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Disclaimer: I don't own Orlando Bloom or any living person depicted in the story. They deserve my utmost respect.

---------------------- CHAPTER SEVEN ------------------

Orlando looked nervously at the watch, for the up-tenth time in the last fifteen minutes. They weren't late, but he was nervous.

After what had happened at the beach, he had decided it was time he pursued his original plan and put an end to his countless weeks of forced celibacy.

That watching HER had aroused him appeared to him the ultimate proof that he was suffering from severe sex-withdrawal. There was no other possible explanation, since he was positive he could not be lusting after the witch. He had been embarrassed to no end, reminding him of his teen years.

While he actually had taken a dive to cool off, V had met and befriended Sean and Alexandra. Sean, logically, had been charmed and swept away by her.

The drive home had been silent, but not uncomfortable. Verena hadn't said a word about the incident ever again.

Anyway, to Orlando it was crystal-clear. He needed to get laid as soon as possible. He had planned it out with Lij, but all depended on this night.

Viggo's photography exhibit was in town, and Orli had managed to convince Verena to attend with him to the opening. And there was no Spence around.

If Lij and he managed to hook V and Viggo up, he might get the desired distraction to at least have a bit more control of his life.

Zoë hopped down the stairs, to the living room where Orlando was waiting for Verena.

Since he was lost in his thoughts, she tugged at his pants for his attention. Orlando saw the child and a smile brightened his face.

"Hey little lady, you look amazingly beautiful tonight!" he told the child, while he picked her up and swirled her around in an imaginary waltz.

Zoë squealed in delight, holding on to his neck.

"Mamma lend me her necklace and I put on some perfume and her lipstick. Do I look pretty Orli? Mamma looks even prettier. She said she would be ready soon. Though I would like to see her in a beautiful dress, like Cinderella, you know? I think you would make a great prince. Are Mamma and you going out on a date?" the child asked, while being whirled around by Orli.

Orlando had to laugh. "No, love, your Mamma and I are going to a gallery, to see some photographs a good friend of mine made. And whenever you need a prince, I will be glad to be yours, fair princess!" he told her, while he spun her around the living room her once more.

Verena had descended the stairs and was silently watching them waltz around the room. Zoë was quite taken by Orlando. And V always thought that children had a sixth sense for people's character.

But then, the situation was more complicated.

"You mean like Mamma's ex-hibit? That's the name, right? Mamma made some of those, and she also got those nice awards for the pictures she made. But some were sad and ugly pictures, of people in places where there was war. Now Mamma doesn't go there anymore. Spence says that my Mamma is top of the crop making photographs ... have you seen the ones she made of me? And of the snake? And of the zebras? Those are very beautiful. And when I grow up, I will definitely want you to be my prince, Orli," said Zoë, hugging him with all her might.

"Then we should start hoping that Orlando stays forever young, like Legolas, chip", said Verena from the doorstep.

"Oh yes, Mamma!" said Zoë and jumped from Orlando's arms to her mother's.

Verena caught the child and said, "Someday you will break your neck, little one!"

Zoë grinned at her mother. "Orli said the same to me, Mamma, but I know that you and him will always catch me!"

Verena looked over to Orlando over Zoë's head, giving him a warm smile.

"I guess it's time to go, chip. Be good, sleep tight and you know that Rita is here, right?" said Verena to her daughter.

"Yes, mamma. You go and have a good time with Orli. He is the bestest," said Zoë with a wide smile. She hugged her mother and then stretched her arms towards Orlando, who took her from V's arms and gave her a big hug and a peck on the cheek. "Go to bed, munchkin and be good. Sweet dreams."

Zoë ran up the stairs to her room.

Orlando turned to V. She looked really good. She wore a pair of black leather pants, a black vest with beadwork and a green suede shirt over it. Her hair was loose around her face and she had barely put some make up on. She wore silver earrings and a couple of silver Celtic bracelets. Cool elegance.

Verena was appraising Orlando's outfit as well. He was wearing black jeans, a purple shirt and a black jacket over it. They had bought the shirt and the jacket together and it did wonders for his complexion.

The kid was absolutely edible. 'Did I think THAT?' said V to herself.

Since the incident at the beach, she had begun to think about him as a ... male. She had been thinking about him, and he became a more intriguing character every day. And his blatant love for Zoë crumbled all her defences.

She had to keep her distance. She did not dare to get attached to Orlando, and she was thinking about Zoë's unhappiness when the time came that Orlando would leave. In the meantime, Zoë was enjoying having him around and V didn't want to take that from her.

But in the end, she was responsible for her daughter's welfare and she had to intervene as soon as possible, to avoid hurting Zoë when Orlando moved out of their lives. She would cut his time with Zoë down as much as possible without disrupting their relationship too much. Then maybe the child wouldn't be heartbroken when he left.

"Nice look, Orlando. I especially like the shirt. Are we going?" she said.

Orlando gave her a brilliant smile. "Sure. Let's go."

**************************

As they arrived at the gallery, the place was packed.

Orlando and Verena stepped out of the car and gave the keys to the valet.

Orlando looked over the crowd and made V a sign to join him. He saw a spot where they could squeeze in and reach the entrance. On a reflex, he took her hand and pulled her behind him. Verena was surprised but also amused. She was not used to be dragged anywhere. She just smiled and let him make his way into the mass of people with her in tow.

Orlando reached the entrance and the guard asked him after his name. They entered without any problem.

And as they made their way in, they walked into Elijah, who was waiting for them. Lij's eyes fell immediately to their clasped hands.

Orlando noticed and let go, blushing profusely. Verena blushed as well, but held the same hand out and ruffled Lij's spiky hairstyle.

"Hello, Elijah. Nice to see you again! Rita has been asking about you ... she thinks you are the one who is most appreciative of her cooking ever. When do I have to announce you? Or do I tell her that you will just drop by anytime?" Verena said to him.

"Anytime, V, anytime. I'd just wish I could kidnap Rita and have her adopt me .. or would you adopt me?" Elijah teased.

Verena laughed out loud. "After having pretty boy here in the house, I am cured of young men at home for the rest of my life, Lij!. Now, If you both excuse me, I'd like to actually take a look at the exhibit," and saying this, she smiled at both and left them behind.

"What was the handholding thing all about?" asked Elijah.

Orlando shrugged. He wasn't sure himself. He had grabbed her hand to get through the crowd and the he hadn't let go. It had actually felt quite nice.

He wagged a mental finger at himself. Now he had to think of the plan, instead of trying to discern dumb little unimportant details like the feel of V's hand in his.

"Lij, about the plan …" he started to say, but Elijah was distracted, looking out for someone to arrive at the gallery. As he saw them, he waved wildly, and soon a pair of young women joined them.

"Hey girls! It's great you could make it. Melanie, Sheryl, meet my friend Orlando," he introduced.

Melanie and Sheryl could almost be twins, for they looked amazingly alike. Both had long blonde hair, were dressed fashionably and sported identical huge smiles.

"Oh, you are Orlando? You look so good in real life! Pleased to meet you!" said one of them; Orlando thought it must be Melanie.

"Thank you, you don't look bad at all yourself, love," he said, with a big grin. Lij was absolutely dependable. So they just had to wait and see of Viggo and Verena got along.

"Lij, and where is Viggo?" Orlando asked anxiously: He had already lost sight of Verena.

"Hmmm? Viggo? Dunno, he was here somewhere", Lij said while he thread his arm around Sheryl's waist. "Relax and enjoy, Orli. Things will work out, I promise."

Orlando registered Lij's words and thought about them. Sure, things would work out ... but was it what he really wanted?

Verena strolled in front of the photographs. This was clearly an artist; all images were full of life, of force, of personality. They were truly amazing.

V went from one photograph to the next, drinking in all the strong impressions.

The camera's eye was set on seeing beyond the subjects. The guy was very very good.

Verena was absolutely lost in the pictures, and she didn't notice the man that had stopped next to her, observing her interest. She even reached to lightly touch the photograph in front of her.

"I miss the texture as well, that is why I rather prefer painting," said the stranger next to her. Verena was startled, and turned to the intruder.

"Painting is great ... but even much more subjective than photography. At least every photograph has some of reality to it."

"The reality in an image depends of the eye of the beholder. This artist likes to show things the way he sees them, as far as the camera allows him," said the stranger.

He was as tall as her, dark blonde hair falling in stray locks over mesmerizing green-blue eyes, that were looking curiously at her. Rugged features with a cleft in the chin completed the handsome face. A face Verena found strangely familiar.

She felt almost stupid having been staring at him for a couple of minutes, before recognizing him.

"Well, since you are the artist, Mr. Mortensen, I suppose you have the last word on the matter," she said, and gave him a shy smile.

Viggo's face lit up with a heart-stopping smile. Verena blushed. Viggo offered her his hand, saying, "You have the advantage of knowing my name, Miss?"

Verena took the offered hand. "Verena Devereaux, Mr. Mortensen. Congratulations on your inspired and overwhelming work. You have a magic eye."

Viggo took her hand and brushed lightly his lips across her knuckles in an old-fashioned hand-kiss. "I'd like to think I have two eyes, Miss Devereaux. And both of them are currently admiring an impressive work of nature."

Verena blushed. "Mr. Mortensen, I am sure you could charm the wits out of everybody," she pulled her hand from his gently and turned again to the photograph. "Your work is amazing."

"Well, thank you, Miss Devereaux. Would you please keep on telling me your opinion on my work and accompany me with a glass of champagne?" Viggo said. Verena nodded and let him guide her towards the bar of the gallery.

***************

The gallery was bursting with people. Lij had lead the little group to a secluded spot , where they could chat and set the lines to play their game out.

Sheryl was devouring Lij with her eyes, hanging on very word that came out of his lips. Melanie had draped herself over Orlando's side, and was caressing his arm through the fabric of his shirt. Things seemed to be running smoothly.

Orlando caught sight of Verena and Viggo as they reached the bar. Viggo had put his hand on the small of her back, and Verena was smiling. So, they seemed to have found each other and the chemistry was evidently working. All was going perfectly. He ignored Melanie's chat about the hottest clubs in L.A., and kept on observing Viggo and V, as inconspicuous as possible.

They seemed to get along nicely. Viggo did not move from her side and was whispering something into V's ear that made her laugh. She seemed to be having a good time.

He grabbed a glass of whisky and kept on sipping the drink, while trying to concentrate on what Melanie and Sheryl were telling to him and Lij. But he could not tear his eyes from his friend and his Public Relations Agent standing at the other end of the room.

*****************************

"Are you sure you don't want me to call Rita in? I know Zoë would go through fire for you, but I am not sure that you will enjoy babysitting her, Orlando," asked Verena two evenings later. She was already dressed up for dinner with Viggo.

"Nonsense, V. I'll put her to bed, and then I will watch a movie or so until you get home. I have nothing else to do, remember?" said Orlando, hoping he sounded sincere. He was putting his best poker face on, relying in his acting ability.

"You can trust me, V"

Verena looked at him and tried to see through the soulful brown eyes. No luck. She knew she could trust him, didn't she?

" Orlando, I am very sorry that you are stuck here every night, but you know you can't afford any more negative press coverage. . Maybe we will find an alternative. Geez, I feel bad about going out myself, while you stay here. It isn't fair," she told him.

Orlando felt guilt wash over him, but he had to defend the hand he had been dealt. "Come on, V, you are not the one hunted down by paparazzi and you deserve some fun. And Viggo is the greatest. Go, don't worry and enjoy a nice date. Please, go," the last plea was heartfelt, since all depended on V going out with Viggo that night.

"Thank you, Orlando. You are a great kid. I owe you one," she told him. Then she walked away to tell Zoë goodbye and give her a goodnight peck. Viggo would pick her up soon.

Why the hell can't she tell me that I am a great MAN? Why can't she see me as an equal? Orlando thought, `Blast it, I shouldn't be worrying about what she does or doesn't think. I should give Lij a call, and tell him to move out'.

One hour and a chapter of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" later, Orlando gave Zoë a soft kiss on the forehead and tucked her in. She was asleep, but she mumbled, "Love you, Orli" before he turned off the light.

Exactly fifteen minutes later, there was a soft knock on the door of his apartment. He opened the door with a wide smile.

"Welcome, Melanie."