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Chapter 3 - Skin Makes Prayer ~*~*~*~ When you here before, ~*~*~*~ "So do you think it's safe to leave those two in there?" Darryl asked once they left the room. "No." Piper, Phoebe, and Leo said in unison. And then they all laughed. Andy and Prue's relationship was strained at best. They were each other's first. First friend, first kiss, first boyfriend/girlfriend, first sexual partner, first heartbreak, and first love. And when they had seen one another all those years ago all that chemistry that was still there added fuel to a memory and a one night stand had been the result. So leaving the two together probably wasn't the best idea, but it was the only one they had. "So where are you three headed?" Darryl asked. "Well Leo and I are going back to his house and we'll take Paige with us." "I have to go to Shadows because I have two photographers I have to meet." Phoebe supplied. "Okay. Well I'll go with Leo and Piper and then I'll escort you? How does that sound?" Everyone nodded their approval except Paige who was still asleep. Leo shifted her so that her arms were somewhat wrapped around his neck and he could protect her back. They walked through the back way always mindful of prying eyes. ~*~ "If you don't want me to be here Prue I can leave." "No Andy it isn't that. I just don't know what to do. I mean it's been six years since we've seen one another and before that it was two years. Things are a little complicated." "I noticed. I never heard that you got married." "I'm not married. I never was..." she cocked her head trying to understand. "Then that little girl wasn't yours?" Understanding dawned on Prue and then she felt sick. He was going to find out her secret. A very bad secret at that. "Yes she is, but I never married her father." Andy knew better than to ask her what happened and they were back to silence. "So how is this going to work?" Andy asked. Knowing full well that if the two of them worked together bad things could happen. Very bad things. "I don't know. All I know is that someone is apparently trying to kill me, and I have no idea why. I want my daughter safe and that is where you come in. If anything else you have to protect Paige at all costs." "I understand Prue. And I will protect her as if she is my own." "Thank-you." "Well I know you need to get your rest. So I'll just be out there. Call if you need something." "Thanks Andy." He nodded his head and left. He shut the door behind him and Prue blew out a breath. Life just got more complicated. ~*~ "Paige is down for the count." Leo announced when he walked back into the room. "Good maybe now we can discuss our problem." "How is it a problem Piper?" Piper was stunned. How was it not a problem!?! "ARE YOU INSANE?" she finally blasted. "No, I'm not insane." Leo calmly answered which only pissed Piper off. "Do I need to remind you what is at stake here? In the public's eye we are not married. We are not dating anyone else and I am now PREGNANT!" Leo didn't answer. They had been over this for the past two weeks. She continued to look at him for an answer. "What do you want me to say? I know that it is bad timing. I know that explanations are going to be needed, but Piper we're going to have a baby. It's something we've always wanted." Piper's shoulders sagged. "I just don't want to give our life up. Nobody analyzes our marriage trying to see if we're happy. We don't have to worry about our fights in public because it only adds to our public image." Leo stood up and went over to her and put his arms around her. "So what if people don't know who the father is. There are several times in Hollywood where that has happened." She turned around and wrapped her arms around his waist, "That is true. But I've thought about that. And I guess as a last resort we could do that..." "But..." encouraging her to continue, "Some part of me wants... The little girl part of me who still wants to be a princess and all that wants everyone to know who the father is." He leaned down and kissed her. "And I want the world to know too, but Piper we still have some time before you start showing. I'm sure we can think of something when the time comes." She took a step back but still remained in his embrace, "I love you." Leo smiled, "I love you too." And with that declaration he picked Piper up and carried her up the stairs the both of them laughing all the way. ~*~ "Well thank-you Mr. Thomas I will get back to you." Phoebe said to the photographer as he took his portfolio and left. She was never going to find a photographer as good as Prue. She settled back into her black leather chair and put her legs up on the glass top desk. She pushed a button on the phone, "Jenny can you please send the next one in." The door opened and Phoebe held her breath. He was tall, dark, and handsome. Always pluses in her book. She could tell just by looking at him that she was going to be playing with fire, but the more she looked at him the more she wanted him. She was ready for some danger and this... Cole Turner looked like he would make everything worth it. She stood up, "Mr. Turner?" she asked. "Yes, it is very nice to meet you Ms. Halliwell." he greeted extending his hand out to hers. His hand was nice and firm, something Phoebe always looked for. "Please call me Phoebe." He smiled and handed over his portfolio. Phoebe took it and sat down. "Oh, I'm sorry where are my manners? Please take a seat." "Thank-you." He sat down and Phoebe poured over his photos. "You took all of these?" "Yes. I did." "Do you have any assistants?" "Just one. And if you hire me for the job she must accompany me." "And what is her name?" "Mrs. Seer." "Mrs. Seer?" "That is how she prefers to be called." Phoebe nodded her head and continued to look at the various photographs. Including one of her sister, Piper. "You know my sister Piper?" "Not really. I had one photo shoot with her many years ago." "Well Mr. Turner I must say these are impressive. Do you understand all terms, pays, and benefits from taking this job?" "Yes I do." "Very well. There are just a few more things we must go through before I higher you." "You mean I have the job?" She smiled. She wasn't buying the excited routine. Cole Turner didn't need the job, but he did want it. And she was more than willing to find out why. "Yes. However there are a few forms you are going to have to sign." "For instance?" "Confidentiality. You may only release those photos that I deem worthy. My sisters drop by regularly. Any and all knowledge gained from their visits may not be revealed. To any one." She was serious. Especially when it came to her family. It had taken a while to build up their reputations, and she was not going to spoil it for just one man. "Very well Ms. Halliwell. I agree. When shall I start?" "Not for another month, but it could be sooner. It just depends. As I'm sure you have read my sister was shot. I will be taking the month off to help her and my other sister." "I see." He got up and took a white card out of his pocket. "This is my number. It is the only number you can reach me at. Mrs. Seer will answer, but she will connect the call to me." Phoebe took the card. "I look forward to working with you Mr. Turner." Cole nodded and left. And Phoebe sat down and smiled. ~*~*~*~ End of Chapter 3 * "Creep" by Radiohead |
