It's a dream come true.
Kristina couldn't believe her eyes when she saw just how big the opening night crowd was. She watched groups of people pass by the front door, getting into the ever-growing line to the left. She wrung her hands together nervously as she stood by, each new patron filling her with further anxiety.
"Hey," Dex approached her from her right, turning the corner in the small hallway. He held her hand, "you ready?"
"I want to say yes," she answered, "but…seeing all these people kind of scares me."
"Everything will be fine," he tugged on her arm, "Come on."
He guided her back to the main room, her family and employees sitting at different tables. They all looked at her with an array of smiles, some confident, some flat, as she stood in the middle.
"Okay," she clapped her hands together as Dex sat down by Sonny, "tonight's the night. The first night of The Floating Rib is a go!"
She beamed at the small applause.
"I can't thank you all enough for not only being here, but for supporting me from the moment I got the place. From my parents," she looked to Sonny and Alexis, "to my siblings," then to Molly, TJ, Sam, Dante, and Michael, "to everyone in between, I couldn't be more grateful."
"We're proud of you, Krissy," Molly clapped, causing a chorus of applause.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Dante asked, an arm around Sam, "Open this place up!"
Kristina flashed a toothy smile as she left the main room, turning the corner into the hallway.
"She really pulled this off," Michael sighed as he approached Dex and Sonny, "Kristina owns her own bar."
"She does," Sonny nodded, getting to his feet, "I couldn't be more proud of her."
"Me too," the man looked to Dex, "and I'm sure it means a lot that you're here to support her."
"She's my girlfriend," Dex replied, "I wouldn't be anywhere else."
"Since when did you let your employees have this much downtime?" Michael turned back to Sonny.
"Well, Dex is off the clock," the kingpin shrugged, "and he and Kristina are together. Plus, he sacrificed a lot of his paycheck to make sure she got the bar in the first place."
"...Dex," Michael cleared his throat, "do you think we can talk in private?"
"Sure," the young man got to his feet as he joined Michael in the corner by the jukebox, "What?"
"You seriously did that?" Michael shot Dex a glare.
"Did what?"
"You bought The Floating Rib for her?"
"You're against that?"
"Uh, yeah, I am."
"Why? I'm making Kristina happy; don't you want her to be happy?"
"Of course I do. I just don't like that it's you. You have a job to do, Dex. Dating my sister isn't one of them."
"I love your sister."
"Yeah? Well, I wish you didn't. I told you that you need to choose between me and Kristina, between the job you're supposed to do and the life you think you're building here. Looks like I have my answer."
"For the record, Michael, I haven't decided yet. I'm off-the-clock tonight and I'm here as Kristina's boyfriend to support her," the men turned to see people filing into the main room, taking their seats at the tables and bar counter, "We'll revisit this later."
Dex walked off, sitting back down with Sonny. Patrons surrounded them at their own tables, and as the last of the crowd filed in, Kristina appeared in the archway. She scanned the room, watching her bartenders hard at work mixing cocktails while her waiters took orders on a notepad. She smiled wide at the sight of her father and boyfriend talking over beer bottles, laughing and taking sips in between their words.
"Kristina!"
Her eyes went back to the bar counter, a waving black leather jacket catching her attention. Valerie's smile was bright and open, a strawberry cocktail in her hand. Kristina coolly rushed over to her, standing by her near the middle of the counter.
"Anything for you, boss?" the bartender before her, his short red hair spiked upwards, matching his face-fitting beard.
"Lemon-Lime Twist, Derek," she answered, "Thank you."
"You got it."
"He's really good," Valerie chimed in, grinning, "Super polite and a fabulous mixologist."
"Yeah," Kristina said as her drink sat on a black napkin seconds later. She pulled it closer to her, taking a sip from her straw. Her lips puckered slightly at the citrus, humming in delight, "He really is fabulous."
"This place," Valerie looked around, "is packed! How'd you get all these people?"
"I had some…friends in high places."
"Your parents?"
"...Yeah."
Valerie gave a hearty laugh, "Well, I'm glad they support you owning the place. You really did a good job with it."
"Thank you!"
"Did, uh, your man help out at all?" the woman nodded at Dex, who was presently chatting with Sam and Molly.
"He was a big help, actually."
"He moved the furniture?"
"And more."
"Ooh, what'd he do?"
"He kind of…bought the place."
"What?!" Valerie playfully shoved Kristina's arm, "No way!"
"Yeah! He told my dad to use his paycheck to cover the costs!"
"Oh, Krissy, that man loves you. And I mean he's, like, in love with you. No man would ever sacrifice that much money for a woman unless he's absolutely crazy about her."
"You think so?" Kristina looked behind her, smiling at Dex as he took a sip of beer and laughed.
"I know so. Have you guys said 'I love you' yet?"
"We have."
"Good! All the more reason to believe it."
Kristina beamed at her friend before drowning more of her drink. She gave Valerie a parting hug before turning her sights on her boyfriend. She only took a step or two before stopping, a pair of black loafers in her way.
"Kristina Corinthos-Davis," Johnny pocketed his hands, "what a sight for sore eyes."
"Johnny," she nodded slowly, "Likewise."
"The place looks pretty packed."
"What, are you here to scope out the competition?"
"Hey, hey," he put his hands up in playful surrender, "I'm just here as a friend. Phyllis closed the bar for the night so she could look over all the resumes she's gotten."
"All those people want to manage Charlie's?"
"All those people want to work at Charlie's. As for the manager, well, you're looking at him."
"Oh, that's great!" she pulled him into a tight hug, "I'm so happy for you!"
"I learned from the best," he pulled back.
"That you did, and I hope Phyllis finds some great people to work under you."
"Fingers crossed," Johnny flashed a smile, his hands matching his words as Dex approached him from behind.
"Well," he began, "look who it is?"
"Dex, hey," Johnny playfully shook the man's hand, "nice to see you."
"Nice to see you too," he replied, looking past Johnny to see his girlfriend. Johnny looked between the couple a few times.
"Well, that is my cue," the man laughed before he looked down at Kristina, "It's nice to see you, Krissy. I wish you the best."
"Same to you," she said, watching him walk off. Dex stepped closer to her, wrapping an arm around her waist, "Well, hello."
"Hello to you too," he replied, "How're you feeling?"
"Honestly, I feel pretty good! The bar's packed, my family's here to support me, and so far, nothing's blown up in my face. I call tonight a success."
"I'm happy for you, baby," Dex leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss. He tasted vaguely of beer.
"Thank you," her words sounded airy as she pulled away, hands clasping his shoulders. He nudged her cheek with his nose, his lips brushing past hers. She giggled at him before they engaged in another round, Dex's hands at the small of her back. They stayed together for a moment or two, drinking in the passion before Kristina stepped backwards.
"Sorry," Dex scratched the back of his head, "I know you're busy-"
"Oh, no, it's okay. It was a nice little detour," she winked at him, "but I should get back to supervising."
"Yeah, yeah, I'll, uh, be with Sonny if you need me," Dex nodded before walking away, reclaiming his seat across from Sonny. He sighed before finishing off his beer bottle.
"If you and Kristina are going to do…that," Sonny caught his attention, the kingpin touching the tips of his fingers together, "then can you do it away from me?"
"Sorry, boss."
Sonny shook his head, scanning the bar around him, "It's pretty full. Kristina did a good job."
"She really did."
"I just hope that every night is like this, even if it exhausts her. She's put in the work, and she deserves a thriving business."
"I couldn't agree more, and she couldn't have done this alone. You supported her the whole way."
"She's my little girl; of course I would," Sonny glanced at his employee, "You did a lot here too."
"I know."
"As much as I…don't like you and Kristina together, I…I appreciate how much you care about her. You gave up a lot; I respect that."
"I'd do anything for her, sir. She makes me happy."
"And clearly, you make her happy. I'm just glad you didn't say that you love her."
Dex didn't respond, glancing away briefly before looking back at Sonny. As he faced the kingpin, the sound of a phone vibrating caught their attention immediately. Sonny pulled the device out of his pocket, scowling at the contact.
"Who is it?" Dex asked.
"Hold on," Sonny stood up, going into the hallway. He stood in a corner by the bathroom, a spot where no patrons stood, "Hello?"
"Sonny," Valentin Cassadine's deep, somewhat raspy voice cut through the static, "are you busy?"
"Uh, kinda," the kingpin replied, "What do you want?"
"I need your help."
"No."
"Please-"
"I have no reason to help you."
"It's not about me, specifically."
"Who's it about?"
"Anna."
Sonny sucked his lips in, silent for a beat. He stiffened his spine, his back against the wall of the bar.
"I'm sure you saw the news that she was arrested," Valentin stated.
"I did. It's…horrible."
"Yes, and you and I both know she didn't do anything to Lucy Coe."
"I do. The PCPD is wasting their time here. Finding Lucy should…should be the priority, not arresting Anna."
"Right, which is why I need your help."
"Whatever Anna needs, I'll provide."
"She's being transported to Pentonville later tonight. I want to make sure she doesn't get there. Help me break her out."
"I'll send one of my men down there right now."
"Perfect. I'll send you the coordinates of where I'll be stationed with my SUV so your guy can drop her off."
"Where would you two go?"
"I'll figure that out."
"I h-have a safe house on the road to Pentonville. You guys can stay there until you find a more…permanent place."
"Thank you, Sonny. Truly."
"I hope this works out, Valentin, because if anything happens to Anna during the course of this, it'll be on you."
"Noted," Valentin sighed, "I'll get things in order."
"I'll keep an eye out for your message and get my men on it," Sonny concluded, hanging up the phone. He looked around the hallway, noticing a few people at the archway. He sighed to himself before re-entering the main room, taking his seat by Dex, who was slowly drinking his second beer.
"That's your last of the night," the man said.
"Hm?" Dex put the bottle down, "Why?"
"I need you on-the-clock."
"For what?"
The sound of a microphone peaking stopped the conversation. They turned to the center of the room, where Kristina stood, proud and glowing.
"Excuse me," she spoke into the device, "I'm checking in: how's everyone's night going?!"
A chorus of clapping and cheering erupted.
"Happy to hear it! I just want to thank everyone for coming out, from my family and friends to the people who were just interested in getting a good drink!"
More clapping.
"Getting The Floating Rib up and running was no easy feat, and I really wouldn't have gotten anywhere without the support of my loved ones," she turned to her right, where her family was mostly congregated, "From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I love you guys."
Even more clapping.
"And…" Kristina took a breath, "this place has been through a lot. In its old form, its original form, it was a place I went to a lot. I came here to cool down, to have fun, to be around the people I love: there were so many reasons. When the bombing happened in 2020, it obviously left a huge hole not only in Port Charles, but in our hearts. I don't know that the bar will be the same as before, but I do know that I want to make it just as great, and I hope you all stick around for that journey. Enjoy the place, get a drink, and just…have fun. Thank you."
The final chorus of cheers and claps slightly vibrated off the walls. Kristina disconnected the microphone and walked off, Sonny and Dex watching her before looking at one another.
"You still want me to leave?" Dex asked.
"I do," Sonny nodded, "I get you're cutting your time here short, but this is an urgent mission. It concerns…someone who I think is a-a good friend."
"...Okay," Dex sighed, "What exactly do you need me to do?"
"You know Anna Devane, right?"
"I know of her. I saw her arrest in the news. You two are friends?"
"We are," Sonny leaned closer to Dex, who mirrored his movement, "You're going to help get her out of going to Pentonville."
"How?"
"Valentin Cassadine, he's going to send me some…information related to this, and I'll get it to you. What I need you to do is to…hijack a transport vehicle. There's a safe house off the road from town to the prison, and I want you to take her there."
"Understood," Dex replied, getting to his feet. Sonny felt his phone vibrate, and he pulled the device out.
"Perfect," the man typed on the screen for a moment before pocketing his phone again, "I sent you what Valentin has."
"Got it," Dex said as he felt his own phone in his back pocket.
"Dex," Sonny stared at his employee intently, "be careful. M-Make sure Anna gets to the safe house unharmed. And m-make sure you stay safe too…for Kristina's sake."
"I will, sir, I promise," Dex flashed a small smile before turning and leaving. Kristina caught him turning the corner, slightly frowning. She approached her father, arms crossed.
"I hope he's gone to the bathroom," she said.
"I needed him to work, sweetheart. Sorry."
She sighed in disappointment, "Why couldn't someone else do it?"
"I trust Dex to do this. He'll be back with you in no time."
"We'll see," she muttered, pulling out her phone and pressing on the screen.
To: Dex (9:11 PM)
Be safe out there
Text me whenever you make it home
Love you :)
From: Dex (9:13 PM)
Will do
Love you too :)
Dex grinned at the text before swiping for Valentin's contact, setting his phone down, starting his SUV. He turned onto the road when the man picked up.
"Hello?" Valentin asked, "Who is this?"
"Dex Heller. I work for Sonny Corinthos. He informed me of your plan to help Anna Devane."
"Oh, perfect. Are you on the road?"
"Yes. Where do you want me to go?"
"Come to GH. There's a transport vehicle here. I'm sure you'll know what to do from there."
"We'll see," Dex sighed to himself as he continued driving into the night, the line eventually clicking off.