****

Alex dragged herself into the nest over an hour late the next morning. After Amanda had gotten the crying jag out of her system, the two of them had dinner and a late night girl party. However, Alex noticed the sadness still in her sister's eyes, the same look she'd had for a year now. She hurt to see Amanda like that.

"Well, you look like something the cat drug in."

"Shut up Cody or I'll shoot you and tell Frank you died."

"Ouch. Someone's not nice this morning." Jake laughed

"Late night last night girlfriend?" Monica chuckled as Cody's mouth still hung open. Usually it was Frank who threatened Cody like that. It'd become a running joke among the team.

"You could say that Monica. My sister flew into town without warning. I haven't actually seen her in years." She yawned again and plopped down ungraciously at her desk. The sunglasses were still in place and she could use a nap, a smoke and a gallon of coffee.

"Oy." Jake muttered as he got up to get her some coffee. "Speaking of Frank..."

"Now what? He extending his meetings in D.C.?" Monica sighed.

"No. He's cut them short. He'll be back tonight" Jake answered from the kitchenette. He walked back out with two mugs of coffe, handing one off to Alex. He sat on the corner of her desk and sipped at his own. "He called my place this morning. Why me, I have no idea, but he called me at the butt-crack of dawn to say he was ending his meetings early and would be back about 9 tonight depending on flights."

"Great. Maybe we can stop being bored to death and get something done. Man, I love it when Frank is gone, but it's hell on the boredom factor."

"Oh you love Frank and you know it Cody." Monica actually had to laugh. "Soooo, tell us about your sister. I don't think I've ever heard you speak of her."

As she finally got some caffeine into her system to combat the wine hangover, Alex launched into details about her Broadway Baby sister, Amanda Singer, and why she'd kept quiet about her. She also told them about the past year and what's been going on with her, glossing over most of the details save for the unhappiness despite her success.

"Guys, I really think she needs a good 'night on the town'. She was so upset last night after she finally opened up. AND.." Alex grinned as she finished off her third mug of coffee and fourth cigarette. She was feeling more like herself by the second. "And, I think she could handle meeting you guys too."

"Can I bring Sasche?" Jake piped up.

"Sure. Say, 8 at Gaudy's?"

"It's a date... HEY... tonight's Lady's Night... it's going to be packed there Alex."

"Yes Cody, I know. Being in a crowd will be good for Amanda."

"Isn't tonight also open mic/karaoke night?"

"Sure is. Wait until you hear Amanda sing Monica."

"Make sure to leave a note for Frank, or call him and let him know where we'll be. Just in case he wants to join us for a drink."

****