Double Trouble

The room was smoky and the lights were dim. Tori Phillips stood on the side of the stage and watched as Demi Moore worked her moves for her new movie, Striptease. Tori was an aerobics instructor turned professional trainer. Her twin sister Cori, was a champion body builder and also her partner.
"Looks great!" Tori stood up. "We need to work on your endurance though."
"Endurance?" Demi questioned.
"Yeah, you're outta breath after one dance." Tori shook her head.
"So, what do we need to do?" Demi grabbed a towel.
"We'll start out with cardiovascular workouts and Cori will work on toning your muscles as soon as she gets here." She looked at her watch. Cori was late again.
"Sorry!" Cori came running in.
"We were just starting anyway." Tori grinned. "How did it go?"
"I think I made it. Those were the toughest trials I've been through." Tori took a sip of her water.
"I'm happy for you." Tori smiled.
"What do we have to work with?"
"She needs to improve her endurance and definitely needs toned up." Tori explained.
"Let's get started." She took another drink of her water then went to work.

They worked with Demi for the rest of the afternoon. Lining out an aerobics workout and basic free weight workout for her to do at home. They returned to the house they shared together just outside LA around six. Cori hit the play button on the answering machine as she walked by to her room.
"Cori, it's Greg. Call me."
"Are you two going out tonight?" Tori popped her head in Cori's room.
"We're suppose to. I have a feeling he's gonna cancel." She huffed. She'd been dating him for a year and things were looking promising to her.
He was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor, a nice fit body, and a great personality. Still, she felt he was shying away from a commitment.
"I'm going to go to the market. Manda called and said that she'd be over around 8:00." Tori grabbed her purse.
"Ok." Cori stripped her clothes as she reached in and turned on the shower. Picking up the phone she dialed Greg's number.
"Hey, sweetheart." Greg cooed.
"Hi. Are we still on for tonight?" She smiled.
"I'm afraid I have to break our date. I'm sorry." Greg sighed.
"It's ok." She sat on the bed.
"Work called and is sending me out on the Red eye to Atlanta for the week."
"Oh. Call me when you get back." She pouted.
"Love you, sweet." He kissed into the phone.
"You, too." She hung up. What was she gonna do now? She hopped in the shower.

Tori returned around an hour later and found Cori sitting on the couch eating.
"What are you still doing here?" She plopped down on the couch beside her.
"Greg had to cancel. They flew him to Atlanta."
"Sorry. You can tag along with Manda and me to Alan's party." She raised her eyebrows.
"I guess I could." She smiled.
"It'll be fun. I promise."

They had been at Alan Gatewood's party for what Cori had thought was forever. Alan was an old friend of her and Tori's from school who now worked for a promotions company that catered to celebrities. She wondered out onto the balcony and stared out over LA. Alan had a wonderful view. You could see the entire city from here.
"What's a pretty littl' thing like you doin' out here all alone?" A sexy voice spoke. Cori turned around to see a tall, sexy blonde standing in the corner smoking a cigarette.
"I don't think that's any of your business." She smiled.
"It was just a polite question." He continued to stare.
Cori turned her attention back to the view. "Alan has an amazing view. I always come out here when I'm at his house."
"It is rather breathtaking." He slowly walked up beside her.
"I know." She glanced over at him.
He could still feel the tension in the air between them. She was wearing red, which happen to be his favorite color. It was a good color on her. Her dark hair hung down her back with a few strands over her shoulder. "Do you 'ave a name?"
"Doesn't everyone?" She flirted.
"I guess." He smiled. Smartass. Her and Sav would get along great. He laughed out loud at that one.
"What's so funny?" She turned to look at him.
"Nothin'." He put out the cigarette. He was just about to ask her name again when the balcony door came open.
"There you are." A slender, dark headed woman walked out. "What the fuck are ya doin'?"
"Don't start on me now." He glared at the woman. His voice had obviously taken on a different tone than when he had talked to Cori.
"Excuse me." Cori felt the need to go back in.
"Yeah, you do that." The other woman spat.
"Karla!" His voice grew with aggravation.

Cori made her way inside to find Tori. She walked around the room and refilled her drink. She finally found Manda sitting at a table.
"Have you seen Tori?" She sat down next to her.
"Over there talking to Chris." Manda pointed to Tori and Chris talking by the piano. Chris was an ex-boyfriend of Tori's who turned out to be good friends. The only problem that Cori saw, was that whenever they didn't have anyone to go home with from a party they hooked up. Cori wished her sister would move on.

"So, who is your date for the evening?" Chris flirted.
"I came with Cori and Manda." She ran her finger over the rim of her glass.
"Then you're free tonight?"
"Free as a bird." She giggled.
"Shall we go to my place?" Chris grabbed her hand.
"Sounds like a good idea." She smiled. "Let me go tell Cori."

Cori and Manda were talking when Tori walked up.
"I'm going to stay with Chris." Tori whispered in Cori's ear.
"Oh, Tori. Give it up." Cori huffed.
"It's nothing serious. Just a good release of tension." She giggled.
"Fine. Have fun." Cori smiled. She watched as Tori and Chris walked out. She shook her head. She wished Greg wasn't out of town.
"So, where have you been hiding all night?" Manda sipped her champagne.
"Trying not to die of boredom." Cori sighed. Her head snapped up as she saw the gentleman she was talking to on the balcony storm through the room with the woman following hot on his heels.
"What a jerk." She giggled at the sight.

Cori walked in the house that night and fell right to sleep. She got up the next morning and went for a run. Upon returning she walked into the exercise room and began her routine. She had stepped up her workout to prepare herself for the upcoming competition. She was half way through when Tori walked in.
"Morning." Tori smiled.
"Have fun last night?" Cori huffed while doing leg curls.
"Of course. You?" Tori hopped on the stationary bike.
"I slept alone."
"I saw you talking to that gorgeous blonde on the balcony. What happened to him?"
"His wife." She switched machines and began doing leg presses.
"Ouch!" She leaned her arms against the handles of the bike.
"Besides, I already have a boyfriend." She looked at her sister.

The girls continued to work with Demi throughout the week. They flew to San Francisco with her for the first week of filming to make sure she was ready as far as the director was concerned.
"She looks fabulous." Alan remarked to the girls as they watched the first day of shooting.
"Thanks." Tori smiled. "She was easy to work with."
Alan took a deep breath. "I've found a rock group that is getting ready to tour and needs a little work to help them get back in shape. They've been off the road for four years."
"Rock group?" Cori smiled. She loved that kind of music. More so than Tori, at least.
"And what group would that be?" Tori watched him.
"Def Leppard." Alan smiled.
"They're still around?" Tori raised her eyebrows.
"Yes, they're still around." Alan laughed. "And their tour manager wants the best for them."
"Set up a meeting." Cori smiled. "We'll see if we can do anything for them."
"Sounds good. I'll set it up for this week and have them meet us here." Alan reached for his cell phone.

Tori walked in with her planner and her briefcase. She looked around and when she found Alan, she quickly walked toward him.
"Hey. Where's Cor?"
"Who knows?" She smiled. "She'll be here in about five minutes."
"Fine." He led her into a room where six men had gathered. She looked around and smiled when she noticed a blonde haired man that looked vaguely familiar.
"Well 'ello!" He smiled at her. "Watched any good sunsets lately?"
"Excuse me?" She was confused. "Have we met?"
"Uh..."
"Sorry I'm late." Cori whirled in and sat next to Tori.
"Twins?" The men began to whisper.
Tori looked up and quickly red the look on his face. It was a look that she was used to. "I believe that question was meant for my sister." She giggled.
"Huh?" Cori looked up. "Oh. Hi." She smiled.
"Well, let's get on with it." A short bald man with an Irish accent spoke. "I'm Malvin Mortimer, manager for the Leps. These are Joe, Sav, Vivian, Phil and Rick." Each man nodded and smiled.
"These are Cori and Tori Phillips, two of the best trainers I've ever seen." Alan smiled.
"Aye." Phil's blue eyes sparkled as he elbowed Vivian.
"No doubt." He chuckled as whispered to Sav.
"Be nice." Sav watched the twins.
"Why do you feel our services are needed?" Cori rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Malvin.
"They boys have been off for a long while and need to get into shape before the tour." He smiled. "What types of activities do you currently partake in?" Tori prepared to write in her planner.
"I lift weights, do a little yoga, soccer, martial arts..." Phil flirted with the girls.
"Soccer." Joe smiled.
"Soccer." Sav followed.
"How often do you play?" Cori looked at her sister's notes.
"Occasionally." Rick smiled.
"Let me rephrase." Tori huffed. "When's the last time you played?"
"A few months ago." Malvin answered for them.
"Ah ha!" Cori laughed.
"What are your interests?"
"Anything to get their bums off the sofa!" Malvin again answered for them.
Tori looked back and forth at the men. "I wager that you'll need cardio to prep you for your stage act."
"Weights wouldn't hurt." Cori looked at her.
"I'm in pretty good shape all ready." Joe snapped.
"We'll see." The girls spoke.
"So?" Malvin looked at Alan.
"We'll look over your medical records and get back with you." Cori smiled.
"Medical records?" Sav frowned.
"We need to check your histories before placing you on a program. It's for your own good." Tori reassured him.
"Fine. Give us a call." Malvin stood.

The girls walked out of the room, as Alan remained to talk with Malvin. The guys followed them into the hall and Joe ran to catch up with Cori.
"I'll catch up with you outside." Tori smiled and pointed to Cori for Joe.
"Hey!" He fell into step next to her. Cori looked up to see him smiling at her.
"Where's the wife?" She huffed.
"Don't bloody care." He ran a hand through his hair.
"That's charming." She continued to walk down the hall. She was not in any mood to have someone hit on her right now. Especially, a married man.
"I thought maybe you and I could get a cup of coffee." He persisted.
"Look!" She turned on him. "You're married and I'm not interested. Men like you make my stomach turn." She jabbed her finger in his chest. "Now, you can cut this shit out now and we can talk about a professional relationship or, you can continue and forget the whole thing!" She snapped.
"Joe!" Malvin yelled from the doorway to the conference room. Joe didn't look at his manager just stared at Cori. Cori stood with her hands on her hips and met his gaze. "Joe!" Mal yelled again. This time Joe looked up and saw Mal shaking his head for him not to push it.
"My apologies." Joe nodded his head and walked away.
"Men." Cori mumbled as she headed for the door.

Phil walked out to see Tori waiting for her sister.
"Tori, is it?" He slid his sunglasses over his eyes.
"Yes." She smiled.
"I was wondering if I could ask you a question."
"Shoot." She crossed her arms.
"I bench about... 120, and lately I've had a pull in me shoulder." He pointed. "I've tried rest and ice and everything, but occasionally it flares up."
"May I?" She lifted her hands.
"Sure." He knelt down.
She felt around on his shoulder and noticed when he flinched. "What about massage?" She spoke as Sav walked up behind them.
"I'm not opposed to it." He looked up as Sav tried to keep from laughing.
"Well then." She straightened up and looked over at Sav. "It's an old injury. You need deep tissue massage to loosen up the scar tissue. I suggest you find a nice therapist." She looked up as Cori stormed out. "Have a nice day." She walked off.

"Crash and burn?" Sav smirked as Joe walked up.
"Piss off!" Joe watched Cori's retreating back. "She's just playin' hard to get."
"Yeah! And my wife's not leavin' me cause she's bored outta her bleadin' mind." He shot back.
"Dara's leavin' ya?" Joe looked at his best mate.
"Got the papers this mornin'." Sav sighed. "Doesn't want much but to 'ave the marriage over." He walked off.

"You are such a wanker!" Rick laughed at Phil.
"Piss off!" He smiled. "It was worth it."

"Wait up!" Tori caught up with her. "What happened?"
"Mister Ego tried to hit on me again." Cori huffed.
"He's kinda hot if you ask me." She giggled.
"He's married and I'm not interested." She climbed into the car.
"Yeah, right!" Tori spoke to herself as she climbed in.

The girls headed back to the hotel that night after dinner. They were both tired and just wanted sleep. They strolled through the lobby and stopped to pick up any messages. Tori was going through them when she heard the anger in Cori's voice.
"I can't fuckin believe this." Cori huffed.
"What?" Tori followed her gaze until it stopped at Greg in the lounge with another woman. "I thought he was in Atlanta?"
"He's gonna wish he was!" Cori started for the lounge. When she reached him, Greg's eyes slowly looked up at her.
"Shit." He closed his eyes.
"You wouldn't mind excusing us would you?" Cori looked at the woman.
"No problem." She quickly walked away.
"I'm gonna give you two minutes to tell me what the fuck is going on and then I'm gonna flatten your ass."
"Cori, it's not what you think." He stood and reached for her.
"Cut the bullshit!" She yelled. "Who the fuck is she?"
"Angela. I've been seeing her for about three months." He hung his head.
"I don't fuckin believe this! Why didn't you just leave me? Why cheat?" She shoved him. Her temper growing by the minute.
"I didn't want to let you go." He tried to smooth things over.
"Your two minutes are up!" She drew back and punched him in the nose.
"Ouch! Cori!" He grabbed his now bleeding nose. "I think you broke my nose!"
"You're lucky that's all!" She turned on her heel and walked to her room.

Tori heard the door slam and sighed. "Great!" She got up and walked to the adjoining door. She knocked and waited for an answer. Suddenly, the door came flying open. There stood Cori with her arms crossed and tears brinking her eyes.
"You ok?" Tori asked softly.
"He was fuckin cheating on me!" She huffed. "I can't believe I was such a fool."
"And what dare I ask did you do to him?" She noticed her red knuckles.
"I broke his nose." She turned and grabbed a drink from her mini bar.
"Sounds like he deserved it." Tori followed her.
"I thought we had something good. Turns out I couldn't have been more wrong." She huffed. "Men are pigs!" She took a drink of wine.
"Not all of them, just ones like Greg."

Over the next couple of days the girls finished overseeing Demi on the shoot. Once that was over they sat down and finally went over the records for the Leps.
"These guys are in serious need of work." Cori threw down a file.
"I think Phil is the only one that seems to care what he does to his body." Tori replied.
"I can't say that the other five do." She grabbed a bottle of water and threw one to Tori. "Rick seems to be in decent shape." She sat down on the floor amongst the paperwork. She picked up Joe's file and opened it up. "Listen to this. Joe is thirty-seven, he doesn't work out except for the occasional soccer game, he smokes, his eating habit aren't the greatest......."
"He eats meat, doesn't he?" Tori wrinkled her nose.
"Yes. But, that's not what I was referring to." She giggled.
"Phil and Rick are veggies. As well as Vivian." Tori smiled.
"There's a plus." She continued to look at Joe's picture. Why did he have to have such gorgeous eyes?
"So, are we going to take the job? Malvin wants and answer by the end of the week." Tori rubbed her eyes.
"We'll call when we get back to LA." She sat the file down. "I'm gonna turn in." She yawned.
"Sounds good." Tori stretched.
"Night." Cori walked into her room and shut the door.

The Leps sat around Phil's house and discussed the tour.
"Where's Jackie?" Sav sipped his water.
"She left." Phil sighed. "I got the papers this mornin’."
"Join the club." Joe looked at him.
"Karla leavin’ you too?" Viv looked over at him.
"Nope. I'm leavin’ her." Joe huffed. "I came home to find her in bed with a local."
"Ouch!" Rick grimaced.
"So ya goin' to go after Cori?" Sav teased. He and Joe were best friends and knew that his marriage had been over for some time and neither one wanted to break down and file.
"I think it will be a cold day in hell before she gives Joe the time of day." Viv laughed.
"Yeah, well....." Joe smiled. "We'll see about that."
"What about you?" Rick looked at Phil. "I saw ya puttin' the moves on her sister."
"I was just askin' about me shoulder." Phil sipped his juice.
"Wanker." Sav laughed.

The girls returned to LA a couple of days later. They listened to their messages when they got back to find that Alan had called to get an answer.
"So?" Tori looked at Cori.
"It's a challenge." She smiled. "I can't turn that down."
"I'll call Alan." She giggled.
"Fine. I'm gonna get my workout in." She walked back to her room.

The next day the girls again met with Malvin and the Leps.
"Listen up cause there are rules that Tori and I set that must be followed." Cori began after everyone was settled.
"Rules?" Sav gasped.
"Problem with that?" Tori raised her eyebrows.
"Depends on the rules I guess." Joe glared at Cori.
"I won't be treated like I'm a six year old, Mal." Sav looked up at his manager. Malvin chuckled at the guys.
"Then don't act like one." Mal answered.
"Can I finish?" Cori looked at the group.
"I suppose." Viv huffed.
"As I was saying there are rules. You have asked for our help. First, we'll sit down with each of you and lay out the workout we've planned. Some of you need a little more work than others." She looked at Joe. "When we have completed that, we'll start the routine. We only have two months till the tour starts so you will have to take your workout serious." She continued. She laid out the ground rules and they wrapped up the meeting. "Now, we'll start with the individual plans." She looked at Tori.
“Shall we get started?” Joe looked at Cori.
“Fine.” She looked at her sister. “I’ll start with him and work my way around.”
“I’ll start with Phil.” Tori smiled.
“Now.” Cori sat in the corner with Joe. “You have some nasty habits that we need to take care of.”
“Nasty?” Joe chuckled.
“Yeah.” She glared at him. “Smoking, you drink way to much and quite honestly, you don’t workout enough.” She pointed to his stomach.
“That’s why you’re here, love.” He flirted.
“Then you better keep your mind on the task at hand.” She smirked. She was about to speak again when her cell phone rang. She looked at the caller id to see it was Greg. Rolling her eyes, she answered the phone.
“Excuse me.” She put the phone to her ear. “What?” She huffed.
“We need to talk.” Greg pleaded.
“Look.” She turned her back to Joe. “I’m in the middle of business and quite honestly, I don’t have a damn thing to say to you.”
“Cor, please. I’m so sorry.” He begged.
“Do me a favor. Go tell your lies to Angela!” She slammed the phone shut. Joe couldn’t help but over hear the conversation. So that was her problem. She and the boyfriend were fighting.
“Everythin’ ok?” Joe looked concerned.
“Fine.” She huffed. “Now where were we?” She picked up his file.

The band began to assemble in the yard behind Joe's house. They were all wearing T-shirts and sweat pants, waiting for their new trainers to arrive.
"I have an ideer." Sav smiled as everyone looked at him. "We renegotiate their contracts to include a "Phillips Twins Swimwear Calendar"." He grinned from ear to ear.
"That is brilliant!" Vivian shook his hand.
"I think it's unanimous." Joe smiled.
"Why did we decide this was a good thing?" Tori stopped short of the corner and looked at her sister.
"It's a challenge." Cori huffed. "C'mon." She walked around the corner. "Good morning."
"Mornin'." Their mouths dropped to see both girls in tiny shorts and sports bras.
"How's it goin'?" Tori dropped her bag and looked up.
There were five sets of eyes that seemed to be undressing them mentally.
"If we have to say everything twice, it's gonna be a long day." Cori crossed her arms.
“Pick up your chins, lads. Remember the manners your mums taught you.” Mal rounded the corner behind the girls.
“Ready to start?” Tori looked over the group.
“Sure.” Five voices responded.
“We’ll start out with a nice warm-up to get the heart rate going then work into the rest.” Tori smiled at Cori.
“You have two choices. You can do a two-mile run with me or you can do a basic warm-up with Tori.”
The guys looked at each other and fell into groups. Phil and Rick immediately fell in behind Tori with Sav quickly following with Viv behind him. Cori looked at Joe as he smiled and took a step towards her.
“Oh, this is goin to be good.” Sav laughed.
“Joe, run two miles?” Phil followed.
“He’ll pass out after the first two blocks!” Viv snickered.
“Let’s go!” Cori walked over to stretch. The others followed Tori over to the other side of the yard where they lined up and began to stretch as well.
“Remember, you don’t want to pull anything so every time you work out you want to make sure you loosen your muscles first.” Tori instructed to the group.
“How do you know when you’ve stretched enough?” Sav questioned.
“There’s no real point that’s enough. You just want to make sure you give the muscles an easy start before jumping into the workout.” She replied as touched her toes.

“Ready?” Cori looked at Joe when they finished stretching.
“Lead the way.” He put his sunglasses over his eyes.
“C’mon.” She took off out the back gate. They started down the street. They made it roughly a half-mile before Joe was panting.
“You don’t normally run, do you?” Cori glanced at him.
“Only on the soccer field.” He wiped the sweat from his forehead, as his eyes moved over Cori’s body. She was extremely fit with a lot of definition. He wondered what she did. “Can I ask you a question?”
“I’m sure you will even if I say no.”
“What else do you do besides bein’ a personal trainer?” He again looked over her frame.
“I’m a body builder.” She smiled. She was very proud of her body and her profession. “I’m the current lightweight champion.”
“Wow!” He was surprised. “You look amazin’.” He flirted.
“Now, let me ask you a question.” She smiled.
“Shoot.”
“Does your wife know that you hit on other women?”
“My wife is to busy with her own affairs to worry what I’m doin’.” He frowned.
“Sorry.” She suddenly felt bad for bringing it up. She knew what it felt like to be cheated on and her own wounds were as fresh as his were by the sound of it.
“Don’t be. You ‘ave every right to ask that question.” He slowed his pace to a walk. They were rounding the corner back to his house. “What about you? The boyfriend a jealous type?”
“Excuse me?”
“Your conversation the other day made it sounded as though he’s ……”
“Do you always make it a habit of eavesdropping on other people’s conversations?” She huffed. This man really could get under her skin.
“Kinda hard not to when I’m sittin’ right next to you.” He defended. “If I didn’t know better I’d ‘ave to say you sound like a woman scorned.”
“Then you better remember the saying for those women.” She walked through the gate and joined Tori.
“Need some oxygen?” Rick teased.
“A cold shower is more like it.” Sav laughed.
“I told you, she’s only playing hard to get.” Joe watched Cori as she talked with Tori.

They worked with the guys for the rest of the afternoon.
“I’m beat!” Sav leaned against Phil as they piled into Joe’s house.
“I didn’t think it was that bad.” Phil smiled.
“Me either.” Rick grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.
“What’s for dinner?” Viv sat at the bar.
“Take out?” Joe rubbed his face.
“I don’t think so.” Tori stood in the doorway.
“Why not?” Sav huffed.
“Along with a good workout you need to have a healthy diet.” Cori opened up the fridge.
“Tori, make a list.” She giggled as she surveyed the contents of the fridge.
“Ready.” Tori opened her planner.
“He has water, beer, wine, and leftover Chinese.” Cori gave Joe a disapproving look.
“Who’s gonna help me at the market?” Tori looked around the room.
“I’ll go.” Phil jumped up. “C’mon, Rick. We may learn a thing or two.”
“Grab some chicken while you’re at it.” Cori gave her a stern look.
“If I must.” Tori grumbled as she headed out with Phil and Rick.
“What was that all about?” Sav looked at her.
“Tori is a veggie.” She giggled.
“Oh, those three will get on great.” Joe laughed.
“What shall we do whilst we wait on them to return?” Viv looked at Cori.
“Whatever you like.” She smiled.
“You lads can shower upstairs if you’d like.” Joe looked at them.
“Sounds like a bloody good ideer.” Sav jumped to his feet.
“I’ll just run to the house and take one.” Viv followed. Joe tried to hide his grin.

“They won’t come back will they?” Cori turned to Joe.
“Sav is just goin’ upstairs and Viv lives down the street. We actually passed his house on our run earlier.” He opened up the cabinet. Spotting what he was looking for he grabbed the bag of chips and shut the door.
“Oh, no!” She snapped them out of his hands. “No junk food.” She threw them in the trash.
“None?”
“None.” She smiled at the look on his face.
“You play some serious hard ball.” He sat at the bar, opposite her.
“You need to take it serious if you want to get in shape.” She glared at him. “So far, I don’t think any of you are.”
“We’ve been in the studio for the last four years. We’d work from 12:00 to 1:00 in the morning. With a schedule like that your habits get a littl’ outta whack.”
“Still at it six days a week?” She surprised him with her question.
“Know a littl’ about us, do you?” He smiled.
“I listen to your music once in a while.” She lied. She listened to it quite often. She had ever CD they had put out along with a couple of bootleg versions. She wasn’t about to swell his head more than it was by telling him that though.
“I’m surprised.” He sipped his water. “You didn’t strike me as the type to ‘ave ever listened to us.”

"Where should we go?" Tori looked up as they piled into the car.
"There's a place on O'Connell Street that caters to veggies." Phil smiled.
"Really? That's awesome!" She smiled. "But I do have my orders to bring back... chicken." She scrunched her nose.
"We'll do that on the way back. You have to see this place." Rick gave her directions as she drove.
"So, what do you do, Tori? I mean besides beating men into shape?" Phil flirted.
She laughed before speaking. "Aerobics is my life. I'm an instructor and I compete professionally. I'm also a clinical nutritionist, so I'll probably be one person you'll see in the kitchen quite a bit."
"And for fun?" Rick pointed out the window.
"Oh... a little of everything. I played soccer and basketball in college. I absolutely love aquatics. I'm hoping we can do a few things with you guys in the pool next month."
"This is it." Rick smiled.

They walked into the shop and looked around. Tori was in tofu heaven.
"Oh my goodness!" She smiled. "This is great!"
"We like it." Rick grabbed a cart for her.
"Let's start with beans... corn... lentils... peas... squash...sunflower seeds... peanuts... tomatoes... potatoes... rice..." She mumbled as they loaded up the cart.
"Joe and Sav will die!" Rick helped carry the bags out.
"They'll get over it." Phil huffed.
"I'm thinking veggie pizza sounds fabu right now." Tori followed them.
"Let's go work on it." Rick smiled.

“So you’re a personal trainer slash professional body builder. What is it you do for fun?” Joe smiled.
“Body building is fun.” She smiled. “I also play soccer and swim.” She sipped her water.
“But, what do you do for fun?” He asked again.
“I told you.” She watched him. “What do you consider fun?”
“I play soccer as well. I also like to play golf and attend the occasional party.” He leaned back. “Music takes a lot of me time.”
“No wonder you’re out of shape.” She teased.
“That and he can’t get his arse off the couch.” Viv walked back in.
“Piss off!” Joe flipped him the bird.

Tori, Phil, and Rick walked in and Cori asked where the chicken is. "Oh damn! I forgot it!" Tori smiled.
"Un, huh." Cori crossed her arms.
"Seriously. I was so impressed with tofu heaven that I forgot." She smiled at Phil. "I'll make veggie pizza and then we can get chicken tomorrow."
"Veggie pizza?" Joe's eyes widened.
"God no!" Sav overheard them and walked into the kitchen.
"In defense of my dear sister, " Cori turned to them. "Her veggie pizza is to die for."
"I'll believe it when I taste it." Joe huffed.
"I'll not be suffered into submission!" Sav looked sternly between the girls.

Tori moved around the kitchen with ease as Phil and Rick stood looking over her shoulder.
“Maybe we can get together sometime and you can show me how to make some of your dishes.” Phil smiled at her.
“Sure.” She returned his smile. “I’d love to.”
“How can you guys stand to eat that shit?” Sav looked at the pizza.
“The pizza or starve, little boy.” Tori shot him a grin.
“You shouldn’t knock it till you try it.” Viv laughed.
“I enjoy red meat.” He stuck his tongue out.

Cori was about to interrupt when her cell phone rang. She excused herself and walked out on the back deck.
“Cori Phillips.” She answered.
“Baby, please don’t hang up on me.” Greg blurted immediately. Cori huffed and closed her eyes. She didn’t want to talk to him yet, she couldn’t change her number without re-distributing it to tons of people.
“Greg, we’ve been over this already. You’re a pig!” Her voice rose. “Now, I would appreciate it if you would quit calling me.”
“Please, baby. I told Angela we were through. I want to work things out with you.”
“To late.” She wiped away a tear. “You shouldn’t have cheated on me in the first place.” She hung up. She took a minute to compose herself before she returned to the house.

“Would you like to freshen up before dinner?” Joe whispered in Cori’s ear. She met his eyes and shook her head. “C’mon.” He took her hand and led her upstairs to his room. She stopped in the doorway as she realized where he was taking her. “Yes, it’s my bedroom.” He read her thoughts. “You will have more privacy in here than in the one in the hall.” He persuaded her to follow him in. He walked through the room into the adjoining bathroom.
He finally dropped her hand and went to work on gathering a fresh towel and some soap. “Here, this should work.” He handed her the bottle of soap. Cori smiled as she read the label. Cucumber Facial Wash. “It was my wife’s. I thought you may want to use it verses regular soap.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. Joe smiled back at her. It was the first time she was genuinely nice to him. She turned on the water to let it heat up. As she bent over the sink she turned her attention to where he stood still watching her. “I don’t need an audience.”
“Oh!” He realized he was staring. “I’ll meet ya back downstairs. Do you need anything else?” “I’m fine.” She splashed her face with water.

Tori laughed as she watched Joe and Sav eye the pizza she sat in front of them. The rest of the group dug in without a second thought.
"She can't be serious." Sav whispered to Joe.
"Just choke it down and we'll grab somethin' after they leave." Joe swallowed his first bite. To his surprise, it wasn't as bad as he expected. Sav on the other hand didn't agree. He didn't understand how anyone could eat this.
"You owe me a bleedin' steak for this." He grumbled back at Joe.
"It was Mal's idea not mine."
"Yeah, but, you didn't buck one time after takin' a look at her." Sav motioned towards Cori.
"How is it?" Tori smiled.
"Great!" Phil spoke over a mouth full of pizza. Cori laughed as Rick shook his head in agreement.
"I told ya." Cori looked at Joe.
"I’d still rather 'ave meat." He felt Sav kick him under the table.
"I promise we'll have chicken tomorrow." Cori stared down Tori. "So, to ensure that, I'll be the cook."
"Fine!" Tori scrunched her nose. "I'll just make a veggie dish for the rest of us."

After the first week the guys where ready to fall over.
"This bloody sucks!" Sav fell onto the couch and covered his face with his arm.
"Don't like the fact that you 'ave to take orders from a woman?" Rick teased.
"Bite me!" Joe sunk into the chair. "I think we should go out and let loose t'night."
"Hell yes!" Sav shot up.
"And catch hell from the twins?" Viv frowned.
"Fuck that! I'm ready to 'ave a few drinks and kick back." Sav smiled. "You with me?" He looked at Joe.
"That's a stupid question." He got up to go take a shower.
"I'll meet you back here in an hour." Viv walked to the door.
"Cool!" Sav smiled.

They gathered around a table at a local pub and worked on the second round of the evening.
"Damn!" Joe sighed as he took another drink.
"Ahh." Sav followed.
"You two are pathetic." Phil laughed.
"Yeah, so." Sav smiled. "I'm enjoyin' myself."
"He's right. And to think we 'ave two more months." Joe took another drink.
"I don't think it's all that bad." Rick worked on his water.
"What is it with the two a' you?" Joe crossed his arms and looked at Phil and Rick.
"What?" Phil smirked.
"Yeah, you've been way to cooperative." Sav jumped in.
"These girls are right up our alley." Rick smiled.
"Please!" Joe and Sav huffed.
"You're just green cause Cori hasn't offered to jump in the sack with ya yet." Viv chuckled.
"Maybe so, but, he's still a married man." Phil looked at him.
"And so are you." Joe returned his stare.

Cori knocked on Malvin's door and waited for an answer.
"Aye!" He smiled as he opened the door.
"Hey, Mal. The guys here?" She smiled.
"No. Should they be?" He looked confused.
"They mentioned that they were having a meeting and couldn't do the dinner thing tonight."
"We didn't 'ave a meetin', lass." Mal began to frown.
"What's their favorite pub?" Cori huffed. She didn't realize when they took this job that it would be so much like the baby-sitting she and Tori had done as teenagers.
"Try Whelans." Mal sighed. "Let me know if that's where they are and I'll 'ave a talk with them in the mornin'." He shook his head.
"Fine. I will." She walked back to the car. "Whelans." She spoke to Tori.
"I have an idea." Tori giggled and took off. They pulled into the house the guys rented for them and she shut off the car.
"What are you doing?" Cori looked at her.
"We'll change into something killer and then head over. Make it look like we were going out to enjoy ourselves as well." She smiled.
"You're bad!" Cori's eyes glittered with mischief.

An hour later they walked into Whelans and looked around.
"Shit!" Viv choked on his beer.
"What is it, mate?" Sav laughed.
"The twins." He pointed to the door.
"What?" Joe's head snapped around to find Tori and Cori walking towards them. Both wearing black leather pants. Cori had on a red silk tank while Tori had on a black one. "Hey!" Tori smiled. The guys didn't say a word.
"Cat got your tongues?" Cori teased.
"Nope." Sav took a big drink of his beer.
"We didn't know you guys were going out tonight too." Tori smiled at Phil. She also noticed the bottle of Perrier water in front of him. At least one good one in the bunch.
"We finished up our meetin' early and decided to relax." Joe looked Cori over.
"Sure you have the right sister this time?" She whispered in his ear. He could feel the hair on the back of his neck rise as her breath brushed against his skin.
"We won't bother you long." Tori looked around the table. "We just thought we'd be polite and say hello." She tapped Cori's arm.
"Have a good time." Cori waived as the girls headed for the bar.

"What are they up to?" Sav looked suspicious.
"Yeah, that was way to easy." Viv agreed.
"Did you see those pants?" Joe kept his eyes on Cori. The guys busted out in laughter.
"Cold shower for you t'night, mate!" Sav smacked him on the back.
"Give it up already. She's not interested." Rick followed.
"Piss off, wankers!" Joe stood and made his way to the bar.

"Ladies." A nice looking gentleman sat on each side of the girls.
"Guys." They both smiled.
Joe stopped and had his drink refilled as he watched the girls flirt with the men.
"American?" The guy next to Cori smiled.
"Yes. LA." She sipped her soda.
"Nice place." The other one spoke to Tori.
"It's home." Tori flirted.
Joe waited for the men to move on before he moved over to talk to Cori.
"Aye." He slid into the barstool next to her. She looked over and rolled her eyes.
"Joe."
"Gettin' friendly with the locals?" He raised his brows.
"Jealous?" She smiled.
"Maybe." He flirted. Damn she looked hot in that outfit.
"Next time invite us." She grabbed her drink and went to grab a table. Joe walked back over to the table with the guys and continued to drink. The girls were constantly surrounded by men competing for their attention.

"Look at them." Joe lit a cigarette.
"They're never that nice to us." Viv watched them as well.
"Bloody women!" Sav slurred. "Who the hell needs them!"
"I think ol' Sav's had his limit." Phil laughed.
"Piss off!" He huffed and ashed his cigarette in his beer.
"Yep, he's cut off." Rick pulled his glass away.

The girls paid their tab and walked out. The guys followed shortly behind them. Joe with a blonde in tow headed for his house.
"You lads comin'?" Joe looked over his shoulder.
"Right behind ya." Viv helped Sav into his car.

The next morning Tori and Cori showed up at Joe's with Malvin and a megaphone.
"Ready?" Tori whispered.
"Yep." Cori had an evil grin on her face. They walked to the end of the hall. Giving each other a quick look they began pounding on the doors as Mal yelled through the megaphone.
"Wake up!" She yelled.
"Get your arses up and let's get at it!" Mal yelled again.
"Fuck!" Joe yelled as his door came flying open. Cori stood with her mouth open as she noticed the blonde cuddled up next to him.
"Um....." She turned her head.
Shit!, Joe thought. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
"It's time for your run!" Cori ordered and shut the door.
"Get up!" Tori pounded on Rick's door.
"Piss off!" Sav yelled from his room.

They assembled in the back yard ten minutes later.
"Who the bloody hell gets up this fuckin early?" Sav held his head. It was still pounding from the night before.
"Mornin’s suck." Viv huffed.
"What's the schedule?" Phil smiled. Tori giggled at the fact he and Rick were the only ones that were bright eyed for five in the morning.
"Where's Joe?" Mal looked around.
"Takin' care of business." Rick nudged Phil.
"He had a littl' company last night." Viv chuckled.
"This better be fuckin' good!" Joe grumbled as he walked outside.
"Tori and I had a little talk last night." Cori began. "We've realized that we can't make you stick to the diet we've set for you. You hired us and you are the ones that need to be in shape. So, if you wish to drink and go out and stay up to all hours fine." She waited for their responses. The looks on their faces were priceless. "But, you will stick to our regiment or we aren't going to waste our time on you anymore." She crossed her arms. The group was silent for a few minutes then Mal stepped up.
"It's my job to make sure your arses are in shape. If you want to play then you 'ave to pay." Mal chuckled.
"This is a surprise two miler." Tori began to stretch. "I want you to stretch then we'll be on our way."

The guys barely made it through the run. When they returned to the house they started to walk in.
"We're not finished." Cori stopped them.
"We're gonna finish our morning workout before breakfast." Tori followed up.
"Excuse me?" Sav huffed.
"I'm hungry!" Joe yelled.
"Give us a minute."

Cori grabbed his arm and drug him into the house. "Listen!"
"Don't take that tone with me." He glared at her.
"Shut up!" She angered. "I'm here because you want me to be. Like you were told before if you don't like it, quit wasting my time."
"What the fuck is this?" Joe waived his arm. "Just because we had a few drinks last night and had a littl' fun...which I don't think you're capable of...you get our arses up before the bleedin' sun and work the hell outta us?" He angered. He wasn't really mad at her as much as he was himself. He had brought another woman home with him last night only to have the one he really wanted find them together this morning. She also, had to keep pushing him. Teasing him with her little outfits and that gorgeous body.
"You are such an arrogant, self centered, son-of-a-bitch!" She yelled.

He blamed it on instinct when he reached out and pulled her into his arms planting a kiss on her. She struggled momentarily before giving in and meeting his tongue with hers.
Damn! This man could kiss! She was about to lace her arms around his neck when she realized what she was doing. She pushed against his chest and pushed away from his embrace.
"You have a lot of nerve!" She huffed. Still a little breathless from the kiss.
"Excuse me?" He chuckled. Shocked by her actions.
"How dare you kiss me!"
"You kissed me back!" He shot back.
"In your dreams!" She stormed outside.

The following week went a little smoother with most of the guys. They were close to the end of the first month and the guys were looking better already.
"Mal, we have an idea." Tori started.
"What do you think about doing the next month of training back in LA?" Cori smiled.
"LA?" Mal questioned.
"Yeah. I need to work on my own training. Plus, Tori wants to do some aquatic work with the guys." Cori explained.
"I'll set aside some time for us to discuss it with the lads." Mal smiled. "It sounds like a good idea to me."

They worked with the guys throughout the day with little fuss. Cori and Joe were still avoiding each other each chance they got.
"What's up with you?" Mal sat with Joe as he took a smoke break inside his studio.
"Nothin'." He took a long drag from his cigarette.
"Don't tell me that. You and Cori 'ave been avoidin' each other like the plague." Mal pulled up a chair.
"She's a pain in the arse!" Joe huffed.
"What did you do?" Mal pushed.
"She did it as much as me." He sighed.
"And what would that be?"
"We kissed." Joe looked at him.
"What the hell were ya thinkin'?" Mal smacked him on the back of the head.
"Ouch!" Joe rubbed the back of his head. "What did you do that for?"
"'Cause you're bein' stupid again!" Mal crossed his arms.
"I'm not in the mood."
"Tuff! Look...you guys need these girls. This is your first tour in four years and you guys are comin' out of some tuff times. Don't fuck this up, Joe." Mal warned.
"Whatever!" He walked out.

After dinner everyone gathered around the table to talk. The guys watched as Mal sat down at the head of the table.
"The girls and I had a chat." He started.
"What are they bitchin' about now?" Joe glared at Cori.
"We've done everythin' they've asked." Sav jumped in.
"I know." Mal held up his hand.
"Then what's up?" Rick turned his attention to the girls.
"Did these wankers do somethin' wrong?" Phil pointed to Joe, Sav, and Viv.
"No." Tori smiled.
"The girls want to head back to LA to finish the time up before the tour." Malvin explained.
"Sounds like an ideer." Viv smiled at the thought of seeing his wife again.
"I think so too." Rick's thoughts were the same.
"Best ideer I've heard all week." Phil sighed.
"Lads?" Mal looked stern at the other two.
"Whatever they bloody want." Joe walked out.
"It's ok with me." Sav watched Joe walk out.
"I'll make the arrangements and we'll fly out at the end of the week." Mal stood and looked at Sav. "Maybe you should 'ave a talk with him." He pointed in the direction that Joe stalked off.
"Gotcha." Sav went off to find Joe.

Sav found Joe on the back deck smoking a cigarette. He sat down quietly in the chair next to him and lit his own.
"Wanna talk?" Sav spoke after a few minutes.
"No." Joe exhaled a puff of smoke.
"What happened?" Sav continued as if he didn't hear him.
"We kissed." Joe finally sighed.
"You kissed and now you two are at each other's throats like you hate each other with a passion."
"It was the mornin' after we went out." Joe rubbed his eyes. He was tired. Not just from the workout but from the lack of good sleep due to his conscious.
"I'm confused." He took another puff of his cigarette.
"She completely went off on me." Joe ran a hand through his hair. "I don't understand her."
Sav chuckled softly. "You've never had to work this hard to get a girl you wanted."
"It sucks!" Joe put out his cigarette.
"Maybe you should apologize." Sav suggested.

Tori sighed and stood up from the table. She couldn't help but notice that Phil winced as he stood.
"What is it?" She watched him.
"Nothin'." He smiled.
"Liar." Cori looked at her sister.
"It's nothin'. I just slept wrong or somethin'."
"Let me take a look?" Tori begged.
"Will it get you off me back?" He smiled at Rick.
"Wanker." Vivian mouthed.
"C'mon." Tori led him to the weight room. "Take your shirt off and lie face down on the bench press."
"Yes, ma'am." He chuckled to himself.

She began to feel around on his shoulders. She carefully moved around inch by inch to feel the outlines of his muscles. That's when she found...
"Ah!" He jumped up.
"Sorry. Found the problem, though." She poured mineral oil into her hands.
"Aya." He moaned.
"This might hurt." She glided her hands over his back.
He closed his eyes and smiled. Cori walked in and crossed her arms.
"You're enjoying that entirely too much."
"Hurts like hell, though." He groaned.
"Finished." Tori patted his back.
He sat up as Rick and Vivian walked past the door.
"Wanker!" They both laughed.

Joe found Cori in the makeshift weight room working out. He quietly walked in and sat on the bench and watched as she finished doing a rep of squats.
She returned the barbell to its holder and grabbed a towel. She wiped her face and looked over at him.
"I'm busy." She spoke as she walked over to the other bench.
"I know." He spoke calmly. It caught Cori's attention. It was the first time in a week that they had spoken without an edge in their voices.
"What's up?" She sipped her water.
"Um...." He took a deep breath. "Look,.....about...the other mornin'...." He stared at the floor.
"Yes?"
"You did kiss me back." He whispered.
"Like I said. I'm busy." She felt the anger swell. She was mad at him for being so smug. And she was also mad at herself for liking it. For liking him.
"Will you just sit down for a minute?" He looked up at her, a bit annoyed.
"Fine." She returned to her seat.
"Why can't you admit it?" He kept his eyes locked with hers.
"There's nothing to admit."
"Liar." He clenched his fists together in an effort to remain calm.
"What is this all about? Because I'm busy and I really need to finish this workout." She huffed.
"I'm tryin' to apologize if you would settl' your arse down!" He blurted.
"You call this an apology?" She laughed. That only annoyed him more.
"Yes!" He angered.
"I hope you perform better than you apologize." She moved to finish her workout when he pulled her onto his lap.
"Damn woman." He took her bottom lip into his mouth. Cori closed her eyes as she felt her heartbeat quicken. Her breath caught in her throat as he covered her mouth with his in a passionate kiss. His hands slid down her sides and grasped her hips pulling her to straddle him. She laced her arms around his neck and he pulled her hips down against his.
"I told you, you kissed me back." He broke from the kiss.
"Shut up." She leaned in for another kiss. His hand came up and cradled the back of her neck as she spread her palms against his chest.

"Oops!" Tori stopped in the doorway. Joe and Cori jumped apart. Joe cleared his throat as Cori reached for her towel.
"I forgot my shirt." Tori quickly picked it up and walked out.

"I should finish up." Cori looked at him.
"Yeah." He ran a hand through his hair.
"See ya in the morning?" She smiled.
"In the mornin'." He walked out and went directly to his bedroom. He was in desperate need of a cold shower now. He closed the door to his bedroom as the phone rang. "Ello." He picked up the cordless handset from the nightstand.
"Joe." Karla's voice came across. Joe closed his eyes and felt the feeling of the moment seep away.
"Karla." His voice was short and gruff. "What do you want?"
"We need to talk. I've signed the separation papers but, I want to see you before I hand them over."
"Why?" He paced around his room like a caged animal. He didn't want to play games. He didn't want to have to see her, he just wanted the marriage to be over and to get on with his life. She had cheated on him and he couldn't, wouldn't forgive that.
"Come on, Joe. We've been married for eight years. Don't I deserve to talk to you? I am still your wife."
"You lost all right to do anythin' with me when you fucked around!" He yelled.
"Don't yell at me!" She cried.
"Then don't call me!" He slammed the phone down. Damn, he needed a drink. He grabbed a cigarette and stalked through the house. Stopping in the kitchen he grabbed a bottle of Dewars and walked outside.

Tori watched him and decided to follow him. She wanted to know what was up with him and Cori. Cori had been hurt once by Greg and she wouldn't sit back and watch this man do the same thing. Joe heard her follow him out but didn't turn around.
"I'd like to be alone." He took a drink from the bottle.
"To bad." Tori crossed her arms. "You're breaking the rules plus I want to know what the hell it is you're doing to my sister."
"Your sister?" Joe turned to look at her.
"Look, you're still married and she's already been through one bad relationship......."
"Is that what her problem is?" Joe saw the light come on in his head. Maybe the two of them had something in common after all.
"They broke up just before we came to Ireland." Tori sighed. "She'd kill me if she knew I was talking about her personal life." She looked up at Joe.
"What did he do?" Joe leaned back against the railing.
"She caught him with another woman." Tori felt the heat rise in her face. She was angry when she thought about Cori's heart being broken. "She confronted him and he's tried to weasel his way out of it ever since." She laughed when she thought of the scene in the lounge at the hotel.
"I don't see anything funny about it." Joe huffed, knowing what Cori must be feeling. His wife had done the same thing.
"I'm laughing at what she did to him." Tori covered her mouth as she laughed. It was contagious. Joe began to chuckle himself.
"What?"
"She broke his nose in one punch that night." She laughed.
"Ouch!" Joe winced. "She has a temper on her."
"She's not angry with you." Tori jumped in. "She's attracted and that aggravates her."
"Why?" Joe was stunned.
"You're still married. She doesn't want to get into a situation where she'll get hurt again."
"I see." He turned back to his view over the hills.
"I just wanted to let you know where you stand and what you're up against." Tori turned to walk back in.
"Why?" Joe stopped her.
"I think you would be good for her." Is all she said before she walked in.

Phil sat at the bar in Joe's kitchen and read the London Times. He sipped on a cup of coffee and enjoyed the peace while the others were still asleep. He heard the front door open and a smile instantly crept to his lips.
"Morning." Tori smiled as she unloaded a bag of fruit.
"G'mornin." He sat his cup down and dropped his paper.
"Up early?" She washed her hands and proceeded to cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
"Gettin' ready to do my yoga workout."
"Sounds exciting." She giggled as she placed the fruit into five bowls and topped them with granola.
"Care to join me?"
"Sure."

They finished their workout and ended with meditation. They both sat on the balcony and let the warm sun massage their skin as they sat with their eyes closed.
"They are perfect for each other." Sav huffed as he walked by on his way to the kitchen.
"Morning people suck." Joe followed.
"Have you seen Tori?" Cori walked into the kitchen.
"She and Phil are on the balcony playin' one with nature." Sav smiled.
"I bet he'd like to be one with Tori." Joe mumbled as Sav chuckled.
"You are talkin' about my sister." Cori scolded them.
"Not like she has a boyfriend, right?" Joe poured a cup of coffee and stared at the bowl of fruit Cori placed in front of him.
"No, but she has a... Chris." She leaned against the counter.
"And exactly what is a Chris?" Sav took a bite of melon.
"A big excuse for her not to get serious with anyone." She raised her eyebrows. "Ex-boyfriend turned... booty call." She giggled.
"Oh!" Both of the men smiled.
"Maybe I should add that to my list of things to do." Sav smiled at Joe.

Tori was interrupted by the sound of Phil's tummy growling. She peeked one eye open and looked over at him. He stopped and looked down at his belly. She laughed.
"Breakfast?" She turned to him.
"What about you?"
"I ate before I left." She couldn't help but notice how the sun's glow made his blue eyes sparkle.
"I see." He watched her. "I was thinking that maybe we could go for a run this afternoon."
"I'd like that." She whispered.
"There you are!" Cori burst through the door. "We need to plan today out, Tor." She helped her to her feet.
"I'll see you after breakfast." Tori smiled at Phil.

After their workout that morning, they adjourned to the den to talk about touring plans. They were interrupted by the doorbell.
"Hello?" Jackie, Phil's wife walked in and looked around. She was holding the hand of their seven-year-old son, Rory.
"Hey." Phil jumped up and moved to pick up his son.
"No!" Rory moved away.
"Huh?" Phil stopped dead in his tracks. He was devastated.
Jackie scanned the room and immediately noticed the scantily clad twins. "What's going on?"
"Tour plans." He sighed.
"And what about the bobsies?"
"They're our personal trainers. Gettin' us pumped up a bit for the tour."
"I bet." She spat.
"Can we..." Phil could feel his face begin to burn. "Let's go upstairs and talk."
"Can't talk to the wife in front of the girls?" She raised her voice.
"Jackie, please." He begged for her to calm down.
"You could at least have the decency to fuck around when our divorce is final!" She mumbled as they walked to his room.
"Damn." Cori looked at her sister.
"Gotta hate it when that happens." Tori giggled.
"Women." Sav huffed.

Tori walked in later that afternoon and looked around. Phil was in the corner engaged in a deep discussion with his wife. So much for the run.
"Anyone up for a run?" She smiled.
"Fuck no!" They yelled.
"If you run a mile, you won't have to eat my veggie pizza tonight." She sang.
Joe and Sav emerged with their tennis shoes in hand.
"Two miles, did ya say?" Joe sat down.
"You promise, right?" Sav followed.
"I promise." She hid a smile. They were having lasagna anyway.
Phil looked across the room to see the three walk out the front door. He sighed and returned his attention to Jackie.

When they returned, Cori was making dinner and Jackie had left, along with little Rory.
"Oh my God!" Cori stopped as the three walked into the kitchen to grab water. "I thought Phil was high when he told me where you were!" She laughed.
"At least we get out..." Sav looked down at the pan of lasagna. "What?" He spun around to Tori.
"You said we were havin' pizza!" Joe followed.
"Oops." She smiled at Cori. "Well either way, you don't have to eat it." She giggled as her phone rang.
"Admit it, you feel pretty good." Cori smiled.
"Piss off." Joe chugged the water.
"Tori Phillips." She answered her cell phone. "Chris! Hey, baby!" She walked into the hall.
Joe looked at Sav as if he were trying to figure out who Chris was.
"Mr. Booty Call." Sav smiled.
"Ah!" He grinned and looked out the door after her. "Getcha some, girl!"
"Hey." Phil quietly walked in. He was emotionally exhausted after the day he experienced. "How was the run?"
"Bogus!" Sav smiled. "But okay, I guess."
"No way!" Tori laughed from the hall.
"Huh?" Phil looked over his shoulder.
"Ex boyfriend called her. She'll be out there for an hour or so." Cori rolled her eyes.
"That's final." Tori returned to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. "I'm hanging up now. Bye." She laughed as she hung up.
"Wow. A record." Cori crossed her arms. "What's up with that?"
"I'm working." She walked to the refrigerator and went to work on a watercress salad.

They finished dinner and sat around and talked for a while. Mal was impressed that the guys had made so much progress.
"I think it's my turn to do the dishes." Phil stood and began to gather the plates.
"I'll help." Tori followed.
He rinsed as she loaded the dishwasher. He seemed to be in deep thought as he looked at the sink.
"Tough day?" She leaned against the counter.
"Yeah." He sighed. "I never thought I'd look forward to the day that it's all over."
"That's gotta be tough." She grabbed a towel and wiped the counters down. "You're a great guy, Phil. I know it'll all work out for you." She smiled as he looked up at her.
"Thanks." He watched her carefully.
She reached over to give him a single kiss on the cheek, very close to his mouth. He froze in disbelief. "I'll see you tomorrow." She smiled.
Say something, he screamed inside his head. Don't just stand there like a bloody idiot!
"Night." She walked past him and out the door.
He lifted his hand and touched the spot that still tingled from her kiss. Was it a kiss that missed his mouth? Or one that missed his cheek? What the hell was she doing to him?

Tori collapsed onto her bed and stared at the ceiling as her phone rang.
"I said no." She laughed as she answered.
"I need to see you." Chris spoke.
"I'm busy."
"Doin' what?"
"Making a living."
"Why are you being so short with me lately?"
"I'm exhausted, Chris. Cor and I are training five guys that all have different styles. It's hard work."
"Fine!" He huffed. "Why don't you pencil me into your planner and give me a call when you get back to LA."
"If you're lucky." She hung up and returned to her ceiling.

The group arrived in LA and Cori quickly disappeared.
"I've gotta meet up with Devon to go over my new regiment for the competition." Cori spoke to Tori as they walked through the airport.
"How much time is it gonna require over the next month?" Tori looked over the plans they had laid out for the guys.
"Well, I don't know. That's why I need to talk to him. You have aquatics stuff scheduled for the guys over the next two weeks so I can get out of half the time I need to spend with them."
"True." Tori placed her sunglasses over her eyes. "Will you be back for dinner?"
"Should be. Have you had a chance to set up my diet?" She stopped at her car.
"I'll have it finished by this evening." Tori stopped to wait on the guys. "See ya later."
"Bye." Cori climbed into her car and sped off.
"Where's she goin'?" Joe stopped next to Tori and Mal.
"She has to go see Devon." Tori spoke casually. Joe's face turned bright red as he watched her car move out of sight.
"When are we gonna get started?" Viv walked up.
"You guys have the evening off. Let's meet in the morning at our house." She scribbled their address down on a couple of pieces of paper and handed them out. "Here's the address. Call if you have trouble finding it."
"Great!" Rick smiled as he spotted Stacey running up with his daughter Lauren in hand.
"Hey!" Stacey hugged him.
"Ello, love." He kissed her then picked up his daughter.
"Hey, daddy." Lauren giggled.

Viv spotted Jewels and walked over to meet her. "Baby." He hugged her.
"I missed you." Jewels kissed him. The other three looked on with sober faces. Rick and Viv were the only ones left with happy marriages. Joe and Sav were definitely ready to tour and get their minds off the current situations in life.
"I'll see you all in the mornin'." Joe grabbed his bags and headed over to pick up a rental car.
"Wait up, mate." Sav ran after him. "You still stayin' at the apartment?"
"I guess." He huffed.

"Well, I guess I should catch a ride back to my house." Phil put his sunglasses over his eyes.
"I can give you a lift." Tori smiled. "C'mon." She began walking to her car.
"I don't want to put you out." Phil followed.
"You're doing no such thing." She smiled as she unlocked the car.

They talked casually as they drove to his house.
"It's right up here on the right." He pointed. She pulled up in front of the house and stopped.
"Would you like to come in?" He smiled.
"I can't. I have to work on Cori's new diet and finish up a few things." She played with her keys.
"Maybe another time." He sighed.
"Yeah." She waived as he climbed out. "See ya in the morning."
"Bye." He shut the door and waited for her to pull away.

Cori walked in the house around dinnertime. Tori was in the kitchen making dinner and Cori could smell meat cooking.
"I'm impressed." Cori giggled as she walked into the kitchen.
"You should be. That stuff is about to make me sick." Tori wrinkled her nose.
"Yeah, well, you'll live." She picked up the sheet of paper. "Is this my diet?"
"Yes. Stick to it the next two months and you should be in great shape."
"Thanks." She swiped a carrot from the tray. "I'm gonna get a shower."
"Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes."
"Thanks!" She yelled from the hall.

Cori returned fifteen minutes later in a pair of soccer shorts and a tank top. Tori was just pulling dinner off the stove.
"I'm skipping dinner. Chris called and wants to go out." She giggled.
"Tor! What are you doing?"
"I've not had it in a month. I don't want to hear it!" She grabbed her things.
"I don't even want to hear it." Cori sighed.
"Night." She kissed her cheek as she walked out.

Cori grabbed her dinner and walked onto the back deck. She ate her dinner as she stared out over the ocean. Maybe after dinner she would fit in a workout and turn in early. The back gate opening interrupted her thoughts. Joe walked through and looked around.
"What are you doing?" She laughed. He looked up at the deck and smiled.
"Lookin' for you, love." He walked up the stairs.
"I don't remember inviting you over." She grabbed the last piece of her steak.
"Meat?" Joe mused.
"Tori's the veggie not me." She swallowed.
"May I?" He pointed to the chair opposite her.
"Please." She smiled. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Water."
"Be right back." She grabbed her dishes and walked in the house. He couldn't help but notice her outfit. She looked great in a pair of soccer shorts. "Here." She walked out and handed him a bottle of water. "What are you looking for me for?"
"Don't know really. Thought if you weren't doing anything we could just....hang out."

Cori leaned up and looked around. "I'm sorry. I thought that was Joe Elliott that walked in."
"I can be nice!" He laughed.
"When?" She sipped her water.
"When you aren't bein’ such a smartass." He smiled.
"That's me." She sipped her water.
"You ran off before I had a chance to talk to you this afternoon." Joe looked at her.
"I had some things to take care of."
"Did they involve the ex?"
"No!" She huffed. "How do you know about that anyway?"
"Tori. She had a littl' talk with me." He admitted.
"So you know why I hate men right now." She played with the label of her bottle.
"Hate?" He shook his head. "Hate was not an emotion I picked up from our kiss."
"You think you're so smart." She teased.
"I can prove you wrong if you'd like." He leaned forward.
"You're married." She watched him.
"Separated." He corrected her. "And I understand what you're going through more than you think."
"Do you?" She looked disbelieving.
"My wife cheated on me as well." He sighed. "I came home one day and found her in bed with another man."
"I'm sorry."
"I think it was on it's way downhill already." He leaned back. "That just kinda took it to the bottom."
"I caught Greg in Frisco with another woman when he was suppose to be on business in Atlanta." She looked out over the ocean. "We'd been together for a year and he'd been seeing her for three months."
"It hurts, I know." He moved to sit next to her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him. He rubbed his hand up and down her back, tilting his head down to look her in the eye. She met his eyes and they sat there locked on each other’s gazes.

Slowly, his lips came down to meet hers in a passionate kiss. This time, Cori weaved her fingers through his hair. In turn, Joe wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. A soft moan rumbled through his chest and he pushed his tongue inside her mouth. She sighed, grabbing a hand full of hair. He moved his kisses down her neck as his hand came up to cup her breast.
"Stop." She pushed away. She stood and pushed her hair back from her face. "I can't do this."
"Why?" He stood.
"I can't!" She stepped back. He ignored her words and took her into his arms again. Before she could protest, his lips came down on hers. This kiss sent shockwaves through her body making her knees weak. He felt her body slump and reached down, scooping her into his arms. Breaking from the kiss long enough to open the door and walk through the house. He looked at her with hunger in his eyes.
"Upstairs. First room on the right." She whispered.

He marched up the stairs and into her bedroom. Carefully, he sat her on the bed so that she was kneeling in front of him. He ran his hands over her hair while she unbuttoned his shirt and kissed his chest. Pushing it off his shoulders she continued her kisses. He grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head. His hands running back down her arms. His mouth came down on hers as he pushed her back on the bed. Reaching for the clasp of her bra, he undid it and cupped his hands around her breast. He heard her intake of air and smiled against her skin.
"Is that the spot?" He teased as his tongue ran over her collarbone. She moaned softly. He quickly removed the rest of their clothes and moved back to cover her. His hips pushed against her as he kissed her skin. Cori ran her hands through his hair as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He growled as he slipped inside her. She threw her head back as he began to move and soon she met his rhythm with her own hips.
"Oh!" He growled.
"Joe!" She cried as he pushed deeper. His pace quickened until he felt her body shutter and her eyes close. He reached his own climax and collapsed on top of her.

The next morning Joe woke up to an empty bed. He looked around the room. Cori was no where. He grabbed his shorts and slid them on. Wondering around the room he caught glimpses of metals, pictures and a CD collection. He took a close look at the CDs to learn exactly what kind of music interested her. To his surprise, she had every one of their CDs plus a few of the bootleg and imported ones. He smiled to himself and decided to search the house for her. He was hit with the smell of food as he opened the door. He made his way to the kitchen to see that everyone had arrived and were sitting around the table eating breakfast. Everyone except Cori.
"Well, g'mornin', mate." Sav laughed.
"Mornin'." Joe smiled.
"Take it you had a good night?" Viv taunted.
"Night, yes. The mornin' isn't lookin good so far." He looked over at Tori.
"She's left already. Busy day." Tori smiled at him.
"She didn't even say goodbye." He whispered in her ear. Tori burst into laughter.
"Poor baby." She handed him a plate of food.

They started out with a run then straight into the weight room. They worked there for the next two hours.
"Ok. Take a fifteen minute break and we'll continue." Tori smiled.
"Cool." Sav wiped the sweat from his face.
"Wait up!" Phil followed Tori. "How long are we workin' today?"
"We should finish around lunch." She grabbed two bottles of water and handed him one.
"Thanks." He took a long drink.
"Plans?"
"Yep." He smiled at her. "I thought I'd try and talk to my son. See if we can't make amends."
"That sounds good." She patted his shoulder and walked back out to the others.

"C'mon, Cori!" Devon stood above her as she bench pressed.
"Ugh!" She lifted the weights above her body. Devon carefully placed them back in their cradle and smiled down at her.

The group followed Tori into the club and waited at the door as she talked with someone at the counter.
"Isn't that Cori?" Sav whispered to Joe as he pointed to Cori and Devon.
"Yeah." Joe felt the heat spread across his face.

"Lookin good." Devon placed his hand on Cori's back as they walked over to the free weights.
"Thanks." She smiled at him. "I hope I win this time." She sat on the bench.
"Win? Of course you will!" He laughed. "You are the reigning champ."
"That doesn't guarantee a win." She looked serious.
"I know. That's why we're training." He grabbed some weights.

"We're ready." Tori re-joined them.
"What is it we're doin’ here anyway?" Rick looked at her.
"Aerobics!" She smiled.
"What?" Sav gasped.
"You heard me." She walked towards a large room.
"You're not serious!" Viv laughed.
"Sure am. Come on now, or do I have to call Mal?" She teased.
"Bloody hell!" Sav grumbled.

Joe stood where he was and stared at Cori. He had had his fair share of one-night stands but he never left the bed and headed straight for another woman. Yet, here she was with "Mr. Muscles" and she couldn't even bother to let him know she was leaving. Taking huge strides he crossed the room until he came to a stop in front of her.
"Can I help you?" Devon looked up at him.
"I'd like a minute with Cori." He clenched his jaw.
"Joe!" Cori looked up. She quickly looked over at Devon. "Um....Devon McCullough, Joe Elliott." She made an introduction.
"Can we 'ave a minute?" Joe looked at her.

Her mind drifted back to the night before. She had thought about it the whole way here this morning then pushed it out of her mind to focus on her training. She didn't regret what happened only that it happened while he was still a married man.
"Cori?"
"Fine." She recognized that look. He wouldn't give up the challenge until he got his way. Even if he had to make a scene. "Excuse me a minute." She looked at Devon. She grabbed Joe's hand and led him outside.
"What's goin' on?" He looked at her.
"Huh?"
"You didn't even say anythin' to me before you left this mornin'." He huffed.
"You were sleeping. And I didn't want to get into a big discussion about what happened." She glared at him. What the hell was his problem?
"Why not?"
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe cause I thought you'd act like you are now when I still didn't show up for the training session today!"
"I don't think that's it at all! I think you were just late for another appointment!" He turned and walked back in.
"Asshole!" She screamed before walking back in and joining Devon.

The group gathered around the pool at the girl’s house. Joe was surprised that Cori was there. She hadn't been around for the last week. Each time he'd asked Tori where she was he'd learned that she was with Devon each time.
The girls were sitting at a table on the opposite side of the pool while Sav and Viv were sitting in the chairs next to him. Rick stood on the side of the pool watching the girls talk. Phil walked outta the house and looked around. Joe noticed the evil grin that covered his face as he made his way toward Rick. Rick didn't see it coming since his back was to him. Phil nudged Rick as he walked by.
"Phil!" Rick yelled as he splashed into the pool.
"Oh yeah!" Sav laughed.
"Was that necessary?" Tori looked at him.
"He'd 'ave done it to me." Phil laughed.
"Kids!" Cori laughed as she sat down and slipped her shorts off. Joe's eyes were hooked on her little bikini.
"Oh, yeah." Sav framed his hands out in front of him. He centered Cori in the middle of them. "I'm thinking that would be perfect for July."
"What?" Joe looked at him.
"Look." Sav moved his hands for Joe to look through. "For the calendar. July, cause she's steamin'!" Sav smiled.
"Then I think you need to cool off!" Viv pushed him into the pool.

Joe grinned at Phil as Sav emerged from under the water.
"Wanker!" Sav wiped his face.
Joe moved over towards Phil with the grin still on his face.
"You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?" Phil smirked.
"Yep." Joe removed his t-shirt.
"Oh, shit!" Tori's eyes widened.
"They wouldn't." Cori looked at her.
"They've been in a mood this week." Tori quickly removed her shorts. As Joe and Phil were about two steps away from them the girls dove into the pool. As they emerged they turned to smile at the guys.
"Sorry!" Cori teased.
"I think you need to cool off as well, lads!" Viv laughed from behind as he gave Phil and Joe a shove.
"Their all in a good mood today." Cori whispered to Tori.
"I think we should take it easy on them. They are coming along pretty good." Tori looked at her sister.
"Sounds good."
"Ok!" Tori yelled to get their attention. "Give us ten laps and we'll call it a day." She smiled.
"Really?" Rick smiled.
"Really." Cori smiled at Joe.
"Mal wants you guys for a rehearsal this afternoon." Tori began her laps.
"What shall we do with the rest of the day?" Joe swam towards her.
"I don't know about you..." She looked up as he stopped in front of her. "But, I have another appointment today." She swam off.

Cori walked in the house that night after her training session with Devon. Tori was reading a book while sitting on the couch.
"Hey!" Cori plopped down beside her.
"How was the day?" Tori looked up.
"I'm exhausted." She rubbed her neck. "I'll be glad when this competition is over."
"You live for these events." Tori smiled.
"I know. I'm just getting a little old for this." She sighed.
"Old?" She laughed. "Since when is 32 old?"
"Since my ass wear's out a lot quicker these days." She huffed.
"Wanna talk about it?" Tori saw right through her.
"No." She played with the fringe on the pillow.
"Then loose the attitude." She crossed her arms.
"I can't believe I slept with him while he's still married." She sighed.
"He's separated." Tori corrected.
"Still married." She looked up at her. "I mean, that's what's stopping you with Phil, right?"
"Yes." Tori admitted.

"This the address?" Phil looked around as Joe drove.
"Looks like a football pitch." Sav called out from the back seat.
"There's Cori's car." Rick pointed to the red BMW convertible.
"How'd you get that clue?" Vivian rolled his eyes after noticing the tag that red 'CORI P'.
"Boys, behave." Joe chuckled as they climbed out of the car.
"Who's the guy with Tori?" Sav pointed as Phil's head flew up. She was laughing and playing around with the soccer ball as a tall, stocky blond tried to steal it away from her. Malvin then walked up and spoke to her.
"You're not that good!" She pointed to the man and ran off to join Cori who was speaking with Devon and two of the Lep’s roadies. They slowly walked up to join them.
"Well the dead do arise!" Cori smiled over her sunglasses.
"Piss off!" Joe watched Devon carefully.
"Introductions, please." Sav sat down to change into his cleats.
"Mal, this is Sav." Tori grinned.
"Funny." He stuck his tongue out at her.
"Chris Burton." He held his hand out to Phil.
"Phil Collen." He spoke without smiling.
"Burton? USA Soccer Team?" Joe frowned.
"Among other things." He smiled.
"Well Chris?" Sav rose to his feet. "We don't play soccer. We play football."
"And we play to win." Phil stared at Tori, who was speaking with her sister.
"Is there any other reason to play?" He smiled at Devon.
"Okay, the Leps against the rest." Cori walked towards them.
"I can't play with you two!" Devon crossed his arms. "You start your Jedi Mind Tricks and no one knows what the fuck you're doin'!"
"Welcome to our life for the last two months." Rick laughed.
"What do you mean?" Sav pumped Devon for information.
"They don't communicate. They just know what the other is doing. It's so weird!"
"Tell me about it." Joe huffed.

Tori smiled and looked up to catch Phil's eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Nothin'." He forced a smile to his face.
"You sure?" She handed him a bottle of water. "I figured Chris was the best man for today's job." She tried to explain.
"You don't owe me a thing, Tori." He turned to walk onto the field.
"You all right?" Cori watched her sister as they absentmindedly braided their hair. It was something that they had done since childhood. Cori braided two and Tori braided one. It was easier for their teammates to tell them apart that way.
"Can we talk later?"
"Do I have a choice?" She smiled.
"Not really." She giggled.

"Everybody play nice!" Tori yelled while placing the ball in front of Chris.
"Kiss my ass." Joe mumbled under his breath. Phil heard him and smiled as they made eye contact and nodded.

It was the messiest match that the girls had ever seen. Stiff-arms, tripping and holding seemed to be natural for everyone involved. By the end of the first half, the girls were exhausted.
"Fuck!" Cori pouted as she studied the bruise on her leg.
"Here." Tori dropped a bag of ice beside her.
"What's up with Joe and Phil? They're playing like their life depends on it."
"Duh, Cor. Think about it." She sighed.
"Oh!" She looked over at Devon and Chris. "He's not? Devon?" She laughed.
"Tori! I broke my ass!" Sav yelled. "I need a massage!"
"Funny." She laughed as everyone else followed.

"Hey Tor, can you check my neck?" Chris sat in front of her on the grass.
"What about it?" She quickly ran her fingers down his neck to feel the muscles.
"I think the short one did a number the last time he tripped me up." He pointed to the spot that hurt.
"Short one?" She frowned.
"Phil." He laughed.
Phil heard his name and looked their way. He only had two weeks left before his divorce was final. It just may be too late, though. Tori seemed pretty cozy with the soccer boy over there.
"He's not short. If your head wasn't so far above the clouds, you'd see that." She pulled her hands away.
"You like him?" Chris turned around to look at her.
"That's none of your business."
"I think I deserve to know." He raised his voice.
Cori looked over at them. "You're makin' a scene, Chris."
"Whatever!" He jumped up and walked over to the water.
Phil smiled for a moment. Maybe hope was alive after all?

The second half wasn't much better. At one point, Tori passed the ball to Devon only to find Joe waiting and he stole the ball. Devon tried to play the same rough game and ended flat on his face in the dirt.
"That's it!" Tori exploded. "This was supposed to be a friendly game to get your minds off of your training! So you know what? You guys can just suffer from here on out!" She grabbed her things and walked off the field.

"Tor?" Phil tried to grab her arm.
"I suggest you leave her alone right now." Cori met them as Tori walked away.
"But?"
"She doesn't loose her temper very often, Phil. Let her go."
He sighed as he watched her walk to the car.
"Game’s over!" Malvin gave an evil gaze to each of the guys. "Let's go!"
"Fuck." Joe pouted as Cori jumped into the car and drove her sister home.

As they pulled into the driveway, Cori turned to her sister. "It's later."
"I guess it is." She sighed.
"You've got the hots for a married man."
"I don't know how much longer I can hold out, Cor."
"What do you mean?" She turned the engine off and gave her full attention.
"I think that Phil….. never mind." She stepped out of the car.
"Fuck me!" Cori quickly followed her. "You're not? No!"
"No Cori, I'm not. He's still married." She pouted as she walked into the house and straight to her room.
"You're not getting out of it that easy." Cory followed her. "You wanted to talk. Now talk."
"I really like him."
"That's pretty obvious."
"No!" She fell onto her bed. "I mean… I like him, Cor. We get along so well."
"It'll work out, sis. I promise. Just give it a few more weeks."
"I'm just afraid that I'm gonna totally fall for him and Jackie will change her mind."

Cori watched her. If she had to guess, her sister was already to that point. God, she wished she had the same willpower when it came to Joe. "If it's meant to happen, it will."
"I guess you're right." She sighed. "He is still my client for now, right?"
"Right." She looked away.

Cori was finishing up her workout when the doorbell rang. She answered to see Phil standing with his arms crossed.
"Hey, Phil." She smiled.
"Tori around?"
"Nope. She went for a run."
"Oh." He sighed. "I was sent by the lads to apologize."
"Come on in." She stepped back and walked into the kitchen where she grabbed a bottle of water and took a chug.
"We were all terrible assholes today." He pouted. "We're sorry." He sat at the table.
"It wasn't that bad." She smiled at him. "But you can tell them that you're all forgiven."
"Thanks." He smiled. "Can I ask you a question?"
"About Tori?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"I think it is to everyone but you two."
"I'm crazy about her, Cor. I just wish I knew how she felt."
"I'd be willing to bet that as soon as your divorce is final, you'll know exactly how she feels." She winked at him.
"That can't be soon enough." He sighed. "Thanks!" He kissed her cheek and walked out.

The group sat around the deck at the girl’s house and discussed the upcoming tour. Mal joined them with a folder in his hand.
“Ladies.” Mal nodded his head as he sat.
“Hey, Mal.” They smiled.
“Did you bring it?” Joe looked at him.
“Right here.” Mal pointed to the folder.
“Great!” Phil smiled.
“What?” Tori looked at him.
“We’ll discuss it in a minute.” Mal looked at them. “Let’s start with their diets.”
“Go ahead, Tori.” Cori sat back in her chair.
“These are the diets I’ve worked up for you. I’ve taken into consideration how hard it is to maintain a decent diet on the road. You will see that I’ve made some compromises….” She smiled at Joe and Sav. “But, you need to stick to the original as much as possible.” She handed them each a piece of paper.
“Unfortunately, you can’t compromise on exercise.” Cori picked up. “You need to make sure that once on the road that you maintain a workout schedule of three times a week at least.”
“All this plus the regular sound checks, travel, promos, interviews, meet & greets…” Viv jumped in.
“Where the hell we gonna find the time?” Sav frowned.
“I’ve taken care of that.” Mal smiled.
“Go ahead.” Joe pointed to the folder.
“The guys ‘ave a business proposition for you.” Mal turned to the girls. “We would like for you girls to travel with the lads the first few months of the tour.”
“What?” Cori sat up.
“Cool.” Tori giggled. Phil smiled at her reaction. He really wanted more time with her.
“After the pain in the asses you’ve all been over the last couple of months?” Cori stood.
“We’d have to go over some serious rules that we’d demand you follow.” Tori agreed.
“No!” Sav huffed. “The tour is our domain!”
“He’s right.” Viv agreed.
“Then why did you ask?” Cori raised her eyebrows.
“That’s it!” Joe stood and grabbed the girls by the arms. “Get the car, Sav.” He looked over at him then back at the girls. “It’s like this. I drink, I smoke, and I eat meat! And I love it!” Joe pushed them into the car.
“Joe!” Tori squealed.
“Jackass!” Cori shot him an evil glance.
“Zip it!” He pointed to them. Looking back at the others he smiled. “Meet us at the Coyote!”
“Yes!” Sav laughed from the driver’s seat.

They found a table at the Coyote and Joe ordered the first round of shots. Cori looked at the shot of tequila that had been placed in front of her.
“I can’t drink that.” She glared at Joe.
“Sure you can. Just grab the glass and tilt your head back.” He waited for her to drink it. He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Tori had drank hers.
“No!” She refrained.
“If the two of you are goin’ to tour with us you need to loosen up!” Sav crossed his arms.
“No one said we were.” Cori shot him an evil glare.
“Another?” Phil looked at Tori.
“Sure.” She sighed. She wasn’t training yet and could afford a night out. She knew where Cori was coming from.
“Drink!” Joe demanded.
“Bite me!” Cori huffed. He took her by surprise when he leaned over to her neck and did just that. Following up by throwing salt on the same spot and returning to lick it off. Downing his shot he grabbed the lemon and stuck it in his mouth.
She sat in shock at the feeling of electricity he sent through her body. Her eyes went shut and she tried to control her breathing.
“That’s all there is to it, love.” He whispered in her ear. He loved what he was doing to her.
“I can’t have it.” She opened her eyes and looked at him.
“That’s not what I want to hear.” Viv placed another in front of her.
“The more you protest the more shots we sit in front of both of you.” Rick followed with another shot in front of Tori.
“Drink up.” Tori looked at her.
“Do you realize how long I’ll have to work out if I do this?” Cori huffed.
“We can get ya started around 5:00.” Sav chuckled.
“Tor?” Cori gave her a pleading look.
“Loosen up!” She slammed her second glass down on the table.
“Fuck!” Cori downed the shot.
“You can compromise.” Joe smiled.
“Shut up!” She grabbed another and downed it as well.
“Next round’s on me.” Phil stopped the waitress and ordered another round of shots along with a round of Guinness.

After three more rounds the girls were giggling and talking up a storm.
“Who would ‘ave ever thought.” Sav looked at Joe.
“Not me.” Joe laughed.
“We gonna ‘ave to keep them tanked during the whole tour?” Viv sipped his beer.
“They really aren’t that bad.” Phil watched Tori.
“Tori, no.” Joe sipped his own beer. “She can compromise. Cori on the other hand…”
“Is still drivin’ the man here nuts.” Sav finished for him.
“When’s the divorce final?” Rick questioned.
“Two weeks.” Joe sighed.
“Who’s got the next round?” Tori giggled.
“I’ll get it.” Rick waived down the waitress.
“Ooh!” Cori jumped up. “C’mon!” She grabbed Joe’s hand. He then realized that a DL song had come on the jukebox.
“She’s a closet DL fan.” He whispered back to the guys. They burst into laughter. She drug him out on the dance floor where they began to dance.
“I’m not believing this!” Tori squealed.
“What?” Phil laughed.
“Cor doesn’t dance.” She laughed.
“Really?” He held out his hand for her. “What about you?”
“Sure!” She smiled and took his hand.
“Their divorces are the only thing stoppin’ those two.” Sav watched the four dance.
“Maybe Phil.” Viv watched as well. “Joe there didn’t bother to wait.”
“Karla is a bigger bitch than Jackie, too.” Rick added.
“Glad somebody else agrees on that.” Sav gave him a high five.

They returned to their seats and the others had another round waiting on them.
“I’ve had enough.” Cori giggled.
“Can’t stop now.” Joe pushed it to her.
“What part of NO don’t you understand?” She pushed it away.
“Bottoms up!” Tori slammed hers.
“How can twins be so different?” Viv looked at Rick.
“Don’t know.”
“Will you quit bein’ a priss for one night?” Joe put his hand on the back of her neck.
“Oh shit!” Tori’s eyes widened.
“What?” Phil looked at her.
“She’s not gonna like that.”
“Prissy?” She grabbed his wrist and twisted his arm.
“Damn!” Joe felt the pain shoot up his arm.
“Go to hell!” She got up and walked out.

Phil walked in after a meeting with his lawyer and looked around his house. He was absolutely exhausted after the meeting and wanted nothing more than to grab a drink with Joe and Sav. After careful contemplation, he decided to dig into a bar of chocolate and relax on the balcony. He was doing just that, and lost in his own thoughts when Tori peeked out of the house.
"So you do have a vice?" She crossed her arms as she stood in front of him.
"Busted." He smiled at her. "Gonna make me run my ass off tomorrow?"
"Not if you let me have a bite." She took the seat beside him and smiled.
"So what brings you here?" He broke a piece off the bar and handed it to her.
"I thought we were going for a run?" She closed her eyes and let the chocolate melt in her mouth. "Oh my God." She moaned.
"Great, isn't it?" He watched her. "I take it you're a chocolate lover too?"
"I'd look like Mama Cass if I ate it as much as I thought about it." She grinned as he laughed.
"I’m sorry about the run. It completely slipped me mind."
"Get me more of that, and I'll forget the whole thing."
"And what's my reward if I do?" He leaned towards her.
"Depends." She flirted.
"Tell me." He held a small chunk in front of her face.
"What would you like?" She gave him a look that almost melted the chocolate.
"More looks like that, for one thing." He extended his arm to hold the candy in front of her mouth.
"You got it." She ate the chunk from his fingers.

He closed his eyes for a moment while a jolt of electricity raced through his fingers, up his arm, and down his back. That was definitely something that he hadn't felt in a very long time.
"Whelp, gotta go!" She stood up and giggled.
"No!" He jumped to his feet and grabbed her arm.
"What?" She whispered as he pulled her into his arms.
"Tori..." He looked into her eyes.
"Yes Phil?"
"I..." He was cut off by the ringing phone. "Bugger!" He huffed as he reached for the phone. "'Ello? Jackie." He huffed and looked up at Tori.
"Night." She kissed his cheek and walked to the house. He gave her hand a squeeze and resumed his conversation. She stopped at the front door and leaned against the frame. "Fuck." She sighed and walked to her car.

She walked into the house and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator.
"Beer?" Cori made her way to the weight room.
"Kiss my ass." She huffed.
"Phil?"
"Leave it be, Cor."
"Fine." She watched her sister walk into her bedroom and close the door.

"Tori Phillips." She answered the phone while making a fruit salad to take to the guys.
"We're celebratin' tonight, Lass. Meet us at Frangelico's in an hour." Mal spoke.
"We'll be there." She smiled and hung up. "Cor! Party with the Leps!"
"Fun." She smiled.

They sat around the table and immediately noticed that Phil was not with them.
"He'll be a bit late." Mal spoke as he gave a smile to Tori.
They proceeded to order their meals... Salads for Tori, Vivian and Rick... Salad for Sav.
"Holy Christ!" Mal grabbed his chest. "What've ya done to them?" He smiled.
"Chicken Caesar and a beer." Joe smiled as Cori crossed her arms. "Gotta compromise somewhere."
"Steak and veggies." Cori ordered as the men gasped.
"Can't build muscle with carbs, guys. She's training." Tori giggled.
They had just been served when Phil ran in and took his seat.
"They're out of salad, mate. Only steak for you!" Sav chuckled.
"That's all right, Tor never finishes hers." He teased.
"By all means." She smiled.
"So what's this little gathering for?" Joe spoke before taking a long drink from his beer.
"I just wanted to congratulate you all on a fabulous job the last two months. You lads are lookin' better than ever and it's all thanks to the Phillips girls."
"Thanks, Mal." They smiled.
"I do have to admit, I'm feelin' pretty great." Sav spoke.
"A breakthrough!" Tori touched her chest. "I think I'm gonna cry!"
Everyone at the table laughed.
"Smart asses must be genetic!" Joe yelled as he laughed.

As they finished up, Phil looked around. "I say we go out for a bit."
"Where?" Joe's eyes lit up.
"Whiskey?" Sav followed.
"The strip?" Cori looked at her sister. "I'm training, guys."
"It'll be fun!" Rick smiled at her.
"Please?" Phil watched Tori.
"I'll go." Tori returned to Cori. "For a bit, at least."
"Cool." They gathered their things.

Phil followed the girls to their car. "Tori!" He ran up to her.
"Hey!" She smiled. "You're certainly in a good mood."
"Aye." He slid his fingers through her hair as he proceeded to do the one thing that he had been wanting to do since they met.
At first, his kiss was gentle and sweet as he brushed his lips across hers. But as she pushed her body against his, he pushed his tongue through and began exploring the depths of her mouth.
"Wow." Cori crossed her arms and watched.
Sav looked over his shoulder before sliding into Joe's car. "'Bout bloody time." He smiled.
"Indeed." Joe chuckled. "Divorce must be final."
They broke from their kiss as the world continued to spin around them. He smiled and brushed his nose against hers. "I'm all yours, Tori." He whispered gently.
"Huh?" She blinked.
"I'm free again. It's all over."
"Really?" She smiled. "That's great."
"I'll see you at the club." He winked and walked to his car.
Tori looked across the car at Cori, who was smiling ear to ear. "Phil and Tori..." She sang.
"Shut up and drive!" She giggled.

They sat around a table at the Whiskey and relaxed. There was a really good band playing, so they let loose and had fun.
"Darts?" Sav jumped up after finishing off his second beer.
"Sure!" Vivian and Rick followed him.
"So what have you been up to?" Joe watched Cori as he played with the label on his beer.
"Training. There's a big competition next week that I've been workin' on for a while."
"Really?" It suddenly dawned on him. "That's why you've been gone so much."
"She's been workin' out six hours a day." Tori smiled.
"Wow. That's a lot." Phil's eyes widened.
"Tor's gonna get into the groove here shortly too." Cori smiled. "The All-American Fitness Challenge is in six weeks."
"Plenty of time." Tori grinned.
"I didn't know you still actively competed." Joe was amazed.
"Where the fuck have you been?" Phil laughed.
"Piss off." He smiled.
"Congratulations, by the way." Cori smiled at Phil.
"Thanks." He winked at her.
"What, the divorce?" Joe looked at her. "What makes him so special? I didn't hear you congratulating me last week."
"Huh?" She whipped her head around to look at him.
"Oh shit." Tori giggled.
"Could it be that you forgot to tell me?" She smiled.
"If I ever saw you, I would have." He kissed her.
"Good ideer." Phil reached over to kiss Tori.
"Get a bloody hotel room!" Sav yelled from across the room.
"Why don't we go back to my place?" Phil smiled at Tori.
"Later!" She grabbed his hand as they all but ran out the door.
"That means our place is vacant." Cori nibbled on Joe's bottom lip.
"Sav! The car's yours!" He threw the keys at him. "Don't wait up!"

Phil kissed Tori as he pushed her against the front door. Her heart raced as she felt his arousal against her hip. He tried to unlock the door without looking, but ended up dropping the keys.
"Fuck!" He laughed as he concentrated on the door.
"Maybe I should go home?" She teased as he threw the door open.
"Like hell!" He yanked her into the house as she yelped.

"Joe." Cori whined as she tried to unlock the door. He was kissing the back of her neck while pushing his hips into the back of hers.
"Hurry." He growled.
"I am." She laughed as they fell through the door.
"First door to the right, right?" He smiled.
"Or right here." She pulled him to the sofa.
"This works." He kissed her as they fell onto the cushions.

The trail of clothes ended at the foot of Phil's bed. He smiled as he crawled next to her.
"You gonna lay there and smile, or what?" She teased.
"Revel in the moment a bit?" He kissed her.
"Nah." She climbed on top of him.
"Have it your way." He slid inside her as they both moaned.

"Joe!" Cori held tightly as he moved with her own rhythm.
"Mmm." He moaned. "I can't get enough of you."
She dug her nails into his back as her body exploded. "Ah!"
"Cori!" He quickly followed.

"Oh God!" Tori panted as she smiled.
"Number three?" Phil kissed her.
"You're keeping track?" She giggled as he rolled over and pushed her into the mattress.
"Just makin' sure I'm doin' my job." He grinned.
"Well maybe it's your turn?" She kissed his neck as he closed his eyes.
"Tor..." He felt her move her hips. "Mmm." He kissed her. Before he knew it, he was overcome with a barrage of spasms. He smiled as he panted and hovered over her. "How did you do that?"
"It's a secret." She smiled as he kissed her.
"Do it again." He moved to lay behind her as they cuddled.
"Depends. When will you be ready again?" She growled.
"Gimme about fifteen and we'll see." He bit her ear.
"Ohh." She giggled.

Tori walked into the house the next morning to see Sav and Rick waiting for breakfast. "'Bout time the cook showed." Sav huffed.
"What's for breakfast?" Rick smiled as Vivian walked in.
"Bacon and eggs, for all I care." She giggled as she walked to her room.
"All right!" Sav smacked the table as Phil walked in. "Whatever you did to her last night, keep it up!"
Cori walked in and looked around. "Tor's not in yet?"
"Just got 'ere." Phil smiled.
"Looks like I'm getting breakfast, then."
"Bacon and eggs, chef's orders." Sav pointed to Tori's room.
"I heard it too." Rick smiled.
"Fine." She grinned. "If the chef ok'd it." She quickly went to work on breakfast.
"Phil." Sav whispered. "Maybe you and Tori oughta have a quick shag before lunch and dinner too."
"Sounds good to me." He smiled. "Why?"
"Bacon and eggs this mornin!" Vivian laughed.
"Hot damn, there is a God!" Joe yelled as he sat at the table and smelled the bacon.

"What the hell?" Tori ran in. She watched as her sister cooked. "Bacon and eggs? Have you lost your mind?"
"Listen, you said..." Sav began.
"You can't take it back." Vivian smiled as Joe crossed his arms and chuckled.
"You opened your big mouth and now you have to pay." Cori giggled.
"You will never in a million years get me to eat that shit." She pursed her lips. "That's why you're bulky, ya know."
"Ooh. Twin fight." Vivian grabbed his cup of coffee as the rest of the men backed away from the table.
"Bulk? Sweetheart, these are muscles. If you can't tell the difference, I suggest you reread your biology books."
"And I bet I still have 3% less body fat than you." She spat.
"I'm outta here." Phil was the first out of the kitchen.
"Maybe I need to find a new nutritionist, then?"
"I think Phil was right." Joe grabbed Sav's arm.
"I wanna watch!" He smiled.
"That's fine with me. It'd be one less headache in my day."
"Fine then!" Cori threw down the skillet and walked to her room.
"Fine!" Tori walked to her room.
Then men listened from the den.
"What about breakfast?" Vivian pouted.

A few minutes later, the doors opened and both of the girls emerged as if nothing had happened. Cori finished breakfast and Tori made a quick fruit salad. Not another word was said about the spat and everything seemed to be okay.
"Must be a twin thing." Joe whispered to Phil.
"Probably so." He shrugged his shoulders.

Phil walked into the girl’s house later that night and looked around. Cori walked in from working out. "Downstairs." She smiled as she wiped her face with a towel.
"Thanks." He slowly walked down to the basement. He heard her grunt followed by a pound. He stopped and listened for a bit before walking the length of the stairs. He then noticed the punching bags hanging from the rafters.
"Ah!" She punched the bag in the far corner, and followed with a kick. She then looked up and smiled at him. "Hi."
"You kickbox too?" He raised his eyebrows.
"Occasionally." She pulled the gloves off of her hands.
"Don't stop on my account."
"I was about finished anyway." She took a long drink of water. "What are you up to?"
"Came to see you." He walked toward her.
"Thank you." She smiled as he kissed her.
He pushed her against the wall as her cell phone rang.
"Hold that thought." She gave him a quick kiss and then answered the phone. "Tori Phillips. Hey, Chris. Yeah..."
She went on as the heat grew in Phil's cheeks.
"No. I can't. I said no." She sighed. "Because I'm busy."
Without a thought, Phil reached over and grabbed the phone. "She can't because she's spoken for." He hung up and handed her back the phone. "There. Easy as pie."
She was speechless. "I'm spoken for?"
"Yeah."
"By whom?" She crossed her arms.
"Me." He pulled her into his arms. "I want to be with you."
"What about..."
He cut her off with a kiss. "We'll worry about that when the time comes."

"Where are your bags?" Joe kissed Cori.
"In the closet." She giggled. "You grab those and I'll get my stuff from the kitchen."
"Deal." He opened the closet as she walked out of the room. A few minutes later she walked back in to see him skimming through her clothes.
"What?" She had an arm full of vitamins and sports shakes.
"Where do you keep the sexy lingerie?" He shot her an ornery smile.
"Why?" She flirted.
"Because I want to see more than just your littl' soccer shorts and sports bras."

"What do you say we get you packed?" Phil whispered as he and Tori lay cuddling on her bed.
"I guess I still need to do that, don't I?" She giggled.
"C'mon. I'll help you." He pulled her up off the bed. She grabbed her bags from the closet and went to work on the clothes in her closet. Phil opened the top drawer of her dresser.
"Ooh!" He smiled as he pulled out a pair of thong panties. "I like these."
"Good." She giggled. "That's as sexy as it gets though."
"We'll just 'ave to take care of that then." He smiled wickedly.
"Why?"
"Because I want to see more than those littl' sports bras and shorts." He planted a kiss on her.

The guys met in the hall.
"We need to go shoppin'." They spoke at once.
"On, no!" Cori and Tori laughed.
"My treat." Joe grabbed Cori's hand.
"And mine as well." Phil pulled Tori towards the door.

"This will be perfect." Joe opened the door to Victoria's Secret.
"Just when do you think you will find time to view lingerie with the schedule we have set up for you guys?" Cori teased.
"To hell with your schedule." Phil squeezed Tori's hand.
"I don't think so." She flirted.
"Stop thinkin' like our trainers for one afternoon, will ya?" Joe gave Cori a serious look.

Cori looked at Tori and with out a word to each other they nodded their heads.
"Fine." They spoke simultaneously.
"Good." Phil pulled Tori off through the store.
"Let's see." Joe began looking through the racks. "What shall I like to see you in?"
"Something red and lacey?" She rubbed against him.
"You read my mind." He grinned.

"What's your favorite color?" Tori looked through a rack.
"Um......don't really 'ave one." Phil kept his eyes on the garments before him.
"Well.....just tell me which one you like best." She held up two identical lace body suits. One black and one purple.
"What’s the difference?" He looked at them. Tori looked down to make sure she grabbed the right ones. She turned her gaze back to Phil with a confused expression.
"The color."
"Oh." He met her gaze. "The right one."
"So purple?" She held it above the other.
"Yep." He smiled.

"These too." Joe handed Cori another pair of lace panties.
"There's only seven days in a week, Joe." She giggled.
"I can't be made to look at the same thing over and over." He handed her a matching bra.
"Think the same about your women?" She turned serious. He stopped and looked up at her.
"I can learn somethin' new every day about you. Undergarments are the same every time."
"I see." She looked through the rack. "Maybe I should go without sometime." She laughed as his head whipped up to look at her.

"What about these?" Phil held up a pair of panties and a bra.
"They don't even match!" Tori giggled. Phil looked at the garments.
"Why?"
"One's red and the other is blue." She put her hands on her hips. She watched as his cheeks faintly turned red. "You're color blind aren't ya?"
"Bloody hell!" He threw them down and started out across the store.
"Phil!" Tori grabbed his arm. "Where you going?"
"Home." He pouted.
"Oh, no you don't." She put her hands on her hips. "It's not a big deal."
"You don't mind?" His eyes widened.
"Why should I?" She smiled.
"Beats me. It's always been somethin' I'm a littl' self-conscious about."
"Well stop." She kissed him. "Besides, I would have guessed Joe was with the way he dresses sometimes." She giggled. Phil laughed as they began looking through the racks again.

They finished up shopping and grabbed lunch before returning to the house. They packed the girls and then instructed them to relax on the deck.
"What are you two up to?" Tori smiled.
"Just go relax!" Joe pointed to the door.
"Fine." Cori pouted. They girls grabbed two bottles of water and made their way to the deck.

The guys laughing and talking filtered through the window as the girls watched the sun set. The occasional clattering of dishes could be heard as well. After an hour Phil walked outside and brought them back in. There were candles lit on the table and the lights were dimmed. Soft music was playing lowly.
"You cooked?" Tori's eyes widened.
"Yes." Phil smiled. The girls walked to the table to find a salad, pasta, and wine.
"Wow." Cori looked over at Joe. "This is sweet."
"You like it?" Joe pulled out her chair for her as Phil followed suit.
"Of course." She kissed him.
"And you even stuck to your diet." Tori looked at Phil.
"That's his fault." Joe pointed to him. "I'm no chef."
"He's not. Trust me." Phil laughed.

They ate dinner and talked lightly. When they were finished the men cleared the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. It was at that point they went their separate ways.
"Let's take a walk." Joe grabbed Cori's hand and headed for the beach.
"What are we doing?" She leaned against his shoulder.
"Just enjoying the peace before the mayhem starts." He kissed her hair.
"Oh." She watched the water as they walked. They walked a few minutes before they stopped and sat on the sand.

Phil and Tori cuddled in the glider on the back deck and looked at the stars.
"Dinner was thoughtful." She kissed his cheek.
"I just wanted to do somethin' special for you. After everythin'....."
"Shh." She placed her finger over his lips. He stared into her eyes. He was falling for her quick. They were perfect for each other and that is something he never felt before. Something else he needed to consider was Rory. Would his son like her as much as he did? Would she consider a long-term relationship with him after spending time with his son? Or would it all be to much for her?

Joe brushed Cori's hair back from her face and brought his hand down her jawline.
"Have I told you how beautiful you are?" He whispered.
"Hmm." She hummed as her eyes closed. She didn't remember a man ever making her feel this way. His lips brushed across hers gently. He kissed her nose, her forehead, and back to her lips. His hand working on the thin strap of her sundress. Caressing her shoulder, he pushed the strap down her arm as he did the same to the other one. Cori brought her hands up under the open flaps of his shirt. Her fingers running across the hair roughened skin. He moaned as her hands ran across his nipples.

Phil laced his hand through Tori's hair and pulled her close. His lips gently met hers as he locked them in a passionate kiss. She wiggled around so that she could lie in his arms.
"Tori." He whispered against her skin as he moved his kisses to her neck.
"Yes, Phil?" She pushed his shirt from his shoulders.
"Let's go inside?"
"To far." She kissed his chest. His head fell back and he moaned as her hands fell to the waistband of his shorts. His hand crept up her thigh, under her dress.

Joe and Cori fell back onto the sand. His hands pulling her to him as he pushed his hips into hers.
"Joe!" She gasped.
"You feel so good." He kissed her neck. His hips rocking back and forth.
"Ah." She dug her nails into his back.

Phil pulled Tori over to straddle his lap. He kissed her chest as he pushed inside her. "Mmm." She threw her head back. His hands rested on her hips, gliding her up and down.
"Tori." He moaned. "Damn."
"Ah." Her hands ran through his hair.

"Cori." Joe growled as he felt her body explode into spasms. Her breathing was heavy in his ear. She sent him over the edge as she whispered his name. They laid wrapped in each other’s arms while their breathing returned to normal.

"Ugh!" Phil exploded inside her.
"Phil!" She collapsed against his chest.
"That was magnificent." He kissed her.

Joe woke up the next morning with his arms wrapped around Cori. He watched as she slept, carefully cradled in his arms. She was an incredible woman. She had taken him and whipped him into shape and at the same time stole his heart. After Karla, he didn't think he'd ever let that happen again. No, he didn't let it happen again. He hadn't even felt this way with her. Not in the ten years they were together. Maybe that's why he wasn't surprised to see it end. His fingers stroked her locks away from her face and she smiled.
"Morning." She opened her eyes.
"Mornin'." He kissed her forehead.
"What were you doing?"
"Watchin' you sleep."
"Why?" She cuddled closer.
"I wasn't ready to get up yet." He smiled. She leaned up and kissed him, pulling him over on top of her when the phone began to ring.
"Shit." She reached over to grab the receiver. "Hello."
"Cori?"
"Devon?" She looked up as Joe got up from the bed. He grabbed his shorts and walked out of the room. Cori rolled her eyes and returned to her conversation. "No, I'm leaving this morning and I'll fly back a few days before the competition."
"I don't want you suffering from jet lag." Devon complained.
"I won't." She giggled. "I know what I'm doing."
"I want to leave that day with the champion." He laughed.
"Get over yourself." She hung up.

"Mornin'." Phil handed Joe a cup of coffee as he walked in the kitchen.
"Whatever." He huffed. Phil looked at him, puzzled.
"What is it?"
"Devon called." Joe sipped his coffee.
"And?"
"She's on the phone with him right now." He pointed toward the bedroom.
"Morning." Cori walked in. Phil said hello, as Joe remained quiet. He didn't even look at her. "Joe?" She stepped into his line of sight.
"What the hell was that about?" Joe huffed. Cori looked at Phil and he excused himself and went back upstairs.
"What's your problem?" She crossed her arms.
"What the fuck is he doin' callin' you, Cor?" He yelled. Cori took a step back.
"Why are you so mad?" She frowned.
"I think it's obvious!"
"Funny, it's about as clear as mud to me!" She yelled back.
"I don't want him callin' you!" His voice continued to get louder.
"You don't own me! And you will not tell me what to do!" She stormed out of the room.
“Fuck!” He threw his mug in the sink and walked out.

Everyone gathered at the airport three hours later. The jet was ready and the girls were there. Everyone, except Joe.
“Where the bloody hell is he?” Mal looked at Phil.
“Don’t know. He and Cori had a fight this mornin’.” Phil groaned. He knew it was going to be a long fight and that Joe wasn’t about to let this rest until he got his way. He’d also learned enough about the girls to know that Cori wasn’t about to let that happen.
“Great!” Mal huffed. “Well, everyone get loaded up. As soon as he decides to show his happy face we’ll leave.”
“I’m here.” Joe yelled from behind him.
“Hurry your ass up!” Mal scolded him. “We’re runnin’ late.”
“Cool off.” Joe gave him a grin as he walked by. He didn’t even look at Cori as he boarded the plane.
“Jackass!” She mumbled under her breath.

The first hour was fairly quiet. Cori read a book, while Joe sat on the other side of the jet with his headphones on.
“Cori Phillips.” She answered her cell phone.
“Rule changes!” Devon blurted.
“What?” She stood up and walked to the back of the plane.

Joe watched her. Anger registering on his face.
“I think you should cool down.” Sav warned.
“I think you should mind your own business.” He got up.

“A week before the competition?” She paced.
“Something about preliminary ceremonies and parties. The presence of the reigning champion is requested.” He went on.
“Why didn’t they notify us before now?” She poured herself a drink.
“Don’t know sweetie.”
“Fine. I’ll call you with my flight arrangements.” She sighed. After she hung she noticed Joe leaning against the counter drinking from a bottle of Dewars. She rolled her eyes and tried to walk off.
“I told you I didn’t want him callin’ you!” He growled.
“And I told you to kiss my ass!” She spat in return.
“Dammit!” He grabbed her arm. Her eyes moved to his hand around her arm then back to his face.
“Let..me..go.” She clenched her teeth.

“Are they at it again?” Phil whispered to Tori from their seats.
“Sounds like it.” She sighed. “He better watch out. Cori has one hell of a temper.”
“So does Joe.” Phil looked over the seat.
“She can handle herself.” She pulled his face back around. “Don’t worry.”

Joe released her arm but held her with his gaze. “We’ve talked about this, Cor.”
“No, you talked and I refused to listen.” She angered. She was not going to go through this. He was getting upset over something stupid.
“Cori, don’t do this!” He roared.
“Go to hell!” She walked back to her seat.

“Shit!” Sav closed his eyes.
“This is gonna be a bloody nightmare.” Viv sighed.
“What happened?” Sav looked at Viv and Rick.
“Ask Phil.” Rick pointed to him.
“Maybe we shouldn’t get involved.” Viv watched Joe return to his seat.

Cori walked with Tori and Phil as they walked into the hotel. What the hell did he think he was doing? He didn’t own her. Hell, they weren’t even in a committed relationship. And they never would be if he continued to act like this.
“Is there a chance we could still get an extra room?” She turned to Mal.
“Let’s see what we can get ya.” Mal grabbed her hand. Joe was at the counter signing the slip for his room. He listened but didn’t look up as Mal worked out another room for Cori on the same floor as the rest of them.
“And where is your weight room located?” Cori asked the clerk.
“Top floor at the end of the hall. Just turn right off the elevator.” She smiled.
“Thank you.” She grabbed her key and her bags. She headed for the elevator.
“Did you get a room?” Tori joined her.
“Two down from you and Phil.” She pushed the button for their floor.
“I’m sorry.” Tori put her hand on her arm.
“It’s not your fault he’s an ass.” Cori smiled. “Meet me in the weight room in an hour?”
“I’ll be there.”

The girls worked out and the group had dinner afterwards. Cori stayed behind to put in an extra few hours and then turned in early. She and Tori met in the hall the next morning at 7:00.
“Ready?” Tori giggled.
“I love this part.” Cori followed. Mal had provided them with keys to each of the guy’s rooms. “Rise and shine!” She walked into Sav’s room.
“What the hell?” He pulled the sheets up.
“Nice bum.” She smiled.
“What are ya doin’, Cor?” He sat up.
“Time to run!” She threw him a pair of shorts. “Get up!”

“Get your butt outta bed!” Tori stood at the foot of Rick’s bed.
“What are you doin’ in here?” He gave her a sleepy smile.
“Time to show me how well you like my torture.” She giggled.
“Be out in a bit.” He threw the covers back. When she returned to the hall Phil was leaning against the wall waiting on the others.
“You are too much like me.” She kissed him.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He smiled. “I think she made need some help though.” He pointed to Cori standing in front of Joe’s door.

Cori knocked on the door and got no response. So, she knocked again, only to hear the same gruff voice she’d heard the last two days.
“Go away!”
“Not a chance!” She yelled back. Slipping the card into the reader she opened the door.
“I said leave me the bloody hell alone!” He threw his shoe at the door. Cori had to duck her head to keep it from hitting her.
“Now who’s acting like the six year old?” Sav popped his head in.
“Can it ya wanker!” Joe glared at him. Sav smiled at Cori and she couldn’t help but laugh.
“He’s not a mornin’ person.” Sav whispered.
“What gave you that idea?” She giggled.
“Need some help with him?” Viv stopped at the door.
“I think I can handle him.” She shut the door. “It’s time for your morning run.” She dug through his bags and pulled out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. She was already dressed in her own shorts and sports bra.
Why did she have to look so good, Joe thought as he covered his head with the pillow. He knew he was being unbearable and that he was out of line but the thought of another man spending time with her had him angry and jealous.
“I’m not goin’ anywhere.” He mumbled.
“You can get up on your own or I can drag your ass out there. Which will it be?” She threw his clothes at him.
“Piss off, Cor!”
“Look!” Her temper raised. “The band is paying me good money to be here. I’m gonna do my job if I have to physically force you!”

“Think they’ll ever make up?” Rick walked out to join the others.
“I know they better.” Mal walked up. “I’m tired of hearin’ it.”
“We’ll get a break when she leaves in two days regardless.” Tori crossed her arms. “I just hope he doesn’t screw her concentration.”
“That’s right!” Sav smiled. “Her competition is this weekend.”
“Yep. She has to fly out on Tuesday.”
“Are you going with her?” Phil asked.
“I want to.”

“Is that what you tell Devon?” Joe grabbed his shorts.
“That’s none of your business!” She crossed her arms.
“The hell it is!” He roared.

“That’s it!” Mal pounded on the door.
“What?” Joe flung it open.
“The rest of us are going on a run. When we get back the two of you had better be gettin' on better than ever.”
“Or what?” Joe challenged him.
“Or I’ll rip out your bleedin’ vocal cords so’s I don’t have to listen to ya anymore!” He slammed the door.
“Fuck!” Joe yelled loud enough for Mal to hear.
“Try it!” Mal yelled in return. Cori couldn’t help but giggle.
“What the hell is so funny?” He turned on her.
“Are you always this possessive?”
“Only with what’s mine.” He looked enormous inside the small room. His eyes held a passion Cori had never seen.
“What makes you think I’m yours?” She whispered.
“This.” He brought his lips down hard against hers. His tongue darting into her mouth, exploring every inch. Cori was surprised by the action and instantly aroused.

“It got quiet.” Viv looked at Sav.
“Maybe they took my advice.” Mal smiled.
“Or maybe Cori ripped his vocal cords out for ya.” Sav laughed.

Joe wasted no time removing their clothing. He laid her down on the bed and proceeded to show her what he couldn't seem to be able to tell her. How much he loved her. Every touch, kiss, caress, and look held an unexplainable need.
"Cori." He pushed inside her. "Oh."
"Joe." She arched her back, pulling him deeper. He started with slow, even thrusts. Drawing out their pleasure till he felt her tighten around him. His own need then exploded within her.

They lay wrapped in each other's arms, enjoying the feel of the other next to them.
"I'm sorry." He kissed her cheek.
"You're forgiven." She kissed his hand.

Tori was giving Cori a pep talk as Joe and Phil arrived in the lobby to take Cori to the airport.
"Are you sure you don't want me to go?" Tori sipped her water.
"Yes. Devon is meeting me at the airport. He'll be there with me." She smiled. Joe stopped dead in his tracks when he heard that remark. He wanted to go with her now. He wanted to let Devon know personally to leave her alone. That she was his.
"Have you told him yet?" Tori raised her eyebrows.
"No. I will after the competition." Cori sighed. "The last thing I need right now is an argument to ruin my concentration."
"You are the best body builder I know. Go kick some ass!" She hugged her.
"I will."
"Aye!" Phil and Joe walked up.
"You ready?" Joe grabbed Cori's hand. He was going to hold on as long as he could. Which, with the conversation he'd just heard, didn't sound like that much longer.
"Ready." Cori grabbed her bag. They drove to the airport and she said goodbye to Phil and Tori. They let Joe walk her to the terminal alone.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come?" He held her in his arms. "I would love to see you compete."
"Mal would kill me if I took you away." She giggled.
"I'll expect you to model all that lingerie when you get back." He tried to get her to give him a sign. An idea of how much time he would have with her before she left and didn't look back.
"I think I'd like that." She kissed him. What was she doing? Why was she acting like this when she planned on dumping him when she returned? The more she acted like nothing was wrong the more he wanted her.
"Good." He ran his thumb down her jawline. "Be careful."
"I think I can take care of myself." She looked down at her frame and laughed. He thought how silly that must have sounded and laughed also.
"I guess you can." He kissed her again. "See you in a few days."
"Gotcha." She snuck another kiss before walking down the ramp.

The three walked back into the hotel. Joe had been quiet on the ride back. Phil turned to Tori and told her he'd meet her in the room.
"Let's grab a drink in the lounge." Phil put his hand on Joe's shoulder.
"Sounds good." He pouted. They walked in the lounge and ordered a couple of beers.
"Wanna talk about it?" Phil took a sip.
"Don't know." He played with the label on the bottle.
"I know it involves Cori."
"She's everythin' I've ever wanted." He took a long drink. "Hell, I don't know what's wrong."
"Join the crowd." Phil sighed. "Tori...I feel the same for her."
"She's gonna leave me." He hung his head.
"What makes you think that?"
"You heard the conversation. It was pretty clear." He ordered another beer.
"Did you ask her about it?"
"Hell no. Did you tell Tori how you feel?" He looked at him.
"No. The whole Jackie thing has me....and then there's Rory. I want him to meet her first."
"Jackie." He half chuckled to himself. "That's kinda like mentioning Karla right now."
"Still bitter over her?" Phil finished his beer.
"She cheated on me. My marriage was over long before we ended it but, it still got to me when I came home and found her in bed with him."
"Jackie took me by surprise." Phil sighed. "Maybe it was fallin' apart in front of my face but I never saw it comin'."
"Knowin' doesn't make it easier." Joe ordered a round of shots for him and Phil.
"Tori is so different. It's like we were made for each other." Phil slammed the shot as it was placed in front of him. Talking about his marriage only depressed him.
"Cori knows what it's like to have someone cheat on her. That's what makes it so hard when I think about her seein' Devon in LA." He downed his own shot and chased it with the rest of his beer. "I’m gonna turn in." Joe threw a wad of money on the bar.
"It's only 1:00 in the afternoon." Phil looked at his watch.
"I didn't get much sleep last night." He smiled faintly. "And I have a show to put on t'night."

Cori walked off the plane to see Devon waiting on her.
"Hey!" She hugged him.
"How was your flight?" He grabbed her bag.
"Fine." She reached down and turned her cell phone on. No messages. She was certain Joe would have called her. He was acting funny when she left.
"Everything ok?"
"Yep." She put her sunglasses on.
"Good. Let's drop your stuff off at your house and get to work. We have two days for you to show me what you've got."

The group was in the dressing room preparing for the concert. Joe looked like he didn't get any sleep that afternoon either.
"You lads ready?" Mal walked in.
"Let's rock!" Sav jumped up.
"That's the attitude." Rick followed.
"Gettin' laid?" Viv looked at him.
"Bite me!" Sav laughed.

"One more." Devon spotted Cori on her last bench press.
"Fuck!" She pushed the bar up.
"That's enough." He placed it in its cradle. "Now, let's see ya flex." He grinned.
"Wanker." She giggled.
"Picking up new names off of the Brit?" He looked at her.
"I guess so." She thought about Joe and the others. "They tend to grow on you."
"So is it serious?" He popped a CD in the player.
"I don't know." She looked up at him. "How did you know....when you met Liz, how did you know....."
"That she was the one?" He realized what she was trying to say.
"Yeah." She wiped her face with a towel.
"Just did." He sat beside her. "It was like I couldn't breathe when I was around her." He smiled thinking about his wife. "I wanted to involve her in everything I did."
"She's great." She put her hand on his shoulder. "I envy what you two have."

The auditorium was packed with spectators, judges, and competitors. Cori found a spot in the corner and began to warm up. She had her cell phone on next to her waiting for the call she always got from Tori before a competition. She also hoped that Joe would call. She hadn't heard from him since she left. Why was that?
"Hey, do you need anything?" Devon walked up with Liz.
"Water?" She stretched her legs.
"Be right back." He walked off.
"I think he's more excited than you." Liz giggled.
"I know." She sighed. "How do you think he'll take the news?"
"Depends on how well you do. Go out a champion and I don't think he'll mind as much." Liz watched as Cori continued to stretch.
"Or he could try and tell me that I still have a lot of good years left if I'm still winning championships." She sighed as her phone rang. "Cori Phillips."
"Kick some ass!" Tori belted into the phone.
"I've been waiting for you to call." She excused herself and walked into the hall.
"Well, you left me five very uninspired men to train." She giggled.
"I think only four of them are uninspired." She laughed. "Phil would follow you anywhere."
"True." She looked over at Joe who was sitting on the couch. "Hold on."

She walked over and handed him the phone. "I thought you might want to wish her good luck."
"Thanks." He put the phone to his ear.
"Cor! You're up in ten!" Devon yelled.
"Alright." She turned her attention back to the phone. Joe could feel his blood boil at the sound of Devon's voice. "Tor, I've only got a few."
"I'll let her know." Joe huffed.
"Hey!" Her mood brightened at the sound of his voice. But, why did he sound upset? "What's wrong?"
"We've had this discussion before. I see it didn't do any good." He paced the floor. It suddenly dawned on Tori that he was completely certain that Cori and Devon were getting it on. She burst into laughter. When Phil gave her a strange look she explained the situation to him. He too burst into a fit of laughter.
"This time you're gonna tell me what the fuck your problem is." She tried not to loose concentration. This is the last thing she needed ten minutes before a performance.
"Devon, Cor!" He yelled into the phone and she had to hold it at arm's length. "What the fuck is he doin' there with you? Huh? You sure as hell didn't want me there!"
"What?" She shook her head. He surely wasn't thinking.......Oh, God. He thought she and Devon....
"Fuck this shit! I don't need it!" He started to hang up.
"Joe, wait!" Cori yelled.
"What!"
"It's not what you think." She giggled.
"There's nothin' funny about this, Cor."
"You're jealous." She giggled again. "And for no reason."
"I think I have plenty of reason." He angered. Why the hell did she think this was so funny?
"Because I'm yours, right?"
"Hell yes you are!" He calmed at her smartass remark.
"Honey, Devon is married to my best friend Liz and is my side trainer."
"What?" His jaw nearly hit the floor.
"Yes. He helps me train since I can't always do it myself and Tori is busy sometimes training herself."
"But...."
"You had it completely wrong."
"Cor, come on! You're up!" Devon yelled again.
"I have to go." She paused. "Wish me luck?" She closed her eyes.
"Good luck and I'll see you tomorrow." He sighed.
"Bye." She sighed as Devon took the phone and hung it up.
"Let's go."

After the competition was over Devon, Liz, and Cori went out for dinner.
"To the current reigning champ for the third year in a row!" Devon toasted her.
"Thanks." She smiled as they sipped their wine.
"You looked great." Liz patted her hand and nodded her head. It was time to tell him.
"Do you want to tell me now the secret the two of you have been keeping?" He looked between his wife and Cori. Cori took a deep breath and faced him.
"I'm retiring." She spoke simply. "And I'm proud of the fact that I get to go out as a champion." She waited for his reaction.
"Retire?" He gasped. "But, Cori, you can't retire now. You're still winning championships."
The girls began to laugh. "I told you." Cori looked at Liz.

Cori stepped off the plane to see her sister waiting.
"I'm so proud of you!" She hugged her.
"We did it." She kissed her cheek. "And I say we deserve to celebrate."
"Damn straight!" She carried a bag for her. "Should we include the guys?"
"Of course!" She giggled. "They'll drop when they see me do Jack shots."
"No doubt." She giggled. "Let's see, we're in Houston. Where should we go?"
"County Line?"
"Sav would have a fit! I love it!"

"You're what?" Joe looked up from toweling his hair after a shower.
"We're taking you all out!" Cori leaned against the door. "Hurry and get ready."
"This I gotta see." Sav smiled as he finished tying his tennis shoes.

They walked in and looked around at the country bar.
"Fuck me!" Sav pouted.
"We're in Texas, hon. Not much of a choice." Tori took Phil's hand and led him to a table. She whispered something to a waitress as the rest found seats.
"I want more than prune juice!" Joe yelled.
"Sit down and shut your trap!" Cori giggled.
Their eyes widened as two shots and a beer was placed in front of each of them by the waitress.
"Wooh!" Tori held her shot up. "Congratulations to the best fuckin' body builder in the world!"
"To Cori!" Sav went with the flow.
"To Cori!" The others followed.
Phil's eyes widened as he watched the twins. They quickly downed both of their shots and put a nice dent into their beers. He looked at Joe and they both shrugged their shoulders. "You gonna drink those?" Cori pointed to Phil's full shot glasses.
"Someone’s gonna need to hold Tor's hair back." He laughed.
"Cool." Cori handed a shot to her sister. They silently toasted and tipped their heads back.
"Yes!" Tori slammed her glass down. "Let's party!" She grabbed Cori's hand and led her to the dance floor.
Joe nodded his head toward the dance floor and looked at Phil.
"Let's go." He smiled.
"They're gonna get laid." Sav pouted as he finished off his beer.
"That blonde over there's been checkin' you out, mate." Rick smiled.
"Where?" He quickly cheered up.

An hour later, they had moved to a pool table in the corner. Cori concentrated for what seemed an eternity before taking the shot.
"You suck!" Joe laughed as Tori nearly spit her beer through her nose.
"You're supposed to swallow that." Phil laughed at her.
"Ya think?" She giggled.
"I haven't heard any bitchin' in a while. Where did Sav go?" Cori looked around.
"Blonde 3:00." Vivian chuckled.
"Well good for him!" Tori laughed. "Getcha some!"
He flipped her the bird and laughed.
"You are outta control!" Phil wrapped his arms around her.
"It's a welcomed relief to the stuffy trainers we met a few months ago." Joe smiled at Cori.
"I'm still that stuffy trainer." She crossed her arms.
"Yeah but…"
"Whatever." She held up her hand and turned her head.
"You got the hand!" Rick nearly fell off of his barstool.

Cori looked over at Tori. They watched each other for a bit. They seemed to be having a conversation without saying a word. Tori laughed. "Okay!"
"I hate it when they do that!" Vivian yelled.
"We'll be right back." Tori kissed Phil's nose and pulled away.
"Hurry back."
"If you're lucky." Cori took Tori's hand and led her to the bar.

Two rounds later, Phil and Joe looked at each other.
"Where'd they go?" Joe looked around.
"I figured the loo." Phil followed his gaze.
"C'mon." He led him toward the restrooms.
"Hey!" Sav found them. "I'm gonna head on back to the hotel, I'm beat."
"Sure." Phil smiled at the blonde. "Remember our workout in the mornin'."
"Yeah right! They've been at the bar for an hour!" He pointed.
They turned to where he pointed. The girls were doing tequila shots.
"G'night, mate." Joe smiled and shook his head.
"Come on." Phil chuckled as they joined the twins.

"Hey, baby!" Tori giggled as she struggled to stay on the barstool.
"How long have you been here?" Joe couldn't help but smile.
"I have no fuckin' idea." Cori slurred. "But I do know that my teeth are numb."
"Tab." Phil spoke to the bartender.
"We're not ready." Tori slipped off the stool and giggled.
"Know when to say when, sweetheart." Joe chuckled.
"Fuckin' drunks!" Phil laughed after reading the bill. "Ten shots each?"
"Lime is a great source of vitamin C." Tori slurred and then began to giggle uncontrollably.
"She'll snort in a minute." Cori smiled as her sister began to snort. "Told you!" She herself snorted.

Tori woke up to the alarm the next morning. "Mmm." She rolled over and slammed the button. She then closed her eyes.
"Wake up." Phil rolled onto his side.
"Just a few more… hours." She grumbled. "I think I'm still drunk."
"I wouldn't doubt that." He chuckled. "The bus leaves at 9:00. And we need to get our work out in."
"I know." She rubbed her face. She then looked down to see that she was still fully dressed. "I figured you would have at least helped me to bed."
"You told me not to touch you!" He smiled.
"I did not!" She sat up.
"You went mumbling on about how wonderful I am and then when I tried to undress you, you told me to leave you alone and you passed out."
"So you're wonderful, huh?"
"That's what you said." He smiled. "Do you not think that when you're sober?"
"No… I happen to think that now too." She kissed him.
"I happen to think you're pretty okay too." He unbuttoned her jeans.
"We can always save time by taking a shower together." She pulled her shirt off.
"Good ideer."

"Go away!" Cori pushed Joe away.
"We need to go for a run!" He yelled.
"Fuck off!" She covered her head with the pillow.
"You're actin' like me now!" He laughed. "Tori'll skull me."
"Just let me sleep while you take a shower."
"No use in me takin' a shower if we're gonna work out."
"Then just let me sleep!" She pushed him off the bed with her feet.
"You sure are grumpy when you're hung!"
She shot up and pointed to him. "Shush!" She then laid down and covered her head.
"You're so damn cute." He chuckled before walking to the bathroom.

"What are you and Phil doing on our weekend off?" Cori smiled as Tori finished up her workout.
"Rory's flying in. He's taking him out tomorrow."
"Then what?" She stopped.
"I guess we'll take it from there." She took a drink of her water.
"So where are you stayin' while he's here?"
"I've been thinkin' about goin home to check on things for a few days."
"Want me to go?"
"Nah." She looked away. "I could use the time to get serious about my workout. I need to put a routine together anyway."
"I don't want you to be alone, sis."
"It's just a weekend, Cor. Geeze, I am a big girl." She grabbed her towel and walked up to her room.

Phil took his son out for the entire day. They had breakfast, went to the arcade, and then went to play put put golf. They were getting along better than they had in a very long time.
"I'll wager you a soda that I can sink this one." Phil smiled.
"You're on." He crossed his arms as Phil lined up the put. Just as he pulled the club back, he spoke. "Mom told me that you have a girlfriend."
"Damn!" He cursed under his breath as he missed the ball completely. He then took a deep breath and looked up at him. "Aye. Her name's Tori."
"Is she pretty?"
"Very." He smiled. "You can't have her."
"Ew, dad." He laughed.
"I'd like very much for you to meet her." He took the shot and missed.
"Looks like you owe me a soda." He laughed.

Joe and Cori took off on a run that morning and then returned to spend the day in the hotel making love and talking. He was hoping to work up the nerve to tell her how he felt.
"Can I tell you something and get your word that you'll keep it a secret?" She leaned her head against his shoulder as they sat on the balcony.
"Always." He squeezed her hand.
Cori took a deep breath. "I've officially retired." She looked up at him.
"Retired?" He looked confused.
"That was my last body building competition last week."
"I see. How do you feel about that?" He pulled her into his arms. Something was obviously bothering her about the decision.
"I'm fine with the decision. I'm ready for it, I guess. It's just that......"
"Have you told Tori?"
"No. And it's eating at me. I've never kept anything from her." She ran her hand over his chest.
"So why am I to keep it a secret?" He kissed her hair.
"Because I want her to hear it from me." She sighed. "But, I want it to be the right time. She's training for her competition right now and I don't want to do anything to jeopardize her concentration."

"Tori Phillips." She answered out of breath.
"Whatcha doin'?"
"Putting together my workout routine." She reached over and grabbed her water.
"How's it coming?"
"I'm not a choreographer, so I think it sucks." She huffed. "I'll get something figured out, though."
"Well, we have a date when you get in on Sunday."
"Does it involve your clone?" She smiled.
"He wants to meet you. I figure we can 'ave dinner before he flies back home."
"Sounds good to me."
"Great."

Tori sat quietly and watched as Rory and Phil told her about their weekend.
"Sounds like you had fun." She smiled.
"What did you do?" Rory asked her.
"I lifted weights and did aerobics." She smiled.
"Lifted weights?" He raised his eyebrows. Phil laughed as he peeked around the table to get a better look at her. "Wow."
"My thoughts exactly." Phil chuckled. "Tori 'ere is a personal trainer."
"What's that?" He watched her.
"It's my job to make sure that your dad and the rest of the band exercise and eat right."
Rory looked back at his father. "That's why Sav lost weight!"
"Exactly!" They all laughed.

Phil was quiet as they returned to the hotel.
"He's a big boy." Tori smiled. "And you'll see him again soon."
"I know." He sighed as he carried her bags into the elevator.
"Then what is it?"
"Nothing." He kissed her.
"Talk to me." She whispered. "Something's bothering you."
"Trust me, it's nothing bad." He smiled.
"Promise?" Her heart was in her eyes as she looked at him.
"Promise." He again kissed her. "I did miss you, though."
"You too." She smiled. "Maybe we can finally put one of those little outfits to good use."
"I like the sound of that."
"Come on, then." She pulled him towards their hotel room.
"Hey!" Sav looked up while walking down the hall. His mouth was practically full of gum.
"What's up with the wad?" Tori giggled.
"Quit smokin'." He smiled.
"That's great!" She hugged him. "I'm so proud of you!"
"Good luck!" Phil laughed as he opened their door.
"Night, kids." He waved as he walked onto the elevator.
"He looks so happy." Tori was proud of herself as they walked in and closed the door.
"We all are." Phil wrapped her in his arms.
"Yes, we are." She sighed and reveled in the moment.

Phil tossed and turned that night. It was bad enough that he didn't get any sleep when she was gone, but now he couldn't sleep and she was back.
"What's wrong?" Tori moaned as she looked up.
"Can't bloody sleep."
"Relax." She began to massage his shoulders.
"Mmm." He smiled as he closed his eyes. "That's nice."
"Take a deep breath and let your body relax when you let it out." She whispered in his ear as she moved her hands along his back. The next thing he knew, the alarm was going off the next morning. Tori quietly climbed out of bed and hopped into the shower. He smiled to himself as he rolled over and stretched. The water was running steadily as he picked up the phone and dialed. Her cell phone across the room began to ring. "This is Tori Phillips. I'm away from my phone right now, but if you leave a message I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks."
"Hi. It's me. I love you." He hung up and grinned brightly.

"Hey!" Cori met her sister for breakfast. "How was home?"
"I opened up the house for a day to let some fresh air in." She smiled.
"Cool." Cori handed her a packet of protein powder. "It's not meat, but I think you'll need it."
"Gee, thanks." She sighed.

After breakfast, they went for a run. As usual, the girls were out in front while the guys straggled.
"C'mon!" Tori ran to the back of the pack. "What's wrong this morning?"
"Long weekend." Joe yawned.
"Well, let's get goin' then!" She clapped her hands.
"I hate you." Sav grumbled.
"Then you'd better pick up the pace, or we'll add a mile." Cori turned around.
"Kiss my ass." He swore under his breath.

They ran to a park and then proceeded to stretch and do warm up exercises.
"Push ups, Tor." Cori instructed.
"Yes, ma'am." She smiled as she began doing one-handed push-ups.
"Holy shit! I can't do those!" Vivian spat.
"I can!" Rick laughed.
"Piss off!" Joe chuckled.
"Do 'em if you can. It just so happens that Tori's training. She'll have to do them in her program."
"Damn!" She collapsed onto the grass.
"Looks like you need to bulk up, huh?" Cori smiled evilly.
"Kiss my ass." She mumbled.
"Yes!" Sav gave her a thumbs up.

After their morning workout, the guys went their separate ways as the girls continued to the weight room of the hotel. Cori spotted for her sister as she began one of the hardest workouts of her life.
"Don't wear yourself out. You need to do this again tonight." She instructed.
"Okay." She grunted as she handed her the weights.

The backstage was the usual hectic mess as Cori made her way to the dressing room.
"Hi!" She kissed Joe's cheek.
"Hey. Where's Tori?" He looked over at Phil.
"Weight room." Phil answered for her.
"You two 'ave a fight?" Sav batted his eyes.
"No!" Phil pushed him.
"She's workin' out." Cori giggled.
"Yeah. It's kinda her job, ya know?" Phil chuckled.
"Sucks that she isn't 'ere, though." Joe crossed his arms. "You don't mind that you only see her in the mornings and on the bus?"
"It's better than not seein' her at all, right?"
"Phil, I think you may just be the smartest man here." Cori giggled as she kissed his cheek.
"Aw, shucks!" He laughed.

Tori finished up her workout and finished up in the sauna. She then walked into the room and noticed that the light on her phone was flashing. She had been so involved in her daily routine that she hadn't even checked it all day. She turned on the shower and began to undress as she listened to her messages. A huge smile enveloped her face as she hung up and dialed the phone.
"Stumpus!"
"Hey, Mal. Is Phil around?"
"They just went on, love."
"I should get there about half way through, then."
"See you in a bit, then." He smiled as he hung up the phone.

"Hey!" Cori hugged her sister as she joined her on the side of the stage. "I figured you'd be asleep by now!"
"He loves me, Cor!" She grinned from ear to ear.
"Oh, Tori! I'm so happy for you!"
"I'm happy too." She looked toward the stage to see Phil and Vivian messing around as they played.

They finished a song and Phil ran to the side stage to grab a new guitar from his sound tech. "Hey, Cor..." He looked up to see both of the twins. "Well, must 'ave had a light workout?"
"Nope." She grinned as she walked towards him.
"What brings you 'ere then?" He smiled, knowing that she must have checked her messages.
"I had a creepy message from some guy that claims he loves me." She kissed him.
"Know who it was?"
"Not a clue." She whispered into his ear. "I love you too."
"That's good to know." He winked and gave her a quick kiss. "Back to work."
"Shake that ass for me!" She yelled after him.
He smiled as he ran onto the stage and faced Rick. He then picked up his guitar and swung his hips from side to side. The girls in the crowd went wild.
"Ha!" Tori laughed.
"You asked." Cori shook her head.

"We goin' out tonight?" Sav looked around as the girls waited.
"Nope." Tori yawned as she massaged her left bicep. "I'm exhausted."
"Besides, the bus is leaving at the butt crack of dawn." Cori smiled.

"Damn, Tor." Cori massaged her arm. "This is bad."
"I know." She flinched. "I'll rest today and try to find a pool tomorrow."
She sighed as she continued to massage. This felt like a tear. There's no way one day would heal it. If Tori didn't slow down, she'd have to miss the competition.
"Hey Phil!" Cori yelled towards the front.
"Yeah?" He was there in a flash.
"Could you get us a baggie full of ice, please?"
"Sure." He didn't like the look on Tori's face. She was in pain.
Cori looked her sister in the eye. They stared at each other for a moment. "No." Tori looked away.
"Fine."

Tori sat on the bus and stared out the window as she held the bag of ice on her arm. She was the reigning champ at the fitness challenge. There was no way in hell she could afford to set out this year. Either way, she had to be there. And it would just plain suck if she had to be there and couldn't compete. Jeez, why did it suddenly feel like her age was catching up with her?

A few days later, the group gathered in the weight room of a hotel in Kansas City. Tori spotted for Phil and Vivian as they did their bench presses. As they switched to freeweights, she grabbed the 50-pound and began to do curls with them, using her right arm.

They were talking and laughing when Tori switched arms. She didn't quite make a full rep when she dropped the weight and yelled out in pain. "Fuck!" She grabbed her arm as everyone looked around at her.
"Oh, shit!" Cori ran to her sister's side.
"God damn it!" Tori gasped for air. "Fuck!" She looked at her sister as tears filled her eyes.
"Tor..." Cori tried to take a look at her arm.
"Just... leave me alone!" She walked out of the weight room.
Everyone turned to look at Cori. "Let's finish up." She shook her head. That was it. Tori was out.

"Hello?"
"Hey Chris." Tori sighed.
"Hey, Tor. What's up?"
"I fucked up my arm." She huffed. "I'm in Kansas City and need to see an Ortho. Know anyone?"
"Depends. You still tourin' with the shrimp?"
"You gonna help me or not?" She spat.
"You're really hurt, aren't you?"
"What the hell do you think, huh?" She paced around the room.
"Okay, okay. I'll call you back in a few." He hung up.

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