Page Twelve:
Synergy

Pulling into a lodge, he puts the bike in park before making his way inside to grab a room, needing a few hours of sleep before he gets back on the road. Noticing the receptionist is busy, he steps to the side where he spots a rack of postcards, something he has come to appreciate in places like this. Skimming through them, he doesn't spot any that really jump out at him, finding that unfortunate.

"None of them speak to you?" a soft voice prompts him to turn to the person that joined him at the postcard rack, a lodge worker. "I know the look."

"Sure, you can say that," he replies. "Any recommendations?"

"Depends," the young woman replies. "What is it exactly you're looking for?"

"Something an artist can love," he admits. "If I show you some examples, do you think you can help me with that?"

"Definitely," she says with a smile, holding her hand out to him. "I'm Mara, by the way, in case you were wondering."

"Jason," he replies, shaking her hand before digging in his bag to pull out the stack he's accumulated so far. "You like art?"

"Not particularly, no," she says as she flips through the stack before handing it to him. "I like relationships...stories. And I have just the card to add to this carefully put-together stack."

Following her to the desk, he stands by as she walks behind it, acknowledging her coworker before pulling out a box from a locked drawer. The look that crossed the coworker's face told him that this wasn't the first time that she's pulled out that box but it was clearly a rarity. Sifting through her box, she pulls out a single postcard before gently setting it down in front of him.

"Tell me," Mara voices as he gently takes the card into his hands. "Will it do?"

"Yeah," he manages to get out, lifting his gaze to meet hers. "It'll do."

"Good," Mara smiles. "Well, it was nice to meet you, Jason, but I was just on my way out. Enjoy your stay."

"Thanks."

Just before she leaves the lodge, Mara steps over to her co-worker, whispering something before making her way out of the lodge. It wasn't until Jason stepped up to the co-worker to get started checking in that he was made aware of what Mara just did for him. He tried to decline the room comp but the co-worker wasn't having any of it.

"She's the boss," the worker explains. "What she says goes."

"Right," Jason glances over his shoulder at the door Mara walked out of before turning back to the worker, confused by the look that graces the other person's face. "What?"

"Sorry, it's just..." the worker tries to find the right words. "That box of postcards is the last of the handmade postcards that Mara's mother made before she passed. It's not all that often that she just hands them out...that's all."

"I can't take it..."

"You can't give it back," the worker shuts down the thought. "Her mother told her to be selective with the people when handing them out. The fact that she chose you as one of those people, you can't give it back."

"Got it," Jason accepts, taking the key to his room. "Thanks."

Securing the postcard to the rest of the stack, he slides it back into his jacket pocket and makes his way to his room, needing to get some sleep. He'll only stay for the day, not wanting to stop anywhere for too long, not after having gone so long without riding. Getting into his room, he washes up real quick before plopping down on the bed. The place sure has some damn comfortable bedding.

"Morgan," he answers his phone the next morning.

"Hey," Francis Corelli's voice comes over the line. "Weekly update."

"Okay."

"Had to step in a few times at the bar, but out of her sight," Francis informs. "She can be quite...something when she thinks I'm treating her like a victim."

"That I know," Jason replies. "Anything else?"

"Yeah," Francis hesitates. "That part I can't really tell you without overstepping."

"Tell me what you can."

"Detail needs revising," Francis replies. "Someone on her door and someone to relieve me. No gaps."

"Do it," Jason says plainly. "Cody on the door. John as your reliever."

"And Sonny?"

"I'll handle it," Jason replies. "Just get it done."

"Got it."

Checking out of the lodge, he leaves an envelope with a few hundred dollars at the desk with Mara's name on it before heading out to his bike and getting back on the road. Though Francis won't say the words, he says plenty with his silence, making him less than eager to head home any time soon. Getting to the next stop, gas station, he sends out a message to Sonny about the update to Elizabeth's detail. Making it known there was no wiggle room with it.

In the weeks to follow, Jason makes his way through the country, only stopping to fuel up or rest up, nothing like the open road to clear his mind and help him focus on the parts of his life that need addressing the most. He has done most of his best thinking on the open road and the more time he spends on it, the clearer his decision seems to be. Though if he were truly honest with himself, he already knew the answers, he just couldn't truly let himself see it.

...

...

...

Balancing a holder full of drinks in one hand with to-go bags in the other, Elizabeth smiles softly when Francis takes the drinks from her hands, having known he'd do so the moment she walked out of the diner. Though his main objective is to protect her against any physical threat, he's found his way into a moment personal role in her life, something neither is complaining about.

"One's for you," she voices as they make their way to his car. "Large black coffee."

"Thanks," he smiles slightly. "I'm assuming our next stop is Deception."

"You assume right," she confirms. "Lucky's first big shoot is today and I want to show my support."

"He got the promotion?"

"He did," she replies happily. "It was a tough line up but I had no doubt he'd pull through. His photos spoke volumes."

"Yeah, I thought so, too," he agrees, having been nearby when Lucky was showing her his portfolio. "Of course, when it comes to artistic things, you're still my favorite artist."

"Good," Elizabeth smirks. "I wouldn't want to have to dethrone my ex-boyfriend when he's just getting his footing."

Sharing a laugh, Francis opens the door for her, waiting long enough for her to get in before closing the door and climbing into the driver's seat. It took a bit to find their rhythm with each other but they've found their groove and now find comfort in being able to just be themselves with each other.

"Hey, you," Carly's the first to greet her when she walks into the shoot. "Oh, god, tell me one of those is for me."

"Obviously," Elizabeth says, lifting the marked cup to hand it to her. "Chamomile tea to your taste."

"Have I told you how much I love you?" Carly comments, taking a long sip of her tea before hugging Elizabeth in thanks. "We just finished setting up for the shoot. I'm sure the others will be happy to take a short break now that you're here."

"Don't forget that you have your appointment in a couple of hours," Elizabeth reminds her as they make their way to where Lucky and Laura are going over the shoot details. "You're not postponing this again."

"I know, I know," Carly assures. "You and Sonny will never let me hear the end of it if I do."

"Don't give me that look," Elizabeth counters. "I got you your pizza rolls back, didn't I?"

"Yes, you did, and I love you for it," Carly smiles in thanks. "I won't reschedule, promise."

"Good," Elizabeth says, handing her the chocolate chip muffin just before they get to the others. "That's for my godchild."

"They thank you," Carly smirks before turning her attention to the others. "Look who came to support our first big shoot."

The look of relief that comes over Lucky's features told her that he appreciated her showing up more than he could put into words. Handing out the drinks she brought for them, she also hands out the sandwiches she brought for them, knowing that food and drinks were far from their thoughts as they were prepping for the shoot. Knowing these workaholics they'd forget all about it until the shoot was long over. Best to keep their strength up beforehand if this goes as long as Carly says it will.

"How's our boy?" Nikolas's voice puts a soft smile on her face as he pulls up a chair to sit next to her.

"In his element," she assures, leaning in when he leans over to kiss her cheek. "He's a natural behind the camera."

"Yeah, he truly is," Nikolas agrees. "I was happy when he won out for the position as lead photographer."

"Mhm," she turns to look at him, a slight smirk on her lips.

"What?" he questions when he takes in her expression.

"Do I really have to ask?"

"Lucky told you?"

"Lucky...Laura...Carly," she shrugs. "Take your pick."

"Nosy bunch the lot of them," he rolls his eyes. "I was going to tell you eventually."

"Mhm."

"I was."

"When?"

"When it became something," he replies honestly. "We're just talking right now. Nothing serious."

"If I take their word for it, she sounds like quite the woman," Elizabeth comments. "Is she?"

"You'll like her," he assures her. "I'll introduce you two, promise, just not yet."

"I'm in no rush," Elizabeth replies simply. "Let it unfold as it's meant to. I'll be here when you're ready to bring me into it."

"Thanks," he smiles gratefully. "While we're on the topic, any update on your guy?"

"Not yet," Elizabeth admits. "But, like with your situation, I'm in no rush."

"Still, if things don't unfold in your favor, the man's more brain-damaged than I thought," Nikolas comments. "Only someone truly damaged in the head will choose Robin over you."

"You only say that because you love me," Elizabeth smiles. "But I'll take it."

"That and it's true," Nikolas counters. "Speaking of which, I noticed your shadow...is she still a problem?"

"Nothing I can't handle," Elizabeth assures him. "You're starting something good with your model. Don't let the succubus back in your head."

"As long as you're sure you have a handle on it."

"I'm sure."

Settling into their seats, they turn their focus to the photo shoot, taking in the first big shoot for Deception. So much work has been done to get their people to this point and they couldn't be more proud to see it finally come to fruition. When the alarm sounds from Elizabeth's phone, she gestures to Carly, letting her know it's time for them to head to the appointment. Sonny will be meeting them at the hospital.

While Sonny and Carly head in for her appointment, she takes her usual seat in the waiting area, Francis joining her to wait out the time with her. With the hospital being so open, a true security nightmare, he prefers being close by the ensure a fast response if anything should happen. With Robin's unpredictability these days, his concerns aren't unwarranted. The longer Jason's away, the more undone she's becoming, making her wish he'd just come back with an answer for everyone's sake. If only to get this woman off her back.

"Left hall, just past the storage room," Francis says just above a whisper.

"I know," she replies, not even glancing in the woman's direction. "She overheard me talking to Carly about the appointment a few days ago. Figured she'd show up eventually."

"She's seriously not as subtle as she thinks she is."

"I truly don't know where she thinks we're hiding Jason," she shakes her head. "As if we pull him out of our pockets every time she's not around."

"I thought Sonny finally told her that Jason's out of town."

"He did," she confirms. "Her paranoia has her believing that he's just pulling the wool over her eyes. Nothing will fix the crazy in that girl apart from Jason finally coming home."

"Not that I put much merit in it but a restraining order is looking more and more appealing by the day," Francis comments, glancing down the hall to ensure the woman hasn't moved any closer. "Being the commissioner's niece I'm sure the man will ensure it's enforced if only to protect his image."

"As much as she annoys me, I'd rather not go through the hassle of all that," Elizabeth replies simply. "It's only a matter of time now before Jason comes home. I'll be fine till then."

Shifting their focus away from her avid stalker, they start talking about the plans for the rest of the day, making sure they have things planned out for what happens after the hospital. Anything to fill the silence and take the focus off the woman that truly didn't understand the concept of boundaries or sanity at this point.

Once Sonny and Carly walk out of the appointment and let her know that everything's going according to plan with the pregnancy, she and Francis say their goodbyes and head back to her apartment for some downtime, needing it after the rush of the day. Situating herself by the window with her sketchbook, she throws herself into her art while Francis sits by the door with his book, both losing themselves in their comfort knowing that Cody has their back on the door.

"Hey," Francis says gently, touching her shoulder to get her attention. "Time for dinner."

"Never fails when I lose myself in my art," she smiles softly, shutting her sketchbook and setting it aside. "I'm not running late am I?"

"Not in the slightest," he assures her. "You have time to get ready."

"Thanks," she says before rising to her feet. "See you tomorrow?"

"Count on it," he replies. "John's out on assignment so I'll sit on your door while Cody brings you up. Ritchie will bring you back down after dinner."

"Okay," she accepts. "Enjoy your night."

"You, too."

Something in his words had her looking at him curiously but she thought better than to question it. While he steps out to go over things with Cody, she makes her way to her shower to get washed up and ready for dinner upstairs. It was just her luck, however, when they head to the elevator and find Robin walking on just as they get there.

Knowing it wasn't that long of a ride, she steps on with Cody standing between them as the buffer. As usual, Robin tries to question her while she can't walk away but Cody simply turns to face her, showing with his face alone that she wasn't getting anything out of either of them. Before long, the elevator door opens, Cody blocking Robin's exit long enough for Elizabeth to walk off and into the penthouse before he lets her walk off.

Dinner goes off much like always, all thankful when they don't get an unwelcomed visit from Robin, none of them needing her to ruin the good mood brought on by the day's events. According to Laura, the shoot wrapped without a hitch, all thankful for that. Between the shoot going well and Carly's appointment revealing normal growth, this was too good a day to have their dinner ruined by Robin's rantings.

"Did I hear right?" Sonny asks Elizabeth as they clear up after dinner. "Jake's setting things up for you to take over the bar?"

"Looks like it," Elizabeth confirms. "She's ready to retire."

"I didn't think we were anywhere near that," Sonny admits. "How do you feel about it?"

"Not entirely sure," she replies honestly. "I didn't walk into this thinking I'd come out owning the bar."

"From what I heard, Jake hired you with the expectation that this would be the outcome."

"She told me," she confirms. "We're still talking it through, though, no decisions have been made yet."

"It's a big commitment, so, it's good to think it through," Sonny says honestly. "But I have to admit I'm intrigued by the idea of you owning the bar."

"Me, too, if I'm being honest," Elizabeth admits. "I'll let you know what I decide when I come to it."

"Appreciate it."

Finishing clearing up, she says her goodbyes before meeting with Ritchie to head back down to her apartment, ignoring Robin standing in the doorway of Jason's penthouse as she's walking onto the elevator. As crazy as she thinks Robin is, a small part of her feels for the woman, even though she knows that whatever she's going through is truly of her own making.

Thanking Ritchie for walking her down, she says goodnight to him and Cody before retreating to the safety of her apartment. Thankful that the day was finally over and she could relax. That was the plan, of course, but the sound of a specific knock on her door has her frozen for a moment. It couldn't be...could it?

Knock.

Knock. Knock.

Knock.

Hearing the second knock, realizing it wasn't in her head, Elizabeth rushes to the door, pulling it open to find Jason standing on the other side, Cody nowhere in sight. Much like the last time they were together, not a single word is spoken as he lifts her up into his arms, her arms and legs wrapping around him instinctively as his lips take claim to hers. Using his body to shut the door, he turns them around so he can lock the door, his focus never leaving her.

Given the day's events, Elizabeth knows that he hasn't gone to see Robin yet, but she couldn't care less at that moment. He's made his decision. She's certain that he'll handle what needs handling but right now is about them and she's not about to let logic prevent her from being with him. Not after all the time she's spent without him. The responsible things to do can wait until after tonight.

"Elizabeth," he whispers as they lay tangled up on the bed, coming down from the height of ecstasy.

"Jason," she whispers back, lifting her gaze from their intertwined fingers to meet his gaze.

"I'm sorry it took this long for me to come back," he says wholeheartedly. "I know you haven't had the easiest time."

"Nothing I couldn't handle," she assures him. "Are you sure this is the decision you wanted to make?"

"Wasn't even a decision," Jason admits. "It was always going to be you. I just had to get out of my own way to see it."

"I know what you mean," she replies. "You saw me when I got back. Completely deluding myself into believing I could ever go back to being strangers with you."

"Yeah, that was hard for me to take but I trusted you knew what was best for you," Jason admits. "Thank you for being honest with me."

"Thank you for being honest with yourself," she counters. "So, tell me, what did you do while you were away?"

"Ride mostly and..." he replies, reaching over to where he tossed his jacket to pull out the stack of postcards he accumulated while he was away. "...hunting down one of these from everywhere I went."

"Oh my...wow..." Elizabeth voices, moving into a sitting position to turn on the lamp on the bedside table, taking in the stack that he put together. "These are so beautiful. I literally have no words..."

"There wasn't a single moment while I was gone that you weren't on my mind," he says gently, smiling softly when she lifts her gaze to meet his. "I still have to settle things with Robin but starting today it's you and me. No more secrecy or denying that what we have is real. I'm in this with you to the end. That work for you?"

"Yeah," she whispers, leaning in when he leans into her for a kiss. "That works."

Setting the stack of postcards down on the bedside table, they shut off the lamp and settle in for a good night's sleep, knowing they're both committed to each other and what lies ahead. She has to admit that she'll miss him calling her by his nicknames for her but the way he says Elizabeth, well, she'll take it over the nicknames any day.

Nestling into him as he holds her close, she allows herself the comfort of knowing that this truly marks the start of their relationship, regardless of the loose ends by way of Robin. He said he'll handle it and she'll let him because she knows that once he lays out the reality for Robin, she will no longer need to hold her punches with the other woman. And boy she couldn't wait for that day.

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Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait. I know I don't have to explain why, but I just want you to know that I'm okay and I'm slowly finding my way to being good. I hope you enjoyed this update and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Now that Jason has made his decision, what comes next? Thanks and take care.