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Chapter 15

The next morning she woke up alone and there were eight one hundred dollar bills on her nightstand. Grinning from ear to ear she flopped back on the bed. Last night had been amazing. Jason was not only a wonderful lover but he was really creative too. She'd never done anything like that before and she hoped that he would be open to doing it again.

After getting dressed she shoved the money in the front pocket of her jeans. She'd need to get an envelope from somewhere to put the bills in so that she could give them back to Jason. Going across the hall she got Cam up and dressed. They had a fun breakfast just the two of them. Lately they ate most of their meals with Jason or one of the guys and it was nice to have her little boy all to herself.

Finding an envelope she addressed it to Jason before putting in the cash and sealing it. Feeling cheeky she put on some lipstick and kissed the envelope. She ran out and slipped it under his door. Both guards were curious but neither said a word.

At ten Sonny arrived with Morgan. The two little boys immediately ran up to Cameron's room leaving the two adults in awkward silence. "It's okay Sonny. I know that you are upset with what Michael said, but I don't blame you. I don't even blame Carly, well not much. We can just put it behind us."

"Thank you, that's really big of you." Sonny was grateful that she was willing to let it go so easily. "I'd like for Michael to come apologize."

"He won't mean it. He's angry." Elizabeth said trying to make this easy on Sonny.

"He's spoiled and that's mine and his mother's fault." Sonny learned in therapy that avoidance made things worse. "Jason made sure that Michael will not disrespect you again." They still didn't know what he had said the sullen child but Michael had been pretty quiet for the rest of the day.

"It's fine. Does Morgan have any allergies?" She simply changed the subject.

"No. But if something crops up he is with a nurse." Sonny said smiling. "You have my number if you need anything."

"I'm sure they'll be fine. I'm not planning on taking them out but if I do I'll be sure that we take guards." Elizabeth told Sonny.

"Cody is assigned to Morgan today he's next door with Francis." Sonny informed her as he walked to the door. With a smile he left.

It wasn't until she shut the door that what he said registered. The guys were next door and she'd shoved the envelope under the door. Hopefully Jason was home too.

He wasn't but luckily for him neither was Johnny. O'Brien was with Max getting an update on the Alcazar situation. Since he was home Jason was thinking he would use his friend's inside knowledge of the organization. Francis also knew quite a bit about Alcazar but for the time being it was best to keep him and Max apart.

Since Sonny was in the warehouse Jason decided to pop home for lunch. He checked in with Francis first. He found Cody instead, the guard only smirked a little as he handed him the envelope Elizabeth had shoved under the door. The only indication that it was personal was the lipstick on the back. The same shade of lipstick she'd been wearing last night.

Peeking inside he saw the money he'd left on the nightstand. Breathing out through his nose he looked at the bills. He had fully intended for her to keep the money. Not for the sex, there was no price he could put on that, but because he knew she could use it. Of all the stumbling blocks he had expected his being rich wasn't one of them. He had money and he wanted to use it to make her life easier. He'd give this some thought before bringing it up with her.

Putting the envelope in his desk he headed across the hall only to find Leticia curled up on the sofa reading a book. She explained that Elizabeth was out running errands while the two boys napped. Jason ran up real quick to check and grinned at the two of them sprawled out on Cam's bed. Adjusting the covers he headed back to the warehouse.

Stepping off the elevator he was in time to see Det. Harper escorting a cuffed Ric Lansing out of the lobby. "What's that all about?" Jason asked Trent, who was in charge of security for the building.

"He was served with a restraining order this morning, and he felt the best thing to do was come and confront the person who requested it." Trent just shook his head.

Jason's eyes slanted in anger. Ric was an asshole who should already be dead. Sonny had already said that he would not stand in front of his brother if he got out of line and it looked like they were headed there. He would talk with Sonny today and give him a heads up. Ric Lansing was living on borrowed time he just hadn't figured that out yet.

Stepping into Kelly's Elizabeth let out a sigh and smiled. It had only been a few days since she'd been in the diner but it felt like forever. It was nice to do something normal. She and Francis had just come from her studio where she picked out a few paintings to hang around her penthouse. She also had The Wind packed up and shipped to the Towers it was time that it was hung in Jason's penthouse.

Now she was going to have a hot chocolate before heading back to relieve Leticia. Placing their order she and Francis settled at a table. "So what do you want to talk about? Where you've been the last ten years or Diane?" She didn't expect him to talk about business but she was curious as to where life had taken him.

Francis grinned at his charge. She might be older but she hadn't really changed. "Right after I left Port Charles I went to the casino for a few years and after that I went to South America." That was all she was going to get about his time away. "And there is nothing to discuss about Diane." He smiled when she snorted.

She'd get what was going on with Diane eventually right now she would back off. "Was Johnny with you the whole time?"

"No." Was all Francis told her, what Johnny had been doing was not something she would ever know.

"Come on Frannie you have to give me something. You know what I've been doing." Elizabeth said exasperated. That's what she got for having mob guys for friends.

"I gave you something. If I tell you anything else I'll have to take you out to the woods." Francis joked. "And then Jason will be pissed. He's scary when he's pissed." Francis told her laughing.

"Fine." Elizabeth said rolling her eyes as she sipped her hot chocolate.

"Carly." Francis said to Elizabeth. He was sitting facing the door and he saw the blonde looking into the window.

Elizabeth turned in her seat, and waved to the other woman. She couldn't avoid her forever so she may as well get it over with. Francis moved to a nearby table, but stayed close enough in case he had to break up a fight. All the guys were not really buying the new Carly.

"Hi." Carly said approaching slowly.

"Hi." Elizabeth said smiling. "Have a seat." They waited while the waitress brought Carly a cup of coffee.

"I'm sorry." Carly jumped right in.

"You don't have to apologize for Michael. I wasn't exactly a model child either." Elizabeth had been a nightmare.

"I'm not apologizing for Michael. I'm hoping that he'll grow up and will come and say he's sorry. I'm apologizing for what I said. I said it before we declared the truce but I still said it." Carly had spent a restless night trying to figure this out. The only chance she had to stay in Jason's life was Elizabeth, because her best friend was pissed. So it was time to really step up and try to be friends.

"I'm not going to lie, it hurt. I've always respected your place in Jason's life and you never respected mine." Just because Elizabeth was willing to move past this didn't mean she wasn't going to call Carly out on their history. "If we are going to be spending time together you need to start. Our boys are becoming friends and I want to encourage that, but we need to be able to get along as well."

"You're right." Carly knew that the other woman was correct still it would take time for them to trust each other. Or more realistically for Elizabeth to trust her. "Michael is going to military school. He's going to be leaving in two weeks."

"Are you going to be okay?" Elizabeth asked it couldn't be easy to send your child away.

"I will thanks. It's what is best for him right now. He needs a bit more discipline than he can get here." And some different role models the blonde said to herself. "By the time he comes home for Thanksgiving he might even be ready to say he's sorry."

"Maybe, the timing isn't important. What's important is that he means it." Elizabeth could wait.

"I have something to give you." Carly reached into her oversized bag and handed a large envelope to Elizabeth. Looking down the brunette's eyes got wide. "I know I've most likely overstepped my boundaries, but in my defense it's a great school. Morgan is starting their two year preschool program in September and it would be nice if he had a friend there with him."

Elizabeth looked at the enrollment packet for Port Charles Academy and then looked at Carly. "It's a great school, but I can't afford to send Cameron." It was an elite private school and even if she could pay the tuition they had a waiting list to get in. It was even too late to apply for a scholarship for this year.

"Jason can pay for it." Carly said instantly.

"Carly, paying for Cam's school isn't Jason's responsibility." Elizabeth didn't expect Jason to take care of the two of them.

"Elizabeth, let's be honest since it's just the two of us." The diner was empty since the lunch rush was over. "You don't want to be like Sam and I. I admit that I expected both Jason and Sonny to take care of me. When Sonny bought Deception for me I was pissed. I wanted to be lady of the manor. I never understood why you insisted on working. Now that I have the hotel I get it. When you have something you love it makes all the difference."

"Carly, I'm not judging you." Elizabeth told the other woman. "I did when I was younger, but as I've grown I realize it's pointless. This isn't about being like anyone else this is about me providing for my son."

"No Elizabeth, it's about you not letting Jason provide for your son. He already loves Cameron. You can look at him and tell. He wants to provide for Cameron, and you won't let him. You're hurting Jason when you reject his help." Carly sat back and looked at the other woman. Being a good friend was a lot of work. "Let me tell you something I think you may not know." Carly leaned forward and Elizabeth did the same. "Your boyfriend is rich." She whispered.

Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh. That was not what she expected Carly to say. "I kind of noticed."

"Good. Then there is hope for you yet. Jason is loaded Elizabeth, and he is going to want to spend some of that money on you and your son. I'm not saying ask him for diamonds and furs and cars. Although if that's your thing then go for it. But you need to let him help." Carly tapped the enrollment packet that was on the table. "Let him pay for the school. I'm on the board so Cam will get in."

Elizabeth leaned back in her chair. "You know this is the first real conversation we've ever had." Who knew Carly could give such good advice.

"Yeah." Carly said with a genuine smile. "It wasn't too bad."

"I'm thinking of having a get together at the penthouse for some of the girls. I'll let you know when." Elizabeth offered trying to be a good friend in return.

"That might not be such a good idea. I don't really get along with most people. However I'd be up for some clothes shopping." Elizabeth's wardrobe could use some updating. She was Jason's girlfriend and needed to look the part.

"Carly. Jason isn't paying for my clothes." Elizabeth said rolling her eyes.

"Then don't pay him rent and buy your own clothes." Carly knew that Elizabeth was insisting on paying rent, she also knew that Sonny and Jason didn't want her money. "You have to stop being so stubborn and let him in. He's not Lucky or Ric. He's not going to try to control you and this time he's not walking away."

Elizabeth played with her mug. "I'll give it some thought."

"Good." Carly grabbed her bag. "I have to go; thanks for letting Morgan come over today. Get the packet in by next Friday." With that the blonde walked out of the restaurant.

Elizabeth leaned back in her chair as Francis rejoined her. "Well?" She wanted her friends input. He wasn't eavesdropping but he had heard the entire conversation.

"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I agree with Carly. Jason wants to help you and it's frustrating for him that you won't let him." Francis knew Jason wouldn't say anything but the fact that Elizabeth worried over money upset him.

"I'm not used to leaning on anyone." Elizabeth admitted to the older man.

"Maybe it's time to learn." Francis said softly.

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