Chapter Fifty Six
Elizabeth unpacked her clothes, throwing most of it into the hamper. When she had taken care of her suitcases, Elizabeth opened the parcel she had sent home by mail. Carefully, Elizabeth unpacked each item. There were small glass ornaments, decorations and trinkets individually wrapped. There were also unique objects that only an Italian artisan could have produced. Lastly, Elizabeth pulled out a large item, bound in thick towels. Elizabeth held the delicately blown vase in the palm of her hands. It was beautiful.
After admiring Jason's gift for a moment, Elizabeth set the vase down gently on the coffee table. It brought back the memories of Italy flooding back. Elizabeth sighed. 'That was enough daydreaming,' thought Elizabeth as she stood up and surveyed her disheveled studio. A pile of newspapers, flyers, and junk mail had piled up beside her door and there were various piles of clothing; ranging from clean to Salvation Army. She scratched her head and began to dig into the unmoving masses. Elizabeth had now wished she's unpacked right away, instead of waiting a few days.
She'd slept most of the first day away. Elizabeth noticed the time difference returning to Port Charles, then when she had arrived in Italy. When she'd finally tidied her studio, Elizabeth fell onto the couch. It was exhausting, putting things away.
As she lay on her stomach, Elizabeth glanced over by the oval mirror, which sat above her sink. Right beside the mirror, hung a black garment bag. She'd placed it there when she came into her studio and had forgotten all about it in the fury of unpacking.
Elizabeth arose from the couch and stood gazing at the lonely black bag. She lightly fingered the zipper and images of Jason's face appeared in her mind. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her and closed her eyes. She could remember the feeling of Jason's strong arms around her, holding her tightly, like he'd never let go. He looked so handsome standing at the bottom of those stairs in his tuxedo – even if he did keep pulling at the collar.
Elizabeth pulled the delicate dress out of its protective shell. She smiled as she held it against her body, studying herself in the nearby mirror. It brought back memories of Isabella and the amount of joy her friend seemed to take in seeing Elizabeth in the lace dress.
She missed Italy already.
~~~
Jason settled back into Jakes quite easily. He was tired. He never did like air travel. He much preferred the open road. As he unpacked in bare essentials, Jason couldn't help but feel like his visit to Port Charles would be full of the unexpected. In fact, Jason felt like it would be more than just one of his 'visits'.
~~~
The opening of Carly's nightclub Fireworks, brought an unexpected number of guests. Of course there were the VIPs, Carly's friends and family, but along with the invited guests, stood a long line of younger and impatient teens and adults. In a sectioned off area, there were also photographers and reporters shouting questions at the entering guests. Carly had run down a list of 'requirements' for Jaime and the other bouncers, before they opened the doors. Jaime nodded and smiled, the list was few and far between, nothing Jaime hadn't seen before.
Jaime was also to use her own discretion when choosing from the line of either stylish high rollers to the kids off the street. Her partner at the door for the night stood at the velvet rope, allowing those whom Jaime deemed worthy to be seen in Carly's club. A lot of the crowd tried to bribe their way in, but Jaime sent those ones away. She hated people like that.
"Jesse! We've got about 8 more before we hit capacity. I'll need you to keep the hounds at bay. You can choose the last 6. I've got the other two," yelled Jaime over the buzz of the crowd and the thumping of the bass from inside the club. Jaime motioned two petite brunettes into the club.
The tall Italian brute nodded. "Shoore thing!" replied Jesse with a thick Brooklyn accent. Jaime handed Jesse the clipboard with the list of expected guests. She had to ask Carly about two arrivals that weren't on the guest list, though they were definitely high profile. Jaime pressed up onto her tippy toes to yell into Jesse's ear. "Don't let the two in the gold chains and silk shirts in!"
When Jaime gave her last instructions to Jesse she headed into the club to see how everything was running inside. There were bouncers stationed at every entrance and exit. The capacity crowd danced under the overwhelming swell of lights and music. She knew it wasn't always going to be like this. Even though the nightclub boasted loud music, it would be toned down during the week to draw in the high- class crowd. Jaime spotted Carly at the bar, speaking with Zander. She made her way to the bar and when Jaime had arrived, Zander was just about to leave. "Everything looking good outside?" Zander yelled above the music. Jaime nodded and made an 'o' shaped figure with her index finger and thumb. "Great!" Jaime informed. Zander waved as he pushed his way through the crowd.
"So if it's great what are you doing in here?" sneered Carly. Jaime rolled her eyes. She still had her bad days. Jaime shrugged. "I was wondering about two friends?" Jaime felt the bass line pumping right through her. She loved nightclubs. "They want to get in. But I don't know if you want their kind of business. They're pretty insistent though. Say they know you."
Carly frowned and motioned Jaime to lead the way. When they opened the main doors, a loud shout erupted from the waiting customers, hoping that it might mean a chance to enter the new night scene. Jaime showed Carly the two guests, whom she'd had waiting in the wings with two bouncers. By the look on Carly's face, Jaime guessed that she did know them.
"Sonny?" Carly tried to hide her pleasure, but did it horribly in Jaime's opinion. Jaime glanced between the mobster and nightclub owner. It was like a scene in a cheesy 60's movie. "So you know each other?" Jaime asked, pointing between Sonny and Carly. There was no answer until…
"Ah-hem. Yes," a older brunette appeared behind Sonny, much to Carly's dismay. "They were, well, they were married." Jaime recognized her as the woman who bumped into her at Sonny's penthouse. "Alexis Davis." She reached out and shook Jaime's hand. "Glad we are now formally introduced?"
"Jaime."
She didn't know what to make of the scene. Carly's eyes flickered as her gaze seemed to rake Alexis over the coals. Alexis took her place beside Sonny. Carly seemed ready to pounce on Alexis, but seemed to hold back. "Let them in!" Carly announced curtly. "I hope you enjoy the atmosphere with your frigid attorney!" Carly glanced back at them one more time, shooting daggers at the stunning couple. She looked over at Jaime and commanded her to get back to work.
Jaime made a face while Carly's back was turned. She'd never seen Carly that upset. Then smiling, Jaime motioned Sonny and Alexis into the club. "Sorry for the wait," Jaime apologized.
Sonny nodded and Alexis waved at her with the small black purse in her hand. "Boy that was fun!" Jaime overhead Alexis laugh sarcastically.
As Jaime went back to her post, out of the corner of her eye, she could see someone darting into a nearby alley. It was dark and she couldn't see their face. Jaime shrugged it off. "At least it's not Rosco!" Jaime mumbled to herself. Suddenly she felt a sudden chill down her back. It was as if someone had walked over her grave. Shaking her head, Jaime put on a smile and went back to the waiting line up of patrons.