18.
That morning Alex and Larry actually agreed on something and that was that they would have to learn to get along, for Piper as well as Cameron's sake. What went down that morning between them in front of the boy was not something either of them would want a repeat of. They also realized that in the process they are also hurting Piper.
Alex explained to Larry that she does not do good with men. In general she just gets along with woman so much easier. She has a selected view men in her life she can stand. She also explained to Larry that he is being way to pissy and because he does not like her he hardly ever sees the humor in anything she has to say. She is very witty and likes snarky comments. He would have to learn to handle it better but on her part she would also try to keep it to a minimum.
Larry explained to Alex that she likes to be intimidating and will do anything to get her way. He also explained to her that he does not appreciate the fact that she can so easily use Cameron against him. He knows that she has a big influence on the boy and would appreciate it if she does not use that influence to make the boy up against him. They have always had a good relationship and Cameron has got great manners, but when Alex is around the manners flies out the window. Obviously Alex defended herself against that comment but eventually agreed that it's a case of monkey see monkey do and she will try and make Cameron understand that he can't treat grownups like that and that he should not always repeat everything Alex has to say.
The two of them eventually agreed that they would really try this time and in the case of one of them having a problem with the other they will resolve it behind closed doors. They would try and keep their differences to a minimum. They need Piper to feel comfortable to leave the house early every morning and come back late every night once she starts shooting. They also don't want Cameron to grow up in a house where there is always confrontation.
Right before Larry left for work he just had to have the last word. "Oh and one more thing." He pauses as if he is not sure how to put it exactly "Piper is off limits. We are in a committed relationship. Don't think I don't notice the looks you give her and the comments you make. I have absolutely no problem with your sexuality. It is your choice, but when it comes to Piper it might become a problem."
"Noted" was the only confirmation Alex offered Larry that she understood his terms on the subject. Not that she gave a shit, but they agreed to try so she pretends to agree.
Alex waited all morning for Piper to come home. She really wanted to apologize to the blond. She promised Piper on numerous occasions that she would try and this morning was definitely not trying and there is no way Pipers mind would be at ease to leave her son with them if this is how they behave.
Piper did not come home. Round about 12pm Alex got a text from the blond stating that she would again pick up Cameron from school and take him to the park to play. She also told Alex in the text that Larry had called her and explained to her what they spoke about and agreed upon this morning and that she appreciates it.
Alex did not reply to the text but instead decided that she will go meet Piper in the park. After all she was the one who promised Cameron she would take him after school.
When Alex got to the park she spotted Piper sitting on a bench watching Cameron playing in the sand pit a couple of meters away from her. Piper did not notice Alex approaching so she walk over to the bench and without a word took a seat next to the blond. Piper looked up at Alex and they locked eyes for a moment. A small smile formed on the blonds lips and that is how Alex knew they are okay. Piper scooted closer to Alex and they sat in silence watching Cameron play. Neither of them had to say a word. They knew they were okay and at that moment they also knew everything else would be okay.
The weekend and the week to follow went by pretty quick. Alex and Larry avoided each other as much as possible, but every morning they saw each other at breakfast. Larry would without a word hand Alex the classified section of the paper which Alex accepted happily. At dinner at night they would all speak about how their days have gone. Larry would sometime tell them about a big story they are busy with and if it was something Alex was interested in she would join in the conversation.
Cameron never had to have the argument about greetings in the morning with Alex again because every morning after he kissed his mother goodbye Alex would kiss Piper on the cheek. Larry did not even look up from his paper at these moments anymore so he would not notice that Piper started turning her head just a little so she could also kiss Alex on the cheek the same time Alex kissed her on the cheek. He would also not have notice that some mornings it lingers more than others and that every morning the kisses gets closer and closer to where they both really want it to be. Alex has admitted it to herself but Piper is still very much in denial.
The Saturday after the huge fight Alex had gone out in the evening and discovered a great hang out not to far from Pipers house. She visited twice more during the week and has met some people who she now calls friends.
It is Pipers last Saturday at home before they start shooting on Monday. Polly and Pete are coming over along with their son Fin for a lunch and a couple of drinks. Alex offered to help Piper with lunch even though she is not the best in the kitchen she knows how to peel a potato or grate cheese.
Larry offered to watch Cameron while the two of them went out to go buy groceries early Saturday morning. As they unloaded the groceries from the car every now and again Alex would glance in the direction of the motorcycle standing in the corner. Piper does not miss this. Alex has been itching to get onto a bike again. She misses riding.
"You know," Piper breaks the silence and draws Alex's attention to her "if you can get it running you can have it."
Alex immediately has a confused look on her face and looks at Piper as if she has just grown three heads. "Excuse me, what?" Alex tries to make sure she heard the blond correctly.
"I'm serious. It's just standing there. It has never been ridden. I am sure it will not start without some very much needed attention so if you can get it running you can have it. I'm tired of it just standing there taking up space and it's not getting used."
"I can't take it Piper. It has got some weird sentimental value to you and you have been hanging on to it forever for that reason. I will never intrude on that."
"Alex, I don't care about the fucking stupid bike. It has lost its meaning to me ages ago. Now its just taking up my garage space for no reason so either you take it or I get rid of it."
"Can you put down your bags. I want to hug you." Alex demands and puts down her own bags. Piper just smiles and allows Alex to pull her into a hug. Piper puts her arms around Alex's neck and they stand like that. Alex tightens her grip a little and then whispers "Thank you"
"Just promise me you will be careful, please" Piper whispers back into Alex's ear which sends a shiver down the taller girls spine. Alex just nods in confirmation but this is not good enough for the blond so she pulls back a bit to look Alex in the eyes so she can know how serious she is. "I am being serious Alex. Don't be stupid or irresponsible."
"Pipes, this will not be my first time on a bike and besides we don't even know if I will get it running."
"God, suddenly I hope you don't." Piper replies "So change of rules, you have to do it all by yourself. Nobody is allowed to help you. And don't think because I will hardly be here I wont know. My staff is very loyal to me." She smiles.
Alex raises one of her eyebrows looking at Piper with a smile "Do you have a thing for mechanics Champan?"
"What's taking you so long." Cameron's voice interrupts the moment between the two woman before Piper could reply.
The two woman jump apart, pick up their bags and turn back to the boy. "We're coming".
The rest of the morning was spend in the kitchen preparing the lunch. Eventually Cameron's nagging and sulking got to them so Alex finally agreed to go swim with him. He was not allowed to swim on his own and Larry was also helping to get everything ready.
By the time the guests arrived Piper was not yet finished with lunch. Lets just say she was a bit distracted by her company in the kitchen during preparations so after a quick chat Larry got them all a drink and they headed out to the patio while Piper finished up in the kitchen. She could hear every bit of their conversations.
"Wow, who the fuck is that" Pete asked as he spotted Alex in the pool playing with Cameron and later they are joined by Fin.
"Pipers friend. She is helping out with Cameron." Came Larry's short explanation and Piper was very happy to hear him calling Alex her friend.
"God, she is hot. Where has Piper been hiding her all this time." Pete questioned again.
"She's new." Is all Larry offers this time.
"I could totally get with that." Pete remarks.
"Sorry babe," came Polly's voice from behind the two men as she returns from the restroom. "I'm more her type?"
Larry noticing the confused look on Pete's face looking at his wife as if she is crazy Larry explains "She swings the other way?"
"What like she's a lesbian?"
"Exactly like she is a lesbian." Polly answers her disappointed husband.
"Dude" Pete laughs and nudges Larry "So your girlfriend is shacking up with one of the hottest lesbians I have ever seen. Does it not bother you."
"Why would it. Piper is straight."
"I am straight and I would totally sleep with her." Polly interrupts. Larry is so stunned he just looks at her. Pete at first spit his drink out in shock but then decides that it is kind of hot.
"That's hot babe?"
"Just for the experience." Polly explains "Not like all the time. She's hot. I can totally sleep with a girl as hot as that to find out what the fuss is about."
Suddenly they all jump at the sound of a loud bang behind them. As they all look around Piper is standing by the table with fire in her eyes. She manages to plaster a fake smile on her face and points to the wooden chopping board on the table "Sorry it slipped" and turns around and walks back into the house. Truth be told the chopping board did not slip. She just could not handle the conversation between the three of them about Alex anymore and when Polly started talking about sleeping with Alex the blond had to end that conversation.
The conversation on the patio is quiet when Piper comes back out. "Lunch is ready. I will go get the boys and Alex. Honey" she speaks to Larry "please will you get everyone a refill." Larry just nods still wondering about that chopping board and Polly is looking at her friend knowing exactly what that chopping board was about. Piper returns Polly's stare in a way of saying to her 'don't you dare'. They just understand each other in that way and with that Piper turns around to go call Alex and the boys.
"Lunch is ready" she says as she walks up to the pool. The two boys jumps out of the pool and make their way to the patio. Piper picks up Alex's towel and stands by the steps waiting for Alex to get out as if to block the view from the predators on the patio.
"Do you want to go change first" the blond asks "We don't mind waiting"
"Uhm, actually I wont be joining you?"
Not trying to hide her disappointment the blond asks Alex why.
"I've got plans with the friends I met at the hang out around the corner." Alex explains.
"But Al it's my last Saturday in who knows how long."
"I know, but I just thought you would like to spend some time with your friends and family before you start working."
"You're my friend to Alex and I would like to have you around as well." Alex can hear Piper getting a bit annoyed.
"Sorry but I cant cancel now."
"Are you meeting friends or are you going on a date?" Piper asks angry.
"Really Piper do you want to do this here and what the fuck does it matter anyway."
"Enjoy." Piper says as she turns around and walks away.
Alex did not get home until late that night when everybody in the house was already asleep. She did not go on a date. She told Piper the truth when she said she is going out with friends. The next morning when she woke up Piper and them had already left. She learned from Maria that they went to the zoo and that it was a last minute decision. She knew this was Piper avoiding her. Again Alex went out with her friends and so they missed each other the last day before Piper started shooting as Alex again only got home after everyone went to bed. Cameron moaned at her when she called him to say good night. Every night she goes out she would call on the house phone to say goodnight to the boy. She does not know why or how it started but it is a thing now. One of their many things.
Hi All
Another one to get you into the weekend.
Guest: Your wish is my command. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thank you for the reviews.
General Note: I am glad so many people are enjoying Cameron. When I just started I wasn't to sure about him but I am glad I went with it.
RachelBarbraBerry: I am glad you are enjoying. Thank you for the review.
Made: I also enjoy reading fics where the writers takes their time. Building up the tension and when / if it finally happens it is so much sweeter. Those stories are my favorites and I have read and reread a couple of them. Thank you for the review.
ManveerlovesVauseman: Haha It was about time for an Alex Larry confrontation. Cameron – What can I say… The boy has got manners…. Sometimes. Lol Thank you for the review.
LibraryBook: Maybe, maybe not. Haha. Thank you for the review.
Prooffice: Something tells me they will get along but Alex might not play by the rules. You are right where you should be. Lol Thank you for sticking with me.
Next update, next week.
Thank you all for reading.
M
