If Tomorrow Never Comes
Chapter 13
"Come on, Alexis, tell me you have some good news for me." Sonny sat on Alexis' couch, his elbows on his knees, hands clasped together. "I know how good you are."
"That better be referring to business, Corinthos." Luke said, chewing on some crullers he'd found in Alexis' desolate kitchen. "Natasha, do you realize your ice has dust on it. Your ice." He stopped in his tracks looking at the dying bonsai tree on the table. "Do you ever water this poor thing?"
"Oh, for God's sakes. Sit down, Luke." Alexis rolled her eyes, motioning to the seat next to Sonny. "Alright everyone comfortable." The two men nodded their heads, smiling her way. "Good. Now, on to Mr. Smith and his usefulness as an eye witness." She stopped suddenly looking at Sonny and cocking her head to the side. "Are you - are you glowing Sonny or is it me?"
Luke laughed at Sonny's incredulous expression. Sonny sent him a look only managing to make Luke laugh harder. "He does have a certain lightness about him, doesn't he? It's my little niece." Luke ribbed Sonny in the side, his eyebrows wiggling comically.
Alexis laughed along with Luke when Sonny got up and made his way for the door. "Stop. " Alexis grabbed his arm, directing him back to the couch. "Okay, okay. We'll be good."
"We?"
Alexis stared at Luke waiting until the he gave in to her. He winked at her and she smiled back. Luke always managed to make her feel like a silly schoolgirl. Too bad he was still in love with his wife. /And you love Ned/ "Okay, I spoke to someone who assured me that if Zander turned himself in and told the cops what they needed to know, we definitely had a deal."
"You trust this person?"
Alexis looked at Sonny. "They're trustworthy. Besides, I said nothing about where Zander was staying and the PCPD aren't too bright. You know, they won't think to look here." She waved her hand over in the direction of Sonny's penthouse. "Way too obvious which is why I'm assuming Carly picked it. Smart girl you got there." Sonny nodded in agreement, his heart filling at the thought of his wife.
Alexis and Luke watched him quietly as Sonny's eyes got a faraway look to them. They smiled over his head, amazed that Sonny and Carly had found love with each other. Not that it was so surprising to Alexis. You found love in the oddest places. She was interrupted out of her thoughts with a knock on her door. Turning to open it, her eyes met with clear brown ones. Johnny looked down at her a small smile playing at his lips. "Ms. Davis."
Alexis stepped back allowing Johnny to pass her into the apartment. She felt that familiar rush of awareness she got whenever he was near. His arm brushed hers and her heart skipped a beat. /Jesus, Alexis what is wrong with you?/ She waved at Rick before closing the door.
Johnny greeted Sonny and Luke ignoring the racing of his heart. He was used to it whenever he was anywhere near Alexis. It was best to deny. Avoid. Repress. Deny. That was his mantra. He looked up at his Boss, pointing to the door. "Just wanted to let you know everyone is at home. I'm heading down to my place now."
"Your place?" Alexis croaked, making all eyes turn to her. Johnny nodded slowly. "Oh, you moved into the building?" That's all she needed. Johnny in a close proximity.
"Yep. Johnny is on the floor below us now." Sonny looked between his lawyer and his right hand. This was interesting. "We thought it might be best if Johnny was close by just in case."
"A beck and call goon?" Luke quipped, laughing when Johnny gave him the bird. "So do you rent him out by the hour, too?" Luke ducked, the cushion Johnny had thrown at him falling soundlessly to the floor behind him.
"Boys. Boys. Can we get back to the subject at hand?" Alexis waited for their undivided attention and proceeded to give each one of then their orders. "Sonny, you're basically the bank in this situtation. Nothing more. Nothing less. Luke, you already know what do in case something goes wrong with the deal and please try to avoid damaging any property. Or Zander."
Luke grinned, chewing on some crullers."So what's his job?" He asked pointing to Johnny who had busied himself playing with Alexis knickknacks. Alexis looked at the bodyguard, her heart beating out of control. /My God, the man was gorgeous./
"He'll do what he does best. Protect everyone. I'll deal with everything else.Got all that?"
Sonny shook his head still unsure why he had agreed to this. "No. But does it matter?"
Alexis opened her mouth to retort when a squeal from the hall caught her attention. She closed her eyes when she heard her name being called out. Oh no. Not now. Running to the door, she flung it open to find Rick assaulting her wedding planner. "Rick, no, stop."
Elton held his hand to his chest his eyes wide as he stared at Rick who was still holding him by the collar. "Ms. Davis, please." He pleaded with Alexis who wasn't sure whether to laugh at Elton or yell at Rick. She grabbed Elton's collar out of Rick's hands, hustling the planner into her apartment. "At ease." She called over her shoulder to the amused looking bodyguard.
She closed the door soundly, leaning her head against it. She heard a clearing of the throat and turned to look at the four men in her apartment. Three of them stood to one side trying not to stare at Elton who in turn was gaping at all three men. Luke turned to Alexis his amusement evident in his eyes. "So, Natasha is there anything you want to tell us?"
She looked from Luke to Sonny and finally her eyes came to rest on Johnny. "No."
"Fine. So, ah, I'm sorry I didn't catch your name." Luke looked at Elton a charming smile on his face.
"Elton Herbert, Weddings to Remember."
All three pair of eyes looked at Alexis. "Weddings, huh?"
"Okay. Fine. Sonny, Luke, Johnny, I'm getting married."
Johnny's face turned to stone. His stomach twisted into knots at her announcement. "Congratulations, Ms. Davis."
"Thank you, Johnny." Alexis said quietly. She watched as he turned to Sonny and said something to him quietly. "Mr. Herbert. Ms Davis. Excuse me." He passed her by making sure he didn't touch her as he went out the door.
"I should go visit my little niece and grandnephew before it gets any later. Elton, it was good to meet you. I'll see you over there." Sonny nodded at Luke who gave Alexis a grin before walking out. Alexis shifted in her place not sure what to do. "Elton, could you possible go wait in the kitchen. There are a few things I need to tie up."
"No. No. You know what. It's okay. How about we do this thing tomorrow?" Alexis nodded her agreement wanting to get it over with as quickly as possible. "That's fine."
Sonny headed to the door turning to Alexis and sending her a reassuring smile. "I'm happy for you." She smiled in spite of it all. Sonny walked out of the door leaving her to Elton and his Weddings to Remember.
Sonny paused for a minute, shaking his head at the weirdness he had just experienced. He smiled to himself, amazed how well everything was going. His smile fell immediately at the thought. Whenever everything seemed good it all went to hell. Taking a deep breath, he took the short walk between Alexis's apartment and his. Francis was standing by the door, a strange expression on his face. He stopped Sonny with a hand making a motion to keep him quiet. He broke into a smile and then proceeding to open the door.
Sonny stared at Francis in confusion. Maybe Frankie needed some time off. He heard the strands of the beginning of one of Carly's favorite salsa-pop songs. Stopping in the doorway he watched his wife grab her uncle and pull him into the space they'd cleared for dancing.
I
just wanted you to comfort me
when I called you late last night
you see
I was fallin' into love
oh yes, I was crashin' into
love
oh of all the words you sang to me
about life, the truth
and bein' free yea
you sang to me, oh how you sang to me
Sonny stood entranced watching Carly and Luke laughing and dancing. Luke stepped on her toes and she threw her head back with a laugh. She gave up on Luke who gladly went back to the couch to visit with Michael. Carly looked at Zander who shook his head but was pushed from behind by Juan.
Girl I live off how you make me feel
So I question all this bein' real
Cuz I'm not afraid to love
For the first time I'm not afraid to love
Francis grinned at Sonny's expression as he watched Carly. /Oh yeah, he's gone./ If Francis had ever doubted Sonny's feelings for Carly this just took it all away. He turned back as Carly let Zander out of his misery and she grabbed Juan who immediately began dancing with her.
Sonny smiled, his eyes misty as he watched Lily's son and his wife obvious affection for each other. Carly kissed Juan cheeks whispering something in his ear. Juan smiled then dipped Carly, her laughter reaching him.
This day seems made for you and me
And you showed me what life needs to be
Yeah you sang to me
Oh you sang to me
Carly twirled with Juan, her feet moving soundlessly on the floor. Sonny watched the sway of her hips, his hands aching to touch her. Juan saw him over her shoulder and waved bringing Carly's attention to him. Their eyes met and held. She stopped dancing sending him a flirtatious grin. Sonny smiled in response and moved to where she stood.
All the while you were in front of me
I never realized, I just can't believe
I didn't see it in your eyes
I didn't see it I can't believe it
Oh but I feel it when you sing to me
Sonny reached Carly his eyes never leaving hers as he pulled her into his arms. He watched her smile slyly, her arms wrapping around his neck. Sonny began to move to the music, his hands coming to rest on the small of Carly's back. Everyone stood back watching the two get lost in the song.
How I long to hear you sing beneath the clear blue skies
And I promise you this time I'll see it in your eyes
I didn't see it I can't believe it
Oh but I feel it when you sing to me
Luke brought Mikey up in his arms, pointing to his parents. "There you go, kiddo. That tells you just how nuts you'll be one day." He smiled when Mikey looked up at him and smiled. Luke felt a tug at his heartstrings and he placed a kiss on Mikey's head. Mikey leaned over to place a little kiss on Luke's cheek and leaned his head on Luke's shoulder watching his mommy and daddy dance.
Just to think inside of me
I had no idea how this could be
Now I'm crazy for your love
The words you said just sang to me
And you showed me where I wanna be
You sang to me, Oh you sang to me
Shari and Juan stood together watching the couple in front of them. Juan glanced over at Shari catching the wistful look in her eyes again. He heard a noise come from the kitchen and watched Mike walk out, stopping when he saw his son. Juan waved him over and Mike came to stand next to Shari. Juan felt her go tense and not for the first wondered why she reacted like that to Mike and Sonny. She caught him staring and smiled before turning back to the couple.
How I long to hear you sing beneath the clear blue skies
And I promise you this time I'll see it in your eyes
I didn't see it I can't believe it
Oh but I feel it when you sing to me
Carly stared into Sonny's eyes, swaying in sync with his body. She'd been shocked when he's started dancing with her in front of everyone. He usually wasn't one for public displays so to have him do it twice in as many weeks gave her a tingly feeling. She loved being in his arms. This was where she felt safest. He spun her in a turn and smiled when she giggled at the sudden motion. His hand caressed her face gently, tucking back a strand of her blond hair that had fallen from her ponytail. He pulled her hair from the band and watched on fall in waves around her face. Carly saw him get that intense look and held her breath when he leaned forward, her eyes closing involuntarily.
Just to think inside of me
I had no idea how this could be
Now I'm crazy for your love
The words you said just sang to me
And you showed me where I wanna be
You sang to me, oh you sang to me
The song ended but Carly and Sonny remained wrapped around each other, lost to everything around them. Luke cleared his throat several times before they pulled away. Carly looked up at him, a silly grin on her face. She reached up to wipe away the lipstick before saying, "Remind to play that song more often." Sonny pulled her in for a hug, his laughter rumbling against her hair. Carly squeezed him tightly to her, a sudden sense of fear overtaking her. Sonny felt her shiver against him and pulled back looking at her with concern, "Baby, you okay?"
"Yeah. I'm fine but I think dinner might have gotten cold." She smiled at him, pushing away the feeling of doom. It was just her imagination.
"With you two heating it up in here, I doubt it." Luke called over his shoulder from his position on the couch. He felt Sonny walk over to him and looked up to see the mobster watching him in amusement. "What? We're playing dump trucks. Go away."
Carly had gone into the kitchen to help Mike bring out dinner and Juan had joined them to supervise. Sonny found Shari and Zander talking quietly as they set the table. " How are you guys doing?"
"Pretty good." Zander glanced at Sonny with a smile, trying to concentrate on the plates and not think about what Emily was doing. That dance had made him think of her. "How are you after that exertion over there?" Zander teased, a twinkle in his eyes.
Sonny smiled, his dimples flaring. He'd grown to like Zander. He reminded him a little of himself and a little of Stone. "Feeling quite refreshed." Zander laughed and he heard Shari stifle her giggle. Sonny watched Juan's girlfriend help quietly. She was a sweet girl and Carly loved her to death. Something about her reminded him of someone but he wasn't sure. Shari felt someone's eyes on her and she looked up, meeting Sonny's gauging stare. He smiled at her and she returned it quickly. He heard his father and Carly arguing as they came out of the kitchen.
"Mike, give me a break. You're as bad as Sonny is."
"What are you two talking about?" Sonny asked, his eyes following Carly's movements around the table. She caught him and sent him a chaste look. He sent her his most charming dimpled smile.
"Mike was trying to teach Zander the proper way to make noodles and I told him you'd already taught him."
"That's right, Mike."
"No, you taught him your way and you know that's not the right way."
Carly and Zander stood back, rolling their eyes at father and son. Ever since Zander and Mike had moved in, Sonny and Mike had started a competition to see who could teach Zander how to cook better. Zander had thought it was dumb at first but now he enjoyed the time he spent with the two father figures in his life. Plus he got to eat a lot of food so that made up for it. Those two could cook.
"Okay, that's my cue. When you two start trading recipes I know I've out welcomed my visit."
"Oh, Uncle Luke, you always out welcome your visit way before that." Carly smiled at her uncle. He's been hanging around the PH a lot lately.
"See, I knew you had to get that annoying habit from somewhere." Luke threw back, patting Mikey on the head as he made his way to the door. "I'll see you all later. Kids, be careful going home."
Shari and Juan nodded, waving at Luke as he opened the door. He was halfway out when he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. Turning, he looked at Carly who leaned up on her tiptoes, kissing his cheek. "You be careful, too." Luke smiled at her warmly, "Always, sweet cakes, always." Carly closed the door behind him and then headed back to the table. Sonny was sitting at the head with Michael in his highchair to his left and Zander to his right. Carly took her seat next to Michael on Sonny's left. Juan was next to Zander and Shari next to Juan. Mike took his seat next to her as he set the baked chicken down on the table.
Sonny bent his head and everyone else followed suit. "Thank you, father, for this blessings you have bestowed us. Thank you for the food on our table, the laughter in our laughs and the strength of this family. Amen."
"Amen." was the chorus that followed.
"Okay, let's dig in here." Sonny reached for the potatoes when his cell phone rang. He looked up at Carly who continued to dish out the food. He got from the table, talking quietly into it. He turned around and met Carly's eyes. She excused herself and he watched her go into the den, bringing out his coat and briefcase moments later. She kissed him briefly, wiping the excess lipstick and went back to the table. Damn, this was bad. She was really mad. "I'll be back in a little while."
The group waved and called their good byes. He opened the door, glancing behind his shoulder, he saw the hurt look on Carly's face and he vowed he'd make it up to her.
Lyrics "You sang to me" by Marc Anthony