Elizabeth was in the middle of packing Lex’s room when her doorbell rang. She abandoned the suitcase and carefully picked Lex up from the playpen, unwilling to leave her alone. Since Nikolas’s attempt to gain control over Lex, Elizabeth hadn’t let her daughter out of her sight.

She shifted Lex to one side and pulled the door open. “Luke, hey.”

Luke entered. “Hey, darlin. How’s my pretty little granddaughter?” he asked, kissing Lex on the forehead.

“You want to hold her?” Elizabeth asked. Luke accepted gratefully, a somber look on his face. Lex giggled in his arms and reached her chubby arms for the unlit cigar sticking out of Luke’s coat.

“Bubba stopped by the bar,” Luke said, taking Lex and sitting on the couch. Steeling herself for what was coming, Elizabeth curled up on the armchair across from him.

“Did he tell you I’m selling him and Felicia back the restaurant?” Elizabeth asked.

“He did.” Luke eyed her. “While I’d love to think it’s so you can come work at the bar, I know that’s not true.”

“It’s not,” Elizabeth agreed. “I’m uh…leaving town. I’ve been meaning to stop by and tell you, but–”

“I know,” Luke cut in. “I think it’s best if you and Laura don’t see one another for a while.”

“I just…there’s not much of a reason to stay around,” Elizabeth said softly, staring at her hands.

“The last time we talked–before the arrest–you seemed a little happy.” Luke leaned forward. “What’s changed?”

“Nothing,” Elizabeth lied. “I just…the arrest was too much–”

“Darlin’ don’t lie to me,” Luke said gently. “It was Morgan wasn’t it?”

“No,” Elizabeth said quickly. “Jason had nothing to do with this decision.”

“You can tell me,” Luke said. “I just hate to see you leave town because of Laura and Nikolas.”

“It’s partly because of that,” Elizabeth admitted. “I figure me and Lex…we need a fresh start. But…” she sighed. “It does concern Jason.”

Luke bit down his normal comment about tearing the man apart, and opted for a different choice. “What happened?”

Elizabeth bit her lip and looked at him, her blue eyes shining with tears. “He doesn’t want me.”

“Aww, honey,” Luke grumbled. He stood up and set Lex in the living room playpen and knelt in front of Elizabeth’s chair. “You know he’s brain damaged right?”

Elizabeth laughed a little through her tears. “Oh, Luke. It’s just…he won’t let me in. After Sonny, he’s got a wall up.”

“Yeah, I noticed,” Luke said. “You didn’t try to change his mind?”

“I did,” Elizabeth said, sucking in deep breath and blinking back the rest of her tears. “But I shouldn’t have to convince someone it’s all right to love me.”

“No, you shouldn’t,” Luke agreed.

“But what if I walk away from him…and I regret it for the rest of my life?” Elizabeth asked, her voice soft and faltering. “What if he’s the one Lucky was talking about?”

Luke frowned. “What?”

Elizabeth swiped at her eyes and took a deep breath. “After we were married, Lucky told me that he understood that I wasn’t in love with him–” she stopped. “Luke, I did love Lucky. It wasn’t the love I know you wanted for him, but I did love him.”

“I know, honey,” Luke said. He patted her knee. “Go on.”

“And he told me that if I ever found someone that I was in love with him, that I shouldn’t let our marriage stand in the way–or anything else.” Elizabeth shook her head. “I couldn’t understand why he’d tell his new wife that, but…he said he loved me and he only wanted me to be happy.”

Luke smiled at the thought of his son telling his new bride he wouldn’t stand in the way of true love. Lucky Spencer had been one hell of a kid. “Cowboy was like that–he only wanted the best for everyone.”

“What if Jason’s the right person and I walk away?” Elizabeth asked, intently. “What if I make the biggest mistake of my life?”

“Well, darlin’, I think you know what you have to do,” Luke said gently.

—-

Lily paced the living room of Jason’s penthouse, his eyes following her every move.

“Is there something wrong?” he asked, curiously.

She stopped and glared at him. If looks could kill… “No, I can’t possibly think of something that’s wrong,” she said sarcastically.

“Lily.”

“She’s leaving town,” Lily muttered. “And for the life of me I can’t come up with a single good reason to keep her here.”

“Who’s leaving town?” Jason asked, lunging to his feet. “Lily, who’s leaving?”

“Elizabeth,” Lily snapped. “She’s had enough of this town and I can’t really blame her.” She put her hands on her hips and was feeling satisfied at the pallor of Jason’s face. “Nikolas has left town, but Laura’s still here, so she doesn’t want to stick around for her mother-in-law to keep calling her a murderer.” She stalked forward and poked him in the chest. “And big bad Jason Morgan shoved her out of his life, so she doesn’t need to stay for you and she’s right–she shouldn’t have to convince that it’s all right to love her.”

“Lily, why can’t you just leave this alone?” he pleaded. “It’s better this way.”

“It’s not better this way!” Lily cried. “You’re going to let her walk out of your life and she’s more willing! I swear, I have never met two more stupid people in my life!”

Jason frowned. “Why is this so important to you?”

“I have watched you build a wall around yourself for three years,” Lily said, her voice deceptively calm. “Brick by brick, you shut people out. You shut out Sonny’s father, you shut out Emily, you shut out Robin, you don’t even talk to Lila anymore–and if I didn’t live across the hall and force you to talk to me, you would have done it to me, too. I’ll be damned if I let you spend the rest of your life blaming yourself for someone you couldn’t control!”

Before Jason could answer, Lily’s cell phone rang. “Hello?” she said.

“Lily, it’s me,” Elizabeth said.

“Hey, what’s up?” Lily asked.

“I need…I think you’re right,” Elizabeth replied, hesitantly. “I shouldn’t just walk away.”

Lily closed her eyes in relief. She turned away from Jason. “So what do you want to do?”

“Bring him to the bridge,” Elizabeth said. “In an hour. If it doesn’t work, I’m walking away, though, all right?”

“You got it.” Lily hung up and turned back to Jason. “I need a favor.”

“Anything,” Jason said automatically. His eyes narrowed. “Within reason.”

“I need you to go with me somewhere. You can’t ask questions,” Lily said automatically. “Just do it.”

“Lily–”

“If you do this, I won’t ask for another thing, I promise,” Lily said, her voice deadly serious.

“I just know I’m going to regret this,” Jason muttered.

—-

Elizabeth hung up the phone and turned to Luke. “Do you think I made the right decision?” he asked.

“I think you made the only decision you could have,” Luke said. He stood up from the couch and gave her a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you.”

“You take care of Laura,” Elizabeth said. “Take her on a cruise or something.”

“I just think time away from this town will do her good,” Luke said. “Good luck with Morgan. I think you’re going to need it.”

—–

Jason’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the car that was parked next to his and Lily’s in the clearing.

“Lily–”

“Get out of the car,” Lily ordered. She pushed her car door open and got out. Against his better judgment, he did what she said.

“Lily, what are we doing here?” he asked.

“You’re going to give her one last chance to talk to you,” Lily stated. “She’s leaving town and she wants to say goodbye.” One little white lie never hurt anyone. “After everything you’ve done to her, the least you can do is give her that courtesy.

“Damn it,” Jason growled. “I don’t–”

“I don’t ask for much,” Lily said. “I know I butt in sometimes, but I rarely ever ask for anything. And all I want is for you to give her a chance to say goodbye.”

Jason slammed the car door shut. “Fine,” he snarled, stalking towards the path to the bridge.

—-

Jason entered the clearing to see Elizabeth with her arms tightly crossed. He closed the distance. “What do you want?” he snapped.

“I’m leaving town,” Elizabeth said. “I thought you should know.”

Jason stared at her. He hadn’t thought Lily was serious–he thought it was a ploy to get him to talk to her. “Leaving? Why?” He shook his head. He wasn’t supposed to care–it’d be better if she left.

“There’s nothing left in Port Charles,” Elizabeth replied simply. “Now that I’ve been investigated for murder, the rumors around town are too much. Lex is getting older–she doesn’t need this.”

“What about the Spencers?”

She sighed. “Luke’s taking Laura on an extended vacation. They won’t be back for a while. And Laura still thinks I’m responsible, so I don’t even take Lex to see them anymore.”

“I’m sorry,” Jason said quietly. She looked at him–her eyes were cold.

“Are you?” she asked. “Are you sorry or are you just saying it?”

“I am sorry,” Jason snapped, defensively. “I don’t say things I don’t mean.”

She looked away. “That’s a lie and we both know it.”

“I’ve never lied to you.”

“What about the day you kicked me out?” she demanded. “You told me that I didn’t belong in your world and that you didn’t belong in mine. That was a lie–you kicked me out of your life because you were scared!”

“You think because you have one conversation with Lily about Sonny you can possibly understand anything?” he asked, angrily. “You got her version–she’s too sympathetic to tell you the truth.”

She turned away and faced the creek. “You know…we have something in common,” she said, her tone changing. “We’ve both felt responsible for people dying that we couldn’t control. I couldn’t control that speeding driver–and you couldn’t control Sonny.”

“It was my job to protect him.” Jason swore under his breath. He didn’t want to have this conversation with her–couldn’t have this conversation. He needed to get away from her.

“It was your job to take orders,” Elizabeth corrected him.

“You don’t know a damn thing about my job.” Jason turned and started walking.

“Pushing me away didn’t help,” she called after him. He stopped and turned to look at her.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked, bewildered.

“I’m saying if you tried to push me away to prove that I didn’t mean anything–it didn’t work,” Elizabeth replied. “We both know why you pushed me away.”

“Oh really?” Jason asked. “Enlighten me.” He crossed his arms and glared at her.

“Because I got too close,” she replied softly. “Because you’re under the impression that because of what happened with Sonny, you don’t deserve someone.”

“That’s not it at all.” Jason drove his fingers through his hair. “Because of the life I lead–”

“It’s not your choice to make,” Elizabeth retorted.

“The hell it’s not!” Jason strode towards her, angry now. “I watched as my best friend blew up–I watched his wife grieve for him. I watched Robin walk away from me three times–if I decide that I don’t want to be with anyone, that is my choice.”

“You can’t shut people out because you’re scared,” she argued. “That’s not fair to the people who care about you.”

“The people who care about me?” Jason repeated. “What, Lily and Mike?”

“I care about you!” Elizabeth cried. “But the second you thought I was getting too close, you kicked me out, you dropped me. That’s not fair! You can’t make me think you care and then shut me out…” She took a step towards him. “Do you have any idea what this last week has been like?” she demanded. “I’ve been accused of murder–my home has been searched–my place of business. The only family I had in this town cut me off. The state threatened to take Lex away from me and I didn’t have anyone to turn to…do you know how that felt?”

He looked away. “You’re better off without me,” Jason said quietly. “You and Lily are still friends.”

Elizabeth stared at him, stunned. “B-b-better off without you?” she echoed, tears in her eyes. “What the hell right do you have to decide that?”

“Don’t you see? I’m hurting you,” Jason said quietly. “I didn’t want to do it like this.”

“Oh, but kissing me senseless and then doing it is so much better,” Elizabeth snapped sarcastically, angrily swiping the tears from her eyes. “You don’t hurt me by being with me–you hurt me when you push me away, don’t you see?”

Jason looked away. “Your daughter’s already lost her father–I don’t want to be the reason she’s an orphan.”

Elizabeth threw her hands up in the air. “Why do you insist on making choices for other people?” she cried. “I’m not better off and guess what? Lucky’s dead. He died because a stupid man was driving too fast. I could die tomorrow the same way. My house could burn down and I’d die of smoke inhalation. No one lives forever–and you’re a fool if you think that by pushing me away, you’re somehow ensuring I won’t die some day.”

Jason shifted his feet and sighed. “I can’t do this, Elizabeth.” He turned around again.

“If you leave Jason, I’m going to leave Port Charles and I’m never coming back!” she called. “Because you’re the only thing keeping me here!”

Jason stopped–but he didn’t turn around. She stared at his back–wishing desperately for him to turn around. His voice drifted back to her–“Goodbye, Elizabeth.”

And he kept on walking.

—-
Lily jumped off the hood of the car when she heard footsteps. When Jason emerged from the path, his head down and hands shoved in his pockets, she swore long and loudly. “What in the hell-”

Jason raised his eyes to meet hers. “Don’t ever do that again, Lily. You’re my friend–don’t make me push you away, too.”

“Why are you doing this?” Lily whispered, desperately. “Why do you shut out the very people who love you?”

Jason snorted. “Love doesn’t exist,” he muttered.

“That’s not true and you know it!” Lily wanted to strangle him. “Why are you so stubborn–you know you’re in love with her, why don’t you give it a chance?”

“She’s leaving town,” Jason said.

“And I know she made it clear that she feels that if you don’t want her, she’s got no reason to stay, and Jase, that’s giving you a lot of power,” Lily said. “She’s basically telling you that she wants you–why won’t you let yourself be happy?”

“Drop it, Lily,” Jason said. He headed to the car and jerked the passenger side open. Before he got in, Elizabeth emerged from the path.

Lily sighed, watching the two freeze. Why wouldn’t Jason just let himself be with her? Elizabeth was making it very clear how she felt–didn’t Jason realize what that cost her?

Elizabeth finally broke the silence. She looked at Lily. “Thanks for everything, Lily. I’m signing the papers tomorrow for The Outback and Lex and I are hitting the road after that.”

“I wish you’d stay,” Lily said, softly. She glanced at Jason who hadn’t moved.

Elizabeth bit her lip. “There’s nothing left to stay for,” she said quietly. “I can’t live the rest of my life–waiting for something that won’t happen.”

Lily looked at Jason again–desperate for him to say something–anything. But Jason’s jaw was clenched and he wasn’t moving. She did a very desperate thing then–something that might cost her both friendships. “Damn it, you’re both idiots!”

“Lily-” Jason started.

“You’re in love with her and she loves you,” Lily declared. “And you’re both throwing it away and that’s the stupidest fucking thing I’ve ever heard of!” She glared at Jason. “Do you know that there’s nothing I wouldn’t give for just one day with Sonny? I will never see him again–I’ll never hear his voice or feel his touch. Do you know how that feels?” She shook her head. “And for the last time, Jason, his death is not your fault. You wanted to check the car–you were halfway across the parking lot and you know it. But Sonny made the choice. He decided to get into the car. He disregarded the safety measures–he got into that car, Jason, he did it because he got too cocky. Don’t you get it–it’s not your fault!”

Jason looked at the ground. “It was my job to protect him.”

Lily was so frustrated that she wanted to scream–so she did. “Damn you, your job was to do what Sonny told you! He told you not to worry–he said don’t check the car. It’s fine. I’ll bring it–so damn it, stop blaming yourself. Do not throw away love because she’s walking away tomorrow, Jason and you won’t get this chance again. And you’re a son of a bitch if you let her leave this town.” Lily strode over and pushed him away from the car. “Don’t come near me, because I am just sick of you right now. You’re so wrapped up in yourself–so worried about protecting yourself from the world that you don’t see straight anymore and I can’t sit by and watch you do this anymore. You can walk.” She slammed the passenger side door shut and stormed to the other side of the car. She passed Elizabeth and paused. “And you’re a damn fool if you give up now.”

She jerked her car door open and got in. She turned the engine on and pealed out of the clearing and back onto the road. Soon all Jason could see was her taillights.

He stared after the car and it began to sink in that he might have pushed away the last person in the world that cared about him. He heard a twig snap and he turned, remembering Elizabeth’s presence.

“She’s right you know,” Elizabeth said softly. She walked over to her car and pulled her keys out of her pocket. “And when you’re all alone, Jason…” she looked up and met his eyes. “You’ll have no one to blame but yourself.”

She inserted the key in the lock and pulled the car door open. “I wish I could have been enough–I wish I could have been the person who made you understand that you can’t shut people out. But I’m not. Because I can’t wait forever–and I shouldn’t have to. I’m not giving up–I’m being realistic. I don’t know how to convince you that I love you and that you mean everything to me–and I don’t think I should have to.”

“Don’t go.”

She pulled her foot out of the car and looked at him. “What?”

“Don’t go,” Jason repeated. Elizabeth stared at him–wanting more. “Because I think I’ve just made a really big mistake here.”

“And that would be?” she asked, her heart in her throat.

Jason looked away. “I never thought I’d lose Lily. I guess I always thought she’d put up with me. But she didn’t.” He stared in the direction Lily’s car had gone. “I don’t know why I do what I do. I don’t know why I push people away–but I…” he met her eyes. “I love you, Elizabeth. Please…don’t go.”

She shut the door and stared at him. “Say that again,” she demanded gently.

“I love you.”

Elizabeth shifted her weight from one foot to another and bit her lip. “I don’t know if that’s enough,” she confessed. “Because that doesn’t tell me that you won’t take it back tomorrow. You don’t get infinite chances to hurt me–it won’t work like that. It can’t–I can’t be worrying about the next time you shut me out or push me away.”

Jason looked at the ground. “And I can’t give you that,” he said quietly. “Because I’ve been shutting people out for a while now–sometimes it just happens before I can help it.” He raised his eyes. “But I can promise you that I won’t tell you that my feelings have changed tomorrow. I won’t take it back.”

Elizabeth sighed. “I must be out of my mind,” she muttered. She rubbed her forehead. “All right. So, when you say don’t go…do you mean tonight…or tomorrow?” Elizabeth asked, needing to know exactly where they stood.

“Either. Both,” Jason answered. He took a step towards her. “Because I think I just pushed Lily away–and if she’s gone and you’re gone…then I’m alone. And as much as I try to push people away…I don’t want to be alone.”

She smiled a little. “Lily’s just pissed,” she said. “She knew she was taking a risk–took off before she either beat you senseless or you killed her. I’m sure everything will be all right tomorrow.”

“So are you going?” Jason asked hesitantly.

Elizabeth paused. She should go–every instinct in her body was telling her that it’d be a difficult and uphill battle making Jason trust her and be with her without shutting himself down or her out. She’d be smart if she took Lex and ran from Port Charles and never looked back.

She bit her lip and turned her eyes back to the path. For some reason, she remembered the second time she and Lucky had come to the bridge–on his birthday just three months before he died.

“I can’t believe we’re married,” Elizabeth said, leaning against the edge and letting her head hang back. She felt the wind rustle through her hair. “It’s just so much…”

Lucky grinned at her. “Well, we’re married.” She brought her head back up to return the smile. “Liz, there’s something we need to discuss.”

“What’s that?” Elizabeth asked. Lucky reached out and took her hand–the one he’d put a wedding ring on two days ago.

“This ring–we’re married, Liz. We’re going to have a child–but I’m not naïve enough to believe that you’re in love with me and wanted to spent the rest of your life with me.”

“Lucky-” Elizabeth stopped. He was right after all. She cared about him–and she thought she could learn to love him.

“No, really, it’s okay. But I want you to promise me something.”

“What?”

“If you find that person…that you love so desperately that you’ll do anything for them…don’t let them go because you’re married to me or because there’s some other problem. Because if you love him and he loves you…it has to work somehow. So, promise me…that when you find that love…fight for it.”

Elizabeth smiled sadly. “Why would you tell your new wife that?” she asked.

Lucky met her eyes and smiled–his smile was full of sadness and regret. “Because I love you, Liz. Desperately and I’d do anything for you.”

Looking into Jason’s eyes, she realized that she had found the love that Lucky spoken of. She loved him and she’d do anything for him. Including telling his best friend drag him to the middle of nowhere so he’d talk to her. And if it took her a hundred years, she was going to make Jason Morgan realize that just like everyone else in this world–he deserved someone to love him, too.

“Well…” Elizabeth said finally. “I’m going home, tonight.” She met his eyes and smiled. “You want a ride back to town? Maybe you could tell Lily your decision.”

“And tomorrow?” Jason pressed.

“And tomorrow…” Elizabeth hesitated. Before she could say anything, she felt a wind brush past her. Despite the time of year, it was a warm wind that made her smile. She knew Lucky was looking out for her. “Tomorrow,” Elizabeth repeated, “I’m going to tear up that contract to sell The Outback.” She smiled at him. “And the day after that…well, we’ll just see, won’t we?”

Jason looked at her for a few minutes, trying to discern what had happened but when he couldn’t, he decided to believe her. “You want to drop me off at the Towers?”

Elizabeth opened the door and slid in. She reached across the seat to open his door. When he got in, she closed her door and turned the engine. Before she pulled back onto the road, she gave the path to the bridge one last look.

Because this time–she wouldn’t be back.

The End

“How did Sonny die?”

Lily blinked. She hadn’t expected that question from Elizabeth–she hadn’t really wanted to get into it. She’d wanted Elizabeth to understand that what Jason was doing wasn’t something he really wanted to do–that it was something he felt he had to do. That he wasn’t just protecting her, he was protecting himself.

“I’m sorry if…that’s a painful question,” Elizabeth said when Lily didn’t answer. “I understand if you don’t want to say anything.”

Lily changed positions and folded her legs on the couch. “No. No. It’s just–I don’t really know how or where to start.” She didn’t say anything else for a few minutes, but finally, “We were at Luke’s celebrating. I had just found out I was pregnant. Jason was like a brother to Sonny, even though he’d only been working for Sonny a short time. He’d moved up the ranks pretty quickly–Sonny fully expected Jason to take over one day.” She looked down at her hands, where the slim gold wedding band still rested on the fourth finger of her left hand. “He just didn’t expect it so soon.”

“We were getting ready to leave…”

“I’ll get the car,” Lily volunteered. She started fishing in Sonny’s coat pockets for the keys. Sonny laughed and twisted away.

“Oh, no you don’t,” he chastised. “You’re pregnant. No more driving around for you.”

“I’m not dying, I’m just pregnant,” Lily replied, trying to reach around Sonny’s waist, but he kept pulling her out of reach.

“No, no. Stay here with Jason and Luke. I’ll get the car,” Sonny replied.

“Hold on,” Jason interjected. “Let me check it.”

“No, I’ll bring it,” Sonny replied, already stepping off the curb.

“Sonny, wait,” Jason protested. He started to follow but Sonny turned around.

“Don’t be such a worry wart, Jase. I can handle the car.” Sonny grinned his trademark smile–dimples and all–before turning back around and heading across the parking lot.

“One of these days, he’s gonna get himself killed being that careless,” Luke remarked. He twirled an unlit cigar in his hands.

“Not with Jason around,” Lily said, squeezing Jason’s arm. Jason didn’t join in on the light-hearted teasing–his eyes were trained on the car.

“Hey, how’s Miss Scorpio?” Luke asked.

Momentarily distracted, Jason tore his eyes from the car and turned to look at Luke. “She’s fine. She’s been applying–”

The force of the explosion knocked them all of their feet.

Elizabeth stared as the widow recounted the story of the day her husband died. “Jason was supposed to check the car–sweep it, you might say,” Lily finished. “And because he didn’t, he thinks he killed Sonny.”

“But Sonny told him not to worry,” Elizabeth protested weakly. “He said he could handle it.”

“I’ve been trying to tell Jason for three years that it wasn’t his fault,” Lily replied quietly. “That Sonny should have swept the car. But he won’t listen–he just sees it as the one time Sonny needed him and he couldn’t deliver.” Lily leaned forward, tears shining in her caramel eyes. “Jason Morgan is one of the best men I know. He might be pigheaded and a little stubborn, but you’ll never find anyone who loves more deeply, cares as much and does everything in power to make you feel safe and protected.”

“I know,” Elizabeth said. “I believe that.”

“It’s just…Sonny’s death rocked him. He lost one of the most important people in his life and he’s just not willing to let anyone in far enough again. He doesn’t want to go through that again and I can’t really blame him. I don’t want to fall in love again only to lose them either.”

“I understand,” Elizabeth said, sincerely. “Truly, I do. But you said yourself–you can’t even convince him it’s not your fault. If you, as Sonny’s wife, can’t do it, what makes you think I’d be any help?”

Lily hesitated. “I don’t know. But I’ve got such a strong feeling. Elizabeth, he’s known you for….what? Two weeks?” When Elizabeth nodded, she continued, “And he’s opened up to you so fast. He told you that Sonny died–he didn’t go into details, but he did admit how he pushed people away–he told you about Robin, he’s taken you on the bike–he’s let you in so far and I think it really scares him.” Lily shifted and leaned forward, her eyes locked on Elizabeth’s. “See, I don’t think he let himself fall in love with Robin. Sure, they both said they were in love, but they weren’t and I knew that. But he couldn’t help himself–he wanted to fall for you.”

“Could have fooled me,” Elizabeth whispered, her eyes wet with tears.

“Well, he did and he didn’t,” Lily tried to explain. “Subconsciously, he wants to be with you. But he won’t let himself. He’s pushing you away, doing everything he can to make you hate him.”

“I could never hate him,” Elizabeth said softly. “Never.”

Lily flashed a brief smile. “That’s good to hear. And since we know that, we can’t let him get away with it.”

“So,” Elizabeth asked, raising her eyebrows. “What do you have in mind?”

“First…let’s get these ridiculous charges dismissed,” Lily said. “And then…well, I’ve got a good idea.”

“You’re not going to tell me, are you?” Elizabeth asked.

“Well, it involves a slight felony,” Lily admitted.

Elizabeth’s eyes sparked with curiosity. “A felony?” she repeated.

“Something along the lines of kidnapping,” Lily replied.

Elizabeth’s lips curved into a smile. “I love the way you think.”

—-

“Your Honor,” Alexis began in chambers the next morning. “There is absolutely no evidence that links Jay Miller to my client.” Elizabeth sat next to her, dressed conservatively in a navy blue knee length skirt, matching blazer and white silk blouse. Her brown hair was clipped back, and her make up done in muted colors. Lily had told her that morning that it would make her look more like an ordinary and more importantly, innocent citizen.

Scott Baldwin wasn’t seated like Alexis. He was dressed in a casual black suit with his green shirt under the blazer opened a few buttons. He was leaning against the wall, one hand in his pocket, the other grasping his jaw. “We have his testimony.”

“Please,” Alexis couldn’t resist rolling her eyes. “The testimony of someone who waited a year to come forward–he can’t even recall Mrs. Spencer’s appearance, only her name. He can’t produce any physical evidence other than his word. It’s relatively his word against my client’s.”

“And his word–” Scott began.

The judge cut him off, “I have to agree with Ms. Davis. The testimony of someone who– if he’s telling the truth accepted money to stage a car accident that intended to kill the occupant in the other car–won’t hold up in court without corroborating evidence.”

“And since Miller’s testimony is the only evidence the state has against my client, I make a motion to have the charges dismissed,” Alexis said.

Before Scott could protest, the judge nodded. “Charges dismissed.”

—-

Outside the judge’s chambers, Lily waited anxiously with Michael sitting at her side and Lex in her arms. She was rocking her back and forth, hoping like hell the six-month-old girl wouldn’t start crying in the middle of the courthouse.

“There she is.”

At the sound of Nikolas Cassadine’s obnoxious and condescending voice, Lily grimaced. She looked up to see Nikolas striding towards her, a woman following on her heels.

The woman stopped in front of Lily. “My name is Nicole McCarthy from Children’s Services.”

Lily’s eyebrows shot up. “Children’s Services?” she repeated in disbelief.

“Mama?” Michael asked. “What’s going on?”

“Hold on, baby,” Lily murmured to her son, not taking her eyes off the duo in front of her. “Mama will take care of this.” Raising her voice to a normal tone, she said, “What can I do for you?”

“Is that Alexandria Mary Spencer?” Nicole asked, gesturing towards Lex.

“Yes,” Lily said, her voice firm and even. She glared at Nikolas. “Why?”

“We have a court order that places Alexandria in Laura Spencer’s care until her mother–” Nicole checked her paperwork, “–Elizabeth Imogene Spencer has been cleared of the charges.”

“You are not taking her anywhere,” Lily said. She glared at Nikolas. “You think you’ve pissed your aunt off with fabricating evidence? You just wait until she finds out you’re trying to have Lex taken away.”

Nikolas snorted. “Lex–what a ridiculous name for a girl.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Nicole interrupted briskly. She leaned forward to take Lex from Lily’s arms but Lily jerked away.

“Don’t touch her,” Lily warned. “Elizabeth Spencer and her lawyer are in the judge’s chambers now getting the charges dismissed. So, just stay away, you understand?”

“Has there been an official dismissal of the charges?” Nicole asked, her eyebrow raised in question.

“No,” Lily admitted. “But they’re not done yet.”

“I have to take Alexandria into my custody until that happens,” Nicole said. “Now, please, give me the child.”

“You’re not taking my child anywhere!”

Lily turned to see Elizabeth and Alexis exiting the judge’s chambers. Elizabeth stalked towards them, her face lit with fury, Alexis hot on her heels.

“What’s going on?” Elizabeth demanded, her brown hair coming loose from its clip.

“We have a court order that says Laura gets custody,” Nikolas said smugly.

“Until you’ve been cleared,” Nicole clarified, shooting Nikolas a dirty glance.

Alexis stepped forward. “Alexis Davis,” she introduced herself. “I’m Mrs. Spencer’s lawyer and she has been cleared.”

Nikolas glared at Alexis. “What?” he barked.

“You heard her,” Elizabeth snarled. “Your little scheme didn’t work. You can produce all the phony evidence you want, but since I’m innocent, it won’t work!”

“You little bitch,” Nikolas hissed, lunging for her. Elizabeth shoved him back before he could do any damage.

“Leave the pretty lady alone!” Michael warned, delivering a swift kick to Nikolas’s thigh, which was about all he could reach once he was standing on the bench.

“You little–”

“Stop right there,” Lily warned, her eyes flashing in warning. She handed Lex to Elizabeth and grabbed Michael’s hand. “Let’s go.”

They headed for the elevator. Nicole looked between the fuming man and the equally angry attorney. “Well, my work is done here. Bye.” She headed for the elevators as well.

“You are a sad, pathetic excuse for a human being,” Alexis spit out. “This is not how Stefan raised you–he raised you to be kind and caring and compassionate about other people.”

“Do not speak to me about my uncle!” Nikolas yelled. “He disowned you and you can’t stand it!”

“I chose to leave the family!” Alexis shot back. “And youcan be certain of one thing–Stefan will be learning of your recent behavior.” She shot Nikolas a dirty look before stalking towards the elevators.

—-

“I cannot believe he tried to have Lex taken away!” Elizabeth fumed as they entered Lily’s penthouse.

“Go play,” Lily directed Michael who took off towards his play room. “I did everything I could to stall until you and Alexis were done.”

Elizabeth deposited Lex in the bassinet she’d brought over. “Thank you,” she said, gratefully. “That means a lot to me.”

“So, now that this immediate business with Nikolas is over,” Lily began, flopping on the couch. “We should start planning Operating Felony.”

Elizabeth sighed and sat. “Lily, we need to talk.”

“Uh, oh,” Lily murmured. “This can’t be good.”

“I’ve been thinking–” Elizabeth rubbed her eyes. “I care about Jason, don’t get me wrong. But I just–I can’t stay in this town anymore.”

“Wait, you’re just going to give up?” Lily asked in disbelief. “You were all for this last night.”

“I know,” Elizabeth replied. “But I realized something today–Nikolas is never going to give up.”

“Well, yeah, but Jason can take care of it,” Lily replied, waving it away.

“That’s just it,” Elizabeth answered. “I don’t want him to take care of it. I want to do this myself and I think the best course of action is just to leave.”

“But–but what about Jason?” Lily asked.

“I’ll always care about him,” Elizabeth admitted. “But you said it yourself, he’s shutting me out and I don’t think he’s going to change his mind.”

“You’ll never know if you don’t even try!” Lily cried. “Come on, Elizabeth. The hard part is over! He’s in love with you. Now we’ve got to convince him to be okay with that.”

“It shouldn’t have to be like that,” Elizabeth said softly. “I shouldn’t have to convince someone that it’s okay for them to love me. I just–I can’t sit around and wait for something that might never happen. Lex is my number one priority and I don’t want to raise her here–not around Laura and Nikolas.”

“What if I could get Jason to change his mind?’ Lily asked desperately.

“You can’t, Lily,” Elizabeth replied. “He’s made up his mind and nothing we do can change it. You can kidnap him and force him into a room with me, but that won’t change the fact that he won’t want to be around me when we leave.”

“Elizabeth–” Lily protested.

“I’ll always be grateful for the way you’ve stood by me,” Elizabeth said. “But I can’t think about myself–I have to think about Lex.”

Lily sighed and looked away. “Just let me talk to him.”

“I’m not going to stop you,” Elizabeth said. “But you have to understand–I’m going to start making arrangements to leave.”

“I wish you’d reconsider,” Lily said quietly. “He’s in love with you, you know?”

“No,” Elizabeth said firmly. “I don’t know that and until he tells me, I can’t know that.” She stood. “I’m just…I’m just going to take Lex and go home. Thank you so much for letting me stay here.”

“Yeah…sure…” Lily sighed.

She had to convince he was wrong before Elizabeth left town. He’d never forgive himself otherwise.

She’d never be able to forgive herself if she let Elizabeth leave town without trying to stop her.

—-

A few nights later, Elizabeth was working the late shift at the Outback. Lily, still her baby-sitter, had Lex for the night since Elizabeth was going to be working late and closing.

It was close to closing when Mac Scorpio entered.

“Hey, Scorpio,” Elizabeth said. “Not here to arrest me, I hope.”

“No,” Mac said, a tired smile on his face. “I got a call from Alexis. Did she tell you about Nikolas?”

Elizabeth smirked. “That Stefan stepped in and had him physically removed to Greece and sold Spoon Island?”

“Best news I’ve ever had. I’m even going to overlook the kidnapping thing,” Mac replied. “How are you, Spence?”

“Now that the shadow of Cassadine is gone?” Elizabeth asked. “Not much different.”

“Well, I wanted to apologize for that whole arrest thing,” Mac said.

Elizabeth shrugged. “You were doing your job. I understand. Don’t worry.”

“You sure?” Mac said, skeptically.

“I’m positive,” Elizabeth said, offering her former employer a warm smile. “Actually, I’m glad you stopped by.”

“Oh, really?” Mac asked. Why?”

“I was wondering if you know anyone who’d like to buy the Outback…”

Lily sat behind the defense table during the bail hearing. She was relieved to see Luke Spencer slip into a seat next to her–at least Elizabeth still had the man in her corner. She knew how much Luke meant to Elizabeth and it was a relief to know that Lucky’s father felt the same way.

“Did Morgan send you here?” he asked Lily just as the court was called into session.

“Yeah,” Lily admitted. “But I would have come anyway. Neither one of us wants her to spend a night in jail, so I’m going to bail her out.”

“No matter what the price?” Luke asked, curiously.

“No matter what,” Lily confirmed. Feeling the need to explain why Jason hadn’t shown up and deciding the truth wasn’t a good idea, she said, “Jason didn’t think his presence would help very much–he thought the judge would deny her bail.”

“Probably,” Luke agreed. “I hear Mac and Taggart were the two who arrested her. Mac’s a good guy–he probably didn’t even use the cuffs.”

Lily wrinkled her nose at the names of Port Charles’s two cops. Despite how nice they’d been to Elizabeth, they still hassled Jason every chance they got. Well, not Mac Scorpio. He seemed content to wait for actual evidence before hauling Jason in for questioning. “I hope not,” she finally said before returning her attention to the hearing.

“Your Honor, Elizabeth Spencer is an upstanding citizen,” Alexis was saying. “She has lived in Port Charles for nearly two years, has ties to the community–”

“A night club does not count,” Scott Baldwin cut in. Alexis glared at him.

“The Outback is a family restaurant,” Alexis corrected. “Which Mrs. Spencer has operated for a little over three months. She is close with the former owners, Police Commissioner Mac Scorpio and his wife, Felicia.” She gestured towards the back of the room where the two were seated. “They’re both willing to testify on her behalf. She is the daughter-in-law of former mayor, Luke Spencer, who will also testify.”

“Who knew that mayor thing would come in handy?” Luke muttered. Lily smiled.

“Elizabeth Spencer is also a known associate of Jason Morgan,” Scott cut in.

Elizabeth whispered something to Alexis then who looked at her oddly before saying, “Mrs. Spencer says that she and Mr. Morgan were acquaintances, having met through Lily Corinthos.”

“Widow of Sonny Corinthos,” Scott clarified.

“Widow being the operative word. Sonny Corinthos has been dead for three years,” Alexis argued. “He was never convicted of anything higher than a traffic ticket and neither has Jason Morgan.”

“She’s right, Baldwin,” the judge said. “Bail set for a hundred thousand dollars.”

Lily grimaced. “Definitely gonna have to use Jason’s checkbook for this.”

Alexis and Elizabeth noticed Lily then. “Lily,” she stated, the surprise evident on her face.

“Hey, girl,” Lily said, leaning over the barrier to pull the other woman into a hug. “How are you?”

“I-I’m fine,” Elizabeth murmured, hugging her back. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“As soon as Alexis called, I came down,” Lily said. She leaned closer to her so only Elizabeth would hear her next words. “I know what happened and he’s a jerk.”

Elizabeth tried to smile and instead, starting to cry. Luke frowned at the other woman. “You’re not supposed to make her cry, Corinthos.”

“Listen, I’m posting bail, and you and Lex are coming to stay with me, all right?” Lily said.

Elizabeth shook her head. “I couldn’t let you do that.”

“Don’t worry. The beast will stay in his own apartment, I promise.”

Elizabeth managed a teary smile. “Thanks, Lily.”

“And here’s some sweet justice…my bank account doesn’t have that amount in it right this second, so I have to use Jason’s checkbook.” Lily grinned. “I love spending his money.”

—-

“Alexis is pretty confident she can get the testimony thrown out,” Lily said later that night to Jason.

“That’s good,” Jason murmured. He looked up from the paperwork he was going over. “Is she….is she okay?”

“About arrest, yeah. She knew Nikolas wasn’t going to let up. About what happened earlier–”

“Lily.”

“–no, she’s not okay.” She leaned over the dining room table, her hands braced on the surface. “Alexis told me that Elizabeth was stunned when she agreed to come to the station. Seems she thought Alexis wouldn’t be her lawyer anymore.”

“Alexis likes Elizabeth,” Jason said. “She’s not limited to just working for me.”

“And she was positively surprised when I showed up in the courtroom. She thought she’d lose me too.”

“But she didn’t.”

“Damn it, Jason, you don’t understand–she’s been charged with murder. She feels like she’s hit rock bottom. Having you kick her out of your life was the last thing she needed today.”

“I didn’t know she was going to be arrested–you can’t blame that on me,” Jason argued.

“Oh, do not try and pass yourself off as innocent,” Lily fumed. “You are the one who dumped her, remember? For no other reason than your own stupidity.”

“Lily, I swear–”

Lily sighed and straightened. She pulled the chair out from the table and sat down. “I know you still feel guilty,” she began quietly. “And I don’t want you to think there’s a day that goes by when I don’t feel guilty either.”

“You have nothing to feel guilty about,” Jason said firmly.

“I was his wife,” Lily said. “And I will always feel guilty that he got into that car alone.” She looked away. “So I know how you feel. But you can’t think that because of Sonny’s stupid mistake…you can’t think that means you can’t have someone in your life.”

“It has nothing to do with Sonny,” Jason insisted.

“Right,” Lily replied. “It’s because you don’t want her hurt.”

“Right,” Jason agreed.

“And that’s bullshit.”

Jason muttered something under his breath before glaring at Lily. “Why don’t you leave this alone?”

“Because this is my fault,” Lily told him. “I’m the one who encouraged Elizabeth. And now that her heart’s been broken, I feel responsible. So I can’t let this go. Because I know you’re in love with her.”

“Lily, arguing with me is not going to change my mind.”

“You don’t even deny it.” Lily leaned forward. “I think she’s in love with you, too.”

“Stop it.”

“You don’t want to hear it, do you?” Lily accused. “Because then it makes it real–then you have to really think about what you’re giving up.”

Jason looked ready to strangle his friend but before he could, Johnny opened the door. “Mrs. Spencer would like to speak with Mrs. Corinthos.”

“Tell her to come in,” Lily said.

“Lily,” Jason hissed. Lily just raised her eyebrows and smirked at him. Elizabeth appeared around the edge of the open door to the penthouse. She avoided Jason entirely.

“Um, Michael’s asking for you,” Elizabeth said.

“I’ll be right over.” Lily stood and looked back at Jason. “Do you want to say goodnight to him?”

Jason glared at her. “No. I’ll see him tomorrow.”

“Fine,” Lily said. She deliberately took her time pushing the chair in and took great joy in the way Jason was shifting uncomfortably in his chair. As she walked away from the table, Jason looked up for some reason and met Elizabeth’s eyes.

She broke the contact almost immediately and crossed her arms tightly waiting for Lily to finish her slow walk across the room.

Finally, she’d reached the door and Elizabeth practically flew out. Lily turned back to look at Jason. “You think about what I said. Think about what you’re giving up.”

—-

Lily came down the steps from tucking her son into bed. Elizabeth had already put Lex down for the night and was sitting on the couch.

“Ariel called–the manager at the Outback,” Elizabeth said. “The police searched it, from top to bottom. She closed it for the night.”

“I really am sorry about all of this,” Lily said.

Elizabeth shrugged. “It’s not a big deal. I’m innocent, so I know Alexis can take care of this. I also know there’s almost no evidence against me except the driver.”

“Right.” Lily looked away. “But I meant I was sorry about Jason.”

“That’s not your fault. I made a bad judgment call,” Elizabeth said softly. “I read too much into things.”

“No,” Lily insisted. “You didn’t. He does care about you. He’s just…he’s scared.”

“Scared?” Elizabeth echoed. “What does he have to be scared about?”

Lily hesitated. “Did he ever say anything about my husband’s death?” she asked.

“He told me his best friend died three years ago,” Elizabeth replied. “And that he pushed everyone away. You, his sister, his family, and Robin.”

“Sonny’s death…it’s had…it’s had a bad effect on Jason,” Lily said quietly. “A very bad one. It’s changed him. Before Sonny died, Jason wasn’t all that open, but if you knew him, if you really knew him–he couldn’t hide what he was feeling. Robin used to love that. She used to say it like it was their little secret–that Jason really wore his heart on his sleeve if anyone ever cared enough to look.” Lily looked up to meet Elizabeth’s eyes. “Robin was good for him in the beginning. He was still struggling with the aftermath of the accident–”

“Accident?” Elizabeth asked. “What accident?”

Lily frowned. “You don’t know about the accident?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No. I don’t. Tell me.”

“Well, about a year or so before Sonny’s death, Jason’s brother AJ got them both in a car accident. He was drunk, you know. Jason was in a coma and when he woke up, he couldn’t remember a thing. In fact, he had brain damage which prevented him from remembering his life. His family kept pushing for him to remember, but he couldn’t and when it got to be too much he left the house. He changed his name. He’s a completely different person now.”

“Oh.” Elizabeth looked away. “I had…I had no idea.”

Lily leaned forward. “Does this change the way you feel about him?”

“No,” Elizabeth said. “Not at all. It’s just sad.”

“It is. Well, Jason was still struggling with finding a new path in life, and Robin was good to him in the beginning. But after Sonny’s death, Jason was expected…to well…step up, you know.” Lily shifted and sighed. “And that’s when the second transformation took place. He closed off, stopped talking to most of the people he cared about. Emily, Robin, Sonny’s father, Mike…” Lily looked back to Elizabeth. “When I first met Jason, I was also a different person. I’d grown up in this business, the marriage to Sonny was originally a business deal. But I loved him and I think Sonny loved me too. Anyway, I was as sweet and quiet as they came–”

“You? Quiet?” Elizabeth couldn’t help but smile.

“Yep. I never spoke up, never tried to take charge. But after Sonny’s death, when Jason started pulling away, I just felt like I couldn’t let that happen. I knew he was hurting–and I was, too. I thought we could help each other. So I made the decision to not let Jason shove me out, too.”

“I guess it worked.”

“It was hard at first,” Lily admitted. “Because I was trying to be someone I wasn’t. Forcing myself on Jason. I knew Sonny had made Jason promise to take care of me if anything were to happen, and I used that promise. I practically guilt tripped him into this friendship, but in the end, it worked. I’m still the only person Jason didn’t force out and he couldn’t now if he tried. He’s my best friend and I want is for him to be happy.”

“He won’t let himself be happy,” Elizabeth said. She stared down at the couch.

“He doesn’t think he deserves to,” Lily confessed. “He’s never said it, but I just know it. He thinks that his life is too complicated for someone else to handle and I think personally, that you got way too close for his comfort. So he reacted on instinct. He shut down and shoved out.”

“I wish I could have changed his mind,” Elizabeth said quietly. She looked up at Lily. “He has such a nice smile and a good laugh. I wish he’d do both more often.”

“Me, too.” Lily leaned forward. “Don’t give up yet. He’ll come around. Like I said, he’s just scared. He needs some time to adjust to his feelings for you and with me around, he won’t have a choice.”

Elizabeth gave her a little smile. “Why do I suddenly feel sorry for Jason?”

Lily laughed. “Because with the ideas I’ve got, he’ll need sympathy by the time I’m done with him.” She grasped Elizabeth’s hands. “But no matter how that works out or whatever else happens, you’re not getting rid of me either.”

Elizabeth smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Lily.” She frowned. “Lily?”

“Yeah?”

“How did Sonny die?”

“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.