Piper was successful at spending as little time as she could with Polly. She still was trying to figure out how to drop the bomb of herself getting a new apartment and leaving her bff behind. 'Maybe I should ask Alex for advice. That will have to wait until later, the trainees are taking that big written exam right now.'

The blonde had been switching back and forth between further sculpting her media brand and thinking about the two apartments. Alex had yet to offer any comments since she's been so busy studying. When she finally took a dinner break and re-settled in her bedroom, her cell rang.

"Hello?"

"Hey Piper, it's Jason. How are you?"

"I'm fine, just working on my media stuff while I can. Things are going to get busy with registration, moving and getting settled into a new apartment, and classes beginning."

"Wow, you do have a lot on your plate. I won't keep you long. I just thought you might want and update on the trainees."

"Yes. I've been thinking about their exam."

"I've just entered the final scores. Your four will all be certified tomorrow. And even better, they are all still in the top 10%, one of them in the top 5%."

"That's great. I'm so proud of my team. Who was the standout and when do they officially start working for me?"

"They will be given their assignment protocol and procedures documentation paperwork tomorrow. Learn which forms to fill-out and where to find them. They'll also be signing employment contracts which detail their pay, insurance, and things of that nature. As for when, I think you get the quickest answer from your Dad. I don't really deal with anything post certification."

"Okay I will. Are you not going to tell me the stand-out?"

Jason laughs "That would be your favorite."

"Really, Alex did that great. I'm so so happy for her. Thank you for the call Jason."

Piper finds her thoughts drifting towards Alex for the rest of the night. 'I barely know her yet I feel like I've known her for years. Every new detail I learn leaves me more in awe of the raven-haired beauty. I wonder if she'll always feel like that to me.'

The next morning when Piper checks her phone, she notices new texts. The one's from Polly she decides to deal with later. When she notices one from Alex a smile explodes onto her face.

Alex: Hey Pipes! We have the certification today and then a bunch of employment paperwork to sign. What's your day like? Are you busy or can I call you when I'm done?

Piper: So good to hear from you Alex! No big plans for me. I'll probably either work or refining my media image project or maybe start packing away some stuff for the upcoming move. So of course I will be available for your call. :)

Knowing she wouldn't get a reply or call until later. She gets ready for the day and takes her phone with her in search of something to eat. Luckily the fridge is fairly stocked, so after starting the coffee, she works on bacon, scrambled eggs, and toast. Feeling quite satisfied at having actually cooked something for a change. 'I'm feeling relaxed enough to deal with Polly's messages. Guess I should get it over with.'

Polly: P, I've just heard about a party this weekend that we MUST attend. It's gonna be big and posh and so much fun. Clear your schedule for Saturday!

Polly: Piper, WTF, why haven't you answered me yet? We need to respond to the host ASAP!

Pol: Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you Piper. Why are you avoiding me? This is NOT cool!"

'So that totally blew ANY chance of me responding out the window. I hate it when Polly gets all whiny and demanding. Always trying to guilt me into things I don't want to do. I'm gonna have plans Saturday, even if I actually don't. I need to calm down. Maybe I should read Alex's text again, maybe it will help me get my earlier mood back.'

Piper kept busy until late afternoon when her phone showed the name she'd been waiting to hear from. "Hey Alex," she said with happiness evident in her voice.

"Hey Pipes! The ceremony was so great, the top three out of all the trainees this semester, got gift certificates. I got the second highest one, can you believe that?"

"Yes I can. Jason told me last night that you were in the top 5% of your class. I'm soooo proud of you Alex."

Alex smiles in appreciation. "I get to pick where I want my gift card from, so I'll choose somewhere to help with anything I need for the new apartment. Have you selected one yet? Do you even still want me a roommate?"

"You sound nervous Al. Yes, I want you as a roommate! And no I haven't picked one of the two yet. I was waiting for your input."

"I'm go glad to hear that Pipes. I was really dreading looking for places in a town I'm not familiar with."

"So what did the think of the pics I sent you?"

"After seeing my new employment details, I think I can afford either property. Both looked really nice."

"What are you doing Saturday? Would you want to come with me to see each one more time before a decision is made?" She's holding her breath is anticipation of the reply. Thankfully she doesn't have to wait long.

"I have to move out of the trainee dorm is the morning. But I haven't made plans yet beyond that. So I'd love to. Maybe even see some of the places around that you like to spend time at."

"That's a really great idea Alex. I'll get it all set-up. So where are you headed between the dorm and our meet-up?"

"I'll probably go see my Mom, she's going to be so thrilled for me. And probably see Nicki as well, it's been awhile since I've seen that bushy haired lion."

"I'm sure it will be great to see the two women that mean so much to you," Pier tries to keep the disappointment of not seeing Alex Friday out of her voice.

"Hey Pipes. You don't have to say yes, but I was wondering if maybe I could store a few things with you before the move?"

"Yeah sure."

"Thanks. It will save me another trip home later. You sure you have enough space? I mean I wouldn't want you tripping over boxes because of me."

"That won't be a problem Alex. So when Saturday would you be available? I plan to call the agent today."

"Whenever you want, but I'd prefer to not being in the area before 11am. Be sure to text me your current address or where you want to meet me and the time."

"I will Al! Now go celebrate your accomplishment. I can't wait to see you soon."

Piper did call the realtor and set up a viewing for 11:30. Then texted the time and her address to Alex. She then types a quick reply to Polly telling her that she has plans on Saturday so she will not be going to any party. 'Enough to silence her? Probably not. But maybe it will deflate the tension enough to prevent a yelling match.'