Assistant District Attorney Connie Rubirosa

Threat | RP moment

2009-12-12T10:49:58Z

Note: The first part of this, up to Connie leaving Jack’s office, is basically taken from the episode itself (Boy Gone Astray) - fictionalized as best as I can recall the scene, but also incorporating current game canon into the reactions of the characters and done more from Connie’s point of view. The rest is complete game canon, ficced from RP…hope that makes sense! Comments/feedback most appreciated!

“There’s been a development.”

Jack’s grim statement echoed in Connie’s head as she stood in his office, Michael beside her, waiting to hear the latest news on their already-precarious case. The fact that Lieutenant Van Buren was in his office, an equally somber look on her face, did not bode well. Van Buren took a moment to explain that a tape had been received at the precinct. Someone, Connie wasn’t paying attention to who, pressed play on the tape deck that had appeared on Jack’s desk.

The first strains of a narcocorrido began to play. It was similar to the one that Los Guerreros had written about their victim, Nina Wilshire, except that it was rougher, unprofessionally produced. And the subject of this death ballad was…the dark haired lady lawyer. Her.

“What is it?” Michael looked at her with concern. He didn’t understand a word of the song, but Van Buren’s look, coupled with Connie’s now-pale face told him something was very wrong.

“The song,” Connie swallowed. “It’s about the violent death of the dark-haired lady lawyer.”

She heard Jack say something to Van Buren about police protection, his voice overly sharp, but it didn’t quite register. All that came into focus was the queasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.

“Can we nail them for this?” Michael asked, choosing to look at Van Buren and not at Connie for the moment.

Van Buren mentioned that they didn’t have solid proof linking the tape back to the cartel, Jack’s voice grew angrier, and Connie began to feel like the room was spinning.

“Well, keep me up to date, then,” she heard herself saying before hurrying for the door.
Michael was quick to follow her as she went down the hall to her office. When she reached her office, she realized he was there and let him in before closing the door.

“Connie.” His voice was firm, but calm. “You’ll be all right.”
She looked at him, scared. “You saw what they did to Los Guerroros – an entire music group, Michael…and…to countless others who…got in their way.”

“We’ll stop them,” he told her, more confident than he felt.
Connie didn’t look too convinced. “The cops’ll have to,” she said quietly. She sat down at her desk to take a drink of water from the waterbottle she kept there. Instead, she promptly threw up into the wastepaper basket.

“Whoa.” Michael put a hand to her shoulder as she looked down at her desk, a little numbly. “You’re really upset.” He hadn’t realized how badly.

“I’m not,” Connie looked up. “I mean, I am afraid…but I’ve been feeling like I’m coming down with something all week—whatever bug’s going around. I guess it finally hit me.”

“I guess so.” Now he was the one unconvinced. “Maybe you should go home and rest.” And be out of the line of fire.

“Maybe.” She thought about it a moment. “I can take some work home with me. Will you try to come home early?”
“I’ll go with you now if you want,” Michael smiled at her.
Connie gave a small smile in return. “All right. I guess we’ve got to wait till they get the logistics for the detail squared away.”

Michael nodded. After a moment, he added, “And at least it’s not the Albanians.”
“They’re just as ruthless,” Connie said. “But you’re right. I’d rather be in the crosshairs of a group I’m at least a little more familiar with…” She tried to be humorous about it, but didn’t quite get there in her tone or facial expression.

After the logistics were worked out with the NYPD, Connie and Michael were escorted home in an unmarked squad car. The plainclothes police officer who drove them remained stationed outside their apartment building, monitoring who came and went.

Once they were safely upstairs, Connie changed into sweats and sat down on the sofa where Michael was already parked, watching ESPN. She had a stack of file folders on the coffee table, but didn’t bother with work. Instead, she curled up close to her husband and tried not to think about the narcocorrido and all it meant.

“I think I may follow soccer a little more closely this year,” Michael said after they’d been sitting there awhile. While Connie’s focus on the TV was a bit absent, Michael seemed to be giving it his full attention.
“Addict,” she said with a little smile. Normally she might have given him a harder time of it. Now, she just seemed happy to be sitting there watching him watch TV.

“We could see a match in Brazil or Madrid,” he said. Anything to keep the conversation going, the focus elsewhere. He’d talk about the ballet if it would keep her mind off the present situation.

Now Connie laughed. “I didn’t know you liked soccer that much.” She paused. “but I’m sure the next time we visit Spain, my relatives would be happy to take you to a game.”

The next time they visited Spain... They would. They had all the time in the world, she told herself.

“All right,” he said.
“…speaking of my family…” Connie sighed, unable to lose sight of the present. “I was supposed to have lunch with Ileana tomorrow. I think I’m going to cancel it…I’d like to not mention any of…what’s going on…to any of them.”

“Why?” Michael asked. “You don’t have to discuss it.”
She gave him a look. “I’d be taking a police detail to lunch with me. There’d be questions. Besides…it’d be easier if I stayed home.” Connie bit her lip. “Less chance of…anything.”

The thought was unnerving but he didn’t let on how much it bothered him. “You can’t let them get to you like this,” he told her.

Connie held onto him tighter than she realized. “I don’t want to worry my parents or my sisters, or put them in danger.”

“I understand that,” Michael said, “But we will stop these people.” It was a temporary discomfort, nothing more. It would end.

“It has to be done with soon, right?” Connie tried to go with his line of thinking. “I mean, the duration of the trial—now that we have Rafa on our side, we have enough not to get the case thrown out—so once he testifies…done.”

“Exactly,” he told her.

She tried not to worry and put her head back on his shoulder. “I love you.” Connie’s voice was quiet.
“I love you, too.” Michael’s own voice was steady as he held her close, arms around her.
Connie sniffed and looked back at the TV, still absently.
“I promise,” he told her. “We’ll be fine.”
She nodded, but a few tears fell. She wiped her face on his shirt. “I believe you.”

Awhile later, Connie fell asleep like that, emotionally exhausted and still feeling a bit ill with whatever she was coming down with. Michael continued to hold her as he watched ESPN. To tell the truth, he watched just as absently as she had. He was numb and stressed, frustrated that there was nothing he could do about the situation and enraged at the people who would even threaten her. Several hours passed before he snapped out of it enough to nudge Connie and get the both of them to bed.

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-12-10T21:12:00

2009-12-11T02:12:05Z

Thursday, December 10.

For the first time all week, there seems to be an upside. Small victories, right?

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-12-10T18:41:00

2009-12-10T23:41:04Z

Wednesday, December 9.

I thought the first part of my day was bad enough. Michael and I visited my old high school boyfriend, Jonny Cortez, at this club he now works at as a DJ. We needed some insight into these songs that this band, Los Guerreros, puts out. The songs are called narcocorridos - basically, they glamorize the lives of druglords and their wives. Los Guerreros put out a song detailing the murder of our victim. It was an uncomfortable morning, mostly because Jonny kept calling me 'baby' and bringing up old times in front of Michael.

It got a lot worse than that.

A couple hours after we returned to the DA's office, we got a call from the cops.

The band - Los Guerreros - was gunned down by the cartel.

They were all killed.

The crime scene was...

...how the hell is any of this glamorous?

A Minor Irritant | RP Log

2009-12-10T23:25:20Z

Tuesday, December 8th.

Connie Rubirosa: *Connie's sitting in the coffee house near the courthouse, waiting for Alex to arrive, already got her coffee and a pastry*
Alex Eames: *comes into the coffee house, goes to get a coffee before going to find Connie. Finds her and goes over to her*
Connie Rubirosa: Hey. *little smile*
Alex Eames: *returns the little smile, sits down* Hey.
Connie Rubirosa: How's it going?
Alex Eames: I'm fine. How're you?
Connie Rubirosa: *soft sigh* All right.
Alex Eames: *small smile* You sure?

Connie Rubirosa: We've got a new case...these four boys...teenagers up for murder. They killed this woman pretty violently....Turns out, they're working for a drug cartel that gave them a ton of money and...whatever they wanted, really.

Connie Rubirosa: *glances at her coffee* Child soldiers, really. Right here in New York.
Alex Eames: And I thought I had heard it all. *sighs*
Connie Rubirosa: To make matters worse? I walk into court for arraignment yesterday afternoon...their defense attorney shows up...it's Marcus Woll.
Alex Eames: *surprised pause, taking a second to recognise the name, then winces* I'm gonna guess some words were exchanged?

Connie Rubirosa: He managed to get more cocky in the last few years.
Alex Eames: Nice. *flat* Are you gonna be okay going against him with this case?
Connie Rubirosa: *gives her a look* I'm fine. It was just...unexpected.
Alex Eames: *raises her brow, nods* Of course.
Connie Rubirosa: I'm just--not who I was then--and seeing him is--a reminder?
Alex Eames: *nods* Yeah, that makes sense. You know you're different now, and you have a lot more experience behind you.
Connie Rubirosa: *nods*
Connie Rubirosa: *takes a drink of coffee, then a big bite of pastry*
Alex Eames: *small smile, sips her drink*
Connie Rubirosa: *takes another bite when they're approached by Marcus Woll, who is perfectly coiffed and has an impeccable suit*

Marcus Woll: Connie?
Alex Eames: *surprised, looks round*
Connie Rubirosa: *tries not to visibly tense, looks up* Marcus.
Alex Eames: *raised brow, studies him*

Marcus Woll: *smiles pleasantly, if not a bit smarmily* You left so soon after court let out yesterday, I didn't get a chance to say hello.
Connie Rubirosa: *flat* Hello.
Marcus Woll: *small smirk* It's been awhile.
Connie Rubirosa: It has been.

Alex Eames:*listening, more to get a feel for who Marcus is*
Alex Eames:*and, out of respect for Connie she isn't saying anything for now*
Marcus Woll: You look good.
Connie Rubirosa: *small (annoyed?) smirk* Thanks. You....are exactly the same.
Marcus Woll: *looks her up and down a moment* We should get a drink sometime, catch up.
Connie Rubirosa: I try not to make a practice of going out for drinks with opposing counsel, Marcus.
Marcus Woll: Of course. After the trial, then. *gives her that looking-her-over look again*

Alex Eames:: *disgusted face* *having to stop herself from commenting*

Connie Rubirosa: *primly* I'm married, Marcus.
Marcus Woll: Are you? I'd...heard rumors....Who's the lucky man?

Alex Eames: *raised brow, looks at Connie*
Connie Rubirosa: Michael Cutter, actually.
Marcus Woll: *surprised, lets out a small chuckle* You certainly worked your way up the ladder.
Connie Rubirosa: *cheeks get red, death!glare*

Marcus Woll: *tries not to seem pleased about her look, turns to glance at Alex* You didn't introduce me to your friend...*totally appears friendly on the outside, and to the average passerby, but definitely enjoys messing with people's heads*

Connie Rubirosa: This is my friend, Alex Eames. Alex, this is Marcus Woll.
Alex Eames: *nods to him* Woll. *not being unfriendly, but not sure she's able to say she's pleased to meet him, still studying him and trying to figure him out*
Marcus Woll: *surprised by the way she says his name, looks her over* Cop or lawyer?
Alex Eames: Cop. *nods* Detective.
Connie Rubirosa: *adds* With the Major Case Squad.
Marcus Woll: Pleasure to meet you, Detective.
Alex Eames: *raised brow* Thank you.

Marcus Woll: *one of those smiles meant to be disarming, that usually works with women*
Alex Eames: *just looks back at him, not phased by his smile. Gives him a small, disinterested-yet-polite smile, and then sips her coffee*

Connie Rubirosa: I'll see you in court, Marcus. *basically dismissing him from the conversation*
Marcus Woll: *that smug look* I'll be there.
Connie Rubirosa: *just glares until he turns to leave*
Marcus Woll: *and he walks out, all cockily*

Alex Eames: *quiet for a second, then, flat* Charming... *then more softly, more seriously* I guess you're the only one who grew for the better. *small smile*
Connie Rubirosa: *small, unamused smile, takes a drink of coffee*
Alex Eames: *sighs, takes a sip of her drink, lets her talk in her own time*

Connie Rubirosa: It was stupid...I knew at the time that it was stupid.
Alex Eames: We all make mistakes. *small smile*
Connie Rubirosa: It's not--I didn't---*looks down at her hands*
Alex Eames: Not what?
Connie Rubirosa: That's not why I slept with him.
Alex Eames: Then why...?

Connie Rubirosa: *shakes her head* I believed what he told me? I...*sad laugh*...was in a brand new job that I thought was glamorous. It sounds silly now.
Alex Eames: *small smile* No... not really. I think we're all naive at the beginning.
Connie Rubirosa: He was so confident..
Alex Eames: He doesn't seem to have changed much.
Connie Rubirosa: He wasn't as...smarmy...back then.
Connie Rubirosa: *shrugs, looks down*
Alex Eames: I'm sure he wouldn't have appealed to you if he had been.
Connie Rubirosa: *shrugs again, finishes her coffee*
Alex Eames: You gonna be okay?
Alex Eames: *concerned*
Connie Rubirosa: I'm fine.
Connie Rubirosa: *small smile, gets up to toss her cup away*
Connie Rubirosa: I should probably get going, though.

Alex Eames: *frowns, doesn't believe her* You know you can call me if you need to talk?
Connie Rubirosa: *nods* I know, Alex. I just--need to get over that. It was a long time ago and I'm a different person.
Alex Eames: Of course. *nods*
Connie Rubirosa: It's not a big deal and I don't want to make it one. It's the case that's important.
Connie Rubirosa: He's just...a minor irritant.
Alex Eames: Sure. I know that. Not really about him, as long as you're okay.
Connie Rubirosa: I'm fine, like I said. *smiles* I think I might be coming down with something, but other than that...
Alex Eames: You're still feeling off? *raised brow*
Connie Rubirosa: *shrugs* There's a bug going around. Cole Hayes got it, so did a couple ADAs.
Alex Eames: Maybe, but you've been feeling it coming for almost a week now. Look after yourself.
Connie Rubirosa: I will. I'll see you later...thanks for meeting me.
Alex Eames: No problem, really. You don't have to thank me, it's what friends are for, right?
Connie Rubirosa: *nods*
Connie Rubirosa: *waves a little* Take care.
Alex Eames: *small nod*
Alex Eames: *little wave*

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-12-07T04:57:00

2009-12-07T09:57:29Z

Monday, December 7. Evening.

After having a restful weekend, we found ourselves dropped into the middle of a rather complicated case first thing Monday morning.

A Mexican drug cartel used teenage boys to viciously murder a woman.

Child soldiers here in New York City.

You expect that sort of thing in third-world countries. These kids are high school aged and younger. Their arraignment was this afternoon. They plead not guilty. Their cheerfully smarmy defense attorney is someone I worked with years ago, who used to be an ADA.

[Private Thoughts]
Woll looked at me like he knew me, tried to act amiable after court. I'm not who I was back then and I'm embarrassed that I ever let him get that close to me.

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-12-05T03:55:00

2009-12-05T08:55:12Z

Mulrooney was found guilty on all charges.

Taking the weekend off.

If you want me for anything, too bad.

...or just leave me a message and I'll get back to you eventually.

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-12-01T12:52:00

2009-12-01T17:52:27Z

Michael keeps reminders in his office - not post-it notes, but pieces of old trials -- a rock that a woman used to bash her husband's brains in, for instance. The case should've been a slam dunk - there was the rock with DNA evidence and a confession. He lost.

Keeping the rock in his office is a note-to-self to keep on his toes, to remember that even simple cases can take unexpected twists and that nothing is ever guaranteed. You can't rest, even with an 'easy' case, until the verdict is in.

Still, we have to believe in ourselves and believe in the system we work in. It's a precarious balance.

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-11-28T01:04:00

2009-11-28T06:04:15Z

Michael's parents invited my parents and sisters (...and in turn, part of the Enslow family) out to Long Island for Thanksgiving. It was crowded and loud and sometimes ridiculous, but fun.

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-11-23T14:23:00

2009-11-23T19:23:25Z

Mulrooney trial starts today. Hopefully it'll be short and sweet.

The weekend was exhausting, but very productive. I forgot how much there is to do when you're first chair, even when the case is an easy one.

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-11-21T01:00:00

2009-11-21T06:12:18Z

Various emails to various people, all sent first thing Friday morning.

To: Jeff Bennett
From: Connie Rubirosa
Subj: Mulrooney trial

Jeff,

Let me know when you're done in court for the day so we can get you up to speed on Mulrooney, as Jack mentioned. If you're stuck in arraignment court, possibly see if you can get someone to cover you. I'd ask Nick Potter or even Brian Peluso.

Thanks,

Connie

To: Alex Eames
From: Connie Rubirosa
Subj: Mulrooney

Jack's confident we're going to win this, so much so that he moved me to first chair and Jeff Bennett to second. I'll probably be busy all weekend with trial prep and catching Bennett up to speed. If you want to go over anything, give me a call.

Connie

To: Christina Finn
From: Connie Rubirosa
Subj: lunch?

Hey! Ran into Brian the other day. He said you've been stressing over wedding stuff. Do you want to do lunch sometime in the next couple of weeks? It's been awhile since we've had a chance to catch up! Let me know.

Connie

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-11-17T19:39:00

2009-11-18T00:39:39Z

Between work and getting settled in to married life, I can't remember when I last saw my sisters. I definitely need to give them both a call.

The Mulrooney case is shaping up - we have strong evidence - but he's determined to make it hell every step of the way. Honestly, I'm looking forward to seeing him in court - I'd love to make him squirm on cross-examination.

[Private Thoughts]
I hope that once the trial starts - once the evidence starts tangibly mounting against Mulrooney in court - Alex will feel better about everything. There wasn't much I could say to her, other than the standard 'we'll get him.'

The whole 'everyone makes mistakes' conversation went differently than I'd intended. I hadn't thought of Marcus Woll in years, and yet he's who came to mind when I was trying to recall an incident where I'd trusted someone and engaged in something I probably shouldn't have. Like I told Alex, that seems like a lifetime ago - hardly memorable except for the lesson I learned from it. I'm not who I was back then...I'm secure in who I am, I'm happier, married, even, to a man I don't know what I'd do without...and yet something about that memory nags at my mind. I suppose it was just the surprise of remembering it all these years later...

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-11-05T00:31:00

2009-11-05T05:33:36Z

Yankees won the World Series. I was there. Well, still there, actually. The BlackBerry - it's a beautiful thing.

...I'm just happy that Michael is so happy. So, so, so happy.

Really? [RP thread w/ detalex_eames]

2009-10-24T00:02:31Z

[Note: This is set for Monday evening, after events from 20x04 "Reality Bites" - specifically, after Connie is approached by Artie Kramer about appearing on "Larry Plus Ten" and is subsequently told by Jack (and more indirectly, Michael) that she has to appear on the show in order to get the information the DA's Office needs to secure their case. Dialog in italics are direct quotes from the show.]

Monday evening, October 26.

"Why don't you go on camera?" Connie raised her brows at Michael.
"Well, he didn't ask me." Michael's retort was too amused.
She shot him a glare and he went quiet.

Later, when Jack went back to his own office, Michael tried to reassure her. "It won't be that bad," he said.

"You're not the one whose face is going to be plastered on millions of TV screens," Connie glared again. "And we still don't know that it won't come back to bite us in the ass."

"That's true," Michael said. "Our job does require us to do unpleasant things from time to time."

Connie put up a hand. "I'm doing it, aren't I?" She paused. "I went to school with Artie Kramer - I didn't trust him then and I don't trust him now. Let me be clear on that."
"All right," Michael said. He looked back down at the work he was going over. "I've still got a lot to do - some Executive Council stuff to catch up on from when we were gone..."
Normally, she might have offered to stay or found an excuse to wait around for him. "I'll see you at home, then." Connie grabbed her briefcase.
Michael glanced up and gave her a smile.
Despite her mood, she gave him a quick smile back before leaving his office.

Once she was out the door, Connie looked through her BlackBerry address book. After a moment, she dialed Alex Eames.

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-10-23T18:20:00

2009-10-23T22:22:05Z

New case going to trial next week - Larry Johnson, lately of the reality show "Larry Plus Ten." More like, Larry plus greed equals murder. ...I have got to stop hanging around the guys from Homicide so much. My jokes are getting cheesier.

It also turns out that the reality show producer, Artie Kramer, is this jerk I went to college with. He's decided not to make anything easy for us.

I have a feeling this is going to be a stay-late-at-the-office weekend. Ah, wedded bliss. At least we'll be there together...

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-10-19T23:18:00

2009-10-20T03:19:11Z

Back to reality...

[Text Messages]

2009-10-15T15:16:33Z

[Sent to the phones of Alex Eames & Casey Novak]

It's a text message, with an attachment.
Text: See you soon!
Attachment: Eiffel.jpg - a picture of Connie and Michael in front of the Eiffel Tower, looking all happy and newlywed.

Reception [open RP thread]

2009-10-06T05:44:06Z

[ Feel free to have your characters join in the fun! <3 ]

Saturday evening, October 3rd.

The reception was held at the Long Island farmhouse of Joan and George Cutter. In the back, there were two white tents set up close to each other, lanterns and strings of white lights providing illumination as the sun set.

There were round tables with place cards denoting where each guest should sit. The entire reception area was decorated in green-and-champagne colors. Cherry blossoms highlighted the floral arrangements, which, along with candles, were the centerpieces. Small stained glass kaleidoscopes, with attached cards denoting Connie and Michael’s names and the date of the wedding, were the favors. There was an area for the DJ and dancing, along with a table where the cake was and a bar.

One people had mostly arrived, the bridal party made their entrance with Connie and Michael being introduced as “Mr. and Mrs. Cutter” for the first time. Dinner was served and following that were the traditional toasts. While Cori, as the maid of honor, highlighted some sisterly bonding moments from the Rubirosa girls’ childhood, Sam’s best man toast was bawdier, earning him several dinner rolls thrown at him from the directions of Michael, their father, George and Connie’s mother, Dolores. After dinner was the cake cutting, and then the couple’s first dance.

As Connie and Michael danced to “Unforgettable,” they seemed unaware of their guests, wrapped up in smiling and whispering to each other as they moved across the floor. When the song ended, the dance floor was opened up to whoever wanted to dance. In addition, people mingled about, talking with each other and making sure to see the bride and groom.

While Michael talked with his father and uncle, Connie (having politely listened to baseball talk for a bit) grabbed a glass of champagne and tapped her foot to the song playing. She glanced around, excited that the fun, relaxed part of the wedding was finally here (much as she’d cherished the ceremony).

Wedding [RP moment]

2009-10-06T03:49:22Z

[Reception post/thread will follow this shortly!]

Saturday afternoon, October 3rd.

The Sunday school room at the Sacred Heart Church in Queens was crowded with women. In the center of them all was Connie, who was standing still as her youngest sister and maid of honor, Cori, pinned her veil into place.

“You look perfect,” their other sister, middle child Ileana, said as she stood nearby, wearing the same sage green bridesmaid dress that Cori wore.

Connie grinned. “Thanks. You look really good for staying out till, what was it, 5AM, when you texted me to see where I was?”

“I still can’t believe you were the party pooper at your own bachelorette party,” Ileana shook her head.

“Is Rob alive, by the way?” Connie asked.
Ileana snorted. “He’s in the back of the church—nothing personal—with his sunglasses on. He may or may not sleep through the ceremony.”
Connie rolled her eyes, but wasn’t surprised. “Great.”

Nearby, on the floor, Alex Eames was crouched down beside Ellie, helping her into her flower girl dress, as she hadn’t wanted to get the dress wrinkled on the way to the church. Alex herself was wearing a beige dress with her hair up. She’d tried and failed to put Ellie’s hair up, so Ellie wore a ribbon in her hair.

“She looks adorable, Alex,” Connie smiled.
“She does. Thanks,” Alex smiled back. “You do, too.” There was a bit of teasing in her tone, but Alex was serious.
Connie smirked. “You don’t look so bad, either.”
“Thank you, I think,” Alex said.
Ellie looked over at them with huge, curious eyes, not really understanding that the ceremony was about to take place or immediately remembering her part in it.
“She’s so cute,” Cori said, smiling at the toddler.
Ellie smiled as she chewed her fingers, realizing she was being talked about.
“Thanks,” Alex said again, fastening the dress up.
After her mother did this, Ellie poked at the flower that sat at the waist of the dress, grinning as she did so.

Realizing it was nearly time, Connie smoothed her dress even though there wasn’t a wrinkle on it. Ileana fussed with her own hair and Cori grabbed her maid of honor bouqet.

“You doing okay over there?” Alex asked as she looked up from helping Ellie set up her flowers in the wooden trolley that she would push down the aisle.
“Yep,” Connie nodded, looking over. “Just…can’t believe it’s nearly time.”
“That’s right,” Alex smiled. “Soon you’ll be Mrs. Cutter. Feels great, right?”
Connie grinned. “It really does.”
Ileana snickered. “Mrs. Cutter. I’m sure that’ll get you places at the DA’s Office.”
Alex laughed at that and Connie made a face.
“Yeah,” Connie said, “Like more piles of work than anyone else.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m not marrying him for his name, Lena.”
“Too bad,” Ileana joked. “You know, I didn’t think I’d like being a Mrs., but Mrs. Enslow does get peoples’ attention.”
“As if you didn’t make people pay attention when you weren’t married,” Connie said, “Besides it means you’re married to Rob.” She wrinkled her nose, teasing (well, mostly).

From the floor, Ellie let out an excited squeal.
Connie looked over with amusement. “You excited, Ellie?”
Ellie bounced on the spot, bending her knees up and down.
“Looks like she’s ready to go,” Cori said.
Ellie grabbed hold of the wooden trolley that held the flowers and started for the door.
“No, no, no,” Alex followed her and brought her back. “It’s not time yet.”
The baby only giggled.
Alex put Ellie on her knee. “You sit with me so you don’t tire yourself out.”

Just then, Connie’s mother, Dolores, came over. “Chela, I have to go out in the hall so they can seat the mothers,” she said, taking Connie’s hand. “Joan is already out there.”

“All right,” Connie squeezed her mother’s hand and smiled.
Dolores pulled her in for a careful hug. “Lena’s right – you look perfect. I saw Michael when I came in the church earlier. You match perfectly.”
Connie laughed. “Well, that’s the point of the coordinating colors.”
“Not just the colors,” Dolores said. “You go together.”
“Mom,” Connie tried not to get overly emotional. “I can’t start crying before the wedding even starts.”
Her mother smiled and squeezed her hand again. “I better go.”

“Do not cry,” Ileana said sharply. “You can cry all you want in the car on the way to the reception. Or at best, as soon as pictures are over with after the ceremony.”
“Thanks,” Connie laughed. She looked at her makeup with her compact mirror one last time.

A few moments later, the door opened and Ned Cutter, Michael’s youngest brother and the best man, let them know that it was time.

The wedding party lined up in the hallway outside of the church sanctuary. First to go in and down the aisle was Ileana, accompanied by Sam, the oldest Cutter brother. Ileana held onto Sam’s arm and prodded the hungover groomsman to stand up straighter as they started. She was pretty sure she heard a snore coming from where Rob was sitting in the very back and tried hard not to laugh as they continued up the aisle.

Following them were the maid of honor and best man – Cori and Ned. They both seemed to be the ones taking everything the most seriously. Well, after the bride and groom. After that was Max, dressed in a mini-version of the beige linen suit that the men wore and carrying the wedding rings on a small pillow. When Max reached the end of the aisle and stood at the end of the short line of groom and groomsmen, Alex prodded Ellie at the beginning of the aisle, near the church entrance.

After a moment, Ellie began toddling down the aisle, slowly pushing her trolley cart full of flowers, staring at all the unfamiliar faces looking at her. As Alex snuck back to her seat, Ellie continued her careful walk. She tried but failed to giggle quietly as everyone watched her. As she neared the front, she ran the wooden toy into one of the church pews, getting it stuck. Her eyes widened and she looked at the nearest person – Jack McCoy – as if to say, ‘Help!’ With a chuckle, Jack helped her get back on track. With a loud squeal of delight, Ellie toddled the rest of the way up the aisle.

Once Ellie got there, Cori carefully moved her so she was standing next to Max. After Cori was back in place, the bridal march came on and Connie began making her way down the aisle on her father’s arm.

From behind her veil, Connie looked out briefly at the sea of faces. It was actually a relatively small wedding, especially compared to the lavish event that had been Rob and Ileana’s wedding, but everyone important to them – friends, family members – was there. Earlier in the day, she’d mused that she couldn’t believe her wedding day was really happening, but at that moment, it all fit together and any nervousness was gone for the moment. Connie looked straight ahead, focusing on one face, grinning as she did. Seeing Michael smile back at her, she hurried her step a bit, eager to get on with the ceremony.

The ceremony itself lasted about half an hour. It was a quicker version of the traditional Catholic vows. As Ileana had ordered, Connie managed not to cry – even when her father gave her away and even when the rings were exchanged. Finally, she and Michael were pronounced man and wife. Their first married-couple kiss was exchanged and the ceremony was over. Connie held onto Michael’s arm tightly as they walked back down the aisle, unable to stop grinning. He smiled back at her, holding onto her just as tightly.

After pictures were taken, the wedding party began to migrate toward the cars that had been rented to take them to Long Island, to Michael’s parents’ house, where the reception would be starting in the early evening. It would start a bit after they showed up, giving the other guests time to get there as well.

Party Over [RP log]

2009-10-05T22:50:34Z

This is the end of Connie's bachelorette party/Michael's bachelor party. Thank you to everyone who played or let me know how their characters would be participating. <3 Sorry this is up so late. The wedding ceremony, with RP thread for the reception should be up later tonight.

Friday, October 2nd, circa 12:00AM

*they've been to several bars...in the beginning it was okay - there was karaoke at the second bar, people were having fun......and then there was the male strippers...which Connie just found mostly ridiculous.....Ileana and Casey have been leading the "let's drink more!" brigade, Nima's not far behind, along w/ the Rubirosa cousins. Also, Cori's gotten drunk for her own reasons and is a lot more animated than normal. They're totally now one of those annoyingly loud groups of drunk women.

Connie Rubirosa: ....this has to be the last place. *as they go into the bar* ....they're going to all get arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct if we go anywhere else.
Alex Eames: Yeah... by me. *hasn't drunk anything but water and orange juice*
Connie Rubirosa: *smirks* I'd say go for it, but then half my wedding party would be gone.
Alex Eames:*laughs* That would be sad. I'll try my best to resist.
Alex Eames: *looks around for some quiet seats somewhere*

Connie Rubirosa: *the bar jukebox is playing some 80s song*....oh, god, we came on 80s night. Ileana will never leave now.
Ileana Rubirosa Enslow: *is grabbing Cori and Nima and they're singing Girls Just Wanna Have Fun*
Connie Rubirosa: *facepalm*
Alex Eames: *watches them and cringes* Where is the decent music?
Connie Rubirosa: Hey, I love this music...
Alex Eames: Really? Because your sisters are slaughtering it. *smirks*
Connie Rubirosa: *laughing*
Alex Eames: At least they're having... fun.
Connie Rubirosa: ....yes. At least they are. *laughs* And I have lots of pictures to get back at them with *motions to her camera that she's been using all evening*
Alex Eames: Yeah, you and your camera. *smirks* You're a bit trigger happy with that thing.
Connie Rubirosa: *smirks* Everyone's going to be taking pictures of me all day long tomorrow. I have to have my own fun.

*just then, there's a ruckus at the door, followed by Rob Enslow and Sam Cutter coming in, leading a pack of bachelors including a drunk Cole Hayes, mildly inebriated Ned Cutter, and a wary Lupo and Bernard. Somewhere in there is Michael Cutter, but he's not immediately visible*

Connie Rubirosa: ....oh, seriously?
Alex Eames: Hmm?
Connie Rubirosa: *points to where Rob and Sam are acting like competing frat boys*
Alex Eames: *looks over* Oh, yay, drunken testosterone. That's just what those ladies need. *flat*

*Ileana sees Rob, and gets all excited, and yeah the women think it's the most hysterical thing that the guys are there....Rob/Ileana, Casey/Cole, etc*

Connie Rubirosa: .....I'm going to see if I can find Michael.
Alex Eames: Oh, feel free. I'll just sit here. *smirks*

Connie Rubirosa: *gives her a sympathetic look, goes to find Michael...after the crowd moves to another part of the bar, sees him sitting there looking at his BlackBerry. Connie grins, goes over to him*

Michael Cutter: *is playing with blackberry, ignoring Sam*
Connie Rubirosa: *manages to get over to where he is, puts a hand on his shoulder, leans in* I see you're having just as thrilling a time as I am.
Michael Cutter: Even better. I have Sam.
Connie Rubirosa: And Rob. You poor thing. *kisses his cheek, then laughs* We could ditch them.....*looks over at Ileana, who's the center of the little crowd, Rob egging her on in whatever*....I don't think they'd even notice...
Michael Cutter: I think you're right. Let's get out of here before Rob's backup shows up.
Connie Rubirosa: ...he's got backup? Sam's not enough?
Michael Cutter: It's to counter Sam, I hear. Those jackasses from his wedding are on their way.
Connie Rubirosa:...to counter Sam? What, are they having a douchebag contest?
Michael Cutter: I think that about sums it up.
Connie Rubirosa: ...fabulous.
Michael Cutter: Isn't it?

Connie Rubirosa: They're gonna be greeeat company when they finally finish. *indicating Ileana and Cori - she's supposed to spend the night w/ them*
Michael Cutter: Looks like it.
Connie Rubirosa: I could just leave them, go home and watch SportsCenter with you. *teasing about SportsCenter since it's probably not on, but serious about ditching them*
Michael Cutter: And that would be a mistake, why?
Connie Rubirosa: Well, it's not very traditional, but I don't really care at this point...*looking over at Cori, who's overenthusiastically talking to one of Rob's friends*.....oh, boy.
Michael Cutter: Oh, no.

Connie Rubirosa: ...if I said something, would that just make it worse?
Michael Cutter: Maybe.
Connie Rubirosa: *takes a drink, looks conflicted about that for a moment*
Michael Cutter: You could have Detective Lupo escort her home.
Connie Rubirosa: *glances over at Lupo, who's having a drink, in conversation with Bernard* That's true.
Connie Rubirosa: *goes over to Lupo*

Cyrus Lupo: *Lupo's drinkin'*
Connie Rubirosa: Hey...having fun? *sarcasm, because she really can't believe people are having fun - except for douchebags*
Cyrus Lupo: Uh, no.
Connie Rubirosa: Yeah, neither are we. *motions to Michael* We're probably gonna ditch this in a few minutes...I had a favor to ask you, though.
Cyrus Lupo: Yeah?
Connie Rubirosa: The girl over there talking to the tall guy--*points to Cori and Jeremy*--is my little sister, Cori. She's had a bit too much to drink....*pauses* I was hoping you could make sure she gets home safely...*pointed look at Rob’s friend Jeremy*
Cyrus Lupo: Oh. Yeah....definitely. You mean, safe and not with him.
Connie Rubirosa: I'm probably interfering too much, but she's not...*purses her lips*...it would be a bad idea for many reasons.
Cyrus Lupo: Because he's clearly an asshole?
Connie Rubirosa: *smirks* That's one of the reasons, yeah.
Cyrus Lupo: I can handle that. Bernard's been thinking about handling them all night.
Connie Rubirosa: *laughs* I wouldn't blame him. Of course, Ileana and Rob won't rate the success of their parties on the fact that the guests of honor are sneaking out.
Cyrus Lupo: Do you care?
Connie Rubirosa: Nope. *grinning* if Bernard does handle them, you should try to get it on camera. Seeing Rob and Sam get what they've got coming to them would be a great wedding present.
Cyrus Lupo: I'll tell him so.
Connie Rubirosa: Excellent. Thanks.
Cyrus Lupo: No problem
Connie Rubirosa: See you tomorrow. *preparing to go*
Cyrus Lupo: Sure thing.

Connie Rubirosa: *before heading back to where Michael is, goes to say bye to Alex*
Alex Eames: *has been on the phone with David. At one point, pauses on the phone to say 'no' to some drunken fool who wanted to buy her a drink, and then talks to David till Connie turns up*

Connie Rubirosa: Hey....*sighs* Michael and I are going to leave.
Alex Eames: *says bye to David and then looks at her* You are? What about your sisters?
Connie Rubirosa: *annoyed face* They don't seem to be too concerned with the fact that we have a wedding tomorrow..*glances at Ileana, who is dancing around with Rob and then over to Cori....her look turns more concerned again as Cori is still talking overenthusiastically to Jeremy*
Alex Eames: *glances over to where Connie is looking* Uh... well, they mean well, I guess. If you're leaving, I'll probably just go myself.
Connie Rubirosa: *nods* At least it was fun making fun of people, right? *smirks at her*
Alex Eames: I do that always. *smirks back*

Connie Rubirosa: *glances back at Cori*.....I shouldn't have interfered, but I asked Detective Lupo to make sure Cori got home okay.
Alex Eames: Why you worried about her?
Connie Rubirosa: She's had a lot to drink and she's overly enthused about that asshole, Jeremy.
Alex Eames: I don't know him. Is he trouble?
Connie Rubirosa: He's one of Rob's friends, the type who would happily take advantage of a drunk girl. I know she's an adult and can make her own decisions, but...I'm her big sister...
Alex Eames: Is Lupo taking her home then?
Connie Rubirosa: *nods* He said he'd make sure she got home. *yawns* Hopefully, they'll all tire out soon. I"m exhausted and I didn't have much to drink.

Alex Eames: *smirks* See what you get for drinking? Now you'll not be able to play with your husband-to-be.
Connie Rubirosa: Oh, I'll be able to. *smirk*
Alex Eames: Although I think you're cheating. *smirking*
Connie Rubirosa: Why am I cheating?
Alex Eames: You were originally planning to spend the night with Illeana and Cori right?
Connie Rubirosa: Well, yeah.
Alex Eames: I mean, I don't go for that ridiculous notion about not seeing the guy the night before.
Connie Rubirosa: It's not like I'm a virgin bride awaiting....untold....surprises....on my wedding night. *snickers*
Alex Eames: Hey, you never know what might happen. *smirks*
Connie Rubirosa: We already live together. *pause* Although I do still think it was cute that he would only move in with me once we were engaged.
Alex Eames: *good natured eyeroll*

Connie Rubirosa: (6:07:11 PM): *laughs* I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks for being my sober BFF.
Alex Eames: It's a safe bet you will. *getting her phone back out so she can try to get a lift back instead* Oh, it's my pleasure. I do believe I'm the only sober one here. Just promise not to refer to me as a BFF. *teasing*
Connie Rubirosa: *laughs* Would you rather be my homegirl? *toooootally kidding*
Alex Eames: Homegirl? Do you want me to hit you? *smirks* I'll take the title of friend -- good friend, best friend, whichever. Just not BFF or... homegirl. *laughs*

Connie Rubirosa: *laughing* Okay. I'll see you later, friend.
Alex Eames: Have a good night *cheeky smirk, like 'hehehe, i know what you'll be doooooing'*
Connie Rubirosa: Oh, I plan to. *goes off, toward where Michael is*

Connie Rubirosa: *returns to Michael, smirking* Had to say bye to Alex…And I asked Lupo. He said he'll do it. And could already tell what an asshole Jeremy is. Not that Jeremy makes it difficult.
Michael Cutter: He really doesn't.
Connie Rubirosa: Lupo said Bernard's ready to 'handle' them all. I said if he does, make sure to get it on tape since we'd both love to see Rob and Sam get dealt with by Bernard.
Michael Cutter: I really would.
Connie Rubirosa: *grin* You ready to go?
Michael Cutter: I am.
Connie Rubirosa: Great. *holds out her hand*
Michael Cutter: *takes it*
Connie Rubirosa: *leads the way out*

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-09-28T06:29:00

2009-09-28T10:31:59Z

I guess it would be pretty unprofessional to call in sick the rest of the week to get ready for the wedding...

*sigh*

At least I got approved to have Friday off, months ago.

Oh, and I met with one of the new ADAs the other day, Jeff Bennett. Casey, you'll be happy to know that he seems very competent. *smirk*

{Voicemails}

2009-09-23T22:01:21Z

For Alex Eames

Hey, Alex, it's Connie. I was hoping I could bring you Ellie's dress to keep till the wedding and we could make sure it fits and everything...let me know when works for you...Talk to you later.

For Casey Novak

Hey, stranger, it's Connie. Just checking in...seeing how you are. Give me a call back when you get time.

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-09-12T21:23:00

2009-09-13T01:25:08Z

Labor Day weekend was really restful...and so of course, this week's workload kicked my ass. At least, that's what it feels like. At least it's over...until Monday.

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-09-02T21:34:00

2009-09-03T01:37:48Z

I'm still excited for the wedding, but the honeymoon/vacation part couldn't come any sooner...I definitely need a break.

ada_rubirosa @ 2009-08-24T12:25:00

2009-08-24T16:28:20Z

Stuck behind a pile of paperwork all day.

Visitors welcome.

OOC: That is, if anyone has reason to be at Hogan Place, or would like to have their character meet Connie for lunch or anything, feel free!

Babies and Baseball [an RP moment]

2009-08-12T21:48:59Z

OOC: Backdated because of vacation busyness! Ficced from original log-form.

Monday, August 3.

After Alex and Ellie disappeared down the hallway, Connie closed the apartment door and went back inside. They’d come over to see her wedding dress and visit. Now, though, it was getting late and they had to head back to Queens. While Connie waited for Michael to return home from his dinner meeting with the D.A., she picked up around the living room. It wasn’t messy by any means, but she was a tidy person and definitely not used to having a toddler running around the new apartment…or any apartment, really. She didn’t have a lot of friends with babies –at least not ones she saw often—and she didn’t yet have nieces or nephews.

Connie loved kids and she couldn’t wait to be a mother, but Ellie’s presence that evening reminded her of the fact that she and Michael hadn’t discussed kids other than the general ‘we’d like to have some in the future’ conversation, which had been awhile ago. As she settled down with a few briefs that needed looking over, she wondered how to approach the subject again.

Half an hour later, the key turned in the front door lock and Michael walked in. It had been a drawn-out day and he’d long since shed his suit jacket. He left his briefcase by the door and came into the living room, going for the TV remote.

“Hi,” Connie said as she looked up from her work.
“Oh, hi,” Michael sat down beside her as he turned the channel to ESPN. “You ready for the game on Saturday?”
“…that’s a few days away, but yes,” she couldn’t help smirking at his enthusiasm. “Nice to see you, too.”
He smiled. “It’s great to see you. I thought that was a given.”
She grinned back. “How was dinner with Jack?”
“It was…dinner.” His voice indicated he was too tired of work at the moment for work talk.
“Right,” she said, knowing the feeling. It had been busy for both of them lately, between work and the wedding planning. “Hope we don’t have to wait till Saturday to actually have an evening to ourselves.”
“Well, we live in the same place,” Michael glanced over at her.
“You’d think that would make it easier,” she said, scooting closer to him.
“It does,” he said, putting his arm around her. “See?”
Connie smiled again and kissed him. Michael took a moment to return the kiss, then glanced back at the TV to see the Yankees highlights that had just started.

“Alex and Ellie came over earlier to see my dress,” Connie said when the wrap-up finished a couple of minutes later.
“Oh, they did?” he asked. “Are you going to show me?”
“It's bad luck for you to see it before the wedding,” she said.
“I don't believe that,” he said. “…how long did it take you to pick it?” He only knew that she’d just found it that weekend – he didn’t actually know how much time had been spent in the last few weeks specifically looking for the dress.

“Forever,” Connie said. “Well, it felt like forever.”
“You were with your sister,” Michael pointed out.
“Both of them. They...tried...to help.” She paused. “If you really want to see it, I can show you.”
“No, it's okay. If you're worried, I can wait,” he said.
“It's more of tradition than anything else.” Connie smiled. “I'm not worried about me and you...maybe about the wedding itself not going according to plan…but I think I'm going to have to let it go and relax about that one. “ Something always went off schedule, she knew. She was going to have to live with it. Really, what would him seeing the dress matter?

“ I don't have to add to your stress,” he told her.
“....I'll show you, but I won't try it on,” Connie said, getting up to go get the dress. “That way you won't see me in it till the wedding day.”

A few moments later, Connie came back from the spare bedroom with a garment bag. She took the dress out.

Michael looked up. “It’s nice.” He stopped and really looked at the detail of the dress. “It’s very nice.”
“I think so,” Connie said. “I'm glad you like it, too. I'm also glad we have a spare bedroom...it's becoming Wedding Central."
“ ...you could always store things at my mother's,” he suggested.
“...that's true. It's nice having things on hand, though. Like the favors and centerpieces - my sisters and I are hand-arranging those. ...or we will be, once we finally get everything settled.” Just thinking about the process made Connie a bit anxious – both with worry and excitement. “I swear, I don't think I've ever seen more ribbon samples in my life. Ribbon samples.”

“Why did you look at so many?” Michael asked.
Connie rolled her eyes. “Ileana. Being helpful. She decided I needed to review my options. At least they were of some use. Ellie found a roll of it while we were in there looking at the dress and played with it like it was an actual toy.”

“Couldn't you get Enslow to take her on vacation?” Michael wondered.
“Oddly enough, the guy has to work,” Connie said.
Michael looked at her in mock disbelief. “ He works?”
“Well they don't give him all that money for nothing.”
“ I thought they gave him that money to leave,” Michael shook his head.
“Nope.”

Michael’s attention turned back to the TV and so did Connie’s, instead of to her work. As she glanced over, she noticed that the baseball Ellie had found to play with earlier had been set on the coffee table, presumably by Alex before they’d gone. She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Ribbon and your baseball,” she said aloud. “That's what Ellie found the most fascinating while they were here.”

“My ball?” The look on Michael’s face was like a child unwilling to share. He picked it up and checked for teethmarks. “It’s not a toy.”
Connie laughed. “It’s a baseball. It’s meant to be played with.”
“By me,” he retorted, clutching it.

“Next time I'll tell her that you said she's not allowed,” Connie said dryly. She paused. “ There wasn't anything else for her to play with here...I didn't realize how...lacking in children’s playthings we are.”

“It’s not surprising, considering we lack children,” Michael said.
“Thanks,” Connie rolled her eyes. “I just meant…it'll be nice when we do have kid toys around...” She shrugged and looked back at her brief.

“...I don't want to buy kid toys,” Michael said, missing the point.
“I meant when we have kids,” Connie said.
“Oh…then yes, we’ll have toys.”

It was now or never, Connie realized. “…we haven’t really talked about that, you know.”
“We haven't?” He looked puzzled. “I thought you said you wanted children.”
She actually put a palm to her face. “I meant when.”
“Oh...uh, I think that ball's in your court...” He made a face at his word choice. “I mean...argh. It's up to you.”
Connie was torn between laughing and being annoyed. “It’s still something you have to deal with, too.”
“Well, yes...but not the "when," right?” he looked back at her.
“You're going to be affected by it, too, both at work and at home. I mean, I want to get started...but I also want to have some time just the two of us after we get married...but...I also don't want to wait too long,” she tried to explain.
Michael nodded. “That makes sense. See, you have it all thought out.”
“Not really,” she said. “And I want us to be on the same page...”
“But we are. You’ll know when, and I'm okay with that,” he said.
“I think I will know...” Connie took a breath. “I was kind of thinking maybe nine months or a year...from now, actually...”
“From now, or from the wedding?” he asked.
“ The wedding, I mean,” she clarified.
“Oh....well, that's an idea.” He thought about this a moment, in a way he hadn’t before.
“Were you hoping sooner or later?” Connie wondered.
“ ...I hadn't really thought about it,” Michael admitted. “And hearing you say it, it sounds soon. I mean - in nine months, we could certainly start talking about it, seriously. Whether it seems like a good time, that sort of thing. Yes.”
“....right.” She tried to take in what he was saying. Well, that’s what talking about it was for, right? And of course, he was a guy—they thought differently about babies than women did. Frankly, most men she’d known ran from the subject.
“What?” he asked, wondering about the look on her face.
“Nothing...one minute you're content to let me plan it all, the next minute you're afraid of even starting a conversation several months from now about it...”
“I'm not afraid,” he said, making sure she knew that wasn’t it. “I was just...taken aback. I said it was a good idea.”
“…I'm sorry.” Connie sighed. “I--it was on my mind...it's been on my mind here and there the last few weeks...I wanted to talk to you about it before the wedding..I'm not sure why...” She gave a small smile. “I'm really excited about--marrying you and everything that comes after...I see Ellie or other babies and…” She glanced down, a bit embarrassed at how it all sounded out loud.
“Oh...” He put his arm back around her. “You could have said something.”
“I wasn't quite sure how,” she admitted. “And we've both been busy...it just sort of got away from me till now.”
“It's all right,” Michael said. “It just - the timing wasn't something I considered. I think talking about it then will be good. I think we'll know.”

Connie nodded, then smiled at something Alex had told her before. “Alex said we could babysit Ellie any time we wanted to get us more acquainted with taking care of kids.”
“I'll pass, thanks,” Michael said.
“Why not?”
He shrugged. “I don't have to spend time with other people's children to know about ours.”
“That's true,” Connie said. “The idea was that it could help prepare us for ours. I'm also her godmother.”
“I don't mind having her over,” he said.
“Good. I'd like to be able to have her over without Alex, when you're around.”
“Either way—if I’m here or not, it doesn’t matter,” he told her.

She settled back against him. “I'll tell Alex to make sure to pack her her own toys. Since she's not allowed to play with your baseball.” It was clear she was still amused by this.

“It's not a toy,” he said again.
“It's not like you don't have dozens of them,” she teased.
“I don't.” He picked up the ball again and tossed it lightly.

“You have a good amount, anyway.” Connie stopped to think a moment. “Did your brother play keep-away with your baseballs when you were little or something? I don't think I've ever seen you so possessive, unless it was a case you wanted kept in your jurisdiction.”
Michael made a face. “Leave Sam out of any and all discussions about children.”
“I'll take that as a yes.” She kissed his cheek. “You poor thing.” Her tone was nice, yet still a tad on the teasing side.
He continued to frown, a bit like a small child.

“Don't worry, you'll be able to teach our kids all about sharing their baseballs. And playing baseball, for that matter,” she reminded him.
“That's true...although we'll have to buy more tickets to games.” Now he was thinking about it.
“That's true, too,” she agreed. “ I'm a bit sad that you'll probably have them outfitted in matching Yankees jerseys...but I know baseball means much more to you than it does to me.”
At the last half of her sentence, Michael made a mock outraged face. “...what? The wedding is OFF.”
“You knew I was a Mets fan the first week you knew me,” she laughed.
“Yes, but it's still BASEBALL!”
“Oh, that. Michael, I'm sorry, no one loves baseball as much as you do.” Connie really couldn’t think of anyone she knew who did.
“You could try…”