Abbie sat in stunned silence, watching Olivia walk out the café door. She took deep breath after deep breath as she tried to sort through her thoughts. 'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all,' she mused silently. Their "date" had been pleasant and the conversation wandered shallowly along, but the underlying tension kept Abbie's stomach in knots. The question arose again - what did she want from Olivia? Obviously more than friendship, that much was clear. The more pressing question, however, was what did Olivia want from her?
Leaving a tip on the table, Abbie rose and pulled on her hoodie, thinking that a quick visit to the office would be a suitable distraction. Not caring that she was still wearing her jogging clothes, not really even noticing the chill of the afternoon air, Abbie began jogging towards the District Attorney's office.
Jack McCoy stopped midway up the stairs and waited for Abbie to catch up. "Is this what they call business casual in Cowville?" Jack questioned, an amused smirk on his face.
"Longhorn gear is standard issue, thank you very much." Abbie rejoined with an answering grin. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by to check out the 'new digs' as you suggested."
"Well then, let me be the first to welcome you. Let me introduce you to Catherine, my assistant and your interior decorator." Jack held the door open for Abbie, following her into the imposing building.
Surrounded by well-dressed, Armani-clad men and women, Abbie was suddenly intensely aware of her own grungy jogging clothes. If Jack noticed Abbie's sudden nervousness, he didn't give a sign. Instead he continued his monologue about colleagues, job duties, office locations, and a host of other information about her new career path.
At last he reached the clear, glass double doors etched with pertinent information - "Offices of the New York District Attorney" - followed by a list of names. Abbie was surprised and pleased to see her own etched into the glass at the bottom. It gave her hope that perhaps this was a good omen, one that would lead to the establishment of roots in this familiar community, the woman she loved at her side.
"...is Catherine." Jack finished, gesturing towards the slender, petite blonde behind the oak desk. Catherine stood up, reaching out towards Abbie with a welcoming handshake.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Miss Carmichael. Jack has told me so much about you, I feel like I know you already." Catherine stated, her voice pleasant. Immediately Abbie warmed to the younger woman, sensing that Catherine would be not only an ally in this office, but perhaps a friend outside of work.
"Call me Abbie." She replied, her husky voice filled with a sudden nostalgia. It was then that she realized how much Catherine reminded her of Laura, her first college love. "Thank you so much for all of the work you put into decorating that wonderful apartment. I felt right at home." Abbie continued with a smile, quickly regaining her composure.
"It really was my pleasure Abbie. I was worried I'd gone a bit overboard, but when I was finally finished I really liked the effect of the place. It felt so warm and inviting that I..." Catherine's voice trailed off as she began blushing. "I'm sorry, I get a little carried away sometiems. Design is really my passion. I'm finishing up my masters at NYU and then hopefully someday I'll have my own design firm."
"Well, if the opportunity comes up I'll be recommending you to everyone I know." Abbie smiled, hoping to put Catherine at ease, while at the same time enjoying the friendly banter.
"Excuse us please Catherine," Jack interrupted, "but I think I'll drag Abbie off to her office now. Maybe I can squeeze some work out of her ahead of schedule."
"It was nice to meet you Catherine." Abbie stated with a smile as she turned to follow Jack down the long hallway.
"Same here Abbie." Catherine replied, her heart hammering in her chest as she realized that this work situation was about to get interesting. There was no mistaking the flirtation behind Abbie's banter, and Catherine was stunned by Abbie's dark eyes and easy smile. 'Yes,' Catherine thought, 'this was going to be interesting."