THREE

"Ho, ho, ho," Cole resounded with the young girl on his lap. "Merry Christmas. And what can Santa bring you this year?"

"I have to give him credit," said Paige, "Cole is doing a great job. For someone who had no idea how to do it over an hour ago he's doing pretty good."

"Phoebe must have done a good job coaching him," said Piper.

"He's a quick study," said Phoebe. "He seemed really eager to learn about it. And all the kids seem to love him."

Cole lifted the child off his lap and handed her to his "elf". He stood up and walked over to the sisters.

"I have to admit that was a lot of fun," he said. "I can see what I've been missing all these years. No wonder so many people like playing Santa every year."

"You were wonderful," said Phoebe, kissing him on the cheek. Suddenly "Merry Christmas Darling" began to play. "So, any chance I could get a dance with Santa?"

"It is the season for giving," Cole said, smiling at her.

Piper and Paige watched as they moved over to the improvised dance floor. Several other couples were dancing at the time but there was plenty of room. Despite the fact that they didn't really know anyone there they were having a good time. They had met many of the office staff and their families and everyone seemed very friendly and outgoing.

"You really did a great job with the kids," Phoebe said, kissing Cole on the neck. "You're a natural. When we get home I'm sure I can find a proper reward for you."

"Phoebe, please," said Cole, pulling back just slightly. "I have to present a certain air of dignity and decorum."

"Dignity and decorum?" Phoebe asked in astonishment. "Cole, I was just…."

"I know," said Cole. "But this isn't the time or place. Let's just enjoy the party and afterwards we can discuss it."

"Discuss it? Cole, what's gotten into you?"

"Nothing. I just don't think that a Christmas party with all of my bosses watching is the time or place to get amorous."

"I wasn't suggesting we do anything here," said Phoebe, a bit angry. "I was just suggesting when we get home."

"I realize that," said Cole. "I just think it's best if we discuss it later, that's all."

"Discuss what? What's there to discuss? Cole, it's not like we just met or started going out or anything. You've never acted like this before. First you get all strange over a joke about your costume pants and now you act like I'm trying to ravish you on the dance floor. Are you feeling okay?"

"I'm fine. But this is my office. I have to present myself in a professional manner."

"Cole, it's a party. You're allowed to let your hair down a bit. That's what these parties are for."

"Excuse me, Phoebe. I need to speak to Miss Grumble for a minute."

Cole turned and moved off leaving Phoebe standing in the middle of the room dumbfounded.

"Everything okay?" Piper asked, walking up to Phoebe.

"I don't know. Cole just shot me down."

"Shot you down?"

"Yeah. I suggested that when we get home I reward him for being such a good Santa. He said we'd discuss it. He acted like he wasn't even interested. You don't think he's losing interest in me, do you?"

"No, I don't sweetie. Cole loves you very much. He's probably just nervous, that's all. He's new here and he wants to make a good impression on his new bosses. I'm sure that once the party's over and you get home he'll be the same Cole you knew."

"Okay," said Phoebe half-heartedly. "I hope you're right. It's almost like he doesn't feel anything. That it's all business."

"I wouldn't worry. Probably just stress about the new job. Just try to enjoy yourself and don't worry about it. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"I suppose. Maybe you're right. Maybe it's just my imagination. Hey, where's the eggnog? Someone said it was really good."

"Right this way."

Phoebe glanced at Cole as she followed Piper to the eggnog. He was talking to one of the other attorneys and from all outward appearances he didn't seem any different from before. She decided that Piper was right. It was probably just the stress of the new job.

"Ho, ho, ho," Cole boomed as one of the senior partners sat on his lap.

A professional photographer carefully adjusted the lens on his camera, then snapped the picture. Smiling the partner rose from Cole's lap to let the next person in line sit down.

"So the pictures are for the company newsletter?" Paige asked Gerald.

"Yes," he said. "Many of the staff buy tickets to help the kids but have other obligations that conflict with them actually being here. So we take pictures of each staff member sitting on Santa's lap and put together a newsletter to show everyone what a great time we had. We have a copy of every newsletter since we started."

"That's a great idea," said Piper, looking at her watch. "I wonder where Leo is? He said he'd be here by now."

"I'm sure he'll be here," said Paige. "You know how his, uh, counseling sessions can be sometimes."

"What kind of counselor is he?" Gerald asked.

"Oh," said Piper, "I guess you'd call him a personal counselor. He, uh, helps people with their problems. Gives advice, information, that sort of thing."

"He must stay busy."

"Sometimes more than I'd like," smiled Piper.

Phoebe was watching Cole in puzzlement. In the hour since he had rebuffed her he had seemed cold and distant. Every time she had tried to show him any affection he would withdraw from her. He wasn't rude but he kept insisting that it would be inappropriate while they were at the party.

One of the paralegals was just taking her seat on Cole's lap. The photographer began adjusting the lighting and camera for the next picture. As Phoebe watched, she noticed Cole begin to rub the paralegals' back in a way that was more than just friendly.

"So," Cole grinned at the woman, "what can Santa bring you this Christmas, sweetheart?"

"Well, let's see," giggled the paralegal. "I think this year I'd like…."

The young woman suddenly got a very strange look on her face. Her eyes widened as she stood quickly and glanced toward Cole's waist.

"Oh, looks like Santa wants to deliver some of his presents early this year," she stammered as she hurriedly moved away from Cole.

Phoebe had observed the young woman's actions, though she wasn't close enough to hear the conversation and moved over to Cole as he stood up. As she approached he reached onto a nearby table and pulled off an empty platter.

"Cole, what's the matter? She acted like… Cole Turner!"

Phoebe glanced down and noticed the very inappropriate protrusion readily apparent on Cole. He hurriedly placed the platter in front of him holding it waist high.

"Phoebe, I don't know what happened. One minute I'm taking pictures with the staff, the next minute…. Oh, look at Ms. Crandle. I never noticed that she had such a nice pair of…."

"Cole!" Phoebe snapped pulling him off to one side. "What's gotten into you?'

"I don't know," his confusion was obvious. "It's as if I've suddenly…. Oh, excuse me, Phoebe. Margaret Barnes is standing under the mistletoe. Can't let that go to waste, now can we?"

Phoebe just stared at Cole as he pulled away from her and nearly ran to the wife of the senior partner of the law firm.