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“Wow I can’t believe how great these are,” Emily said staring down the pictures Elizabeth had done for the first story.
“You’re sure they’re what you want,” Elizabeth asked leaning in to take a closer look at the one Emily was holding.
“Are you kidding they’re perfect.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
“How are the others coming?”
“I should have them done in a couple of weeks.”
“Then I guess it's time to take the next step and find a publisher or an agent or whatever we’ll need,” Emily said slightly overwhelmed by it.
“So do you have any idea how to go about it?”
“Well I know ELQ owns a publishing company but I kind of want to do it without using the family name.”
“Then how about just snooping around some. You know ask your grandfather or Ned some questions and go from there.”
“Elizabeth you’re a genius!”
“Only on my good days,” Elizabeth teased.
The two were smiling when Lucky came into the diner. Emily’s smile faded but Elizabeth didn’t noticed because she was to busy kissing Lucky. Emily gathered up the pictures and put them in the long, black leather case Elizabeth brought them in. She wasn’t sure if Elizabeth wanted to show them to Lucky yet.
“Hey Em.”
“Lucky.”
“Is something the wrong,” Elizabeth asked feeling the tension between them.
“No I just need to talk to Em.”
Elizabeth looked at Lucky and then Emily. Something was off but she couldn’t tell what. However, Elizabeth could tell they had to work it out themselves, she just hoped it wasn’t anything serious. “No problem my break is over. Do you want me to get you anything?”
“A root beer would be fine,” Lucky said sitting down.
“One root beer coming up.”
“So is a lecture coming,” Emily asked.
Lucky sighed. He didn’t know how to handle is; if Emily had a thing for anyone else he’d know what to do, but Sonny Corinthos! Not only was the guy way to old but he was also dangerous. People around him got hurt and he wasn’t willing to lose his best friend. “Frankly, Em I don’t know what to say.”
“Neither do I. So you see my dilemma.” Lucky moved closer to Emily so they were sitting side-by-side.
“Its just that he’s so…”
“What…old? Dangerous? Jason’s best friend? Carly’s ex?”
“All that and a lot more.”
“I know that. I keep telling myself that but…”
“No buts. You have Zander. He’s a good guy Em.”
“Don’t you think I know that Lucky. I feel like I’m cheating him because I not giving him everything. It's like I’m holding apart of myself back.”
“Because of Sonny?”
“Yeah. I don’t know what to do Lucky.”
Lucky placed his arm around her. “I won’t tell you what to do. Just know that I’ll be here for you no matter what.”
“Thanks Luckster,” Emily said laying her head on her shoulder while she tried to figure out what to do.
“No! Last night was a complete disaster. He was not interested at all and I have no urge to have repeat of last night,” V angrily told Carly.
“But V…”
“Don’t! He didn’t even know that you were setting us up on a blind date.”
“I had a good reason,” Carly protested.
“You always do.”
“V please.”
“No! I’m not going out with him again.”
“But Jax just got into town.”
“He’s with Chloe now.”
“Please V,” Carly sighed. “I know you want him.”
“I’m not going to try and take Jax from Chloe. She’s a friend of mine.”
“Don’t get me wrong. Chloe was one of the few Quartermaines who was nice to me, but I want what’s best for you.”
“Well that isn’t Jax,” V insisted.
“Keep telling that to yourself maybe one day you’ll believe it.”
“That’s it I’m leaving before I do something drastic and ruin our friendship.”
“V wait,” Carly asked.
“No. I’m telling you no. No Sonny. No Jax. No staying. I’ll see you later.”
“Damn,” Carly pouted as V slammed the door shut.
“A Miss Ardonowski to see you,” Johnny announced.
“Let her in,” Sonny said wondering what she could want.
“Sonny,” V said as she stepped into the penthouse feeling extremely awkward.
“What can I do for you?”
“Well I’m not sure if you know this but last night was suppose to be…to be a…”
“A blind date?”
“You knew!”
“Not until you showed up with Carly.”
“I’m so ready to hurt her,” V said shaking her head.
“I understand were you’re coming from but really I didn’t mind spending the evening with you.”
“Please you barely talked to me!”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude but…”
“I get it,” V cut in. “You were trying to beat Carly at her own game.”
“So to speak.”
V smiled at him and found that she was actually relaxing. “I know this is going to sound insane but…could you do me a favor?”
“I might be able to.”
“This is such a Carly thing to do.”
“She has a way of rubbing off on people,” Sonny replied.
V laughed. “That she does. Anyways I was wondering if you’d go out with me Tuesday night.”
“That’s not much of a favor.”
“I’m not done yet. You see…I’m in love with Jax. Gosh that was hard to admit. I can’t believe it did it. In front of someone I barely know to top it off! And now I want to make him jealous! Oh God I have turned into Carly,” V wailed.
“Its okay,” Sonny assured her.
“Okay! Please! I’m scheming.”
“No you’re just asking a friend to go to dinner with you. How it appears to anyone else is their problem.”
“Sonny…”
“Tuesday night right?”
“Yeah,” V sighed. “The PC Grill.”
“It’s a date.”
Emily was sitting on her bed Indian style talking on the phone with Zander. “Really Zander you don’t have to do that,” she insisted feeling guilty.
“But I want to. I know it’s the Grill and you’ve been there a thousands times…”
“But it will be special with you,” Emily said.
“Yeah. A night on the town. Just the two of us. What do you say?”
“I'd love too,” Emily replied. And with that her decision was made. She’d forget about Sonny and truly open herself up to Zander. Tuesday night was a new beginning for them.
“Great! I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“It’s good to be home isn’t it,” Chloe said in her normal chipper voice.
“Yeah it is,” Jax agreed smiling at her.
She looked beautiful tonight. Her blonde hair swept up, her blue eyes sparkling and Chloe always looked gorgeous in pink. It made her glow. She was perfect in everyway, yet his heart yearned for something else. He used to think it was Brenda. And while he still carried his love for her he had been able to move beyond the hurt and the pain of losing her. Something else was missing from his life and he wasn’t sure what.
“Are you sure about this,” Emily asked Zander again as she scanned over the prices. She never really paid attention to them before. She would have to talk to Grandfather about changing them; they were outrageous!
“I’ve got it covered.”
“But Zander…”
“If you don’t want to order,” Zander said taking her menu, “I’ll do it for you.”
“Give it back,” Emily demanded.
“Only if you stop worrying and enjoy the evening.”
“Okay,” Emily said reaching for the menu.
“Is that a promise,” Zander asked moving the menu out of her reach.
“Promise.”
“Are you ready,” Sonny asked offering V his arm. They stood in the lobby of the hotel.
“This is such a bad idea.”
“Think of it this way, I owe you one for ignoring you other night. So here we are having dinner to get to know one and other. Appropriate don’t you think since Jason is my best friend and Carly’s is yours?”
“You’re way to good at rationalizing this,” V commented.
“That’s because I’m looking forward to annoying Jax. And of course dinner with a beautiful woman.”
“I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear the first part of what you said,” V said taking the arm he offered. The maître d' lead them into the restaurant.
“Is that V,” Chloe asked.
“It couldn’t be she’s with Simon,” Jax said as he turned to look at the woman Chloe was talking about. To his utter shock and amazement it was indeed V on the arm of Sonny Corinthos.
“Don’t be alarmed but I think we’ve been spotted,” Sonny whispered to her.
“That’s okay I’m spotting someone else.”
“Who?”
“Emily. Do you know who the guy is with her?”
Sonny froze for a moment when he saw Emily. She looked radiant. Her hair was down tonight and she wore a dark emerald green dress. His dark eyes met hers for a moment. Both were surprised to see the other.
Emily couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Sonny was out with V. It shouldn’t surprise her V was everything she wasn’t…smart, beautiful, poised, of age and the list went on and on.
“Em you all right,” Zander asked. Emily broke off eye contact with Sonny.
“Yeah I’m fine,” she assured him with a smile.
“That’s her boyfriend Zander,” Sonny said looking away from the table. The last thing he needed tonight was to see Emily. But then again it might work to his advantage. He could push Emily away while helping V get the Ken doll’s attention.
“Jax stop doing that,” Chloe scolded him.
“I can’t help it,” Jax said turning back to Chloe. “I just can’t believe she’s back home. With Corinthos no less.”
“Honey I know you’re worried but V can take care of herself,” Chloe assured him.
Jax sighed, “She’s supposed to be with Simon.”
“Why don’t we go over there and find out what’s going on,” Chloe suggested.
“So have you had a good time,” Sonny asked after taking a sip of coffee. The entire evening he felt like he was in a fishbowl. From one side of the restaurant Jax had watched them and from the other Emily. But by the looks of it things were turning out as he wanted them too.
“Well when you pay attention to a girl you are good company,” V told him.
“I’m glad to hear it.” Sonny looked up as the waiter brought dessert. “In coming.”
V looked up and spotted Jax and Chloe coming. “Is it to late to change my mind?”
Sonny chuckled. “Remember just friends having dinner.”
“Right. Just friends,” V assured herself.
“V,” Chloe said as she and Jax approached.
“Chloe it’s so good to see you,” V said getting up. Her beauty stunned Jax, had she always looked so lovely he wondered. After a quick hug she turned to Jax. “Hi.”
“Hi V,” Jax said hugging her.
“Hello Sonny,” Chloe greeted.
Sonny stood up. “Chloe,” Sonny said smiling and shook her hand. “Jax,” he nodded and sat back down.
“Corinthos.”
“Why don’t you join us,” V suggested.
“We didn’t want to interrupt you,” Chloe started.
“Love too,” Jax cut in. After he helped Chloe into her chair and sat down himself he asked, “When did you get back into town?”
“About a week ago.”
“Why didn’t you get in touch with me?”
“You guys weren’t in town.”
“Well what about Ned and Alexis,” Chloe asked.
“I suppose I should have but I was busy.”
“With who,” Jax asked hoping that she didn’t say Corinthos.
“Carly and Jason.”
God that was almost as bad, Jax thought. “Where is Simon?”
“Good question.”
“Oh, V. I’m so sorry,” Chloe said squeezing her hand.
“Don’t be. It was good while it lasted that’s all that matters.”
“So what brought you home,” Chloe asked.
“Carly’s wedding. I’m her maid of honor.”
“So I asked V to be my maid of honor,” Carly informed Jason.
Bobbie had agreed to take Michael so they could have an evening alone at home. Jason had pasta delivered from Anthony’s and with Bobbie and Emily’s help decorated the apartment in flowers and soft candlelight. It had been such a great surprise when she got home from looking for dresses with V to find Jason dressed up and soft music playing. A dream come true, but then that had been happening a lot lately. Now sitting on the couch with Jason’s arm around her watching the fire dance sipping some red wine Carly couldn’t be happier.
“That’s great,” Jason said and kissed her temple.
“You don’t think Em will be disappointed that she’s not both the best man and maid of honor,” Carly asked.
“I’m sure she’ll be able to handle the disappointment,” Jason joked.
“Cute,” Carly said turning. Their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss. “Ahh,” she sighed after the kiss ended. “You have to promise me no matter how we add onto our family that we get one night like this a month.”
“Promise.”
“We could just go over and say hi,” Zander said.
“Huh? Sorry Zander,” Emily said shaking her head.
“Is something wrong Em? You’ve been watching them all night,” Zander said turning to look at Sonny and V. Jax and Chloe had just left them a few minutes ago.
“I’m just worried about V,” Emily lied. “She just broke up with her boyfriend and while Sonny’s a great guy he’s hung up on someone else.” Not me though, she thought sadly.
“You can’t fix the world Em,” Zander reminded her.
Emily laughed, “Sorry that’s what I get from living with the Quartermaines.”
“It’s not a bad trait. But you just have to remember that you can’t win every battle.”
“Are you trying to protect me,” she asked with a smile spreading across her face.
“What if I am?”
“Then I think you’re the most amazing guy I’ve met.”
“Guilty,” Zander said leaning over the table to kiss her.
Sonny scowled when he saw Zander kiss Emily. So he wouldn’t have to watch them anymore Sonny stared down at his coffee. Of course since he was trying to push her away he should be glad there was someone for her. But he hated the idea of pushing right into the arms of another man. God he was confused.
“Sonny,” V’s voice cut through his thoughts.
“Yeah?”
“Looks like we are getting more company.”
Sonny looked up, Emily and Zander were heading their way. “Hi, Emily greeted them both. “V, you look fabulous.”
“Same goes. You haven’t introduced to your friend yet.”
“Sorry. V, Zander Smith. Zander, V Ardanowski. And you remember Sonny.”
“Yeah, hello.”
“So did you have a good dinner,” Emily asked suddenly feeling awkward.
“Of course. I’d almost forgotten how good the food was here,” V replied.
“So are you guys on a date or something,” Zander asked.
Emily turned pinked. “We’re celebrating,” V filled them in. “Carly asked me to be her maid of honor.”
“V that’s great,” Emily replied.
“Isn’t it,” Sonny said. “Plus it’s nice to have some adult company.”
V shook her head not knowing what Sonny was talking about. She missed the momentary look of hurt in Emily’s eyes but Sonny didn’t.
“We’re going to be late for the movie,” Zander said taking her arm.
“Right. Enjoy the rest of your evening,” Emily told them.
“You too,” V said.
“Do you mind if we go some place less public than the theatre,” Emily asked feeling miserable as she and Zander walked through the hotel.
“Hum…I have a TV and VCR at my dorm.”
“Do you have any good movies?”
“L.A. Confidential good enough?”
“Are you kidding I love that movie,” Emily replied trying to shake the image of Sonny and V together.
Elizabeth curled closer to Lucky. The night had been magical. He had surprised her with dinner; ribs and cheese fries from Eli’s. They had spent over an hour eating and laughing and then Lucky had watched her paint. It seemed like the last time they had done that was before the fire.
Later she showed him the secret project she and Emily were working on. He couldn’t have been more pleased or supportive. He even offered to do research over the Internet to help them get the book to an agent or publisher.
Now as she snuggled closer to him, listening to the easy sound of his breathing she knew they had experienced a perfect moment. One that they could remember always. A story to tell their children. With that happy thought Elizabeth let the weariness she felt overcome her and she fell asleep in Lucky’s arms.
Emily tried to enjoy the moment. She was sitting on the floor at the foot of Zander’s bed watching L.A. Confidential. Emily tried to concentrate on the pleasant things…the smell of the popcorn they had eaten earlier in the air, the movie that was winding down and the feel of Zander’s arm around her, holding her close. She could his feel breathing, his chest rising and falling. It was somewhat comforting but at the same time too intimate.
Zander hadn’t been really been paying attention to the movie. Since they got to his place he had been watching Emily. Her reaction to his personal space, the way she twirled the popcorn in the bottom of the bowl to get the last of the butter, the way she smiled at the tender moments in the movie and the feel of her skin against his.
The movie ended as Kim Besieger and Russell Crowe’s characters road off. Zander picked up the remote and was about to push the stop button. “Don’t,” Emily asked. “I like to watch the credits.”
Zander shrugged his shoulders. “Kay,” he said dropping his arm down and discarding the remote.
He watched her face. She seemed just as interested in the credits as in the movie itself. That’s something he loved about her…wait a minute his mind screamed. Did he say love? Did her love her? It seemed impossible; he hadn’t known her long. But did time really matter when it came to love? Zander let the idea circle in his mind…love…love…in love…I am in love; a smile spread across his face. He was in love with Emily.
Emily enjoyed the way Zander was softly rubbing her neck. He’s a great guy she reminded herself, plus she promised to put Sonny out of her mind. And it wasn’t like they had a chance there was too much standing in the way: their ages, her family, his honor and V.
The credits finished and Emily turned to Zander to tell him it was all right to stop the movie now but the goofy grin on his face stopped her. He looked so happy. Not that he wasn’t allowed to but it wasn’t like the movie they had watched was all sunshine and lollipops. “Everything all right?”
“Better then all right,” Zander replied. He cupped her face. He looked into her eyes silently asking her for her permission.
Maybe a kiss is just what I need, Emily thought. Without giving it a second thought she brought her hands up to his face and pulled him forward for a kiss. Once their lips had met Emily moved her hands so that her arms were wrapped around him.
For moment Zander’s mind held one thought…perfect. Before long he wasn’t think at all. Acting on instinct one of his hands fisted in her hair and the other one began to roam her body.
Sonny strolled slowly through the darkened park. The evening was crisp but he didn’t mind. He needed time to think, to clear his head. Walking always did that.
He couldn’t believe the little dig he had made earlier. He hated the look of pain it caused Emily. It had to be done he reminded himself. If he couldn’t stop thing about her then he had to push her away. To protect her. So he wouldn’t ruin his friendship with Jason.
It was better this way, he told himself. He knew this mentally, but his heart couldn’t seem to except it.
In an ideal world he could be with Emily and not end up in jail because of it and be able to keep Jason’s friendship.
This, however, was not an ideal world. Emily most likely was with Zander and wouldn’t turn eighteen till the spring and even then, Sonny was sure that Jason would hate him if anything happened between them.
“Jax I don’t want to have this argument,” V snapped. The gall of the man she thought, what right did he have to come storming into her room and order her around.
“Being around Sonny Corinthos is dangerous,” Jax reminded her. He hated the thought of her being hurt like Brenda was by that thug.
“I’m a big girl and can make my own decisions.”
“V I know how intelligent you are, but smart women seem to lose their heads over him,” not to mention their hearts Jax added silently. He hated that thought with a passion. V in love with Sonny Corinthos. He didn’t understand why it bother him so; it was akin to jealousy. And that was ridiculous because he was in love with Chloe and V was his friend.
“Jax I didn’t argue with you when you married Alexis. I didn’t tell you how to live your life and I would like the same respect from you.”
“I wasn’t putting my life in danger by being with Alexis,” he pointed out.
“No you were just lying to everyone! To me,” V exclaimed angrily.
“I'm sorry that hurt you V…”
“It’s in the past.”
“Is it? You just brought it up.”
“I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to be upset with you.”
“Then don’t be.”
“How can I help it,” she asked shaking her head. “You’re telling me how to live. Who to see. Who to be friends with. What else can I be?”
“I’m trying to protect you V. I care about you.”
V snorted. “When it comes to Sonny you try and protect every female from him whether you care about them or not. Remember Hannah?”
“This isn’t about hating Corinthos. It’s about caring for you.”
“You care about me Jax,” V asked disbelieving.
“How can you question that?”
“Let's see. You lied to me about your marriage to Alexis. You barely responded to communications attempts after I left with Simon. What else…oh yeah. I needed help and you weren’t there. In fact you never responded to my SOSs. You were too busy.”
“V…”
“Instead I met up with Carly and Jason. They were kind to me. They helped me after the whole Simon fiasco. When you, Ned Alexis and Chloe were caught up in your little scheme; it was Jason who listened to me. It was Carly who cheered me up. It was Michael who put a smile on my face. And it’s Sonny who’s offered his…”
“What love? Please V the man is incapable of love. God you’ve been in town for what a week!”
“Well at least he listens to me. Let me finish my sentences. Sees me,” she baited him.
“I hear you V. I see you.”
“Do you really,” V asked sullenly.
“Of course I do,” Jax insisted.
“Then what do you see?”
Jax stood there a moment flabbergasted. What did he see? “I see a strong, intelligent, beautiful, talented, funny, spunky woman. Someone who calls me on everything. Someone who is daring, willing to try new things. Someone who is caring and kind. A loyal friend.”
V shook her head sadly. He had gotten beautiful at least. “A friend?”
“Of course. You’re my best friend.”
“What if I didn’t want your friendship?”
A panic settled over Jax. “V please! I'd do anything to fix this,” he promised.
“What if I wanted more?” Jax didn’t understand what she meant. Even when she moved towards him, he couldn’t read her. He was shocked when after she reached him that she pulled his face down to hers and kissed him. He was stunned. He should pull away, but some how it felt right. Her lips on his; the next thing he knew his arms were wrapped around her and he was holding her close.
Jax woke up slowly; his mind was clouded with images from the night before. Images of V with Sonny; laughing with him and enjoying his company. He had been blinded with anger. How dare Sonny Corinthos try and steal another woman he loved…with that thought Jax’s eyes snapped opened and he became fully awake. He realized he was not in his room. The soft feminine arm draped over his chest did not belong to Chloe, but to V. The memory of her coming towards him invaded his mind. She had looked so beautiful. At the first meeting of their lips everything slipped away. He could only see and feel her and his love for her. Jax tried to shake those thoughts from his mind. He loved Chloe he reminded himself. They were in a relationship; hell they lived together. Jax knew what it felt like to have someone you love cheat on you. He hated himself for doing that to Chloe. Guilty, that is what he was – guilty of breaking his promises to Chloe and using V.
But had he used her he wondered. He had missed her so much when she was gone but he had not tried very hard to stay in touch with her. Why was that? He wanted V’s happiness, but last night seeing her smiling at Sonny jealousy flooded him. He wanted to be the one to bring that glowing smile to her face, make her laugh…to touch her. It had dawned on him that he wanted V, and had wanted her for a long time.
A small smile touched V’s face as she curled closer to Jax. He was here and was hers! She had seen the love in his eyes and felt his passion. It had been her dream come true, now all she had to do was make it last.
“Morning,” she said kissing his bare chest lightly. Jax froze, his body went completely rigid. V’s heart stopped at Jax’s response. Sucking up all the pride and dignity she could she sat up.
Jax watched the movement of V’s naked back as she breathed. He knew she was waiting for him to say something but words eluded him. How could he tell her that he loved her but wouldn’t leave Chloe? “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“Last night. I never meant for this to happen,” he replied as he sat up and moved beside her.
“But it did and it means something,” V insisted.
Jax sighed. Knowing that it would probably be his last chance, he brushed the hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. It was soft, smooth and he relished the feeling of it against his fingertips. “It can’t mean anything. I’m with Chloe.”
V’s heart sank and tears sung her eyes. She hadn’t known what to expect when she kissed him last night but she had hoped for more. A lifetime, a year, anything longer then one night. “Then why were you with me last night, huh?”
“V please don’t.”
“Don’t what? Fight for you? For the love…I love you, you jerk,” she shouted as she stood up. Grabbing her robe she wrapped it around herself in agitated movements. “I’ve loved you for such a long time. I’ve even tried not to but it doesn’t work.”
Jax hated seeing her pain. Pain he caused. Not wanting to stay and inflict it long then necessary he got up and dressed quickly. “I’m sorry,” he said again as he was about to walk out of the room.
V stepped in front of him, blocking the way. “Do you love me?”
“V…”
“Answer me Jax. I need to know.”
Jax ran a hand through his honey blond hair in frustration. “Yes,” he finally admitted softly.
V felt like smiling. He loved her. It wasn’t enough but at least she knew once and for all. An idea formed in her mind. She had all ready risked so much so why not the whole kit and caboodle? “And you’ll just walk away from that?”
“I won’t leave Chloe,” he replied. His own emotions were overtaking him and there were tears brimming in his crystal blue eyes.
“So you’ll pass up the real thing for an imitation? I thought I knew you to be braver then that.”
“What I know is that Chloe needs me,” Jax replied angrily.
“And I don’t?”
“V please don’t do this. Don’t make me chose.”
“That’s what you’re going to have to do. There are ten days until Carly and Jason’s wedding. So here are your options. One, stay with Chloe and never see or hear from me again. Two meet me at the airport after the service and fly away with me. Or three, meet me at the airport, stop me from leaving and we’ll stay and face our friends. Those are your choices,” she informed him stepping out of the way.
Jax’s eyes burned with mixed emotions, but he decided to go with his anger. “I’ve lived without you before,” he remarked before he stormed out.
Emily pounded on Lucky’s door. God she needed her best friend. “Please wake up,” she chanted softly.
With just sweat pants on Lucky walked to the door intent on seriously hurting the person who dared to wake him up at such an ungodly hour. Flinging the door open Lucky didn’t notice the look of pure relief that come over Emily. “Quartermaine do you know what time it is,” he asked grumpily.
Emily ignored the question and rushed into the room. She said a silent thank you that Lucky was alone. “I’m sorry,” she said turning around “but something bad happened last night.”
It was then that Lucky woke up enough to notice the tired and strained look on Emily’s face. “What,” he asked closing the door, then he ushered her to his bed and sat her down.
Emily waited until he was settled next to her to answer. “I was with Zander last night in his room…” Lucky’s eyes darkened in fury. “Did he hurt you? Touch you? Em did he…”
“No,” Emily cried out. “Zander didn’t try anything,” she assured him.
Lucky sighed in relief, “Then what happened?”
“Well we were sitting on the floor watching a movie. After it ended he kissed me and I kissed him back. Lucky it was so perfect.”
“And that’s why you’re pounding on my door at 6:15 in the morning?”
“No! You see…I…well I kind of….”
“What, don’t keep me in suspense."
“He said that he loved me…”
“Em that’s great…”
“And I said that I loved Sonny.”
“Oh.”
“No snappy Spencer wise cracks? No pearls of wisdom?”
“Nothing comes to mind,” Lucky replied.
Emily nodded and then unable to fight them back any more she let the tears flow. “I didn’t want to hurt him.”
“I know,” Lucky said putting his arm around her.
“I really like him,” she mumbled into his shoulder. “I wanted things to work.”
“Shh, it will be all right.”
“How,” Emily asked as she jerked away. “I’ve ruined things with Zander and I’m in love with a man who is too old and could never see me as anything but a sister!”
“Okay, I admit it looks bad but we’ll fix it.”
“How?”
Lucky sighed, good question he thought to himself. The best thing to do was to get Emily away from Sonny for a while. With the wedding coming up and then the holidays she wouldn’t see him a lot but after that…plus she turned eighteen in March. Definitely not good, with her being legal who knew what would happen. “St. Catharine’s.”
“You want me to pray?”
“Don’t be dense Quartermaine. You know St. Catharine’s that boarding school with the writing program you were so interested in a few years ago.”
“That was when I wanted to get away from the Q’s,” Emily reminded him.
“Well you need to get away from Port Charles now. You need some time to clear you’re mind. Taking your last semester there will do that.”
“It’s on the other side of the country,” Emily pointed out.
“Em you wanted my advice well there it is. Time away from everything to think.”
“But I would miss so much.”
“That’s why there is email, phones, faxes and overnight delivery,” Lucky cracked.
A watery laugh escaped Emily. “I’ll think about it.”
Carly rushed into the church. It was her wedding day and she was running late. She wanted to yell at someone, but she had been the one who insisted that Jason not spend the night with last night. She was also the one who insisted on having everything brought over to the church last night so it wouldn’t be a hassle in the morning. Most importantly she was the idiot who didn’t know how to set an alarm clock.
“Finally,” V cried when Carly stepped inside the church. “It’s about time.”
“Don’t! I really don’t need it,” Carly snapped as V escorted her to the dressing area.
V couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped her. Carly sent her a nasty look, which only made V smile. “Just calm down. Everything will be fine.”
“I’m running half an hour late,” Carly reminded her as they entered the softly lit room.
“And Jason would wait forever,” V reminded her. “You’re lucky to have that.”
Carly soften some. She could kill Jasper Jax with her bare hands. “He’ll be there. Otherwise he’s a moron.”
“I appreciate that. Now we’ve got to move. Hair and makeup in ten minutes.”
“Ugh, I won’t get my pre-wedding cry in!”
“Carly you’re marrying the man of your dreams,” V reminded her.
“That’s why I need to cry. I’m so happy and I never thought it would happen…Jason, Michael and me being a family.”
“Well it is, so be happy and cry later,” V ordered her.
“Carly is here,” Emily said coming into her brother’s dressing room. Jason sighed in relief. “You didn’t have to worry, you knew Carly would come.”
“I know that, but something could have happened…”
“Stop! Don’t even go there. This is the happiest day of your life. No bad thoughts.”
Jason walked over and embraced her. “Thank you for being here for me.”
“I’ll always be here for you,” Emily promised.
“The same goes,” Jason replied has he stepped out of the hug. “I didn’t wrinkle you did I?”
Emily ran her hand down her sleeveless v-neck light pearl gray dress. “Nope I’m still perfect.”
“Barbara is it necessary that I’m here,” Luke growled as his sister straightened his bow tie. “I feel like an idiot in this monkey suit.”
“But you look so dashing,” Bobbie replied.
“Compliments aren’t going to work. Can’t you go harass Roy about his cummerbund or something,” he remarked grasping her hands so she quite fussing. “Besides I barely like this particular spawn of yours.”
“Luke Lorenzo Spencer you will behave yourself,” Bobbie ordered.
“In trouble all ready Dad,” Lucky asked as he and Elizabeth walked up to them hand in hand.
Luke scowled and watched as Lucky and Elizabeth greeted Bobbie. He was pleased that his son’s life was going so well. “So how much longer until this shindig starts?”
Bobbie shook her head and sighed. “I’m going to check on Carly. Keep him out of trouble.”
“How do I look,” Carly asked V and Emily. The hair and make-up artist had moved double time and Carly was ready to go.
“You look fantastic,” Emily replied. “I’d hug you but I don’t want to ruin how amazing you look.”
Carly beamed at her. “Thanks. So everything and one is ready?”
“Yep. I’ll go get Jason and Michael and we can start in five minutes,” Emily said. She bumped into Bobbie as she left the room. “Hi.”
“Emily you look lovely,” Bobbie her as they pasted each other. “Carly,” Bobbie’s voice caught, “you look stunning.”
“Thanks Mama,” Carly said feeling the tears building up in her eyes. I’m not going to cry, she told herself.
“Are you ready,” Bobbie asked. Carly nodded, unable to speak. Sensing it Bobbie smiled and squeezed her hand before she left the room to inform the priest.
“Bobbie and Emily stole all the words the best words…you look beautiful Carly,” V told her. She was dressed as similar cut dress as Emily’s, but hers was a darker shade of the pearl gray.
“Thanks V. It means a lot to hear it from you. To have you here.”
“What else are friends for but to stand by you through the best and worst?”
“Well today will be the best for both of us,” Carly assured her.
“Caroline and Jason had prepared their own vows. Jason,” the Priest’s said his commanding voice filling the church.
Jason nodded and turned to Carly. She looked radiant. She had glowed when she walked down the aisle and had felt like the luckiest man in the world. She chose him. Looking into her deep hazel eyes he knew he was meant to be in this church committing himself to her.
“I can’t remember a time that you did play some role in my life. Our friendship didn’t start in the normal way, but it has endured and became love. A love greater then any challenge that we’ve met or that we will meet. I love you Caroline Benson now and forever. I promise that I will always stand by you, protect you, listen to you and be a good father to our children.”
Carly couldn’t help the tears that touch her eyes from sliding down her cheek. Jason’s words were so beautiful, so perfect. That what this moment was and it was that at that moment that Carly knew no matter what may come she and Jason would always face it together.
“Caroline.”
Carly wiped the tears from her cheeks and smiled up at Jason. “When I first came to Port Charles I never thought that I would meet the man I was going to love and spend the rest of my life with. Especially at Jakes! But there you where. Willing to listen, to help and care. Love didn’t come easy, we had to fight and survive but because of our struggle I know we are forever. A love that will last a lifetime…I use to think that it was just a fairy tale until now, but that’s what we have. A love so strong that nothing can break it. I love you Jason Morgan. I promise to that I will always stand by you, protect you, listen to you and be a good mother to our children.” Carly then leaned up and whispered in Jason’s ear, “And no more schemes.”
Jason smiled and kissed on her forehead before she stepped back. “The rings,” the Priest asked.
V stood at the gate tapping her foot. She had changed out of her dress and was wearing jeans and white button down cotton shirt. God, she wished that she had decided to go to the reception before the fight, a drink or two to calm her nerves.
“This is the first call for flight 603 departing for London, England. We asked that only families and those with disabilities board at this time. Again this the first call for flight 603 departing for London, England,” the cool male voice said over the loud speaker.
V groaned; her flight couldn’t be boarding all ready! Where was Jax? She had spent the last ten days sure that he would come. All right mostly sure, she admitted to herself. Had she been fooling herself into believing that he would show?
V spent the next fifteen minutes pacing around the small lounge area. The thoughts had jumbled in her mind. In fact she didn’t feel like she had a mind or heart at the moment. It was as if she was frozen too afraid to let any emotion claim her until she knew for sure.
“Madame,” the cool male voice she had been hearing announcing the departure said. “I’ve just called the flight for the last time. Are you coming?”
The words rang in her ears like a death knell. Tears sprang into her eyes. She nodded and handed the man her ticket. He asked her a few questions but she really didn’t understand, she assumed she must of answered because he handed her ticket back.
V clutched the ticket to her heart. Which seemed to have stopped beating. Slowly she began to walk towards the ramp. She felt sick to her stomach or was it her heart?
V had just walked through the threshold of the door when she heard her name called. She turned and saw Jax. He was running towards her, panting like he’d ran forever to reach her.
“V,” he called out again as he approached the gate. It only took a moment of searching his crystal blue eyes, so full of love, sorrow and hope. Relief filled her as she dashed to him. Jax’s opened his arms and scooped her up. “Sorry I’m late,” he huffed.
“You’re here that’s all that matters,” V replied before their lips came crashing together.
“Is this party hot or what,” Lucky asked as he and Elizabeth came in from the dance floor to sit with Emily.
“If you’ve got a dance partner maybe,” Emily muttered.
Elizabeth hugged her friend trying to cheer her up. She wasn’t sure what happened between her Zander since they both refused to talk about it, but she wanted to help. “Wanna dance with Lucky?”
“Maybe later wallowing seems good for now.”
“Quartermaine when have you ever wallowed,” Lucky asked.
Emily smiled at her friends. She would miss being away from them so much. “I have some news guys.”
“What,” Elizabeth asked.
“I’m going to St. Catherine’s for my last semester.”
“You can’t,” Elizabeth cried.
Lucky simply nodded. “You sure?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then I guess a big send off party is in order,” Lucky replied. Elizabeth shot him an upset look. How could he be so blasé about this?
“How could you,” Chloe cried tears streaming down her face. “How could you do this to me?”
Jax closed his eyes trying to fight the feelings that were invoked by Chloe’s pain and tears. He had spent the last few months desperately trying to make her happy; as if they would erase the ache in his own heart. It hadn’t. The only thing that did was V. Being with her, loving her, touching her; that’s what filled his heart. He tried with Chloe, but he had mistaken caring for love. He hated that he was hurting but he couldn’t live a lie, especially when V was out there alive and loving him.
“I’m sorry.”
“Stop saying that Jax! That’s all you’ve been telling me. I’m sorry! Well I don’t want you pity I want a reason,” she cried sinking down to the couch.
Jax opened his eyes and met her wet baby blue eyes. Chloe was the kindest, sweetest person he knew, but he wasn’t in love with her. “Because you deserve someone who can love you. Who can be in love with you.”
Chloe bit back a sob and clenched her hands. “Isn’t that you?”
“No,” Jax said softly and shook his head.
“Is this about Brenda? Jax I don’t know how to compete with a ghost.”
Jax sighed, “This isn’t about Brenda. I won’t lie and say I’ve stopped loving her. I’ll always hold her in my heart.”
“Then what? One day you just don’t love me anymore,” Chloe replied angrily.
“But I do love you…you’re one of the best friends…”
“Friends,” Chloe screeched.
Jax shuttered at the high-pitched noise. “Chloe,” he said in a calming voice. “I’m in love with someone else.”
“No,” she exclaimed shaking all over. “Who? Alexis…”
“You need to calm down.”
“Calm down? You come and tell me that you’re in love with Alexis…”
“I’m not in love with Alexis,” Jax stated harshly.
Chloe blinked, Jax had never taken that tone with her. God, her world was falling apart. She never thought she would find love, but then there was Jax standing in the rain. It was cruel, so cruel to show her love, let her feel it and then take it away. “Then who?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Yes it does,” Chloe seethed.
Jax looked at her in surprise. Never had he known Chloe to get so angry, even at Helena Cassadine. “Chloe…”
“I want to know. I have a right to know.”
Jax nodded. “V.”
“Oh!”
“Is that it?”
Chloe just shook her head. She didn’t understand. Nothing made sense. V was her friend. There had never…well she had seen something but they never acted on it. Why now? Brushing the tears from her face she took a calming breath. “Do you want me to move?”
“What,” Jax asked caught off guard by the sudden shift.
“Am I moving or are you?”
“That’s up to you…”
“Fine. I’ll pack tonight.”
“Chloe I don’t want to rush…”
“I’ll pack tonight,” she said sharply. “I’ll be gone by tomorrow afternoon.”
“Chloe…”
“Just leave,” she said with finality. Jax nodded and left without another word. Chloe watched him go. Anger and sadness filled her heart. She’d get him back. Oh yes, Jax and V would pay!
“Good evening Mr. Morgan,” Carly said seductively as she stepped out of her and Jason’s room into the small living room area of the Honeymoon suite. Though they would only have a weekend honeymoon, because neither wanted to be away from Michael for long, they had planned to make the most of it.
Jason sucked in his breath. Carly looked stunning. Her long blonde hair was hanging down, framing her face. She had on little makeup, not that she ever needed any. Her long black sparkling form fitting dress showed every curve; it concealed as much as hid. “You’re beautiful Mrs. Morgan.”
“Say it again,” Carly asked dreamily.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Jas,” Carly said exasperated.
“Mrs. Morgan,” he said smiling at her with his love filled blue eyes as he wrapped his arms around her. “We could stay for the night,” he suggested between kisses.
“Tempting, but my husband promised me dinner and dancing.”
“Then that’s what you’ll get,” Jason said after giving her one more kiss. He offered her his arm. Smiling happily Carly took it.
“How was the trip,” Sonny asked. His voice was distant; the long distance line wasn’t good.
“Everything that it’s meant to be,” Jason replied.
“Good. I know being newly married you’ve got lots of things on you’re plate, but I could you some time.”
“How much?”
“I was thinking of staying until after the New Year. Could you handle things till then.”
“It shouldn’t be a problem. Are you all right Sonny?”
“Yeah,” Sonny said rubbing his eyes. He just needed to get Emily out of his mind. He figured time and space would do it.
“This all seems so sudden,” Alexis told Jax as she sat down on the couch.
“I know. I’m sorry I haven’t called you.”
“Its all right. You’ve been busy.”
“But still I should have let you’ve known,” Jax said. It was bad enough hurting Chloe but he had left Alexis out of the loop. She was his dearest friend. “Can I get you anything? A drink? Popcorn?”
“More like when, where and how?”
Jax nodded, she didn’t have to say it he knew what she was talking about. “I don’t know. I mean I’ve always care about her. Hell I even told her to go with Simon, but I hated it.”
“Then why did you do it?”
“Because I couldn’t give her what she needed then. I wasn’t ready.”
“Then why Chloe?”
“Because I care about her and she didn’t represent a threat to my heart. And I hate myself for that. For doing that to both of them,” he replied running a hand through his hand. “I hated hurting her.”
“I know,” Alexis stated. “She’s doing okay. The Q’s are pampering her.”
“Good. So do you hate me?”
“No! I couldn’t Jax not when you were following your heart. Ned’s upset at you, but not a V.”
“Good, because I don’t want her taking flak for this.”
“I don’t see her stuff here.”
“Is that a hint?”
“Yes!”
Jax smiled, he was lucky to have her for a friend, she could always cheer him up some. “We wanted to take it somewhat slow. She has her own room here.”
“So you spend almost every waking second together?”
“Something like that.”
“Then where is V? I haven’t seen her in since the wedding?”
“She’s at Carly’s.”
“Oh. You must hate that.”
“More then words can say, but I won’t make her choose. Carly’s her friend, I guess I’ll just have to deal with Corinthos on occasion.”
“What were your words the other day… He’ll be there. Otherwise he’s a moron.”
“I knew he would come,” Carly insisted.
“Sure,” V said unconvinced.
“Fine be that way,” she snapped and playfully threw a pillow at V. “So when do we start double dating?”
“Oh Jax will love that!”
“He damn well better, because no way is that Aussie Ken Doll taking my best friend from me.”
V tried her best to reprimand Carly for what she called Jax, but she couldn’t help her laughter. “Never,” she assured her through giggles.
Summary: A shared dream between Emily and Sonny.
“Do we have to be here,” Jax asked again stopping V from ringing the doorbell.
“It’s Emily's going away party Jax,” V reminded him.
“I know, but she only invited us a week ago and with the letters…”
“That’s not fair and you know it! Emily wanted us to come but she was worried about Chloe. And as for the letters I’m not going to let some jerk control my life,” V exclaimed before she pressed the bell.
Jax sighed. It wasn’t that he was offended because they were asked late to the party. Chloe had been having a rough time since they broke up and he didn’t want to hurt her anymore. He had been almost grateful when she had to go to Milan on business; he hoped space would help her better then time. But the thing plaguing his mind most was the obscene letters V had been getting for the past three weeks. Threatening letters that made his blood boil and his heart skip a beat in fear. The only good thing that came from them was V moving into the penthouse.
V felt Jax’s arms wrap around her. “I’m just worried about you,” he said kissing her temple.
“I know and I love that you worry, but nothing bad is going to happen here,” V reminded him.
“Dealing with the Quartermaines isn’t a bad thing,” Jax asked. V was giggling when Reginald opened the door.
Emily found it hard to believe that almost her entire family was in one room without fighting. Had hell frozen over, she wondered. Lila was in the corner talking with Jason, Carly, Ned and Alexis who all seemed to be getting along. Lucky, Elizabeth, Nikolas and Gia were over munching on the food. Edward had trapped Justus and was probably trying to talk him back into the family fold, but Justus didn’t look too upset about it. Alan and Monica were making lovey-dovey looks at each other as they sat on the couch talking to each other, Emily was glad to see that things were going so well between her parents. The only family members missing were AJ and Chloe. Chloe was understandable, Emily knew what it felt like – the need to get away. Not that she blamed V or Jax, you couldn’t help love, Emily knew that as well. AJ on the other hand…she had seen him maybe two or three times since the night at the Fall Fest, but he always turned and walked away when he saw her. She wasn’t even sure if he knew she was going. Frankly she wasn’t sure what she felt about her brother anymore, she was angry but she still loved him. Emily sighed, with the Q’s confusion was a permanent state.
“Emily,” V said touching her shoulder. Emily jumped and then laughed at herself. “Sorry I didn’t mean to startled you.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just a lesson never to zone out at your own party.”
“Well if I were you I would have snuck out by now,” Jax informed her.
Emily smiled and shook her head. “Really Jax the Q’s aren’t that bad.”
“We have are moments, dear,” Lila said approaching the group. “It’s lovely to see you.”
“You look beautiful tonight Mrs. Quartermaine,” Jax greeted before he kissed her hand.
“Such a gentleman. I’m sure he’s treating you right,” she asked V.
“Lila really is the greatest,” Carly said after Lila left and joined Emily, Jax and V. Ned went to save Justus and Alexis went to talk to Nikolas. Carly was happy to finally have her husband alone. “And so are you. I know that an evening with the Quartermaines isn’t your idea of fun.”
“Yours either. Thank you for coming.”
“I do anything for you,” Carly promised.
“I know. I hope you know that same goes for me,” Jason said playing with the ends of her hair.
Carly smiled, it was hard to believe she finally had it all. Jason, Michael, her family, love and happiness.
“Sorry to interrupt,” V said before giving Carly a quick hug.
“You can interrupt anytime,” Carly replied. “Well almost anytime,” she amended.
Jason greeted V with friendly open eyes, but they went hard when he greeted Jax’s. Jax nodded his greeting to Jason and tried very hard to be cordial to Carly.
“Enough Grandfather,” Ned said for a third time.
“Well its not like you would understand family responsibility,” Edward grumbled. “Associated with a Cassadine no less!”
Ned just shook his head, “Can I offer you a drink,” he asked Justus.
“As long as it’s a stiff one,” Justus replied. They left Edward in mid-sentence.
“Gia you look lovely tonight,” Alexis told the young women who seemed to have captured Nikolas’ heart. “Thank you Miss Davis…”
“Alexis, please.”
“Alexis,” Gia said. She was still a bit nervous about being accepted by Nikolas’ family. He had told her stories, horror stories about his family, but he always spoke well of Alexis.
“Two beautiful women, can a guy get luckier,” Nikolas asked as he rejoined them.
“Always the charmer,” Alexis said smiling at her nephew as she accepted the drink he handed her.
“I still hate that you’re leaving,” Elizabeth told Emily.
“It’s not forever,” Lucky remind her.
“He’s right. Besides St. Catherine’s got a great writing program. They have that writing contest at the end of each semester, that could be our big break.”
“I know, but its gonna be so strange not seeing you everyday,” Elizabeth insisted.
“My favorite ex-husband,” Alexis said in greeting. Jax hugged her, “I’m your only ex-husband,” he reminded her.
“Why do you think you’re my favorite,” Alexis teased. Jax’s shook his head while Alexis greeted V. He found it interesting that both he and Jason listen while V, Alexis and Carly talked; only saying something when asked.
“Excuse me,” he said. He kissed V, before he left to join Ned and Justus. After a few minuets he glanced back at V. Jason was talking more now that he was gone, Jax noticed. “What anyone sees in that criminal is beyond me,” he stated out loud without realizing it.
“Two things,” Ned started. “One Jason is family. Two you sounded like Edward.” Ned headed towards Alexis chucking at the horrified look that had come over Jax’s face with that remark.
Emily breathed in the fresh, cold air. Goosebumps formed on her arms and she rubbed them with hands. “It’s too cold to be out here without a jacket Em,” AJ said as he stepped forward.
Emily held back her gasp of surprise. She studied him, looking for signs of alcohol.
“I’m not drunk,” he said as if he had read her mind. “I haven’t had a drink all week.”
Emily’s eyes soften, “That’s great…I wasn’t sure if you were coming.”
“Neither was I. I didn’t know if you wanted to see me,” AJ stopping a few feet from her.
“I’m not afraid of you AJ,” to prove Emily stepped forward and hugged him.
AJ closed his eyes in relief and hugged her back. “Will you accept my apology now?”
Emily nodded as she stepped out of the embrace. “Yeah.”
“Thank you.”
“So this not drinking thing…”
“I’m trying to make it my new habit,” AJ joked.
“It’s a good one.”
“Well you should get back to your party,” he said and started to leave.
“Please come in and join us,” Emily asked.
AJ smiled at her. “Thanks, but I don’t think I can handle the family tonight.”
Emily nodded, “You’ll write or call?”
“Promise,” AJ told her. He kissed her forehead and left.
“You okay,” Lucky asked.
“Why is everyone sneaking up on me tonight,” Emily scolded and turned to him.
“Sorr-y! I was sent to find you. I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
“Don’t sweat it Quartermaine,” Lucky replied throwing his arm around her and escorting her back inside.
Chloe had watched the party all night. Anger had filled her when she saw how nice her family and friends had been to Jax and V. How could they? It had dawned on her over the evening, that it wasn’t there fault. It was V. She had spellbound them; that’s why Jax left her, and why her friends and family were treating her so well.
The letters she had written to frighten V had backfired. Instead of her leaving, she was now living with Jax. But it made perfect sense, V had cast her spell. Tonight proved how much control she had over them. V leaving wouldn’t be enough, Chloe decided. Something more permanent had to be done.
Fireworks banged in the night sky as Sonny popped the cork on his bottle of champagne. Alone, he took a swig directly from the bottle. He had been alone on holidays before, but it was so much harder when he had friends he considered family in Port Charles who he could be with.
The island was lovely. But he could be at party with Jason and Carly, maybe Roy and Bobbie and if he was lucky Emily. Sonny cursed and set the bottle down. Try as he might he couldn’t get visions of Emily out of his mind or dreams.
Would it be so wrong, he wondered to wait until she turned eighteen in April and see? Hell, the way he treated her, she probably hated him. Of course the only way to find out was to go back to Port Charles and talk to her.
Whether or not anything ever happened between them, Sonny knew they still had to talk. Traveling in the next few days would be crazy. So he wait until the end of the week before going home and trying to figure things out.
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