It took her a moment to realize where she was when she woke up with the morning light. A part of her expected to see the view of the Eiffel Tower from her loft in Paris, but she was pleasantly relieved when she pushed aside her curtains to find the beautiful town of Port Charles as a greeting to the day.
She has dreamt of the day that she'd wake up and be back home for so long that she half expected her return home to be nothing but a dream. While she gets ready to face the day, Elizabeth's mind travels back to the night she had been debating whether or not to return to Port Charles - wondering if it would be the right move. Getting the call from Jason had pretty much sealed the deal.
All around her people are walking about, looking at her gallery - most of them in deep thought from the looks on their faces. She had always pictured this would happen and she was glad that people were really taking to her art. Robin took the day off to be there for the first ever debut of art by Elizabeth Webber.
Being the artist of honor, Elizabeth walked around - explaining pieces to people that felt the need to know the back story to each piece. Finally done with one of the most prestigious art collectors in Paris, Elizabeth walks off tend to other guests.
"Ms. Webber, there's someone on line 3 for you." May-Ann, her boss's assistant informs. "He says that he'd like to purchase the Wind. I tried to explain that there is no such piece, but he's insistent on it."
"Its okay, May-Ann." Elizabeth smiles, knowing exactly who it was that was calling. "I'll handle it."
She walks the distance to the phone, not at all surprised that he found out about her collection debut. Elizabeth excuses herself to her office - she was beyond anxious to see what was going on back home. He usually calls once a week, filling her in on the things she's been missing.
"This is Elizabeth Webber, artist in question." Elizabeth says firmly, a playful smile on her lips. "I apologize sir, but the painting in question already belongs to a very special person in my life. It is not for sale."
"That's fine with me since it is mine." he says, playing along. "How's the debut going?"
"Its going great." Elizabeth assures, taking a seat behind her desk. "Everyone that was invited is in attendance and I think one of the major art collectors is thinking about buying out most of my collection."
"I always knew you could do it." Jason comments, something in his voice gives her cause to be worried.
"Is everything okay?" Elizabeth questions, nervous to hear what has him so conflicted. "Jason?"
"Its nothing that can't wait for later." Jason says pensively, not wanting to tell her any of this during her debut. "I'm gonna let you get back to..."
"Jason, don't." Elizabeth says seriously. "Tell me what's going on, please. You know I'll worry if you don't."
"Fine. I'm getting married." Jason says cautiously, taking her completely by surprise. "She's pregnant..."
"You're gonna be a father?" Elizabeth cuts him off unintentionally, she just couldn't believe her ears. "Wow...that wasn't what I was expecting."
"Its not mine." Jason amends, not sure why he bothers pointing that out. "Its Sonny's."
"Okay...some elaboration would be nice."
"Do you remember when I told you that Sonny and Carly started seeing other people?" Jason questions, hating that it was hard to explain the situation to her.
"Yeah...you mentioned some girl named Sam, I think."
"Right. Sam McCall." Jason confirms. "Apparently they had "goodbye sex" or at least that's what they're calling it and now she's pregnant."
"Goodbye sex? Really?" Elizabeth seriously didn't get Sonny's logic. "I still don't get why you're gonna marry her."
"Sonny and Carly are trying to make things work for Michael's sake and..."
"And this Sam girl having Sonny's baby will complicate that, right?" Elizabeth guessed, finally getting the picture. "I still don't get it."
"What don't you get?"
"For a man that hates lying, you're going to be carrying the burden of the biggest lie imaginable." Elizabeth points out, wondering if he's thought it through. "Are you sure you can live with that?"
"I'm gonna have to." Jason sighs, running one hand through his hair. "For Michael's sake, I have to keep Sam lulled."
"And what happens when she falls in love with you?" Elizabeth counters, a sudden ache in her heart. "Are you ready for that? For the feelings that will undoubtedly surface?"
"She knows how it is and she's accepted it." Jason says plainly. "As for my feelings...there's no risk of me falling for her."
"You'll be surprised what living with someone..."
"I'm not going to fall in love with her." Jason cuts her off swiftly. "Trust me."
"If you say so." Elizabeth says, checking the time. "I just really hope you know what you're doing."
"I do." Jason assures in spite of himself. "Enough about this...go enjoy your debut. I'll talk to you again soon."
"Jason, you're my best friend." Elizabeth says with conviction. "I just think you deserve more than a loveless marriage. You deserve more than this...you deserve everything."
"Don't worry about me." Jason says softly. "I'll be okay."
"I hope so." Elizabeth takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Take care, Jason."
"You, too."
"And...congratulations...I guess."
Throwing her hair up into a ponytail, she checks to make sure she has everything she needs for the day ahead. Her PDA clipped to her hip, Elizabeth slides into her coat, grabbing her purse that she organized the night before and leaving her apartment.
"Elizabeth Webber speaking." she answers her cellphone just as she gets into her car. "Madam Louise, has a decision been made in regard to the gallery?"
"We've got the green light." Louise, her boss, confirms. "Have you come to a decision?"
"Yes. I'll be honored to head up the Port Charles division, ma'am." Elizabeth assures, glad that they finally got the green light. She wasn't looking forward to leaving again. "When will I get the scheduling?"
"May-Ann will send you the address for the new complex we've rented out for the temporary office." Louise rifles through her paperwork. "Once you've set up a decent arrangement, email May-Ann and she'll fax over the scheduling and contacts for the companies we've lined up for the project."
"I'll get right on that." Elizabeth starts up her car, turning on her air-con. "Thank you for this opportunity, Madam Louise. I promise to make you proud."
"I trust your instincts, Liz." Louise admits, signing paperwork and sending the assistant on her way. "I wouldn't put you in charge if I didn't. Keep me reasonably updated and have fun with this."
"Yes, ma'am." Elizabeth waits for the dial tone before dialling Robin's number. "Morning, sunshine!"
"You sound excited." Robin comments, paying for her coffee. "Does this mean what I think it means?"
"Take the job at GH...we're not going anywhere." Elizabeth says happily, laughing softly when Robin practically shrieks in delight. "We're home for good, Robin."
"Mac's going to love this." Robin exclaims, anxious to start working at the hospital. "Drinks at Jake's, the more the merrier because tonight we're celebrating!"
"I'll be there."
"Since you're meeting up with Jason, let him know okay?" Robin says as she walks out of the diner. "And make sure he invites the future missus, just because she can't drink, doesn't mean she can't hangout."
"Sure." Elizabeth doesn't know how much fun a bar is without drinking, but it couldn't hurt to extend the invitation. "As long as you invite the guards."
"Deal."
Jason is getting ready, making sure he has his gun at the small of his - fully loaded - and securing his signature jacket around him. While he's getting ready, Sam stands at the top of the stairs - knowing that he was on his way to see the "she" for one of their usual whatevers.
She'd usually make her presence known by now, but the look on his face had her frozen to the spot. Gone is the blank expression that is usually donned on his face. Instead of his usual look, Jason has a small smile on his lips, the look on his face evidently one of great thoughts.
"Good morning." Sam says when she finally finds the courage to walk down the stairs. "Are you busy today?"
"Why?" Jason asks, closing the closet and turning to look at her.
"I have a doctor's appointment at one." Sam reminds him, unconsciously sliding her hands over her stomach. "You said you'd come."
"And I will." Jason says, pulling out some money and handing it to her. "I'm going to be busy for most of the day, but I'll meet up with you at the hospital."
"Okay." Sam manages to get out before he's out the door.
Jason makes a pit stop at Kelly's, ordering up her usual and his before making his way to the their spot. It wasn't exactly the most fancy place in the world, but it was theirs. So he drives there, undoubtedly faster than he should have been driving, but he just had to see her. After going so long without her, he just wanted to see her. To spend some real time with her. Pathetic, maybe, but its the truth.
"Liz?" Jason calls out, smiling slightly when she walks out into the doorway of the boxcar. "Hey."
"Hey." Elizabeth smiles, taking hold of the frame before helping him up into the boxcar with her other hand. "You got it?"
"Yup." Jason confirms, setting the bags down. "You?"
"Of course." Elizabeth holds up the small container. "I can't believe this place is still here. I'd think the mayor would have this thing demolished by now."
"Its a waste of the government's resources apparently." Jason chuckles when she nudges him. "That's what the mayor said in his speech."
"I doubt he worded it like that." Elizabeth counters, laying out the blanket for them to sit down and eat. "I've missed this."
"I've missed you." Jason watches as a soft smile touches her lips, one of the many reasons he loves her. "I really hope you get the green light for the gallery."
"Thanks for reminding me." Elizabeth smiles brightly. "My boss called earlier and its official! I'm staying in town."
"Really?" Jason looks at her hopeful. "You're not going back to Paris?"
"Nope." Elizabeth shakes her head. "I'm not going anywhere."
Jason wraps his arms around her, realizing in that moment that he was glad she wasn't leaving. In spite of his underlying love for his best friend, Jason wouldn't want her anywhere else but there. He's going to marry Sam and his friendship with Elizabeth will stay in tact. He's gone this long without admitting his true feelings - with lots of effort he should be able to stifle his love for the rest of his life.
Sitting back, the two of them eat breakfast, talking about the past. Elizabeth tells him all about her time in Paris, describing in length how she felt being in Italy for the first time. She had gone on business and enjoyed every moment of it. What she didn't tell him was that it didn't feel right. Going there without him. It was strange.
Then came the hard topic for both of them. Jason's marriage and impending fatherhood.
"She seems like a nice person." Elizabeth comments, placing her empty container down on the floor. "Maybe someone you might fall in love with."
"Stop that." Jason says seriously. "I told you before and I'll tell you again, its not going to happen."
"How can you be so sure?" Elizabeth counters, eyeing him intently. "You're getting married and then you're going to raise her child together."
"And?" Jason really wishes she'd stop talking about him falling in love with someone else, even if its Sam. "Proximity and circumstances don't dictate how you feel about someone."
"All I'm saying is that you should look at all the angles before you tie yourself to Sam for the rest of your life." Elizabeth amends, opening up the container she brought. "Time to make a wish."
Jason takes a fudge brownie from her hand before watching as she closes her eyes. When she came up with this tradition Jason didn't understand it, but he went along with it. Then she explained it to him and he found himself actually looking forward to it.
"Close your eyes." she whispers, knowing him so well. "And make a wish."
Smiling slightly, Jason closes his eyes and makes a wish that everything will turn out how its supposed to. Elizabeth wishes for everything to fall into place for Jason. Happiness, love, the whole shebang. Opening their eyes, Jason and Elizabeth stare at each other for a moment before eating their brownies. With her staying in town, Elizabeth is going to make sure that Jason gets exactly what he deserves. Even if she has to help Sam become the person Jason can eventually fall in love with.
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