"So let me get this right. You've got this bus that has showers in it. You want me and Tricia to drive around the city and let homeless people take showers." Taystee looked at Piper with an incredulous look on her face.
Piper smiled as Taystee questioned the project. "Yup. Right now with one bus and the two of you, we calculate that we can serve about 36 people a day."
"That's not many Piper." Tricia looked concerned. "You know how many people are out there."
"Yes but that's 180 people a week Tricia. 180 more clean people than there was the week before." Piper was excited and trying overly hard to convince her friends the project would work.
Finally, Alex spoke up. "Look, I think this is a lot to take in. It's almost lunch time and Justin has work to do. How about we take a break for lunch and meet back here in two hours? That will give you two some time to talk about things alone. The only thing I ask is that you keep it between the two of you, okay?" Taystee and Tricia agreed and went towards the cafeteria.
"Whew, at least they are listening. I thought Taystee would hate me." Piper closed the plans she had shown the women and stacked the folders on the corner of the desk. "Let's go."
Nicky jumped up. "Thank God! I'm starving. Where we going bosses?"
Alex put her hand on her friend's shoulder and laughed. "Who said anything about going anywhere but here? You are going to shove a sandwich down your throat right quick then learn what it takes to feed three hundred homeless people lunch." She gently shoved Nicky towards the kitchen.
"Hey, I didn't sign up for this." Nicky protested the entire way.
"Oh yes you did, my friend. Oh yes you did."
The three women finally served the last of the clients then returned to the office to collapse. "Damn Alex. You didn't warn me how rough that was going to be." Nicky wiped the sweat off her forehead and downed part of a bottle of water.
"What? Working?" Alex's sarcastic tone had the trio laughing. "Think those two will come back or did we scare them off?"
"They'll be back." Piper's voice expressed her positivity about the situation. "I think they liked the idea and they definitely want a job."
About then the door opened and Taystee and Tricia rejoined the group. "Welcome back ladies." Nicky offered her hand to each of them. "We are glad you returned."
Taystee started talking. "Me and Tricia talked during lunch. And we have some questions." Piper nodded at her to continue. "What would it take to keep the buses open longer?"
Piper was shocked at the question. It wasn't quite what she was expecting. "Right now, another driver and attendant. I'm not going to ask either of you to work more than the standard forty hours per week. Then if the project is successful, we will hire more people. We are also in the process of outfitting another bus. There's a lot of coordination that goes with this project. But we are dedicated to only hiring homeless or formerly homeless for our work staff."
Tricia looked at Taystee questioningly. This time Tricia spoke. "That brings us to our next question. We park these buses in front of a different shelter every day. Then are you expecting us to go back to a shelter and sleep? That's messed up."
The look on Piper's face showed how stunned she was that they would even think that. "My goodness no Tricia. We haven't even gotten to the compensation package yet."
"Compensation package? What's that?" Tricia screwed up her eyes and cocked her head sideways.
"Money fool." Taystee laughed.
"For now, we have a contract with an extended stay hotel that's close to where the buses will be kept. They are like little efficiency apartments. Your housing will be taken care of as long as you remain in good employment standing. Eventually we hope to find something more long term. In addition, you will receive a modest hourly wage."
Tricia leaned forward. "How modest?"
Taystee hit her on the shoulder again. "Damn girl. Piper won't do us wrong. Plus, she's going to get us some new clothes, right?"
Alex decided to take Piper out of the hot seat. "Uniform coveralls will be provided for work. As well we will take you both out so you can get what you need for your place and yes, new clothes." She couldn't help but to grin as she watched how excited the two homeless women became.
Taystee jumped up. "Count me in! When do we start?"
Piper grinned at her friend. "If you can manage to stay here one more night, Nicky and I will pick you. We can see your new home and go shopping. That'll give you time to say bye to all your friends. The bus will be delivered next week. So, we have a lot to do in a short time."
Nicky kept quiet all this time watching the interactions between the others. She was truly beginning to understand the meaning of and importance behind this new project.
Nicky, Alex, and Piper left the two ecstatic women and headed back to their temporary office. As they rode on the L, Nicky expressed her amazement at what she had observed. "You two really have a way with these people."
"These people? Nicky, they are just that – people. I think you will find that the more you interact with these people, you will learn that." Alex was almost perturbed at her friend.
"No Stretch, that's not what I mean. It's just the interactions. Ugh. I don't know how to say it. I was just impressed okay?"
Piper leaned over and placed a hand on Nicky's shoulder. "It's okay Nicky. I understand what you mean. You know I lived on the streets for six weeks not too long ago. Maybe that's why I relate so well to them. I need to tell you my story sometime."
"Errrr I know some of it. Alex and I talked about how you two 'met'. But that's neither here nor there."
Piper turned her body towards Alex. Now it was her turn to lift her eyebrow at Alex who simply shrugged then grinned as she spoke. "I have my punch list for the rest of today and tomorrow. I need to visit the initial five shelters we have selected and drop off the flyers and sign-in sheets. Well four shelters since 51st Street is taken care of obviously. I also need to visit suppliers for the shower supplies, towels, and socks."
"How about we regroup for take-out tonight at my place?" Alex's eyes grew wide at her best friend's offer knowing what her place looked like. "I know what you are thinking Alex but I've actually cleaned. Well hired cleaners, but still, it's presentable."
When the doorbell rang signifying the arrival of Chinese, Nicky lept up to get the food. Piper took a swallow of beer and looked at Alex. "I thought we were going to dinner tonight."
Alex looked at the floor and scuffed the floor with her foot. "We are having dinner Piper."
"You know what I mean. Me and you. To talk."
"Yeah, well, business comes first. Things are really coming down to the wire here. With the pre-work you already had completed, the grand opening if you will is rushing us down."
"I won't let you sweep this under the rug Alex. It's important to me."
Their conversation was interrupted by Nicky setting the food on the table. She was chattering away as she pulled carton of carton out of the bags. The bushy haired woman plopped back on her couch, chopsticks in hand and was shoveling food into her mouth. "Oh, I talked to Marka today. What are you doing this weekend? Nothing? Good! We have an event Saturday night." A few grains of rice went flying as Nicky talked through her food.
Alex let out an exasperated sigh. "Nicky we are under a time crunch right now. We can't be going to 'events'." Alex made air quotes with her chopsticks and fingers.
"Wait, wait, wait Stretch. This event isn't negotiable." Alex ducked her head to her chin and glared at Nicky. "It's a fund-raiser and naming ceremony. She wants our foundation to start getting on its own feet. Plus, we need something to put on the side of our bus. And honestly, with the contacts both mine and blondie's family have, we can raise a lot of money to jumpstart our foundation's bank account."
Piper put down her carton and chopsticks. "So in addition to getting the girls settled, we must name our new foundation, and finish up the rest of our bus punch list. No problem." She grabbed her food again and dug in a little too hard.
"Look, you guys know how my mom is. Piper, your mom is probably the same way. I don't think we can get out of this. But come on, we do need a name – for the foundation and for the project. The fundraiser is Saturday, and we start business Monday. That gives us just over a week until we pull the trigger. I think we can do it."
As the women finished eating, they tossed some names about but didn't come up with anything substantial. At one point, Piper glanced at Alex to catch the dark-haired woman's green eyes boring into her, almost as if Alex was in a trance. After a few moments, Alex broke eye contact and looked at Nicky.
"Nicky do you trust me?"
"Of course I trust you, you big idiot. You are my best friend."
"What about you Piper?" The blonde nodded.
"I have the perfect name. I'll get in touch with Marka tomorrow about the fund-raiser and get the wrapper made for the bus. I know a guy who can design the graphic I want and get the wrapper in time for Monday."
"What's the name?"
Alex shook her head. "No, you'll just have to trust me. It's perfect." Alex stood, gathered her trash and dumped it in the garbage. "But since my to-do list just got longer, I probably need to go. Thanks for dinner Nic."
Leaping up, Piper hurriedly cleaned up as well. "Ummm I need to go, too. Thanks Nicky. I need the name of that delivery place! See you tomorrow at the shelter."
As Alex waited on the elevator to take her down, she was surprised to see Piper rushing out of the condo. "In a hurry?"
"Alex, we need to talk. Seriously."
The elevator dinged as the doors opened. Alex motioned for Piper to go in before her. She faced the blonde during the ride to the ground floor, neither woman talking. Alex exited first and hailed a cab. As she did the night before, Alex climbed in and sat for a few moments before motioning Piper to follow her.
The ride was again silent, but upon arrival, Alex went directly to her apartment and not the café. When she turned to face Piper in the elevator, Piper's breath hitched as she almost expected to be ravaged. She was almost disappointed when Alex exited the elevator without touching her. Despite trying to push images of the previous night from her mind, Piper got a sense of arousal as she walked into the apartment. She took a seat on the couch, ankles crossed.
"Coffee? Something stronger?"
"Water please."
Piper heard the plastic ring cracking open then a bottle of water appeared over her shoulder. Alex came around and took a seat next to her on the couch. The silence was uncomfortable.
"You said we needed to talk." Piper nodded her head slightly. "So talk."
Piper felt a sea of anxiety rise from her stomach. She sucked in a shaky breath, feeling her throat constrict. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on her breathing to calm her nerves. When she opened her eyes, Alex was looking at her, a gentle, almost concerned look on her face.
"It's okay Piper. I'm not angry anymore. I just want you to talk to me since you seem to think we need to talk."
"I just can't have you mad at me or confused at my intentions."
"Pipes, I will never know what made you subject yourself to such harsh conditions in the name of research. I respect you for what you did." The nickname just slipped out and brought the women to a familiar level. She gently scooted next to Piper and placed her arm around the blonde's shoulders, pulling her in close.
"You said the other night that I was your knight in shining armor. Let me let you in on a little secret. That's exactly who I wanted to be. You weren't the only one who had someone constantly on her mind. I looked for you everywhere. I saw you in every person I saw and in nobody I met. You were in my dreams and in my nightmares."
Piper curled into Alex, placing her hand on Alex's thigh. "I'm sorry Alex. I never meant for you to think I was playing the system because I wasn't, and I definitely wasn't playing you. That's all I needed to say. I simply had to be sure you heard me."
Alex kissed the top of Piper's head as Piper made a sound of contentment. The room was quiet as they simply enjoyed each other's presence.
"Al?" Alex murmured an acknowledgement as she again kissed Piper's head then moved down to kiss her ear. "This feels good. You feel good." Piper turned her head upwards and found Alex's lips. Their kiss was gentle without a trace of the harshness of the night before. Slow and languid, the two women enjoyed the warmth of each other.
As Alex continued to hold Piper's body against her, Piper let her hand drift across Alex's stomach, finding her way beneath the taller woman's sweater. Alex's breath hitched as Piper touched her skin gently. "Piper… Piper are you sure about this?" Alex whispered without breaking the kiss.
Piper reached down over Alex's jeans to her crotch and lightly ran her fingers across Alex's center. "Positive."
Only then did Alex break the kiss. Standing, she gently swooped her arms under Piper's shoulders and legs and carried her into the bedroom.
For the second morning in a row, Alex opened her eyes to the strange feeling of another body next to hers. She gently turned over to not disturb Piper who was sleeping on her stomach with her blonde hair spread across her back. This time, Alex pulled the sheet and the duvet over both of them, ensuring Piper was properly covered.
Piper yawned and stretched her arms over her head as she turned over to see Alex staring at her. "Mmmm you are still here. Last time, I woke up to an empty bed."
"It's not morning yet." Alex smiled softly and leaned over to kiss Piper. "But I'm not running this time. I don't know what this," she motioned between the two of them, "means, but I'm not running." Piper answered with a smile as she returned Alex's kiss.
Alex stretched out on her back as Piper lay a leg over her and wrapped an arm around her torso. "Oh god Pipes. Are we going to be able to get all of this done?"
"Think positive Al."
"Look I need to go see my design guy then see if Marka can fit me. Is there any way you can deliver the flyers and sign-up sheets this morning? That will give me time to get a chunk of my extra stuff done."
Piper leaned up on one elbow. "Ummm I'm supposed to take the girls shopping."
"Nicky can handle that. She has a credit card."
"Yeah, but does she have a driver's license? From what I hear from Marka, Nicky's pretty much a wild child."
"Naw Nicky doesn't drive. But she has a driver. The girls will get a kick out of it and I never pass up an opportunity to fuck with Nicky. Shhhh listen."
Alex grabbed her phone, pressed Nicky's name, and put the phone on speaker.
"What the fuck you want? It's still dark out. This better be important Stretch."
"Hey, uhhh, something came up with Piper. You need to take the girls shopping and to the hotel this morning. Got it?"
"What came up with Piper? Your dick? This isn't funny Alex. You know I don't shop."
"Oh come on, it will be fun. Bonus – the girls will get a kick out of their own private car and driver." Nicky was still grumbling her protests when Alex disconnected.
"I'm sure I'll pay for that later, but meh." Alex chuckled. "So now will you handle the flyers? I'm sure Red will be happy to see you."
"Maybe."
"Maybe? What's up Pipes?"
Piper crawled on top of Alex, slipping her hand down Alex's pajamas. "Your dick?"
Alex grabbed the back of Piper's head and pulled it in for a fierce kiss. "What I have for you is better than any dick you can find." She flipped Piper over onto her back and latched her mouth onto her breast, slightly wincing as Piper dug her nails into the scratches from the night before.
Alex finished her muffin and had her to-go coffee topped off. She leaned over and kissed Piper gently. "I'll see you later?"
"Counting on it." Piper smiled as she watched Alex stride towards the L.
Piper opened the messenger bag which had the distribution material inside. She pulled out a flyer. She had to admit, Marka had a point. The flyers did look silly without a name to associate the bus with. She had assumed the project would be under the Nichols' Foundation umbrella. Perhaps this was a way for Marka to give her daughter some responsibility in something meaningful. It's not like Nicky had to work, but some say that philanthropy done the right way is a job all in itself.
As Piper walked towards the 32nd street shelter where she volunteered prior to her stint as a homeless researcher, she posted flyers in places she knew the homeless people in the area would find them. She thought back to her time on the street and how hard it was to get a shower as the shelter had limited availability. She would have given anything to have possible access to a shower a week around where she stayed.
"So I'm sitting there, barbecue sauce on my titties, and I'm all like what the fuck, again?" Taystee and Tricia were rolling laughing in the back of the car.
Nicky knocked on the divider window and motioned to the driver to pull over. She quickly got out and crawled into the front. "Those some crazy ass bitches Eddie."
The driver looked at her and smiled. "And you my child, are perfectly sane? I can remember picking you up on nights when you can barely walk. I'll take crazy over drunk any day. Crazy doesn't puke." Eddie pulled into the parking lot of the big box store. "Call me when you are ready."
"Thanks Eddie." Nicky groaned as she pulled herself out of the car. "Hi ladies. So here is how it's going to go. I hate to shop. The hotel has basic toiletries: soap, towels and such. The rooms also have a small kitchen with a refrigerator. Keeping that in mind, you need to get some food for a few days until you settle in, clothes, and whatever else you need. Piper did ask that you do not buy alcohol or tobacco. Meet me back up front to check-out."
Both women grabbed a cart and Taystee took off down the first aisle screaming like a banshee. Nicky rolled her eyes. "Children." She found herself a place to sit and began playing Candy Crush. Eventually both women made their way back up to the check-out area. They each were eating a bar of ice cream.
"Ice cream? Seriously? It's like 28 degrees outside."
"It ain't just an ice cream, it's a chocolate vanilla swirl with cookie crunch, please! And when you have been deprived, everything tastes good. Tricia here has ding-dongs, ho-hos, and powered donuts." They began to unload their selections onto the conveyor belt.
Nicky was surprised to see several large books come out of Taystee's basket. Taystee must have seen the look on her face. "What you think I can't read? Hell, I have a driver's license. You don't even have that."
"Yeah," Nicky retorted. "But Harry Potter?"
"Fucking J.K. Rowling! Get this, some punk-ass publisher read Harry fucking Potter and was like "nope!". Dumb ass. She be a million millionaire now." Taystee tossed the multi-set volume onto the belt. "Don't be fuckin' with Harry Potter."
Eventually everything was paid for and Eddie took care of loading the bags into the back of the car. Next stop… the hotel.
After the two new employees were settled in, Nicky made sure nothing else was needed. "Then I guess I'll see you tomorrow. I'll drop by in the afternoon to check on you."
Taystee hopped from one foot to the other. "Yippy skippy boss. And thanks for the trip in the dope ride. Taystee out." She twirled around and headed to her room.
Piper changed her route and saved the 32nd street shelter for last so she could help serve lunch. She entered the side delivery door and ran head-on to Red as she was rushing to the kitchen to prep.
"Ahhh the prodigal child returns again." Red clucked and shooed Piper into the kitchen to begin work. As they worked side by side, Piper told her all about the new project and how fast they had been able to get it up and running.
"So the bus is mobile and we will park at a different shelter every week day. People can sign up with you for 15 minute slots. Then while they wait, they can take advantage of services offered here at the shelter."
"You've done well child. I always knew you had a good heart."
"Ummmm Red, I have a favor to ask. There is a gala Saturday, a benefit for my new foundation. Well our new foundation that is doing all of this. I'd like for you to come. It's a fund raiser but you'd be a guest."
"Oh dear, you know I don't do fancy clothes. I'll just hear all about it from my favorite volunteer when she comes to park her big bus in front of my shelter. Now go get another pan of vegetables."
Alex left Marka's office satisfied that the foundation president approved of the name and initial design presented. When Alex gave Nicky's mother the report detailing the work that the trio had done, Marka was delighted to hear that Nicky had been pulling her weight. "Don't let her stop Alex. You've been a good influence on my daughter. I want her to find purpose in life other than just partying and getting arrested."
Alex spent the rest of the day arranging for suppliers. She was desperately trying to conserve cash by looking for in-kind donations in exchange for some advertising on the back of the bus. This would certainly help in the short term and possibly lead into a long-term solution.
Once Alex made it home after completing her list of so-called chores, she fell into her overstuffed easy chair. As soon as the burden of the long day and many tasks was lifted, her mind immediately snapped to Piper. Thoughts of the blonde woman had been on the edge of her thoughts all day. Never had a few moments deliberation seemed like an eternity as she finally felt her consciousness ebbing away, and her thoughts, as clear and concise as they were mere moments ago, were coming to an end. Her eyes drifted closed as sleep fought its way to the forefront.
Alex woke up to a buzzing sound that she couldn't quite place. Opening her eyes, she saw her phone walking across the table. Without looking at the screen, she clicked the answer button. "'Lo." Her typical deep, raspy voice was a little gruffer from sleep.
"Hey."
A smile crossed the dark-haired woman's face as she cleared her throat. "Hey yourself."
"Why do I get the feeling I woke you up?" Piper laughed at the seemingly groggy Alex.
"S'ok. What's up? I got all my chores done."
"Aren't you a good little girl? I bet you worked up an appetite with all of that running around the city. How about a little dinner? Just me and you this time."
"Damn Pipes," Alex grumbled. "I'm pretty damned wiped out from today. As much as I'd love to see you, can I take a rain check?"
A rapping on Alex's door startled her. "Hang on. Someone's here." Alex cradled the phone between her shoulder and ear and went to answer her door.
"Would you take delivery instead?" The voice came through the phone and from the blonde holding a cell phone in one hand and a bag of take-out in the other. Piper hung up her phone. "I took a chance that you might be home and hungry. I hope I was right."
Alex relieved Piper of the bag and motioned her inside. She sat the bag on the kitchen island and wrapped her arms around Piper's waist. "You guess right, and I'm glad you did. I'm starving." Piper gave her a mock look of shock. "Okay, I'll admit. I'm glad to see you, too." She gave Piper a strong kiss before they both dug into the food.
Once dinner was finished and the mess cleaned up, Piper grabbed her coat. Alex looked at her strangely. "What? I'm headed home for tonight. I thought you'd like to have your space back." Alex frowned. "What? You gonna miss me?
Alex grabbed Piper and ravaged her lips with a passionate kiss. "What do you think? Stay, please."
Piper struggled into her coat and winked at Alex. "The next few days are going to be busy. I think we both need our rest. Besides, you know what they say, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'."
Friday was spent tying up loose ends before the grand opening of the shower buses on Monday. Supplies had begun to arrive at the hotel. A room was being used to store the goods until a storage shed could be delivered to the lot where the bus was going to be kept. Piper, Alex, and Nicky spent the evening with Taystee and Tricia treating them to a nice dinner. It was Piper's way of ensuring Tricia's loyalty stayed with the team.
The bus was to be delivered on Saturday. Because Alex's connections had worked exceptionally quickly, the bus had already been wrapped with the foundation's new name and logo. Alex wanted to ensure the identity remained a secret until the unveiling at the fund-raising dinner, so she made sure Nicky and Piper were clear that they were to stay away from the lot at all costs.
Alex met Taystee and Tricia at the lot to show them the bus. "Dammmmmmmmmmn boss. That's one tricked out bus. If it looks this fine on the outside, I can only imagine what the inside look like." Needless to say, Taystee was impressed.
Alex gave them a tour of the inside and showed them how everything worked. She pointed out the storage lockers for the supplies – cleaner, towels, wash clothes, and amenity kids. They discussed the routine which was also on a laminated card which was affixed inside each locker. Between clients, Tricia was responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the area and stocking fresh linens and amenity kit.
"Taystee, you oversee organizing the line of people outside and determining who is next on the sign-up sheet. Also as clients come out, they should deposit two towels and a wash cloth in the hamper."
Tricia made a sour look. "What? You don't trust our peeps? Besides who cares if we lose a few towels. It's not like our people have much anyway."
"It matters to our budget." Alex's face showed concern yet understanding for Tricia's words. "At this point in our project, we are not providing towels for the clients to take. But the ones we have are high quality and heavy duty, the best our people have felt in a long time."
Back at the hotel, Alex showed them how to assemble an amenities kit. Each client would receive a comb, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a new pair of socks. Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel would be in heavy duty dispensers mounted in each shower stall.
"Assemble as many kits as you can today and tomorrow because I know you won't feel like it after working during the day. Lord knows I wouldn't." Alex chuckled. "How are you doing with your advance? Is the money holding up?" Tricia looked at Taystee but both women stayed quiet. "Wait, don't answer that." Alex pressed some cash into Taystee's hand. "The pizza place around the corner makes a pretty mean pie. See ya tomorrow."
Nicky was fidgeting with her bow tie. "Is this fucking thing tied right?"
Alex walked over to her friend and straightened her tie. "It's fine Nic. And you look dashing, I might add."
Nicky had chosen a retro look – a tailor fitted tuxedo type jacket with tails, fitted slacks, a black bow tie and black patent leather pumps. She topped her look off with a felt derby which she placed slightly cock-eyed atop her slicked back hair.
"Thanks Stretch. I'm sure this isn't the formal look Marka meant, but I do look fine if I say so myself. And you – damn you clean up nice."
A tight black dress hugged Alex's curves in all the right places, the scooped neck showed off her ample bosom. The dress abruptly ended slightly below Alex's hips allowing her long creamy legs to be spot-lighted. Her heels added a few inches to her already tall height and stretched her calves out for a delectable sight.
"Damn buddy, how can we call ourselves eligible bachelors with you in that smoking dress." Nicky was still checking herself in the full-length mirror to ensure everything was just right. "Alex? Right? Just two single guys on the hunt for some chicks."
Alex chuckled as she made sure her hair was pulled back just right. "Sure Nic, whatever you say."
The world fell away, drained of all color but her, standing in the doorway. The flowing cauliflower blue dress adorned with quite a generous slit up the side allowed Alex's imagination to kick into overdrive. Of course, she had seen the legs beneath the flimsy cloth, had them wrapped around her in fact. Yet she wasn't prepared for the sight of the woman who had just walked in.
Piper warmly greeted the Marka and gracefully scanned the room for other familiar faces. As her eyes landed upon Alex, her face lit up like a kid's in a candy store. She made her way up the stairs to the landing where Nicky and Alex stood. Standing on her tip-toes, she whispered into Alex's ear. Alex was so mesmerized by the blonde, she didn't quite catch what was said.
"Ummmm you look nice Pipes," was about all Alex could choke out.
Knowing she had flustered the taller woman, Piper turned to Nicky. "And aren't you the dapper one?"
Nicky gave her a sideways grin and tipped her derby. "I don't know about you two, but I came here for the free booze." With that, Nicky was off in search of a server bearing flutes of champagne.
Piper turned her attention back to Alex. "I look nice, eh? Is that all you can come up with?"
"Actually," Alex whispered. "Yes. My mouth is dry and my blood seems to be pooled in a certain part of my body. Let's see if Nicky found drinks before I find a dark room to drag you into." She offered her arm to Piper who slipped hers inside the crook of Alex's elbow.
They found Nicky chatting it up with one of the servers. Alex approached and cleared her throat. "Oh, I'm sorry." The woman blushed and began to walk away to resume her duties.
Alex snagged two more flutes from the tray. "Just don't believe what Nicky says. She's a snake." Alex winked at the server as she rushed off.
"Don't ruin all my fun pal. This is the first drink I've had in quite some time."
"I know. And if you get sloshed or put any drug other than alcohol in your body, I'll string you up by your pubic hairs."
"Damn Vause. You know how to hurt a woman." The trio laughed.
"Fuck." Piper's voice was low as she turned to face the wall, away from the crowd.
"What's wrong Pipes?"
"Don't look now but you are about to meet my mother who probably is sloshed. I'm sorry in advance."
About that time, a loud voice slurred from behind them. "Piper my darling, is that you?"
Turning to face her mom with a fake smile, she replied, "Mother. How are you?"
"You've been ignoring me Piper Elizabeth. I taught you better than that." Carol was almost to the stumbling phase but not quite yet.
"Mother, I'd like for you to meet my colleagues. This is Alex Vause, and I believe you know Nicky Nichols, Marka's daughter. Ladies, this is my mother – Carol Chapman."
"Well at least you remembered your manners. Some of your raising seemed to have stuck."
"Thanks for coming to show your support Mother. We have to go now." Piper quickly ushered her friends away from her mother. "Sorry you had to see that."
"No need to apologize Piper. You aren't to blame." Alex placed a kiss on the corner of Piper's lips.
Nicky made a gagging noise. "You two are sick. Get a room. Wait, don't get a room. Fuck, I don't know what to say. Never mind."
Dessert was being served after a wonderful dinner that had cost the attendees several hundred dollars a plate. The booze was flowing freely and many donors were getting loosened up. Marka hoped the last portion of the evening would loosen their heart strings and their pockets to pull in some more donations.
Piper and friends joined her on the stage as they began the presentation portion of the evening. Marka began by introducing her Piper who told a shortened version of the presentation she had prepared for the Homeless Symposium. As she shared some of the stories of the people she had met, a few of the woman were sniffling and dabbing at the corner of their eyes.
Nicky spoke next about the project with the mobile shower units and the plans they had for expansion – the plans which all depended on funding. "Your extended generosity tonight and in the future, will ensure expanded services the homeless population of Chicago truly needs. As well, we have our wish list and immediate needs posted on our new website. I'd like to thank my mother, Marka, without whom tonight would not be possible. And I'd like to thank each of you for your attendance. Without further ado, I'd like for you to meet my colleague and best friend, Alex Vause." Nicky tipped her fedora at her pal.
Alex approached the podium and looked out at everyone who had come for the fund raiser. She studied the crowd as she steadied her nerves and gathered her thoughts. The pre-written speech which lay in front of her was quickly going to the wayside.
"I would like to tell you a story about a homeless woman. I only ran across her a few times." Alex shook her head side to side. She closed her eyes to bring her memories to the forefront. Opening her eyes, she continued to talk. "She was grimy, her clothes tattered and torn. Her gait was slow as if the heavy burden on her shoulders was too much to bear." Alex could not bear to glance over to look at Piper who was still sitting with Marka and Nicky on the stage.
"Once I saw her, I couldn't get her out of my mind. I still haven't figured out how I could be so mesmerized by someone so absolutely filthy. Then I couldn't find her. Terror coursed through my veins because I thought she had been caught up in a blizzard – trapped or even worse, dead."
"I looked everywhere for her." Out of the corner of her eye, Alex could see Piper wiping tears. "During my search for this soiled woman, I met some incredible people. And yes, they were all dirty, grimy, filthy – just like this woman had been. I can undoubtedly say that I have never been in their shoes unlike my colleague Piper." She motioned to the blonde in the pale blue flowing dress.
"But I do know that they are people who deserve more than our city provides. Who in here can honestly say that a nice hot shower doesn't feel damned good? After a good long run in the morning or a day of working in the yard. What do you want? A shower to clean off! Admit it. We all do."
The audience members were all nodding in agreement. Then Alex spoke again. "Well I'm happy to tell you that I finally found that woman. She's safe. And she's also the inspiration for the name of our new foundation."
Alex motioned to the large screen behind her. "Without further ado," Alex paused as part of a logo flashed on the screen. It was a wave of blues fading from dark to light with a burst of sparkles at the end. The sparkles turned into water drops representing a shower. "The Cinderella Foundation."
A/N: For those of you who follow me, I hope you realized I stayed true to my word in giving you an extended chapter. I think this is my longest chapter ever except for maybe DJ Pipes but she had some hella sexy mojo going on. I was tempted to break it into two chapters, making for two quick updates before I left but decided against it.
To the guest who ships me and R117 – that's awfully kind. She and I actually met face to face this time last year in Berlin. We haven't forgotten about Lyrics. She's had uni and I've had work, so maybe soon...
To the guest who says to slow down the travels - the states are HUGE and there are many places to visit. I travel for work and never run out of fun and exciting things to do.
And finally, Vauseman – yeah, it's a slow burn. Maybe Alex needs to have one more round of being pissed to amp up the energy. Then again maybe not. I have a feeling that the revelation of the name of the foundation will make Piper see Alex in a different light, that perhaps there are more feelings beneath that hardened exterior. Fuck, it just dawned on me that I've almost always written Alex as a Cancer.
