A/N – Thanks for the comments!
Chapter 27
A week later, Lulu had insisted on going to the diner before they left. Her stay in the hospital had been a brutal awakening.
Laura entered first. "Tammy?"
"Hello."
"Lulu is outside. I'm taking her to Paris, and she wants to apologize to Georgie. Is she here?"
"Yes. Let me go talk to her." She isn't sure that Georgie will agree.
"You're leaving town?" Liz asked.
Laura nodded. "It's for the best. My daughter needs help and all my attention."
"I hope she does better."
"Me too."
Georgie nodded at Laura and then headed outside. She eyes Lulu, who looks pale and nervous.
Tears pricked Lulu's eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm such a mess and I was wrong. I don't know what is wrong with me, but we're leaving so I can get help. I just couldn't go without telling you."
Georgie sighed heavily. "Okay." Lulu looks like the wind could blow her over any minute. Knowing how messed up she is, Georgie's anger just seems fruitless.
"I've made so many mistakes."
"Everyone does. You just have to find a way to forgive yourself."
Lulu averted her gaze for a moment. She isn't ready for that and doesn't know if she ever will be. "Be happy…"
"I will. Take care."
Georgie moved back inside, and Laura rushed to Lulu's side.
"That bad?" Liz asked as Georgie plopped onto a chair.
"She looked frazzled and frankly, a little mental. Sometimes, we're our own worst enemies. I don't know if she'll ever forgive herself, but she did apologize to me. Somehow, it just doesn't seem important knowing she's mentally ill."
"You get to feel how you want. Regardless of the circumstances, she hurt you."
"Maybe I'm just too nice. I feel bad for her."
Tammy sat across from her. "It's okay to have empathy, but that girl caused a lot of damage and now she's going to have to live with it."
"I just—I need to let it go. She's gone and I don't want to be bitter."
"That's your choice. You're right, it's not healthy for you to hold all that in. Sometimes, it just takes a bit to make peace with it."
"Yeah."
Johnny moved inside. "Hey."
George smiled and then hugged him.
"You okay?"
"I'm good."
Tammy eyed them. "Sometimes, it helps when you have such a fine man to come home to."
Liz grinned. "That definitely helps."
Enzo just shook his head.
Micah joined them. "Elizabeth, I need you to go through the back and get into the car."
She turned to Enzo who met Micah's gaze first. He's unaware of what's going on.
Enzo followed Elizabeth and then opened the door to the SUV. She smiled when she saw Jason and then slid inside.
"Enzo, something is going on at the Towers. Go there with Micah. I'm taking her to Rome."
Liz frowned because she has no idea that they have code names for safehouses.
The door shut and Francis took off. "I don't have my passport. Rome? Seriously?"
Francis chuckled.
"It's a safe house."
"You name your safehouses?"
Jason nodded.
"What else do you name?"
"If this is going to be TMI, I'll turn up the radio," Francis said.
Liz chuckled.
"No," Jason said.
She wonders if he's going to give short answers the rest of the night. He is clearly wound tight, so she just lets him be.
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Jason sat on the couch next to Liz as Francis went back to the car and checked in with the guys.
"So, what's going on?"
"Sorel…"
"Okay."
"Sorry, I'm just angry."
She grabbed his hand. "Do I still have a studio?"
He nodded. "So far…"
His phone rang and he answered. "Morgan."
"It's clear. They found a bomb, but it has been diffused. I think you should stay there tonight. I'm going to pick up a few things at the store and go to Sicily."
"Okay."
"Do you need anything?"
"No, there is food here."
"Take care."
He breathed a sigh of relief. "It's clear, but Sonny wants us to stay here just in case."
"Is he staying there?"
"No."
Giving him some space, she found the bathroom and stepped inside. Leaning against the sink, she gazed into the mirror wishing he'd open up more. While she understands that she's on a need-to-know basis, this is the second time she has had someone try to take her out with a bomb. Closing her eyes, she takes a good, cleansing breath and then jumps when Jason knocks on the door.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. I'll be out in a minute."
"I'll be in the bedroom."
He moved inside the room and turned on the television to see what the news is reporting and sat on the edge of the bed hating that she's affected by the violence and pissed that he can't find that son of a bitch. They are scared there is a mole. That's the only explanation of how anyone could get into the building and plant a bomb in the garage which is heavily monitored.
She entered the room slowly and then climbed behind him and started to massage his shoulders.
"I'm sorry."
"For?"
"Putting you in the line of fire."
"I can handle it."
"You shouldn't have to."
As she worked out some kinks, he finally took a deep breath.
"I'm tired."
"I know."
"Sorry, I'm in a bad mood."
"It's okay. Would you rather I leave you alone?"
He shook his head. She is the only thing stopping him from ripping the place apart.
Francis stopped in the doorway. "We are temporarily limiting the guards at the towers. I'll wake you guys up at 7:00 am and we'll go back. Elizabeth, do you have a shift tomorrow?"
"No. I'm meeting with Lila at the mansion though. Do I need to put it off?"
"I don't think so. It might be better to sneak you out though."
"Okay."
"Good night."
"Night Francis."
When the door shut, she stood and started to take off her clothes on the way to the bathroom, leaving a trail behind her for effect. The shower turned on, and after a long moment, Jason stood and kicked off his boots and tore off his clothes.
She is pleased when he slipped in behind her and grabbed some soap. He observed as she washed his body, and when she grabbed his cock and started pumping, he groaned. Elizabeth rinsed him and then sat on the edge of the tub and took him into her mouth. He sucked in a harsh breath and put one hand on the wall to steady himself. After a few minutes, he is about to explode. "Elizabeth…
Her head lifted as she licked his head.
"You're killing me." He pulled her up and pressed her against the wall as he sucked on her bottom lip. Without pretense, he snapped his hips and drilled into her.
"Yes," she whispered.
"You feel so good, Elizabeth. Do you want it harder?"
"God, yes!"
He adjusted her and then went to town until they both were boneless.
She gazed into a sea of blue for a moment and then kissed him thoroughly. "I love you."
"I love you too. I'm sorry."
"I don't want you to be sorry. I just don't want you to be upset all the time. When you come home, I want you to unwind and relax. It's not good to carry so much stress. I worry about you."
He captured her lips between his. "I'll try."
"Thank you."
"I'm relaxed now."
She grinned. "I know how to take care of my man."
"I'll never complain. Come on, let's get you warmed up."
"All you have to do is look at me."
Her smoldering gaze makes his body burn. "Good to know."
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Elizabeth strode into the sitting room.
"Elizabeth, it's so lovely to see you."
Liz grinned and kissed Lila on the cheek. "I have always enjoyed seeing you smile."
"Life is too short to be miserable."
"I agree."
"So, I had some ideas I wanted to run by you."
"I can't wait."
Lila handed her a folder. "This is the building I thought would be perfect."
Liz looked it over. "Wow."
"The tenant moves out in June, so you could start getting it ready soon thereafter."
"That's good timing."
"I had another idea. I was thinking about what we can do to expand your offerings. I thought maybe one of Jason's men, maybe Milo, could occasionally give some self-defense classes. That can even expand to adults and we can have a bulletin board there for my other foundations or job postings that help people who are down on their luck or need employment help. Also, ELQ is willing to work with any high school kids on various topics like introducing them to how to prepare for the future and explain how credit works and be responsible with that as well as other financial topics so the kids will be prepared. I'm not sure if you know Lainey from the hospital, but she is willing to have classes on coping skills and self-esteem. Of course, parents can sign off on the kids attending. I would love your center to be a hub for information and teaching self-expression through art, which will be the primary focus. Do you think you'd be interested in that?"
Liz smiled. "There are a lot of pitfalls teens aren't prepared for once they are out in the real world, and you can get into a lot of trouble with credit. Coping skills are so important, and with all the shootings that occur by people who are struggling mentally, I think it would be awesome to help prepare them. I wouldn't mind the center being a hub." It sounds wonderful.
"Oh, lovely. The more people you draw in the better. We can have a grand opening, maybe by the end of July. People love free food. What did you envision as far as the layout?"
"Well, the main area would be tables, chairs, and art equipment. I want to have one blank wall that people can tag—maybe we do a different feature per month. Maybe we can have a focus wall where everyone can hang their art for display. In the far corner can be a space for lectures, learning, or self-defense. It would be nice if it has a kitchen. Also, a dedicated area for environmentally disposing of paint." The space that Lila is offering is large and can easily fit everything. "Maybe there can be cubbyholes kids can put their jackets or backpacks in."
"That sounds splendid. You can have a cleaning crew come in a few days a week to clean the bathrooms and tidy up. Were you thinking about being open five days a week?"
Liz nodded. "Yes. I was thinking Tuesday through Saturday."
"What about flooring?"
"Paint is going to be spilled on it, so we can put some cork flooring in the learning area, and either leave the cement or put down a tarp or a poly-craft floor protector in the painting area." She had done some research
"You're also going to need a backup person in case you want to go on vacation. You can put an ad out. I also think you should hire someone to do the accounting so that you don't have to and can focus on your art. We'll make sure you have an office set up."
"They are good ideas."
"You would just have to work with them for budgeting and you will need a board of directors that have at least three people."
"I like having another person involved so that they can help give students personal attention." There are so many things to consider that it's almost overwhelming yet very exciting.
"We'll work it out together. I would love to help. Start brainstorming and think about drawing out a design. If you like, I'm sure you can go look at the space. You will also have to choose a name and get and develop a mission statement and eventually apply for an employer identification number. There is a lot to do, but I know a lawyer who will do it pro-bono. He owes me." She is already aware of the grants Liz can apply for, so that's half the battle.
Liz jotted some notes in a small notebook. "That would be great. I'll get started on some of this."
"Well, I am confident that you will do well. In fact, Edward is interested in donating some of the furniture and supplies. He is very charitable and has a lot of contacts. Many of his friends will be willing to donate, so you don't have to use all the grant money right away. If we start the process soon, we can have all our ducks in a row and get funding."
"Your influence will go far."
"I also want to hold a gala on behalf of your organization. All ticket costs will go to your business. I know so many people and fundraising will help provide the money you need to buy supplies and other things."
Liz's eyes prick with tears. "You're making my dreams come true. I don't know how to thank you."
Lila smiled. "Assuming things are going well with my grandson, you can consider it a welcome to the fold present."
Liz blushed. "I love him so much. He's my other half."
"I always wanted him to be loved thoroughly by the right person, and I'm glad you were the one. Not only are you talented, but I'm impressed with your fortitude and strength."
"Jason makes things easy. He has a beautiful soul."
Lila couldn't wipe her smile off her face if she tried. "I only have one request."
"What?"
"Can you make sure he eats? He always forgets."
Liz laughed. "I promise I will look after him."
They chatted for a while longer before Liz left with a head full of ideas.
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For the next two weeks, Sorel was quiet. The man is good at hiding. Francis started the construction which mostly is being handled during the day while the couple is out.
Emily watched Liz for a moment. "What are you doing?"
Liz's attention snapped to her. "I'm brainstorming. Want to help?"
Emily sat across from her. "What's up?"
"I need a name for my art center, so I can complete my initial paperwork." She had everything else done but had been dragging her feet on the name.
Emily rubbed her hands together. "I've got this. Lila filled me in. She is so excited for you." Her grandmother has a passion for helping others. "What have you come up with so far?"
Emily read them twice. "Well, some of them are okay. I'm not feeling Artistic Creations. Artzone and Artify are interesting and so is Imagined Art. Left of Center is kind of cool, but I really like Artcentric." She read some more. "Creative Muse is cool too."
"It's hard because the center will mainly be about art, but there are also other classes being offered.
Emily wrote down a few names.
Liz smiled. "Blank Canvas?"
"Too simple?"
"I don't know. This is so hard. Creativeverse and Blending Point are cool." Liz laughed. "Art Clique?"
"I'm still in high school. It made sense. How about Menagerie?"
Liz's head tilted. "That's not bad." She jotted it down. It sums up the center.
"I think you should mull it over one more night and just seal the deal."
"I will. Thanks!"
A/N – Alright which name do you like out of the ones listed: Artzone, Artify, Artcentric, Imagined Art, Left of Center, Creative Muse, Creativeverse, Blank Canvas, Art Clique, or Menagerie.