A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you are still with me! * Kikimoo – All I can tell you is what I've already said and that its personal. Sorry. The park was private and not "out in the open" with tons of guards. The ride, well, Jason brought Johnny along which is more than he'd normally do. They are trying to have some semblance of a life. Jason really thinks this is more about Julian like before. Their enemy has only threatened at this point, so it was a risk they took. I don't focus on Sonny that much in this one. He's always there, and he and Jason are friends, but I like that Jason actually has a life outside the business. Thanks!

I'll post a picture of the dress by tomorrow. You'll have to look in my profile for the link.

Chapter 39

Julian knocked on Carly's door and then went inside. They hugged for a long moment as he relished her warmth.

"Are you okay?"

"I just feel helpless. I'm scared that the opening is going to ruin everything for Elizabeth. It's bad enough they are joking about what might happen in the media."

"Maybe she should put it off."

"She's stubborn, like me."

Carly smirked. "Then we'll all be there for her."

"I don't want you to go."

"Really?"

"I know you want to support her, but I can't take the chance. It would be selfish for me to ask you to put your life in danger."

She touched his face. "I'm scared for you. I'll do what you ask, but I'm going to be a nervous wreck the entire night."

He kissed her softly. "I'm crazy for you, Carly Benson."

She smiled against his lips. "I feel the same way." She took his hand and lead him upstairs and took him to bed. There is nothing she can do about the gallery opening, but she can make her man feel really good. For now, that would have to do.

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Johnny walked into Ellie's apartment.

"You look exhausted."

"It took a lot out of me." He hated that he couldn't catch whoever is messing with them. "I shouldn't stay. I'm not in the best mood."

"You came over here because you needed me." She took his hand and led him over to the couch. "I'll get you a beer. Take a load off."

He plopped down and she put a remote in his hand and then he turned the television on. She opened a beer for the both of them and sat and they relaxed together. It was just what Johnny needed to clear his head.

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The next morning Diane came over to talk to Elizabeth.

"Here are the people who have confirmed."

Liz took a look. "Wow. I don't think she is considered "B" list."

Diane smirked. "Lots of people are curious about the Jerome family. Hollywood loves the mafia."

Liz rolled her eyes. "Well, I think they will actually be bored for the most part."

"So, what are you wearing?"

"Something very fabulous."

"You're not going to show me?"

Liz chuckled. "Would it kill you if I didn't?"

Diane pursed her lips together. "Yes."

"Fine. Follow me." Liz led her upstairs to her closet. "I've narrowed it down to two dresses."

There was a noise in the hallway.

"Step aside and make way for the professionals," Felix said followed by Brenda.

"I can't believe you're here."

They hugged.

"Trust me, there was no way I was going to miss this event," Brenda said.

Liz was so floored. "I'm so happy you're here. Brenda and Felix, this is Diane."

Brenda smiled. "I know Diane. How are you?"

"I'm very good. Sonny and Jason keep my designer fetish intact."

"I'm sure they do."

"I think you need to try on some dresses for us."

Liz grabbed a couple and went into the bathroom.

"I think she'd look fabulous in green, or blue," Diane said.

"True. I'm just not sure how edgy she wants to be," Brenda said.

Felix frowned. "It's an art event. She has to be a little edgy or at least slightly daring."

Liz appeared in a body hugging black dress that nicely accentuated her body. The length ended below her knees and the back was open."

"Don't get me wrong, you look fabulous, but I think you should go with something a bit more unique, so you'll stand out," Diane said.

Brenda grinned. "Are you sure you're not a designer?"

"I'm just a clothing and shoe slut. I know what works and what doesn't."

"Back to the drawing board…"

She disappeared and then Brenda turned to Felix. "We could probably have a few dresses brought in if nothing works."

"I can make it happen."

Liz reappeared. "What about this one?"

The dress is white, but around the sleeveless bodice and bottom is a flowery asymmetrical design.

"Hmmm. I like it, but not for this event," Felix said.

Liz went back inside, not even waiting for the others to respond.

"She knew that wasn't it before she put it on," Brenda said. "I think I need refreshments."

"I'm on it," Felix said going to find the kitchen. He came back with some iced tea and snacks that Millie had prepared.

Elizabeth tried on several more dresses, but they weren't feeling them.

"Alright, I have this one dress. I haven't worn it because I wasn't sure if I could pull it off."

"Well, chop—chop. We want to see it," Diane said.

Liz went back into the bathroom.

"This is it. I can feel it." They didn't want Elizabeth to do over the top glamor. She is an artist and they want her to wear something she's comfortable in and fits her personality.

Elizabeth strode forward and Brenda grinned. "I really like that."

"Slip on some strappy shoes and I'm thinking her hair should be a little wild, and we've got a winner."

Felix nodded. "Very nice."

The dress is partially peekaboo on the belly. It is black lace with a black knit material underneath to hide everything that shouldn't be seen. It is sexy, fresh, slightly bold, and Elizabeth could definitely pull off the look.

"I wasn't sure that it was dressy enough."

"I think you should be different. It's really about presence and attitude. Be sassy while you're wearing it. Of course, we could put you in couture, but everyone does that," Brenda said.

"I agree," Felix said. "I also think we should have a makeup artist do something artsy with your eyes. It doesn't have to be crazy, but I think smoky and dramatic would really make you stand out."

"That's a great idea," Brenda said.

"You guys are getting me excited."

"I think you should have a spa day in the morning. We'll have the hair and makeup artists come over and then we'll be there if you need anything else."

"You can have a mani/pedi and massage before the big event," Diane said.

"Sold."

"And of course, I'll join you," Brenda said.

"I'm in," Felix said.

"I think my afternoon is open," Diane added.

"Then it's a date," Liz said.

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Elizabeth stretched and yawned as she tried to wake up. She had a very big day ahead of her. She sniffed the air and smiled before using the bathroom and going down to the kitchen. "Morning."

Jason smiled. "Good morning."

"What did you do to Millie?"

"I gave her the morning off."

"That was very nice of you."

Jason handed her a plate with some bacon and pancakes.

"Yum." She sat and began to dig in.

"I just realized that I probably won't see you until tonight."

"I hope you like my dress."

"You look good in anything."

They are interrupted by Michael.

"Hey buddy."

He jumped into Jason's lap and hugged him.

"That was a great hug," Jason said.

"I was saving up."

He chuckled. "It hasn't been that long."

Michael nodded. "Uh huh."

Carly walked in. "That bacon smells good."

"Did you eat?"

"Of course, do you think Julian would let me starve?"

"That depends on whether you have been good or bad."

"She's bad," Michael said.

Carly gasped. "Michael Quartermaine—take that back!"

He giggled and shook his head no.

She put her hands on her hips. "And why am I bad?"

"You stole Julian's bacon."

"She did," Julian said before kissing his daughter on the head. "And she went on a time out."

"See how they gang up on me?"

"Boy power," Julian said.

Michael gave him a high five.

"What are you doing today?" Jason asked.

"Waterslide!"

Jason glanced at Julian. "He suckered you into that?"

"It's not that bad is it?" He had rented out the park for two hours. A few of Michael's friends would be there and that was it.

"Wear a lot of sun block and buy some earplugs."

"He does have a point about the noise level," Carly said.

"And you failed to mention that why?"

Carly grinned. "To teach you a lesson because you allowed my son to wrap you around his finger."

"I'm not wrapped."

"Will you slide down with me?" Michael asked.

"Of course."

Jason and Carly locked eyes and laughed.

"Oh, like you would have turned him down."

Liz got up. "I have to go get pampered."

"I'll clean up," Jason said.

She put her plate in the sink and then gave him a kiss.

"Ewwww," Michael said.

Jason ignored him.

"Stop," Michael said holding his ears.

"Why are you holding your ears?" Carly asked.

"Don't know. Yucky, mommy."

Jason smiled against Liz's lips. "There was nothing yucky about that."

She chuckled. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Liz walked by Michael and then turned back and attacked him by kissing him all over his face as he giggled and then yelled for help. She walked away and then he wiped it off.

"Someday, you won't want to do that," Jason said.

Michael made a face and Julian chuckled.

"What are your plans for the day?" Jason asked.

"I'm going to work from here with the security crew. I'll meet up with you guys after lunch and we can go over all the plans," Julian said.

"Sounds good."

Jason dried his hands off. "Alright, I'm out of here."

"Awwww."

"Do I get a hug goodbye?"

Michael shook his head no.

"Why not?"

"Cooties."

Carly giggled.

Jason grabbed Michael and hugged him tight as the little boy laughed. "I don't have cooties because I sprayed my lips first."

Michael's eyes grew big. He hugged him again, glad his uncle was protected, and then Jason put him down and he ran off.

"I think I have some new blackmail material on you," Carly said.

Jason rolled his eyes.

"Wait until Elizabeth finds out you are spraying your lips with cootie spray."

"Carly, just remember that I have a report on you that is probably three city blocks long."

"I wasn't that bad."

His eyebrow rose and then Julian smiled. "How much for the report?"

"It's not for sale."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Most definitely, I would never give up that kind of leverage."

"Brat. For that, you have to give me a hug goodbye."

He embraced her tightly. "Later."

"Later."

Julian grabbed her hands. "I could pay someone to steal them."

"I appreciate the chivalry, but I can steal them myself, although he'd just run them again."

He hugged her. "I don't like not being able to protect my girl."

They kissed.

"Maybe I can withhold my daughter from him until he gives in."

Carly laughed loudly. "You think your daughter will allow that? You'll need to kidnap and handcuff her to keep her away from him."

"You're probably right. I could withhold Chloe."

"Now, you're talking."

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Doreen texted Elizabeth a picture of her flat belly. "Do you see a bump?"

Liz walked into the spa with a big smile on her face as she answered her. "Um, maybe."

"Liar, it's as flat as Howie Long's flat top."

"Howie who?"

"Long. Don't you watch football? A bunch of men running around with tight uniforms and possible locker room bare chest action is heaven."

Liz chuckled. Jason does like football. "I guess I will just have to learn to like it." She looked up and Doreen was sitting in a chair and she squealed as they hugged. "What are you doing here so early?"

"I could use some pampering."

"Well I'm really happy to see you."

Brenda and Felix walked in. "Hey girl." They hugged and she introduced Felix to Doreen. Georgie and Ellie walked in and she did the same.

"I've never had a massage before. Suppose I don't like it?" Georgie asked.

"Oh, trust me, you'll like it," Brenda said. "We'll have them go easy since it's your first time."

A woman came out of the back. "Hello, I'm Eve. Are you ladies ready?"

"Yes," everyone said.

"Then follow me."

They went to the back. "First up, we'll do a full body massage, then a facial, and finally, a mani pedi."

"Sounds heavenly," Liz said.

"You are with Bart for the massage and Sally will do your facial."

Bart took a few steps forward and Felix smiled and followed him. They split everyone up and they went to their rooms. Georgie and Ellie will share a room since they were added later. The spa had tried to accommodate them the best they could.

A woman began to massage Liz's back and she sighed. It felt so good. In the other room, Georgie wasn't sure she was feeling it.

However, Ellie is in heaven. She opened her eyes and saw the look on Georgie's face. "What's wrong? You look like someone is torturing you."

The masseuse stopped. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know. I'm just weird about people touching me."

She grabbed an apparatus and started to roll it. "How's that."

"Better."

"I bet you if it was Milo, you'd be singing a different tune."

Georgie smirked.

"So, I didn't get to tell you, we sealed the deal."

Georgie gasped. "Get out. How was it?"

"I'm surprised that I'm not walking funny. It was incredible."

"I'm really happy for you."

"Me too. I've got a gorgeous man and a great job. You can't really beat that."

"True."

"When are you sealing the deal?"

"I don't know. We've been taking it slower."

"Is that what you want?"

"Yes and no" She rolled to her right and looked at the masseuse. "Anything we say in here stays here right?"

"Definitely."

She laid her head back down. "He's a really good kisser and I can't wait, but he's trying so hard to be a gentleman and give me time. I think he wants me to be in love with him first and the romantic part of me wants that too."

"Are you falling for him?"

"Yes. He's—there are no words for how wonderful he is."

"I get it. Let him lead Georgie. You deserve to be spoiled and loved. I think it's safe to open your heart to him."

"I do too."

"Sounds like you both have some great guys."

The two women smiled. They are definitely grateful.

Once all the massages were complete, the women got facials. While they were relaxing, the men were completely the opposite. The stress of protecting everyone is getting to them.

"Jason, sit down now," Sonny said watching his enforcer who is eye to eye with Johnny. They got into arguments about strategy here and then, but this is a little over the top.

The aggression had taken Johnny by surprise too, but he didn't back down. Jason had gotten emotional, which was not normal. He watched as the enforcer plopped into a chair and put his head in his hands.

"Everyone out but me, Johnny, Francis, and Jason."

Several men exited the room. None of them discussed what happened. They understood that this was personal and that they needed to respect that.

"I'm sorry," Jason said.

"I know that you are trying to protect her, and I will do anything I can to make that happen."

"I can't lose her. I've never—we just have to do everything we can do to protect her."

Sonny smoothed his hair. "Jason, we have men all over the place. You'll be with her every second."

"Something always goes wrong." Jason sat back in the chair. "You know that."