If Tomorrow Never Comes
Chapter 9
Zander felt the throbbing in his head way before he had completely regained consciousness. His eyes opened slowly, trying to adjust to the darkness. Zander brought his head up, looking cautiously around the room. It was a small apartment as far as he could tell. Messy, too. His eyes scanned the room taking in the strange oddities. A wire model of the Eiffel Tower, some old looking hats, and an ancient TV were a few of the things that adorned the room. But what had Zander in awe was the amount of LP records that surrounded him. Shelf after shelf after shelf of old LP's. The sheer magnitude of the stuff was making him woozy.
He took a seat on the cloth-covered couch, laying his head back to rest against the cushions. He needed to get out of here as fast as he could but the ache in his head wasn't letting him see straight let alone think straight. Zander pulled his feet up on the couch and made himself a little more comfortable. "Maybe I'll just take a wittle nap." Zander mumbled as his eyes drifted shut, his last thought being that Carly realized he was gone before it was too late.
Emily hurried towards the boxcar, her feet going as fast as possible. She almost tripped on a stone in the pathway there. She forced herself to slow down. It wouldn't help anyway if she hurt herself on the way to see Zander. She saw the shape of the boxcar in the dark and rushed forward the last few steps, calling out his name as she quickly climbed inside. "Zander." No one was inside. Emily frowned, not sure what to think, panic beginning to take over. Stop it, Emily. Carly probably already got him out. She reassured herself, stepping down from the boxcar.
She walked slowly outside the entrance not sure what to do next. She remembered that Carly was at Kelly's and she decided to go ask her if everything went all right. She started to turn back to the path when a lump caught her eyes further away from the entrance. She made her way over slowly, bending down to pick up the bag the held the doughnut she'd bought Zander to give to Carly. The doughnut was still inside but now it was a mass of crumbs. Emily's heart started racing, her mind going through all the horrible possibilities. She didn't even try to make herself think that she was over reacting. She knew Carly and the girl would never turn down sweets.
Something had gone horribly wrong. Emily fought back the tears and turned running to Kelly's as fast as she could. She needed to get to Carly before something happened to Zander.
Sonny and Johnny had entered Kelly's in time to hear Liz's comment about Sonny and Carly's baby. After the shock of it wore off Sonny felt the anger set in. The little bitch had just insulted his wife. He'd caught Carly's reaction from where he was standing. Johnny watched as his the muscle in his jaw flex. He could only guess how angry Sonny was right now. Johnny knew how much that kid had meant to Carly and Sonny. He knew how hard it'd been for them to move on with their lives. How hard it still was. He watched as Sonny opened his mouth, ready to give that witch a tongue- lashing she wouldn't forget. Before Sonny could say anything Juan beat him to the punch.
"No. Really. E-liz-a-beth. What the hell's wrong with you?"
"Excuse me?" Elizabeth turned to look at Juan who was staring had her like she'd lost her mind.
"You don't even know this woman," Juan stated. "How are you going to stand there and judge her?"
"Oh please. Juan, give me a break. She married one man to ruin him, cheated on him and betrayed the so called love of her life with another, and then promptly got herself pregnant in order to keep herself in the cash."
"Jesus." Lucky muttered, stepping away from her.
"You are unbelievable." Juan stood in front of Liz. "What do you know about losing a child?"
"I could ask you the same. " Liz retorted. She was losing control of the situation. Carly was the slut so why was she being attacked?
"True. I don't know what losing a child is like. But I know what it feels like to lose a parent." Juan swallowed back the lump that had formed in his throat. "It's horrible. I imagine that losing a child is probably ten times as bad." Juan eyes met Carly's and she shook her head telling him to stop. She knew it was hurting him. He smiled at her and turned back to Liz.
"You have absolutely no right to judge her. And don't presume you know everything."
"When did you start defending her Juan? She's nothing but a manipulative bitch who only gives a damn about herse -"
"Enough!" Sonny voice boomed in Kelly's causing the entire restaurant to fall silent.
Carly turned to look behind her at her husband's voice. His eyes were cold and flat as they stared daggers at Liz. She saw the twit turn to look at him as she smiled. "IT'S okay, Sonny. I know how you feel about Carly. Hell, everyone here knows that you only married her to stay out of prison. I really do have to say I'm sorry that you're stuck with likes of her." Liz turned back around sneering at Carly.
Johnny mouthed dropped open. He couldn't believe the wench was that dumb. Sonny was shaking from all the pent up rage he was holding in. Johnny watched him make his way over to his wife. Carly stood up to greet him a smile on her face. He looked in her eyes and cursed when he saw the tell tale sign of tears. He was going to kill the little witch. "Are you okay, babe?" he asked, brushing back a strand of her hair.
Carly looked at him in surprise. He never was affectionate in public, mostly because he felt it was no one business. She smiled again, this time it reached her eyes and he smiled back in response. He brought his lips down to hers for a quick kiss. Turning he looked at Liz the peace that had been in his face a moment before replaced with a mask of stony anger. "I suggest that you leave. Now," he said.
Liz looked at Sonny as if he'd grown an extra eye. She pointed at her chest before speaking. "Me?"
"No. The Pope. Of course, you, you nimrod." Gia replied from behind Sonny.
Sonny looked at Liz as he brought his wife closer to his side. "Before you go I'm going to tell you one thing. If you ever, ever speak to my wife that way again, you'll be one sorry li-" He stopped himself, refusing to use that term on her, " You'll regret it. Understand?" Liz nodded mutely and Sonny turned his back on her, dismissing her presence. Everyone followed Sonny lead and paid her no mind as she gathered her stuff to go. She had to pass Juan to get her coat and she turned to look at him, her eyes cold as she put on her coat. "When did you become such an asshole, Juan?"
Juan looked her up and down, a smirk forming on his face. "About the same time you became such a bitch, Elizabeth." He sent her a good-bye wave and she whirled around, almost slamming into Johnny. She shoved him aside and ran out the door.
"Wow. What a bitch." Shari stated. Juan and Gia laughed at her simple statement. Nik stood in the corner with Lucky, making sure his brother was okay. He wasn't sure what had gotten into Liz but he hoped she'd learned a lesson. You should never insult people unless they were related.
Luke watched with interest as Sonny spoke to his wife. He hadn't seen his - well - Sonny like that in a long time. Hell, he'd ever seen him like this. Carly reached up to touch Sonny and Luke watched his ex-partner send her a smile. Whoa. The boy had it bad. He wondered if he's niece knew that. Doubt it. He motioned to his sister who followed his gaze and then sent him a knowing smile. It figured. Women always know this stuff.
Sonny pulled Carly in closer watching as her beautiful brown eyes turned almost dark with desire. He smiled down at her running his hand up and down her back. "So, what do you we go home?" He asked, leaning down to bite her ear gently. He smiled at her groan and pulled back. "Was that a yes?"
"That sounds really good. Let me just talk to my uncle for a second." Sonny nodded, hiding his surprise at that. Carly kissed him quickly and he watched her make her way over to Luke. Sonny turned to see Juan talking to two girls he didn't recognize. He got his attention and Juan excused himself before walking over to Sonny. "Hey, Sonny. How's it going?"
"Could be better. I wanted to thank you for how you defended Carly. That meant a lot to her. and to me." He looked at the boy in front of him. So much of Lily was in him and he'd proved that today. "You're Mom would have been proud of you."
Juan nodded, "I know. You know I'm pretty sure she loves this thing with you and Carly. Who would have though that Sonny Corinthos would be so head over heels in love with anyone." Juan laughed at the look on Sonny's face as he walked away. Johnny was chuckling at that comment but stopped when Sonny stared at him. He cleared his throat trying to keep the laughter inside. Johnny felt the door open behind him and he was almost knocked over when Emily Quatermaine ran through the door.
Emily scanned the room for Carly finding her in a conversation with Luke. She made her way through the restaurant to her and pulled her outside. Everyone one inside Kelly's watched Emily and Carly. Emily was flailing around upset over no one knew why. Carly was standing in front of her calmly trying to talk to the girl. Something Carly said must have gotten through to Emily because she stopped suddenly then turned and hugged Carly. Johnny would bet his best suit he knew what that was all about.
Carly and Emily walked back inside and Sonny met them halfway. "What was that about?" he asked Carly, watching Emily make her way over to Lucky and Nik. He looked back at Carly who was biting her lip. "You can't tell me, can you?" Carly shook her head and sighed. So that's what that feels like. "Okay, fine. Can we go home?" Carly gave her best puppy dog look. Sonny sighed, "Fine. Take Johnny with you, Carly. You've got two hours. I mean it. If you're not home when the little hand hits the nine, I'm coming looking for you."
"Thank you, baby." Carly kissed him quickly, making her way to the table where she's left her coat and purse. She waved good-bye to the kids and Luke, got Emily away from the Hardy Boys and turned to walk out of Kelly's. She felt Sonny grab her hand and pull her to him. His hand found the back of her head and he pulled her lips to hers. Carly felt her knees give as his mouth plundered hers. Sonny groaned when Carly mouth opened under his. He pressed her closer to him, lifting her up in his arms.
"Excuse me. This is a family restaurant."
"For Christ sakes, get a room."
"Whoa. Sonny. Down boy."
He barely heard the comments from Juan, Lucky, and Luke through the haze of his desire. He pulled back from Carly and set her down gently. "That's what you get for leaving your hubby like this." He kissed her one last time and shooed her out the doors.
Carly stood outside of Kelly's in a daze. Her heart was still racing from Sonny's kiss. She heard Emily's voice call her name and she shook her head to clear it. She looked back inside Kelly's and a smile formed on her face. She'd get him for that one. She guided Emily by her arm and they made their way to the docks.
Sonny watched her from the window, making sure Johnny was following behind her. He had an urge to follow her but stopped himself. He's promised her he'd let her handle this and he always kept his promises. Damn it. He felt someone standing behind him and he turned to see Luke watching from the window. "You've got your hands full there, Corinthos."
Sonny smiled, his dimples showing in full effect. "Tell me about it." His wife out of his mind he turned a serious face to Luke. "I need to ask you something, Luke." He looked at his ex-partner, one of his oldest friends before. He hoped he could still count on him.
Luke watched Sonny's demeanor change and he knew this was about business. He wanted to help him. He still felt stupid about the whole situation with Lucky. They were both stubborn men and neither one was going to give in. Maybe this was his way in without having to admit he was wrong. "What's happening, man?"
"It's Sorel, Luke. He's getting too cocky. I need to figure out a way to get him off my back permanently." Sonny looked to Luke who turned his gaze to the docks. Looking back at Sonny he nodded, "Okay fill me in."
Chapter 9
Zander felt the throbbing in his head way before he had completely regained consciousness. His eyes opened slowly, trying to adjust to the darkness. Zander brought his head up, looking cautiously around the room. It was a small apartment as far as he could tell. Messy, too. His eyes scanned the room taking in the strange oddities. A wire model of the Eiffel Tower, some old looking hats, and an ancient TV were a few of the things that adorned the room. But what had Zander in awe was the amount of LP records that surrounded him. Shelf after shelf after shelf of old LP's. The sheer magnitude of the stuff was making him woozy.
He took a seat on the cloth-covered couch, laying his head back to rest against the cushions. He needed to get out of here as fast as he could but the ache in his head wasn't letting him see straight let alone think straight. Zander pulled his feet up on the couch and made himself a little more comfortable. "Maybe I'll just take a wittle nap." Zander mumbled as his eyes drifted shut, his last thought being that Carly realized he was gone before it was too late.
Emily hurried towards the boxcar, her feet going as fast as possible. She almost tripped on a stone in the pathway there. She forced herself to slow down. It wouldn't help anyway if she hurt herself on the way to see Zander. She saw the shape of the boxcar in the dark and rushed forward the last few steps, calling out his name as she quickly climbed inside. "Zander." No one was inside. Emily frowned, not sure what to think, panic beginning to take over. Stop it, Emily. Carly probably already got him out. She reassured herself, stepping down from the boxcar.
She walked slowly outside the entrance not sure what to do next. She remembered that Carly was at Kelly's and she decided to go ask her if everything went all right. She started to turn back to the path when a lump caught her eyes further away from the entrance. She made her way over slowly, bending down to pick up the bag the held the doughnut she'd bought Zander to give to Carly. The doughnut was still inside but now it was a mass of crumbs. Emily's heart started racing, her mind going through all the horrible possibilities. She didn't even try to make herself think that she was over reacting. She knew Carly and the girl would never turn down sweets.
Something had gone horribly wrong. Emily fought back the tears and turned running to Kelly's as fast as she could. She needed to get to Carly before something happened to Zander.
Sonny and Johnny had entered Kelly's in time to hear Liz's comment about Sonny and Carly's baby. After the shock of it wore off Sonny felt the anger set in. The little bitch had just insulted his wife. He'd caught Carly's reaction from where he was standing. Johnny watched as his the muscle in his jaw flex. He could only guess how angry Sonny was right now. Johnny knew how much that kid had meant to Carly and Sonny. He knew how hard it'd been for them to move on with their lives. How hard it still was. He watched as Sonny opened his mouth, ready to give that witch a tongue- lashing she wouldn't forget. Before Sonny could say anything Juan beat him to the punch.
"No. Really. E-liz-a-beth. What the hell's wrong with you?"
"Excuse me?" Elizabeth turned to look at Juan who was staring had her like she'd lost her mind.
"You don't even know this woman," Juan stated. "How are you going to stand there and judge her?"
"Oh please. Juan, give me a break. She married one man to ruin him, cheated on him and betrayed the so called love of her life with another, and then promptly got herself pregnant in order to keep herself in the cash."
"Jesus." Lucky muttered, stepping away from her.
"You are unbelievable." Juan stood in front of Liz. "What do you know about losing a child?"
"I could ask you the same. " Liz retorted. She was losing control of the situation. Carly was the slut so why was she being attacked?
"True. I don't know what losing a child is like. But I know what it feels like to lose a parent." Juan swallowed back the lump that had formed in his throat. "It's horrible. I imagine that losing a child is probably ten times as bad." Juan eyes met Carly's and she shook her head telling him to stop. She knew it was hurting him. He smiled at her and turned back to Liz.
"You have absolutely no right to judge her. And don't presume you know everything."
"When did you start defending her Juan? She's nothing but a manipulative bitch who only gives a damn about herse -"
"Enough!" Sonny voice boomed in Kelly's causing the entire restaurant to fall silent.
Carly turned to look behind her at her husband's voice. His eyes were cold and flat as they stared daggers at Liz. She saw the twit turn to look at him as she smiled. "IT'S okay, Sonny. I know how you feel about Carly. Hell, everyone here knows that you only married her to stay out of prison. I really do have to say I'm sorry that you're stuck with likes of her." Liz turned back around sneering at Carly.
Johnny mouthed dropped open. He couldn't believe the wench was that dumb. Sonny was shaking from all the pent up rage he was holding in. Johnny watched him make his way over to his wife. Carly stood up to greet him a smile on her face. He looked in her eyes and cursed when he saw the tell tale sign of tears. He was going to kill the little witch. "Are you okay, babe?" he asked, brushing back a strand of her hair.
Carly looked at him in surprise. He never was affectionate in public, mostly because he felt it was no one business. She smiled again, this time it reached her eyes and he smiled back in response. He brought his lips down to hers for a quick kiss. Turning he looked at Liz the peace that had been in his face a moment before replaced with a mask of stony anger. "I suggest that you leave. Now," he said.
Liz looked at Sonny as if he'd grown an extra eye. She pointed at her chest before speaking. "Me?"
"No. The Pope. Of course, you, you nimrod." Gia replied from behind Sonny.
Sonny looked at Liz as he brought his wife closer to his side. "Before you go I'm going to tell you one thing. If you ever, ever speak to my wife that way again, you'll be one sorry li-" He stopped himself, refusing to use that term on her, " You'll regret it. Understand?" Liz nodded mutely and Sonny turned his back on her, dismissing her presence. Everyone followed Sonny lead and paid her no mind as she gathered her stuff to go. She had to pass Juan to get her coat and she turned to look at him, her eyes cold as she put on her coat. "When did you become such an asshole, Juan?"
Juan looked her up and down, a smirk forming on his face. "About the same time you became such a bitch, Elizabeth." He sent her a good-bye wave and she whirled around, almost slamming into Johnny. She shoved him aside and ran out the door.
"Wow. What a bitch." Shari stated. Juan and Gia laughed at her simple statement. Nik stood in the corner with Lucky, making sure his brother was okay. He wasn't sure what had gotten into Liz but he hoped she'd learned a lesson. You should never insult people unless they were related.
Luke watched with interest as Sonny spoke to his wife. He hadn't seen his - well - Sonny like that in a long time. Hell, he'd ever seen him like this. Carly reached up to touch Sonny and Luke watched his ex-partner send her a smile. Whoa. The boy had it bad. He wondered if he's niece knew that. Doubt it. He motioned to his sister who followed his gaze and then sent him a knowing smile. It figured. Women always know this stuff.
Sonny pulled Carly in closer watching as her beautiful brown eyes turned almost dark with desire. He smiled down at her running his hand up and down her back. "So, what do you we go home?" He asked, leaning down to bite her ear gently. He smiled at her groan and pulled back. "Was that a yes?"
"That sounds really good. Let me just talk to my uncle for a second." Sonny nodded, hiding his surprise at that. Carly kissed him quickly and he watched her make her way over to Luke. Sonny turned to see Juan talking to two girls he didn't recognize. He got his attention and Juan excused himself before walking over to Sonny. "Hey, Sonny. How's it going?"
"Could be better. I wanted to thank you for how you defended Carly. That meant a lot to her. and to me." He looked at the boy in front of him. So much of Lily was in him and he'd proved that today. "You're Mom would have been proud of you."
Juan nodded, "I know. You know I'm pretty sure she loves this thing with you and Carly. Who would have though that Sonny Corinthos would be so head over heels in love with anyone." Juan laughed at the look on Sonny's face as he walked away. Johnny was chuckling at that comment but stopped when Sonny stared at him. He cleared his throat trying to keep the laughter inside. Johnny felt the door open behind him and he was almost knocked over when Emily Quatermaine ran through the door.
Emily scanned the room for Carly finding her in a conversation with Luke. She made her way through the restaurant to her and pulled her outside. Everyone one inside Kelly's watched Emily and Carly. Emily was flailing around upset over no one knew why. Carly was standing in front of her calmly trying to talk to the girl. Something Carly said must have gotten through to Emily because she stopped suddenly then turned and hugged Carly. Johnny would bet his best suit he knew what that was all about.
Carly and Emily walked back inside and Sonny met them halfway. "What was that about?" he asked Carly, watching Emily make her way over to Lucky and Nik. He looked back at Carly who was biting her lip. "You can't tell me, can you?" Carly shook her head and sighed. So that's what that feels like. "Okay, fine. Can we go home?" Carly gave her best puppy dog look. Sonny sighed, "Fine. Take Johnny with you, Carly. You've got two hours. I mean it. If you're not home when the little hand hits the nine, I'm coming looking for you."
"Thank you, baby." Carly kissed him quickly, making her way to the table where she's left her coat and purse. She waved good-bye to the kids and Luke, got Emily away from the Hardy Boys and turned to walk out of Kelly's. She felt Sonny grab her hand and pull her to him. His hand found the back of her head and he pulled her lips to hers. Carly felt her knees give as his mouth plundered hers. Sonny groaned when Carly mouth opened under his. He pressed her closer to him, lifting her up in his arms.
"Excuse me. This is a family restaurant."
"For Christ sakes, get a room."
"Whoa. Sonny. Down boy."
He barely heard the comments from Juan, Lucky, and Luke through the haze of his desire. He pulled back from Carly and set her down gently. "That's what you get for leaving your hubby like this." He kissed her one last time and shooed her out the doors.
Carly stood outside of Kelly's in a daze. Her heart was still racing from Sonny's kiss. She heard Emily's voice call her name and she shook her head to clear it. She looked back inside Kelly's and a smile formed on her face. She'd get him for that one. She guided Emily by her arm and they made their way to the docks.
Sonny watched her from the window, making sure Johnny was following behind her. He had an urge to follow her but stopped himself. He's promised her he'd let her handle this and he always kept his promises. Damn it. He felt someone standing behind him and he turned to see Luke watching from the window. "You've got your hands full there, Corinthos."
Sonny smiled, his dimples showing in full effect. "Tell me about it." His wife out of his mind he turned a serious face to Luke. "I need to ask you something, Luke." He looked at his ex-partner, one of his oldest friends before. He hoped he could still count on him.
Luke watched Sonny's demeanor change and he knew this was about business. He wanted to help him. He still felt stupid about the whole situation with Lucky. They were both stubborn men and neither one was going to give in. Maybe this was his way in without having to admit he was wrong. "What's happening, man?"
"It's Sorel, Luke. He's getting too cocky. I need to figure out a way to get him off my back permanently." Sonny looked to Luke who turned his gaze to the docks. Looking back at Sonny he nodded, "Okay fill me in."