Author's Note: I am amazed by how well this story is doing. I have been walking around like a child giddy with glee. My sincere thanks to everybody who have read, saved in favorites, set to alert or commented on 'Till You Make It'. I really do appreciate it.
This chapter is written a little differently than the first two. I wanted to write parts of this one through three different points of views. For me, it was a challenge because I have never done it this way before and I am unsure if I wrote it well enough for you all to follow. I hope so. If I failed at it, then I apologize. Know that this will not be how I will be continuing to write it; the following chapters will be exactly like the first two. Not to say that I won't attempt to try this again if I feel it's needed. Any advice on how to approve my style will be welcoming. Thank you.
Happy reading and I hope you enjoy!
Valerie
Chapter 3: Three Sided Conversation
"I do understand your job is important too Lucky, I'm not saying it isn't but the hospital is already short a few nurses and Epiphany needs me."
"I'm sorry Elizabeth but like I said, a new lead recently came up on a case I'm working on and everything is set for today. There is no way I can do it."
Elizabeth was beyond frustrated. She could already begin to feel a headache coming on and it was barely just six in the morning. Her alarm had just gone off but there was no need for it to, she had been up throughout the night dealing with a sick little boy. Shortly after going to bed last night Jake woke her up complaining that his stomach hurt. Elizabeth feared this would happen after being informed that one of the other children at the hospital daycare went home sick with an upset stomach. Now her son was a little feverish and there was no way he could be around other kids.
She called Epiphany hoping that she could get out of work, though she understood where Elizabeth was coming from, the answer was a no. Next she called Lucky thinking he would have no problems taking a day off to spend time with Cam and Jake. Clearly that wasn't going to happen. Normally she wouldn't have been so angry by him choosing his job over their boys, but this time she was because this wasn't just any case, it was one that had something to do with whatever Jason, Sam and Spinelli were involved with. Elizabeth had been seeing the four of them together quite a lot these days.
"If things are already set up than cant somebody else cover for you?" She tried one last time.
"That's not how it works. I've been personally involved since the beginning and seeing a different face would spook our guy. My hands are tied here." Like hell they were but she wasn't about to tell him that. Obviously there was nothing else she could say to change his mind.
"Bye." She blurted out before slamming the cordless phone down on the table. "What the heck do I do now?" Elizabeth asked herself as she sat in the armchair in her darkened living room. Jake was finally sleeping soundly and she hadn't wakened Cam yet. Times like these brought thoughts of her Gram's to mind knowing that if she were still with them today, she would've taken care of the boys for her. As much as she wanted to get lost in memories of her grandmother, Elizabeth knew now wasn't the time. She had to figure out how to get out of work without losing her job or find a baby-sitter. Both look to be an improbability.
Unless...
Suddenly Nikolas Cassadine came to mind. For awhile now he has been pushing her to let him hire a nanny for the boys. As always, Elizabeth would politely decline; but maybe, just maybe, he would be willing to help her find somebody for the day. She picked up her phone again and dialed his number.
"Hello." He answered in the middle of the forth ring. Elizabeth could hear in his voice that he had still been asleep and if she weren't desperate she would've felt bad for waking him up.
"Nikolas I am sorry for calling so early but I could really use your help."
"Is something wrong Elizabeth?" He sounded more alert. "Are the boys okay?"
"It's nothing like that; I didn't mean to scare you." She quickly assured him.
"What's going on? How can I help you?"
"Well it's really all very minor except that I could lose my job if I don't show up so yeah I guess it is kind of an emergency, but not a life threatening kind of emergency, more like a..."
"You're rambling Liz; its way too early for me to attempt to follow so can you just spit it out."
"Jake is sick and I couldn't get the day off." She answered quickly. "I called Lucky but he says he is working on an important case and can't watch the boys so I was wondering if there was an agency you could call and hire somebody for me just for the day. I am off the next two days and Lucky has them this weekend so I should be fine."
"Assuming that brother of mine doesn't cancel on you again."
"He promised he wouldn't." Elizabeth tried to defend Lucky but it sounded weak to her own ears and judging by the grunt Nikolas made he didn't believe it as well.
"My offer to hire you a nanny still stands."
"I appreciate it, more that you know, but I really hate the idea of having somebody else living here in my home."
"She doesn't have to be a live-in nanny."
"I know, but to be honest, unless the situation is like today than I'm good with having the boys in daycare."
"But I'm sure there are days you would like a little time to yourself and when school begins for Cameron, and pretty soon Jake, you don't have to use your break to pick him up and bring him back to the hospital; the nanny would take care of that. As soon as you get home you can release her for the night."
"I admit it sounds tempting but..."
"Just give it some serious thought, okay. As for today; how about I pick them up and they can spend the day here with me, Spencer and his new nanny Rosie?"
"What happened to the old one?"
"Due to poor health she retired so I hired Ambrose."
"I thought you said her name was Rosie?"
Nikolas lightly chuckled. "My son decided that Ambrose was too difficult and unpleasant to say so to make it easy on him she suggested Rose. He thought about it and decided he much preferred Rosie instead."
"No he didn't!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"Oh yes he did and let me tell you, I wanted to throttle his neck. I was sure that her first day would be her last but she just laughed, told him she would be honored and even went as far as to thank him. Spencer has taken quite a liking to her."
"That's good to hear. No chances of losing her like your last one?"
"Ms. Creswell is a nice lady in her late fifties who is very much active. She lost her husband several years back and was unable to have children of her own so she devoted her time teaching. She retired to take care of her sick husband and since his passing she found staying at home lonely and very boring so she became a nanny."
"Sounds like you like her as well."
"Not only is she great with Spencer but I she acts very grandmotherly with him and it made me realize that my son has not gotten the chance to experience that."
"Then I am glad he has her."
"So am I."
"But I wouldn't want Spencer to get sick Nikolas."
"Don't worry about it. I can set Jake up in a room filled with everything he needs to keep him occupied. That will separate him from the other two who I know will have a great time together."
Elizabeth laughed knowing how true that was and how happy Cam would be when he heard he would be spending the day with his cousin. "As long as you're sure you won't mind than I would forever be in your debt."
"That's what family is for Liz; no matter what, I am here for you all."
"In that case, yes, I will take you up on your offer. And if it's not too bothersome, can you pick them up around seven thirty so that I can still have a little bit of time to stop in and enjoy a cup of coffee before my shift starts?"
Again he chuckled. "Sure, I will see you in a little bit." He knew how fanatic she was about starting her day off right.
Thanks to Nikolas, she felt so much better. Elizabeth would have to find a way to somehow thank him for this and for being a constant in their lives. A family barbeque sounded like the perfect way for her to say thank you. She would invite him, Spencer and Rosie over the following weekend; unless Lucky canceled then she would schedule it for this coming one.
As promised, Nikolas picked up an excited Cameron and a clinging Jake on time and after double checking she had packed everything, medicine included, Elizabeth was in her car heading towards Java Junkie for her morning fix. The place was a little busier than usual making it hard for her to say anything more to Kevin but hello and asking for her usual coffee and bagel with cream cheese. The couch she regular sat on was thankfully vacant, there were a few times it wouldn't be and she found herself having to sit elsewhere. It was not the same. Elizabeth loved 'her' couch not just for its comfortableness but because of its location as well. It sat against the back left hand corner wall where there were no windows, making it a tad bit darker than the rest of the place. She had a view of the door and the large decorated window giving her ample view of all the comings and goings of the place.
When Kristina walked through the door, Elizabeth wasn't surprised. In-fact she had hoped and had a feeling she would. She watched as she greeted an already frazzled looking Kevin and pay for a coffee and muffin, then watched her turn around looking and quickly spot her. Elizabeth offered the girl a smile which Kristina returned as she made her way over to occupy the same spot she had yesterday.
"Good Morning." She greeted, sounding just as tired as Elizabeth felt.
"Good Morning." She returned.
"I hope you don't mind me joining you again?"
"Not at all." Elizabeth answered. "How are things for you today?"
"The same I guess." There was something in her voice.
"Did something else happen yesterday with Ethan?"
"Oh yeah."
"Uh oh...what happened?" She asked.
"He tracked me down and I guess it would've been okay if he hadn't have asked me...no pleaded was more like it, that we forget that night ever happened."
"As in the night you told him how you felt?" Kristina nodded. "Ouch." Elizabeth sympathized with the young girl.
"It was horrible having to pretend for those few hours we were together. I realized that it was something I couldn't do; not right away that is. I need at least a few days so I asked him to give me some space."
"That's good you did."
"Yeah." Kristina tried to sound as though she agreed but Elizabeth could hear the sadness and doubt in her voice.
"Saying and doing are two different things. Are you sure you will be able to push those feelings aside and just be friends with him?"
"If I want to keep him in my life than I have no other choice; other than me falling out of love with him - and I don't see that happening any time soon."
"So it's more serious than you just having a crush on him."
"Definitely." She answered softly. "He is my best friend. He listens to me when I go on and on about everything and nothing at all. He makes me laugh and when I'm down he always finds a way to bring a smile to my face but that's nothing compared to how happy it makes me feel to do the same for him. Anytime I get into a situation, usually something of my own doing, he is there saving me...even from myself." Elizabeth didn't need to hear any more to know that despite Kristina's age, what she felt for Ethan was genuinely real. "Oh and don't get me started on that sexy accent of his." Kristina threw Elizabeth a wink surprising her and throwing them into a fit of laughter.
"You two have brightened my hellish morning." Kevin startled the two. "Seeing as you know Elizabeth and looks like you may becoming a regular here let me formally introduce myself." He held his hand out to Kristina. "I'm Kevin Brennan."
"Kristina Davis." She answered back, shaking his offered hand.
"I was surprised by how busy the place was." Elizabeth told him, smiling at the two.
"You really have been busy." Kristina agreed. "Isn't there somebody else who can help you out?" she asked as he swerved an armchair with a high back around to face them.
"You're not going to get in trouble are you?" Elizabeth asked, amused as Kevin sank into it and moaned in pleasure.
"It's just for a few minutes and anyways it's not like the manager slash owner is exactly here. That woman doesn't saunter in till well after ten and when she is here she's really not all that helpful."
"She sounds awful." Kristina commented.
"I am sure he is exaggerating a little bit." Elizabeth threw in, thinking of her own boss and how most nurses hated Epiphany because they couldn't see past her toughness.
"I wish I was, but it's the truth. Vickie would love nothing more than to sell this place but either it's been all just talk or she is having trouble finding a buyer."
"Really?" Elizabeth was very surprised and a little dismayed to hear this. "But the place is great, why would she want to sell?" It would be disheartening if she had to find a new place.
"She hasn't given us any explanations."
"Well I hope not, I enjoy coming here." Elizabeth admitted.
"So, why is there nobody here helping you?" Kristina repeated her question.
"The girl who worked mornings with me quit a few weeks ago and since then it's just been me till the second crew takes over."
"What time do you come in?" Kristina asked.
"I open up at six but arrive earlier than that to set things up and work until noon."
"A customer just walked in." Elizabeth alerted Kevin who jumped up from his seat and with a 'thanks' was back to work.
"He's nice." Kristina commented as they watched him greeting a woman..
"Yes, he is." Elizabeth agreed. "He is also very single." Elizabeth couldn't help throwing in.
Kristina shook her head and laughed. "I have enough men trouble as it is."
"Men?" She couldn't help tease Kristina. "Somebody's holding back on me."
"No, nothing like that. I am referring to my dad and my brother"
"Ah."
"Don't get me wrong, I love them." She was quick to defend.
"I never doubted it."
"But sometimes they can be over protective; not to mention my entire family tends to forget that I am eighteen."
"That's something that won't ever change. You will always be their little girl or their little sister, no matter what. Don't worry; it will lessen some as you get older."
"Was it the same way with you?"
"It was with my Grandmother. She was forever telling me what I should or shouldn't do. Now I'd give anything to have that all back."
"I know I didn't know her well, but I am sorry for your loss."
"Thank you. I miss her so much. I'm glad that I have my brother."
"Dr. Webber is your brother right?" Kristina asked before taking a bite of her muffin.
"Yeah."
"Are you too close?"
"We are. He's a great brother, a loving uncle and I am so thankful to have in my life. I don't know how I could've made it through these past few years without him." Elizabeth paused to take a swig of her coffee. "What about you? How is your relationship with Michael?"
"We have our bad days but despite that we are close."
"That's good." Elizabeth took a few bites of her bagel and wondered if there was anything she could try to say or do to help Kristina establish a better relationship with her brother's girlfriend. Suddenly an idea formed in her mind. "Yesterday Steven's girlfriend called and invited me to have drinks with her tomorrow night. I have to say I'm excited about it. This will give us an opportunity to get to know each other."
"You guys haven't before?"
"No, which is not good and I could kick myself for not thinking of it sooner. Steven and Olivia have been dating for awhile now and I would hate to not be friends with the woman my brother cares about."
"And being friends with her is important to you?"
"Of course."
"What if she is not good for your brother?" Elizabeth had a feeling she was referring to Abby.
"By whose standards?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well it isn't my place to say who is and is not good for my brother based on what I think or how I feel about the person. Not that I haven't been guilty of doing that before but thinking of how it makes me feel when others try to run my life, well, let's just say it's made me rethink." Still seeing a little confusion on her face, Elizabeth decided to use Kristina's own situation to help explain her point. "Your family is against the idea of you and Ethan right?"
"Right."
"So if the two of you began dating then they will...?"
"Absolutely hate it."
"Knowing how they feel, would you end it with him?"
"No way! They have no say so on who I date."
"No they don't; just like you have no right to say who they should date as well."
"But what if the person they are dating has a questionable past?"
"Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Ethan a con-artist?"
"Well yeah but he is a good guy."
"You know that, but other's may not. All they see are his negative qualities and that won't change until they give him a chance; get to know him better. So knowing that and your own situation, I have to say I am a bit surprised to hear you ask me that." Elizabeth took a few more sips of her coffee before continuing. "Nobody should base their own standards on somebody else's relationship but their own." She could see Kristina was giving this all some thought. That was good.
"How did your day go yesterday?" Kristina changed the subject.
"It was good."
"I worried that my whining may have brought up some old wounds and believe me, that was not my intent."
"I know it wasn't and to be honest I was too busy at work to allow my mind to think of anything. Than my youngest son got sick and kept me up most of the night."
"Oh poor thing. Is he with his father?"
Which one? The one I forced out of his life or the one who has been scarce? "Lucky is working on a case he couldn't get away from and since I couldn't get the day off, Nikolas has graciously stepped in."
"That was nice of him. What about tomorrow?"
"I'm off the next two days and hopefully this weekend they will be with their father."
"Hopefully?"
"Lucky has been busy a lot this past year and sometimes has to cancel his weekends with them."
"I know you don't know me all that well but if you ever need a babysitter you can call me. I sometimes watch Emma for Robin and Patrick if you want to call them as a reference."
"That's really nice of you to offer. I appreciate it and will definitely take you up on that."
"Great!" Kristina seemed genuinely excited. "You know going back to Lucky cancelling, that's got to be hard on them. I know I always hated it when my father would do the same to me."
"Did he cancel a lot?"
"He still does. For their sake I hope he doesn't keep it up much longer. Trust me, it stays with you." A frown marred her expression.
"Unfortunately I learned that same lesson myself." Elizabeth thought of her own parent's lack of presence in her life.
"Personally I prefer the smiles over those sourpuss faces any day." Kevin rejoined them. "You both are way too beautiful to be frowning like that." The phone ringing prevented anybody from replying and just as quickly as he appeared, he disappeared to answer it.
"Does he join you a lot?" Kristina asked as they watched Kevin answering the phone.
"He does now that Carolyn no longer works here."
"The one who quit?"
"Yeah. And let me tell you, she really was not all that friendly; she made things hard for Kevin. After she was gone he was more relaxed and when he can he sometimes joins me."
"His manager should really hire a second person to help him out."
"I agree but so far...what?" There was a look on Kristina's face that Elizabeth couldn't identify; probably because she didn't know her as well yet.
Yet?
Elizabeth had to agree that this time with Kristina has been enjoyable and wouldn't mind if it occurred more often. It's been awhile since she's had girl time with another woman since Robin has been busy. Sure, Kristina was still a teenager but at times she didn't act like one and other times it was very noticeable. There was a lot about Kristina that she wanted to know more about; to help guide her through. From what little she's observed of her, Kristina didn't have a lot of friends her age which was too bad because as Elizabeth thought back of times spent with Emily, she couldn't help but feel that she was missing out on some amazing experiences. Somehow she knew that that wouldn't change. It had to be hard on Kristina to get close to anybody especially after what happened to her and knowing who her family was. That was why part of her was still hesitating. Elizabeth could only imagine what Sonny, Sam or heaven forbid Carly would say about this.
"Uh oh!" A male voice broke Elizabeth out of her musing. "I know that look." Johnny Zacchara, dressed in black and looking like the devil himself, stood leaning forward against the back of the armchair Kevin had occupied a few minutes ago, smirking down at Kristina who looked up at him in surprise. Elizabeth had to admit she was surprised herself. "That's your 'I have a plan' look which most often spells trouble since they are always crazy ones."
"I believed I disagreed with you."
"And I believed I challenged you to name one that actually worked out and you couldn't."
"Not for lack of trying."
"Ain't that the truth."
"Just because my plans don't always work doesn't mean they're crazy."
"I will remind you that you said that next time you find yourself in the middle of crazy."
"I have no doubt you will, and I'm sure a whole hell of a lot more." Though brief, Elizabeth saw that Kristina's response surprised him.
"Oh, you think you know me huh?"
"I'm beginning too."
The two seemed to be locked in a silent battle and Elizabeth watched fascinated with their exchange. This was a side of Kristina she had to admit she liked. Gone was the insecure girl who was trying to find her way in this world; instead sat a young confidant woman who was handling herself quite well with this gorgeous, yet dangerous man. A young woman who was giving it as well as she was receiving it. What was the expression her Grams used to say?
Tit for tat!
"What are you doing here Johnny?" Kristina asked.
"I would think that was obvious Krissy." The only response was the lift of her eyebrow. "Well you see...some smart ass told me that I needed to watch what I drink." Suddenly a huge smile broke out on Kristina's face, one which Johnny matched.
Elizabeth didn't understand what was going on; couldn't follow their conversation and was unaware of how close the two were, but one thing she knew for certain - there was something there between Johnny and Kristina. Whether it was a connection merely based on friendship or something more she did not know. The question Elizabeth wondered was; did they know it?
Before going to bed last night Johnny had made two phone calls; one to Ethan for a long overdue apology and the other to Ray, his newly hired bodyguard. He ordered the man to the Penthouse early in the morning because he had a job for him to do. It was a simple task, one that would no doubt make Kristina very angry with him when she found out. And she would be finding out soon.
Johnny came to a decision last night after witnessing his father having a conversation with an unknown male on the docks. Whatever the two were talking about could not be overheard from his hidden spot. But the feeling in the pit of his stomach warned him to beware. That feeling only intensified when his father called offering him a suggestion.
"You should invite Miss Corinthos to join you for dinner John."
"Kristina has already gone home Pops." Johnny didn't dare mention the conversation he had with her earlier.
"That's a shame. Well, maybe another day." That was how his father ended the call and that was when the idea first came to Johnny. The tone in his father's voice told him that the subject of Kristina would be coming up regularly between them. It was worrisome.
When Ray arrived the following morning at seven sharp, Johnny had just finished getting dressed for the day. He greeted the man and immediately got straight into business. "I need you to follow Kristina Corinthos this morning." There was no doubt in his mind that Kristina would be joining Elizabeth Webber this morning; he had gotten to know her better and even though they ended their conversation with her undecided he knew she wouldn't be able to stop herself from showing up. As a precaution he decided to take a step to ensure that Kristina revealed nothing to Elizabeth about her knowledge of her relationship with Jason during their conversation. Johnny wasn't naïve to think that he or anybody else would be able to keep her on a rein but he would try his damndest. He knew it was a long shot. "She should be home right now but soon will be heading over to a coffee shop. Your orders are to do nothing but call me with an address of this place and inform me if anything unusual occurs between her and the woman she will be sitting with."
"Do you suspect trouble from this woman sir?"
"No. I just need you to be there until I arrive. Once I'm inside than you can head back here and wait for me. You will be Miss Corinthos primary bodyguard, but let me tell you this will be no ordinary task. I will explain the details later. Kristina will be arriving back with me; I plan on introducing you two. I have written down her address and I am sure you are already aware of what she looks like."
"Yes I am sir."
"Good."
"Anything else Mr. Zacchara?"
"That's it for now."
His father returned home just as Ray was leaving, something he was thankful for. Who knew what crazy fantasy his father would begin spewing if he knew Johnny was assigning Kristina a guard. It was bad enough the old man even had one to begin with.
"You're out and about early." Johnny greeted his father. "What are you up to?"
"I could ask you the same thing John."
"I have a meeting soon."
The smile his father gave showed he did not believe Johnny. "So, how did the lovely Kristina take the news of her sister's misdeeds and whorish past?"
Johnny chose to ignore his father's derogatory statement of Sam. "Ethan and I were able to persuade her from pursuing any further."
A scowl formed on Anthony's lips. "Why do you keep that wannabe around? He barely manages the dirty work you give him."
"Ethan is a loyal friend."
"The lackey is a useless waste of space like his father and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he followed in Luke's footsteps and becomes a drunk too."
"What exactly do you have against Ethan Pops?"
"I don't like the way he treats Kristina." He let out a loud bout of laughter. This he found amusing and could only imagine what his father was about to come up with. Johnny folded himself in his chair and gestured for his father to continue. This should be good. "Laugh all you want but you know it's true. He knew Miss Corinthos expressed certain feelings towards him and instead of turning her away, knowing full well that they weren't returned, he allowed it to go on, throwing bread crumbs here and there just enough to keep the hearts in her eyes. And why did he do this? I'll tell you why, because the attention she showed him made him feel like a man, when, oh boy we know that aint the truth, and when it became too much...BAM!" Anthony slammed his hand down on the table. "Do you know what that was John? That was the sound of her poor little heart being crushed. Now the big idiot with the annoying accent sits around whining...by the way, how can you stand listening to him talk? I hear his voice and want to off myself just so I don't have to anymore. Either that or wrap my hands around his windpipe and squeeze..."
One thing you could say for his father, he had a flare with words. There were a few things he agreed with the old man about, not that he would admit that to him; but the truth was Ethan could have handled things better. No matter how many times the Aussie was adamant that he had no feelings for Kristina, Johnny knew otherwise. Whether it was fear that held him back or simply that he has not realized it yet, either way he hurt her and now was the time for Ethan to get his head straight on and step up before his chance passed him by.
"You know considering that you swear you care for Kristina, it's mind-boggling that you're not listening to a thing I am saying."
"That's because when it comes to Ethan and Kristina you don't know anything."
"Maybe that's true, but I do know what I saw yesterday when you were with her."
"I think it's time you have your eyes checked out because you're seeing things old man."
"You know I had different plans for Kristina." His father walked over to tend to one of his many plants that now littered his Penthouse. "The kind that would have her regretting the role she played in your sister's miscarriage." Anthony's eyes grew hard. "For setting her father off that he went after you nearly blowing you up. And for being the reason that you were shot." Suddenly his expression shifted and gone was the coldhearted look. Instead his father was all smiles. "But now that has all changed."
That disturbing little moment was exactly why Johnny knew he was making the right decision putting Ray on Kristina. "I won't warn you again. Stay away from her and stop whatever plans you have against Sonny." No longer did he want to be in his father's presence. He gathered his things and was at the door ready to leave when there was one more warning he wanted to give his father. "Whatever fantasy you have concerning me and Kristina; whatever crazy schemes you are planning, forget it. Not happening."
"Oh, I assure you John, no crazy scheming on my part." Johnny did not like that smile on Anthony's face, but instead of saying anything more he opted to end their conversation and leave.
Johnny knew he had some time before Ray would call him with an address, allowing him the chance to stop by the warehouse and tend to a few business matters. The phone call came as he was getting back in his car. "How do things seem to be going between them?" Johnny asked as he punched in the address Ray had just given him into his GPS and began driving.
"It is going good. When Miss Corinthos arrived she did not go in right away; she sat in her car and it looked as though she were talking to herself." This made Johnny laugh. "But she could've been on the phone."
"No, believe me; you had it right the first time. No doubt she was probably talking herself into walking inside." Johnny chuckled again imagining how Kristina probably looked. "Continue."
"I headed inside and waited for Miss Corinthos to enter so I can observe the two from start. I stayed close enough to the door to make a quick exit should she have decided otherwise. Miss Corinthos had just walked through the door; she and the other woman greeted each other in a friendly manner and now are sitting together talking."
"I should be there soon."
"Yes Mr. Zacchara."
It didn't take long to arrive at the coffee shop and after finding a parking spot, Johnny entered the place. With his eyes, Ray directed him where to look for the ladies and immediately he found them sitting on a cozy two-seater sofa in the back. Elizabeth Webber was staring at Kristina who wore an expression on her face that Johnny was all too familiar with. The look spelled trouble. Johnny made his way over unobserved by anybody but Ray and leaned against the tall armchair directly in front of the women. When he made his presence known and began teasing Kristina, he was unprepared by the mannerism of her response.
When Kristina questioned him being there, knowing damn well why, he answered in a way that confirmed what she already knew; at the same time keeping Elizabeth in the dark. Obviously she wasn't happy and by the kink of her eyebrow she let him know that this was far from over. To make it up to her, Johnny openly admitted that he was taking her advice about changing his drinking habits. As he knew it would this pleased her and she let him know by flashing him a wide smile. During their phone conversation yesterday there was a brief moment when it felt like he was flirting with Kristina, but quickly Johnny dismissed the thought; chalking it up to a side effect caused by his father's insane fantasy. Now as he stared down at the huge smile adorning her face, one he returned in kind, that same thought came to mind and this time there was no dismissing it. Never before had he done this and it made him feel uneasy at how much he was actually enjoying their exchange.
Suddenly there was mischief in Kristina's eyes and very slowly she took a sip of her coffee. "They're right. You do need to change your drinking habit. This person sounds like they know what they are talking about. I think you should offer a very generous thank you."
Why the little minx thinks she can play. Okay Krissy you asked for it.
"Well I would if I were absolutely sure that's what they were talking about." Kristina's brows formed in confusion.
"What else could it have been about?" Johnny paused, waiting for exactly the right moment. When she took a slug of her coffee he answered.
"My sex life..." Suddenly half the sip she drank came spewing out and the other went down the wrong way. Kristina began coughing. Her cheeks were flushed a bright red reminding him of a part of their conversation. "Hey, what do ya' know, you're right, your face does get red. Guess I no longer need you to send me that picture." It took a few minutes for Kristina, with help from an obviously amused Elizabeth, to get herself under control. In the meantime Johnny took a moment to study the other woman who had no idea what damage she may have caused in one conversation.
Elizabeth Webber was beautiful; there was no denying that. Johnny had thought so when he first saw her in that white dress she wore at the Ball. The gown may have been dirtied and wrinkled, her hair a wet tangled mess from the rain pouring down that night but it did nothing to hide her beauty. He remembered the relief on her face seeing Jason when they had walked in the barn where they took Lulu for safety and the way the two hugged each other. It was obvious to Johnny that they loved each other. But since then it was always Sam McCall who was by Jason's side, who he was always off saving and Elizabeth was all but forgotten to Johnny. Now she was back, front and center and didn't even know it.
Yes, there was a chance that nothing would become of any of this, but Johnny knew better. Kristina may have been able to push her curiosity aside, but letting it go was a different story and eventually she will be back on his doorstep ready to open that can of worms. He certainly hoped not, and not just for Kristina's sake; but for Elizabeth's as well. From what Johnny learned, while investigating her brother, Elizabeth Webber lived a peaceful life and beginning a friendship with Kristina Corinthos Davis would not only disrupt that but may bring Jason Morgan back into her life; and if there was one thing their history told him, was that when those two were together so were their unresolved feelings.
"Thanks Kevin." Kristina accepted the water bottle the man who worked there offered her.
"You're welcome." He answered than returned to behind the counter.
"All better now?" Elizabeth asked her.
"Much, thanks." The sweet sounding response was ruined by the scowl on Kristina's face as she glared at him.
"You sure you're okay?" Johnny couldn't hold back his smirk as he moved from behind the armchair to sit in it.
"No thanks to you." She mumbled. He just widened his smile and turned towards the other woman.
"I don't think we've been formally introduced; I'm Johnny Zacchara." He offered her his hand.
"Elizabeth Webber." She placed her small one in his. "I take it you both know each other."
"We're friends." Kristina was the one to answer.
"I am sorry that I barged in on you two ladies but when Krissy informed me of this new place and that she would be coming here for a while; well, I had to check it out and make sure it was safe."
"It's just a small coffee place." Kristina argued.
"So was your dad's." He threw back. "I know you wish this wasn't part of your life Krissy; but you were the one who told me you had to learn how to live in it and since I know you don't want anybody else to know about this place then I'm going to check the place out."
"I don't mean to pry..." Elizabeth interrupted looking directly at him. "But aren't you and Sonny at odds with each other?"
"We are." He admitted. "Regardless though, Kristina and I are friends and I could never hurt her."
"I don't mean to sound insensitive but how exactly does that work knowing that at anytime one of you may...um harm the other?" Elizabeth chose her words carefully. "I imagine it would hurt Kristina seeing as she cares for you both."
"Believe me, I have thought of that many times." He answered.
"I try not to think about it." Kristina admitted.
"Not to mention Sonny and I have made peace between our organizations." Johnny continued. "It doesn't mean you will find either of us sitting down sharing a drink together."
"I could imagine Sonny isn't all that happy with your friendship."
"He hates it." Kristina answered at the same time as he said, "Definitely not".
Not wanting this conversation to go any further, Johnny excused himself for a minute. "I'm going to get me a coffee. You ladies want anything else?" They turned him down and Johnny walked over to the counter. After paying he made a quick call to Ethan. "Just checking to make sure you were still stopping by this afternoon?" He said when the Aussie answered.
"I am, why, is Kristina okay?" The question amused Johnny.
"She's fine." Let's see how he responds to this. "We are having coffee right now."
"Why is she at your place this early?" The man sure sounds jealous for someone who claims to see Kristina as only a friend. "I mean, I assumed she would be with Elizabeth." How well he knew her too.
"She is. I crashed it." This brought a chuckle from Ethan.
"You didn't"
"I did."
"And how did she take that?"
"There was not much she could say or do with a witness." He joked.
"Sure, you're safe now, but I'd make sure your guards are around for later."
"I'll do that." Johnny answered with amusement. "I need to get back before she begins to wonder who I'm talking to. Drop by about one."
"I'll be there."
When Johnny rejoined the women, he did all he could to stop himself from groaning out loud. Apparently while he was getting coffee and talking to Ethan, Kristina got herself invited to Elizabeth's home on Saturday. This concerned him. Meeting up for coffee or bumping into each other around town and exchanging pleasantries was one thing but going to the woman's house was a whole new ball game. It meant spending time with Elizabeth's boys; one in particular, Jake. Would Kristina figure out that the boy was Jason's son?
"I hope my boys will be on good behavior." Elizabeth continued their conversation as he re-seated himself in the armchair. "They can be a handful."
"Unless Lucky comes through."
"I'm trying to stay optimistic here and hoping he doesn't cancel again." A long sigh escaped her lips. "But..." The shrug of her arms told Johnny that Detective Lucky Spencer has been pulling no-shows; and from the sounds of it, for awhile now.
Johnny wondered if Jason was aware of this. Did the enforcer keep tabs on Jake? He would like to believe that if he did then Jason would've stepped in and confronted the man who was raising his son, especially since nowadays he and Lucky were spending a lot of time together. "If Cam & Jake are home then you will get to meet them and don't forget Nikolas and Spencer will be there too."
"It's been awhile since I've seen them so I'm looking forward to that. You and Nikolas are good friends?" Kristina asked.
"The best."
"And if the boys are with their father?"
"Then it will just be us girls." Kristina tried to hide it, but Johnny saw how happy Elizabeth's answer made her.
"I have to say this place is cozy." Johnny changed the subject.
"I love it!" Kristina gushed as Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"How long have you been coming here?" He asked Elizabeth directly.
"A few years now."
"I have to admit it's nice not worrying about running into anybody I don't want to see."
"Same here. My job can be very stressful and it helps when I have a relaxed hour before my shift starts."
"You're a surgical nurse right?"
"Yeah."
"I can imagine how stressful things can get. What made you want to become one?" Johnny was making polite conversation, partly to keep Kristina from forging ahead with her own questions but also because he now found himself curious about Elizabeth.
"I wish I could say something profound like 'all my life I wanted to be' or 'it was my calling' but the truth was I needed to pay rent and bills and my paintings weren't going to do that."
"You're an artist?" Kristina asked surprised. Johnny wasn't.
"I am, though I haven't done anything recently. Now it's more a hobby than anything."
"Do you have any you could show me this weekend?" This seemed to give Elizabeth pause. He wondered why.
"A lot of them were destroyed but I have pictures of some I can show you." It was clear there was more to the story and that Kristina was about to push on it but either Elizabeth sensed the same thing or she meant it when she quickly looked at her watch and gasped. "Wow, the time really passed! I better get going before I'm late and if that were to happen Epiphany would have my head."
"We wouldn't want that, you're head is much too gorgeous." This brought a lovely blush to Elizabeth's cheeks. Interesting. It brought a smile to Johnny's face.
"I am off the next two days and since Jake is sick, I don't know if I will be coming here." Elizabeth began saying as she stood up and reached for her purse. Seeing the disappointed look on Kristina's face she quickly made amends. "At least not tomorrow but I am hoping I'll be here Friday. Why don't we exchange numbers and I can call you when I know for sure."
From the little bit Johnny's been able to observe of Elizabeth and the two together, he could see Kristina's draw to her. So different she was from any of the other women in her life. She was gentle and had a calming effect, something a high maintenance girl like Kristina needed. Not to say she wasn't close to her mother or sisters, but what she lacked was a female friend and although older, Elizabeth Webber seemed to fit the bill.
"So I will call you tomorrow evening and let you know how things are looking." Elizabeth said once the two had programmed numbers into their phones.
"Okay. I hope Jake feels better."
"So do I! I don't think I can go another sleepless night." With a smile on her face, Elizabeth turned to face him. "Johnny it was nice meeting you."
"Same here. I look forward to our next conversation." And there would be a next time. Johnny was sure of that.
"I...uh okay, till next time." She stumbled around her words. Turning back around to face Kristina she said, "If you need to talk about anything you can call me". With one last nod to Johnny, Elizabeth walked out with a 'see you later Kevin' thrown over her shoulder to the guy behind the counter.
The vibration of his phone alerted Johnny that his phone was ringing. Pulling it out, he saw that it was his father and chose to ignore it. After sending the call straight to voicemail he re-pocketed it and looked up to see Kristina staring at him; by the look of her eyes he knew that she would be reaming him for showing up. Ethan's words came back to him. I'd make sure your guards are around for later. It looked like later was now.
Walking through the doors of Java Junkie was a hard thing for Kristina to do. It never crossed her mind that it would be. But after pulling into the parking lot and turning her car off, Elizabeth's past with Jason hit her again and a few questions came to mind. How would Sam feel about this? Would this upset her sister? Kristina found herself unable to move, instead she sat there holding the steering wheel in a tight grip and wondered if it were realistically possible for them to become friends. If their history had not been discovered, then in all likelihood it was a probability. Now, this would be between them. Elizabeth may not be aware, but Kristina knew and soon it would begin to eat away at her until she discovered absolutely everything.
"Not that I have the right to know everything. Like Johnny said, it isn't my business and disrupting their lives is the last thing I want to do." Kristina relaxed her grip and continued. "So being friends with Elizabeth shouldn't be a problem. And it's not like the woman has been causing any problems for Sam and Jason. Obviously whatever they once had is long gone. Elizabeth said so herself." One hand fell in her lap and the other swept through her hair. "I shouldn't be making such a big deal of this. Just go inside, enjoy a nice conversation and quit making such a big deal about this." Both arms crossed her middle section and her head fell back against her seat. "But I know myself; well enough to know that I will not be able to let this go." Kristina loathed that about herself but it was more than just being curious, she had a strong feeling; like something was pushing her to delve further.
With that thought, Kristina got out of her car and made her way inside. She greeted a busy Kevin and ordered her coffee and muffin. After paying she looked around for Elizabeth and quickly found her in the exact spot as yesterday. Pleased to see the warm welcoming smile she offered Kristina, she returned one back in kind and joined her. When Elizabeth asked how she was she found herself admitting the pain she felt at Ethan's suggestion. That wasn't something she was really planning on telling her, but there was something about the woman that drew her in and made her want to tell her everything knowing she would be sympathetic and understanding.
The things Kristina admitted to Elizabeth on how she felt for Ethan was surprising. Not just because she admitted them but because for once somebody wasn't claiming they understood only to turn around and tell her how bad these feelings she was having were. That always confused her. It was also why she confided to Molly a lot; she was Kristina's own personal cheerleader. When she felt her eyes wanting to tear up, Kristina quickly commented about Ethan's sexy accent and threw in a wink, which surprised Elizabeth and soon the two were laughing and when Kevin joined them, she found herself enjoying her morning.
Sometimes ideas popped in her mind and once they've been planted it's very hard for her to push them aside. When Kristina made that comment about Kevin's manager needing to hire a second person, a thought suddenly came to her and from that thought a plan was born; one that would help her make a huge step in her life. The longer she thought of it, the bigger the picture grew and the more she liked it – so much so that her mind had been made up.
Johnny's voice brought her from her thoughts surprising her with his presence. When he made that 'I have a plan look' comment, Kristina was thankful she already had the surprise look on her face because she was sure he would've known just how true that was. When he said her ideas were usually crazy she quickly threw the comment, 'I believed I disagreed with you' at him after last night's conversation came to mind. Especially since her newest plan was not one that anybody could call crazy. Immediately Johnny came back with a response setting the two of them off into one of the most intense spar she had ever had with anybody. Something she found highly enjoyable.
Of course this gave Kristina the confidence to think she could go toe to toe with someone like Johnny Zacchara. She really should have known better. Rising to the challenge he went in for the kill; leaving her covered with spit up coffee and red in the face, something he made sure to comment on. While she tried to compose herself, he introduced himself to Elizabeth and there was a brief moment where she felt guilty knowing how much he already knew about her. This made her think of how close she came to stepping over that same line.
"What are your plans this weekend?" Kristina asked Elizabeth after Johnny excused himself to buy a cup of coffee.
"Both days I work the early shift and if Lucky doesn't cancel on the boys this weekend than I want to invite Nikolas and Spencer over for dinner on Saturday."
"That sounds nice."
"Yeah, I want to thank him for helping me today and for always being there. What about you? Any big plans this weekend?"
"I am on my own. Molly will be at a sleepover, my Mom's been really busy working on a case that sounds like it's not going well and Sam..." Kristina paused wondering if she should even bring her sister up around her. The last thing she would want to do is hurt Elizabeth – at the same time though Sam is her sister and would more than likely come up in their conversations. "...she's been busy lately with Spinelli and whatever case they are working on."
"What about Michael?"
"Since he's been living with his girlfriend, he hasn't been around much but he invited me over for dinner tonight."
"It sounds like you don't like her."
"That's a story for another time."
"Take time to know her and give her a chance." Kristina really didn't want to but Elizabeth's words from earlier replayed in her mind. Nobody should base their own standards on somebody else's relationship but their own.
"I can't promise a good outcome but I can try."
"That's a start." Elizabeth smiled. "So I take it that this weekend will be too soon for you to spend time with Ethan."
"I honestly don't know but I think I want to give it a try." Kristina admitted.
"You know what; join us on Saturday for dinner." Elizabeth surprised her with the invite.
"Really?"
"Yeah. Nikolas won't mind. After all you two are related."
"I would love that." Kristina couldn't keep the large smile from her face.
"Sounds good."
Johnny returned and began a conversation with Elizabeth in which Kristina learned that she was an artist. There was a lot about the woman that she didn't know and she found herself eager to learn more. Soon it was time for Elizabeth to head to the hospital and after they exchanged their telephone numbers, she was gone, leaving her alone with Johnny who she had not forgotten was here checking in on her. After ignoring whoever it was that was calling him, he looked up and took notice of the expression she made sure was on her face. He flashed a wide smile.
"Oh no...That's not going to work so you can just un-flash that smile and explain why you are here."
"I meant what I said. I didn't know anything about this place and wanted to check it out."
"You haven't been concerned of my whereabouts before; why now?" This seemed to have given him pause. "The truth Johnny? "
"I just wanted to make sure you remembered not to make Elizabeth an enemy." He's lying! There was no way Johnny could think that after their conversation last night. So, why was he lying? Would he tell her if she asked?
"Why don't you tell me what crazy plan you have concocted in that pretty little head of yours?" He asked before she could voice her questions.
"I will have you know that this time it is not so crazy." She let his lie go - for now.
"Why don't you let me the judge of that." The way he smirked said that he didn't believe her.
"I'm going to apply for a job here."
"Okay. I was not expecting that." He was surprised by this but whether it was in a good or bad way she couldn't tell.
"The girl who used to work this shift with Kevin..." Kristina continued. "That's the guy at the counter, anyways she quit and the manager hasn't gotten around to hiring anybody. It may be because she is trying to sell the place but I know I can be very persuasive. I can work six to noon and still have the days for myself and once I start college than I can switch to shifts that would accommodate my classes." Kristina paused and leaned forward, excitement bubbling over. "I can save up money and get my own place. I can finally have some independence and space and not because I will be able to do what I want; but also to gain experience from living on my own. Everybody is always telling me I need to grow up; well this is me taking that first step." She paused and when Johnny didn't say anything she smiled and added. "See, not so crazy."
That finally brought a reaction from him because he returned her smile as well as shook his head. "Okay, I have to agree. Not so crazy."
"See, I told you."
The ringing of Johnny's phone prevented him from replying back. Kristina watched as he pulled it out, looked to see who was calling and sent it to voicemail. "Avoiding somebody?" She asked.
"My father." Seeing the question on her face he explained. "I'm just a little concerned that he will start up a...project I am against. Do you have plans right away?"
"Um, no." Kristina was confused by the abrupt change in conversation.
"How about we get out of here and swing by my place. There are some things I'd like to discuss with you."
"Sure." She answered hesitantly.
"I am just going to make a quick phone call. Go ahead and start heading over. I am right behind you."
Kristina was a little confused by his behavior but chose not to call him out on it. She just nodded, picked up her purse and exited out with a friendly goodbye wave to Kevin who was busy with a customer. As she started up her car her mind began to wonder what it was that Johnny was hiding from her. And she knew he was. First lying about why he really showed up than the vague explanation he gave about whatever it was his father was up to. It didn't escape her notice how he avoided looking at her when he answered.
Whatever was going on, Kristina promised she would find a way to get it out of Johnny but right now she had more important things to worry about. Like how her parents would react to Kristina getting a job and her own place. One thing she knew for sure, it sure as hell wasn't going to be pretty.
Author's Note: Thank you for reading. Chapter 4 will be added soon. I know Ethan wasn't in this one but he will be returning in the next one. Comments, criticisms and suggestions are always welcomed.