3

The following day, both Piper and Nicky were standing outside the latter's office, watching as two men from a moving company tried getting Healy's desk out of his office and into a trolley cart just outside the door. Healy, who had thrown a fit over his new headquarter assignments, was barking orders at the men to be careful. "This is imported wood!" He said, shaking his head in disapproval. He was holding a small pot that held some kind of plant, when for a split second, his eyes met Piper's. His lip curled into a snarl and Piper could have sworn she heard him growl. Instead of returning the gesture, she smiled at him and gave a small wave with her hand. It had the effect she wanted-his face turned red and he looked away, holding onto the vase a little tighter.

"I don't think he's too happy about the new arrangements." Piper said. She was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. Nicky was right next to her, a cup of coffee in her hands.

"You think?" Nicky asked. She let out a slow whistle when one of the men dropped the end of the desk he was holding onto, causing one of the legs to break. Healy going beet red, screamed and pushed the man aside. He tried lifting the desk on his own but failed miserably. Almost immediately, he gestured to the man to return to work.

"Yeah, definitely." Piper said trying to suppress a laugh. "You don't think he knows, do you?" She asked, knowing the reason why Healy found himself being moved down the hall.

"Oh he knows." Nicky said. She took a sip from her coffee and resumed watching the circus show in front of her.

"You told him?" Piper asked a little worried. The last thing she needed was Healy doubling his attacks on her. If he ever found out she was the reason for the broken leg on his desk…

"Nah."

"Then how does he know?" Piper looked down at the shorter woman.

"You think he hasn't figured it out?" Nicky pointed in Healy's direction using her mug.

"I mean…" Piper trailed off shifting her attention back to Healy, who was awkwardly standing in the middle of the hallway staring at the two men. (They somehow managed to place the heavy desk onto the trolley and were now pushing it down the hall.) After a second, Healy bent down, picked up the broken piece and followed.

"Don't worry Chapman, he won't try anything. At least not until his ego heals and even if he does let me know. I'll take care of it." Nicky took another sip of her coffee, and with a slight shake of her head went inside her office calling for Piper to follow. Piper watched Healy for a few more seconds before letting herself in and closing the door.

Piper fell into one of the chairs opposite Nicky and placed her bag in the other. She watched as Nicky moved the mouse of her computer awakening her desktop from sleep mode. She opened her email, read a few of them, replied to some and ignored others. Once she was done she turned to Piper, curiosity evident in her eyes. "So, how did it go? Change your mind yet?"

"If anything, my suspicions were confirmed." Piper said and Nicky's face fell. Trying not to upset her friend, Piper explained. "I tried to be friendly but she could not have been more indifferent. She was quite rude."

"Rude? Are you sure? I'm not questioning your integrity, but I have never known Vause to be rude. Condescending, yes. Rude, no."

"What's that difference?" Piper snickered.

"The difference," Nicky paused. She had received an email and was typing a response. Not long after hitting send, a couple more popped up. Oh no, she thought, it's going to be one of those days. "The difference is," she repeated, "that she can be bossy and a bit of a know it all. Trust me, I would know." For an instant, Nicky's mind went back to her high school days where she met Alex. She smiled at the memories before returning to the present. "But she's not known to be rude, Piper. Maybe you misinterpreted her demeanor."

"I think you have the wrong image of her." Piper said.

"Or you read her wrong." Nicky said defensively.

"Why do you revere her so much? I get it 'longtime friends'," Piper used her hands to draw imaginary quotations marks, "but she is deceiving you. I know what happened in that car because I was there and I'm telling you: she was a bitch. I rephrase that, she is a bitch." The whole time Nicky was shaking her head. Piper let out a sigh of frustration.

"What exactly happened?" Nicky asked.

"After you called I went straight to the airport to pick her up. I found her by the door waiting—" Nicky interrupted Piper. She waved her hand dismissing what Piper had said. "Spare me the details. I don't need to know everything. Tell me, what did she do?"

"Well, after she got in the car it was silent. I thought I would break the ice and give her a chance. For your sake. I tried small talk but she didn't even make an effort. She straight out ignored me." Piper left out the part where she retaliated by driving erratically.

"That doesn't sound like Vause." Nicky was frowning, a hand caressing her right cheek. "Then again she could have been tired from the flight. With everything's that's been going on. You know, her mother's death, Vause Industries etcetera."

Piper felt a pang of guilt. Now that she remembered Alex—apart from looking ancient—did appear to be tired. With her red eyes and bird's nest for hair, perhaps the other woman was sleep deprived. She frowned remembering a small detail.

"No. I saw her hand move a couple of times. She was awake and if she was tired she could have told me." There was a slight edge to Piper's voice. Nicky quickly caught it, knowing the blonde hated being snubbed. Regardless…

"I'll talk to her. Maybe I can figure out what happened." Nicky offered. She really wanted Piper and Alex to get along as she had some plans for the summer and didn't want to spend it playing mediator. Now that her two closest friends were touching similar ground, they could all hang out as a group. "Oh no. Don't—"

"Piper, really. I apologize for her behavior but I'm sure there's a logical explanation for—"

At that moment the door opened and in walked the subject of their conversation: Alex. She looked between Nicky and Piper confused as why they suddenly had gone quiet—she was sure she heard their muffled voices when she was outside. Perhaps it was rude of her to come in without knocking.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." She said and began to backtrack out the door.

"No, No, No. You're not interrupting. You're exactly the person I wanted to see." Nicky said.

"Me?" Alex asked.

"Yea—wait, how did you get here?" Nicky asked remembering Alex had no car.

"Lorna dropped me off on her way to the doctor's." Alex answered.

"Oh right. Silly me. I need to stay on top of things. But Alex take a seat." Nicky said.

With a nod, Alex walked to the only empty chair that was left: the one next to Piper. Piper shifted uncomfortably and with record speed removed her bag, clutching it tight to her chest. She tried placing as much distance between her and Alex by scooting to the far left of her chair. Nicky noticed this but Alex didn't.

"You wanted to talk to me?" Alex asked. Unlike Piper, she was sitting at a perfect ninety-degree angle. Her legs were slightly apart, her arms resting on the wooden handles of the chair, with both feet touching the ground. Piper thought she looked like a queen at her throne. No, not a queen—a king. Because while both were monarchs in power, kings always held an air of superiority over their female counterparts. Piper might be the queen, but Alex was one step higher.

"I have to go." Piper said, abruptly standing and walking to the door. Turning to Nicky and giving her best warning and menacing look, "We will continue this discussion later. Do not interfere…until I have everything sorted. Got it?"

"Yes, boss." Nicky said. Piper stared at her for another couple of seconds before slamming the door behind her, not even acknowledging Alex.

"What's her problem?" Alex asked, jerking her finger were Piper had been a second earlier.

"Beats me." Nicky feigned, "So what do you think of her?"

Alex remembered their small encounter from the airport. She remembered how she had thanked the blonde, what was her name? Piper. Ah yes, Piper. She remembered how Piper drove off without acknowledging Alex's gratitude for the ride. The ride…now that was…something.

"She's rude." Alex crossed her arms. She leaned into the chair, feeling comfortable in front of her old time friend and not caring about her slouching position. "I thanked her for the ride and she drove off like her life depended on it."

"You're kidding me?" Nicky knew there had to be something more. "Piper is a sweetheart. She would never do something like that without reason." That was a lie. Piper could be an ass if she wanted to without cause. "What did you do to her Vause? I know you can be quite…intimidating." Now here was something that was true. Not only was Alex's height a contributing factor, but the way she carried herself—confident, savvy, sure of herself, among a few.

"A sweetheart?" Alex's left eyebrow lifted in that cocky way of hers. "She drives like a fucking psycho. Braking after hitting the gas pedal. I swear I got a six pack and Kim Kardashian's ass from clenching them the whole ride to your place." It was Nicky's turn to raise her eyebrows.

"Did you try to talk to her?" Nicky asked.

…

After landing, Alex made her way out of the airport. She looked around at the dozens of cars and taxis waiting to pick up the arrivals but nowhere to be seen was Nicky's car. Perhaps she exchanged her BMW for something fancier. After all, Alex knew the blonde loved to splurge. In Nicky's words, "If you can have it, buy it." She walked up and down a couple more times before sending a message.

Alex: Hey, I just landed. Where are you?

After Nicky didn't reply:

Alex: I hope you didn't forget.

Nicky finally replied.

Nicky: Of course not Vause! How could I forget! Listen, I can't pick you up. Something came up but I will send someone to pick you up. She is a very good friend of mine. Just hold on and I will get her there.

Five minutes later:

Nicky: Alright, everything is set. Piper (my friend) will pick you up in half an hour. She is a blonde about the same height as you. Very pretty. Walks like she has her thumb up her ass. You'll easily spot her.

Nicky: In any case, she knows who you are. Can't wait to see you.

Alex: You forgot.

Nicky: No! I swear.

Nicky: Vause?

Nicky: I'll make it up to you. I promise just tell me you're not mad.

Alex ignored the blonde's messages-she was tired from the flight and in no mood to text back and forth about something that was obvious. Whatever, she thought, at least she managed to have someone pick me up. She then walked back into the terminal and upon seeing the hundreds of passengers arriving and departing, she made her way back out. That way, Nicky's friend would have no trouble finding her. Although, she was sure Nicky would have given the other woman her contact information.

She looked around for a bit, and after realizing how awkward she must look, she found a spot by the entrance to sit down. Not caring if her suit dirtied, she leaned against the wall and slowly let herself fall to the concrete. She brought her knees to her chest and looked around. When she received dirty looks from strangers (they probably thought she was a bum) she pushed some of her hair into her face and rested her chin on top of her hands. Slowly, the events of the last six months began to unfold.

After the death of her mother, the company (now her company) faced a crisis. Investors were pulling out, their shares depreciating in value. Everything and everyone was against her. There was a time where she doubted her ability to lead Vause Industries back to its' glory days and considered selling her own shares. She would receive more than enough for them, to live a life full of luxury.

She came close to signing over to some Russian investor until Kubra came along like a rabid dog. He tried appealing the will because, "She is incapable of holding Diane Vause's promise to the investors. She will bankrupt the company, taking more than just herself down. It is of utter importance that someone with experience be assigned as head of the board." Someone like me, he tried to allude.

The judge dismissed the case the same day of the hearing. Kubra had no real standing as he was in no way related to Diane Vause. The company—or at least the percentage Diane had ownership over—belonged to Alex, her daughter. And so the power struggle began between the two of them. With Kubra's greed out in the open, the board decided to give her a chance.

Alex gave it her all and began working long days, sometimes not even going home to change. She made sure she met with each member of the board to reassure them of her ability as leader. Some were hard to win over others, but eventually she had them all on her side. All except Kubra, who relentlessly opposed her new role. However, by now she came to see him as nothing more than a Chihuahua—all bark, no bite.

And finally, her mind took her to the one person she tried avoiding these past six months: Diane. She thought of her mother who, by now, was nothing but a casket full of bones, dust, and worms and laughed at the irony behind it. While her mother was gone from the world of the living, if Alex closed her eyes and focused, she could see the living and breathing version of Diane. Unintentionally, she began to cry. Not loud sobs, but the type of crying where all the pent up hurt falls in silent tears.

Alex was thankful for the wind which was starting to pick up. This made for the people to try to hurry in and out of the airport avoiding her. After a minute or two her mind, much like her heart, began to numb and the flow of tears stopped. She took a deep breath and let it out, releasing a miniscule amount of stress and tried focusing on the positive.

She would have all summer to figure out her next step concerning not only her professional life, but personal as well. Not interested in either one, she began to doze until a voice called to her. It sounded like Diane, and for a split second she had the urge to call out and say, "Mom", except when she raised her eyes it was not her mother.

"Alex?" It was a blonde standing over her. Alex placed her hand on the concrete and pushed herself up then used her hands to wipe away at the dirt. She gave a small smile to the woman. "You must be Piper." The woman nodded and extended her hand. Alex shook it, noticing how warm it was. She also took a second to study the woman and was surprised how awake and well-dressed she was for this time of day. She was wearing a dark navy blue suit with a black shirt underneath. A bag hung loosely on her shoulder while her hair flowed with the wind.

When the woman spoke again, Alex fell in a trance. Now she realized why she confused this woman's voice with her mother's: it had the same authority. And not the kind where you want everyone to do your bidding the second you request of them to do, but the kind that you're born with. This woman was bossy, not by choice, but how mother-nature intended her to be. This woman hadn't asked her if she was Alex, she had confirmed it.

"Nicky sent me. I would have gotten here sooner but I was…busy with other matters. Have I kept you waiting for long?" The woman asked. Alex couldn't remember her name. She tried, but it seemed so long ago that she'd said it. Was she that tired? She could ask for it, but didn't want to be rude. She would have to ask Nicky for it sometime.

"Not at all." She gave the woman another smile, or at least she hoped in came out like one. Then said, "We should get going," and walked past her hoping she would follow. She did. She barely registered the blonde asking about her baggage as she was trying hard to ignore the similarity between her and Diane's voice.

They made it to the car and Alex stopped. She was expecting a convertible to go along with the blonde's presence, but was genuinely surprised to find a simple white Jeep Cherokee. Not that she cared. Alex would have been fine had the blonde showed up in a beat up station wagon. After all, who was she to judge? The other woman fumbled for her keys and motioned for Alex to get in.

Alex turned around, and dug into her pockets bringing out her earphones. She inserted the two little buds into her ears and pressed play on her MP3. (Yeah, she was one of those people. She loved the convenience they offered as they didn't drain her phone battery.)She then hopped into the car, hoping the blonde would see the strings to the earphones and realize she was listening to music, except in her tiredness, Alex forgot there were no strings because her earphones were wireless. Alex didn't notice the blonde speaking because she was focused on the speeding cars driving beside them. She tapped her hand against her lap in rhythm with the music.

Right when she was about to fall asleep, the car jerked forward and Alex was forced to hold onto the door. From the corner of her eye, she could see the blonde intently staring straight ahead. She began to maneuver through traffic, braking and speeding like a maniac, causing Alex to clench her entire body. What the hell is her problem, Alex thought. On and on, the blonde drove as if she was unaware of her passenger.

When they arrived to Nicky's, Alex thanked her and watched as the blonde sped away, the feeling of being home allowing her to forget what had just transpired.

…

So that's what happened, Nicky thought. It was all a big misunderstanding between the blonde and brunette. After clarifying this to Alex (and leaving the part were Piper hated Alex's guts regardless if she had been rude or not), they sat thinking how they would fix it. Nicky because she wanted all of them to get along and Alex because she didn't like to be perceived as an asshole when she wasn't. Although, she could be.

"Maybe you should approach her? Apologize and tell her you didn't mean to offend her?" Nicky suggested.

"No," Alex moved her head from side to side. "Piper doesn't seem like the kind of woman who takes an apology and lets things go."

"You're right there. What are we going to do then?" Nicky asked.

"You mean what am I going to do?" Alex corrected. "This is my problem Nichols"

"But you're both my friends. I can't have you clawing each other's eyes out. I need you both."

"I should have been conscious that she was going to strike a conversation at some point. This isn't on you Nichols."

"Well, let me know when you come up with something." Nicky said.

"Hmm. Anyways, I didn't come here to find new friends. If it gets fixed, it gets fixed and if it doesn't, well, it doesn't."

Nicky knew Alex to be straightforward. She had a rule when it came to situations like this one: either she (Alex) had a solution and she didn't have to worry about it or she didn't have a solution to which, she wouldn't worry about trying to come up with one. Simple and to the point.

"I guess so. Just don't give her a hard time, okay?"

"When have you known me to be troublesome?" Alex asked.

They made small talk, leaving the subject of Piper behind. Nicky walked Alex around the office and introduced her to some of the employees. Some recognized her immediately and began to ask her a series of questions regarding her success. Nicky was surprised at how patient Alex was with all of them, taking her time to answer their questions to the best of her ability. Nicky would have told them to suck it.

Alex for the most part, was contempt about it all. She would rather answer questions from strangers and have them be on their way once she answered, than answering her board, who after being given satisfactory answers, liked to pry on and on. They continued like this for an hour or two, intentionally bypassing Piper's office. By eleven, they began to explore the building and with a sense of pride Nicky explained her plans for expansion.

"We are growing at a healthy and steady rate of 8.1 percent and if all goes well, by next year we would need additional personnel. I'm talking maybe a dozen or two for the call center. I would also need more offices." She said, a spark in her eyes.

"You're adding another floor?" Alex raised an eyebrow. Her friend was doing well for herself.

"No. Because of the area and the time it would get to add another floor, the city denied us a permit." Nicky said, her voice falling.

"Lucky for you, you know me. Do you want me to make some calls?" Alex offered. Nicky patted her on the shoulder and shook her head.

"I appreciate it but it makes sense. Why they would deny granting me the permit, I mean. If a brick were to fall and kill some bystander that would be the end of me. No, you see while we can't build up—"

"You could." Alex interrupted, her offer still on the table. She wasn't Bill Gates powerful, but she did know one or two people in California's state legislature that would be more than willing to pull a favor for her.

"Well, yes but follow me for a second. While we can't build up, we can build sideways. My guy is working on buying both buildings on our right and left. If I succeed I would add a hallway connecting them to this building and voila. Problem fixed."

"I have to give it to you. You always have a plan 'b' Nichols." Alex said. Nicky smiled, appreciating her friend's compliment. She was about to reply when Alex's phone rang. Holding a finger up signaling for Nicky to hold, Alex answered.

"Alex Vause speaking." She said. She was expecting a board member complaining of her departure.

"Ms. Vause," It was a man at the end of the line, "your belongings have arrived. They will be available for pick up between now and three. Our driver will be off after today and will be back Monday if you can't make the pick-up." Thank God.

"I'll be there sometime today. Thank you."

"No problem, ma'am. Enjoy the rest of the morning."

"Well, who was that?" Nicky asked and Alex split into a smile. Finally, things were going as planned.

"My car. It's at the train yard." She said excitedly, "By the way, you think you can give me a lift? It'll take an hour at most. You can drop me off and come back. I'll handle the rest?" She asked Nicky.

"Sure thing Vause. Anything for you." Nicky said. She looked at her watch. It was a little before noon and if she skipped lunch she would make it back in time to finish wrapping up several reports she needed to send to Piper to go over.

"Thanks. You're a life saver. You have no idea how much I hate bothering people for a ride." Alex said. They began to walk to the exit when Nicky's phone rang.

"Nicky Nichols speaking," She said. Alex watched Nicky's face fall and turn into worry. She ran her free hand through her hair, dropped her eyes to the floor, and shook her head. "Are you sure?" She waited, allowing the other person to answer. "Alright, I'll be right over…" After hanging up she turned to Alex, "Listen Vause, you're going to have to take a raincheck for now. Healy is calling an emergency meeting. Apparently our shares fell in value. I don't know why but I need to get to the bottom of this." She gave Alex an apologetic smile.

"No, it's fine. I understand. Really, and if there's anything I can help with, let me know." Alex said.

"I promise we will go tomorrow first thing in the morning. As a matter of fact, I will turn my cellphone off after the meeting. I promise."

"They're closed until Monday after today. One of their guys is off." Alex said. Nicky reached into her purse and brought her car keys, offering them to Alex.

"Here, drive my car for now," she shoved her keys into Alex' hand, "I'll have Lorna pick me up later or even you can do that. I'm so sorry but I really need to go." Nicky spun on her heel and left Alex standing in the middle of the hall.

She looked down at her hand, Nicky's keys in her palm. She debated whether she should take the blonde on her offer and head to the strip mall, or if she should wait. Besides asking for favors, she hated using someone else's things. But this just wasn't any random person, this was her friend. Maybe she was being paranoid about the whole thing. She decided she would get something to eat, then head back and wait for Nicky.

Alex walked outside and searched for Nicky's car. She was about to get in when she spotted Piper across the lot, making her way to the white Jeep. Maybe she wouldn't mind giving me a lift to the yard. Alex thought she should wait until Nicky arranged a night out for them to meet again so she could apologize but her feet had a mind of their own and before she could turn around, she was next to the blonde.

…

After leaving Nicky's office, Piper went to her own office and got to work. She finished early (before noon) and got around to making some phone calls. After she was done, she tried calling Nicky's extension but was sent to voicemail. She tried sending an email, and once more was met with an automated reply. There wasn't much for her to do as her work was dependent on Nicky's and since the other woman was nowhere to be found, she thought she would take off early. Nicky would have no problem and if she needed her, she would call Piper back. She gathered her things, grabbed her keys, closed her office and headed for the exit. She was deep in thought that she didn't hear when Alex approached her.

"Hey." Alex said, causing Piper to jump and squeal loudly.

"Son of a bitch." She said, touching her forehead.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Alex said, trying to hide a smile.

"No, it's…fine." Piper waved her hand. "Can I help you with something?" She asked.

Piper was wearing an all-white suit while Alex was wearing the same black one from last night (she had showered that morning but could not fit into one of Nicky's suits as they were too small and she still had to get herself a couple of outfits). They looked like complete opposites, one representing light and the other darkness, yet both needed the other to co-exist.

Alex decided to break the silence, remembering why she had approached the blonde. "Listen, I was wondering if you could give me a ride to the train yard. It's half an hour from here. Close to the airport."

"You're leaving?" Piper blurted out. Alex thought she saw something in the blonde's face. Was it, concern? No, it couldn't have been. The blonde hated her guts as far as she knew.

"No, no. I have to pick my car up but they close at three so..."

Piper looked at her watch. It was now one thirty in the afternoon.

"Where's Nicky?" She asked.

"She was called to a meeting." Alex left out the part about their shares falling. Clearly, if Piper wasn't called to go with Nicky, the blonde had no place knowing.

"That explains why she didn't answer." Piper said to herself.

"So, is that a yes or a no? I can always wait for Nicky."

"No it's fine, I'll take you. Hop in."

…

Ten minutes later, and they were back in the highway. Piper was asking herself why she had agreed to this in the first place. I'm doing this for Nicky. Because she asked me to tolerate her. She turned her head slightly, realizing how close they were. All she had to do was mover her hand a couple inches to her right and it would touch Alex's arm.

"Thank you for doing this. If I didn't pick up today I wouldn't get my car until Monday." Alex said. Piper debated whether Alex was being kind out of need or if it was genuine. She was tempted to give her another scare (the highway was empty and there was plenty of room for her to do tricks with the Jeep) but decided against it.

"Yeah, no problem." She decided to play along but made sure she answered in a cold – but friendly—tone. Leaving enough warning to the brunette. "So how was your morning?"

"It was fine." Alex answered.

"Nice. What kind of car do you drive?"

"A red car."

Oh so that's how it was going to be. You only talk to me in long sentences when you need something. Well then, in that case…Piper placed her foot and gave the accelerator a slight push. She watched the speed gauge rise above seventy but then something inside her changed her mind. No, I'm not going to allow this woman to get to me. If she wants to be an asshole, then she can be an asshole.

Except Alex wasn't trying to be an asshole. She'd figured that Piper was being friendly on Nicky's behalf. She didn't want the blonde popping an eye vessel while pushing herself to be kind to a stranger she clearly disliked. And while she was more than willing to discuss the specs of her car, she decided to answer in short abrupt replies.

For the remainder of the trip, they sat in an awkward silence. Piper wanted to turn the radio on but was unsure if Alex would appreciate it. Alex was thinking the same thing and while she could slip on her earphones, she didn't want to miss if the blonde spoke to her again that would result in another misunderstanding.

They finally arrived at the train yard and Alex hoped out. This time, Piper waited for the brunette to say something.

"Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it," she dug in her wallet and brought out a twenty, "here. I know it's not much but you know, for gas." Piper stared at the bill. When she didn't say anything, Alex placed it on the passenger seat. "Thanks." She muttered. She watched Piper pick the twenty and place it in the dash compartment.

"No problem," Piper said before driving off like a normal person.

When the Jeep disappeared, she made her way to the main office and opened the door. There was a man sitting at the desk. He had both feet propped up on it and was reading a book. When the small bell announced her presence, he jumped up and grinned.

"How can I help you?"

…

Fifteen minutes later, Alex was on the highway in her mother's red Audi R8. It was a hell of a beauty, driving smoothly, reaching 60MPH in just a few seconds. She didn't need to press far down on the accelerator to feel the power of the engine. She smiled, weaving easily through cars, sometimes reaching 100MPH. What she loved most about this car was the custom built police scanner Diane had paid for. It was illegal but that didn't stop them. Besides, because they could tell when a police cruiser was nearby, they never had gotten a speeding ticket.

When she decided to leave New York, she thought she could leave everything behind. And she almost did except that on her way out to the airport, she'd walked past the red Audi. Alex had seen her reflection on the car's tinted windows and for a split second, she saw Diane in herself. That's when she made the decision to take the car with her. It's what Diane would have wanted her to do.

She continued to drive when she spotted a familiar white Jeep Cherokee and its' owner pulled over on the shoulder. Piper appeared to have blown a tire and she was changing it. Or at least trying to. Ignore her Vause, just keep driving. This is none of your business. She drove for another mile then cursed herself and looked for an exit that would take her back to the blonde. A few minutes later, she pulled behind the blonde, who ever so slowly, lifted her gaze meeting Alex's eyes.

Well Vause, you may not be a car aficionado, but at least you can change a tire. Here is your chance to make things right.

"Hey, need a hand?"

…

Aydin dialed the number that was scribbled on the yellow post it note. He waited for the woman whom he'd been instructed to call 'Jill', to answer. When she did, "You must get the signature before the summer ends at all costs. Do you understand?"

"Don't worry. I have a plan." Jill said,

"Kubra does not like plans. Only actions."

"Don't worry. I'll get your damn signature before next month. Just tell your boss he better hold his end of the bargain."

The line went dead.

…

First things first, CyberSimsGeek pointed out a mistake I made in the previous chapter. I meant to type Polly and wrote Poppy instead. That was completely my fault because I don't edit my work. I find it boring. So thank you!

Greeting to the Asian, Guatemalan, and Hungarian! As well as the rest of you folks. Thank you so much for your reviews and follows. They all make my day when I read them or notice the follower count go up.

I apologize if this is slow paced but I try to write something I would read. Anyways, next chapter should be a bit more…well you'll have to continue reading to find out.

Thanks again!