Thank you to everyone who is reading this story. It means a lot to me. There are so many fantastic writers in this fandom, and my story isn't as good as any of them. So it really encourages and makes me feel like I am writing for somebody else besides myself when you guys read. For the ones who read and remain silent; I hope it means you like it. A special thank you to every person who has taken the time to review. Your inputs, feedback, and observations are highly appreciated. I don't have the words to say how thankful I am.
"Piper stop!"- Alex said holding Piper's arm firmly to stop her,
"Fuck you!" - Piper wiggle her arm free and pushed Alex away. But when she tried to walk away again Alex stop her - "Did you fuck Cece?" - Piper said finally, looking at her face.
"Yes" - Alex said startled at first. After a beat, she answered. - "before I meet you…."
"Are you still fucking her?" - Piper said breathing hard and interrupting her.
"No," - Alex said smirking upset. She hadn't even been fucking tempted. It bothered that Piper didn't know that - "I haven't fucked anyone but you, since Sylvie."
"Is that how you recruit them, the mules, by fucking all of them?" - Piper said her voice controlled after a couple of minutes of silence; the anger was not quite receding.
"No" - Alex said smirking sarcastically and defensively - "if you didn't notice they are boys in the group as well, and I don't fuck men. That's more your thing."
"Really? Is that your answer?" - Piper said cutting her off - "is that suppose to be fucking better?"
"I don't fuck anyone because of business" - Alex said trying to rein in her temper- "I don't need to do it. I am fucking good at my job. Yes, I did it. But it wasn't because I needed to recruit them." - Alex sighed trying to calmly explain- "I enjoy having sex with pretty girls. So, why not combine business and pleasure? It was practical." - Alex said shrugging. -" easy, fun and it suited me, and I am not going to apologize for that," - Alex felt uncomfortable with the conversation and became defensive. - "if Cece or any other girl is giving you a hard time you have a smart, college educated mouth to shut her up…"
"Fuck you!" - Piper said but in deflated tone.
"Fuck you too" - Alex said and then sighed again. -"Piper, I don't want to fuck anyone else," - Alex said reaching out to touch to tuck Piper's hair away. - "But neither of us are blushing virgins..."
"Yeah, well you are as far from blushing virgin as anyone can be" - Piper muttered.
"Are calling me slutty?" - Alex smirking amusedly. -" I don't hear any complaints when you are enjoying my well-honed skills."
"Alex! " - Piper said with a grimace.- "Is not fucking funny"
"Too soon?" - Alex asked sheepishly.
"Never for that one" - Piper said almost in a whisper.
"Piper, I want you" - Alex said.- "I only want you. Isn't that what matters?"
"You know that if I ever find you with somebody else" - Piper said slapping Alex's arm lightly. - "I will punch you in the face, not her."
Piper laced her fingers through Alex's fingers, clasping them and walked the few steps between them to hug her hard.
"At least you are warning me" - Alex said hugging her tightly. -" I didn't know you have a temper," - Alex said caressing her shoulder gently and squeezing.
"I don't have a temper…." - Piper mumble out-" it just that bitch upset me, and you are always flirting, and it made me feel …..outraged."
"Right, outraged! Of course, you aren't jealous" - Alex said smirking was tilting her head and lifting her eyebrows sarcastically. -" I do flirt. It's part of my job. And maybe is uncomfortable for you but I can't stop that, Piper." - Alex said pulling back to look at her eyes. - "I wouldn't lie to you, Pipes. I love you."
"I love you, too" - Piper hugged Alex hard.
"Now, if you are done throwing a tantrum" - Alex said chuckling and Piper punched her arm playfully - "Ouch that hurt!" - Alex said smiling. - " Let's get back to the car, ok?"
"Ok" - Piper said walking next to her, telling herself that Alex loved her and that the other questions weren't irrelevant. They didn't matter. Piper pushed those doubts down and away inside herself so not even she could reach them.
Piper played with Alex's fingers as they checked in at Kayumanis Ubud Private Villa & Spa. The place was almost magical, perched overlooking a river and the forest; the hotel was nestled between trees, the place appears to have sprung from the forest itself with its jade looking pools and walkways.
"Al, I love it here" - Piper said smiling widely when they closed behind them. They were in a villa with thatched roof decorated in traditional Balinese style with teak floor and carved wood details in every corner. The bedroom had a huge canopy facing a wall of french door that opened to their private pool. The bathroom was open to the outdoors under another thatched roof the rainforest all around it with an outer stone wall for privacy. Under the thatched roof was a double vanity, a cabinet, and a huge tub, and between the roofed part and the wall there was an outdoor shower. -" it was like a magical hideaway in the forest, Al!" .- Piper swirled around eyes shining with brimming excitement and yanked Alex to the bed laughing - ", a really luxurious hideaway."
"I thought you might like it" - Alex said grinning. -" Ubud town here is quieter and a bit more conservative, but is closer to some of the things you want to visit but not beaches without a drive," - Alex said kissing the blonde's collarbone. -" I have a couple meetings so we have to stay for a few days if you get bored we can go back to Kuta or Seminyak."
"Uhm, I could never be bored, in a place like this, with you" - Piper said straddling Alex and bending down to kiss her neck with a sudden need for more. -" I want you," - Piper said kissing Alex's mouth fiercely, pulling at her t-shirt, snapping open her shorts.- "I want you" - Piper said biting her bottom lip with an unyielding need to erase everyone else from Alex's body, to get in her blood, inside her heart, her skin. - "I want to fuck you."
"Pipes" - Alex moaned writhing under the blonde, her hands cupping Piper's breast.
"No" - Piper said dragging Alex's hands away and placing by the headboard. I want to fuck you. - "Stay. Please." - Alex nodded and gave herself over to Piper.
It was supposed to be a short day; Alex would have been back at lunch, relaxing with Piper but instead it had become the most frustrating, hellish day in the Bali, so far. The Bangkok contacts had arrived late, another importer she was in charge with didn't have his shit together. It was a day for stupidity; they were running a business for fucking sack even if it was importing heroin. When all the drops to Europe and the USA were successfully done, she would have to talk to Fahri. If they wanted her to do this part of the business then she needed to choose the people she worked with. She wasn't going to risk her neck with fucking incompetence. Then, to top it all she had to drive fucking two hours to Kuta because one of the mules had decided to get drunk, make a public spectacle of herself and get arrested. She had to go to the police station and paid the penalty. She opened the door to their villa sighing relief for the next few days off.
"Pipes!"- Alex said loudly walking further into the villa.
"I am out here" - Pipes yelled back.. Alex strolled out to the bedroom through the open french doors out to the stone patio- "Are you naked in there?" - Alex asked feeling the bad day dissolve in the warm of Piper's smile, making Alex beamed in return.
"Come, find out" - Piper said smiling. The sun shimmered over the lush plants bouncing off the water. Alex stood near the edge of pool and strip all her clothes off a mischievous light dancing in her eyes as she felt Piper's eyes roam down her body.
"Like the view? "- Alex said taking over her glasses and dropping them in the cushioned chair.
"Is a gorgeous view" - Piper said smiling a sending a wink in Alex's direction. Alex chuckled, jumping in and swimming closer to Piper.
"Hey" - Piper said hooking her legs around Alex's waist and leaning in to kiss you. -" isn't this a great?"
"Uhm, yeah" - Alex said tilting her head to kiss Piper. - "without drowning it will be pretty fucking perfect" - Alex said chuckling as they were lost balance and slide under the water until she held to the edge of the pool. -"How was your day?" - Alex asked tracing with her lips a faint pattern of freckles on Piper's sun-kissed shoulder.
"Excellent!" - Piper said smiling-" I went to this yoga class, biked to town to visit the Ubud Palace and Blanco Museum because you told me you had been there before. Then I came back, sunbathed, and finished reading "Child of the Nations." What about yours?"
"Mine was shitty" - Alex answered, recounting what happen as they lounged around the pool. - " Do you want to go into to town and have dinner? or stay here?" - Alex said, her hand sliding down Piper's back.
"You must be tired of driving" - Piper said a small frown on her face -" Let's stay, the restaurant in here is delicious."
"Ok, guess what" - Alex said smirking- "There is going to a cremation ceremony the day after tomorrow. It is for someone high up, a priest or something. It will be a whole event."
"Oh my god, that's great news" - Piper said excitedly hugging Alex- "I wanted to see one, so badly."
"Of course, it is "- Alex said laughing out loud. - "I fucking love your self-centered little ass"- Alex moved her hands to cupped her ass, pushing Piper against the wall of the pool.
"It's not like that! The person is already dead. I can't do anything about that" - Piper said feeling a little mortify of her outburst- "and cremation is supposed to be a celebration for the soul…."
"But you don't believe in any of that …!" - Alex said smirking - "you are just glad because you get to see the ceremony. Admit."
"Ok fine" - Piper smiled, radiant-" I fucking love you too, even when you sucking all the joy out of it" - Piper kissed Alex's neck and bit her shoulder.
"Ouch, Darling, used your words" - Alex said chuckling and pressing her body against Piper.
"Pussy" - Piper said trying to wiggle out but laughed - "Stop it, Al let me go" - Piper said the water splashing over the edge of the pool.
"No" - Alex said smiling and slithered her hand up Piper's thigh as dusk tinted the light around them to a soft orange.
The next few days were all about relishing Bali and each other. They strolled by the ancient shires and the expansive vivid almost surreal green of the tiered rice paddies in Gunung Kawi. They walked the water temples of Tampak Siring admiring the blinding gold leafed buildings. The racing koi that filled all the ponds, and moss covered sculptures. Piper decided to be part of a cleansing ritual in one of the crowded pools in Tirta Empul even if she failed miserably to persuade Alex to join her. On the day of major cremation, they mingled with the celebratory crowds enjoying its arousing sounds and vibrant colors as burned and lifted into the air. They climbed the active volcanic calderas of Mt. Batur watching the sunrise reflected in the lake and roamed into the mouth of a demon drinking fresh coconuts inside the Elephant Cave. At night, they witness, mesmerized, half naked and costume clothed men dancing around and over the fire, in a traditional sarong performance. They had quiet dinners by the pool in their villa or wandered bars filled with yogis, hippies, and locals. They walked Ubud, stopping by the arts & crafts Pura Lukisan Museum, having bebek betutu for lunch at a small warung. Afterward, they took a stroll by The Sacred Monkey Forest.
"I swear, Piper I never meet anyone more stubborn than you. " - Alex said as she drove. -" I told you that was fucking stupid. Who refuses to give a banana to a fucking angry monkey? "- Alex said turning around to look at her as Piper held as sarong to the deep cut.
"I read that they were harmless! I didn't know he was going to attack me!" -Piper said her eyebrows furrowed and her face outraged. -" I just wanted to give it to the little one." - Piper said whining - "and they are macaques, not monkeys."
"Really, Piper?" - Alex said smirking, amused and annoyed-" are you going to be a smart ass now?"
"No, I am just saying. What if I get herpes? Or rabies?" - Piper said face starting to panic.-" what if the macaques have a rare infection?"
"You are being melodramatic" - Alex said - "Everything is fine that's why you every possible shots on earth before we left. We are going to the clinic just in case, Ok?" - Alex said reaching out to stroke her back, dragging Piper closer and kissing her forehead while she drove on in the chaotic traffic of the city. - "We are almost there."
"How do you know?" - Piper said breathless in a panicky voice. Alex stopped the car at the curve.
"Pipes" - Alex said her voice soft, seductive and reassuring cradling Piper's face staring into concern blue eyes. - "We will go to the clinic; their give a shot and antibiotics then we will back to the hotel to relax. Is all good. Everything will work out perfectly. " - Alex said kissing her softly - "is all going to be ok. You know that."
"Yes, you are right" - Piper said breathing out calmer.
Finally, they arrived at the clinic that catered to expats. Alex charmed the nurse, so Piper was taken care immediately. Alex held her hand while they gave Piper a shot for rabies and immunoglobulin, cleaned the deep bite and did two small stitches. Alex rolled her eyes when Piper began asking questions about previous monkey bites and rare infections and dragged Piper away as soon as they were done with the excuse of filling her prescription.
"Pipes" - Alex said hugging her on the way to the car. - "just think about what a great story you will have" - Alex said kissing her forehead. -" mugged, attacked and bitten by a hoard of monkeys, sorry macaques in Bali with the high risk of getting rabies. You can even throw in that you were foaming and had to be put in quarantine for dramatic effect."
"Yeah, hilarious" - Piper said scowling but felt calmer and safe as Alex hugged her tightly- "I am cracking up."
A curvy road stretched up the hill in front of them as Alex drove towards Pura Ulun Danu. The foggy, chilled air welcomed them when they got off the car to walk to the entrance. It was early but still women washed clothes in the lake, children played on the water, and a lone boat with two men slowly moved toward the floating temple on the lake. There were a few locals and tourist sprinkle, but it was still quiet and uncrowded. They strolled the paved paths that separated the lake temple to the mainland temple, peaking in a group of people in prayer by a rod iron gate. They sat in the garden overlooking the lake drinking ginger tea and enjoyed the striking view of the floating temple. The sun bleeded thought the thick curtain of fog that lingered over the towering mountains surrounding the lake. The tiered temple scraped the clouds, floating whimsically on a bed of grass over the lake as the light glimmered over the water encasing the landscape in a fantastical aura that not picture could give justice.
"This is breathtaking, Al " - Piper said in almost a whisper after they walked around taking pictures and asking a japanese girl to take one of them against the background of the lake.
"Yes" -Alex smile ignoring the view and gazing at the soft, awe expression in Piper's profile - "I guess I can't complain that you woke me up before dawn."
"It wasn't that early!" - Piper smiled and turned around to look at Alex. Her amused eyes locked with Alex's intense ones.
"Did you decide what you want to do your birthday?" - Alex asked her eyes never leaving Piper's. They weren't touching at all, but Alex' s could feel the current of electricity moving among them.
"No, I keep changing my mind sometimes I want to lounge on a beach or do something relaxing and other times I want thrills. " - Piper said smiling aware of the spark between them-
"Yeah, of course" - Alex said chuckling.
"I know" - Piper said chuckling - "are you going to be free?"- Piper's eyebrows were frowning a bit at the thought that maybe she will be busy.
"Yes, I already ahead of schedule and even If I wasn't …." - Alex said shrugging. - "I don't want to unleash that wicked temper of yours."
"You will never stop teasing me about that?" - Piper said looking ahead to the lake.
"Why would I stop? You love my banter" - Alex said smirking- "take a boat around the lake before the tour buses arrive."
In Lovine, they had a long lunch filled with meandering conversation, outbreaks of laughter and giggles. They feed each other an ikan bakar, ayam bakar, sambal udang and nasi goreng with their right hand, following balinese costume that resulted in a very messy table and moments charged with erotism. After they wandered by the black volcanic sand, seating under a tree to unwind overlooking vivid cobalt sea.
Alex strolled in the villa dropping on the bed and taking off her glasses. The last couple of day had been filled with work again, and she felt frustrated at the way the people in this unfamiliar group did business that made her feel tired and cranky.
"Were you able to reach you mom?" - Piper asked scooping over to laid her head over Alex's stomach.
"Yes, remember that vacation I booked for her?" - Alex said smirking- "She changed and decided to take my aunt and a couple of friends down to Atlantic City for the weekend instead."
"That's good; she will have fun" - Piper said holding her hand.
"Yeah, but a weekend is not a vacation, and my aunt is just unbearable…." - Alex said scowling. - "I don't know why she would want to do that, but is her call. I will coax her into another vacation. "
"Well, maybe you mom is a bit lonely, and that's why she asked your aunt" - Piper whispered looking up - "it was just the two of you, and we have been gone for long…"
"Ouch, low blow, Pipes" - Alex said frowning.
"I didn't mean it like that" -Piper said scooping up, staring into her green eyes and caressing her cheek-" I know that your mom is happy that you travel and understands."
"Maybe you are right. I will have to think about something." - Alex said threatening her fingerings thru her blond hair- "We have to get back to Seminyak tomorrow."
"Oh, are you going to busy again?" - Piper asked quietly resting her chin between Alex's breast.
"It will be a bit better that the last time" - Alex said smiling and caressed her back. - "I will take a few breaks, go somewhere, and they will be a lot of parties Ok?"
"I know that this is a work trip" - Piper said smiling- "I just miss you when you gone."
"I miss you too, Pipes" - Alex said trailing her fingertips down Piper's collarbone..
"Let's stay in tonight" - Piper smiling softly- "we can have dinner by the pool, swim naked, fuck…"
"Yes" - Alex said holding Piper by the nape, dragging the blonde closer to her lips - " let's stay in."
Back to The Legian and as promised Alex was kept busy coordinating the last few drops but manage to escape work to briefly meet Piper for lunch or to do quick escapes. They walked the creepy bat cave of Goa Lawah and swam in Candidasa Beach; they wander different stores and markets in Denpasar and other nearby towns or just sunbathed in pools and beaches together. Various groups of "kids" came and went into town that meant that almost every night they went bar hopping, clubbing, drinking and dancing until dawn. All the drop had been completed, before the deadline and without delay or problems. Alex felt a sense of accomplishment and a rush of adrenaline. Piper was traveling with her; they were having fun, and she was making obscene amount of money, gaining status and power inside the cartel. It was the time of their lives. She was on top of the world.
Alex opened the door to the suite, padding in quietly. Typically if she felt that pumped she would have wake Piper up. But tomorrow, or more accurately in a couple of hours, was Piper's birthday, and she wanted it to be special. So she slips into bed, quietly, turn on the light and reads until she tired enough to turn around, spoon Piper and fall asleep.
The alarm of Alex's cell vibrated below the pillow and woke Alex before dawn. She felt that familiar swelling unfurling inside her as she watched Piper slumped next to her in deep sleep. She looked painfully beautiful, sweet, soft so much that Alex was compelled to pushed away the silky blonde strands from her face, delicately lean over and kissed her cheek. Alex's lips, slide down the slope of her neck to the curve of her shoulder. Alex's teeth trapped her skin, nipping softly. An unfathomed tenderness surged inside Alex. It seeped out of her fingertips when they skimmed over Piper's silky skin. Her tongue slither down the sunkissed pattern of freckles on the slope of Piper's breast, flickering, sucking, teasing and rolling over Piper's harden nipple. Piper reacted to the waves of pleasure, even if sleep lingered in her brain; her body stirred, her back instinctively arched of the bed, impatiently demanding more with an incoherent, raspy moan. Alex traveled down, her mouth slowly savoring inch by inch of skin, grazing down Piper's ribs as her fingers skimmed over Piper's hips. Alex's tongue wandered right behind; sculpting the curve of her hips, the soft planes of her stomach, the slope of her pussy at the same time as Alex's hands gently stroked from her calves to her thighs, slowly spreading her open. Then Alex brushed her fingers over the glistening, wet fold of Piper's pussy. Alex bended down, nibbling and placing open mouthed kisses on her thighs until Piper squirmed, clenching her hands Alex's raven hair and roughly pulling at it demanding what she wanted, what she needed. Alex smiled against her pussy and gave in, the tip of Alex's tongue stroked back and for over her clit, licking, teasing, lapping. Piper let out a long mewing sound, her back arching from the bed when Alex pushed a finger inside her wet pussy.
Alex's tongue and finger moving in unison driving Piper closer and closer to the edge. Alex thrusted in another finger slowly and then fiercely and deeper. Piper moans raised and felt filling the room as Alex bend her fingers, pushing at that soft spot inside Piper's pussy at the same time that her tongue relentless sucked Piper's clit. Alex looked up fastening her green eyes to blue, her tongue never relenting as the orgasm edge closer to the blonde's body. Piper grasped for Alex; her thighs shook, uncontrollably as her orgasm crashed in a violent ripple throughout her body. Piper collapsed on the mattress; Alex's hands soothed moving up and down her body. Alex's kneeled between her legs and hugged her close.
"Happy Birthday to you!" - Alex sang, whispered in her ears. -" Happy birthday to you…" - Alex pulled away, kneeling between Piper's legs, her eyes twinkling mischievously, moving in exaggerated sexy swagger that pushed her breast forward, and singing in mocking breathless voice. - "Happy Birthday Dear Pipes, ... happy birthday to you."
"This is the best wake up I ever had on my birthday" -Piper said laughing - "But Al, you the worst singer ever!"
"What? No appreciation for my Monroe impersonation? "- Alex said smirking.
"I loved the prelude….. and the costume"- Piper said pulling Alex's down, caressing her naked skin and kissing her softly.- "but I take your voice over Marilyn any day."
"Yeah?" - Alex said smiling against Piper's lips-" We will have to hurry …. if not we are going to be late for your surprise."
"I loved it right here" - Piper said smiling into a kiss.
"You will love there more" - Alex said gasping when she felt Piper's hand in her pussy.
"Ok, let's hurry then" - Piper whispered out kissing Alex again.
"Ugh, .fine!" - Alex said kissing her back. - "I don't to hear you whining if we miss you surprise."
"Ok, but you owe me." - Piper said smiling and pulling away.
"I will be delighted to pay up" - Alex said chuckling- later.
An hour later, Piper was seating with a safety harness pressed against Alex inside the small plane. People all around them laughed and talked yelling between themselves in a mix of several languages. The plane began to slow down.
"Oh my God! Al" - Piper said her voice with a little bit of panic when she looked out, and the realizes how high are they and how small and far away everything looks. Piper's stomach tightened mode into a survival mode in instinctive fear.
"You wanted a thrill !" - Alex smirked talking above the roar of the plane. - "and everyone should skydive at least once in their life."
"Uhm, fine. "- Piper said scrounging her face. -" you took it too literal. Good call in not having breakfast."
Piper felt her stomach contract a rush of adrenaline; fear and excitement twist together as the instructors opened a door, and the plane became so loud she could barely hear her own thoughts. Two people jump first by themselves and eerie how hears their scream be cut in half when they drop out and vanish into the air. Piper turned, cradled Alex's face and kissed her deeply and hungrily.
"Just in case this is a one way trip" - Piper said with a sheepish smile. Alex bursted out laughing
The instructor told them to get ready and check the harness again and secured both of them to their instructor behind them before getting crawling slowly to the door. Piper kneeled next to Alex right by the edge where Bali spread below them amazingly beautiful and almost unreal. The adrenaline pumped, and Piper became consciously aware that she was living in the moment. It was overwhelming powerful.
"Happy Birthday, Pipes!" - Alex yelled smirking in front of her with an obviously sarcastic thumbs up. -" See you later! "- Alex disappeared as they jumped face forward out of the plane.
A minute later the instructor said ready, and Piper felt euphoric as she surged forward and out of the plane. Time froze in that second where her body was still half way in the security of the plane and half in the middle of nowhere. It was like forever encapsulated in a brief second. And then she was free falling. Fast. Her heart pounded. Her senses overloaded. The smell of the air, the astonishing view, the deafening sounds and the wind pushing against her. It was too much, and it was perfect. Piper's brain shouldn't be able to take all of it in but somehow it did. She was floating forgetting about everything the feeling of utter and complete freedom filled her. A sudden pull yanked her up, and they slowed down. So she was floating. The wondrous view of vivid green rainforest, sharp yellow cracked land and dramatic blue ocean of felt like she falling into a breathtaking impressionist painting. Then the earth hurried closer, and closer blood and adrenaline coursed fast in her veins. In the distance, Piper saw the distinct tall figure of Alex waiting for her. An emotion slammed hard and square in the chest, like a was fire ablaze inside off her. She felt herself falling, quickly into the grass, and impossibly deeper, in love with Alex. Her feet unsteady touched the grass as they landed, the ground firm under her feet but it felt unreal. Her heart hammered as her eyes locked with Alex's who beamed from the sidelines. She was unfasten from her the instructor quickly dropped the harness to the grass and ran straight into Alex's arms. Piper hugged her hard, kissing her hungrily, adrenaline, love and desire gushing throughout her body making her slightly dizzy.
"Pipes" - Alex said breaking up the kiss and pulling away, an apologetic amused light dancing in her eyes. She loved seeing Piper's face shining with happiness - "Thanks, guys that were awesome. "- Alex said slipping her arms around Piper.
"Thanks!" - Piper said registering the people around them- "That was amazing, Alex!"
"I knew you would like it" - Alex said smiling widely walking towards the car.
"Are you going back to the hotel?" - Piper said nuzzling Alex neck with her nose.
"Yeah. For breakfast" - Alex said arching her eyebrow playfully and chuckling.
Alex made a show of uncovering each plate of Piper's favorites with a flourish. She mocked saying "whole grain pancakes with organic blueberries" "100% pure, organic maple syrup", " local free range eggs from the very happy chicken up the street" chuckling merciless at her own joke. After Alex drove them south until they found an amazing golden sandy beach hidden under a craggy cliff. They climbed down the jagged rocks, finding the beach gloriously deserted, so they dropped all the clothes over a sprawled towel and went skinny dipping, giddily like two kids. Piper jumped over Alex's naked back, hooking her legs around her waist. But Alex unceremoniously dumped her into the crashing waves. They laughed, dunking each other underwater, their hands playfully roaming down and up each other bodies; lips eager and anxious. The kisses tasted salty, sunny and joyful. It didn't matter when some of the waves pushed them under too damn loss in their blissful high, their giddiness spreading with each caress, kiss, stroke until they erupted in a euphoric orgasm.
The rest of the morning was spent swimming in the midst of the crashing waves, lay under the warm, sizzling sun half hidden under the rocks. They laughed and laughed, swam, sunbathed, talked, banter and shared quiet moments with only the sound of the crashing waves and screech of the birds above them. Alex felt, at that moment, like nothing could ever touch them like nothing could ever tarnish them and nothing could steal away their joy and their love. They ate a picnic lunch that Alex had made the hotel staff pack that include balinese and beach fare with Lempet and Bantal, fried chicken sandwiches, fruit salad, brie and crackers with frozen lemonade and water.
"You need more sunscreen" - Piper said dropping next to Alex's, her bikini dripping after a failed attempt to body surf.
"I think you want an excuse to touch me" - Alex said smirking and dropping " A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bryson aside.
"I am taking care of you" - Piper said smiling, trapping Alex's bottom lip with her teeth and kissing her slowly- "I don't need an excuse to touch you."
"Fine, but I don't need it" - Alex said smiling - "we have to leave in an hour."
"Ah, where?"- Piper asked scrounging her face - "is nice having this for ourselves.
"You see how nice is to go with the flow?" - Alex said smirking.
"Yeah "- Piper said smiling -" I am convert".
"Well, too late. We are going diving" - Alex said leaning to kiss the pattern of freckles on her shoulder
"Isn't that dangerous after flying?" - Piper asked
"No, that's why we went skydiving first" -Alex said grazing Piper's bare stomach-" you wanted thrills and peace."
"It perfect" - Pipe said smiling and leaning softly to kiss her.- "You give everything I ever wanted and more" - Piper said against her lips - "But an hour is too much, and you will burn. Turn around let me layer your back first."
"Fine, but no too much" - Alex said turning around- I hate feeling sticky.
They quickly submerged into the exhilarating, cold underwater world of light and shadow taking photos of the surreal garden of strange and beautiful creatures. The eerie silence was only broken by the sound of bubbles produced by the respirators. They floated weightless around incandescent pink corals, pale magenta reefs, peach slow-dancing anemones, burnt orange seahorses, black dotted gold puffy boxfish and hundreds of other colorful marine life. They drifted into the current and swam next to a big cloud of incandescent fuchsia & yellow anthias fish, white & black vertical striped moorish fish who moved in pairs, yellow and pumpkin, white & black vertical striped clown fish that resemble Nemo. Piper dizzily chased a rare glittering electric blue and tangerine mandarin fish pulling Alex's hand to follow it and take a picture. Piper couldn't help noticing that the wrinkles on Alex's hand fit perfectly into the ridges of her own like they belong, like that, linked together. They dived lower into the strong current to find huge, frowning moss turtles, clouds of small, rapidly swimming vivid crimson fish and ugly slate-blue, napoleon wrasse fish that were taller and bigger than them. Above them, a tornado shaped school of fast jacks made a spectacular sight as they slowly ascend to the surface of the ocean.
They sat at edge of the fast boat and watched the sunset ripple and then fold its striking orange, blue and pink wings into the sea like the last witness of that magical day. Piper had the fleeting thought that much happiness was exceptionally rare, and she felt a desperate need for a tangible, permanent memory of it.
"Al, I want to get a tattoo of that Mandarin Fish" - Piper said still enraptured by the day - "when we go back home."
"Yeah?" - Alex asked turning around to look at her surprise - "We could find a place here."
"No, that makes me nervous. We are going back in a week. "- Piper said -" Its not much time to wait. Where did you get yours?"
"If you didn't get sick from the monkey that won't make you sick" - Alex said shaking her head. - "But fine. I got most of them at the shaker and the rose at a studio near my mom's house."
"What if they get wrong?" - Piper said scrounging her face- "I want that fish we just saw."
"We will take one of the pictures you took - Alex said amused at the idea. - "where do you wanted it?"
"I don't know" - Piper smile widens - "I would put on my arm like your rose one" - Piper said tracing it with her fingertips-. "My mother would have a heart attack ….":
"Oh! You would definitely do it then!" - Alex drawled out smirking.- "tell her the "invisible woman" seduce you into it."
"Yeah" - Piper said smiling. -" Wait when I tell her that I was, viciously mugged, pickpocket and then bitten by macaques. Where are going now? Are my surprises over?"
"Yeah, you will have to wear an anti-germ suit around her"- Alex said laughing-" To the hotel, dinner and then partying, I think you had enough surprises for the day."
"Just us?" - Piper asked hopefully.
"Just you and me, Kid" - Alex smiled and laced her fingers with Piper's,
They shared a long, steamy shower and dressed up for the night. Piper wore an off-white, backless dress that reached her just above the knees and hugged her body in all the right places. She pulled her hair into a messy, wavy, flowy bun and used minimal, neutral makeup. Alex wore black skin-tight leather pants that reached her ankles, a black, silk button down top with ¾ sleeves and a v-neck. Alex let her hair down in soft waves and didn't use any makeup beyond a soft glossy lipstick and winged eyeliner. She completed her look with silver necklace, earrings and a cuff silver bracelet Alex stopped putting her shoes one when she saw that Pipe was almost ready and searched for her earnings.
"No" - Alex walked behind her.- "I think this will work better."
"What?" - Piper asked confused. Until she saw it. Alex slipped a long twisted cord of white gold with a floating oval star-sapphire pendant; it was attached to the wire by 4 small marquise diamonds on the top. The necklace was delicate, understated and elegant finish. - "Alex...this beautiful. You didn't have …."
"I know. "- Alex fasten it around her neck and kissed her nape. Then she opened her other hand to reveal matching, small oval stub star sapphire earnings -" Happy birthday, Pipes."
"I love it" - Piper said joining in the laugh and turning around to kiss Alex and let the emotion that cracked up in her chest seep out in her lips..
"Come on" - Alex said kissing her forehead and pulling away feeling strangely sentimental. -"Let's go take the town by storm, kid."
Heads turned at the sight of the gorgeous, tall couple. One golden, beautiful, delicate leaning into a dark, striking and edgy. Dinner at a romantic, subdue french bistro was followed by tequila shots chased down with boisterous laughs. They danced carefree and seductively. They kissed uninhibited and spontaneously as they hopped from bar to club to rooftop parties across town. It was just before midnight and Piper wasn't, technically, drunk. So when they walked through one of the resorts to reach a favorite bar on the other side. Piper shouldn't have fallen giddy with excitement at the announcement in several languages over the mic.
"We could totally win that Al!" - Piper said tipsily.
"Uhm" - Alex said pulling her to the other side so they could keep walking to the bar.
"Come on let's do it! "- Piper said excited and laughed drunkenly.
"You want to sign up for a dance contest?" - Alex said smirking. - "You are so fucking drunk!"
"I am not ! It will be fun! "- Piper said giggling.
"Ok, Fuck it" - Alex said chuckling-"It will give me material to tease you the rest of our lives. Let's go make fools of out of ourselves."
Alex laughed as they stood in line with 10 other couples that range from their very late 60's, to honeymooners and a pimply couple that looked barely under legal drinking age. Everyone else was in shorts, various state of swimsuits and relaxed outfits making them stand up in their dressy clothes which only increased Alex's amusement. Piper tried to come up with a routine as Alex sat down in the bar and suggested a range of ridiculously impractical or plainly stupid dance moves, which Piper's buzzed by alcohol, considered seriously. Too soon, the contest started and their names were called for an incredibly cheeky and cheesy remarks by the guy in the mic. They kick off their high heels letting their feet sink into the sand.
My milkshake brings al the boys to the yard….
The start of the long made Alex laugh even harder but they got into it dancing darkly in strangely coordinated moves until it quickly evolve into a sensual dance. Catcalls, whistling and jeers steamed from the audience as well as jokes, encouragement and weird descriptive remarks from "entertainer" on the mic. Their noses touched, hips moving and bodies swerving, ass grinding and bumping that had everyone endlessly captive. After the couples were evaluated by rounds of an applause from the audience they were are awarded second place that consistent in two tacky and utterly cheesy t-shirts that that said "Bali 2004, dance-off Winners." They left in a fit of laughs crunching their prize.
Piper wanted to keep partying, so they walked to the next club drinking a string of tequila shots and then danced arms in the air, lights bodies brushing as the music blasted. Piper ordered tequila shot with a mischievously light dancing in her blue eyes. She kissed Alex hungrily and then broke off the kiss, place a fleshy piece of lime in Alex's smug lips, bend down to lick the base of Alex's long neck. Piper spread a pinch of salt on the wet trail her tongue left behind. Then she bent and licked the salt off feeling deliciously, intoxicated by Alex's taste, so she giggled, drank the shot and then sucked the lime off Alex's lips. The lime juice tasted so much richer infused with the magic of Alex's lips. After they had broken apart, Alex turned her around to lick the exposed skin between Piper's shoulder blades and mimic the rest of Piper's action. They were so wasted that they could barely stand up and had to take a taxi back to the hotel. They stumble blindly to their suite, and it took 10 minutes of laughing, making out and shushing each other to able to open the door of their suite. They tripped all over the furniture, giggling and holding on to each other. The sunrise illumined the room in a soft, ethereal light as they felt in the bed laughing and kissing and trying to take their clothes off.
"Al, come pants off. "- Piper slurred attempting to push that the leather pants off. But between the kissing, the way the room keep moving in and out of focus in front of her eyes and how tied the pants were, it was just impossible and frustrating.
"Later" - Alex said giggling and finding the zipper of her dress and taking it off quickly kissing the naked skin the dress left behind.
Alex's shirt and bra went flying off as well as the rest of Piper clothes. Piper cupped the weight of Alex's breast, racking Alex's back with her fingernails and draw her closer desperately to feel her.
"I need you naked, now" - Piper slurred out demanding and they both started laughing at the force of her words..
Finally, they were able to push the leather pants down, impatiently leaving them tangle around Alex's ankles as they fucked, drunk on alcohol and each other.
Piper was resting her head against Alex's shoulder halfway between Hong Kong and NYC feeling the soft caress of Alex's fingers drawing circles over the skin in her lower back.. She smiled remembering how she woke with the mother of all hangovers and a black hole instead of memories after partying on her birthday. The last blurry memory was doing tequila shot and licking Alex's neck. She swore never to take tequila again as Alex laughed calling her a lightweight and made up, embarrassing stories to fill the empty spaces in her memory.
After waking up late, they had a hearty late brunch and checked out from the hotel. Late that day, they took a fast boat to Kuta, Lombok and stayed in a bungalow on the beach. They had a laid back week of beach lounging, zooming around the island in a rented scooter and taking boats to the other islands. They visited the turtle sanctuary in Gili Meno; snorkeled, the reefs, took a cidomo and waved back at strangers in Gili Air; they stood at the base of majestic spewing of Rinjani Volcano longing to get a closer but unable to do the hike. At night, they danced to electro, trance and dance in Gili Trawangan; attended a "rave" in the beach that turned out be more like a commune of expat hippies and beach bums seating around a bonfire getting drunk and high on communal weed. Alex, shrugged, laughing and happily joined the circle dragging Piper along. They rode bicycles, listen to the mosque calls for prayer, sunbathed and swam on beaches, and skinny dipped in waterfalls.
"It feels so weird leaving" - Piper whispered resting her head on Alex's shoulder.
"Bali? Why?"- Alex asked moving her eyes away from "A Farewell to Arms" by Hemingway
"Yes" - Piper said looking up to gaze into her green eyes. She loved Alex in Bali. When it was only the two of them, Alex was brighter, lighter, dorkier. Happy.- " I don't know. I guess I got used to the laid-back atmosphere, the beach, the open spaces."
"We will probably be back soon… "- Alex said smiling because she will miss it too - "maybe not Bali...but Indonesia or somewhere else."
"You think?" - Piper said her face with that wide-eyed, bright look on her face.
"I don't know for sure Pipes. "- Alex pushed a strand of blond hair behind her ear, moving her other hand further up her back. - "this business is unpredictable but I think is likely" - Alex said absently thinking. - "I have a meeting with some clients next week and with Fahri in two weeks. I will know more then."
"Ok" - Piper said with a small smile -" Thank you, this trip, my birthday, Bali, everything … It was better that I could ever imagine. I am happy, all the time…."
"I am happy, too... " - Alex said her fingers were tenderly caressing Piper 's cheek. Green eyes soft, open, loving -"I want to take you everywhere. Show you the world, Pipes."
"You do? Really?" - Piper said smiling broadly.
"Fuck yeah! …" - Alex said cradling her face and kissed her lips softly- We are going to have so many fucking fantastic adventures, Pipes. - Alex smirked and kissed her again- " you know what will make me even more happy, right now?"
"What? "- Piper said fully aware of what that grin on Alex's face meant.
"If we joined the high mile club" - Alex said, kissing her neck.
"Al! We will get in trouble" - Piper said breathing in sharply but instinctively moved closer
"Babe, we have a blanket and an almost empty first class…" - Alex smirked running her other hand up Piper's thigh.- "plus a bathroom nearby. "
They sat in Diane kitchen table eating pizza, drinking beer, laughing and telling stories about mugging by monkeys, temples, beaches and sunset and Diane teases Piper with the familiarity of a best friend. Piper smiled feeling safe in the warm on that kitchen with Alex and Diane. She thinks about how her own mother would have passive aggressively criticized her beachy hair. Or tell her that much sun will wrinkle her skin But Diane, instead, picked them up at the airport, hugged both of them laughing " I think I am going to throw up. It's fucking disgusting how beautiful and happy you girls look." Piper smiled looking at Alex showering Diane with gifts they bought all over Bali and how Alex's eyes were shining with love and excitement almost like the gifts were for herself instead of Diane. They went to bed early trying to adjust the body back to the States.
"Good Morning, Diane" - Piper said seeing her sitting down on the steps that lead to an expansive wooden backyard.
"You are up early, Pipe" - Diane said looking up at Piper. Every time she saw Alex happiness oozed out of her. Her daughter seemed content, even settle. It made Diane worry less, and she liked Piper, especially because of the way Piper looked at her daughter.
"Yeah, jet lagged I don't know how Alex is always back in sync the next day" - Piper said with a soft smile- "about you? Isn't too early for you?"
"I am always up around this time" - Diane said with a smile that wrinkle her eyes-" Too many years waking up early and going to bed too late. The body gets used it."
"Yes. I am usually get up to run, even in Bali but when Alex wasn't busy I just stayed in bed." - Piper said smiling thinking about the way Alex would pull her closer, nuzzling her neck and mumbling "don't, stay here."
"Is Alex being safe?"- Diane asked out of the blue. It wasn't usual for Alex to travel for so long it had her slightly worry.
"We don't talk about her business, Diane" - Piper said not bothering pretending ignorance. - "She goes to her meetings, sometimes for a few hours, sometimes all day. "- Piper felt uncomfortable. She didn't like to think that it was dangerous; that something could happen to Alex. - " I think she is safe, you know how smart Alex is and I see her in her laptop going over everything several times, she is always seems to be careful, meticulous."
"I guess I am getting old and becoming one those mother that worry all the time about everything" - Diane joked with a chuckle- "I am glad that you are traveling with her. It will make Alex even more careful. She wouldn't want to risk you. "- Diane hesitated -" Alex and I….we talk a tough game, you know? Life….and god know that Alex is full of herself and a bit of an asshole but that mostly a front, a mask….I hope you can see behind that and know how much you mean to her."
"Yes" - Piper smiled - "I know. She means the same to me…."
"I know, sweaty" - Diane said squeezing her shoulder.
They sat in silence watching the light fill the backyard the hands wrapped over the coffee mugs, and Piper felt at ease. It was comforting to know that somebody else saw the same Alex that she saw. That she was not hallucinating the Alex, she loved Diane saw her too, and even if Diane was her mother it reassured her.
Alex woke up to find her mom and Piper seating on the steps to the yard talking like old friends. She stayed out of sight looking at their profile and backs, and listening to their soft voices. Alex pushed her glasses up her nose thinking how inconceivable was that those small, ugly concrete steps could hold everything that really matter, everything that she loved.
"Mom, are you telling Piper about the feats and wildness of my youth?"- Alex said going for the smuggest smirk in her ample repertoire and still falling miserably when they turned and smiled at her at the same time. It made her smile soft and tender at edges, unable to hide the feeling of happiness behind snarky sarcasm. - "Don't believe her babe, every third word is a lie."
"Ok course. Is a lie that you broke three toes because a boy in 6th grade dared you to jump from the balcony of our old apartment in the second floor." - Diane said beaming- "that never happen!"
"I slipped" - Alex said smiling - "That my story. Would we go out for breakfast?"
"How fucking fancy of you. " - Diane said smirking and standing up - " I will make you some pancakes."
"Let me give you a hand, Diane" - Piper said standing up. And following to the kitchen.
"Don't worry about it. I will a throw them together really quickly" - Diane said.
"Now who is fancy?" - Alex said getting the milk, eggs and the rest of the ingredients out of the fridge. -" Since when do you buy organic stuff, mom?"
"That's for Piper; you little shit!"- Diane said smirking.
"Oh, you should have bothered Diane" - Piper said flustered.
"Don't worry about it. " - Diane said smiling.- "I know you like it."
"Well, how fucking considerate, mom" - Alex said joking with a broad grin on her face- " I am feeling a bit jealous."
"Do you want me to one of those mothers-in-law that makes everyone lives impossible?" - Diane asked smirking. Alex snorted out half of her orange juice and Piper blushed furiously at the remarked.
"Mom! "- Alex said cleaning up her wet shirt.
"Is too fucking easy to mess up with you girls" - Diane said laughing.-" I don't even have to try."
They sat in the kitchen to have breakfast, chatting away. Alex thought she would hire a contractor, build a nice deck or patio and fix up the backyard for her mom. Her mom probably refused if she suggested it, but she could bet eventually it would be her mom favorite spot in the house. She noticed how her mom always sat on those steps drinking coffee. Maybe it was normal after years of grimy cement apartments with nothing green in sight. And Piper and she could come over have a BBQ or something. Alex laughed at herself. "Piper and I" " me and Piper"" We." She really never thought that she would be that kind of person.
"I have to work girls" - Diane walking in the kitchen with her polo t-shirt and name tag on -" see you tonight, ok? Let's see if you don't back out on that the tattoo, Pipe! … "- Diane bent down to kiss Alex's head and waved to Piper.
Hours later at the tattoo shop Piper stayed behind browsing around the quirky shop with soothing lighting, moss green walls. The eclectic studio was inviting and warm, but Piper felt suddenly anxious, the nerves fluttering in her stomach. Piper turned around when somebody speaks and saw attractive woman in her late 30's or early 40's with full-sleeve tattoos on both arms, creamy white skin, brown hair and amber vivacious eyes
"If it isn't the infamous Alex Vause" - the woman said with a broad smile. - "Long time without seeing that pretty face of yours, did you decide to finally, let me do that tat design I being working on forever?"
"Liz, no tat for me" - Alex said walking towards her and kissing both cheeks- " and you need another guinea pig for that hideous thing. Today your talent will be for her" - Alex said squeezing Piper shoulder lightly -"My girlfriend Piper. Pipes, this is Liz."
"Nice to meet you Liz" - Piper said extending her hand to shake hers.
"Same here, Piper" - Liz said shaking her hand- " A girlfriend? That's new. I thought you were untameable" -. Liz said smiling when Alex mouthed "fuck you" - "Ok Piper, let's get down to business do you know what you want or are you going to give creative liberty?"
"I know, here - Piper took out several pictures that had too of the Mandarin Fish.- we saw this fish on a scuba diving trip on my birthday. I want it on my nape.
"Ah, a fish tat" - Liz said sardonically-" well better that a fucking heart. Is a nice fish."
Piper was bend over the massage table. Her eyes wide open latching into Alex's that looked halfway between amused and reassuring, her hands fisted, terrify of the pain the tattoo gun may inflict. Piper's mind flew back to Bali, and it made her instantly feet better. An annoying buzzing bee like sound zoomed around her ears when the needle pressed against her skin, and she can't help, but close her eyes.
"Hey" - Alex said softly opening Piper's fisted hands, intertwining their fingers. Alex's thumb caressed the back of her left hand, a small gesture that seem to say " it going to fine, Pipes; I am here." Alex raises her eyebrows in a silent question. Piper nodded, and Alex smiled without taking her eyes away from Piper.-" Liz, go ahead."
When Liz finishes the tat, she gives Piper a hand mirror to look at the blue and orange fish on her neck and Piper laughed delighted.
"Al, it looks exactly the same" - Piper said smiling widely her eyes sparkling with delight.
"It does" - Alex said meeting her eyes in the mirror.
"Jesus! you two take the eye fucking to another level" - Liz said rolling her eyes and walking away.
"Kiss it to make it better" - Alex said leaning in to kiss her nape.
"You were just waiting for Liz to walk away to do that, right?" - Piper said teasing her - "you are just a big old softy."
Fuck you! Alex said smirking.
Alex finished her makeup and sat down on the bed. Today was her first meeting with a new client. She hated this part, and this was what she was going to be doing for the next few days meeting with clients at restaurants, club and sometimes at dingy warehouse when they were particularly paranoid. She understood why that part of the business was inherently unsavory and much more violent and may be required that kind of "sensibility." But she would never understand why most of them were addicts. .How can anyone dip into your own profits? Loose control to something that they know is going cloud your brain, make you fucking useless? It was fucking stupid.! She dealt with others people in the business and most; people had an absolute respect for their work and if they used they never did during meetings or during work.
The first meetings were mostly a variation of the same ritual. First was the laughable attempt to intimidate her like she was fucking rookie; then they were the guys trying to seduce her ignoring the fact that she was their supplier and potential business partner. Then after she made one of the well-rehearsed jokes about loving pussy more than any of the guys around her, came the negotiation, the discussion of terms, date, amounts, price, drop locations. After agreeing they would always pull out the drugs some heroine, some coke, and she would always said "no thank" which was mean with snorts and predictable derisive smiles. Like importing meant being stupid enough to use. She couldn't ruin the business deal by walking off, so she endure their disgusting, pathetic high and after a while leave. She couldn't wait for the time when she was big enough in the organization that he could delegate this part to others.
"Are you going to be late?" - Piper asked hugging Alex from behind.
"I don't know babe" - Alex said turning around to kiss her lightly on the cheek.- "It's business. Aren't you going to meet dear Dolly?"
"Yeah" - Piper said pouting- "I just wish we will go out together…"
"Do you want to torture me?" - Alex said laughing- "Holly hates me. I think I will take these business meetings over her any day."
"I will miss you" - Piper frowned to herself. That sounded so needy. - "and she doesn't hate you." - Alex smirked deepen, incredulously- "ok, well you were kind of an asshole with the whole, Polly Hobie thing."
"I didn't remember her name and it was a joke" - Alex said smirking.
"Don't give me that shit!" - Piper said with a sarcastic broad smile- "You remember everyone names, life story and obscure quotes from books and movies …"- Piper pushed her playfully.- "But I wasn't implying that we would go out with Polly. I meant just the two of us…."
"Ah, I would have love that Pipes" - Alex said sincerely-" but I can't this week it going to be hell…."
"Ok, well" - Piper moved to be in front and straddle and kissed her hungrily.- "Miss me."
"Maybe" - Alex said giving her a shit-eating grin.
Piper finished dressing up and took the subway to Brooklyn. It as a bit fascinating how they could adjust back to the glare from the buildings, the bustling of people, the honks and sounds of the city after their time in Bali. It was exciting, and she loved it that they could have both contrasting worlds. She pressed the buzzer and climbed the familiar steps to her old apartment.
"Oh my god! I miss you so much you fucking lesbian!" - Polly said with a bone crushing hug.
"I did too, Pol. But you are suffocating me" - Piper said smiling. They walked in the apartment.
"Well, you look good; all tanned and stupidly happy" - Polly said as they sat down smirking-"so, how is supercunt?"
"Good, great" - Piper said smiling, but changes the subject to avoid the usual repetitive lecture. - "Here, I brought this." - Piper said giving her a box.- "tell me everything that's been going on here with you, Pete…. everyone."
"This is beautiful Piper, Thanks!" - Polly said and immediately moved to catch Piper on gossip.
Piper kept her own travel stories to a minimum not wanting to heard Polly's opinion of Alex. But hours later they had a catch up on everything going with Polly and their mutual friends.
"I think your mother is a bit suspicious of your traveling" - Polly said finishing up her latest beer. - "we bumped into each other when I went to see my parents a week ago, and she asked me a bunch of questions…."
"What did you say?" - Piper said frowning - "Did you mention Alex…."
"Fuck no! What kind of friend do you think I am? I didn't say anything I just giving you the heads up if whenever you decided to go see your family…" - Polly smirked-" you have been back for a week now…Carol is going to drive me crazy next time I see her if you don't go soon ….."
"I'm going! I already called and told her that I will be there next week. "- Piper said smirking- "Alex will be taking her mother to the 40 licks Rolling Stone Concert in Las Vegas…."
"Would you listen to yourself? You sound like a you need to ask for Supercunt permission to see your own parents…..! " -Polly said petulantly.
"It's not like that Poly" - Piper said defensively -" You haven't said anything about Peter….."
"We are moving in together next month!" - Polly said excitedly- "everything is going so great. I think I could really be with him…"
"That's great Pol" - Piper said smiling and when Polly turned to get another beer. She checked her cell to see if she had a message from Alex but was disappointed when she didn't find anything - "Are you going to move into his place, or stay here?"
"No, we decided to stay here the rent is the same as his place, but this apartment is bigger, nicer and closer to both of our works. Your old roommate moved out last month, so we decided it to go ahead… "- Pipe tried to listen to Polly, but her mind kept drifting to Alex…
Piper sat with her mother drinking tea, the silence stifling and heavy. She couldn't help a small longing for the vivacious, opinionated, laughing and cursing meals she usually had with Alex and Diane.
"Piper, dear you hair looks terrible!" - Carol said frowning. - "now I understand you want to see the world, but don't you think that you would be settling down meet a nice boy, built a relationship? I know you think you are young, but time goes fast and before you know it, you are 30 and single. Do you remember Elena? The oldest daughter of the Adams? They used to live in that horrible avocado house…... She married two years ago and since then she had tried for a baby without success. Now is 36 and childless… is that what you want for yourself? It much harder to conceive as you get older. And Anabelle…"
"Mom, I don't even know if I want to have kids or a husband. "- Piper said scowling. She was 23 years old for god sake!
"Oh Piper, please, don't be silly, everyone wants to have a family" - Carol said dismissively-" now, Barb son just graduate from Yale law. I could set you up…"
"I can't mom" - Piper said fast. -" I am sure I will get a job offer to travel and write for the magazine and I will be gone for months." - Piper didn't know if it was true. But it was the only thing she could think, so her mother stopped trying to fix her up.
"I don't think you would take that job Piper" - Carol said straightening her top - "What are you going to do alone, traveling to third world countries? If money is an issue, I will be happy to …."
"Mom, please listen to me" - Piper said breathing hard- " I like traveling. I want to do this, and I don't want to go out with any of your friend's sons."
"As you wish but you are making a mistake" - Carol said -"You look like a hippie. I am going to take you shopping, maybe to the salon."
They walked from the MGM Grand Area to the Bellagio, after almost 3 hours of the Rolling Stones, jumping, dancing and singing along at the top of their lungs. They both wore black leather pants and rolling stones graphic t-shirts and looked like two friends having a great time.
"That was fucking awesome, Al" - Diane said laughing and squeezing her closer.- "I thought I would never see the fucking rolling stones front and center. Fuck I never thought I would go to a live concert ever again. I think this time was even better ! Jagger moved on that stage like he was 30. The light, the music, the crowd was going fucking crazy! Fucking electrifying.! Thank you, baby,"
"Yeah, it was" - Alex smiling.- "I thought you said you went to a concert before."
"Yes. New York City. 75'. I was so damn young. Only 16."
"Yeah?"- Alex said beaming. She loved to see her mom this happy.
"We were in the nosebleed section; the tickets were something like $12.00. My best friend and I made a bullshit excuse and sneaked out. We went with our boyfriends." - Diane laughed her eye brilliant and nostalgic.-" I was dating Tommy, a sweetheart. He wasn't really into to rock bands, but he had a car and I talked him into it."
"Ah, my mother the seductress "- Alex said laughing and thinking about herself.
"No! I didn't even need to seduce him" - Diane said laughing.- "he was crazy about me would have done anything I asked. - Diane winked- you mother was a foxy babe."
"Mom, foxy? Really?" - Alex said laughing- "that sounded so old! Plus you still are."
"It was the 70's !" - Diane said throwing her back laughing - "it was the highest of compliments!"
"Ok, foxy lady" - Alex said laughing - "what is it next food or the casino?"
"The casino. Maybe I will win something this time" - Diane said - "I really loved the concert and this few days."
"I am glad, foxy lady" - Alex said laughing. If somebody deserved everything, it was her mother.
"Oh my god, I will never live that down?" - Diane said smiling.
"Nop" - Alex said - "I am going to have a drink in the bar mom. "
"Ok " - Diane said still beaming-" I will be, at the slots."
"No, the penny slots again" - Alex said shaking her head. -" you are supposed to be having fun, mom!"
"I am. Between this leather pants you bought me, Rolling Stones front and center and this few days …. I feel like I am fucking 16-year-old again" - Diane said- "what can be more fun than that? - Alex rolled her eyes as she walked away.."
Alex sat down at the bar ordered beer and returned a couple of work related emails in her new blackberry quark. She called Fahri confirming she would be back Monday and hanged up. She was going to order a sandwich and a drink for her mother when her cell rang again.
"Hey, foxy lady" - Alex said chuckling on the phone at Piper.
"Are you in Las Vegas or a timewarp Al?" - Piper said laughing- "no, let me guess! listening to Jimi Hendrix?"
"Wrong!" - Alex said laughing-" My mom was telling a story about the first and only time she went to a Rolling Stones concert, and she called herself "foxy lady" it cracked me up."
"Ah, how was the concert? Is you mom having fun? Are you?"- Piper asked smiled and turning around in bed to be in her side.
"Yes, it was incredible. My mom is having the time of her life. " - Alex said smiling-" I love seeing her like this."
"You are a great daughter. Did she liked the leather pants?" - Piper chuckled thinking about helping Alex choose them.
"No, I am not" - Alex said smirking into the cell- "but yes, she loved the pants. We look like two hot rocker chicks."
"You are the best daughter and a great girlfriend. "- Piper whispered- "I missed you so much."
"Me too, babe" - Alex said softly. It was strange not having Piper around. The last few mornings she woke up searching for Piper in bed- "You would have come with us."
"It was a mother and daughter time" - Piper said.- "and I needed to see my family, even if I knew that they would drive me crazy…..my mother tried to set me up."
"Did she?" - Alex asked chilled tone - "What did you said?"
"That I didn't want to go on a date with anyone" - Piper said.
"And you mother let it go just like that?" - Alex asked skeptically.
"No, I told her I was probably going to get a job traveling again for the next few months- Piper said dryly"- and couldn't date anyone.
"Ah well, ok" - Alex said in light teasing tone-" don't get tangled in your own web…"
"I have learned everything from you" - Piper said jokingly- "You seduce me to the dark side…."
"Bullshit! You learned that skill from someone else, kid" - Alex said teasingly again- " I may have corrupted you in other ways but were more that willing."
"I would definitely go for a little debasement right now" - Piper whispered- "but you are not here."
"Ah, would you?" - Alex said smirking and walking to the nearest bathroom.
"Yes" - Piper said her breath, suddenly hitching.
"Well, let's see what we can do" - Alex smiled widely closing the stall door behind her- " So what are you wearing?"
"Do you need help with that, Piper?" - Matt their only floor neighbor asked, stopping the elevator door from closing and watching seeing Piper pick up the bags from the lift floor.
"No, I got it" - Piper said smiling-" have a great day, Matt."
"You too" - Matt said waving casually.
Piper walked in their apartment, pushed the door close with her hip and dropped the paper bags of groceries on the breakfast counter. She walked to the bedroom taking her clothes off, throwing them over the leather chair in the corner and slipping on one of Alex's v-neck t-shirt. It was the last days of June, and a heat wave was hitting the city hard. But even then Piper was in an excellent mood. They were back home. Alex was mostly done with "clients meetings" and from her side she was done with family and friendship duties. They had spent the last few days letting new york city swept them into its vibrant, restless and hectic rhythm. They catched up with new plays and movies, hunted down books, trying out new restaurants, bars, and clubs and reclaimed their favorite place, Bianca. She walked barefoot to the kitchen, turning on the radio to a rock station and the air conditioner temperature colder.
Alex opened the door of her apartment greeted by the blast of the last verse of "Born to Run." She closed the door gently and walked further in, stealthy watching Piper wearing only one of her own t-shirt, jumping and dancing facing the sink, dirty pans around her. Alex stood there watching until Clapton howled out " Layla you got me on my knees." She approached Piper silently and catlike.
"You look like a little 50's housewife" - Alex said against her ear as she slipped her arms around her back.- "If housewives were hot and cooked half naked while rocking on" - Alex said laughing.
"Fuck Alex!" - Piper jumped - "you scare the shit out of me" - Piper smiled, the vibration of Alex's laugh in her ear traveling down her body, She turned around - "How was your meeting?"
"Good" - Alex said not letting go and trailing a path of kiss up her neck. - "It seems my invisible boss Kubra, is happy."
"Uhm, ok " - Piper said distractedly -" you have to do the dishes as penitence for scaring me.- Piper said as they moved slowly to the music, hugging."
"Can I do you instead?" - Alex said taking her glasses off and putting them on the counter. - "I am better at that." - Alex said, lips against the skin of her neck, kissing her.
"I know" - Piper said chuckling and hugging her closer. - "you can do me after dinner."
"What are we having?" - Alex said not letting her go, kissing her shoulder and moving a hand up, caressing her hip to the side of her breast.
"Salmon baked in foil with a tomato & shallots sauce, spring mix salad with a balsamic vinaigrette and a cold berry dessert made with limoncello and mint" -Piper said with a moan.
"Uhm that sounds almost as delicious as you" - Alex said steering Piper backward until they stumble with the countertop on the other side of the kitchen, her hands slithering up Piper's naked thigh.
"Are you trying to distract me?" - Piper said laughing at moaning at the same time.
"Is it working?" - Alex said smiling against her lips, her eyes brilliant and wicked.
"Yes" - Piper pulled closer by her shirt and kissed deeply.
"I can't" - Alex said against her lips chuckling- "I was told to the dishes."
"Shut up, we have 40 minutes until the salmon is ready" - Piper said kissing her again.
"As the lady you wishes" - Alex said holstering up to the counter and kissing her neck, her collarbone and caressing her breast.
Piper wrapped her legs around Alex dragging closer. Alex moved down, pushing the t-shirt up and kissing her belly button, pulling Piper's underwear a bit down with her teeth, kissing Piper's pussy over the skimpy panties. Teasingly fondling her thighs, wiggling her supple fingers by the edge panties and moving up again to nip at neck.
" I love how wet you get, Pipes" - Alex whispered in her ear and her thumb stroking over her clit.- "Tell me what you want" - Alex whispered, kissing her lips softly, sliding down her neck and teasing moving her fingers in circles at the entrance of her pussy, barely caressing..
"I want your mouth, your tongue, your fingers" - Piper said moaning at the sudden thrust of Alex's fingers, her hips rocking to meet her- "All of you. I want all of you. Now."
"Patience is a virtual, babe," - Alex moved down, nibbling and kissing, her finger moving teasingly slow again as she pushed her panties down to her knees. She kissed her thighs a spreading them.
Then Alex froze the unforgettable drum intro of "Dirty Girl" hitting her ears.. Alex pushed her pale face into Piper's stomach wishing she hadn't spent years of her childhood listening to that fucking song. Her breathing was uneven for an entirely different reason.
"Come on, Al. Stop teasing." - Piper said begging her to keep going until she noticed Alex's fingers painfully digging into her skin and looked down at her pale face- "What happen?"
"Nothing" - Alex reach out for glasses and putting them on before facing Piper-" can you turn off the fucking radio off?" - Alex said her voice cool, almost yelling as she turned around to wash the dishes.
"What the fuck got into you Alex" - Piper said no understanding her sudden change of mood.- "There isn't any need talk to me like that…"
"Can you do one thing that I am asking you without fucking questioning it?" - Alex strolled to the radio, violently turning it, off. - "You couldn't be more self-absorbed if you tried."
Piper walked away confuse by the sudden mood change and her angry tone. She glanced over her shoulder in Alex's direction and saw Alex leaning against the wall; her head tilted up; her eyes huge and glossy like melted ice behind her glasses. She had seen some many different Alex's over the months including that soft, vulnerable that open her heart up and settles inside it. But she hadn't seen this. The edge of Alex face looked like steel wire preventing her face from crashing down. Alex seemed so small and fragile. But also trying hard not be. It was like a sucker punch in the gut that made Piper's heart clenched.
Footnotes
from a Gioconda belli, poem, my translation.
the "Pura" are Hindus temples
of the Nations, Second book of the Buru Quartet by Pramoedya Ananta Toer set in Indonesia.
betutu duck rubbed with fragrant spices, wrapped in banana leaves and baked until tender.
5. Ikan bakar and Ayam bakar barbecued fish and chicken, respectively covered in spice pastes and grilled over burning coconut husks. Sambal udang large prawns cooked in a spicy sambal made of sautéed onions, green pepper, and red chili peppers topped with bumbu Bali spice paste and coconut goreng balinese fried rice
6. Goa Lawah A temple by the sea with a cave full of hundreds of bats that are considered sacred.
Lempet is made of tuna and spices, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled over charcoal made from dried coconut shells. It is served with rice and can last for 2 days. Bantal snack made with sticky rice, peas, and fruits. Wrapped in coconut leaf, tied with a rope and steamed
7. Gili means Island and they are Lombok, Gili Air, Gili Meno; Gili Trawangan are off the coast of Bali. 20-30 minutes by boat.
8. Cidomo Horse drawn car
9. Every third word is a lie comes from. This / same starved justice hath done nothing to prate to / me of the wildness of his youth, and the feats he / hath done about Turnbull Street: and every third / word a lie" - Falstaff Henry IV Shakespeare.
40 Licks Rolling Stone Concert happen in 02-03 but I am taking the creative liberty in placing in 2004. And because I want to show the contrast the relationship between Alex/Diane and Piper/Carol. And because I know Alex should have her rock band obsessed mother see it.
Quark was one of the first cell phones that ha widespread popularity, and that included emails service.
12. Alex said, "don't get tangle on your own web" It comes from Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive! Sir Walter Scott, Marmion
Girl is mention in Season 1x8 "Fucksgiving" as a hit song by Alex's father.