Chapter 3: This is Piper

Alex grabbed two beers from the fridge and walked them into the living room. She handed one over to her friend Nicky. Alex had known Nicky Nichols since high school, and they have remained close since. They were two peas in pod - fuck bitches, get money, and Alex had Nicky on the books as an assistant in her consulting firm. She was really her accountant in her underground high stakes poker club and her most trusted friend and employee. "How many seats we got Friday, Stretch?"

"Eight, Carlson is off probation." Members were banned at Alex's discretion for offenses like violence, bringing guests to the door, using cell phones, or bringing cash. This business was illegal, so Alex implemented a rigorous set of club membership rules to keep everyone on the right side of the law. Each Wednesday, Alex and Nicky picked up buy-ins from previously identified locations. No cash is ever allowed at games, ever. In case a raid were to happen, the club needs to be able to disguise itself as a "friendly game of poker." Alex also doubles as a bookie. The house will loan up to $10,000 for an added 20% interest. The house rakes in 15% of all buy-ins to pay for the overhead and room locations. Events were never held at personal abodes and never the same place two weekends in a row. Alex would text participants three hours before the start time from a burner phone. Locations were always inconspicuous, private, and well secured. Payouts occurred as scheduled and always on time. Nicky kept the books up to date of payouts and balances.

Alex was a fair pit boss and club owner, she gave her right hand, Nicky, 30% of all profits. What she valued most about Nicky was her loyalty. Alex needed to keep her software consulting firm supple to stay out of Uncle Sam's radar when she'd drive around her winnings or take them galavanting across the globe. Nicky had Alex's back and made sure that on both business fronts, things were flowing.

"Please tell me you're getting the one dealer again, what the hell was her name?! The one that I took home and shacked up with for a week during the Nor'easter last year? the blonde, skinny thing."

Alex popped the cap off of her beer bottle at sat down on her suede chase lounge after their night of pick ups. "You mean to tell me that you spend a whole week with this girl and can't remember her name?!"

"Yo its not my fault she was screaming my name for seven days. You know I couldn't really get a word in." Alex chuckled as she slugged her beer.

"Ha, only a week? You're losing your touch Nichols."

"Well I don't see you out there reeling 'em in, Ace."

"False, I don't kiss and tell. That's for amateurs, plus I don't want you moving in on my territory." Alex smirked, she was no stranger to one night stands and leaving her booty calls to head down the streets of NY on walk of shame after the buzz of the alcohol wore off. Alex was an Olympic philanderer and expert at remaining detached. She would pick up her flavors of the night from bars and clubs downtown, usually start her sultry maneuvers in the bar bathroom or a cab ride home, and kick them out in the morning before her hookups could find their clothes scattered about. Relationships weren't for Alex Vause. She was a prowess, and lived off of her ability to be self sufficient. As she bantered with Nicky though, thoughts of the blonde girl from earlier trickled their way into her mind.

"I'll have to take you out with me Saturday night, show you how it's done."

"Yeah, sounds good." Alex's thoughts remained on the set of legs she saw this morning. It was hard to zero in much on what her best friend was offering.

" I don't know Polly, Larry and I have just been so blah lately," Piper confessed to her business partner and best friend as they stocked their store shelves with seasonal hand soaps and bathroom luxuries. "He asked me to move in with him and of course, the Chapmans are ALL about it. I don't know, I mean he couldn't even remember to pick me up this morning."

"Gee, Pipes. He fucked up one time. Are you trying to make excuses for lack of something else, because if you are, that's one thing. But, if your not, I think he's been a pretty good boyfriend."

"Yea, I guess your right Pol, thanks!" Piper gave a half smile. She loved Larry, she did. But she didn't know if she loved him-loved him. He was who she was supposed to marry. Wealthy family, check. Ivy League, check. Country club membership, check. However there was lack of fire, chemical explosion, butterflies when they kissed.

"Alright, Piper. Don't think too much. We're ready for the morning and it's time for us to go home. You need a ride? Your car is still in the shop."

"Thanks, Polly." Polly dropped Piper off at her downtown apartment and reminded her that she would be off for the next few days and that Piper would be opening and closing the store solo.

"Not a problem, Polly! Enjoy your weekend!" With that, Piper made a cup of tea and curled into her cheap couch with a good book and a blanket. She called Larry to say good night and reminded him that she needed a ride to the store in the morning. They said their good night wishes and Piper drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Piper was ready to leave her apartment by 7:15. She had already accomplished more than half of New York. She had her morning run, a French press coffee, got the paper, showered, and was ready to get to Popi. It was storming again. The rain seemed like it was going to never let up. Larry was supposed to pick her up at 7:30. She waited for a few minutes, and with no Larry in sight she shot him a quick text.

[7:35] You're on your way, right? Remember my car is in the shop.

[7:40] Lar, I've go to open by 8. Are you on the way? It's raining.

Piper was used to taking the subway but it was a 10 block hike in this bitter rain. She called Larry this time, but to no avail.

[7:45] Dammit Larry, wake up.

By 7:50, she was gonna send one last text before heading for the subway station. As she pulled out her phone in her last attempt to summon her boyfriend who sleeps past 10, she saw the seven digits of another source lying in her purse. With a deep inhale, she typed.

[7:52] Hey, this is the clumsy blonde that you heroically rescued yesterday and then ran out on you to keep from getting embarrassed. You don't have a car, do you?

[7:52] This is Piper.