Liz and Johnny meet by chance and it turns into something special. Will the family business and the past get between them or will they be able to overcome all obstacles.
A/N – I might not be updating this every day in the beginning. So, make sure you follow so you know when I post. Don't forget to review so I know if you guys are feeling it. Thanks!
Crescendo
Chapter 1 - Chance
Johnny walked past the small art gallery and decided to go inside. He went unnoticed by the man at the counter who was talking to another customer. His eyes caught one picture in particular. It was expressive and bold but also had a whimsical air to it. He smiled and heard someone walk up beside him.
"Beautiful isn't it?" The man asked.
"Yes. Is it for sale?"
The man grinned. "It is. Would you like me take it down?"
Johnny nodded. "Yes, that would be great." He normally didn't purchase a lot of art but he knew it would go perfect in music room.
The man grabbed a stool and retrieved it. He could barely keep the artwork in the store for this particular artist. He wasn't even sure why he even bothered to hang it. "Don't you want to know how much it is?" The man asked as he walked it over to the counter.
"It doesn't matter." He said handing the man a credit card.
The man rang up the sale and wrapped the painting carefully. "You know, you are in luck."
"Why is that?"
"Because the woman who painted this should be walking through that door any minute."
Johnny smiled. "Really?"
"Yup. She's dropping off another painting today." He said smiling.
"Then I'll just have to stick around." He said walking around the gallery again. The front door opened and a petite brunette with blonde highlights entered the store carrying two paintings. The man ran up to her and took them from her and she rambled on about the traffic. She had on a lilac dress and heels. She was stunning. Johnny continued to stare at her until she finally noticed he was there. When he finally saw her eyes, he held his breath. They stared at each other for a minute before the man walked over.
"Elizabeth, this is Mr. Zacchara. He brought your last painting."
Liz smiled. "Why thank you Mr. Zacchara." She said offering her hand.
Johnny held her hand and smiled. "Please, call me Johnny."
The first thing Liz noticed was that his smile was a combination of wicked and sexy. He looked like he had a secret that he was just dying to tell someone. And his eyes almost danced with amusement the wider the grin got.
"I don't think I've seen you around here before." She said pulling her hand back. "Are you new in town?" She asked curiously.
"My family just moved here about a week ago."
"Well, welcome to Port Charles then."
"Thank you. I was wondering if you did any commission work." He said hopefully.
Liz nodded. "It really depends on how big the project is. I do stay pretty busy."
"I understand. I have a music room at my house that overlooks a garden. I was wondering if you might be interested in painting a mural."
Liz smiled. "Well, I won't know until I see the space."
"Why don't you come over tomorrow for lunch and I can show you?"
Liz thought for a moment. She couldn't tell if he was serious or just flirting with her. "Why not, is 1:00 okay?"
"It's perfect." He wrote down his address and number on a piece of paper and handed it to her. "I'll see you then." He said grabbing his painting and walking out the door.
She turned towards the man who was grinning at her. "What?"
"Since when does someone of your stature do murals?"
Liz grinned. "There is nothing wrong with murals. It helps me practice."
"You don't need practice."
Liz rolled her eyes. "I have to go. It's girl's night out tonight."
"Be careful, I'm not bailing you guys out this time."
Liz grinned. "I will. See you later Mr. McKenzie."
Liz hopped into her SUV and drove home. Since her gram died, she had been living at the house. She pulled into the driveway and parked. Changing out of her clothes, she pulled on a smock and some old jeans and went into her studio. She had converted the back den because it had good light.
She started painting and completely lost track of time. She looked up and realized it was dark and rushed into the kitchen. She had an hour to spare. Opening the fridge, she finally decided on making herself a sandwich and took out all of the condiments. She ate quickly and then ran upstairs and showered. If she didn't get something on her stomach, she knew that she would never be able to keep up with her friends.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Liz rushed into Jakes and then causally walked over to the table where her friends sat.
"You're late." Robin said putting a shot glass in front of her. "But you look hot." She said grinning.
Liz smiled. "Thanks!"
Robin poured the tequila in the shot glass and they all raised their glasses. "To drunken debauchery." She yelled as they all laughed.
"So, why were you late this time?" Kelly asked.
"Same reason as always."
"Just one time I want you to say, I was having sex with my man and we lost track of time." Robin said grinning.
"Oh please. In order to date, you actually have to leave your house." Emily said throwing down the used lime. "I know, process that." She said rolling her eyes at Liz.
"Come on guys. I'm happy with my life just the way it is." Liz said pouring some more tequila. "Why complicate it with a man?"
The other women looked at each other. "Seriously? You do remember what sex is right?" Robin asked.
Liz rolled her eyes. "Yes Robin, I do remember what sex is. I'm just really busy right now. My career is taking off, and as an artist, I need to strike while the iron is hot."
They put away another shot. "I just don't understand why you can't do both. Do you know how many times the past week Matt Hunter has asked about you?"
"Matt is nice, he just doesn't do it for me."
Emily groaned. "That is what you say about every single man in this town."
"Just because you are ridiculously happy with Ethan, doesn't mean we can all have that." Liz said back to her.
"She does have a point." Robin said smiling. "You two are disgusting."
Emily blushed. "That accent does all kinds of things to me." She said holding up her shot glass. They all did another shot and a song came on the jukebox that they all loved and Emily pulled Robin towards the dance floor. Kelly followed but Liz stayed behind. She laughed at their antics and jumped when someone came up behind her and asked, "Why aren't you dancing?"
She spun around to find Johnny staring back at her. "Hi."
"That didn't really answer my question."
She bit her lip as her mind went completely blank. God he was handsome. She snapped out of it and said, "I haven't had enough tequila."
Johnny grinned at her. "Well maybe you need to work on that." He reached behind her and poured her a shot and handed her a glass. "Cheers." He said taking a swig of his beer. Liz put some salt on her hand. She licked it and then threw back the shot. Grabbing the lime, she shoved it in her mouth as a grinning Johnny looked on. She loved his eyes when he smiled and wish that he'd never stop.
"Impressive." He said sitting next to her. "I'm seeing a whole other side of you."
Liz smiled. "Well, I can't paint 24/7."
"True."
The girls came back to the table and Johnny stood up.
"It's okay tall, dark, and handsome. You just stay right where you are." Kelly said pulling another chair over.
"Girls, this is Johnny."
They all introduced themselves. "You have wonderful taste in girlfriends." Johnny said smiling.
The girls grinned. "So, how do you know Liz?" Emily asked curiously.
"I bought a piece of her artwork today."
Robin smiled. "How lucky for her."
Liz kicked her under the table.
"I'll be right back." Johnny said getting up.
Robin waited until he was far enough away. "Are you fucking kidding me right now? He is beyond hot."
"And the way he looks at you girlfriend…." Kelly said making a face.
"See what happens when you leave the house?" Emily said. "Now that is what I'm talking about." She said looking over at Johnny.
They all took a shot.
"We're almost out." Emily said pouting.
Johnny walked up with a bottle. "You were running low." He said putting the bottle on the table.
The girls all grinned. "Now that is what I'm talking about." Kelly said grinning. "You are a keeper there Johnny boy."
Johnny grinned. "Well thank you."
A slow song came on the jukebox. "Liz, will you dance with me?"
Liz smiled. Robin practically pushed her out of her chair. "Sure."
Johnny took her hand and walked her over to the dance floor. "I'm really glad that we ran into each other tonight."
Liz grinned. "I'm sure you are since you're such a hit with all the girls."
Johnny gazed down into her eyes. "I'm just hoping that I'm a hit with you."
Liz stared back at him. She was a little taken aback. Before she could answer, Jason walked in and when he saw Johnny with Liz you could have heard a pin drop his stare was so intense. She frowned and then looked back at Johnny and smiled.
Emily looked at Robin. "What is his problem?"
Robin shrugged. "I have no idea."