Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Good luck for tonight, Killer Court <3 We cannot wait to hear all about it! Courtney & Alejandro FOREVA!

Courtney looked down at that card that was packed full of glitter and reeked of some sort of perfume that reminded her of a certain SoCal beach vibe store at the mall. Glitter pointed to Geoff, Surfer babe pointed to Bridgette. It was a bit much… cringey, but they cared, and that was something.

It was touching that her friends cared about her so much and that they were just as excited as she was for her date that evening. A very special date that she absolutely had to look stellar for. She loved dressing up, she loved switching her modest casuals for something a little more fun and daring, and she had the most perfect heels for the occasion.

Yes, one thing Courtney loved more than getting her way, more than winning a debate, was shoes.

“Are you still there, mi amor?”

Courtney picked up her phone from her dresser with a smile and sat down on the edge of her bed, pulling one of the Louboutins from a freshly opened box.

“Yes, yes! Sorry, I was just… yeah. I can’t wait to see you tonight.”

She bit down on her bottom lip as her boyfriend laughed softly on the other end of her cell.

“I will pick you up at 7, I think you will like where I am taking you. I do have to go and finish this Northfield application. Te amo.”

“I love you too.”

Courtney sighed dreamily as she looked at the beautiful stiletto with its red bottom, timeless, classic, and she needed a dress to match. A few quick scrolls, and her phone to her ear, she was greeted by the familiar ‘Hey girlie’.

“I need support. I need a dress. Do you have time to come with me? I don’t think anything in my closet will cut it.”

“Absolutely, Geoff is coming too. He can sit there and wolf whistle until he is blue in the face.”

They hung up as Courtney reached for her coat and bag, before picking up the card and sprinkling glitter all over the floor.

“Courtney and Alejandro forever…”

~

Sitting in a little boutique, Bridgette was sorting through different dresses that were presented on a rack, courtesy of the store assistant, while Courtney tried on various options. She came out from behind the dressing room curtain and looked into the floor-length mirror, twisting around to check out the red cocktail dress.

“You know, the more I think about it, the more I’m not sure it’s going to happen tonight…”

She ran a hand over her curves, her bottom lip pulled between her teeth, anxiously.

Bridgette waved a hand in front of her face and gestured to a black dress she had picked out.

“Hello!! Daisy saw him at Daven & Davenport. Why would he be there looking at rings if he wasn’t going to propose? That is like the only reason why you would go there.”

Geoff took a sip of his smoothie while lounging on one of the pink chaise lounges in the store. He fluttered his fingers at the two girls.

“Big fat diamond, baby!”

Courtney looked down at her own left hand. She had gotten herself a manicure the other day, something simple and elegant.

“You really think so, guys?”

A pair of tanned arms wrapped around her, and a squeal was let out by her very own Malibu Barbie.

“I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU ARE GETTING ENGAGED TONIGHT!”

The girls hugged as Geoff pretended to wipe a dramatic tear from his eyes. Bridgette handed Courtney the black dress and pushed her towards the dressing room to try on. A few moments later, Courtney took her place in front of the mirror.

“I don’t know… it’s a little revealing… is it too much for a restaurant?”

The dress was stunning, silky, form-hugging, and low cut at the front and back. It was more daring than she usually would choose for herself, but she had to admit she felt and looked like a million dollars.

“I want to look bridal, I guess, but not like I was expecting it… This is more…”

She turned towards the pair, who were gawking at her.

“Smokin’. The word you are looking for, Court, is smokin’.”

And true to Geoff form, he whistled at her and gestured for her to give him a twirl.

“He is so right. You look amazing AND you are showing him who he is getting married to. A stone-cold fox with a big brain and even bigger boobs.”

Courtney looked into the mirror once again, admiring herself. She lifted her hair up into a makeshift updo. Maybe she would wear it up instead of her usual style. Alejandro liked her hair like that; he liked the way it exposed her neck.

Totally lost in her thoughts, she missed the two gossiping sales assistants in the far corner of the room behind the cash register.

One of the assistants, Katie, whispered to her colleague while tearing off a “Half Off” tag from a dress on the clearance rack.

“Do you think she’s one of those Ivy League princesses? Daddy’s card and no brain?”

Sadie, the other assistant, snickered and busied herself with folding some sweaters they had just gotten in. She gave Bridgette the once-over—she certainly didn’t look like she shopped anywhere upscale.

“Most definitely, especially with Tweedle twins over there. I mean, is she actually wearing denim Bermudas? That’s like a crime against fashion.”

Katie winked at Sadie and made her way over to the trio, a dress draped over her arm and the fakest of smiles plastered on her face.

“Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen this one? We just got it shipped in from Italy. It’s simply stunning.”

Courtney raised an eyebrow before glancing at the dress. She’ll bite. She looked at the price tag, and excitement crossed her features.

“Oh wow! This really is beautiful! You just got this in? Today?”

“Yeah, it’s totally one of a kind. It would be totally worth it for your… well, whatever occasion you’re celebrating tonight. I couldn’t help but overhear.”

Courtney smiled sweetly at her and ran her fingers over the dress, looking at the label: “McLean Designs.”

“Oh, and it’s a McLean, guys!”

She turned to her friends, who were looking at her strangely, not catching on to what she was up to.

“Yes, a McLean. Very limited edition.”

The brunette looked at Katie with a raised eyebrow and a tight-lipped smile. She shook her head and withdrew her hand from the garment.

“You expect me to pay full price for a McLean? Especially after last week when you couldn’t give them away? And don’t lie about Italy—I know all about their factory scandal in Ontario.”

Katie’s face sank, and she hurried away, embarrassed by the outburst. Courtney, on the other hand, turned back to her friends and smoothed her hands down her hips.

“We’ve been studying that case in class. I’m very thorough with my research.”

Bridgette and Geoff smirked at one another and mouthed “nice try.”

Courtney gestured for Bridgette to hand her the shoebox she had brought with her, and she pulled out the Louboutins to go with the dress. She slipped each one on and smiled to herself as they went with the dress perfectly.

"Alright, this is the one. You’ve convinced me… now let’s find it somewhere else so these guys don’t get the sale."

She let out a little squeal that was so incredibly out of character for her, but what the heck!

“I can’t believe I’m going to be Mrs. Alejandro Burromuerto!”

Chapter Text

The sound of the doorbell sent a jolt through Courtney, making her take a deep breath.

“He’s here, Court.”

Bridgette nudged her friend, who had a hand flat across her chest, trying to control her breathing. Her heart was hammering against her ribcage as she tried to calm herself.

It’s just Alejandro… This is what you want. This is what you’ve been waiting for. He loves you.

It was like a mantra in her head as the blonde went to open the door, a giddy smile on her face.

“Alejandro, hey, come in. Court is just…”

Alejandro stepped into the apartment, his gaze instantly locking with Courtney’s. When he smiled, it was as if the world paused for a moment, that charming, dazzling smile that always made her feel like the centre of his universe.

“Mi amor, you are a vision of perfection!”

He held out his hand, which Courtney took, feeling all her nerves melt away with his touch and the look of adoration in his eyes.

She had nothing to be anxious about.

“Hello to you too. You look…”

Courtney bit down on her lip and ran her hands over the lapels of his suit jacket.

“…So good. So, so good. Handsome as ever.”

He laughed, a melodic sound as he leaned down to place a soft kiss on her lips, lingering a moment longer than necessary. Bridgette watched on, her hands clasped to her chest. Not suspicious at all.

“Okay, lovebirds, get a room! Or better yet, get out of here and enjoy your date.”

She winked at the pair before making herself scarce, pretending to be busy in the kitchen to give them a little privacy. She herself felt her hands shaking as she shuffled some papers on the table, just so excited for her friend.

“Are you ready to go?”

Alejandro wrapped his fingers around Courtney’s, readying them both for the night ahead. He noticed the way Courtney closed her eyes and let out a deep breath before nodding. She opened her eyes again and gave him a smile that could only be for him.

“I’m ready.”

~

“Here’s to us!”

Clink!

They tapped their champagne flutes together before taking a sip of the bubbly liquid, Courtney hoping it would calm her nerves.

Alejandro, as cool as ever, placed his flute down on the white linen tablecloth. He reached over for Courtney’s hand, his much larger than hers, and brought it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles.

“There’s actually a reason I brought you here this evening. I wanted to discuss our future.”

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, but she remained poised, nodding slightly as she waited for him to continue.

“You and I, my little firecracker, have been having so much fun together. You are just so full of passion. I even look forward to our fights because I know the making up is… well worth it.”

A pink blush spread across her freckled cheeks as she jokingly looked over her shoulder to see if anyone else in the restaurant was listening in. She decided to scold him playfully, still holding onto his hand but tapping it with her fingers.

“Alejandro!”

“Courtney!”

He covered her other hand with his, so that they were clasped together over the table.

“However, things are going to be different now when I go to Northfield in a few months. It’s going to be a completely different world, and I need to start taking things seriously.”

Courtney continued to listen, nodding here and there. She bit her tongue when he mentioned Northfield—he had only just applied, and hadn’t been accepted yet—but she didn’t think it was the right time to bring that up.

“You know my family, darling, they expect so much of me. And you know I’m hoping to run my own firm one day and maybe run for office. You know, like we talked about.”

Courtney’s expression softened. She knew how much pressure he was under with his brothers being so successful. It was only natural he wanted to follow suit.

“And you know that I support you in whatever you do, right? I am so proud of you, of us, and everything we’ve achieved—”

Alejandro cut her off. She hated when he did that, but maybe she should’ve just kept nodding and agreeing with him.

“The thing is, if I’m going to achieve all of this, this dream by the time I’m thirty, I need to make solid choices. Set things in stone now. Build stable foundations.”

This was it!

“So, that is why I’ve been thinking…”

Courtney couldn’t help but smile expectantly. Breathe, girl.

“…we should break up.”

Her world came screeching to a halt. It was as if time stopped entirely. She could hear tires screeching in her mind, the sting of reality hitting her as she felt her heart plummet.

She pulled her hands away sharply, knocking over one of the champagne flutes. It shattered on the floor.

“What?!”

It came out as a screech, and the waiter rushed over to tend to the broken glass. Other diners turned around to see what was going on. Alejandro reached for her again, but she wouldn’t let him touch her. She clasped her hands tightly to her chest.

“Courtney, I’m so sorry to do this, but I…”

“You’re breaking up with me? I thought you were going to propose!”

She was so caught off guard that all rationality went out the window. Angry tears gathered at the corner of her eyes as she tried to keep her voice down, failing to do so, and gaining more attention.

"Proposing?! Courtney, if I’m going to run for office, I need to marry someone who’s poised and supportive, not... someone who’s always trying to take the spotlight for herself."

Her jaw dropped. Had she not just told him how supportive she was? Hadn’t she always been there for him? Was she really such a distraction?

Maybe I am. No. She couldn’t let herself believe that. She was her own person. If that made her stand out more than him, so be it.

“Take the spotlight? Alejandro, I don’t take the spotlight—I am the spotlight. And if you can’t handle a partner with her own goals and ambitions, then maybe you’re not cut out to be a politician—or my fiancé.”

Alejandro smiled at an elderly couple near them, who had been watching the entire time. Courtney’s voice grew louder as tears streamed down her cheeks, but she couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Courtney, please! This is what I’m talking about. I need someone who complements me, my career. You’re so hot-headed. You’re always testing me in front of my peers, my family. Mi amor—”

“Stop calling me that!”

“Courtney, you are an incredible woman, but you don’t fit into the life I’m trying to build for myself.”

He reached for her again, but she yanked her hand away, completely taken aback. Sure, he’d brought up concerns before, but she never thought it would come to this. She let him hold onto her hand again, though it was trembling for a different reason now—anger mixed with heartbreak.

“You… I thought you loved me.”

Pity—that was the look in his eyes.

“I do love you, but I just cannot marry you.”

It was that simple. He had already made up his mind. He had a future planned that didn’t include her. Courtney wiped the tears from her cheeks, grabbed her bag, and stood up.

“Lindsay saw you… in Daven & Davenport. Why would you even be there if it wasn’t for…”

That was THE ring place.

“Lindsay? Oh, you girls always gossiping. I—sorry, I was getting my watch looked at.”

He glanced at the Rolex on his wrist, speaking like she was the one who’d gotten her hopes up.

“I wasn’t buying a ring… I wasn’t even looking at them.”

Courtney had heard enough. She had to get out of there, out of this fancy place that was meant for proposals. Heartbreak, too, it seemed. With wobbling legs, she quickly stood and made her way to the exit.

“Courtney, sweetheart, please sit!”

~

Cold, broken, and with sore feet, Courtney walked along the sidewalk for about ten minutes before Alejandro’s car pulled up next to her. He rolled the window down, but she kept walking, making him slow the car and put on his hazards just to speak to her.

“Please, Courtney, let me take you home.”

She ignored him, her arms wrapped around herself, trying to block out the hurt. Mascara smeared across her freckled cheeks as she almost tripped over her own feet.

“Courtney, it’s 20 miles back to town. You can’t walk all the way. I won’t let you.”

She scoffed. Why pretend like he cared now? He’d just shattered her heart.

“Courtney, those Louboutins won’t make it.”

She stopped, letting out a frustrated sigh. She couldn’t afford to lose another thing tonight. With a huff, she opened the car door and climbed in, not saying a word.

They didn’t speak for the rest of the ride, the car filled only with her soft sobs and the low hum of the radio.

She was broken.

Alejandro stopped outside her apartment building and turned to face her. He reached over to wipe the tears from her face, brushing his thumb over her pout. She let herself be held by him for what she knew would be the last time.

“Mi amor, I didn’t want to do this, please believe me. It’s just the right thing to do.”

Courtney leaned into his hand as he comforted her.

“How can this be the right thing to do if we’re not going to be together?”

Alejandro sighed and leaned over to press a kiss to her forehead, holding her close to his chest, though it was a little awkward with the centre console in the way.

“I’m sorry… That’s all I can say.”

Courtney pulled away from him and dragged herself to the front door of the apartment. She didn’t look back as he drove away. She couldn’t. It hurt too much to watch him leave her, leave her heart.

She closed the door softly behind her, hoping not to alert her roommates. No such luck. Bridgette shot up from the sofa, flustered after what was clearly a make-out session with Geoff.

“Why are you back so soon?”

Geoff joined Bridgette, sitting up and zeroing in on Courtney’s bare hand.

“Did he forget the ring?”

Courtney let out a small yelp, rushing to her room and slamming the door behind her, signalling that she wanted to be left alone. She could hear Bridgette scolding Geoff with a “Nice one, asshole,” followed by his sheepish response, “What? He could’ve!”

She kicked off her shoes, carefully placing them in the box still on her bed. Then she sat on the floor, hugging her legs as the dam of tears finally broke. The anger, the sadness—it consumed her.

Like a little angel, Brittany, her ragdoll cat, brushed against her ankles. She must have sensed Courtney’s distress and meowed for her attention. Courtney picked her up, cradling her close to her chest for comfort.

After a few moments, she stood up, looking at herself in the mirror. She winced at her bloodshot eyes and ruined makeup. In that moment, something inside her shifted.

Pull yourself together! You’re not going to crumble. If he thinks he can just walk away without a fight, he’s wrong. You’ll prove him wrong. You’ll show him exactly what he’s giving up.

“You think you can just walk away and find someone who fits your perfect little plan? We’ll see about that, Alejandro. I’ll show you... I’m not the one who’s going to be left behind.”

Courtney gently placed Brittany back on the bed, her fingers lingering behind the cat’s ears for a moment before she turned back to the mirror. Her voice, barely above a whisper, held a quiet resolve:

 “I’m not done with us yet.”

Chapter Text

Courtney allowed herself to be heartbroken for a few days, maybe a week, she needed to cry and get it out of her system. She needed to wear one of Alejandro’s t-shirts, curl up with Brittany and feel it consume her. She needed to be this way so that she could rise from the metaphorical ashes like the phoenix she was and win him back, prove to him that there was no other girl for him, no one would love him like she could.

They were so perfect. They were the ultimate power couple. Right?

There was a tentative knock on the door and Bridgette popped her head around it before scrunching up her nose at the chaos that had become Courtney’s life.

“Hey Court… You really have to leave this room, it’s been a week. It’s starting to smell funky in here and the hermit life like doesn’t suit you at all.”

Courtney slumped further on her bed, pulling the sheets up to her chin, sneakily giving the t-shirt she had refused to take off a sniff. Oh my God.

“A nice shower will do you good, I’ll even blow-dry your hair and we could maybe like go out? A few tequila shots and a night with a hunky bartender - totally guaranteed to help you forget this whole Alejandro mess.”

Her lips were chapped, her hair was greasy, eyes puffy from crying all of the time, she didn’t even recognise herself in the mirror when she dared to take a glance.

If Alejandro could see her now. Yikes!

“Geoff and I are going to get manicures, you should come! It’s his treat.”

Courtney looked so helpless as she listened to Bridgette’s pep talk and with a nod, she peeled back the covers so that she could make a beeline for the shower room.

“Is that a yes?”

Bridgette clapped her hands together and followed her friend into the ensuite, she placed a hand on Courtney’s back, rubbing comforting circles as the brunette flicked on the shower.

“I know you don’t feel like talking right now, but we need to get the old you back. If I’d said half of that stuff to you last week, you’d have thrown a shoe at my head or come up with some bitchy comeback. This is… scary, like Twilight Zone scary, seeing you not act like a bossy bitch.”

“I am a bossy bitch, aren’t I?” Courtney whispered, the words almost lost, but Bridgette burst out laughing, and soon, Courtney joined in.

“Yeah, you totally are. We need her back. Let me know when you’re done, and we’ll fix all this.”

Bridgette gestured around the room with a fake grimace, which Courtney responded to with a playful punch on her arm.

“That’s my girl!”

~

“I keep running it over and over in my head. I am questioning everything. Am I too rigid? Am I not fun enough? Am I too competitive? Am I too obsessive?”

The red haired nail technician stares at Courtney wide eyed, she has spent the last half hour listening to the girl literally obsess over whatever she is going through.

“Um… yeah you probably are thinking about this waaaaay too much. Do you want little sparkly diamantes on these or maybe some pink glitter or something?”

Courtney shakes her head in horror, did she look like a girl who would want busy, tacky nails?

“Um, no. Classic French is fine.”

“Are you sure? That is so boring! Weren’t you literally just questioning how fun you were? Maybe that answers your question.”

The nail tech, Izzy frowned as she applied a glossy top coat over the boring, basic nails of a boring, basic Courtney.

“Maybe like… this guy wants someone who can loosen up a little, you seem a little… well, like you have something up your ass. No offence or anything.”

If the nail tech wasn’t gripping Courtney’s hand so tightly, she would have taken a swing at her and possibly, gotten banned from this establishment and maybe arrested for assault.

“I’m not paying for you to be rude to me, you know. Just finish this and I’ll give you a tip if you just stop talking to me.”

Bridgette and Geoff were laughing quietly in the massage chairs as they watched their girl get some of her feistiness back.

“I hope that girl doesn’t stop and that Courtney goes full killer and jumps over that table to tear her hair out.”

Geoff was getting his usual mani/pedi, he was a man who liked to look and feel his best and this place didn’t judge a man who wanted that for himself.

Bridgette nudges Geoff with her elbow, gesturing for him to keep his voice down.

“Do you know I saw her eat four grilled cheeses back to back? Just stuffed them right in her mouth, poor thing. I think he messed her up big time if she is forgetting she’s lacto.”

“Her bathroom will never be the same.”

~
“I’m not saying you shouldn’t apply, cariño. I just don’t understand why you feel the need to.”

Alejandro was brushing her hair back from her face as he held her close, trying to soothe her racing mind.

“Because it’s not enough to just stay here, Alejandro. I need to push myself. I need to show that I can be more—more for me and more for us.”

She nuzzled into his touch, already feeling like she was under his spell.

“Us? Courtney, you’re already everything I could want. You don’t have to prove anything to me.”

“It doesn’t feel that way when you talk about Northfield. The way you describe it, it’s like this magical place full of brilliant people who are going to change the world. I don’t want you to think I don’t belong there—or that I can’t keep up.”

He laughed then, oh how she loved his laugh, the way his smile would always reach his eyes.

“You’re taking this too personally, mi amor. Northfield is just... different. It’s not for everyone. You shine brightest when you’re in control, where things are structured. At Northfield, it’s chaos—it’s not like Oakwood.”

Courtney pushed away from his hold on her, she was frustrated that he didn’t get it, he didn’t understand why she wanted to join him in switching schools.

“Exactly! That’s why I have to go. If I can thrive in that chaos, if I can succeed at the same place you are, maybe you’ll finally see me as your equal.”

He was soft with her, he pulled her back in which she allowed so easily.

“You already are my equal. But I don’t want you to burn yourself out trying to prove something that doesn’t need proving.”

It was almost condescending.

“Maybe you don’t think it needs proving, but I do. I can’t be the kind of partner who stays in your shadow, Alejandro. I need to know that I can stand beside you—not behind you.”

“Courtney, you’re already amazing. I just don’t want you to lose yourself trying to keep up with a version of me you’ve built in your head.”

With an exasperated sigh and a roll of her eyes, she wanted this conversation to be over.

“Maybe it’s not about keeping up. Maybe it’s about showing you—and myself—that I’m just as capable as anyone else. Including you.”

Nothing more was said, he just kissed her and made her brain go to mush.

~

Courtney had made up her mind, she was applying for the school switch and as she sat on the plastic seat in her academic advisors office.

“Northfield. That is ambitious, Miss Satella.”

Her advisor was a short woman with a crazy bun, a pencil or two poking out from the ball on top of her head. She wore funky glasses and knitted vests, not really Courtney’s type of person. She came across as totally unorganised, chaotic but she had already switched academic advisors once at Oakwood and she was told she couldn’t do it again. So here she was with Ms Foster.

“That’s right. I’ve done my research and it really is the best fit for my goals.”

Foster shook her head as she glanced down at the papers that Courtney had handed to her when she arrived.

“It is one of the best universities in the country-”

“And I have a 4.0 GPA, impeccable extracurriculars, and an internship with the Premier’s office.”

Courtney cut her off, how much more direct did she have to be. This was not a suggestion, this was her telling Ms Foster that she was switching.

“Sure, but your focus has been in pre-law and student government. Northfield looks for leadership and innovation. Have you considered how competitive their applicant pool is?”

Foster had raised an eyebrow and it irked Courtney to no end.

“I am going to Northfield.”

It was said with a sort of finality that shouldn’t be questioned, this is what she wanted, this is what she was going to get.

And then, she would get her man back.

“Then you’ll need stellar recommendations from professors who can vouch for more than your discipline.”

“Already working on it.”

“And a personal statement that makes them see you as more than just a perfectionist with a checklist.”

“Done.”

“And you’ll need a killer LSAT score. Northfield usually looks for at least a 175.”

“I once debated my entire mock trial team into submission and got the judge to switch sides. Trust me, I’m ready.”

Courtney gathers her folder, stands confidently, and flashes a polite but resolute smile.

“Thanks for your time.”

Her advisor watches her leave, shaking her head slightly but looking impressed. Oh yes, Courtney was back.

~

Courtney placed the plate of stacked grilled cheeses in front of her friends, Geoff immediately swiping and devouring one before reaching for another. She didn’t really know how to cook anything else despite her stomach not being able to handle dairy.

“Guys, I am going to Northfield.”

Bridgette looks up from her phone, her social scrolling taking a pause.

“What’s up, Court? Alejandro finally coming to his senses and wants to see you and make up?”

Courtney shakes her head, taking a seat at the small dining table that they had squeezed into their apartment kitchen.

“No Bridge, I’m applying to Northfield.”

The blonde’s eyes widen and her jaw drops as she realises her friend is 100% serious about this.

“Wait—Northfield? Like, the Northfield?”

“Take a shot every time someone says ‘Northfield’.”

Geoff spoke through a mouthful of toasted bread and melted cheese, he swallowed and wiped his greasy lips with the back of his hand.

“That’s way up there, Court. That’s one of the top schools in the country. Are you sure about that?”

“Of course I’m sure. I’ve got the grades, the leadership, the drive. I can do this!”

Bridgette was already used to Courtney and her plans to take over the world but she for sure thought this would be dropped after the whole break up situation.

“Damn, girl. That’s... really ambitious. I mean, no one’s doubting you, but that’s Northfield. It's basically Harvard-level hard.”

Geoff reaches for his grilled cheese and waves it at Courtney from across the table.

 “You’re gonna blow ‘em away, kid. Seriously.”

Courtney rested her face on her hands, watching her two friends and immediately feeling lighter for how they just had her back, every single time, every crazy idea.

“I know. I’ve been thinking about this for months. I can’t just stay here, not when I know there’s more out there for me. And it’s not just about being with Alejandro, you know? It’s about proving to myself that I can be the best—no matter who else is there.”

 “Wow. I mean, I don’t think any of us are surprised you’re going after something big. But Northfield? That’s huge, Court. I’m proud of you.”

Bridgette reached across the table to take hold of Courtney’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, all while wearing a happy smile for her friend.

Once again, Geoff raised his lunch in a mock toast.

“To Courtney, the future star of Northfield. I’ll still be here partying when you’re running things.”

With a laugh, she picks up one of the grilled cheeses and taps it against Geoff’s who was still holding his out for the girls to follow through.

“I’m not just going to run things, Geoff. I’m going to take over. You’ll see.”

“Yeah, when you’re running for office, we expect to be your campaign managers.”

“Deal. But right now, I need to focus. Time to make it happen.”

Courtney takes a big bite out of her sandwich, savouring the taste and associating the meal with something positive rather than her four on the trot sad girl binge last week.

Geoff makes a face and pretends to wipe a tear from his eye.

“You must really hate your toilet, huh?”

Chapter Text

Courtney sits at a desk with a neat stack of books and a perfectly arranged planner in the background.

"Hello, Northfield admissions! My name is Courtney, and I am here to convince you that not only do I belong at your esteemed university, but I’ll also make it better for having me. How? Let me show you!"

She gives her brightest smile before the VT cuts to an upbeat, polished montage: Courtney volunteering at a community center, leading a debate team, and organizing a school fundraiser, with playful text on the screen like ‘Volunteer Extraordinaire’ and ‘Event Planner Pro’.

Bridgette nudges Geoff with her elbow. “Nice work on the graphics, babe!”

The next scene shows Courtney walking confidently through a park. She pauses near a bench to speak directly to the camera.

"Northfield is more than a school to me; it's an opportunity to make a difference. I'm passionate about using my leadership skills to empower others. In high school, I served as class president, and I organized initiatives like..."

A home video pops up of Courtney directing volunteers at a school event, pointing at a clipboard while smiling confidently and evidently bossing around her peers.

Her voice plays over the clips.

"…a charity gala that raised funds to rebuild our library after it flooded. I believe the ability to lead comes with a responsibility to create lasting change."

The VT shows Courtney back on them park bench, she looks at the camera thoughtfully.

"And if that sounds a little intense, don’t worry. I also know how to have fun—preferably in a competitive board game or hanging around with my best friends. Balance is key!"

“That’s us!”

Geoff slings an arm around Bridgette as they continue to watch Courtney’s video essay.

"I’m not just applying to Northfield for the prestige or the top-tier programs—though, let’s be real, those are pretty amazing. I’m applying because I know that I can contribute to the community in a meaningful way. I’m ready to take on challenges, create connections, and make Northfield proud to call me an alum. I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together."

The video cuts to Courtney holding a notebook with "Future Northfield Grad" written on it in bold letters. She winks at the camera.

"So, what do you say, Northfield? Let’s make this official."

Courtney closes her laptop screen as the video fades to black, turning to her friends to seek their approval.

“Well, what do you think?”

Bridgette gives a warm smile. "That was amazing, Courtney. Inspiring, polished—like a TED Talk but, you know, with more color-coordinated outfits."

Geoff leans back, arms behind his head. "Yeah, and I mean, who wouldn’t want a future alum who can guilt-trip an entire school into rebuilding a library? That’s real leadership."

Bridgette elbows him. "Geoff!"

Courtney raises an eyebrow. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

Geoff grins. "Absolutely. You're basically the boss-level Girl Scout—intimidatingly efficient, slightly terrifying, but with great hair."

Courtney groans. "I knew I should've cut the clipboard scene."

Bridgette laughs. "No way! It screams authentic Courtney. Plus, you got Geoff to watch a three-minute application video. That’s the real miracle."

Geoff nods. "True. And I only checked my phone, like, twice."

Courtney rolls her eyes but can’t help smiling. "I’ll take that as a win."

~

A hand pries her own away from her mouth as she was about to absentmindedly chew on a nail. Luckily Bridgette was on manicure watch as the two watched the laptop screen refresh for the thousandth time.

The LSAT scores were supposed to be in by noon and granted, there was a good ten minutes to go before they make their appearance in Courtney’s email inbox but she was never good at waiting.

Famously never good at waiting.

She had studied until she couldn’t see straight, she abandoned her summer so that she could pass with flying colors and get her admission for the Fall semester.

Bridgette had argued with her, played the devil on her shoulder with tequila shot promises to get her to loosen up a little.

She couldn’t be tempted.

Too much was resting on this exam, her entire future, her hopeful rekindling with Alejandro.

She wasn’t gambling a life she had dreamed of for a night of tequila, salt and lime.

The little buffering circle made her head spin as she refreshed for the thousandth and one time.

PING

Courtney screamed. “Oh fu-“

Bridgette grabbed hold of her. “Open it”

“179.”

Bridgette leaned over to look at the screen. “It’s 179.”

“Yeah, 179! 179!”

The two girls jumped up from the table, gripping on to one another shoulders as they bounced in place.

~

In the admission office at Northfield, sitting around a polished wooden table were the four board members who would be deciding Courtney’s fate. Between the four of them, their expressions ranged from intrigued to mild scepticism.

"So, what do you say, Northfield? Let’s make this official."

The video essay finished and one of them flicked on a light.

“She has a 4.0 GPA and a pre-law degree specializing in public policy and advocacy.”

“But wasn’t her senior thesis titled something like, “The Intersection of Leadership and Law: How to Win Every Debate”?”

“That shows focus. She’s got a clear vision.”

“She also clerked at a local law office during her summers.”

“And spearheaded a mock trial program at her high school.”

A tap of a pen.

“Let’s not forget the charity gala that raised $10,000 to rebuild her school library.”

“Yes, but she made her volunteers sign NDAs.”

A rustle of papers.

“Sounds… efficient.”

“She even mentioned she interned with the premier of her province to push for better funding for after-school programs.”

“Passionate about the law and community impact.”

A sip of water.

“She does seem ambitious.”

“Isn’t ambition what we’re looking for?”

“Courtney Satella… Welcome to Northfield.”

~

Geoff was attempting to jenga various pieces of luggage and boxes into the Mini Cooper.

That car was Courtney’s old faithful, she had had it for years, she still ran good… kinda.

Today was the day. She was leaving for Northfield.

Bridgette was hugging Courtney, not wanting to let her friend go. “I am so going to miss you and now I have to live with a boy!”

Courtney squeezed her back, she wasn’t going to cry, well maybe a little as she said goodbye to the place she had called home for so many years. “He practically lived here anyways.”

It was true, for as long as the pair of them had lived in their apartment, Geoff was like a built in feature.

“Yeah but like… this is serious… like grown up shit. You were always there as a buffer and it was always like my boyfriend was just staying over, y’know?”

Courtney nodded and patted Bridgette’s arm. “Bridge, you are a grown up. You have been together five years. This should have happened already.”

A playful punch to her arm, and another hug as Geoff struggled in the back seat.

“These cars aren’t built for anything. There is no room… Court how do you get anything done with with this hunk of-“

Courtney cut him off sharply. “Do not say another word. She is perfect.”

“Okay, well if she is so perfect why is your engine light on, hm?”

Courtney flushed slightly. “Well… uh…”

Geoff leaned on the side of the car with his arms folded across his chest. “Let me guess. That engine light is the same engine light from the last time I asked you about it.”

If there was one thing that she did know nothing about, then it was cars. She would rather have the lights flash up on her dashboard and live in denial.

“I think the light is just on permanently, maybe a glitch or something… I have had no problems with this car so the light must be wrong.”

Courtney said a silent prayer, hoping her old faithful would make it to Northfield.

Geoff threw his hands in the air. “Jesus, Court. You need to get that checked out before you find yourself in the middle of nowhere because this piece of shit car decides to die on you.”

She could kill him. “What did I say about bad mouthing her?!”

He was right of course, but like hell she would admit that out loud to the concerned himbo in his stupid pink shirt.

Geoff holds his hands up as surrender. “Okay, okay. Look I know a guy who is in the Northfield area. He has a shop, please if I give you his details, will you please just take your car in?”

Courtney crosses her arms tightly against her chest. “Maybe”

Geoff continues. “Yeah and he is a cool guy, say Geoff sent ya and he will give you a good deal.”

He reaches out for her to hand him her phone so that he can start typing some info into her notes app and adding the mechanics number to her contact list.

“Dunc is a good guy. He was on that reality show I was on back in high school, that’s how we met.”

Courtney tries to remember the contestants on… Total Drama.. was it? Geoff had proudly showed her the numerous compilations on a video app, pointing out people he was still in touch with. She couldn’t place this “Dunc” with a face she remembered.

“What one was he again?”

“Green hair, piercings, bad attitude, but he’s a genius with cars. People judge him, but he’s solid—saved me more times than I can count. He won the season, dude!”

Courtney grimaced. “You know I didn’t watch that show. You know how I feel about reality TV.”

Geoff handed her phone back to her. “Yeah, yeah car crash material, I remember. Well Duncan won and ended up buying his shop with the prize money. God knows how he held onto that, well come to think about it, he did go to prison so… couldn’t really spend it.”

Courtney rolled her eyes and put her phone into her coat pocket. “Great, I’ll call your felon friend to fix my car as soon as I get there… not.”

The two stood staring at one another before Geoff opened his arms to give her a goodbye hug.

“I promise, Court. He is a good guy, I know I have said it like a million times but for real, he keeps his nose clean, has a successful business and knows a shit ton about cars. If you love your precious Mini, you will make sure that she is looked after.”

Courtney holds onto her friend tightly. “I will think about it, okay?”

Another pair of arms wrap around them, Bridgette obviously not wanting to be left out of the goodbyes.

“We will see each other soon. Now go and make Northfield your bitch!”

The three of them laughed as they untangled themselves, Geoff threw an arm over Bridgette’s shoulder as Courtney climbed into the car.

Now or never.

As Courtney drove away, the Mini Cooper sputtered slightly, but she ignored it, gripping the steering wheel with determination. Bridgette and Geoff waved from the curb, their figures shrinking in the rearview mirror as she embarked on the next chapter of her life.

The journey felt symbolic—leaving behind her familiar, controlled world and stepping into the unknown. She had a plan, of course. Courtney always had a plan. But something about the prospect of Northfield, Alejandro, and even this Duncan character felt like stepping onto an entirely new playing field.

And Courtney Satella never backed down from a challenge.

With the sun setting behind her, she tightened her grip on the wheel and smirked. "Northfield, get ready. You have no idea what’s coming."

The Mini Cooper’s engine light blinked again, its soft glow a small reminder that even the most meticulously planned journeys could have a few surprises along the way.

“Maybe I’ll call this Duncan guy…”

Chapter Text

Well the Mini survived… barely.

Geoff had jinxed her car, it was working perfectly fine until he started making a thing about it.

A sleepy meow caused Courtney’s eyes to stray from the road for just a moment

Brittany like the little queen that she was, was perched in her cushioned carrier in the passenger seat, ready for this road trip to be over.

With her free hand, Courtney scratched behind her ears as she settled down, the little bell on her collar jingling as it tapped against the crown charm that Courtney affixed to it.

“Almost there, Britt. I can’t wait to see our new home!”

There had been no time to sort out private accommodation and she was lucky enough to secure a room in one of the dorms.

She would soon be settled in, have Alejandro back in her arms and no doubt, be living in their own apartment before the year was out.

“Alejandro is going to be so excited to see you.”

Brittany mewled softly and went back to sleep without a care in the world.

~

The first few days were an absolute blur of unpacking, picking up her class schedule and debating on whether to call Alejandro.

Maybe it was best just to surprise him.

They hadn’t seen each other in months and she had been doing so well to go non-contact with him apart from when he wished her a ‘happy birthday’ with her favourite flowers and bottle of wine.

She remembered how smug it made her feel and couldn’t help but voicing this out loud to Bridgette.

“See he cares, he still thinks about me.”

Now she was sitting on a picnic blanket in the courtyard with other students who were new.

A dark haired senior, well she assumed he was one of the upperclassman lead the conversation.

“Alright, welcome to law school, everyone. This is the part where we go around in a circle, introduce ourselves, and share a little bit about why we’re here. I’m Trent and let’s kick things off with you.”

He points his finger to a brown haired boy who rubbed the back of his neck with a gulp.

“Uh, sure. I’m Cody Anderson. I double-majored in political science and pre-law, and I’m pretty much obsessed with legal dramas—seriously, I’ve seen Suits three times.”

Cody grins as memory strikes. “Oh, and I once wrote a really long email to a streaming platform to bring back a cancelled courtroom show, and they actually replied! So, yeah, I’m basically a hero.”

Trent slapped him on the back. “Cool, man. That’s inspiring.”

Cody nodded and tried to return the gesture by lightly punching Trent’s arm in an attempt to live up to that ‘cool’. “Thanks!”

Trent gestures to the woman in front of him. “How about you?”

“What’s up, everybody? I’m Leshawna Hayes I’ve got a bachelor’s in communications and sociology, and I’m here because I’m tired of seeing people who can’t afford fancy lawyers getting steamrolled. Last year, I organized a sit-in at my undergrad to push for more diversity in faculty hiring. I’m all about making change where it counts, and I’ve got the receipts to prove it.”

Leshawna sat back with a grin, now she really lived up to the ‘cool’ label.

“That’s impressive.”

Leshawna winks at Trent from across the circle. “I don’t play, baby.”

A smug looking boy was next to Courtney, looking too eager to start speaking about himself.

“Noah Sterecra. Philosophy degree from Yale. Perfect LSAT score. I’m here because law school was the obvious choice—where else can I use my genius to rake in cash while destroying the opposition?”

He leaves a dramatic pause. “Some of us are just built for this.”

Cody nudges Trent and loudly whispers. “And some of us are allergic to humility.”

Noah ignores him. “Oh, and my personal statement was so good, my admissions counsellor called it “life-changing.” She even asked for a signed copy.”

With a sigh, Trent gestures to Courtney. “Uh, right. You.”

Courtney sat up straighter, she was clutching her planner to her chest.

“Hi, I’m Courtney Satella. I started at Oakwood before transferring to Northfield, where I’m now in law school. Before this, I majored in political science and spent my undergrad years building a strong foundation for my legal career—I was student body president, captain of the debate team, and completed three prestigious internships.”

Leshawna whistles from across the circle. “Girl, you’ve got a whole LinkedIn profile ready to go.”

Courtney ignores her teasing. “I’m here because I believe law is the most powerful tool for making a difference—and, honestly, because I plan to be the best in every class. Fun fact: I once got a professor to change my grade at Oakwood after presenting a ten-slide PowerPoint on how his rubric violated academic guidelines.”

Leshawna continues. “Whew, you are a whole production.”

With a tight smile, Courtney nods at her. “Thank you.”

The other students exchange looks, Leshawna trying not to laugh while Noah smirks to himself.

Maybe not a great first impression but it wasn’t their approval she was after.

~

Reunion day.

Courtney had taken extra time to get herself ready to “bump” into Alejandro. Hair freshly washed and blow dried, make up how he likes – minimal, natural but still with a glow. It had taken her hours to achieve that nothing kind of look.

Matching two piece gingham skirt and cropped blazer, white blouse and her burgundy knee high boots. She looked cute, professional and ready to win her man back.

Right now, she was calling up that felon turned mechanic friend of Geoff’s as her beloved car was about to give up the ghost on her.

She was met with his answering machine.

"Hey, you’ve reached Duncan. If this is about your car, leave a message with all the juicy details—make, model, and just how bad you’ve managed to mess it up. If it’s not about cars... well, better be something worth my time. Talk soon—or don’t. Your call."

Courtney groaned. “This isn’t a great way to run a busi-“

BEEP!

“-this is Courtney Satella… uh Geoff’s friend. He told me to call you about my car, and I have to leave all these 'juicy details', as you put it? You know, some of us don’t have time to play games, but fine. It’s a 2014 Mini Cooper, and I’m hearing this strange rattling noise and the check engine light is on. I’d really appreciate it if you could call me back when you’re, you know, actually available. Not that I’m asking for much. Thanks."

With a roll of her eyes, she tosses her phone into her bag, making sure she has all of her class essentials – laptop, planner, highlighters etc.

She would have to walk today, however luck was on her side and the sun was shining, she hoped it was a sign of good things to come.

After 20 minutes to hype herself up, she had arrived at the Warren Beck building with plenty of time to spare.

Saying hello to a few other students who passed her by, she spotted Alejandro talking to Noah from the other day. She made the decision to walk right on by him, acting like she hadn’t even noticed him there.

“Court?”

Feigning surprise, she turned around to face the two boys. One with a smirk and the other looking so confused.

“Alejandro! I didn’t realize you were here.”  

Noah excused himself as Courtney made her way over confidently to her ex.

“I forgot that you had enrolled here.”

I forgot that you enrolled here? Really? How stupid she must have sounded.

Alejandro leaned coolly against the wall, it was his turn to smirk.

“Are you here to see me?”

Courtney shook her head, giving him a coy smile. “No, I got accepted here. It’s my first day.”

He crossed his arms over his broad chest, looking at her up and down. “I know you are smart babe but how did you get accepted here?”

Courtney felt a flare up in the pit of her stomach. “What, like it’s hard? Of course, I’m here. I’ve been preparing for this for years, it just made sense the more than I thought about it, you know? My career is so important to me and this was the best school.”

Alejandro quirks an eyebrow. “Always on top of things, huh?”

She touched her hair nervously, wondering if, deep down, she just wanted him back to prove she was still the same perfect version of herself—the one who always had it together.

Courtney reached out and touched his bicep. “I don’t have time for anything less. You’ll see, it’ll be a success. Just like everything else I do.”

He looks like he is about to say something, she could see him trying to piece things together in his mind. He reached out and pushed a stand of hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear.

“Courtney, we talk about thi-“

“-I don’t want to be late for my first class of the year, that would not make a good impression and you know me… How about we meet afterwards at the benches in the courtyard? Say around 2pm? Great!”

She cut him off, gave him a little wave and went towards her first class of the day. She could feel his eyes on her and she made sure to give her hips a little sway.

This would give her some time to think about the next step of her plan.

~

Courtney takes a seat next to Cody, whom she met in the courtyard with that awful boy Noah. Cody seemed sweet, he was a bit of a dork but he seemed harmless enough. He gave her a small smile before turning to his laptop, pulling up his notes app.

She followed suit as their professor began the class.

Professor O’Halloran didn’t look like your average stuffy law lecturer. She was bleach blonde, wore stilettos and a tailored red suit.

“A legal education means you will learn to speak in a new language. You will be taught to achieve insight into the world around you and to sharply question what you know. The seat you have picked will be yours for the next nine months of your life. And those of you in the front row... beware.”

The class laughed, she gave them a wink and continued by gesturing to a quote on the board. "The law is reason free from passion." Does anyone know who spoke those immortal words?”

Courtney’s hand shoots up.

O’Halloran points to her. “Yes?”

Courtney answers confidently. “Aristotle.”

The lecturer tilts her head to the side. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

She never did or say anything she wasn’t 100% sure about.

O’Halloran sat back on her desk. “Would you be willing to stake your life on it?”

Courtney felt a little hot under her collar. “One thousand percent.”

“What about his life?”

The professor walked over to another student, she gave him a small smile before tapping on his head with a pencil. The boy didn’t mind, he was obviously ogling her, like the majority of the men in the class.

Courtney shrugs. “Yeah sure.”

They exchanged smiles and she was glowing at the nod of approval. “Now that is the confidence you need to become a lawyer. You were right. It was Aristotle.”

Cody nudges her with his arm, bumping his fist against hers as she realised what he was doing.

“Really impressive, Courtney. I would have frozen up there.”

O’Halloran went back to her desk, turning to face the students. “Now, I assume all of you have read pages 1-48 and are now well-versed in subject matter jurisdiction. Who can tell us about Gordon vs. Steele? Let's call on someone from the hot zone.”

Courtney straightens in her seat, immediately prepared to answer. She raises her hand confidently, fully aware of the case and ready to contribute.

“You… again… you are…?”

Without hesitation, Courtney answers. “ Courtney Satella. The reading well, Gordon vs. Steele involved the issue of subject matter jurisdiction in federal court, specifically examining the distinction between diversity jurisdiction and federal question jurisdiction. The court ultimately ruled that the case did not meet the requirements for federal jurisdiction.”

Clearly impressed by the girl, O’Halloran gives her the praise she deserves. “Excellent, Courtney. Very well explained.”

Someone clears their throat behind Courtney, she turns to see a girl with sleek dark hair and grey eyes raising her hand dramatically.

“Actually, Courtney, while your answer was... good, I think I should add a little more. The case is also significant because it highlights how the court scrutinizes the amount in controversy, something that’s crucial when determining diversity jurisdiction. It’s not just about whether the parties are from different states—there’s more to it.”

Courtney looks at her, clearly annoyed but trying to maintain composure.

With a fake smile, Courtney responds. “Yes, I’m aware of that. I was focusing on the main issue of jurisdiction.”

“Oh, of course. Just wanted to give everyone a more complete picture.”

The dark haired girl lets out a little laugh, smug.

You could cut the tension with a knife, luckily before it could turn into something inappropriate for the classroom, O’Halloran held her hands up to silence them. “Well, it seems both of you have insightful points. But, Courtney, you were spot on with your answer.”

Courtney clenches her jaw, giving the girl a cold, composed smile as the class continues.

~

After class, after many back and forth jabs between the girls, Courtney found herself fuming in the courtyard. She sat down on one of the benches, seething as she tried to talk herself down.

Her phone buzzed in her bag, it had been doing that the past hour and now that was another thing to add to her list of things that were getting on her nerves.

She pulled it out and answered the call.

“What?”

“Just returning your call, doll. What is with the serious attitude?”

“Who is this?”

“Just your knight in shiny armour, Princess.”

“Who is this?”

“Jeez, moody. It’s Duncan, you called me earlier about your old ass Mini Cooper that sounds like you are going to need to fork out for another car.”

“Is this how you run your business?”

“Yeah, it’s all part of the charm. For real though, I will take a look at it but y’know those cars aren’t built to last.”

Courtney rolled her eyes, Geoff had said the exact same thing. She let’s out a sigh, it comes out a lot louder than she means.

“Okay, Princess seriously what’s up?”

“It’s… nothing… you don’t know me. It’s nothing… can we-“

“You’ve got me on the line and I am not busy, if you need to vent then I am all ears… unless it’s boring.”

“It was my first day at law school today and I-”

She could hear him make a yawning sound from over the line.

“Snore fest.”

“You are so incredibly rude, do you know that?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty much my whole thing, babe.”

“My name is Courtney and you know what, I think I will take my custom elsewhere.”

“Aw, Princess. Don’t be like that! Look sorry, whatever just trying to loosen you up a little.”

Courtney scoffed. “I do not need “loosening up”. Thank you.”

“Sure, toots. Drop you car off to me tomorrow, okay? I will take a look and see what I can do.”

“I don’t-”

“Look I owe Geoff a favor and he called me up, he is cashing it in on you so maybe be grateful you have someone looking out for ya.”

“I don’t need anyone’s help. I just need my freaking car fixed.”

“Yeah and I am the one who is going to rescue that damsel in distress.”

He laughed. What was with the fairytale stuff?

Courtney was about to argue back until she saw Alejandro making his way towards her, his bag pack slung over his shoulder and a million dollar smile crossing his features as he saw her.

“Um… yeah… okay… tomorrow. Thanks Duncan, I will see you then.”

She hung up without hearing his response, something that would make her eyes roll or something.

Courtney gave him a small wave and returned his smile, she bit down on her lip as he approached her.

She adjusted her blazer as she thought back to the time when everything between her and Alejandro felt so effortless. But now, she couldn’t help but wonder: was it love, or just the comfort of something familiar? She had changed, right? She was trying to at least. Had he?

“Hey Court.”

If only she knew that her day was just about to get one million times worse.

Chapter Text

“Hi, Alejandro. Sorry about earlier… you know how I hate being late, and it’s my first day and all.”

Courtney tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, suddenly feeling shy in his presence. It hit her just how much she had missed him these past few months.

“Oh, don’t I know it.” He laughed, running a hand through his hair. “How was your first class?”

Courtney rolled her eyes playfully, letting out a small laugh. “Oh, it was totally fine. I think I nailed it… of course, I did, right? But there was this horrible, stuck-up girl in class. She was definitely trying to one-up me, but—”

Alejandro interrupted, joining her laughter. “You wouldn’t let her. Classic Courtney.”

For a moment, it was almost like nothing had changed between them. The awkwardness of their reunion melted away, and Courtney felt sure this was where she was meant to be—back with him.

“It’s nothing, really. Nothing I’m not used to anyways. I don’t even know why I brought it up. You’re here now, so… how was your summer?”

The lightness in the air shifted. Alejandro’s easy smile faded as he shifted from one foot to the other, avoiding her gaze.

“Oh. It was fine… busy.”

“Did you do anything exciting?” she pressed, a small frown tugging at her lips.

Before he could answer, a pale arm wrapped around his waist, and a sweep of long dark hair nuzzled into his side. It all happened so fast that Courtney couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

“Oh hey… Courtney, have you met Heather?”

It was that awful girl from class.

Alejandro’s cheeks flushed as if caught in a trap, his expression caught between guilt and discomfort.

Heather smirked at Courtney, her posture oozing smug confidence. “Heather. Heather Kasuga.”

Courtney felt the blood drain from her face, her breath quickening as her mind scrambled to piece together the scene before her.

“You know one another?” Courtney’s voice was barely above a whisper.

Alejandro coughed awkwardly. “She’s…”

Heather, ever the opportunist, leaned into him with a saccharine smile. “I’m his fiancée.”

Her hand moved from Alejandro’s waist to his shoulder, the oversized diamond ring glinting in the sunlight as if mocking Courtney directly.

It felt like the world stopped. Courtney could practically hear the sound of a record scratch in her mind.

She gawped at the ring—the ring that should have been hers. “How…? What?”

Alejandro rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes. His other arm pulled Heather closer. “Yes, well, Heather and I were together during prep school, and we, uh, drifted apart. But her family came to my Abuela’s birthday party over the summer, and we reconnected. You know how things like that happen—it just felt right.”

Heather gazed up at him adoringly, her lips curling into a smirk. “Yes, like our breakup never even happened. Like nothing happened in between. Like no one happened.”

She glanced pointedly at Courtney, tightening her grip on Alejandro as if staking her claim.

“Of course, Alejandro told me all about you,” Heather added sweetly. “You’re kind of famous in the families. But he didn’t mention you’d be at Northfield.”

Her smile turned razor-sharp as her eyes flicked to Alejandro.

“Mi amor,” Alejandro whispered into Heather’s hair, his voice barely audible. “I didn’t know she would be here. I promise. I’m just as surprised as you are.”

Courtney felt the ground sway beneath her feet, her chest tightening as if she were about to pass out. She clutched at her blazer, trying to steady herself.

“Um… excuse me,” she muttered, her voice cracking.

Without waiting for a response, she hurried away, her heels clicking against the stone path. She could feel their eyes on her as she made her escape.

Her mind raced, her pulse pounding in her ears.

What the fuck just happened?

~

On auto pilot mode, Courtney drove the Mini with no end destination in mind. She had to distract herself from what could possibly be the worst thing that ever happened to her, well after her break up with Alejandro.

And then she saw it.

Nails. Nails. Nails.

“Oh, thank God.”

She pulls into the lot, parking slightly askew and marches into the salon.

The pink interior with fluffy chairs and neon lights felt like a safe haven in the hell she just retreated from. Courtney scanned the room until she saw an empty space at the nail bar.

“Are you free? It’s an emergency!”

The man looked up from behind a magazine, it had been a slow day.

“Bad day?”

He gestured for her to take a seat across from him and she threw herself down, thrusting her hands at him.

It had definitely been a bad day, so much so she didn’t even notice how much this man looked like he didn’t belong in a nail salon. He looked like a drill sergeant or maybe… a chef?

She sighed. “You cannot even imagine the day I have had.”

Courtney scanned the pink apron and noticed he was wearing a glittery name tag that read “Hatchet”.

He had soft hands as he took hold of hers, inspecting her previous manicure. Soft hands, rough voice.

“Well, spill girl. Let it all out before you scare of my next client.”

The tears that had been threatening to pour finally slid down her cheeks as she let out a shaky breath.

“I worked so hard to get into law school. I skipped every fun thing, stayed up late studying for the LSATs, and even put together an amazing admissions video—my friend, Geoff basically made it look like a Hollywood production, and he did it for free! All of it… just to get Alejandro back. And now? He’s engaged! To Heather, of all people. So, what was the point of all this? I should’ve never come to Northfield.”

As Courtney wept, Hatchet nodded even though he had no idea who those people were. He sympathised with her though, she looked pathetic.

“Alejandro is an ex-boyfriend, I take it?”

He took the file to her nails.

“And Heather is his… well you know… when did you break up?”

Courtney sniffed. “Just before Summer… and now he is engaged to someone else.”

Hatchet shook his head. “What a roach.”

“Yep. She’s got this ridiculous six-carat ring on her bony finger, and it’s like, “Look at me, I’m so perfect and awful at the same time!” What am I supposed to do now?”

She took a deep breath and stared up at the ceiling as Hatchet placed acetone soaked cotton balls around the tips of her fingers, secured with foil to hold them in place.

“Hmm. Sounds like a real piece of work. But you’re asking the wrong guy for advice—my ex walked out after eight years and left me with nothing but nail polish fumes and a broke-down pedicure chair. We were partners here and he just left me.”

Courtney looked over at Hatchet, her tears now dried into her skin as she listened to him.

“That is awful. I am so sorry that happened to you.”

He sat back in the chair with his arms folded across his chest.

“Yeah, Don got the jeep and the dog. Didn’t even let me keep Brody. And I loved that dog. I was planning a little birthday party for him and everything.”

Hatchet reaches behind him to the shelf of trinkets and pulls down a heart shaped photo frame of a fluffy Pomeranian and shows Courtney with a sad look.

Courtney could feel the love that Hatchet had for Brody, much like her devotion to her own little Brittany. Her heart would just shatter if someone were to take her away.

“He is so adorable.”

He looks at the photo and smiles. “Isn’t he though? Look at those big eyes. Anyway, Don ran off, and here I am, filing nails and dodging jerks who don’t tip.”

Hatchet started to take off the cotton balls and foils and began to file Courtney’s nails to get the layer of acrylic off.

“That is so horrible… I really am sorry that your… um… Don did that to you.”

He shrugs. “It happens. So, anyways what does this Heather have that you don’t? Three tits?”

Courtney gives a little laugh and shakes her head.

“Please. She is from this hoity-toity family who is part of the whole country club crowd. And she’s not hideous—but let’s just say she’s got the kind of beauty that makes you want to punch her in the face."

Before Hatchet can respond, the door swings open, and in walks a UPS delivery man.

“Hey there!”

One of the other salon employees looks up from her station and smiles brightly at the man.

“Hey, Chris!”

Chris waves at her. “Got a delivery for Hatchet.”

He scans the room and smiles at him. “If you could sign here.”

Hatchet freezes as Chris flashes a smile. Hatchet stares at him like a deer caught in headlights, his jaw slightly slack. Courtney raises an eyebrow, noticing the sudden shift.

Chris hands over the package, gives Hatchet a quick wink, and walks out with a casual, “Catch you later.”

As the door closes, Hatchet fumbles with his nail tools, knocking over a small bottle of polish remover.

He mutters as he cleans up. “Aw, hell. Could I be any more stupid?”

Courtney grabs a towel to help clean up the mess.

“You good?”

Hatchet groans. “No. But anyway, back to you—are you sure this Alejandro guy’s worth all this drama?”

Was he?

She thinks for a moment before nodding.

“Definitely. I love him.”

Hatchet returns back to filing her nails, tilting his head to the side.

“Well, if someone like you can’t hang onto your man, what hope does the rest of us have? So, what’re you waiting for? Go steal him back.”

Courtney hesitates for a moment, then smiles, nodding in determination.

“Oh I will but first… I have to get my freakin’ car fixed.”

~

The next morning, Courtney follows the directions to the address Duncan had texted her the night before.

Throttle Junkies.

Courtney scoffed at the sign that had seen better days and parked her car in a free spot.

She had barely opened her door when she saw him—Duncan— or who she assumed to be him, leaning over the hood of a car, his unbuttoned overalls hanging loosely from his shoulders. A plain white vest clung to muscular chest, she noticed the ink wrapping around his muscles like they were part of his skin. He was deep in concentration, wiping grease from his hands with a rag, completely unaware of her presence at first.

Courtney’s breath caught as she watched him, his focused expression making him look all kinds of ruggedly handsome. She quickly snapped out of it, shaking her head.

Focus, Courtney. Focus. He is a grease monkey and criminal and an asshole.

“Nice of you to finally show up, Princess.”

His voice was low and teasing, and it made her stomach do an odd flip. She pulled herself together, taking a deep breath before approaching him.

“I'm not late, I am never late. We never agreed a time.”

She shot back, arms crossed in her usual confident manner. “And it’s Courtney, not Princess.”

Duncan smirked, tossing the rag onto the engine. “Nah, Princess suits you. You’re all high maintenance, but I’m guessing you wouldn’t trust just anyone with your car so I am honored. What’s going on anyways?”

Courtney narrowed her eyes but couldn’t help the faint smile tugging at her lips.

 “You really think I’m high maintenance?”

“Come on, you’re a law student with a Mini Cooper. You look like you woke up at 5am to get yourself all dolled up for everyday life. You have little gem things on your nails. You don’t think people notice that?” He stepped back from the car, wiping his hands on his already grease-streaked overalls.

Hatchet had convinced her to get a little something fancier than her usual manicure.

She clenched her hands into fists at her side as if to hide them.

Courtney noticed his muscles flex with his movement, and she found herself distracted for a moment, before quickly refocusing on the task at hand.

She cleared her throat and eyed the mess of oil and dirt on his arms and chuckled dryly. “You’re a real picture of professionalism, aren’t you?”

Duncan’s grin widened, the playful glint in his eyes never leaving. “You know it, Princess. Can’t have me looking too polished. I’d never want to make you feel out of place.”

She rolled her eyes but was aware of the slight heat rising to her cheeks. “I’m not out of place,” she muttered, walking around her car, trying to ignore the fact that every time she looked at him, it was harder to pretend she wasn’t flustered. “I just need my car fixed, and fast.”

Duncan raised an eyebrow as he watched her try to stay composed.

“You’re not in a rush, are you? Because I gotta say, it’s going to be a big job… it might take a while meaning it’s not going to be finished today.”

Courtney tilted her head, looking him up and down. “Are you sure you can’t fix it today? I’m sure you can handle it,” she said, a little more confident now. “You do have all that experience, don’t you?”

Duncan chuckled and leaned against the car, crossing his arms.

“You bet I do. But I’m not about to rush something that could get you into even more trouble down the road, Princess.”

He gave her a pointed look, his smirk never fading.

“You’ll need to be patient if you want it done right.”

Courtney shot him a skeptical look but then sighed, realizing there was no arguing with him.

“Fine. But I still need to get to class,” she muttered, glancing at her watch. She wasn’t about to let a car issue get in the way of her day.

“You could always Uber it,” Duncan said, his tone casual as he wiped his hands again, this time with a cleaner rag.

Courtney gave him a raised eyebrow. “That’s your solution? Uber?” She shook her head, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, trying to maintain her composure.

"I don't have time to wait around all day."

Duncan shrugged, not at all bothered by her tone. "You’ll be fine, Princess. You’ll get there. I'll call you later today to check if I can get this thing running. Worst case, I can look at getting you a ride to tide you over.

Courtney nodded, though she wasn’t thrilled about the situation.

She glanced at her car one last time, a frown tugging at her lips. “Alright. Just make sure you actually call. And don’t mess anything up.”

“I never mess up,” Duncan said with a smirk. “But if I do, I’ll make sure to call and let you know.”

Courtney turned to leave, forcing herself to walk away without another glance at him. “I’ll be waiting for that call.”

Duncan watched her retreating figure, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“Oh, I’ll call, Princess. And don’t worry,” he called out after her, his voice low and teasing, “I’m sure I’ll have a few more things to tell you than just about your car.”

She tossed the keys to him with a roll of her eyes and he caught them easily, his biceps flexing as he did so.

With a wink, he went back to the car he was working on, not noticing the pink flush creeping up on her cheeks.

Courtney was flustered as she ordered an Uber from the app, and almost instantaneously one appeared within the minute.

The ride to campus giving her a chance to cool off and mentally prepare for her next class. Despite everything, she couldn’t shake the image of Duncan—his muscles, his grin, and that damn nickname.

Maybe getting to class on time wouldn’t be her biggest challenge today after all.

Chapter Text

Courtney was in her element.

Nothing was more perfect than a fresh notepad, than being front and centre in a classroom, than being acknowledged for her brilliance by a professor.

There was just one thing spoiling the entire scene.

Heather. Sitting with Alejandro. Alejandro who had broken her heart. Alejandro who was currently torturing her by transferring into this class.

Professor Blaineley O’Halloran stands at the front of the lecture hall, her sharp gaze scanning the room. Her reputation for being both brilliant and ruthless precedes her, and the students sit up straighter as she begins.

She smirks as she moves to sit back in her chair. The class shifts uncomfortably, and Blainely picks up a file from her desk.

“Let’s dive in with today’s ritual humiliation. Now, who will volunteer to answer this -  would you prefer to represent a client guilty of a crime malum in se or malum prohibitum?”

Courtney’s hand shoots up, and a quick scan of the room shows that no one else matches her enthusiasm.

O’Halloran gestures to her. “Miss Satella.”

Confidently. “Malum prohibitum.”

“Explain please.” The professor urges.

And of course, she is happy to oblige.

“A crime malum prohibitum is illegal because it violates a regulation or statute, not because it’s inherently wrong. Such cases often involve legal loopholes or technicalities—challenges I’m more than equipped to navigate.”

There’s a faint murmur of approval from a few classmates, a few scoff at her arrogance. Blaineley’s expression remains unreadable, but there’s a flicker of interest in her eyes.

“Well-prepared, Miss Satella.”

Whoosh.

Courtney can feel the gust of air from behind her as her most hated classmate thrusts a diamond glad, well-manicured hand up in the air.

Blaineley looks up amused. “Miss Kasuga, you would like to answer the same question?”

Heather leans forward with a nod, her tone almost theatrical.

“Malum in se. Crimes that are inherently immoral tend to draw more attention and require a deeper understanding of ethical principles. It’s where the real legal debates happen.”

Heather glances at Courtney with a smug smile, as though expecting her answer to one-up Courtney’s logic. She places her hand on Alejandro’s arm, he gives her an impressed smile.

The diamond sparkles in the light.

The professor takes a moment, looking between the two girls. “An interesting choice, Miss Kasuga.”

Courtney’s hand shoots up again.

Blaineley raises an eyebrow. “Yes, Miss Satella.”

As calm as she can allow herself to counter. “On second thought, I’d choose malum in se too.”

If Heather had feathers, Courtney would be able to hear her ruffle.

“And why is that?”

With a deep breath, Courtney answers. “Because defending someone accused of an inherently immoral act would take a precise and thorough understanding of not just the law, but human behavior—and I’m more than capable of that level of analysis.”

Her tone is confident but not arrogant. Heather’s smile vanishes as Blaineley smirks faintly.

“A compelling argument. It seems we have a lively group this semester. Let’s continue.”

Courtney leans back, catching Heather’s annoyed glance out of the corner of her eye, and allows herself a small, triumphant smile as she noticed Alejandro staring at her.

~

After class, Courtney can’t help but overhear Heather bossing around a few classmates.

“And do not be late! The library at 6pm, sharp! Alejandro and I only want serious people part of our study group. I mean it, Cody. Do not be late or you are out on your ass.”

Courtney went to shake her head but then stopped herself, there was something about Heather’s tone that was oddly familiar. Something close to home.

No. She wasn’t anything like Heather… right?

She looks over her shoulder, obviously at the wrong time as Alejandro wrapped an arm around his fiancée as they walked away.

Before she could dwell on the aching feeling in her chest, her phone rings.

Duncan (Throttle Junkies).

Rolling her eyes, she answers exasperated. “What is it?”

“A simple hello is all that’s needed, Princess.”

She groans. “How many times do I have to tell you to not call me that?”

“Whatever, gorgeous. I have some bad news, your car is a piece of shit but you knew that.”

“Duncan!”

“It’s a piece of shit that really needs… let’s just say it’s out of comish for a few weeks.”

He has her full attention now.

“What do you mean a few weeks?”

“Relax, drama queen. I had to order some parts. Should be here in, like, two… maybe four weeks. It’s coming from somewhere in Europe.”

Now she is outraged. “Two to four weeks?! That’s completely unacceptable! I have places to be, Duncan! Important places!”

His laughter irritates her more. “Yeah, I figured your royal schedule wouldn’t allow for a that kind of a break. That’s why I’m offering you a loaner.”

Courtney pinches the bridge of her nose, her brow furrowing.

“A loaner?”

“Mmhmm. Got a sweet ride you can borrow until your baby’s all fixed up.”

“Define sweet ride.”

She can almost hear his smile through the phones.

“2003 Jeep Cherokee. Vintage.”

“Okay first of all, what the fuck? Do I look like I would drive a Jeep? This isn’t Jurassic Park, I go to a prestigious law school. I can’t been seen driving a Jeep like some kind of park ranger. And secondly, vintage is just a fancy word for “old and probably falling apart. And thirdly, I am not driving a Jeep.”

“Hey, don’t knock the Jeep. It’s got personality. And it runs. Mostly.”

Horrified. “Mostly?! Duncan, I cannot drive a deathtrap! That’s the fourth reason your little loaner plan is a no go.”

“Relax, it’s safe. Probably safer than your Mini before I got my magic hands on it.”

She bristles. “Excuse me?!”

He ignores her, of course. “Look, it’s either the Jeep, or you can get real cozy with public transportation. Your call, Princess.”

Courtney grips the phone tightly, her frustration bubbling over.

Through gritted teeth. “Fine! But if that Jeep even so much as hiccups, I’m holding you personally responsible.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll drop it off tomorrow. Don’t scratch it, Princess or I’ll add it to your bill.”

“Stop calling me that!”

Duncan hangs up before she can finish, leaving Courtney fuming. She tosses her phone back into her purse, trying to remind herself to take deep breaths, to control the anger bubbling away inside of her.

“Courtney, everything okay?”

Cody gives her a small smile, shuffling from one foot onto the other.

“What? Oh, yeah. Sorry… just… nothing it’s stupid car stuff.”

Cody nods like he knows and rubs the back of his neck with his hand.

“Gotcha… yeah… cool. Cool. Cool. Cool.”

Courtney nods back, noting how he is everything but cool.

“Well, thanks for checking in I got-”

“Do you have any plans la-”

“Oh, uh, you go first.” She gestures to him, waiting for him to hit on her, ask her out.

She’s mistaken.

“I was wondering if you had any plans later? A few of us are meeting up to study the case file, O’Halloran gave us and I thought I would extend the invite.”

“Oh.”

“But if you are busy, then maybe another time?”

It couldn’t hurt… maybe it would help her win Alejandro back if they were back in the same circle.

“I don’t think Heather likes me too much… might be awkward.” She laughs a little.

Cody joins her. “Nah, I think she is a little intimidated by you but I am sure she would love to have you there.”

Oh poor sweet little naïve Cody.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Cool. Cool. We are meeting at 6pm.” Cody does his best Heather impression. “Don’t be late!”

~

Courtney arrives at the library at 7pm, never late.

Heather, Alejandro, Cody and a few others are already seated at a table surrounded by neatly organized books and notes. The group looks intimidatingly focused. She walks in, holding a basket of muffins, her smile as polished as ever.

“Hi, everyone!”

Alejandro is the first to look up, he is a little startled to see her. “Courtney?”

“Cody invited me along and I thought I’d join your study group. Collaboration is key to success, right? Plus, I brought muffins—blueberry, gluten-free, in case anyone has allergies.”

She places the basket on the table, but Heather’s sharp gaze cuts through the friendliness.

Whack!

Cody yelps as Heather’s pointed boot connects with his shin under the table.

“Oh, how thoughtful of you Cody. But our group’s full.”

She is smiling but her teeth are gritted. Alejandro reaches out to touch her arm, trying to get her to play nice.

No dice.

Heather gives Alejandro a pointed look, daring him to contradict her. He shifts uncomfortably.

Courtney frowns. “Full? Is this some kind of RSVP thing?”

Julia, another one of their classmates pipes up. “No, it’s a high-achievers thing.”

High achievers thing? Wasn’t Courtney the high achiever?

Always trying to play the hero, Alejandro tries again.

“Maybe we could-"

And Heather isn’t having it, clearly. “No. We’ve already divided the workload. Adding someone now would disrupt everything.”

Her tone is firm, and Courtney catches the subtle challenge in Heather’s expression.

All she can see if red. Flames, fury. She is ready to cause a scene but then she remembers.

She remembers what Alejandro wanted.

Courtney fought the urge to let the words burn on her tongue, the words she'd once said so easily. But this wasn't about Heather anymore. This was about showing Alejandro she had changed so instead of screaming at the sleek haired brunette and slamming her head against the wooden table, Courtney smiles politely.

“I see. Well, I wouldn’t want to disrupt anything.”

She picks up the basket and starts to walk away, her composure wavering slightly.

“Bye, Courtney.” Heather flutters her fingers at her. Cody looks over at her apologetically and then back down to his book.

She notes that he didn’t say anything, didn’t acknowledge that he invited her. Probably too scared of Head Bitch Heather.

Alejandro gives her a small smile and shrugs.

Courtney’s grip tightens on the basket as she walks past another table where Leshawna and a few other students are studying. Leshawna looks up and gives her a once-over.

Leshawna calls out playfully. “Muffins, huh? That’s cute.”

“Excuse me?”

Courtney stops at the table.

“I mean, this isn’t a bake sale, girl. These folks are sharks, not snackers.”

Courtney sets the basket down on the table, her frustration bubbling over.

“For your information, I was trying to join a study group, not host a picnic.”

Amused, Leshawna swipes a muffin from the basket. “And how’d that work out for you?”

“About as well as you’d expect when half the room is too insecure to handle a little competition.”

Leshawna studies Courtney for a moment, her grin softening into something more thoughtful.

Taking a bite of the muffin, Leshawna winks at her. “You got guts. I’ll give you that.”

“Thanks, I guess.” Courtney cocks her head to the side, loving that little bit of praise.

“But next time? Bring coffee. Muffins ain’t gonna cut it.”

Courtney blinks, caught off guard, then lets out a reluctant laugh. “Duly noted.”

“I’ll text you when we are meeting next, girlie. We are almost done here but you are very welcome to join us.”

They exchange smiles as Courtney walks off, her confidence partially restored, as Leshawna chuckles and returns to her notes.

~

Click.

Courtney puts the cap back on to the highlighter she had been using to go over her notes. She runs her fingers over the pages, admiring her hard work.

Maybe she studies best by herself. No one holding her back. No social chit chat. Just her. Alone.

Before she can spiral, her phone rings and she immediately perks up seeing her favourite Malibu barbie’s name on the screen.

“Bridge!” She squeals down the phone.

“Court! Guess what I am doing right now?”

The blonde sounds incredibly excited, maybe a little tipsy.

“Annihilating a mimosa bar?” Courtney laughs, wishing she could be with her.

“I am trying on wedding dresses!”

“You… WHAT?”

Courtney stands up, unable to contain her excitement.

“He did it. FINALLY. Geoff proposed!”

Courtney's smile faltered for a fraction of a second as she imagined the ring, the proposal. She wanted this. So badly. But for now, she had to be happy for her best friend, even if it was hard to ignore the ache in her chest.

“Oh my god! That’s amazing! When did it happen?”

“Last night! He took me to the beach, you know the one that isn’t really a beach but it kind of looks like one? He set up this whole picnic under the stars, and just popped the question. I thought he was joking at first, but then I saw the ring and—well, you know!”

Tears spilled over, happy ones for her best friend. “That’s so romantic, Bridgette! I can’t believe it. You’re getting married!”

“I know, right? It feels like a dream!”

Courtney wipes under her eyes but stops as rational thought trickles in.

“Wait, you are already trying on dresses? You have just gotten engaged 12 hours ago?”

“Oh, you know us, Court! We just thought, why wait? We don’t want anything fancy or the hoo haa of a white wedding. We are thinking maybe in a few weeks? We are just waiting to hear back about all the legal shit. Ya know? Oh, Geoff wants to talk to you. Here is my FIANCE.”

Courtney can hear some shuffling and the phone being passed over.

“Yo, Court! Did you get YOUR ring yet?”

Courtney grimaces and puts on her best “everything is going to plan” voice.

“Uh, not yet, but almost.”

Laughter booms from the receiver. “Come on! Don’t make us wait too long, alright? You gotta come back and party with us! We miss you!”

A swell of sadness wraps around her as she sits on the edge of her bed, looking down at her feet. “I miss you guys too, but trust me, the people here? They’re terrible. Nobody talks to me unless-”

True to Geoff fashion, he interrupts her. “Oh! I almost forgot! I got a new board! Custom design, bright pink flames! You have to see it when you get back.”

She misses him too much, she allows it. “Geoff, you’re impossible! But seriously, I’m so happy for you guys.”

Another rustle of the phone.

“Okay, listen! You’re one of my bridesmaids, duh! And don’t forget to send Alejandro my best, okay? I’m getting married!”

Courtney smiles as she can hear the commotion on the other end, she can picture Bridgette dancing around. “I can’t believe it! You two are perfect for each other. I’m so excited for you both!”

“You better be there, or I’ll come drag you out myself!”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Bridgette. Congratulations again!”

Geoff shouts in the background. “We’ll send you pics of the proposal!”

“I can’t wait. Love you guys!”

“We love you too!”

Courtney hangs up, still smiling widely, she can’t quite remember feeling this happy, her cheeks hurt.

She sits back in her seat, lost in the moment as she thinks about her friends and sends a silent prayer, hoping that she will be next.

Raising a hand in front of her, she can picture a diamond. The diamond. Alejandro’s diamond.

She just had to work a little harder.

Chapter Text

Courtney walked into the lecture hall, her bag slung over her shoulder and her planner clutched tightly in her hand. She scanned the room, her eyes landing briefly on Alejandro and Heather, seated together in the back row. Alejandro lounged confidently, his arm draped casually over the back of Heather’s chair, while she leaned in, whispering something that made him smirk.

They exuded the aura of a power couple, effortlessly commanding attention. It made Courtney feel nauseous .

She chose a seat in the front row, settling next to Cody, who gave her a quick, encouraging smile. Leshawna arrived moments later, plopping down on Courtney’s other side.

“Hey, girl. Looks like we’re in this together.”

Courtney smiled back, feeling a flicker of camaraderie. "That we are."

"Yeah, Court, La Bomba and Cody - The Triple Threat." Cody piped up next to the girls, flushing slightly when Leshawna gave him a playful punch to the shoulder. 

This was new to Courtney, she never made friends easily aside from Geoff and Bridgette. It was... nice? 

She was halfway through reviewing her notes when the sharp click of heels against the polished floor drew the room’s attention.

“Good morning, everyone.” The voice was deep, commanding, and instantly silenced the scattered conversations.

 A tall man in his late forties strode into the room, his presence radiating authority. He wore a sharp, tailored suit, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed.

“I am Professor Morgan,” he announced, setting his briefcase down on the desk at the front of the room. “I’ll be teaching this course on criminal law alongside Professor O’Halloran. I will be focusing particularly on high-profile cases. For those of you who don’t already know, in addition to teaching here, I’m also a senior partner at Morgan & Associates, a firm that specialises in criminal defence. Over the years, I’ve handled everything from corporate fraud to high-profile murder trials. My goal is to prepare you for the realities of practicing law at the highest level.”

The class buzzed with whispered conversations, but Professor Morgan raised a hand, silencing them immediately.

“I should warn you,” he continued, his piercing gaze sweeping the room, “that in addition to competing against each other for the top grade in this class, you will also be competing for one of my firm’s highly coveted five internship spots next year. These internships are not coffee-fetching gigs. You will assist on actual cases, some of which may make national headlines. The stakes are high, and I’m looking for the best of the best.”

Courtney straightened in her seat, her mind already racing. This was her chance to prove herself—not just to Professor Morgan but to Alejandro, who had dismissed her ambitions more than once. Her pen moved quickly across her notebook as she jotted down his words.

From the back row, Alejandro leaned over to Heather, murmuring something that made her laugh softly. Their confidence was palpable, as if they already believed two of those spots were reserved for them. Courtney’s jaw tightened. She was determined to prove them wrong.

Heather’s voice carried just enough to be heard by those nearby. “Five spots? Well, I guess even the most unlikely candidates might get lucky,” she said, her eyes locking on Courtney with a saccharine smile. “Then again, some of us don’t need luck—we’ve got the talent.”

Courtney glanced at her briefly but didn’t respond. Instead, she turned her attention back to her notes, her calm composure unwavering. Alejandro’s smirk faded slightly as he observed the interaction, clearly noting Courtney’s restraint.

“That’s enough,” Professor Morgan said sharply, cutting through the tension. “This is not a place for petty squabbles. Save your energy for the courtroom.”

Courtney suppressed a smile. She already liked this professor.

Professor Morgan walked to the board and began writing, his handwriting precise and deliberate. “We’ll start by examining the anatomy of a criminal case, using a real-world example from one of my past trials. I suggest you all pay close attention—this will set the foundation for the rest of the semester.”

Courtney’s grip tightened on her pen. She could already feel the pressure mounting, but she thrived on pressure. This was just another challenge, and she was ready to rise to it.

~

The hallway outside the lecture hall buzzed with energy as students spilled out, talking animatedly about Professor Morgan’s high expectations and the coveted internship spots. Courtney clutched her notebook tightly against her chest, her jaw clenched as she strode purposefully toward the exit.

Her mind swirled with frustration, Heather’s words echoing in her head.

The most unlikely candidates… don’t need luck… we’ve got the talent.

She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, and she gripped the strap of her bag to steady herself. She’d held her composure in class, but now her emotions bubbled dangerously close to the surface.

“Courtney,” a familiar voice called from behind her.

She stopped in her tracks, her breath hitching as she turned to see Alejandro strolling toward her. He wore his signature confident smile, the one that made her heart betray her better judgment. Heather was nowhere in sight.

“Hey,” he said smoothly, falling into step beside her. “You looked impressive in there.”

Courtney’s grip on her notebook tightened. “I was just taking notes, like everyone else.”

Alejandro chuckled, the sound rich and disarming. “Come on, don’t be modest. You didn’t even flinch when Heather… well, let’s just say she can be a bit much sometimes.”

Courtney stopped walking and turned to face him, her eyes narrowing. “A bit much?” she echoed, her voice sharper than she intended. “She practically called me a talentless joke in front of the entire class.”

Alejandro raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I know, and I’m sorry. She’s… competitive. She doesn’t always know where the line is.”

He took a step closer, his tone softening. “But I noticed how you handled it. You didn’t take the bait. That was… impressive.”

Courtney’s heart pounded, both from the lingering frustration and from his proximity. His dark eyes held hers, and for a moment, it felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of them.

“Thanks,” she said quietly, trying to keep her voice steady. “But I’m not sure Heather’s going to let up anytime soon. She hates me.”

And I loathe her with everything I have.

Alejandro smiled, a hint of mischief playing on his lips. “Let me worry about Heather.” His hand reached up slowly, brushing against Courtney’s cheek as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The touch was brief, but it sent a spark through her.

Courtney’s breath caught, her frustration momentarily forgotten. Alejandro’s gaze lingered on her for just a second longer than it should have before he stepped back, the charming smile firmly back in place.

“I meant what I said,” he added. “You’re impressive, Courtney. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.”

Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, stunned. Her mind raced with possibilities, hope blooming despite her better judgment.

Maybe Alejandro wasn’t as far out of reach as she’d feared.

~

Courtney stood near the campus entrance, checking her watch for the third time in five minutes. The midday sun beat down, and her irritation grew with every second Duncan was late.

 She wasn’t used to people not respecting her schedule, and the longer she waited, the more her mood soured.

Who did he think he was?!

Finally, the rumble of an engine broke through the chatter of students passing by.

A beat-up Jeep pulled up to the curb, and Duncan leaned out of the driver’s side window with shit eating smirk and his tattoos visible under the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt.

“You’re late,” Courtney snapped, crossing her arms as she approached.

“Fashionably,” Duncan replied, slamming the door shut as exited the car.

His piercings glinted in the sunlight, and Courtney couldn’t help but notice the flash of his tongue piercing when he spoke. She quickly looked away, irritated with herself for noticing.

“Relax, Princess. I’ve got you a set of wheels for the time being, like one of those douchebag knights in shining armour or whatever.” he added, leaning casually against the Jeep’s hood.

“How many times? Don’t call me that,” she shot back, inspecting the Jeep.

“And how are you planning to get back to your shop?”

Duncan grinned, arms folding across his chest. “That’s easy. You’re taking me.”

Courtney froze, blinking at him. “Excuse me?”

“Hey, I did you a solid, Princess. Least you can do is give me a ride.” His smirk widened. “But first, you owe me lunch. Gotta fuel up after all that hard work.”

Her fists clenched at her sides. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Yeah, but I’m also right,” he said, holding up the keys and dangling them just out of her reach.

“Come on, I know a place not far from here, probably not up to your usual standards but it’s good, I promise.”

Courtney glared at him, her jaw tightening, but she snatched the keys from his hand. “Fine,” she hissed. “Let’s get this over with.”

They ended up at a small diner not far from campus, a place Courtney normally wouldn’t have set foot in. The red vinyl booths and laminated menus screamed ‘greasy spoon,’ but Duncan seemed right at home. He slid into the booth first, sprawling comfortably as if he owned the place.

“This place has the best burgers,” he said, picking up a menu and flipping it open.

“Don’t judge it by the decor, Princess.”

Courtney sighed, sliding into the booth across from him.

“Stop calling me that,” she muttered, grabbing her own menu.

She tried to focus on the options, but her gaze kept drifting to Duncan’s tattoos. She had to admit—and she hated that she had to admit it—they suited him. So did the piercings. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she thought about the tongue piercing again. She’d never understood why someone would get one of those, but now she couldn’t stop imagining what it would feel like when he…

She shook her head violently, forcing her attention back to the menu.

Focus, Courtney. He’s Geoff’s obnoxious friend. That’s it.

“Why? It suits you,” Duncan teased, leaning back with a cocky grin. “You’re all buttoned-up and proper. Probably have your whole life planned out to the minute, huh?”

“And what’s wrong with that?” she shot back, narrowing her eyes.

Duncan shrugged. “Nothing, if you’re into boring. Life’s more fun when you let loose a little. Try something unexpected.”

He tapped the menu. “Like the double bacon cheeseburger. Bet you’ve never had one of those.”

Courtney glared at him over the top of her menu. “I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions, thank you.”

The waitress arrived, a cheerful older woman with a notepad. “What can I get you two?”

“Double bacon cheeseburger with fries,” Duncan said without hesitation. “And a chocolate milkshake.”

Courtney hesitated, then ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and a side salad. Duncan raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment, though his smirk suggested he was holding back a remark.

As the waitress left, Courtney leaned forward. “So, are you always this insufferable, or are you just saving it just for me?”

“Only for you, Princess,” he replied with a wink. “Gotta keep a lady on her toes.”

Courtney rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips.

She quickly cooled her expression and changed the subject. “How long have you had your shop?”

“A couple of years,” Duncan said, shrugging. “Started it up after I got out.”

Courtney’s eyebrows shot up. “Got out?”

He chuckled. “Yeah, out. Prison. Arson charges. But it’s not like I was a hardened criminal or anything. Just a stupid kid making stupid choices. I’ve been clean since.”

She studied him, surprised by how candid he was. “Why a garage?”

“Always been good with my hands,” he said, flexing his fingers exaggeratedly. “Figured I might as well put ‘em to good use. Plus, cars don’t talk back. Usually.”

Courtney couldn’t help but laugh, though she quickly stifled it. “What about Total Drama? You and Geoff seemed close.”

“Geoff’s the best,” Duncan said with genuine affection. “He’s always been in my corner. Helped me out when I was getting back on my feet. He’s the party guy, but he’s got a good heart.”

Now, you. You obviously fit in with the prestige. What makes Northfield so special?”

Courtney hesitated, toying with her napkin. “I wanted to prove I belonged somewhere serious. I was at Oakwood before and it was fine, but it’s not Northfield. And… I had something to prove.”

 Her voice softened. “To myself. And to someone else.”

“Some sweater vest with good hair?” Duncan guessed, his tone neutral.

Her head snapped up. “What makes you say that?”

“Just a hunch,” he said with a shrug, though his smirk hinted he knew more than he was letting on. “You’re not as smooth as you think.”

Courtney glared at him, hating that she was being read so easily. “You’re impossible.”

“Yeah, but you’re still here,” he pointed out, flashing her a cheeky grin.

Their food arrived, interrupting the moment. Duncan wasted no time digging into his burger, while Courtney picked at her salad.

She wrinkled her nose when he dunked a fry into his milkshake and took a bite, savouring it.

“That’s disgusting,” she said, watching in horror.

“It’s genius,” Duncan corrected, holding up a fry. “Come on, live a little. Try it.”

Courtney recoiled. “No way.”

“Princess, I dare you.” His smirk was a challenge she couldn’t back down from.

With a sigh, she took the fry he offered, dipped it into the milkshake, and popped it into her mouth.

His teal eyes were trained on her mouth, she licked her lower lip.

The mix of salty and sweet surprised her, and despite herself, she nodded. “Okay, that’s… actually not bad.”

Duncan leaned back, triumphant, a glint of mischief in his eye. “Told you. Stick with me, Princess. I’ll teach you all kinds of things.”

Courtney rolled her eyes, but her laughter was genuine this time. Despite herself, she was starting to enjoy his company.

By the time lunch was over, Courtney realised she’d relaxed more than she intended.

God, she hadn’t realised how much she needed it, needed to do something that didn’t require a lot of brain power.

As they stood outside the diner, Duncan stretched and patted his stomach. “That hit the spot. Thanks, Princess.”

“You’re paying me back for this,” she warned, though her tone lacked its usual bite.

“Sure thing, it’s a date.” he smirked, climbing into the passenger seat of her loaner Jeep.

She rolled her eyes. “In your dreams.”

The drive to his shop was surprisingly silent, the events of the day started to creep into Courtney’s mind.

Heather, Alejandro, the internship.

Her cool demeanour beginning to falter as she thought hard about it.

“Okay Princess, what’s eating you?”

“Huh, sorry…” Courtney sighed with a shake of her head.

“I had a run in with… well just this awful girl in my class. Her name is Heather and…”

She shakes her head again, why was she letting him in so easily.

Duncan raised an eyebrow. “Let me guess. She’s the kind of girl who thinks the world revolves around her?”

“That’s putting it mildly,” Courtney muttered.

 “She’s practically glued to… to some guy in class, and together, they act like they own the place. I can’t stand it.”

Duncan turned in the passenger seat to face her. “Listen, Princess, don’t let them get to you. Geoff’s told me enough about you to know you’re a badass. You’ll crush whatever this Heather throws at you.”

Courtney looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “You really think so?”

“Fuck yeah!” he said with a lopsided grin. “You’ve got that whole firecracker thing going on. You can handle anyone who tries to mess with you.”

She bit back a smile. “Firecracker, huh?”

“Yeah. Small but dangerous,” Duncan said, leaning back with a smirk.

“Just don’t blow up in their faces too soon. Gotta keep ’em guessing.”

Courtney shook her head but couldn’t help the warmth that crept into her chest. Duncan might be irritating, but his confidence in her felt oddly reassuring.

“You don’t even know me, weirdo.”

“Working on it, babe.”

She elbowed him across the console, the rest of the drive to the shop was Duncan pointing out a few places for her to visit.

They weren’t really her kind of places but neither were greasy cafes with ex-felons.

“Thanks for lunch, Courtney. Next time, I’ll treat. If you’re lucky.” He winked.

“Try not to miss me too much.”

Courtney’s cheeks flamed as he hopped out and sauntered toward the garage. She stared after him, flustered and confused, before shaking her head.

“Focus, Courtney,” she muttered to herself. “You’re here for Alejandro. Remember that.” But as she drove away, her thoughts kept drifting back to Duncan’s grin… and that tongue piercing.

Chapter Text

Another night of highlighting, underlining and creating study cards for her classes, Courtney was starting to feel a little lonely.

Sure she had a blossoming friendship with Cody and Leshawna but they never invited her anywhere, however she didn’t open up the conversation either, she felt completely out of her depth.

There was Duncan…

No. Duncan was just fixing her car. He is Geoff’s friend. He was…

Before she could stop herself, she was already tapping out a text message to him.

“Hello Duncan. I am just checking in to see how things are doing with my car?”

Courtney sighed as she hit send, that was lame.

Northfield was supposed to be different, she was supposed to be truly finding herself with Alejandro at her side. She should be the one arranging study groups, she should be the one that was making an impression.

“So don’t forget. Eight o’clock at 22 Burnbridge Drive. It’s just a little get together.”

A voice came from outside Courtney’s dorm.

A get together? That could be fun.

She crossed the room quickly, hoping to catch whoever was floating around outside.

“Is someone having a… oh.”

Heather.

There she was with two other girls Courtney recognised from class. Dakota and Zoey, if she remember correctly.

Dakota gives her a once over. “Yeah… but uh…”

Brushing her silky black hair over her shoulder, Heather narrows her eyes at Courtney. “You wouldn’t be interested. It’s a… costume party.”

Willing everything in her, Courtney decided to play nice, it may be the only way she could prove to Alejandro that she had changed.

“I would be up for that…”

She notices the two girls shift on their feet uncomfortably, looking at their obvious Queen Bee.

And then, the Queen smiles sweetly, her eyes softening.

“Then we would love to have you there, Courtney. 8 o’clock. 22 Burnbridge Drive. Don’t be late.”

Courtney gives her a smaller smile. “I won’t.”

~

It was a rush. She had to hot foot to a fancy dress shop across town to find something fast and it would seem that luck was on her side as she managed to find a showgirl style outfit complete with feathers.

Red was Courtney’s colour.

She had a few minutes to spare as she stood outside of the address, smoothing down the dress and adjusting her headband to sit perfectly in her curls.

She looked good, she made the effort. She could show everyone that she wasn’t some stick in the mud. She could have fun, she could make nice with everyone.

Maybe they would start to include her, she could win Heather over and then show everyone what a classless bitch she was.

With a confident stride, she enters the party and immediately notices that no one else is dressed up.

She was in a fucking head to toe in sparkles and everyone else was dressed… well normal.

“Oh my god!”

Heather squeals as she spots Courtney from across the room, almost spilling her drink on the floor as her body is wracked with laughter.

With everyone looking at her, smirking, Courtney puts on a brave face and makes her way over to Heather and the two girls from earlier.

“Thanks for the invite, Heather.”

Heather tilts her head to the side, a look of pity in her eyes. “Nice outfit, Courtney.”

Courtney bit the inside of her cheek, her face flamed and she tried, she really tried not to bite back.

But fuck it.

“Thanks Heather, that dress is perfect for you—fake, overpriced, and trying way too hard.”

She smiles sweetly before walking away.

Heather scoffs. “Ugh, she is just exhausting.”

“Don’t worry girl, you got the guy.” Dakota bumps her elbow against Heather.

There was too many people and they were all staring at Courtney as she manoeuvred her way around the party.

She accidentally walks into one guy who turns around and whistles at her.

“Damn, nice feathers.”

With a roll of her eyes. “Thanks.”

She keeps on walking and spots Alejandro across the room, looking as handsome as ever under the low lights and he was with some goth girl with blue hair and fishnets, she looked familiar. It looked like they were engaged in some deep conversation.

“Alejandro, the law is just a tool of institutional power. We have to dismantle it!” Goth girl smashed her fist into her other hand.

Pushing down her nerves, Courtney makes her way over to them.

“Hey Alejandro.”

She gives a tiny wave and smiles at the other girl who is staring at her with an open mouth.

“WOW. You look good. Very 1920s. Um…” Goth girl looks around the room awkwardly. “I don’t think you are in the right place though, showgirl.”

“Thanks, I know how to make an entrance… clearly.” Courtney shrugs.

“You know what? That’s badass, what’s-” Fishnets and leather starts but it cut off by Alejandro.

“Uh, Gwen do you mind giving us a moment?”

Gwen rolls her eyes and tells Alejandro that their debate “isn’t over” before giving Courtney a tight lipped smile and walking away.

“Well well well, look at you.” He says, his eyes running over her body causing her to shiver.

“What’s with the costume?”

Courtney shrugs nonchalantly as if it was no big deal. “I just felt like dressing up a little. I love a theme party…”

Alejandro doesn’t look convinced as he leans against the wall with his arms crossed. “Right sure.”

She took this as her chance to try and win him over, make him see what he had given up, shoot her shot as it were.

“You know, I feel like we have barely seen one another on campus even though we share pretty much every class. We should change that—we always used to work so well together, don’t you think?”

Alejandro smiled sadly at her. “Yes, well, between classes, study groups, and networking, I barely have time to breathe it feels.”

She nodded, agreeing. “I get it, I really do. I mean, next year’s internship with Morgan’s firm is going to be even more intense. We’d make a great team if we both got in.”

And then he laughs. He laughs.

“You really think you have a shot at getting into the internship?”

It takes her aback. “Excuse me?”

“Come on, Courtney. You’re smart, but that doesn’t guarantee you a spot. They take the top of the top, and you’re not exactly in that league. You got in here because of a couple lucky breaks.”

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Of course, in the past he had made a few comments to her before but they never really meant anything, she knew what she was capable of and he could get a little jealous of her accomplishments.

Courtney’s jaw clenches. “Lucky breaks? We both took the same exams, Alejandro. We’re in the same program.”

There is a meanness to his beautiful eyes, maybe it was the alcohol talking but he was almost cruel with her.

“Sure, we’re in the same program. But I’m built for this—networking, being the one they remember. You’re not the kind of person who stands out in a crowd for the right reasons. I’m a people person, I am who you want on your side. You’re better off focusing on something that doesn’t require you to play catch-up and being something you are not.”

Manicured hands clenched at her sides, she was so ready to put a fist through the wall behind him.

“So I’m just supposed to settle for second place? You really think I can’t be the best? That I don’t deserve it?”

It was as if he could sense the bomb inside of her, threatening to explode. He had to diffuse her many times, he was used to it.

He uncrossed his arms, had a quick look around before running his hands up and down her bare arms to attempt to soothe her.

“It’s not about being the best, it’s about knowing where you belong. You’ve always been good at being the overachiever, but sometimes you have to realise that doesn’t always work in the real world.”

“I am not second best, Alejandro.” It holds so much more meaning than just referring to the internship

His fingers feel at home on her skin. “No one is asking you to be, Cariño.”

It softens her, breaks her. “I thought we worked well together... I thought I could compliment you, everyone always said I did. Why can’t you see that?”

He pulls away from her. “You don’t get it. This isn’t about you and me. It’s about me being the one who stands out. Always.”

She tries again. “I know I can be that for you. I’ll show you. I will be good enough. I can be the one who makes this work.”

Silence.

Their eyes lock together, her warm brown ones filling with tears as she tries to make out his expression.

Alejandro blinks and looks away. “Courtney, don’t. I am with Heather, we are engaged…”

She had heard enough, she turns away, elbowing people out of the way as she makes it into the chilly night air. Hot tears now spilling over as she makes her way back to her car.

“I’ll make him see.”

~

Brittany circles her ankles as she enters her dorm room, she rips the weathers off of her headband and they fall to the floor, immediately catching Brittany’s attention.

Courtney takes a seat at her vanity table, grimacing at her appearance in the mirror. Mascara streaked cheeks, eyes puffy from crying, she looked a mess.

“No wonder he doesn’t want me anymore.”

She reaches for her cotton pads and make up remover, gently rubbing away the evidence of her sadness.

Totally lost in her own thoughts, she squeaks when her phone begins to ring breaking her out of her own head.

She answers with a sigh. “Hello?”

“Hey Princess. It’s me. Saw your text, thought it would be better for me just to call you. I just wanted to give you an update on your car. Well, it’s... kind of a write-off. But I’m still trying to fix it. It’ll take a bit more work than I thought, but we’ll get there. Told ya it was a piece of shit car.”

He starts to laugh as she lets out a whine, tears threatening to spill over again.

Another thing to add to her growing list of things getting worse.

“Oh great! That is just want I needed…”

She wipes her face with the back of her hand roughly as the laughter stops on the other end of the line.

“Hey… sorry… I didn’t… this isn’t about the car right? I was joking… kind of… I’ll get your carriage fixed.”

His tone of voice changed, he was trying to comfort her, just like he did back in the car after they had lunch together.

She could tell it wasn’t something he would usually do, he was kind of rusty but it was sweet that he was trying.

Ew, Duncan. Sweet.

He tried again. “Hold up. Something’s off. You don’t sound like your usual bossy self. What’s going on?”

Maybe it was how hopeless she was feeling, maybe she just really needed a friend right now especially with Bridgette being so far away. Maybe she just had to vent to someone, anyone.

“You are going to think this is incredibly stupid… but it’s just... I went to this party tonight. I thought it’d be fun, you know? Heather, that girl I was telling you about invited me, told me it was like a costume party. So I went dressed up, sparkles, feathers... full-on showgirl.”

Courtney placed her phone down on the vanity, popping it on loud speaker as she continued to wipe off her make up.

A whistle sounded over the line.

“Okay, now I need a mental image of that. You, a showgirl? That’s gotta be something.”

“Yeah, I thought it would be fun... but it turns out I was the only one in costume. Everyone else was just in regular clothes. And, of course, Heather had to see me. She literally couldn’t be happier when she saw me.”

“Damn, that’s cold. You’ve gotta be looking good though, I bet you rival her any day.”

If only he knew…

“Not really. I just looked stupid. It was just... everything felt off. The party, the people... all of it.”

“Okay, what’s really going on? You sound like you’re way more upset than just showing up to party in a skimpy little outfit.”

“It’s not skimpy!”

“Not the way I’m picturing it.”

Courtney rolled her eyes.

“Okay, okay, I’ll behave.”

“It’s not just the party, Duncan. It’s everything. School, the internship, trying to get ahead. I thought I was doing everything right, but nothing ever seems to work out. And now... this. Like, I don’t fit in, I don’t belong. I think this has been a mistake coming here.”

Alejandro had been sowing the seeds of doubt and now they were beginning to sprout.

She could hear him scoff.

“You think you don’t belong? Look, I’m fixing a damn car that’s practically falling apart—does that sound like someone who gives up when things don’t go perfectly? No, and if I don’t give up, you sure as hell don’t. You belong, alright? And you’re a hell of a lot more than some stupid costume or party.”

Courtney paused for a moment, looking at herself in the mirror, all traces of smeared make up gone.

“I don’t usually talk like this to people. I just... I don’t know. It’s like I’m trying so hard, but I’m still not enough.”

“Guess that’s the thing about you, huh? Always pushing yourself to be the best. But hey, nobody’s perfect. Even the best cars have to be patched up sometimes. And trust me, I’ve seen worse—way worse. So, yeah, maybe you don’t have everything figured out, but you’ve got a whole lot more going for you than most people. Don’t forget that.”

She exhaled with a smile. “You’re good at this. I didn’t expect you to know exactly what to say.”

“Guess I got a way with words. Anyway, if you ever want to stop by and give me a hand with that "project car" of yours, I’ll keep you busy. And next time, if anyone’s gonna be looking ridiculous at a party, we’re doing it together. I know you already think I look like a circus freak, babe.”

“Yeah, I think that would be fun.” She pauses.

“Good, you cheered up yet? Send me a picture of you in that little dress.”

“Urgh, you are an ogre!” 

It’s not said with any anger, not really, not when he laughs before hanging up.

Courtney sets her phone down, staring at the ceiling. Duncan made her laugh—actually laugh—even after the disaster that was tonight. But the pit in her stomach is still there.

The party, the whispers, Alejandro… the way he looked at her like she was less. Like she didn’t belong at his level.

She sits up, smoothing out the sequins on her dress.

Alejandro doesn’t see it now, but he will. She just has to prove it—to him, to everyone.

They were good together once, and they could be again. If she could just show him that she’s changed, that she can be the perfect match for him, he’ll see it too.

 He has to.

“He just needs to see me the right way again.” She tells Brittany who has wound up covered in bits of feather.

With renewed purpose, she stands, shoulders back, chin high. She isn’t giving up—not on law school, not on her future, and not on him.

Because if she plays this right… Alejandro won’t just respect her. He’ll want her back.

Chapter Text

October

Mission win him back and prove herself was thoroughly on underway.

Courtney had to focus.

She sits at her desk in her dorm, typing a paper with perfect posture. Her workspace is meticulously organised—color-coded notes, highlighters in a neat row, and her laptop open.

Her phone flashes.

A text from Duncan and she smiles, catching herself with a shake of her head.

She turns it over on the desk, not allowing herself to be swept up in in that whole thing. No matter how good of a distraction he was, she just couldn’t allow it.

~

It was late but this was law school, she wasn’t the only one trying to make an impression.

Courtney stood up from her study spot in the Library, picking up the heavy books she had been using that evening and walked back to the shelves to put them back.

“Mi amor, you need to behave yourself.”

She heard Alejandro whisper loudly to Heather as they sat closely together at another table.

Heather ran her fingers through his hair, catching Courtney’s eye and smirking at her.

Clearly she has no class, they are surrounded by their own study group, the one they had excluded Courtney from.

Courtney focused on the stacks, reminding herself to breath.

The books were heavy and she had to stand on her tip toes to try and place it back onto the top shelf.

Cough.

“Uh… Courtney, I can try and help you with that?”

She turned around to see Cody, who was not much taller than her, offer her help. Sweet.

“Oh, yeah. Thank you, I would really appreciate that.”

Disaster!

Cody really struggled as much as she did, it was a little painful to watch, she could feel eyes on them.

“Uh, Cody…” She whisper.

“Here let me help you.”

Alejandro swiped the book from Cody and easily placed it on the top shelf, muscles flexing under his tight t-shirt.

He gave Courtney a confident smile and she couldn’t help but smile back as she was caught up in the familiarity of it all.

Then he gave Cody a side eye glance.

Courtney noticed the way Cody’s shoulders sagged in defeat, something inside of her began to stir in a way that unsettled her.

“Um, thanks.” With a tight lipped smile, she could see the glitter in his eyes fizzle out a little before he recovered with a nod and went back to his table.

“And thanks, Cody. Really.” This time she was genuine as she rubbed the top of his arm as he tried to come back from the embarrassment that Alejandro had caused.

That was a dick move.

With her head held high, she marched passed the study group, she could feel Alejandro looking at her and she didn’t bother to look his way.

 ~

“I’ll have an oat milk latte with some vanilla, please. Extra hot.”

The barista tapped a few keys of the register and Courtney swiped her card, making sure to drop a few coins into the tip jar.

“That you are, Princess. Though I had pinned you down as a Pumpkin Spice kind of girl.”

Courtney whipped round to see Duncan smirking at her, arms folded across his chest.

“Oh, it’s you. Ogre. What are you doing in a nice place like this?”

“I drink coffee. It’s a couple of blocks away from my gym. I’m stalking you.”

Courtney rolled her eyes and accepted her coffee from the barista.

“Oh ha ha.”

Though when she took him in properly, she couldn’t help but check him out. He obviously went to the gym, his arms screamed out heavy lifter.

Biceps putting a good fight against his sleeves.

“Earth to Courtney.”

Duncan waved his hand in front of her flushing face, obviously been caught lingering too long.

“Oh.. I-” She started.

“Have been avoiding me.” He stepped around her, ordering himself a black coffee and not bothering to tip.

She felt herself going even redder than she was before.

“No, I have just been incredibly busy. I am working on getting my Law degree, which you know fine well. I don’t have time to mess around with the likes of you.”

Duncan laughed. “You like messing around with the likes of me though. Maybe that is what the problem is.”

“You are so annoying, did you know that?”

She took a sip of her coffee the heat of it not helping her cool off.

“And proud to be, babe. What are you doing this weekend?”

Duncan was handed his coffee, he nodded at the barista, which was probably as polite as he could be.

“Studying.” She shuffled from one foot to the other.

“Think you would be up for spending a few hours away from the books and the stick out of your ass?”

Courtney almost spit her coffee onto the floor.

“Excuse me?”

“You need some fun. Geoff says you go full dork mode and forget people exist when you're studying."

“I do not!”

She did. She knew she did. Even her own parents found it hard to get a hold of her when lost herself in her academics.

“Well, you might learn something while having fun. Ever thought of that?” He shrugged and leant back against the counter.

“Like I said, I am busy. I don’t have time… I don’t…”

He was watching her intently, it irritated her that he was right. She could hear herself talk herself into a cave of solitude.

With a deep breath. “What did you have in mind, Duncan?”

“It will be a surprise.”

He walked by her, nudging her with his elbow before leaning down to move a strand of hair away from her face.

“I will text you the details, make sure you take time out of your busy schedule to text me back.”

And then he was gone and she was still a deep shade of red.

~

November

“You sure have been hanging out with that boy a lot.” Hatchett observed as he filed Courtney’s nails.

The weather was really changing, it was getting colder and her first few months at Northfield had been a whirlwind.

She had a great little friendship with Hatchett, Courtney had been booking all of her appointments at the salon and it was refreshing having someone to talk to about anything, anyone and for them not to judge her.

You really can rely on your nail tech for moral support.

“What? Really?” Courtney scrunched up her nose.

“It’s all Duncan this. Duncan that. Duncan did the funniest thing at the weekend. I just love Duncan so much.”

Hatchet laughed as Courtney kicked him under the table.

“Hey! I do not go on about him like that! We hang out every so often, that’s it! I don’t really know anyone here, you have to make friends.”

He held his hands up in surrender before swivelling around in his chair to retrieve his polishes.

“Usual or are you wanting to try something adventurous?”

Her usual, timeless, classic French or maybe she should try something new.

“Usual please.” She laughed as Hatchet scoffed.

They had a great little back and forth, they confided in one another and it felt like it always does when she was with Bridgette.

Courtney had definitely found a friend for life in Hatchet.

“Well anyways, what’s going on with Alejandro? Any movement on that?”

Courtney sighed and shrugged her shoulders as he held her hand in his, carefully painting on the tip.

“We talk, which is something. I always catch him looking at me, he helps me with things. He paid for my coffee the other week when we ran into one another. He actually texted me about an assignment. It all feels a little weird, it’s always when Heather is never around, it feels a bit sneaky to be honest.”

Hatchet looked up, urging her to continue.

“I don’t know. I still love him and I am still trying to prove myself. But he is just coming across as… he is so different now. I think Heather is ruining him…”

Or maybe he has always been this way.

She shook her head at her thoughts. “I just want him to come back to me. I want the old Alejandro.”

Hatchet nodded knowingly.

“I know how you feel. I miss my Brody.”

His eyes welled up as he looked at the framed picture of the fluffy Pomeranian.

“Don is such an ass. I wish I could just march on over there and take my baby back.”

Courtney tilted her head to the side.

“Well, why don’t you? Brody is every much of yours than he is Don’s.”

She straightened up in her chair.

“In fact, yes. We are going to get Brody back, today! Get your coat, Hatchet!”

Courtney went to stand up however Hatchet pulled her back down onto the chair.

“Girl, we can’t do that!”

“Yes, yes we can and we will.” She went to move again but was held down.

“Okay… okay… but I need to finish these first. I have a reputation to uphold.”

~

The loaner Jeep pulls into a rough looking junkyard, and Courtney notices Hatchet looking uncomfortable as he spots the trailer that once was his home.

“Are you ready?” Courtney reaches over to take his hand, trying to soothe her friend.

“I don’t know, Court. I don’t think I can do this…”

“Yes, yes you can. Now show me what you are going to say.” She squeezes his hand.

As they step out of the car and walk towards the trailer, Hatchet whisper-shouts his speech.

“Listen to me, Don. You shut your mouth. No—you shut your big mouth. I’m doing all the talking for once.”

Before he can stop himself, Hatchet knocks firmly on the trailer door as Courtney hides away behind the trailer.

Hatchet’s ex, Don, a scruffy, grease-stained asshole, answers with a sneer.

“What the hell do you want? We’re eatin’ lunch.”

Hatchet visibly shrinks in a way that Courtney never thought possible. “I just thought that…”

“You just thought—” The asshole mocks him.

“Maybe we could…”

Don steps forward, towering over Hatchet.

“—you could come here and show me what I’m definitely not missin’?”

Don chuckles. Courtney peeks her head out from behind the rusted trailer.

“That’s not why I came by.” It is almost to quiet for anyone to hear.

“Hatchet, how many times you gonna come over here beggin’ me to take you back, huh?”

Courtney sighs and smooths down her dress, she reaches into her purse for her glasses to give her that “official” look and puts them on.

“Donald Reynolds?” She asks him, knowing full well.

“Who’s askin’?” Don screws up his face as he gives her the once over.

Courtney Satella.” Mr. Hatchet’s attorney. And I’m here to discuss the legal situation at hand.”

“Come again?” It is said with an almost disbelief, his hand tightens around the beer can he is holding.

She straightens up.

“Do you understand the concept of subject matter jurisdiction?”

The asshole is confused. “Uh… no.”

“Yeah, I didn’t think you would. Well, thanks to habeas corpus, you and Mr. Hatchet had a common law marriage, which entitles him to what is legally referred to as equitable division of the assets.”

Don looks like he is about burst a blood vessel trying to figure out what is going on in front of him.

“The hell does that mean?”

“Since you’ve retained this… residence.” She grimaces slight. “Mr. Hatchet is entitled to full canine property ownership and will be enforcing said ownership immediately”

“Huh?” Don rubs his head.

Courtney gestures toward Hatchet. “Tell him!”

Don chuckles trying to intimidate his ex, but Hatchet squares his shoulders, finding his confidence.

“I’m taking the dog, you prick!”

They left Don dumbfounded, scratching his head as they laughed their way back to the Jeep.

As they sped away, Courtney couldn’t help but feel a rush, this, this is what it was about.

This was the high, helping people, justice.

The smile on Hatchet’s face as he held Brody to his chest was absolutely worth the risk.

He turned to Courtney. “Thank you.”

~

“And he just let you take the dog?”

Duncan laughed as Courtney recounted the tale of Brody’s rescue.

She had stopped by Throttle Junkies to check on her car and  - maybe just a little - to see Duncan.

She even brought over some dinner to celebrate the success.

“I don’t think he knew what to do with himself. It feels good to help people who deserve it.”

“Well, isn’t that what it’s all about?” Duncan dug his fork into the takeaway box he was holding, digging out a piece of Orange Chicken.

“Huh?”

“Helping people. Who need it. Ya know, instead of defending the bad guys or whatever.”

Courtney had to pause for a moment.

It wasn’t that she had never thought about it before—law was about justice, about standing up for what was right. But somewhere along the way, her focus had shifted. She had been so determined to prove herself, to be the best, to win, that she had lost sight of the people at the heart of it.

“I guess I never thought about it like that,” she admitted, crossing her arms. “I always wanted to be the best lawyer, the most successful, the one everyone respected.”

Duncan popped another bite into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. “Yeah, but respect ain’t the same as making a difference.” He shrugged. “Look at what you did for Hatchet. From what you’ve told me, you’ve helped make his life a little better.”

Courtney bit the inside of her cheek.

“I don’t know,” she said, exhaling. “It’s kind of overwhelming to think about. If I start caring too much, I might get distracted from my goal.”

“And what’s your goal?” Duncan raised a pierced eyebrow.

Courtney opened her mouth to answer, but the words didn’t come as easily as they once did. Before, she would have said winning back Alejandro, proving herself at Northfield, showing everyone she deserved to be here. But now…

She hesitated.

Duncan smirked. “That’s what I thought.”

“Shut up,” she muttered, tossing a crumpled napkin at him.

But even as she deflected, the question stuck with her.

What was her goal?

~

December

“So, you've filed a claim. What next?” Professor O’Halloran leant back against her desk with folded arms, staring out at her classroom.

Professor O’Halloran leaned back against her desk, arms folded, surveying the room with a sharp gaze.

Cody, slouched a few rows back, was barely awake, his head dipping forward. Courtney, seated beside him, shot him a quick nudge just as her hand shot into the air.

“Miss Summers?”

Cody jerked upright, but Courtney was already speaking, her tone confident and precise.

“The next step is establishing evidentiary support. Without it, the claim risks dismissal under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.”

Heather, lounging in her seat, exchanged a look with her friend, unimpressed but listening.

O’Halloran’s eyes flicked to Courtney, interest piqued. “Elaborate.”

“The claim must be backed by a reasonable basis in fact. If we're dealing with a civil case, that means a preponderance of evidence—documents, witness testimony, or expert analysis. If it's criminal, we need probable cause, established through things like forensic evidence or corroborating statements. Without any of that, the case is weak, and the opposing side can file a motion to dismiss before it even sees trial.”

A pause. O’Halloran’s lips twitched in what might have been approval.

“And what kind of evidentiary support does this case require?”

Courtney was already flipping to a bookmarked section in her textbook, ready to answer.

She didn’t notice Alejandro smile as he watched her from behind.

~

Courtney steps out of the building, her posture straight, her grip firm on her textbooks. She should feel triumphant—Professor O’Halloran had almost smiled at her. Almost.

Before she can take another step, a smooth voice cuts through the crisp autumn air.

“ Impressive, cariño.”

Courtney stiffens before turning to find Alejandro leaning casually against a stone pillar, his arms crossed, his smile calculated but dazzling as always.

“I must say, that was… unexpected. The Courtney Satella, I knew would have raised her hand, but she wouldn’t have had the answer ready to strike.

She scoffed. “Knew? We broke up, we didn’t time-travel. I’m still me.”

The me who always had the answer, this isn’t new Alejandro! I have always been this way.

She wanted to scream as she steps past him, but he falls into stride beside her effortlessly.

“Are you? The Courtney I remember was all about proving herself with colour-coded binders and perfect résumés. But today? Today, I saw something different. Confidence. Control.”

Courtney doesn’t look at him, but she can hear the smirk in his voice. A few months ago, that line would have sent her heart into a tailspin. Now, it barely registers.

Has he always been this annoying?

Before she can answer him, he beats her to the next line.

“What are you doing on Christmas break? Are you going back home?”

She hugs her books to her chest and smiles.

“Yeah, Bridgette and Geoff are getting married… just a registry office type thing but I’m of maid of honour and best woman.”

Alejandro nods. “Ah those two. They don’t scream the marriage type.”

“They love each other, they want the piece of paper.”

He tugs on Courtney’s arm. “Piece of paper? You make it sound so… so... unromantic.”

“What are you doing Alejandro?” She snapped.

“I just don’t recognise you.”

“Alejandro, what are you doing?”

Heather shrieked from across the courtyard, he glanced her way and sighed.

“Have a good Christmas, Courtney.”

“You too.” She whispered as he walked away.

It wasn’t that she was unromantic, that having her heartbroken made her shun the idea of marriage and engagements.

Yes, she was beginning to see the world differently, her ideas were changing, her rose tinted glasses were slipping.  

Fuck, maybe Alejandro was right, who even was she anymore?

~

Courtney’s phone buzzed in her hand just as she flopped onto her bed, still in her coat.

She frowned at the screen. Duncan.

She hesitated for half a second before swiping to answer. “Did my car explode?”

“Not yet,” Duncan said, his voice laced with amusement. “But thanks for assuming I only call with bad news. Really makes a guy feel special.”

She let out a breathy laugh, pressing her fingers against her temple. “Sorry, I’m just—my brain’s been in overdrive all day.”

“Yeah? What’s going on?”

Courtney stared at the ceiling, debating whether or not to admit it. Then again, she had already started calling it an identity crisis, and if anyone was going to take that lightly instead of making her spiral further, it was probably Duncan.

“I think I’m… changing,” she said finally.

“No way,” he deadpanned. “People don’t change. It’s impossible.”

Courtney groaned. “I’m being serious, Duncan.”

“Alright, alright,” he said, the humour in his voice fading just enough to let her know he was listening. “Changing how?”

She turned onto her side, curling her arm under her head. “I used to think everything was black and white. Success was success, failure was failure. And I knew exactly what I wanted, but now? I don’t know anymore. It’s like my goals are shifting, and I don’t even know when it started.”

Duncan was quiet for a moment. “That a bad thing?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “It’s just… unsettling.”

“Yeah, well. I hate to break it to you, Princess, but that’s kinda what happens when you grow up.”

She rolled her eyes. “I am grown up.”

“Uh-huh. And totally handling this in a very calm, mature way.”

“Duncan.”

“Courtney,” he mimicked, but it was more fond than teasing. “Look, you’re realising there’s more to life than just winning. That’s not an identity crisis. That’s called being a person.”

She let that sit for a moment, his words surprisingly grounding.

“I guess I just thought I had it all figured out,” she muttered.

“Well, welcome to the club. We got jackets.”

Despite herself, she smiled. “Are they at least stylish?”

“Eh, mine’s got a couple of oil stains, but I make it work.”

Courtney let out a real laugh this time, and some of the tension in her chest loosened.

Duncan exhaled. “So, you’re heading home for Christmas, right?”

“Yeah. Maid of honour and best woman duties.”

“Classic overachiever.” He teased.

“Shut up! You are just jealous they didn’t invite you!” If he was here, she would childishly stick out her tongue at him.

To be fair, she and Bridgette’s brother were the only two attending the wedding.

The plan was the courthouse on to a Vegan burger place and then they would be honeymooning in Geoff’s van for a month.

Not what Courtney would plan for herself but it was perfect for them.

She smiled at the ceiling, thinking about her friends.

Duncan chuckled breaking her from her daydream. “Well, try not to work yourself into another crisis over the holidays, alright? Wouldn’t want you calling me up all weepy ‘cause you miss me or something.”

Courtney scoffed. “Please.”

“I’m just saying,” he continued, clearly enjoying himself. “If you need to hear my voice to get through the break, I’m happy to provide.”

“Oh my god, I regret answering this call.”

“Nah, you love it.”

She rolled onto her back, shaking her head. “Merry Christmas, Duncan.”

“Merry Christmas, Princess.”

And just before she could hang up, she heard him add, “Try not to miss me too much.”

She hung up. But she was still smiling.

Chapter Text

Courtney sat cross-legged on her old couch, wearing an oversized cardigan she didn’t pack with her to Northfield and sipping on a cup of coffee, trying to nurse, what was becoming a hangover from hell.

The apartment still had the faint scent of wedding cake and champagne, a lingering reminder of last night’s celebration. Bridgette, fresh from the shower and wrapped in a cosy robe, plopped down beside her with a content sigh.

“How are you doing this morning, Mrs Algolen?” Courtney asked with a smirk.

Bridgette beamed. “So far, so good. My lovely husband is away to pick us up some breakfast from the golden arches, thought we might need something hearty to soak up the champagne.”

“Ah yes, hashbrowns. The breakfast of love.”

Courtney chuckled but then fell into a thoughtful silence, staring into her coffee like it held the answers to the universe.

Bridgette, ever perceptive, nudged her foot. “Alright, spill. You’ve had that brooding look on your face since last night.”

Courtney sighed, setting her mug down. “Oh, it’s nothing… We are still celebrating, I don’t mean to be a downer.”

The blonde waved dismissively as she made a coffee for herself.

“C’mon Court. Geoff will be back soon and we haven’t had any girl talk, even if it is terminal.”

With a sigh, Courtney massaged her temple.

“I don’t know, Bridge. I feel like… I’m changing. Like, I came to Northfield with this clear goal—win back Alejandro, prove I belong there, show everyone I’m still on top. And now…” She trailed off, pressing her lips together.

Bridgette tilted her head. “So, what I am hearing is that you went all that way to impress him and now, you’re not so sure you even want him back?”

Courtney exhaled sharply. “I mean, I thought I did. But the more time I spend around him, the more I wonder if he’s really the person I built up in my head. He’s charming, sure, but… I don’t know if he sees me the way I want to be seen.”

Bridgette hummed, taking a sip of her coffee. “I mean, I never loved the guy, but I kept my mouth shut because you were all in. He always seemed more into how you made him look than, y’know, you.”

Courtney groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “Great. So everyone knew but me?”

“Not everyone. Just… people who weren’t blinded by his stupidly good hair.”

Courtney threw a pillow at her, but Bridgette caught it with a laugh. “Ugh. I just hate feeling like I’ve wasted so much time.”

Bridgette shook her head. “You didn’t waste time. You just needed to see it for yourself. And hey, sometimes the things we think we want aren’t actually what we need.”

Courtney played with the hem of her cardigan, debating whether to say what was really on her mind. “There’s also… this other thing.”

Bridgette arched a brow. “Oh?”

She hesitated, then sighed. “Duncan.”

Bridgette’s eyes practically lit up. “Ohhh. Duncan.”

“Don’t start,” Courtney warned, but her friend only grinned.

“I’m just saying! You’ve brought him up like, three times in the past twenty-four hours.”

“He’s just—ugh. He’s frustrating, and cocky, and kind of a pain.”

Bridgette’s grin widened. “And?”

Courtney groaned again. “And he’s also been… weirdly supportive? Like, he calls me out when I’m overthinking, but not in a way that makes me feel stupid. He listens. He actually sees me.”

Bridgette smirked, sipping her coffee like she already knew where this was headed. “So, naturally, you’re freaking out because he doesn’t fit into your ‘life plan.’”

Courtney shot her a look. “Obviously.”

Bridgette nudged her playfully. “Sounds like it might be time to update the plan.”

“Honey, I’m home. Whose hungry?”

Geoff bounds through the door with grease soaked bags, hopefully containing the cure for all hangovers.

Bridgette winks at Courtney, signalling to her that this conversation is NOT over!

~

Alejandro sits confidently, answering a question with his usual charm. He has an arm around Heather, which makes Courtney roll her eyes.

“Well, according to Swinney vs. Neubert, Swinney—who was a private sperm donor—was allowed visitation rights as long as he adhered to the agreed-upon terms set by the parents. So, if we apply precedent, Mr. Latimer wasn’t engaging in harassment. He was simply exercising his right to visitation.”

Professor Morgan strokes his chin.

“But Swinney was a one-time donor. Our defendant, however, was a habitual donor who also appears to be persistently contacting the parents beyond what was agreed upon. How would you argue that?”

As confident as ever, Alejandro answers. “Well, yes, but without this man’s contributions, the child wouldn’t exist.”

As if they were in some sort of boys club, Professor Morgan nods approving and points to Alejandro.

“Now you’re starting to think like a lawyer.”

Heather smirks, jotting down notes as if her fiancé’s words are law. Courtney, sitting nearby, raises her hand.

“Yes, Ms. Satella?”

Courtney takes a breath before speaking up. “While Mr. Burromuerto makes a compelling argument, I have to wonder whether the defendant kept an extensive record of every, uh, contribution he made throughout his life.”

Professor Morgan considered her carefully. “That’s an interesting angle. Why does that matter?”

“Well, unless the defendant reached out to every single potential conception case he was responsible for, he has no real claim to this child in particular. Why this one? Why now?”

As she speaks, Professor Morgan and his TA, DJ exchange a glance, clearly considering her argument.

Devon “DJ” Joseph was the sweetest man on Earth, totally wasted in Law. He had the aura of a veterinarian about him yet here he was, a part of this class.

He was always so supportive, encouraging, saw the best in people and when he gave Courtney a smile for her to continue, it filled her with confidence.

“And if we’re being thorough, all instances where his, uh, contributions were not actively seeking fertilization could technically be considered reckless abandonment under his own logic.”

The class murmurs, intrigued. Professor Morgan smiles slightly.

“I believe you’ve just dismantled his entire case.”

Alejandro’s jaw tightens slightly, Heather’s smirk fades, and a few other students take frantic notes.

It felt good, she almost felt like her old self again and as she packed her things away, a few students praised her as they left.

“Ms. Satella, you impressed me today.” Professor Morgan gave her a smile as she was about to leave the class.

“Really?” She flushed.

He nods. “You’re applying for my internship, aren’t you?”

Courtney nods back, she is more enthusiastic. “Absolutely!”

“Do you have a resume?”

She digs into her folder, finding the slot for her resume and hands him a neatly organised resume, filled with her achievements.

Professor Morgan takes it from her. “I’ll take a look.”

“Thank you, Professor.”

She leaves, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. As she heads out, DJ approaches Professor Morgan, handing him a case file.

“Here’s the Top file you asked for Sir.”

Morgan hands DJ the resume. “Look at this.”

DJ looks at is, the feeling of making him smile. “It’s laminated. I like it. That girl is…”

“Something.”

~

It had been a few weeks since that class, and today was the day.

The list of those who were successful in getting a place in Morgan’s internship would be posted on the bulletin board.

It would all boil down to this.

Courtney rounded the corner, already seeing the crowd of her classmates gather round the board, a few fallen faces as they sulked away, clearly they hadn’t been chosen.

Cody waved over to her, he was smiling. “You made it! I got in!”

Courtney punched his shoulder playfully. “Amazing! I’m glad you got in… did you see… my name on there?”

She was nervous, even more so when she saw him gulp.

“Sorry Court… I was only looking for mine, sorry, I really should have-”

She cut him off. “Don’t worry about it. I’m happy for you. If you excuse me…”

As she made her way over, she recoiled as a shrill squeal sounded across the way.

Heather jumped up excitedly, throwing her arms around Alejandro’s neck.

“Yes! We got in. I knew we would!” She pressed her lips to his.

Another student made a comment. “Leshawna got a place so that leaves one left for…”

Courtney pushed through the crowd until she was face to face with fate.

Cody, Heather, Leshawna, Alejandro and…

“ME!”

She could cry, she could laugh, she could sing. Nothing would be able to express how ecstatic she was at earning a place on Morgan’s team.

Cody gave her a toothy grin and held his hand out for a high five, which she slapped a little too hard as yelped.

“Oh, Cody. Sorry! I am just so excited!” She smiled dreamily before narrowing her eyes at Heather who was glaring at her.

Hugging her books to her chest, she made her way over to the couple with a devious look in her eye.

“Alejandro, Heather, congratulations.”

“You too, Courtney. Well deserved.” Alejandro said before Heather rammed her elbow into his side.

“Thank you. You know, I don’t think I have ever felt this satisfied… Do you remember those four amazing hours in the hot tub at Lake Brava?”

Alejandro forgets where he is clearly, a smirk plays on his lips as he remembers.

Courtney tilts her head to side. “This is SO much better than that!”

Heather’s jaw drops as Courtney flounces away without looking back at them.

That may have been cruel, she may have been stirring shit but she didn’t care, they deserved it.

~

In her dorm, she is lying on her bed with Brittany cuddled up beside her and her phone on loud speaker on her comforter.

“Congratulations, Princess. I told you that you would have nothing to worry about.”

Of course, Duncan was the first person she would call. It felt so natural.

“Thank you, Duncan. It’s all starting to feel worth it… being here.”

“What? I’m not the one making it feel worth it to you? You wound me, Princess.”

He was just kidding but she still scoffed.

“Oh shut up!”

Duncan laughed from the other end of the line, this was the kind of back and forth between them that made her feel all fluttery on the inside.

“So, as you are now another step closer to being some hot shot lawyer, we should celebrate.”

“What did you have in mind? Chinese takeout?”

“Let me take you out, babe. Properly.”

Courtney sat up, disturbing Brittany who let our a meow of protest.

“What? Like… you want to take me out… on a date or…”

“Yeah, sure, if that’s what you want to call it…”

“Duncan!”

“A date, Princess.”

Courtney bit down on her lip, she could see herself in the mirror from across the room and couldn’t take her eyes off her flushed cheeks and wild smile.

~

Courtney smoothed down the fabric of her little black dress, her nerves tingling as she checked her reflection one last time.

 It was just Duncan.

They bantered all the time. He was her... friend?

A friend who had asked her out. On a date. The word itself felt foreign in relation to him, but here she was, running her hands over her hips and making sure every strand of her hair was in place before heading out to meet him.

She spotted him outside of her dorm before he noticed her. He was leaning against the hood of his car, smoking a cigarette.

Courtney was about to scold him, like she always did when it came to his cigarette habit until she took him in properly.

The sight nearly made her stop in her tracks. Duncan. In a sweater.

A navy blue, well-fitted sweater that clung to his frame just right. It was so different from his usual ripped jeans and band tees that she barely recognized him for a second.

His hair was still messy in that effortlessly cool way, and he wore his usual smirk, but the effort he’d put in was unmistakable.

 He’d done this for her.

Luckily, she was able to stifle any whimpers that were threatening to come out.

Duncan’s eyes met hers, and for a moment, he just stared. Then, his lips curled into a slow grin as he let out a low whistle.

“Damn, Princess. You trying to kill me?”

Courtney rolled her eyes but felt warmth spread through her at his reaction. “It’s a dress, Duncan. Women wear them.”

“Yeah, but not all of ‘em look like you do in it.” His gaze raked over her once before he cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. “Anyway, uh... you ready?”

She nodded, and he held open the passenger door for her, helping her in.

The drive to the restaurant was quiet, too quiet for them.

“Uh… so where are we going?”

Duncan coughed, keeping his eyes on the road.

“A place called Solell Dox.”

He was nervous and it made her smile to herself.

“I’ve never heard of that place before…”

“It’s French or something, really classy.” He glances over at her, taking her in.

“French huh? Solell Dox… do you mean Soleil Doux?” She teased.

“Such a show off. Yeah, probably.”

The restaurant was different from where she would have expected Duncan to take her. The soft lighting, the elegant table settings—it wasn’t a fancy five-star place, but it was intimate and charming.

She looked around, impressed. “This is nice.”

“I figured you deserved something classy,” Duncan said, pulling out her chair for her. She raised an eyebrow but sat down, watching him as he took his seat across from her. “What?”

“Nothing,” she said, fighting a smile. “It’s just... you’re being very un-Duncan-like.”

He smirked. “Yeah, well, don’t get used to it. One night only!”

Their conversation flowed easily through dinner, filled with the usual teasing and quick-witted remarks.

“So, do you always get all dressed up for dates?” she asked, eyeing his sweater.

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Depends on the girl.”

Courtney scoffed, taking a sip of her wine. “Oh, please.”

“What? You don’t think I’m a man of sophistication?”

“Duncan, I’ve seen you eat a burger in three bites. And I know for a fact that you only own one belt.”

“Okay, first of all, that’s efficiency, not a lack of sophistication. And second, one belt is all a man needs.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help laughing. The ease between them was undeniable, and for a moment, she let herself enjoy it without overthinking.

When their meals arrived, she noticed how Duncan kept sneaking glances at her, as if waiting for her reaction. The food was delicious, but what mattered most was that he’d chosen this place with her in mind. He wanted her to feel special.

She set her fork down and looked at him. “Duncan, you didn’t have to do all this.”

His brows furrowed slightly. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I appreciate it. Really. But I like how you are... normally.” She gave him a small, genuine smile. “I would’ve settled for burgers.”

Duncan was quiet for a second before his lips twitched upward. “Noted.”

As dinner went on, she couldn’t ignore the way her heart kept flipping every time he looked at her a certain way, or how her cheeks warmed at some of the things he said. Duncan had always been attractive, but tonight, it was different.

 Or maybe she was different.

Maybe it was everything she’d been through recently—everything that had made her question who she was, what she wanted. And Duncan... he wasn’t part of the plan.

But he felt good. And safe. And that scared her.

Duncan insisted on walking her back to her dorm after parking up. The night air was cool, and she found herself hugging her arms, but before she could react, Duncan was reaching into his car, pulling out his leather jacket and putting it around her shoulders.

She hesitated. “You sure you don’t need this? It’s pretty cold.”

“Nah, I run hot.” He waggled his brows. “Don’t act surprised. And anyways, who doesn’t bring a jacket out in January.”

She rolled her eyes but hugged the jacket around her. It was warm, and it smelled like him—like leather and something else she couldn’t quite place. She glanced up at him, her stomach flipping when she found him watching her with that lazy smirk.

“You look cute,” he said casually, shoving his hands into his pockets.

“I always look cute.”

“Yeah, but now you look cute and you are wearing my jacket. We look like one of those simpy couples, in those shitty romcoms you love so much. God, I really am the perfect gentleman tonight.”

Courtney scoffed, lightly nudging him. “You’re so full of yourself.”

They reached her dorm, and for a moment, neither of them moved.

Duncan stepped closer, tilting his head as he looked down at her.

“You have a good time?” he asked, reaching out to brush a curl away from her face.

“I did,” she admitted. “Thank you, Duncan for tonight. For being the perfect gentleman.”

His eyes flickered to her lips, and her breath caught.

“You know, I think you prefer it when I’m acting very ungentlemanly.”

He was so close, he rubbed his thumb over her full bottom lip.

All rational thought went out of window. She flicked her tongue out against his thumb and he groaned.

Was she going to kiss him? Should she kiss him? All she had to do was lean in—

The sound of laughter echoed down the hall, breaking the moment. Courtney exhaled sharply, stepping back slightly. Duncan let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.

“To be continued,” he murmured.

She smiled, stepping up on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek. His skin was warm beneath her lips. When she pulled away, she found him watching her with something unreadable in his expression.

“Goodnight, Duncan.”

He smirked. “Night, Princess.”

As she slipped inside her dorm, she leaned against the door, exhaling shakily.

She was falling for him.

And it was terrifying.

Chapter Text

Things were looking up, Courtney had pep in her step, she was excited about her internship and even more so about her almost kiss with Duncan.

“He kissed you?!” An excited Bridgette squealed over the phone, causing Courtney to hold it away from her ear lest she be deafened by her best friend.

“Almost… almost…”

With a sigh, she trailed her fingertips over her lips. “We kind of got side tracked.”

She was lying down on her bed, still dressed up from her date with Brittany cuddled into her side as she recounted the evening to Bridgette.

“Well, you’ll just have to go out with him again, won’t you?”

“Yeah, if he asks me to.” She really wanted him to.

“And Alejandro?”

“I’m going to have to work with him and Heather during this internship… I guess I could be nicer to them both…”

Courtney shuddered at the thought, not even trying to convince herself.

“I have to be professional and I think I know for sure that ship has sailed, relationship wise. Alejandro has made his choice and tonight, well, tonight I have made mine.”

“And yours is Duncan?”

“Maybe. I’m starting to really like him but he’s.. well…”

“Courtney, I know he isn’t your usual type but he’s making you happy, making you laugh, helping you live your life with a little bit of fun. I think you should totally see where it goes and if it goes to shit, well, everyone makes mistakes in college, right?”

The girls laughed but deep down, Courtney was praying she wouldn’t be met with another heartbreak situation.

“Look be nice to the devil and his mistress, okay? Head held high, boss lady lawyer the shit out of the internship and continue to impress like everyone. Oh and make out with your bad boy.”

“Bridge!”

“Get some sleep, lover girl. Bye!”

~

The next morning, Courtney walks into the designated board room in Professor Morgan’s office building, internally scoffing as she sees Alejandro and Heather already sitting, waiting for the rest of the attendees.

Alejandro looks up from his notepad and gives Courtney a nod.

“Heather, would you like me to go and grab you a coffee?”

“Yes, skinny Vanilla latte.” She doesn’t even look up from her pad.

“Courtney?”

It takes her off guard but she nods, she opens her mouth to speak but it feels like it’s full of cotton.

“Oh, I already know. Oat milk latte, extra hot. Vanilla.”

As he brushes by her, she catches Heather roll her eyes.

The air feels frosty, felt frosty as soon as Courtney entered the room. Trouble in paradise?

Courtney places her bag down on the table, taking out what she needs before sitting down, pepping herself up for some small talk.

“You look nice today, Heather.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Well, that would be the end of that then.

Leshawna and Cody are next to arrive and they take a seat on either side of Courtney, it’s incredibly early and Leshawna gives Courtney a sleepy smile, signalling to her coffee and then to herself, saying she will talk soon as soon as she necks her caffeine.

Cody on the other hand, dives right into the chatter, asking Courtney about her evening, her drive in this morning, would she like a coffee, tea, other kind of beverage?

Before Courtney can answer any of his questions, Alejandro arrives with the coffees and places Courtney’s down in front of her.

She thanks him and touches the cup, extra hot indeed as it burns the tips of her fingers.

Heather takes hers abruptly, taking a sip and screwing her face up.

“This isn’t skinny or vanilla.”

Alejandro shrugs and takes a seat, not bothering to rectify the situation. “They must have run out.”

Before any more jibes can be made, Professor Morgan enters with a stack of casefiles which he begins to distribute out to his students.

“Good morning everyone. We are defending Lindsay Chaddington. Her very wealthy husband was found shot to death in their Maple Hill mansion.”

Heather picks up the case form, looking at the picture of Lindsay, a blonde barbie type.

“Gold digger?”

Morgan shakes his head. “You’d think so, since he was 60, but she’s rich on her own. Some sort of beauty empire. She’s got a huge following as a beauty influencer on social media, always posting about skincare and wellness.”

Courtney takes a look at the picture, her mind swirling through her rolodex of faces she recognises before the light bulb flashes behind her eyes.

“Wait, Lindsay Top?”

Morgan glances down at the file. “Maiden name, Top. Do you know her?”

“Barely. She used to go to the same college as me, she was a year or so above me. I wouldn’t call her a close friend, but we’ve crossed paths a few times, mostly through school charity events and fundraisers. She’s, uh, a little... much sometimes, but harmless.”

“Okay, so you know her enough?” Morgan places the file on the table.

Courtney shakes her head. “I mean, we didn’t exactly run in the same circles, but I’ve worked on couple of fundraising events with her. She’s sweet, just... really ditzy, y’know? Like, she could barely keep track of her own schedule but still managed to raise a ton of money for causes, somehow.”

“This is interesting. Well, apart from being ditsy as you say, what else do you think about her?”

Everyone at the table was staring at her, apart from Alejandro who was studying the photo, he knew her too of course, even if it was in passing.

“I honestly can’t see her doing something like this. She might be naive and overly bubbly, but I know she wouldn’t hurt anyone, let alone kill her husband. That’s just... not her.”

Heather scoffs. “Maybe she’s just pretending to be innocent. Everyone does it for the Gram.”

Again, Courtney shakes her head as she looks at the photo of Lindsay.

“Maybe, but you’d think if she were capable of murder, she wouldn’t post videos of herself doing skincare routines and smiling like everything’s perfect. You wouldn’t do a twenty part series of your wedding on Youtube and boasting about your love. Right?”

Morgan reaches for his glasses from his briefcase and slips them on, studying the file more closely.

“Well, the evidence doesn’t exactly add up in her favor. She was reportedly standing over her husband's dead body when the police arrived. Witnesses—his 26-year-old daughter and the pool boy—both claim to have seen her there.”

Alejandro pipes up. “And we are supposed to believe that?”

Courtney rubs at her temples. “Lindsay is not really the type to get into that sort of thing. She wouldn’t even know how to load a gun, let alone kill someone. I just don’t see it.”

Sensing the build up in the room, Morgan holds his hands up.

“I’m not ruling her out, but we’ll need to dig deeper. The gun is missing. The coroner said he’d been dead about 30 minutes when the cops arrived, which gives her plenty of time to hide it.”

Courtney looks over at Alejandro, pleading him to say more.

“Courtney is right, I too know her. She is so… simple. I don’t buy it for a second.”

She silently thanks him with a smile and turns back to Morgan.

“Exactly. Maybe she’s not the sharpest, but she wouldn’t pull something like this off.”

The doors swing open, a flustered DJ hurries in with a cup of coffee that was threatening to spill over.

“Sorry, I’m late!”

Morgan gestures to the seat next to him.

“This is Devon Joseph, you will have noticed him observing in my class. He is my teaching assistant, former student who is top three in his class and also the editor of the Northfield Review.”

“Thanks sir, and you guys can call me DJ.” He says as he takes a seat and flashes a smile at Courtney, remembering her resume.

Alejandro notices this and frowns. “So what is the deal with the murder weapon?”

“Still missing. But the witnesses are clear on one thing: she was there, and she had time to hide the gun.”

Morgan slides a file over to DJ, making sure he is in the loop with the rest of them.

Courtney looks around the table, Heather with her arms folded, Cody looking confused, Leshawna engrossed in the file and Alejandro… Alejandro looking at her expectantly.

“There’s no way she did it. If you’ve ever seen her in action, she’s just... she’s too disorganized to pull something like that off. She’d probably be too busy making a video about her lipstick routine to even think about killing someone.”

DJ takes a sip of his coffee, pondering the thought for the moment. “She might not seem like the type but you never know? People can surprise you.”

And boy, didn’t she know it!

“No offense, DJ, but this isn’t exactly a crime thriller. Lindsay’s just... not the killer type. She’d forget to get rid of the evidence even if she did do it.”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions. I’ll need everyone’s full attention on this case. There’s more to uncover, and it’s up to us to prove whether or not she’s guilty.” Morgan gestures to the case files, encouraging the team to have a thorough read.

“We have a meeting with Mrs Chaddington at 12.”

Courtney just couldn’t shake the feeling, she knew in her heart that Lindsay wouldn’t be able to do something like this, she just couldn’t.

The rest of the team looks at each other, each processing the case in their own way.

~

That afternoon, Courtney and her peers find themselves sitting around another table, this time in a prison meeting room with Lindsay, who is looking paler than her usual tan self in an ugly orange jumpsuit.

“I didn't do it. I walked in, I saw my husband lying on the floor. I bent down to check his heart, screamed my head off, and then Alfonso and Beth ran inside!”

“Okay, your step-daughter and the pool boy both came in and saw you standing over the body, covered in his blood.” Morgan started to take notes, which then lead the rest of the team to do the same.

Lindsay shrieked. “Why would I kill my husband?”

Morgan slipped off glasses, tucking them into the breast pocked on his blazer. “Insurance, a love affair, pure unadulterated hatred. Trust me, the D.A. will come up with plenty of reasons.”

“I loved him.” The blonde placed her clasped hands over heart, tears welling up in her eyes.

“He was 34 years older than you. That doesn’t look too good to a jury.”

“ Uh… well, show them a picture of his… uh, you know, down there. That might clear a few things up.”

Some hidden smirks sounded across the room, some scoffs of disgust. Courtney among those who very much didn’t want to picture what Lindsay was professing.

“Lindsay, I believe you, but a jury is going to want an alibi.”

“Well, I can’t give you that! And if you put me on the stand, I’ll… I’ll well… I’ll just lie.” Lindsay stood from the table, angry tears streaming down her face, her hands balled up at her sides.

“Well then, I guess we’re done for today.” Morgan grabs his briefcase. Everyone starts to get up and leave.

Lindsay stops Courtney as she heads for the door.

“Wait a second… I think I know you…”

Courtney looks around as everyone leaves before nodding to Lindsay. “Hey yeah… It’s Courtney. We worked on the Forrest Conservation fundraiser together… I wanted to do a Gala… You wanted to give massages…”

Lindsay nodded slowly, trying to remember.

“I demanded everyone take a vote and we ended up doing a Gala where you could also… get massages… “

Courtney shuddered as she remember the haphazard idea that strangely made a killer of donations.

“Oh yeah! You’re the bossy girl who screamed at everyone. I almost didn’t recognise you without your clipboard and a frowny face.”

“Yeah… that’s… that’s me. Hey, I am so sorry you have wound up in this place. I don’t believe you would murder anyone.”

She politely left out that she thought Lindsay was too stupid to ever think of something like that.

“You’re one of my lawyers…”

Courtney nodded, adjusting her bag on her shoulder.

“Oh my god, this is great. You are like so so so smart. You have to get me out of here.”

“I promise to try, Lindsay. Okay. I’ll be in touch.”

Lindsay was then ushered out of the room by a guard, leaving Courtney to rack her brains to come up with some kind of plan.

~

Courtney shifted the takeout bag in her hands and knocked on Duncan’s door, still questioning what she was doing here. She could’ve gone home, eaten in peace, and spent the rest of her night overanalyzing everything.

Instead, she was at his place, bringing him food like she actually wanted to see him. Which she didn’t. Obviously, she did. Of course, she did.

The door swung open, revealing Duncan with that signature smirk that immediately set her on edge. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, looking entirely too smug.

“Well, well, well,” he drawled. “Can’t stay away, huh?”

Courtney rolled her eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

He ignored her, tilting his head. “I dunno, Princess, bringing me dinner? That’s totally girlfriend behavior, I’ve only taken you on one date.”

She shoved the bag into his chest. “Don’t push your luck.”

Duncan chuckled, stepping back to let her in. “I knew I charmed you.”

Courtney scoffed. “Charmed? You? Please. I was already getting takeout and figured you probably survive on gas station burritos and expired condiments if I didn’t do this from time to time. Consider this an act of mercy.”

Duncan opened the bag, eyes lighting up. “Dumplings? Damn, so I have charmed you.”

“Delusional,” she muttered, setting the food down on the coffee table, taking a seat on his beat up couch.

Duncan grabbed two plates, handing her one before plopping down next from her. “Alright, but seriously. What’s up? You’ve got your stress face on.”

Courtney hesitated, pushing her food around with her chopsticks. “I… I can’t really talk about it.”

Duncan raised an eyebrow. “That bad?”

She exhaled. She wasn’t supposed to discuss the case with anyone outside her legal team. But… Duncan wasn’t just anyone, was he?

“Okay, look,” she said, lowering her voice. “What I’m about to tell you does not leave this room. If I hear even a whisper of this anywhere else—”

“My lips are sealed,” Duncan promised, miming zipping his mouth shut.

Courtney studied him for a moment before leaning in slightly. “I’m working on a murder case.”

Duncan’s eyebrows lifted slightly, but he stayed quiet.

“There’s this woman, Lindsay Chaddington—she used to be Lindsay Top. I knew her back in college. She’s been accused of killing her husband, but I swear, Duncan, she’s just… she’s not capable of something like that.”

Duncan leaned back in his chair. “I’ve seen a enough cop shows. Heard enough stories. What’s the evidence against her?”

“She was found at the scene, standing over the body, covered in his blood.”

Duncan let out a low whistle. “Oof. That’s… not great.”

Courtney groaned, rubbing her temples. “Exactly. But it doesn’t make sense. Lindsay’s the kind of person who would accidentally post a confession video before she even committed the crime. She once tried to return a goldfish because it ‘wasn’t being cooperative.’ She is not a killer.”

Duncan grinned. “Okay, I need more info on the goldfish thing later.”

Courtney shot him a flat look. “Not the point.”

“Fine, fine,” he said, smirking. “So, what’s next?”

She sighed. “We’re meeting with her again soon, but I need more than just a feeling. I need proof.”

Duncan watched her for a long moment before shaking his head. “You know, you’re kinda amazing.”

Courtney blinked. “What?”

“I’m serious.” He nudged her foot under the table, his voice softer now. “You could just treat this like any other case, but instead, you’re fighting for her like she’s family. That’s badass.”

Courtney felt warmth creep up her neck. She wasn’t used to people saying things like that. She definitely wasn’t used to Duncan saying things like that.

“Well… someone has to fight for her.”

“And if anyone can help her, it’s you,” he said, his voice dropping to something that almost made her stomach flip.

She swallowed, suddenly hyper-aware of how close they were sitting. The usual teasing smirk was gone, replaced by something… different. Something more intense.

Duncan tilted his head slightly, his eyes dropping to her lips for half a second before he leaned in.

And that was when his phone rang.

Courtney jerked back, blinking rapidly as Duncan groaned and fished his phone out of his pocket.

“Seriously?” he muttered, looking at the screen.

Courtney cleared her throat, forcing her attention back to her food. She was not going to think about what almost just happened… again.

Duncan let the call ring a couple of times before sighing. “I gotta take this. Give me a sec.” He stood up, stepping into the other room as he answered.

Courtney exhaled, staring down at her dumplings like they had personally betrayed her.

This was fine.

She hadn’t kissed him yet…

But the way her heart was pounding in her chest told her it was only a matter of time.

Chapter Text

The salon hums with dryers, hair clippers, and low gossip.

Courtney lounges under a dryer with her planner in her lap, flipping pages and highlighting. Hatchet stands nearby, nervously filing his nails but looking like he might combust at any second.

Courtney gives him a side eye. “You’re holding that nail file like it insulted your mother. What’s going on?”

Hatchet huffs. “Nothing. I'm calm. Cool as a cucumber.”

Closing the planner. “You're sweating like the cucumber’s in a sauna.”

Ding!

Chris the UPS guy—charismatic, tan, dressed like a man who thinks aviators are a personality trait- walks in, immediately getting Hatchet’s attention.

“Aha… I see what’s got you all worked up.” Courtney purses her lips.

 Chris holds a package under one arm and a mischievous smile like he invented the concept.

“Afternoon, ladies. Hatch.”

Hatchet goes rigid. The nail file drops. Chris approaches the front desk.

“I have a delivery for you.”

Hatchet squeaks.  “For me?”

Chris strolls over, all lazy confidence and Hatchett suddenly looks like he’s forgot how to breathe.

“For you.”

Hatchet stares at the package like it’s a live grenade. “Thanks.”

Chris flashes a smile, his idea of a pantie dropper, Courtney thinks. “You’re welcome. You look... sharp today..”

“I… moisturized.”

The overly cocky delivery man smiles devilishly as he leaves. “It shows. See you next week, tough guy.”

Hatchet turns scarlet and watches him go like he’s watching a slow-motion car crash.

That whole interaction was like watching a car crash.

Courtney waves her hand in front of Hatchet’s face. “Are you breathing?”

He slumps on one of the chairs in the salon, throwing an arm over his face.

“He… he complimented my skin..”

She shuts her planner with a snap. “That was the slowest, sweatiest flirtation I’ve ever seen. Painful, really. But fixable.”

With foils still in her hair, Courtney stands and stretches like she’s about to lead a bootcamp.

“Okay. We need to work on this. Desperately. You, my friend, are going to learn the “Pause & Play.”

“I don’t want to play. I want to hide behind a stack of towels and never speak again.” Hatchet peaks out from under his arm.

Courtney folds her arms, meaning business.

“Incorrect. What you want is Chris to notice you as more than the guy who signs for packages and sweats through cotton blends. Trust me—I’m a professional.”

Other clients begin tuning in. One woman sets down her phone, intrigued.

In her element, Courtney holds up one finger. “Step one: the Pause. You make eye contact… and wait. Don’t speak. Let the silence do the flirting.”

Hatchet groans, but sits up to give his attention to Courtney. “What if the silence makes me panic?”

“Perfect. Harness it. Channel your inner mystery man.”

She demonstrates, locking eyes with a fake “Chris” pose. She lifts an eyebrow, holds the gaze, then gives a subtle smirk.

“See? He's already writing poetry about me in his head.”

Well, maybe not poetry. A guy like Chris doesn’t have that kind of brain capacity but she didn’t think it would smart to highlight this to the man who had major heart eyes for him.

Hatchet, clearly impressed. “Okay, that was dangerous.”

Courtney smiles and holds up two fingers. “Step two: the Play. Hit him with a compliment that sounds like a challenge. Something that says, “You’re interesting—but not too interesting.”

She flicks her hair behind her shoulder, forgetting about the foils in her hair. “Example -
Nice smile. I bet you practice it in the mirror.”

Hatchet nods and tries his line. “Uh… Hey Chris. You, um… you smell like a good candle?”

Oh lord.

Courtney shakes her head. “You’re circling the target. Let’s reload.”

Hatchet thinks for a moment… hard. “Chris… those shorts are way too tight. Bold choice. I respect the chaos.”

It could work!

“Yes! That’s almost flirtation! Add a half-smile and you’ve got mild danger.”

Two women start giggling. One claps. The energy picks up.

One of them pipes up. “Can we try?”

Courtney covers her mouth as she laughs, not expecting a full on workshop to happen. “Please. Everyone, up! Flirtation drills—let’s go!”

The whole salon erupts into mock flirt moves. Women toss towels over shoulders, give air-winks, and toss around lines like “Is that package for me or are you just happy to see me?” Hatchet finally laughs—a real, hearty one.

Courtney steps back, watching them all go for it. No planner. No checklist. Just laughter amongst new friends.

This is… kind of nice.

Someone throws an arm around her shoulders.

The same woman from before. “Come on, genius. Teach us the eyebrow thing again!”

Courtney grins. “Alright, alright—eyebrows up, posture tall, and remember: you are the prize.”

Courtney spins once, lets herself smile wider than usual. For once, she’s not proving anything—just being part of something. Finally allowing her the chance to just live in the moment.

~

Later that night, the only thing buzzing is the flickering fluorescent light above the law society’s conference table...

The happiness buzz doesn’t last.

The conference room is scattered with documents, laptops, and boxes of Chinese food take away taking over the table. DJ paces in front of a whiteboard covered in names and a haphazard timeline.

 A sketch of lipstick smudges and a doodle of a bullet are next to it.

Professor Morgan sits at the head of the table, looking both unimpressed and vaguely entertained as he picks at his dinner.

 Heather types with her usual smug precision

Alejandro reclines, tapping his pen like he's above it all.

Cody and Leshawna are flicking through files, trying to piece something… anything together.

And of course, Courtney  flips through her binder with surgical intensity.

It’s been a long day.

The first one to speak, in what feels like forever, DJ offers. “Okay. Lindsay says she found him already dead. But the police say she was the only one there, the door was locked, and the husband was shot at close range. No signs of a break-in.”

Courtney shakes her head, she feels like a parrot with the amount of times she has had to repeat herself over the matter.

“Because it wasn’t a break-in. It was personal. The gun was one of his own—registered and kept in his dressing room. She didn’t need a weapon. Whoever did this did.”

Alejandro leans back in his chair. “And yet she just happened to find him… conveniently right before launching her new lip oil line? It would be good attention, people buying because they feel sorry for her?”

“And with a suspiciously well-lit crying video posted less than 24 hours later. Don’t tell me that wasn’t planned.” Heather adds to the conversation, earning a smirk from her fiancé.

Courtney snaps. “She’s an influencer, not a sociopath. That video got posted by her assistant. Lindsay couldn’t even finish brushing her hair. She was in shock. I know she loved her husband, she wouldn’t kill him to sell a lip product. That’s insane!”

She had to admit, it wasn’t a good move… promoting a brand when your husband was just murdered… she respected the grind… kind of.

Professor Morgan sighs, he’s already given up for the day. “Love doesn’t stop bullets. Alibis do. Heather, where’s that plum sauce?”

He snaps his fingers.

Heather’s head whips around. “I’m not your delivery girl!”

Alejandro reaches across the table. “I’ll do it. Heaven forbid we suffer a sauce delay during a murder trial.”

He tosses a condiment packet onto the table in front of Morgan.

DJ leans forward on the table. “What about the ex-wife?”

Courtney straightens up in her seat, appreciating that at least there was another person in the room who wanted to help Lindsay. She wasn’t giving up on her.

“Aspen. Ten people saw her sipping overpriced cosmos and flirting with a ski instructor named Sven. She’s clear.” Morgan squeezes the sauce packet into the container.

Courtney rubs at her temples. “What about Beth? The stepdaughter?”

“Trust fund kid. Already rolling in cash. She gains nothing from his death except less competition for mirror space.”

She flips to a tabbed section in her binder. “Then there’s Bowie. The assistant. He’s the one who found Lindsay standing over the body and called it in.”

DJ takes a marker and begins writing on the whiteboard. “Wasn’t he conveniently out getting smoothies when the shot was fired?”

Now the ball was rolling.

Courtney pointed at DJ. “Exactly. And he was the only one who had access to the smart lock system. If anyone could get in and out without signs of forced entry, it was him.”

Like a pig, Heather snorts. “So now the assistant did it? What’s his motive—she made him carry too many PR packages? Puh-lease.”

Not this time, bitch.

“Try this: the husband was planning to cut Bowie loose. There are emails—deleted, but I recovered them. He said Bowie was “getting too involved,” and “jeopardizing the brand image”. Lindsay and her husband were a partnership, he believed in her and… he had a lot of money invested into building her up. He was a good business man… and a good husband.”

DJ holds up his hands, impressed by this new information. “Hold up girl. You got his deleted emails?”

She shrugs. “ I know a guy.”

Morgan blinks and goes back to eating. “I am going to pretend I did not hear you say that, Miss Satella.”

And as ever, when Courtney gets on a roll, Alejandro has to chip in. “So now you think it’s the assistant who pulled the trigger?”

She nods. “I think someone wanted Lindsay to take the fall. And the assistant had access, motive, and no one to vouch for him at the time of death.”

The Professor stops what he is doing, he is intrigued and looking at Courtney in a different way, she notices, she hopes she is finally getting him around to the idea that she is right.

He sits back. “Well, well. That’s actual strategy. Keep going, Miss S. Find me a smoking gun that isn’t in a glittery purse.”

Courtney nods and highlights a section in her binder. DJ starts drafting a records request. Heather eyes Courtney with growing suspicion. Alejandro’s smirk falters just slightly.

I’m going to prove she didn’t do this!

~

Courtney enters with her usual air of composure, a shopping bag in hand, filled with essentials: some beauty products, snacks, and a couple of small comforts.

 Lindsay, on the other hand, is sitting across from her, looking dishevelled and a bit frazzled. She’s wearing dark sunglasses, despite being indoors.

Courtney gives her an unconvincing smile. “I brought you some of your essentials—some makeup wipes, new skincare, a few treats from your favorite brand. You know, I thought you could use a little pick-me-up.”

She had made a note to watch over some of Lindsay’s videos, research.

Lindsay takes the bag with a weak smile, but she doesn’t take off her sunglasses. She seems tense, fidgeting with the edges of the frame.

Lindsay mumbles. “Thanks, Courtney. It’s… really nice of you to do this. You didn’t have to.”

Courtney sits down across from the twitching blonde, who has immediately torn off the cap of a lip gloss and applying in generously to chapped lips.

“Okay, so just addressing the elephant in the room, but why the hell are you wearing those sunglasses?”

Lindsay wails. “Because! I am suffering! Spiritually and aesthetically.”

Courtney just stares at her.

Lindsay lowers her voice dramatically, looking around the room and leaning in. “I can’t take them off. I have a brand to protect.”

Courtney mimics her and leans forward, whispering loudly. “You’re in prison.”

 “Exactly. This is when people take pictures!”

The blonde takes a deep breath.

“Look… the truth is… I don’t have my blue contacts in here. They confiscated them like I was smuggling diamonds or something!”

She gestures to her sunglasses. “Theses are the only thing standing between me and complete image devastation.”

It’s not very often that Courtney finds herself at a loss but right now, she is just confused.

“What? You’re joking? This is a joke?”

Lindsay whips off her sunglasses in a burst of melodrama. “Do these look like the eyes of a joke?!”

Big brown eyes blink dramatically at Courtney.

With hands clamped against her mouth, the shock of the reveal taking her off guard, Courtney gasped.

“Okay. Wow. That is… actually really jarring.”

Lindsay covers her… natural eyes with the sunglasses and slumps in her seat.

“Right?! If the world sees this, they’ll never buy my “Born Beautiful” line again. I’ll have to rename everything to “Brown and Sad!”

Courtney refrained from mentioning that her own eyes were brown, slightly offended by Lindsay’s reaction to the colour.

“You lied about your eye colour, not your entire identity.”

Lindsay throws her hands up. “Same difference!”

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Courtney exhales. “Look, I came here for your alibi, not your mid-life branding crisis.”

“I was at the optician getting fitted for a new set of sparkle-boosting lenses. They make my irises pop like filtered ocean water.”

Courtney breathes deeper. “So instead of telling anyone you didn’t murder your husband... you’ve been sitting in jail because you didn’t want people to know you were getting... sparkle eyes?”

Another wail. “YES! If the world finds out my eyes aren’t naturally glacial and hypnotic, I’ll be cancelled! I’ll lose my followers, my sponsorships, my "Glow Up Without Giving Up" book deal—"

It took all that she had in her, not to reach over and knock those sunglasses off of Lindsay’s face. “You’ll also lose the trial.”

“I’d rather go to jail than be exposed as a brown-eyed fraud! You know what’s worse than going to jail?”

Lindsay sobs dramatically. “Becoming irrelevant!”

And somehow, Courtney wasn’t sure which Lindsay feared more.

“Okay, fine. Your secret’s safe with me. I won’t tell anyone.”

Lindsay clutches her hands to her chest. “Really?”

“Yes. I’ll even bring your… sparkly eyeballs before the trial. But you owe me.”

She is taken aback when Lindsay reaches over to grab onto her hands. “The ones labeled “Twilight Lagoon Mist”! And not the tester pair—I need the full glare-resistant set with the hydrating booster. I don’t want to blink weird on camera.”

“Right, because that’s what might make you look suspicious.” Courtney drops her hands and stands up from the table.

“I’ll figure something out. But until then—keep the glasses on. The truth may set you free, but your real eyes might traumatize the jury.”

Sounding more at ease, like a weight has been lifted from her chest, Lindsay has another request. “Tell the world I’m detoxing from artificial light. That sounds real, right?”

“Sure.”

“Hey Courtney” Lindsay stands up. “When this is all over, I’m totally naming a lipstick after you—like, “Court’s in Sesh” or something…”

Courtney can’t help but laugh as she leaves, waving her hand back at Lindsay.

“That was actually very clever. Hang in there.”

Outside the visitation room, Courtney straightens her blazer and hands back her pass to the guard who leads her out the prison.

She paused, pulled out her phone, and typed a quick reminder: “Buy blue lenses. Try not to kill Lindsay.”

Helping Lindsay didn’t exactly feel like justice… but apparently, justice now came with glitter, gossip, and Twilight Lagoon Mist.