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Olivia couldn't believe Alex had hired them a limo. That was one way to make a statement and an entrance. There was going to be reporters waiting out front tonight, not to mention circling inside the function room.
She sat in the back seat facing forward with Tyler. Alex and Tate were seated opposite them, facing them and the back of the car. She grabbed Tyler's arm as she reached for her tie for the 50th time in 5 minutes.
"Leave it" she ordered and Tyler grumbled
"Easy for you to say, you're not the one being choked"
"No" Olivia whispered in her ear "I'm the one wearing creeping barely there underwear"
Tyler choked on her glass of champagne that Alex had provided. Eyes wide she stared at Olivia, her gaze bouncing from the generous breast to her waist where no visible knicker line showed and she groaned.
"Liv stop teasing Tyler" Alex chuckled
"I never said anything" Olivia protested and sipped her wine, her eyes sparkling.
"You are in so much trouble later" Tyler growled when she could talk.
"I look forward to it" Olivia blew her a kiss just as they pulled up to the Hotel. "Here goes nothing" she sighed which earned a glare from Alex as they came to a stop beside red carpet that led into the main lobby of the hotel.
Photographers and video crew lined the barriers in a hope to catch a glimpse of whoever was pulling up in the stretch limo. The driver hurriedly stepped out and made his way to open up the door to allow Tyler to step out, there was a moment of confusion as the tabloids wondered who this person was. Murmurs filled the air as Tyler offered her hand to Olivia and helped her out of the limo.
There were a few gasps as some reporters who were knowledgeable on the guest speaker for the night recognised her best friend. Murmurs became excited calls as they started to call out 'Detective Benson!' and 'Olivia!'
Olivia acknowledged them with a smile before turning back as Tate climbed out next, looking slightly pale and shaky at all the attention. Smiling Olivia took Tyler's hand and led her a few steps towards the door to give people a clear view as Alex took Tate's offered hand and stepped out into the spotlight.
Flashes exploded upon seeing the svelte blonde in her stunning dress as Alex thanked the driver and made a time for him to be back to pick them up. Holding onto Tate's hand tight she plastered her practiced smile on her face and walked with her towards the front doors of the hotel.
"Miss Cabot over here" she heard a familiar voice call and turned her head to see Sofia Cipriatti, a well known and liked crime reporter at the end of the cue. Curious. What was a crime reporter doing covering this event? Alex had always liked her, she never twisted her words or speculated, only reported facts. If Alex requested she did not report something, she didn't, in return Alex had always given her a heads up or sometimes an exclusive when it came time to needing the Public's help.
She looked at her friends and then nodded her head at the woman before leading them over. Olivia trusted Alex but kept back a way to keep an eye on the other reporters.
Alex smiled genuinely as she greeted Sofia
"Hello Sofia"
"Alex" Sofia smiled "You are looking good tonight."
"Flattery will get you everywhere. What are you doing covering this event?" she asked and saw a hint of sadness flash across Sofia's face before she brightened
"Times are hard"
"You always were a pathetic liar" Alex groaned "Maybe I'll see you inside later" she went to walk away then paused when Sofia called
"OK, I got downsized. New boss brought in his own male crime team. With you gone and with them my scoops, I was just another reporter" Sofia sighed and Alex gave a grimace as the wheels spun in her head. She turned and noticed an organiser hovering at the door and waved her over.
"Yes Miss Cabot?" the organiser asked and Alex smiled
"Get Miss Cipriatti a pass inside. I trust her, more than other reporters" Alex told the woman and Sofia looked stunned as the organiser nodded and then told the security guards to let the woman through. Sofia didn't have to think twice and hurried towards the blonde.
"Thank you Alex"
"Don't thank me yet, if I see one false word in your article I am going to sue the arse of you and the paper" Alex told her "You have your recorder on?" Alex asked next as she led the woman over to Tyler and Olivia while keeping a firm grip on Tate's hand. Sofia nodded. "Good then you won't get the names wrong. I am sure you know my best friend Olivia Benson, you've seen her often"
"Yes, hello Detective" Sofia smiled and Olivia returned her greeting, wondering what Alex was up to.
"This is Sheriff Tyler Gates, Olivia's partner. She's from Montana" Alex introduced next and Sofia blinked stunned before offering her hand and a quiet hello before turning back to Alex and the man...she paused... woman beside her. She flashed another look at Sheriff Gates again stunned to realise he was a she. Oh. Alex saw the dawning comprehension in Sofia and smiled "Sofia my partner and love Tate Chandler"
"Hey" Tate nodded offering her hand and Sofia shook it. Well, well, well, this was an interesting turn.
"We should get inside" Alex stated "Don't want others getting wind of your scoop" she smiled and lead Tate in by the hand, Olivia and Tyler following them with an incredulous Sofia bringing up the rear.
The next half an hour was meet and greet and smoozing as Alex spoke to all her high society acquaintances. Sofia kept by her side but said nothing as Alex introduced her friends. Occasionally Alex allowed the woman to take pictures of her with some of the more recognisable figures. There were judges, actors, musicians, TV personalities, Billionaires and all sorts of Corporate types.
Ever present waiters and waitresses brought food and drinks around and Alex carefully sipped on hers, making sure she sat on one until she made her speech. As she moved around the room she was pleased to see strategic photos and information up about the plight of the Congolese women.
She glanced back at Tate a few times, pleased to see a bit of colour returning to her lover's cheeks. Not one for the high life, which Alex was happy about. She very much wanted to return to her cabin in Montana and live the simple life, but she currently had obligations.
As she continued around the room she kept an eye out for Olivia and Tyler who had got separated. Who knew the Commissioner would be here? She'd left Olivia talking to him, discussing possibilities of transfers to the Montana State Police she believed.
Just at that moment she saw a figure that had her freezing to the spot. She felt a gentle tug on her arm as Tate looked back at her with concern before glancing at the direction she was staring.
"Alex?" Tate questioned as the man she was looking at turned in her direction, noticed her and froze to the spot. The people he was talking to also looked over, their faces pinching upon seeing her. "Alex?" Tate asked again and years of training had her turning to her lover with a smile.
"I'm Ok" she assured squeezing the hand that was holding hers
"Who are they?" Tate whispered in her ear "They don't look happy to see you" she surmised "Which is pretty stupid considering you're the guest speaker"
"Yes, not sure why they are surprised" Alex sighed "It's Uncle Bill and the Wentworth's"
"WHAT!" Tate practically roared causing several heads to turn in their direction. Alex hastily shushed her lover. "Don't shush me, the nerve of them to turn up to this"
"They paid their money. As long as they don't cause a disturbance then they can stay" she told Tate who was not happy. Within moments Tyler and Olivia were sidling up beside them.
"What's going on?" Tyler asked seconds before Olivia growled
"What are they doing here?"
"Who?" Tyler asked looking over in the direction Olivia was scowling at to find several people glaring back "What's their problem?"
"That's Alex's Uncle Bill and the Wentworth's" Tate informed her friend then had to body check her when Tyler's face went black and she took a step towards them "Whoa" Tate placated her "Stop, you cause a scene and they are getting what they want. We have to ignore them" Tate blinked knowing the truth of her own words suddenly. "Well hell" she muttered
"I knew you weren't just a handsome face sexy" Alex cooed in her ear and placed a tender kiss to her cheek "Love you"
Tate wrapped her arm around Alex, ignoring all the surprised looks at Alex's unusual displays of affection and kissed her tenderly but quickly.
"I love you too"
"Someone bring me a bucket" Tyler muttered which earned herself a glare from her friends and an elbow from her lover.
Sofia just watched the byplay absolutely fascinated. She wasn't sure why Alex was ignoring her surrogate uncle or why the Judge and the Wentworth's were glaring at the group but she figured there was a story behind it. Maybe if she played her cards right it would be a story she could tell.
As a casual observer to the two couples she didn't doubt they were very much in love. The looks they shared could melt the most hardened heart, the touches were gentle and loving and the byplay was amazing to see as they steadfastly ignored the glares sent their way.
A screeching microphone drew their attention to the stage and Alex sighed. Showtime. She steadfastly ignored the butterflies in her stomach, telling herself it was no different than when she is in court.
She made her way to the stage, dragging Tate with her, knowing Olivia and Tyler wouldn't be far behind. She waited until the announcer was done with all his introductions before inviting her up onto the stage. Alex took a moment to receive a good luck kiss from Tate before taking the stairs.
Tate listened to her lover speak passionately about a cause that had touched her heart. It was amazing to watch her lover in action. She had everyone wrapped around her finger and paying full attention. Alex must have organised it ahead of time as there was a clever slide show that accompanied her speech. Clever but heartbreaking.
All in all the speech went for 20 minutes but Alex never lost her audience. Finally Alex came to the end.
"Last but not least I want to thank my wonderful partner Tate for being here with me tonight. I love you" Tate blinked in surprise and blushed "Next I would also like to thank my best friend and sister Olivia and her partner Tyler for coming along and supporting me and the cause" Tate looked at Olivia who offered up a smile.
"Please remember how lucky we are to live in this great country and all the advantages it has given us. Give generously and help us reach our target figure, thank you"
Alex stepped back and away from the podium, folding her speech as she made her way to the stairs and hurriedly making her way down them into Tate's waiting arms. Tate folded her into a loving embrace and kissed her forehead.
"Proud of you babe"
"Thankyou" Alex stepped back then received a hug from Olivia and Tyler. "We have about an hour before the car will be here" she looked around and caught the eye of a waiter who was hovering nearby and he hurried towards them "Now that I have said my bit I can have another glass of Champagne and try and keep as far away from Uncle Bill as I can" she smiled and accepted a proffered glass from the waiter before turning to Sofia "I suggest you be at my residence at midday tomorrow. There is to be nothing in the papers about the tension between Uncle Bill and I understood?"
"Understood" Sofia nodded and knew when she had her walking papers. She had enough on the event for now, especially on Alex as she said her goodbyes and started to mingle to get people's reactions to Alex's speech, mindful to keep away from the Judge and his entourage. She was quite happy and satisfied when people were eager to talk to her, having seen her with Alex. Hopefully the money she would make for freelancing and being able to sell the information to the highest bidders would help her with the next batch of payments.
Olivia groaned, grateful to be back at the apartment as she slipped off her killer high heels. Alex did likewise. Tate and Tyler had already shucked their constricting ties. It was nearing midnight, not real late in the scheme of things but not exactly early.
The fundraiser was still in full swing when they had left, stopping to chat to some reporters on the way out. Alex had refused to answer any personal questions, leaving that scoop for Sofia, only answering questions about the Congo.
As they settled back into the apartment Alex gave Tate a kiss then sent Tyler a look while stating
"I wish to speak with Olivia please"
Tate nodded and with another kiss and a goodnight to her friends left to go get out of the monkey suit. Tyler was looking between her lover and her friend before sighing and sweeping her lover up for a long kiss, while Alex stood by rolling her eyes. Whispering to Olivia not to be too long she left the friends to it.
Alex took a seat on the couch and Olivia sat down gingerly beside her. She had no idea what Alex may want and waited patiently to be told.
"I know you weren't comfortable with me talking to Sofia tonight" Alex started and Olivia sighed. Oh, that. She could only offer up a shrug, she didn't really trust reporters full stop but Sofia wasn't too bad, getting the facts right 9 times out of 10.
"With everything that has happened with Wentworth I'm not real comfortable no" Olivia shrugged
"Nor am I, I only went to see what a crime reporter was doing covering a society event out of curiosity" Alex sighed and settled back into the couch, Olivia relaxing and leaning with her.
"Hmmm, and?" she asked
"She was apparently downsized" Alex bit her lip and contemplated that as one dark brow on her friends face arched "Doesn't make sense does it?"
"Nope" Olivia admitted, curious herself now "That why you invited her tomorrow, to find out why?"
"Oh that and I want to read her notes" Alex chuckled before becoming serious again "I am also worried about her a bit. Liv there was something in her eyes..."
"Alex have you gone soft?" Olivia sighed rubbing at her temple
"Maybe" Alex admitted "Maybe just more curious, there is something more to the downsizing, I am sure there is something besides that"
"Hmmm and you are going to sticky beak tomorrow"
"She was always good to me Liv, she never wrote malicious gossip, just fact, never speculated, and always quoted me correctly"
"Then you do what you need, just stay out of trouble Lex" Olivia chuckled and Alex smiled and reaching over took one of her friends hands
"Thank you" she leant her head against her friends shoulder wearily as they sat there for long quiet moments just enjoying their alone time. "I am so looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow"
"Hmmm" Olivia sighed eyes closed. Alex raised her head to see her friend was half asleep. She thought about getting up and alerting Tyler to come out and get her. She yawned wearily and placed her head back on Olivia's shoulder. Maybe in another couple of minutes, Olivia's shoulder really was comfortable.
Tate wondered what was keeping Alex so long and sighing swung out of bed, it was well over an hour ago she had crawled in to wait. Grabbing her robe she padded quietly out of the room, not hearing any noise she frowned and made her way to the lounge. What she found there had her smiling and wishing for a camera.
Olivia was slumped on the couch, Alex curled up to her side, head on her shoulder and fast asleep. Moving forward quietly she gently scooped up her lover, smiling as both ladies murmured a protest before she quickly carried Alex to their bedroom, depositing her on the bed.
She returned to the lounge where she scooped up the softly snoring detective, surprised by how light she was and walked to the door of the spare room, adjusting the woman in her arms she managed to knock.
Tyler answered wrapped in a sheet and Tate rolled her eyes
"Special delivery for Tyler Gates. One sleeping beauty" Tate grinned and Tyler accepted her easily, still mindful of the sheet. She looked at Tate questioningly "They must have fallen asleep talking" Tate shrugged and left Tyler to it.
Returning to her own room she found Alex must have roused herself enough to pull her dress off, which was now puddle on the floor, before climbing under the covers. Sighing she picked up the dress and hung it over a chair in hopes it wouldn't be ruined before slipping out of her own robe and crawling into bed beside Alex.
Maybe a rest night would be good, get some sleep and see where tomorrow took them. Curling up behind her lover to spoon her she sighed in contentment and let her mind drift.