Entering the office shortly after leaving Piper, Alex was a little surprised to see Nicky already at her desk.
"How is she?" Nicky looked carefully at her boss who she had not seen since Friday night.
"Awake." Alex said shortly before entering her office and slamming the door on Nicky.
"Shit!" Nicky had hoped once Piper was better she would at least admit that she hadn't told anyone of her living arrangements or how ill she felt. She sent Polly a text to say Alex was in so Piper must be on the mend. Fixing Alex some coffee and grabbing the Danish she knew her boss favoured Nicky dared to knock and enter Alex office.
"Here." She put the treats on the desk and looked at Alex who was busy answering the emails that had piled up in her absence. "We didn't know boss. I mean as soon as I knew I told her it had to stop and we thought it had, she told everyone she was at Larry."
Alex ignored Nicky.
"She only told Polly she felt ill when Polly told her of the invite to the bar. Polly wasn't to know …"
Alex looked at Nicky this time. "OK, so maybe Piper did not admit how ill she felt, but think about it Nick, Polly didn't check. She didn't call Larry to check. You didn't check. And it makes me feel sick to think what could have happened if I hadn't checked OK.
I have had to force medicine down her throat every 4 hours for three days and she didn't have a fucking clue. She was so out of it she did not know where she was or what day it was.
This morning she panicked. She woke and thought she was at the unit, then panicked trying to get out before Polly got there. Its fucked up and I'm angry and I really really don't want to talk about it any more. I am going to finish these emails then go back and check on her. But you can tell Polly from me while I know it was not deliberate she needs to step up if she wants to call Piper a friend."
Sensing now was not a time to argue with Alex Nicky retreated. By the time Alex had finished her emails and cleared the urgent matters for the day Nicky had made a few calls of her own. As she left the office Nicky was waiting for her.
"Here," she handed Alex a case. "It seems some of this stuff was at the unit some at Larry's in storage." she explained. "But Piper will want clean clothes I am guessing and her toiletries. Also, Nicky pointed to a large Thermos bag, "some food. I called that place who caters dinner meetings here. Thought if you were busy playing nurse then cooking wouldn't be high on your list of priorities. I mean," Nicky grinned "we cant risk your patient getting food poisoning."
"I can cook." Alex muttered defensively but she was smiling now.
"Yeah I have seen! I remember the smoke filled room when you attempted to bake a cake, and if memory serves when you invited us for dinner Lorna and I ended up getting take away on the way home because the chicken was still raw on the inside, while amazingly burnt on the outside and all we could eat was the store bought salad!"
"OK, so maybe Piper will thank you." Alex grinned. "And I am sorry for earlier," Alex shrugged. "I don't do illness well and I'll be honest nick, I was scared for her."
"She is OK now, she will be OK?" Nicky was pleased Alex was talking properly, sharing what had happened.
"Yes, I had a doctor check her yesterday because I began to panic, but he said she was going to be fine, no deep infection on her chest, the antibiotics were working. She just need to recuperate now."
"That's good boss." Nicky smiled. "I will call Polly tell her the news and to not expect to see her partner this week."
Nodding Alex picked up the bags Nicky had got for her. "Thanks Nicky!" she smiled.
"No problem boss." Nicky winked. "But when Piper is better I am taking you both out to celebrate and for payback for ending Friday drinks early."
Laughing Alex left.
o0o
"I told you not to move." Alex looked at Piper who had not only got up but had obviously showered as was evidenced by her wet hair and towel wrapped body. "You could have passed out you should have waited."
Piper looked at Alex stood in the bedrooms doorway. "So what? You would have helped me shower? I'm not a child Alex. I can wash my hair myself."
Alex looked at Piper, her sudden fighting attitude was certainly an indication she was feeling better, but the image she had created of helping her in the shower was not helping Alex's imagination and control any.
"Listen kid," she tried to sound authoritative, "coming home and finding you unconscious would not have helped my day any. I could have just been here in case you needed help. But seeing as you have managed perfectly well without me what say you get some clothes on to stop my imagination going wild and I will go get us some food."
As she left Alex was rewarded by seeing Piper blush at her words. Teasing Piper was fun, she was just relieved Piper did not know just how true her words actually were. Quickly depositing Pipers case in her room then returning to the kitchen Alex began to search through the food Nicky had organised. Grinning she saw enough to keep her and Piper fed for a good few days. Deciding that heating up a lasagne was both quick and easy Alex began to set the table and organise Pipers next set of medication. They needed to talk. Alex needed to know how serious Pipers situation was and what had led her to needing to resort to sleeping in the cold damp unit.
When Piper arrived in the kitchen Alex couldn't help but smile. She looked very young; dressed in jeans and a t shirt, no make up, her hair in a loose knot on top of her head, she could have passed for 18.
"I have a hair dryer you can use," Alex smiled, "but come eat first."
The smell drawing her to the table, mouth watering and suddenly starving Piper gazed at the food Alex set before her. "You made all this?"
Alex chuckled. "I wish I could lie and tell you yes, but Nicky would rat me out if I tried. No I didn't make it. Nicky kindly ordered it for you knowing if you were left to eat my cooking I would finish the job the flu had started. I don't cook!"
Piper grinned. "Well I will make sure to thank Nicky later, for now I just need to eat. I am starving."
Alex was pleased to see Piper attack her food. Picking at her own she pushed it around on her plate as she tried to work out how to bring up the reason for Pipers lies.
Finally full Piper looked at Alex's half eaten food and asked "you not hungry?"
"No, Nicky bought me a pastry this morning trying to butter me up, I guess it was filling."
"Why was she buttering you up? What has she done?"
"She knew I was angry. Angry at her, and Polly. Piper they should not have left you to get in that state."
Piper took a few seconds to answer choosing her words carefully.
"I lied to them Alex. I lied to avoid their concern which was not fair of me. I did not tell Polly I was ill not to hide it from her, but because I thought it was a cold nothing more. After she left and I went back to the unit the fever got worse. I could have told her, she texted me after all. I could have even called Larry as that's where everyone thought I was. But at the end of the day I am an adult. A grown up who is responsible for her own decisions. This one was a bad one."
"You could have died Piper."
"Alex it was flu. I'm fine."
Alex hesitated then stood and went to the fridge pouring herself a large wine even though it was only barely midday, then fetching Piper some water Alex she took a large mouthful of her drink before sitting back down. "My mum caught flu. She thought it was a bad cold. It was just before my first European trip. While I was away I called, she said she had a fever and would go to the Dr. she didn't go. The fever took hold and with no medication she had convulsions and a major seizure. It affected her brain, permanently it turned out. She was dead before I got home. So you see Piper it wasn't 'just flu'. Now the doctor confirmed you are over the worse but he also said you need to rest. So I don't care what orders you have," she saw Piper about to protest, "Nicky has already told Polly you wont be in. you will stay here this week no arguments. Then we will talk about your living arrangements."
Piper looked at Alex. How could she argue with her when Alex had just shared a story so close to her heart. But the thought of Alex treating her like a child was not acceptable. Deciding to play it safe for now Piper just said "I am really sorry about your mom, Alex."
Nodding Alex stood once more and began to gather their plates.
"Let me help." Piper jumped up.
"No, you need to rest." Alex stated firmly. "Look if you don't want to go back to bed you can go sit in the other room, there is a TV, music system, whatever you want."
"What are you going to do?" Piper asked curiously, she could not imagine Alex Vause watching day time television.
"Work. I can work from home though so if you need anything just shout, I'll be in my office."
Piper felt like she had been dismissed. Why was Alex so hard to read, one moment teasing her about her state of undress, then opening up about her mother but the next moment returning to the cold hard professional business woman. Deciding she would give Alex space Piper returned to the bedroom and sat on the bed, maybe Alex was right, resting wouldn't hurt, the quicker she was better the quicker she would be out of Alex's hair.
o0o
"Alex? Everything OK?" Nicky was surprised when at 8 o'clock that evening she opened the door to see Alex stood before her.
"Yes fine, look do you fancy going for a drink?"
"Hey you know me boss!" Nicky grinned, just wait one second. Leaving Alex on the doorstep Nicky went into the apartment to find Lorna. Explaining Alex's unexpected arrival and figuring she wanted to talk Nicky kissed her girlfriend goodbye and headed out the door. "So where do you want to go? Bar? Club?"
"Somewhere quiet" Alex said before pausing as if she realised what she was asking adding, "you know what nick, forget it. You had an evening with Lorna planned. Go enjoy it."
"No way boss. Look we go have a drink you tell me what has you so worked up you have sought me out then I can tell you how to sort your shit out and get back to my girl. Look the bar down the road is good, we can walk, its quiet…"
Nodding Alex fell into step next to Nicky. "Lorna didn't mind, me turning up unannounced like that?"
"No she is cool." Nicky grinned.
Nodding Alex continued in silence. On entering the bar Nicky pointed to a quiet corner, "You go sit I'll get the drinks." Obeying without comment, which made Nicky even more worried, Alex sat down when Nicky placed a large scotch in front of her she grinned. "I cant drink that! I drove to yours."
"So you get a cab home. Come on. Something has you in knots, you need to loosen up, that will help. Then you can tell me what she has done."
Alex looked up at Nicky's comment. Was she so transparent. Knocking the drink back in one, feeling it burn she grinned and watched Nicky signal for more before adding "Well?"
"She hasn't done anything Nick. She is just there."
Nicky hadn't expected that. She had expected Piper to refuse Alex's offer of help, or demand to leave. Looking at Alex she asked stunned "You like her? Like 'like' like her?"
Alex shrugged, then thinking about what Nicky was asking tried to deny her feelings. "No, at least … no… look its stupid. I haven't slept in days as I have been checking on her. She is better and I guess tiredness is catching up with me."
"OK." Nicky waited knowing the fact Alex was here outweighed her feeble protestations. "Where is Piper now?"
"At home. My home." Alex sighed.
"Why is this such a problem?" Nicky was not sure why Alex was struggling so much with this.
"She's straight Nick. She has no idea how I am feeling. She is currently sat in my lounge in her tiny short pj's looking about 16, with no make-up, her hair in a pony tail, I felt like some sort of pervert!"
Nicky sniggered.
"It is not funny!" Alex hissed.
"Oh boss, I am going to have to disagree. The mighty Alex Vause floored by a pretty blonde straight girl. What are you going to do?"
"Well I had thought talking to my friend would help, obviously I was wrong." Alex muttered sulking.
"Look," Nicky tried to keep her face straight. "Piper is hot, its a fact of life! But you are doing a good thing here, being a friend, you are giving her a place to stay while she rests up. I am sure Polly could do the same. We can call her now if you want."
"No." Alex shook her head. "I am being stupid. I shouldn't have even bothered you with this."
"Why not Alex?" Nicky was deadly serious now. "Why cant you tell your friend you like someone. Why, for that matter, is it wrong for you to like her. OK so she is straight. But it doesn't mean you have to deny you like her. At least now I know your type I will make sure when we go out I get the right target."
Alex was forced to laugh at Nicky's ever optimistic attitude. "Did Polly say where Piper had been looking for apartments?"
"Yeah. It seems like your girl has expensive taste. Leave it with me I will see if I can find any possibilities before the end of the week then, when she is better, she can go have a look at a few. Failing that I have another idea but I don't want to mention it yet."
Nodding, glad Nicky was being so practical, Alex finished her second drink. "Come on lets get you back home before Lorna thinks I have abducted you, I'll order a cab to meet me at yours."
o0o
"Polly! God it is good to see you. Have you go my phone?"
Polly grinned. Handing over the devise she said "Its good to see you too, I'd have come sooner but your bouncer has kept me away."
"Alex? You sure.?"
"Yes I am sure. I have called every day. She said you were not strong enough."
"I'm fine." Piper shrugged, not mentioning she had been taking naps both morning and afternoon and without Alex constantly checking she probably wouldn't have eaten more than cereal or toast. "In fact I am going crazy here. This place may look gorgeous but other than watching TV, which I am sure Alex never does, or listen to some very heavy rock music she seems to favour my only option has been reading. She has been very attentive making sure I have food and drink and medications but every time I walk into a room she seems to leave! I think my being here in her home is driving her crazy."
Polly frowned. "It was her idea to have you there. Are you sure you are not reading more into this."
Piper shrugged. "Maybe, oh I don't know. She works long hours, I get that. I suppose she is used to her own space. Sometimes I catch her looking at me, as if she is going to say something, then she changes her mind and leaves the room."
"Perhaps she has a crush on you." Polly laughed.
Piper looked at her friend seriously. "It is much more likely she regrets the invite because she feels she cant bring anyone home. Last night she went out. I heard her come home about midnight. This morning I told her to ignore the fact I'm there, that I didn't want to cramp her style. She glared at me and stormed out of the room. I don't want to upset or annoy her Polly, she has been so good to me and she didn't have too."
"Well," Polly mused, "the fact she has granted me access to you today is a good sign. She had Nicky call me first thing. So why don't I spring you and we go get lunch."
"Yes!" Piper grinned. "I haven't left the house all week. I mean I know I sound ungrateful," Piper admitted, "I get why she was so worried what with her mom and all but I am better Polly. I need to get back to work."
"Well I am going to call Nicky, tell her I am springing you for an hour or two then we can eat and chat and I can tell you how much progress I have made even with Suzanne s interference."
o0o
The two hour lunch turned into a 4 hour gossip fest. Polly had Piper giggling at the latest crazy ideas Suzanne was trying to push on them and Piper admitting she had never felt as comfortable living with Larry as she did with Alex. "I mean I know she doesn't feel the same, Piper laughed at her own admission, "but she just makes me feel comfortable, like she accepts me as I am no judgement."
When Piper got back to Alex's house she was surprised to see it still in darkness. Finding the key in her purse that Alex had left for her, Piper let herself in. A quick check downstairs told her Alex was not there. Not wanting to invade Alex's space she knocked on the closed bedroom door but received no answer. Shrugging Piper went to the spare room and gathered her toiletries. A long hot shower making her feel refreshed piper grabbed her phone and called Nicky.
"Hey Nicky, is your boss with you?"
"Hey blondie, no I left her at the office she was not in the most sociable of moods and I couldn't take her snapping at me."
"OK," Piper frowned, "I think it is my fault. I think she is frustrated I am still here, has she said anything?"
Nicky paused, she wanted to tell Piper exactly what Alex had said but knew she couldn't betray Alex when she had finally started confiding in her. "No, I am sure it is not you blondie. She has a lot on at work, she brought in so much new business, it is bad timing I guess."
"OK," Piper sighed, "look I want to cook for her, a small thank you for putting up with me, have you any suggestions?"
So noting down the many ideas Nicky came up with, then listening to Nicky's idea to solve her housing issue Piper, feeling excited, began to riffle through the cupboards seeing what ingredients Alex had before she hit the store.
"You looking for something particular?" Alex's husky voice had Piper cursing and nearly falling off the chair she was stood on to reach the top shelves.
"Jeez Alex! you scared the shit out of me!" Piper gasped.
Alex held out her hand for Piper to step down, "Well? What you looking for?"
"Food!" Piper shook her head "How do you survive? You have nothing in these cupboards, your fridge has only beer milk and eggs. What do you live on?"
"Coming from the woman who was sleeping in a soap factory?" Alex smirked.
Piper laughed, "OK fair point." Then added "I was going to cook for you. Nicky said you would eat anything but your favourite was coq au vin. She also said you would do nearly anything for chocolate cake!" Pipers amused expression grew at the slightly embarrassed look on Alex face.
"Nicky talks to much!" she muttered before adding, "you don't need to cook for me."
"I know I don't need to I want to though. Please, as a way of saying thank you."
"OK." Alex nodded, "but if you really want to thank me just promise me you wont include me in this soap making theme you have the girls all whipped up about. I have no desire to be commemorated in soap."
Piper laughed. "Deal. OK, I am going to the store. You go put you feet up, dinner will be ready about 7."
Leaving a bemused looking Alex behind, Piper grabbed her purse and headed out the door.
o0o
"Piper it smells amazing!" Alex peered into the oven to see what Piper had prepared, "there is enough her to feed an army though."
"Yes I realised I had made too much so, and I hope you don't mind, but I invited Nicky and Lorna too."
"Oh no that's fine." Alex nodded. There was no way she was going to admit she had hoped for an evening of just the two of them, how could she when she had carefully kept Piper at arms length all week. "You do know Nicky will be late though, and all this hard work will be ruined"
"Its OK, Lorna called they are on there way. Nicky thinks she is going clubbing."
"Oh god." Alex muttered. "She will not be happy. You do know she will moan all night."
"Yes I have factored that in so I bought some tequila too. But I needed to thank her. She has solved my housing issue."
"She has?" Alex looked shocked. "How?
But just as Alex asked the question there was a banging on the door and a disgruntled Nicky could be heard on the doorstep. Grinning Piper went to let her in.
"Don't be giving me that cute smile Chapman," Nicky hissed before turning to Alex, "did you know about this?"
"No!" Alex laughed, "I was as ambushed as you were."
"Yeah don't give me that, you have some domestic goddess cook for you, play house for you and you decided to inflict your pain on me."
"Hey!" Both Lorna and Piper shouted.
"Pain! Really?" Piper laughed looking form Alex to Nicky. "So the two of you would rather go out, get blind drunk, pull some stranger for meaningless sex than have a nice meal with friends?"
"I didn't say that!" Alex laughed.
"You said you were ambushed."
"Yes, with Nicky!"
"So you wanted a romantic meal for two!" Nicky grinned, "come on Lorna lets go!"
"Sit down all of you!" Piper barked. "You two," she waggled her finger at Alex and Nicky, "behave." Now she turned to Nicky "I was just about to explain to Alex how you have saved my butt."
Nicky shifted uncomfortably under Alex glare. Not opening her mouth she shrugged.
"So what exactly has she done?"
Lorna grinned, "Nicky is officially moving in with me!" Alex choked on her beer as the words registered. "You are?"
Nicky shrugged again, "I haven't been home other than to get new clothes, my place is empty."
"So let me guess you are letting Piper have it." Alex turned to pier. "Have you seen her place?"
"Well no but…"
"Then don't be fooled. Tell her Lorna, how house proud is our Miss Nichols here, how tidy."
Lorna chuckled. "Don't worry Piper, while Alex does have a point we will make sure it is liveable before we hand over the keys, but you might want to redecorate."
"Might?" Alex sniggered, "unless she wants to sleep in a bedroom fit for a 14 year old boy she most definite will."
"So what's this, 'pick on Nicky night'?" Nicky huffed.
"No Nick," Piper grinned. "Its thank Nicky night. What ever these two say I am truly grateful. And I wont change anything without checking first."
Nicky sighed, "Oh you can do what you like blondie, they may have a point really." she conceded with a smile.
"OK then, so now that's sorted, lets eat." Piper moved to get the food and was surprised when Alex followed and began helping.
"What?" Alex asked when Piper looked at her questioningly. "Its my kitchen!" She muttered defensively.
Nicky watched amused as the two woman worked together plating up the food and gathering the drinks. Alex seemed relaxed and happy having Piper there and her earlier worries of the week seemed to have disappeared. When Nicky began suggesting they end the evening in the club she had been promised however, Lorna saw this as her cue to get Nicky home. As Alex showed them to the door while Piper made coffee Nicky hugged her friend.
"You look good together boss! Maybe I should withdraw my offer of a home so you can continue to live the dream!" She winked, "You are quite the domestic picture."
"Shut up Nick!" Alex pushed her to the door, making sure Lorna had Nick under control Alex closed the door and returned to the kitchen.
"Here." Piper handed Alex a mug of steaming coffee. "Can I ask you a question?" She looked seriously at Alex who nodded unsure what was about to follow.
"What do you do to relax? I have been here a week, you don't watch the expensive TV, in fact I haven't seen you enter the lounge. Your books look well read but there are no dvd's, no CDs…"
Alex shrugged. "I work. Most nights I end up grabbing a sandwich and coffee, working until dark then go to bed before starting again."
Piper nodded, her suspicions confirmed. "Don't you get lonely? I mean this house is beautiful, but it is a huge place to live in alone."
Alex was quiet for a while before answering. "This house was my dream. We didn't have much money when I was growing up. I always promised I would buy a house like this for mom whenever we drove past. Then she died. When I could afford it I thought why not."
"She would have been proud." Piper smiled. "But I bet she would want you to be happy too."
Alex frowned "Who says I am not happy?"
Piper shrugged. "No one."
"Just because I am single doesn't mean I am unhappy Piper, maybe I prefer it. Has it occurred to you I choose to live alone. Not all of us crave wedded bliss."
"Oh you don't need to convince me of that!" Piper nodded, "OK, I'm sorry. I will stop with the questions. But how about we round of the evening with a film and some chocolate cake?"
"You made chocolate cake? I thought that we had dessert."
"No we had the healthy fruit salad version, the real dessert I saved just for you!" With a wink Piper push Alex towards the lounge, "you go choose a dvd or film I will bring more coffee and cake."
By the time she returned to the lounge Alex was knelt in front of the TV.
"You choose one yet?"
Alex shook her head, "no nothing worth watching here," she shut the drawer quickly before Piper could look inside and grabbing the remote she said "There will be something on we can agree on I'm sure."
Turning she saw the huge portion of rich chocolate cake on the plate and grinned! Throwing the remote at Piper she grabbed the plate, "you choose," she laughed, "anything, I don't care. I have cake to eat!"
Piper watched amused for several seconds as Alex first sniffed then placed a small portion of cake on her tongue moaning in delight and closing her eyes. Piper couldn't take her eyes of Alex's face. She felt her own tummy flutter just watching.
"Oh I am glad you kept this from Nicky she doesn't deserve it!"
"Maybe I will keep her a piece." Piper teased, glad Alex was now sat eyes open eating in a more sedate fashion. "she is lending me her apartment after all."
Alex did not take her gaze from the cake as she muttered "perhaps you should see it before you make that call."
Leaving Alex to enjoy the cake Piper began flipping through the channels, finally settling on a film she had seen before but knowing it was light-hearted and funny she settled down, curling her legs under her into the corner of the luxurious sofa. Letting her mind wander she reflected on the day. She had seen Polly, been shopping, cooked dinner and had a lovely evening. Now Nicky had offered her a place to stay she could finally stop stressing and refocus on work.
She looked at Alex. Grinning she saw the tall woman was asleep. The plate empty and balancing on her long slim legs that were curled next to her, she had her head resting on the cushions she had piled beside her.
Reaching over Piper took her glasses off and placed them on the side. Alex looked a lot younger asleep, Piper thought. She had a smear of chocolate on her lips and her face now clean of make-up looked relaxed. How often did she do this Piper wondered. Feeling guilty she had added to Alex's stress this week Piper decided once settled she would invite Alex over more. The least she could do was feed her chocolate addiction after all.
Watching the rest of the movie Piper began searching for something else. Going to the recorded menu, seeing if Alex had any films there Pipers eyes widened as the list of films before her came up.
Grinning Piper hit play for the first film and sure enough her suspicions confirmed. It wasn't porn exactly, there was a story line, some decent acting and no cheesy music; but the sexual tension between the women on screen was electric. Soon piper was gripped.
"What are you doing?" Alex's shocked voice interrupted and grinning at the sleepy looking woman rubbing her eyes next to her, Piper said "just seeing what the fuss is about. Actually though this film is good."
Shaking her head Alex reached for the remote turning the film off.
"What? Why did you do that?" Piper asked.
"Its late." Alex stated firmly. "Time for bed."
Piper shrugged. "OK. But I am guessing you dvd collection is similar yes?"
Alex nodded.
"So why hide it from me? I am not a kid, whatever you choose to call me, nor am I so close minded I would be shocked at two women kissing. Maybe," Piper looked at Alex seriously "the problem is you Alex."
o0o
"So then what did she do?" Polly asked surprised when Piper had told her about the meal she had cooked then movies and cake. She omitted details of Nicky and Lorna joining them for fear it sounded like a date, which to Piper it kind of did in the end, or the choice of dvd's it seemed Alex favoured
"She went to bed. This morning she was gone before I got up, so had the cake! It is like she fights though Polly. It is like she is frightened to relax, be herself. She keeps herself together, so closed off."
"She wasn't together that night at the club." Polly pointed out "or, evidently, when she hooked up with someone the following week. Maybe she has been judged before and thought you, as a straight woman would judge her too."
"Judge her? I envy her Polly." Piper admitted honestly. "She has worked hard for every penny she has, she has a beautiful home and friends who obviously care a great deal about her. But there is something else about her, another side, that seems sad, or scared. I am not sure which."
"Well seeing as we are finished here lets go see if Nicky can get an hour off and you can get into this new place. Then maybe Alex will not feel so pressured, if that's what it is."
"What else could it be?" Piper looked at her friend.
"Maybe, and I could be wrong, but maybe she really is attracted to you. Think about it Piper you have been in her house, she has cared for you; it is not unheard of for people to find you attractive you know!" Polly laughed. "But she knows you are not into women so maybe she feels awkward."
Piper didn't answer. Polly had expected denial or ridicule but Pipers silence she had not expected. Shrugging Polly called Nicky and having arranged a time began to tidy the unit ready to leave.
Nicky was stood on the street when they arrived at the address she had given them. Piper hadn't realised it was only a block form Alex's house. The building was new looking and smart. Definitely better than anything else she had viewed so far.
"Here you go." Nicky handed Piper a set of keys. Unlocking the door Piper took a deep breath.
"Hey! Don't look so panicked." Nicky huffed. "It is not that bad, regardless of what Lorna and Alex would have you believe. Sure it is not a show home but…"
Stepping inside Piper felt relief wash over her. She had been expecting much worse.
"Where is the furniture?" Polly asked staring at the empty room the only evidence anyone had lived here being a small 2 seater sofa and a TV.
"There was only me, what did I need furniture for. I had my bed, the TV and a cooker. What else is there?"
Piper grinned. "Are you OK if I bring some of my stuff here?"
"Hey do what you like blondie, this situation of yours got me into my girls bed permanently! I should be thanking you! I would offer to return the dinner invite but I am not sure Alex could do two nights of domesticity in a row."
"You had a double date?" Polly chuckled. "You told me you watched movies and ate chocolate cake."
"There was chocolate cake? We weren't offered that!" Nicky glared "where's mine?"
Piper laughed "Alex said you didn't deserve it, she ate your piece for breakfast!"
"So that's why she didn't want the pastry I bought her! She is sulking because I am moving you out of her house. And what movies? Alex doesn't do movies unless they are of a very certain persuasion."
Piper grinned, "So I discovered!"
"Oh my god Piper! you watch gay porn with Alex? no wonder she was uncomfortable." Polly laughed.
"No!" Piper shook her head "we did not watch gay porn. I watched a rom com, Alex ate chocolate cake, then fell asleep. I was searching for something else to watch and discovered a film she had on record. She woke up, turned it off and we went to bed. Alone!" She shouted at Nicky as she saw the look of devilment in er eye.
"Well she has enough of them." Nicky grinned. "She hides it well but she is a closet romantic at heart. Me I prefer less story more action!"
Moving to the bedroom, as much as to escape the rehash of the previous night Piper stopped then laughed out loud. "Really Nicky? Posters? What are you 10?" The room before her was neon colours and covered in posters of various scantily clad women.
"OK, well you seem to be fine, you don't need me."Nicky began to retreat before the teasing escalated "Just make sure I get the chocolate cake I am owed blondie. I will go talk to Bob."
"So?" Polly looked at Piper grinning. "You said cake and a movie. Not cake made specially for seduction and a gay movie. What gives piper? Do you fancy this girl?"
Piper snorted, her back to Polly, "you are being stupid." she muttered.
"Really? Then if you don't have feelings for her other than friendship and you say she doesn't have feelings for you, it wont matter if we ask if she want to help decorate this place with you."
"Why the hell would she do that?"
"Because I am going away with Pete for the weekend," Polly stated firmly, "Larry has agreed to get the furniture here Sunday afternoon so you have Friday night and Saturday to get the rest done."
Nicky who had left briefly to inform Bob, the building manager, of Pipers moving in returned and heard part of the conversation. "That may not be a good idea." she directed at Polly.
"See I told you!" Piper added smugly.
"No, I just mean as cute as it is that blondie here has a crush in the boss." She held up her hand to stop Piper interrupting. "Alex isn't a toy nor an experiment for you to test your sexuality out on. So sure, ask her if you need help, but don't mess her about OK. I'm serious Piper. She is a good person. Treat her right."
Polly and Piper stared at Nicky shocked. "So she does like Piper?" Polly asked.
"I didn't say that." Nicky shrugged "I just don't want her hurt OK. Now lets move butt, I need to get back to work."
o0o
A/N: Quick update this time as a reward for all the lovely messages and reviews. Next update may be a few days but this was longer than normal so I hope you enjoy. Ali x