Julian saw Alexis sitting at a table with Ned in the corner. Her attention remained riveted on him as if they were discussing something of great interest.
Perhaps concern, judging by the pensive expression on Alexis' face. Her eyes looked like they had when he'd put her on the defensive the other day while asking her about Lucas. Both hands fidgeted with her glass.
Her hair tossed back in loose waves and she wore one of her smart legal suits. Ned seemed just as attentive to her. A waiter interrupted him.
"You planning to eat here or check out the scenery. This isn't a single's bar."
Julian looked at the young man sharply.
"I'll take a table."
He started to move towards their table when a voice stopped him.
"Julian..."
He looked up and saw Carly standing in front of him, her arms folded. He hadn't seen her come in the diner.
"What is it?"
She looked indignant.
"Ava's doing the floral arrangements and I don't think carnations suit me," she said, "I want something more evocative...less boring."
He sighed.
"She's just trying to help with the planning."
Carly scowled.
"I think she's trying to sabotage our wedding."
He suppressed a smile, knowing Ava much better than Carly did. Ava had been against the wedding but she hadn't known the whole story.
"I don't think so," he said, "She's trying to make up for all those times she fought with you."
Carly sneered.
"After what she did to Franco...and my son."
Julian noticed how she always had her priorities mixed up. He glanced over at Alexis who appeared involved in her discussion.
"So you think that whoever falsified the records of your daughter's death was someone else besides Mikkos?"
Alexis paused.
"It has to be. My father was dead. It was after that whole Ice Princess escapade. It was only later because of Jason I found out that she was still alive."
Ned nodded.
"Makes sense and that your daughter was Sam right?"
"Yeah, not that we were even getting along at the time," she said, "It took a long time for that to change."
Ned smiled.
"You're much closer now. You'd never know that the two of you spent some time estranged."
Alexis tilted her face, remembering those darker days.
"Sometimes it's hard to remember what it was like. We worked really hard, went through a lot to get where we are now."
"It was like that with me and Brook Lyn for a while," he said, "but she's settling down finally. She's back in school to get her degree and sings in the church choir."
Alexis remembered how much Ned had struggled with his wayward daughter. He'd clashed with Lois over whether or not she should pursue a singing career. The girl had talent but she'd brushed with the more sordid side of the music industry as well.
He'd almost lost her.
But he'd gotten her back and Alexis knew what that was like. She didn't want to face that situation ever again.
She glanced up and saw Julian talking with Carly in the middle of the diner. Ned followed her gaze.
"Mr. Jerome...he made my mother very unhappy this morning with the documents he sent to her and the board."
Alexis arched a brow.
"I can only imagine. You know you have to fight back or ELQ's going to wind up a front for the mob."
Ned flashed a look of such intense distaste she almost laughed. He'd never been a big fan of Sonny's either. But Sonny stuck to his own slew of legit businesses to front his action and left most of the Qs except AJ alone.
Well there was Jason, but then he could hardly be counted. Few people left in PC had memories of life before Stone Cold.
"That'll never happen. Not with him or anyone else. I promised my grandfather that before he died."
Ned sounded resolute and Alexis knew he could be formidable in his own right when it came to protecting his family's interests.
Julian listened as Carly talked about the catering in that it had to be from the MC.
"Whatever you want," he said, "You should discuss that with Ava."
Carly snarled again.
"I'm not asking her permission for anything on my own wedding."
He sighed.
"I have to get back to work."
Carly spotted Ned and Alexis.
"Really. The two of them are back together? That didn't take long."
Julian glanced at them then back at Carly.
"They're friends..."
Carly shook her head.
"Ned's a laid back Quartermaine, not like some of the others who I won't mention."
Julian knew not to underestimate him. He'd done his homework. Suddenly Carly brightened.
"My orders's ready. I'll see you back at the hotel..."
He nodded and she took off after picking it up. He then walked over to the table where Ned and Alexis both glanced up at him.
"Mr. Jerome. Fancy running into you here," Ned said, "I didn't think you took any time off from your agenda to slum at Kelly's."
Julian smiled.
"Alexis...Ned...I'm a regular here. The food is great, the ambiance and occasionally the company is very nice..."
Alexis met his eyes with her own, as if in challenge.
"Julian. Ned and I were discussing business."
"I'm sure. That meeting the other night was interesting. I assume you received the documents I couriered this morning."
Ned's mouth formed a grim line.
"Yes...and the answer in short is no. The longer version filled with legalese will be drafted and sent to you by the end of the week."
Julian shrugged.
"I didn't think it'd be easy but I always get what I want. Almost always."
Alexis bristled.
"Well good luck with ELQ Julian."
Neds phone rang and he told Alexis he had to take it. The expression on her face told her it might not be good news. Julian took that opportunity to sit down across from her.
"You weren't invited..."
He smiled at her indignation.
"So you're helping Ned with his company?"
She shook her head, looking bemused.
"No. But he's my friend and I don't want to see anyone hurt him."
"No one's hurting him Alexis. It's business."
"Of course..."
He leaned back in his chair.
"So you two go way back?"
She nodded.
"We weren't friendly at first. We were too busy watching over our families which were warring with each other. Gatekeeping you might call it."
He smiled.
"A Cassadine breaking bread with a Quatermaine..."
She smirked.
"It gets even more outrageous considering one of my closest friends is a Spencer."
He nodded.
"Luke. A colorful figure in this town."
She smiled.
"I let him get away with...certain liberties I don't allow anyone else."
His brow arched.
"Oh?"
She nodded, pleased with his expression
.
"Yes...but they're between him and me."
Ned returned to the table and saw the two of them together. Irritation flashe in his eyes but he hid it quite well.
"That was my mother. Someone's making a move on ELQ."
Alexis shot a look at Julian but Ned shook his head.
"Not him...this is someone else."
