Here's the next chapter ladies and gents...Hope you all are enjoying my story. Thank you for being patient with the speed that the chapters are posted-life is a balancing act...Any comments are always appreciated. Enjoy! JC

Chapter 10

Piper

As I sat on the plane to Orlando I couldn't believe how my life had changed in the past three days. Alex was back in my life and I couldn't be happier. In the back of my mind was a small part that was worried that Alex and I wouldn't work out. I pushed that thought out of my mind. Alex and I had been through so much together and always had an amazing connection. I had little doubt we would have trouble.

I shifted my focus and pulled out my laptop, and went over my presentation and powerpoint. I was nervous. This manufacturer would be the biggest one PoPi bought out. Lord knows we need it especially since I closed the deal in Chicago and if I landed the contracts in Florida. The company was growing so fast. Frankly, I was scared that I wouldn't be able to keep up. Work and been my life for the past two years. I worked non-stop, taking no vacations and no time off. Work had been my obsession keeping me from going crazy thinking of my past and Alex. However, now that Alex and I decided to start spending time together I knew it was going to be difficult balancing act.

Soon enough the fasten seatbelt sign came on and the pilot and informed the plane that we were descending into Orlando. I had to meet with PoPi's lawyer and financial advisors before we met with the manufacturer's team.

I hustled to the hotel and checked in. I took my bags up to my room before meeting Jack and Dan down in the hotel restaurant for lunch and our meeting.

The three of us ordered and got down to business. Jack told me that the company we were looking to buy out was struggling a bit and had some debt that PoPi would have to assume. I turned to my financial guru Dan and asked him if this would be a good investment and acquisition for PoPi.

"Piper, I looked at the numbers and the rate at how fast your company has been expanding. I think it would be prudent to pick up another manufacturer, specifically this one. I think that what we are offering price-wise is fair for a company is on a downward slide.

It was enough to convince me. That was why I came down here in the first place.

"Ok gentleman, let's proceed."

Both men nodded we ate and then eventually adjourned the meeting. We were all staying at the same hotel so we agreed to meet at 3:00pm to head over to the company. I looked at my watch, it was 2:20pm. I decided to head up to my room and check my email, go over any last minute details and freshen up. My text message alert went off, I quickly checked it.

Alex: Pipes, I hope you made it to Florida ok. Good luck with your meeting. Thinking of you…

The text was perfect timing. I felt a smile creep across my face as I typed a reply.

Piper: Thanks Alex. I'm a bit nervous—this is a big step for PoPi…Fingers crossed! I'll let you know how it goes.

Hearing from Alex lifted my spirits and gave me an extra boost of confidence going into my meeting. I freshened up my make-up and headed down to meet the guys. I had a good feeling about this meeting.

To say that I was ecstatic after the meeting would have been an understatement. My presentation went perfectly and I let Dan and Jack hammer out the exact details of the agreement. While they were wrapping things up I texted Polly.

Piper: Polly we did it! The company is ours barring the official paperwork in the morning. I can just feel that this is just the beginning for PoPi!

Next I texted Alex,

Piper: Al—we got the company! We are celebrating when I get home Friday, my treat. I can't wait to see you…

I hesitated to type the last part fearing it was too much too soon. However, it was true—I couldn't wait to see her again. I sent the message. My alert went off again with Polly texting me back.

Polly: Piper—That's so amazing! You are amazing! Call me when you get a chance. I wanna hear all the details.

I quickly replied,

Piper: Will do…I'll call when I get back to the hotel

While I was texting Polly, Alex replied back.

Alex: Congratulations Piper. I am so happy for you. This is just the beginning of big things for you and PoPi. If you get a chance and don't mind—give me a call. I can't wait to see on Friday either.

I didn't wait for the guys and I grabbed a taxi back to the hotel. I just wanted to change out of this suit and into something comfortable. I would call Polly and give her the details.

When I got back, I changed into a pair of capris and comfy top. I settled onto the bed and called Polly. She was practically bouncing off the walls with exciting as I told her about how Dan and Jack did a great job with negotiations and that my powerpoint presentation went amazingly well. I let her know I would email her a copy of the final contract so she could see everything. We chatted about Pet and Finn, she said they were doing well and that Finn was getting a little "too big for his britches." I couldn't help but laugh, I saw that in him a long time ago.

"I can't believe he is going to be three Polly! Where has time gone?"

"I don't know Piper, but weeks and years are starting to fly by now."

"Oh I know this. It's funny, I wish there were parts of my life that went by faster than others and visa-versa."

"Like prison?" Polly inquired.

I stopped and thought. The actual prison part yes—the time I spent with Alex—no.

"I guess, I mean there was a part of prison I wish wouldn't have gone by so fast."

"What? Like the Supercut part?"

"Polly! You promised you wouldn't call her that anymore!"

"Oh! Yes, sorry Pipes."

"But you're right. When I was with Alex in Litchfield, I wished I could have pressed pause on all the moments we spent together. I wished that we could have been in our own bubble in our own time."

"Wow Piper, you never said anything like that about Larry."

"That's because what I felt for him paled in comparison to what I feel for Alex."

"Pipes! You never told me how coffee went!"

"It went well. It was amazing to see her again. She looked beautiful as always. We agreed to start spending time together and see where things go."

"That's great Piper! Are you ok with that?"

I smiled. "Yes it is good and yes I am ok with that. Alex and I are different people than we were 12 years ago when we first met. We're different than we were when we were in prison. I'm different than since I got out of prison. Alex just got out of prison, she has to figure out her own life now that she's out and she has to figure out if I fit into that life. We decided to spend time together, reconnect and see where things go."

There was a silence at the other end of the phone. "Pol?"

"That must have been one intense conversation Piper." Polly said as she exhaled.

"It was, it really was. The strange thing is it didn't feel super intense. Sure, I was nervous but Polly I swear—when Alex and I are together it's like we meld back together; back together to what our relationship was before. I feel safe with her, that I can just be me and be honest with her.

It was something she and I learned to do in Litchfield. We didn't have much community time or time alone together to talk. When Alex and I did talk we were forced to talk in a short period of time. We had to get right down to the heart of the problem or issue quickly. She and I being limited on time sort of breeds a level of intimacy that happens quickly."

"I could see that." Polly responded as she seemed to be contemplating what I just said.

"Pol, I don't know what is going to happen between Alex and I. I know what I'd like to happen, but I don't know if too much time has passed and we're different people now. I know I'd like to end up back together with Alex. I've waited ten years for it. However, Alex just got out of Litchfield and there is an adjustment period and she is also on probation which can be trying. I'd like to think I'll help her re-acclimate to life outside of prison, but ultimately Alex has to figure out the new, post-Litchfield Alex.

"That is true." Polly sighed. Almost immediately I heard crying in the background.

"Shit Pipes—I got to go. Finn just ran into the cabinets in the kitchen. Talk to you later."

Next thing I knew I heard my phone disconnect. I put my phone down and looked around the hotel room. Normally, I'd order room service and just keep to myself but tonight I felt like going out for dinner and celebrate a bit. PoPi landed the manufacturing company we were after and that was a big deal.

I changed my top, grabbed my purse and phone, put my heels on and headed out the door. On the way down the elevator I texted Alex.

Piper: Headed out to dinner and have myself a celebratory drink. I'll call you when I get back to my room.

As I walked out the doors of the hotel she texted me back.

Alex: Celebrate you should! Enjoy dinner and I'll talk to you later. –Al

The hotel was in a pretty busy, upscale neighborhood with lots of restaurants and bars. I walked a few blocks and came upon an Asian Fusion restaurant that looked good so I headed in. The hostess seated me and I perused the menu.

As I looked it over I couldn't think about Alex and I's trips all over Asia and Indonesia. I experienced some of the most exotic and interesting food in the entire world. Most of the food was amazing, some of it not so good.

I decided on fresh steamed scallops with Vermicelli and garlic with a Pellegrino. I decided I'd peruse the drink menu while I waited for dinner. I couldn't stop think about Alex and our past life so I decided to text her.

Piper: Sitting in an Asian Fusion restaurant and thinking of you, good food, and the good times of our past…P

I got a reply back almost immediately.

Alex: What restaurant are you at? What did you order?

I told her the restaurant and what I did order.

Alex: Sounds amazing! You're making me hungry! Enjoy dinner…

The server brought my dinner and I breathed in its delicious scent. As I was eating my first scallop another server appeared at my table holding a drink.

"Good evening Miss, are you Piper?"

I was momentarily confused how he knew my name.

"Yes I am, how can I help you?"

The young man put the drink down in front of me.

"A Bellinitini for you Miss. An "Alex" wanted me to congratulate you on your deal, and wishes she could be here with you for dinner."

I know I must have the biggest grin on my face. This was typical Alex style and I loved and missed her spoiling me.

"Thank you." I replied to the waiter.

He continued, "She also wanted to let you know that your dinner is paid for plus anything else you would like tonight."

I was speechless "Thank you—thank you very much." I stuttered out.

He bowed slightly and left the table. I sat and stared at the martini. She remembered my favorite martini. I pulled out my phone to text her a thank you.

Piper: Al—than you very much for the drink and dinner. As always, you've outdone yourself. I can't believe you remembered my favorite martini. You are one special woman Alex Vause.

I sent the message and saw that almost immediately she was typing a response.

Alex: You are most welcome Pipes. It's the least I can do to celebrate with you from hundreds of miles away. Of course I remember your favorite martini. I also remember you trying almost every martini under the sun before settling on that one. And no Piper—you are the special woman.