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Chapter 8

"Elizabeth." Lila smiled as the young woman walked into the parlor with Jason behind her. "It's been far too long since we've had a visit. I blame my grandson for being selfish." The Quartermaine matriarch said with a wide smile.

"I'm here for two minutes and already getting blamed for things." He said leaning forward and kissing her cheek. "I'd ask how you are doing but your cheekiness is on full display."

"It's my most endearing trait." She said laughing at his dry humor. "My dear that dress is beautiful. Is it one of yours?" The bright yellow sleeveless floral lace dress just made her happy to look at it. The detailed bodice showed Elizabeth's sharp eye yet at the same time it didn't take attention from the overall look. The white wedges were adorable, and Lila's keen vision noted the knot earrings in the younger woman's lobes. They had been a gift from Steve to Audrey. Liz inherited them when her grandmother passed away and wore them almost every day.

"It is." Liz said taking a seat. "From my current line. This was the demo dress and I kept it instead of selling it like I normally do." She designed with all different personalities in mind, but this dress was based on her likes. That had clearly resonated with her customers because this design sold out in every color, twice so far.

"I love it." Lila enjoyed it when young women dressed as such. There was nothing wrong with flashing some leg, or going strapless. Or doing both. It was just her opinion that young women these days left little to the imagination. The beach was the place for flaunting what you had. Not the dinner table.

"Thank you Mrs. Q." Liz beamed under the praise.

"When will your fall line hit the site?" Lila always went to look at the new designs. She never hesitated to purchase anything that caught her eye. The suit she wore to her last foundation board meeting was a Webber design, and Lila got a host of compliments on how she looked.

"About six weeks. Everything comes in later this month and then I'll photograph it. I may also be opening a boutique. It depends on what magic Diane is able to make happen with the price of the building." Liz could share this with Lila because she didn't gossip. "Use your magic powers to send me some good energy." She was convinced Jason's grandmother was some sort of angel.

"I certainly will." Lila knew that Jason would have offered to buy the building so if Liz was worried about the price it meant she turned him down. Lila kept the chuckle that wanted to bubble up to herself. Jason would certainly respect that request, which must have been extremely painful for him. "Please keep me updated."

"I can do that." Liz promised knowing that Lila would be thrilled for her.

"Why are you sitting there looking so smug? When your grandfather gets that look on his face I start to worry." Lila turned her attention to Jason. He was in a very good mood. She could always tell otherwise. No matter how hard he tried to hide it. Like the other members of the family he rarely got anything past her.

"I know something you don't." Jason said with a wide smile. That yes was totally smug.

"I doubt that." Lila shot back enjoying the teasing.

Elizabeth watched the two of them and didn't even bother to hide her laughter. They were trouble when they got together. There was a reason Edward told Alice to keep a closer eye on his wife when Jason was over.

"Okay, what is it that you think you know that I haven't told you yet?" Jason threw the ball back in her court.

"Two things have happened." She said holding up the appropriate number of fingers. "One you probably are not planning on telling me. Which makes me think that one isn't such great news. The second thing is what you are taunting me with." Lila began explaining.

"Stop stalling." Jason smirked from the couch.

"I was trying to postpone the moment I handed you your defeat, but if you insist. You and Elizabeth are now dating." Lila watched as shock registered on Jason's face, and Liz just started laughing harder.

"How on earth did you figure that out?" Jason was beginning to suspect that AJ's belief that their grandmother was a mystical creature was true. She just knew everything. "Did you tell her?" He asked his girlfriend.

"No." Liz had to wipe her eyes. Jason never beat his grandmother, although he continued to try. "I knew that you wanted to share the news in person. I also would like to know how you figured it out."

"I'm not going to say. Since Jason was so rude." Lila grinned and showed off her perfectly even white teeth. It was actually pretty easy to guess. It didn't have anything to do with something they said, but it was about something they did.

"Emily told you?" Jason said trying to puzzle this out.

"Jason Morgan, your sister would never betray a confidence." Lila raised a sculpted brow at him. It was her version of raising her voice. "Just because I am smarter than you is no reason to start slinging mud." Their new relationship was not the only thing she knew. Carly was expecting but her granddaughter, and other grandson, hadn't announced it yet. Lila was just able to figure it out.

"Sorry." Jason immediately retracted his statement.

"Would you be willing to tell me how you figured it out?" Liz wanted to know.

"Absolutely." Lila was smiling again. "It's how you two are sitting on the couch."

"I'm going to need you to go into more detail." Jason told his grandmother. He was an expert at reading body language and he couldn't see anything they were doing differently. He generally sat next to Elizabeth on the couch. Unless there wasn't any room. Emily took great joy in sitting between them if the opportunity arose.

"Your hips and legs are touching." Lila said like it was obvious. "You do normally sit close together, but never that close. That is a lot of contact considering that the rest of the couch is empty. If Elizabeth was leaning back your sides would be touching as well because Jason, you have your arm across the back of the couch." Which wasn't unusual.

"I'll never be as awesome as you." Jason just shook his head.

"Nope." Lila let him know.

"What's the second thing that you don't think we'll share?" Liz had to know.

Lila didn't speak instead she pointed down.

Liz didn't have to look and neither did Jason. The bruises around her ankles had been spotted. Liz's wedges wouldn't hide them. She had considered wearing sneakers but realized the socks she liked to wear, which were the kind that were hidden in your sneakers, wouldn't hide the discoloration either. Her other choices were to change into long pants and wear her boots, or buy new socks. Liz wanted to wear this dress today, it made her happy; so the pants and boots were out. Plus she hated long socks which meant buying them wasn't going to happen. So she tried using a concealer that was a shade darker than her skin which muted the color but didn't eliminate it.

"Zander had a friend of his kidnap me the night before last. It wasn't until early yesterday morning that Jason brought me home." Lying to Lila didn't even cross Liz's mind. She held out her hand and showed her palms. These bruises were coming in slower so the concealer on the back of her hand was doing a good job of hiding them.

"I brought her home, after she rescued herself." Jason was still so proud of that.

"We are going away so I'll have time to become less colorful." Liz finished the story. "We just couldn't leave without sharing our news with you first."

"I don't blame you for taking some time outside of Port Charles. Answering a bunch of questions about this incident will not be helpful." Particularly since Jason would be handling clean up. "I never liked Zander." She looked at her grandson and he nodded indicating the situation was under control.

Liz just nodded as well. That wasn't something she learned until after breaking up with him. Each time they crossed paths with Mrs. Q she was her normal gracious self. Once the relationship ended Liz learned that her best friend's grandmother thought Zander was a toad with a roaming eye.

"Where are you whisking my grandson off too?" Lila wanted to know.

"Puerto Rico." Liz answered smiling. "He's going to show me the resort and the island."

"I haven't been to that island in years. Edward and I went before Alan was born." Lila reminisced. That was how they got their eldest child. "Then we took the kids when they were in their early teens. I'm willing to bet the colors down there will be an inspiration to you." Jason and Sonny both had mentioned that she could go whenever she liked. Lila just preferred the comforts of home.

"I think so as well." Liz answered nodding her head. The entire culture would more than likely leave a lasting impression.

"That dress will fit right in." Lila was guessing Jason was also taking this trip so that he could focus on Elizabeth. This might remind her of another event the younger woman worked hard to move past.

"I was thinking the same thing when I picked it to wear." The dress just made her feel good. "We have something else to share."

"Unless you'd like to guess." Jason just grinned.

"No one likes a pouter." Lila let him know. "He's just like his grandfather."

"I'm moving into the penthouse." Liz just shared the news before Jason had his ego dented again. "When we return from our trip."

"That is more fantastic news." Lila was hoping that at some point they would be coming over to announce an engagement. They were already in love and she was not one for waiting. When it was right there was no need to delay. "With no one home, I can get to say I found out before they did. Em doesn't count."

"Of course she does." Jason said to be difficult. He then oomphed when his girlfriend elbowed him.

"You're right, she doesn't count." Liz said with a sunny smile.

"When are you two leaving?" Lila wanted to know.

"When we are done being abused here." Jason answered being a smartass.

"You are lucky then. I have an appointment shortly, so all the time I scheduled for abuse is used up." Lila deadpanned. "Are you sure you want to deal with this?" She asked Liz.

"I'm hoping he turns out like Edward." Liz laughed again at Jason's expression.

"Edward is adorable." Lila was still very much in love with her husband. "Enjoy your trips my darlings."

"We will." Jason kissed his grandmother's cheek again, and this time Liz did as well. "We will call when we return and come over for dinner." It had been awhile, doing so would make his grandmother, and Monica, smile.

"Make it brunch." Which was less formal and thus would be more enjoyable for him.

"Deal." Jason kissed her again before walking out to where the car was parked.


"Where are the guys?" Liz asked looking at the empty car. Last night Jason said their guards were meeting them at the plane. This morning Francis called to change those plans. With Zander unaccounted for Johnny was going to go to the mansion as backup for Max.

"The garden." Jason didn't even have to look to know he was correct. "Johnny loves the roses which is why he declined to come in this time. That and because he knew we were telling Lila about us dating. Max probably wandered in after him and got lost." A lot of the guys enjoyed the garden whenever they had a reason to be on the grounds.

"How long will they be gone?" Liz hadn't known that.

"Long enough for me to steal a kiss, or two." He backed her up until the hand on her lower back hit the car and leaned forward capturing her soft lips. Letting himself sink into the kiss, Jason forgot everything else.


Elizabeth slipped on her sunglasses as she stepped out of the plane and into the bright sunshine. While it was warm in Port Charles she could swear that the sun felt different down here in the tropical paradise. It was a trick of the mind, probably from her relaxing during the almost four hour flight. Leaving the states was the right call. There were two cars waiting at the bottom of the stairs along with two guards.

"Renaldo." Liz said giving her friend a big hug. "How are you?"

"I'm great." He had been pissed to hear about what happened to her, and was going to make sure the stay down here was relaxing. "How are you?"

"Okay. I'm okay." Liz said giving him a smile to ease his worry. It didn't surprise her that he knew what had taken place. "Who is with you?" She didn't recognize the second guard.

Renaldo dropped the subject, one of the guys would give him an update. "This is Lee." The younger guard looked a bit surprised and Renaldo could guess why.

Lee extended his hand. He was not going to be hugging on his boss's girlfriend. His boss's really pretty girlfriend. He was shocked that Renaldo did that. "Ms. Webber."

"Oh no." Liz looked at Renaldo. "Really? What are you teaching them down here?" She turned back to Lee. "It's Elizabeth, or Liz."

"Uh." Lee looked at her and tried not to blush. "I'll help with the luggage." He said dodging the issue. From what he understood he was just backup so he probably wouldn't have to interact with her much, which meant he wouldn't have to deal with what to call her.

Liz gave Renaldo a look before smiling. She would wear Lee down before they left. She still needed to find out how long this trip was because at the moment she had no idea.

"Jason." Renaldo shook his boss's hand. "Here are the keys."

"How are you?" Jason saw his friend several times a year, still he always checked in.

"Good." Renaldo enjoyed being down here. "The houses are ready." Just standing around was not good. Lee and Max had divided up the bags so they could leave.

"Come on O'Brien. You can catch me up on what is happening in Port Chuck." Renaldo walked over to the second car. "No, I'm not letting you drive." The South American guard grinned.

Johnny just rolled his eyes, man he missed Renaldo. Once they were all in the vehicles they started the drive to the house.


Jason taking the long way to the property was not surprising. He would want to show Liz some of the island. Exploring in depth could take place later in the stay, but this was just a quick view. After that he got on the coastal highway and let the water be the star of the ride.

"Where on the island are we staying?" Liz asked as they passed through another city.

"Dorado." Jason said switching lanes. "We just passed through San Juan. I figure at some point during the trip we will visit the city and do touristy stuff."

"How long are you expecting this trip to be?" Liz had more free time at the moment than he did.

"I have no idea." Jason said with a boyish grin. "I didn't really do much planning."

"Seriously?" Liz looked at him like she didn't know who he was. Jason planned pretty much everything. He even scheduled the time for their bike rides and if she wasn't available he would shoot some pool by himself or with the guys. Last year when sunspots started messing with signals and folks were having connection issues Sonny joked that Jason would curl into a ball and cry without the ability to check his schedule. The man was organized.

"We came down so that you could heal and we can spend some uninterrupted time together. When both those things are accomplished then we can return." Jason gave her a quick look. "Or we can go back whenever you say."

"What about Zander?" Liz shifted in her seat so she could see him better.

"Once he's located then the guys will hold him until I return." Jason wasn't going to let that asshat disrupt their time away. "There is no rush there." He paused briefly. "Or if you'd rather Francis can take care of things so that when we return it's handled." He would do that for her.

"Can I think about it?" Liz might want to talk to her ex. She hadn't made her mind up about that yet.

"Absolutely." Jason reached over and picked up her hand, kissed the back of it, and then put it down. He was guessing she was trying to decide if she had anything she wanted to say to Zander. If she decided the answer was yes, he would see that she got her chance.


They drove through Dorado and into an area where the houses were far enough apart that they became estates. They went past them until Jason turned down a private road lined with trees and she felt like they were entering another world. It wasn't surprising that Sonny's place would be a considerable distance from anyone else. Not only would that be a security safeguard, but it also ensure his privacy. The large wrought iron gate also wasn't surprising either. It wasn't until they were actually on the grounds that things took a turn for the different.

Back in Port Charles Sonny lived in a huge fortress. There really wasn't another word for it. Greystone, because yeah it had a name, gave her the chills whenever she drove up to it. She was also convinced that the place was haunted. A belief that Johnny totally shared.

"Is that the main house?" She pointed to the structure at the top of the drive. It was still a good size, but smaller than she was expecting.

"Yeah." Jason just grinned. "The lifestyle down here is a lot more casual and we all embrace that when we are here. Suits with no ties, or khakis with button down shirts are fairly common."

"Like Renaldo and Lee were dressed." Liz often noticed folks' clothes before she noticed them. It was a byproduct of her career. She didn't judge people for what they wore though because style was too personal to mock.

"The only time a full suit is required is when the guys are scheduled for casino shifts." Jason drove past Sonny's place as they moved deeper into the property. They passed a couple more buildings one of which housed the pool. Sonny had it enclosed last year for use on rainy days. "That is where Johnny and Max will be staying." He pointed out a bungalow. "Renaldo has a place in Dorado proper, I'm guessing Lee does as well, we are just outside the city."

"Is that your place?" She pointed to the house that was just a bit further away.

Jason nodded as he pulled the car into the carport. He was the only one of the crew who lived alone. Even Sonny often had guests when he was done here. Johnny generally stayed in the main house, so did any of the other guys who wanted to. The crew members like Francis and Milo who had ladies with them got to stay in one of the guest houses, of which there were seven, for privacy. Jason was also the only person besides Sonny to have a dedicated space. This was his house, he had clothes here, and even if he wasn't around no one stayed here. "Like Sonny's place I don't think this is what you will be expecting."

"I'm sure it's wonderful." Liz said smiling. "Take me inside and show me around."

Jason came around and helped her out of the car. He would come back for the luggage shortly. Stepping inside they found themselves in the foyer which lead to the living room. From there they walked through the dining room and then into the kitchen. "The bedrooms are down this way. There are three of them. Have a look around while I get the luggage."

Liz nodded and walked through the rest of the bungalow. She was definitely going to be spending time in the tub that was is in the master bath maybe even with Jason. When she came back out front the walkout from the dining room caught her attention so she stepped out. There was a path that led down to what she was guessing was a private beach, but from the spot she was standing in she could already see the water. To the right of the patio space there was a small personal pool that she was guessing could be heated as well.

"What do you think?" He asked joining her outside.

"This may be the most peaceful place I've ever been in my life." Liz turned to him smiling. "Did you build this house?"

"No. This was a retreat before Sonny bought it, which is why there are so many houses on the property. When he decided to keep the individual cottages but just spruce them up he let me have first pick of which one I wanted. I chose this one. Even though it's set back some I'm still close enough that I don't feel like I'm alone." Jason had taken the smallest of the outer houses. From this patio he could wave to the house that the guys were in.

"Who decorated it?" Liz wanted to know. There wasn't a very strong island feel to the place. The interior gave off a more contemporary feel, but at the same time it was somewhere that she could see Jason being comfortable. The color palette was very much suited to him.

"Johnny." Jason wasn't surprised that she clued into the fact that he didn't pick out the furnishings. "We actually used to share this house because at one point only Sonny's place and this one were rehabbed. O'Brien came down more often than I did so I let him decorate. We stopped sharing the place because he's impossible to live with." Jason said laughing. "I threw him out."

"You did not." Liz replied laughing at his joke.

Jason walked over and dropped a kiss on her lips. "I did. The man is a slob."

"He's not that bad. I've been in Johnny's place. Our friend is just not the neat freak that we are." Because she worked on more than one design at a time being tidy kept her from going insane. Liz put her head on Jason's shoulder and just relaxed against him.

"How about I give you a personal tour of the bedroom." Jason asked as his hand moved over her back, which thankfully wasn't bruised. She hadn't slept well last night and he was guessing she was ready for a nap. Elizabeth was also walking stiffly so at some point tonight he would suggest some time in the hot tub. Once she was rested and feeling better they could talk about maybe going out to dinner. Right now he just wanted to take care of her.

"I would love that tour." Liz was feeling sleepy. A quick nap might happen which would give her energy for a later night. She didn't want Jason to think they had to spend their entire trip resting. There was plenty of island to see and explore.

Bending his knees he scooped her up and took her back into the house. Setting her on her feet by the bed he helped her undress and since their luggage was still in the foyer he took off his shirt and gave it to her.

"Lie down with me?" She requested wanting to be in his arms.

Jason didn't answer but instead kicked off his boots and jeans. "Get some rest and we'll talk about tonight when you wake up."

"Kay." Liz said snuggling close and then drifting off.

Jason settled in beside her and did the same.


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