A loud beeping and vibrating was what woke Piper from her sleep. She rolled over and eyed the alarm clock on the bedside table, 6.30am. Ugh, too early. She rubbed at her eyes and slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position. Sunlight had started to sneak into the room through the gaps in the blinds, and a faint breeze was making its way through the bedroom from the open window. She leant over and turned off the alarm clock. Looking over to her left she saw Larry, who was still fast asleep. She smiled.

Silently she got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. After relieving herself and chucking on her running gear she left the apartment. Piper loved to run. Her morning runs were her thinking time. Her alone time. Time just for her. She picked up her pace as she placed her ear buds in. It was cool out, and there were only a few people around who must be catching early trains into work, the commuters. She crossed the street and ran into the park. She loved it here. A massive lake was surrounded by a running track, outlined by immaculately maintained flower gardens, and in the distance you could faintly see the outline of a children's play park. She came every morning. She picked up the pace.

10 years ago she had returned to the states from Paris. It was a subject that was still not spoken about. It still felt raw. That smile. Piper shook the thought from her head.

Her life 10 years ago was secret, the only person who knew truly what had happened was Polly. Everyone else had been given a cover story of her becoming homesick, and missing normality. Much more easier to digest then the idea of her leaving her drug smuggling, lesbian lover. As soon as her plane had landed she hid away in the safety of Polly's apartment. That day had been one of the hardest in her life.

*Flashback*

Piper got out the cab and shut the door. The driver had walked round back and retrieved her luggage. With a small smile she paid him and gave a small wave of thanks. Slowly, she walked up to the door and rang the familiar buzzer.

"Hello?" Came the soft and gentle tone of Polly.

"Pol its me".

There was a pause. "Pipes?! What the hell…".

"Pol please just let me in, i'll explain later" she replied hurriedly.

The door made a high pitched buzzing noise and clicked open.

That night was full of tears and copious amounts of wine. Piper explained to her how she had left Alex. How she had spent the last few months feeling unappreciated and second best to her job. How she spent most of her days filled with worry and dread that her Alex wouldn't make it home. And how when she did, Piper was pushed aside as Alex rushed into her office, mumbling apologies about being busy and how she would make it up to her. Although Piper could tell Polly had something to say about it, her friend had the empathy to keep her mouth shut. She listened to everything Piper said, right until the very end.

"So, what happens now then?" She put her wine glass on the counter and pulled Piper into a friendly hug.

"I guess I'll go back to my parents house…" Piper trailed off looked deflated, she sniffed and tried wiping her eyes with the now tear sodden tissue. She relaxed into Polly's hug.

"Im sure Carol would love that!" She rubbed Pipers shoulder. "But Pipes, thats not what you need. Listen, I know its not ideal but I have a pull out couch." She gestured to the double in front of the window. "Stay here with me, find work and save, and we can assess your options. It'll be great! Like a prolonged sleepover! I haven't seen you in months, we'd like roomies again!". She smiled.

Piper thought about it. No, I really don't want to go back to my parents. I don't want to go back to that WASPy lifestyle that mom and dad would force upon me as soon as I step foot through the fucking door. I don't want to try and fit to any expectations right now. I can't fit any expectations right now. She ran a hand through her hair. Turning to look at Polly, she noticed her smiling still. She grabbed at her glass and took a sip of wine.

"But i'd be imposing. I mean, you have work, and then theres Pete. I just don't want to get in the way".

"Piper, your my best friend. You'd do the same for me". Piper nodded in confirmation. "As for Pete, well, leave that to me" she winked.

Piper chuckled. "Okay, the less I know about that the better! Okay sure then, i'll stay".

Squealing, Polly forced her into a bone crushing hug. " You have no idea how much i have missed you".

Letting the tears fall Piper replied in a quite voice "Me too Pol, me too".

*End of flashback*

In the following months Piper built herself back up. She ditched all of her old clothes that Alex had bought her, switched cellphones from the latest iPhone to and older one that she bought herself, and tried erasing all memory of Alex ever existing. All things except one single piece of jewellery. Far to pretty to throw away she had reasoned with herself. This was the only way she could cope - by pretending it didn't happen.

She started working at her fathers company as an assistant. This made him overjoyed that she was working in the Chapman family law firm. Piper hated it, and felt like she was selling out, but it gave her a good wage. So much so that she was able to save enough money in 6 months, that she was able to move into her own 1 bed apartment. Sure it was cosy, but it was more than enough for her. The front door opened into a small open plan kitchen come living room. To the left of the living room lead to a moderately sized bedroom, and then adjoining that a modest bathroom.

She spent all her spare time with Polly. She was her rock. She was on hand for girly nights in, or was always willing for wild nights out. They also relaxed together by making soap.

And it was that hobby of theirs that had created their new venture., Popi. And was currently the source of Pipers stress.

Looking down at her wrist watch she notice it was 7.15am. Shit, I'm going to be late. Running as fast as she could she made it back to the apartment in record time. What a way to get a new personal best. She laughed to herself. Pushing her key into the door she entered the apartment block, before climbing the stairs and letting herself inside Larry's apartment. 5 years they had been together, and Piper could honestly say she was content. Larry was a kind man, who was thoughtful and funny.

She walked into the bathroom, rid herself of her sweaty clothing and climbed into the shower.

Piper loved to get clean. She loved the feeling of the hot water cascading down her back. She appreciated the quietness of it, and she liked the time alone. She ran her hands through her hair, her right hand slowly traveling down to rub down her chest. Mmm, this feels good. That was another thing Piper loved about running. It got her all hot and bothered.

She opened her eyes and reached over to grab the soap off the shelf. It was Popi's newest creation. Tea tree and mint, and it was proving to be a very popular choice. She lathered up and started to run her hands all over her toned body. Closing her eyes she leant her head back and relaxed against the back of the shower. After a few minutes under the hot water, she begin to feel slightly claustrophobic. Opening her eyes she jumped.

"Jesus, Larry what the hell?".

Larry was stood in the doorway peering in at her. His hair was ruffled, and was wearing flannel pyjama pants. At Pipers explanation he nervously averted his eyes.

"Sorry Pipes, I came in to use the bathroom and I got a little distracted" He smiled at her sheepishly.

Piper smiled at him. "So you like what you see then?". She motioned down to his pyjama pants which had a noticeable bulge in.

Larry blushed. Scratching the back of his neck, he looked back at her. "Can I join you?".

Piper simply nodded. He quickly rid himself of his clothing and stepped into the shower.

He crashed his lips up against hers for a sloppy, warm and needy kiss. He pressed her up against the wall of the shower. His dick pressed uncomfortably into her thigh. Piper reached down between them and held him in her hand. His size was average.

"Fuck, Pipes..yes." he moaned as she started to pump away. He reached over and grabbed her her chest, pawing at each breast. After all this time he still needs to fucking work on that. She rolled her eyes, this wasn't going to take long. Still pumping away at him, he managed to reach down and caress her folds. Taking one digit he slowly ran it through her lips until he found what he was looking for. Nervously he began rubbing.

"Ohhh Larry, right there….please". He picked up his pace, rubbing the pad of his finger over and over the hardening bundle of nerves.

"Ughhh, fuck..".

Piper opened her eyes and looked directly at him. "I need you Larry, I need you inside me now".

Larry turned her around so she was facing the wall and bent her over slightly. Grabbing his dick, her guided it to her entrance.

He slammed into her, which elicited a moan from Piper.

"Uhh, yes".

He picked up his pace. Gradually moving his hips faster and faster until he was at his limit. All that could be heard in the room was the sound of the water falling from the shower hitting the floor, and occasional grunts from Larry. He could feel Pipers wall closing in on him, and he pushed harder and harder. He was losing control.

"Piper, I'm going to cum…" he forced out.

Pipers eyes snapped open as she turned her head look at him. "No, hold on Lar…please…I need longer…". She panted.

He was pumping in her as fast as he could, when suddenly his eyes scrunched together. As quickly as he had entered her, he pulled out, and released all over her back with a primal grunt.

Piper rested her head again the wall and closed her eyes. Not again, come on! After a deep breath, she steadied herself and stood up, she turned around. This was a common thing for him. Larry lasted minutes and although Piper loved him, she was never wholly satisfied by him.

Larry placed a wet kiss on her forehead.

"I'm so sorry Pipes, I tried". He looked deflated. "Was it at least good for you too while it lasted?". He looked at her hopefully.

What the whole 5 minutes of it? Sure…This never happened with Alex. Again Piper shook her head. Fuck, stop comparing them. "Sure". She replied smiling.

She turned and finished washing. Minutes later she switched the shower off and stepped out onto the mat and wrapped herself in a big fluffy towel. Walking back into the bedroom she glanced at the alarm clock once more. 8.00am. Fuck, now i'm really going to be late.

Hurriedly she chucked on her underwear, walked to her closet and pulled out a simple black pencil skirt and a white short sleeve shirt. Putting them on she walked over to her dresser, combed her hair, applied some light make up, and a spritz of perfume and left the bedroom.

Larry was already dressed in shorts and a polo shirt, and had placed a travel mug of coffee on the counter. He worked from home as a writer.

"Thanks sweetie". She picked up the cup after placing her bag on her shoulder.

"Don't forget about tonight Lar, we are out with Pete and Polly for drinks". she mumbled putting her shoes on by the door.

"8 o'clock, at Millers?" He nodded along. "Got it".

Piper walked over to him, gave him a quick peck on the cheek and left the building.