Chapter Two- Out of the Ordinary
"How was your date?" Piper asked when Phoebe entered the living room.
"Fabulous." Phoebe told her. "Cole's incredible."
She joined Piper on the couch.
"He doesn't really seem like your type." Piper commented slowly.
Phoebe laughed. "I know, it surprised me too. But... The moment I set eyes on him, I felt something. I can't describe it."
"How did you meet him?" Piper asked curiously, though she wouldn't let on to Phoebe, she was kind of concerned. Prue had made some good points earlier. They didn't know this guy and he and Phoebe did seem really different.
"In the park." Phoebe told her. "Today, well yesterday now, I guess."
"Today?" Piper repeated in shock. Phoebe had gone out with someone she had just met that day? Suddenly, Prue's concerns seemed more and more valid.
"I know, believe it or not, even I was surprised." Phoebe told her. "But it felt right. See, I literally ran right into him in the park and then, as I was apologising, he asked me for coffee. I said yes and... Then, he asked me out."
Piper shook her head in amazement. A part of her was envious. She would never dream of doing something like that, yet Phoebe did it and it appeared to work out.
"Interesting." Piper commented. "Tell me about him."
With a smile Phoebe proceeded to tell Piper all she knew about him.
"An investment banker?" Piper repeated in shock. "Wow. Are you sure we haven't tumbled into some alternate universe, because you don't normally date corporate executives."
"I know." Phoebe told her. "Actually my first reaction to learning what he did for a living was to comment that he was more Prue's type than mine, but that I was attracted to him anyway."
"What did he say to that?" Piper asked in amusement.
"That he was attracted me too and that's when he asked me out." Phoebe said with a smile.
"Speaking of, you had a good time?"
"The best." Phoebe told her. "I almost wish that it hadn't had to end."
"That good?" Piper asked with a smile.
"That good." Phoebe told her. "Piper, if he had... If he had made any move, any suggestion, I don't think the date would have ended with a good night kiss on the porch."
Piper stared at her. "Phoebe!"
"I know." Phoebe said with a sigh. "And believe it or not, despite what Prue thinks, I don't sleep with guys on the first date, yet... Yet, I wanted to with Cole. God did I want to. But he didn't make a move. He just asked me for another date and kissed me good night."
"Was it a good kiss?" Piper asked with a smile.
"Uh huh." Phoebe answered. "It was... Indescribable."
"I can imagine." Piper told her. "I'm glad you're so happy, Phoebe."
"Thank you." Phoebe said. "But you think I was reckless, don't you? Going out with a guy I met in the park this afternoon?"
Piper was quiet for a moment.
"At first, I did." She said after a moment. "But, Phoebe, I believed you when you said this was different, special. I just hope that it all turns out well for you."
"Thank you." Phoebe said honestly, standing up. "Now, if you excuse me, I'm going upstairs to go to sleep."
"Okay, 'night." Piper said with a smile.
"Night."
Piper watched Phoebe head up the stairs and wondered why she wasn't apprehensive any more. Yes, Prue had made some good points, yet... She had the feeling that Phoebe knew what she was doing.
In fact, she kind of envied Phoebe. She wish she could run right smack into a guy and fall head over heels for him. But, there was little chance of that happening, after all she was the practical sister.
* * * * *
The Next Day
"So what time did Phoebe get in from her date?" Prue asked Piper the next afternoon.
"Prue, shouldn't you be asking Phoebe for this information? Not me." Piper asked.
"Piper, we both know how she would react to that. You have to admit that she doesn't react well to any questions I make about her personal life."
"You have a point." Piper said with a sigh. "She came home right after you went to bed, so I'd say around one o'clock in the morning."
"Was she in a good mood or was it a disaster date?"
"She was on cloud nine." Piper answered with a smile. "She really likes this guy, Prue."
"She barely knows him." Prue dismissed. "Besides, this is Phoebe we're talking about, she changes infatuations like most people change their socks."
"Prue, I think this is different." Piper said quietly. "The way she talked about him... The look in her eyes. I've never seen her like this before."
Prue was quiet for a minute. "Really?"
"Really." Piper confirmed. "You know, Prue, he didn't seem like that bad of a guy. You might even improve, he works for an investment banking firm. A pretty prestigious one, Thorn and Co. Phoebe says, he's in San Francisco setting up their new office here."
Prue frowned. "Wait, did you say Thorn and Co.?"
Piper nodded. "Yeah, why?"
"I read an article about this guy. Last night I was wondering where I had seen him before, and now I know." Prue said slowly. "Anyway, I read it a few weeks ago. It talked about his rise to power in the company at such a young age. Which just makes me more curious as to why he's with Phoebe."
"Maybe he felt the same way she did." Piper suggested.
Prue raised an eyebrow. "Come on? How likely is that?"
"It could happen." Piper said. "Just because you've given up on romance doesn't mean it's not out there."
"What do you mean I've given up on romance, I'm engaged!" Prue protested.
"Yeah, to Roger. Now there's Mr. Romantic Excitement." Piper said dryly. "Face it Prue, you chose the safe road. That's okay, that's your choice. Just don't criticise Phoebe for taking chance. I don't think she's being foolish. I think there might really be something there."
"Piper..." Prue commented.
"She's not a little girl." Piper said, as she stood to leave the room. "She's old enough to make her own choices and to trust her own judgment. You should remember that."
Prue watched her leave the room. She knew that Piper was probably right.
Except... God, this was Phoebe they were talking about. She was notorious for making bad choices!
How could Prue just trust her to follow her own judgment? Especially when she had such a bad feeling about this guy...
* * * * *
After reporting to Raynor, Cole shimmered back to his office and picked up his phone. He dialled Phoebe's phone number.
"Hello?" It was one of her sisters, the middle one.
"Hello, is Phoebe there?"
"Sure, hold on a moment."
A minute later, Phoebe picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Hey, it's me, Cole." He told her.
"Hi, I was wondering when you'd call."
"I meant to call earlier, but things were pretty hectic here."
That part was true. Despite the fact that this was, indeed, a cover-up operation, there was actual work to do. More than that, he had had to report in to Raynor.
"That's okay." She told him. "I understand that you're busy."
Cole smiled to himself. "Thanks, are we still on for Friday, right?"
"Definitely!" She told him. "I can't wait."
"Either can I." He told her and found that it wasn't exactly a lie.
A part of him was very eager to see her again. He knew that it was probably the thrill of the chase. This relationship was like none other he had ever had and it intrigued him. He had never pursued someone as innocent Phoebe before and had to admit that it was a new challenge, one that he found interesting.
After a moment, he glanced at the clock and realized that he had a meeting he had to get to in a few minutes.
"Phoebe, I'm sorry, but I've got a meeting in about five minutes..." He told her apologetically.
"That's alright." She assured him. "I'm just glad you called. So Friday, how about we go see a movie?"
"Sure." Cole told her. "I have meetings in the afternoon on Friday and they could run late, so I'll pick you up at eight, okay? We can see if we catch the nine o'clock show."
"Alright." She agreed. "I'll see you then."
"Bye." Cole said before hanging up the phone.
He stood up and gathered his papers as he headed for a meeting. Unfortunately, this meeting was with mortals and actually concern business.
While he was well-educated, after all he had been alive for a hundred years, and he understood all of what was talked about at these meetings, it wasn't his favourite cover.
No, actually, he preferred posing as a lawyer. He chuckled as he entered the meeting room, he was sure that there was some kind of joke to be made there.
Still, at least it was a more interesting cover, but, oh well... He'd survive. This wouldn't last forever and for at least a little while Phoebe would provide a pleasant distraction.
* * * * *
