Disclaimer: This story is based on the Spelling Television/WB Television Network series 'Charmed'. All characters belong to their original owners. The story is meant for entertainment purposes only and no copyright infringement was intended.
Lover's Leap
Chapter 2
"Whew!" Out of breath, Phoebe flopped onto her chair and fanned her face with her hand. "You dance pretty well for a man who once told me he can't dance!"
Cole grinned and sat down in the other chair. "I lied."
Phoebe laughed and wriggled her finger. "Naughty, naughty." She propped herself up against the chair's back. "Now, why don't you be a good boy and get me something to drink?"
"Sure. What would you like?" Cole pushed himself to his feet.
"Uhmm... A Shirley Temple," she said. "After all that exercise you put me through, alcohol would zonk me out."
Cole winked. "We can't have that happen, can we?"
Phoebe rolled her eyes and blushed. "You're evil," she giggled.
He dipped his head and brushed his lips across her cheek. "You love me for it," he whispered in her ear. "I'll be right back."
He straightened and began to weave his way through the crowds towards the bar. It was packed; people clamored for drinks in loud, impatient voices. The two bartenders, a man and a blond woman, juggled glasses and bottles with lightning speed; they were hard-pressed to keep up with the demands. At last, it was Cole's turn.
"A Shirley Temple and a club soda," he ordered.
"Coming right up," the woman nodded. Cole looked over his shoulder to watch Phoebe as she sat at their table near the dance floor. She had crossed her legs and was tapping her foot in time to the salsa music. While he watched, she lifted her head and caught his gaze. He grinned and blew her a kiss.
"Here you go, Sir." The barmaid dropped a cherry on top of the Temple and placed two glasses on the bar in front of him.
Cole handed her three five-dollar bills. "Keep the change." He lifted the drinks. He knew the tip was outrageous but he was in love and in the mood to share his happiness with the world.
"Thank you, Sir. Have a nice evening."
- * * *
The barmaid's appreciative smile turned into a smirk as soon as Cole's back was turned. Red flared behind her hard eyes while she observed him return to Phoebe. So that was the witch that he gave up his life for? The witch that made him forsake who he was? Renounce his ancestry and everything she had taught him? Well, the witch's days were numbered. It was time Belthazor reclaimed his identity.
She wiped her hands on her apron and pushed through the door that led to the backroom. A smile played around her lips as she navigated past the crates filled with bottles and the barrels full of beer. Her job was done; the drug had been put in his beverage. She had been forced to speculate which of the orders would be his, but Belthazor choosing a drink with a cherry on top? That was absurd. No, his would be the club soda.
The woman pushed open the back door and walked out into the gloom of the alley. She pulled the bartender's apron over her head and dropped it upon the body of the waitress that lay dead beside the dumpster. She never gave the body a second glance. She snatched the blond wig and shook her head so her dark, curly tresses fell free. Elz'pax threw her head back and laughed. Everything was going according to her plan.
TBC