Chapter 4

Hayden, Finn, and Violet

Lainey and Kelly return to Port Charles

Sean, Mary, Joss, and…..

Cam, Emma, Trina

After Hayden returned with Violet from their New York trip, Hayden began questioning her reasons for staying in Port Charles. The plus side was her sister and Violet. She fell in love with Finn again but never felt like Port Charles was home. Hayden never felt safe. Even after killing Victor and making peace with Nikolas, Hayden felt Port Charles always belonged to someone else. Hayden was just a visitor. She was grateful the team rescued her. She still didn't trust Jeff, even though he never gave her a reason not to. Hayden felt Jeff either tried too hard or preferred Elizabeth over her. Hayden asked Finn what he thought about moving. Finn wasn't thrilled with the notion. His father and brother were in Port Charles. His practice was here, but he didn't want to lose Hayden. He asked her to wait until after Thanksgiving, and if she still wanted to go, they could go anywhere she wanted to. Hayden agreed.

Hayden calls Elizabeth. "Hey, sis, do you have time for lunch? I could bring Violet to daycare. We could have a picnic in the park." Elizabeth asks why she couldn't bring Violet, and Hayden replies, "I need to speak with you privately. I don't want Violet to know yet." Elizabeth agrees, and they set a date.

Lainey hasn't been back since Epiphany's service, and Kelly after she delivered Tait. They returned to Port Charles after the city cleared debris from the asteroid. They found an apartment near the hospital. Other than a few lunches at General Hospital with Elizabeth, they haven't had time to revisit their Girl's Night Out.

Elizabeth exits the OR room on the 5th floor, removing her scrub cap with defeat in her eyes. She is followed by one of the neurologists and another scrub nurse with the same look. Kelly is chatting with Lainey at the 5th-floor Hub and pauses when they see Liz's face. They watch as the Chief Surgeon approaches the family to break the news that their loved one didn't survive the surgery. Elizabeth slowly walks to her friends.

Lainey says, "It looks like you could use a Girl's Night Out."

Elizabeth sighs and replies, "Yes, I could. I need to call home and tell Jason I'll be late. We could page Terry and ask her to join us."

Kelly asks, "Is that hunky bodyguard going to join us?'

Elizabeth manages a chuckle and says, "How's that Sex Addiction Anonymous going?"

Kelly and Lainey Laugh.

Elizabeth says, "Give me 15 minutes to change and make a few calls." She calls Terry and then Jason. Jason says he and the boys will be fine, but she has to take her guard.

The girls leave for a new bar previously occupied by the Savoy, which the asteroid destroyed. "The Port Charles Asteroid Bar and Grille" is obviously a cheesy attempt to capitalize on the disaster, but it has been a success. The selection of beers and liquors is top shelf. The food is above average. The new owner(s) are not known. At the entrance displays a plaque listing the names of the lives lost at the Savoy.

Elizabeth, Kelly, Lainey, and Terry stroll into the new establishment. Elizabeth says, "A bottle of your top-shelf tequila, four shot glasses, salt, and a plate of sliced limes, please."

Kelly comments, "Your mood has improved since you left General Hospital."

Elizabeth smiles and replies, "It will be even better when we have our 'lick it, slam it, suck it' again."

Lainey orders chips, salsa, and guacamole.

Terry says, "Before the asteroid, we did this once or twice, but I've heard stories about the OG group."

Elizabeth shakes some salt on her hand, licks it, raises her shot, and says, "To Emily, our potty-mouthed intern. I will forever miss her." Elizabeth and her friends down the shot and suck on a slice of lime.

Kelly raises her shot and says, "To Robin, who can't be here, and to our new member Terry." More lick it, slam it, suck it occurs.

Terry raises her glass and says, "To this bar, despite its name, has excellent tequila."

Elizabeth giggles and says, "Who do you think the new owners are?"

Lainey offers up her suggestion, "The former owner, Curtis Ashford? His father died there."

Terry, already on her 5th shot, slurs, "Ava Cassidine? I've heard rumors she's not happy with the progress of the Cassidine Resort and wants something inland."

Kelly laughs and suggests one of the Quartermaines. Elizabeth says, "Doubtful. That would be too embarrassing for them; however, if Luke were still alive, I wouldn't put it past him."

Elizabeth stopped at her third shot and ordered Quesadillas for everyone. Kelly teases her that she has grown soft or is worried about her guard ratting her out to Jason. Elizabeth reminds them of previous GNO, hangovers, and needing to be at work in the morning. She says, "Also, we are 15-plus years older than the last time."

Terry groans; she says, "Why didn't you warn me?"

Elizabeth, Kelly, and Lainey stifle a laugh. Elizabeth asks for four espresso coffees to go. Elizabeth checks with her guard and asks him to drop everyone off at their houses. Thankfully the girls rode with her from the hospital to the bar.

Elizabeth walks in, and Jason works on the books at the kitchen table. He says, "Did you have fun?"

Elizabeth replies, "Yes, I needed that. We had fun; the only thing missing was Emily and Robin."

Jason says, "Are you ever going to tell me about those Girl's Night Out you used to have?"

Elizabeth smiles, winks, and replies, "Maybe. Someday." She showers, pops two aspirins, and crawls into bed.

Sean texts Joss hoping to see her. Joss texts back that he can pick her up in the lobby at 6 pm. Joss prepares herself for several possible scenarios. She chooses not to worry about it until it happens. Joss finishes her paperwork early and takes one of the private elevators for the Penthouse Apartments. She changes into jeans, a sleeveless blouse, and a light jacket. She affixes a necklace and matching earrings. Her finishing touch is a splash of blush. Joss grabs her cellphone wallet and takes the elevator to the lobby. Stepping off, she sighs and smiles, seeing Sean waiting for her.

Sean smiles back and gives her a peck on the cheek. He says, "This is your city; what do you recommend?"

Joss picks the refurbished Port Charles Grill. It's private enough that they can carry on conversations without much noise. They order drinks and place their order. Joss breaks the ice first. She says, "Michael texted me about what Monica said. I'm sorry. I hope you don't condemn me for what Sonny did. He has good qualities too.

Sean says, "Joss, I'm going to stop you now. I don't hold what Sonny did to AJ against you. But I can't overlook the things he's done. I don't know him or his 'good qualities.' I can separate what Sonny does and see you if you can separate what I do. If Sonny breaks the law, I can't ignore it. Can you accept that?"

Joss hesitates and replies, "I'll try."

Sean says, "I'll try too." He takes her hand, pulls her to him, and they kiss." Sean says, "My sister is a different issue. I'll work on her."

They finish their meal, and Joss takes Sean to the Memorial Garden and tells him the events of the day the asteroid hit Port Charles and the loss of lives. She tells him about her father and how he died saving her life. Sean takes her hand and conveys his sympathy for losing her father.

Mary has slept in after working the night shift. Sean has showered, put on his suit and tie, and he is checking the finishing touches for his hair. He puts on his glasses, which he only wears when he drives, works on briefs, or has to appear in court.

Sean taps on Mary's door, opens it a crack, and says, "I'm out to grab a coffee and a pastry before work; care to join me?"

Mary rubs her eyes and replies, "Sure, give me 15 minutes. Where do you want to go?"

Sean hesitates. He's concerned once he tells her where she will beg off. He says, "Perks Coffee."

Mary says, "Perks Coffee? As in Sonny Corothinos Perks Coffee?!"

Sean replies, "Mae, you have got to let this go. Mom didn't tell us about AJ until a few days ago. If anything, we should be mad at her for not being honest."

Mary protests, "But he's a killer!"

Sean replies, "Do your research, sis; so was cousin Justus. He worked for Sonny. The Quartermaines are known to be ruthless, and some have been accused of killing or were acquitted. The Sainted AJ was not perfect. Maybe he didn't deserve to die or be killed, but he had a very long rap sheet, including attempted murder. We can't undo Mom's reasons for not telling us, and we can't blame everyone for their association with Sonny. You will also have to get used to my dating Josslyn Jacks. Now I am going to Perks, and you are joining me."

Mary showers quickly. She wears jeans and pulls over a University of Pennsylvania Medical School t-shirt. She slips into a pair of sandals and tells Sean she's ready to go.

Elizabeth is with Jason at Perks before she's due at General Hospital. She's drinking a large latte and nibbling on a banana nut muffin. She picks it apart and says, "Get ready for a lot more mail. Jake has requested brochures for several universities. He's focused on art and graphic design."

Jason replies, "Already? He just started his senior year."

Elizabeth says, "He probably should have started before school started. Once he's narrowed his selections in a few months, one of us will go with him to tour campuses and then submit applications."

Jason replies, "Wow! This means in two years, I'll be doing that with Danny. After that with Aiden."

Elizabeth laughs and says, "It means, depending on grad school, in around eight to twelve years, we can retire?"

Jason chuckles and replies, "Elizabeth, you are the type who will work until your Gram's age. I will need to twist your arm to stop working sooner to enjoy our twilight years."

Elizabeth gasps, "You did not just say twilight? Have you been speaking with Spinelli? Is that supposed to be Sunset or Golden Years? Besides, you will be the one I'll have to pull away from working. God forbid you get forced into taking over Sonny's territory when he hangs it up." She jokes and adds, "I can't see you saying 'I'm going to give you an offer you can't…." Elizabeth stops talking when she sees who enters the café.

Sean and Mary enter Perks. Elizabeth nods in their direction. Mary's eyes widen, and Sean offers a half smile. They approach the table, and Sean introduces himself. "Hello, my name is Sean, and this is my sister Mary. Keesha Ward is our mother, and we discovered three days ago that you are our Uncle."

Jason shakes the extended hand and says, "It's nice to meet you. Welcome to Port Charles." Jason stands, kisses Elizabeth on her forehead, and says, "Work calls; we'll discuss Jake tonight. I love you." Jason exits to the back office.

Without apologizing, Elizabeth says, "He's not a talker. It's nice to meet you, Sean. It's good to see you again, Mary. How did you survive your first Night Shift?"

Mary adjusts, reclaims her bearings, and replies, "It was good, thank you."

Elizabeth says, "We have connections other than Jason. Your cousin Maya, an intern here a few years back, was briefly married to Ethan Lovett. He is my ex-husband's half-brother."

Sean exclaims, "You are that Elizabeth? Maya spoke of you and Dr. Robin Scorpio-Drake."

Elizabeth replies, "Robin and her husband are at John Hopkins, and their daughter is in Boston attending Medical School. How is Maya? After she moved back to Pennsylvania, did she ever go back to Aaron?'

Mary says, "Maya is a doctor at Pennsylvania Hospital. She and Aaron finally reconnected and married. He's a Cardiologist at the same hospital."

Elizabeth checks her watch and replies, "If I don't leave now, I'll be late. Again, it was nice meeting you, Sean. Mary, since I work the Night Shift two times a month, I will see you again soon. Have a good day." Before walking out, Elizabeth looks up at the security camera and waves goodbye to Jason.

Cam and Emma pick up dinner for three after studying at the Harvard library. Emma sets the table while Cam opens the takeout boxes and spoons them into separate bowls. He takes the Mexican entrees and sides to the table. Trina is due home from her work-study program at Northeastern. (Moody Nolan Inc.) Emma says, "Trina texted she was on five minutes away. I texted back that we were low on limes and margarita mix. She said it would be ten minutes."

Cameron frowns and shakes his head.

Emma says, "Cameron Webber, it is not a school night; margaritas go well with Mexican food, and don't be stingy about having a drink or two." Emma only uses 'Cameron' when she is annoyed with him. The only thing missing was saying his middle name, 'Steven,' which his mother uses when she scolds him. She hasn't done it in a while. The first time was when he was four and was playing with matches. He nearly burned the house down with Jake in it.

Cameron looks up from his phone and replies, "What? No, I was looking at a text from Spencer. AJ Quartermaine has two more kids, and they moved to Port Charles with their mother a week ago. There's a link to the press conference. Their mother is the new Assistant Mayor."

Emma says, "Does your mother know? Of course, she knows, but why didn't she say anything when you called three days ago?"

Cam replies, "Maybe she didn't know three days ago. After dinner, we'll watch the press conference."

Trina walks in on the last part of Cam's sentence. She tosses her keys on the entryway table along with the others and carries the bag of limes and drink mix to the kitchen. Trina drops her purse beside the couch and says, "What press conference?"

Cam is slicing limes and mixing the margaritas as Emma tells Trina of the saga of AJ Quartermaine. Since the trio moved in together, Emma and Trina became fast friends. Emma says, "This was before you moved to Port Charles, but AJ Quartermaine returned from the dead."

Cam brings in the pitcher with one hand and fumbles holding a tray of glasses rimmed with salt and a saucer of sliced limes with his other hand. Emma jumps up from the table and grabs the tray from Cam before it falls from his hand. "Thanks," Cam utters.

Trina waits until everyone is at the table and tastes the food and drink before she says, "AJ Quartermaine of the Quartermaine family?"

Cam replies, "Yes. He's Jason's older brother. My mom was involved with him briefly before he was killed again."

Trina says, "Again?"

Cam replies, "According to my mother, some doctor killed him, but Monica Quartermaine and my Uncle Steven helped fake his death in 2005. AJ returned in 2012, and Sonny killed him in 2014."

Trina pours another glass and says, "Wow! Emma, did you know AJ?"

Emma replies, "A little when he was dating Elizabeth, but my mom knew him from the time she was little. She's told me stories. He's Michael Corothino's biological father."

Trina says, "So what does this press conference have to do with AJ Quartermaine?"

Cam retrieves his phone and clicks on the link. Trina, Emma, and Cam watch the press conference. Trina says, "Sean is cute."

Emma says, "Yes, he is!"

Cam huffs, "Hey!"

Joss jabs Cam and laughs, "You are cute too."

Spencer sits in on a General Hospital board meeting with Nikolas. Before following his father and grandmother to the boardroom, he found the clip on the press conference about Keesha Ward and her kids by AJ Quartermaine and sent it to Cam. He thought Cam might get a kick out of it.

Spencer is bored, but last year Nikolas insisted that he learn more about the responsibilities of being a Cassidine. Nikolas said, "When I was your age, I was already sitting with Uncle Stephan at the General Hospital Board of Directors meetings. Spencer remembers rolling his eyes before Nikolas said, "After three weeks, you begged off the resort plans, and made the customary 'break ground' photo op, then promptly left, heading to the pool at the Metro Court."

As Spencer is in this meeting, he thinks back to his days with Cam at PCU. He misses his best friend, and he misses Trina. They text and talk, but it's not the same. Spencer wishes he'd have paid more attention in his business classes. After the meeting, Spencer says, "Father, I'm sorry, but this (referring to the board meeting) is not for me. I wish I knew what I wanted to do. I want to go to Boston and see Cam and Trina. Maybe I could take the unfinished resort plans to Trina's firm that she's interning at?"

Nikolas sighs but remembers how he felt at Spencer's age. The only difference is he was raised by Helena and Stephan and was conditioned to be ruthless and take over empires. He was a lousy parent and shuffled Spencer to boarding schools. It's no wonder Spencer wants to leave. Nikolas replies, "Sure. You can contact Moody Nolan Inc. Call Cam and find out if he can put you up. How long do you plan on staying there?"

Spencer says, "I don't know, maybe a month."

Nikolas steely replies, "In a month, you must find a vocation that inspires you. If you want to return to school for further studies, we can work something out. All your friends have chosen something. You have responsibilities. Just because you are a Cassidine does not mean you can play the rest of your life."

Spencer knows he has pushed his father's limits, but part of him blames Nikolas. He was an absent father and didn't get the discipline Elizabeth or Trina's mother provided. Even Joss had more support with having Jax, Sonny, and Carly raise her. Spencer answers, "Yes, Father. I'll make the calls. Thank you."

Nikolas adds, "One more thing, you must not distract your friends from their studies. You could offer to pay your way by helping out around the apartment."

Spencer mumbles, "Yes, Father." He walks away, phone in hand, and calls Cam.

After the first week of plans, Ava grew tired of watching the crew break ground. The safe house Jason provided was decent enough, but she wanted to be primped and pampered. Ava would check herself into the Metro Court for pampering, terry cloth towels, and robes. She spent a third of her time at the pool, another third at the gallery, and the remainder at the Safe House.

Ava waits at the bar of the Metro Court and orders a Dirty Martini with three olives. She sits at the bar watching the news. The volume is off, but the closed caption is running at the bottom of the screen. They were running a clip of the press conference from this morning. Ava thinks, "Holy Crap! AJ has more adult children." She remembers framing AJ for the murder she committed. Because of the initials "A" and "J" next to the lifeless Connie Falconeri's body, Sonny assumed it was AJ who killed his love. (Not Ava Jerome). Sonny killed AJ for that murder! She was an accessory to his murder!

Ava didn't want to think of the fallout that could happen if his kids knew the whole story. She didn't know if it would matter since they never knew their father. Ava ordered another martini and downed it. She ordered another one. She didn't care because her room was ten floors above and a short walk to the elevator.

Ava thought about calling Nikolas to let him know she was staying at the Metro Court, but she didn't care. The distance since the asteroid had strained Ava and Nikolas's marriage.

Nikolas was feeling the same strain. He tried convincing himself once the resort was completed and they returned to familiar luxurious surroundings, they would find their way back to each other. He wasn't sure, though. Nikolas sat at his desk at General Hospital. There's an envelope from a law firm addressed to him. He thinks, "Hmm." He takes the letter opener and slices the envelope open. His pulse races, "Nothing good comes from a law firm." Nikolas unfolds the letter, skimming through it and seeing the signature, his eyes widen….

Jason returns home before Elizabeth and starts dinner. Since the safe house before they married, Jason realized it was better to have home-cooked meals than the Chinese takeout he had with Sam when they were together. When they married, having meals with the kids was important as a family. Jason pops open a beer when Jake and Aiden arrive home. Jason asks, How was practice today?"

Jake replies, "Danny scored a goal."

Aiden says, "I have a new assignment to produce a unique dessert from scratch by Monday."

Jason asks the boys to make a salad, and their mother should be home soon.

After dinner, Aiden goes to his room to research ways to create his design. Elizabeth and Jason discuss college options with Jake. Jake hands them his prepared list of schools and lets them know the brochures will arrive soon. Jason thanks him and says they can go through them together when they arrive.

After their shower together, Elizabeth applies her nightly routine of lotion. Jason helps and works it into her back. Elizabeth says, "I meant to ask you if Spinelli owns that new bar and if you are his backer."

Jason laughs, "How did you figure it out?"

Elizabeth replies, "It sounds like something Spinelli would do, and he probably didn't have enough capital. You wouldn't want your name attached to it for various reasons, but you would still choose to help him."

Jason says, "I told him it was a stupid name."

Elizabeth replies, "When we were having drinks, I posed the question of ownership, though I already had my suspicions. Kelly suggested one of the Quartermaines, but I said that would be beneath them, but if Luke was still alive, he'd wished he'd have thought of it."

Jason rubs the last remnants of the lotion into his hands, turns out the lights, and pulls Elizabeth to him.

Steve Webber

Hayden and Elizabeth

LuLu

Ward Family

The Q' Family

Spencer Visits Boston