Pg9
Sliding her bare body out of bed, Elizabeth takes a moment to sit on the edge of the bed and take in the beautiful sight of her slumbering boyfriend, swearing that she could wake every single day for the rest of her life to this sight and never grow tired of it. Though she's sure to miss daily life in Italy, she'd trade a lifetime there for even one day of this, to feel so loved and protected, to feel all that she feels with him, she'd trade the world for it with zero hesitation.
Knowing he's bound to have a long day today from the exchange the two men had last night, Elizabeth will let him sleep for as long as possible, making her way into the shower to get ready for the day ahead. Like her boyfriend, she's got quite the packed schedule today, meeting with Audrey over breakfast to discuss the next steps in her plans before meeting with Cameron Smith to negotiate the contract for the gallery.
"Thought you were sound asleep," she breathes out as his arms wrap around her body from behind, laying back against his body as he holds her close.
"I missed you," he whispers, placing kisses along her neck, the water pouring on their bodies all but forgotten as she turns in his arms, claiming her lips the moment she does. "I'm gonna be home late tonight."
"I figured," she replies, reaching up a hand to run through his hair. "I'm gonna be quite busy myself."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," she confirms. "I'm meeting with Audrey over breakfast before meeting with Cameron Smith about the gallery contract."
"I thought that was a few days away."
"It was, but another contract he's working on was pushed up, so, he asked if we could meet today," she explains. "I didn't see why not."
"Sooner it's handled the better," he agrees. "Too bad you're booked for breakfast."
"True," she says with a smirk. "But I'm free for a little dessert..."
Shutting off the water, Jason lifts her up, her arms and legs instinctively wrapping around him as he carries her from the shower to their bed. Their last few times together have been rushed, fueled by desire and longing, but not this time. This time they take their time, making each moment last for what feels like an eternity. Etching each millisecond in their minds, feeling every single moment shared between them, their hearts poured into each and every exchange.
"See you tonight," Jason whispers as they stand together in the elevator, riding it down to the lobby.
"Tonight," she repeats, leaning in when he moves in for a kiss. "I don't know if I'll ever get used to this."
"Yeah," Jason smiles. "I know what you mean."
"You'll call me if plans change?"
"I will," he assures her. "Before I forget, Johnny's joining your detail today...just as a precaution."
"I know," she replies softly. "No unnecessary risks, am I clear?"
"Crystal," he promises. "One more for the road?"
Nodding her approval, she takes the few steps back that'll have her back flush against the elevator wall for balance, giving control over to Jason the moment it makes contact. Melting into his touch, she loses herself in the moment, trusting him through and through, allowing her to care about nothing more than the feelings rushing through her in his embrace. Yeah. She's never going to grow tired of this. EVER.
The eventual ding of the elevator breaks through the moment they shared, both straightening themselves out and situated as if nothing even happened by the time the doors opened. Sharing a knowing smile, Jason waits for her to meet up with Johnny at the front desk before he makes his exit to the garage, meeting her eyes one last time before closing the door behind him.
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Sitting in the waiting area for her appointment, Emily does her best to focus on the moment at hand, not wanting to think about the conversation she's about to have with her husband because of her grandfather. With her due date fast approaching, they have enough to worry about, wanting to be in the moment for this appointment as they take one last look at their baby before they're born.
"Emily," her mother's voice calls out as she's handing back a chart to the desk nurse. "I forgot today was your appointment. I'm so glad I ran into you."
"Hey, mom," Emily says, allowing her husband to help her to her feet before hugging her mother. "Yeah, just a basic checkup to make sure things are still going according to plan. Nothing too serious."
"Good, that's good," Monica smiles. "Well, since I've got you here, I just wanted to apologize for Edward. Your father told me what he asked you to do..."
"It's fine," Emily cuts her off, truly not wanting to get into it now. "I'm used to Grandfather by now."
"Still, he had no right asking you to..."
"As I said, mom, it's fine," Emily assures, thankful when the nurse calls out her name. "Looks like we're up...I'll see you later, okay? Love you."
"Love you, too," Monica says as she hugs Emily goodbye. "I'll be waiting to hear how it goes."
Taking her husband's hand, Emily hurries away while being sure to not make it too obvious that she was running from the conversation, more than ready to be done talking about it. Of course, knowing her the way he does, Nikolas brings it up the first chance he gets, while the ultrasound technician is setting up the equipment. She tries to play it off, but he doesn't let up. Knowing that it was clearly bothering her, given the way she reacted to her mother even bringing it up.
"That's a simple request," Nikolas points out. "It's not like I have any control over whether she takes the meeting or not, but I can at least extend the request if it'll get Edward to back off. Why not just ask me?"
"Do we really have to discuss this now?"
"Yes."
"I don't trust the woman," Emily sighs, knowing they might as well finish the conversation since it's already started. "Not with you or my family. I don't trust her at all."
"That's a little unfair, don't you think?" Nikolas counters. "You haven't even met her. How can you have such a strong distaste for someone you know relatively nothing about?"
"I know enough," Emily says seriously. "And, given what I know, she's not someone I want anywhere near the people I love."
Seeing that the conversation was only proving to agitate her, Nikolas allows the conversation to drop, not wanting a pointless argument to affect their baby. At the end of the day, Emily's going to feel how she's going to feel, especially with Sarah in her ear, so, it made no point for him to argue it out. Once the technician is ready, they turn their focus to the screen, the topic of Sarah's sister all but forgotten.
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Arriving at the estate, Elizabeth wasn't at all surprised when Johnny voices that he's not above knocking an old woman on her ass if this meeting goes anything like the last one she had with Audrey. Assuring him that it wasn't necessary, but that she appreciated it, she lets him and Cody get into place while she makes her way up the pathway to the front door.
"Elizabeth," Audrey voices when she pulls open the door, appreciating her punctuality, another thing she credits to the woman she's grown into. "Please, come in, I took the liberty of ordering the same meals from our last meeting. I hope that's to your liking."
"That's perfectly fine," Elizabeth assures, allowing the elder woman to take her coat. "I have to admit that the place definitely has its charms."
"That it does," Audrey agrees. "Would you like to take the tour now or wait until after we eat?"
"Either is fine," Elizabeth replies simply. "I'll leave that to you."
"In that case, let's do the tour now," Audrey decides. "That way you can have a clear understanding of the place while we discuss things over breakfast."
"Fair enough," she accepts. "Lead the way."
Trailing behind slightly but keeping pace, Elizabeth follows and listens intently as Audrey tells her about the home and all the things she'll handle before handing the place over. Along with the upgrades that she's making, Audrey tells her about the history, as well, wanting her to understand the history that lives within those walls.
Though she never had a chance to grow up in these walls, Elizabeth had to admit that she appreciated the history lesson, only able to imagine what life could have been like if she had the chance to live it. One of the many things she'll never forgive her DNA donators for. In all honesty, though she'll never actively seek them out, she's just itching for the day that they pull the parent card on her like they held any right to it.
"What are your thoughts?" Audrey questions as they sit down for breakfast.
"It's as I thought," Elizabeth replies honestly. "This is a family home. As things stand, I'm not ready for that kind of thing, it's just not in the cards at the moment."
"I can understand that," she assures. "But you don't have to make it your home right away. You can use it to supplement your income by turning it into a rental home or you can just sell it outright. Whatever you choose to do with it is on you, I'll support whatever decision you make."
"So, you said you only needed a week," Elizabeth changes the subject, unsure of just how she feels about that particular sentiment, not used to having support of any kind from her birth family. "You sure you don't need more time?"
"I'm sure," Audrey assures. "Sarah's out house shopping and - knowing that son of mine - she'll be out of the house before the week's out. The week is more than enough to get the place fixed up and cleared out for you."
"Okay," Elizabeth smiles slightly, accepting that the woman was sure of her choice. "Though I don't have any use for it currently, I won't sell it, it just doesn't feel right to do that. I may not feel connected to the history of this place, like you and the others, but it still holds weight and I look forward to creating my own history in this house one day."
"I'm happy to hear it," Audrey admits. "I hope it's as good to you as it has been to me all these years...whenever that day shall come."
Sitting there with Audrey after everything they discussed today, Elizabeth couldn't help the sliver of hope that bubbled up within her, both her mother's and Maximus's words flooding her mind. She's a hopeful being, that's just who she is, and it's one of the many things that her mother nurtured within her. Something Maximus encourages her to maintain, so, trusting the only parental figures she's ever had in life, Elizabeth decides to test the waters and extend an olive branch if you will.
"I'd like to ask something of you, but I want you to know that you're in no way obligated to accept," Elizabeth voices as they clear the table. "We're relatively strangers, after all, so, don't feel like you need to accept on my account."
"Dully noted," Audrey replies, tossing the last of the trash away before facing Elizabeth, giving her undivided attention. "Ask away."
"You've said before that it was my spawners that kept you and your husband from being part of my life," Elizabeth says carefully. "While I'll never be able to meet and get to know your husband, you and I are still here and I'd like to build a relationship with you if that's something you want. As I said, don't feel any obligation to accept, take time to think it over, if you need to..."
"I needn't any time nor do I have any desire whatsoever to decline," Audrey blurts out as her senses regain from the offer given to her, altogether unexpected but not undesired. "There's nothing I want more than to build a relationship with you, Elizabeth. And, though my husband isn't present to see this day come and his memory is sorrily not enough, I'm more than willing to share him with you because it was his one true wish."
"I'd like that," she admits, glancing at her watch, trying to calculate the time she has left before her next meeting.
"You don't have to linger if you've got other plans," Audrey points out, noting the glance at the time. "We have more than enough time to figure things out between us."
"I have a business meeting, but it's not for a couple of hours," Elizabeth explained, surprised that their conversation on the house didn't take as long as she thought it would. "If you're not busy, there's something I'd like to show you."
Without hesitation, Audrey grabs her coat and purse, following Elizabeth out of the house and right into the waiting SUV, not even questioning why she had two men with her. The ride to the storefront is filled with talks of the woman that raised her and how Elizabeth was able to build a family because of her. Audrey's heart hurt to hear that Elizabeth felt she had lost her family the day she lost her chosen mother, but she's thankful that she was able to find more love in the absence of love from her birth family.
"This is it," Elizabeth says when she lets them into the building. "This is where I'm going to open an art gallery."
"Has this always been your dream?" Audrey questions as she glances around the building, though it required a lot of work, she can see the diamond in the rough. "Art, I mean."
"It's been one of the few constants in my life," Elizabeth admits. "Art helped me throughout my life to address a lot of things I could never put into words...what's with the look?"
"Your grandfather...sorry...my husband," Audrey corrects herself, knowing that she doesn't hold that connection with them just yet. "He was quite the artist...to know you share that love of it with him...it warms my heart."
"That's okay...you can call him my grandfather," Elizabeth says after a long moment of thought, unable to believe that she held any connection to them, but finding she's slowly coming to peace knowing she wasn't completely separate from them. "It's who he was, after all...same goes for you. Though we don't have the kind of relationship that a life together could have built, we are working toward that and I'm willing to give you that title while we do."
"I have no words for that," Audrey smiles, trying her best to not let her emotions overcome her, knowing they still had a ways to go. "If you have the time, I'd love a tour around the building, to see what you foresee for the place."
"Sure, I'd love to."
Allowing Audrey to link arms with her, Elizabeth walks her around the building, pointing out places where she already has mental images of what she envisions for them. Taking her to the second floor, Elizabeth explains her vision for opening a studio for up-and-coming artists to hone their craft.
Explaining the deep connection in her heart that she shares with others struggling with the same struggles she suffered through in her youth. Hearing where her heart lies, Audrey couldn't help but feel like she was truly seeing Elizabeth for who she is for the first time, and that only made her wish for her husband's presence that much more.
"I know the gallery is still in the building process," Audrey says carefully as they settle in the back of the SUV once again. "But I'd like to help in some way...more so where the studio is concerned."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Well, I understand that you want to open it to people free of charge and that you intend to supply whatever equipment is needed," Audrey explains. "Though it's been quite some time since I've hosted a fundraiser, I still hold many connections in that world and I'd be honored if you'd let me host a fundraiser for your studio. That way you can start off strong with a fully stocked studio and a somewhat formal introduction into town. What do you think?"
"I think that it's too generous an offer to decline," Elizabeth smiles softly, giving Audrey's hand a gentle squeeze in gratitude. "Thank you."
"Thank you for giving me this opportunity," Audrey counters. "I know there's no way to make up decades of lost time in a day, but I'm thankful that you can find it in your heart to try with me and that's something I can never thank you enough for."
"It means just as much to me, I assure you," Elizabeth admits. "You have my number. Call if there's anything I can help you with in regard to the fundraiser...or if you just want to talk. Either works for me."
"As long as you do the same."
"Deal."
Getting back to the estate, Elizabeth walks Audrey to the front door, accepting the hug goodbye as a promise is made that they'll set up a time for them to meet up again before Elizabeth heads back to the SUV. Settling into the backseat, a soft smile on her face as she stares out the window, she finds herself hopeful for what lies ahead.
She's not dumb, she knows that the chance still exists that this will end in flames, but that's an outcome she's prepared for. For now, she'll allow herself the hope that this is as it looks and that she's found a connection to the core of who she is biologically. Stay hopeful, those she loves have always said, and she's inclined to do just that. For what is life without hope?
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Something Lucky learned a long time ago, the moment he knew that these two would find their way to each other, is that his commentary isn't always needed. Of course, that's only where their relationship is concerned, things between him and Emily are always fair game, but this moment isn't that, so, he'll quelch his curiosity until after she leaves.
Lucky was slowly losing the battle, however, the longer they were there talking about a whole bunch of nothing together. Thankfully, for the sake of his sanity, Sarah finally walks into the club, one of the very few times that he's ever thankful for her presence. To think that he had once been completely infatuated with the girl, Lucky prefers not to think of it or speak of it, for that matter.
"Lucky," Sarah voices as he finishes washing the used glasses.
"Sarah," Lucky replies simply, setting the last glass on the drying rack.
"Can I get a drink?" Sarah voices expectantly, continuing when he simply eyes her in return. "Please?"
"You paying for it?" Lucky counters, ignoring the look of disbelief on her face.
"Seriously?" Sarah questions when none of them say anything more. "I have to pay for a drink now?"
"This is a restaurant, last I checked," Lucky reminds her. "Not a charity."
"Come on, Lucky, it's just a drink," Sarah points out. "This is your family's business. Can't you afford to just comp one drink? I thought we were friends."
"Funny you say that," Lucky cuts off Emily, who was bound to say that she'd just cover it, something Emily always seems to do. "Because if you really were a friend of mine, you'd want to support my family's business rather than trying to benefit from it. You know, as a real friend would."
"Lucky," Sarah says in a hushed tone, glancing around the room. "You're embarrassing me. Please, can I just get a drink?"
"Don't put it on me that you can't just pay for a simple drink," Lucky counters plainly. "Free drinks are a privilege, not a right. For you to walk in here thinking I'm going to comp all your drinks, knowing that we just dealt with an unexpected emergency here at the club...don't look now, Sarah, but your entitlement is showing."
"Lucky, just put it on our tab," Emily says, not wanting this to go any further, doing exactly what Lucky and everyone there knew she was going to do. "It's fine, really."
"Of course," Lucky shakes his head, pulling out a glass, knowing better than to argue the point with Emily. It was simply a lost cause. "Here."
"Was that so hard?" Sarah counters, her eyebrows scrunching at his attitude. "Really, Lucky, what's with the attitude lately?"
"Sarah, that's enough," Emily cuts in, knowing that Lucky was at the edge of his patience. "Just take the drink."
"Fine, I just don't get what his problem is," Sarah mutters before taking the drink, annoyed when Lucky stops her. "What now?"
"Don't you have something to say to Emily?" Lucky questions firmly. "Or do your manners still elude you?"
"Are you serious?" Sarah looks at him in frustration. "I was going to, Lucky, geez. Just how lowly do you think of me?"
"I'm hearing a whole lot of nothing," Lucky counters, far beyond tired of her antics.
"Thanks, Em," Sarah says, keeping Lucky's gaze until he finally releases the drink before turning to Emily. "I was going to say it regardless, I hope you know that."
"I do," Emily assures her, moving to change the subject, hoping to ease the mood. "How's the house shopping going so far?"
"Crappy," Sarah admits, practically inhaling the drink before handing the empty cup back to Lucky. "I was hoping you'd be up to joining me on the hunt. What do you say?"
"You know me," Emily smiles softly. "I'm always up for a good home shopping session."
"I was hoping you'd say that," Sarah replies happily. "The next showing is in half an hour...if you're ready."
"Sounds good," Emily says before turning to her husband. "See you at home later?"
"Take it easy," Nikolas says gently before kissing her goodbye. "We're getting closer to the day...nothing too exerting, okay?"
"Promise," Emily says before grabbing her things. "Bye, Lucky."
"Bye," Lucky says simply, truly wishing she'd stop enabling Sarah's behavior, completely ignoring Sarah when she says goodbye. Turning to his brother once the girls are gone to say, "Well...out with it, what's up with you two?"
With the atmosphere easing out again, Lucky's not surprised by the laugh that escaped his brother, clearly, he's not too thrilled with Sarah's ever-growing sense of entitlement. Of course, nothing could prepare him for the reason behind the discomfort between the two love birds. To say his brother had his undivided attention would not be an understatement.
Given Sarah's explanation that she had given Emily is directly in contrast with the woman that Nikolas met, Lucky is fully invested. Then it happened, the unbelievable luck he must have had at that moment when the very woman they were talking about comes walking into the club. The look on Nikolas's face confirms his assumption when he looks back at his brother.
"Mr. Cassadine," the woman greets Nikolas when she notices him, something Lucky has come to know as a business courtesy. "It's nice to see you again. I hope the confirmation paperwork reached you well enough."
"Received them this morning," Nikolas confirms. "And, please, Nikolas is just fine."
"If that's what you want, sure," Elizabeth replies with a smile. "Then feel free to call me Elizabeth. Formalities have never been my strong suit."
"Honestly, it's not mine either," Nikolas says with a smile, shaking his head when Lucky not so subtly clears his throat. "Allow me to introduce my brother, Lucky Spencer. His father owns the club."
"I'm aware," Elizabeth replies before turning to Lucky and extending her hand to him. "Elizabeth Webber...it's nice to meet you."
"You, too," Lucky replies, dropping his hand after shaking hers. "Anything I can get ya?"
"Um, sure, can I please get a glass of the club special?" Elizabeth questions. "From what I hear, it's an easy favorite from your menu."
"That it is," Lucky confirms, moving to mix up the club special. "Feel free to take a seat, if you'd like."
"Thanks, I appreciate that, but I'm actually having lunch in your private room for a business meeting," Elizabeth explains, taking a sip of the drink when it's set in front of her. "Mmm, this is no joke, seriously, I think this might be my new favorite drink."
"My brother actually created that drink," Nikolas boasts, smirking when Lucky scowls at him for pointing it out. "It's definitely a town favorite."
"I can see why," Elizabeth agrees, turning back to Lucky. "If you ever bottle this stuff up, definitely let me know, I'll more than likely buy up your stock straight away."
"I'll take that into consideration," Lucky replies, his mind more than made up at this point as far as she's concerned. "Would it be for personal use or commercial?"
"Commercial," Elizabeth confirms. "I'm working on opening an art gallery and this drink would definitely be the perfect signature drink for the wet bar."
"What have I told you?" Nikolas comments at the awestruck look on his brother's face. "Commercializing that drink will definitely help boost the club's reputation, as well, you know?"
"I have to get to my meeting, but I'm already invested in this train of thought," Elizabeth says before pulling out her card and sliding it to Lucky. "If you make up your mind and decide to go through with it, give me a call. I'll be happy to help you get the whole thing off the ground."
"I'll...uh, definitely let you know about that," Lucky replies, truly not seeing even a shadow of the woman that Sarah's been going off about. "Thanks."
"No, thank you, I've been looking for a signature drink for the bar for a while now," Elizabeth replies honestly, handing him payment for the drink along with a tip. "We'll talk more later, okay?"
"Sure thing," Lucky agrees. "Thanks."
Tapping the business card on the bar, he watches as she makes her way to the private room, realizing that nothing could have prepared him for meeting that woman. Even with Nikolas's description of her during their business negotiations, Lucky wasn't at all prepared for the kind of person he'd find her out to truly be.
The one thing made abundantly clear by this entire situation is that they've been dealing with the wrong Webber sister all these years. Not only does the woman pay for her drink outright, but she also tips him an equal amount to the price of the drink. Though he knows that they are sisters, it's impossible to tell by just looking at them, clearly, Sarah didn't get the same lessons on manners as Elizabeth has.
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It took quite a long time for them to find the right house for her, but thankfully they were able to find one before the real estate agent gave up, something that both women could see was slowly about to happen. Then, as the real estate agent expedites the paperwork, Sarah's dumbfounded by the turn of conversation Emily takes soon after.
What the heck was she supposed to say to that? What was she supposed to think of Nikolas finding fascination with her sister of all people? Not only does this confirm that her sister is in town, but her effect on the people in her life has officially begun. Unsure of just what should happen from here, Sarah listens as Emily goes on about Edward's treatment of her, as well as the demands he has placed, making Sarah thankful that Emily has no intention of making that connection possible.
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From the moment she sat down with Cameron Smith, she was certain that she made the right choice in choosing his company to take the largest contract for the gallery, the man was just a sweetheart through and through. The moment they arrived at the topic of the timetable and payment for the contract, Cameron truly believed she was some kind of angel sent to lift his business to another level.
"I have to ask why you feel so inclined to hire my company," Cameron voices honestly. "We're still fairly new to the business and we don't have the kind of efficiency a project this big would require."
"All that is true, but I'm not the kind of person to put efficiency over integrity," Elizabeth explains. "You come highly recommended and - now having met you - I am thoroughly content in my decision."
"Recommended by who might I ask?"
"Locally? Francis Corelli," Elizabeth concedes. "Internationally...Maximus Giambetti. He's like family to me, so, I take his recommendation especially to heart."
"It's been quite some time since I've heard that name," Cameron admits. "How is the old goat?"
"He's good," Elizabeth says with a hint of laughter. "He regarded you in the same light."
"I bet he did," Cameron shakes his head. "Well, if you're truly sure of your decision, I thank you for the business. This is definitely the kind of project that could put my company on the map. I won't forget it."
With that being said, they go through the finer details of the deal, Elizabeth assuring him that she'll have the official paperwork drawn up by her lawyer and sent over to him to review and sign. By the end of the meal, they were able to have quite an amicable negotiation and walk away both satisfied with the deal they made. Leaving the meeting, Elizabeth was thankful to find that this negotiation ended up not taking that much out of her, a pleasant surprise to say the least.
"Hey," the bartender, Lucky, greets her when she makes her way over. "Good meeting?"
"One of the better ones, yeah," she admits. "You think I can get that special to go?"
"You really like it, huh?"
"What can I say, when it's good it's good," Elizabeth says with a shrug, checking her phone when a message comes through. "Better yet, can you make that four to go?"
"You must really like it," Lucky teases as he pulls out three more to-go cups.
"It's not all for me," Elizabeth defends with a hint of laughter. "My boyfriend just messaged that he's at home waiting for me. Knowing him, I'm sure he's going to love this drink, as well."
"Well, in that case, I'll make these especially good for you," Lucky replies. "If you're really serious about the business offer, I'll talk it over with my dad and get back to you."
"Deadly serious," Elizabeth assures, waving Johnny over when he makes his way into the club, most likely having received a similar text from Jason. "Where's Cody?"
"Pulling the car around," Johnny assures her. "Everything good here?"
"Yeah, just getting some drinks to go," Elizabeth says, handing him one of the finished drinks. "No arguments, huh, it's my treat."
"Not crazy enough to try," Johnny counters. "Thanks."
"Smart man," Elizabeth smiles before turning back to Lucky to pay him for the drinks as well as a tip. "Thanks again, Lucky and let me know what you decide, okay?"
"Sure thing," Lucky assures, putting two and two together, living for this information that's clearly not known by his group of friends, most especially Sarah.
"Here, you can carry Cody's drink," Elizabeth says, holding it out to Johnny before taking hers and Jason's drink, following him out of the club. "Any idea why he's home so early?"
"No idea," Johnny admits. "What was that about with Luke's son?"
"Trying to get him to go commercial with this drink," Elizabeth explains as he hands the drink off to Cody before pulling the door open for her. "I'm looking to have it as the signature drink at the gallery's wet bar. Hopefully, he'll take me up on it because it's the exact taste I'm going for."
"Not a bad choice," Cody comments as Johnny makes his way to the passenger seat so they can get going. "How did your meeting go with Cameron?"
"Really well," Elizabeth replies happily. "Should have everything finalized by next week."
"That's good," Cody replies. "He's good people."
"I agree," Elizabeth says as she relaxes into the seat. "Today has definitely been a productive one, to say the least."
With the conversation ending there, the guys put on some soft comforting music for the drive back to the towers, Cody dropping them off at the front of the building before going on to park at the garage. Getting to the penthouse floor, Elizabeth walks in to find Jason waiting for her at the door, taking the drinks from her to set on the table before pulling her into his arms. Melting into his embrace, she closes her eyes as his lips claimed hers, definitely a good way to be met at the door.
"Do I want to know why you're home early?" she questions after they pull away, meeting his gaze.
"I have to take a trip," he explains. "Won't take too long."
"Ah, makes sense," she says simply. "Radio silent?"
"Yeah," he confirms. "Sonny's gonna keep Carly from starting anything while I'm gone..."
"Or he'll try, at least," she counters, knowing very well that Sonny has little to no ability where that's concerned.
"If she does try something, I'll handle it when I get back," he promises. "Until then..."
"I'll handle it," she assures him. "Like I said, she's bearable...nothing I can't handle."
"Still," he smiles softly. "I'll handle it when I get back."
"I'm sure you will," Elizabeth accepts. "When are you leaving?"
"Early morning," he admits. "But that's then..."
"True," she replies. "What do you have planned till then?"
"A nice long ride."
"A ride ride or...a ride ride."
"Both."
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Author's Note: Thank you for the birthday wishes, I truly appreciate it. For all the 1990 babies out there, I dedicate this update to you, I hope you enjoy it. 32 has definitely been something interesting for me and I wish you all many more years to come. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Thanks.
