A/N: Apparently I had too much time on my hands this weekend. Hope you enjoy

"My Aunt and Uncle would be honored by this show of generosity for the new children's oncology wing of General Hospital. Family meant everything to them. The Stefan and Kristina Cassadine Foundation's primary goal is to end childhood cancer so that no more families are torn apart by this monstrous disease. On behalf of my Aunt Alexis and her daughters, my Aunt Kristina, Uncle Stefan and myself, I thank you for your support."

Applause erupts as Nikolas leaves the podium. Within seconds the orchestra sounds and guests return to the dance floor.

Alexis smiles, brushing tears out of her eyes, she cups Nikolas face gently "That was beautiful, Stefan would be so proud." She gathers him in her arms and I look away from the display. There is an intimacy between them that only a shared history allows, and I choke on unwelcome resentment. I stand and excuse myself, afraid this irrational jealousy will show.

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"I like the blue satin better."

"No this is your color." Alexis turned to the saleswoman. "The alterations will can be done this afternoon?"

"Yes Ms. Davis. Bernice has already working on your hemline. So you'll be taking the lavender dress Miss Davis."

"No, Miss DAVIS wants the blue."

Alexis smiled brightly. "Could you give us a minute?"

The saleswoman looked only too happy to leave. "You're still mad?"

"I can't believe you!" I scowled.

"He's very nice Sam and well his last girlfriend, well it didn't end well. But it wasn't Cruz's fault."

"If he is so great why don't you go with him?"

"I'm the DA. It wouldn't be proper for me to date a subordinate, it could be grounds for a sexual harassment lawsuit."

"And pimping your daughter to him isn't?"

"I don't pimp. It's just one night Sam. I don't expect you to marry him for heaven's sake."

"Why can't I just go with Nikolas?" I whined.

"Well, mostly because I don't think Emily would appreciate it."

"He's back with Emily? When did that happen?"

"Um, when I called and asked if she could be his escort."

"Alexis!"

"They've been best friends since they were kids, and they are currently unattached it makes perfect sense."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, so who are you going with?"

"Um…"

"You are not going stag…"

"No…"

"With Jax?"

Alexis wrinkled her nose. "Carly wouldn't like that much."

"Sonny…"

Alexis blushed. "I'm the DA. Remember?"

"Not Ric!"

She simply glared at that one.

"Then who?"

"Garrett."

"Garrett Floyd? Mayor Garrett Floyd!" I yelp, "You hate him! Right you hate him?"

"Sometimes…sometimes I don't, but he's divorced and I'm separated, it seemed logical."

"You have an extremely odd sense of logic, Mother."

"Stand still…" She ordered, smoothing out my dress.

"Can't I please stay home?"

"The tickets were $1000 a head. You are going." She twirled me around so I faced myself in the mirror. "And you'll have a good time if it kills us both!"

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"Hey…" I turn and see Cruz standing awkwardly a few feet behind me.

"Hi. Did Alexis send you after me?"

"No. I just thought you might like some champagne."

"Champagnes not really my thing."

Cruz sighs. "Me neither…I'm dying for a beer."

"You can get one at the bar."

"Yeah, I know, but…"

"I'm really sorry my mother roped you into this."

"She didn't…not really."

I laugh at his protest. "Right."

"Sam, I would have said no if I wanted to." He leans on the railing. "Truth is this party is a little out of my league, but I'm enjoying the company."

"Uh, Cruz…"

"Relax. I know you aren't interested."

"Well, no…" I blush. "It's just…"

"Truth is I've been thinking of asking you out for a while. Course, I was thinking more along the lines of a movie, pizza, and a couple of beers."

I smile.

"I know you're still in love with him." I bite my lower lip. "but sometimes a beer and a movie is just a beer and a movie."