Stretching, you looked at the clock. 5:05 AM. On your day off your internal clock was still set to waking up early. “Might as well get the day started you,” you said to yourself. Denny slowly ambled down the hall toward you. You and Mike adopted Denny together before you had kids. He was aging quickly. You weren’t sure of his age when you adopted him. Their best guess was five or six years old. That would make him about 10. He happily wagged his tail in greeting. “Got your routine too don’t you.” You leaned over and scratched behind his ears. Denny had been a comfort to you after Mike’s death. He rarely left your side. You opened the back door to the fenced in yard.

Walking back into the kitchen you looked at the whiteboard calendar hanging on the refrigerator. Barba’s trial was set to start today. You had made plans to be there so he would have another friendly face in the crowd.  

After letting Denny back in you hopped on the treadmill for a quick run before the kids got up and chaos ensued. By some miracle, you were able to get your run in, shower and make coffee before Isaac and Cora woke up.

“Remember grandma Anne will pick you up from school today, Isaac,” you reminded him as he ate his oatmeal and banana.

“‘Kay.” He was so not a morning person. Cora, on the other hand, was happy and chatty.

At 8:35AM you were headed up the stairs of the courthouse. You heard your name being called when you exited the elevator. Peter freaking Stone. You sighed and slowed your gait so he could catch up with you.

“You haven’t returned my calls or texts the last couple of days. I was worried something was wrong.” When his eyes searched your face you could tell he was sincere.

“Conflict of interest,” you said, your gaze not leaving his.

He gave you a quizzical look.

“Barba happens to be one of my good friends,” you informed him. Crossing your arms over your chest you continued, “why didn’t you tell me you were the prosecutor on the case?”

“I didn’t know until after I saw you that morning. That’s what my meeting was about that morning,” he assured you. “I’m sorry he’s one of your friends but I’m just doing my job.”

“Well, I hope you suck.” Stalking away you went to find Liv and the rest of the squad. Amanda had saved you a seat next to her. “Has anyone talked to Rafael? How is he doing?”

“Haven’t heard much. He’s holding up okay, considering,” Amanda said.

The first day of the trial was over and you were walking to your car. You were sending a text to Anne to let her know you were on your way to pick up the kids. She texted you back asking if the kids could stay the night. You were texting her back when another text came through. ‘I know you’re not my biggest fan right now. Could you meet me for a drink at Forlini’s? I’d really like to talk to you.’

You sighed and checked your watch. Sending another text to Anne you turned around and walked in the direction of Forlini’s. Peter was sitting at the bar sipping on a beer when you entered. Part of you felt sorry for him. He had only a sister left, no friends here in Manhattan and now with this trial he definitely wasn’t earning any brownie points with SVU. The other less rational side thought of him as the enemy.

“I’ll have what he’s having,” you told the bartender. You slipped your coat off the laid it along with your purse on the stool beside you.

“You came.” He sounded surprised.

“Well, you did invite me,” your tone biting. You saw Peter flench. The bartender put the bottle in front of you.

“Put it on my tab.” Peter took a sip of his beer and you followed suit. “I know we only met a few times and I’m not your favorite person right now but I don’t have anyone-” He cleared his throat

Sighing you looked down at your beer. “Peter…” His plea pulled at your heart. It was just a couple years ago you were in a similar situation as Peter. Mike had transferred to SVU. You were pregnant with Cora and other than Mike, you only had Anne and William. Your family was halfway across the country.  

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you.” He stood and dropped some cash on the bar to cover the drinks.

“No. Sit.” You put a hand on Peter’s arm to halt his leave. “I’m sorry, Peter. We can talk. I can listen.”

It was still dark when you woke. You slipped out of Peter’s arms and sat on the side of the bed. ‘Shit. What were you thinking? You turned back to see Peter’s sleeping form. Gathering your clothes you dressed and left Peter’s apartment.

That day in court you arrived late so you wouldn’t have to chance running into Peter. “You okay,” Sonny asked when you sat beside him on the bench. Your eyes darted over to Peter who was looking in your direction.

“Yeah. Just worried about Rafael.” You tried to give a reassuring smile to him.

Sonny looked between you and Peter, then turned back to you. He nodded then gave you a tight smile but wisely said nothing.

The jury came back quickly. “We the jury find the defendant not guilty.” You let out a sigh of relief and made the sign of the cross. Sonny did the same beside you. When Rafael approached the group you pulled him in for a hug. “I have to run and pick up the kids but I’ll call you later. Have you over for dinner. The kids miss their Uncle Raf.”

“I’ll take you up on that,” he responded. “Thank you for being here.”

“Of course. That’s what friends do.”

The doorbell rang. “The pizza! The pizza!” Isaac yelled running to the front door.

“Don’t open that door, Isaac Michael!”

He stopped in his tracks allowing you to catch up with him. You picked your wallet up off the entrance table then opened the door.

“You don’t look like the pizza man,” Isaac said disappointedly.

“Peter. What are you doing here?” Your eyes bore into him.

“I-uh-wanted to talk to you, about-about-”

“Isaac can check on your sister please.” Once he was out of the room you turned your attention back to Peter.

“What the hell are you doing showing up at my home?” you asked in a loud whisper.

“You left this morning. I wanted to be sure you’re okay,” Peter stated.

You bit your bottom lip then looked down at your feet. “I’m fine, Peter. Thank you for your concern.”

“Wait. Please,” he blurted as you started to close the door. “I’d like to take you out on a proper date.”

“I was lonely, we both were. So let’s just take it for what it was, sex. Nothing more,” you asserted.

“Not for me. And I think you felt the same way,” Peter countered. You felt Peter’s eyes bore into you.

You straightened your frame. “Don’t come back here again.” Peter’s downcast face was the last thing you saw when the door closed.