Chapter 13 Lise approaches the nurses' station, annoyed. Lise: Where's Cassadine? Nurse: Um, is he expecting you, Ms...?? Lise: Ashton. Dr. Ashton. And yes, I'm quite sure he is. I just spoke with him not 30 minutes ago and he insisted that we speak in person. You know, I have better things to do with my time that traipse around this godforsaken hospital and-- Stefan: (approaching her from behind) Dr. Ashton, if you're finished abusing the nurses, I'd be happy to see you now. Lise: (turning around) Oh please, don't do me any favors. He takes her elbow to lead her to a more secluded area, and she pulls it sharply away from him. Lise: Just because we shared a friendly evening, you do not get to leave messages with my hotel that I'm "to be in your office at 9am". Stefan: Yes, you made that perfectly clear on the phone this morning. I apologize for being forward. Lise: But you still insisted I come in! Why couldn't you just tell me whatever on the phone? I had to bring my daughter and leave her in daycare and I hate doing that. Now just what is so durned important that you couldn't tell me on the phone? Stefan looks self-consciously at the nurses watching Lise' little tantrum. Stefan: I'd be more than happy to do that. Let's go to my office. Lise rolls her eyes. Lise: Glad to. I just came from there and you were totally AWOL. Do you think that everyone else's time is less important than your own, Mr. Cassadine? He ushers her out of the main area quickly as she continues to berate him. Nurse1: Wow. Nurse2: No kidding. Nurse1: You know who she reminds me of? Nurse2: Don't let her hear you say that. In his office, Stefan settles down in his tall, leather rolling chair. Stefan: Please, sit down. Lise: No, thank you. Why don't we just get to the point. Stefan: You really aren't a morning person, are you? Lise: Just because a woman is annoyed with you, Stefan, does not mean that it's a mood swing or planetary alignment issue. What I don't appreciate is being summoned here like you're some kind of feudal lord. I'm a very busy woman. Stefan: Yes, I'm well aware of that. I didn't mean to "summon" you, as you put it. But may I ask, isn't this hostility is a little unnecessary in light of our engaging time together last night? I thought we became friends. Lise: Well, you know, the more I thought about it, the more confused I got as to your motives. The chief of Pediatrics was already at that convention last night, perfectly capable, and definitely more capable than you, of recruiting pediatricians for your empty slot. So there was really no reason for you to even be at that banquet, much less ask me to go with you. And Katherine did fill me in on some of your wily ways, and you know, I'm fairly convinced at this point that you have no innocent interest in me. So what is it, Stefan? I thought I already made it clear that I wouldn't make a good ELQ spy even if I wanted to. Stefan stares at her in silence for a moment, unsure of how to proceed, gathering that she won't appreciate what he has to say. She perceives his apprehension and fears that she was too aggressive. Lise: (sitting down) Alright, I didn't mean to go so over the top with this. I swore to myself that I wouldn't let my feelings about you be swayed by everyone else. It seems, however, that they have, and for that I'm sorry. I wouldn't want people judging me by my name, and certainly not by my past relationships. I am trying to be on my guard, though. I've been suckered in by smooth-talkers before. Stefan: It is a wise man who learns from the past. (he smiles indulgently) Or woman, as the case may be. I understand your caution. But I hope that you will hear what I have to say with an open mind. Lise: Uh oh. Stefan: I would like to offer you the pediatric position. Lise stares at him with a you-have-some-nerve look. Lise: You don't know anything about my work or credentials or-- Stefan: Not until yesterday. Your reputation is not hard to uncover, Dr. Ashton. You've done top-notch work, published in well-reputed journals, presented at high-profile conferences. And you have a reputation for the best of bedside manners, which I myself have witnessed with Lucas, and your own child, and (he smiles) even talking with me about Nikolas. Lise: You can throw away those charm-school textbooks you've obviously been memorizing, Mr. Cassadine. I'm not some naive little med student who lives for pats on the back from hospital big-wigs. I know there's more to this than my well-reputed publications. Is this about Ned and Alexis? Is it about your not-so-secret fixation on Laura Spencer? Do you think that our kids play together a lot or something? Give me a break. Stefan: You are making grand leaps in speculation. Lise: Perhaps. (she looks at him thoughtfully for a moment, then regathers her resolve) However, whether or not your motives are as you say, which I find very difficult to believe, I'm simply not interested in a) being under your thumb on a daily basis, b) being under my family's thumb on a daily basis. And c) I don't want to be here long-term, so it would be silly for me to accept any kind of permanent position. Besides, since the little woman works here, Ned's always hovering, sniffing around her like an un-neutered rottweiler. Stefan: I hope that you wouldn't make professional decisions based on personal biases, Dr. Ashton. Lise: What makes you say that? If you want to talk ambition, let's talk ambition. I'm at a top-10 hospital already, why would I want to sully my pristine career in the middle of upstate New York? Stefan: (bristling as he loses patience) If that's how you feel about this institution, then I retract the offer. We wouldn't want you to sully your pristine career on our behalf. That will be all. (he pretends to be resume working on some papers on his desk) Lise: (with a cheshire grin) Aww, poor Stefan, you're little plan didn't work? Tell me, why is it that men always take any kind of professional rejection from a woman personally? And furthermore, why do men get so hostile when they get rejected in general? I mean, why don't you go cry or eat a pan of brownies like we do? It's so much more cathartic. Stefan: (regarding her coldly) I said that will be all, Dr. Ashton. I'm sorry I troubled you for your time. Lise: Spare me the hospital crusader act, Mr. Cassadine. You just don't like not getting your way. (dripping with condescension) I understand. Emma's the same way. She turns on her heels and leaves the office. As soon as she's gone, Stefan looks up angrily and takes a deep breath. He presses down the intercom button to his assistant. Stefan: Where is Alexis? Alexis: (sailing in the room) I'm right here, don't get your panties in a wad. Stefan: (on the intercom) Never mind. (to Alexis) What did you say? Alexis: I said don't get your... oh never mind. (she crosses the room to the chair in front of his desk as if she were floating) Stefan: Where have you been? I expected you 2 hours ago. We have to talk about this Ashton person. Alexis: (her eyes widen) What about him? Stefan: No, not your little fling, I'm talking about the woman. (he stops and looks at her) I'd appreciate it if you could focus. Alexis: (her mind returns to work, she clears her throat apologetically) Forgive me. What is the problem? Stefan: Thank you. Now, as I was saying, this woman is insufferable. I offered her this position and she flat out refused. (noticing that a smile has crept back onto Alexis' face and her eyes seem distant again) Alexis! Alexis: (startled) Stefan, there's no need to yell. You were saying? Stefan: (exasperated and annoyed) Obviously we're going to have to take a different approach with her. I would like you to have a crack at her. Alexis: A crack? Stefan: We need Dr. Ashton. She is someone who wouldn't have any trouble betraying ELQ if she defined it as a worthy cause. Alexis: (instantly serious) I thought we talked about this, Stefan. I don't feel comfortable being involved in your sabotage of Ned's company. Stefan: I didn't ask about your comfort level. Alexis: Stefan- Stefan: (interrupting, angrily) With whom does your loyalty lie, cousin? Alexis stares at him despairingly, shocked at the idea that she's no longer sure of the answer to that question.   Chapter 14 (Later, in the hospital cafeteria) Alexis sits alone, downcast and playing with a wilting salad in front of her. Ned sneaks up behind her. Ned: Glad to know that I was able to lift your spirits. Alexis starts a bit, turns around and sees Ned. She smiles a bittersweet smile. Alexis: Hi. It's not you. It's... (she sighs) Ned: How is it that you can let them get to you so easily, my dear? A morning romp should put off those gatekeeper blues for at least 24 hours. Alexis: (looking around furtively) Shh! I'm trying to maintain a reputation here, you know! Ned picks up her salad and dumps it in the nearest trash can. She looks on somewhat apathetically. He takes her hand. Ned: (loudly, somewhat obnoxiously) Come on, get back to your office, what do you think this is, a resort or something? Alexis groans and follows him. They wait for an elevator and when one comes, Alexis steps in with Ned behind her. Ned turns around at the door and says to the random folks stepping on after them. Ned: Sorry, this one's taken. Alexis: Ned! (she looks embarrassedly at the rebuffed elevator passengers as the doors close) (to Ned) That wasn't rude at all. Ned: I know. Can you believe that Ashton punk? Who does he think he is? (He pushes her back up against the elevator wall, pressing his body against her) I swear, Cassadines and Quartermaines, no regard for anyone else... (he kisses her passionately) Alexis wilts momentarily in his embrace before shimmying out from around him. Alexis: Alright, alright, Mr. Ashton. Feign respectability. (the doors open on the floor to her office) She steps into her office, with Ned following closely, only to find a picnic spread out on her office floor. A checkered blanket, with a picnic basket containing all manner of fare, and champagne and candles resting elegantly on the blanket. Alexis: You didn't. Ned: Sue me. Alexis: Don't tempt a lawyer. She turns back around to face him, the cares of the morning swept away, at least for the moment. Her arms slip around his neck and she kisses him hungrily. Alexis: (in between kisses) Thank you. Ned: Now that's better. Alexis: This morning was... delicious. I was floating for a good while. Ned: Until... Alexis: (her face darkens as she remembers Stefan's demands) Do I have to say it? Ned: Your cousin. Alexis: Let's not talk about him. (she loosens his tie and starts unbuttoning his shirt) Ned is somewhat taken aback by her uncharacteristic sexual aggression, but like any man who knows what's good for him, says nothing and enjoys it. They kiss as Alexis' hands roam, finding their way to his pants and start unbuttoning. Ned: (stopping her) Hey. Alexis: Don't tell me you're having a bout of chastity, Mr. Ashton. Ned takes her hands and and brings them up to his lips, as he shifts around trying to make eye contact with her. Alexis looks down restlessly. Ned: What's going on? Alexis: (smiling up at him wickedly) Do you have such a short-term memory? Ned: (cupping her face and making her continue looking at him) You don't do this unless you're avoiding something. Alexis: What can I say? You've made a nympho out of me. She tries to pull her face away but he cups it with both hands tightly. Ned: Alexis, I understand that there are things that we don't disclose to each other. But that's different from outright lying. I've made the mistake of confusing the two before and gotten burned. He lets go of her and crosses his arms, symbolically closing off to her affections. Alexis backs away, surprised by the rebuff. She leans against the edge of her desk and starts fidgeting with a pen. Ned remains against the wall, arms crossed, studying her nervousness. He says nothing, which makes her more crazy. Alexis: (after a while of not making eye contact, she finally looks at him) What do you want from me? Ned: The truth. Alexis: That was never part of our deal. Ned: I know. I'm changing the rules. Alexis: (her lips slightly parting in surprise and indignation) You can't do that. Ned: I can't help it. I'm starting to care too much. Alexis looks at him, dumbfounded, not knowing how to answer. She realizes that her problem is that she has started to care too much as well. She looks down in frustration. Ned weakens at the sight of her distraught and walks over to the desk, leaning against it next to her, with his arms crossed. They both look out in front of them, side by side, somewhat lost in their own thoughts. Ned: It's one thing to be annoyed by Stefan, Alexis. That's old hat. But you can't look me in the eye. This has something to do with us. Alexis: (still looking down) Why can't you just let a woman ravish you like any normal man would? Ned: (taking her hand) Because you're not attracted to normalcy. You start treating me like Joe Testosterone and I get nervous. (she sighs heavily) And because somewhere along the way, I started wanting to be more to you than a flirting partner. Alexis: (sweetly) But... you make a really *good* flirting partner. Ned: (turning to her) Yeah, well I'm also a pretty good listener. Alexis: (serious again) I'm not a good talker, Ned. You know that. You can't change the rules on me. Ned: Too late. (he pauses and studies her) Besides, you want them changed too. Alexis: (she gives him an anxious sideways glance) Even if that's true... you can't push me too fast. Ned: (resignedly) I understand that. (he lifts a hand to caress her cheek) You're regretting what happened. Between us. Alexis turns to him quickly. Alexis: No! No. Not at all. It was... perfect. Ned: (smiling coyly) I agree. Alexis: But I just need time to process it all. Can you understand that? Ned: Time? You're the one jumping my bones the minute we walk in your office. Alexis: (chuckling) Well, you're right that I was trying to avoid... I don't know... too much conversation? I guess I was trying to put off the part where we start making demands on each other... Ned kisses her tenderly and lightly. Ned: I know this is hard for you. I'll try to back off with the nippy terrier routine. Alexis: (sighing, relieved) Thank you. Ned: Well, now that the champagne is luke-warm, shall we picnic on the carpet? Alexis: Let's. Ned takes her hand and helps her settle on the floor. Alexis is so relieved to be out of the hot seat that she smiles and chatters about the caviar. Alexis: (casually) So what's your sister's schedule tomorrow? Ned: Lise? Alexis: Do you have other secret siblings? Ned: Well, I don't know. You'll have to call her hotel or email her or something. Why? Alexis: (overly casual, but with a heavy heart) Oh I thought I'd take her out to lunch and do the female bonding thing. I think we got off on the wrong foot.   Chapter 15 The doorbell rings at Lise' new apartment. Emma opens the door to see Alexis, waiting with a vase of flowers. Alexis: Hi there, Emma. Is your mother around? Emma: Yes, ma'am. (screaming) Mama! Lise scurries out of the kitchen with a dirty apron tied around her, looking a bit frazzled. She smiles when she sees Alexis. Lise: Thank you honey. (to Alexis) Hi! Welcome to my happy home (she makes Vanna White gestures toward the totally unfurnished apartment). Are those for me? Alexis: Yes, a little housewarming gift (she hands the flowers over). Lise: Oh thank you. I hope you don't mind coming over here for supper instead of some fancy-schmancy place you're probably more accustomed to. I'm in nesting-mode and needed to bond with the new place. Alexis: It's a lovely piece of property. So I take it this means you've reconsidered the pediatric position at GH? Lise: (laughs out loud) Not a chance. No, I'll be teaching a pre-med course at PCU and a seminar at the med school. But my local affiliation will be with Mercy, not GH. Alexis: Ah, I see. I'm sure you'll make a fine teacher. (looking out the picture window) The view of the water is tremendous. Lise: Yup, I can even catch a glimpse of a little island off to the left there that I think you might be familiar with? Alexis: (laughing as she sees the tip of Spoon Island) As long as you don't have a telephoto lens, I think the view is just perfect. Lise: Did y'all have to deal with lots of media in Greece? Alexis: Sometimes. Especially since the Soviet Union dissolved and the Russian press has acquired all the trappings of the Western paparazzi. Nobody but them really cares about us enough to be annoying. Lise: (nodding) Well, please forgive the fact that I have no furniture or anything. I kinda like the hardwood floor, but the beanbag chairs well, those are pretty weak. Why don't you come into the kitchen with me. Fortunately I can cook because I stole all the kitchen stuff out of Ned's place. Not like he or Lois ever once used any of it. Something tells me that you're not going to be missing it from there either. Alexis: (laughing) No, Ned and I rarely cook. Food, that is. Lise: Ugh, did you EVEN have to put that image in my head? So I take it your li'l romance is all a-bloomin'? He was giddy as a schoolboy the last time we talked. Alexis: We had a nice time on a spontaneous trip to a family getaway at Apple Hill Lake. Lise: I see Alexis: I hope you won't be too much of the over-protective sister that I can't talk about it with you. Lise: Oh yeah, that overprotective relative thing, you wouldn't know anything about that, would you? Alexis: (looking down, busted) You're right. I take it back. I hope you can forgive my snarling at you about your intentions toward Stefan. Lise: (smiling graciously) Don't worry. You have nothing to fear. To be honest, he really annoys me. Alexis: (almost visibly sighing in relief) Oh? Lise: He has a way of getting under your skin, he's truly obnoxious. No offense, of course. Alexis: Well, you're certainly not the first person in this town to dislike my cousin. But I hope that won't affect our relationship. Lise: Not at all. Thank God that most people don't rely on their opinions of my family members when judging me! The two women chatter about family and boarding schools and the hospital for a while, keeping everything friendly and light-hearted. Emma plays in the living room with an entire set of tickle-me Sesame Street dolls that Ned recently lavished on her and from which Lise instantly removed all the batteries. Lise chops celery and onions for stir-fry, with her back to Alexis. Alexis scours the chaos of bills, papers, letters, etc strewn about on the counter, looking for anything interesting. Alexis: So, you said you spoke to Ned today? Lise: No, I didn't say that, but yes, I did speak to him. I left Emma with him for a while earlier. Alexis: How was he doing? Lise: Well, you of all people should know. Alexis: (casually) Oh I was just wondering, because he had mentioned some hairy issues that had come up at ELQ lately and I was hoping they were improving. Lise: (stops chopping and stands pensively with her back to Alexis) He told you about those? That's not like him. Alexis: (nervously, but trying to keep her voice from showing it) We each have very few people that we can talk to about business concerns and so we take advantage of each other whenever we hit rocky places at work. I think it's therapeutic for both of us. Lise: I wouldn't think that you two would have much in common business-wise. Your being an attorney and Ned a C.E.O. Alexis: Oh, it's not like I share with him the ins and outs of torts and appeals. But both our families have international operations and so I have become familiar with a lot of what Ned deals with regularly. Lise: I see. Well, I suppose that makes sense. I'm glad he has someone to talk to. To be frank, he needs that. Lois never was one for ELQ gibberish. And God knows I'm not. Talking to Grandfather would be like complaining to the boss, only much, much, worse! So I'm glad that he's found someone who's worthy of him. And who doesn't judge him. (she turns around to face Alexis) You've made him very, very happy, Alexis. And that makes me happy. Alexis: (smiling, with her eyes gazing distantly) He is good for my soul. (she returns to the present) So all that Jakarta chaos? Lise: (without thinking) Oh it's winding down, I think. All is back to normal. There at least. In fact, Ned has to rush off to somewhere in South America to save some new deal. I swear, I have no earthly clue why he cares so much about a silly soul-less company like ELQ. Alexis: (grasping at the little bits that Ned had shared with her) Oh yes, the Argentina venture. Lise: Yeah, I think that's it. His team in Buenos Aires finally found their new wonder-drug-of-the-month in the Brazilian rain forest. I take it you've been suffering from his verbal diarrhea on the subject more than I have. Alexis: (improvising) Oh yes, he's very excited about the possibilities. Lise: I mean, I should probably be interested, since I'm a physician, but honestly, how many of those exotic new miracle pills actually make it past the NIH trials? Besides, it's hard to share his enthusiasm when he's just giddy over the dollar signs dancing in his head. That's the thing with the pharmaceutical companies improving health is viewed as an added bonus. (she notices that Alexis has gotten very quiet and seems to be concentrating on what she's been saying) Oh Lord, I must just be putting you right to sleep. Sorry. You wanna help with this broccoli? Alexis: Oh no, I'm interested in what makes Ned tick. It's nice to get your perspective. And I'd be glad to help chop. Lise: (handing Alexis a knife and cutting board, she begins to sing loudly) Choppin' broccoliiiiiii . Choppin' broccoliiiiii Choppin' HUH Brocolliiiiii! Heh heh. Alexis looks at her like she's crazy. Lise: Oh, ok ok, sorry. You probably don't get Saturday Night Live in Greece. Just a li'l TV humor. Emma walks in with her Elmo doll. Emma: Mama, I saw on TV that Elmo is supposed to laugh and shake. But my Elmo won't do that. Lise: When were you watching TV, honey? You know I don't like you doing that. Emma: When I was at Uncle Ned's today. Lise: Well, there you go. That's why I don't like you watching TV. It lies to you. (Alexis covers her mouth to keep from laughing) Emma: But why is it called Tickle-me Elmo? Lise: Because you're supposed to tickle his tummy. Emma: But nothing happens when I do that. Lise: That's because Elmo is laughing on the inside, baby. Emma: But- Lise: You're Uncle Ned is a bad, bad man to let you see those lies, isn't he? Emma: (thinking for a while) I guess so. Lise: Ok, now why don't you go back and play with that pretend cadaver mama gave you last Christmas? Alexis: Pretend what? Lise: (laughing) It's a little educational toy. To teach anatomy. You unzip the belly and it's got all these faux parts inside. It's hilarious. Alexis: Forget I asked. Emma: But that thing doesn't make noise either, Mama. Lise: Well, it's a cadaver, dear. It's supposed to be dead. Emma: Oh. Emma goes back to the living room, dragging her feet. Alexis: You're twisted. Lise: I know. But let me tell you, a pretend cadaver is a lot less annoying to listen to than 5 cackling Tickle-me dolls. As IF I would put batteries in the damn things. Ned bought them for her just to spite me. Later, Lise, Alexis and Emma are sitting around on top of the counters in the kitchen eating stir-fry. Lise: Sorry about the furniture thing. Don't hate me. Alexis: Oh, it's kinda fun. It's been a long time since I've been anywhere new and different for a meal. Lise: Yeah, your house must be like taking tea at Masterpiece Theatre. Alexis: (smiling) Something like that. Have you ever been there? Lise: Well, not since y'all have been there. I went there for a wicked masquerade party many moons ago for Halloween. After that, I heard some freak owned it. He was stalking this well-reputed P.I. in town. Guess it attracts the dark and mysterious. Alexis: (good-naturedly) Are you saying that we're freak stalkers? Lise: Well you DID hire Kevin Collins, after all. Alexis: Touché. Lise: What was that about? Alexis: Stefan wanted his expertise on some business matters. Lise: Mm-hmm. Alexis: (changing the subject) So Ned will be going to Buenos Aires soon? Lise: I suppose so. Alexis: And how did he eventually smooth things over in Jakarta? Lise: Well, I think he offered the workers association a better deal for their manufacturing plant than the other guy did. Alexis: Did he ever find out who the other guy was? Lise: No, I don't think (she stops mid-sentence, realizing that Alexis is awfully rabid in her interrogation. She wonders just what Alexis knew before tonight)--. Oh, let's not talk this business garbage. So how long have you been in the States? Did you spend your whole childhood in Greece? Alexis: (sensing that Lise might be on to her) Oh, I grew up on the island, but went to college in Belgium. After that, I came to Harvard for law school, and then started practicing in Manhattan Alexis prattles on cheerfully about her time in New York City in order to divert Lise away from her suspicions. But the damage is done. Lise listens politely but claims to be exhausted when the meal is over and ushers Alexis quickly out the door. Alexis makes the call as soon as she's inside the limo. Alexis: Stefan, I have good news and bad news. Good news is that Lise Ashton spilled some crucial information. You might want to contact Merck about a pharmaceutical research team in Buenos Aires. The bad news is that I think Lise is on to us. Lise quickly puts Emma to bed and then picks up the phone. Lise: (into the receiver) Ned, I think that your li'l love-bunny is out for more than your buns.   Chapter 16 Still on the phone Stefan: What makes you think she's suspicious of your motives, Alexis? Alexis: I could tell. She finally caught herself telling me everything about Ned's business dealings. She instantly clammed up. I've made my living reading juries, Stefan. I know when people shut me out. (And because I'm so used to you shutting me out, she thinks but doesn't say) Stefan: Well, why don't we worry about this later? When are you coming home? Alexis: It's not going to go away just because you don't want to hear it, Stefan. If Lise tells Ned her suspicions, this little scheme of yours is over. Stefan: I suspect, Cousin, that you're less concerned about that than your little fling being threatened. Alexis: I know it's impossible for you to imagine an innocent romance and the happiness it might bring, but please try to indulge me this once. Stefan: There's no need to be rude, Alexis. And don't I always indulge you? Alexis: Do you want me to answer that? Stefan: Hurry back to Wyndemere. Alexis: I have some things to do, Stefan. Stefan: Damage control at the Quartermaine estate, perhaps? Alexis: Perhaps. Stefan: Don't keep me waiting, Alexis. We need to plan our next move. Alexis: (sighing heavily) I'll be there as soon as I can. At the gatehouse, Ned is on the phone. Ned: You're imagining things. You never like the women I'm interested in. Lise: Ned, you don't have to treat me like the village idiot. I can smell a rat when it's right in front of me. And I actually liked Lois. Until she dumped you. It was just that Jenny Eckert woman that I hated. Remember, I loved Katherine. Ned: See, right there, your judgement is questionable. You hate the wrong women in my life. Lise: You're avoiding the issue, Ned. I'm serious, that woman was prying. Ned: What exactly did she want to know? Lise: She wanted to know how things resolved in Jakarta, and what you were doing down in Argentina. Ned: Well, she knew about the disaster in Indonesia. And I might have mentioned to her something about South America before. Lise: Mentioned?? She acted like she knew all about it. I totally told her everything, Ned. I told her about the research team, and the new drug and all. Ned: (pausing) Well that's probably more than you should have said to someone, but Alexis is fine. It's not like she's got business interests tied up in mine. God knows she's not after ELQ money. That's one of her most endearing qualities. Lise: I don't feel good about it. When I finally woke up to her game tonight, I could tell she was faking. Ned: You're being paranoid. Alexis is too busy with Stefan and his madness to worry about my business. Thanks anyway though, honey. Lise: Don't patronize me. Ned: (sighing exasperatedly) Oh for God's sake, Lise, lighten up. Lise: Don't say I didn't warn you. Ned: I appreciate your concern. They hang up and Ned smiles to himself. It's nice having Lise in town. He's not used to people giving a damn about his personal life. A few minutes later, he hears a knock on his door. He opens it to find Alexis smiling. Alexis: How did you miss out on the culinary gene? Your sister is an excellent chef. Ned: (smiling back, he takes her hand and pulls her inside) The same way you missed out on the sociopathic gene. (He slides his arm around her waist and pulls her close to him) Alexis: Oh yeah? How do you know I don't have it, buried under all my undying sang-froid? Ned: I think it's safe to say that we're both genetic freaks of nature. Alexis: I can live with that. But you'll have to kiss me. He does, slowly and demandingly, until she's practically a puddle in his arms. He leads her to the couch, they kick off their shoes and cuddle, both sensing the cares of the day ebbing away. She leans back against his chest, and his fingertips caress her forearm absently. Alexis: (groaning) Now why can't we just stay like this forever? Ned: Oh then we'd just start taking it for granted and you'd be moaning "oh why can't I ever wear a suit and slave away for my cousin?" Alexis: Not likely. Speaking of whom, I can't stay long. Duty calls tonight. Ned: Yeah, yeah, I know I'm second fiddle to the grandiose Cassadine machine. Hey, by the way, what on earth made you think my sister would know anything about ELQ? Alexis: (tensing enough that Ned notices) You spoke with her since I left her apartment? Ned: Yeah, she called, all Oliver Stone over your questions about Jakarta and South America. She's dishing all these conspiracy theories. Alexis: (anxiously trying to cover her tracks) Oh, she mentioned that you'd be leaving town and I asked if it was to Jakarta, and so we talked about how things there had calmed down and how things in South America were heating up. Normally I wouldn't talk to her about all that, but it came up fairly casually. Ned: Well, she has a big mouth. If it were anyone but you she'd talked to, I'd be worried. The deal in Argentina is somewhat sensitive. Alexis: Of course. They sit quietly for a bit, pensively. Ned: Don't be angry at me for asking this Alexis: What? Ned: You weren't pumping her for info on me or ELQ were you? Alexis looks like she's going to throw up and is glad that he is behind her and can't see her face. Alexis: Ned, I would never do that to you. Ned: I'm sorry for asking. I just have trust issues, I suppose. I have a hard time telling people the truth about things in my life, because it seems like whenever they find out the dirt on me, I get shafted, even by those I've trusted the most. Alexis: (gritting her teeth and forcing out an appropriate reassuring tone of voice) You don't have to worry. And I understand why you had to ask. Ned: (kissing the top of her head) Thank you. (he cups her face and turns it up and around to face his) I'm starting to fall for you, Counselor. Alexis: (avoiding eye contact, she kisses him lightly on the lips) I have to go. She tears herself away from him, kissing him as they get up together and walk to the door. Once outside the gatehouse, she leans weakly against the portico, closing her eyes in disgust at herself. She says quietly to herself: Alexis: Well, Alexis, you're finally getting what you always wanted. To really belong in the family. No more watching the circus from the sidelines for you, girl, oh no. A chip off the old block. She sighs heavily, hugging herself as the nausea courses through her body. Her stomach heaves, she leans over the bushes and throws up. She turns to make sure Ned didn't hear her, her knees shaking. When she stands straight again, a single, undisciplined tear escapes down her cheek. She walks unsteadily to the limo and gets cozy with a large bottle of vodka during the drive to the docks.