Alex set the table much like the night before, without the candles but putting her Mom's flowers out instead. She has wrapped the bracelet she got for Diane and had it setting near the flowers. She pulled the wine glasses and plates onto the counter. But out the napkins and silverware on the table. Poured the wine glasses and but them out then pulled everything out of the oven to plate it up. She yelled out for Piper and her Mom that dinner was ready.
"So tonight's menu is filet mignon, a selection of roasted veggies, green bean almandine and garlic cheese biscuits and au jus sauce on the side for the steak, if you need it . Mom tonight is your night to indulge."
Diane jaw dropped. She never eats expensive food. "Alex, you didn't have to do all this for me. I feel like eating in a really fancy restaurant."
Piper smiles and gives Alex a quick kiss. "Wow Al, look at you going all out on the cooking two nights in a row."
"Anything for the two women who mean the world to me." Sporting the largest smile and watching their reactions to each bite they take.
"Al, everything is incredibly delicious. It's been awhile since I've had filet mignon." Piper practically moans at each bite.
"Baby I've never had a meal like this. Much less made something this flavorful. Where'd you learn to cook like this?"
"Thanks Mom. I took a handful of cooking classes, watched a ton of online food videos, and started playing around myself with flavors."
Piper winks at Alex. "Well keep doing what your doing because you always make us tasty food. The last couple of nights have definitely been above and beyond your normal high bar."
Alex laughs. "You got it babe. Anything to see that gorgeous smile of yours."
Piper blushes and smiles. Then continues enjoying another delectable meal. As does Diane.
After dinner, they talk more about Alex's upbringing. Diane pulling out several stories that embarrass Alex and make Piper laugh. When Alex can't take anymore she changes topics to the rest of the weekend plans. They decide to give Diane a tour of the area, spending extra time at some of their favorite places. Sunday will be more a chill day with movies and take out, before Diane's flight late afternoon.
Alex returns from dropping her Mom off at the airport. Diane promising she'll visit again in two or three months. Alex picks up take out for her and Piper and finds her on the sofa well into a book.
"What are you reading babe"
"Oh. I'm just re-reading 'The Friendship Factor'."
Don't think I've read that. Did you get a lot out of it"
"Yeah. I don't agree with everything, but it's got some great info and really makes you think deeper about the subject matter."
"Sounds like I should probably read it after you finish."
"What's in the sack Al?"
"Our dinner. What do you want to drink?"
"Maybe some tea. I've had enough alcohol this weekend" Piper offers with a big smile.
While eating they discuss not also the visit but how much Piper really wants to be entwined with Alex tonight.
"It's my favorite thing to Pipes. Let me know if there's anything you want to try. I absolutely loved the other night but I also like the thought of me being the one to expand your horizons about all the pleasurable things we can experience together. There's no hurry, just something to consider."
"Nothing comes to mind yet Al, but the more I learn the fuller my curiosity and fantasies will become."
"I look forward to that. Always remember to tell me if we do anything that makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable." Alex kisses Piper for awhile and they're both moaning. Alex pulls away and Piper gives her a confused look.
"Pipes lets clean up and get everything ready for tomorrow before we meet in your bed."
"I love you Al. I can't wait to taste you again. I've been beyond craving you the last couple of days."
Alex smirks "I feel the same way about your touch and taste. You honestly are the best I've ever experienced. And I love you too Pipes."
The weeks roll on, Piper is maintaining her impressive grades on tests, papers, and projects. Alex has played out many unlikely scenarios for her team to try and and come up with procedures as soon as those behaviors are spotted. Alex and Piper are both finding it difficult to not constantly touch each other or give clues about their romantic relationship and steamy sexual escapades. The team was being quiet about it, but Alex was pretty sure they knew at least a little of what was going on. But as Alex was professional and their leader, they knew better than to say or write a word on the topic.
"Hey team, I need you come up to the apartment for a quick meeting. Piper was some info. for us."
The guys answered almost in unison, "yes Alex!"
Once the guys were settled with their notebooks in hand. Alex called Piper into the room. When she sat down Alex asked if she or anyone on the team wanted something to drink.
Piper addressed her team. "Thanks for all your hard work thus far. This semester has been going well for me academically, and Alex hasn't told me about anything that the team has had to deal with. But there is something coming up that will put us all to the test. My parents throw a massive party the weekend before Thanksgiving. Raise your hand if you've ever met a Chapman besides me."
All the team raised their hands except Alex. "I've talked to Bill on the phone a few times, but I've only officially met Piper's younger brother Cal. Cal, like Piper has his own security team. Her older brother Danny does not have a detail, making him the only Chapman without."
"Thanks Al. So a little more detail to what Alex just told you. My older brother Danny is a Doctor, very uptight holier than thou type, he was always the golden boy who could do no wrong, and by far my Mom's favorite. He never had much to do with me and Cal. Cal is very laid-back almost a stoner type. He was the screw up according to mostly my Mom. Dad only has a problem with his immaturity. He loves living in the woods and making art pieces. He's also the most likely of the three of us to make you laugh. My Dad Bill you all know about. We mostly get along but don't see eye to eye on everything. But he also loved me more than anything, I was definitely the favorite.
And the there's my Mom Carol. She is the biggest WASP you'll ever meet. She cares only about appearances and has always demanded that we behave the way she wanted. She doesn't really express affection, doesn't ask about your wants and needs, and throws out insults incessantly. Trust me, she is not someone you want to speak to."
"The reason Piper is telling you all this background is because there there is a big event coming up. All Chapmans and all security teams are expected to attend. Which means you should expect to work the weekend before Thanksgiving. That is the date, right Pipes"
"Yes Alex. I for one hate going to these things but as long as I'm taking Chapman money, I can't get out of it."
Alex sighs then gives eye contact to each team member. "So we'll start with questions for myself or Piper. Anyone?"
Colton looks directly at Piper. "I appreciate the family dynamics info. But can you tell us more about the actual event please.
"Right, sorry. It is one of the biggest events at the Chapman estate. Several huge tents like you would find in a wedding set-up. Table and chair plus a bar in each one. Caterers walking around with food and champagne. Everyone important is invited, from the high society that my Mom wants to impress, business contacts for my Dad, family and friends, medical types that Danny wants to impress, dealers and buyers Cal hopes he can get to buy his work, two different types of media. Those from stations I would like to work at, and then the entertainment news types who always take a ton of photos and try to get interviews from anyone who will speak to them. Basically it's a circus inside and out. Alex has seen some of my pics from years past."
"Yeah guys this thing is huge, there will be four security teams plus extras hired for just this event. There's hired staff well beyond what are usually present. And a guest list that ranges from three to five pages. I've asked Bill to call and explain how everything will work security wise. He should get back today within the next couple of days and then we can find our piece in the overall clockwork. Any other questions?"
Bradley speaks up. "No Alex, I think we really need that information before we can dive deeper."
"I agree. Which is why your gonna get back to your tasks ad we'll meet again when we get more info."
Alex eventually got the info. she needed from Bill and worked out what her team needed to do and where they fit it. They ran some drills and made sure they were at the top of their game for the event. Alex decided that they all needed to be dressed in tuxes or three piece suits that night, not only to blend in, but also have an extra inner pocket for items they needed to conceal. She made sure Bill gave the team a small budget for attire.
She decided that she would be near Piper all night with Bradley and Colton both watching the areas she was inn. Chase would be in the main control room, where every guest that came through the front gate was identified and all the cameras set up on the property were viewed.
