The Nurses' Ball was as grand and as elegant as it was every year. It was the only time of the year where Sam didn't mind getting all girly and dressing up in a fancy dress. She even liked going to the spa with her mom and her aunt to get all pampered and primped. But the best part of the whole thing was how much fun she had. Last year she and Nikolas put their formal dancing lessons to good use by performing a waltz with Nikolas wearing a Russian imperial uniform befitting the little prince he was, and Sam in a matching princess ball gown and tiara while Kristina sang Journey to the Past and Once Upon a December because both girls were annoyingly obsessed with the animated Anastasia movie.

This year she, Lucky, Nikolas, and Emily were the leads in a Guys and Dolls dance melody that had her a little nervous because of all the dancing. They'd practiced for weeks with Bobbie as their teacher and Sam felt pretty confident until she started putting on her costume and was hit with a sudden case of stage fright.

"I think I'm going to throw up." Sam said as she sat down and bent over so her head was on her knees.

"It's going to be fine, Sam." Emily reassured as she rubbed her friend's back. "Take some deep breaths. You know this, you'll be great."

Emily was always so sweet and so understanding. Sometimes Sam really wanted to slug her. After a few deep breaths and some encouragement from Bobbie Sam finished getting ready and took her place in the wings waiting for her cue. Since they were always sent home before the end of the night Sam couldn't help but wonder about things that happened after they'd all gone. Leaning over to Emily she whispered, "Do you think Ms. Cole really does always end up in her underwear?"

The other girl snorted and then covered her nose and mouth to cover up a laugh. Her reply was cut off by the start of the music. As the kids danced their way through their number, aside from thinking about how cute her little girl was, and how good Sam was at dancing, Alexis couldn't stop the groan when she realized they were doing scenes from a show about racketeers and conmen. But Alexis was willing to over look the whole gangster theme because Sam was just to damn cute dressed like a Guy rather than a Doll, complete with suspenders, tie, and fedora.

As soon as the number was over the kids all ran off stage to Bobbie who'd been waiting in the wings. "You guys were great!" She praised as she hugged each of them. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Bobbie! Bobbie!" Amy squeaked out as she ran up to Bobbie and the kids. "You're Dancing Queen bit is up after Alan's number!"

When Sam and Nikolas got back to the Cassadine table their family was just as full of congratulations and pride. Alexis was beaming as she wrapped her arms around Sam and held the girl while kissing her cheek. "You were so cute!"

"Mom." Sam groaned as she wiped her mother's lipstick from her cheek. "I'm to old to be cute."

After her annual dance number Bobbie changed back into her dress and returned to the table where Jerry was waiting for her. It had been unexpected and if she were honest with herself, it wasn't going to go anywhere, but Bobbie had to admit she was having a good time with Jerry.

"Do you think that's a good idea?" Alexis asked Jax as she watched Bobbie and Jerry two tables over.

"Is what a good idea?" Jax asked as he turned his attention to where Alexis was looking.

"Bobbie and Jerry." Alexis replied.

Jax smiled as he watched the couple for a moment and then shrugged his shoulders. "She isn't normally the kind of woman he goes for, but who knows, maybe she'll be good for him, and lord knows she could use a little fun after Dr. Jones."

"I just don't want to see her get hurt." Alexis said with a soft sigh. "She's become a really good friend to me, and Sam adores her, and she helped save Krissy's life."

"Would it make you feel better if I talked to Jerry?" Jax asked as he turned to smile at his past and hopefully someday future wife.

Alexis nodded. "Would you?"

"Anything for you wife." Jax replied before leaning close for a soft kiss. During the next break in the acts Jax went looking for his big brother. If he were honest with himself he'd admit he had his own misgivings about Jerry and Bobbie. Bobbie was a single mom with three kids, and Jerry was, well, he was Jerry. He was reckless and irresponsible and never up to anything good. Not exactly husband or father martial that was for damn sure. "Enjoying yourself brother?"

"Immensely." Jerry said with a grin as he accepted two drinks from the bartender. "I can see why you like it here so much."

Jax smiled, placed an order for drinks for himself and Alexis, and then turned to his brother and asked. "What the hell are you up to?"

"Up to?" Jerry repeated.

"Yeah, with Bobbie." Jax demanded. "What do you think you're doing?"

Jerry looked insulted and rightfully so. "I think I'm enjoying the company of a wonderful woman."

"She is a wonderful woman." Jax agreed. "And she means a great deal to my wife and daughter, and to me too. I don't want to see her hurt, Jerry."

"Why do you assume I'm going to hurt her?" Jerry demanded.

Jax hesitated but then decided to just say it. "Because you're the love 'em and leave 'em type, Jerry. You show them a great time, you make them feel special, and then you take off. That's just who you are."

"That use to be who you were too little brother." Jerry told him, his voice low; he was feeling defensive at his brother's words, which kind of surprised him. "But you changed, you found someone to change for, why can't I?"

"Because I don't think you really want to." Jax admitted.

Jerry stood there and glared at Jax for a moment before saying, "Who knows little brother maybe I'll just surprise you."

Carly had already done one skit earlier in the evening at the start of the show. She and her five-year-old sister B.J. had done the cutest version of Me and My Shadow Port Charles had ever seen. She would have been happy just doing that simple little number with B.J. and then spending the rest of the evening enjoying the show, but then her best friend had to go and sprain her ankle, and since it was to late to find a new act, Carly found herself stepping in for Kristina. So there she was dressed like a fairytale princess gliding around the stage singing Someday My Prince Will Come, twirling until she found herself face to face with Jason dressed as the Prince. There's a pause, some dialog, she tries to flee but he catches her, another pause and then the music shifts to Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful. It was not something either of them would do themselves, but they both would do absolutely anything for Kristina, obviously.

"You were beautiful, honey." Bobbie gushed as she hugged Carly once the teen returned to their tale.

Carly crinkled her nose. "It would have been better with Kristina."

"No, it was perfect." Kristina said as she made her way closer on crutches. "Thanks for doing that for me. I owe you one."

"A big one." Carly said with a laugh before the two slowly wandered off.

Several days later the music in Luke's club was playing even though the club was closed. Luke always had it going when he was there. He was working behind the bar when the door opened. He was about to call out that they were closed when his sister's new boy toy walked in. He was on the fence about Jerry Jacks. He didn't really trust him. Something about the man just prickled at Luke like a burr on a donkey's butt. As the dark haired man came up to the bar Luke gave him his best bartender's smile. "What can I do for P.C.'s second favorite Aussie?"

"Well mate, it's not so much about what you can do for me, but what I can do for you." Jerry said as he pulled a photograph out of his pocket and set it on the bar. "Do you know what those are?"

Luke picked up the picture and looked it over for several seconds before looking at the man standing across from him. "The Seven Sisters?"

Jerry smiled. "Seven flawless uncut diamonds meant for King Leopold of Belgium but never arrived. Lost and allusive, and worth a small fortune."

"I've had my eye on these for years." Luke admitted. "Got close twice."

"Third times a charm." Jerry replied as he pulled more papers from his pocket. "I've managed to get this far. I was hoping you'd be able to take this little endeavor even further."

Luke looked the papers over for several minutes before looking up and asking, "Why? Why go after the Seven Sisters and why ask me for help?"

Because this was just the kind of thing Jerry knew would peek Luke's interest, and that would allow him to get Luke out of Port Charles, and that was the point. "I owe my brother. He nearly lost everything because of the trouble our Dad and I caused. And, because your sister is a good woman who needs someone who can take care of things, and who knows one of those sisters might look rather pretty on her finger."

Something didn't feel right about this, but Luke had to admit the idea of finding these allusive jewels was temping. Lord knew he and his family could use the money. "I'll think about it."

"Don't think to long, mate." Jerry said as he put everything back in his pocket. "This lead won't stay hot for long."