It was her alarm that woke Piper the next morning. She groaned. The last thing she wanted to do was get up and leave the warmth and security of Alex's arms. Right now Alex was curled into her back, her head in the crook of Pipers neck so she could feel her gentle breath and her arms round her waist. Piper sighed. It was 4.30 am. She had had perhaps 3 hours sleep at the most, but she knew Polly and Boo would be outside in a car in less than an hour. Slowly and carefully Piper pulled herself out of the hold Alex had, then turning saw Alex hand unconsciously reach, searching for her, before she curled into a tighter ball.

Making her way to the bathroom Piper showered, jut stepping into the cubicle brought memories of the previous evening flooding back. She had thankfully left out the clothes she was both wearing and taking the day before. Now she dressed then returned to the bedroom. Alex hadn't moved. Not having the heart to wake her Piper went in search of some paper and a pen. She wrote Alex a note telling her she was welcome to stay as long as she wanted, that there was food in the fridge and freezer and to help herself. She placed her key on the kitchen work top then put the note along with a glass of water beside the still sleeping Alex. Piper sent Polly a text telling her not to buzz up when she arrived but to text her then sipping some coffee Piper waited.

"You look like shit!" Boo sniggered as Piper climbed in to the car.

"Gee thanks." Piper grumbled.

"You OK?" Polly asked showing more concern than the large woman sat smirking at Piper.

"Yeah, just tired. I didn't get much sleep." She admitted.

Boo chuckled. "I am guessing you left lurch in bed?"

Polly looked curiously at Piper and seeing her nod of confirmation she raised an eyebrow and said "late night?"

Piper just nodded. She really did not want to get into this conversation.

Sensing Piper was reluctant to talk Polly looked at Boo, "explain again why we had to leave so early. I thought this was an evening event."

Boo nodded "The main event, the launch, is this evening. But I thought you would want a chance to freshen up, maybe rest, then meet some people from the hotel in London. We are due to arrive just after 8am. You can book into your rooms, rest, change if you want then we have a mid morning meeting with the hotel manager so he can explain things from their perspective. Then lunch with the international executive before the main event which is scheduled to start at 5. its early as lots of people are like us travelling in for the event but leaving tomorrow. Blondie here wanted to get away early tomorrow to see her parents, so I thought you and I could continue networking if she goes to bed and tomorrow I have an early car to take her back but we can stay, have breakfast, relax at the hotel and our car will come for us mid afternoon."

Polly grinned. "Damn I should have brought my swim suit, this place has a spa with a pool."

"So get one there. Its a nice hotel not some bland chain. Get a costume, I'll even help you pick!" Boo winked, "then charge it to Barneys."

"I couldn't do that!" Polly laughed.

"Why not? Barneys have a budget for your expenses, we cover hotel and food they cover any incidentals."

"Maybe but a new costume is hardly an incidental!" Polly laughed.

Boo shrugged. "OK, if it makes you feel better I will text lurch to give you her approval."

Piper looked at her watch. "Later. Text her later."

Boo smirked. "Just how much sleep did you get there blondie, because you were gone before midnight. I know because I won a certain bet."

Piper mentally kicked herself for giving Boo the 'in' to restart the conversation. "You know Alex, she likes to rest at the weekend." She shrugged dismissively hoping it would hold Boo off at least until she herself had woken up enough to face the grilling she was sure to follow.

Boo laughed. "Yeah you are not wrong there. In college that girl slept through the day, coming awake at night each and every weekend. It was only her self discipline to not go clubbing mid week that secured her her degree. I hope you left food for her. When she wakes it wont be pretty."

Piper smiled. "There is a fridge full of food."

Polly looked at Boo, "you two roomed together?"

"Yeah. We had fun." She smiled fondly at the memories. "That Susanne woman is plain nutty but I am glad she is because it is because of her I was able to meet you girls and get back in touch with Al."

"Why did you loose contact?" Piper asked curiously.

"Long story blondie." Boo said dismissively, "maybe lurch will fill you in one day." Polly saw Piper shrug of the comment but she knew Boo was hiding something, what though? Making a note to quiz Boo later Polly said "OK, you get approval from Barneys I will get a costume, but you need one too, we can swim then sauna before lunch."

Boo snorted. "Forget it. No way, I intend to be sat at the bar drinking then sleeping it off on the return trip home."

Piper laughed. "Rather you than me!" she winked at Polly.

O0o

Alex did not stir until nearly mid day. It took her a few seconds to realise where she was. Opening her eyes she saw the time on the clock read 11.38. Damn Piper must have left hours ago. She had wanted to see her before she had left. Noticing the note beside the bed Alex reached for it, then her glasses. Pipers neat print came in to focus and Alex smiled as she read Pipers invitation to stay and eat. Alex heard her belly grumble and knew she would take Piper up on her offer. She just wished the blonde woman was there with her. Putting the note down Alex thought about the previous evening. She had drank far more than she had intended. It was Boo's declaration that the hotel Piper and Polly would be launching at had changed that had started Alex's spiral out of control. She knew she was overreacting, she knew Boo would look out for Piper if she asked, but what Alex didn't know was how she herself would feel if Sylvia came back into her life. Punching the pillow next to her Alex cursed her own stupidity for not even mentioning to Piper she knew someone who was going to be at this launch. It was hardly something she could now text, as if an afterthought. She had not ever intended to deceive or conceal anything from Piper, she just hoped Boo could get Piper in and out of this function without incident, so Alex could rectify her error in judgement. Last night, hearing Piper confess she wanted to explore herself sexually, try new things, new places, had filled Alex with excitement. She knew Piper had enjoyed their little bit of fun in the shower, reaching for her phone Alex decided to send Piper a text.

Hey Pipes. Sorry I didn't get to kiss you goodbye. Your bed is comfy but better when you are in it.

And I know for a fact my shower this morning will not be as fun as last nights! ;-) A x

Hitting send Alex did indeed make her way to the shower. Wrapping herself in a towel after she went in search of her clothes that it appeared she had discarded all over the small apartment. Returning to the bedroom she saw her phone light up, indicating piper had replied.

Hey sleepy. You looked too comfy and cute to wake this morning. My shower was boring! In fact you have spoilt me for all future showers! Thinking about our next adventure… maybe you could spoil bath time too? P x

Alex grinned. She was more than happy to get piper into her bathroom.

The minute you are done with your parents, come to mine. I am going to hold your key hostage so you have to come retrieve it. Then maybe I can show you that sometimes bedroom sex can be anything but boring too. A xx

Alex knew Piper would be about to head into lunch so was not expecting a reply. She grinned when Piper responded.

Oh I have already learned nothing about you is boring Al! I am counting the hours until I get back. x

o0o

"OK, here's how I suggest you play this evening," Boo said as the three women gathered once more in Boos room before heading down to the launch. "Piper if you observe the product, see how it is displayed and talk to the girls handing out the gift bags you will get an idea of what you need to provide. Polly, I will introduce you to the various guests who will be in London, get an idea of what they are looking for. I will have to speak to a few people too, but if we meet up after an hour or so you can compare notes and see if you have any questions OK?"

Piper smiled eager to get the launch over with. The lunch meeting had been fine, drinks at the bar had gone OK too, but now Pipers head was ready to explode with all the new people she had met, names she was trying to remember and ideas she wanted to run past Alex and Daya. She had sent Alex a few texts but she had not wanted to talk work when she knew Alex needed her weekend to relax too. She had been amused when Alex had told her she was now wearing Pipers panties as she had not wanted to go home commando. The thought of Alex in her underwear had actually aroused her far more than she thought it should have done and telling Alex this had led to a string of texts that had Piper blushing as Alex asked Piper all sorts of questions about what she wanted to do or would be willing to do. When she confessed to wanting to go on a date and have sex in a public place Piper had thought her face would never cool down she went so red, even with Alex not in the same room. When Alex had asked if she had ever had or wanted to have sex blindfolded Piper groaned aloud at just the thought.

Her meek, yes I would be willing to try that.

Had Alex immediately respond. You blushing pipes?

Yes! She answered honestly.

Good! ;-) now go be professional, then come home to me so I can corrupt you!

Piper followed Polly now into the busy conference room. She knew texting Alex had made it a little easier for her to admit what she wanted, but now she had thoughts in her head that did not relate to soap in any way and she needed to focus.

Boo introduced Polly to a slim red head, leaving them chatting she then turned her attention to Piper who had been standing alone by the door lost in her thoughts. "OK blondie, you need to get your head in the game. I am guessing you have been sexting lurch because of that loved up expression and the fact you keep blushing for no reason. So whatever she has promised to do to you on your return, forget it and concentrate."

Piper nodded. She let Boo guide her to the table overflowing with gift bags and soon her professional interest took over and she began to focus on the job at hand. The hour flew past and Piper was surprised when the crowd started thinning. Looking round she saw Polly sat in the corner, shoes off, rubbing her feet. Walking over she grinned. "You OK?"

"Hey, yes, just tired. You seen Boo?"

"No." Piper looked around. "She is probably at the bar!" Piper grinned.

"I'm glad she was here," Polly admitted, "I have spoken to several people who will be at our launch, it was good to hear what they look for."

"Yeah," Piper nodded, "I need to talk to Daya though, I want to change out gift wrap. Did you notice the bags they were giving away here, they were like ours, but it occurred to me once they were out on display how much better we could make ours look if they were in baskets rather than bags."

"That's a big change Piper! Boo was hinting we may be launching in 2 weeks."

"I know that's why I want to set up a meeting Monday."

"Have you messaged Alex to set up the meeting?"

"No, well yes I have messaged her but not about work, it is her weekend." Piper shrugged. "I will see her tomorrow I'll mention it then."

"I thought you were going to your parents tomorrow."

"I am." Piper nodded, "but Alex has the key to my apartment so I need to go pick it up after that."

Polly grinned. "OK, well just don't get distracted! Now lets go find boo. I need to eat then rest if she is wanting to go our tonight."

The two women left the now empty conference room and headed to the bar. It was as they entered they heard raised voices.

"I don't care what you think, she is my friend. We go back a long way, now we have reconnected I wont loose her again."

"That's right Carrie, such a loyal friend. You haven't heard from her in years."

"Yes and we both know why don't we! Know I suggest we just agree not to mention her."

"OK, go back to her little project, but I'm warning you Carrie I am not doing her or you any favours in this. If the product isn't good enough its gone."

"And if you hadn't heard me mention her name you would have been none the wiser. So lets leave it and you will see for yourself soon enough."

Piper and Polly were almost knocked over as Boo came charging towards them. "Lets go." She hissed as the two woman stared first to the woman at the bar who was now looking at them then at the retreating back of boo. Shrugging Polly and Piper followed.

O0o

"You go Polly. I only had 3 hours sleep last night and the car will be here early tomorrow. Boo already said she knew I would bail. I cant face another night of loud music dancing and whatever new drama boo finds."

Polly nodded. "I am not staying out late whatever she thinks Polly decided. Be good, say hi to Alex for me." Polly winked as she waved to Piper who had already reached for her phone.

Once downstairs Polly was surprised to see boo sat at the bar looking serious. "Hey you OK?"

"Yeah, blondie not joining us?"

"No, she was claiming lack of sleep and early start but I think you were right and she will be sexting Alex." Polly laughed. Boo just nodded. "What's wrong? Is it the argument We heard earlier?"

Boo sighed. "Kind of. Look, the woman I was talking too, I introduced you to her right?"

Polly nodded.

"Can you remember what you spoke about?"

Polly thought back. "Nothing much. She asked who I worked for. I told her about PoPi's, about the London launch. Nothing much. She asked who was here from Barneys. I told her we were here with you, that you were representing the hotel. She made some comment about Barneys too scared to attend the event. I thought she was just being self important. Who is she?"

Boo sighed. "I have known her a long time. So has Alex."

"So it was Alex she was referring too?"

Boo nodded.

"And when she said she wasn't going to do you any favours she was referring to Piper and I? She doesn't like out product? Does it even mater what this woman thinks."

Boo snorted derisively. "Yeah it matters, that woman is the CEO of the hotel chain. The top dog. I hadn't expected her to be here if I'm honest. No she hasn't tried your product, but dammit we are gonna make sure she has no reason to find even the smallest fault. Now Piper is safely locked in her room, either being very sensible or very naughty if lurch has anything to do with it, so I suggest we split, find a decent bar where we can drink without worrying."

Polly nodded cautiously, not sure why Boo was so rattled but with a feeling she had missed something.

o0o

"So order room service, we can Skype and it will be like we are having dinner together." Alex suggested over the phone an hour later.

"I'm not hungry really." Piper admitted, "I seem to have been grazing on those little snacks they kept bringing round, ruined my appetite."

"OK, so get dessert. Come on Pipes. In fact order a bottle of wine, you don't have to drive tomorrow after all."

Piper laughed, "You do realise getting me drunk wont benefit you when I am this far away right."

"Sure, maybe not physically," Alex grinned "but I have a feeling if you have a drink you will be more willing to continue the discussion on how you want to 'find yourself' sexually."

Piper knew Alex was right and was not opposed to talking about it. "OK, I will ring down and change out of these stuffy clothes and call you back."

"Excellent!" Piper could hear the grin in Alex's voice. "Tell me Pipes did you take that sexy skirt and shirt with you?"

Piper snorted with laughter, "No I didn't but even if I had I wouldn't be putting them on. I'm putting on my pjs!"

Saying a quick goodbye Piper went to the bathroom, pulling her hair back into a pony tail, removing her make-up, she pulled on some yoga pants and baggy t shirt figuring she didn't want to open the door in her pjs then she called down to reception. She asked for a sundae and bottle of pinot only to be told she had to order the alcohol in person so id could be checked.

"I can show my id when they bring the bottle." Piper frowned cursing silently the need to have to leave the room.

"I'm sorry ma'am, hotel policy."

Piper climbed reluctantly off the bed she had settled on and found her shoes, if she didn't go straight away she would not go at all.

Once at the bar Piper spoke to the waitress, explaining she had tried to order over the phone but would like a sundae and bottle of wine to take to her room. Smiling the waitress grabbed a bottle from the fridge, handed her the sundae menu and poured her a complimentary glass of wine while she chose.

A little calmer Piper chose her ice-cream and smiled at the waitress who told her to relax, finish her drink then she would place the order to be delivered to her room. Piper gratefully accepted the offer and glanced round wondering if Polly and Boo were there. Slightly relieved that she did not see them Piper finished her drink, thanked the waitress and carrying her bottle of wine made her way back to her room. What Piper did not notice was the woman in the corner watching. She did not hear the derogatory comment the woman made about Pipers dress sense and appearance to her companions, nor did she notice the gleam in her eye as she followed Piper movements until she was out of sight.

Once in her room Piper quickly sent Alex a text explaining the delay then waited for the delivery of her dessert. When it arrived she settled herself onto the bed, poured some wine and fired up her laptop opening Skype. She laughed when Alex appeared surrounded by an array of take-out cartoons. "Well you look like you have yourself a feast going on there." She grinned.

"Yeah well I was hungry so I started without you." Alex shrugged holding up her plate and chopsticks. "So you got carded?"

Piper shook her head. "No, just some policy of the hotel, but I got a free glass of wine so I'm not complaining!"

Alex smiled, "How was today? You enjoy it?"

"Yeah it was OK, although I was a little distracted to begin with thinking about our messaging earlier."

"Really!" Piper saw Alex's eyes gleam, "so tell me pipes which message had you the most distracted?"

Piper messed with her spoon thinking about the talk. "Being blindfolded." She admitted shyly. Hearing Alex groan Piper looked up at the screen and saw Alex's green eyes staring intensely at her.

"Damn it Pipes, you are too far away for us to be having this conversation."

"We are?"

"Yes, because just the thought, the image I now have in my head, is going to mean cold showers before I get any sleep tonight. You better make sure you are here early tomorrow Pipes."

Piper smiled. "I will try to piss mom off early so I can leave. With a bit of luck she will have invited the blooms again then I can leave before lunch!"

Alex sniggered. "As long as sweater boy isn't there. So tell me Pipes, did you go down to the bar in those yoga pants?"

Piper frowned nodding, "Why what's wrong with them?"

"Nothing if it was just you and me there, but damn it girl I don't like the idea of that fine ass being paraded for all to see!"

Piper smirked, "luckily the bar was nearly empty, so my scraggly hair, non made up face and lounge clothes were spared any kind of public parade!"

"Piper you know damn well even with no make-up and your hair pulled back you look fine! And those legs and ass look amazing, and I can only see them sitting!" Alex grinned. "So tell me, where has Boo dragged Polly off too tonight?"

"I have no idea, they weren't in the bar, so maybe a club." Piper grinned, "poor Polly is all I can say!"

Alex chuckled. "Did boo tease you this morning?"

Piper nodded, "A little. But I was so tired I think even she took pity on me."

Alex rolled her eyes,"No, she will be saving it up until she gets back knowing Boo. So I went for a ride on the bike today, went back to the place we stopped at, no picnic this time, just to enjoy the quiet, and it occurred to me it would be a perfect spot to explore that little fantasy of yours." Alex winked. This time Alex was rewarded by being able to see the flush in Pipers cheeks at the mention of their earlier talk. She grinned. "You get so bashful Pipes, its cute, but you really don't need to be embarrassed."

Piper shrugged, "maybe, it just feels kind of bad, naughty even, to think it let alone talk about it."

Alex rolled her eyes, "Your mom did a real job on you didn't she. Look Piper just because your dad screwed around doesn't mean all sex is bad. Sure he hurt your mom but we are talking about having fun here right. I'm telling you Pipes there is nothing you could say that would shock me. Anything you want to say or do, just tell me. No rush no pressure. But don't hide from me OK."

Piper nodded. Then asked curiously, "How did you get so brave, I mean what made you so willing to risk, to try unknown things?"

Alex thought for a second. "My mom I guess. While yours was letting her inhibitions rub off on you, trap you in her fears, mine was showing me she could do whatever she wanted on her own, and I could do the same. She always said I shouldn't be afraid to try."

"And have you, ever been afraid to try?"

Alex shrugged, this conversation could go one of two ways now and she wasn't sure a Skype session was the right place to get heavy. "Once, and I regret it. But I learnt from it so I guess that's good." She winked at Piper, "So yes? Outdoor fun soon."

Piper grinned "Yes maybe."

"That's my girl. Now, I know you have work Monday but you want to stay at mine tomorrow night?"

Piper smiled, "Yes, god I really do Al, but I have so many ideas from this event and so much to do I need to work early Monday and if I stay at your it means going home for clothes and to sort my stuff out before I go to the unit."

Alex nodded, "Or, as I have your key I could get clothes for you, bring them here and you can leave from mine." She grinned, "come on Pipes, think about it. Big bed, big shower, corruption in the bath!" Alex arched her eyebrow smirking.

"Oh god." Piper moaned, the very mention of the shower made her body tingle and she knew she would agree. "OK. But make sure you get clothes for the unit and for a meeting for me."

"You have a meeting?" Alex frowned, "who with?"

"You hopefully, and Daya."

Alex felt herself relax, "I thought you were meeting with the competition there for a minute Pipes."

Piper grinned "Your only competition right now is my bed. I have something I need to run past you both, but I want to do it properly, professionally. I cant have you thinking I have shit for brains right?" Piper grinned.

Alex nodded, "Very true! OK I will book you in for Monday afternoon, get Nicky to let you know the time Monday. That way tomorrow when you are here there will be no business talk. Listen Pipes, I know you are getting the car to your mom's, but how about you get it to bring your bag to mine, then I will come collect you when you are done. It will save you having to bum a ride or get a cab."

Piper grinned. "That might work. I can say I am being collected at a certain time because of the car service. OK. Cool."

"Well text me when you have the time and I will wear my best chauffeur uniform!" Alex smirked, "OK pipes, I should let you sleep. You have had quite a day."

"I have," Piper smiled happily, "but last night was better."

Alex grinned, "well go to sleep, you will need all that energy for tomorrow night kid." She winked then laughed as Piper blushed once more. Sweet dreams Piper Chapman."

"Sweet dreams Alex."

o0o

A/N: so kind of a moving forward chapter, I hope it doesn't disappoint. Many thanks as always for the messages reviews and dm's, I hope I managed to eventually thank you this time. For all the guest reviews, 'thank you' to you also. I am sorry I cant reply to guest reviews personally.

As always next chapter already in progress but looks like the work schedule is making it a once a week update.

Ali x