“You promised me you’d think about it!” Lily accused the next morning over coffee at her penthouse.

“I did,” Jason argued. “I thought about it. It’s not my fault you don’t like my decision.”

“Damn it, Jason, you can’t do this to her!” Lily declared. “You care about her and you know it.”

Jason set his coffee cup on the dining table and glared at her. “That doesn’t matter.”

“It does, too,” Lily insisted. “She cares about you, too.”

“Knock it off, Lily,” Jason warned.

Lily stood, her hands on her hips as she glared down at him. “You just hate that you let her get in, don’t you? You opened up to her and now you’re running scared.”

“Lily, I’m warning you,” Jason began.

“Jason, if you push her away, if you deliberately hurt her…” Lily took a deep breath. “Then you’re no better than Nikolas Cassadine.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What’s the supposed to mean?”

“He’s made it his mission in life to see her prosecuted for Lucky’s murder. He’s deliberately hurting her and if you do this, you’re not any different.”

“I’m doing this now so it won’t be worse later,” Jason said stubbornly.

“Worse later?” Lily demanded. “How can letting someone in, falling in love…how can you say it’ll be worse later?”

“When someone has to explain to her daughter why she’s an orphan,” Jason muttered.

“Damn it, there are no guarantees in life!” Lily wanted to rip her hair out from the roots. “You’re so damn infuriating.”

“Lily–”

“She’s not even going to see this coming,” Lily said. “I know it–because I talked to her last night and she thinks–”

“Lily, come on–”

“She thinks you care about her.” Lily glared at him. “You kissed her that night, she told me. And now you’re going to push her away and you’re not even going to tell her why. You’re just going to dump her.”

“I do care about her,” Jason argued. “That’s why I’m doing this. She deserves better–”

“Let her be the judge of that,” Lily retorted. She stopped suddenly and her hands fell to her sides. “Oh my God.”

“What?” Jason asked, suspicious.

She blinked. “I didn’t–I didn’t think it was possible, but it’s true.”

“What’s true?”

“You’re in love with her.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Jason said immediately. “I’ve barely known her two weeks.”

“And it took me five seconds to decide I loved Sonny,” Lily reminded him. “You’re in love with her and I’ll bet that scares the shit out of you.”

“I have to go,” Jason said. He stood and brushed past her.

“You’re going to do it now, aren’t you?” Lily accused. “She’s on her way over right now, isn’t she?”

“Lily–”

“Isn’t she?” Lily demanded.

Jason sighed and looked away. “Yeah.”

“Don’t do it, Jase,” Lily pleaded. “She’s the best thing that’s happened to you in a long time. Don’t ruin it.”

“It’s too late for that, Lily,” Jason told her. He pulled the door open and left.

Lily sat back on the couch. She couldn’t even warn Elizabeth.

—-

“Uh, Commissioner?”

Mac looked up from his desk and frowned. He knew that tone–Taggart had bad news. “What is it Taggart?” he asked, hoping Nikolas Cassadine wasn’t in the squad room demanding another impromptu meeting.

Taggart frowned and jerked his thumb towards the squad room. “We’ve, uh, got something interesting out here. You remember the driver from the Spencer accident?”

Mac’s mouth went dry as he stood. “What about him?”

“He’s, um, making a statement about Elizabeth Spencer. That she paid him to run Lucky’s car off the road.”

Mac lunged forward. “What?” he demanded.

“I’m serious, boss. We’ve got his statement being taken as we speak.”

“What–what made him wait so long to come forward?” Mac asked, closing his eyes wondering how he could make this go away with it ever touching Elizabeth.

“He says his wife is making him–that she found out about the money and demanded he come forward,” Taggart explained. “And, uh, Baldwin’s already got an arrest warrant ready.”

“Taggart, this is ridiculous,” Mac said. “You know she’s not guilty.”

“Yeah…I know that,” Taggart said. “But now we got proof that says otherwise. You know we gotta follow up.”

“I know she’s innocent like I know my last name,” Mac argued. “There’s no way in hell Elizabeth Spencer hired someone to kill her husband.”

“It reeks of Cassadine,” Taggart agreed. “But until we can prove otherwise…we gotta do this by the book.”

Mac took a deep breath. “If anyone’s going to bring her in…I want it to be me and you. All right? Not some rookie who doesn’t know any better.”

“You got it, boss. Let’s go.”

—-

Jason looked up from his receipts as Johnny announced Elizabeth. She walked in; her leather jacket zipped nearly all the way up, her soft pink sweater showing at the top. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold and she was grinning. “Hey, you ready?”

Jason couldn’t help but smile back at her. She seemed to bring that out in him. Remembering what he had to tell her today, the smile fell from his face. He turned away and started putting the invoices and receipts into a folder.

Elizabeth knew the second he’d shut down on her and she frowned. She didn’t understand what was wrong with him–he’d been the one to ask her if she wanted to go for a ride. “What’s wrong?”

He looked back up at her but didn’t meet her eyes. “Nothing.”

She took a step forward and put a hand on his arm. “Jase-”

“Nothing’s wrong,” he repeated. He shrugged her arm off and put the folder in a drawer. “I forgot to call you–I have work to do.” He turned around and bumped into her. His head was spinning–he couldn’t think straight when he was around her. Especially when she was looking straight at him–or into him.

“You’re lying,” Elizabeth stated. Her eyes narrowed. “Jason, what’s going on?”

He wished she’d move out of the way. She was standing between him and the open space of the penthouse. If she’d move, he wouldn’t feel pinned to the wall. He wouldn’t feel the urge to touch her hair or her face…like he was doing now.

She stared at him–wondering what was happening. Why it felt like he was pushing her away but trying to keep her close all at the same time. She was afraid to break the gaze they were sharing–afraid if she did so that he’d move away and she wouldn’t like what would come next.

Before either of them realized it, his other hand reached around her waist and pulled her closer. His mouth came crashing down on hers, drowning them both. She closed her eyes and let her hands roam over his chest. Both his hands were locked around her waist and he spun them so she was against the wall.

She felt dizzy from the intensity of the kiss but powerless to stop it. She felt her jacket being unzipped and pushed off her shoulders. She could feel his warm hands underneath her sweater. She brought her hands to the edge of his t-shirt and slipped them underneath his shirt.

The contact of her cold hands against his skin was enough to jerk Jason back to reality. He broke the kiss abruptly and pulled away. He turned around and took deep breaths trying to get his breathing evened out. More than ever–he knew he was doing the right thing.

Elizabeth leaned against the wall, trying to control her own breathing. She wondered what was going on here. One second he was being cold–the next he was kissing her senseless–and now…he was pulling away. She could physically feel him putting up walls.

Finally he turned around. His breathing was normal and he felt some semblance of control. As long as he didn’t look at her directly–he might be able to pull this off. “I’m sorry.”

Elizabeth jerked her eyes open to stare at him, open-mouthed. He was sorry? “You’re sorry?” she repeated. She blinked looking around trying to understand what was happening. “Jason–what’s going on?”

“That shouldn’t have happened,” he continued. He looked at her face–but did everything he could to avoid her eyes. “I’ve been thinking–I don’t think we should see each other anymore.”

Elizabeth straightened, her entire body trembling. “What?”

“It’s not in either of our best interests,” Jason said. “You have Lex and your family to worry about. I have Lily and the business. It’s not gonna work.”

She stared at him–she watched him look everywhere but at her. His eyes rested on her shoulders, on the spot behind her on the wall, at the ground–but he never met her eyes. “You’re lying.” Her hands clenched into fists. “What’s going on?” she demanded. “Why are you pushing me away?”

“Look, you don’t belong in my life,” Jason stated. “And I don’t belong in yours.”

Elizabeth felt panic creeping up her throat. If she lost Jason, she’d lose Lily. And her only friend in the world would be Luke–who’s first loyalty would always be to Laura. “That’s not true,” she whispered, not liking the wavering tone she was speaking in. “It’s not,” she said, in a firmer voice. “And you don’t get to decide who’s in my life. Or who belongs.”

“Well, I decide who belongs in mine–” Jason broke off and looked away. “You’re better off.”

“I’m better off?” Elizabeth repeated. “Are you insane?” She raised a trembling hand to her hair. “How can you say that? How can you think that?”

He closed his eyes. He was hurting her–this was the very reason he had to end this. Had to shut her out. Hurting her a little now was better than hurting her worse in the long run–and he would hurt her worse. He was sure of it. He’d killed Sonny after all.

“Because it’s true.”

“You’re lying,” she said desperately. “You don’t believe that!” Elizabeth pressed a hand to her abdomen, feeling sick. “I know you don’t think that.”

Jason took a deep breath. “I’d like it if you left now,” he said, careful to keep his voice cold and detached.

Elizabeth bit her lip and closed her eyes. She was violently trembling. Everything was falling apart around her. Nikolas was close to getting an investigation opened–she’d probably lose The Outback once he was finished with her–she wasn’t sure if Lily would stick around if Jason wasn’t–Laura had accused her of murder. Didn’t Jason understand…didn’t he see what was happening?

She took a deep breath and knelt to pick up the jacket that only minutes before Jason had pushed off her shoulders. She didn’t look at him before she left–worried she wouldn’t be able to leave with her head held high.

The door shut with a soft click behind her and Jason let out the breath he’d been holding.

That hadn’t gone well at all.

—-

Elizabeth didn’t bother to pick up Lex from Luke–she just returned to her apartment. The only thing she could think about was taking a long hot bubble bath and making drinking herself into oblivion tonight. Surely Luke could keep Lex for the night.

As soon as she parked across the street, she saw Mac and Taggart waiting by the front of her building and she knew.

They were going to arrest her.

She took a moment to gather her wits and take a deep breath. She’d known Nikolas would get this far–she knew he had the money and the connections to do it. She’d had time to prepare for this.

But having it happen less than an hour after Jason’s rejection, she wasn’t sure if she was prepared after all. She crossed the street and approached them.

“Hi,” she said softly.

“Hey,” Mac greeted. He exchanged a look with Taggart. “Liz, the driver from the accident has come forward. He says that you paid him.”

Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her torso and looked down. After the scene with Jason, she wasn’t going to fight this. Nikolas had fabricated evidence–that much was apparent. She was going to be arrested.

“We don’t believe him,” Taggart assured her. “But we gotta do this right.”

“I know.” She looked back up at them. “If I come quietly, are the handcuffs necessary?”

“No,” Mac replied. “Come on, kid.” He put an arm around her shoulder and steered her towards the car. “Listen, you know Alexis will have you out in no time.”

Elizabeth didn’t answer him as she got into the car. She wasn’t so sure of that. Nikolas had a lot of money–and a lot of connections. The driver was probably going to make a deal in exchange for his testimony–and with all the other circumstantial evidence…

Not to mention she wasn’t even sure if Alexis would still be her lawyer.

—-

As soon as Lily heard the elevator, she left her apartment, flew past Johnny and went straight into the penthouse. She’d absolutely had it. She hadn’t thought he’d actually go through with it. But it was obvious–Elizabeth had arrived and left, staying merely ten minutes. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what had happened.

She slammed the door behind her and glared at Jason who was in the middle of downing a Scotch. “What in the hell were you thinking?”

Jason tossed her a scathing glance and turned back to the bar. He poured himself another drink. “Go away.”

“Do you have any idea what you just done?” she demanded. “Her life is falling apart around her and you just dumped her no reason! What in the hell is going on?”

Jason felt the hot liquid slide down his throat. “She’s better this way.”

“Better?” Lily cried. “You just broke her heart, you son of a bitch.”

“Better her heart than the rest of her,” Jason replied bitterly. He reached for the bottle of Scotch again. Lily knocked it from his hand, sending it crashing to the ground.

“God damn it, Jason, for the last time, you didn’t kill Sonny!” Lily cried. “Stop pushing people away because Sonny was an idiot and got in that car without letting you check it!”

Jason glared at her. “It was my job to protect him–and he’s dead. I killed him–I bring people nothing but grief and misery. I’d kill myself before I let that happen to Elizabeth!”

“Well, then get your gun. Do you understand what she’s been going through? Laura has already accused her of murder, Nikolas Cassadine is working like a madman to convince anyone who will listen that she killed Lucky and Luke’s telling her to stay away from you!” Lily took a deep breath. “The last thing she needed was to lose you.”

Jason stared at the broken shards of the bottle on the ground. “It’s better this way,” he repeated.

Lily stared at him and wondered what was going through his mind. Why he’d push Elizabeth away when she needed him the most. She took a deep breath. “If you don’t tell her about Sonny, then I will.”

Jason jerked his head up and glared at her. “Stay out of this, Lily,” he warned.

She shook her head. “No. Because she needs you, and damn it, you need her. So, I swear, Jason. If you don’t tell her, I will.”

“Don’t say a word.”

She shook her head. “You’ve left me no choice.”

Before Jason could continue arguing, his phone rang. He glared at Lily for another second before yanking the receiver towards his ear. “Hello? Alexis? Wait…” He closed his eyes. “Is she okay?”

“Jason, what’s going on?” Lily asked urgently.

Jason ignored her. “No…I can’t come down. No, Alexis. I’ll send Lily. Bye.” He hung the phone up and leaned against the desk, his eyes downcast. “Alexis is at the PCPD.”

“What happened?” Lily demanded.

Jason just shook his head. “A witness came forward apparently. They’re charging Elizabeth with Lucky’s murder.”

Lily gasped. “Oh, no. Nikolas must have paid someone off!”

“Yeah…that’s what Alexis thinks. She wanted to let me know that there’s no need for me to make up the difference in the rates anymore. She’s doing this one for free.”

Lily managed a smile. “Nikolas has pissed her off apparently.” Her expression softened. “Will she be able to get the charges dropped?”

“No,” Jason replied. “Baldwin’s pushing for a trial and apparently, he got the right judge. There’s no trail leading to Nikolas, not yet anyway. She’s on her way to the courthouse. They’ll be setting bail.” He eyed her. “I want you to go and bail her out. Use my money–yours, I don’t care. I don’t want her spending one night in jail.”

Lily’s expression grew hopeful. “Does this mean you’re reconsidering?”

“No,” Jason said firmly. “Which is why I’m sending you.”

“Jason,” Lily argued. “She needs you.”

“The last thing she needs is to have me in that courtroom,” Jason said quietly. “The judge will take one look at me and deny her bail, and you know it.”

Lily sighed. “Yeah. I guess you’re right. Well, I’ll go get her.” She headed for the door. Once she was there, she turned around to face him. “You know–maybe you should really think about whether or not you really want to kick her out of your life. Because–”

“Lily.”

“Fine,” Lily snapped. “But when you’re all alone because you’ve shoved anyone who ever cared out of your life, it’s going to be your fault.”

She slammed the door behind her.

If Lily could have seen the scene in Jason’s penthouse, she might have attempted cartwheels. Jason was stretched out on the couch, his legs hanging off, and his back against the arm of the couch. And Elizabeth was tucked underneath his arm, her head resting on his chest.

She’d stopped crying a while ago but neither one of them had moved and they hadn’t even spoken since they’d entered his penthouse. Truth be told, she didn’t want to break the silence. She should have been uncomfortable, having only known Jason for such a short time, but she didn’t feel that way.

“You okay?” he finally murmured. He didn’t move so she didn’t either. She wouldn’t have minded staying here the rest of the night.

“I’m all right,” she said softly. “I guess I just needed to get that out.”

“Sometimes that helps,” Jason replied.

“I just don’t understand why she had to change,” Elizabeth said. “Why do people change?”

His hand began making small circles on her shoulder sending warm tingles through her body–she could fall asleep if he’d just keep doing that. “Sometimes people change. There’s not always a reason.”

“Do you think I did something? Gave her a reason to think I killed him?” she asked. “I tried to be good to her–I never stopped her from seeing Lex and I try to reminisce about Lucky whenever she wants to…is there something I could have done to reassure her how much he meant to me?”

Jason didn’t answer for a few minutes. “I don’t think it was you as much as it was Laura,” he said finally. “She lost her son, someone she loved–he was a part of her. You can’t know how someone is going to react when they lose someone so close to them.”

“You sound like you’ve had personal experience,” Elizabeth said. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted. His entire body tensed and his hand drew away from her shoulder. “I’m sorry–that’s none of my business.”

The temptation to not talk and pull away so she’d leave the penthouse was a strong one for Jason–the fact that he didn’t want her to leave was an unsettling and unnerving revelation. That he wanted to help her to understand that Laura was still grieving and while it was painful and wrong to accuse her son’s widow of murder, that Laura was still running on instinct.

Because if anyone could understand running on instinct after someone’s death, it was him. But talking about Sonny was something he wasn’t going to do–not today. Not tomorrow.

And probably never.

And he couldn’t see himself broaching that particular subject with Elizabeth Spencer, a woman he could admit he was attracted to, one he wanted to spend more time with.

So, instead, he went a different route.

“Three years ago, my best friend died,” Jason began, deliberately glossing over the details of Sonny’s death. “I had just started dating Robin at the time.”

A little unsure why he was telling her about his ex-girlfriend but curious, Elizabeth remained silent and let him continue.

“We lasted for three years only because we didn’t want to let go,” Jason confessed. “It was easier, I guess. But our relationship died with him.” He stopped for a few minutes before trying to continue. “I pushed everyone away after he died–my family, my sister, and Robin. Lily wouldn’t let me do it to her, which is why we’re close. But Robin let me–she tried to brush it off by saying it would pass…that eventually I’d be over…what happened. She never wanted to understand why I was doing it…it only mattered that I was doing it. And I guess…eventually…it just was too much for her. She walked away.”

Hearing the pain in his voice, Elizabeth could tell someone else was bothering Jason–something more than his ex-girlfriend’s inability to understand his grief, but she was unwilling to press him at this point. “I’m sorry,” she said, the words meaning nothing and she knew it.

He shrugged a little. “She came back eventually, but it was superficial and we both knew it. We did the dinners, went to the Nurses’ Ball, but there was nothing else there. I don’t think she even really wanted to be with me towards the end. She got tired of being pushed away and she left a few months ago. She lives in Paris now.” He frowned for a minute, realizing he hadn’t made his point. “It’s just…I was going through a bad time…like Laura and Robin didn’t want to understand that.” The fact that Robin didn’t want to understand a lot of things wasn’t something he wanted to get into right now.

Or ever.

“I understand what you’re saying,” Elizabeth said, recognizing the signs he didn’t want to talk about himself any further and moving the topic back to its original focus. “But I have tried–I do want to be there for Luke and Laura and I tried to be there for Nikolas…I just don’t know what else I can do.”

“Maybe there’s nothing else you can do,” Jason offered. “Maybe this needs to get worse before it gets better.”

“That’s reassuring,” Elizabeth muttered. “I can’t imagine how this can get any worse.” She shifted her head so she was looking up at him. “Thank you.”

“I haven’t done anything,” he protested.

“Yes you have,” she insisted. She lifted her head off his chest and propped herself up on her elbow. “You listened and I needed that, so thank you.”

“All right,” Jason replied. “You’re welcome then.”

He knew he should look away–make some comment about it being late, about Lily probably worrying about her–but having her sitting here with him, her eyes searching his for something–

Her mouth scant inches from his.

Thinking about kissing her was bad enough–

But leaning forward to actually do it was even worse, he was sure of that.

But he seemed to be operating on auto-pilot right now and his brain wasn’t in sync with the rest of his body which was moving closer to her.

She seemed to understand and wasn’t helping matters by tilting her head up to make it easier for contact.

The second his lips brushed hers, he told himself to move away. Now. Before he made this any worse than it already was.

But as it was becoming apparent when it came to Elizabeth, he wasn’t going to listen to good common sense.

Her mouth opened under his, deepening the connection. He brought his free hand up to cup the back of her head, stabilizing her so she couldn’t move away until he was satisfied.

As the kiss wore on and his tongue explored the inside her mouth, he was beginning to realize that it might never be possible.

She pulled herself up into a better position so she could wrap her arms around his neck and somehow ended up on his lap.

Jason finally broke the kiss and tried to pull away so he wouldn’t be tempted, but she was now sitting in his lap, reminding him that he was very tempted to pull her back.

His first instinct was to tell her it wouldn’t happen again–that it couldn’t.

But it was becoming obvious that Jason had stopped listening to his instincts a long time when it came to Elizabeth. A thought that was so unsettling he knew it was time to fix this situation.

“I should go,” Elizabeth murmured when he didn’t say anything. “It’s late and Lily’s probably worried about me.”

“Yeah,” he breathed. “You’re right.”

She unlatched her arms from his neck and frowned as she contemplating removing herself from his lap without pressing herself against him any further. Finally, she sucked it up and swung her legs to the floor. She stood and felt him stand up behind her. She turned and faced him. “Thanks again,” she said, feeling a little lame.

She left the apartment then, leaving him standing by the couch wondering how in the hell he got himself into these situations.

—-

Lily breezed past Johnny as usual the next morning, a goofy grin on her face. Elizabeth had been an hour and half late picking up Lex last night and was starry eyed when she did so. Lily was sure this was the turning point.

She didn’t grace Jason with a second look until she’d made herself a cup of coffee and had seated herself across from Jason at the dining room table. And then she noticed the lines around his eyes and recognized general expression he wore.

And her heart sunk. His entire face was closed off and she knew what that meant. Elizabeth had gotten too close and he was going to shut down on her.

“Jason, what happened?” she asked softly.

He shook his head and sipped his coffee. “Nothing.”

“Don’t tell me that. Something happened last night.” Lily shifted in her chair and leaned forward. “I saw you and Elizabeth last night and I know she was here, which is why I wasn’t worried. And she was glowing when she picked Lex up and you’re sitting here like a big lump on the floor. So, please, tell me what happened.”

“It’s not important.”

Lily wanted to slap him. “It is important.” She bit her lip and pondered how far to push. She knew Jason had his limits and she usually adhered to those–and she had a feeling he was reaching them. She would normally back off–but she had to know. “You like her don’t you?”

“She’s a nice kid,” Jason murmured.

The corners of her mouth twitched. Kid. First sign Jason was distancing himself from her. “Uh huh. Jason, you like her a lot. I can tell. You’ve already taken her on the bike.” Her eyes glimmered. “How did she like that?”

“She loved it,” Jason admitted.

Victory! A woman who loved riding his bike would automatically endear herself to Jason, Lily knew. He wouldn’t realize it, but it was true. Robin had hated the bike; Lily only rode it when necessary and Emily–

Thinking about Jason’s younger sister whom he’d pushed out of his life was painful. The Quartermaine girl was away in England this year, studying abroad at Oxford and Lily knew how much Jason missed her.

“Really?” Lily drawled. “How do you know? Did she tell you?”

“Yes.” Jason glanced up at her. “I know what you’re trying to do and it’s not going to work.”

“What am I trying to do?” Lily asked, trying to act innocent.

“You’re trying to find how I feel about her,” Jason replied.

“So, why don’t you save us both a lot of time and tell me,” Lily said. She leaned forward. “Jase, you’re my best friend in the world and I can’t help it if I want you happy, okay?” She reached out and covered his hand with hers. “What happened?”

“We don’t work together,” he said, gruffly. He pulled his hand away from hers and sat back.

“That’s a lie,” Lily accused. “She got too close and it scares you.”

He shook his head. “Lily.”

“What happened last night?” Lily demanded. “Because she was upset when she got off the elevator and when she picked up Lex, she was happy. You understand that, Jason? Something you did or said…it took that away…it erased the pain and replaced it something better. Now you can’t sit there and tell me you don’t work together.”

“She’s got too much going on,” Jason said. “And I can’t ask her to add my life and my work to it.”

“You can’t make that choice for her,” Lily replied. “That’s not fair and you know it. Damn it, Jason. Why are you so scared to be happy?”

“I’m not,” Jason said defensively. “I’m just not going to do it at the cost of someone else.”

Lily sat back, stunned. “That’s what this is about. You think something could happen to her.”

Jason leaned forward and caught her eye. “It easily could have been you that got into that car. Do you think Sonny could have lived with that guilt?”

“No,” Lily admitted. “No, I think if I had died, it would have been bad–he might not have recovered from that. But you cannot live your life based on what if. You can’t deny yourself the right to be happy because something might happen.”

“Drop it, Lily,” Jason insisted.

“No. God, Jason. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow. Would that make it your fault?” Lily asked. “Elizabeth could get mugged and be killed. Would that make it your fault? She could get cancer. A hundred things could happen and it would never be your fault. Why are you willing to do this just based on one possibility?”

Jason shoved away from the table abruptly and walked towards the kitchen. “Just leave it alone, Lily.”

Lily stood and followed him. “Just promise me you’ll think about it.”

Jason turned to face her and for the first time in the entire time he’d known Lily Elena Rivera Corinthos–

He lied to her.

“I’ll think about it.”

—-

Luke Spencer watched his daughter-in-law tending the bar later that night and reconsidered having this conversation for the hundredth time.

But he pushed that thought out of his head and slid onto the stool. “Hey, darlin.”

Elizabeth gave her father-in-law a huge grin. “Hey, Luke. How are you?”

“A bit concerned,” Luke admitted. “You got a minute?”

Elizabeth scanned her customers before turning back to him. “Yeah, sure. What’s up?”

“I heard about Laura’s visit,” Luke said. “You all right?”

Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I was upset at first–it’s bad enough hearing those words from Nikolas, but hearing them from Laura…” She gave him a tiny smile. “I wasn’t prepared for how much that would sting.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I just don’t know how to convince her otherwise,” Luke said. “But you know that I love you, and that I could never think those things, right?”

“Right,” Elizabeth agreed. “But a good friend helped me put it in perspective. He helped me to realize that Laura’s still grieving and he’s right–Laura lost her son and she’s just lashing out.”

“He?” Luke echoed. “Honey, you don’t mean…Jason, do you?”

“Would that be such a bad thing?” Elizabeth asked. “He’s a good friend, Luke. You said it yourself.”

“That’s true,” Luke admitted. “But I have this feeling…he’s not just a friend, is he?”

Elizabeth couldn’t help the smile crossing her face. “No…he’s not.”

“Darlin’, do you really think it’s wise?” Luke asked. “You know I’m not one to tell other people how to live and all that, but I have to ask you…is being involved with a man like him…really something you need right now?”

She frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know Nikolas is using any means necessary to get an investigation open. I happen to know Laura’s using her connections with Scott Baldwin to try to. Baldwin hears you’re dating public enemy number one and he won’t hesitate.”

“I’m not dating him,” Elizabeth protested. “It’s nothing like that.”

“But you do have feelings for him.”

Elizabeth didn’t feel comfortable discussing this with Lucky’s father and her discomfort showed on her face. “Luke.”

“Hey, I’m not talking to you as Lucky’s father,” Luke said. “I’m talking to you as your father and someone who cares about you. I’m glad you’re moving on–but I’m just questioning the person you’re moving on with.”

“I know…” Elizabeth sighed and looked away. “I know that getting involved with Jason could complicate my life–I’m not stupid. But I also don’t care what anyone else thinks.” She leaned forward. “If he makes me happy, that’s all that should count.”

Luke gave her a tired smile. “And does he…make you happy?”

“It’s really too soon to tell,” Elizabeth said. “But I think it’s possible.”

He patted her hand. “Then if you’re sure…that’s all that matters to me, too. I just hope you’re ready for the roller coaster of the next few weeks.”

“Thanks, Luke. Your support means more to me than you know,” Elizabeth admitted.

The mayor of Port Charles, Peter Schoenfeldt, had remained mayor for over ten years simply because he was one of the few public officials that couldn’t be bought with money.

But with Nikolas Cassadine sitting in front of him in his simply decorated office talking about millions of dollars, Peter couldn’t help but think of his wife’s credit card bills and the sailboat she’d insisted they buy.

He cleared his throat. “Mr. Cassadine, I know you’re still mourning your brother’s death, but I cannot, in all good conscience, order Mac Scorpio to open an investigation when he feels one isn’t necessary.”

Nikolas’s expression hardened and he stood. “Why is everyone in this town so quick to believe a murderer?”

“Lucky Spencer worked for this office, if you remember,” Peter said. “He was an excellent young man and good judge of character. I was at the wedding and I was one of the first people to find out he was getting married.” Peter stared at Lucky’s brother. “He loved her. Do you think he’d want you doing this?”

“Lucky would want justice,” Nikolas snarled. “Do you know she killed her grandparents?”

Peter rubbed his forehead. “What are you talking about?”

Nikolas smirked. Finally. “Come to the hearing I have later today for my lawsuit. You’ll hear all about it.”

“I’m a busy man,” Peter murmured, picturing his empty schedule for the day. “Talk now or leave.”

“Her grandparents died in a suspicious fire when she was nineteen,” Nikolas reported. “It was originally ruled arson, with Elizabeth as the sole beneficiary. She was the only suspect, naturally.”

“Naturally.”

Nikolas glared at him for a second before continuing. “But the report got changed to an accidental fire–”

“Which means she didn’t do it, which means you have no case,” Peter said, leaning back in his chair. “You’ll never get that admitted into court. Not with the lawyer Elizabeth Spencer has.”

Nikolas narrowed his eyes. “What lawyer?”

“Alexis Davis,” Peter replied, making sure to watch the other man’s reaction. “Isn’t she your–”

Nikolas had fled the room before Peter could even finish the statement.

—-

Lily watched the events in the courtroom with curious eyes. Nikolas had a team of lawyers at his table and was glaring at Elizabeth’s table–or more accurately, at Alexis as she gathered papers around her.

Finally, the court was called into session and Lily watched Alexis work her magic.

“Alexis Davis for Elizabeth Spencer, your honor,” Alexis said as she stood and adjusted her glasses. “I trust you’ve had time to examine the briefs I’ve sent you.”

Judge Countryman, an old woman with warm blue eyes, peered at her through her bifocals. “Good morning, Ms. Davis.”

Alexis smiled. “Good morning. I’m sorry for my abruptness, but my client is upset with these proceedings and wishes them to be out of the way as soon as possible.”

A tall man in a luxurious and expensive gray suit stood. “Richard Dick for the petitioner, your honor–”

“Sit down, Mr. Dick,” Countryman barked, turning her cold eyes to the Cassadine team. Alexis managed to smile. Like Peter Schoenfeldt, Jacqueline Countryman had attended Elizabeth and Lucky’s wedding. Lucky had always been willing to lend a hand wherever he was needed, fixing computers at City Hall and here at the courthouse.

Elizabeth Spencer was a lucky woman, indeed.

“As I was saying, Your Honor,” Alexis continued. “There is absolutely no basis for this complaint as you can see with the evidence set in front of you. Mr. Cassadine’s only evidence is the timeline of events.”

“Your Honor,” Dick broke in. “Mrs. Spencer met Lucas Spencer in the summer of last year. Two months later, she was pregnant. They married a month later. Five months later, Spencer is killed in a car wreck on his way to pick up his wife–”

“All of which proves nothing,” Alexis cut in. “The fact that my client was pregnant before her marriage means nothing.”

“There’s also the issue of the insurance money Mrs. Spencer used to buy her place of work,” Dick tossed out.

“I have a signed statement by Luke Spencer, the client’s father-in-law, stating that he suggested the use of the money. I have another statement from Mac Scorpio–the police commissioner–that Lucky and Elizabeth were considering buying The Outback before his death.”

Countryman turned to the Cassadine team. “Any other circumstantial evidence you want to throw in my face?”

“Your Honor, Mrs. Spencer comes from a small town in Pennsylvania–”

“And her husband is from a town in New York. What’s your point?” Alexis interrupted.

“Ms. Davis,” Countryman warned.

“Sorry, Your Honor.”

“As I was saying, Elizabeth Spencer lost her parents in a freak accident and lived with her grandparents until she was nineteen. There was a fire that killed her grandparents which was originally ruled as arson with Elizabeth as the sole suspect–”

“That fire was later determined to be accidental, clearing my client of any suspicion. None of which, by the way, is admissible in these proceedings.”

“It proves that she killed for money before!” Nikolas suddenly shouted, lunging from his chair.

Sitting next to Alexis, Elizabeth was sorely tempted to stand up and throttle the Cassadine. But she knew it wouldn’t go very far in convincing the court she wasn’t a murderer.

Although Nikolas Cassadine was a tempting first victim.

“Mr. Cassadine, sit your butt in that chair,” Countryman barked pointing at the red-faced young man. “Mr. Dick, you do realize that absolutely nothing that you’ve said here is admissible in court. You’ve given me no proof; no real evidence other than rumors and unsubstantiated theories. If you don’t have anything else, I’ll be forced to dismiss this case.”

“Your Honor–” Dick began. He looked down at his client before looking back at the judge. “No, we have nothing else.”

“This lawsuit is dismissed.”

—-

“Thank you so much, Alexis,” Elizabeth gushed giving the uncomfortable woman another hug.

“You’re welcome, Elizabeth,” Alexis said. She turned to Lily. “You hug me, you’re dead.”

Lily just beamed. “You’re the best lawyer in town.”

“Well, yes,” Alexis admitted without modesty.

“Alexis!”

Lily grimaced. “There’s a voice I’ll never forget.”

Alexis sighed and turned to face her nephew. “Hello, Nikolas.”

“You are out of the family.”

Alexis rubbed her eyes. “Yeah. Wouldn’t be the first time. Did you run this banishment by Stefan yet?”

Nikolas glared at his aunt. “He has returned to Greece.”

Alexis nodded. “Which means he has no idea that you’re doing this. Typical.” She picked her briefcase up. “Nikolas, I wouldn’t try anything like this again.” She nodded to Lily and Elizabeth. “Let’s go.”

“This isn’t over, Elizabeth!” Nikolas called. “I’ll make sure you pay!”

Alexis let the double doors swing closed behind her and she shook her head. “Never changes, does he?”

“Thanks again, Alexis. I have to go to work.” Elizabeth waved goodbye to the ladies and headed for the elevator.

Once she was out of earshot, Alexis said, “So, any idea why Jason’s paying her legal bills?”

Lily grinned happily. “He likes her.”

Alexis glanced at her, clearly skeptical. “Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack. He took her out last night…on his bike,” Lily confided in a hushed voice. “And he’s been very tight-lipped about it. I can’t even nag any info out of him.”

“Wow. I didn’t think Jason would ever recover from Robin.”

Lily’s smile turned brilliant. “He has–he just doesn’t know it. And that girl right there is going to prove it to him.”

“Oh, Lily.”

“What?” Lily asked, defensively.

“Don’t do anything stupid.”

Lily raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“Like the time you barred Robin from the building?” Alexis reminded her.

“She’d just broken up with him and kept coming by to apologize. Jason couldn’t take it anymore.”

“You mean you couldn’t take it anymore.”

“Same thing.”

“You know, you’re not the same person you were when you married Sonny,” Alexis said suddenly.

Lily sighed. “Yeah. I know. I’ve got a backbone now–I’ve had no choice but to change. It was either that or let Jason wallow in his misery.”

“He’s still wallowing.”

“True. But not as deep.”

“You’re impossible, you know that?” Alexis said.

Lily grinned. “It’s what makes life fun.”

—–

Elizabeth was humming as she cleaned up that night. She was so uncharacteristically happy that she’d told Ariel and the others to go home–she’d close for the night. She owed it to them to do it. Lily had agreed to keep Lex as late as possible.

She was stacking the chairs on the top of the table when the door flew open. “We’re closed!” she called without turning her back. She moved to the next table.

“You’re a despicable human being!”

The shrieking words alone were enough to stop Elizabeth dead in her tracks, but the voice…

Elizabeth turned around and sighed. “Laura.”

Laura Spencer was enraged. Her blue eyes were wild with fury and her face red. “You killed my son and now you’ve made a fool of my other son!”

“Nikolas made a fool of himself,” Elizabeth replied softly.

Laura took a step closer. “You little tramp. I bet Lucky didn’t know you killed you killed your own grandparents!”

Elizabeth took a step back and clutched the rag she’d been wiping the tables tightly in her fists. “Laura, that fire–”

“What did you do? Sleep with someone to get it fixed?” Laura snapped.

“No, Laura–”

“I didn’t want to believe Nikolas…I didn’t want to think that Lucky had chosen so wrongly, but I have no choice–Nikolas is right. You killed Lucky.”

“No!” Elizabeth cried. “No. Laura–”

“You took my son from me because you were greedy!” Laura’s eyes narrowed into slits. “Well you picked the wrong boy to kill!”

“I didn’t kill Lucky!”

“You’re going to pay for what you’ve done to this family,” Laura warned her. She glared at Elizabeth for a moment longer before leaving.

Elizabeth stood in the middle of the Outback, trembling.

—–

The elevators opened on the penthouse floor and Elizabeth emerged, wiping her eyes so Lex wouldn’t be worried.

She was in such a hurry to pick her daughter up that she didn’t look where she was going and ran straight into Jason.

“Hey,” he said, putting his hands on her shoulders to steady her. “You okay?”

She sniffled and nodded, not trusting her voice. She wiped at her eyes again. “I’m fine. I just need to pick up Lex.”

“What happened?” Jason asked, noting the tears. “Are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine.” Elizabeth tried to brush past him and he knew he should let her. But he stopped her anyway.

“Elizabeth.”

She sighed and looked up at him. “Laura came to the Outback today.”

He frowned. “What happened?”

“She…” Elizabeth looked down at the ground. “She accused me of killing Lucky. I mean, it wasn’t easy hearing those words from Nikolas…but Laura used…she used…” her voice faltered as she tried to go on. “Laura used to care–she used…” The tears Elizabeth had just gotten under control started slipping down her cheeks. “I didn’t realize how much I m-missed my mother until I had L-laura and now she thinks…she thinks I killed her son.” Elizabeth cleared her throat and looked past him at the wall. “I just wasn’t prepared to hear it from Laura.”

He knew it was a bad idea–he knew it–but by the time he’d decided that he’d already pulled her into his arms and she’d already started to cry again.

Lily had been peeking through the peephole waiting for Elizabeth but when she saw Jason stop her outside the elevator, she’d been concerned. She could tell something was wrong and was about to step outside when Jason pulled Elizabeth into a hug. He initiated it.

And then she watched as Jason led Elizabeth away–towards his apartment.

She backed away from the peephole and smiled. Those two would definitely be good for one another.

Elizabeth entered the Port Charles Grille with Lex on her hip and pointedly ignored the stares and whispers she was getting from the patrons. She searched the tables for Lily’s dark hair and spied her across the room, with Michael sitting in a booster chair and a highchair set up. As Elizabeth crossed the room, she briefly wondered how Lily had convinced the posh restaurant to allow two small children in here, but she realized the Corinthos name probably had its perks.

“Thanks,” Elizabeth said grateful as she strapped her daughter in and took her seat. “Are you okay? You seemed a little distracted the other night.”

“Sorry about that,” Lily apologized as she handed Elizabeth a menu. “I had the strangest phone call earlier that day and I was still thinking about it.”

Elizabeth frowned. “Is everything okay?” Lex started gurgling and she pulled her pacifier out of the diaper bag. She handed it to the little girl who examined it for a moment before sticking it in her mouth.

Lily chuckled. “That was so cute. Michael used to stick it in his ear before he got the idea.”

Michael laughed along with his mother, not having a clue what she was laughing at.

“Well, do you remember I told you that Jason had just gotten out of a long relationship?” Lily asked.

Elizabeth nodded. “Yeah.”

Before Lily could continue, the waiter approached. They gave their orders and Lily returned to her story. “Well, his ex-girlfriend called me. She wanted to know how hewas. And then–” Lily stopped and bit her lip.

“What?” Elizabeth asked.

“Well…it’s just…it’s personal…you know Jason’s a private person and I really shouldn’t talk about Robin and why they broke up,” Lily said.

“Robin hated me,” Elizabeth murmured, sipping her water. “Lucky was so upset when she refused to come to the wedding.”

“Yeah, Robin’s a bitch,” Lily agreed. “So, have you seen Jason since that night at my place?”

“Actually, yeah.” Elizabeth shifted in her seat and thanked the waiter as he set their sodas down. “The other night, my car broke down and I ran into him. He walked me to your building.”

“He did?” Lily said. “He didn’t say anything to me.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “Not much to say. He walked me there and then arranged for me to get a ride home.”

“He did?” Lily repeated, her eyes wide. “Seriously?”

“Yeah, why’s that such a surprise?” Elizabeth said.

Lily leaned forward. “Elizabeth, Jason’s a private person. Extremely…to the point where he shuts down on some people.”

“Well, I also ran into him on Lucky’s birthday last night. I went to this old bridge Lucky used to take me to and he was there. We talked a lot.”

“What about?” Lily asked, now extremely interested.

“Nothing much. We talked about Nikolas, how the people in town see me, we even talked about Robin a little.”

“Holy shit,” Lily swore.

“Mama!” Michael admonished as he tried to sip his soda. Lily moved his glass closer to the edge of the table so he could grip it better.

“Sorry, baby.” She turned her gaze back to Elizabeth. “I thought you two would get along–but he actually talked about Robin?”

“He didn’t go into specifics,” Elizabeth said quickly. “Just that she didn’t like me and that she told him was a bad listener.”

“Oh.” Lily relaxed a little. Jason was still acting a little bit normal. “Well, if he ever gets into the specifics about her, you’ll know you’re in.”

“I’m not sure I want in,” Elizabeth replied. “I mean, he’s a nice guy, but honestly, Lily, I don’t know if I have time in my life for a guy. Between Lex, the Outback, Nikolas…you know, I just don’t know if I should…”

“I’m not asking you to date him,” Lily said. “It’s just…” She frowned, trying to think of how much to say. “I’ve never seen Jason open up so fast–to anyone. It took him a year with me and it’s been a matter of days.” She gave her friend a little smile. “You know, I think it freaks him out a little.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, amused. “I can’t picture him freaking out.”

“Well, freaking out for Jason is shutting down. Not always a good thing, I know, but it gets him through the day.” Lily sighed. “He needs someone in his life who won’t try to change him. That’s all Robin did. And he tried to change for her, to make her happy. He couldn’t. And now he thinks he can’t be with anyone.”

“Well, just because Robin was an idiot, that doesn’t mean he’s not allowed to be happy,” Elizabeth insisted.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell him!” Lily said, grinning. “So, listen. I think he’s attracted to you. You attracted to him?”

“Lily!” Elizabeth said, her cheeks flushed.

“I’ll take that as a yes. So, just let it develop naturally. You don’t want to let something good slip by just because you don’t think you have the time,” Lily said.

“Mama?” Michael spoke up.

“Yeah, baby?” Lily said, turning to him.

“That’s the pretty lady, right?” he said, pointing towards Elizabeth.

“Yep,” Lily said, giving Elizabeth a small smile.

“Is she gonna be around Unca Jase?” he asked curiously. He turned his eyes towards Elizabeth. “Are you?”

Lily glanced at Elizabeth who took a deep breath and leaned forward. “If he lets me,” she said.

“If Jason knows what’s good for him,” Lily said, her eyes twinkling with amusement, “He will.” She tilted her head to the side. “If you want him to.”

“I think…” Elizabeth hesitated but finally smiled at the other brunette. “I think I do.”

“Good,” Lily decided. “Let’s order–I’m suddenly starving.”

——

Jason was cursing himself as he even sat down at the bar at the Outback. He didn’t know why he was here–

No, if he wanted to be honest with himself, he did know why he was here. He wanted to see Elizabeth Spencer.

But that was if he was honest with himself.

Which he wasn’t. So his reason for being there was Luke was having another private party.

And the Outback was closer than Jake’s.

He sat at the end of the bar and waited for the bartender to appear. He had convinced himself that she wouldn’t be tending the bar tonight–even though he knew she was working.

He’d stopped by Lily’s to drop off Michael and Elizabeth’s daughter had been there. The fact that Elizabeth had a daughter should be reason to enough to leave and pretend he didn’t know her. He’d be better off that way. They’d all be better off.

But instead, he was at the bar and then she came out of the backroom, dressed in tight blue jeans and a long-sleeved v-necked shirt. She swept her eyes over the restaurant and the bar before the settled on him.

And hell, he liked that she smiled when she saw him. He didn’t like that he liked it, but well, you could only argue with your brain so much.

“Hey,” she greeted. “The usual?”

The usual. As if he came in all the time. Which he was beginning to realize–he did.

“Yeah,” he said, leaning back a little. “The usual.”

She moved away for a second and pulled a beer out of a cooler. She twisted the cap off with her hands–something no other woman Jason had met could do–and handed it to him.

“Thanks,” he said. Let her walk away. Let her walk away. “Michael was talking about you today.”

Elizabeth bit her lip and he had this strange image of trying it himself. “He did? What did he say?”

Jason shrugged, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the direction of his thoughts. “Just that he liked you.”

“Really? He’s a great kid,” Elizabeth said. “Lily adores him.”

“Yeah. She’s a good mom,” Jason agreed. He sipped his beer. “So, Lily’s your permanent sitter now?”

“Yeah. How’d you know?” Elizabeth asked, her eyebrows raised.

“I saw…Lex…is it?” he paused and she nodded. “I saw her at Lily’s when I dropped off Michael.”

“Yeah. I didn’t think my mother-in-law should be around her as often,” Elizabeth said. She shrugged a little. “I think she’s leaning towards believing Nikolas and I really don’t think Lex should be around someone who thinks her mother killed her father.”

“I’m sorry,” Jason said. “I know Laura took Lucky’s death hard.”

“Yeah, well I think Laura sometimes forgets she’s not the only who lost Lucky,” Elizabeth murmured. “Excuse me a minute.” She moved away to go refill another customer’s drink.

Jason watched her go and suddenly wondered if Elizabeth still mourned for her husband. He knew that they’d only married because she’d been pregnant–as if Robin hadn’t complained about it enough–but he knew, from Elizabeth’s words at the bridge the night before, that she’d cared about him.

And why did he care anyway?

With that unsettling thought, Elizabeth came back. “And now just because Nikolas went digging in my hometown, he thinks he’s got more evidence. He came in the night I went to the bridge, trying to freak me out.” She shook her head. “He’s being ridiculous.”

It was then Jason realized he really didn’t know anything about the woman in front of him other than the fact she’d been married to someone he knew–that his best friend adored her–that she was his partner’s daughter-in-law.

“What’s to dig up?” Jason asked, trying not to act as though he really wanted to know.

Elizabeth looked away and he sensed he’d gone too far–as though it wasn’t something she wanted to tell him. Knowing the feeling, he said, “Forget I asked.”

“No, it’s just…” she let out a deep breath and he tried to ignore the way her chest heaved when she did that. “It’s complicated y’know? And it’s not something I want to get into at work.”

Knowing that it was a good idea to back off completely and just shut his mouth, Jason found himself asking, “When do you get off work?”

Her eyes widened, as if she hadn’t been expecting that, and she looked at her wristwatch. “About an hour. Why?”

“Do you want to go somewhere?” he asked.

She smiled a little. “Sure. I’ll call Lily and tell her to keep Lex a little longer.” She moved away towards the phone and Jason silently cursed. Now Lily was going to be on his back about Elizabeth and there’d be no way to avoid a conversation about her.

How in the world did he get himself into these situations?

Elizabeth’s stomach was twisted in knots as she turned away from Jason to call Lily. Lily said she thought he was opening up to her fast, but Elizabeth hadn’t really agreed. Until now.

“‘Ello?” Lily said, slightly out of breath. Before she could get a word out, Lily called to something in the back ground, “Put that down, Mikey. You know that you can’t run over a vase with a truck.”

Elizabeth giggled. “Lily? It’s me, Elizabeth.”

“Oh, hey chickie. What’s up?” Lily asked.

She lowered her voice a little. “Well, I need to know if you can keep Lex a little later tonight.”

“Of course–why?”

“Well–you’re never going to believe this–but I’m going somewhere with Jason.”

Elizabeth held the phone out a little as Lily’s squeal nearly shattered her eardrum. When she thought the woman had calmed down, she brought it back. “I guess that’s a good reaction.”

“I told you–didn’t I tell you?” Lily said, happily. Almost immediately her tone sobered. “Don’t hurt him.”

Elizabeth had to smile at the protective tone in the other woman’s voice. “I won’t, I promise.”

“Good. Well, take your time. I’ll see you when you get back.”

Elizabeth hung up the phone and was shaking her head as she went back to Jason. “She’s nuts, do you know that?”

Jason frowned. “Why?” he asked, warily.

“She’s just the funniest person to talk to on the phone,” Elizabeth replied, easily. “Though she could shatter someone’s hearing.”

“Yeah, Lily’s a loud person,” Jason agreed. He wondered where he was going to take her. And would she even like the motorcycle?

He got both his answers an hour and fifteen minutes later as he took another turn fast. He felt her screaming and grinned. Elizabeth was definitely different than any other woman he’d had on the bike. Lily just smacked him when he went too fast, his younger sister Emily clung tightly and forgot to breathe while Robin flat out refused to get on the bike.

But Elizabeth? She seemed born to ride on the back of his bike.

With that unsettling thought lurking in his mind, he brought bike to a halt in the parking lot of Vista Point. She climbed off and immediately started to grin like a maniac.

“That was incredible!” she gushed. “The wind was amazing–it was just…wow!”

“Yeah, it’s fun,” Jason agreed, putting the helmet she’d used in the storage box. “Have you been here yet?”

She shook her head. “No. Where are we?”

“Vista Point,” Jason said. He took her hand and led her to the observation deck. “It’s the highest point in town. You can see most of the town from here.”

Once they were on the upper level, she let go of his hand went to the railing. “Wow. The view is incredible.”

“It’s nice,” Jason shrugged.

“You can see everything from here,” she continued. “You can even see the harbor and spooky Spoon Island.” She shuddered. “I’ve only been there once, and it was enough.” She turned to look at him. “Lucky and I had our wedding reception there. He hated that place as much as most of the Spencers, but he was thrilled that Nikolas wanted to do it.”

“Did you and Cassadine ever get along?” Jason asked, leaning his back against the railing.

She shrugged. “Not really. He didn’t really notice my presence when I first started dating Lucky, but the second I got pregnant, he decided he hated me.” A twisted smile crossed her face. “Which is why he’s got people digging up my past.”

“What’s there to find?” Jason asked.

She didn’t answer for a few minutes, but he could tell she was thinking about how to say whatever she needed to say. Finally she said, “I’m an only child. My parents had a lot of expectations and I didn’t live up to any of them. We argued a lot–but you know, they were still my parents.”

She turned back around and faced the view again. The stars seemed closer than over and she lifted her face to stare at them. “When I was fourteen, I had this dance recital. I totally blew it–and I did it on purpose. I hated dancing and I didn’t want to do it anymore.” She sucked in a deep breath. “My mom and I fought really bad outside the dance hall and my dad even threw in a few–what an insult I was to the Webber name and what a disappointment I was, etc. My grandmother came up and told my parents off and said she was taking me to her house that night and that I wouldn’t go home until my parents started treating me right.” Elizabeth’s voice grew softer as she continued her story. “My parents were in an accident–a bad one. It was one of the freak occurrences–a telephone pole came crashing down and my father swerved to miss it. He went head-on into another car and my parents’ car flipped. They both died and I never went home again.”

“I’m sorry,” Jason said. “That sounds…really…” he frowned. “But how would that help Nikolas?”

“I lived with my grandparents until I was nineteen,” Elizabeth continued as if she hadn’t heard his question. “I came home from class one day to find that the house had burned down. There was a lot of suspicion–because the firemen thought it was arson at first. Since I was my grandparents’ only beneficiary, I was the sole suspect until they determined the cause of the fire was my grandfather’s cigar.”

“So you were cleared,” Jason said. “Nikolas can’t use that.”

“He can and he will,” Elizabeth replied quietly. “But I have faith–Alexis will keep it out of court, I know that.” She turned back to him and gave him a small smile. “My, our conversations are depressing.”

He couldn’t help himself–he smiled back. “Well, we haven’t even talked about my past yet, so don’t you think you’ve got the market cornered on depressing stories.”

She laughed then. “Well, I can’t argue with that.”

He titled his head towards the parking lot. “Come on. I’d better get you back before Lily loses her mind.”

“As long as you promise not to hold back,” she said, passing by him. She turned around and started walking backwards, an impish smile on her face. “Because I know you can go faster on that bike.”

He chuckled and followed her to his bike.

Elizabeth glared at the customer in front of her. “You do not get to haggle the price of your check,” she began in a controlled tone. “This is not a negotiation–”

“I ain’t payin’ eight bucks for no steak!”

Elizabeth took a deep breath. “You knew the price when you ordered the dinner–”

The man she was arguing with stood suddenly. Elizabeth took a step back automatically. The guy was bad news–she could just tell. He was over six foot tall with a scraggly beard and bruised knuckles. She never should have served him.

“Look, lady, this is highway robbery and I ain’t payin’ for it,” the man repeated.

Without blinking, Elizabeth glared back at him. “Ariel!” she called, never taking her eyes off the customer.

“Yeah, Spence?” Ariel called from the bar, eyeing the customer warily.

“Call Mac.”

At the mention of the police commissioner, the man took a step back. “All right. All right. Don’t get too crazy. Look, I’ll pay.”

Elizabeth smirked. “I knew you’d see it my way.”

After the guy had paid and left, Elizabeth slapped her order pad down on the bar. “That’s it. I can’t do this anymore!”

Ariel smirked. “I’ve been tellin’ ya since the day you started working here, girl. You ain’t cut out to be a waitress.”

“I think I’ll stick to bartending, if that’s all right with you,” Elizabeth replied, glaring at her manager. “I still want to help out, but I can’t take waitressing anymore. The people are crazy–arguing over the price of steak. Honestly. As if the price wasn’t printed clearly on the menu.”

Ariel shrugged. “People will argue over just about anything.”

“It pays to be on good terms with the commissioner,” Elizabeth replied. “I’m sure as hell glad Mac’s on my side.”

“So your days as a waitress are numbered?” Ariel asked.

“My days of waitressing are over,” Elizabeth replied. She pulled her apron off and set it under the bar. “I’m out of here. If you need me, call the cell phone.”

—-

Elizabeth pulled up to the red light. “Stupid lights are just not cooperating with me,” she muttered.

After a few seconds, the light changed to green and Elizabeth took her foot off the brakes and pressed it to the gas. The car lurched forward and was going along fine when Elizabeth felt the car slowing.

She frowned and pressed harder. The car continued to chug along before finally coming to a complete stop.

“No, no, no…”

She turned the ignition on and then tried to turn it back on. Sometimes that worked–her car wasn’t all that cooperative.

She pulled the keys out of the ignition and threw the door open. She stormed out of the car and kicked at the tire. “Stupid, no good, piece–”

“You don’t really think the car can hear you, do you?”

Elizabeth whirled around to see Jason Morgan leaning against a lamppost. “Where did you come from?” she demanded.

“I’m on my way home,” Jason replied, jerking a thumb towards Harborview Towers a few blocks away. “I only work on the docks, so I walk home.”

“Oh.” Elizabeth turned away. “Well, I don’t care if the car can hear me or not, but if it could I’d tell it it’s going straight to the junkyard!” she said, raising her voice at the end of the sentence. “I have to pick up Lex from Lily’s and then I’m gonna have to walk home with her. Stupid car. I knew I should have listened to Mac and Luke when they told me to buy a new one–” She stopped and put a hand to her head. “I do not need this right now.”

Jason was silent for a few minutes before coming forward a little bit. “Come on. I’ll walk you to the Towers.”

Elizabeth pulled her purse out of the car and locked it. “Thanks.”

They walked a block in silence before Jason said, “I’ll have someone take you home if you want.”

“Thanks,” Elizabeth replied gratefully. “Lucky me you came along when you did.”

Jason shrugged. “I guess.”

They walked in silence the rest of the way. When they reached the penthouse floor, he told her someone would be waiting for her in the parking garage and he went to his apartment without another word.

Lily was in a distracted mood when Elizabeth picked up Lex. She mumbled something about a phone call and told Elizabeth she’d call her for lunch this week. They needed to talk.

—-

A few nights after her car broke down, Elizabeth was back at the Outback, tending the bar. Giving up waitressing had been a good idea–one of the best she’d ever had. She absolutely hated it–and was more than happy to stick to tending the bar.

It was a slow night and Elizabeth found herself staring at the clock, willing for it to be eleven so she could leave and pick up Lex at Lily’s. She’d gotten her car fixed–thanks to a favor Luke had called in at a repair shop.

“Well, well, well.”

Elizabeth grimaced and reluctantly ripped her eyes from the clock and met Nikolas’s dark eyes. “What do you want?” she asked, trying maintain some semblance of control.

Nikolas sat down on the stool and rested his elbows on the bar. “So, you out of money all ready?”

She frowned. “What are you talking about?” she asked.

“I saw you here with Jason Morgan a few nights ago.” Nikolas smirked. “Is he the next victim?”

Elizabeth crossed her arms and regarded him with suspicious eyes. “I’ve been wondering about that, actually. I’ve been wondering how you could have seen me here talking to him when that was the night I’d gotten the call from you reporting the civil suit. How could you have possibly seen me here, discussing the phone call with Jason?” She took a step towards him. “Do you have someone here…watching me?”

Nikolas shrugged and gave her a charming smile. “Maybe.”

“Why?” Elizabeth demanded. “Why can’t you just accept that Lucky is dead and that I had nothing to do with it? Why must it be some sort of conspiracy?”

Nikolas leaned forward. “Maybe it’s because I know where you come from, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?” she asked.

Nikolas’s smile broadened. “I know everything about you, Elizabeth. I know why you’re running from your past and I know why you don’t want to go back.”

“You don’t know anything,” Elizabeth replied, keeping her voice calm. “You have no idea why I don’t see my family. You only know what people are willing to tell you and those people don’t know anything.”

“Well, then tell me,” Nikolas said. “Tell me why I should believe you didn’t kill my brother for the insurance money when you were desperate to make sure you’d never have to go back home.”

Elizabeth clenched her jaw. “You don’t know anything, Nikolas and I’m not going to tell you. My reasons don’t matter to anyone but myself.” She jerked her chin towards the door. “Now, get out.”

Nikolas stood. “You realize that it’s Lucky birthday, I would hope.”

Elizabeth glared at him. “Of course.”

“And that’s been a year since he married you,” Nikolas continued. “Funny–he’s been dead seven months. You couldn’t even wait that long.”

“Get out of here,” Elizabeth ordered.

“See you in court,” Nikolas tossed over his shoulder.

Elizabeth sighed and went to find Ariel. She needed to leave. If she stayed here much longer, she was afraid she might go insane.

She needed to go somewhere and find some peace.

—-

The stone bridge spanned a small trickling creek. It had once led to a large estate but only the bridge remained. Elizabeth had only been there twice before, but today, on Lucky’s birthday, it felt like the right place to be.

She parked her car just off the road and hiked the rest of the way. Most people wouldn’t be able to find the right path in the dark but Lucky had only taken her in the dark.

It was slightly chilly and Elizabeth shoved her hands into the pockets of her leather jacket. The path was rough and littered with many fallen branches and twigs that cracked her under her boots. Elizabeth wondered idly how people had gotten to the bridge when house had still been there if there was no road.

She reached the clearing and walked to the middle of the bridge. She leaned over the edge and clasped her hands.

“Hey, happy birthday,” Elizabeth said. “It’s been seven months and believe it or not, I actually miss you. The other day, Lex looked up at me and smiled, I swear, it was your smile.”

A few yards away, just outside the clearing, Jason stopped seeing Elizabeth standing on the bridge. He had come to think about Robin and he wasn’t aware that anyone else came there. But Elizabeth Spencer was here–talking to her husband. He knew he should leave her alone–but he didn’t move.

“I know we got married for all the wrong reasons,” Elizabeth continued, “but I loved you. You were a good friend. I remember standing here last year on your birthday. We’d just been married and even it we weren’t in love–I’m not sorry it happened. Lex is my entire life and I’ll always be grateful to you–and I promise you–I will tell Lex something new about you every day. And when I run out of things to tell her, I’ll ask your parents. No matter who comes into my life, you will always be her father.”

Elizabeth straightened. “We came here on our first date–I should have known then that nothing between us would be normal.” She smiled. “I don’t think I’ll come back–not by myself anyway. Maybe I’ll bring Lex when she’s older.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Goodbye Lucky.”

She took a step away and turned to go back the way she came. A twig snapped and she knew she wasn’t alone. “Who’s there?”

A figure emerged from behind a tree. She blinked a few times to make sure she was definitely seeing what she thought she was seeing. “Jason-?”

“I’m sorry,” Jason said. “I didn’t know anyone else came here.”

She frowned. He sounded different; his voice wasn’t as cold or detached. She squinted. “I came here for a few times with Lucky.”

For some reason, Jason took a step forward and said, “I used to come here with my ex-girlfriend.”

Surprised, Elizabeth bit her lip. Jason Morgan had always seemed so cold and remote. It surprised her to realize he’d come here–with a girlfriend nonetheless–or that he’d tell her so. “It’s Lucky’s birthday-” she stopped not sure how to explain she’d been saying goodbye to a man who’d been dead seven months.

Jason nodded, understanding. He took another step forward. This conversation had only been going for a few minutes and it already felt different. He had a feeling from what she’d been saying to Lucky that Elizabeth Spencer knew what it was like to lose something that never should have been yours in the first place. “I used to come here with Robin–her parents died six years ago today.” He put his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “Her parents used to come here.”

Elizabeth walked forward a few steps. She didn’t understand what was happening–why the reputed mobster was telling her things that seemed so personal–but she had a feeling he was a little confused himself. Bolstered by the thought, she said, “Lucky never met Lex. The car accident was just before she was born.”

Jason reached the edge of the bridge. “I remember the accident,” he said. “Robin and Lucky were close. They grew up together.”

“Robin Scorpio?” Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. She remembered Mac’s niece, the petite brunette who had looked down on her and had disapproved of her marriage. She hadn’t understood why Lucky would date let alone marry the Outback waitress. “I remember her.”

“She used to talk about Lucky’s wife,” Jason remarked. He leaned against the bridge. He couldn’t believe he was discussing Robin with a perfect stranger.

But Elizabeth Spencer wasn’t a perfect stranger–he could see that. She was Lily’s friend, Lucky’s wife, Luke’s daughter-in-law. She’d bought Robin’s uncle’s restaurant. So many connections between the two of them–how had they not met before that day at The Outback?

Elizabeth muttered, “I’ll bet she did.”

Jason surprised them both by chuckling. “She didn’t like you. Thought he was too good for you.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “She was probably right.”

Surprised by her answer, he asked, “Why do you say that?”

“Lucky was this computer whiz. Son of the former mayor and owner of the best blues club in town. His mother runs one of the best cosmetics companies in the country. He could have gone places.” Elizabeth smiled bitterly. “Instead, he married a waitress he’d knocked up.”

“But that was his choice,” Jason replied. “I’m sure you didn’t trap him.”

She smiled. “Now how are you so sure?”

He shrugged. “I can usually read people.” Elizabeth looked away and sighed. “What’s wrong?”

“Because someone who barely knows me seems to know that more than people who are supposed to be my friends.” Elizabeth crossed her arms and leaned against the opposite side of the bridge. “His brother blames me–keeps trying to have me arrested. Nikolas has almost managed to convince Laura as well. And I know there are plenty of other people who think it’s my fault. Because I used part of what Lucky left me to buy The Outback. Because I don’t still wear black. Because I’m the one who asked Lucky to pick me up that night–” she stopped. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to go on.”

“Do people really think it’s your fault?” Jason asked.

Elizabeth sighed. “Laura said so–but that was that night at the hospital. She was grieving. But with Nikolas trying to open an official investigation and he’s always hounding Laura… I know people think I’m cold because I bought the restaurant three months after Lucky died.” She shrugged. “It doesn’t bother me–but I don’t want my daughter growing up thinking those things.” She stopped. “I seem to have a habit of telling you more than you need to know.”

Jason smiled–which again surprised him as much as it did her. “Well, you wouldn’t have hired Alexis otherwise.”

She smiled in response. “She’s worth every penny. Has anyone ever told you you’re easy to talk to?”

“Really?” Jason asked, amazed. “Robin used to tell me I was horrible–I’m not sure whether it was because I never offered her an opinion or maybe it was because I never agreed with her.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Well, if I want an opinion, I’ll tell you.” She rubbed the sleeves of her jacket. “Anyway, I think she’s wrong. You even look like you were interested in what I was saying.”

“I like to listen to people,” Jason admitted. “Some people, when they’re nervous, keep talking and they tend to let things slip. It comes in handy in business.” He stopped. Had he really just told her that?

“Well, listen to me long enough and you’ll know my life story,” Elizabeth remarked, cheerfully.

He tilted his head to the side. “Do I make you nervous?”

She shook her head. “No. To be honest, even after I found out who you were, it didn’t faze me. I mean, I’ve heard things, but if there’s anyone who knows what it’s like for people to automatically think the worse of you, it’s me.”

Jason shrugged. “I don’t care about what people think.”

Elizabeth looked at the ground. “I didn’t used to…but now that I’m a mother…I don’t know. I guess I don’t want Lex thinking I killed her father.”

“I’m sure Cassadine will have given up by the time your daughter’s old enough,” Jason said.

“I hope so.” Elizabeth sighed. “Sometimes I wish I hadn’t come to Port Charles, you know? I mean, Lucky would probably be still alive if I’d picked New York City instead.”

“Why did you come here?” Jason asked curiously.

Elizabeth shrugged. “Got a map, and let my finger fall randomly.” She snorted. “Landed right on this place. Figures. Why couldn’t it have landed on Rome or Paris.”

“Paris isn’t that great,” Jason said. He hadn’t meant to say that–but Elizabeth seemed to have a way of making him say a lot of things he didn’t mean to.

“It’s probably better than here,” Elizabeth muttered. She ignored the way his whole body seemed tense at the mention of Paris. “At least in some other country, people wouldn’t stare at me like I was the town pariah.”

“No, that’d be me.” She looked at him, startled. He was a little bewildered himself. Why was he trying to make her feel better? She was just a waitress. He didn’t know her.

She finally relaxed and smiled. “I guess we have something in common.”

He found himself smiling at her. He hadn’t smiled this much since–well…ever, actually. Maybe Lily would explain this to him–she sometimes knew the reasons he did things.

“Well, I’d better be going.” Elizabeth straightened. She hesitated. “It was nice talking to you–maybe we could do it again?”

Here’s your chance, Morgan. Tell her straight out–tonight was a fluke. He didn’t know why he hadn’t turned away when he realized she was here–but he didn’t need to compound the mistake by giving Elizabeth the illusion they could be friends. He had Lily. He didn’t need anyone else.

But instead he nodded. “Sure.”

She smiled again and walked out of the clearing.

“Nikolas Cassadine to see you, sir.”

Mac Scorpio eyed his lieutenant, Marcus Taggart, with weary eyes. “Are you serious?”

Taggart smirked. “Dead serious. He’s in the squad room, demanding to meet with you.”

Mac dropped his head to the desk and gently slammed it against the surface. “Why me?”

“Don’t know, commissioner.” Taggart entered the room more fully and closed the door behind him. “You don’t suppose there’s any truth to his allegations, do you?”

Mac raised his head and glared at the man. “No,” he said firmly. “I knew Elizabeth before Lucky Spencer ever dated her. I do not, for one second, believe that she had anything to do with Lucky’s death.”

“Well, sir, if you don’t mind me saying so, that is your personal opinion.” Taggart shrugged. “I have to admit–it’s suspicious. Girl comes to town for no reason other than she picked it on a map, and within months has married one of the most prominent young men in town–who’s connected to the Spencers, the Cassadines and to a certain extent, the Quartermaines. And months later, her husband dies on his way to pick her up from work. The kid’s born and she buys the restaurant from you and Felicia using his insurance money.”

Mac nodded. “And if it were anyone else besides Elizabeth, I’d agree and recommend an investigation be opened. But Elizabeth didn’t want to date Lucky at first–he kept asking her out. And she only used a quarter of the money on the Outback. Felicia and I were looking to sell it and she was looking to buy it–it just worked out. Whatever was left of the money, she put into a trust fund for her daughter. Elizabeth Spencer is not a murderer–she didn’t marry Lucky to kill him.”

“All right, I trust your judgment,” Taggart replied. “I just want to make sure you remember that the only thing that’s backing you up is your own opinion and that won’t hold up in a court of law.”

“As long as I’m commissioner,” Mac said, “Elizabeth will not be charged with a murder that didn’t happen. It was raining, someone ran a red light and unfortunately, Lucky Spencer paid the price. I won’t haul that girl because his brother has money and connections.”

“All right, all right,” Taggart said, holding his hands up in surrender. “What do you want me to do with Cassadine?”

Mac sighed wearily. “Bring him in, I guess. Don’t really have a choice I suppose.”

Taggart disappeared and minutes later, Nikolas Cassadine stormed in. “Commissioner, this is ridiculous–”

“Have a seat, Nikolas,” Mac said, standing and gesturing towards the chair in front of his desk. “What brings you here?”

Nikolas ignored the chair and glared at him. “What do you think brought me here, Commissioner? Elizabeth is still walking free while my brother lies cold in the ground. Is that fair?”

Mac refrained from rolling his eyes. “Nikolas, this is the same argument that we have every week and I’ll tell you the same thing I always do. Bring me evidence and we’ll investigate. Until then, we’ve got nothing but your word to go on.”

“So because she covered her tracks, she’s going to get away with it?” Nikolas demanded, his nostrils flaring angrily. “That is completely unfair and I shouldn’t have to stand for it.”

“Nikolas, you and I both know that Elizabeth didn’t do a thing to Lucky,” Mac said, his patience reaching its limit. “You have this whole situation worked out in your mind and you’re telling anyone who’ll listen that she killed him–that’s slander and I wouldn’t be surprised if she sued you.”

“Well, she can counter sue me then,” Nikolas fumed. “Because I’m suing for her wrongful death.”

Mac sank into his seat. “Nikolas, do I need to remind you that’s there’s no evidence that says Elizabeth had anything to do with Lucky’s death?”

“My lawyers think they can get a conviction,” Nikolas said. “I can petition for the insurance money and then you get an investigation opened on that basis, can’t you?”

“A guilty verdict in a civil suit will mean next to nothing in criminal court, as I’m sure your lawyers have advised you.”

“My lawyers will be calling for your deposition.” Nikolas glared at him a moment longer before exiting the office. Mac let his head drop to the desk again.

—-

Lily hurried down the hallway towards the penthouse, practically dragging poor Michael along with her. She could still hear the phone ringing as she dug in her purse for her keys. “Please don’t hang up!” she pleaded as if the phone could hear her.

She threw the door open, yanked Michael inside and closed it behind her. She grabbed the receiver up and said breathlessly, “Hello?”

“Lil!”

Lily grimaced and sank onto the couch and covered her eyes. “Robin.”

As if sensing his mother was now in a bad mood, Michael climbed into her lap and rested his head against her chest. Lily stroked her son’s dark hair as Robin Scorpio tittered on about Paris.

“Robin,” she broke in mid-chatter. “Is there a reason you called?”

Robin fell silent. Whether she was surprised at Lily’s bluntness or that she’d had the nerve to interrupt her, Lily could only guess, but Lily wasn’t about to waste her time with a girl she’d never liked and pretend they’d been friends. Finally, Robin asked, “How is he?”

“What? Since you broke his heart and took off on a grand adventure?” Lily asked. Michael raised his head and shook his finger, as if reprimanding his mother for her biting tone.

“I did no such thing!” Robin argued. “I can only take so much, you know. He’s going through a phase and I shouldn’t have to nurse him through it.”

“A phase?” Lily echoed. “What are you talking about?”

“You know what I mean. He thinks he’s no good because of Sonny. Well, I can’t keep trying to convince him differently, especially when I agree.”

Michael whimpered as his mother’s eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. “Excuse me?” Lily asked, her voice nearly a growl. Michael hurriedly backed off his mother’s lap and headed for the floor where his trucks were.

“I think Jason is being an idiot. Pretending to have all this power because he stepped in for Sonny,” Robin explained. “He didn’t understand that he blew his only chance to get out.”

“Blew his only chance?” Lily repeated, desperately wishing this foolish girl were in front of her right now so she could tell her exactly what she thought of her. Or ring her neck–either way.

“He had a chance to lead his own life,” Robin went on, obviously not understanding how angry Lily was becoming. “To get out, have a good life. Get married.”

“Oh, so it’s your understanding that Jason can’t have a life or get married as long as he does what he does,” Lily said, adopting a false understanding tone.

“Exactly,” Robin said. “I mean, you saw what happened to Sonny. That scared the shit out of me.”

“Yeah? Me, too. Then again, it was my husband,” Lily snapped. “Listen to me you self-centered little arrogant piece of–”

“Whoa, whoa,” Robin said. “Lil, calm down. What’s gotten into you?”

“You!” Lily exploded, lunging to her feet. She began to pace. “You’ve gotten into me you rotten piece of shit. No wonder Jason still feels responsible for that car bomb! Jesus Christ, Robin, do you have any idea what you’ve done to him?”

“What I’ve done to him?” Robin argued. “How about what happened to me? I wasted three years on him–”

Her words were abruptly cut off as Lily slammed the phone down. She hadn’t understood exactly how much Robin had attributed to Jason’s state of mind. No wonder the man shut down the second he thought he might be interested in another woman. After what Robin had done, Lily was surprised the man hadn’t become a monk.

“Mommy?” Michael asked softly. Lily turned to see her son tugging at her parents. “Is you still mad?”

Lily sighed and bent over to pick him up. “No, sweetie. I’m sorry if I scared you–but Mommy had a call from a very mean person.”

Michael nodded. “What kind of mean person?”

“A very person who doesn’t understand what a great person Uncle Jason is,” Lily explained. Michael’s brown eyes lit up at the mention of his uncle.

“Unca Jase is cool,” Michael reported, a wide smile on his face. “He’s gonna take me on his bike.”

“Yeah…we’ll see,” Lily murmured. She smiled a little. “Mikey, do you remember Elizabeth?”

Michael’s face scrunched. “The pretty lady with the baby?”

Lily laughed. “That’s right. The pretty lady with the baby.” She sat on the couch and shifted Michael so he sitting on her lap. “How would you feel if she were around more?”

Michael cocked his head to the side. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I think she and Uncle Jason could be good friends. What do you think?” Lily asked.

Michael nodded slowly. “I think Lizbeth would be cool.” His face grew serious. “As long as her baby don’t take my place.”

Lily leaned her forehead against her son’s. “Sweetheart, there is no person in the world that could take the place you have in Jason’s heart.”

Michael grinned. “Then she can come around.”

—-

Nikolas stormed into the Spencer house to see Luke and Laura sitting calmly on the couch. At Nikolas’s noisy entrance, Luke turned around and frowned.

“What the hell do you want?”

Nikolas glared at his mother’s husband before turning his attention to Laura who had stood. Luke stood as well, still regarding him with wary eyes. “I just got back from the police station.”

“Is anything wrong?” Laura asked, worried.

Nikolas shook his head. “No, except Mac Scorpio is still turning a blind eye to the truth.”

Luke rolled his eyes. “Not this again.”

Nikolas threw him a dirty look. “She killed him, Luke. I know you don’t want to hear–”

“You’re damn right I don’t want to hear it!” Luke roared, rounding the couch. “I am sick and tired of you comin’ in here and spouting that garbage. Elizabeth is part of this family–she was your brother’s wife and that’s all that matters, damn it. You’re being ridiculous, going ’round town telling everyone she killed him when you know damn well she had nothin’ to do with it.”

“With all respect Luke, I don’t know anything of the sort,” Nikolas snapped. “All I know is barely after a year of meeting her, my brother is dead and she’s moved on.”

“Nikolas, please,” Laura whispered. “Maybe you should just drop it–”

“She killed him, Mother, and you know it.”

Laura peered up her husband. “Luke–”

“Angel, don’t let this Spawn contaminate you,” Luke said kindly. He glared at his wife’s son. “You leave Elizabeth the hell alone–she has enough to worry about without you comin’ around and acting like an idiot.”

Nikolas crossed his arms. “You can’t deny that she moved on awfully quick.”

Luke narrowed his eyes. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“I saw her the other night at the Outback,” Nikolas reported, his tone gleeful. “She was flirting with none other than Jason Morgan.”

Luke chuckled. “You think Junior will do anything? Morgan ain’t been right since Corinthos blew up and everyone knows it. He ain’t got the heart to love anyone–and I doubt you saw what you think you saw.” His eyes hardened. “You stay away from Jason Morgan, do you hear me? You don’t mess with him and you don’t mess with Elizabeth. Jason is a good friend of mine–even if he is a little screwed up.”

“Brain damaged is more like it,” Nikolas snorted. Luke’s eyes were practically glowing with rage. It was Laura’s presence that kept him from attacking the Cassadine spawn.

“Laura, darlin’,” Luke began in deceptively calm voice. “Go into the kitchen.”

Laura looked from her son to her husband. “Luke, maybe he has a point. I mean, Elizabeth and Lucky barely knew one another before they got married. And then he’s dead and now she’s moving on with Jason? It seems…”

“Angel, I told you. I don’t care if he is your son–all Cassadines know how to do is lie,” Luke said gently. “Now, please, go into the kitchen.”

“No,” Laura said in a somewhat firm voice. “I…I want to hear what Nikolas has to say.”

“You see what you’ve done?” Luke spat. “You’ve turned Laura against her own daughter-in-law.” He looked at his wife. “Darlin’, if you go along with this creep and you start accusing Elizabeth, then she’s going to take Lex away. She won’t let her daughter around you–you know that sweetheart.”

Laura’s blue eyes filled with fear. “But I love that girl,” she whispered.

“We’ll petition for custody,” Nikolas remarked smugly. Luke glared at him again.

“You stay away from Lex, too, you hear? She’s none of your concern. She is Elizabeth’s daughter, not yours.”

“I haven’t made my mind up yet,” Laura said, “and I want to hear what he say to say. So, please, Luke, leave us alone.”

“Angel–”

“Luke,” Laura said, sounding stronger than she had in all the months since Lucky’s death, “Leave us be.”

Never one to deny his wife, Luke left. He grabbed his coat and set out for the Outback, hoping to give Elizabeth a heads up.

Laura had chosen a side.

—-

Elizabeth was tending the bar that night when Luke entered the Outback. He made a beeline for the brunette, whose face lit up at the sight of her father-in-law.

“Well, if it isn’t the second most beautiful girl in town,” Luke said, grinning at her as he took a seat in front of her.

“Nice of you to lie…” Elizabeth shook her head and grinned at one of the few people left in town who believed in her. “What’ll it be?”

Luke scanned the room slightly unnerved at being in a competing club. “Darlin’, we need to discuss your business ventures. What do you say you sell this dump and come work with me at Luke’s?”

Elizabeth smiled at him. “Luke, you know that’s not going to happen.”

“Yeah, I know.” Luke’s face turned serious. “There’s a reason I’m here.”

“You? Have an ulterior motive?” Elizabeth said, faking shock. She pressed a hand to her chest. “I don’t believe it.”

“Yeah, well…the spawn was by again tonight.”

Elizabeth grimaced. “Yeah, Mac called me. I guess he went straight from the station.”

“Good that Bubba’s keeping you in the loop cause I think Cassadine is gonna start playin’ dirty.”

“Well, he’s already filed for a civil suit. He wants to have me legally declared responsible for Lucky’s death.”

Luke frowned. “Well, he’s nuts if he thinks he can prove it.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “He probably can’t–not ethically. Mac told me that he and Taggart are probably going to be subpoenaed, but there’s not much they can tell a judge or jury other than what happened. Lucky was hit by a driver head-on. I couldn’t have known–and they’ll tell anyone who wants to listen.”

Luke nodded gravely. “And when they bring up you usin’ insurance money, I’ll tell what happened.”

“That Lucky and I were discussing buying the place anyway, and that you suggested I use the insurance money,” Elizabeth supplied. She gave him a grateful smile. “I already hired a lawyer and we’ve been over everything.”

Luke frowned. “You hired a lawyer without talkin’ to me first? I’m insulted.”

Elizabeth’s smile broadened. “You’ll love this one–Alexis Davis.”

Luke grinned. “Spawn’s aunt? You’re right–I do love that.” He cocked his head to the side. “Her rates are kinda high don’tcha think? Not that I wouldn’t help you–”

“Actually…” Elizabeth hesitated. “She’s not charging her usual rates.”

“She’s not?” Luke’s eyebrows shot up. “She must be ticked at the Spawn.”

“Yeah, more than likely,” Elizabeth agreed, grateful she hadn’t had to explain Jason Morgan and his strange arrangement.

Luke leaned forward. “There is something the Spawn told me…and he told Laura…who I think has finally chosen a side.”

Elizabeth sighed. “Yeah, I expected her to do that. What did Nikolas tell you?”

Luke shifted on his chair. “That he saw here…flirtin’ with Jason Morgan.”

“Flirting with Jason Morgan?” Elizabeth repeated. She frowned. “How could he have seen me? The only time I’ve even spoken to Jason, I’d just gotten off the phone with Nikolas. That’s when he told me he was gonna sue me. There’s no way he was here that night.”

“So, it’s true?” Luke hesitantly. “Cause, darlin’, you know me and Morgan go way back–he’s a silent partner at the club, does the books…but don’t you think–”

“Whoa, whoa,” Elizabeth held her hands up. “First of all, that night, other than seeing him odd times here with Lily Corinthos, was the first time I’d spoken to him and it also remains the only conversation we’ve had. And we were just talking about Nikolas’s lawsuit. He recommended Alexis.”

Luke visibly relaxed. “Well, all right, then. That’s fine. Alexis has kept Morgan out of jail more times than anyone can count…makes sense he’d recommend her.” Luke frowned. “Wait, he recommended his personal lawyer to a woman he’d never met?”

Elizabeth frowned. “Maybe he’s just a nice guy.”

Luke chuckled. “Darlin’, Jason’s a lot things–but a nice guy ain’t one of them.” He stood. “I wanted to give you heads up. Make sure you bring that beautiful daughter of yours by soon.”

“Actually,” Elizabeth said, hesitantly. Luke stopped and looked at her curiously. She bit her lip. “Um, I don’t think Lex should be around Laura as much.”

Luke sighed and looked away. “Yeah…you’re probably right.”

“I mean, you’re both more than welcome to see her, but Lily Corinthos offered to watch her the nights I have to work, and since she’s got a son, I think it might be good environment for Lex.”

Luke frowned. “Being in a penthouse with Sonny Corinthos’ widow and her kid surrounded by guards is a good environment?”

“Luke,” Elizabeth protested. “Lily’s been so nice to me–other than you, Mac and Felicia, that’s about all I got.”

Luke sighed. “All right, darlin’.” He leaned over the bar and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “See you later.”

“See ya, Luke.”

“Excuse me?” Elizabeth demanded. “What right do you have you little twerp? So help me God, if I get a hold of you–hello?” She took the phone from her ear and slammed it down. As if for good measure, she picked it up and kept slamming it down.

Jason sipped his beer and watched the petite brunette slam the phone down repeatedly. He wasn’t sure why he was at The Outback again. He usually only came here to appease Lily. But a shipment had come in damaged and Jason didn’t feel like dealing with the crowd at Luke’s.

Elizabeth finished her outburst and suddenly remembered where she was. She looked around–but The Outback was nearly empty and the bar only had one patron. She moved down to the blonde and smiled at him brightly. “Anything I can get you?”

“I’m good.” Jason darted a look at the phone. “I hope your phone still works.”

Elizabeth glanced at it and flushed. “Sorry–I had a momentary loss of sanity. My brother-in-law is suing me.”

“Nikolas Cassadine?” Jason asked, surprised. What would he be suing Elizabeth for?

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. “Yeah. How’d you know?”

“I know the family,” Jason replied. He took another sip of his beer. “What’s he suing you for?”

“Wrongful death,” Elizabeth replied. At Jason’s expression, she smirked. “Don’t tell me you haven’t heard about the murderer of Port Charles.”

Jason raised his eyebrows. “Who were you supposed to have murdered?”

“My husband,” Elizabeth muttered. “Nikolas needs his head examined. A speeding driver killed Lucky–just because he was coming to pick me up…it’s utterly ridiculous.”

“So he doesn’t have a case?” Jason asked. He frowned without thinking. Why was he interested? Because he’d known Lucky? Because Lily seemed to like this girl?

“Of course not. But he’s a Cassadine. Silly things like a lack of evidence wouldn’t stop him,” Elizabeth said, irritated. She frowned. “You look familiar.”

Jason tensed. There went this conversation. It wasn’t as though people’s opinions of him actually mattered to him–because they didn’t. But every once in a while, it was irritating when someone recognized him.

Elizabeth was studying him intently before breaking into a smile. “You were in here with Lily Corinthos last night, right?”

Jason relaxed a little. “Yeah. Lily’s a good friend of mine.” He sipped his beer, telling himself this conversation was definitely over. He didn’t make it a habit to talk to bartenders and he wasn’t about to continue it now. Instead, he found himself asking, “So why does he think you killed Lucky?”

Elizabeth shrugged. “Who knows?” She smirked. “Maybe he just needs a reason to hold on to Lucky–that’s why my mother-in-law is obsessed with our daughter.” Elizabeth sighed. “But I just know Nikolas is gonna win–he’s a Cassadine prince–he’s got all this money at his disposal. He can get the best lawyers.” Elizabeth shook her head. “I barely afford a lawyer, much less a decent one.”

“What about Alexis Davis?” Jason asked, naming his own lawyer. He frowned, realizing he was recommending his personal lawyer to a woman he barely knew. Shrugging it off, he continued, “She’s the best in town.”

“She’s also highly expensive and she’s Nikolas’s aunt,” Elizabeth reminded him. “There’s no way I can afford her rates.”

“I think the brat disowned her when she started to represent me,” Jason said. “And her rates aren’t that high.” At least they wouldn’t be when Jason finished explaining to Alexis that he’d make up the difference. Wait, he would? What the hell was he thinking?

Something about this young woman was making Jason do and say things he didn’t usually. It was an uncomfortable feeling and Jason wasn’t sure he particularly liked it. But he’d gotten himself into this conversation; he was going to finish it.

“Well…maybe I’ll give her a call,” Elizabeth replied. She gestured at his empty bottle. “Do you want another one?”

Jason glanced down at his bottle and shook his head. “No, thanks. I better head home.” He pulled out his wallet.

Elizabeth held up a hand to stop him. “No, it’s on the house. Thanks for the advice.”

Jason shrugged. “No problem.” He slid off the stool and was a few feet away before her voice called to him.

“See you around.”

He turned and for the some reason that escaped him, he said, “Sure.” He looked at her for another minute before heading towards the door. He suddenly had the urge to slam his head into a brick wall.

—–

Lily was sipping her coffee the next morning when Francis, her guard on the door, opened the front door and announced Alexis.

Alexis Davis strode in, her briefcase hanging from her hand and a frown on her face. Lily stood. “Alexis. Hey.”

“I need to speak with you,” Alexis said, taking a seat on the couch opposite Lily’s loveseat. “I just came from the strangest meeting with Jason.”

Lily’s eyebrows rose. “Oh, really?”

Alexis nodded. “You know…I wouldn’t discuss with you normally but I think your friend has flipped his lid.”

Lily nodded. “He’s due,” she murmured. “So what makes you think that?”

“He told me that an Elizabeth Spencer would be calling sometime in the future and that when that happened, to offer her the lowest rate possible and he’d make up the difference.”

Lily nearly choked on her coffee as she heard Alexis’s words. “He did what?”

“I’m completely serious. Now, I didn’t even realize he knew Elizabeth, much less that she needed a lawyer.”

“Because of that nasty rumor going around,” Lily said.

“That and the fact that Nikolas is actively campaigning for an investigation and is also now suing her apparently for wrongful death.” Alexis frowned. “Do you think he was playing a joke on me?”

“Alexis. Think about what you’re saying. This is Jason. He doesn’t know the meaning of the word.”

“Yeah…that’s true. So would it be wrong to take the case even if I know another client was footing a major portion of the bill?”

“Depends. Do you want to get Nikolas back for the grief he caused you two years ago when you began representing Jason fulltime?”

Alexis grinned. “I knew you’d put it in perspective.”

—-

Elizabeth was the phone making an appointment to see Alexis Davis when she saw Lily Corinthos slide onto the stool in front of her. She held up a finger to indicate she’d be right with her.

“Wow…I can actually afford those rates!” Elizabeth said, a smile crossing her face. “Are you sure you want to consider this, Ms. Davis? I mean, Nikolas is your nephew…uh huh…all right. I’ll be tomorrow afternoon at three. Thank you so much.” Elizabeth hung up the phone and turned to Lily. “Hi, what can I get you?”

“A conversation if you have the time,” Lily said, grinning at the brunette. Alexis Davis had stopped by her penthouse that morning and filled her in on a strange phone call she’d gotten that night from Jason. Something about an Elizabeth Spencer was going to be calling and that she needed a lawyer, so offer her the lowest rate she could and Jason would make up the difference. The second Lily had heard that story, she’d made up her mind to visit the girl and find out what was going on.

Elizabeth’s eyes scanned the restaurant–it was early so it wasn’t really filled. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”

“The guy I was in here with…Jason Morgan–”

“That was Jason Morgan?” Elizabeth said. Her eyes darted to the phone. Alexis Davis. It all made sense now. He’d recommended a lawyer that was known for being the best–she’d kept both Sonny Corinthos and Jason Morgan out of jail numerous times. Whenever Mac had talked about Jason, she’d pictured an older man…with graying hair…a little extra weight. Maybe it was the Godfather movies…but it never occurred to Elizabeth that Jason Morgan would be young with blonde hair and electric blue eyes and a body…she stopped herself. “I didn’t know.”

“You’ve heard the name?” Lily said, slightly deflated. There went her hopes for this match. “Jason’s–he’s not what people think–”

“My former boss, Mac Scorpio talks about him,” Elizabeth interrupted knowing where Lily was going with this conversation, “but I didn’t know him until you brought him here. I’ve never met him before which means I didn’t have an opinion.”

“So what do you think about him now?” Lily asked, eagerly.

Elizabeth smiled. “He’s nice.”

“Nice?” Lily repeated. She leaned forward. “Come on. Just between us.” Jason? Nice? Maybe Jason had a twin running around Port Charles they weren’t aware of. Because Jason was a lot of things to strangers, but nice wasn’t usually one of them. This girl must have affected him in a different way.

“No, really,” Elizabeth laughed. “He was here last night and we talked. He recommended Alexis for this lawsuit I’m in. He’s a good listener.”

Lily frowned. “Jason was here last night?” She looked around. Jason never came to The Outback unless it was to appease her. It wasn’t his style.

“He sticks to places like Luke’s and Jake’s, doesn’t he?” Elizabeth asked.

Lily nodded. “Yeah, usually. It’s not that this place is bad, but it’s just not his normal hangout.”

“Well, if it helps, the Spencers had a private party so Luke’s was closed last night,” Elizabeth explained.

“So what did you two talk about?” Lily asked.

Elizabeth smirked. “You always this interested in his conversations?”

Lily laughed. “No, not usually. Jason’s not big on conversations. It’s usually a grunt, a few one word answers and three word sentences. That’s why he’s a good listener–he doesn’t talk.”

Elizabeth smiled. “We just talked about my brother-in-law suing me.”

“Nikolas Cassadine is suing you?” Lily asked. “What the hell for?”

“Wrongful death,” Elizabeth replied. “He thinks if he can get a civil conviction it’ll make it easier to get an investigation open.”

“Well, you’re in good hands with Alexis,” Lily said confidently. “She won’t let that happen–she’s the best.”

“I just can’t believe I can afford her,” Elizabeth replied, incredulously.

Lily laughed. “Oh, I can.”

Elizabeth looked at her oddly before Lily rushed to explain. “Alexis is weird about her rates–she’s lucky enough to charge what she wants when she wants. I bet the second she heard what Nikolas was trying to do to you she was going to take your case,” Lily said firmly.

“Oh, well. I guess it doesn’t really matter–as long as I can afford her,” Elizabeth replied.

“How old is your daughter again?” Lily asked.

“Six months. Why?” Elizabeth asked.

Lily grinned. “How would you and your dinner like to join my son and me for dinner tomorrow night?”

As Elizabeth agreed, Lily was thinking of ways to con Jason into coming over. Her mind was already working over time–Jason had expressed an interest in this girl whether he realized it or not. The trouble he’d gone to help get a good lawyer and the fact that he’d even talked to her said as much.

It was Lily’s job to make sure he didn’t screw it up.

—-

Lily pulled the penthouse door open with a wide smile. “I’m glad you could make it.”

Elizabeth entered, Lex cradled in one arm, her diaper bag and a small black purse thrown over the opposite shoulder. She looked around Lily’s penthouse with wide eyes. “Wow. It’s incredible.”

Lily grinned and shut the door behind her guest. “Isn’t it? You should have seen it when I first married Sonny – full of dark furniture and depressing décor. The first chance I had I redecorated in beige and peach.” A shadow crossed Lily’s face. “Although I’d rather have the depressing things back if it meant Sonny would still be here.”

Elizabeth nodded and sat down on the couch. “I know what you mean – I miss Lucky a lot. Especially when I look at Lex.”

“And she’s such a beautiful child,” Lily said, enchanted with the six-month-old girl cradled in Elizabeth’s arms. Lex already had a tuft of brown hair growing. She had her mother’s porcelain skin and her father’s expressive blue eyes.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said, clearly pleased. She shifted Lex a little on her lap.

“I set up Michael’s old play pen if you want to put her in there. Unless she’s too young,” Lily said. “I put Michael in there as soon as possible–otherwise he’d be crawling everywhere.”

Elizabeth smiled and stood grateful. “I did the same thing – well, I tried anyway. I work such hellish hours, Lex is always with my mother-in-law and Laura can’t stop putting her down.” She set Lex down in the playpen and Lex immediately started investigating the stuffed animals Lily had spread around. “So now she always wants to be held.”

“It must be difficult,” Lily said. “I don’t work–Sonny set me up for the rest of my life. I got this penthouse, a house in the mountains, a place in Puerto Rico, a place in Italy…” Lily grinned. “Jason and I share the island, though.”

“You’re lucky,” Elizabeth said, taking her seat again. “I own the Outback but with Luke’s and Carly Quartermaine’s new club, it can be difficult getting business sometimes.”

“You own it?” Lily asked, clearly surprised. “But you waitress.”

“And I do the bartending,” Elizabeth said. She shrugged. “It’s easier. The money from actually owning the place goes into an account for Lex and whatever else I make, we live on.” She looked around. “Where’s your son?”

“Oh, he’s over Jason’s,” Lily said. “He’ll be here in a little while.” She grinned, almost excited. Elizabeth would be able to meet at his most relaxed. Jason adored Michael and it made Lily sad that he didn’t want children of his own. “Michael thinks Jason’s the best thing since his trucks.”

“After convincing me to see Alexis, I think the same thing,” Elizabeth replied, a smile on her face. “Do you know she even considered taking my case for free simply on merit?”

Lily’s eyebrows shot up. “Alexis? Take a case for free. She must be pissed at her nephew.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yeah. I remember Alexis vaguely–she was at my wedding. But the Cassadines really kept to themselves at the reception.”

“Jason and I went to your wedding,” Lily said. “You were a beautiful bride.”

“Yeah–you couldn’t even tell I was pregnant,” Elizabeth said cheerfully.

Lily laughed. “No–but Nikolas made sure everyone knew.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I know–he was ridiculous. Hi. Do you know the bride’s pregnant?”

The door to Lily’s home sprang open and Michael darted past Jason and straight towards Lily. “Guess what? Guess what?” he said, excitedly. He all but threw himself into Lily’s lap.

Lily pulled the toddler onto her lap and grinned at him. “What? What?” she asked.

“Unca Jase says I get to ride his bike!”

“Michael–you weren’t supposed to tell!” Jason said, leaning against the doorframe, a smile on his face.

“Jason–I thought we discussed this,” Lily said, standing and shifting Michael to her hip. “No motorcycles until he’s at least three.”

“Awww, Ma!” Michael whined. Lily turned to look at the two-and-half-year-old and saw that her son’s brown eyes were giving her the puppy dog look. “Pretty pwease?”

Lily struggled and looked to Elizabeth. “Liz, what do you think? Should I let Michael on a death machine?”

Elizabeth stood and laughed. “Sure. I’m sure Jason would be careful.” She turned to look at the man who a few moments ago had been grinning at the little Corinthos. He’d straightened up and stuck his hands in his pockets, his face a cold exterior. Lily frowned–it’d taken barely five seconds for Jason to shut down.

“It’s fine if you don’t want him to, Lily,” Jason said. “I have to be going–I’ve got work to do.”

“Unca Jase, you pwomised!” Michael cried, his lower lip trembling.

“Your mother’s right–you’re too young.” Jason grasped the knob. “See you tomorrow.” He pulled the door shut.

Elizabeth chewed on her bottom lip. “Was it something I said?”

Lily sighed and set Michael on the ground. “Go play with your trucks, sweetie.”

Michael toddled off, clearly upset by Jason’s abrupt departure. Lily turned to Elizabeth–wondering how she could save this situation.

“Jason…he’s not…” Lily struggled for the words.

“Not good with people he doesn’t know?” Elizabeth suggested.

Lily smiled–relieved. “Yeah. In his…line of work…he doesn’t open up easily, ya know? He’s very closed off. Me and Mike are the only people he really relates to anymore.”

Elizabeth sat down and Lily followed. “I can understand and it’s all right. Really.”

“Good. Because I think Jason might…” Lily hesitated. “I think he’s the reason Alexis’s rates are low.”

Elizabeth knitted her eyebrows together in confusion. “What?”

“Okay…I know he’s the reason. See, Alexis came in this morning, a little confused. Normally, she would never discuss Jason’s business with me, but this one had her so bewildered se wanted to run it by me. Jason called her early this morning and told her you’d be calling. He asked her to offer you a low rate and he’d make up the difference.”

Elizabeth’s eyes grew as big as saucers. “Are you serious? Why would he do that?”

Lily shrugged. “I have no clue–but it gives me hope. See, Jason…he broke it off with a long-term girlfriend a few months ago and he’s been harder to reach ever since. I was hoping…” she stopped, her cheeks flushed.

Elizabeth gave her new friend a knowing smile. “That I’d change that?”

Lily nodded. “Yeah. I mean, he obviously took a liking to you if he even talked to you last night. Not only that, he recommended his lawyer and arranged it so you could afford her. I think that freaked him out a little and he’s probably going to be making a concentrated effort to remain aloof.”

“Why?” Elizabeth’s nose wrinkled. “Why would he prefer to be alone?”

Lily didn’t even consider telling her about Sonny–she couldn’t tell this woman that Jason blamed himself for Sonny’s death, for a car bomb that no one could have guessed was in there. It was too early for her to understand that Jason took everything on his shoulders, whether it was his fault or not. She didn’t want to scare off the most promising candidate for Jason in months. So, instead, she opted for a simple explanation. “Jason….he’s a difficult man to be friends with. And even more difficult to be in a relationship, as Robin learned. He…keeps things close–he doesn’t share things a lot, not even with me.” Her caramel eyes pleaded with her new friend. “Don’t let his gruffness alienate you–once you get to know Jason, he’s a great guy.”

Elizabeth’s sapphire eyes twinkled. “Why, Lily Corinthos, are you trying to fix me up?”

“Absolutely,” Lily replied, shaking her head, her brown hair bobbing up and down in its pony tail.

She laughed. “All right, then. But only because you’ve been so nice.”

Lily squealed with excitement. “I just know this is gonna work!”

Lily Corinthos strode into Jason Morgan’s penthouse without bothering to wait for Johnny to announce her. Her dark hair was pulled into a low ponytail and her caramel eyes were filled to the brim with concern.

Jason Morgan stood up as she came to a stop in front of the dining room table where he’d been going over warehouse receipts. He towered over the petite woman–but what Lily lacked in stature, she made up for in energy.

“Good morning.” Jason said.

“What’s this I hear about Robin moving to Paris for good?” Lily demanded.

Jason sat back down. “Don’t worry about it.” He reached for the receipts but Lily slammed her hand down on top of them.

“Damn it, don’t do this, Jase. Don’t shut me out.”

Jason sighed and looked up at his friend. “What do you want me to do?”

“So Robin couldn’t handle this–that’s fine, but you can’t stop living.” Lily sank in a seat across from him. “I know how that feels–I thought my life was over when Sonny died in that explosion. But I had a son–he needed me.”

“That’s all well and good, but I don’t exactly have a kid,” Jason said, absently reaching for the receipts again.

“Jason-” Lily shook her head. “But you do have people who need you–love you. Me and Mike need you.”

“You have me,” Jason replied simply. “I promised Sonny I’d always take care of you.”

Lily frowned. “Am I only an obligation?”

“No,” Jason replied. He looked away. “I don’t know what you want, Lily.”

Lily sighed. “Robin wanted another chance. She-”

“Robin has tried over and over again to handle this,” Jason said quietly. “She can’t. And by pretending it could work, we’d only end up hurting each other.”

Lily nodded. There was truth to Jason’s words and she knew it. She knew from the get go that pretty Robin Scorpio would never be able to last in Jason’s life. She wanted security–and she needed the knowledge that she always came first. Jason couldn’t–or wouldn’t–give that to her. But she knew that if Jason didn’t have someone in his life–he’d probably shut down entirely. And she couldn’t let that happen. “All right,” she conceded. “But I know you’re going to use this as an opportunity to shut me out–and I’m going to tell you now it’s not going to work.”

Jason looked up at Lily and sighed. He’d promised Sonny on his wedding day he’d take care of Lily if anything ever happened to him. Jason hadn’t expected to be alive if Sonny wasn’t, but here they were, three years after Sonny had been killed in a car bomb. After the explosion, Jason had pushed almost everyone out–from his sister, Emily, to Robin to Sonny’s father, Mike. But Lily dug her feet in and refused to let him blame himself. Jason still blamed himself–a fact that Lily was well aware of. But now, Lily Corinthos and her son Michael were the only people in the world that he still cared about.

“Look, I know you’re trying to be my friend,” Jason said, “But you can’t save me from the world.”

“No,” Lily said. “No. I can’t. But it doesn’t stop me from trying. Jase, you made me get out of bed. You told me to live for my child. I’d be a horrible friend if I didn’t try and be as supportive to you.”

Jason nodded. “All right. If I let you be supportive, will you let me do my receipts?”

Lily frowned and removed her hands. “Oh. Where’s Benny?”

Jason took the receipts back and sighed. “Vacation. Besides, I like doing this.”

She wrinkled her nose. “You’re insane. Are you meeting me for dinner tonight?”

Jason nodded absently. “Yeah. The Outback, right?”

Lily nodded. “Right. At eight. I’ll see you later.”

——

Elizabeth Spencer squinted her eyes and stared at the clock. Seven forty-five. An hour and fifteen minutes before her shift was over. Elizabeth had owned The Outback for nearly three months–but she kept her job as waitress anyway. The extra tips made all the difference since most of the money she made went into an account for Lex.

She rubbed her eyes wearily and paused for a moment at the bar. Lex spent most days at her in-laws house, but Elizabeth dreaded walking into that house to pick her up. Because Elizabeth and Lex were a living reminder that their son was dead.

“Hey, Spencer,” Mac Scorpio said, taking a seat at the bar. “Place looks good.”

Elizabeth looked at the former owner and smiled wearily. “Thanks. How goes it with catching criminals?” she asked.

Mac grimaced. “Slightly difficult now that Scott Baldwin’s taking over some cases.”

Elizabeth frowned. “Isn’t he the DA that Luke hates?”

“Yeah. Scott’s decided to crack down on organized crime.” Mac signaled for the bartender. “He’s got a fixation on Jason Morgan–it’s almost as bad as the one that Taggart had on Corinthos.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “Why don’t you wait until they do something you can prove instead of always chasing them?”

Mac ordered a Vodka Tonic. “I ask Scott that everyday.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Well, you know you’re always welcome to drown your troubles here. Drinks are on the house.”

“You don’t have to do that, Liz,” Mac said.

Elizabeth shrugged. “You’re practically the only person in town that believes I didn’t plan on Lucky dying or that I didn’t trap him.”

Mac smiled at her. “That’s because I was your boss–I knew better.”

Elizabeth returned the smile warmly. “And since you’re also the commissioner, that faith kind of works in my favor. Nikolas been in lately to announce my guilt?”

“He was in last week,” Mac admits. “I keep telling him the accident wasn’t even Lucky’s fault and that the other driver wasn’t even from Port Charles. He won’t listen.”

Elizabeth’s face darkened. “He’s been telling Laura–and I think she’s so desperate to latch onto anything regarding Lucky that she might start believing him.”

Mac frowned. “I’m sorry you have to deal with that Liz.”

“Well, it’s not your fault. It’s Nikolas and the rest this town.” She sighed. “The only reason I still stay here is because of Lex.”

Mac nodded and finished his drink. “She’s a beautiful baby. Bring her by the house sometime–Felicia misses seeing you regularly.”

“Tell her she’s welcome any time,” Elizabeth replied, warmly. “Tell Maxie and Georgie I said hi.”

“Will do. See ya, Spencer.”

“Later, Scorpio.” Elizabeth watched him leave and hauled her tray back up. Back to work. She was seriously considering quitting the waitress job. She was the owner–she shouldn’t be serving.

She saw a dark haired woman sit in her section and sighed. Please let her be alone, Elizabeth asked silently as she went over to the table.

“Hi, I’m Liz Spencer and I’ll be your server today,” Elizabeth said brightly. “Do you need a menu?”

The woman smiled at her. “Actually, I’m waiting for someone. Could you bring me a martini, sweet and a Budweiser…in the bottle?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Not a problem. I’ll be right back.” She gave her a smile and moved towards the bar.

Lily watched the waitress leave and sighed. Liz Spencer. She’d heard about the girl–mainly from Robin. Robin’s first complaint about her was her childhood friend was dating a little waitress–and then it was that the little slut (Robin’s words) had trapped Lucky into marriage. She’d then killed Lucky and talked Mac into selling her The Outback.

Lily had never really liked Robin and figured if Robin hated Liz Spencer that much–well, she might be the type of girl Lily’d like.

Jason slid into the seat across from her. “You’re late,” she muttered, irritated. “I ordered you a beer.”

“In the bottle?” Jason asked, absently, picking up the menu.

“Yep,” Lily replied. She looked up as Elizabeth Spencer returned with their drinks. “Thanks, Liz.” She paused.

Elizabeth smiled again. “Are you ready to order?”

Lily looked at Jason–who’d yet to raise his head from the menu. She rolled her eyes. Typical. She kicked him under the table.

“Ow!” Jason yelped, looking up. “What?”

“What do you want?” Lily said, tipping her head towards Elizabeth. Jason glanced her way and glared at Lily.

“That’s not a reason to kick me,” Jason said, irritated. He flicked his eyes towards their waitress. “The steak–well done. Mashed potatoes.”

Elizabeth wrote it down and nodded. “And you?”

“Rosemary chicken…” Lily paused, “…with a side of sweet corn.”

Elizabeth wrote it down and flashed them another smile. “I’ll be back with your order.”

As soon as Elizabeth disappeared, Jason gave Lily a swift kick right to the shins. She kicked him right back.

“What is it about you that makes me so irritated?” he muttered, taking a swig of his beer.

Lily smiled brightly. “You know you love me.”

—-

Elizabeth glanced at the clock and wanted to jump for joy–it was nine! She could pick up Lex and go home. She looked over her section and immediately her face fell–the brunette and her friend were still sitting. She let her head drop to the bar in disappointment.

“Excuse me.”

Elizabeth looked up into Lily Corinthos’ friendly eyes. Immediately she straightened. “Yes?”

Lily glanced back at her table. “We need our check.” When she glanced back, she was in time to see the relief flash through the other woman’s eyes. She looked at the clock and smiled. “Sorry we took so long.”

Elizabeth shook her head and eagerly ripped the check off her pad. “It’s fine. I just didn’t want to be late to pick up my daughter.”

Lily smiled and took the check. “How old is your daughter?”

“Oh, Lex is six months old,” Elizabeth replied. “Do you have children?”

Lily tilted her head in confusion. Someone in Port Charles didn’t know about Sonny Corinthos or his son? In a town this small, everyone knew everyone else’s business. She laughed. “Yes. I have a son. He’s two and a half.”

Elizabeth smiled. “I love children. I just wish I didn’t have to leave her with my mother-in-law all the time.”

“Being a single mother is hard,” Lily said. “But I don’t work, so it’s easier.”

“I guess when Lex is older, I can bring her here,” Elizabeth said. “But that’s if I even stay in town.”

Lily frowned. “Why wouldn’t you?”

“Don’t tell me you don’t know…” Elizabeth smiled. “You haven’t heard that I murdered my husband?”

Lily’s face flushed and she had the grace to look embarrassed. “Actually, I have heard the rumor. But being who I am and who my husband was…I don’t pay attention to the rumor mill.”

“Who was your husband?” Elizabeth asked curiously.

“Sonny Corinthos…” Lily frowned. “You’ve never heard of him?”

“I’ve only heard about him from my former boss,” Elizabeth said. “Mac Scorpio…but I didn’t realize he’d been married.”

Lily wrinkled her nose. “Ahh, our lovely police commissioner. Yes, we were married for a year before he died.”

“I’m sorry,” Elizabeth said.

Lily sighed. “It’s been three years, so it’s not as bad.” She glanced at her table. “I think Jason’s getting restless. It was nice talking to you, Elizabeth.”

“You, too.” Elizabeth took her apron off and shoved it with her order pad under the bar. “Ariel, I’m leaving. You’re closing, right?”

“Sure thing, Spence,” her manager Ariel called. “See ya tomorrow.”

Elizabeth headed over to Lily’s table to collect her money and the tip. She tossed the money in the register and the tip in her pocket.

—-

“You didn’t have to take so long,” Jason muttered as he and Lily headed towards the parking lot.

“Sue me–I got caught up in talking to someone who didn’t know Sonny was my husband. It was refreshing.”

“What, the waitress?” Jason asked, glancing back at the restaurant.

“She’s Elizabeth Spencer–you know her.” Lily looked at him. “Robin detested her–she owns The Outback–Lucky Spencer’s wife–Luke Spencer’s daughter-in-law.”

Jason frowned. “Never actually met the woman.”

“You were at her wedding,” Lily said, irritated. “I remember–you asked me to go.”

“Like I remember who actually gets married,” Jason replied. “When was it?”

“About a year ago,” Lily replied. “It was around the time Johnny got married.”

Jason frowned. “Johnny got married?”

“You were his best man!” Lily said, frustrated. She shook her head. “Never mind.”

Jason shrugged. “I remember Lucky getting married and Robin refusing to go.”

“Robin thought Elizabeth trapped him…remember?”

“Sounds familiar.”

“Do you ever listen when people talk?” Lily asked, annoyed.

“Not when you talk,” Jason replied. He pulled her door open and looked inside the car. “It’s clear.”

Lily glared at him. “You know, you’re lucky you’re my friend or I might want to kill you.”

“Who else would you nag?” Jason asked. He shut the door after she was in. He strode away before he heard her angry retort.

—-

Elizabeth entered the Spencer house tiredly. She pointedly avoided looking in the direction of the mantel where Laura had erected a shrine to Lucky.

“Sorry, I’m late,” she said.

Laura Spencer stood up and rubbed her eyes. “It’s all right. Alexandria has been asleep for about an hour.”

Elizabeth leaned down to pick up the carrier. She refused to look Laura in the eye–Laura thought Elizabeth wasn’t properly mourning her son. Something about that she didn’t still wear black, that she’d used Lucky’s insurance money to buy The Outback or that she hadn’t named her daughter after Lucky. Elizabeth idly wondered what kind of girl’s name you could get from Lucas Lorenzo Spencer.

“Thanks for watching her.”

“She looks more and more like him,” Laura said sadly. She looked up at Elizabeth. “Do you tell her about her father?”

Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably. She hated when Laura did things like this. Tried to make it seem like she wasn’t being a good enough mother. “I tell her about Lucky every day. There are pictures around the apartment.”

“What if you get married again?” Laura asked desperately. “Will he raise Alexandria as his own daughter?”

Elizabeth looked at her peacefully sleeping daughter and wanted to scream. Laura was asking questions that she had no right to–and questions that were about a future Elizabeth couldn’t imagine. “Of course…any man I’d be with would have to treat Lex like his own child. It wouldn’t be fair to her.”

“She’d call him Daddy, wouldn’t she?” Laura asked. “She’d forget about Lucky, what about Lucky?”

Elizabeth sighed and looked at her mother-in-law. “Lucky’s dead, Laura. He’s been dead for seven months. Lex shouldn’t be deprived of a father because some idiot was driving too fast.”

“That’s right,” Nikolas Cassadine announced. He stood in the entryway of the kitchen. “And Lucky would still be here if you hadn’t killed him.”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. “Lucky was killed by a speeding driver–not me.”

“A driver who happened to be on that road at that time–when Lucky was picking you up?” Nikolas said, sneering.

“You’re being ridiculous,” Elizabeth replied. “And I don’t appreciate you telling anyone who’ll listen that I killed Lucky. I didn’t do it. It was an accident.”

“Who are you sleeping with?” Nikolas demanded. “You wanted to get away from Lucky but he wouldn’t let you. So you killed him.”

Elizabeth glared at her brother-in-law. “You don’t know anything about our marriage. I did love him. Maybe it wasn’t the kind of love that you wanted for him, Laura, but I did care about him. I didn’t want him to die.”

Laura looked away. Elizabeth threw another glare at Nikolas and left. She didn’t have the patience or the energy to deal with Nikolas Cassadine and his accusations tonight.