A/N – Wow! Thanks for your comments! I'm happy you like it.

Chapter 8

Liz pulled out a book.

"What are you reading?"

"It's the syllabus for PCU for the spring. I was thinking about going to school."

"You're smart. You'll do well."

"I just don't know what I want to take."

"Do you want to be an artist?"

She shrugged. "I don't know if I could make any money off of it."

"From what you've helped me see, I think you're good."

"You're biased."

"I don't lie."

She smirked. "Keep telling yourself that."

He grinned.

"Gram wanted me to go into nursing, but I don't know if I'm patient enough for that."

"You put up with me."

"True. You are truly the worst patient ever."

He chuckled. "Just because I don't like soup doesn't make me bad."

"How about this then? Me—rest Jason. You—okay. I come back and you're doing arm curls. I rest my case."

"Maybe you should be a lawyer."

She frowned. "Yuck. I thought about maybe running a community art center, but that would require funding."

"My grandmother might be able to help with that. She does have a foundation."

Liz thought for a moment. "I could take several different art classes so I can offer classes for different mediums. I wouldn't know the business part of it though."

"You're smart and you can hire someone to do that. You probably will have to learn how to do a budget though. Tracy or Edward could teach you that."

She slightly smiled. "It has possibilities. I would still like a few semesters at PCU first." She can apply for financial aid.

"You would be paid a salary for running it."

"Well, as long as I make what I do at the diner, I would be fine." The thought of running it is a bit daunting, but it's not a dream she wants to throw away due to her insecurities.

"Shoot higher…" He'll call Lila when he goes to the casino and lay the groundwork.

She chuckled. "I'll be fair." She suddenly quieted.

"What's going on in that head of yours?"

"I don't know. Maybe it just seems too good to be true." People her age usually don't get opportunities like this.

"Have some faith. You're good with people and talented. I think you'll do well. When you're not teaching or taking care of the books, you can draw or paint."

"True, but I won't get too excited."

"We'll make it happen one way or another." Sonny has connections and Jason would use guilt if necessary, to get him to help.

"Do you think that I'm too young to wish for something so big?"

"No. Life is hard enough, so you shouldn't put limitations on yourself. You'll do fine, Elizabeth. I believe in you."

She smiled. "You are the best more than friend ever."

He smiled back. "I hope you always remember that. I'm probably going to piss you off at some point."

"I'll probably annoy you at some point too."

"I'll just have Johnny take care of you."

She shook her head. "Like he could catch me."

Jason laughed. "Johnny's pretty fast."

"I bet you if we race, I'll win."

Jason is cracking up. "What's the wager?"

She tapped her lip and pretended to think. "If I win, I get to steer."

He shook his head. "And if Johnny wins?"

"I get to steer?"

"Uh-no."

"Hmm. If Johnny wins, I'll make you some brownies. You can use them to bribe people."

He grinned. "Deal."

She laid her head on his arm and yawned.

"Too much excitement for you?"

"I'm just conserving my energy for our swim. I spoke to Em."

"What did she say?"

"I told her that I was going to the island with you. She accepted it. We're good."

"I'm glad to hear that. She likes to know everything."

Liz smiled. "Yeah. I'll tell her you said she's nosey when we get back." She yawned again.

"Thanks for having my back."

He adjusted them by putting up the armrest between them and she ended up laying her head on his thigh. Sometimes, he wonders how lonely his life would be without her. While he loves his job, it can't be everything, no matter how much he tries to make it so. Hopefully, it won't be something that comes between them in the future because he's getting used to having her around.

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Carly is beside herself. Jason isn't answering his phone and Sonny had instructed the guards in the lobby to not let anyone upstairs.

Lulu knocked on her door and then brushed past her when Carly opened it.

"What crawled up your butt?"

Lulu plopped onto the bed. "Georgie Jones."

"Oh…"

"I hate that bitch."

Carly smirked as she sat on a chair. "What happened this time?" Usually, she just tunes Lulu out when she rambles on about her relationship crap but this time, she needs a distraction.

"I finally slept with Dillon."

"Really? And?"

"It was good and bad. I set it up so that Georgie would see us."

"Wow. I didn't think you had it in you."

Lulu smiled. "I pay attention. I knew I had to do something to level the playing field."

"Good call. Did the harpy freak out?"

"She told him they were done and stormed away. He was upset, but he'll get over it."

Carly didn't want to have to burst her bubble, but she has a feeling that Dillon is not going to do that right away. He'll go after the other woman to appease his guilt. "He'll thank you later for helping him dodge that bullet. She reminds me of Elizabeth and Robin in a way. They are such judgmental bitches."

"Don't even get me started on Elizabeth. I hear she's after Jason like Lucky meant nothing to her." She misses her brother badly. He always had her back.

"Her eye is on the prize. Jason is loaded and hot. They are already sleeping together."

Lulu's eyes grew big. "What a slut. I can't believe she'd even go there."

Carly almost smirked at Lulu's vengeful expression. "Elizabeth is mine."

"Well, if you need me, I'm willing to help with that."

"I will be wiping that smirk off her face very soon." Lulu's situation had given her a great idea, but this will require some patience, something that Carly is usually lacking. However, the thought of getting Jason back is sobering her need to smear Elizabeth all over the pavement. No, this time, things are going to be different.

"Maybe we can work together. You help me with my Georgie problem, and I'll assist you with bringing down Elizabeth."

"I'll think about it." She has no intention of doing so, but it won't hurt to string Lulu along or keep her in mind as a potential scapegoat.

Lulu stood. "Let me know. I need to go find Dillon to comfort him. The one lucky thing is that Georgie is extremely stubborn. That will work in my favor."

Carly smiled. "I'm proud of you for going for what you want and not letting anyone stand in the way. We'll chat soon."

They hugged and then Lulu went on the hunt. Soon, Dillon will be all hers and that bitch, Georgie, will just be a distant memory.

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Jason smirked when he looked down at the casino floor and spotted Elizabeth carrying several bags along with Enzo. He's glad she finally loosened up about getting a few things. The hostess had slipped away and called him and explained that it took some doing, but she finally agreed after some coaxing.

Enrique moved forward. "Hello, Jason." He's surprised to see him. The enforcer isn't a fan of the island, so he wonders if their scheme has been discovered.

Jason stood and they shook hands as he masked his disdain. They pay their guards well, so the fact that the two assholes thought they could siphon cash pissed him off even more. There are two mercenaries following the men and they have been for a few days. It allowed Jason to piece together how they were stealing, and it turns out, one of the dealers is crooked too. They have a person on the outside come in and skim, all done so subtly that only a person with a trained eye would catch it. He'll definitely be talking to a few of the floor bosses. They need to tighten things up around here.

"How are things going?" Jason asked.

"Everything is fine. Did Sonny send you?"

"Yes and no. I wanted a little vacation with a friend, and he suggested it, so I can check-in and see how things are running here." He had explained things to Elizabeth, and she understands that there is a role to play. Since she is well protected, so he's not worried about her safety. The men will be taken down swiftly. There won't be time for them to react.

"It's fine. We're making good profits, especially after adding some tournament play."

"That was a good idea." Actually, he's not a fan and will see if it does bring enough people in to offset costs.

Enrique smiled. "Thanks. How long are you staying?"

"I'll probably be here a week." That should be long enough to catch them in the act. Since they'll be more careful with him around, Jason plans on spending more time with Elizabeth as a cover. Their guard will drop and then due to some things that Jason had already put in place, they'll be able to get some concrete evidence.

"Well, let me know if you need anything."

"I will. I'm sure my friend will want to gamble, but mostly, we'll probably be at the beach most of the time." Jason stood. "I'm going to go meet her."

Enrique nodded, wondering what the girl is like. Hopefully, Jason will stay out of his hair. There is a tournament soon, and he plans on getting a share of the profits.

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Johnny thinks he hears someone crying and moves down the stairs to the dock in record time and is surprised to see Georgie by the water.

"Georgie?"

She whipped around and then tried to wipe the tears away.

"Are you okay?"

She bursts out crying. "No."

He tugs her against him and lets her cry it out. Once she calmed, he directed her to a bench. "What happened?"

She lets out a deep breath. "I found Dillon in bed with Lulu."

"Oh..."

"I should have known that slut was going to do this. She has been after him for the last month, but Dillon kept denying it. We've been fighting a lot."

"He probably liked the attention. I'm sorry. You deserve better."

"You're right. I do."

Dillon ran up to them. "Georgie, I've been looking for you everywhere."

"I don't want to see you. We're over, Dillon. You made your choice."

"I made a mistake."

"What you did was beyond a simple mistake. It was disrespectful, mean, and disgusting."

When Dillon went to grab her arms, Johnny jerked him backward and twisted, dropping him to his knees.

"Don't touch her again."

Georgie slapped her hand over her mouth.

"Fine…just get off of me."

Johnny let go. "You fucked up. That's on you. She doesn't want to see you, so back off. Next time, I'm breaking something."

Dillon focused on Georgie. "You're going to let him talk to me like that?"

She nodded. "You deserve it and more."

Dillon slowly stood. "You're going to be sorry you let me go."

Johnny's gaze darkened. "Is that a threat?"

Dillon fixated on Johnny and then turned and walked away. Johnny can't be everywhere at once. He'll get to Georgie one way or another.

Johnny had noticed the vacant look in Dillon's eyes. "There's something wrong with him."

"I think Tracy dropped him on his head a few times."

He smirked. "Come on, I'm going to walk you home." There is no way he will allow Dillon to hurt her.

"Okay."

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Lulu smiled at her handiwork and then walked out of the building and got into her car. Thankfully, there are no cameras in the area, and she hadn't run into anyone. Dillon is going to be hers and she'll do what is necessary to make that happen. Since Dillon is currently at the diner, he can't be blamed for it and due to one of her dad's business associates, she'll have an alibi as well. Everything is going according to plan.

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Jason frowned as he stared into the mirror. The swim shorts are way too colorful for his tastes, but it was the least obnoxious one in the bunch.

Liz knocked on the door. "Are you ready yet?"

He didn't answer as he wondered if Enzo would snap a picture and send it to Johnny. He needs something to blackmail the guard with, but he can't think of anything.

"What? Are you a girl now? I'm coming in."

His attention snapped to the door as it flung open and then a wicked smile lit up her face.

"Wow! That yellow is very bright."

"Elizabeth…"

She ignored the warning in his tone and whipped out her phone and snapped a picture. "That is a classic." Never in her life did she ever think neon would find a way onto Jason's body.

He darted forward, making her yelp as she made a run for it.

"Enzo!"

Her cry made the guard throw open the front door and his eyes widen as she grabs his waist to stop her momentum and then moves behind him. His boss practically skidded to a stop in front of him wearing the most garish swim shorts he had ever seen.

Jason's eyes narrowed, daring him to say something as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Hand her over."

Liz giggled. "Don't do it, Enzo. You are sworn to protect me."

Enzo's head tilts, but his eyes don't falter as he takes another look at the ugly swim shorts.

"You have something to say?"

Enzo's eyes lock on Jason's. "I can't let you get her and damn, what did you do to piss Johnny off?"

Jason's jaw dropped. "Johnny did this?"

Enzo's mouth snapped shut as he mentally beat himself up for spilling. "Um, I'm just guessing."

A snort comes from behind him and Jason's eyes are now the size of slits. Johnny had indeed called the hostess with specific instructions to torture Jason.

"Hand her over or you'll be eating these shorts."

"Please don't take them off in front of me."

Liz busted out laughing and then sucked in a breath. "Now, now," she said before peeking around Enzo, "there is no need to get violent."

"I want your phone, now."

"Is he always this bossy?" Liz asked making Enzo laugh and then quickly school himself before Jason hit him.

Liz stealthily sent the picture to Johnny.

"Elizabeth…"

"Jason?"

He raced upstairs and Liz relaxed for a second. "Where did he go?"

"I don't know, but I may need my gun."

She smacked his arm. "You can't hurt him. I already sent the picture, so just play along."

"You're going to get me killed."

"I'll make sure you get a comfy casket."

Jason ran back downstairs, and Enzo's eyes widened when he saw what is in Jason's hand while Liz scurried behind him.

"Why are you both so quiet?"

"Elizabeth, I think you should take a look," Enzo said assuming that the object is hers.

She peeked around him and then gasped. "Jason Morgan Quartermaine!"