Author's Note: As always, 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.
I want to also inform you all that I will be posting a new chapter every Wednesday's. If I happen to complete it before that day than I will post it immediately. I won't make you all wait.
As promised I am giving you Ray's history; some, but not all of it - not yet. Ray is just as important as the others and once you know his past you will understand why.
Happy Reading and I hope you enjoy!
Valerie
Chapter 7: The Games We Play
Life had not been an easy one for Ray but luck was often on his side. Born Raymond Jose Alvarez, named after his grandfather and uncle; he was the result of a rape to a girl still considered a child herself. His mother, Angelica Alvarez, was only sixteen years old and home alone when it happened. A week later her brother was arrested for murder after brutally beating the neighborhood troublemaker after discovering he was the one who had attacked her. Three month later her father died of a heart attack, she learned she was pregnant and her mother began drinking heavily. In a matter of months, his mother's world had been changed and her life was never the same again.
As the bills began piling up and money became scarce, his mother dropped out of school and began waiting tables at a local restaurant. It was there she met an older man who took advantage of her situation, naivety and age. Roberto Vasquez seduced Angelica and by the time she was seventeen, Ray was born and Roberto had convinced his mother to runaway with him. The small one bedroom apartment he took her to was in a rough neighborhood of South Bronx. The building was rundown and filled with drug addicts and prostitutes; something Roberto forced his mother into doing. Years passed by and though she continued to prostitute herself, his mother refused to do any drugs. Eventually she succumbed and by the time Ray was five years old his mother had become an addict and Roberto began to regularly beat him.
When Ray was ten, he fell in with a bad crowd of teenagers and began learning how to steal and pickpocket. He would arrive home later and later when he realized his lack of presence meant no more beatings; but it came with a price because surviving on the streets was no easy task. There were nights when Ray had no choice but to go home because the weather was too cold for him not too or after getting into a fight anytime he wandered into a territory he should not have been in. He would use those times to check in on his mother who continued to look thinner and older each time he saw her; yet a part of her still continued to look out for him because during these visits she would tell him what days and times Roberto would not be home so he could return unnoticed. Ray took advantage of those quiet times to work on his homework for he was still going to school regularly. Times may have been hard and he was young but he knew that an education would increase his chances at a better life. To ensure that nobody at school suspected anything, Ray kept his head down and his grades up. Then one day his luck changed and it was because of one woman.
Angelica Salas.
Ana, as he affectionately would call her, was a thirty four year old woman who had a brother living in the same rundown apartment complex as him and his mother. He met her the day he attempted to snatch her purse away. Ray hated stealing from anybody but sometimes he had no choice, especially when hunger became an issue. It was the middle of the summer and without school lunches he would go days without food so when he saw her one late night, walking down the street he lived on, he thought it would be an easy picking. How wrong Ray was. Somehow Ana was able to hold onto her bag and then his arm when he gave up and tried to runaway. Immediately she recognized him, though he never recalled seeing her before, and dragged him home. When she knocked on his door he began to panic thinking of the beating he no doubt would get. Roberto opened up with an agitated look on his face; clearly he wasn't happy about being disturbed, and began to play the role of a concerned parent. He apologized for Ray's behavior and assured her it would never happen again, but as soon as the door was closed his stepfather severely punished him.
The next day Ray left the apartment with a small bag of food he took from the refrigerator. Ana happened to be outside and when she saw the array of colors that marred his face and arms; she surprised him by ordering him to take the food back inside then taking him to her own apartment so she could tend to his bruises. From that moment on she became more a mother to him than his own. Ana looked out for him; letting him sleep on her couch, making sure he was always fed and buying him decent clothes for school. He appreciated everything she was doing for him and made sure he showed his thanks by doing his part around the apartment.
A few years later, as he was checking in on his mother, Ray found her crying because Roberto never came home. When a couple more days passed by and there was still no word from the man, they had no choice but to call the police and report him missing. He was never found and as far as Ray knew the man either took off or was dead. His mother was no longer able to pay the rent and was evicted. Ana took her in and tried to help his mother clean up her life but old habits were hard to break and one day he came home from school to find her gone. She left behind three things for him; an old green school folder of hers with his birth certificate and social security card inside, a small diary filled with memories of her happy childhood and a letter she wrote to him apologizing for not being a good mother.
Ana and Ray knew with his mother gone, the authorities would have to be contacted. But they held off doing so. Instead they rummaged through his mother's belongings looking for her old address. They both figured it would be best if he went to live with his grandmother rather than getting lost in the system. They found nothing and a full week had gone by and Ana knew she had to make the call; she planned to do it the next morning. It was the first time Ray prayed. That night he opened his mother's diary for the first time and what he saw had him jumping up and screaming out in joy. Ana ran out from her bedroom with the bat she slept with and quickly he showed her the address that was written on the hardcover inside.
The next day Ray met his grandmother, Beatriz Ramirez, for the first time but the reunion was short lived when they discovered how sick she was. The years of drinking heavily had caught up and her liver was failing. She was dying. Still Ray stayed with her and Ana visited them frequently. He listened as she told him stories of his mother's childhood. It helped him to know her better. He also learned his Uncle was killed in prison; a retaliation done by a friend of the man who raped his mother. Somehow his grandmother and Ana worked things out where Ray could live with Ana. He never questioned how they were able to achieve that or who the man, Ana knew, was that visited and helped them out. He was just happy that he wouldn't have to worry about being taken away. A few months later his grandmother passed away and was buried beside her husband. Ray visited their graves often; always taking fresh flowers for them.
The best moments of his life were times he spent with Ana at Jimmy's, the small grocery store she inherited from her uncle's passing. The building was small, the foundation cracked and the walls filled with graffiti from neighborhood thugs, but Ana loved it. She was happiest there among her memories and pictures of the man Ray wished he had the chance to know; Jimmy Palmer, the man who the store was named after. He was the love of Ana's life who died in a tragic car accident shortly after they graduated high school. The two had just become engaged. Each time Ana went to work, he feared for her safety. The store had been robbed countless times over the years but that fear eased as the years passed by. Little did he know that robbers were the least of his worries. It seemed there was more to Ana then he knew. A family she neglected to tell him she was a part of. The day he learned all this was the day a couple of men stormed in the store and shot her five times. They were unaware Ray was in the back and witnessed the entire thing. After the men were gone he rushed up to her. But it was too late. Ana died instantly and suddenly he was alone.
"You look like hell."
Johnny greeted him when he opened the door to his knock. Ethan just grunted and walked in. He felt like hell too. For the second time in the past three days he did not sleep well and once again Kristina was the reason for that. After she left the Haunted Star last night he poured himself a drink. One turned to two then to three and so on. Ethan planned on getting drunk enough to erase the memory of that damn kiss she laid on him. A move he did not expect her to make. He should have gently pushed her away, turned his head, stand up; anything to stop it. But he didn't – he couldn't. Instead he sat there wrestling with the feelings that surprised the hell out of him. When he felt his arms wanting to circle around her waist he knew he had to put a stop to it before things went too far. But there was no need because she pulled away first and before he could comprehend anything, Kristina looked down at him and announced she was letting him go. Her words left him feeling empty and hollow. That was the moment when Ethan knew he was in trouble.
"Here" Johnny handed him a glass. "For that hangover of yours." Ethan accepted the drink and took a sip. Instantly he grimaced but didn't complain. He knew it would help. "Wanna talk about it?"
"Where to begin." His friend sat in his armchair and looked at him.
"I take it dinner with Kristina didn't go well last night." Ethan nodded in answer but instantly regretted the movement. His head was pounding.
"It was fine up till the moment she decided to kiss me." The memory made him groan and with eyes closed he leaned his head back against the couch he sat on. Why did she have to do that? Why didn't he see it coming? It was just like Kristina to do something unexpected. He really should have known better. When Ethan realized he hadn't gotten a response he slowly lifted his head and looked at Johnny. The man was silently laughing at him. He glared at him. "Really."
"Sorry." He sounded anything but. "I have to say I'm surprised she hadn't done it sooner." So was Ethan. "How was it?" Once again he glared at the man. "Hey." Johnny threw his hands up. "Obviously it affected you in some way or you wouldn't have found the need to turn to alcohol." He had him there.
"Everything was going great and then it wasn't"
"What went wrong?"
"I don't know. We started talking about her day with Elizabeth and then you and your father and suddenly she's angry and going on about me being the only one who has something against her age and..."
"She kind of has you there."
"...then one minute she's talking about dating Kevin..."
"Who?"
"...only to turn around and seriously consider dating you and before I could process anything she has said, she then tells me how it would be nice having a male friend to turn to for advice on her love life." He took a long sigh. "That's when she kissed me and then left." Was it possible for his head to hurt any more than it already did? Ethan just wanted to close his eyes and go back to sleep but if he could then he wouldn't be here at Johnny's at this early hour. Once he woke up his mind could think of nothing else but last night. He just gave up and came here. "What?" He asked Johnny when he realized the man was just sitting there staring at him, though he had a faraway look in his eyes.
"You never answered the question."
"What?"
"How did the kiss make you feel?"
"Honestly..." Ethan trailed off trying to come to terms with that answer. "It surprised me."
"And...?"
"And it was very brief."
"You really can't admit it, can you?"
"Fine, I felt something." Johnny continued to stare at him. Ethan didn't know if the man was expecting him to elaborate more but that was all he was going to say about the whole thing.
"What are you going to do about it?"
"Do about what?"
"Seriously?"
"There is nothing to do about anything. Just drop it."
"When are you going to figure it out man? When Kristina has moved on with somebody else? Open your eyes. Whether you want to admit it or not you have feelings for her..." He wanted to cut in but Johnny didn't let him. "You can deny it all you want but I see it, others see it; hell even she sees it but there is only so much one can take before giving up. Do you get that she has reached that point?" He really didn't give Ethan a chance to answer. "Are you really going to be okay seeing her with somebody else?" Johnny waited for an answer but this time he had none. "I think you need to really think things over." Ethan had to agree.
The smile she fell asleep with was still there when Kristina woke up the next morning. She knew it would stay with her for the rest of the day. After she showered and was dressed she bounded down the stairs and found the house empty. It was already going on ten so it didn't surprise her to find it that way. Elizabeth had texted her not to long ago and the two were planning on meeting up for coffee. She couldn't wait to hear all about her night with Olivia. Kristina hoped she had fun. Ray was already there waiting for her when she walked to her car. Not even his presence could spoil the good mood she was in. She threw him a wave; he returned it. Arriving at Java Junkie she saw Elizabeth was already there. This made her eager to get inside because she knew she would not be alone. Cameron and Jake were with her and she couldn't wait to meet her boys. Kristina found all three in their spot. Only the kids were sitting in front of a small coffee table she knew was not there before. It sat on the opposite side of the couch where Elizabeth sat. This ensured the boys were in her view at all times.
"Hey." She greeted when she walked up to them. Two little heads looked up from the muffins they were eating at the sound of her voice. Kristina smiled brightly at them. Only one returned it back.
"Somebody's got an extra pep in their step." Elizabeth teased her with a smile. "I can't wait to hear why." Kristina laughed.
"Oh believe me; I can't wait to share it with you."
"Sounds like it's going to be good."
"Oh yeah." She beamed. "This is an interesting setting."
"Kevin was sweet enough to make a few furniture arrangements to accommodate my boys."
"That was nice of him to do." She walked over to the table and squatted down in front of them. "Hi."
"Hi." The eldest answered back. The younger one just waved shyly. Kristina didn't know which one Cameron was and which one was Jake.
"My name is Kristina. But you can call me Krissy if you like." She introduced herself to them. "I'm a friend of your mom's."
"I'm Cameron." The older one spoke up. Now she knew who was who. "This is my brother Jake."
"It's nice to meet you both. I see you're all eating already. I better go get me something so I can eat too."
"The chocolate milk is so good." Cameron told her.
"It looks good."
"You gonna get some?" Jake broke his silence.
"No. I'm going to buy me a cup of coffee."
"Yuck!" Both boys expressed at the same time. It made her giggle and their mother laugh.
"That's what mommy drinks." Jake exclaimed.
"I don't like it." Cameron added.
"When I was your age I said the same thing but now I like it. I bet one day you will change your mind."
"Mommy says that too." Cameron leaned forward towards her. She met him halfway. "I think she's crazy." Jake nodded his head in agreement. Kristina couldn't help laughing.
"Hey!" Elizabeth scolded jokingly. "You know mommy's sitting right here and can hear you." Both boys were set off in a fit of giggles.
Kristina excused herself and made her way up to the counter where she greeted Kevin. They talked a bit while he made her cup of coffee and handed her the muffin she ordered. He expressed his excitement again about her being his new co-worker. It was something he was looking forward to. She told him she was looking forward to it too but as soon as she paid she was quick to end their conversation and get back to Elizabeth; eager to swap stories of the night they each had.
"Okay out with it. I know you're dying to tell me." Elizabeth was right about that.
"Ethan and I shared our first kiss." Kristina was quick to share. She watched as Elizabeth's mouth dropped open in surprise before breaking out in a smile.
"Start from the beginning." So she did. Kristina told her everything from the moment she arrived to the Haunted Star to the second she walked away from him. She shared what she thought may be Ethan's reluctance to them becoming more than friends; how the anger she felt when he brought up her age drew her to this conclusion. The suspicion she had that he was jealous of the thought of her with Johnny.
"Is there something between you two?" Elizabeth asked as she took a sip of her coffee.
"God no! Johnny and I are just friends." She immediately answered.
"You're sure that's all?" There was something about the way she asked that had Kristina looking at her questionably.
"Why? Are you interested in him?" Kristina meant it as a joke but when she saw the look on her face her eyes widened. "You are, aren't you?"
"Shh. I don't want the boys to hear this." She looked over and saw that the boys had a few toys on the table and were playing.
"They're not even paying attention, so spill." Elizabeth took another drink before sliding closer to her.
"Well, last night..."
"Wait, last night?" Kristina interrupted. "I thought you went to Jake's last night...which by the way how did it go? Did you wear the dress? If so did you by chance take a picture because I would love to see how you looked?" She threw questions out not giving her the time to answer any of them.
"I did wear it. No I didn't take a picture. Last night would have been a bust had I not been presented with another appealing offer."
"Did things not go good between you and Olivia?"
"I'm sure it would've had she not invited Carly." Uh oh. From Kristina knew, those two didn't get along at all which she didn't understand. She liked both women.
"What happened?"
"I really did try to make the best of the night. I even sat there for an hour straight taking digs after digs that woman threw at me without stooping down to her level but there's only so much I can take and...well, let's just say there were some words exchanged." Kristina wondered what was said. "I was ready to call it an early night when Johnny showed up."
"So Johnny joined you all."
"No we moved to another table." So they were alone. Johnny and Elizabeth. A wide smile appeared on Kristina's face. "Why didn't I think of it?" Johnny needed a good decent woman in his life and who better than Elizabeth. She could easily see the two of them together.
"What." Elizabeth looked at her warily. "Why do I feel like I'm going to regret telling you anything?"
"Tell me the rest."
"We just shared a few drinks and talked."
"You are so lying. Details Elizabeth." The woman just sighed but gave in and the more she heard the more Kristina got excited about the possibility of the two of them. How she would've loved to see that dance they shared. It had to have been a sight if it made Elizabeth jumble around trying to describe it.
"So he took you home and...?"
"And nothing. He dropped me off and when I woke up this morning I found my car parked in front of my house."
"Do you like him?" Kristina had to know.
"He's not what I expected."
"Most people think he's this bad person just because of what he does and who his father is. But that's not what I was asking. Do you like him?"
"I think he is very attractive." She stonewalled again.
"You are going to make me pull it out of you aren't you."
"Okay fine." Elizabeth laughed. "I find myself attracted to him. Are you happy now?"
"Very." Kristina responded, very pleased with her answer.
"Are you going to see him again?"
"With you around I'm sure that I will." She just glared at the woman. Elizabeth sighed. "We didn't make any plans." Kristina would have to see about changing that. It looked like she would be paying Johnny a visit today.
"Mommy I have to pee." Jake suddenly announced.
"Okay, I will take you." Elizabeth turned to her oldest son. "Cam honey, do you need to go too?"
"No."
"If he doesn't mind I can take him." Kristina looked at the adorable blonde. "That is if it's okay with you Jake?" The little boy nodded his head.
"Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked.
"I was just about to excuse myself; unless you need to go as well?"
"No, I'm good."
"Okay. Well let's go." When Kristina stood up she felt the little boy slip his tiny hand in hers and together they walked the short distance to the bathroom.
This was Kristina's first time inside of it and she found it had three stalls and all were empty. She showed him to one and waited till he was done since she was unsure if he may need her help. When he was done she walked him to the sink and made sure he washed his hands.
"All clean now?" She asked when he pulled his hands out from under the water.
"Yep." He flung both hands up to show her and in the process splashing her some. Kristina laughed.
"I see." She noticed a dryer on her right and had an idea. "Have you used one of these dryer's before." He nodded his head. "Okay good. So I am going to turn it on for you and you are going to make sure you dry your hands really good but don't put them too close because it's really hot. Okay?"
"Okay."
"While you are drying your hands I'm going to use the bathroom. Okay?" He nodded. "Ready?" Again he nodded. Kristina positioned his body and his hands and pressed the button. The dryer went off before she was done but before she could tell him she would be right out she heard him jump up and press the button again. By the time it went off the second time Kristina was done. She washed her hands and dried them. "You ready to go back?"
"Yep." He slipped his hand in hers again and they exited out of the restroom only for her to immediately come to a stop when she heard an excited yell.
"Jason!" Kristina watched in disbelief as Cameron shot up and ran across to where a surprised Jason now stood, having walked inside the café. He jumped up in the arms of the smiling man.
"Hey buddy." Jason greeted affectionately as he walked across the room to where Elizabeth was slowly standing up watching with widened nervous eyes. "How are you doing?"
"Good. Guess what? My birthday is coming up."
"I remember."
"Are you going to come see me?" Jason looked unsure of how to answer that. He looked over at Elizabeth who averted her head.
"Jason how come I don't see you anymore?" Cameron didn't bother waiting for his first question to be answered. "Did I do something wrong?" Kristina's heart broke for the little boy.
"You and Jake could never do anything wrong."
"My brother went to the bathroom with Krissy." Kristina wondered if she could duck back inside that very bathroom to hide but Cameron chose that moment to turn his head in their direction. It was too late to escape.
"Jake look whose here." He scrambled out of Jason's arms and ran up to them. "Come on. Come say hi." Jake seemed reluctant to follow his brother. His hand tightened on her hand. Kristina didn't mind because she was clinging to his as well. Jason was staring at her with surprise on his face; an expression she rarely sees on him.
"Hi." Kristina finally spoke up and greeted when Jake tugged on her hand to get her to move. He may have sensed the tension between the three of them because as soon as he was close enough to his mother he let go of her hand and rushed into Elizabeth's arm. "What are you doing here?"
"Checking the place out." He rubbed the back of his neck as he answered. Kristina held back her groan.
"Didn't you already do that yesterday?" Obviously not. She was sure he would have done that immediately. Not once did she consider that this would happen so soon.
"That's why I'm here now." Jason's eyes kept darting to Elizabeth who had yet to move or say anything. Kristina knew the two were uncomfortable and unsure what to do. They didn't know she knew they had a history. She wished she could say something to ease the tension without giving that away. Cameron walked back up to him and held his arms up; Jason picked him up. It wasn't hard for her to see the ease in which Elizabeth's eldest son felt with her sister's boyfriend.
"Mommy's taking us to the park today. Can you come with us and push me on the swing like you used to?"
"I'm sorry buddy. I have a lot to do today; maybe another time."
"That's what daddy says too." That finally got a reaction from Elizabeth. Her head swung up.
"Cam you spent yesterday with Daddy." She told him.
"But we wanted to stay with him this weekend."
"I know honey but he's busy working on a case. Remember I explained that daddy's job is very important."
"More than me and Jake?" This made Elizabeth finally move from her spot. She walked up to Jason and the two switched boys out.
"Nothing is more important than you and your brother." She began telling him once Cameron was in her arms. "We love you both so much but sometimes cases take a lot of your daddy's time. He has to catch bad guys so they don't hurt other people."
"I know." Apparently this was a regular topic between the two. Kristina understood where Cameron was coming from. She felt anger towards Lucky for making his son feel this way. Not just Lucky but a little towards Jason and her sister as well for monopolizing a lot of his time. "Can I go back and play with my toys?"
"Sure." Elizabeth set her son to his feet where he returned back to the table and resumed playing. Kristina was no longer paying attention to him though. Instead it was now focused on the sight of the man and the blonde little boy whose head was cradling his shoulder. There was a look on Jason's face; a mixture of pain and sadness. She knew her sister desperately wanted a child but until today, until this moment, she never realized how much Jason wanted one as well. It was clear by the look on his face.
"I'm just going to visit the bathroom real quick. Are you okay with him for a minute?" Elizabeth asked Jason.
"I'm okay." He answered. As she walked away she became aware that she was suddenly alone with Jason. Kristina chose to sit back in her seat and drink the last bit of coffee she still had. "I wasn't aware you two knew each other." She knew he would bring it up.
"We met Tuesday. Elizabeth has been coming here for a few years now and was here the first time I visited this place. We got along instantly." Kristina answered him honestly. "Is that a problem?"
"Whoever you choose to be friends with is your business..."
"You mean as long as you or my father approve." Jason sighed. She pressed her lips together.
"I'm sorry. That response is a habit." She explained. "I most likely will be spending a lot of time with Elizabeth but can we not tell Sam or anybody else; keep this just between us?" She asked staring directly at him.
"I don't like lying to your sister." Now it was Kristina's turn to sigh. She didn't think he would go for it but she had to try. "Why don't you want anyone to know?" He asked. She decided just to be honest. It was the only thing she could do.
"I know about your history with her." She could tell Jason was taken aback by that.
"Did she tell you?"
"No. But I've heard things here and there." She had to lie about that. Kristina couldn't very well tell him that she learned it from Anthony and Johnny Zacchara. "And from what I've heard some people don't get along well with her – but I do. I like Elizabeth and want to be friends with her without everybody trying to add their two cents in. Whatever happened between you both or anybody else in the past shouldn't have to affect my friendship with her." Jason just stared at her expressionless; making it hard for her to guess what may be going on in his mind. Before he could either decide or answer, Elizabeth returned from the bathroom. She looked unsure whether she should sit back down.
"I have to get going." Jason announced. He walked up to Elizabeth and stood there for quite a few seconds rubbing his hand on Jake's back. Finally, with reluctance it seemed, he slowly handed him over. Once he was in his mother's arms Jason whispered something to Elizabeth that she couldn't hear from where she sat. Kristina watched as she just nodded her head once. After that the two shared a look; almost like they were conveying something to one another. It made her frown uncomfortable. She felt as though she was intruding on a private moment and that did not settle well with her. The need to protect her sister made her speak up.
"Can I go ahead and call Sam and make plans for us to tell my mom about my new job later on?" Kristina was able to interrupt their moment.
"Go ahead." Jason answered as he took a step back and looked down at her. "I'm about to inspect the building but so far everything has checked out fine."
"Thanks." He nodded his head and walked to where Cameron still sat playing with his toys. Jason squatted down in front of him.
"Hey buddy. I have to go now."
"Okay." The little boy answered looking up. "Will I see you again?"
"Maybe we will run into each other one day at the park." That seemed to appease the child.
"Okay." He answered excitedly. "Bye Jason."
Kristina had to smile. Jason was really good with kids and it was a shame that Sam couldn't have any. Those two deserved to be parents. Elizabeth rejoined her on the couch. Jake climbed off of her lap to sit with his brother. Soon the boys were occupied with their toys but the two women sat in silence. Kristina knew that she had to be trying to come up with an explanation for the exchange that just happened. Part of her wanted Elizabeth to be honest with her first. Yet the other half felt guilty for how she learned about them. She was conflicted and didn't know whether she should speak up or not.
"I am sure you have some questions." Elizabeth was the first to speak up. Some questions? How about a whole list of them. But she couldn't find her voice to ask any of them. "I'm scared that what I'm about to tell you will make you want to never see me again."
"Nothing could do that." Kristina assured her. It was true. Elizabeth took a deep breath before speaking again.
"Jason and I have a history." Kristina was pleased that she was being honest with her but she couldn't find it in herself to smile about it. The ball was in her court now to confess but she would have to do it with a lie. She couldn't tell her how she came to know about them. Not only could it possibly come between their new found friendship but it may put a brake on Elizabeth starting anything with Johnny. And that Kristina couldn't let happen.
"I know." Elizabeth reared her head back in surprise. "You hear things when others think no one is around." She shook her head in understanding.
"So you are really okay with it." She seemed relieved.
"I am. And just because Sam is my sister doesn't mean you have to avoid discussing Jason around me. Everybody has a past and it's ridiculous for you to hide that just because of who I am." Elizabeth smiled at her.
"Okay." She looked at Kristina. "I'm taking the boys to buy them some summer clothes but afterwards we are heading to the park. Did you want to join us?" An idea popped in her mind.
"Although I never like to miss an opportunity to go shopping I will have to decline that offer. There is something I need to do will quick." More like someone to see. "But I can join you at the park." Hopefully not alone. Elizabeth looked at her watch.
"It's almost eleven thirty. How about meeting up at one?"
"Sounds like a plan."
Elizabeth rounded the boys and their belongings up and was headed to the door. On the way Kristina watched as a man accidently bumped into her making her drop her purse and a couple of contents. The man, evidently apologetic, bent down to help her pick them up. A few words were exchanged and then with a last wave in Kristina's direction was ushering the boys out the door. After they were gone, she stuck around for a few minutes longer and texted Johnny a quick message asking if he was busy and if she could go over right now. His reply was 'see you soon'. With a smile she got up and threw her cup away; only to turn around and bump right into the person behind her.
"Oh my God. I am so..." Her voice trailed off as she looked up at the same man who ran into Elizabeth. He was tall and had his hair pulled back in a ponytail; the goatee on his face was immaculately trimmed. His eyes were blue – icy looking, they were hidden behind a pair of thin black-rimmed glasses. But none of those was what got her attention. What stood out immediately was the left side of the man's face. It was distorted with ugly burn marks.
"I'm sorry miss." He apologized to her. "I seem to be clumsy today."
"That's fine." Though it was her who should be apologizing to him, Kristina couldn't find it in her to do that. There was something about him that made her feel uneasy. She just wanted to get away from him. "Have a good day."
"You too." Kristina quickly made her exit.
Once she was in her car she pushed thoughts of that man out of her head and started planning on how she could push Johnny and Elizabeth together. Last night Kristina had counted on using the flirtatious banter she's been having with Johnny to use on making Ethan Jealous. But if her two friends start something then that card would no longer be on the table. She would have to think of something else.
The man watched as the girl walked away. Her steps were quick in her eagerness to put distance between them. He made her nervous. He liked that. It seemed she had good instincts like her older sister. Sam McCall. Ah Sam! Now there was a woman who really brought a smile to his face. She made his games so very interesting. Without her they weren't much fun to play. Doable - but not nearly as enjoyable; especially when you took into account who his opponent was. But Sam was not the only pawn he could use in this ongoing game of chess. There were others. Many of them to choose from. So he weighed all of his options and made an unlikely choice - her younger sister, the lovely Kristina. Once the decision had been made he began to put his plan together. Get ready to start his new game.
The first thing he decided to do was follow her around intent on finding routines, vulnerabilities; anything he could use to his advantage. Immediately he noticed that the girl had a guard on her. He was forced to wear a disguise so that he was free to roam around without getting recognized. This allowed him to enter the same café she did. The woman she met up with was of no importance to him. Neither were her two young boys. But then something happened to change that. He walked in. His opponent. The sole reason for his games. Jason Morgan. And what he witnessed had him rethinking everything. It seemed there was another pawn to take into consideration. What was she to him? Obviously someone that meant a lot at one point in his life; if the conversation he overhead between him and the eldest child was any indication. The uncomfortable exchange the three had was intriguing. Unfortunately he was unable to hear the private conversation between Jason and Kristina. They spoke to low for him to hear.
There was a story there. Something he couldn't wait to unfold.
When the two women were once again alone he began observing the woman and her two children with much more interest. Who was she? He was curious to learn what it was he would discover about her. Lifting his phone up, he took a picture of the three under the pretenses of texting. As the woman was leaving, he 'accidently' bumped into her. This action caused her to drop her bag. Some of the items fell out; among them was her wallet containing her driver's license. He apologized for his 'clumsiness' and helped her pick up those items. He now had what he wanted. As he watched Kristina drive away he silently thanked her for the gift she had no idea she presented to him. Looks like I may not be using you after all. Which was a shame. He would've liked to see just how alike she was to her sister. Of course there was always another time. Walking out of the café he began whistling as he pulled out his phone and gazed down at the picture of the smiling woman.
"Elizabeth Webber." He could fill the excitement starting to rise. "Welcome to the game."
"What crazy plans have you come up with now?" Johnny asked Kristina as soon as he opened his door. When the knock came, he knew who it was. He was expecting her after the text he received asking if she could come over. The brief surprised expression that flashed across her face confirmed that he was right. Kristina was up to something.
"I don't know what you are talking about." He closed his door, turned around and crossed his arms across his chest. She shifted her head to avoid his gaze. "Is Ray listening in to my private conversations?" Kristina huffed out. "I should have known he would. After all how else would he have known what happened last night?"
"What are you talking about?"
"What you are talking about." Apparently they weren't talking about the same thing here; which could only mean one thing. Johnny ran both his hands slowly down his face and groaned. What else is the minx up to? A drink sounded pretty damn good right about now.
"Sit down and tell me what plans you are up to."
"Actually I thought we could go to the park and hang out." Johnny eyes narrowed. "The day is much too nice to spend it cooped up in here."
"I'm going to find out so save me the trouble and just tell me." Kristina sighed and walked over to make herself comfortable on his couch. He joined her.
"What exactly do you think you know?" Johnny had to hand it to her. She wasn't going to give in easily but after the restless night he had filled with visions of Elizabeth in that dress; one that he helped her out of - he wasn't in the best of moods.
"Ethan paid me a visit early this morning." The minx actually smirked. Suddenly he knew exactly what Kristina was up to.
"You haven't given up on him." It wasn't really a question but she answered anyways by shaking her head. "So was that your plan all along?"
"No. I really had given up but then I kissed him." A wide smile brightened her face when she told him what he already knew. "And he kissed me back." Now that was something Ethan failed to mention.
"And what exactly is my role here?" Again she looked at him in surprised. Just as I thought. When Ethan was here earlier he actually found himself wanting to tell his Aussie friend about his night with Elizabeth and the spark of feelings that flared up between them. But after hearing some of the things Kristina told the man last night he changed his mind. From the sound of it, she wanted to use Johnny to make Ethan jealous. So he kept quiet and planned on talking to her immediately.
"What makes you think you...?" He just glared. "Okay...man you are grumpy today." She mumbled. "I may have suggested that I was contemplating on the idea of you and me." This he already figured out. "But I had no plans on asking you to run that whole 'were dating' charade again."
"What were you planning?"
"Well." She was avoiding from looking at him. Kristina actually looked embarrassed. He couldn't wait to hear what idea she had that warranted this kind of response. "I've kind of noticed that recently we've..." Whatever it was apparently was hard for her to say. Johnny wanted to make it easy on her so he began running the last few times they've spent together; trying to figure out what it was she was noticing. The answer came to him immediately. There had been a little flirting between them. Something they had never done before. Instantly he knew what her plan was.
"So you are admitting that you have been flirting with me." Her head snapped up and her face began to flush a little. "Because I admit that's what I've been doing."
"Really?" On some level Kristina knew they were but she was still young and inexperienced to know for sure.
"Yeah. I have to say the first time it happened it surprised the hell out of me." Johnny thought it was a good idea not to skirt around the subject. "But..." He stopped her from looking away. "I enjoyed it."
"You did?" He nodded.
"It's made me realize that you have changed, matured, and I think it had something to do with those few weeks you avoided Ethan." He didn't elaborate further. Johnny had a feeling that Kristina would get it; if not now than eventually. "So, if we continue flirting then what harm would it do? You're single. I'm single."
"Hopefully not for long."
"What do you mean?" Was it possible that Kristina wanted something more happening between them?
"I spent my morning with Elizabeth." Ah!
"And what did you lovely ladies discuss?" Johnny watched her straighten up and cross her legs; she then gave him a knowing look. He couldn't help but laugh. "Okay so you obviously know we ran into each other last night."
"I do but she was a little vague on the details."
"That's because nothing more happened then two people sharing a few drinks while they get to know each other better."
"And how does dancing help you know her better?" Brat. "And don't try to edit like she did."
"Why the interest?"
"Because I think the two of you would be great together."
"I will admit I'm attracted to her but..." He raised his voice a bit to stop her from interrupting when he saw her open her mouth to speak. "I don't know if anything could really happen between us. She is a mother of two boys and they shouldn't have anything to do with the world I live in." Kristina rolled her eyes.
"That's not your decision to make."
"I know it isn't. But it's a possibility that she might not be willing to take."
"So you are going to go for it." He smirked.
"Definitely." There was something there between him and Elizabeth and he would be a fool if he didn't try and see if it could lead anywhere. Of course he knew he had competition in the form of Jason Morgan. The enforcer may not be actively pursuing her; after all he was in a serious relationship with Sam, but it didn't mean the man wasn't jealous. That was plain to see.
"Then you have to go with me to the park." Kristina broke him out of his thoughts.
"And why do I have to?"
"Because I am meeting Elizabeth and the boys there."
"So I was right, you do have a plan."
"Yeah, but it's not crazy." No it wasn't.
"True. But I don't think it's a good idea for me barge in on her and the kids. She may feel like we ambushed her." Kristina seemed to think about that.
"Okay then I will meet up with her as planned and you can 'run into us' there." That he could do.
"You sure are being persistent about this. What gives?"
"Nothing. I just think the sooner you make a move the better."
"Does she have another suitor I'm not aware of?" Johnny joked but the expression on her face told him he may have hit the mark. "What did I miss?"
"Jason showed up this morning." That was all he needed to hear.
"I take it you observed a moment between them."
"A little one." It didn't sound like she was happy about it either.
"You're protecting your sister."
"I will admit that is the reason why I want you to act fast but not why I am pushing you two together. I was serious when I said that I think the two of you would be great."
"There are a few things I really have to do today but I think I can stroll through the park to say hi." Kristina smiled and threw her arms around him in a hug.
"Thank you."
"For what?" He asked.
"Being a good friend to me." Kristina leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"You seem to be making a habit of kissing men lately." He smirked at her. She responded by pinching him.
"I am going to get going." Johnny stood up with her and walked her to the door. "I will see you in a little bit." Ray was on the other side waiting when he opened the door. He nodded his head in greeting.
"I promise I will be there." He responded. He watched as the two were about to get on the elevator when he remembered something. "Oh and Kristina..." She paused and looked at him. "We will have to get together with Ethan very soon. After all we don't want to make a liar out of you." Johnny didn't know a smile could get that wide.
"My job is anything but boring." Ray spoke up as he shook his head and laughed but immediately stopped when he noticed Kristina was staring at him with a pondering expression on her face.
"You really shouldn't have said anything." Johnny couldn't help teasing the man as he crossed his arms and waited to hear what exactly was going on in her mind. He watched as his newest guards eyes squinted in suspicion.
"Whatever it is you are thinking – forget about it. I will have no part in any of your schemes."
"First of all they are not schemes." She glared at Ray. "Second of all I was not planning on involving you in anything." Johnny heard the way she trailed off at the end. From the man's body language he apparently did too but chose to say nothing.
"You better get going so you don't keep Elizabeth waiting." He interrupted their stare off.
"Fine." Kristina turned her gaze on him. "Don't wait too long to show up." Johnny nodded his head. "And maybe ask her to dinner." He had plans on doing that. "Take her somewhere nice but not the Metro Court. There are too many people you will run into."
"Kristina I know what to do." He laughed at the exasperating girl. It looked like she was going to say something else put the elevator arrived and Ray coerced her in it. Once they were gone Johnny made his way back inside.
Looking out the terrace doors he wondered if he was doing the right thing helping Kristina out. There couldn't be any harm in helping his friend come to terms with his feelings for her. Ethan just needed a little push and he didn't see anything wrong with a little friendly flirting. It wasn't like there was a chance it would turn into anything else.
Author's Note: Thank you for reading. Chapter 8 will be added soon. Comments, criticisms and suggestions are always welcomed.