"It's a hollow victory," Malinowski called from the bathroom as she supervised the battle between her hairspray and a stubborn lock of hair that refused fall into place."I won the motion, but McCoy won the war. He's right. And you know how much I hate that."

"Look, you know the budget is based on caseloads and conviction rates," her host replied as he leaned against the bathroom door."You did what you had to do for the good of the office. "

"It's supposed to be about justice, Jake," she countered as she reached for a comb."Not about money."

"No. That was when you were just a lowly ADA. As an EADA you have to look at the big picture. Besides, it's up to Michael and Jack to work out a system that is equitable to both countries. You did your job yesterday. Now, do your job today and help me with my tie."

Malinowski set the hair products down. Dutifully moving to the doorway, she reached for the black silk strip around Jake Cohen's neck. When the pair had met for lunch the previous afternoon, she had let Cohen convince her of the futility of dressing for a formal affair by the light of the ladies room at the DA's office. Her best friend had also nixed the idea of staying in her old home the night before he ex-husband was to remarry.

"God Brooke how depressing is that, anyway,"Cohen exclaimed when Malinowski told him of Prescott's suggestion. "I know Sam meant well...but gee... the history in that house with you and Sam as well as with Jack...just thinking about it makes me depressed. Listen, Sam's so low key about this bachelor party stuff, I know I'll be home by ten. Take my key. Go to my place. We'll watch old movies and I'll bring you decandent left overs from the party and even more decandent gossip about it when I get home."

Malinowski knew he was right. Seeing McCoy at the courthouse had been a bittersweet experience. Staying in a house filled with so many memories on top of that meeting was the last thing she wanted to do.

"Okay,"she finally replied. "But, I get to pick the first movie."

Cohen triumphantly grinned.

"I guess that means I better practice my Claude Rains impression before I get home."

After a night of junk food, Casablanca, and intermittent pity parties that alternated between discussing the pros and cons of both of their failed attempts at relationships, the pair had over slept and were playing catch up in an effort to make it to Manhattan before Prescott and Melnick started down the aisle.

"Hold still."

"Listen, I know you think you know what you're doing," Cohen began, trying to speak as he complied with her instructions. "But are you sure … I mean, I walked in on the two of you in court with Judge Murray yesterday. I know what I saw, even if Murray didn't. You know he loves you Brooke, why don't you shallow your pride and..."

"Because it doesn't matter what I know, Jack has to be sure himself. There, check it out," she said as she turned her attention back to her hair. "Besides, who knows who he's going to show up with at that wedding. There's no way I'm walking in there alone or with someone 'safe'; someone Jack knows isn't a threat."

"And this isn't about your pride at all, right?"

"I didn't say that," Malinowski countered defensively. "I'm human. If he shows up with that Galiano bitch, I have no intention of looking like the poor little rape victim in front of people like Ben and Shambala or Lindsay. What kind of an example will I be setting for Lindsay if I..."

"God, you do really believe this crap or do you just think I'm clueless enough to buy it," Cohen asked rolling his eyes.