up her pace. Alex could feel the heat pooling in her stomach, her body clenching down hard on Adrienne's fingers. An image of Olivia's lips crashing down on hers and Alex was done.
"That's it, cum for me, Alex," Adrienne groaned, watching as Alex's body started to tense and shudder slightly, the perfect rhythm of her hips starting to falter with each roll, "Fuck, you are so sexy."
Adrienne hooked her fingers inside of the blonde and thrust harder, faster. A loud cry and Alexandra was falling rapidly over the edge, her mouth falling open, eyes fluttering closed, finally releasing all the tension she'd been building up inside over the last week. A beautiful image of a smug Olivia resting against her eyelids. Adrienne continued to pump her fingers into Alex slowly, steadying the fingers sliding across her clit to a flutter, tenderly letting Alex ride out her orgasm. Alexandra let her head fall back, biting her cheek to stop herself from growling out again. Adrienne untangled herself from Alex and dropped down onto the bed beside her.
"That was hot," Adrienne told her, "I didn't think you were that close."
"I've needed that for weeks," Alexandra answered, turning over and looking at the redhead, "I've been that close." The truth was, she was just satisfied she'd finally let herself fantasize about the woman she couldn't have. The release was exactly what she'd needed.
Adrienne laughed and swatted Alex's shoulder, "Should've let me have a turn on Thursday."
"I had one goal in mind on Thursday," Alexandra answered. Both women laughed and instinctively curled themselves into one another, Alex tucked into Adrienne's arms. After a few minutes of silence, Adrienne finally spoke.
"So, we can cuddle, but no kissing, and no licking?" She teased.
"Shut up," Alex growled, "I'm needy after."
"I can see that," Adrienne answered. Thankfully, Alex was saved from further embarrassment by the sound of her cellphone ringing on the nightstand.
"Saved by the bell," Alex teased, pulling herself out of Adrienne's arms and hopping off the bed to grab her phone. It was Marla.
"Cabot," She answered, putting the phone on speaker, grabbing her discarded sweatshirt off the floor, and slipping it over her head.
"Alex," Marla replied, "Are you home?"
"Yeah," Alex answered simply, moving to her dresser to grab a pair of leggings to slip on.
"Olivia's rental address has been compromised. She's in class for a bit longer, but can you take her for the night until we figure this out? I'm truly concerned about publicity with a hotel," Marla said.
"Compromised?" Alexandra asked, gulping at the thought of having Olivia in her apartment again, especially now, after she'd just fucked Adrienne in compensation.
"I don't know yet, we're looking into it. There's press outside the rental already," Marla answered, "Can you take them in?"
"Yeah, of course," Alex answered, "Have you told her? When is she coming?" Alexandra glanced at the clock on her nightstand. It was almost 4 PM, Olivia's class would probably be over soon.
"A car is picking her up at work at 4:15," Marla responded, "She knows. The sitter just needed the okay – and she'll bring Noah over."
"Now?" Alex asked, panic sinking in. Adrienne was still naked in her bed and the bedroom undoubtedly smelled like sex.
"Well within the next few, I'd assume. Olivia told me they went to Central Park after school, so I can't imagine they're far away," Marla answered.
"Okay, I've got to go Marla," Alex said, eyeing Adrienne who had started getting up and grabbing her clothes, "They're good to come here, but I need to prep the apartment," Alex lied.
"Thanks, see you tomorrow," Marla responded, hanging up the phone.
"Why do I suddenly feel like the other woman?" Adrienne laughed, grabbing her underwear and starting to pull them up and over her legs.
"I'm sorry – I don't – she already – she's jealous of you," Alex told Adrienne, grabbing the clothes at her feet and tossing them to her friend.
"Jealous?" Adrienne asked, snapping her bra back onto her body, "Why?"
"She heard us Thursday morning… she knows we slept together," Alex told her honestly. It was Adrienne's information to share after all.
"Oh, shit," Adrienne answered, pulling on her plaid work pants, "That makes things complicated."
"Does she know we're actively fucking?" Adrienne asked.
"No," Alex admitted, "And after how heated our car ride was, I don't want her knowing we just did it."
"Then you need to shower Alex, and change these sheets," Adrienne told her, putting on her tight black waffle stitch sweater, "And I need to get out of here before Noah sees me too."
"Thanks Adrienne," Alex answered, moving to the bed and stripping it of the sheets.
"You might want to open the window too," Adrienne said, moving to the window and cracking it the little bit it would open.
"Thanks," Alex answered, walking out of the bedroom and putting the sheets into the laundry that was hidden in a closet in the lofted area of the upstairs.
"Um… about Abby… I can trust you?" Adrienne asked, walking out of Alex's bedroom while hopping to put on her shoes.
"Of course, Adrienne, don't be stupid," Alex told her, "I'll see you tomorrow… and thanks again, for coming over."
"Thank you," Adrienne answered, walking over to Alex and kissing her head before heading down the stairs to leave.
Note: There's lots of legal stuff coming!
Now, the question is, will Olivia find out about Adrienne? Will Alex make it through the night? Hmm...
I promised my new friend a new chapter each day after her bar exam, so expect 2 new ones coming soon!
