From Friends to Strangers…Chapter 11
Brenda yawned and stretched.
She opened her eyes and two blue eyes were looking back at her.
She jumped. "Oh my God, Jason!"
She sat up. "What are you doing here?! How did you…never mind, you used the key I gave you." She shook her head. "I thought I told you to leave."
Jason sat up. "I left. I just came back. We really need to talk."
She ran her fingers through her disheveled hair "How long have you been here?"
"Since two this morning."
"Two?! Jason, it's nine."
"I couldn't sleep, but I slept pretty good here. I usually do, when you are lying next to me."
"Jason, flirting is not going to fix this situation."
"I'm not flirting, Brenda. It's just the truth."
She frowned. "And what do we need to talk about? We said everything yesterday."
"You said everything. Brenda, I really planned on telling you. I just didn't do it soon enough."
"Yeah, after you thought about it. Jason, you should not have to think about it…but…it told me all I needed to know. You are Sonny's friend first."
"After everything that happened between us, you really believe that?"
"Yes. I'm not saying you never cared for me. I know what I said yesterday, but I was just angry. I think on some level you cared."
"Not just on some level, Brenda."
"Whatever level it was, it wasn't strong enough. I am still disappointed, but I'm not angry with you anymore. You have always said that you didn't hate Sonny. You didn't lie about that. I got involved with you anyway. I have no idea where I thought it would go. It could never really go anywhere, but whatever. Right now, I just want peace. I'm not interested in anything or anyone that has anything at all to do with Sonny. I am also not interested in anyone, who has to….think about it. You had to think about it and that hurt."
"Brenda, I wish I would have told you sooner."
"Me too, but you didn't. It's done."
"Do you hate me?"
"Jason, of course I don't hate you. I could never hate you. You picked me up off the floor. You looked after me when you didn't like me and it wasn't in your job description. I will never forget that. If it's ok…I would still love to see Sam sometimes."
She was officially ending things.
He tried to put up a brave front. "I didn't think you were going to give him back."
"He's your dog, not mine."
"Felt like the both of ours. We were a family."
She shrugged. "I guess for a little while."
He leaned over and tried to kiss her.
She moved her head. "No, because if you do, I might not be able to let you go, and I have to because-"
Jason finished her statement. "I had to think about it."
She nodded. "Exactly."
Jason got out of the bed and slipped on his shoes. "I am going to leave you alone, Brenda. You want peace, it's what you deserve. I'm sorry I came here."
"It's fine, Jason. Closure is good."
He nodded. "Yeah, right."
He grabbed his keys, took one of them off the key ring, and placed it on her nightstand.
"Take care, Brenda."
"You too, Jason."
Jason walked out of the room and down the stairs, but stopped before reaching the bottom.
Brenda looked out into the hall, wondering if she made the right choice.
Jason looked back up the stairs.
It's what she wanted.
He continued on down the stairs, called out to Sam, and left…...
Brenda really needed some time away from everything.
She ended up leaving town for a couple of weeks.
She took Jack with her.
They went to visit Lois and Ned.
It felt great being around people she loved and who really loved her.
It was just what she needed.
By the end of her visit she felt refreshed and ready to move on, at least that's what she kept telling herself…...
Sonny opened the door and Jason walked in.
"She's back." Sonny shook his head. "I was a little worried. I didn't think she was going to return."
"She loves her house, she was coming back."
"Jason, I really have to be smart. Right now, she wants nothing to do with me. Hell, she doesn't even want anything to do with you, but that's my fault. You two were close before I came back. I'm sorry I put you in that position."
Sonny poured himself a drink. "I'm happy she's back. Now, I just have to figure out how to get her to talk to me. She hates me. You know…she was really upset with me, after I married Lily, but she didn't look at me like she did that day outside of her house. Has Jax been hanging around?"
"They work together."
"Have you seen him at her house?"
Jason shook his head. "No. Why do you ask?"
"She was expecting someone the day I showed up. My gut tells me it was a man. You never saw her with anyone?"
Jason hated lying.
He was not this person.
He should just tell him the truth.
He thought about Brenda.
She wanted peace.
If he told Sonny the truth, he would disrupt that peace.
"I never saw her with anyone."
Technically, that was not a lie.
Sonny rubbed the back of his neck. "I wouldn't be surprised if it was Jax."
"They are just friends. There isn't anything going on."
"I wonder who the new guy in her life is, and she is seeing someone. I am convinced of it. I'm telling you, Jason, she was expecting him that day."
Jason thought about all of the time he spent with Brenda.
Sonny sighed. "I should just leave her alone. Let her be happy, but I can't do that. Whoever he is, it won't last. She's upset with me now, but our connection is strong. We always find our way back. I believe we will bounce back from this too. I just have to make her understand."
Jason really had no idea how to respond to that.
He wasn't going to encourage him.
It felt strange listening to another man talk about Brenda, even if that other man was Sonny.
She had been his for the past few months, but her and Sonny had years together.
It still didn't feel right.
Sonny sat down. "Have you started seeing anyone yet?"
Jason shook his head. "Only casually."
Sonny raised his glass. "Smart man."
The conversation shifted from Brenda to business…...
Brenda stepped off the elevator and headed down to Lucy's office.
She saw a familiar figure walking towards her.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Jason
She had not seen him since the day they broke up.
What was he doing at Deception?
God, he looked good.
Her stomach started doing flips.
She approached him and stopped.
She smiled. "Hi."
He nodded. "Hello. Welcome back."
"Thanks."
"Did you enjoy your trip?"
"I did."
"My grandmother told me you went to visit Ned and his wife."
"Yes, I just needed to get away."
"It looked like it helped. You look good, Brenda."
"I feel good. Jason, what are you doing here?"
"Lucy called. She needed me to sign some papers. Apparently, I am in some pictures that were taken before the shoot."
She laughed. "Really?"
He nodded and shrugged. "Yeah"
"You know you would make a great model."
Jason laughed. "No, I would not."
"I'm serious. You have the look. Models make really nice livings."
"I have enough money."
Brenda rolled her eyes. "Yeah, of course you do. I guess modeling doesn't pay as well as organized crime."
Jason laughed.
God, he missed her.
"If you ever decide to quit…"
Jason shook his head. "No."
She grinned. "Ok, suit yourself, but it's better than dodging bullets."
He smiled. "Is that an insult?"
"Don't you dodge bullets?"
"Not lately."
*silence*
Things got uncomfortable fast.
They were just standing there staring at each other, until Brenda looked away.
"Well, I have to go. Lucy will have a fit…if I'm late."
He nodded. "Ok."
"Bye, Jason."
"See you later."
She headed down to Lucy's office.
Jason walked towards the elevator.
He pressed the button and his eyes followed her, until the bell went off, and he left….
Lucy sat up in her seat. "Did you see Jason?"
"Yes, I did. He said something about papers that he needed to sign?"
"Yes, the photographer took a couple of photos of him. I know he is in the mob, wasn't sure if we could use them."
Brenda was confused. "Use them for what?"
"For anything."
"Why?"
"It's just something we have to do. You know, clearance and all that. If we do anything with them, he'll be compensated. He didn't seem too concerned."
"Yeah, it's just how he is. Have you seen the pictures?"
Lucy's face lit up. "I have and they are good."
Brenda look down on Lucy's desk. "Where are they? I want to see them."
"You will, when they are released. I want you to be surprised."
"How long before the campaign officially launches?"
"Soon, I have been so busy getting ready. How was it seeing Jason?"
"It was fine."
"Are you still mad at him?"
"I thought we were talking about the campaign?"
"We were…but now we are talking about Jason again."
"I have a strange feeling that us running into each other was no coincidence."
Lucy smiled. "No, it wasn't. Look Brenda, I think he should have told you Sonny was coming back, but I don't think he is an awful person. He is nothing like Sonny."
Brenda laughed. "I actually agree. I'm not angry with Jason anymore. He didn't leave me at the altar. I wish he would have told me, but he didn't. My problem is still with Sonny."
"Have you seen him since that day?"
"No, I left town afterwards and no sign of him since I returned. I know I am going to run into him. Port Charles is small and he will make sure it is smaller."
"How are you going to handle seeing him?"
"Maybe he will ignore me?"
Lucy laughed. "No, that isn't going to happen."
"I don't know, Lucy. It will be strange seeing him around town again. God, I used to love that man. Now, I can't stand him."
"Do you think there is a small chance for you and Jason?"
"No. Jason is Sonny's friend, Lucy."
"He won't be if Sonny ever finds out."
"I don't want him to find out."
Lucy smiled. "But wouldn't it be sweet if he did?"
Brenda grinned. "No, because it had nothing at all to do with Sonny and he would think so. It was all about what I felt for Jason, and what he felt for me."
"Do you miss him?"
"Like crazy."
Lucy hit her desk. "Get back together! He misses you too. I can see it in those gorgeous blue eyes."
She smiled. "His eyes are gorgeous, but no. We are over and it's for the best. His loyalties lie with Sonny."
"How can you say that with a straight face, knowing everything that happened between the two of you?"
"I just know it can't continue because of his relationship with Sonny."
"It's not too late. It hasn't been that long since the two of you broke up."
"It's been two weeks and three days, but who's counting?"
"Brenda, if you miss him, tell him."
"Of course, I miss him. He was apart of my everyday, but I am not going to tell him. I did the right thing when I ended it. Sonny is an important part of Jason's life. He was the first person he really trusted after the accident. I am grateful for my time with him, but I'm moving on."
"Brenda Barrett, you say that so easily, but wait until you are home alone at night."
"Lucy, I am fine with being alone."
"That isn't what I meant. I mean when you are home alone and you only have time to think. Think about him and how great you two were together. What if you are throwing away the person you were meant to be with?"
"Lucy, there isn't anything I can do about it. Jason is friends with the man I despise. A man that he thinks hung the moon. A relationship would never work, because he would resent me for ruining his relationship with Sonny. I think that is the most important relationship to him, maybe even above his real family. Definitely…above me."
"I don't believe that, Brenda."
Brenda turned her back, in an attempt at hiding the tears that were threatening to spill over. "Lucy, I don't want to talk about it anymore."
Lucy knew Brenda had gotten upset. She could hear it in her voice. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you talk about it."
Brenda wiped her face. "I don't mind talking about it. I just prefer talking to Kevin on Wednesdays."
Lucy smiled, got up, walked around her desk, and hugged her friend.….
Brenda stayed busy the next few weeks, learning all she could learn from Lucy.
She was determined to run her own company one day, and why not learn from the best?
The best included Jax.
One evening after leaving the office, Brenda and Jax decided to grab dinner.
Lucy was meeting Kevin so she couldn't go.
They decided to go to an Italian restaurant in town.
Brenda and Jax were looking over the menu, when she looked up and saw Sonny, Jason, and a couple of other men walking in.
Jax saw them too.
He closed his menu. "We can leave."
Brenda shook her head. "I'm fine. Hopefully, he ignores us."
Jax chuckled. "He won't."
Brenda laughed and picked up her glass. "You're right, here he comes."
Sonny walked up to the table.
He looked down at Brenda. "Hello, Brenda."
"Sonny."
Jax cleared his throat. "Hello, Sonny."
Sonny looked briefly at Jax and his eyes fell back on Brenda. "How have you been?"
She sighed. "Fine. Great. Wonderful."
"You look fine, great, and wonderful."
Jax decided to chime in. "You should have seen her in her wedding dress."
Brenda smiled because he deserved that.
Sonny turned his attention to Jax. "Just thank me for the opportunity."
Jax's eyes narrowed. "So, what you are saying is, if you would have shown up to your wedding ceremony, like you were suppose to, she wouldn't be here with me?"
Sonny was really getting sick of him. "I didn't show up, because I was trying to protect the woman I love."
Jax smiled. "Thanks for being a complete idiot."
Brenda grinned and looked over at the table Jason was sitting at with the two other men.
He was looking directly at her.
They had not seen each other since that day at Deception.
She was really happy to see him.
She smiled and then heard Sonny call her name.
She looked up at him.
"Did you enjoy your time away?"
Jax spoke before she could. "Yes, she did. She was around the people that really love her. People who would never hurt her."
Brenda was really enjoying this, maybe a little too much.
Jax was really letting Sonny have it and there wasn't much he could say because it was the truth.
Brenda knew Sonny wanted to hit Jax, because she knew him.
She also knew he wouldn't, especially if he was trying to win her back.
Hitting Jax would definitely not help things.
They continued to trade insults until Sonny decided to leave.
She couldn't remember a time when Sonny gave up, but he did that night.
Jax watched him walk away. "He should never say two words to you again, after what he pulled."
Brenda raised her glass. "I agree. Well done, Jax."
Jax laughed. "He deserved it."
Brenda told Jax everything that happened, including the excuse Sonny gave for not showing up.
"He could have handled things better."
"Again…I agree."
Jax looked across the table. "Brenda, let's go somewhere else. I want you to be able to relax, and you won't be able to with him here."
Brenda nodded. "Ok."
Jax called the waiter over and paid for their drinks.
He got up, reach for her hand, which she gladly took, and they walked out of the restaurant.
Brenda knew Sonny was pissed.
She could feel his eyes on her.
She hoped he was fuming as she walked out holding Jax's hand.
Sonny turned to Jason after they left. "I wanted to hit that son of a bitch. I think they are seeing each other again, or at the least he is using our situation to try to get her back."
Jason didn't think anything was going on between Jax and Brenda, or maybe he just hoped not….
After finally making it home, Brenda showered, and changed into a t-shirt.
It wasn't just an ordinary t-shirt, it was one of Jason's t-shirts.
He still had a lot of things at her house.
He never came by to get them and she never drop them off.
She also had things at his house too.
After getting comfortable, she settled on the sofa with a pint of ice cream.
She'd just sat down when she heard a familiar sound.
Jason's truck
She had no idea what he could possibly want.
She got up and looked out of the window.
He was getting out of his truck and he had Sam with him.
Brenda placed the ice cream down and opened the door.
"Sam!"
Sam rushed up the stairs and right up to her.
She got down on her knees and hugged him.
He ran around her a couple of times, before Jack appeared.
Brenda laughed and stood up.
Jack and Sam started doing circles around her coffee table.
She held the door open for Jason and he entered.
He looked her over. "I recognize that t-shirt."
She looked down. "You should."
"It looks better on you."
"I think so. Jason, what are you doing here? It's after twelve."
"I came by because I needed to ask you something."
"You came by because you had to ask me something?"
"Yes. Are you seeing Jax?"
Brenda rolled her eyes. "Tell me Sonny didn't send you over here, and if he did I can't believe you came."
"No, Sonny didn't send me."
"Are you telling the truth?"
"Brenda, Sonny didn't send me."
"So, you just came over here, this time of night, to ask if I am seeing Jax?"
"Yes."
"Jason, it doesn't matter if I'm seeing Jax, or any other man. I don't even know where this is coming from. I bet Sonny sent you."
Jason repeated himself. "Brenda, Sonny didn't send me."
"So, he is not curious?"
"Of course, but I'm here because I wanted to know."
"I'm not seeing anyone and I told you, I don't want Sonny knowing anything about me. He lost that privilege when he failed to show up at our wedding."
"He didn't send me, but ok." He looked over at the pint of ice cream. "Well, I'm going to let you finish your ice cream."
"Is that it?"
He nodded. "Yeah, that is it."
She looked over at Sam. "Can Sam stay? Just until tomorrow?"
"Yeah, sure."
"Great."
Jason opened the door. "Goodnight, Brenda."
"Goodnight."
He left….
Jason is in his truck headed home.
He couldn't stop thinking about the conversation he had with Brenda.
She just would not stop mentioning Sonny's name.
He was asking because he wanted to know and for obvious reasons.
He still cared for her, but she was only focused on Sonny and what he was thinking.
He guess he was right about everything.
It would always be about her and Sonny.
He was just keeping her warm until Sonny came back.
Maybe that's why she really ended things?
Brenda looked down at the pint of ice cream.
She didn't want anymore.
She lost her appetite.
She really wished Sonny would leave her alone, but she knew he wouldn't.
They didn't have a future together.
She didn't have any feelings for him anymore.
She also couldn't believe Jason was just standing by and just watching it all.
He actually came by to get information for that slime ball.
It was like they never meant anything to each other.
She guess she was right, it was all about his relationship with Sonny….
Jason picked Sam up the next day, but didn't really have much to say to her.
Brenda had no idea what his problem was, she is the one who should be upset.
Sonny wouldn't leave her alone and he basically returned to being Sonny's chief flunky by spying.
She was just over it all…..….
Brenda didn't see Jason for awhile after that day…but she saw Sonny.
He was always popping up.
She knew more than likely she was being followed.
What other explanation could there be?
If she was walking on the pier, she would look up, and he would be standing there.
If she was out shopping, he would suddenly appear.
If she was sitting on a bench in the park, he would just walk up, and sit next to her.
One day she was sitting in Kelly's and he walked in.
She was not surprised.
She just watched him walk over, pull out a chair, and sit down.
He got the waitress's attention.
He was a regular so she hurried around the counter to get his drink.
He crossed his legs and looked over at Brenda. "Did you get the flowers I sent?"
"Everyday. Sonny, I really wish you would stop, or send them to the hospital. I don't want them."
"Why? You love flowers."
"Not from you."
"You used to love it when I gave you flowers."
"Yeah, before the whole wedding thing."
"Brenda, I don't know how many times I can apologize for that. I told you why I did what I did."
"Yeah, but it still doesn't make it right."
"I know that."
The waitress walked up and placed Sonny's coffee down.
He thanked her and his eyes returned to Brenda. "Have dinner with me."
"Sonny, no. I don't know why you keep asking me. I also don't know why you are having me followed? And please don't say you are not, because I know you are."
"Brenda, I just want to see you that's all."
"But I don't want to see you and when you try to force it, I resent you even more. What you did was awful, Sonny. It's not something that flowers are going to fix. You can't sweet talk your way back into my heart. I am not the same person I was before."
"Brenda, I can't let you go. Not when there is all of this love still between us."
"You are going to have to. If you would have shown up, and broke up with me before I walked down that isle, maybe we would could have worked things out?"
"I didn't think I could say no."
"So, you thought it was a good idea to just not come at all?"
"No, I didn't think it was a good idea. It was the hardest decision of my life."
"Maybe it was…I just can't, Sonny. I just can't forget what you did or how I felt."
"Sweetheart, if you just try."
"I don't want to."
"Are you seeing Jax?"
Brenda sighed. "No, I'm not seeing Jax. Jason didn't tell you."
"Yes, well…he said he didn't think so."
"I'm not. Jax deserves better than me."
"There is no one better than you."
"Should I tell him that?"
Sonny grinned. "No."
She smiled.
He stared at her. "It's been a long time since I have seen you smile, at least while talking to me. I still love you, Brenda. I still need you. I know you need time. I'll give you all the time you need. I owe you that."
"Sonny, there isn't enough time."
"I'm not giving up, Sweetheart. You didn't give up on me, when I married Lily. I'm not giving up on you now."
He reached across the table and linked his fingers with hers.
The bell went off on the door and Jason walked in, with the girl that was at his house the day she stopped by.
Brenda pulled her hand away.
Jason and his friend walked up to the table.
Sonny stood up and shook Jason's hand, and kissed his friend on the cheek. "Hello, Katrina. Do you know, Brenda?"
Brenda forced a smile and threw up her hand. "Hi."
Katrina smiled. "Hello."
Brenda didn't look at Jason.
She just heard him say something about leaving them alone, and the next thing she knew her and Sonny were alone again.
She couldn't believe he was already involved with someone.
"Brenda, are you ok?"
She looked over at Sonny. "Yes…I'm…fine. You know…actually, I have to go. I have to meet Lucy."
He nodded. "Ok, will I get to see you later?"
"No, and please tell your flunkies to stop following me."
Sonny laughed. "They are not flunkies."
"Whatever, just tell them to stop. You said you would give me time, following me is not doing that. Asking me to dinner every time you see me is not doing that either."
"Ok, you're right. It's done. No one is going to follow you anymore. I'll do whatever I have to, Brenda."
"I'm serious, Sonny, or else I am going to have to tell Mac you are stalking me."
"I'm not afraid of Mac, but ok, hey…it's over."
She stood up, grabbed her purse, and left.
"Bye, Brenda."
She ignored him.
Jason glanced at her.
He couldn't shake the image of her holding hands with Sonny.
He definitely made the right decision in moving on.
He looked at Katrina, who was busy talking about something.
He had no idea what it was, because the only person he could think about was Brenda.
Katrina was a nice girl, but they were not serious.
In fact, this was the first day they hung out, since things ended with Brenda.
He ran into her awhile ago when he was out with Sonny one night.
She was nice but it would never go anywhere.
He wasn't interested in a serious relationship
"Jason, did you hear me?"
He shook his head. "What did you say?"
Katrina laughed. "I asked if you were ready to order?"
"Yeah, sure."
"Well…what do you want?"
"You order."
She smiled. "Ok…."
Brenda couldn't get out of there fast enough.
She didn't know why seeing Jason with someone else, bothered her so much.
She broke up with him.
Did she expect him to be single forever?
Jason was a good looking guy.
A good looking guy with needs.
Of course he was going to move on.
Maybe she didn't think it would be so soon?
Hell, it should even matter, he wasn't even talking to her anymore.
It shouldn't matter, but it did…..
Brenda had a hard time sleeping after that.
Just the thought of Jason touching someone else, threaten to drive her insane.
She couldn't help but wonder where he was, what he was doing, and who he was doing it to.
She wanted to stop thinking about him.
She needed to stop thinking about him.
She just couldn't, because her feelings were still so very strong.
It was easy during the day because she stayed busy, but at night, all she could do was think.
Lucy was right.
The hardest time was at night.
That was the case even before she saw him at Kelly's.
It was worse now.
She felt like a fool, because he wasn't thinking about her.
Hell, he wouldn't even talk to her.
By all accounts he'd moved on and had no problem doing so.
She just needed to do the same….
The weeks past one after the other and the campaign still hadn't launched.
Sonny continued to send her flowers and presents.
He just would not take no for an answer, but she was the same after he married Lily.
She did everything to get him back.
Nothing was off limits.
The only difference was he still loved her, but she didn't still love him.
It really was a waste of his time, because there was no way in hell she was ever getting back with him.
She just would never forget standing in that church…waiting.
One day after returning from the pet store, she received a text from Jason.
He wanted to know if she was home, because he wanted to bring her things by.
He also asked if she would have his things ready.
She wasn't upset.
It was time.
There was no communication between them anymore.
As soon as she placed the phone down, Lois called, and what was supposed to be a quick chat turned into a two hour conversation.
It would have been longer but she heard Jason's truck pull up.
She told Lois that she would have to call her back.
She opened the door and Jason walked in with her things.
Brenda was impressed because he only made one trip.
She had no idea how he got all of her things into that one bag.
She decided to end the tension and at least try to be nice.
"How in the world did you get all of my things into that?"
He ignored her. "Where should I put them?"
Ok, he is still being a jackass.
"Just sit them down."
He placed the bag down. "Did you get my things ready?"
"No, Lois called and I lost track of time."
Jack ran up to him.
Jason reached down and petted him.
"Brenda, you couldn't pack while talking on the phone?"
She placed her hands on her hips. "Yes, but I forgot. What is your problem?"
"Are you going to get my things or not?"
"No, Jason. Get them yourself!"
"Fine."
Her eyes followed him up the stairs.
Jack ran up the stairs behind him.
She shook her head.
What was his problem?
She had not done a thing to him.
They haven't been around each other longer than a few minutes since they broke up.
He was obviously upset about something and apparently didn't want to talk about it.
Regardless, she was not going to let him treat her badly.
Fifteen minutes later he walked down the stairs.
"I borrowed a suitcase, I'll bring it back."
"I can take my things out of yours."
"I don't really have time. I will bring it back."
"Keep it, Jason."
"I don't want it, Brenda."
"Give it to the goodwill."
"You want me to give your bag away?"
Brenda looked down. It was her Louis Vuitton bag. "Ok, maybe not."
"I'll bring it back."
He opened the door and walked down the stairs.
Brenda yelled "Bye!"
She slammed the door.
Jack jumped up on the chair and watched Jason leave.
Brenda looked at him. "Why didn't you bite him, Jack? Your loyalty is supposed to be to me. He is the enemy now. The next time, attack!"
Brenda walked over and sat down on the last stair.
She didn't understand what was going on.
He was acting like he hated her again.
She felt the sting of tears coming.
She was not going to cry, he didn't deserve her tears.
She got up and called Lois back…...
The days continued to pass.
Sonny was still pursuing her, but she just kept shooting him down.
She saw Jason occasionally, but they didn't talk at all.
They were just ignoring each other now.
One time in particular she was in town walking down the sidewalk when she spotted him walking towards her.
They walked right by each other without saying a word.
It hurt, but that's just the way things were now.
She didn't go to any dinners at the Quartermaine house anymore.
There would be no weird looks across the table, no meetings in the library.
It was his family so she made the decision to stay away.
She managed to avoid the dinners, but she could not avoid the masquerade ball.
It was an event that ELQ was having.
Lila asked her to come and because she hadn't been to dinner in awhile, she accepted.
At least she didn't have to see Jason and he didn't have to see her.
It was being held at a huge event hall.
Who knows, maybe he wouldn't even come?
She would be attending with Jax.
He asked if she would like to be his date and she accepted.
He even sent her ten designer dresses to choose from.
Jax knew her size so she had no problem fitting into anything.
She chose a black strapless floor length fishtail gown.
It looked like it had been painted on her body.
They didn't have to worry about masks, those were given to you when you arrived at the party.
Jax was so thoughtful, because he knew she didn't have time to shop.
The campaign was launching the day after the masquerade ball and all of their time was being spent on that.
Brenda still hadn't seen the pictures.
Lucy kept saying she wanted it to be a surprise.
Jax picked her up the night of the party and he looked impeccable as usual.
He had champagne chilling on ice in the back of his limo, which helped get the party started.
Brenda sipped on her champagne. "Jax, I am so happy we are still friends. I don't know why you still talk to me, but I'm happy you do."
He smirked. "We work together, I have no choice."
"Is that the only reason?"
He laughed. "We have fun. We always have, since the very beginning."
"I know we don't talk about it, but I just want you to know-"
Jax interrupted. "You don't have to say anything."
She smiled. "Yeah, I guess I don't."
They laughed and talked until they arrived at the party.
By the time they got there, she was really relaxed, thanks to the champagne and the great conversation..….
Brenda and Jax chose their masks and walked inside of the party.
It was crowded, but that was common for ELQ parties.
They found their table, but didn't sit down.
Jax was a business man through and through, and these parties were all about networking for him.
Brenda just wanted to enjoy the party after working so hard the whole week.
She didn't have to worry about Sonny being there, because Edward would never allow him to step foot into a Quartermaine function.
After making their rounds, Jax decided he wanted to dance.
She took one last sip of her champagne, sat her glass down, and followed him onto the dance floor.
He spun her around and pulled her close.
Jax yelled because it was so loud. "The Quartermaines really outdid themselves with this party!"
Brenda looked up at him. "I agree!"
Jax spun her around again and she giggled.
"Jax!"
"Was that too fast?!"
She shook her head. "No, do it again!"
He spun her around and dipped her.
She laughed.
The DJ started playing popular seventies songs, and they really let loose.
It was the most fun she had in a very long time.
Eventually, the music slowed, and Jax pulled her closer.
She was looking around the huge hall when she saw him.
Jason
He was with Katrina and they were standing by the dance floor.
She guess they were really serious.
He was still hanging out with her and he brought her to this event.
His family's event
He must have felt her eyes on him, because he turned his head, and looked directly at her.
She quickly looked away.
All of a sudden the music stopped and the DJ yelled. "Are you ready?!"
The people on the dance floor yelled back. "Yes!"
Earth Wind & Fire's Boogie Wonderland blasted through the speakers.
Jax and Brenda found their second wind and went wild.
They danced to a couple of more songs, before finally deciding they had enough.
They made a beeline to their table.
It was their first time sitting since they got there.
They were both starving and tired.
After eating, Brenda excused herself and went to the ladies room.
Those glasses of champagne started doing a number on her bladder.
She walked out of the bathroom and saw Jason standing in the hall talking to AJ.
She threw her hand up at AJ and continued walking.
AJ couldn't believe she just walked past them. "Brenda, you can't stop and say hello? We are not acquaintances."
She stopped and turned back around.
She walked up to them. "I'm sorry, how are you?"
"I'm fine. Are you ok?"
She nodded. "I'm great."
AJ eyes roamed over her. "You look even better."
She smiled. "Stop, AJ."
AJ looked at Jason then back at Brenda. "Aren't you going to say hello to Jason."
She looked at Jason. "Hi."
Jason didn't say a word.
She placed her hand on her hip. "When people say hi, you say hello back."
He still didn't say anything.
He just pulled his glass to his lips.
Brenda turned to AJ. "I will talk to you later, AJ."
She walked off. "Fucking prick."
AJ looked at Jason. "What was that?"
"An insult."
AJ laughed. "What happened? I thought you two had something going on? Now, she avoids you like the plague. She never comes to dinner anymore. You show up here with a date, who is not bad, but she is not Brenda."
"What do you mean you thought we had something going on?"
"Jason, the whole family knows. We have known for awhile. We aren't going to say anything to anyone, in case you are worried. We know you're friends with that scumbag."
Jason couldn't believe it.
Brenda was right, they did know.
He wasn't about to admit it. "There isn't anything going on."
AJ grabbed his shoulder. "Yeah, right. She called you a fucking prick. You two have definitely slept together."
He laughed and walked off.
Brenda ran into Edward and Lila when she returned to the party.
Monica and Alan joined them.
Monica ended up seeing Jason and calling him over.
Katrina had her arm linked around his.
Lila touched Brenda's dress. "That is absolutely divine. Wherever did you get it?"
"Jax, bought it for me. He sent some dresses over to my house and told me to pick one. I chose this."
"Well, that was rather nice of him."
"I agree. I have been so busy. I just didn't have time to shop for anything."
Edward was not one to bite his tongue so he asked what everyone was wondering. "Are you and Jax seeing each other again?"
Brenda laughed. "No, I am single. I am leaving the relationships to everyone else."
She looked briefly at Jason which didn't go unnoticed by anyone including his date.
Monica and Alan exchanged looks.
Lila smiled at Jason and Katrina. "How long have you been dating?"
Jason looked at Katrina. "We are just friends, grandmother."
Katrina pulled her arm away. "Yes, just friends."
Katrina walked off and Jason followed her, but not before giving Brenda the nastiest look.
Brenda rolled her eyes, looked at Monica and smiled. "Monica, I love your dress…."
Brenda didn't see Jason anymore after that.
She left an hour later.
Jax walked her to her door, stayed until she took Jack out, and left.
Brenda kicked off her shoes, went into the kitchen, and grabbed a pint of ice cream out of the fridge.
She just sat down on the sofa and turned on the TV, when she heard a vehicle pull into her driveway.
She rolled her eyes and dipped her spoon into the ice cream
A couple minutes later she heard her doorbell ring.
She didn't move.
Jack jumped up into the chair and looked out of the window.
Jason looked inside and saw Brenda sitting on the sofa ignoring him.
"Brenda, open the door!"
She placed the top back on the ice cream, got up, and took it back inside the kitchen.
Jason walked back over to the door and pressed the doorbell.
Brenda went back into the living room, turned off the TV, and headed up the stairs.
Jason pressed the doorbell a couple more times, but he knew she had left, because the TV was off.
Jack was still in the window so he looked inside.
She wasn't on the sofa anymore either.
He eventually gave up and walked down the stairs…..
Jason pulled up to his house and took the keys out of the ignition.
He sat there for a moment before getting out.
He walked up to his house and tried to put the wrong key into the keyhole.
He looked at the key closely.
It was the key to Brenda's house.
Apparently, he had given her the wrong key.
He turned around and walked back to his truck…
Brenda removed the pins from her hair and walked out of the bathroom.
She'd just finished washing her face and was just about to take off her bustier, when all of a sudden she heard Jason's truck again.
She walked over to the window and looked out.
She stood there, waiting for the doorbell to ring.
She didn't know why she was waiting, because there was no way she was letting him in.
Why did he want to talk to her now anyway?
He'd been ignoring her for weeks.
She turned around because she thought she heard something.
It was probably Jack jumping up in the chair.
She looked back out of the window. "He's probably breaking in."
"I used my key."
She turned around and was shocked to see Jason standing there. "What key?! You were supposed to have given it back! Did you make a copy?!"
"No, apparently I gave you the wrong key."
"Probably on purpose and I really should change my alarm code. Why would you just invite yourself in, when you know I don't want to see you?!"
"Well, that's really unfortunate."
"It's unfortunate?! It won't be when I call the police and have your ass arrested!"
Jason ignored her. "Would you like a robe or something?"
"No, I am in my bedroom where you shouldn't be! I didn't invite you in!"
"What was that tonight?"
She crossed her arms. "What was what?!"
"Brenda, don't get amnesia."
She rolled her eyes. "Did I hurt your girlfriend's feelings?"
"Brenda, she is not my girlfriend."
"I guess she thought she was until you said you weren't. She ran off quick. You really have to do better, Jason."
"She ran off because of you."
She touched her chest. "Me? I didn't do anything. And why are you standing in my bedroom, shouldn't you be with your maybe girlfriend? By the way, it sure didn't take you long. Why are you talking to me anyway? Why are you in my house?!"
Jason looked around. "Where is Jax?"
"In the other bedroom, we are getting ready to have sex. Where is Sonny?"
"You don't know? You two were in Kelly's holding hands."
"We were not doing anything. He grabbed my hand and I pulled away. Do me a favor, tell him to leave me alone. Do that for me."
"I'm not doing anything. I think you like the attention and the games you two play. Should I say three play? You, Jax, and Sonny. Seems like old times doesn't it?"
"Jason, Sonny left me at the altar and no I didn't like it. You couldn't tell?"
"I know that hurt you, but now he's back. I'm sure those old feelings have returned. It isn't the first time you two have hurt each other."
"Yeah, he is back, but it means absolutely nothing to me. What we shared is in the past, and yes, we have hurt each other before. This time is different. Don't you think at some point you have to say enough is enough?"
"Are you seeing Jax?"
"No, I am not seeing Jax! And I am sick of everyone asking me that! Why are you standing in my bedroom? Because I still don't know. Shouldn't you be with your maybe girlfriend? Where is she?"
"At home, I'm really not sure."
"Go find her."
He ran his hands down his face. "You really get on my nerves."
"If I get on your nerves, why are you here, Jason? You have been ignoring me for weeks. Why didn't you just keep on?!"
"I think maybe I should have."
"I agree. You still haven't told me why you are here. I know you didn't come because of what happened at the ball."
He looked down. "I really don't know why I'm here."
"Neither do I, because you have been treating me like shit lately."
He looked up at her. "I was just frustrated."
"Why? You have every thing you could possibly want. Your best friend forever, Sonny. You have a new maybe girlfriend."
"She is not my girlfriend and no…I don't have everything."
"What could you possibly be missing?"
"I don't have…you."
She wasn't expecting him to say that. It caught her off guard. "I….don't…really know what you want me to say."
"I don't want you to say anything."
"Good, because you haven't been saying anything at all to me."
Whether she was receptive or not, he had to be honest.
Jason couldn't pretend any longer. "I really miss you."
"Good."
She was obviously not interested in talking to him.
Jason nodded. "Ok, I guess there is nothing left to say."
Brenda watched him walk out of the room…
Jason made it downstairs and was just about to unlock the door, when he heard Brenda's voice.
"Jason, wait."
He walked back over to the stairs.
Brenda was standing at the top of them. "I should just let you leave, but I can't. I am just so angry with you."
"I know."
"But you know I miss you too."
"No, I don't."
"You should after everything we shared, but maybe you don't because you haven't been talking to me. Of course, I miss you, Jason. I had a hard time falling asleep in the beginning, because I was use to you being there. Actually, that's a lie…I still have a hard time. It hurt my feelings when you came here to pick up your things, and you were being a douche to me. I didn't do anything to deserve that."
"Again, I was just frustrated. When I came here and asked if you were seeing Jax, all you could talk about was Sonny."
.
"Because I thought you were spying for him. I was paranoid, Jason. Wouldn't you be? I am not interested in Sonny anymore."
"What about Jax? You look like you were having a good time tonight."
"Jax is my friend, Jason."
"All of your friends buy you dresses?"
"He was just trying to be nice. He knew how busy I'd been…with the campaign. I'm not interested in Jax and he is not interested in me. I am interested…in…you, even though you don't deserve it. You walked past me like you didn't even know me. That hurt."
"I'm sorry. I was angry and confused. I thought you were back to playing games with Sonny."
"Did Sonny tell you that?"
"No."
"Well, why would you think that?"
"Because it's what you do. Did you forget I had a front row seat?"
"Not anymore. There are no games being played."
"Brenda, it felt like I was just keeping you warm until Sonny returned. You ended it with me and that was it. It angered me because I had…have real feelings for you."
"I was not using you and what I feel for you is real too. I was angry when I ended things. This is my first time admitting this, but I really regretted it."
*silence*
"Jason, would you like to come back up?"
He removed his tie and walked back up the stairs.
Although they were arguing and things were pretty tense between them, he couldn't help but be slightly distracted by what she was wearing.
She looked incredible and he missed her so much.
Jason was trying his best to control himself.
She had on some type of bra that extended all the way down to her abdomen and she was wearing a pair of g-string panties, which left nothing to the imagination.
He followed her back into the bedroom.
His eyes…on her bare rear.
This visit wasn't about sex. He came to talk to her, because he missed her, but seeing her half naked was really lighting a fire in him.
Jason removed his dinner jacket and placed it along with his tie on top of her dresser.
Neither said a word.
His eyes were on her and her eyes were on him.
The atmosphere had changed.
He pulled his shirt out of his pants and quickly released each button.
Brenda's eyes widen. "Jason, what are you doing?"
"I'm undressing."
His shirt joined his jacket and tie.
She shook her head. "No, you are not. We are not going to do this. I can't do this. I have gotten use to you not being here. I have learned how to deal with it. Sometimes I have trouble falling asleep, but I eventually get there."
"I haven't had a good night's sleep in forever. Brenda, you wanted me to leave. I didn't leave because I wanted to."
"Because I know how devoted you are to Sonny. You didn't even tell me he was coming back, because of that devotion."
"I was going to tell you. I didn't want to ruin your trip. I just waited too long."
"But you still had to think about it."
"Brenda, I had to think about it, because I wanted to make sure I was doing it for the right reasons. I am involved with my best friend's girl."
"I am not his anything."
"Ok, no you are not. I don't really think of you as his anything either. Look Brenda, I can't go back. I should have told you. What now? I don't want anyone else, but you have men beating down your door. I feel like if I don't do anything, you are going to eventually let one of them in."
"No, I'm not. Jax is my friend and Sonny won't leave me alone. You are the one who's dating."
"We have been out a couple of times. That's it."
"Why did she run off at the party?"
"Because she wants more."
"Have you had sex with her?"
"No."
"Why not? She's pretty."
"You're beautiful, but Brenda, it doesn't matter what she looks like she's not you, and plus…we are monogamous."
She burst into laughter. "What? You have been dating someone else, that is not being monogamous. You wouldn't even talk to me."
"Ok, maybe not, but I haven't slept with her. I haven't been with anyone."
"You haven't had sex since we broke up?"
"Correction, since you broke up with me, but no I have not."
"I don't believe that."
"Have you been with anyone?"
Brenda frowned. "Of course, not."
Jason smiled. "I don't know if I believe that."
"Jason has a sense of humor. Wow."
He laughed. "And you are still the queen of insults."
She placed an imaginary crown on her head. "Glad you noticed."
Jason reached down, unbuckled his belt, and unfastened his pants. "Brenda, we can talk in the morning." He kicked off his shoes.
"We can't just have sex, like we haven't been having issues."
"Oh yes, we can. I wasn't lying when I said I missed you, Brenda. I miss having you in my life. I miss waking up next to you everyday. I miss how your skin feels against mine. I miss how you taste. I miss hearing you laugh…seeing you smile. I miss everything about you, even the things that drive me crazy, but if you want me to leave, I'll leave."
She shook her head. "I don't want you to leave, Jason. I just don't know if we should have sex."
"Give me the chance to convince you."
"If I gave you the chance, we would be having sex."
He nodded. "I know. You don't want me anymore?"
Her eyes roamed over him. "No, it is definitely not that."
"Ok, we can talk in the morning, or if we have the energy…afterwards."
Brenda just stood there watching him undress, half excited….half scared…and very confused.
They were just arguing a few minutes ago and now she was watching him get naked.
Jason removed his final article of clothing…his underwear.
He was standing there naked in all his glory.
She couldn't help but look down at him, which didn't go unnoticed.
He smiled. "You can even touch it."
She started blushing.
He walked up to her. "What is this?"
She looked down. "It's a bustier."
"How do I take it off?"
She released a couple of the hooks.
He watched her unhook the first couple, before removing her hands, and finishing it up.
The bustier joined his clothes.
She covered her breasts. "Jason, are we really prepared for everything this will bring?"
He leaned down, removed her hands, and took one of her nipples into his mouth, encircling it with his tongue.
She closed her eyes. "Jason…are you…listening to me?"
He moved to her other breast and pulled it into his mouth sucking harder on that one.
She moaned. "Mmmm….Jason…wait."
He stopped and looked up at her.
Brenda continued. "I think we should really think about this."
He nodded and kissed her hard, picking her up off her feet.
He took her over to the bed, placed her down, and slipped his hand inside her panties.
She removed his hand. "Jason, stop. We really need to talk."
He leaned down and kissed her. "Ok, talk."
"Are you really ready for this?"
"Brenda, I was ready before you broke things off."
"I don't know if I believe that or…are you just going to have sex with me tonight, and not talk to me tomorrow?"
"I guess I deserved that, but don't be ridiculous."
"How could you just stand by and watch him pursue me?"
"It hasn't been easy, but you two have years of history."
"I knew you first."
He smiled. "I don't remember any of it."
"I was just joking."
"Brenda, you have years of history. We have months and you asked for peace."
"So what if we have years of history? The only person I could think about was you. I missed you more than I thought was possible."
"All you had to do was just tell me."
"Even if I wanted to tell you, you wouldn't talk to me."
"I was wrong."
She grinned. "You were acting like a child."
He nodded. "Yes, I was. A child whose favorite toy was taken away. Brenda, if you would have said those words, I would have listened. I just thought you were just using me until Sonny returned, honestly that's why I thought you really broke things off."
"I was really upset after you didn't tell me. I thought you valued your friendship with Sonny more. I told you I was not using you, Jason. You know what we have or whatever has nothing at all to do with him."
"Brenda, I don't value anything or anyone more than you. Well, maybe my grandmother."
She grinned. "She is great."
"I'm just kidding, you both mean a lot to me."
He moved in between her legs and kissed her again. "We don't have to have sex if you aren't ready. I can just hold you."
"Jason, if we don't have sex, you are going to get blue balls."
He laughed. "No, I won't. I'll just go in the bathroom and take care of it."
"It feels like you are trying to take care of it now."
He was rubbing himself up against her.
She grinned. "If it were not for these panties, we would probably be having sex now."
She planted a deep kiss on him. "I don't want to want you. I am supposed to be mad at you. You wouldn't even say hi to me."
He slipped his tongue into her mouth, before pulling her top, then her bottom lip into his mouth, sucking on it. "Hi. I acted like a fool."
"Yes, you did."
Their lips joined again.
Jason broke the kiss. "Brenda, I can just hold you."
"I don't want you to just hold me. I want you just as much as you want me. I don't want to fight this anymore." She kissed him again. "I want you inside me, Jason."
Hearing her say those words turned him on even more.
He reached down, hooked his thumb inside the seat of her panties, and moved them to the side.
Jason guided himself inside her…slowly….feeding her body.
Brenda closed her eyes and placed her hand on his chest.
She couldn't talk.
She couldn't say a word if she wanted to.
All she could do was….feel.
Jason watched the range of emotions run across her face.
He leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek.
Once he was fully inside her, he didn't move…not at first.
He wanted to make sure she was ready.
It had been so long.
She lifted her head and started kissing his neck.
She was ready.
She locked her ankles around his waist and propelled her hips upward, causing him to sink deeper, while contracting her muscles to make the fit even tighter.
He groaned. "Brenda…"
She was definitely ready.
Jason slowly started moving in and out of her.
She grabbed a hold of his forearms and let out a deep throaty moan.
He mumbled. "God, I missed you…."
He continued to work his hips…slowly, stretching her, and stroking those places buried deep.
She had never felt a connection this intense….with anyone.
He eventually increased his pace, moved down to her neck, and slid his tongue against the skin, before moving back up to her lips.
She pulled his bottom lip into her mouth and bit it. "I missed you too."
He buried himself inside her and started moving his hips in a circular motion, while reaching down and stroking the most sensitive of spots….using the exact same motion as his hips.
That combination felt amazing.
She broke the kiss and ran her nails down his chest. "Aaaah…"
Jason lifted her legs and quicken the pace.
The backs of her thighs beating up against his torso, slapping sounds filling the room….
Her moans got louder as she grabbed and pulled at the sheets.
She held on tightly as he lifted her rear off the bed, while still driving himself in and out of her.
Brenda felt like she was getting ready to explode.
Sensing that….Jason reached down and pressed his thumb against her pink pleasure spot.
Her eyes rolled in the back of her head.
She felt like she was on a roller coaster going up…with every stroke…and up…with every flick of his thumb against her clit….and up…with ever slap against her ass…..until finally she reached the top.…and then without warning, it hit her…she was racing towards the bottom…hair blowing, mouth open, legs shaking….euphoria…...
Jason walked back in the room with a pint of ice cream and a spoon.
Brenda sat up, pulling the sheet over her naked body.
He sat down next to her.
He fed her some ice cream, then himself.
They didn't say anything at first.
Brenda felt like she had to say something. "What next?"
Jason knew what he had to do. "I'll talk to Sonny."
"Jason, I don't know."
"Brenda, I don't want to hide anymore."
"Me either, but he will come after you."
"I know."
Jason decided to change the subject. "You know the day we walked past each other?"
"Yeah, the day you ignored me."
He fed her some more ice cream.
"I have a cofession."
She turned towards him. "What?"
"I saw you. It was not by chance that we walked past each other. I was across the street when I first laid eyes on you, so I made my way over to your side of the street. I intended on saying something, but by the time we reached each other, all the negative things resurfaced. I still remember everything you were wearing that day. You had on a pair of those baggy jeans you like to wear, when you are running errands, your Rolling Stones t-shirt, and your hair was up in one of those ball things."
She smiled. "Bun."
"My point is, I didn't ignore you…not totally. I saw you. I wanted to talk to you, I just didn't."
She smiled. "And I didn't think you liked me anymore."
"I like you. I like you a lot."
Brenda removed the sheet and stradled him.
She looked into his eyes and caressed his cheek. "I missed you so much. I don't think you know how much. I thought about you everyday."
"Don't ever send me away again."
"Never."
She planted a kiss on him which quickly grew in intensity.
Jason pulled away. "Brenda, what about the ice cream?"
"We'll just have to hurry before it melts."
"Have you ever known me to…hurry? Especially, the second time."
She laughed and moved back to her place in the bed. "No, I have not."
Jason got up. "I'll be right back. This ice cream is good, but I'd rather be tasting you."
She grinned and he left.
Brenda fell back onto the pillow.
She was so happy he was back in her life.
This felt right.
She flipped over onto her side.
She just had to prepare herself for the things to come.
It was about to get really ugly.
Sonny could be ruthless, when he felt betrayed.
She wasn't worried about herself, she was worried about Jason.
If anything happened to him, she would never forgive herself.
His family would never forgive her either.
They loved him so much.
Was she making the right decision?
She sat up.
She knew the answer to that.
No, she was not.
She was being selfish, just like always.
She knew what Sonny was capable of.
This would be the ultimate betrayal to him.
She pulled her knees to her chest.
She couldn't let Jason risk his life for her.
Jason walked back into the room and he could tell something was wrong.
"Brenda."
She looked up at him with tears streaming down her face. "I made a mistake."