A/N – Thanks for the comments! I appreciate them. I'm going to cover the holiday and skip forward a little. I need to start wrapping this one up.

Chapter 51 – Gobble, Gobble

It was a long week. Violet worked with Nicole a lot. It was painful, but Nicole was committed to getting better.

Johnny was steadily improving and the guys took turns helping him build his strength up. He could now walk to the bathroom with assistance.

Nicole sat on the bed next to him. "Can I get you anything?"

He grabbed her hand. "I'm good. Can you lay down with me?"

She carefully crawled beside him. It felt so good to be pressed up against him. She hadn't even dealt with watching him get shot yet.

"I love you Nicole."

She slightly smiled. "I love you too."

"I'm so sorry you had to watch me get shot."

"It was horrible." That scene had played in her mind many times.

"I let him take you and I don't know if I can forgive myself for that."

She sat up a little so she could look at him. "Please don't blame yourself."

"Do you blame yourself?"

She looked away.

"Nicole…."

"I brought you into this mess that is my life. You were hurt because of me."

"Nicole, part of loving someone is being there for them. I don't have an ounce of regret about our relationship. My life is so much better with you in it. Never doubt that."

She laid back down. "I don't regret being with you either. I just hate that you were hurt."

"I hate that you were hurt just as much. He's gone and you fought hard. You fought off him and three other men. Do you even realize how incredible you are?"

"Well, when you put it like that…"

Johnny grinned.

"Maybe I need my own action figure."

"You'll need a name."

"Hmmm. The Blonde Avenger."

Johnny laughed. "My girl is kick ass."

Nicole smiled. "You know, while I was in the car, I was thinking about everything you guys taught me. I figured I was going to have to save myself."

Johnny was really impressed. Most people would have panicked. "You did."

"Well—mostly. John did stop my attempts to fly thank God."

He closed his eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"I can't lose you. I never thought I'd meet anyone I wanted to be serious with. You changed that for me."

"You make me want it all."

"I need you to fight for us. I know that you're depressed, but work through it. I want to give it all to you. I'm you're guy Nicole."

She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "Okay." She kissed him gently, but Johnny wasn't haven't that and fisted her hair and kissed her thoroughly.

"God I missed your mouth," she said.

"Not as much as I missed yours."

"We can argue about that later. Kiss me again."

He did, trying to show her that she could trust his love.

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Elizabeth stopped by the shop after going to ELQ. She had finished the latest campaign and now they were just waiting for the client to hopefully accept it. Thanksgiving was in two days and they had decided that since Johnny was still recovering, they would have the celebration at Sonny's. Liz and Jason would make a stop at Audrey's and the Q's afterwards. Sonny loved cooking, so that was fine with him.

Jason met her at the door and pulled her inside.

"I missed you," she said before kissing him.

He pressed her up against the wall and ravished her mouth. There wasn't any opportunity to be intimate in the apartment. She moaned as he lifted her. "Coleman?"

"Not here," Jason said before taking her into his office and locking the door. They quickly took off their clothes and he cleared off the top of the desk and laid her back. When he had her all hot and bothered, yelling his name, he took her slowly—savoring her tightness until Elizabeth begged him to go harder and he obliged. It didn't take long before they were both crying out in ecstasy.

Jason pulled back and smiled. "That was worth the wait."

She grinned. "Very much so."

He helped her up and they got dressed and headed home.

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Thanksgiving was just crazy. Violet was cooking on their stove to help Sonny out. Audrey had sent a dish over as did Cook and Tess and John brought a dessert. Even though it was controlled chaos, everything was getting done on time and everyone's stomach was growling from smelling all the good food. The doors to both penthouses were propped open and people were wandering from one to another.

"It smells delicious around here."

John cursed under his breath and Sonny cringed.

"Anthony, what are you doing here?"

"It's thanksgiving, did you expect that I'd eat a T.V. dinner? I assumed my invitation was lost in the shuffle."

John walked up to him. "I swear to god if you mess up this meal, I will personal feed you to the fishes."

Anthony grinned. "John, you really need some more fiber in your diet."

Carly turned around so should could hide her laugh.

His attention was diverted by someone in the hallway. "Claudia, in here."

"Fuck me," John muttered. Tess gripped his hand.

"Hey little brother, I missed you."

He hugged his sister and then whispered in her ear. "What the fuck Claudia? You couldn't keep his crazy ass at home?"

"Take a chill pill. I slipped him some medication in his coffee. It should kick in soon."

John shook his head. "Everyone, this is my sister Claudia and my father Anthony."

Claudia's head tilted as she checked Tess out. "Who are you?"

"Tess."

"She's my girlfriend."

Claudia bit her lip. "May I talk to you in the hallway please?"

John sighed. "Make it quick." He kissed Tess and then followed Claudia.

"What's a guy have to do in order to get a drink around here?" Anthony asked.

Max looked over at Sonny. "I could take him out to the dump and make him disappear."

"I don't think he's biodegradable," Sonny quipped.

Claudia paced back and forth. "Seriously John, did you have a background check done?"

"This is none of your business."

"Well where the hell did she come from? She doesn't look familiar."

"Claudia…"

Her attention was diverted when she saw Jason in the living room next door. "Who is that?"

"Jason Quartermaine Morgan. He's taken."

"And? That never stopped me before."

"I swear to God if you embarrass me, I will pick you up and throw you down the garbage chute."

She frowned. "Daddy's right, you need some Metamucil."

Jason walked towards them.

"This is my sister Claudia."

She smiled seductively. "It's nice to meet you Jason."

He shook her hand and nodded.

"My dad is here too. I'd like to apologize ahead of time."

Jason smirked. "I'm sure it will be fine."

Claudia touched his arm. "You have met my dad right?"

They laughed. Elizabeth had watched the whole scene and she really didn't like how touchy feelie Claudia was being with her man, so she walked into the hallway.

"Elizabeth, this is my sister Claudia."

"Hello? Were you invited?"

John grinned. "No, she wasn't. My father is here too."

Liz made a face.

Jason pulled her into his side. Claudia was surprised. Elizabeth was definitely not who she would have expected Jason to date.

"So Jason, do you work for Sonny?"

"No. I have a motorcycle shop."

Claudia smiled. "Nice. Motorcycles are hot."

Liz rolled her eyes.

"What kind do you ride?"

"I own a Harley."

Liz gazed at Jason who was completely oblivious to Claudia's flirting. They were going to have a talk later.

"Maybe you could take me for a ride sometime."

Jason looked at her blankly. They were interrupted by Sonny calling everyone inside.

Claudia linked her arm with Jason's. "Why don't you show me where to go?"

"I'd like to tell her where to go," Liz muttered.

Jason moved Claudia's hand. "I'm sure your brother can show you. I need to speak with my girlfriend."

"Well, when you're done, find me."

Claudia walked away.

"I'm going to kick her ass."

Jason grabbed Elizabeth and kissed her passionately, something Claudia witnessed. "I don't want her. I want you."

She slightly smiled. "I still might have to break her fingers by the time this day is over."

"You're hot when you're all feisty."

Sonny had prepared plates for Johnny and Nicole, so they took them to the penthouse and got them situated.

"That looks really good," Johnny said.

Nicole took a bite. "It is good."

"We're going to leave soon, so we'll see you later," Liz said.

"Have fun," Johnny said.

They went back over to Sonny's and sat at the table. Unfortunately, Jason was seated across from Claudia and kept smiling at him.

Just as they were about to pass the food around, Anthony's head lopped forward onto his plate and everyone froze. Johnny's groan of embarrassment broke the silence.

Claudia shrugged. "I guess the drugs finally kicked in."

"You drugged your father?" Sonny asked.

"I didn't want him to ruin the meal. Just leave him there. He'll be fine. Can you pass the potatoes?"

Violet handed it to her as Max snickered and took a picture of Anthony.

"Make sure I get a copy of that," Claudia said.

Sonny shook his head.

Jason and Elizabeth ate a little bit and then started to say goodbye.

Claudia pulled Jason to the side and gave him her phone number. "For the ride."

He stared at the piece of a paper and then tried to hand it back. "I can't take your number Claudia. I'm not single."

"Come on, you need a woman not a little girl."

"This little girl could drop you on your ass," Liz said from behind them.

Carly moved closer. "Is there a problem?"

Claudia looked Carly up and down. "What are you going to do about it?"

Sonny pushed in between them. "Claudia, you either play nice or leave."

She continued to glare at Carly. "Can you get someone to help me with my father? If Jason's leaving, then there's no reason for me to stay."

Sonny called Max over and Jason and Liz slipped out. Carly caught them at the elevator.

"By the way, tomorrow Clare's car is going to be repossessed and Robin is going to get an eviction notice."

Liz grinned. "Best Thanksgiving ever."

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Jason looked over at Elizabeth after he pulled into Audrey's driveway. "What's wrong?"

"Did you really not realize that she was flirting with you?"

"Not right away. I thought she was just being nice."

"Women like Claudia are only nice when they want something," she said as she folded her arms across her chest.

"My mind just doesn't go there automatically. Are you mad at me?"

"For being hot? No. She was disrespecting me and it just pissed me off."

"I'm sorry. I'll handle it differently next time." He held out his hand and she took it.

They went inside and said hello to everyone.

"We were just about to get started," Audrey said.

"We had a little to eat at Sonny's. I saved some room for some mashed potatoes though," Liz said.

"I'll eat whatever you don't," Patrick said.

Liz's head tilted. His eyes looked a little glassy. "Have you two been drinking?"

Steven grinned. "Oh yeah."

"Slushes."

"You can't watch that Macy's parade without playing drinking games," Steven said.

"I like it when you talk…." Steven shoved his elbow into Patrick's ribs to stop him.

"Alright get in here," Andrea said from the dining room.

Patrick and Steven raced to get their first.

"Try not to hurt Patrick. I don't think he's going to be able to be good," Liz said.

Jason sighed. This was going to be a long day.

Patrick and Steven were actually quite entertaining, although they did get the Jeff death glare a few times. Liz helped clean up a little and then they headed to the next house.

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Jason and Liz walked into the mansion.

"Why do I smell pizza?"

Jason groaned. "It's a good thing we already ate."

They walked into the dining room.

"Jason! Grab a slice and sit down," Edward said.

Jason kissed Lila on the forehead and put a plate down in front of her. "That's from Audrey just in case."

Lila grinned. "It looks delicious."

"Why does she get the only Thanksgiving meal?" Tracy asked.

"Because she is the glue that holds this wretched family together," Alan said.

Dillon grabbed a plate and tried to hand it to Jason.

"Thanks, but we already ate. Why are you eating pizza anyway?"

"Do you really want to know?" Ned asked.

Dillon smirked. "I have it on film."

Tracy and Monica's mouths dropped open.

"Dillon Quartermaine, I will cut you out of my will if you don't erase it right now."

"Mom, I'm eating." He looked over at Jason. "It's classic."

AJ chuckled. "Do you want the long or short version?"

Jason smirked. "Short."

"Well, Tracy and Monica and were arguing over the music remote. Tracy let go and Monica lost her balance, fell into the table, and then dragged the table cloth on her way down. The turkey and half the side dishes fell onto the floor."

Liz covered her mouth with her hand.

"Just a typical Quartermaine Thanksgiving debacle," Ned said.

"Were you hurt?" Jason asked.

"Kiss up." Tracy quipped.

Monica glared at her and then looked at her son. "Just my pride. I had to go shower."

"And so did Tracy because Monica threw a bowl of beets at her," Dillon said grinning.

Jason grimaced. "Yuck."

"It was quite the food fight."

Jason looked over at his brother. "Grab him."

AJ grinned and grabbed Dylan and they ran upstairs with Liz. Tracy chased after them to stop them from watching the video.

Liz barely got into the room before Tracy caught up and then started banging on the door.

Dillon was cracking up. He got out his camera and pushed play and they were all in tears by the time it finished.

"You are disowned," Tracy yelled before going back downstairs.

"I'll spot you a few bucks," AJ said.

"Me too," Jason added.

Dillon grinned. "It was definitely worth it."

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Lila had Liz follow her into the sitting room. "So my dear, tell me what you've been up to."

"Well, it's been a little hard to focus lately with all the drama."

"I heard. How is Nicole and Johnny doing?"

"He's doing better. It's just tough for him because he's not used to having no stamina. Nicole is surviving, but she's struggling a bit."

"I'm sure. You know if there is anything that I could do, I would."

"Everyone has done so much. Tracy is working with Tess and may have found her a receptionist job at ELQ. You both have helped me with my art. I just feel like I owe you so much."

"Nonsense. You don't owe us anything. I invested in your talents and from what Tracy tells me, you will not disappoint me. Nicole is strong and I know she'll make it. I have faith in all of you."

Liz gave her a hug. "Thank you Lila. You really don't know how much that means to me."