* The shipment isn't coming. Morgan pulled it off the ship. I'll have to
make other arrangements. Yeah... the Cassadines are behind this up to their
collective eyeballs. I don't know what I can do unless they are distracted
from the shipments...that's not my problem. If you provide the distraction,
I'll make other arrangements for your supplies. If you knew this was a
possibility, why didn't you tell me? You already have people in town? I
don't want to know. I don't care. Do what you like.* The phone call ends
abruptly as the cell phone is sharply closed.
The warehouse-- the party is in progress. Almost everyone is there.
Brooke's in charge of the music using her extensive collection. Lucky takes
some time to harass her on her choices. Nik and Brooke keep their distance
from each other. Both are aware of the press who are covering the grand
opening of the building as well as the presence of most of the Port Charles'
movers and shakers . AJ speaks to Veronica Bowles, now working for the Port
Charles Herald as a society columnist.
AJ: I was pleased to assist Lesleylu Spencer and her crew in facilitating
the rehab of this building. The revitalization of the waterfront area has
been a pet project of mine since coming into office.
Veronica: So this was not a political favor for a large contributor to your
campaign?
AJ: (with a practiced smile) Ms Bowles, My campaign finance is an open book.
I suggest you examine it more carefully. Neither the Cassadines nor the
Spencers contribute to my political aspirations. My wife's brother brought
this project to my attention. The timing was perfect. I'm also happy to
support the economic boom that construction in this area has brought to Port
Charles.
Veronica: (disappointed at not getting the dirt, ends the interview ) Thank
you, Mr Mayor.
The conversation is noticed by Laura and Alexis who sit away from the dance
floor.
Alexis:(annoyed) How DID that witch get in here?
Laura: (shortly) Press pass. I'm biting my tongue. Lu wants to give her
crew some public recognition but the media's pass expire in about 30 minutes
so that everyone can relax and have a good time.
Alexis: AJ will probably be out of here about the same time.
Laura: I don't know since most of the Quartermaines are here. Brooke was
on the phone to Ned and Lois earlier; she starts her tour tomorrow. By the
way, where's Stone?
Alexis: He took one look at the press and headed up to Cari's place.
(looking around) I think all the kids are up there. I don't see Staci or
AR either.
Laura: It would be too easy for Staci to blow her cover here. If one
person from the club recognized her she'd be back to Cassadine basic black.
Alexis: Having all the cops here might be taking too much of a chance.
Laura: Not that many cops really, just Alex and Keesha. They're tight with
Georgie and the Scorpios.
Alexis: I asked Maxie to consider signing on as Stone's tutor. If worse
turns to worst, then she can work with Staci too; Staci could quit living a
double life.
Laura: ( frowning distracted) Who's over there with Jason and Robin?
Alexis: (looking over in Jason's direction) That's Mark. He works with
Jason. I think he's the security going with Brooke on tour.
The Morgans
Jason: (disgusted) Having Dylan meet my plane made my day.
Mark: Sorry about that, my babysitter fell through. Leaving tomorrow, I
need to get someone fast.
Robin: Adam can stay with us. It isn't a problem; in fact, I'd prefer it.
Jason: So would I. This whole thing is primed to blow up in our face. I'd
just as soon have the kids where I can keep an eye on them.
Mark: (sighing in relief) That would be great for me. For you guys, I don't
know. What is the old saying "one boy, one brain/ two boys, half a brain?"
Robin: (Laughing) One of the benefits of having a house husband, trouble is
quickly dealt with. I don't know. Maybe it's the deep voice; there must be
some intimidation factor there. Have you met Brooke yet?
Mark: (shaking his head) Not formally. I've heard her at the club. (Robin
waves Brooke over)
Brooke: Hi, what's up?
Robin: Brooke, this is Mark.
Jason: He's going on tour with you tomorrow to provide security.
Brooke: (protesting) This is so unnecessary!
Jason: (firmly) Your mother agreed; he goes.
Mark: Ms. Ashton, you'll hardly know I'm there. I'm a huge fan of your work.
Brooke: Call me Brooke. I didn't mean any offense. Look-- why don't we go
dance and get acquainted?
Mark: (looking over at Jason who nods) Love to.
Stefan and Nik
Nik: (rising from his seat) What does she think she's doing?
Stefan: Dancing. Be careful Nikolas, the press is still here. It would be
unwise to draw attention to her.
Nik: (Sitting back down.) This is insane! We'll be an armed camp in two
days and everyone is partying like nothing is going on.
Stefan: Which upsets you more? Brooke dancing with that friend of Jason's
or Gina dancing with Jerry?
Nik:(not answering) And why are the press here? Isn't that Veronica Bowles
over by the door?
Stefan: Yes, but they will be leaving soon. She shouldn't be here at all.
The invitation was for the society columnist of the Herald. She must be a
recent hire. Lu wants to give some press to the architect and the crew now
that the project is complete.
Nik: I thought she was going to do another?
Stefan: Hopefully, More than one. This is much more appropriate than her
working in the club.
Nik: (amused) Starting to arrange her life now? Should I warn her?
Stefan: Lesleylu knows my preference. (He observes Lu refuse Dylan's request
to dance) And not only where her work is concerned. I believe I owe your
mother a dance. Excuse me, Nikolas. (Stefan walks over to the table where
Laura and Alexis are sitting. He offers his hand to her. Catching the DJ's
eye he nods and a slow romantic tune begins to play)
Laura: (with a slow smile) You're so good at that.
Stefan: Something Brooke taught me.
Laura: (nuzzling up against his neck) I guess there's life in the old dog yet.
Stefan: (drawing back slightly) Old Dog?
Laura: As in not too old to learn new tricks. (She offers him a slow
lingering kiss that has him flushed) How long do we have to stay?
Stefan: (amused) Are you trying to seduce me, Lasha?
Laura: ( tracing the line of his neck and jaw with the tip of her fingers)
Just thinking that everyone is here and absolutely nobody back on the
island. Tomorrow the house will be packed to the rafters but tonight...
Stefan: (decisively) Let's give our congratulations to Lesleylu and be on
our way. (They wait as Lu says her farewells to the press. As the last one
leaves, they make their way over.) It's beautiful, Angel you did a
wonderful job. (Giving her a hug, he kisses her on both cheeks) Your
mother and I are going back to the island. When can we expect you tomorrow?
Lu: (embracing her mother) I don't have to work; it should be in the
morning. I'll call if I'm running too late. I want to make sure that
Brooke takes off okay.
Laura: I'm not planning on watching the clock, Baby. I'm so proud of you.
Not that it's so beautiful-- although it is. But the way you got it done.
You've grown into a capable woman.
Lu: (emotionally I'm gonna start balling here soon... Thanks Mom, it means a
lot to hear it from both of you.
On the dance floor. Jerry speaks to Gina.
Jerry: I'm sorry I was called out of town. I'm really hoping you won't hold
it against me and still have dinner?
Gina: I'd like that.
Jerry : How about tomorrow?
Gina: I have my daughter tomorrow. She and I don't spend enough time
together as it is. In fact I was hoping that she would be spending the night
tonight. Maybe next week?
Jerry: I'm not going to let you get away this time. I still have your card
so I'll give you a call and will firm up the day.
Gina: (smiling at his persistence) I look forward to it. I should get
Staci. I think she's up in your apartment with Cari and the other kids.
Jerry: (offering her his arm gallantly) Allow me to escort you, milady.
Up in the Jacks apartment, Billy is regaling the kids with the stories of
his travels.
AR: So you were in Northern Africa?
Billy: Sounds exotic doesn't it? The Jacks have a compound in Tunisia.
That's where I ran into Jerry and Georgie and received the invitation to
come to Port Charles.
Cari: She didn't seem to know who you were?
Billy: Well, We didn't exchange all that much of our histories and I didn't
want to put a crimp in the old man's love life by telling his girlfriend
that he had a son older than she.
Cari: YOU DIDN'T. Tell me you didn't make an ass of yourself with Georgie?
Billy: Afraid I can't. What was I suppose to think-- a rich older man with
a gorgeous pocket sized blonde?
AR: (roaring with laughter) And I bet Georgie gave you just what you expected!
Billy: (ruefully) I think she relished it.
Cari: Oh man! She's the first friend I made here. I hope you didn't tick
her off too much.
Stone: (protectively) Georgie's been through so much in the last few months.
I bet finding out you were a reporter was the icing on the cake.
Billy: She was rather put off by that. What's the story there? She kept
comparing me to a Veronica Bowles?
Staci: (wincing) You are really on her hit list. That is about the same as
comparing you to something that slithered from a swamp.
Stone: I couldn't believe it when I walked in and saw Bowles here. I
thought Mom was going to go ballistic. She won't be happy until Bowles is
crawling back into that swamp. (Gina and Jerry enter the apartment)
Staci: Hi Mom.
Gina: Hey Baby. I was hoping that you might want to cut out so that we can
get an early start tomorrow.
Staci: That'll be great. (She rises grabbing her coat) I'll see you guys
all later. It was nice to meet you, William (Gina and Staci leave)
Jerry: So how's everyone getting along?
Cari: Billy was just telling us how he thought that Georgie was your
girlfriend and how she compared him to Veronica Bowles.
Jerry: (frowning and a bit concerned) And she is still slightly ticked at
me for not letting her in about William. The press has left so if you want
to go downstairs and have a good time; now is the time. I hoped that
Georgie would be back by now.
AR: You don't think that she'd do anything crazy do you?
Stone: (relaying good news) Mom told me that Saunders has been transferred
to prison.
Jerry : Well that's a relief. Maybe things will get back to normal again.
Billy: ( in an aside to Cari) You're going to have to fill me in on all the
players. I still feel like I'm dancing through a mine field here. (Everyone
goes back downstairs where Georgie has just arrived and is wearing a dressed
to thrill outfit. Jerry ends up standing next to Nik.)
Jerry: I think I recognize that outfit.
Nik: So are you going to intervene a little earlier this time?
Jerry: Nope. She's irked at me right now. It might be better this time
coming from you. Just keep her away from the tequila and sharp objects.
Nik: Thanks! (Walking over to Georgie, he asks her to dance as they move
off on to the dance floor he speaks) You just missed your parents and the
Garcias.
Georgie: I'll call them tomorrow. I was busy unpacking.
Nik: So what did you do that has Jerry running scared?
Georgie: (rolling her eyes) It starts all ready? What I did? How about
what he and his son did?
Nik:( nodding with understanding) Ah-- so you met William.
Lu and Brooke have joined Jason, Robin and Mark at the door.
Jason: It looks good, Lu. Let me know if you need someone to fill the
security contract here at least until the trouble is over.
Lu:(nodding) Daddy has it covered for now.
Robin: Sorry to cut out so early but we want to get Mark's son over to the
house before he takes off with Brooke in the morning.
Mark: Where do you want to meet? Here or at the apartment?
Brooke: Here would be easier, I think. About 4am okay? (Mark nods then
everyone exchanges goodbyes and leave Lu and Brooke standing by the doorway)
Lu: Here would be easier? Since when? All of your stuff is over at the
apartment!
Brooke: I moved most of my music to the studio upstairs. Everything but my
last minute stuff is already on the bus. And my last minute stuff is
upstairs. It would be easier to crash here and the bus will have an easier
time in this parking lot than the parking structure of the apartment.
Lu: True. And I suppose it has nothing to do with Staci spending the night
with Gina or that the folks have already gone to back to the island?
(Brooke grins) Okay. You know, I haven't danced with Nik all night.
Brooke: Thanks. I think I am going to head up stairs and try to catch a
nap before I have to leave.
Lu: What are roommates for? (She sees Billy and flags him down.) I need to
borrow you for a sec. How'd you feel about dancing with me? (Billy offers
her his hand. Once on the dance floor Lu bumps into Nik and Georgie on
purpose and arranges for them to change partners so that she's dancing with
Nik.) So... Brooke's going to spend the night here. She says the tour bus
will have an easier time with this parking lot. Since they're leaving so
early in the morning, she thought that she had better get a nap before the
bus shows up at 4am. If it were me, I'd just stay up until then and sleep
on the bus.
Nik: Playing matchmaker, Lu?
Lu: Relaying information. What you do with it is your business.
Nik: You're beginning to sound like Stefan.
Lu: Ouch. The door is keyed to my birthday. I'll have to change that
eventually but there's no hurry with me moving back to the island tomorrow
and Brooke being out on the road.
Nik: (changing the subject) Have you talked to Georgie since she got back?
(Lu shakes her head) Setting her up to dance with William might have been a
mistake. There was evidently a ... misunderstanding while she was on vacation.
Georgie: (slightly disgusted and in a cold voice) Well that was a nice
little set up.
Billy: I think that Lu needed to talk to her brother. Do you think we
could call a truce?
Georgie: (sarcastically) I didn't know that we were at war?
Billy: (ruefully) Not a declared one anyway. I've been talking to Cari; she
told me how kind you've been to her.
Georgie: She's easy to be kind to. I feel a little bit warm; can we get
something to drink? (without waiting for his reply, she walks off the floor
over to the refreshment area. He follows)
Billy: (surveying the bar) What's your poison?
Georgie: Tequila.
Lucky: Hitting the hard stuff already? Should I join you or just wait for
the football team to show up?
Georgie: By all means join me! Do you two know each other? Lucky Spencer,
this is Cari's brother William Onassis. (Cari walks up)
Lucky: Babe, you didn't tell me you had a brother? Why isn't he teaching
you how to drive?
Cari: He doesn't have a Caddy. I may never drive anything else.
Lucky: (teasing) Cupboard love. All you want is my car.
Billy: Actually this is the first time that Cari and I have been in the
same room. We've a lot of catching up to do.
Lucky: Does that mean the driving is off for tomorrow?
Cari: No way. You don't get going until late anyway.
Billy: I'm afraid that I won't be able to last much longer...jetlag.
Cari: Do you count as a first guest if you're family? Come on-- I'll show
you where everything is upstairs. Lucky, usual time, man!
Lucky: (with a quick grin) See you then.
Georgie: That is it! She isn't hanging out with you anymore. She's
already beginning to talk like you. I thought Jerry was going to have a
stroke when she was talking about stuffing unconscious men in the trunk of
the Caddy.
