Nicky looked up at the sound of the quiet knock on the door. She was sure everyone had left, had heard them call out their goodbyes and teasing jokes that she would be missing out. She knew it wasn't Lorna, as she would be knee deep in seating plans and colour matching for the big wedding she was organising this weekend.

"Come in." She muttered, feeling a fraud sat her behind Alex's desk. Her eyes widened in surprise when Piper appeared in the doorway.

"Nicky." She began but Nicky was already out of her seat, the shock and confusion that had encompassed her for the past 2 hours bubbling over into anger at the woman before her.

"What Piper? Come to gloat? Come to make sure you had done the job properly? Alex isn't here."

"Daya said." Piper answered softly. "Nicky what happened?"

"Why should I tell you? What make you think you are deserving of an explanation now when you wouldn't give Alex the time to explain yesterday eh! Now I am not sure exactly what went down with you two, but I do know I have never, and I do mean never, seen her looking so hurt."

Piper closed her eyes as if to block out the image Nicky's words created. She had never intended this to be the end result. In fact it was the very last thing she wanted.

"I haven't come to gloat Nicky." she said softly. "I am not sure I understand this any more than you do to be honest. Daya said Alex had gone away for a few days…. Then she said she had left Barney's. She cant leave her job Nicky she loves it. Is she at home?"

Nicky could see Piper was as genuinely confused by the developments as she herself was. She nodded to the chair, silently inviting Piper to sit.

"It was sudden." Nicky said slowly. "One minute she was going for the interview for the department head, the next she was back saying she was having a break for a few days, grabbing her bike and leaving. I assumed she wanted time to plan for the merger. Then I got a call asking me to visit upstairs. I walked in to be told I was to take temporary control of the office. I asked why, they said Alex had left. I told them they couldn't fire her. They assured me that was the last thing they wanted, that they had offered her the job but she had turned them down, recommended me for the position and told them she was leaving."

Piper sat staring at Nicky in disbelief. "Wow. Congratulation I guess." Piper muttered feeling she should at least acknowledge the new position Nicky found herself in.

"Don't give me that blondie," Nicky snorted. "I don't want to be boss, even if only temporarily. I want my friend back so things can go back to normal. Now I don't care what you have or haven't said to Alex, she was unusually quiet on the subject of you, but I want answers. What the hell happened in London?"

Piper sighed. "Sylvie happened."

"Who?" Nicky frowned.

"You don't know her?" Piper was more surprised by this she realised than Alex's sudden departure.

"No." Nicky shook her head. "Who is she? What did she do?"

"She was in charge of the hotel, well a whole lot of hotels, but specifically the launch hotel. She seemed to make it her duty to either child mind me and Polly or bully Boo."

"What?" Nicky looked confused. "Come on Piper, Boo can look after herself."

"Yes maybe but there was definite undercurrents between them we couldn't work out. We over- heard an argument between the two of them about Alex. Boo didn't deny it but wouldn't elaborate. Then a woman who is close to Sylvie told me how Sylvie had been hurt, fought for her job because her ex was out to sabotage her. That ex it seems is Alex."

Nicky stood up. "Oh come on blondie, you cant tell me you took this seriously. Alex is good at her job, she doesn't need to bully people. And she would certainly never sabotage someone else's dreams, she knows how hard it is to have a dream and make it a reality, you know that."

"I thought that, wanted to believe that. I ignored how Boo was around this Sylvie, ignored how Alex reacted when I spoke of the hotel and was even willing to disregard what this woman said. I wanted to ask Alex. Face to face. So I did. She said yes she knew Sylvie, yes they had been in a relationship and yes she knew she would be there when we were there. So I was angry Nicky. I feel we were put into a situation I still don't understand. I was tired from the flight and hurt. Maybe I should have stayed but I needed air, needed to think about what she was telling me."

Piper sighed and sat looking at he floor. "I never meant for this to happen. I need to see her."

Nicky shook her head. "I wish I could give you answers, I don't know where she is."

Piper nodded and stood up. "OK, I'm going home, but Nicky, if you hear from her tell her to call me."

o0o

"Alex!" the older woman rounded the counter grinning, "What an unexpected surprise! Sit, sit I'll get coffee."

Obeying without comment Alex moved to a seat in the corner.

"Here we go." Came the cheery voice as Beryl placed a steaming mug of coffee and the largest piece of chocolate cake in front of Alex.

On seeing the chocolate cake Alex burst into tears.

"Alex! What on earth is the matter!" Beryl was shocked at the woman sobbing before her, normally so strong even when times were hard this level of emotion Beryl had only seen once before.

"Come on." She muttered and throwing a glance to her staff indicating she was going upstairs to her private rooms Beryl led the sniffing protesting woman out of the café.

"Now sit. What's happened? And none of this 'nothing' rubbish. I know you remember and the last time I saw you this upset was because of your mom, so spill."

Alex just shook her head unable to explain why she had fallen apart. Not wanting to hear herself say that one look at chocolate cake and she thought of Piper. How stupid did that make her. How had she let herself get to this state.

Beryl just sat patiently waiting knowing from the conflicting emotions she saw in Alex's eyes that whatever sadness had caused the tears it had also brought her here, because she knew she would be safe.

"Piper." Alex said finally. Sniffing.

"She is hurt?" Beryl asked her voice protective towards the woman before her.

Alex shook her head, "She found out."

"Found out about what sugar? What happened?"

Alex took a sip of the coffee and closed her yes. "She found out about Sylvie. I should have told her, warned her but I thought I could handle it. But she found out and she walked away."

Beryl stood from the seat she had occupied facing Alex and began to pace. She remembered Sylvie. She had only met her that one time but she had seen through her simpering exterior to the cold calculating person she soon proved herself to be. Not wanting Alex to see the disgust on her face at the memory the name evoked, Beryl stood near the window looking out onto the quiet road.

"Sylvie is back?"

Alex shook her head "No. She is in London. Piper was launching at her hotel."

"So what exactly has this got to do with Piper? I mean you haven't seen Sylvie for years, what she did to you, it was hardly your fault. Surely Piper knows that. And Al, if she doesn't then maybe she doesn't deserve your tears." Beryl ended gently, hating to see Alex so torn up but knowing if Piper sided with Sylvie for any reason then she was simply not good enough to be in Alex's life.

Alex looked at Beryl, seeing kindness in her eyes and knew she had been right to come here, she needed to talk to someone and since receiving the text from Nicky, telling her of Pipers visit to the office, she knew she needed to act. Maybe talking to Beryl would help her find the right course.

"I got a call from Nicky, my friend from work," Alex explained as Beryl took up her position in the chair opposite her once more, "she said Piper went to see her, she was looking for me. The girls told her I had left Barney's and she was worried."

"What do you mean you left Barney's?" Beryl interrupted shocked, but Alex waved the question away.

"She told Nicky she had not liked Sylvie, had felt kind of threatened by her, but had not understood why, she was told a story, not the truth, by some woman Sylvie is seeing, and she hadn't wanted to believe it. She wanted to believe me." Alex swiped at a tear falling down her cheek. "She told Nicky she could not believe I would send her there without warning her and she's right, why the fuck didn't I tell her! So when I confirmed I knew she would be there, that we had been in a relationship Piper walked away. I mean why wouldn't she I had confirmed half the story she probably thinks the rest is true too"

"Alex, what did this woman tell Piper?"

"That I had tried to sabotage her career, that I had broken her heart. That I was still trying to bring her down and using Piper as a tool to do so. Beryl, Piper hadn't believed her but then I admitted I hadn't been honest so now she thinks the rest is true too."

"So why the hell are you sat here talking to me?" Beryl almost shouted. "Get on that fancy machine go get Piper and tell her the truth. Tell her what that bitch did, how she treated you. Tell her Alex."

"No. I need to sort this out properly. Do what I should have done years ago. Instead of hiding and pretending it didn't happen I need to face her and confront the past."

"You are going to see Sylvie?"

"Yes. I'm going to London!" Alex stood decision made now she looked at the older woman before her. "Thank you!" she smiled.

"What for? I haven't done anything."

"Yes you have, you are here, always, when I need you." She placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. Then turned to the door. "I'll call you when I get back." she promised.

"No, you will come see me. And bring Piper with you'!" Beryl demanded.

o0o

"Hi, I have a room booked for 3 nights." Alex smiled at the tall black woman behind the reception desk.

"And your name please."

"Vause, Alex Vause."

Alex saw the woman's eyes widen in recognition and wondered if this was the woman Boo and Nicky had mentioned. The one who was behind the story Piper had been told. She watched as the now flustered woman tapped on the keyboard and fiddled with the room keys before handing them over.

"Is she here?" Alex asked quietly, not bothering to mention a name knowing this would confirm her suspicions if correct.

"Err, yes, err I mean I will check for you."

"Don't bother." Alex shrugged, "Just tell her what room I am in and send up some food and drinks."

"What would you like?"

"She'll know!" Alex stated calmly before turning to leave.

When she got to the bank of elevators she turned and saw the woman talking frantically on the phone. Satisfied her guess had been correct, Alex made her way to her room to wait.

It was only 20 minutes before the knock on the door came. Standing and taking a deep breath Alex moved to open it. The woman before her had hardly changed, yet Alex found that instead of the thrill she once felt when she looked at her, now she felt nothing but pity. Pity and disgust.

"Sylvie," she nodded, "come in."

"What the fuck are you doing here?!" Sylvie hissed once she was sure the door was shut and she wouldn't be overheard.

"Well I figured it was time we had a catch up." Alex stated firmly. "You see it seems to me you have been keeping up with my life and yet I have only recently found out about yours. My girlfriend, I believe you met her, came home a little upset. It turns out someone told her a few things about me that weren't very nice. I asked around and found out that, not only had she been lied too about me, but a few other people have been lied too also. The young lady on reception for instance, she obviously recognised my name and she fits the description Piper gave me of your most recent squeeze, yet she seems to think I left you heartbroken and alone. Then there is the man you call a husband. I believe he met Piper too. He seems to think you are a hard working, dedicated wife and mother; wanting to secure a lucrative deal with Barney's. Now correct me if I am wrong but my recollection of our past is a little different.

I remember you saying if I took the job at Barney's you would leave. And look you did! I remember my mom dying and you telling me you were too busy to come to the funeral. I later found out you were too busy shagging the girl who worked for the man I believe is now your husband. And it was through her that you got the interview that led you to the position you are in today.

So now I have to work out exactly what you are playing at Sylvie. You see, from where I am standing, you have it all. A husband, kids and a bit on the side to keep you amused. So what the fuck do you think you are doing coming back into my life trying to screw it up!"

Alex tried to keep her voice low as she finished talking.

Sylvie had been watching her closely her face impassive but as Alex finished speaking she moved closer, reached out as if to touch he but Alex backed away.

"I miss you!" Sylvie said smiling.

Alex frowned.

"I mean it Al, I miss what we had, I realise I made a mistake. None of this," she waved a hand in an airy fashion, "none of it means anything. As to Piper, well I don't care what you say that little blonde airhead cannot give you what I did, I don't care what you say. I knew you would come. And I was right."

Alex stood and moved to open the door to the knocking she guessed was room service. As she watched the waiter discretely nod at Sylvie Alex used the time to compose herself. She knew Sylvie was lying, she had expected as much but not this early in her trip. She needed time to gather her thoughts, to plan.

Pouring Sylvie a drink and one for herself she said, "Maybe here is not the place to talk, I am here for a few days, business you understand. Why don't we go out to dinner tomorrow evening? We can talk in private."

Sylvie smiled in satisfaction. "Perfect." She grinned. She drank her drink in one gulp and stood. "I will leave you to eat and relax after your journey. I will text you the time and place for dinner."

As Alex moved to give her her card Sylvie shrugged it off, "we have a record don't worry." She waved dismissively and before she could blink Alex found herself once more alone.

o0o

Boo sat in the chair facing Nicky. Since Alex's sudden departure and Pipers visit to the office Nicky had contacted Boo who had filled in the missing gaps to the London trip. Boo had received a call from a concerned Beryl and was now filling in Nicky on what she had learnt.

"Have you heard from her today?"

Nicky nodded. "She sent me a text saying she had made contact. But that's all she said."

Boo smiled. "I know Beryl didn't approve, but she is doing the right thing. She should have done this years ago."

Nicky nodded. "I cant believe the Alex I have worked with all these years, the strong, confident business woman, would let someone treat her like that."

"Yeah well," Boo shrugged "love does funny things to people. I mean," Boo sneered "look at you. One minute shagging every piece of skirt you could get your hands on, but now you are too busy to go clubbing because the girlfriend has you planning dinner parties so you can meet the family."

Nicky smiled, refusing to rise to the bait Boo was laying.

"Not even going to deny it!" Boo chuckled. "Fear not, I am taking blondie clubbing with me instead seeing as you are too boring these days."

"Piper? She agreed to go to a gay club with you?" Nicky was shocked.

"Well not exactly," Boo admitted shrugging "she agreed to go for a drink; but I can be persuasive when I try."

Nicky shook her head, "Leave her alone Boo. "

"Listen the girl is pining, she needs a shoulder to cry on. Alex will thank me later."

Nicky snorted "I doubt that very much."

o0o

"Have you heard from her?" Polly asked as she looked across at Piper sat quietly in front of the computer typing in figures to their accounts ledger.

"No." Piper didn't look up.

"What about Nicky? Or Boo?"

Piper shrugged. "Yes, they have called, checking I am not about to slit my wrists." She snorted. "Boo wants to go for a drink tomorrow."

"Have they spoken to Alex?" Polly pushed.

"I don't know Pol, I don't ask." Piper admitted looking at her friend now. "I mean what is the point? If they have then it means she has no desire to talk to me at all and I am not sure I want to face that, and if thy haven't I still have no idea what is going on."

"Maybe that's why Boo wants to go for a drink." Polly suggested hopefully.

Piper smiled, "yeah right. Boo wants to go to a drink because she needs a partner in crime and Nicky is too loved up at the moment."

Polly chuckled, "I know, she keeps texting me with pictures of different outfits to see what is most suitable for a meet the parents dinner. Its kind of cute."

Piper smiled, "It is." She continued, "Alex would take great delight in teasing her."

Polly nodded noticing how sad Piper looked whenever she mentioned Alex's name. "OK, how about take Nicky shopping, give her a parent friendly makeover and see if she has any news on Alex, then we can go for dinner somewhere nice."

Piper nodded. "Sure," she agreed, "but I am not sure Nicky would tell me even if she knew."

"Then," Polly said her tone determined, "we invite Lorna too. Couples makeover. Lorna will make sure Nicky tells us the truth she is a romantic!"

Picking up her phone to call Lorna Polly smiled at her friend. She was not going to give up on this even if Piper seemed to have done so already.

o0o

A/N: Well other than to apologise once more for length of time it took me to update again, I can only say thank you! I was not happy with the last chapter yet everyone was so kind!

I have, finally, finished work for a few weeks so will hopefully have more time to write. I am not going to make any rash promises but will certainly try to update at least once a week from now on.

May I also take this opportunity to wish Millie a happy 5th birthday! Xx

Ali x