Chapters 65 & 66
Chapter 65: Tension
The cops are wrapping up their investigation of Kelly's Diner. Carly stands off to the side, tears silently rolling down her face, unheeded. Jason jogs up. "Carly."
Carly throws herself at him. "Oh, Jason! It's awful! The whole place is destroyed, What am I going to do?"
Jason hugs her for a minute before disentangling himself. "What happened?"
"All I know is... I was driving by on my way home from work when I saw the cops out front with their lights flashing." Carly fights back the tears. "This place was going to be security for AR and me. Now it's a disaster!"
"We don't know that yet," He says in an attempt to calm her down. "Do you have any idea who did this? Has there been anyone hassling the diner?"
Alex Garcia interrupts their conversation. "Morgan, interesting that you would show up."
Jason shakes his head while Carly defends him. "Excuse me Commissioner, but he's here because I needed a friend, okay? You have no right insinuating that he had anything to do with this."
Alex and Jason stand toe to toe as Alex says sarcastically. "Oh, I'm sure he didn't do it himself. You do have an alibi, don't you, Mr Morgan?"
Jason glares at Alex intensely. "You'd love to pin this on me, wouldn't you? I've replaced Sonny Corinthos as the PCPD's whipping boy."
Carly steps between them. "Stop it, both of you. Commissioner, Jason had nothing to do with this. You know that."
"Fine." Alex stands back. "You delude yourself. My squad and I will be leaving, Miss Roberts. If you have any questions or if you come across any information, please contact us. Good night."
Jason's crosses his arms and looks at Carly. "You never answered my question. Has anyone been hassling the diner?"
Carly shakes her head. "Not really. The manager I hired said she was having some trouble with some neighborhood boys... but that's it."
Jason's face gets stony. "Gangs."
Carly and Jason walk into Kelly's. She starts to pick up, righting the few chairs that aren't broken. She cuts her hand on a piece of glass. "Ouch! Gangs? You really think so?"
"Let's bandage that up." Jason locates the first aid kit behind counter, one of the few things left undisturbed. Carly sits on one of the slashed stools, offering her hand to Jason. By rote, he dons some gloves, finds some tweezers, and pulls out a piece of glass. "There's been more gang activity in the last couple months. The rival mobs are shipping in fresh blood to make my life difficult."
"But why Kelly's? It has nothing to do with you."
"They don't limit themselves to harrassing my people." Jason wraps her hand. "Let's get out of here. I'll call in a cleaning crew to handle this. Tomorrow afternoon you can come by and take a closer look at the damage."
"Thanks, Jason." Carly smiles gratefully. "I really appreciate you coming out in the middle of the night. You're a regular white knight, you know that? I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have you as friend."
"You'd manage. That's one of the things I like about you." Jason puts his arm around her shoulder. "Let's get out of here."
An exhausted Laura enters her dark home. She turns on the light in the living room to find Lucky sitting up, waiting for her. "Lucky!"
"Where the hell have you been?" Lucky demands. "You should have been home hours ago! How can a simple shopping trip in New York City land you home at 3 am?"
Laura removes her sweater, hanging it in the closet. "I don't have the energy for an argument, Lucky. We'll talk about it in the morning." She starts to climb the steps up to her room.
"Did you sleep with him?" Lucky bites out.
Laura stops dead. "WHAT?" She descends the stairs to face Lucky. "What did you just say?" Her eyes blaze with anger despite her exhaustion.
Lucky glares back at her. "You heard me. I said, 'did you sleep with him'. A simple yes or no question."
Laura slaps him forcefully, leaving a large palmprint in his cheek. "How DARE you?! You have NO right to judge me like this. For your information, I've spent the last three hours grieving at your father's grave! You have no idea what it's like for me. Get out of my sight!"
"God, I'm sorry Mom! I just thought..." Lucky reaches out to his mother, but she wrenches out his reach.
Laura's eyes continue to blaze even though they are filled with tears. "I said get out of my sight! I can't stand to look at you a moment longer!"
"I'm sorry." He chokes out as he runs upstairs.
Jason paces Carly's apartment barking out orders over the phone while she makes coffee. "I want the place cleaned by noon. Hire extra hands if you have to. Good." He dials another number. "Larry, It's me. Do you think I'd call you at this hour if it weren't important? I want you out on the streets first thing to find out who trashed Kelly's. Exactly, that's why it's so important. I expect a full report by the end of the day. We'll meet at the usual place. Bye." Jason looks up.
Carly smiles. "Thanks for doing all this for me, Jason. Are you sure you want coffee? If you left right now you could probably get a couple hours sleep."
"Yeah give me the strongest stuff you got, I won't be going back to sleep. Too wired." Jason removes his leather jacket and sits on the couch. "And I'm doing this as much for me as you. These punks are invading my territory, and they've gone too far. Time to nip it in the bud."
Carly brings over two mugs of hot coffee, setting one in front of Jason. "Still, you didn't have to get your guys to clean up the place."
Jason smiles, sipping the hot coffee.."Wouldn't want you to get cut again. Besides, they'd just be sitting around on their hands while I pay them; they might as well be working."
"It's still so hard to believe, you know?" She puts down her mug to let it cool. "Heck, two months ago, I couldn't believe I owned the place. Now... I can't believe my dream's been trashed. I was really looking forward to moving in there next week. Now it's not safe to."
"Don't let this stop you; you just need better security and I can help you set it up. Better locks, tougher glass, more sophisticated alarm system. And around the clock presence at the diner."
"You think I can still do it?" Carly ponders his statement. "No, I can't afford to hire someone to be there around the clock. AR and I aren't starving, but we aren't rolling in money either."
Jason drains his cup before answering. "I can find a guy for you if you can provide him room and board."
Carly is surprised. "You'd do that for me? Really?"
He shrugs. "Sure. Your part of the deal is you don't ask about his work. Got it?"
"Deal." She hugs him impulsively. "Thanks so much, Jason. You have no idea what this means to me!"
Saturday morning, 9am at the Brownstone, Bobbie runs for the ringing phone. "Hello?"
"Hi Bobbie, it's me." Carly bites her lip and closes her eyes. This is going to be harder than she thought.
Bobbie sounds a bit surprised. "Carly, you just missed Tony and AR. They're on their way over."
"That's not why I called..." Carly gulps. "It's Kelly's; there's been a breakin."
Bobbie sits down quickly. "Oh my God. When? Was anyone hurt?"
"No, no one was there, but the whole place was destroyed. Jason thinks it might be gang related."
Bobbie's eyes bug out. "Oh, no! Oh Carly, you and AR can't move in now. Maybe it'd be best if we sold the diner..."
"I'm still planning on moving in." Carly say, cutting her off. "I've talked it over with Jason and he thinks he can help me make it safe for us to live there."
"Carly, you can't seriously be considering moving in now?! What happens if there's another breakin?"
"I can take care of myself and my son," Carly says with determination. "We'll be fine."
"No, there's no way I'm going to allow it." Bobbie says adamantly. "If you won't look out for AR and yourself, then I will. Don't forget that I'm the one who's responsible for the diner."
Carly blows her stack. "No, you won't ruin this for me! I won't let you. I want this diner, you know that! And don't pretend like you really care what happens to me. If you did you wouldn't have given me up when I was a baby! I've survived this long without you, I don't need you now."
"Oh, we're back to that, are we?" Bobbie shoots back, trying not to let Carly's words sting. "Are you going to throw that at me every time things don't go your way? Well it's old and tired, and so am I. There are some things more important than your precious little ego, one of them is your son."
Carly rolls her eyes. "Oh, so now Saint Bobbie, the best mother in the world is going to tell me how I'm a bad mother? Oh Please! I've had enough of your sanctimonious attitude. I'm moving in; try and stop me!" Carly slams down the phone.
Lucky, having gotten up at the crack of dawn to avoid his mother who's still asleep, arrives at the Quartermaine residence in time for morning croissants. Edward greets him grumpily. "Morning Spencer. What are you doing here so blasted early?"
"Now, Mr. Q, that's no way to treat your guests," Lois scolds.
Lucky swaggers over to the breakfast feast and helps himself to three croissants. "Morning Edward, Lois. Where's everyone else?"
"Well, well, Lucky Spencer." Tracy quips as she breezes in. "Are you here early to sniff around Emily? Or is your pitiful little mother too distraught over losing your father to make you a decent breakfast?"
"Tracy, put a sock in it!" Lois bellows. "Man, I'm glad I don't live here."
Lucky devours two of the croissants in no time, ignoring Tracy's barb. "Lois, Ned put on a great concert last night. Any time he wants to put on a concert in Port Charles, just let me know."
"Thanks, Lucky." Lois gives him a warm hug. "Nedly and I are leaving after breakfast, so take care of yourself, 'kay? And look us up if you end up in near Bensonhurst."
Lucky squeezes her back. "Sure will Lois, thanks."
"Oh, sentimental goodbyes! Makes me want to toss my breakfast." Tracy stalks out of the room.
"What's wrong with her?" Lucky asks.
Lois waves her outrageously long fingernails in the direction of Tracy's dramatic exit. "Aw, Mother Ashton is still sore that Nedly and I manuevered her into sending Dylan to a school near us. In fact, we did such a good job, Dylan's leaving with us this morning."
Emily comes in wearing a miniskirt and halter top combo. "Hey, what's wrong with Tracy? She practically knocked me off the steps." She looks surprised to see Lucky. "Oh hi, Lucky. I didn't know you were here." She looks at him nervously, flushing pink under his hot stare. She silently prays no one else notices.
Lois does and winks at Emily. "Hiya kiddo. Nedly and I are leaving after breakfast, so I guess this is goodbye." She embraces Emily as they say their goodbyes. She whispers before leaving, "I think he's interested, Em. Good luck!"
As the rest of the family filters in and says their goodbyes to Lois, Edward shoos Emily and Lucky outside. "It's too nice a day to be inside, kids. Go on, get out of here."
A moment later, Emily and Lucky stand awkwardly on the terrace avoiding eye contact. "Hey, why don't we walk down to the boathouse and stick our feet in the water?" Emily suggests.
"Yea, sure." Lucky replies. They walk in an uneasy silence to the boathouse. Once there, they take off their shoes and dip their feet in the cold water. Emily can't stand the quiet any longer. "Maybe this was a bad idea."
Lucky scoots over so he's touching her thigh with his; a jolt of electricity passes between them. "I don't think so." Lucky whispers, his lips just inches from hers.
Emily looks down, overwhelmed by the longing. "We might be seen."
His hand covers hers, but he makes no other move. "What do you want to do about it?"
Emily looks away, studying the water like it's the most fascinating thing in the world. Several minutes pass before she says in a tiny whisper. "I want to kiss you."
Lucky needs no further encouragement. His mouth devours hers hungrily, revelling in the taste of her. He trails kisses down her to the base of her neck, causing her to gasp with pleasure. Meanwhile she kisses him back with equal passion, running her hands through his hair. "God, Em!" He says as he pulls away to catch his breath. "Keep kissing me like that, and I can't promise I'll be a gentleman."
Emily throws her head back and laughs. "Oh, Lucky! You're so good for my ego."
"I meant it!" Lucky protests. "Don't tell me you didn't feel the same way. I know you did."
Emily grows serious suddenly. "Of course I did." She turns to look at the water again. "What would you think if I told you I wanted you to touch me?"
Lucky takes several gulps of air before answering, "I'd be speechless... you sure?" Lucky watches Emily gracefully lower herself into the water.
She looks at him steadily as she treads water. "Yes. I trust you Lucky, more than I've ever trusted anyone." She stops short of telling him the truth, that she's falling for him, head over heels.
Lucky pulls off his teeshirt and slides into the water to join her, not believing the gift she's given. "You won't regret it, Em. I promise. I care so much for you, that won't ever change." They swim to the shallow part of the lake, where they can stand while still being covered with water.
Emily approaches him, planting drugging kisses on his neck and face. "Kiss me, Lucky. Please." Her hands explore his chest and back, kneeding his muscles. "Please."
He complies, allowing his hands to roam freely over her body for the first time, enjoying how she feels, how incredible it is to touch her like this. He pauses at the knot of her halter top. "Can I?"
Emily smiles at him happily. "Oh yes, Lucky, yes."
Chapter 66: Luckster
Emily lies on her bed staring at the ceiling; her day with Lucky had been perfect. Every time she thinks about Lucky, her heart feels like it will burst. So much had changed between them in a period of a few hours, it scares her. She knows she needs someone to talk to. Her hand hesitates before picking up the phone and dialing a number from memory. Her brow furrows with anxiety as the phone rings, suddenly changing to relief when her call is answered. "Lois, hi!"
"Hey, Em!" Emily could practically hear Lois smile into the phone. "This sure is a surprise! What's up? Wait... let me guess. Lucky."
Emily blushes in spite of herself. "Am I that obvious?"
"No, honey. Just to me. So tell me.. what happened after I left this morning?"
"Oh, Lois! Lucky is soooo wonderful!" Emily flops back on the bed. "Is it possible to fall in love with someone this fast?"
"Yes, when you've known him as long as you have. Dish, girlfriend. Was he a gentleman?"
"Yes..." Emily smiles dreamily as she recounts how they kissed for an eternity in the lake and how tender he was with her. Finally she ended with. "I just don't know what to do, Lois."
"Do about what, honey?" Lois asks, then quickly realizes what Emily means. "You mean about making love?"
"Yes." Is Emily's only reply, too embarrassed to elaborate.
Lois pauses for a moment before continuing. "Ya know, if Nedly ever heard me discussing this with you it would probably be the end of our marriage; you know how protective he is of you, you're like the little sister he always wanted.."
"Please, Lois." Emily begs. "You're the only one I can talk to about this."
"Okay, hon. I'll be honest with you. I think you're getting way ahead of yourself. Making love is a huge step. You and Lucky are just starting to explore your feelings for one another. Heck, you're busy exploring what's it's like to have passionate feelings. Don't rush yourself. Take your time. Be 100% sure it's what you BOTH want. And no matter what, have protection."
"You're right..." Emily bites her lip in anxiety, still clearly torn.
Lois frowns with concern. "Is he pressuring you, honey? Because if he is..."
"No! He isn't. In fact, he was the one to pull back today. I know he wants to, but he respects me." Emily hugs herself, continuing to gush. "I feel like I'm the most important person to him when we're together. I want to show him how much I love him."
Lucky sits at the kitchen table eating a sandwich while absently listening to Lulu. Her legs swing back and forth under the chair as she chatters away about her day with Aunt Bobbie and AR.. "I want to have a little brother just like AR. He's so cute; Aunt Bobbie let me feed him lunch!"
Lucky takes a large gulp of milk after finishing his sandwich. "Sounds like fun, Lu."
Lulu looks at him hopefully. "Lucky, can we go to the park now? I want to feed the ducks."
Lucky gets up from the table to put his empty plate and glass in the sink. "Sorry, I can't. I have to be at work in an hour."
Lulu's lower lips juts out in a prominent pout. "But you promised!"
"I said I can't!" Lucky snaps, then immediately feels guilty. "I'm sorry, Lulu. But I have to work. Next week some time, I promise."
"You're no fun anymore, Lucky!" She slides off her chair and stamps out of the kitchen in a huff.
A moment later, Laura walks into the kitchen, looking at Lucky quizzically. "What happened between you and Lulu? She seemed pretty steamed."
Lucky walks past without looking at her as he heads for the door. "I couldn't take her to the park. I have to work tonight."
Laura frowns with displeasure. "I know you have to work long hours, but she depends on seeing you on the weekends. Did you have to let her down? She's been waiting around all day for you."
"I'll talk to you about this later, okay?" Lucky say impatiently. "I don't have time to fight with you, I have to get to the club."
"No!" Laura replies. "We will discuss this NOW. You disappeared at the crack of dawn this morning so you wouldn't have to face me. Do you really think I'd let what happened last night just pass without comment?"
He turns around to face her, his voice sarcastic. "You made it perfectly clear last night you didn't want to see me... so I made myself scarce. I apologized for what I said but it wasn't enough. Nothing I do is ever enough."
"That's not true and you know it, Lucky." Laura says, her eyes showing the hurt she feels. "I've done everything I can to lighten your load here at home. I've said over and over how proud I am of the job you're doing with the club. But your relationship with us is suffering. Whenever you're home, you grunt at us in monosyllables. I can understand it, but Lulu can't. She's still so fragile with your father's death. She needs to know she can count on you."
Lucky gets defensive. "Lulu knows she can count on me! She's doing fine. If she weren't, you wouldn't have left her with Aunt Bobbie last night so you could go have fun. Well, I'm entitled to have some fun too, aren't I?"
"Yes, of course you are, honey. But Lulu needs attention... your attention. She misses you."
"I promised her I'd spend time with her this week and I will. If that isn't enough for you, I'm sorry. I have to get to the club." Lucky slams out of the kitchen without saying goodbye.
Laura drops into a chair at the table and shakes her head unhappily. "What am I going to do with him, Luke?"
Several hours later at the club, Lucky watches a local blues group play on stage. The crowd is moderate in size, but small for a Saturday night. Mike is tending bar when the phone rings. "Luke's... yeah, he's right here. Hold on." Mike waves Lucky over, whispering so only he can hear. "It's Benny."
"I'll take it in back." Lucky heads for the office, picking up the phone after the door is closed. "Hey, man. What have you got for me?"
"I've got some information you will find interesting. Did you know that Cassandra's Corbin's mother, Melanie, was a Greek citizen?"
"Really?" Lucky looks thoughtful. "I knew that Mike was Greek, but I didn't know Melanie was... maybe the Cassadines have something to do with Melanie. Were you able to find out anything else?"
"No." Benny rubs his bloodshot eyes, lifting the bridge of his eyeglasses up as he does so. "All of the Greek records--births, marriages, deaths, family lineage up until 15 years ago are on microfiche in Athens. The only way to get to it is to go there in person. But the good thing is the Greeks are known for meticulous record keeping." He tells Lucky how to go about doing research in Greece.
Lucky furiously writes the information on the back of an envelope. "It isn't much, but it's a start. Anything else on Cassidy? Anything linking her to the Cassadine?"
"Nothing specific." Benny replies as he leans back in his chair. "But it's curious that as soon as she comes out of hiding she goes to work for one of the most powerful families in the world. Maybe she bought some protection."
"More likely they found out about her situation and made her an offer she couldn't refuse." Lucky sighs. "Either way, I want to see what I can dig up in Greece on Cassidy, Mike, and Melanie. I got this weird feeling when I saw Cassidy with Nikolas. Like there was more going on than just two people meeting for the first time. Almost like.... nah, it couldn't be."
"Good luck, Spencer. Let me know what you find out."
As if on schedule, pebbles rain on Emily's window in the middle of the night. She lets Lucky in and they return to her bedroom after raiding the freezer for ice cream. Emily feeds Lucky some ice cream as she comments, "I didn't expect to see you tonight. I thought we had plans for tomorrow afternoon."
"Some urgent business came up and I have to cancel. I'm going out of town." Lucky accepts another bite of ice cream. "I'm sorry, Em. I really wanted to."
"No big deal." Emily tries to act nonchalant, but fails. Unable to hide the disappointment on her face, she gets up and turns her back to him, making a show of picking a CD to put in her stereo. "
But Lucky isn't fooled. He comes up behind her and strokes her hair tenderly. "Yeah, it is. I wish I didn't have to go."
She doesn't turn around right away, but her eyes close in response to his caress. "So when do you leave? Tomorrow?"
"Yeah, tomorrow afternoon. If there was any way to put this off, I would." Emily turns to face him, her eyes cast down in embarrassment. Lucky pulls her close, burying his face in her long brown hair. He breathes in the clean sweet smell. "God, you smell good. All I think about when we're apart is how you feel in my arms... incredible." Unable to resist any longer, he lifts her chin to kiss her mouth. Within moments, they are both lost in the feel of each other. The melting ice cream sits forgotten on the bed.
