The other head of the other law team stood and began his opening remarks. While he spoke, I watched him like a hawk. No one here knew that my part coming up next would be the first time I had done this.

Why hell would they trust me to do this on a murder case for my first time?

Probably because the client couldn’t pay for the big dogs at the firm, I told myself.

I needed to get my head straight.

I wanted to see what fine points I could pick up before I took my turn.

He moved around the courtroom, presenting the beginning and main points of their upcoming arguments. He came across as charismatic and dynamic. I watched members of the jury as they leaned forward to take in what he was saying. If I wanted them to listen to me in just the same way, I had my work cut out for me.

Finally he wrapped up, thanked the jury, and took his seat. I realized that my turn had come. Every eye in the courtroom had turned towards the defense table. I stood and picked up the notes I had prepared, stepping out from between the table and my chair. I glanced towards Aiden, and he gave me a confident nod.

I took a deep breath and began.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. Darius Shaw was found standing over the body of his wife, Rita Shaw, seen there by the first responders of an anonymous 911 call. One could say this is an open and shut case. But every case depends on the production of evidence to piece together the events of any crime. Without judgment I ask each of you to hear out the details of the trial until you have heard all of the evidence." I walked as I spoke, placing myself close to the jurors and making a point to look each of them in the eye. My voice rang out across the courtroom. I had felt nervous up until the moment I began speaking. Then all of my training and preparation took over. Perhaps I didn’t match the charisma of the prosecuting lawyer, but I felt more than anything that I had the attention of the jury. That was all I needed. As I spoke I walked over to Darius Shaw to draw the attention of the jury to him. "Lastly, I simply ask that you listen with an open mind. Look at the facts. Let the information presented guide your decision as the fate of one man rests in your hands. Thank you."

I returned to my seat and Mr. Mahoney stood.

I exhaled.

Aiden leaned over to whisper in my ear. "That was amazing,” he said.

I glanced over at him and saw the sincerity in his eyes.

"Thanks," I said.

I agreed but I suppressed the grin that threatened to break out across my face.

I would celebrate later.

When we won the case.

I hoped.

For the time being I kept my cool professionalism at the surface and waited for the remainder of the trial to unfold. Even though this was a murder case, and we were fighting to keep this man out of jail for the rest of his life, I had to admit I found this kind of fun. I had waited my entire life for this and had worked hard to achieve it.

It did feel strange to have Aiden here.

My emotions to him had shifted drastically since that first day he had set foot back into my life. I had felt everything from excitement to annoyance, infatuation and disgust. But in that moment, sitting in the courtroom, having just nailed the first time I had given opening statements, I couldn’t help but feel a small thrill that he remained sitting next to me. Having him there made it a little bit better somehow.

I couldn’t deny it.

The day continued and the first details of the case were presented to the jury. Aiden and I worked in tandem, feeding off of each other while continuing to compete. Each time he stepped forward, I found a reason to up my game and with every point that I made, he brought up another. At one point, while Aiden and I had both had taken the chance to question to one of the first responders who had been called to the stand, I glanced over and noticed Mr. Mahoney and Ms. Klein exchanging a significant glance, both smiling and nodding.

I had just taken my seat and Aiden stood to present his questions, so I had no way of knowing which of us the gesture referenced. I carefully kept my eyes averted, but continued to be aware of how they followed Aiden with their eyes as he moved around the courtroom. I wondered if I had held their attention in the same way, something I couldn’t have seen as my attention remained on my tasks.

Being a lawyer, I began to realize, was just as much about charisma and likeability as it was about presenting facts, and it seemed as if I wasn’t the only one who noticed that Aiden had this ability in spades. When I glanced towards the jury, their faces confirmed my suspicion. They all seemed rapt by Aiden's presence, which meant good news for our client. I watched him though out the day, taking mental notes on how to apply certain details to my own delivery, always seeking to improve and learn as much as I could.

The day came to an end after what seemed like more hours than the day could hold. The bailiff led the jury out first, in single file out the same door in which they entered. Then Darius Shaw was escorted out with security on either side. I noticed the family members in the audience slipped out the main doors at the same time, and I assumed that this was the sister to which he had been remanded.

The bailiff called for us to all stand as the judge exited back to his chambers. After he disappeared, we were directed that court had been adjourned for the day and we were all free to go. Again I marveled at the specificity of it all, the timing and clockwork. If only the rest of life could be so definitive, things would be a lot easier.

We would return to court on Monday, with a brief refresher meeting with the partners Sunday afternoon. Mr. Mahoney had scheduled this for us to brush up if we needed it. I had to admit, the day had gone well for all of us.

Mr. Mahoney stepped over to us as Aiden and I gathered our things.

"I wanted to commend you both on your performance today,” he said. His rare smile created small crinkles around his eyes. "Ms. Klein and I have been very impressed with both of you."

Aiden and I exchanged a glance, and I perceived the small smile dancing at the edge of his lips. The compliment wasn’t undeserved for Aiden and to be honest I felt for myself either.

"Thank you, sir,” I said. "That means a lot."

"I have to be honest," Mahoney continued. "The other senior partners in the firm were unsure how the two of you would do, working together as partners in this case since you’re vying for the same position with our company. But you have both surprised us. You work so well together. You have both really been able to pull it off. Good work, both of you."

He clapped Aiden on the back and gave me another smile, nodding as he walked back to pick up his briefcase.

I felt ecstatic at Mahoney's words, and the look on Aiden's face indicated that he may have had a similar inclination.

The senior partners walked out together a little way ahead of us, but not before Ms. Klein gave me a nod of confidence from the door. I felt good, better than I had in a long time. Regardless of what else happened, today had been a victory, my first steps into the courtroom and I had nailed it.

The tiniest inkling of worry entered my mind that the compliment had been aimed at both of us. I had hoped that by now there might be a clear front runner and that it would be me. I pushed the thought aside, wanting to relish in the victory of the day.

"You know what," Aiden said as he held the courtroom door open for me. "We should celebrate."

"What did you have in mind?" I asked warily but internally leaping at the thought.

"You know I really enjoy the suspicion in your voice every time I suggest we hang out,” he said with a smile.