A/N – Thanks for the comments and support. I appreciate it. My bad news will probably last about three months or so, and then, I'm just hoping for the best. Thank you for the good wishes. Sorry, that I'm late. Work is still insanity.
Chapter 11
Everyone else got comfortable.
"I wish we had popcorn," Emily said before chewing on a cracker.
"I'll put it on the shopping list," Liz said.
Johnny came inside and frowned. "What's going on?"
Liz and Emily are sitting on the floor, so Liz patted the spot next to her and he sat. "Just a friendly bet…"
He glanced at Jason and Sam. "Did you tell her that he's a pool shark?"
"Yup."
"And she didn't care?"
"Nope."
He grinned. "Ten bucks on Sam."
"I'm in," Emily said, "Jason doesn't lose."
"He better," Liz said.
Jason watched Sam sink ball after ball.
"Unbelievable," he muttered.
She grinned. "Do you need to go do a few sit-ups to prepare?"
Johnny snickered.
"Shut it, O'Brien."
"I'm not the one letting a little person beat them."
"Thank you for not saying girl," Sam said.
"He thought it," Jason said. He eyed Liz who is holding her phone up. "What are you doing?"
"Oh, I'm practicing my photography so I can capture the winning photo."
He shook his head.
Sam stretched and pointed to her shoulders. "A little massage please…"
Jason blinked three times before an amused Johnny jumped up to do the task.
"Right there…" she said as she tried to relax. "Thanks!"
"Just kick his ass…"
She smiled and then sized up the last few balls, sinking them easily.
Jason cursed under his breath.
"Now, you know how the rest of us feel," Johnny said.
Sam raised her arms in victory as Emily groaned and Liz and Johnny clapped.
"You rock," Liz said as Sam did a victory lap around Jason.
"Alright, you know the deal."
Jason got out his wallet and put the money in her hand.
"Thanks."
Johnny was trying to contain his laughter while Jason looks miserable.
He yanked off his shirt and threw it on the table before smoothing his hair.
"Nice…" Sam said.
Emily made a face. "He's my brother. I decline to comment."
"He's alright," Liz deadpanned as Jason froze.
"I think I see some love handles," Johnny said.
Jason glared.
"This is priceless," Sam said.
"This is epic," Emily said.
"I'm kicking you all out," Jason said.
"Sore loser," Johnny added.
"You're first."
He held up his hands as he grinned and moved toward the door. "You coming?"
Sam nodded. "It was nice taking your money," she said before turning to leave.
"Later," Liz said.
"Later."
Emily hugged Elizabeth. "Call me…"
The door opened. "You coming too?" Johnny asked.
"Yup."
Jason pulled his shirt on. "Did you know she could play that well?"
"Nope. I just hoped she could."
He shook his head. "You happy?"
"Very…"
"Hungry?"
She shrugged. "A little."
He went and retrieved some menus, and they made their choices. After Jason called a guard to make it happen, he settled on the couch.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Chloe got up and admired Liz's belly before embracing her. "You are glowing."
Liz smiled. "It's getting real."
Chloe chuckled. "Someday, maybe I'll have one."
"I'll let you know how the labor goes."
Liz hugged Lila and then sat.
"May I see your sketchbook?"
Liz nodded. "I have two. I used to sew when I was younger. I made a few dresses, so I had a book full of those sketches."
"Excellent. I started with doodles, ended up drawing a lot, and did some painting."
"What led you to fashion design?"
"I went off to college and had a very rich roommate who was an exchange student. She invited me back to Paris and took me to a fashion show and I was hooked by the creativity. After that, I decided to change my focus to fashion, and I also took business courses. I worked my way through a fashion house and once I learned all I could, I went out on my own, and despite everyone thinking I'd fail, I became one of the top fashion houses in Paris."
"That's quite an achievement. We are very proud of Chloe," Lila said.
Liz smiled. "I have to admire that you figured out what you want and then went for it. That is what I'm trying to do."
Chloe nodded and then skimmed through her drawings. "You have talent." She grabbed the sketchbook that held the fashion designs. "Interesting…"
Liz feels like she's sweating she's so nervous.
Chloe eyed her for a second. "Alice, will you bring Liz some water?"
"I'll be right back."
"Take a deep breath. I'm not here to judge or insult you. I'll be honest, but not cruel."
"Thank you." She took the glass from Alice and took a few sips.
"The fashion drawings and notes certainly reflect that you have an understanding of fabric."
"They are kind of basic."
"The fact that you did this on your own is impressive. Did you use patterns?"
Liz shook her head. "It's like I could easily visualize everything. I just measured beforehand."
"That is awesome." She handed the books back.
"Well, I think you have potential, but if I were you, I'd focus on my passion. I love making clothes, and the looks on people's faces when they are in love with what we created. That became my passion, but I had to do it before I realized what my passion is. Try a few different things. Sit in on an art class or art therapy session. If you like, I'm willing to work with you on designing something so that you can get that experience and understand the whole process. What do you say?"
Liz smiled. "I would love that."
"I have a project; something that is made especially for a client, and I thought that maybe you could throw out some ideas. I'll send you some texts about what she is like. It's a dress for a special occasion. I will send you a picture of a model with similar coloring and build." She won't tell her who it's really for because she is famous and doesn't want Liz to be intimidated.
Liz is excited but nervous.
"May I make a suggestion?"
"Sure."
"Settle and read what I send you and mull it over and then doodling works wonders. It's for a gala."
"When do you need sketches by?"
"Spend the next four days doing some sketching and then I'll include you in a video chat."
Liz almost groaned.
"Don't be scared. My team knows that I may be working with you and you're green. No one is going to tell you that you suck. You'll have to learn that my team gets thumbs up and down every day and they don't take it personally. It may not be right for the person we're designing for, but nothing gets thrown away. We all had to start somewhere. I want you to be along for the whole process, even if we don't pick your sketches. Sometimes, my job can be hectic, but I love wearing multiple hats and solving problems. I feel so empowered when I'm working."
"Okay." It does sound intriguing and so different then what she's used to.
Alice moved into the room. "Uh, Stefan Cassadine is here to see Elizabeth?"
She frowned.
"Use the study, dear," Lila said.
Liz followed Alice there.
"If he tries anything, yell. I'll be in the hallway."
Liz nodded and went inside. "How did you know I was here?"
"I have my ways. It's about Emily."
"Is she okay?"
"Yes. I have to go to the City tonight. I was wondering if maybe you could have her come stay with you."
"Isn't Nikolas back?"
"Yes, but they are fighting and he's not himself."
"Okay. I appreciate that you have her back." He's a complex person and she is not sure how she feels about Stefan.
"I'm trying to watch out for them. It's a difficult situation."
Liz moved forward and held out her hand. "Thank you. Emily is like a sister to me, and Nikolas has been a friend."
He lightly grasped it. "I know you and Nikolas aren't as close. I don't think this is his fault, so try to keep that in mind."
She understands. "I will."
Chloe knocked on the door and pushed it open as Stefan schooled his features. She is beautiful and he is instantly captivated. For a long moment, she studied him as a curious Liz observed.
"Hi, I'm Chloe Morgan."
When she held out her hand, he reached for it. "Stefan Cassadine. I recognize your name."
She smiled. "Girlfriend?"
"Former…"
Liz's eyes narrowed.
Chloe sucked in a breath as she pulled her hand back.
"I'll be going." He handed Liz a card. "Please call me should anything happen."
"I will."
He left, and when the door shut, Liz smirked.
"He's complicated and twisty, but he has always been respectful to me and Emily."
Chloe pretended to fan herself. "He's very handsome with a regal air."
"He's a Russian prince."
"Seriously?"
Liz nodded.
"Wow. I wasn't expecting that."
"It's kind of a crazy family."
"I've heard stories about Helena and Mikkos. I've met Nikolas, before and he seems normal."
"Just be careful, if Helena doesn't deem you worthy…" Her voice trailed as she made a slicing movement against her throat.
Chloe grimaced. "I'll be sure to avoid her."
They went back to the sitting room and Chloe showed her some of her designs.
Jason cleared his throat making Lila clap her hands together.
"Jason! I didn't know you were stopping by."
He slowly moved forward. "I thought I'd check on you."
"And her?" she said as her brow rose, making him slightly smile.
"Yes."
Chloe stood and moved toward him holding out her hand. "Hello, Jason. Lila talks so highly of you."
"She is biased. It's nice to meet you." He lightly gripped her hand.
"Your girlfriend is quite talented."
"I'm glad you can see that."
Her eyes narrowed.
"What?"
"Have you ever considered modeling?"
Lila almost spits out her tea as Liz laughed loudly.
"He'd rather eat vegetables than be a model. I try to get him to let me draw him and he whines."
"I don't whine."
"You do in your own way."
Lila giggled.
"Alright, I'll let you off the hook."
"Thank you." He kissed Lila on the cheek. "I have to go."
"Love you."
He smiled. "I love you too."
"Later, Jason," Chloe said.
"Bye." He glanced at Liz. "Be good."
"Do I have to?"
He nodded.
"Fine…"
When he left, Liz asked Chloe a bunch of questions before Johnny drove her home.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Sonny entered Sam's apartment. "Hey."
"Hi."
"What's wrong?"
"I'm just tired of hiding. Aren't you?"
"You know why we're doing this."
"Yes, I do, but it doesn't mean that I like it."
He pulled her into his arms. "Michael is finally starting to do better. By the time you have the baby, I'll let her know what's going on. If we tell her now, she'll be a nightmare and I don't want you overly stressed."
"Suppose she wants you, Sonny?"
"It doesn't mean I'll want her back. Have some faith in me."
She sighed heavily. "I'm sorry."
"I'm the one who is sorry. You shouldn't have to deal with all of this.
"I'll be okay."
His hand sought her belly. "How's my baby?"
She slightly smiled. "Hungry."
"Did you go food shopping?"
"Milo went with me."
"Good." He rolled up his sleeves. "Let's get to it."
She loves watching him cook.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi
Jason listened as Liz called his sister, and then decided to ask Johnny to shadow Emily tomorrow. Elizabeth has no plans to go out, so he'll put Micah on the door.
"She'll be here in a half-hour or so."
Jason let Johnny know. "If he hurts her…"
"I think Helena did something to him. You can't kill him."
He almost licked out his tongue.
"Are you going to pout now?"
"Maybe…"
She shook her head. "Your sister loves him, but I think she's worried too." After all, Emily has been through, she's probably hurting due to Nikolas's behavior.
"I have to tell you something."
"Go ahead."
"Ric has disappeared off the radar."
"Faith too?"
"No."
"And you think they are up to something, right?"
He nodded. "Maybe…"
"Well, I can stay put for a few days. I don't mind."
"It's probably for the best."
"I have homework from Chloe anyway."
"What kind?"
She sighed. "I'm going to do some clothing designs and then present them in a video call if I don't pass out from nervousness beforehand."
His hand cupped her jaw. "Do your best, and don't let their reaction drive you. Go with your instinct."
Her brow rose. "I think I've proven that my instinct sucks."
When he fought a smile, he quickly realized it is a losing battle and gave in.
"It's not funny."
"You can do whatever you put your mind to."
"You believe in me that much?"
"Yes."
"No doubt at all?"
"Do I look doubtful?"
She shook her head.
"You'll be fine."
"I'll have to trust you on that."
"Want to make a wager?"
She smirked. "What kind?"
"It might involve you taking your shirt off if you lose."
She laughed as Emily strode inside.
"What did I miss?"
"Nothing. Are you ready for bad movies and popcorn?"
"Hell yeah."
"Awesome."
Jason grabbed her bag. "I'll put it in your room, and then I'm going to work out."
"Thanks." She eyed Emily. "Thanks for keeping me company."
Emily plopped next to Liz on the couch. "My life sucks."
"What's going on?"
"Nikolas—I don't even know how to explain it, but he's just not acting like himself. All we do is fight and I just don't have the energy for it. It's almost like he's trying to make me leave."
"That's odd considering you finally are back together."
"It's creepy. Even Alfred seems worried, and Stefan has barely let me out of his sight."
"Maybe he has noticed too. Have you spoken to him?"
"Not really. He's shy with me in an odd way.
"He is kind of awkward, but I think you can trust him."
Emily nodded. "It gets lonely there when Nikolas leaves, so it would be nice if I felt more comfortable chatting with him."
"What, Alfred isn't up for a game of Twister or Balderdash?"
Emily cracked up. "I can't even imagine that. God, add Nikolas and Stefan into that and I think we'd be in hysterics."
"Jason too…"
Emily wiped a tear away. "Thanks, I needed a laugh."
"Anytime, now what are we watching?"
They perused some movies for several minutes.
"Let's watch Fools Rush In."
Liz smiled. "I have a better idea. Let's make Jason sit between us and watch too."
Emily laughed. "Deal."
