Four
"What aren't you telling me, Liz," Emily repeated.
"What are you talking about?" Elizabeth replied, feigning innocence and ignorance.
"Just now, Jason shows up here, and you leave. Then half and hour later, you come back, and Jason can't get out of the room fast enough. Why? I thought everything went well last night with the whole 'friendship-repair' thing. Are things between you and my brother still awkward?"
"Oh, I wish that were the only problem, Em," Elizabeth began. "Things were great for most of last night. I went to the penthouse to talk, and we started to salvage our friendship. We had a few drinks and we played pool," she continued.
"But…" Emily prompted.
"But then we…oh god, I still can't believe this, Em…we accidentally slept together," Elizabeth said with a cringe, the words tumbling from her mouth.
"You did what!" Emily asked, pretending to be surprised. "I…wait, you said accidentally?" she repeated. "That's something I don't think that I've heard before," she mused. "How do you accidentally –"
"Come on, Em, this isn't funny. Jason and I were playing pool and drinking. A lot. I remember getting ready to go home, but then when I was walking out the door, I realized that I had forgotten my coat in the penthouse. I whirled around to go back and get it, but Jason was still standing in the doorway, and I crashed into him. He helped me regain my balance, and then he just kissed me. After that, I don't really remember anything," she admitted.
"Well, maybe you never actually slept together. I mean, you would have remembered something, wouldn't you," Emily suggested, enjoying the situation, much to her friend's chagrin.
"No, it happened. We woke up in his and Courtney's bedroom," she cringed.
"Courtney. I forgot about her. Where was she? Does she know what happened?" Emily asked.
"As far as I know, Courtney is away at the island with Carly and Michael," Elizabeth replied.
Emily nodded in understanding. Elizabeth watched her friend glance at something or someone over her shoulder in the hospital hallway.
"Well, you had better go now. I, um, have to rest for a while. Doctors orders, you know," Emily told her.
Elizabeth rewarded her with a look of bewildered disbelief. "Alright," she said uncertainly. Upon closer examination, however, Elizabeth realized that her friend did look tired. She stood up and turned toward the door, but stopped herself when she saw what Emily had been looking at. Or rather who Emily had been looking at.
Through the window of the hospital room, she could see into the poorly lit hallway. Jason was standing there and he appeared to be waiting for someone. Elizabeth quickly concluded that he must be waiting for her to come outside.
"You're truly evil, Em," she jokingly told her friend, her voice betraying only the slightest hint of the apprehension she felt.
Emily simply smiled and told Elizabeth to go talk to him.
"I was waiting for you," Jason said when she walked out of Emily's room.
"I'm glad you did. We should probably discuss how we're going to deal with what happened last night," she replied, blushing uncomfortably.
He nodded his agreement.
Elizabeth took a deep breath before beginning. "What happened last night was a mistake; had I…we been sober, it wouldn't have happened," she paused briefly. "If you want to tell Courtney, that's you're prerogative, but she isn't going to hear about it from me."
"She already knows."
"Elizabeth looked surprised, but nodded. "You already told her. I understand that you would want to be honest and upfront with her. Is she coming home from the island now?"
Although her exterior was calm, if a little embarrassed, inwardly, Elizabeth felt terrible about Jason telling Courtney of their drunken night. Jason had refused to tell her about Sonny's decision to fake his own death, but he had told Courtney about their one, inebriated night together; it hurt much more than she had expected it would.
Jason shook his head. "No, she's already here. Courtney came home early this morning," he said quietly. "She saw us together. I only found out when I met her today in the park. She was…angry," he finished lamely.
Elizabeth looked genuinely shocked and apologetic, but secretly she inexplicably felt relief – not jealousy – that he had not immediately called Courtney to tell her about what had transpired between them. "I'm sorry I was part of this, Jason. Obviously neither of us intended for this to happen, but if there's anything you think I could do to help, please let me know."
He shook his head again. "It wasn't only you. Obviously, it wasn't only you. I was there, too. Did you forget? We're adults, and we should have behaved like adults," he replied.
Elizabeth looked uncomfortable. "Actually, I don't – remember, that is," she confessed, her cheeks pink with embarrassment.
After a few moments of awkward silence, he asked her how she was feeling, to which she replied that she was very well.
"When I was visiting with Emily, she had the idea to buy my studio back. It would take my mind off everything that has happened lately, you know. I hope everything works out. I'm much more excited about painting again than I thought I would be," she told him.
"I'm happy for you, then," he said warmly.
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied with equal sincerity.
Neither of them seemed to be able to think of anything appropriate to say for the next few moments.
Unable to bear the silence for any longer, Elizabeth took it upon herself to end it. "We can't be doing this, Jason. However counterproductive it may be, I think we need to put a hold on the salvaging or our own friendship, and not spend any more time together. At least for right now, your relationship with Courtney will need your full attention. Spending time with each other will only make things more difficult between the two of you, and will inevitably only serve as another strain on our relationship as friends," she told him, inwardly hoping he would disagree.
To her disappointment, he did agree, but not before reminding her that if anything happened with Ric, or anyone else for that matter, he would like her to come straight to him instead of attempting to solve those problems on her own.
"I'll be fine on my own, Jason," she said ruefully. "I am capable of taking care of myself. But if it makes you feel better, Francis is still guarding me." She gestured across the darkened hallway toward the conspicuous-looking bodyguard standing stiffly by Emily's door. "I won't even be by myself," she assured him.
"Just be careful," he replied. "Be safe. That's all I'm asking you for."
She smiled half-heartedly, and told him that she needed to leave, as she needed to collect some information about repurchasing her studio; he told her that he understood and headed in the opposite direction of her.
As Elizabeth walked past the window of Emily's hospital room, she noticed her friend watching her leave. Elizabeth laughed on her way by and Emily smiled back.
"I'm very sorry, Ms. Webber. I understand your disappointment, but the offer I've received for your former residence exceeds your own by a very substantial amount."
About a month later, Elizabeth found herself in the midst of a very heated discussion between herself and the large balding man who was the proprietor of the building that housed her former studio. The stout man had just told her that while he had considered her offer for the studio, he had received an offer from an opposing party the following day that he could not bring himself to refuse.
"I understand, sir. Thank you for your time," Elizabeth conceded.
"Ms. Webber, I will let you know if the apartment in question, or any other for that matter, becomes available in the future," he assured her.
"I would appreciate that," she replied.
Elizabeth sighed and turned in the direction of the lobby. She spotted Francis near the doorway waiting for her. "There goes that idea," she said to him, smiling dejectedly. Then, brightening considerably, she told him it was time for her to move on to 'Plan B'.
Francis smiled back, amused. "What's Plan B'?" he asked. The two of them had formed somewhat of a friendship over the past couple of days, and he would come to enjoy her company very much.
Elizabeth eyes sparkled mischievously. "I haven't quite figured that part out yet," she admitted.
"I'm sure you'll think of something, Ms. Webber."
"It's 'Elizabeth,' and thanks for the vote of confidence," she said to him, smiling in spit of the crushing set down she had just experienced.
"You're welcome, Ms. Webber."
She sighed. "I need to go home now. You don't have to escort me, you know. I'm sure I'll be fine."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible," he replied.
"Why not?" she asked.
"Sonny's orders," Francis replied simply.
"So can you leave when I go home?"
"No, my job is to make sure you're protected twenty-four hours a day."
"But where will you sleep?" she asked.
"I'll stay in my car. It isn't a problem," he answered.
"That's ridiculous!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "You're freeze to death."
"It hasn't happened so far, so I can't see why it has any reason to start tonight," he said with mild amusement.
Elizabeth thought for a moment. "Well, if you still have to guard me by the time I find my own place to stay, you can stay with me," she told him. "I'll make sure I have a guest room. Or at least a couch."
"That won't be necessary, Ms. Webber."
"Oh, please. You can't tell me you wouldn't prefer a warm, comfortable bed to an ice-cold car. Anyway, for now I'll just tell Gram that I'm staying in a hotel. We'll just get two rooms together."
Three weeks later, Elizabeth was sitting at the table in her hotel room, reading the newspaper, searching for a place to live, when Francis knocked on the door to her room.
"Come in, Francis, the door is open," she called out.
He opened the door. "You shouldn't do that, Elizabeth."
She glanced up at him in surprise. "Finally, I have a first name," she said with a laugh. "So, what activity is it that I shouldn't be engaging in?" she enquired with mild amusement.
"You shouldn't tell whoever knocks on the door to just walk in, Ms. Webber," he reprimanded, reverting to his standard address of her.
"I wouldn't have yelled for you to open the door if I didn't know that it was you, but I did because I recognized your knock," she explained in all seriousness.
"You recognized my…" he shook his head. "Has it ever occurred to you that you can't tell people apart from the way they knock on a door?"
"Well, it worked, didn't it? You need to relax. Take a deep breath and learn to live a little. You're starting to sound like Jason," she told him.
"Lucky for you that I am," he tossed back.
"I would hardly call it lucky. It's more like torment and condemnation. Don't get me wrong: Jason is a wonderful, caring person. He's just so preoccupied with the safety of those he loves, that he forgets to love them," she explained.
What she thought surprised Francis. He knew that Jason had taken a very personal interest in the young woman before him. "Is that really what you think?" he asked her.
Elizabeth inclined her head toward him defensively. "What am I supposed to think?" she returned.
"Jason cares," Francis assured her quietly. "If he didn't, he wouldn't have ordered me to guard you."
"I thought you said you were here on Sonny's orders," she countered.
In all honesty, Jason had ordered Francis not to tell Elizabeth that it had been his idea for Francis to guard Elizabeth. Jason had known that Elizabeth would be comfortable with Francis, but had also believed that it would be better for her to believe that it was all Sonny's idea. Francis had never questioned him, but now he thought that it was important Elizabeth know.
"Jason's orders," he clarified. "He didn't want you to know that, so I would appreciate it if he never hears about this conversation."
Elizabeth nodded and Francis continued, "Speaking of Sonny, he just called me; he wants you to come to the penthouse to see him."
"And if I decide I don't want to go?" she asked, feeling inexplicably rebellious.
"You'll want to go," he said knowingly. "Your curiosity is too strong. It will get the better of you."
She laughed and conceded. "Fine."
"Francis and Ms. Webber are here to see you, Boss," Max announced, opening Sonny's door slightly.
"Let them in, Max, thanks," Sonny responded.
"On second thought, Francis, do you mind waiting outside while I speak to Elizabeth."
Francis nodded and left the penthouse.
"Why did you want to see me?" Elizabeth asked once the door closed.
"Have a seat," Sonny replied, gesturing toward the sofa.
"I think I'll stand, but thank you."
He shrugged. "I have something for you," he said simply.
Elizabeth tilted her head to the side, but said nothing. She looked at him, waiting for him to elaborate.
Sonny walked over to his desk and picked up an envelope. He walked back over and handed it to her.
"What's this?" she asked.
He motioned for her to open it. Elizabeth easily tore open the end of the small envelope. The contents of it puzzled her. She found a familiar-looking silver key dangling form a key ring. "I don't understand…" she began.
"Francis reports to Jason anything going on with you. Nothing personal, just general information that might be of interest in order to make sure you're properly protected," Sonny explained. "Francis mentioned a few weeks ago that you were looking for a new place to live. Jason let it slip to me that you intended to buy back your studio. Soon after, I believe you were unable to reacquire it. Something about the owner receiving a higher offer," he said mischievously.
"You were the one who put in the higher offer," she gasped incredulously.
Sonny shrugged and gestured toward the envelope and subsequent key. "I wanted to do something to repay you for finding Carly."
Elizabeth tried to hand him back the key.
"You can't give it back now. I've just finished having the entire place renovated. There are still a few more things left to be done, but –"
"Renovated?" she asked, interrupting.
He nodded. "Renovated. New windows, doors, plumbing, electricity...When I saw it a few weeks ago, I didn't think it was fit for anyone to live in, let alone you, so I made a few phone calls. All you have to do is pick out new furniture and paint colours and it should be ready for you to move in," Sonny explained.
Elizabeth gazed up at him in a way that compelled him to believe that he had somehow managed miraculously to sprout a second head out of the side of his neck.
"Are you serious?" she asked.
"I'm serious," he replied.
"I can't believe you did this! Why did you do this? I mean, I'm grateful, but why would you go to all of this trouble for me?"
"Because you deserve this. Ric was a sick person who hurt many people. You stopped him even though you were about to marry him, and had every reason in the world to trust him. I could buy you a million art studios and still be indebted to you for what you did for my family."
She stood up on the tips of her toes and hugged him. "Anyone would have done the same as I did, Sonny."
"Not anyone," he assured her.
The sound of the penthouse door suddenly opening startled them both.
"Keeps your paws off of my husband!"
"Carly," Elizabeth acknowledged. "You're back from the island, I see," she said clearly amused.
"Look, I know you called the police to get me out of the panic room. That was great and everything, but it doesn't mean you get any special status around here."
"Oh, don't worry, I wouldn't dream of it," she retorted. "Anyways, I should probably be going now. I would seem that I have a lot of work to do," she smiled at Sonny. "Thank you again. Good bye, Carly."
Elizabeth hastily made her way into the hallway and pressed the elevator button. When the elevator doors slid open with a sharp ring, Elizabeth was unpleasantly surprised to see Courtney Mathews walk through them.
"What are you doing here?" Courtney asked rudely.
"I was just visiting with Sonny," Elizabeth began to explain.
"What, are you trying to steal my entire life away from me now?" Courtney asked irately.
Elizabeth took a deep breath before beginning. "You have a right to be angry –"
"Angry? Oh, you have no idea."
"Look, Courtney, I wouldn't be here unless Sonny had asked me to come over. And for your information, even when I knew he wanted me to, I didn't want to be here."
"Just save you're excuses alright. Just save them. First, you steal my fiancé away from me – God knows how long you've been sleeping with him behind my back – and now you're after my brother. You're sick, you know that," Courtney yelled at her.
"Alright you know what, I don't know if Jason told you this, but we were drunk. It wasn't planned. I couldn't care less about you, so I wouldn't bother wasting my time trying to make your life terrible. Jason, on the other hand, was going to marry you. If you think he would intentionally try to hurt someone he cared about, you don't know him at all," Elizabeth shouted back.
"You are such a tramp, Elizabeth. Your really are. You pretend to be this nice, sweet, innocent girl. 'Oh, help me, I'm such a victim.' You're pathetic and twisted and you would do well to stay away from me, from Jason, and from everyone else in my life. You and Ric deserve each other," Courtney loudly jeered.
By this time, Carly could hear the shouting match taking place and had appeared in the hallway.
"What is going on?" Carly asked, oblivious to everything that had happened recently.
"This psychotic whore is trying to steal my life away from me, that's what's going on," Courtney screeched.
"Don't you think you're exaggerating just a little bit? I am not trying to steal your life away from you. Why would I want the life of a person as paranoid as you're being right now?" Elizabeth argued exasperated.
"I'm being paranoid. So what, did I just imagine that you slept with Jason almost two months ago when we were all away at the island? Was I being paranoid then?" Courtney shot back.
"Oh, my God," Carly gasped. "What is wrong with you?" she yelled, directing additional angry questioning toward an already faltering Elizabeth. Carly quickly march to the door to Jason's penthouse and sharply knocked on the door.
"Jason? Open the door. It's Carly. I need to talk to you right now," she yelled through the thick wooden door. Carly turned to glare at Elizabeth while waiting for Jason to answer the door.
When Jason took longer than she thought was proper, Carly began shouting at the door again. "Jason, if I have to break this door down, you know I will. Remember I'm pregnant. If you don't open this door, and I hurt myself, what are you going to say to Sonny?"
Jason yanked open his door with annoyance and stepped out into the hallway. "Carly, what do you want?" he asked before he had a chance to notice that both Elizabeth and Courtney were standing in the hallway as well.
"What's going on?" he asked the three of them.
"I cannot believe that you slept with Elizabeth Webber!" Carly exclaimed.
Jason ran a hand through his short hair. "Carly, this is none of your business," he tried.
"You know what, Jason? It is my business because you and Courtney are my two closest friends, and I will not let that tramp of a woman tear the two of you apart," she argued.
"Hey, that 'tramp of a woman' only saved your life," Elizabeth said, shaking her head in exasperation.
"She isn't trying to break Courtney and me apart, Carly. It was a mistake and it isn't going to happen again," he said to her.
"We were drinking a lot that night," Elizabeth added. "We never meant for anything
to –"
"So you had to get Jason drunk, too?" Courtney accused angrily. "You are just as crazy as Ric is. He tried to take Sonny's child away from him to get his particularly sick brand of revenge. Do you hate me so much that you –"
"I don't hate you, Courtney."
"– would try to get yourself pregnant with Jason's child?" Courtney asked furiously.
"You're not pregnant, are you?" Carly asked quickly.
Elizabeth's eyes darted briefly to Jason. She realized then that he hadn't considered the possibility that she could have gotten pregnant any more than she had. Elizabeth quickly looked away and answered Carly.
"No," Elizabeth said slowly. "No, I'm not pregnant."
Jason watched her intently, trying to analyze the many thoughts and emotions he could tell were whirling just beneath the surface of her semi-calm exterior.
He was worried as well. What would they do if she was wrong and actually was pregnant? Then there was the possibility that the baby might not even be his, he thought to himself. She could easily be carrying Ric's baby. Jason pushed these thoughts aside and tried to focus on the situation at hand.
He realized that both Courtney and Carly needed to leave. He needed to have a serious conversation with Elizabeth about the possibility that the two of them conceived a child together.
"Elizabeth, can you wait inside the penthouse. Courtney, I need you to leave."
"But –"
"Now," he said firmly.
Wordlessly, Courtney pressed the elevator button on the wall. The doors opened and she disappeared.
Elizabeth, noting the serious expression Jason wore, quickly entered the penthouse to wait for him as he had asked. He moved out of the doorway to accommodate her, but her bare forarm brushed against the back of his hand as she passed him sending shivers down the length of her.
"What are you doing?" Carly asked bewildered. "Why are you letting Courtney go?"
"Go home, Carly," was Jason's only reply before he turned and left her in the now silent hallway.
Jason was not surprised to find that Elizabeth had not gone very far into his home, but was standing just inside the door. He ushered her gently into the living room.
Elizabeth walked toward the sofa in a daze, declining Jason's offer of something to eat or drink. As she mentally counted the days and weeks that had passed since she and Jason had slept together, she realized that there were too many; that she was late. She was beginning to feel increasingly more nauseous.
"I just wanted to talk to you. It won't take long," Jason began.
"What about," Elizabeth replied quietly.
Jason, noting the faint quality of her voice, moved back a few paces, allowing her some space, some room to breathe.
"I wanted to talk to you…we need to consider to possibility that you might be pregnant," he said calmly.
Elizabeth's gaze darted to his, but she looked away hastily in embarrassment. "There's no consideration to be had for that," she said quickly.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I'm definitely not pregnant," she lied.
He looked relieved.
"Anyways, I should probably be leaving now. According to Sonny I have a lot of work to do. Colours to choose, furniture to select," she said uneasily, her eyes fixed eagerly upon the door.
He nodded. "I'll see you later, then."
Elizabeth, unsteady with the enormity of the dilemma she faced bearing down on her shoulders, somehow made it out the door, treating him to a weak smile and a small wave as she left.