Chapters 23 & 24

Chapter 23 Spring Is In The Air

"How about I make you dinner at my place?" Tom suggests, pacing back and forth in his Brownstone apartment as he talks on the phone. "That way we can have some much needed privacy."

On the other end, Alexis bites her lip and flips through her desktop Rolodex. "I have a late afternoon appointment with Justus to discuss some business, I won't be able to make it until later... And I have to arrange a sitter for Stone..."

Tom grimaces at the complications in her schedule. "A late night dinner could be fun... how about you call me in a few hours and let me know if and when you can make it? That should give you enough time to sort out the details."

"It should..." Alexis lowers her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "I DO want to see you... I just have to figure out the particulars."

Tom slowly cracks a smile. "Good, because I want to see you too. In fact, waiting is sheer torture."

Tail end of lunchtime at Kelly's Diner. Carly is loading up the cookie jar with large chocolate chip cookies while Emily works the tables. Benny sits at the counter polishing off a sandwich and sipping milk.

"Hey there, LIttle Lady. Can I have one of those chocolate chip cookies?" Benny asks in a fake southern drawl. "They look mighty tasty."

Carly smirks at him over her shoulder before placing an extra large cookie in front of him and leaning over the counter so her lips are with in a few inches of his. "Sure thing, Sugar," Carly replies with deep southern accent. "Anything for a handsome young stud like you."

Emily comes up behind the counter to grab a pastry for one of the customers. "You two never stop flirting, do you?" She teases. "Someone could get a toothache just listening to you."

"Nah.. only if they eat too many of these cookies," Benny quips.

"You think my cookies are too sweet?" Carly stomps her feet in mock offense. "And all this time you lied about loving them!"

"If you two weren't such great pals, I'd have to hate you for being so happy." Emily rolls her eyes and laughs before returning to her duties.

Carly walks around the lunch counter and takes a stool next to Benny. "I hate this. I could kill Lucky."

"You could always tell her you got a call from him," Benny suggests, rubbing the knot of muscles in the back of her neck.

Carly shakes her head adamantly. "What? And see her wither before my eyes? I think the only thing that keeps her going is knowing he hasn't contacted anyone else in town. But I swear, each week that goes by and he doesn't contact her, the sadder she gets. I just hope he calls her if he decides to come back."

Benny downs his milk. "I wouldn't count on it. If I know one thing about most guys, when they REALLY screw up, they aren't so great at communicating. My guess is he'll avoid dealing with it until the last possible moment. And with Lucky basically being incommunicado for three months... you can pretty much bet that's what he'll do."

"It's just sad, you know? They had such a great thing going before he left. And Emily's about the most understanding girl I know..." Carly shakes her head again. "And he's just breaking her heart. I know he's messed up in the head right now, but it's not fair to put her through this."

PC Grille. Justus sits at a table for two, calmly nursing an ice tea when Alexis arrives, looking slightly frazzled. She smiles apologetically. "I'm sorry I'm a little late. Even when I budget extra time for Stone, I seem to end up running short of time."

"Not a problem," Justus replies graciously, waving down a waiter for her. "In fact, it was refreshing to have a few minutes to unwind. With all the crises at ELQ lately, I don't have much time for that anymore. So maybe I should be thanking you."

Alexis pauses briefly to place a drink order with the waiter, then turns back to Justus. "How is it going? I understand with Edward's stroke, you're basically running the whole operation by yourself."

"It's busy, but I can't complain. In fact, it is much more enjoyable now that Edward isn't hovering over my shoulder constantly second guessing my every decision..."

"...And with Ned out of your hair and in Bensonhurst, you're probably in seventh heaven," Alexis finishes for him. "Seems to me that you've taken over Ned's place with the family... mopping up crises and running the family business."

Justus leans back and laughs at her conclusion. "Well, I might be taking over some of his family obligations, but I REFUSE to take over the responsibility of running everyone's lives.. or more likely ruining them." Justus looks down at his drink in chagrin. "I'm sorry, I know you're good friends with him... I shouldn't have said that."

"It's okay, I'm well aware that Ned used extreme measures in his effort to help the family, and that it ended up backfiring a good part of the time." Alexis shrugs, for a moment lost in rememberance. "It is a hazard of family gate keeping that I'm well aware of. I almost lost Stefan and the rest of my family for good because of my overzealous interference. And I've learned my lesson."

A comfortable silence descends on their table as they both sip on their drinks. Justus reaches for his briefcase and pulls out a stack of files. "Here are files on the bulk of Jason's legitimate business investments. It also includes his most recent will. Once you've had a chance to look the files over, the three of us should meet and go over them, make sure everything's in order before the transfer is complete."

Alexis transfers the files to her briefcase. "It should take me a couple of days. I'll call you when I'm ready."

"I'm going to miss working as Jason's attorney... I have a lot of fond memories of that time of my life, before I went back to ELQ." Justus' face clouds slightly for a moment. "But given the fact that I'm so immersed in ELQ business, I don't have energy to devote to handling the little work Jason sends my way. And frankly, I'm tired of dodging barbs from Edward about it."

"I know what you mean. Working for Jason is like a breath of fresh air after a stint at ELQ. And while I enjoyed my brief time at ELQ, I much prefer the work with Jason..."

Justus eyes Alexis appreciatively as she continues on about how good Jason is with Stone and what a good friend he's become since Sonny died. He can't remember the last time he'd sat down and enjoyed a meeting this much. And the idea of going home to his empty home and eating dinner alone is positively depressing.

Suddenly Alexis stops. "You're staring at me. Is something wrong?"

Justus breaks his stare and sits up. "Forgive me, I was just remembering how great Jason was with Carly's little boy when he was first born. I can just imagine Jason is much the same way with Stone."

"He is wonderful, like an uncle... or a surrogate father. Stone needs that male influence."

"Would you like to have dinner with me?" Justus asks. "We could share stories about baby boys. I don't have one of my own, but I dote on Keesha's boy, Bradley..."

"I'm sorry, I can't," Alexis looks at her watch fretfully. "In fact, I have dinner plans that I'm in danger of being late for. I lost track of time..." She stands up and gathers her things.

Justus rises with her and helps her with her coat and extends his hand for handshake. When she places her hand in his, he feels an unexpected jolt of sexual awareness. How delicate yet strong her hand is in his much larger one. "It's been nice to see you, Alexis. Let's do it again soon."

Alexis, too, is startled by the handshake... by the warm strength of his hand. She lets her hand linger in his for a moment longer than necessary. "I'll.. I'll call you in a few days and set up that meeting with Jason. Have a good evening." She hurries off, wondering why she's suddenly attracted to every man she meets.

As soon the door closes after Alexis enters Tom's apartment, they can't keep their hands or their mouths off each other. "Hi... did you have a nice day?" Alexis asks when she comes up for air, her hands frantically pulling at the buttons of his shirt as her mouth trails down his neck.

Tom buries his hands in her hair and pulls her face back to his for long deep kiss before answering. "Great... now. I can't tell you how long I've wanted to do this.. to really kiss you. To..."

"Do... we..." Alexis struggles to get the words out as Tom ravishes her neck and unbuttons her blouse for better access. "have... to.. eat... first?"

Tom gives a breathy chuckle at her question, then groans when her teeth graze his now bare chest. "No...dinner will have to wait." He grabs one of her hands and pulls her into his bedroom. "I want to make love to you... now."

"We've waited much too long... make love to me." Alexis pulls his mouth down to hers for a hard demanding kiss. They sink to the bed, losing themselves in a fiery passion of lovemaking.

Much later, Tom props himself up on his elbow in bed and watches Alexis doze peacefully beside him. After their frantic lovemaking earlier in the night, they had settled down for dinner in bed followed by a leisurely exploration of each other. He can't remember a time he's enjoyed himself so much. She is so passionate... and beautiful. Everything about her created magic.

He reaches out a hand to brush a strand of hair out of her face and caress her cheek. His fingers linger almost of their own accord, trailing along the ridge of her cheekbone. He can't quite believe she's lying next to him now, he'd dreamed it enough in the last month, almost to the point of going crazy. Touching her somehow makes it seem more real.

Alexis stirs at his touch and opens her eyes sleepily. "Hi... you're still awake."

Tom slides down beside her and pulls her into his arms. "Only for a moment. Just enjoying watching you sleep, you're even more beautiful if that's possible."

Alexis nuzzles his neck half-heartedly and plants a short kiss at the base of his chin. "You're good for my ego. Tell me more."

"Hmmm, let me see..." Tom kisses on her forehead as he pretends to think. "How about .... you're the most incredible lover I've ever had?"

"A truly wonderful lie." Alexis snuggles closer to him still and wraps her arms around his waist. "It was pretty good though, wasn't it?"

"Pretty good?" Tom croaks, astonished. "You have to be kidding. It was mind-blowing... fantastic."

"Mmmmm," Alexis murmurs into his neck with a secretly pleased smile, her hands starting to roam along his body. "Show me again."

"I'd be happy to..." Tom captures her mouth in a searing kiss and pulls her on top of him. "I'd be happy to."

 

Chapter 24 Home Is Where The Heart Is

Morning time, Alexis wakes to find Sonny staring down at her with a loving smile on his face. "Good morning, Sweetheart. Sleep well?"

Alexis yawns, stretching her body out to it's full length. "Yes, I always do when I sleep with my husband. How about you?" She reaches out and traces a circular pattern in the hairs of his chest, a devilish smile on her face. "Did you sleep well last night?"

Sonny snags an arm around her waist and draws her against his chest, planting a hard kiss on Alexis' mouth. "Well, I would have if some sex crazed goddess hadn't attacked me last night. She kept claiming she was my wife and demanded to have her way with me."

Alexis struggles to keep from laughing out loud as she nibbles on Sonny's ear. "Oh dear. What did you do?"

"I figured I better give her what she wanted or I wouldn't get any peace." Sonny growls at the playful bite Alexis plants on his ear and rolls on top of her, pinning her hands above her head. "But now, I'm afraid, that goddess must pay the price."

Sonny ravages Alexis' mouth, neck and body with his lips and tongue, all the while keeping her hands pinned above her head and causing Alexis to arch against him helplessly as her desire for him builds. Finally she calls out, "Please, Sonny!"

Sonny pauses in his ravishing long enough to say, "Please what?"

"Please..." Alexis replies achingly.

Sonny smiles as he releases her hands. And as they join together as one, Sonny looks deep into her eyes and says, "You're mine and I'm yours, for always. My Wife."



Alexis awakens with a jolt, at first completely disoriented as to where she is. She isn't in her bed at home with Sonny, she's.... "Oh no.." she whispers brokenly. Beside her in bed is Tom, sound asleep. The memory of last night's events hit her all at once, along with an overwhelming horror at what she'd done. It didn't matter that Sonny was dead, she was still his wife... in her heart.

Alexis sits up, careful not to wake Tom. "I have to get out of here..." She mutters under her breath. Quickly and furtively, she gathers her clothes, which had been strewn carelessly all over the room last night. It seems to her that it takes an eternity to get her clothes on, and several tries to get her blouse buttoned right. Just as she's struggling with her pumps she hears Tom groan behind her.

He rises up on one elbow and looks at her bleary-eyed. "What... Where are you going, Alexis?"

Alexis stumbles into her shoes and runs her fingers through her hair once in an attempt to smooth it. "I can't stay here! This was a horrible mistake. I'm sorry... I have to go!"

At her words and the stricken look on her face, Tom immediately becomes fully awake and starts to get out of bed. "Wait a second! You can't leave like this, not when you're this upset." He tries to reach for her but she staggers out of his reach. He gives her a pleading look. "Sweetheart..."

"NO! Don't... Don't touch me! Don't call me Sweetheart, EVER!" Hearing the desperation in her voice, Alexis forces herself to calm down. "I have.. have to go. I'll be fine. Stone's babysitter was expecting me a while ago...I can't keep her waiting any longer." She grabs her purse off his dresser and heads for the door. "I'm.. I'm sorry. I just have to go. Please don't try and stop me."

She practically runs out of his apartment, leaving Tom kneeling on the bed, completely bewildered. "Damn, what the hell happened?"

Later in the morning, Emily exits the hospital elevator and sees Nikolas talking with Amy at the nurses station. With a smile on her face, Emily walks up to him and taps him on the shoulder. "Hey you!"

"Emily!" Nikolas gives her a warm hug. "This is a pleasant surprise. What brings you here? Visiting your parents?"

Emily shrugs noncommittally. "Well, sorta. I came to take advantage of the medical library here to look up some topics for class and later I'm having lunch with my dad. How about you? Oh wait, your mother hasn't had her baby already, has she?"

Nikolas shakes his head. "No, although it could be anytime. In fact, she was in here last week with false labor."

"It must be hard for your mom and the rest of the family not knowing where Lucky is," Emily replies sympathetically. "I know your mom's been hoping he'll be home before the baby's born."

Nikolas takes Emily's elbow and leads her away from the nurses station to the lounge. "Actually, there has been some news. Lucky is on his way back to Port Charles. He should be here in a day or two."

Emily is so stunned that she falters in her step. "What? You're kidding! He's on his way back? Did he talk to you or your mom?"

"No, he still hasn't spoken to anyone but LesleyLu. But we have it on good authority that he is on his way back to town. My best guess is he called our sister the day my mother was in the hospital, heard all about it, and made the decision to come home."

Emily sinks into the soft cushions of the lounge sectional couch, wide-eyed. "Wow, I can't believe it. He's coming home."

Nikolas rubs her back gently. "It's been pretty hard for you since he's been gone, hasn't it?"

Emily gulps sadly. "Yeah, at times. And it's been so long since I've seen him, I don't know how to feel about him coming home.. happy, sad, excited... scared? It's kind of surreal."

Nikolas strokes Emily's hair soothingly. "I imagine so. I'm sorry I haven't been much of a friend to you lately. I've been pretty self-absorbed. Maybe..."

"Nikolas! There you are." Gina says cheerfully as she approaches them with a pasted-on smile while shooting daggers at Emily. "Amy told me you were over here with Emily ... and here you are."

Emily returns the false smile and gets up to leave. "Oh hi, Gina. Listen, Nikolas. It's been great talking to you, but I better get back to studying. Maybe I can catch up with you later."

Nikolas watches Emily go before turning to Gina with a scowl. "You were purposefully rude to her."

Gina's eyes glitter with tears at his harsh tone. "I thought I was rather polite considering the fact that she was practically crying all over you to get your attention, and you sure were giving it."

"Gina..." Nikolas begins sharply, then reins in his temper when he sees the tears in her eyes. "You know she's a good friend of mine and my brother's ex-girlfriend. Just now I informed her of Lucky's return and she was a bit shaken up. I was merely lending a sympathetic ear."

"By stroking her hair?" As soon as the words are out, Gina regrets them. She bites her lip to force back the tears and stamps her foot in frustration. "God, what's wrong with me? You've been nothing short of wonderful since we've been married. And the first time I see you sitting with Emily, I act like a bitch."

Nikolas wraps his arms around her and uses his most soothing tone to calm her fears. "I love you and only you, Gina. You know that. You are carrying my child and there isn't a man happier on this earth, not even my uncle. Emily is merely a friend, not to mention she's madly in love with Lucky whether they are together or not. You have nothing to worry about."

Gina hugs Nikolas back fiercely. "I'm sorry. You didn't deserve it and neither did Emily. I'll apologize to her the next time I see her."

Stefan carefully leads a blindfolded Laura down a stone path surrounded by wild vegetation. "Is the secrecy really necessary?" Laura asks good-naturedly. "What could you have to show me on the island that I haven't already seen?"

"Be patient, Darling," Stefan admonishes gently as he holds onto her elbows to prevent any possible falls. "You will find out soon enough. Suffice it to say, you have not laid eyes on this, I have made sure of it."

Laura can't hide her curiosity. "Are you taking me to see the new launching docks you've been having built the last few month? Are they finally finished?"

Stefan stifles a smirk. "Your childlike impatience is quite endearing, but I will not spoil the surprise no matter how many questions you ask. Now watch your feet., we are coming to some steps." He assists her up the stone steps and into a clearing.

Stefan reaches behind Laura's head and removes the blindfold. What is revealed in the clearing is an attractive single story house surrounded by newly landscaped flower gardens. The house looks to be of modern design from the outside, with large bay window to let in plenty of sun.

Laura's mouth hangs open in amazement. "A house? But---"

Stefan beams at her triumphantly. "Yes, I misled you into thinking I was having a new launching dock constructed at this end of the island. How else was I to keep the surprise from your inquisitive eyes?" He teases gently. "Would you like to see the inside?"

Laura closes her mouths and gulps, overwhelmed by the magnitude of his surprise. "Yes, of course, but... I don't understand."

Stefan takes her hand and walks her through the flower gardens and up to the front door. "You have always considered Wyndemere to be rather inhospitable... in fact, I can remember you recently dubbing it gloomy. So when you agreed to marry me, I began drawing up plans for this house.... to be our new home when the baby arrives."

The home has an open floor plan, with the entryway opening up to the living room and dining room and kitchen... all open and airy with high vaulted ceilings. Large picture windows face the water, giving a gorgeous view of the lake while also allowing in plenty of light. It is a four bedroom design complete with a small studio and family room. The master bedroom has a nursery attached. Laura wanders from room to room as Stefan continues to explain. "Of course this home is not nearly as spacious as Wyndemere, but I reasoned that it would be to it's advantage. After all, it will only be for the four of us."

"It's beautiful, Stefan," Laura says breathlessly, her eyes glowing with delight. "There's so much light and spaciousness, but it's also cozy because it's smaller than Wyndemere. It's has a homey feel to it ... I absolutely love it."

The usually somber Stefan is practically bursting with pride and happiness. "I have refrained from acquiring any furnishings. I surmised that you would want to decide what belongs and what doesn't. It is meant to be your home, so you should be the one to decorate it."

"OUR home, not mine. OURS and our family's." Laura grabs his hand and pulls him toward her for a lingering kiss on the lips. "Thank you, Stefan. This is the best gift you could ever give me! A house that I can feel comfortable calling home. A place to put down roots and have a future." She looks around the home with happy satisfaction. "I can already imagine the sound of children's laughter here. And I can't WAIT to decorate and furnish it."

Alexis lays on the couch curled up in a ball listening to her phone ring without answering it. On the sixth ring, the answering machine picks up and after about a minute, Tom's voice comes on. "Alexis? Alexis? I know you're there, pick up." Alexis puts a pillow over her head to block out his voice. "Come on, I have to talk to you about what happened this morning.... Alexis? Damn it, you can be stubborn when you want to be. Please... just pick up the phone. We can't leave things like this.." There is a long pause as Tom waits for a response. "Okay, it's obvious by now that you're avoiding me because there's no way you could have missed the numerous messages and pages I've left since early this morning.... but I'm not giving up. I won't bug you anymore tonight, because I know you probably need time to think. But I WILL see you tomorrow, one way or another.... Good bye, Alexis.." After another lengthy pause, Tom hangs up.