A/N – Thanks for the reviews! Hellzz – Too funny about OB I'm glad you guys are enjoying this one!

Chapter 10 – Gobble Gobble

"Excuse me," Nikolas said as he tried to brush by Johnny.

"Where do you think you're going, Cassadine?"

Nikolas stared at him and then felt Cooper walk up behind him. He doesn't understand what he had done to deserve such treatment.

"This is ridiculous. I would never hurt them."

"Save it," Cooper said as he stopped next to him and gazed at Emily and Liz. "Do you want to talk to him?"

They both shook their heads from side to side and looked away. Nikolas's heart dropped. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat.

"Elizabeth, I just want you to know that I'm glad you're alright."

Liz sighed. "Thank you, Nikolas, but you should go now."

His eyes shifted from one person to the next for a long moment and then he turned around and strode out the door. Johnny and Cooper went back to their table and the girls breathed a sigh of relief.

"That was uncomfortable," Liz said quietly. "Have you spoken to him at all?"

"No, and I'm not planning to."

"Emily, are you sure that is what you want?"

Emily expression darkened. "I don't know what's going on with him, but I just can't deal with that drama right now. He's been downright secretive for the last month and I just want us to stay safe."

Liz nodded and they continued eating. It isn't easy to walk away from someone who they had been so close to, but at this point, it seems like it is a necessity.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Thanksgiving came fast. Liz's bruises were finally almost gone and she looked forward to dressing up a little. Sonny is having a dinner for everyone and had rented out a hall at the Metro Court. It is being catered and everyone will be there. Liz is eagerly anticipating finally meeting Michael, but Carly's presence will definitely be a buzz kill. She just hopes that Carly will at least be civil to her.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Jason had gone over to Sonny's the night before.

"Carly, I'm going to ask you nicely to be nice to Liz tomorrow."

Carly rolled her eyes and plopped down next to him on the couch. "Do I have to?"

Jason smiled. "Yes, you have to. She makes me happy so then you should be happy for me."

"I don't like her. She's too nice."

"No, she's not. I really wouldn't mess with her if I were you."

Her eyes narrowed as she frowned. "What is she going to do, torture me with kindness?"

Jason shook his head. "Alright, don't say I didn't warn you."

"Why her? You could have anyone you want."

"Liz is smart, beautiful, fun, and sexy as hell."

"I think I'm going to gag."

"She's everything I didn't know I was looking for. Just give her a chance."

Carly sighed. "Alright, I'll try. Happy?"

Jason hugged her. "Very happy…"

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Jason called Elizabeth's name to warn her that they are going to be late if she doesn't hurry.

"Coming," she yelled before taking one more look in the mirror. She is wearing a black dress that hugs and accentuates all the right places and some heels.

She slowly descended the steps as Jason admired her.

"You look beautiful," he said after reaching out his hand. She took it and then he led her to the door and helped her put on her coat. They went downstairs and then headed to the Metro Court.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

When they finally arrived, Sonny approached them.

"Hello, Liz, you look very nice." He kissed her on the cheek.

"Thank you."

Sonny led them over to their table and held out a chair for Liz as she sat. Catching a movement, she turned to find Carly heading towards them.

"Hello, Jason," she said kissing him on the cheek. "Hello, Liz."

Liz smiled. "Hello, Carly, that's a lovely dress."

She forced a smile. "Thanks." She didn't return the favor, instead choosing to approach someone else who just had arrived.

"That went better than expected," Liz said.

"I thought her brain was going to implode," Jason said quietly.

Liz giggled.

"Jason!" Michael yelled as he propelled himself onto Jason's lap.

Jason tickled him and asked him what he had been up to. About halfway through the conversation, Michael notices Elizabeth.

"Michael, this is Liz."

She smiled at him and Michael shook her hand.

"You're way prettier than mommy said you were."

Liz ignored the slight. "Well thank you, Michael. You look very handsome in that suit."

He frowned. "I hate ties. Uncle Jason said they are torture devices."

She giggled. "Did he now?"

"Yes and he doesn't like suits either."

Her gaze fell on Jason who was chuckling. "Good to know."

She heard Carly call Michael and he took off running in the opposite direction.

"He looks like he's a handful."

"You don't know the half of it. He's eight and never outgrew his terrible twos," Jason said before sipping some water. "You want a drink?"

"Some wine would be nice."

"I'll be right back."

She noticed Emily walking towards her and a smile lit up her face.

"What are you doing here?" She warmly embraced her friend.

"I couldn't let you face Carly alone. How is the blowhard tonight?"

"She's on her best behavior."

Emily is shocked. "How is that even possible?" They laughed. "I'll be right back." She strode across the room and a short time later, Jason returned and placed the drink on the table.

"What's Emily doing here?"

"She thought I needed some backup."

Jason smiled.

"I need to ask you for a favor?"

"Name it."

Liz glanced at the dance floor where several couples are dancing before finding Emily who looked bored and then she turned and looked at Cooper who seemed to be pouting. She is done with the whole cover-up, so she turned to Jason and took a deep breath.

"I need you to ask Emily to dance."

He frowned at her. "I don't really like to dance."

"I know, and I hate to ask you to do this but it's in the name of true love."

Jason rolled his eyes, "Cooper?"

Liz looked shocked. "You know?"

He shook his head. "I have eyes you know. It's not like he can hide that dumb look on his face every time she's around."

She grinned. "Are you mad?"

He shrugged. "She's a grown woman. There's really nothing I can do anyway. Cooper's a good kid. He has a good head on his shoulders and I definitely like him more than the Prince of Darkness."

She laughed at the Nik reference. "That's good to know."

"Of course, if he hurts her, I will have to hurt him."

Liz smacked him on the arm. "No, you won't." She noticed Emily approaching and whispered, "Here she comes."

Jason almost groaned as Emily reached the table and he stood to give her a hug.

"Emily, would you like to dance?"

The look on Emily's face was priceless. "Did I just hear you right?"

He rolled his eyes but didn't have time for much else, because Emily grabbed his hand and led him towards the dance floor before he changed his mind.

Liz stood and strode to the big table where all of the guards are sitting.

Cooper smiled at her as she reached them. The rest of the guys were all loud and boisterous until she got to the table and then they all quieted.