Chapter 43 Sonny can not believe the nerve of Damian Smith. Calling him first thing in the morning and demanding that something had to be done about Luke Spencer. However, Sonny had to reach over Brenda’s sleeping body to answer the phone, and even though she was a sound sleeper, he did not want to get in a shouting match with Smith while he was right next to Brenda. Damian: Corinthos are you listening to me? Sonny: Yes, but you are going to have to hold on while I go to a different room. Sonny gently gets up and puts on his robe, making sure that he does not wake Brenda. He and Brenda had ended up on the floor of the living room, so Sonny goes into the bedroom. He looks at the clock, it is 6:00 am. Sonny: OK Smith, what is the problem? Damian: That upstart, Luke Spencer, came busting into my hotel room last night throwing threats around like some mad man. I will not tolerate that kind of behavior, I want Spencer dealt with. Sonny: Whoa, wait a minute, I don’t work for you. Why don’t you tell me what had Spencer so fired up? Damian: He seems to believe that I am after you. Sonny: Are you? Damian: Absolutely not! Sonny: Then you weren’t on the mountain the night I was shot? Damian: I wasn’t. Sonny: That is funny, because I have a witness that remembers seeing you at the scene of the crime. So it seems to me that Luke Spencer is just looking out for me. You see, Luke is my friend and he wants to make sure that no harm comes to me, and I think your father would agree with him. Damian: My father isn’t here Corinthos. Sonny: Your right about that, but he did leave me in charge. Which means that I have a lot of power at my disposal, so I would say that you got lucky that all Spencer did was do a lot of yelling. Damian: Are you threatening me? Sonny: Think of it more as a reminder of the position that I hold in your father’s organization. I don’t care if you like it or not, your father left me in charge. If you cross me again, you will regret it. Sonny hangs up the phone and runs his hand through his hair. Sonny: Damn it Spencer! Why do you have to be such a cowboy? He dials Luke’s number. Luke answers the phone. Luke: Hello? Sonny: Luke it’s Sonny. Luke: What’s up? Sonny: Damian Smith called me first thing this morning. Luke: Did he threaten you? Sonny: No, he threatened you though. Luke, why didn’t you wait for me to go with you to see him? Luke: It looked like you might be busy this morning. Sonny: I was, but if we are going to be partners we have to do things 50/50. Do you hear me? Luke: Yeah man, I just though I would save you the trouble. Sonny: Thanks, but you might have just caused me more trouble in the long run. Luke: Do you think that Smith will go running to Papa? Sonny: I’m not sure that it would matter even if he did. Frank left me in charge for a reason. Luke: Do you think that Junior is going to cause more trouble? Sonny: I think that we can most certainly count on him causing more trouble. Luke: At least now we know what to look for. Sonny: At least. Look, I got to go. I have Brenda over here and I’m starting to miss her. Luke: Okay, talk to you later. Sonny goes back to the living room. Brenda is still sound asleep. He slips back off his robe and gets back under the blanket with her. He puts his arms around her beautiful naked body and pulls her tightly against his body. A smile forms on her face and she opens her eyes. She looks up at him. Sonny: Good morning beautiful. I hope I didn’t wake you? Brenda: Yes you did, but it is okay. Where did you go? Sonny: The phone rang and I didn’t want it to wake you. Brenda: Was it important? Sonny: Not really. Brenda: Was it about Damian Smith? Sonny: Luke went to go see him last night. Brenda: I thought that Luke was going to wait and you were going to go see him together? Sonny: Yeah, that’s what I thought as well. Brenda: Are you worried about Smith? Sonny: Not at all, and you shouldn’t worry either Brenda starts to get up. Sonny: Hey, where do you think that you are going? Brenda: I told you last night, I have class today. I also have a test in accounting. Sonny: Not for a while though, right? Brenda: At 10:30, but I have to go home and shower and change and eat breakfast. Sonny: You can shower here while I make breakfast and then you can go home and change. Brenda: That would definitely save time. Sonny: How much time would it save? Brenda: That depends on how much longer we stay on this floor? Sonny: Actually, the floor is getting kind of uncomfortable. He is giving her a very hot look. Brenda: What would you suggest? Sonny: I say we take this party to the bedroom. Brenda: We couldn’t make it that far last night, what makes you think we can make it to your bed this morning. Sonny: Well, last night we were starting from the door. This morning, we are half way there. Brenda: Sonny, we are wasting time. Sonny: I hate wasting time. He is already slipping his robe on and standing up. He picks up Brenda, blanket and all and carries her to the bed. He puts her down on the bed and pulls the blanket off her and proceeds to kiss the entire length of her body. She slips his robe off of him and does the same to him. He places his mouth on top of hers and they make love. Chapter 44 Brenda is laying in Sonny’s arms in his bed. They have just made love and now Brenda is going to get up and shower and go back to the Quartermaine mansion and change so that she can go to class. She looks up at Sonny and he smiles at her. She moans softly. Brenda: Thank you so much for suggesting the bed. Do you have any idea how hard it is going to be to get up out this soft warm bed and shower and go to class. Sonny: About as hard as it is going to be for me to drag myself away from your beautiful presence to fix you breakfast? Brenda: Maybe. You don’t really need to fix me breakfast. I can grab something quick at Kelly’s on the way to class. Sonny: I told you I would make you breakfast and that is what I’m going to do. Brenda: All right, I’m going to go shower. She leans over and kisses him, quickly at first and then it turns more passionate. Sonny rolls over on top of Brenda and starts to kiss her neck. Brenda: *Giggling* I really need to go shower. Sonny: You already said that you don’t want to get out of bed, so lets not. Stay here with me all day. Brenda: *Sighing* I wish that I could, but I have one test and two projects to turn in today. Sonny: You can make up the test and the projects will wait. We can stay in bed and then go on a picnic. Brenda: You make it sound very tempting, but today is the last day of classes before Spring Break. Sonny: All right, you said the magic words. Brenda: What’s the magic words? Sonny: Spring Break. That means that I will get you all to myself next week. Brenda: That’s right, if I make it through today, we can sleep late and go on picnics all next week. Sonny: I’m going to hold you to that. Brenda: Except that don’t forget that we are going to Buffalo part of next week for you to see Ned perform and meet Lois. Sonny: I haven’t forgotten. In fact, I’m looking forward to it. Brenda: Good. She gets up and showers and he makes breakfast for her. By the time that she gets out of the shower he has made Belgium waffles with strawberries and whipped cream and eggs with hollandaise sauce. Brenda’s eyes widen when she sees everything that he has made. Brenda: Everything looks really good. I hope I have time to eat everything. Sonny: You always have time to eat a good meal and to make love. That is my motto. Brenda: Yeah, but maybe not both in the same morning. I don’t know where to start? Sonny: Let me help you. *He cuts a piece of waffle and feed it to her.* Brenda: It is delicious. *She starts to frown* Do you do this often? Sonny: Feed other people? No, Stone would probably bite my hand if I ever tried to feed him. Brenda: I mean, do you make elaborate breakfasts for people? Sonny: *Understanding* You mean other women don’t you? Brenda: Yes. You don’t have to answer that. It really isn’t any of my business. Sonny: Brenda, why do you have to always question the things that I do for you. You are special to me and I like doing special things for you. I’ve never had anyone like you in my life. Brenda: I’m sorry Sonny. I’m just not used to a man doing really nice things for me. Sonny: Well, you better get used to it. Because, that is how you are going to be treated from now on. Brenda: I think I can get used to it. Sonny: I know that you don’t have time for a picnic at lunch, but can I see you tonight? Brenda: Nope, sorry but I have plans. Sonny: Plans, don’t tell me you are going out with Jason again? Brenda: No, I’m not. Sonny: Good, or I simply would have had to kill him. Brenda: Sonny! It is nothing like that. Robin and I have a deal where we hang out every other Thursday and watch movies and talk and stuff. Sonny: Oh, I see. Brenda: Your disappointed, aren’t you? Sonny: No, I understand. It’s just that I’ll miss you tonight. But since you’ll be with Robin, maybe I’ll do something with Stone. Brenda: That would be nice. You and Stone could talk about me and Robin, because I guarantee that we are going to be talking about you guys. That way it would almost be like you and I were together. Sonny: Talking about you with Stone is nothing like us being together. Brenda: I guess that you are right. I hate to eat and run, but I really need to get home and change. Sonny: Okay, will you at least call me later and tell me how your test went? Brenda: Of course! She stands up and they kiss good bye for a very long time. Then she leaves. Sonny looks at his watch and goes to make a phone call. He calls a “friend” at the Department of Health that owes him a favor. Brenda walks into the Q mansion and runs smack dab into Ned. Ned: Good morning Brenda. Brenda: Hi Ned. I’m not in the mood for a lecture, so don’t even start. Ned: I didn’t say anything. Brenda: I know that you don’t approve of Sonny, but I do. So anything that you say about him is wasted energy. Ned: So, lets change the subject. Brenda: I think I found an investor for L&B. They want to see Eddie perform though, so I’m bringing them to Buffalo next week. Ned: That is good news. Have you told Lois yet? Brenda: Not yet. If you talk to her you can let her know. Ned: I will consider that an excuse to call her. Brenda: Like you need an excuse to call Lois. Just then Jax comes up. Jax: Good morning Brender! Brenda almost laughs when she sees him. She can not stop thinking about the Casablanca dream that she had the night before where Jax was a double agent. She controls herself though. Sonny thinks that Jax and Ned are up to something and Brenda believes that the best way to find out is for her to get close to Jax. She was determined to help Sonny, even if that meant spending time and eating lunch with Ned and Jax. Brenda: How are you this morning? Jax: Better since I have seen you. Brenda tries not to gag. Ned: Brenda will be joining us for lunch at the Grill today. Jax: Wonderful. Ned has told me that you are starting a record company. I would love to hear all about it. You know, I was in a band when I was in middle school. Brenda: *Smiling* How nice. I’m on my way to class. Ned: Then we will see you for lunch? Brenda: Unless something else comes up. Brenda goes up to her room and does not even bother to close the door before she bursts out laughing. Emily is passing by and hears her. E: What is so funny? Brenda: Nothing really. E: Where were you last night young lady? Brenda: Emily, as much as I love you, that is none of your business! E: Oh, I see. You were with Sonny! Brenda: Maybe. E: It is all right Brenda, I like him. Brenda: You are one of the few people in this family that does. E: Jason likes him. Sonny is giving Jason business advice. Brenda: Do you know what that is about? E: Not really, just that Jason is concerned about ELQ. There are so many secrets in this family. Some times it just makes me sick. Brenda: *Hugging her* I know sweetie, but you know that you don’t ever have to keep secrets from me and I’ll never keep anything from you. We can talk about anything. E: I’m so glad that you are here. Brenda: I’m glad that I can be here for you. Listen, Robin and I are going to hang out tonight. Eat pizza. Watch movies and talk. Do you want to hang with us? E: You’re going to talk about your boyfriends? Brenda: Yeah, among other things. E: That’s okay, I wouldn’t want to intrude. Brenda: You wouldn’t be intruding. E: I think that I will go hang out with Lucky. It was really cool when he came over last night. Brenda: Okay, if your sure. I want you to know, you would not be intruding on me and Robin E: I’m sure. You had better go get ready for class. Brenda: Why aren’t you in school? E: The water pipe busted and they had to cancel. Brenda: I wish that would happen at PCU. I have a test today. E: You’ll do fine. I’ll see you later. Emily leaves and Brenda gets ready for class. Sonny is waiting for Luke to show up so that they can discuss plans for the new club. There is a knock at the door. Joseph sticks his head in the door. Joseph: Luke Spencer to see you boss. Sonny: Thanks, let him in. Luke: I’m glade to see that you took my advice and got you some body guards. Sonny: Yeah, you can’t be to careful. Lets go down and I can show you around the space. They go down to what used to be the Paradise Lounge. Luke: This place needs a lot of work! Sonny: Yeah, I hadn’t noticed until now how much work it needs. Luke: I brought some blueprints of what I would like the place to look like. He spreads the plans out on a table and they look at them together. Sonny: These are good. I just have a few suggestions. Luke: Fire away! Sonny: Lets move the bar back a little so that it is not the first thing that you see when you enter the room. We want this to be a gathering place and not necessarily a neighborhood bar. Luke: I couldn’t agree more. We don’t want all day types loitering around. Sonny: It may also be nice to add a fire place at the back to give it a kind of den feel. Luke: I like that idea. It makes people feel like they are having a drink in the study after dinner. Sonny: Exactly what I’m aiming for. Have you gotten all the permits? Luke: Yesterday, I’ll have to file the new and improved blueprints with city hall and then we can start work when ever you are ready. I have a contractor lined up. Sonny: I’ll be gone part of next week to Buffalo. How about if we start while I’m gone? Luke: That soon? Sonny: Is that too soon? Because I’m ready to go with this. Luke: Sounds great to me. I’ve been ready to go for a couple of years. Sonny: Okay, sounds like we have ourselves a club partner. They did not see Damian Smith walk up. Damian: You two are opening a club. What are you going to name it, “The Titanic”? Sonny: Can I help you Mr. Smith. Damian: That matter that we were discussing on the phone. Has it been handled? Sonny: I told you that I don’t work for you. But I did talk to your father. I told him that his little brat was causing problems. He told me to handle you however I felt was necessary. Damian’s face turns white. Damian: Save me a table for the opening night of your club. *He is leaving quickly.* Sonny: Oh, we’ll save you a special table. Luke: In Hell! Both Sonny and Luke laugh. Luke: Did you really talk to Frank Smith today? Sonny: Nah, but Junior doesn’t know that! Luke: *Laughing* You are cold! Sonny: He is a pain in the asset, if you know what I mean. Luke: Yeah, I know what you mean. Sonny: *Looking at his watch* Can you handle city hall? The Health Department should be closing PCU in about 30 minutes and I want to be there to pick up Brenda. Luke: Sure, I’ve got the permits covered. The Health Department? Sonny: Long story, You’ll probably read about it in tomorrow’s paper. He leaves the club and passes Damian Smith in the alley. Damian is talking on the phone to somebody. Damian: This should interest you. He is starting a club right here in Port Charles. At PCU Brenda is trying to concentrate on her test, but all she can think about is Sonny. How good it feels to be in his arms. How safe he makes her feel and how loved. She somehow gets through the test and the teacher collects them and starts to grade them. They are multiple choice, so it doesn’t take long. The teacher hand Brenda hers and she is shocked to see that she got an A. Teacher: The grades on the test were so good that I’m giving you until after spring break to turn in your practice sets. Just then a representative of the university comes into the room. Representative: Class is being canceled for the rest of the day by order of the Department of Health. Teacher: Why, what is wrong? Representative: It is so bad, they won’t even tell us. Just get out now! In an orderly fashion please. The class empties out. Brenda is walking back to her car when she sees another car pull up beside her. it is Sonny’s green Jaguar. He rolls down the window. Sonny: Hi, do you need a ride? Brenda: I need something to do. Class was canceled for the rest of the day. Sonny: Lucky for us, because I’ve got a picnic lunch in the trunk that has your favorite foods. Brenda: Oh really? How do you know what my favorite foods are? Sonny: I just know you, get in. Brenda: Will my car be safe here with the unknown health threat looming over this place? Sonny: I think that it will be fine. Brenda gets into the car and looks in the back seat. Brenda: Where are Pete and Joseph? Sonny: I decided to live dangerously! It is just you and me sweetheart. Brenda: Where are we going? Sonny: It is a surprise. Brenda: You always say that. Sonny: Have you ever been disappointed? Brenda: Not once. Chapter 45 The special place that Sonny takes Brenda to turns out to be the farm that he has bought in the country. He tells her the story about going there when he was a child and it was a summer camp. What he doesn’t tell her is that he has bought the land for her. He is going to give it to her as a birthday present They then make love and are in each others arms covered by a blanket. Brenda: Are you sure that we should be here? I mean what if the owner comes out and chases us with a shot gun? Sonny: Then I guess we had better decide now which of us is going to grab the blanket! He flashes her a dimpled grin. Sonny: Just joking! Relax I know the owner of this property and he won’t mind us being here. Brenda: I can’t believe that you had the Health Department close the school. Sonny: It pays to have friends in high places. I wanted to spend the afternoon with you and you should know by now, I usually get what I want. Brenda: Oh really, well why didn’t you have him close the school before I had to take the test that I wasn’t ready for. Sonny: You were really worried about that test and I didn’t want you to spend spring break distracted and worried about a test. I want to be your only distraction all of next week. Brenda: I think I can handle that. Sonny: Besides Brenda, I knew that you would do fine on that test. Was I right? Brenda: Yeah, I got an A on the test. Sonny: That’s my girl *He kisses her* Brenda: You told me that this is a picnic, so is there food? Because I’m starved. Sonny: You mean, I’m not enough to satisfy your hunger? Brenda: A girl can not survive on love alone. Sonny: Well in that case, you are in luck because I just happen to have a basket filled with all of your favorites. Brenda: How would you know what my favorite foods are? Sonny: I have my ways, besides the fact that I just know you. Brenda: Don’t tell me, you went to the Q mansion and interrogated cook? Sonny: Do you think that I’m crazy? That woman has a mean reputation! Actually, if you must know I asked Robin. Brenda: Oh really? Sonny: Yep, and she also told me that somebody is having a birthday in a couple of weeks. Brenda: Why that little blabber mouth, I’m going to have to have a talk with her about that. Sonny: Brenda, why didn’t you tell me that your 21rst birthday is in two weeks. Brenda: It is no big deal Sonny. Sonny: Yes it is a big deal. It is an important mile stone in your life. Brenda: Nobody ever made a big deal about any of my other birthdays. Why should this be different. Sonny: The difference this year is me Brenda: You mean that you didn’t have a party for your sweet sixteen? Brenda: The head mistress at my boarding school baked me a cake and then my “friends” took me out and got me drunk and then ditched me and I mean that literally, they left me in a ditch. Sonny: What about your 18th birthday? Brenda: I spent that one here. Ruby baked me a cake and then Jagger and I had sex. I don’t know if you would call that a party or not? Sonny: I’m sorry sweetheart. I wish that I had known you then. I would have made sure that those times were special. I wish that I had been with you then. Brenda: The important thing is that you are here now. Sonny: Then will you let me make it up to you and make your 21rst birthday really special. Brenda: If it means that much to you. Sonny: I want it to mean that much to you! So, I’m going to throw you a party unlike any this town has ever seen. Brenda: And where exactly do you plan on holding this grand affair? Sonny: At my club. Brenda: The Paradise Lounge? You are going to hold my 21rst birthday party at a strip club? I guarantee that nobody will forget that! Sonny: That is funny, but it is not what I meant. I’m going to hold it at my new club, Luke’s. Brenda: But they haven’t even started work on the new club. How will they be finished in two weeks? Sonny: We have all of the permits. They can start on the work anytime. I will just have them work around the clock until they get it done. Now who all do you want to invite? Brenda: Let me think, Luke and Laura, Robin and Stone, Lucy and Kevin. And if it is all right with you, I really should invite Ruby and Jason and the rest of the Quartermaines. Sonny: If you have to. It is your party and I want you to have it anyway that you want. Brenda: I’m sure that I’ll think of more people later. You would do all of that for me? Sonny: All of that and more. You mean everything to me Brenda. I want you to have everything you want. Just tell me what you want and I’ll get it for you. Brenda: Well, this may seem silly, but someday I would like to have a piece of land like this. Sonny: Oh really *Smiling to himself* What would you do with land like this. Brenda: I would use it to escape the world. It is so peaceful here, it is almost enchanted. I would build my dream house here and raise my children here. Sonny: What would your dream house be like? Brenda: It would be huge with high ceilings and lots of windows. I want space and light, and so it wouldn’t have a lot of furniture. It would have a huge living room with stone floors and an even larger kitchen. I would want the kitchen right next to the master bedroom, so that you could make me breakfast in bed. Sonny: You mean, I’m a part of your dream house? I can tell that you have really thought about this. Brenda: Yeah I have though about it a lot and of course it includes you. What would your dream house be like? Sonny: It would have you and a bed. Brenda: Is that all? Sonny: That’s all I need. Brenda: What about a kitchen so that you could make breakfast in bed for me. Sonny: Okay, you, a bed, and a kitchen. Brenda: I love you. Sonny: And I love you. They start to kiss and make love again when the cellular phone rings. Sonny: Why did I have to bring this thing? Brenda: You had better answer it. It may be Robin wondering where I’m at. I’m supposed to meet her in ½ hour. Sonny answers the phone. It is one of his men, Red, who he has tailing Damian Smith. Renaldo Hi boss, it’s Red. Sonny: What’s up? Renaldo I thought that you might want to know that Smith is waiting to board a plane to Puerto Rico. Sonny: Puerto Rico? Why is he headed there? Renaldo I don’t know. Do you want me to follow him? Sonny: Do we have any contacts in Puerto Rico? Renaldo Carlos. Sonny: Contact Carlos and have him pick up Damian’s tail in San Juan. I want to know what he is doing there, who he sees while he is there and if possible what they talk about. Renaldo I’ll get right on it boss. Sonny hangs up the phone and looks worried. Brenda: What is it? Sonny: Damian Smith is on his way to Puerto Rico and that worries me. Brenda: Maybe he is just going on vacation. Sonny: I doubt it. He is up to something. I need to let Luke know about this. Brenda starts to get up and get dressed. Sonny: Wait a minute, it didn’t mean it like that. Brenda: No it is okay. I think that was our cue that we have escaped the rest of the world for long enough. I need to meet Robin and you need to talk to Luke. We will have plenty of other chances to escape the real world, I promise! S; I’ll hold you to that promise! Brenda: You had better. They kiss again and then both start to get dressed. Meanwhile Damian Smith is on his way to Puerto Rico for a very important meeting with a very important man. A man that can help him deal with Luke Spencer and Sonny Corinthos for good. Chapter 46 Sonny pulls the car into the driveway at the Q mansion. Brenda: I wish that I could spend the night with you instead of having to go out with Robin. Sonny: I wish the same thing, but you need to spend some time with her. He leans over to kiss her good by and the kiss gets carried away. He starts to unbutton her shirt. Brenda: Sonny we can’t do this here, what is some one from the house catches us? Sonny: If it were Edward he would probably die of a heart attack. *Grinning* Brenda: That is not at all funny. Will you walk me to the door? Sonny: I had better not, Jason is probably waiting to talk to me and I just don’t have any answers for him right now. Brenda: Okay, then I’ll call you later. Sonny: You had better! Brenda: You had better be home when I call and not out with some cheap blond! Sonny: Ouch! It’s a good thing that Stone has dark hair, otherwise he would be insulted. Besides, Stone is not very cheap. The kid eats like a boar! Brenda: I think that he should be insulted! Sonny: Seriously, Laura is out of town and so I thought that Luke and I would hit the cabarets and get some ideas for our club. You wouldn’t mind would you sweetheart? Brenda: You know, if you did go out on the skin club circuit I would find out about it. Sonny: Yeah, because looking at a bunch of naked women would only make me want you more, because there is no women in this town or on this planet that I desire more than you. They just don’t hold a candle to you in either inner or outer beauty. Brenda: I love you. Sonny: I love you too and maybe that makes me biased about how beautiful you are. Brenda: I think that some biases are just fine, but I really need to go. He leans over and kisses her again. He waits for her to walk up to and go into the house before he leaves. Ned is walking to the study when Brenda walks in the door. Ned: We missed you at lunch today. Brenda: Sorry, something else came up *She smiles as she thinks of Sonny.* Ned: Next week is your spring break? Brenda: Yep, that is why we scheduled the gigs in Buffalo for then. Ned: Have you talked to Lois today? Brenda: No, I’ll call her later. I need to go shower and change. I’m supposed to meet Robin at the Outback in 30 minutes. Ned: Okay, see you later. Brenda goes up and showers, as she does she thinks about Sonny. How good it feels to make love to him and even when he just holds her. He is so good to her, he seems determined to erase the pain of her past even when he did not have anything to do with that pain. She wraps a towel around herself and walks out to her bedroom to get dressed. She is still thinking about Sonny and so she does not notice Jax standing in the middle of her room until she gets to the closet. Brenda: Don’t you know how to knock? Jax: The door was open. Brenda: *Thinking to herself* You mean it was not locked and barred* Brenda: What can I do for you Jax? Jax: Ned told me that you are starting spring break next week? Brenda: Yes, you couldn’t have waited to ask me that? Jax: Sorry, I missed you at lunch and was wondering if we could spend more time together during your break? Brenda: I will be out of town for most of the week. I’m going to Buffalo to hear a friend’s band play. Jax: For the whole week? Brenda: For most of it. Jax: Maybe the band will cancel. Brenda: I doubt that. Now will you excuse me, I need to get dressed. I am supposed to meet a friend at the Outback. Jax: I happen to be going that way. May I give you a lift? Brenda: Suit yourself. I’ll be down in a few minutes. Jax left the room and headed for the study to talk to Ned. Brenda: I have to remember to lock my door with him running around the house. Brenda wanted to get close to him in order to find out what he and Ned were up to so that she could help Sonny, but she did not want to get that close to Jax. He was charming enough, but there was something beneath the surface that she did not trust. Besides her heart, mind and body were reserved for someone else. Some one with dark wavy hair and dark eyes and dimples and when he smiled, he could melt icebergs. She sighed when she thought about Sonny and continued to get dressed. Jax found Ned in the study pouring himself a drink. Jax: I’ll have one of those. Ned: Help yourself. Jax: Do you have concerts scheduled for Buffalo next week? Ned: Yes. Jax: Cancel them! Ned: What did you say? Jax: You heard me. Brenda has off all next week and I want her here with me and not in Buffalo. Ned: I can’t just cancel a whole block of gigs. What will I tell Lois? Jax: You’ll think of something. Ned: You know, we Quartermaine’s have ways of dealing with people who bother us. They usually end up in the county morgue. Jax: I want Brenda, nothing else maters. Ned: She has a mind of her own you know. Jax: Nothing else maters except what I want. Sonny waits on the porch of the Spencer’s house until Luke opens the door. Luke: I figured you would be out with your lady. Sonny: She has another date. Luke raises his eyebrows. Sonny: With Robin. Luke: Oh, I figured that you must be pretty lame if you couldn’t hold her interest. What can I do for you. Sonny: I just found out that Damian Smith is on his way to Puerto Rico. Luke: That worries you. Sonny: If he is going to talk to who I think he is, then yes it worries me a lot. Have you ever heard of Hernando Rivera? Luke: Do not speak of such evil in my house! Sonny: I take it you have heard of him. I think Smith it trying to work out a deal with him. Luke: If that is true, we are in it deep my friend. Who do you have on it? Sonny: A man of mine in San Juan. If he doesn’t turn anything up I may have to go down there and meet with Rivera myself. Luke: Why would you want to commit suicide. I thought that your life was going good. Sonny: My life is going great! That is why I don’t want Rivera anywhere near Port Charles. If it comes to it, I’ll go down there and remind Rivera that the Eastern Sea Coast is Frank Smith’s. Luke: I hope that it doesn’t come to that. Sonny: Me to, but I will do what I have to do to protect everything that I have here. In Puerto Rico at the Hacienda of Hernando Rivera. He and Damian Smith are in a private meeting. Rivera: I am glad to see that we understand each other. Damian: Perfectly, I get you into as many legal operations in Port Charles as I can. In exchange you give me the power in your operation that my father denied me. Rivera: This new club that you were telling me about sounds like it has promise. Let me know when the opening is. Damian: I will do that. Spencer and Corinthos should be no problem. They are both players by instinct. Rivera: If they do cause problems, we simply hit them where they are most vulnerable, their women. Damian: Cold, I knew that I had come to the right man. Rivera: Let us share a glass of rum to seal the deal. Chapter 47 Brenda comes down the stairs and finds Jax waiting to take her to the Outback. Brenda: You know what just occurred to me? If I ride with you than that leaves me without a car. Jax: Doesn’t your friend have a car? Brenda: Yes Robin drives. Jax: Problem solved. This way you two can ride to her house or where ever you are going together and have more time to talk. Brenda: I guess that makes sense. Jax: It will also give us a chance to get better aquatinted. Are you ready? Brenda: As ready as I’m going to get. They head out the door and Jax tries to take her arm, but she pulls away and uses body language to let him know not to get too close. She is not sure exactly what his game is, or what part he intends for her to play in that game. He should realize that she is with Sonny and back off. Sonny made it pretty clear the first time that he and Jax met, that Brenda and he were very much together. Jax would have to be blind not to see that. Anyway, she doesn’t really care what his interest is in her, she is only interested the information that Jax can give her about his and Ned’s plan and what it has to do with Sonny. Ned is in the study talking to Lois on the phone. Lois: What do ya mean you have to cancel the Buffalo gigs? Ned: I’m sorry but something has come up with ELQ. Lois: You have a contract that says that you have to do those gigs. Ned: Yes but you were gracious enough to give me an out for very important ELQ business. Lois: This is very important ELQ business? Ned: Yes. I’ll make it up to you Lo. We can reschedule. Lois: We can’t. We were doing the gigs next week because that is when Bren has off from school. Ned: I know, I’m sorry I know this is lousy timing. I’ll go up there every weekend next month. Lois: Do you promise? Ned: I promise. Lois: Okay, but you had better tell Brenda. She is going to be disappointed. Ned: I’ll tell her. Lois: Who am I going to get to play Buffalo? Ned: You’ll think of someone. Lois: I know, I’ll have the Moss Eaters fill in. Ned: Yuck, what a name! Lois: It does not have the same ring as the Idle Rich, but they are really good. Ned: You are amazing, did you know that. I love you Lois Marie. Lois: I love you too Nedly. Make sure and tell Brenda. Ned: I will. Is it my imagination or have you guys stopped calling each other 10 times a day. Lois: We still talk a lot, we are just both busy trying to get this business up and running, and she has her modeling and school. Plus I gave her some kind of wrong advice in the romance department. Ned: Please, do not even get me started on Brenda’s love life. Brenda is sitting as close to the door in the front seat of Jax’s car as she possible can. She noticed that his free hand seemed to be inching closer to her leg. It reminded her of a giant tarantula and she had to restrain herself from reaching out and swatting it. Outside, snow was beginning to fall. Jax: Brenda you seem tense. Brenda: I just hate driving in the snow and I’m afraid that we will be late and Robin will have left. Jax: If Robin has left by the time that we get there, I guess you will have to have dinner with me. Brenda tries not to let her true feelings show on her face. Jax: Would that be such a horrible fate, dinning with me? Brenda: Not at all (She lies). It is just that Robin is like a little sister and my best friend and the time I spend with her is important to me. Jax: Those types of friendships are important. Brenda: Which reminds me, you and Ned have become close friends. Have you known each other long? Jax: We just met when I came to town for the ELQ board meeting. Brenda: You seem to get along like long lost brothers. Jax: We think alike. When we want something we don’t let anything or anyone get in our way. Brenda: Are you talking about business or your personal life. Jax: I treat both the same way. Ned understands my goals and supports them. Brenda: Are you planning on staying in Port Charles for very long? Jax: I wasn’t when I first arrived, but I’ve decided that I like it here. I’ll stay as long as things here hold my interest and then I’ll move on. The main thing is to achieve my goals. Brenda: Where in your goals does ELQ fit. Jax: ELQ actually fits into my business world very nicely. Brenda: Can you remind me again what it is that you do? Jax: My family in involved in oil and natural gas in Alaska and international trade. Brenda: What exactly do you do for the family business? Jax: I’m into mergers. If a small company is struggling I come in and rescue it by absorbing it into my company.. Brenda: (Shocked) You mean you are a corporate raider! Jax: One of the best. Does that turn you on? It actually disgusted her to no end, but she was willing to see how far he would push the game. Brenda: Do you mean it to turn me on? Jax doesn’t answer and just then they turn into the Outback parking lot. Jax: Here we are safe and sound. They look busy tonight. He pulls into a parking space and Brenda does not wait for him to open her door. She can’t stand to be in the car with him another second. They walk into the Outback and Brenda spots Robin at the bar talking to Miguel. Brenda waves to her and catches Mac’s attention. Mac comes over glaring. Mac: what the h**l do you think that you are doing here Jasper? Jax: I thought I would have a drink, some dinner and maybe listen to some music. Mac: Not in my place you won’t! I let you stay the other night because you were with Jason. Otherwise I would have tossed you out on your kangaroo ass! Jax: Of all the nerve! Just who do you think your are? Mac: If you don’t leave this instant, I will be your worst nightmare. Jax storms out, leaving Brenda is shocked to say the least. She goes over to the bar where Robin is waiting. Robin: What was that all about? Brenda: I have no idea. Robin: Who was that guy? Didn’t you come in together? Brenda: His name is Jasper Jacks. He is the newest member of the ELQ board. Robin: I’ve never seen Uncle Mac treat anybody like that, not even Stone or Sonny. He really hates that guy. Brenda: Yeah, I wonder why that is? Robin: No idea. So are you ready to go? Brenda: Yeah, can we take your car? My ride just left here with his tail between his legs. Robin: That was kind of funny. Did you see him run? Brenda: That was kind of funny. Hey, did you tell Sonny about my birthday being in 2 weeks. Robin: Yeah, you don’t really mind do you? Brenda: I guess not, it is just now he is making a big deal about it being my 21rst. Robin: It is a big deal Brenda. Sonny cares a lot about you. He asked me what he could do special for you and that was when I told him about it being your 21rst birthday. Brenda: I’m just not used to having nice things done for me I guess. Robin: Don’t I do nice things for you. Brenda: All the time, it’s different coming from a guy though. I’m not used to being treated that way. Robin: You mean you are not used to a guy treating you like a lady and not an object. I am the last person that I would ever expect to say this, but I really think that Sonny is good for you. Brenda: Yeah he is the best. What movies do you want to get? Robin: How about something romantic, like Casablanca? Brenda: I just saw it a couple of nights ago. Which reminds me, you won’t believe the dream I had. Robin: Let me go and tell Uncle Mac goodnight and then we can leave. Robin goes to talk to Mac and then they leave and Brenda starts to tell her about her Casablanca dream Chapter 48 The next morning Brenda and the rest of the Quartermaine household are having lunch. Reginald comes up to Brenda and whispers in her ear. Reginald: I did not think that you would like this announced, but Mr. Corinthos is waiting for you in the study. A grin spread across Brenda’s face. Brenda: Thanks Reginald. She excused herself from the table and ran to the study. She opened the doors and threw herself into his arms. Sonny: Hi! I missed you last night. Brenda: I missed you too. Sonny: You didn’t call! How was your night out with Robin? Brenda: It was good. We ate pizza and watched Casablanca. I told her about my dream. I hope you don’t mind. Sonny: Not at all. What happened after the dream is the important thing as long as you didn’t talk about that (He is smiling ) Brenda: I would never talk about us like that with anyone, even Robin. Sonny: I know that. (He turns her around and kisses her). Brenda: Did you just come here to kiss me, because we could always go to your place. Sonny: Actually, I came here for business. Brenda: Did you come here to see Jason? Because if you did, he isn’t home. Sonny: Good because I came here to discuss your birthday. Not that I mind kissing you! He leans into her and kisses her again slowly and hotly. This time they get carried away and both end up falling over onto the couch. Just then Jax walks in. Jax: Excuse me! Sonny: (Pulling away from Brenda) Not a chance. Brenda: (Playfully hitting him) Be nice Sonny. They both sit up on the couch. Sonny: What can we do for you Jasper? Jax: I just need to get some papers. If I’m interrupting I can come back later. Brenda: No it is okay, we were just going over plans for my 21rst birthday party. Sonny: Right! So who do you want to invite? Brenda: Everybody in the whole town! Sonny: I don’t think the new club will hold that many people, but we can work on the guest list. Brenda: Will the club be ready by the 31rst? Sonny: It will, even if I have to have the guys work around the clock to get it finished. This is going to be the best party this town has every seen. We are going to party like it’s 1999! Brenda: What a great idea. Do you think that you could get Prince to come to my party. Sonny: You mean the singer? Brenda: Yeah! That would be so cool! Sonny: I don’t know about that he is pretty hard to contact. I think I can get another top name act though. Brenda: (Sounding a little disappointed) Like who? Sonny: How does All 4 One sound? Brenda: (Squealing) I love them! Sonny: Okay, I’ll get someone on it right away. Brenda: By the way your off the hook for the gigs in Buffalo. Sonny: How come? Brenda: (Noticing that Jax is still lurking around) My friend, the singer, canceled the gigs. Sonny: What a shame. I was looking forward to seeing your “friend” in leather. Brenda: You can see him later. Sonny: It may be for the best anyway, because I have to go out of town for a few days. Brenda: Where? Sonny: Puerto Rico. Brenda: I’ve always wanted to go there. Can I go with you? Sonny: I’m not going on a vacation. I’m going there for business and I’m not sure how long it will take. Brenda: I have spring break next week, so I won’t miss class. Sonny: We’ll go together some other time when I can enjoy it, okay sweetheart? Brenda: When will you be back? Sonny: I hope it won’t take more than a day or two. Brenda: Can you tell me why your going? Sonny: It is just some business that I have to take care of. He was going to see Rivera and he could not stand the thought of Brenda being anywhere near the man. What he was doing was very dangerous and he didn’t want her anywhere near the situation. Even though the idea of lying with her on a Puerto Rican beach was almost irresistible. Brenda: Is that all you can tell me? Sonny: I’m afraid so baby. You understand don’t you? Brenda: No I don’t understand. Are you going to do this a lot. Run off to strange places in the name of “business”? Sonny: Not always, but it will happen occasionally. Don’t you think that I want to take you with me? Because I do, I want to make love to you on a Puerto Rican beach with the waves of the ocean crashing over us. Brenda: So take me with you. Sonny: I can’t ! Not this time. Brenda: Well you are crazy if you think that I’m going to waste my whole spring break waiting for you to come back from a tropical paradise? Sonny: This is what I do Brenda. If you have a problem with it, then we have a real problem. Brenda: Just go Sonny, but when you get back you may not find me waiting around for you at all! Sonny: I’ll do what I have to do and you do what you have to do. Brenda: I think you better leave! Sonny: Fine! I have to go pack for my trip. He storms out into the hall and out the front door, which Brenda slams behind him. The instant the door closes they both regretted what just happened. Sonny wants to go back in and grab Brenda and kiss her until they were both out of breath and then whisper into her hair how sorry he was. Brenda wanted to run after him and tell him that she didn’t care about business, that she would wait for him, forever if she had to. Neither of them did this though. Sonny drove back to his apartment, angry at himself for blowing it with Brenda, maybe for good. Brenda went back to the study, where Jax had witnessed the same thing and was waiting to pounce. Brenda: (To Jax) What are you staring at? Jax: Nothing. Just for the record, I think that Corinthos is wrong not to take you with him. Brenda: I’m glad somebody sees it my way. Jax: I could take you to Puerto Rico. I have a plane standing by. Brenda: Thanks, but I wanted to go with Sonny. It just wouldn’t be the same without him. Jax: Will you at least go to dinner with me? Brenda: (Feeling defeated) Why not? Chapter 49 Brenda went up stairs to shower and change for her dinner with Jax. All she could think about was Sonny. He was hiding something from her, that much was clear and that much was unacceptable. She always did her best thinking in the shower. For some reason the water and the steam helped to clear her head. She wondered if Sonny had another woman in Puerto Rico and that was why he didn’t want her tagging along. But then again, Sonny was doing so much for her that she couldn’t doubt that his feelings for her were real. She knew for certain that their passion was real, both the passion with which they fought and the passion with which they made up after a fight were the strongest forces in her life. He could not be faking his feelings, the way that he kissed her and touched her and made her feel loved and wanted and beautiful had to be real. If it wasn’t she was the biggest fool on the planet. At Sonny’s apartment. He is angrily packing and talking to himself. He doesn’t notice that Stone has just walked in. Sonny: Why doesn’t she get it? Stone: Why doesn’t who get what? Never mind you have that look on your face. Sonny: What look? Stone: The one that tells me that you and Brenda just fought. Want to talk about it? Sonny: I’m going to Puerto Rico to meet with Rivera, which could get me killed and she want’s to come along for a vacation! Stone: She wants to be near you, man! Sonny: I’m not going to Puerto Rico for a vacation. What I’m planing on doing could get me killed. I don’t want her anywhere near there, I want her here where she is safe. Stone: Is Rivera that dangerous? Sonny: I don’t know, most of what I’ve heard about him is just hear say. But none of it puts him in the running for man of the year. Stone: I wish that you didn’t have to go. Sonny: Me too, but I have to come to an understanding with Rivera or else we may all be in danger. I’m doing this for all of us, especially for Brenda. I wish she understood that. Stone: How can she, when you don’t talk to her. Sonny: I don’t want her to worry. Stone: You claim that you and Brenda have this connection, that you can feel when the other is in danger. If that is true she is going to know when something is wrong. Sonny: She can’t help me with this. Stone: If you shut her out and walk away, you run a big risk of loosing her. Sonny: Sometimes, I feel like I will loose her no matter what I do. She deserves more than me. Stone: She choose you. Sonny: I don’t deserve her. Do you remember when I told you that I was afraid to loose myself in her? Stone: I told you it was the price for falling in love. It happens to the lucky few in this world. Sonny: Well, it has happened to me. I look at Brenda and I get lost in her eyes, and her smile and her touch. But then I get these doubts. Stone: You doubt the love that the two of you share? Sonny: Never! It is just, the feelings that Brenda and I share are so powerful that sometimes I wonder if our love isn’t so huge that it is stronger than the two of us and it will consume us. Some times I worry that we won’t be able to keep it together. Stone: All I can say is that the important things in life like friendship, trust, love, and commitment, and respect may be free, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to work for them. Sonny: That is pretty good, where did you hear that advice? Stone: That is what you told me after we first met. Sonny: Yeah, I remember now. Stone: Talk to Brenda. If you leave with out letting her know how you feel, you may loose her. Sonny: I know, but I have to leave now or I’ll miss my plane. I’ll call her on the way to the airport. Stone: The important thing is that you let her in. I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record. Sonny: You speak wise words, Stone my friend. Stone: Be careful down there. Sonny: I will be. I have every reason to hurry back in one piece. Stone: Who are you taking with you? Sonny: Some guys are meeting me in San Juan Puerto Rico and I’m taking my best friends. He holds up a case containing guns. Stone: Can you trust the guys meeting you there? Sonny: Yeah, one is Carlos and the other is Renaldo. Stone: See you in a few days Sonny: See ya! Joseph was driving Sonny to the airport and as soon as they got in the car and on the road Sonny called Brenda. She was still in the shower, so he just got her machine. He waited for the beep. Sonny: Sweetheart it’s Sonny. I guess you were telling the truth and you aren’t waiting around for me. Brenda you are the most important thing in my life. I hate it when we fight baby. I want to make all of this up to you. If you still want me when I get back, I want the two of us to go away some where for your break. I can’t promise you Puerto Rico, but I know this private island near Hawaii that has secluded beaches, waterfalls and the most beautiful flowers you have ever seen. To answer your next question, yes I went there with another woman. It is one of the few places that I remember going with my mom when I was a child. I think that you would love it. Although not as much as I love you. I’m going to make this trip quick so I can get back to you. Please wait for me Brenda. I love you so much. At that point the tape on the machine ran out. Brenda came out of the shower and got dressed and went down stairs without noticing the blinking light on her machine. Chapter 50 Sonny has landed in Puerto Rico, has been meet by Carlos and Renaldo and has just finished dinner at the Hacienda of Hernando Rivera. Also joining them at dinner is Rivera’s daughter Lily. All though out dinner, Lily could not keep her beady eyes off of Sonny. Sonny noticed her and was polite to her, as much as any guest is required to be polite to his hostess. But he did not even notice when she disappeared after dinner to give Sonny and her father a chance to “talk business.” Rivera: Shall we move to the study Mr. Corinthos? Sonny: Yes, I would like to discuss the business that brings me here. They move to the study and Rivera pours them glasses of rum. Rivera: This is the finest rum that the island has to offer. It is from my private stock. He hands a glass to Sonny. Rivera: Now what brings you to my island Mr. Corinthos? Sonny: I come here representing the interests of my boss, Frank Smith. Rivera: You are Mr. Smith’s messenger? Sonny: Anybody who knows anything about Frank’s operation knows that I am more than a messenger. Rivera: Do you come here in your capacity as his right hand man? Sonny: I come in the capacity of the person who is in charge of his East Coast operation. Rivera: Do you feel as if though I am a threat to his East Coast operation? Sonny: At the present I don’t feel as if you are a threat, however you are starting to make moves into the area, that if they were to get out of hand might be considered a threat by some of my associates. Rivera: Would it make you feel any better to know that I am not at all interested in Frank Smiths territory? Sonny: It would make me feel better if you were to tell me exactly what your interests are in the East Coast. Rivera: I only want the freedom to invest in a few legal business opportunities and the freedom to use the ports for my shipments. Sonny: I see no problem with that, as long as your business interests do not conflict with mine and your shipments are of approved substances. Rivera: Approved by who? And what exactly do you consider “approved substances?” Sonny: No drugs! Rivera: Is it a cut that you are looking for? I’m sure that we can come to an agreement. Sonny: I will not allow any drugs to be run through any of Frank Smith’s ports. Rivera: Is this a policy that he supports or one that you have just made up yourself? Sonny: Frank supports me and my decisions. He left me in charge for a reason. Rivera: He has given you a lot of power, but tell me are you truly happy being the second in command. Sonny: There are no commander in chief slots open at the moment. Rivera: What about the future. I like you Sonny and I am an old man and very soon I won’t be able to do this. Sonny: What are you suggesting? Rivera: You are the kind of person that I would not mind having for a son or a son in law. I saw the way that my daughter was looking at you tonight. Perhaps you should stay a while and get to know her better. Sonny: I can’t stay, there is something very important in Port Charles that I need to get back to. Rivera: That is too bad, if you did marry my daughter, you would become a very powerful man. Sonny: I’m flattered, but as I said, I’m in a hurry to get back home. Rivera: At least stay the night here at my home. Maybe the idea will seem better in the morning. Sonny: I’m not going to change my mind about your offer, but I will stay here tonight. Rivera: I have a room ready. Sonny: May I ask you one question? Rivera: Of course, I may not answer it though. Sonny: You may not however, I know that one of the legal companies that you have recently obtained stock in is ELQ. I also realize that you obtained that stock by black mailing one of the major stockholders. Rivera: You would like to know what piece of information I have that would allow me to control a member of the Quartermaine family? Sonny: Yes, just out of curiosity? Rivera: To satisfy your curiosity. I discovered that when Edward Quartermaine was young he met and had an affair with a woman named Mary Mae and this affair produced a son named Bradley. Sonny: Mary Mae Ward? Rivera: I believe so. Edward would do anything to protect this secret. Sonny: It doesn’t really do me a lot of good, since you are all ready black mailing him with it. However, thank you for the information and the hospitality. A maid walks in. Rivera: Micela will show you to your room. I will see you in the morning. Sonny: Just one more question, have you ever done business with a Jasper Jax? Rivera: I have heard the name, however I do not think he is connected with any organization. Sonny: Thank you and good night. Sonny follows Micela to his room.
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