The next couple of days go smoothly. No noticeable threats or unwanted attention towards Piper. Even Polly has yet to be seen by anyone in the detail. Alex keeps reminding the team to be vigilant, that once they drop their guard even a little, problems become more likely to appear. Alex's newest rules apply to the van: they will take turns washing it every week to week and a half, making sure to keep the receipts if they use a car wash, and using armorall and other cleaning products all over, keep hand sanitizer wipes, paper towels, and a dust buster in the van, and to clean up any minor messes that might occur. Also, if a food is likely to be saucy or difficult, then eat outside the van. That last part tends to make the guys more in touch with the foods they choose to eat while on duty.
Alex finds some time on Friday to make an overdue call. "Hey mom! How are you?"
"Alex, my long lost daughter!"
Alex sighs. "Sorry Mom, I haven't really had the chance to call as frequently as I'd like."
"It's okay baby. What all have you been up to? And don't leave out anything."
"Okay so the team did a trial run when Piper needed to get books. All the days the team has had so far have been good, and no sign of Polly either. Which I'm very happy about."
"I bet. I still can't get over the trash that girl spewed at her. How's Piper feeling about that?"
"Pipes is just happy to have her away from her. I think I was more upset at the situation than she was. Guess Pipes knows what the two-faced chick is like, they were best friends after all."
"Are they still friends or did your girlfriend un-friend her"
"No, Pipes isn't speaking to her, but nothing official. She did say she feels closer to me than she ever has with anyone. So I guess I kinda have the role if not the title, kinda like you and Nicky," Alex laughs loudly.
"That's wonderful baby. So what else?"
"The first two days of classes were also problem free, well except for Piper being a little taken aback by Bradley picking her up from one of her classes instead of me."
"Why was that Alex?"
"Me and the guys did an exercise at some point where we threw out all possible threat possibilities, no matter how common or unlikely. One of them was about allergic reactions. I asked for Piper's records from her Dad, including any results of an allergy test. This morning I went to make an appointment with the Professor who dealt with Immunology, and she actually had time to talk to me right then."
"That sounds like a lucky coincidence."
"Yeah, I thought so too. So the meeting went long and I had to ask Bradley to get Piper from class."
"I thought Piper felt comfortable with the whole team?"
"She does, I didn't have a chance to mention if before, I guess I should have texted, but that would have been rude when I was talking to the Professor. Anyways that's why Piper was caught off guard. I doubt Bradley thoroughly explained, so she was probably a touch worried about me."
"Well when you look at it that way, I guess it's kinda sweet."
"Pipes is a sweetheart most the time," Alex says with a huge smile on her face.
"I can't wait to meet her baby!"
"I can't wait for you to meet her either. Be sure to ask her about media to see her face light up with so much passion."
"Will do Alex. How soon will you be settled enough for me to come visit."
"Let's say the weekend after this one. Go ahead and ask for time off. I'll double check with Pipes that there's nothing on the agenda then, and then let you know as soon as possible."
"Sounds good baby. I've gotta get going. But thank you for the call. Love you."
"I love you too." Alex hangs up and puts the phone down.
"Love who too, Al." No sooner does she end her call when she feels a touch. "Shit Pipes, you scared the crap outta me."
"Aren't you supposed to be always clocking people with your peripheral vision?"
"Not when I'm in my own room, lost in a conversation with my Mom."
"How is she babe?"
"She wants to come visit the weekend after this one. Would you check your calendar and make sure there's nothing scheduled?"
"Yes, my beautiful Al. So how about that making out you owe me."
Alex laughs, You got it Pipes. Whose room tonight?"
"Yours is fine, since the guys will be gone before they can find out what room I came out of."
"I've taught you so well," with a raised eyebrow and a wink.
"Yes, but I have so much more to learn from you," Piper says all breathy while locking eyes with Alex."
'I swear my sexy blonde is making it so hard just to make out. But I'm determined to make it a few more days with us both fully clothed.'
"Patience Pipes, you know I'll trying to be respectful for a change. Before you respond, yes I want you, but what's between me and you is way too important to me to screw up and not do it right."
"But Al, I crave you. Can't we get there any quicker?"
"Ok, we can dip underneath shirts tonight, but we both stay fully clothed."
"Not what I was going for, but I can work with it."
"Good, now come kiss me already."
After a long make out session, which including kissing, a touching, groping and massaging. Both fell asleep in their favorite spoon position.
.
When Alex awoke she found herself watching her beautiful blonde sleep peacefully with the cutest expression on her face. Alex carefully moves the blonde hair behind her ear. She's memorizing every detail, with the lightest touch to hopefully not wake up her girlfriend. 'How did I get so lucky. Piper has changed my life in the most amazing ways in just a few months. I wanna give her a little surprise today and I have just the thing in mind if I can find a place in town that carries it.
Alex puts on her glasses and glares at the digital clock. She then carefully slides herself from the bed being extra conscious not to disturb Piper. She grabs clothes and changes before starting coffee. The guys should be arriving in less than half an hour. She retrieves her laptop before texting the guys.
Alex: Team, we're on surveillance today. Text me when you arrive and if you want some coffee. Don't knock! Piper is still asleep so we're going to stay as silent as possible.
Bradley: Just arriving and would love some coffee. I'll text again when I'm at the door.
Alex: Thanks Bradley I appreciate it.
When the coffee is done Alex gets herself and puts some for Bradley in a insulated cup. The other guys text their arrivals and Bradley retrieves his drink. Alex opens her laptop and starts looking at area jewelry store websites hoping to find what she wants online, otherwise she's gonna have to call each shop. 'I hope this doesn't take too long. I wanna be done with this before Pipes wakes up and catches me.'
Alex calls the third store on her list, "Yes mam, I was wondering if you have any music themed necklaces or charms?"
The saleswoman tells her "Yes, we do. A pretty big variety at that. We have mostly silver choices but may have gold on a few of the items."
"I'm new to the area, so can you tell me what the store is near?"
"We're in the Jasper mall, lower level, closest to the Rakenbock side of the complex."
"Thank you very much. I'll be in later to look at your items. Can I ask for you?"
"Yes mam, my name is Amy and I'd be glad to help you."
Alex is pleased by the discovery and hopes to find exactly what she has in mind for Pipes. Now she just to up a pull up a map and google to find this mall.
Once she's finished she goes to check on Pipes. She's still sleeping. Alex writes her a note and puts it next to her phone. Grabs her things and walks to the door while pulling up a mic for the team to hear.
"Guys, I'm going out for an hour or two to run an errand. Piper is still asleep, so don't disturb her unless it's important. Bradley stay on our floor please. You can still text me your reports or call if you need me."
"Yes Alex!", she laughs as they say it in near unison.