Forever With You

Chapter Fourteen

Erica looks up to see Franky standing before her with her arms wrapped around an older blonde. "Franky?" She says while looking from one to the other. Franky drops her arms but takes Bridget's hand in hers. "Erica." She states before heading past her and out the door, Bridget in tow. She feels Bridget pull against her hand trying to slow her pace. She doesn't stop until she gets to the bar, then flags down the bartender. "Franky..." Bridget says before being cutoff. "Two shots of Jack please." Bridget takes both of Franky's hands in hers and turns her to face her. Franky reluctantly turns and looks into her blue eyes. Bridget sees the tears welling in her eyes. "Franky. Baby. It's okay." The brunette sniffs and wipes at her eyes as the bartender puts the shots on the counter. "Nah Gidge. It's not." Bridget frowns and reaches up to hold her face in her hands. "It's a public place baby." Franky shakes her head then presses her forehead to Bridget's. "I can't get away from her Gidge. It's like she's determined to drive a wedge between us." She moves one of the blonde's hands to turn and grab a shot. She downs the one with a wince, then grabs the other and does the same. "This isn't the answer baby. Trust me I know." Franky looks at her in shock. "When you went back in..." Franky's look softens and she takes the blondes face in her hands. "I'm sorry Gidge. For..." Bridget leans up and kisses her. "Let's go sit with the others eh. Maybe it'll help with the tension." Franky nods, then asks for a fresh beer and a Shiraz before walking to the table with the others.

Fessler knew before they even got to the table that something was wrong. "You two okay?" She asks with concern. "Yep." Franky says quickly. As they take their seats, Bridget reaches over and squeezes her thigh with reassurance. Franky smiles weakly at her and sees Fessler watching her every move. She sees Erica across the room and nonchalantly nods in her direction. Fessler follows and her lips form a firm line across her mouth. "So, Bridget. Any interesting cases you may be able to throw our way?" She asks to break the tension.

She watches through the windows of the bar. 'Erica coming back may have just done me a favor.' She thinks as she watches a distraught Franky sitting with Bridget and others she doesn't know. Her lips curl in a sneer as she recalls her Aunt Joan telling her of some past Governor that Franky had the hots for. 'Was it Erica?' All she knows is that this "Erica" has certainly put a strain on the happy little bubble that Bridget has been living in with Franky. She'll have to keep an eye on this. Maybe she won't have to get her hands dirty after all, much to the chagrin of her Aunt.

Erica turns from the bar and scans the layout. She had never been here before and is looking at the layout and décor. As she looks over the stained wood furnishings, it reminds her of the cozy dens she would often see when visiting friends of her fathers. She sees an old-fashioned jukebox tucked in a corner and grabs her drink before walking over to see if it still works. Halfway there, she spots Franky sitting at a table with Fessler, the older blonde and two people she recognizes from the office. A small smile forms on her lips as she continues on to the jukebox.

She is just about to their table as the song she chose starts to play. "I didn't realize you all came here after work." Erica says as she sets her drink on the table. Franky drops her eyes to her lap as everyone else turns to see who has joined them. Fessler's face tenses and Bridget reaches for Franky's hand under the table. "Usually only on court days." Sarah pipes up before getting nudged by Tim. Fessler clears her throat. "Erica. I'm sure you remember Sarah and Tim from the office. And you know Franky..." Franky looks up and gives a silent nod. "And her girlfriend Bridget." Erica looks over at the blonde with surprise. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." She says while reaching over to shake her hand. "I've heard so much about you." She looks at Franky and moves to sit next to her. Franky, now stuck in the middle, starts to sweat. "Oh, I love this song!" Erica says for no real reason but to draw attention to her musical choice.