A/N – Thanks for the reviews! Butterflyliz, ilovedana53, lrobinson01, doralupin86, kikimoo, maryrose59, virgy15 – thank you! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Chapter 21 – Blast from the Past

They cleaned up a bit and then walked outside and watched the sunset. Jason kissed her soundly. For the rest of the night, they made love over and over and until they finally fell asleep; exhausted.

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They got up in the morning and showered. A car came to take them to the airport and they grabbed a few things and left.

The plane leveled off and they got comfortable.

"I can't believe Director Stowe went first class." Jason said quietly.

Liz smiled. "It's nice."

She snuggled into his side. "I'm a little worried about Spinelli."

"I know. The poor kid just can't seem to get a break."

Liz nodded. "Why did you say Brenda when you were talking on the phone?"

Jason had forgotten. "Oh yeah, I meant to talk to you about that. He pulled Brenda onto the case. So, we may run into her."

"Oh." Liz said softly. She felt bad that Jason had to face her after all that happened. "Are you upset by that?"

Jason shrugged. "I don't really want to see her but it's been a few years. What's done is done."

All Liz could think of is suppose she wants him back but she let the subject go. It wasn't something she really wanted to dwell on and she needed to believe in the connection that Jason had with her now.

"I'm kind of looking forward to confronting the Russian's after what they did to me."

Jason looked down at her. "Well, if there's anything left of them after I'm done with them, you can have at it." He said with smirk.

Liz smiled. "That kind of talk is just going to get you kissed."

"Bring it." Jason said leaning towards her.

Liz kissed him softly and then deepened it. They pulled back and Liz snuggled into his side again. They went over their game plan and then finally landed in New York.

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Director Stowe walked up to them. "Welcome back." He said shaking hands with Jason. He gave Liz a hug and then an apology. "Sorry we had to let you believe Jason was dead. How are you doing?" He asked noting that she still had a slight limp.

"Much better."

He led them to a town car and they all got in. "You're going to be staying at a hotel called the Metro Court tonight. We still haven't located Spinelli but we are working on it and think we might be close."

"He hasn't sent us any more messages." Jason said.

"Hopefully, it's just because he didn't have the chance." Director Stowe said quietly.

They pulled up to the metro court. "This is your stop. Your room is stocked and good luck with your mission."

They nodded and got out of the car and headed towards their room.

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They got dressed for dinner and headed for the restaurant.

"I'm Carly, please, follow me." She said smiling.

Jason motioned for Liz to go first and they were seated out of the way.

"Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Your waiter will be here shortly." Carly said before eyeing Jason one more time.

Liz rolled her eyes. "It amazes me how brazen other women are. They don't even try to hide it."

Jason smiled. He really could care less if Carly liked what she saw.

They ordered some drinks and chatted.

"Dance with me?" Jason asked.

Liz smiled. "I'd love too."

He led her onto the dance floor and they swayed to the music as they gazed into each other's eyes. Liz was about to say something when they were interrupted.

"Jason?" A voice called out.

Jason closed his eyes for a second and they broke hold. He turned and came face to face with Brenda.

She walked up to him and gave him a hug. "It's great to see you." She said trying to search his eyes to see if he was still mad.

"Good to see you too." He said quietly. He held out his hand behind him and Liz took it. He moved her next to him. "Brenda this is Elizabeth."

"Nice to meet you." Brenda said shaking her hand.

The two women sized each other up for a moment.

Sonny walked up to them.

"Sonny, you remember Jason. This is Elizabeth." Brenda said.

"My girlfriend." Jason added before shaking Sonny's hand.

Sonny put his arm around Brenda's waist. "Well, we'll leave you to your date." He said before moving Brenda to their table.

Jason and Liz went back to their table and Liz watched Jason drink some beer and then she said, "You sure you're okay?"

Jason nodded. "I'm sure. It's still a little awkward."

Liz nodded. "She's gorgeous."

Jason shrugged. "Looks clearly are not everything."

"So, what was it that drew you to her then?" She asked curiously.

"We had this kind of love hate thing going on. We argued constantly. And then one day we kissed and it just got bigger from there."

Liz decided to let it drop. "I'm going to go use the ladies room." She said standing up.

Jason nodded and then got up and walked over to the balcony.

Brenda saw him and when Sonny excused himself to make a call, she went out onto the balcony with him.

"She's very beautiful." Brenda said walking up behind him.

Jason turned around and looked at her. "Yes, she is."

"Is it really serious?"

"Why do you care?"

Brenda sighed. "Because maybe it would make me feel a little better knowing that you found someone to love."

Jason sighed. "Yes, it's serious."

"You look good." She said smiling. She had forgotten how good he always looked. He really hadn't changed much since the last time she had seen him.

"You too. Are you happy?"

Brenda shrugged. "Marriage has its ups and downs." She said almost ruefully. They had their problems, but she wouldn't have traded her little girl for the world.

"And Maya?"

Brenda grinned and whipped out her phone. "She's gorgeous." She said gushing.

Jason looked down at the pictures. "She is." He said sadly.

"You know, I did want her to be yours."

Jason closed his eyes. "Brenda stop."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'll leave you alone." She said walking away.

Jason turned around and gripped the edge of the wall. He hated that Maya wasn't his. It really wasn't even about Brenda. It's just he fell in love the baby and then she was taken away.

Liz had seen them talking and walked over to him and touched his back. "Are you okay?"

He shook his head no.

Liz turned him around and he could tell that Jason was really emotional. "Come on, I'll tell them to send our dinners to the room."

Jason nodded and followed her back inside. She caught the waitress and then led him to the elevator.