Don't Hide Your Love

Don't think twice, it's alright.

12th of November 1987

Cher's POV.

Just a little outside of Malibu, there is a little town where I often escape to and get Chaz's and Elijah's favourite things and just get back to reality, I often managed to sneak out without being followed by the paparazzi. 

"Do you have a list? because I want to get my things and go home." I said fastening my seatbelt.

"Yes, yes god, you're the one who wants to talk to everyone then gets pissed when they recognise you." Says Pauly who was eager to tag along. 

"No, I don't get pissed, I get pissed when the Paparazzi come." I say putting the car in gear

"Because you talk to everyone."

"Shut up and get your belt on."

"Yes mother." She smiles, causing me to roll my eyes.

About 15 minutes of driving we park up and do a quick scour of the shops before we get out to check how busy it was to avoid being spotted.

"I just need the things from the grocery store."

"Okay, I just want to pop into the pharmacy first and I'll meet you there." Pauly said grabbing her purse from the car. 

"See you in a minute then, don't get lost."

"Fat chance of that, make three right turns and your back in the same place." Pauly chuckled.

--

"Oh well would you look at who it is, only my favourite customer." Say's the familiar man, stretching his arms out as an introduction as I enter with the little bell ringing as the door opens.

"What can I say, you do sell the best bagel." I say matching his disposition. 

"And don't I know it." He chuckled. "Now give me your list here and I'll grab them for you."

"Great, Thank you Robert." I said before he disappeared into the back. 

Robert. One of the many people I had became acquainted with when visiting, our relationship was purely casual flirting with added humour. 

"So, I have to confess something." He said peeking his head around from the back.

"Hmm really? and what's that?" I say raising my eyebrow at him.

"I caved and I bought your new album."

"No you fucking didn't" I say is disbelief.

"Yes I fucking did." He said chuckling "Yep, I even waited inline to get it." he said going back behind the curtain that led to the back.

"That is awful." I said trying to stop my face from going red and laughing it off before he returned.

"I thought it was actually really good." He reappeared and placing grocery bags on the counter.

"  'Actually' " I quoted raising my eyebrows. "I have been singing since before you were even born." I countered.

"That's not what I meant" He smiled, pointing out his mistake with his finger. "No, I loved it actually, Bang, bang now that was a great way to prove something to a little Italian."

"Well, Thank you. I appreciate." I smile

"Hey, just telling the truth... and you know, got to keep up my customer service skills." He said smiling mischievously. 

"Be careful, if you didn't know I am quite famous and I will get the word out about the rude service you have to offer."

"Ah, shut up, you love it." he winked.

Before I could respond the door opened.

"Cher I think, there might be some paparazzi out there. Hi Robert"

He nodded his head in Pauly's direction to say hello.

"Shit."  I curse.

"It's alright, you can go sit out the back, whilst I get Pauls things and then you can go out the back door." 

"Are you sure?"

"Positive." He says grabbing Pauly's list from her hand and lifting up part of the counter for us to walk through.

We follow him through the back and we sit down on the couch in a room that which appears to look like a staffroom.

"I won't be long." He said rushing back to grab their things.

"So Rob, Are you with anyone?" Pauly said raising her voice so he would hear.

I scowl at her and lightly dig my elbow in her side. "What the fuck?" I whisper.

"Sssh." She replies putting her finger to her lips.

"Er yes I am actually, Paul, If I knew you were interested I would of reconsidered my options though." He joked chuckling. 

"Damn, what a shame." She laughs and gave me a teasing smile.

"Right, I've got everything." He reappeared again.  "and if you ever need to hide again, don't think twice, it's alright just come straight through" 

"Thank you Rob, I owe you." I say

"Nah, It's nothing, just next time I'll get you to sign my album." He smiled.

"Shut up." I laugh 

"Do you need me to walk you to your car? or?"

"No, I'm sure It'll be fine."

"Okay, Honestly if you just go straight across and right, you'll be in the parking lot."

"Great, Thank you." Pauly says.

We say our goodbyes and sneak quietly out of the back.

"God, you two flirt more than your actual boyfriend."

"Shut up Paul, he's my friend."

"Oh yeah of course, you know, Like Sonny, Gregg and even Gene always friends first with you."

"He has a girlfriend! Just hurry up so we can go home." I say placing our bags in the trunk of the car. "Anyway, I think he thinks that you fancy him now."

"Ah that don't bother me, He's a good looking guy and I am single." She says clambering in the car and I join her on the other side.

"Hey, eyes off my friend."

"I'm joking, not that he is good looking, I let you have your way with him, I ain't going to stop you."

"You never do and that's the problem."

"Ooof don't blame your relationships on me." She says and I laugh.

"Yeah, yeah anyway I'm not going to have my way with him." I quote and laugh. 

"Okay." she replies smiling.

"I am not." I laugh

"Okay!" she says teasingly.