Everything was going wrong. Cassidy got himself practically thrown out of court and was causing bar fights. Then he showed up at her door all beaten and bloody.
"What the hell?" Olivia brought him inside to explain, ignoring every call she got.
Things went even worse when it looked like he had a motive for murder and she chose to conceal him.
"Liv?" Barba asked as he handed her coffee cup to her one morning. "Is something going on? I keep getting voicemail and you're only half here when I do see you. I just want to make sure it's only work, not… me."
"Oh," Olivia's breath left her in a rush on that single word. "Rafa…" She grasped his free hand with her own. "I'm sorry. It's tense and all-consuming, that's all. I'll try to be more present." She kissed him tenderly. At that moment, she didn't care who might see. She didn't want to hurt him.
Barba nearly dropped his own coffee in his surprise. PDA hadn't yet been on the menu. But it was the reassurance he needed and helped him relax.
"Tell me," Olivia murmured once the kiss broke. "Have you had any luck deciding what to do for work?"
"I think I'll go Private. Less clients, stronger relationships. Still law."
"Yeah?" Olivia was pleasantly surprised. "I thought maybe you'd switch to a librarian or teaching. What field?"
"Family Law," Barba answered.
Olivia winced. "Ouch. Divorces? That's miserable."
"I was thinking more along the line of adoptions, but will take anything under the umbrella to rebuild my reputation."
Olivia smiled. "Your reputation remains impeccable. You left by choice. I, for one, can provide one hell of a glowing recommendation."
Barba took a sip of his coffee. "I'll let you know if I need one."
In those moments, Olivia managed to forget she was essentially harboring a fugitive, putting her own job and entire team on the line while waiting for things to blow over because she knew he wasn't responsible. As they reached his stopping point, she asked, "How'd I do?"
"Perfect," he answered. They hugged briefly. "Be safe."
"You too." Olivia felt more emboldened to face whatever may await her that day.