Author's Note: I don't own any of the OINTB characters. If in case the film has the same topic or theme from another film, I didn't copy it. Again this purely based on my imagination. ;)

Is it really the fluttering of the butterflies makes you giddy when you are with your special someone?

You're not drunk…

I'm not tipsy…

Whatever this is…

We can't blame it on the whisky…

(Half drink in)


Chapter Thirteen: Drinking the Content of the Glass

The meeting before the table reading for the cast is going to start in a few minutes and I am a bit nervous cause it will be my first time to be in this kind of event. Daya asked for a meeting before we meet the actors. I came early to calm myself before the meeting. I opted to that in the open balcony of Red, the only restaurant café in the building where the meeting will be hold. My phone rings, making me startled.

"Hello?" I answered without looking at the phone.

"Well, I know how nervous you are right now but that is not how to greet your best friend." Polly said in the other line.

"Polly!" I squeaked, making the other customers look at me.

"I never knew you will be this excited when you hear my voice." Polly said laughing in the other end of the line.

"Why did you call, Polly?" I asked.

"I called to ask how you are." Polly said casually.

"I'm really nervous right now and I wish you are here." I said truthfully.

"Don't be like that, Piper. There is nothing to worry about it. Besides you have already proven your worth in your industry." Polly said with assurance in her voice.

"But what if the people doesn't want the adapted version of the novel. What if I cannot bring success to the film?" I asked anxiously.

"Nope that will never happen, Piper. Your reader love your book and I think they will love the adaptation of the novel." Polly said trying to sooth my nerves.

"I hope so." I said with little voice.

"Piper, you are an amazing writer and you have proved that with your novels. Don't worry about it. I think you have chosen the right production for your novel." Polly said. I sighed heavily and we said our goodbyes. I tried to finish my coffee in silence and opened a book to read in the hours I'm waiting and to calm my nerves.

"Well look who's here? Enjoying the view, Piper?" Nicky asked. I politely smiled at her and nodded. I tried to look over her back to see if Alex is with her but I don't see someone with her. I could see a visible smirk in her face. I braced myself with her questions but she sit comfortably across me and ordered a coffee too.

"So how is your stay in here so far?" Nicky asked after a few minutes of silence.

"It is nice so far. I'm still not used to Alex huge place but I'm getting by." I answered with a smile.

"I have heard that she gave Gina to you as your personal assistant." Nicky said casually. I eyed her carefully, as if asking what she means by her statement. "Gina is her personal assistant in the house and she is the best she ever has." She answered. I heard Nicky laughed hard from my expression. We talked other things while waiting for the table reading. After a few minutes, Nicky's secretary called to say that the conference for the table reading is already prepared.

"Shall we?" Nicky asked offering her right arm. I accepted it and we walked to the elevator with my hand on her right arm. We entered the room giggling because of the jokes Nicky tells me.

"I see you two are getting cozy and warm in there." Alex said while looking at hands in Nicky's arm. I immediately tried to remove my hands from Nicky's arm but she won't budge a little. I glared at her but she simply smirked at me.

"Why, Alex? Does this bothers you?" Nicky asked playfully. I looked at Alex intently but I can't read what is on her mind.

"No. Not at all. I just want to make sure that you don't mix business with pleasure." Alex said then turn around to sit in the top of the table and started to type in her computer.


Why is Nicky all being cozy with Piper?

I could feel my jaws clenching more with the thought of the sight I have seen. Nicky is not known for being chivalrous and I was surprised to see her offering her arms to be held by Piper.

Don't forget how happy they seem to be when entering the room.

I could feel someone approaching me. I could tell that it is Piper by the scent filling up my senses.

Wow you already memorize her scent. She must be really something, Vause.

I think I could really memorize her scent because she is filling up my house with it.

"Hello, Alex." Piper greeted me with uncertainty. I looked at her and I could feel how nervous she is.

"Hi there, Piper." I said sighing.

"How are you? I hadn't seen you yesterday." Piper said.

"I'm on a business meeting." I tensed up with her statement. I could see that she wanted to ask more but Daya came in and greeted everyone. Piper walked back to Nicky's side and anxiously sits in there. While the meeting is going on, I observed Piper in the corner of my eyes. Icould see the excitement in there but the nervousness is winning in her system. Her hands cannot keep up in one place and she almost stutter when she answered a question from Daya.

"Can we continue the meeting later on? My secretary prepared a light snack for us." I said looking at everybody. Nicky's right eyebrow went up but said nothing. I pushed a button in the intercom and told my secretary to prepare the food in the conference room we are in. I could see that Piper excused herself to go to the washroom. I followed her not knowing what to say to her.

"Breathe, Piper. This is just a meeting. Inhale…Exhale…" I could hear Piper saying in one of the cubicles of the washroom. I tried to hide my chuckle but I guess she is sensitive with the noise cause she open the door to her cubicle and look at me surprised.

"Alex?! What are you doing in here?" Piper asked in a higher tone.

"I wanted to ask if you are fine." I asked sincerely. she looked at me then tucked her hair in her ear.

"I'm fine a little bit nervous but fine." she said rambling. I chuckled more.

"It is good to know that you find my situation amusing." Piper said sarcastically.

"Why are you so nervous?" I asked.

"Well I'm not really used to this kind of stuff and besides it is always Morello who handle this kind of things for me." She answered fast.

"Relax, Piper. I can see that it is not only the meeting that is bothering you but we will talk about it later. Let me help you too calm down." I said then offered my hand. She look at it but accepted it without hesitation. I could feel the small trembles in our hands but I don't know whose hand is trembling. We walked in silence and pressed the topmost level.

"Good morning, Ms. Vause. The rooftop is ready for you." My secretary said to me. I tugged her to walk into the exi door and make sure that she is carefully taking the steps. I could see how her eyes went wide from the beauty she is seeing. I guide her to the table in the gazebo to give her the tea I told my secretary to prepare.

"So you own this building?" she asked afterwards.

"How did you know that?" I asked casually then sip the coffee in front of me.

"Well the secretary seems to be comfortable around you and you're the one who prepared the light snacks for everyone." She said, giving me the deduction of her observations.

"Yes." I answered briefly.

"You are really something, Alex." Piper said with awe.

"Nothing special just working my ass off very hard." I said joking. "So tell me, why are you so nervous about this meeting?" I asked then I hold her hand to make sure that she will answer my question honestly. I really don't want her to feel uncomfortable about something.

"You see I'm afraid." She answered squeezing my hand hard and looking at the ground.

"Afraid? Why is that?" I asked a bit surprised with her answer.

"I'm frightened about the adaptation of my novel into film. This is the main reason why I'm a bit anxious with this meeting. I know that people like my novel but what if I can't deliver what they want in the film? What if the viewers don't like what they have watched? I'm sorry for letting me pour out my insecurities with you." She said then released my hand and looked at the sky above.

"Don't worry, Piper, everything will be fine. Besides you are not only the one responsible with the production of the film. You have a whole team to back you up. I have read some of your novels and believe me when I say that you are one of the most exceptional writers I have read." I said then I reached for her hand to squeeze for some assurance.

"Thank you. I really appreciate what you have said." She said then squeezed my hand back. We finished our coffee with comfortable silence. We went back to the venue just in time.

'Well isn't it so suspicious that when we had our break, you and Piper is nowhere to be found." Nicky said whispering when she got near me.

"Well I have to make sure that she isn't too nervous for this meeting. I don't want our investment to be lost." I said emotionless.

"Oh really?" Nicky said then sat on our designated chair. I motion for Piper to ome sit beside me.

Territorial much, Vause?

I didn't mind whatever my mind is saying right now.


The meeting went without and hitch and the table reading for the filming begins. The table reading for the characters went smooth and light. The chemistry between the characters are undeniable. I hope that their off-screen chemistry will be visible too in the main screen. After the successful meeting, Nicky invited everyone to a bar that she owns. I think it is a good idea so when can bond a little before the filming start.

"Hey. I know I didn't have yet assign a chauffeur for you but as of the moment you can ride with me going to Nicky's bar." Alex offered when she got neared me.

"Thank you. I'm really sorry for always being a burden to you, Alex." I said shyly when we got in the elevator.

"No problem." She said smiling. Her car was already outside the building waiting in front when we arrived in the lobby. As always she opened the door for me and let me in first before going to the driver's seat. The drive to the bar was consist of light talk about the things I foreshadow for the film. I learned that Alex is new in this kind of venture and wanted to learn how to do things right in this industry.

"The Mental?" I read when we arrived at the bar.

"Yeah. She thought it was catchy." Alex chuckled.

"Are you both partner also in this venture?" I asked when the bouncer let us in and she motion to me to go to the VIP lounge.

"Nope. This is one of her business venture that she wants to have on her own. So no one will blame her whatever she wants to with it." she said then laughed again.

"Alex, I know you a are enjoying her company but Daya needs to introduce you with the other producers of the film." Nicky said when she saw us.

"I will be right back." Alex said then walked out. I walked to the bar to order a margarita then I looked around. The bar was not fully packed because Nicky closed it for the whole production, I could see familiar faces but I'm too shy to mingle with them. I ordered again another margarita when I felt someone sat beside me.

"Hello. I'm Ruby Rose, one of the actress for the film. I have heard that you are the author of the book that the film will be based from. I have read the book and it was amazing" A woman voice said beside me. I looked at her and was awed how beautiful she is.

"Thank you. By the way I'm Piper Chapman." I formally introduced myself.

"Well may I ask what inspires you to write it?" she asked curiously. Usually I don't talk too much but I feel her easy aura.

"Well I wanted to open the eyes of the public to what is really happening to women in the prison cell" I said casually.

"Well that is something extraordinary, considering that people wanted to turn their eyes to the real issues we are facing." She commented intelligently. We continued to chat and I find myself enjoying her company but all the while we are talking I could feel eyes staring at me. I tried to look around but saw no one.

"Care to dance?" Ruby asked after a while of silence. I nodded cause the music was good. Even though we are dancing close I could sense that she is respecting my space. The music is really getting to my senses because I'm starting to close my eyes and moved based on the rhythm. I was about to shout at someone when I felt a pair of arms embraced me from behind. I opened my eyes to look from behind me but the person talked to Ruby.

"Mind if I dance with her?" a familiar voice said from behind me and the owner of the pair of hands around my waist. Ruby nodded and I saw a playful smirked in her lips before she went out. I groaned aloud when I felt Alex dipped our hips low then pulled me closer to her when we rise up.

Oh my goodness! Is she grinding with me?

"I see you are enjoying her company." She whispered coldly in my ears and I could smell a faint scent of whiskey from her that is making me more intoxicated. Bolden by her actions, I turn around and hooked my arms in her neck. The position is like a cage for us, my arms in her neck and her arms on my waist. I wiggled sensually with the beat and felt her body tremble a little. I gasped when her right thigh almost touch my center.

"Not as much when I'm with you." I answered lowly.

"Show me." She commanded huskily. Danced and grinded to her more sensually than ever. I dipped my hips low, making sure that my bosoms is grazing her tone stomach. I could feel her arms tightening the hold in body when I went up again.

"Damn it!" she said then crushed our lips together. I cannot compare this kiss from any other kisses we had. This one is very raw and passionate as if she is very desperate to have my lips on her mine. Just by feeling her breath against me, brings passion to my core. I could feel the desire floating in the air around us. I'm getting tipsier with the way she kissed me. I could almost taste blood in my lips. She licked my lips one more time before pulling away.

"I'm sorry with your lips. I didn't mean to bite you." Alex said in my ears which send jolts to my spine.

"Huh?" I asked disoriented.

"Oh my Piper." She said then kissed me lightly. I blushed when I realized what she said.

And to think I only had two margaritas.


After a few more songs I pulled Piper in the table to drink some shots. I saw Ruby coming over to our table and giving a friendly smile to us. I scowled inwardly to her.

What does she want with Piper?!

Easy there, Vause. You might ruin the night if you continue your jealous glare.

I'm not jealous. I just don't like the way she look at Piper.

What look are you talking about?

I groaned aloud.

"Are you okay?" Piper asked then squeezed my thigh which left a shivering feeling inside me.

"Yeah. I just remember something." I said then looked away.

"I thought you two are going to set the dance floor on fire while you are dancing." I heard Ruby commented to Piper. I wanted to looked at Piper's reaction but the shaking of her hands in my lap is already telling me what kind of reaction I will see.

"Well I guess we are great dancers then." I said then looked at Ruby. She smirked to me.

"Oh sorry but I need to go. I remember I have an early call time tomorrow. It is nice meeting the bot h of you. I think you are a great couple." Ruby said then walked away. I heard Piper gasped loud enough for me to hear.

"I think I need to go to the washroom." Piper said then walked out.

Everything is going according to plan.


P.S. I noticed that I mixed up one of my stories to this chapter so I have to edit it. Thank you for your understanding.