Alex, only semi-aware of the blonde’s conflicting emotions, sniffed the portion of neck where she had cuddled the blonde, “You smell like cologne.”

Piper froze momentarily and then allowed to relax, “I slept with someone….in Paris…after I walked out on you.”

Alex continued brushing her hair with her fingers, “I know. Peaches told me she saw you eating some man at a café in Saint Germain. I mean, I didn’t know for sure, but I could only imagine the worst.”

Piper turned in Alex’s arms to face her, “Wait, you aren’t upset?”

Tears began to form in Alex’s bright hazel eyes, “God, Piper. What kind of question is that? Of course, I’m fucking upset. I fucking hate the thought of it, but what can I do? It’s done now. We can’t change it. I mean, I guess I’m just wondering where we go from here.”

Piper shrugged, “You were wrong…I can be your friend. I can be your partner, too, if we can work things out. Al, I’m so sorry about your mom and I’m a complete fucking asshole for leaving you when I did. I must have been out of my mind. Have I missed any of the services?”

Alex shook her head, “No, I actually just left the church. The vigil is tonight. Mass and burial are tomorrow morning.”

Piper nodded, “Good…I’d like to go with you…for support if nothing else.” She paused, “I’m not sure where we go from here. Even if you can forgive me for leaving and…the colossal fucking mistake I made afterword, I still don’t know how to cope with your job.”

Alex lifted her chin, “Look at me. I’m sorry I ever made you feel like I was choosing between you and my work. I just got too wrapped up and I see that now. But I can’t just quit. These things take time and finesse in this type of business. I have a few investments out right now. If I can get the ventures off the ground I’ll be in a position to where I can start making some real decisions.”

The blonde looked uncertain, “And what about everything else? Can you give up the other aspects of your job, too? I love you, Al, but I don’t know if I can handle the sharing anymore.”