A/N – Thanks for the comments! I'm so glad you like this one. I'm having fun writing it. Figured I'd give you an extra chapter today. Enjoy!
Chapter 7
A knock jars Liz's attention from her sketch pad. "Hold on," she yells before jerking the door open. "Hey."
AJ eyes her for a moment and then pushes past her. "You stood me up."
"It wasn't even a real date."
"That's beside the point. Where the hell were you? I was worried."
"Can you just accept that something important came up?" She doesn't want to lie, but if he presses, she will.
His head tilts. He doesn't like that she doesn't want to confide in him, but decides to let it go.
"Please?"
"For now…" He plopped onto the couch and sighed, barely able to hide his smile as her eyes narrowed.
"You hooked up with someone, didn't you?" Her hands found her hips as she glared at him.
"Elizabeth…"
"Who was it? And please do not tell me it was Carly Benson."
"I don't even think I saw her at the end of the night."
"You could have bumped into her in the lobby or something. It wouldn't surprise me if she was trolling for rich men."
He sighed heavily. "I took Abby home because Jason disappeared."
Her brow rose. "No freaking way!"
"Yes, way. She was pissed and then I walked her to the door and she kissed me and I couldn't resist and pushed her up against the door and we made out on the front steps of the Newman mansion."
Liz snorted and then cackled. "Holy shit."
"I know. If Victor knew, he'd kill me."
"Wow. I mean, she's around my age, isn't she?"
"I have no idea and it's not like I planned it."
"Why does she live at the mansion?"
"She said she didn't want Victor to get lonely, although half the time she sleeps at Victoria's anyway."
Liz shook her head. "What are you going to do about it?"
"I'm not sure."
"Oh I think you're sure. If she is cool with it, you'll probably make out with her again."
He grins slyly. "Is that so bad?"
"It depends on your reasoning. Is it to get revenge on your brother, Victor, or do you think you could like her eventually?"
"I don't know because I haven't spent much time with her. She's fun, and a little wild, which I like, but her dad absolutely hates me for doing business with Adam. I can't see her going against him to that degree."
"Oh, you'd be surprised what rebels will do."
"I didn't think you liked her."
Liz shrugged. "It's not like I know her that well. I just didn't care for some of things she did for attention. Maybe she has grown up. Bottom line, if she makes you happy, then I'm happy."
His phone buzzed and he read the text. "It's her."
"How does she have your number?"
"I gave it to her before she went inside."
He typed back. "Hey. Hangover?"
"Nope. I really wasn't that buzzed. Look, can we talk?"
"Sure."
"Can you meet me at Kelly's in a half hour?"
"I'll be there."
"Thanks."
AJ frowned. "I don't know. I think she's going to let me down easy."
"You never know. If you don't call me and let me know what happened, I may have to smother you with a pillow later."
"You're so violent, Webber."
She smirked. "That's me alright, the violent, bad girl."
"Your rep is getting worse by the minute."
She sighed. "When you're bad, you're bad. Now, get out of here and go visit your new girlfriend."
AJ shook his head. "I'll call you later."
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Elizabeth walked out of the art store and almost crashed into someone.
"Watch where you're going!" Carly bellowed.
"Oh, it's you."
"You are a royal pain in my ass. I can't believe you stole the Crimson account."
"I didn't have to steal anything. It's called being better than you."
Carly rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You might think you're all that, but you're not. I have no idea how you managed to bag both Quartermaine men, but I'm sure it won't last long. You're not all that interesting."
"Carly babe? You can kiss my ass and eat my dust, bitch, because I'm going to bury you."
She shoved Liz backwards.
Elizabeth dropped her bag. "I normally don't resort to violence, but you asked for it."
Right when she is about to smack the taste out of Carly's mouth, she's lifted off the ground and pulled away.
"Let go of me!"
"Yeah, let her go. She was insulting me and I want to finish this."
"Elizabeth, she's not worth it."
She realizes that it is Jason and seems to calm down. "You're right."
Jason starts to release her and Elizabeth lunges for the other woman, grabbing a chunk of hair as Carly screams and he tries to separate them. Finally, Liz loses her grip and Jason basically lifts her towards the store and they go inside.
"My bag…"
He lets her go and retrieves it.
"I don't know what you see in her, but I didn't deserve that," Carly says turning on the tears.
"I've never seen her get that upset before, so that tells me there had to be a reason for it. Stay away from her and there won't be any more trouble."
Carly stomps away in a huff and Jason moves back inside.
"What did she say to you?"
"Nothing important. Are you okay?"
Elizabeth shuts her eyes. "No. She just pushes my buttons and I hate when I let her get to me."
"What is the story with you two?"
"She sleeps around to get accounts and it pisses me off. Doesn't anyone care about true talent anymore? People can easily boff each other, but not everyone can design. I just get so mad that she cheapens everything. The truth is that she isn't a horrible designer, but for some reason, she thinks getting to the top on her back is appropriate."
Jason sighs. "Maybe it's the only way she knows how."
"Well that's sad. You know, you're supposed to be making me feel better, not worse."
He tries not to smile, but she can see the amusement in his eyes. "Come on, Webber. Want to get some hot chocolate?"
"I really wouldn't have guessed that you'd be into that."
"It isn't for me."
"Fine. I'll drink your hot chocolate if you tell me what a bitch Carly is."
Jason opens the door for her. "She's the biggest bitch I've met today."
Liz grins. "Thank you, Jason. I whole heartedly agree."
They slowly make the walk to Kelly's. "Where were you going?"
"There's a book store a few doors down."'
"I love that place. It has a great art section. Do you go there a lot?"
"I used to."
"And what do you like to read?"
He shrugged. "I read travel books, so I can figure out where I want to go next."
"That sounds like fun."
"It takes my mind off of business."
She nods. They continue to stroll down the docks, not noticing that a reporter had been following them and had taken pictures of the fight.
"I have to ask you something."
She glanced at him. "What?"
"Do you know how to throw a punch?"
He chuckles when she looks thoroughly confused.
"Is there a science to it?"
"Actually, there is."
He can practically see her wheels turning.
"Were you offended that I pulled her hair?"
"She could have pulled yours back and I'd hate to see anything bad happen to those curls."
Her mouth twitched, but she stopped a smile from forming. "So, you only care about protecting my curls?"
"They are pretty cute."
She laughed. "I don't think I've ever had someone be chivalrous towards them before. Maybe I should have them insured."
"Maybe."
When they got closer to Kelly's a few people ran out and she heard a woman yell and they froze for a second and then rushed forward.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Minutes before
Abby placed her order and then waited for AJ to tell the waitress what he wants. Once that was done, the conversation started with pleasantries and then Abby got down to the reason she asked him to meet her.
"I haven't stopped thinking about what happened. It was really unexpected." AJ is older and she is well aware of his history as is most of the town.
"Yes, it was. Are you regretting it?"
"Actually, no. I'm not sure what to say about it."
"Look, I know you were mad at my brother—"
"AJ, I'll admit, it might have started out because I was being a little reckless, but I wouldn't have continued to make out with you unless I wanted to. I really wasn't thinking about Jason when your tongue was down my throat."
AJ grinned. "That's good to know."
"I know you've worked hard to build your company and get your life back. I admire that and—"
Her hand settles on top of his, but she's cut off when the door slams.
"Abby Newman. What the hell are you doing?"
Abby groans, but leaves her hand where it is. "Daddy, how are you?"
He storms towards them. "Are you on a date with this imbecile?"
"Do not call him that and who I date is none of your business."
"He is not good enough for you and will just wreck your life, just like he did his."
AJ stands. "You need to back off."
Victor pushes him back. "You don't tell me what to do. You understand?"
Elizabeth and Jason rush inside and are stunned to see Victor grabbing AJ's shirt like he's about to shake him.
"Stop it!"
"Step back, Abby!" Victor demands.
Jason moves forward. "What the hell is going on?"
"Your brother is seeing my daughter."
"What are you talking about?" Jason asks.
"There is no way in hell I will let this go any further."
Abby partially pushes between them. "Let him go. I mean it! You are causing a scene."
Victor shoves AJ back and then stares at her. "You're leaving with me or there will be serious consequences."
"Abby, you should go."
She spins around. "I'm not leaving you here just because he said so."
"Then do it because I asked. He's your family and I'm just a guy you kissed."
Victor growls, prompting Jason to stand between him and Abby.
"You! Where were you last night? If it wasn't for you, he wouldn't have escorted her home." He pays several people handsomely to keep tabs on his kids.
"I'm sorry. I was ill and went up to my room."
"You should have told her. What is wrong with you? You're a walking disaster. Maybe I shouldn't have taken a chance and involved you with our company."
Jason shifted his weight onto his right foot. "That's your prerogative, but Victoria and I are doing well together."
"And how long will it be before your mug his in the papers again? I'm starting to feel sorry for Edward; that he has to put up with the both of you. Abby, let's go."
AJ leans closer and whispers, "I'll call you later."
"You better."
They leave and Liz touches Jason's arm. "Don't let him get to you." Her eyes lock on AJ. "I'm sorry he ruined everything. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I just—I need to get out of here."
He hands the waitress some money and then brushes past them and they sit in the abandoned seats.
Jason won't even look at Elizabeth and she wonders what he's thinking.
"You're not a walking disaster. You're just having a hard time coping."
"I've almost just took off several times. It's hard being here and facing everyone when you're not quite yourself."
"The people who love you will understand. The rest—who cares what they think?"
"It's not so much that I care, it's more about feeling so out of control. I'm not used to that."
"Then do something about it."
His head snapped up.
"Maybe you need to talk to someone, you know, who specializes in whatever it is you're going through."
"I'm not sure that I'm ready to talk about it."
"Well, I get that, but at the same time, the longer you put it off, the worse it will be. There's no shame in it. Think of it like investing in yourself." She sees him tense and decides to drop it. "Don't think you're getting out of buying me a hot chocolate."
He visibly relaxes which makes her smile.
"I'm not."
"Good, because I really need to get the bad taste out of mouth after fighting with Carly."
The waitress comes over and takes their order.
"You have a thing for chocolate, don't you?"
She smiles dreamily. "Oh yeah."
He chuckles. "What else do you like, Webber?"
"Are we talking food or in general?"
"Anything you want to talk about."
"Well, I like Eli's Ribs, the chili here, sunsets, my business, teasing AJ, and I think I'd really love riding on the bike of your bike."
"Is that so?"
She loves his smile. "Yes."
"Well, how about I take you to Eli's and then a bike ride tomorrow night?"
"You got yourself a date, Quartermaine."
Victoria grins. "Hey guys."
Their eyes snap to her.
"Hey."
Elizabeth notices that she is alone. "Hello. Do you want to join us?"
"I'd love to. My brother just stood me up." She walks around the table. "So, how is the bad girl of Port Charles?"
"I'm feeling extra bad today, thank you."
"Have you caused trouble already?"
Elizabeth smiled. "Yeah, but she had it coming."
Victoria laughs. "I'm sure she did. Who was it?"
"Carly Benson."
Vicky's eyes grow big. "Please tell me you knocked her on her ass."
Jason gives her a look. "Behave."
"Do I have to?"
Liz chuckles. "I'll be back." She goes to the bathroom and Victoria can't help but ask a few questions.
"So, did I just hear you make a date with her?"
"It's not what you think." He just wants to do something nice for her for being a friend.
"Jason, I can tell that you like spending time with her and there is nothing wrong with that."
"We're friends, I think."
Victoria smiles at the waitress and then takes a sip of her coffee. "Admit you like her."
"I never said I didn't."
Elizabeth plops into her chair. "So, how is the campaign going?"
"We're still in the planning stage, but hopefully, we'll pull it together in the next week."
"Cool. I was thinking about it the other day and made a sketch. I can take a picture of it and send it to you."
"Well, if you want, you can drop into the office on Monday. I'm free in the afternoon."
"I think I can make that happen."
"Awesome. Just text me first to make sure."
Liz looked at her watch. "Listen, I have to go. Thanks again, Jason."
"You're welcome."
"See ya, Victoria."
"Bye."
Once she was gone, Vicky smiled. "I really like her, Jason. You need to go for it."
"I don't even know if she thinks of me that way."
"I think she likes you more than friends. She blushed when she said goodbye."
Jason isn't convinced. Sure, they flirted, but it could be harmless.
"Just let your hair down and have some fun tomorrow night. Does she make you feel like you can do that?"
"Yeah."
"Jason, I'm not sure what is going on with you, but it's hard to find someone that you're compatible with. Maybe it's because we're getting older, but I feel like I've wasted so much time making bad decisions. I want kids some day and a family. Don't you want the same?"
He fidgeted, signaling the end to the conversation and Victoria wishes he'd confide in someone.
"I will let this go, but you need to talk to someone, maybe Elizabeth is your person. Trust her, because she hasn't given you any reason not to."
She stood.
"Where are you going?"
"Believe it or not, my mom is out of rehab and I have a face chat with her in a half hour."
He knows that her mother is a sore subject. Nikki Newman's best friend has been a bottle for years and she'd get better and then regress and that is when Victor had moved everyone to Port Charles for a new start. They are divorced and Nikki lives in California now. Nick doesn't speak to her that much anymore, but Victoria tries to keep in touch because she had been closer to her.
"If you need to talk afterwards, call me."
She slightly smiled. "Thank you."
