Courthouse

“My next witness is Courtney Quartermaine.”

The moment the words left Scott’s mouth, the entire defense table kind of slouched in their seats, Carly stiffened, Elizabeth muffled a groan and Sonny frowned. He hadn’t been present for Elizabeth’s testimony–Michael had been running a fever and they were both reluctant to leave their son. It had broken over lunch so Sonny and Carly had gone to the trial.

Sonny leaned over to whisper to Carly. “Why’s he callin’ Courtney?”

Carly shrugged, tried to look casual. “Don’t know.”

Courtney approached the witness stand a little timidly and was sworn in. The second she was under oath, something interesting happened.

She smiled, straightened and the nervous look disappeared from her face. Scott stood and smiled at his witness.

“Good morning, Mrs. Quartermaine. Would you state your legal name for the record?” Scott asked.

“Courtney Quartermaine,” Courtney said in a clear voice.

“Mrs. Quartermaine, how do you know the defendants?” Scott asked a charming smile on his face.

Alexis began to get a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something about Courtney’s veneer worried her–disturbed her almost.

And then Courtney answered.

Bedlam broke out.

“I’m sleeping with Jason Morgan.”

Jason gaped the blonde on the stand, Brenda smacked her head against the table, Ric and Alexis exchanged defeated looks, Carly shook her head and Elizabeth buried her face in her hands.

And Sonny Corinthos glared at the back of his best friend’s head.

“And how long has this affair been going on?” Scott asked.

“Since early December,” Courtney answered smoothly.

“Now, Mrs. Quartermaine, I’m confused,” Scott said–though his demeanor clearly indicated otherwise. “If you’re so friendly with the defendant, why would you testify against him?”

“Because I’m being used as a substitute,” Courtney replied coolly. “He’s not in love with me, he never has been and I refuse to hide it anymore.”

Brenda glared at Jason who was muttering under his breath.

“And did there come a time when you came to me with a security tape?” Scott said.

Courtney nodded. “The tape showed Jason admitting to his ex-girlfriend about the affair.”

“And Ms. Webber’s reaction?” Scott asked. “How did you perceive it?”

“Objection,” Alexis managed to sputter. “Calls for speculation.”

“Your Honor, Mrs. Quartermaine was on the receiving end of the slap,” Scott reminded him. “I believe she has an idea why it happened.”

“You may continue.”

“Elizabeth followed me to my loft and saw Jason and I together. She later confronted me and I confirmed it. She was upset, accused me of being a hypocrite and slapped me.”

“Now, how would you describe Ms. Webber’s feelings towards the defendant, Jason Morgan?”

“Objection,” Ric said. “The witness cannot possibly describe what is in another’s person’s mind.”

“Up until the slap, Elizabeth Webber testified herself that they were friends,” Scott said. “She certainly has some idea how Ms. Webber felt about Mr. Morgan.”

Elizabeth wasn’t sure who to glare at–Scott or Courtney. Alexis stood. “Ms. Webber testified that she and Mrs. Quartermaine worked together–she said nothing about being friends.”

“Ms. Webber testified that Courtney supposedly knew how upset when she and Mr. Morgan’s relationship failed,” Scott said.

Alexis slouched in her seat. Nothing she could do about that.

“You may continue,” the judge said.

“Now, Mrs. Quartermaine, how would you describe Ms. Webber’s feelings towards the defendant, Jason Morgan?” Scott asked again.

“She’s in love with him.”

Elizabeth froze like a deer in headlights. Now hell in the hell had the blonde known that? She’d never said a word to her about it.

“So, you’re involved with a relationship with Jason Morgan. What has he said to you about his marriage?”

“That it’s only until after the trial,” Courtney replied. “They’re only married so they can’t testify against each other.”

“Thank you,” Scott said, gleefully. He looked to Alexis. “Your witness.”

Alexis glared at Scott before looking at the judge. “Your Honor, may I have a moment to confer with my clients?”

“Five minutes.”

Alexis and Ric whispered fervently with Jason and Brenda before Alexis stood. “Mrs. Quartermaine, you testify that you are sleeping with the defendant, Jason Morgan.”

“Yes.”

“And that you are testifying against him because he’s not in love with you,” Alexis stated.

“Right,” Courtney answered.

“So, that makes you angry,” Alexis said.

“Objection, was that a question?” Scott barked.

“I’ll rephrase,” Alexis said quickly. “How does it make you feel to know that Jason Morgan isn’t in love with you?”

“Hurt and used,” Courtney replied.

“Now, if he’s not in love with you, who is he in love with?” Alexis asked.

“Elizabeth, of course,” Courtney replied matter-of-factly.

Brenda’s eyebrows raised and she looked at her husband questioningly. Jason glared at her for a second before Ric poked him. “No glaring,” he hissed. “Happy couple.”

“Of course,” Alexis repeated. “Has he told you that?”

“Well…no,” Courtney replied, frowning. “But–”

“And he has ever explicitly stated that he doesn’t love Brenda Barrett-Morgan?” Alexis said.

“Not in those words, no–”

“So, how are you so sure?” Alexis said. “Isn’t it possible, Mrs. Quartermaine that you are testifying against Mr. Morgan because you are in love with him and he wouldn’t give you the time of day?”

“Wait,” Brenda whispered to Ric. “Isn’t that technically lying?”

“No,” Ric whispered back. “Alexis asked if it was possible, not if it was true. I’m pretty sure hypothetical questions are good.”

“That’s not true,” Courtney argued. “He’s paying for the loft where we meet.”

“Right. Of course,” Alexis said. “Mrs. Quartermaine, when you were being stalked by a man your husband hired, Jason was concerned for you, correct?”

“Yes,” Courtney admitted.

“Now, isn’t it true that Jason doesn’t think very highly of your husband?”

“No, but–”

“And isn’t it possible he rented the loft so that AJ Quartermaine would be unable to find you and harass you further?” Alexis said.

“She is good,” Brenda murmured.

“Yes, it is, but–”

“Tell me, Mrs. Quartermaine, this summer–where did you work?” Alexis said.

“Objection, relevance,” Scott barked.

“Goes to credibility,” Alexis replied.

“Continue.”

“I worked at Kelly’s,” Courtney said quietly.

“Just Kelly’s?” Alexis asked pointedly.

“No…I worked at…the Oasis,” Courtney confessed softly.

“Where? Speak up please,” Alexis replied.

“The Oasis,” Courtney replied more loudly.

“The Oasis,” Alexis repeated. She frowned. “I’m confused – that’s a strip club, right?”

Murmurs broke out in the crowd as Courtney reddened. “Yes, but I wasn’t working there by choice–”

“You were blackmailed, isn’t that correct?” Alexis asked. “And instead of turning the owner in for blackmailing you chose to strip and turned away all help.”

“Objection,” Scott said again.

“I have a point to make,” Alexis replied.

“Make it quickly,” the judge replied.

“Mrs. Quartermaine, isn’t it true that you kept the job from your husband and turned away all offers to help–you even told Jason Morgan you didn’t want his help, correct?”

“Well, yes–”

“Now, when you were stalked by the same man who blackmailed you, did you keep that a secret?” Alexis asked.

“No,” Courtney said. “But–”

“Oh, so you told your husband?” Alexis asked.

“No.”

“You called my client’s husband, right?” Alexis asked. “In fact, every time you had a problem, you called Jason Morgan?”

“And he came,” Courtney pointed out. “Every time.”

“Now, I’m curious. Why would you turn away his offer to help while you were stripping but ran straight to him when you were being stalked?” Alexis asked.

“Because I was scared,” Courtney said weakly.

“So it’s not true that you were in love with Jason at the time and wanted his attention?” Alexis asked, pointedly.

“No!” Courtney said, irritated.

“And when you didn’t get his attention, you decided to sabotage him, isn’t that correct?” Alexis asked.

“No!” Courtney cried.

Sonny leaned forward. “What the hell is going on, Jason?”

Carly tugged on her husband’s shoulder. “I really don’t think that this is the place for this,” she whispered.

“I think it’s the perfect time,” Sonny hissed angrily. Carly jerked on his suit jacket to pull him back.

“Has it completely escaped your mind that our best friend is on trial for murder?” Carly hissed, her tone scathing. “Concentrate on Jason instead of yourself for once.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sonny retorted.

“Will the two of you shut up?” Brenda asked, twisting in her seat. “We are trying to listen to your idiot of a sister.”

Sonny narrowed his eyes but before he could toss back anything, Carly clapped her hand over his mouth.

“Now, Mrs. Quartermaine, you say Mr. Morgan was using you as a substitute,” Alexis began. “What would give you that impression?”

Courtney shifted in her seat. “Well, there were a lot of things,” she said weakly.

“A lot of things,” Alexis repeated. “Mrs. Quartermaine, they had to be convincing…because here you are…turning on a man who you say has done nothing but help you get out of bad situations.”

“Objection,” Scott called. “She’s leading the witness–and was there a question in there?”

“Mrs. Quartermaine, could you give me an example of why you think Jason Morgan was using you as substitute?”

“I’d rather not,” Courtney replied.

“Uh huh. Because you weren’t sleeping with Jason Morgan and therefore have no reason to believe he is in love with anyone other than his wife?”

“It’s embarrassing,” Courtney replied, shifting again.

“I’m sure it is, Mrs. Quartermaine,” Alexis replied. “But in all honesty, you believe you were in a relationship with the defendant–”

“I was,” Courtney insisted.

“–and not only can you not offer any concrete proof of this accusation, but you also won’t give us a real reason on why you’d suddenly turn on him,” Alexis said.

“Objection, counsel is testifying!” Scott cut in.

“Your Honor, I am merely trying to prove to the court that Courtney Quartermaine has no evidence about this affair other than her word.”

“If Elizabeth Webber hadn’t lied-” Scott began, testily.

“Your Honor,” Alexis said. “Counsel is coming dangerously close to slander and I’m sure Ms. Webber would have no qualms about suing.”

“Damn right,” Elizabeth hissed under her breath.

“I move that this witness and her entire testimony be stricken from the record,” Alexis said.

“Your Honor, Ms. Davis is just bitter because I proved her client’s marriage is false.”

“You have proved nothing. You brought two women to the stand–one flat out denied it and the other has no credibility,” Alexis shot back.

“He called me Elizabeth!” Courtney cried out finally, causing all the voices in the room to die. Brenda stared at the blonde with open curiosity, Jason groaned and let his head drop to the table, Ric rubbed his eyes wearily. Alexis frowned. Elizabeth’s eyes widened. Carly and Sonny stared at Jason in stunned surprise.

And Scott smiled.

— Port Charles Courthouse —

Alexis stared at Courtney. “Excuse me?” she finally managed to say, after the stunned silence that seemed to have settled over the people in the audience.

Brenda sighed and reached over to pat Jason’s hand awkwardly. “Hey,” she whispered. “It’s okay. We all do it.”

Jason jerked his hand away and glared at her, causing Ric to give him the obligatory jab in the ribs.

Courtney’s face flushed and she looked down. “He called me Elizabeth,” she repeated.

“Uh…” Alexis blinked and struggled for a direction to take. “I’m probably going to regret asking this–but when?”

“While we were in bed,” Courtney murmured. She stared down at her lap, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her dark blue skirt. “We were sleeping a-and I heard him talking in his sleep. I leaned closer to hear what he was saying and I heard her name.”

“O–okay,” Alexis said. She took a deep breath and turned back to the judge. “I renew my objection. Scott Baldwin has no evidence of an affair, save for this woman’s testimony. I move that her testimony be stricken from the record and that you instruct the jury to disregard.”

“I have the tape!” Scott argued.

“A tape that did not follow the proper chain of evidence,” Alexis clarified. “Your Honor, you must suppress the tape or I will have an excellent point on appeal.”

“She’s right, Baldwin,” the judge told him. “The tape is out–you can’t play it and don’t let me hear you mention it again. Mrs. Courtney Quartermaine’s testimony is out as well.” He looked to the jury. “You are not to consider the testimony of this witness when you retire to your deliberations.”

“Wait a second,” Courtney argued.

“You may step down, Mrs. Quartermaine.”

“But–”

“Step down, Mrs. Quartermaine,” the judge repeated. He turned to the court. “I know it’s early, but quite frankly, I’m sick of this. We’ll reconvene tomorrow at nine.” He tapped the gavel and left the room.

Courtney finally stood and left the courtroom with a second glance to anyone else. The courtroom slowly emptied out, leaving the Corinthos family and the defense team the only people left in the room.

“Well…” Ric shifted. “At least we got Courtney’s testimony thrown out.”

“Right,” Alexis said firmly. “That’s a good thing.” She started gathering her things into her briefcase. “All in all, I think it was a good day.”

“I need to go talk to Courtney,” Sonny said, abruptly standing and leaving. Carly stood and looked after him.

“I’d better go after him. We just got the mini bar replaced,” she said, taking off after her husband.

Brenda took a deep breath and turned to look at Elizabeth. “We’re still on for brownies tonight right?”

“Right.” Elizabeth didn’t look at Jason, no matter how much she wanted to. “I think…I think I’m gonna need them.”

“Okay, so we’ll go shopping too, right?” Brenda asked. “Because I have this sudden urge to go grocery shopping.”

Jason smirked. “You? Buying food? Better stock up on the microwave brand.”

“Hey, that’s so not fair,” Brenda retorted. “You don’t cook either.”

“Well, I’ll be at the hospital the rest of the evening,” Alexis told them. “Ric? Maybe we should discuss the rest of the trial there?”

“Sure,” Ric said, eager to be away from the arguing duo and Elizabeth. He gathered his on things and left the courtroom with Alexis.

“Well, we should go,” Elizabeth told Brenda.

“Sure, let’s–” Brenda stopped, her eyes catching someone outside. “Ooohh…you know what? I’ll be right back,” she murmured, taking off.

Elizabeth frowned. “No, wait, Brenda–”

Brenda was already out of the doors and Elizabeth glimpsed Jax as the doors swung closed. Jason frowned. “So much for being discreet.”

Elizabeth stood and shifted. “Um…maybe I should wait–”

“Thank you,” Jason interrupted. “For doing what you did today.”

“Well…you’re welcome,” Elizabeth replied. “I’m just sorry it had to come to this. But I think it’s going to be okay, you know? Alexis and Ric are good…I’m sure the rest of the trial will go fine.”

“Yeah.” Jason rubbed the back of his neck. “About what Courtney said–”

“You know what?” Elizabeth broke in hurriedly. “Don’t worry about it.”

“But–”

“Hey, Webber,” Brenda said, peering around one of the courtroom doors. “Let’s hit the stores.”

Elizabeth hurried away from Jason and out the doors. Brenda eyed Jason. “What’d you do?” she demanded.

“Nothing,” Jason said defensively.

Brenda rolled her eyes. “Sure.” She grinned. “See ya at home honey.”

Jason glared at her.

— Grocery Store —

“I want the most chocolate available,” Brenda mused, examining a box of brownie mix. “I am definitely in need.”

“I noticed Jax wasn’t in the courtroom today,” Elizabeth said, eyeing the display of Pepsi at the end of the aisle.

“Yeah, Alexis banned him,” Brenda replied. She set the mix in the cart and put another two boxes in after it. “So, what’s your take on Courtney?”

Elizabeth snorted as she put the bottles of soda in the cart. “Little psycho.”

“Psycho…nah, she’s too dumb to be psychotic,” Brenda murmured. Her eyes lit up. “Hey, you wanna make a pizza?”

“Pizza?” Elizabeth asked. “If you’re talking the frozen kind you pop into the oven, sure.”

“Oooh…no, when I was dating Sonny, about the only things I picked up was to duck in the shower and how to make the most unbelievable Italian pizza you’ve ever tasted.”

“Duck in the shower?” Elizabeth repeated.

“Don’t ask. So, you think that was the only time he said your name or do you think he did it during sex, too?” Brenda asked.

Elizabeth jerked to a stop in the middle of the aisle and stared at her.

— Corinthos Penthouse —

“I’m trying really hard to be understanding about this,” Sonny said, glaring at his partner. “But the fact that I had to hear about you and my sister in front of half the town–”

“And I already apologized for it,” Jason cut in.

“Hey, listen you two,” Carly tried to break in. “Sonny, Jason–”

“How could you betray me like this?” Sonny demanded, ignoring his wife.

“Betray?” Jason repeated. “I did not betray you.”

“You broke my sister’s heart–”

“And Courtney tried to have Jason convicted,” Carly argued. “I think they’ve both done enough damage without you adding to it.”

“Carly, stay out of–”

“The hell I will,” Carly snapped. “Butt out, Sonny. Courtney is over eighteen and can handle her own life.”

“Did you know about this?” Sonny demanded. Sensing that the fight no longer concerned him, Jason rubbed the back of his neck and exited the penthouse.

He needed a ride.

— Grocery Store —

Brenda shrugged. “Well, I figured we could either dance around it all night or get right down to it.”

Elizabeth blinked and shook her head. “I…I don’t want to think about it,” she murmured. She pushed cart down the aisle. “What kind of sauce do you want?”

“Come on, Elizabeth–”

“Brenda, I like you. I think you’re a great person but I don’t–”

“Are you in love with him?” Brenda interrupted.

Elizabeth stared at her. “Does the word tact mean anything to you?” she asked.

“Not a thing,” Brenda replied. She picked up a can of sauce and studied the back of it. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“We’re not having this conversation.”

“He’s in love with you, you know.”

“Brenda.”

“I’m serious,” Brenda replied, picking up another can. She set it in the cart as well as three other cans of the same brand.

“I have no doubt of that,” Elizabeth replied. “But it doesn’t mean anything.”

“It doesn’t?” Brenda asked. She raised her eyebrows. “You’re in love with him, he’s in the love with you. Gee, I’d say that means a lot.”

“He’s with Courtney and I’m dating Ric,” Elizabeth replied. “Let’s get some cheese.”

“I don’t think he’s going to be with the little nut much longer and Ric?” Brenda snorted. “Please. He’s a nice guy and all, but he’s not your type.”

“Not my type, huh?” Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “You’ve known me for like a day.”

“Yeah, well, time is a relative thing,” Brenda told her. “You’re just like me. Attracted to bad boys.”

“And this has nothing to do with your crazy theory about me and Jason?” Elizabeth asked, bluntly.

“Not a thing,” Brenda replied firmly. “You get a sense about some people. You like what being with a bad boy can give you.”

“And what’s that?” Elizabeth asked, scanning a row of mozzarella cheese.

“Freedom,” Brenda said simply. Elizabeth straightened and stared at her for a minute. Brenda shifted. “What?”

“How…” she shook her head and looked away. “So, how does Jax fit in with your bad boy thing?”

“He doesn’t,” Brenda replied. “I found Jax when I wasn’t looking for anything. Sonny and I had just broken up and I wanted a way to forget the pain of losing him. So I married Jax. And to tell you the truth? Haven’t regretted it.” Brenda gave her new friend an easy smile. “Sometimes the best things in life happen when you’re not looking for them.”

— Morgan Penthouse —

When Jason entered the penthouse later that night, he heard laughing and giggling from the kitchen. He knew it was Brenda and Elizabeth and that sane thing to do would be to go upstairs and pretend they weren’t there.

Instead, he headed towards the kitchen and couldn’t help but smile grudgingly. There were two pizza pies sitting on the counter and Elizabeth and Brenda were presently covered in chocolate.

Brenda heard his approach and turned to wave at him. “Hey, husband. Hungry?”

Elizabeth’s smile faded at the sight of him and she turned towards the sink to grab a washrag to start to wipe off the brownie mix.

Brenda glared at Elizabeth’s back. “I’m going to go upstairs to clean up,” she said. “Jase, feel free to have some pizza. Don’t worry, it’s Sonny’s recipe.” She disappeared.

“Sorry about the mess,” Elizabeth murmured as she slid a pan of brownies into the oven. “Brenda started it.”

“Yeah–she can be a little strange,” Jason replied. He watched her for a minute–her movements were stiff and jerky.

“Is it always going to be like this?” he asked her. Elizabeth stopped and turned to look at him.

“What?” Elizabeth asked. She shifted and leaned against the counter.

“You and me,” Jason clarified. He gestured towards her. “Is it always going to be…this…awkward?”

“I don’t know,” Elizabeth replied. She rummaged through one of the drawers. “I don’t suppose you have a pizza cutter?”

“I doubt it,” Jason answered.

She fished out a steak knife. “This will have to do,” Elizabeth said. “You want a piece?”

“Depends. Will eating it kill me?” Jason asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Elizabeth chuckled. “I don’t know–the combination of me and Brenda in the kitchen is a strange one.” She sunk the knife into one of the pies and started cutting it. “But they smell good, don’t they?”

“Yeah,” Jason agreed. He watched her as she cut a few slices and set them on paper plates. A bit of sauce was on her thumb and she licked it off. He wondered if this was what it was like–to come home to the person you wanted to be with–that you loved and cared about.

“I’m sorry,” he blurted out suddenly. Elizabeth frowned and looked at him.

“What?”

“I’m sorry,” Jason repeated.

She set the knife in the kitchen sink and eyed him curiously. “You’re sorry,” she reiterated. “For what?”

“I’m sorry that you had to hear it from Courtney,” Jason said.

Elizabeth stared at him, her heartbeat speeding up rapidly. Brenda, who had caught the end of Jason’s statement, lurked just out of sight and hoped like hell Jason was going where she thought he was going.

“Hear what?” she asked softly.

“That I love you.”

Morgan Penthouse

Elizabeth blinked. Brenda silently cheered.

And Jason waited, terrified.

That I love you.

I love you.

Love.

Elizabeth cleared her throat and tried to speak over the wad of cotton that seemed to have staked claim of her throat.

“You…ah…uh…” Her shock was slowly ebbing away and was being replaced by a different emotion.

Anger.

“Are you crazy?” she cried.

Jason frowned. “What?”

Brenda muttered under breath as Elizabeth continued. “What in the hell are you thinking?” she demanded.

It was Jason’s turn to be stunned. “I…well…”

“After all this time…after everything, you tell me you love me?” Elizabeth shook her head. “Are you nuts?”

“That is not what you’re supposed to be saying,” Brenda muttered.

“I just…” Jason couldn’t speak, didn’t know what to say.

“Did you love me when you were sleeping with Courtney?” Elizabeth asked. “Or did your feelings take a short break?”

“That is not fair,” Jason told her, finally finding his voice. “You have no idea–”

“How can you stand there and tell me that after everything that’s happened?” Elizabeth demanded. “What do you expect me to say? Do you want me to say it back?”

“Elizabeth–”

“Fine,” Elizabeth shrugged. “I love you. Does it change that you let me walk away–that you left me alone all the time–that everything came first? No. So what good does it do?”

“Did you love me when you slept with Zander?” Jason demanded, turning her words on her.

“Do not try and turn this on me,” Elizabeth replied. “You know what happened with Zander–I tried to explain it to you–”

“Then why don’t you let me explain Courtney?” Jason interrupted. “You haven’t even give me a chance.”

“Fine. Explain why you slept with Sonny’s sister–why you made all the sacrifices to be withher…the ones you wouldn’t make me with me–why you put effort into making it work with her when you let me walk away without a second glance…go ahead…I’d love to hear this one!” Elizabeth yelled. “How are you going to justify–”

“Because it was easy!” Jason exploded. “Because Courtney didn’t expect me to do anything! She just wanted me around–she didn’t ask for things and she didn’t want anything from me.”

“Gee, that makes me feel better,” Elizabeth bit out sarcastically. “I’m sorry I was such a bitch–”

“I didn’t have to feel when I was with her,” Jason cut in. “And with you…it’s different.”

“Different how?” Elizabeth challenged.

Jason just shook his head and looked away. Brenda wanted to throttle him. Stupid idiot–Elizabeth was standing in front of him and she was actually listening to him and the moron was going to shut down on her. It took all of Brenda’s restraint not to go in there and clarify what Jason was trying to say–Elizabeth was too hurt, but Brenda saw it clearly.

“Okay, go ahead, shut down,” Elizabeth said. She crossed her arms and turned around. “I don’t know why I’m surprised. It’s always been like this. Ever since you came back last year, every time we get somewhere, you shut down–”

“You make me feel,” Jason cut in suddenly. “When I’m around you, the entire world is different and that the way I live my life isn’t enough and I don’t like that.”

“Gee, I’m so sorry,” Elizabeth apologized, her tone bitter. “It wasn’t my intention to make you feel.”

“Damn it, will you stop being so defensive?” Jason argued. He gripped her shoulder and forced her to turn around. “You do the same thing–you shut down on me just as much.”

“I’m tired of being hurt,” Elizabeth said softly, careful not to meet his eyes. “And that’s all you’ve been doing lately.”

“I know…and I’m sorry, Elizabeth.” Jason tilted her face up to his. “I don’t like my life when you’re not in it.”

“So…you don’t like it when I’m there and you don’t like it when I’m not?” Elizabeth asked incredulously.

“No, that’s–” Jason stopped and took a deep breath. “That’s not what I meant. I don’t like what my life does to you. How it affects you.”

“It doesn’t affect me,” Elizabeth argued. “How you handle it does. You were the one who never came home, who never talked to me, who never called. Not Sonny, or your job. You.”

“It’s not enough,” Jason told her. “You told me that you hoped being Sonny’s enforcer was enough–and it’s not.”

“What do you want me to do?” Elizabeth asked. “Say, okay. That’s great. Let’s try again.”

“No…I know it’s not that easy,” Jason replied. “But–I just…I want another chance, Elizabeth. That’s all.”

Elizabeth looked away and bit the inside of her cheek. “One day at a time,” she said quietly. She raised her eyes and met his. “I want to take this one day at a time.”

Jason nodded. “Okay. That’s fine. Whatever you need.”

“Whatever I need?” Elizabeth asked. She gave him a hesitant smile. “I think I need you to kiss me.”

“I think I need that, too.” Jason dipped his head down to brush his lips against hers.

Brenda leaned around the doorway, trying to get a better view but was interrupted by a loud knocking. “Shoot.” She moved away and started towards the door. “I’ll get it, don’t worry! You two keep kissing!”

At Brenda’s statement, Jason broke away from Elizabeth and turned around to see Brenda darting across the living room. “She was listening.”

“Don’t tell me that surprises you,” Elizabeth said amused.

“It doesn’t.” Jason took her hand. “Come on.”

“Okay, look you little psycho,” Brenda was saying as Jason and Elizabeth entered the living room.

Elizabeth groaned when she saw Brenda forcibly trying to keep the door closed on a struggling Courtney. “What the hell is she doing here?” Elizabeth demanded.

“I need to talk to Jason–” Courtney began.

“Honey, I think you’ve done enough talking for one day,” Brenda retorted. “Will you please leave?”

“But–” Courtney finally registered on Elizabeth and Jason and their joined hands. “What’s going on here?” she demanded.

Brenda smirked. “What do you think? He woke up and realized he doesn’t like blondes anymore.”

“Brenda–” Jason started.

“In fact, it’s kind of funny. Jason’s always slept with the blondes but fallen for the brunettes,” Brenda mused. “Weird.”

“Brenda–”

“Don’t get any ideas about me,” Brenda warned him. “I am off limits.”

“Ew,” Jason said, his face twisting in disgust.

“Good answer,” Elizabeth said.

“But Jason–” Courtney tried to begin again. “I thought you were over her.”

Brenda snorted. “Don’t tell me you’re delusional as well as stupid.”

“Listen you little viper–” Courtney began viciously.

“Watch it, blondie. I am not Elizabeth–I will not stop at slapping,” Brenda told her. She shoved Courtney into the hall way. “Bye honey.” She slammed the door shut and locked it. “Ack.”

“Brenda?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes?” Brenda asked innocently.

“Were you listening?” Elizabeth asked curiously. “And if so, how long?”

Brenda grinned. “From the ‘I’m sorry you had to hear it from Courtney’ to the moment the little psycho knocked on the door.”

“Uh huh. It didn’t occur to you that it was a private conversation?” Elizabeth asked.

“Private?” Brenda shrugged. “No such thing.” She sniffed the air. “We’d better eat before it gets cold.” She moved towards the kitchen.

“Brenda doesn’t live in the same world the rest of us, does she?” Elizabeth asked.

“No. No, I don’t think she does,” Jason answered.

— Courtroom —

“Okay, Ric and I decided the best course of action from now on is to make Scott’s witnesses look as stupid as possible,” Alexis told Brenda and Jason the next morning. “I’m going to take AJ and Skye since I know them and Ric’s going to take the police and coroner.”

“Whatever you think is best,” Brenda said. “I trust you.” She looked up to Jason. “We both do.”

“Yeah,” Jason agreed.

“I talked to some of the reporters who were in the courtroom yesterday. Now, they don’t exactly buy Elizabeth’s testimony, but they all agreed she was more credible than Courtney,” Ric said. He twisted in his seat so that he could see Elizabeth sitting behind the table. “They said she was charming and likable, not to mention that the jury does have an idea of who you are, so that works in our favor.”

Elizabeth frowned. “What do you mean? How do they know?”

“You’re Audrey and Steve Hardy’s granddaughters, a member of one of the most well-respected families in town,” Ric replied.

“Exactly,” Alexis said, nodding. “One of the reporters covered Tom Baker’s case and remembers you.”

Elizabeth grimaced. “Ah, yes. Not one of my more stellar court room appearances.”

“No, no. It’s a good impression,” Alexis told her. “Which is why Ric and I want to call you back to the stand.”

“What?” Brenda asked. She and Jason traded looks. “Why?”

“Because she’s such a credible witness, we want her as a character witness,” Ric said. “See, the general public has this view of Jason as a hitman for the mob. They don’t really see him as anything more than that.”

“And you want me to make him look more human,” Elizabeth clarified.

“Yes,” Alexis said. “But there’s a chance Scott will try and turn it around on you. Can you handle it?”

“Of course,” Elizabeth said.

“This is acceptable to both of you?” Alexis asked Brenda and Jason. “Ric will be questioning her for Jason and I’m going to do a brief line for Brenda, since the two of you seem to be getting along.”

“It’s fine,” Brenda answered. “Right, Jason?”

Jason hesitated. “I don’t know.” He looked at Elizabeth. “You don’t have to do this.”

“I want to do this,” Elizabeth told him firmly. “I think this is a great idea. I’m going to do it.”

“All right,” Jason agreed. “Just don’t let Scott harass her too much.”

“I’ll do my best,” Ric told his client.

“When will you be calling her?” Brenda asked.

“As soon as possible,” Alexis told them. “We want the image to be firmly in their minds.”

“When will Scott be resting his case?” Jason asked.

“Sometime today or tomorrow,” Alexis replied. “He’s only got four witnesses left. Skye, AJ, the coroner and Detective Taggart.”

“Taggart hates Jason,” Brenda said helpfully.

Alexis grinned. “Don’t worry. Ric’s been completely briefed on Taggart and Jason’s long history.”

“I saw him harassing Jason once,” Elizabeth volunteered.

“Good, I’ll be sure to bring that up,” Ric told her. He looked at his watch. “It’ll be filling up soon.”

“I hope today is as fun as yesterday,” Brenda said cheerfully.

Alexis looked at her strangely. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m great. Why?” Brenda asked innocently.

— Courthouse —

Brenda shook her head as Jax’s ex-wife stumbled out of the room and the judge adjourned for lunch. “Honestly, coming to the trial drunk as a loon…is there no level she won’t stoop to?”

“Quiet,” Alexis hissed. She glanced down at her trial notes. “We’re doing pretty well so far. There’s only AJ left, and he’ll probably be after lunch.”

“Ooh, lunch,” Brenda grinned. “I am so hungry.” She stood. “We going to the cafeteria again, trying to show off just how happy me and my darling husband are?” she asked, looping an arm through Jason’s. He grimaced and tried to pull away.

“Actually,” Alexis said. “Ric and I would like to go over Elizabeth’s testimony.”

“That’s fine,” Elizabeth said.

“I guess it’s just you and me,” Brenda said, grinning. Jason glared at her.

“Go away,” he told her through gritted teeth.

“Is that anyway to treat the love of your life?” Brenda asked, whacking him in the arm.

Jason was about to reply when he saw Sonny standing at the entrance, glaring at him. He sighed. “I think I have to go talk to him.”

“May the force be with you,” Brenda said, nodding as her husband headed towards the hallway. “Hey, what do you say I go to the cafeteria, grab some sandwiches and bring them back up?”

“Sure,” Alexis agreed. “Elizabeth come take a seat here. We need to discuss the history of your friendship with Jason.”

“Sure,” Elizabeth replied, sitting in one of the empty seats at the defense tables. “What do you need to know?”

“Well, first of all, we’re going to avoid talking about any danger you might have been in from this association, like your kidnapping, okay? If we don’t bring it up, Scott might not either. He won’t know about most of it.”

“Right,” Elizabeth said. “We’ll have to avoid talking about the times he spent in the studio.”

“Why?” Ric asked, curiously.

“Well, the first time, he’d been shot and the second, no one could know he was in town,” Elizabeth replied. “I don’t think either would be good for his case.”

“But it’s practically general knowledge that Jason was staying with you that Christmas,” Alexis reminded her.

“Of course,” Elizabeth remarked, dryly. “Your nephew made sure of that. I guess I could tell you he was sick and needed someone to take care of him since he hated hospitals.”

“That’s good,” Ric murmured, writing it down. “Okay, when was the very first time you met Jason?”

“Um…” Elizabeth hesitated, trying to remember. “Okay, the first time I saw Jason was at the wedding that didn’t happen, between Brenda and Sonny. And then it was at Luke’s, when Nikolas was shot and Jason saved his life by performing that nasty looking emergency surgery with the pen.”

“And after that?” Ric asked, taking notes.

“Um, here and there around town for a while. You know, Jason was always in the news. I saw him at the Nurse’s Ball when he broke up a fight between Luck and Nikolas. Lucky worked for him that summer, washing his cars. And then Jason arranged for Lucky to move into the garage and work for him there.”

“Good. So, when did you and Jason become friends?” Ric asked.

“Not until after we thought Lucky was dead. I was at Jake’s. Still not sure what I wanted to accomplish, but I went there, I guess looking for a way to distract myself from the pain. To make a long story short, Jason got rid of an unwanted admirer and we talked.”

“Okay, and what happened…”

— After Lunch —

“Wow,” Brenda murmured over the barrier to Elizabeth. “You guys have quite the history. I never knew there was a Jason like that under the one I see.”

“I guess I got lucky,” Elizabeth said. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jason striding back into the courtroom, his shoulders a little slumped. He sat next to Brenda.

“How’d it go with him?” Brenda asked, almost concerned.

Jason just shook his head and looked away.

“He’s a jackass,” Elizabeth muttered.

“Nah, just a selfish, self-centered prig,” Brenda replied, grinning. “So, Jase. I hear you’re good with splinters.”

Jason whipped his head around to give his wife a strange look. “What?” he asked incredulously.

“Brenda was here while I went over what I’d say on the stand,” Elizabeth told Jason. “We needed to strategize.”

“You told them everything?”

“Not everything,” Elizabeth replied. She gave him a small smile. “I kept a few things to myself.”

“Which she is so telling me tonight,” Brenda told Jason confidently.

“Ha, you can’t force this stuff out of me,” Elizabeth said.

“We’ll see about that,” Brenda remarked as the judge took his place and called the court to order.

— Later —

“No further questions,” Alexis said, a smug smile on her face as she finished tearing into AJ Quartermaine.

“Mr. Baldwin?” the judge asked.

“The prosecution rests,” Scott muttered, not even bothering to stand.

“Ms. Davis, Mr. Lansing?” the judge asked. “Who’s going first?”

“I am, Your Honor,” Ric said. He stood. “The defense recalls Elizabeth Webber to the stand.”

“Objection,” Scott leapt to his feet. “They had their chance yesterday.”

“Your Honor, the prosecution has done everything they can to portray my client as a cold-blooded vicious killer. I have every right to call a witness to rebut that characterization,” Ric replied, confidently.

“Why didn’t they do that yesterday?” Scott challenged.

“We weren’t prepared for that yesterday,” Ric explained. “Ms. Webber was a surprise witness–in fact, we had no idea why she was being called. But now that we’ve sat down and talked to her, we think she would be a good witness for us.”

“Your Honor–” Scott protested.

“I’ll allow it,” the judge remarked. “Ms. Webber?”

Elizabeth took her seat and once again swore the oath. She felt a little more comfortable on the stand today and gave Ric a charming smile as he approached her.

Brenda glanced at Jason in time to see the slight glare in his eyes. “Hey, Caveman, control yourself,” she hissed.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Webber. Would you state your full name for the record?” Ric asked.

“Elizabeth Webber,” Elizabeth said.

“And how do you know the defendant, Jason Morgan?”

“We’re friends,” Elizabeth told him. She glanced at Jason. “Good friends.”

“How did this friendship start?” Ric asked.

“We knew each other through my ex-boyfriend Lucky Spencer and his sister, Emily Quartermaine, but it wasn’t until about three and a half years ago that we became close,” Elizabeth told him. “I was going through a difficult time–we thought my boyfriend was dead and up until then, he’d been the stabilizing force in my life. I went to a bar to try and find a distraction, I guess. Jason got rid of an unwanted admirer and we talked.”

“How would you describe your friendship with the defendant?” Ric asked.

“Jason’s a great friend,” Elizabeth said honestly. “He’s a great listener. I have this tendency to ramble and some people tune out, but Jason always listens. He really helped me out when no one else could. He’s a very kind and loyal person. Once Jason’s your friend…you can do almost anything and you won’t lose him.”

“What sorts of things did you and the defendant do together?”

“Objection, this is just ridiculous,” Scott blustered.

“Your Honor, I’m trying to give the jury a different view of my client,” Ric told the judge. “Council doesn’t like it because it doesn’t work for him.”

“You know what–” Scott began.

“Counselors,” the judge barked. “Act your ages.”

“Sorry,” Ric muttered.

“What he said,” Scott grumbled, sitting back down.

“Ms. Webber?” Ric prompted.

“Jason and I went for rides on his motorcycle a lot,” Elizabeth replied. “But other than that, not much. Mostly we just talked.”

“So you and Jason are close,” Ric stated. “You even testified yesterday that it seemed to be heading towards a relationship.”

“At one time, yes,” Elizabeth replied. “But Jason and I work better as friends,” she lied. “He’s very happy with Brenda. She brings out a side to him that few people get to see.”

Brenda snorted. “That’s one way to put it.”

“You testified yesterday that you and Jason weren’t on speaking terms any longer. Is that still true?” Ric asked.

“No. In fact, when Brenda realized we weren’t talking, she made it her mission to fix that,” Elizabeth replied.

“You and Brenda are good friends?” Ric asked.

“We’re getting there,” Elizabeth told him. “She’s a very…unique person.”

“Ms. Webber, would you say you know Jason Morgan well?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth replied, without hesitation. “I know Jason better than almost anyone else.”

“Do you think he killed Luis Alcazar?”

“Objection,” Scott called. “Speculation.”

“Your Honor, Ms. Webber is a character witness,” Ric reminded the judge. “She’s entitled to her opinion.”

“Overruled.”

“No,” Elizabeth said. “I don’t think Jason killed Alcazar. Not even a little.”

“Thank you,” Ric replied. “No further questions.”

“Ms. Davis?”

Alexis stood. “Ms. Webber, how would you describe Ms. Barrett?”

“Objection! The witness is a character witness for Jason Morgan, not his wife,” Scott barked.

“Ms. Webber has spent a lot of time around Brenda Barrett-Morgan in the past twenty-four hours,” Alexis argued. “She can be a character witness for them both. Unless of course, Scott, you’re worried that Elizabeth’s testimony might work against you.”

“She’s a liar,” Scott stated. “I don’t buy a word of what she says.”

“Careful, Baldwin. I already warned you that Ms. Webber wouldn’t hesitate to slap a slander suit on you,” Alexis retorted.

“That’s enough,” the judge cut in. “Objection overruled. Ms. Davis?”

“Thank you. Now, Ms. Webber, how would you describe my client?” Alexis repeated.

“Brenda…” Elizabeth hesitated and grinned. “Brenda is unlike anyone else I’ve ever met. In the past twenty-four hours, since we met yesterday, we’ve become close. She’s a good person. A little…strange, but fun to be around.”

“You and Brenda get along?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth replied. “In fact, we get along almost too well. At lunch yesterday, I think we scared the people around us. You told me that I was very Brenda-like.”

“Yes, I did. And just so we’re clear, do you think Brenda killed Luis Alcazar?” Alexis asked.

“No,” Elizabeth said firmly. “I don’t think so at all.”

“Thank you,” Alexis replied. “No further questions.”

“Mr. Baldwin?” the judge asked.

Scott stood, straightened his jacket and glared at Elizabeth for a second. “Ms. Webber, have you ever been in any sort of danger because of your relationship with Jason Morgan?”

“Danger?” Elizabeth asked. She cocked her head to the side. “What kind of danger?”

Scott scowled. “Were you or were you not kidnapped this summer?”

“I got lost and ended up locked in this nasty crypt,” Elizabeth lied effortlessly. “I went to this cemetery to do some rubbings. You know, you take a piece of paper and hold it over a tombstone while rubbing like graphite or charcoal over it. I took Zander Smith with me and we got locked in the crypt.” She laughed a little. “Thank God Jason and Sonny found us.”

“What about Jason Morgan filing a report with Lieutenant Taggart stating that you had been kidnapped?” Scott asked.

Elizabeth’s eyes widened and she looked at Jason. Taggart? Report? “I…I didn’t tell anyone but Zander where I was going. I guess Jason was worried,” she murmured finally.

Jason looked down and shifted in his seat a little.

“Uh huh. Why would he leap to the conclusion you’d been kidnapped?”

“Maybe because my studio was in shambles,” Elizabeth replied, easily. “I was reorganizing it and everything was a mess. Usually it’s kind of neat and such, so I’m sure Jason saw that and when I didn’t come for two or three days, I guess he was worried.”

“And how would Jason Morgan get inside your studio?” Scott challenged.

Elizabeth smirked. “He has a key. Jason’s welcome at my studio anytime. He knows that.”

“You give all your friends keys?” Scott demanded.

“Yes,” Elizabeth replied. “I think Lucky Spencer still has a key. You could ask him.”

“But Lucky Spencer was your ex-fiancé,” Scott reminded her. “Are you sure Jason was just a friend?”

“Jason has had a key for almost three years,” Elizabeth replied. “Long before anything almost developed between us.”

“You admit that there was more between you,” Scott jumped on her words.

“I never said there wasn’t,” Elizabeth shot back. “It didn’t work out and we went back to being friends.”

Scott glared at the young woman. “You’ve got an answer for everything, don’t you?” he muttered.

“Objection!” Ric called.

“Withdrawn,” Scott said. “Ms. Webber, have you ever seen Jason Morgan attack anyone in any way?”

“No,” Elizabeth replied. “I’ve never seen any sort of unprovoked violence from Jason.”

“Unprovoked?” Scott asked.

“Well, when someone attacks you with a knife, you generally do have to defend yourself,” Elizabeth said coolly. “My boyfriend at the time was feeling a little jealous and went after him.”

“And that was the only time?” Scott pressed.

“Well, Lucky didn’t get the point,” Elizabeth replied. “He went after him again.”

“So, you want us to believe that Jason Morgan is cute cuddly gentle old teddy bear, huh?” Scott asked sarcastically.

“Objection,” Alexis cut in.

“Withdrawn. No further questions.” Scott stalked back to his seat and sat down, glowering.

Elizabeth smiled.

Penthouse

“We need to talk,” Elizabeth told Jason the second the door was closed.

“Oh, talking,” Brenda said, cheerfully as she sat on the couch.

“Brenda, please don’t take this the wrong way,” Elizabeth said carefully. “Go away.”

“I’ve tried that,” Jason said. “It doesn’t work.”

“I can’t listen?” Brenda asked, crestfallen.

“No, you can’t,” Elizabeth said pointedly. “Please?”

Brenda sighed loudly and over exaggeratedly. She stomped upstairs. “Fine. I know when I’m not wanted!”

Jason snorted. “You do not!”

When she heard Brenda’s door shut, Elizabeth took a deep breath. “You filed a police report when I was kidnapped.”

“Yes,” Jason admitted.

“You went to Taggart to file this report,” Elizabeth continued.

“Is that a problem?” Jason asked, hesitantly.

“I just…you went to Taggart,” Elizabeth repeated. “I can’t believe that. I mean, you hateTaggart.”

“Yeah…well…I needed help to search,” Jason replied easily.

“What else did you do?” she asked curiously.

Jason shifted and looked away. “I, uh, thought it had something to do with ELQ. You know, I didn’t realize it was initials. I thought it was the Quartermaine company. So, I went to Edward.”

“Edward Quartermaine?” Elizabeth asked incredulously. “Are you serious? You hate him more than Taggart.”

Jason tugged on his ear. “I also went to AJ.”

“You were really worried, weren’t you?” Elizabeth asked softly.

“I thought I’d never see you again,” Jason said hesitantly. “You’re not mad, are you?”

“Mad?” Elizabeth repeated. “Are you nuts? You went to three people you hate just to find me. How in the hell could I be mad?” She sat on the arm of the couch a little stunned. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

“I don’t know,” Jason told her. “It just…didn’t seem relevant.”

“It didn’t seem relevant,” Elizabeth repeated slowly. She laughed. “Yeah, I can see that.” She stood and held out her hands. “Come here.”

Jason put his hands in hers and let her pull him towards her. She stood and peered up at him.

“Thank you,” she told him. She tilted her head up, her eyes meeting his. Jason leaned down and brushed his lips across hers.

— Ten Minutes Later —

“Sending me to my room like I’m child,” Brenda snorted as she came down the steps. “I am a grown woman. I deserve the same respect as other grown women. So what if I giggle a little? I’m entitled. I’ve had a crappy four years–” Brenda cut her little tirade off abruptly when the living room came into view. She covered her eyes. “Oh my god, I think I’m blind!” she shrieked.

Elizabeth, startled, rolled off of Jason and fell onto the floor. Jason sat straight up on the couch, and glared at his wife. “What the hell?” he growled.

“Jesus,” Brenda moaned, her eyes still covered. “Warn a girl–you know moan a little or something. I would have stayed up stairs!”

Elizabeth sat up, a little breathless, her face bright red. “Where’s my shirt?” she hissed at Jason.

“I don’t know,” he muttered. “There it is,” he gestured under the coffee table. Elizabeth reached for it and jerked it over head.

“Christ, you have a bedroom,” Brenda continued. “Use it. Don’t be doing that stuff right in the middle of our living room!”

“Grow up,” Jason finally said. He stood and held out a hand to pull Elizabeth to her feet. “Come on. We’re going out to get something to eat.”

“I’m invited?” Brenda asked, stunned. She pressed a hand to her chest. “Oh, I think I must have hit my head or something.”

“You have to come,” Jason reminded her. “I can’t go out with Elizabeth in public, remember?”

“Oh, so it’s not because you want the pleasure of my company,” Brenda remarked. She sniffed the air haughtily. “I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere.”

“Fine. Then you won’t eat,” Elizabeth teased.

“Okay, so I’ve had a change of heart,” Brenda remarked, shrugging. “Let’s go get something to eat. And then we’re dropping Elizabeth off at her studio, understood?”

“Brenda–” Jason began, glaring at her.

“She’s right,” Elizabeth cut in. “One day a time, remember?”

“See?” Brenda crowed.

— Port Charles Courthouse: Two Days Later —

“I shouldn’t be nervous,” Alexis murmured as they waited for the jury to file in. “We did a good job. A really good job.”

“Right,” Ric agreed.

“I mean, there’s no reason for them to convict them,” Alexis continued. “There was no real evidence–”

“Alexis, Alexis,” Brenda cut in. “You’re making me nervous. Shut up.”

“Right, you’re right. I should just shut up. Because like I said, there’s no reason–”

“Alexis.”

“Shutting up.”

Elizabeth’s hands tightened around the wooden barrier as she watched the members of jury take their seats.

“It’s going to be fine,” Sonny assured her. “You did a good job painting a favorable picture of Jason.”

“It was all true,” Elizabeth said under her breath. “See, real friends stand by each other. They don’t cut each other down or make them apologize over and over again for the same thing.”

Sonny looked at her oddly while Carly used her hands to stifle a laugh. Maybe the little priss wasn’t all that bad after all.

“You hurt him, little girl, and you’re going to have a problem,” Carly warned her.

“Likewise,” Elizabeth remarked.

The judge called the court to order. “Has the jury reached the verdict?”

“We have, Your Honor,” the foreman said.

“Will the defendants please rise?”

Jason and Brenda stood along with their lawyers and Elizabeth stopped breathing for a full minute as she waited for the verdict.

“On the charge of murder in the first degree, we find the defendant Brenda Barrett-Morgan…not guilty.”

Elizabeth let out of sob of relief. If Brenda was found not guilty, then Jason would be, too.

Brenda let out a whoop and threw her arms around Jason’s neck. Jason pushed her away almost as quickly, but his grin was unmistakable.

“On the charge of murder in the first degree, we find the defendant Jason Morgan…not guilty.”

Carly lunged out of her seat and threw herself into Sonny’s arms before nearly knocking Jason over. Elizabeth hugged Ric, Alexis and Brenda before Jason was free from Carly’s clutches.

Jason hugged her tightly, nearly squeezing the breath from her body. “It’s almost over,” he breathed into her ear. “We’re flying to the Dominican Republic tonight.”

“I love you so much,” she whispered, making sure no one else could hear her, though it would be impossible over all other the noise in the courtroom.

“I love you, too,” Jason replied. “And it’s going to work this time. I promise.”

She finally pulled away and kissed him innocently on the cheek.

“Can we please get out of here?” Brenda demanded. “If I never have to see another courtroom, it’ll be too soon.”

— Vista Point —

Elizabeth sighed and leaned back against Jason’s chest. “How’s it feel?”

Jason kissed the top of her head. “How’s what feel?” he asked.

“Being a free man again,” she replied. “You and Brenda have been divorced for exactly sixteen hours.”

“It’s great,” Jason admitted. “She moved out as soon as we got back.”

“So, the penthouse is empty again, huh?” Elizabeth asked. “Your voice probably echoes off the walls.”

“Yeah, well, I’m glad Brenda is gone,” Jason replied.

“Oh, come on. You can’t say she didn’t grow on you a little,” Elizabeth teased.

Jason snorted. “Yeah. Like fungus.”

“Well, I like her. So you’re just going to have to accept her. I mean, you’ve got Carly in your life, I get to have Brenda. You’ve got Sonny, I get Zander.”

“And Lucky fits in how?” Jason asked amused.

“He was in my life before you. Doesn’t count,” Elizabeth remarked breezily.

“Sonny and Carly were in my life before you,” Jason reminded her.

She shrugged. “Details.”

“You’ve been spending too much time around Brenda,” he teased.

“Mmm…” Elizabeth murmured, closing her eyes. “I’m tired.”

“You wanna go home?” Jason asked, beginning to sit up on the bench. “It’s too cold out here for you anyway.”

Elizabeth shook her head and wrapped his arms more tightly around her waist. “You keep me warm,” she remarked contented.

“Yeah, and the next thing you know, you’ll be blaming me when you get pneumonia,” Jason said. “Come on. Get up.”

Elizabeth grumbled and pulled herself to her feet. “All right, all right. We can go.”

“Hey, at least you don’t have to worry about seeing Courtney at Kelly’s tomorrow,” Jason reminded her as he led her to the bike.

“I never thought I’d say this, but Sonny’s controlling nature finally did me a favor,” she said, pulling her helmet on and climbing onto the bike of the bike. “Sending Courtney to college in London. Good man, he is.”

“Right. Until the next time he does something controlling,” Jason told her.

Elizabeth shrugged. “Yeah, well, whatever. You getting on or what?”

“You’re not asking me to drive,” Jason said, confused. “This is new.”

“The roads are too slick.” Elizabeth grinned. “Besides would you let me if I asked?”

“Probably not,” Jason admitted. He straddled the bike but did it backwards so that he was facing her. He pulled off the helmet.

“What’s gotten into you?” Elizabeth asked, mystified. “You’re acting so strange–”

He cut her off with a short kiss that made her toes curl. When he pulled away, her eyes were a little dazed. “What was that for?” she asked, pleased.

He gave her a small smile. “You know…I think that I’m happier right now than I have been in years.”

She touched his face. “Ditto.”