Going back some years

You were 22 when you got the internship at the office; Aubrey was about ten years your senior. Dad was still in charge at that point and Aubrey was just another lawyer at the firm. Of course, the two of you saw plenty of each other. It was you, your dad, your dad's partner, Aubrey, and Dillon.

Dillon was a bit of a troublemaker, but she was a good lawyer. Your dad's partner, Stefan was older than your father, but the two of them had started the practice th selves. That's how Aubrey got brought on: she'd interned with Stefan. He taught her everything she knew and then some, so it was rough when he suddenly passed. You'd only been there a few months, but you'd known Stefan for quite a while.

Dillon took it hard, but no one took it harder than Aubrey. He'd been like a father to her. You remember working late with her when she just broke down. You knew what she was going through; you remember when your mom passed, young as you were. You were lucky with Sophie being as good a stepmom as she was, but that pain never truly faded.

You silently cleared off the desk and brought out some whiskey from Stefan's office. "I think he'd planned on pouring this for you when you won the case." You filled both of your glasses, "but I think you might need it before the case. Liquid courage and all that."

She pulled you into a tight hug, weeping into your shoulder. "I know I'm still green and pretty young, but, you know, if you ever need anything, I'm here."

The days following that night were difficult; the case was handed over to Aubrey since she was on it with Stefan. Now, it was her and Dillon with you providing support.

After Dillon had checked out for the night, you and Aubrey were alone in the office, drinking and relaxing. The case was the following day and both of you had insane nerves, though you couldn't imagine yours compared at all to hers.

"You said if I ever need anything, you're here, right?" She asked, setting her glass down. She crawled across the couch until her face was inches to yours. You knew what she wanted; you had Tegan, though! You couldn't. "Let me have this moment where I can pretend you're mine. Then we can pretend it never happened. I'll never bring it up again."