Chapters 51 & 52

Chapter 51

The sun shining through the curtains alerts the sleepers that morning has arrived. Emily is the first to awaken, finding her body inextricably intertwined with Lucky's, their legs and arms wrapped around each other and their bodies molded together naturally, much like a live sculpture. A huge smile crosses her face at the memory of their night together. Simply put, it was a dream come true.

They had waited months to renew their sexual relationship after Lucky returned, and even though last night she wondered why they waited, she's glad they did. There were no niggling doubts in her mind. She could trust him, but even better than that, she could trust her own judgment.

Emily feels Lucky tighten his hold around her waist just moments before his lips press a kiss into her bare shoulder. "Mmmmmm, you are quite tasty in the morning," Lucky quips, his lips moving lower and leaving a hot trail behind as they explore her sensitive skin. "And I'm not ashamed to admit I'm starving...."

Emily closes her eyes, her body instinctively responding to his seductive caresses. How had she resisted him all this time? The answer comes in an instant. She hadn't, he'd kept his distance until she was ready. If it had been left up to her to resist, they would have made love too early and Lord knows how it would have turned out.

Sensing that Emily is miles away, Lucky looks up at her. "Earth to Emily. You mind sharing what you're thinking about?"

Emily strokes his inner thigh and leg with hers, pleased when she hears Lucky's breath catch. Two can play his game. Her voice comes out as a sultry purr. "Just wondering what kind of hunger you were referring to...?"

.....................

General Hospital

Alexis is so intent on juggling her precarious stack of files and briefcase she doesn't see Justus until she runs right into his broad chest. The result is like walking into a wall, the files go flying.. and upon landing, skitter across the slick hospital floor. Alexis looks at Justus and the mess on the floor, then chuckles. "So much for organization!"

Justus is embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Alexis. I was hoping to bump into you, but not quite like this!"

Alexis bends over to pick up the files at the same time Justus does and inevitably they bump heads. "Ow!"

Justus grabs her elbow to steady her. "I seem to be batting a thousand today! Are you okay?"

"You're dangerous, Counselor! But other than my pride and a slight bump on the head, I think I'll be fine." Alexis gives him a mock look of annoyance, which turns to small smile when he kisses the developing lump. Then she makes the mistake of breathing in, his unique male scent filling her nostrils. Damn, he smelled too good. She coughs and forces herself to step away.

Alexis notices she isn't the only one affected when she sees the intent look in Justus' eyes. They stare at each other for a long moment before Justus comes to and starts to gather up the files for her. "At least let me make it up to you by buying you lunch? I'm free if you are."

"I don't have time for lunch today, but I do have time for a quick cup of coffee in the cafeteria," Alexis suggests, taking the stack from Justus. "Let me just drop these off in Stefan's office and we can go."

Justus flashes her a charming smile while falling in step beside her. "Alright, I'll take what I can get." After she unlocks it, Justus opens Stefan's office door for her, and waits while she locks the files away in a file cabinet. After they are back in the hallway, he leans in closer. "I'm so sorry about Richard." He takes her hand, and squeezes it, his eyes softening around the corners, communicating his regret along with the tone of his voice. "I've wanted to call you, to see how you were doing, but I knew you didn't need the distraction."

"That's very kind of you, Justus." Alexis keeps hold of his hand, enjoying the comfortable companionship he's offering. "I have been insanely busy the last several weeks. And even though nothing can lessen the pain the family is in, it is a comfort knowing people care."

They reach the cafeteria and Justus goes to retrieve their coffees while Alexis grabs a table. He joins her a few minutes later. "Here we are." They both take sips of the piping hot liquid. "So tell me how things have been with you since we last spoke."

"Insane, as you might imagine," Alexis begins. "I've been heading up the search for Richard with Lucky because Stefan has been too busy with Laura and Lulu."

"It's not good that Richard hasn't been found," Justus ventures. "So much time has passed."

Alexis' face is grim."You're right. If we were going to find him it would have been in the first couple days." Her voice suddenly gets soft, vulnerable. "Even now, though, the whole thing doesn't seem real. If I hadn't held that little boy in my arms, I'm not sure I'd believe he ever existed." Tears spring to her eyes. "He was beautiful, Justus. Truly magnificent. It isn't fair. Stefan was finally happy. He and Laura deserved that, after all they've been through."

Justus takes hold of her hands and squeezes them. "I'm so sorry, Alexis. I can't imagine what this is like for you. The best way I can even get close is to imagine what it would be like without Keesha's little boy, Bradley."

Alexis removes one of her hands from his to swipe at her tears. "I haven't really had a chance to be sad, you know? I have remain strong and level headed... for Stefan, for Laura, for Nikolas, even Lucky at time. Sometimes it feels like the whole family would blow apart if i wasn't there to hold it together." She shakes head. "I don't know what I'd do if anything like this happened to Stone. I'd lose my mind."

"It's a parent's worst nightmare," Justus answers sympathetically. "Sounds like quite a burden, taking care of the family like you are. And who is helping prop you up?"

"Oh? Is there supposed to be someone? Do you want the job?" Alexis gives him a watery smile. "Seriously, I'm okay most of the time." She breathes in a cleansing breath and shakes off the sadness. "So what about you? What are you up to?"

"You mean, other than staving off a takeover attempt at ELQ?" At Alexis' bewildered look, Justus chuckles. "It's been handled, with a lot of help from Jason...Have I told you how nice it is to see you?" His eyes are gentle, without censure. "I've missed you. I've thought about you a lot since the last time we met."



FLASHBACK

Alexis is in Justus' car in the General Hospital parking lot, while upstairs Laura is in labor. Alexis turns in her seat to face him. "Thank you for tonight. I had fun."

Justus reaches out to brush the back of his hand against her cheek. "So did I. Would it be pushing to ask when I can see you again?"

"I wish I had an answer. Everything in my heart and in my head is still such a jumble. When I'm by myself, I think I'm handling things alright. That getting involved with anyone would just ruin this tenuous hold I have on my sanity. But then tonight, I see you and I'm all confused again. I want to be with you, and when you touch me or kiss me, the yearning is so strong. But I'm scared... not the normal kind of scared you get when you first get involved. I mean terrified. My heart races and I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack or drop dead on the spot."

Justus looks at her with a mixture of regret, understanding, and frustration. "I get the picture. You need time and space. I'm sorry for pressuring you tonight, the last thing I want is for you to be scared like that." He cups her cheek gently. "I'd never knowingly hurt you, Alexis. I hope you know that."

"I do. I've got to go." Alexis grabs her purse reaches for the door handle and stops. Looking back at Justus, she impulsively leans across the seat and kisses him passionately, with so much force he ends up against the driver's side door. He grasps her hips and pulls her against him.

Just as suddenly, Alexis ends the kiss and tries to pull away. "Don't.. God, don't stop now," Justus protests, he kisses her neck, trying to entice her to change her mind.

Alexis takes a hold of his hands and removes them from her hips, at the same time putting a safe distance between them. "I.. I'm sorry, I have to. It wasn't fair to kiss you like that after what I just said... I'm sorry." Still holding his hands, she brings them to her lips. "Either way, my family is waiting for me upstairs. If I don't show up soon, they'll start to worry."

Justus runs a hand over the top of his head and takes a deep jagged breath, staring out the windshield at nothing. "Okay, Okay. But just go quickly. If you stick around much longer I can't promise anything."

"Goodbye, Justus. Thank you." Alexis opens the passenger side door.and is gone.

</i>

Alexis blushes at the memory. "I wasn't fair to you that night, I was such a tease."

Justus takes another sip of his coffee. "I won't deny that I wanted you, or that I still want you. But I can't really complain. You've been nothing but honest with me. I can't ask for more than that. And I know with this crisis of Richard's disappearance, you haven't had time to think about much of anything but your family. I just hope that when things let up, you'll think of me, and about us."

Alexis reaches her hand across the table and impulsively squeezes his hand. They are both startled by the jolt of sexual electricity that they still feel when they touch. "I have thought of you.... late at night. When I'm alone. There were many times I thought of calling you. But I didn't know what I'd say when you answered."

Justus tightens his hold on her hand. "It wouldn't have mattered. You could have talked about Richard, your family, about the weather. Hearing your voice would have been enough." He looks away and swears. "Damn, I didn't want to say that out loud."

"Why not?"

"For a whole host of reasons, not the least of which is that you don't need the pressure."

Alexis smiles at Justus gently. "I don't feel pressured, I feel wanted. I can't tell you how wonderful that is. When the last month has been about my family, about everyone else's needs but my own, it's nice to know there's a person who wants me, who's thinking about me." Flushing at her bold revelation, Alexis leans back in her chair. "Now who's being selfish?"

Encouraged by her honesty, Justus' voice gets low and intense. "I want to do more than think about you, Alexis."

Alexis feels warm all the way down to her toes as she basks in the caressing look Justus is giving her. She has had a lot of time to think in the wee hours of the morning at Wyndemere, when laying in bed unable to sleep. And she'd come to some important conclusions. The most important being that life is too short, too unpredictable to waste time wallowing in fear. Life is to be seized, enjoyed to the fullest. And here in front of her, is an opportunity to grab happiness, to grab love with a man she desires and cares deeply for. "I want that too."

Justus rubs a thumb thoughtfully over the top of her hand. "You set the pace, Alexis. Do we start with lunch, or dinner... a walk in the park? I don't want to rush you."

Alexis threads her fingers through his until their palms meet. "Hmmm, they all sound divine, can we do them all?" At Justus' shocked look, she chuckles. "Sorry, I'm in one of those rare playful moods. How about we start with dinner?"

"Would you do the honor of being my dinner companion tonight at Cafe Matisse? Say seven o'clock?" Justus asks in a fake formal tone while he's grinning ear to ear.

"I'd be delighted, Mr Ward." Alexis grins back. "Pick me up at my penthouse." Suddenly recalling she has an appointment, she looks at her watch and winces. "I don't want to, but I have to go. I'm going to be late as it is."

Justus seems only mildly disappointed as he kisses the back of her hand gallantly. "I'll see you tonight at seven."

"I'm looking forward to it."

...................

Later at the Spencer home

Emily, dressed in some soft jeans and a pink tshirt, is gathering her things together.

"Do you really have to go?" Lucky pulls her back against his chest, kissing her behind the ear, then letting his teeth graze her earlobe. He is rewarded when Emily gasps and leans heavily against him. "Spend the day with me. Play hooky."

Before Emily can say a word his mouth is on throat. "Lucky!" Emily exclaims. "You're not playing fair. How am I supposed to say no when you do that!"

Lucky's hands travel lower causing Emily to gasp again. His voice is a raspy whisper. "You aren't. You're supposed to rip my clothes off and have your way with me."

With a whimper, Emily puts her hands over his and stops him. "I can't. I want to, but I can't. As it is, my family is probably calling an APB on me. When I called Reggie this morning, he said they were hysterical and if I didn't want you to be arrested, I should high-tail it home."

"How can they have me arrested? You're eighteen!"

"Believe me, they'd find a way." Emily turns in his arms and kisses him fully on the mouth, just stopping short of slipping her tongue into his mouth. If she did that, they'd end up in bed again. Not that it would be a bad thing... "I have to go. I really don't want to ruin a perfect day with having to bail you out of jail. But I'll see you tonight, I promise."

"Fine fine. Break my heart, why don't ya?" Lucky clasps her hands in his and brings them to his lips so he can kiss her knuckles. "I'll pick you up at Kelly's at the end of your shift."

 

Chapter 52: Mixed Feelings

Edward is the first one to encounter Emily after she enters the Quartermaine mansion. His face immediately twists into a scowl and he shakes his finger at her. "You.. you will be the death of me, young lady! Is this any proper way for a young lady to act? Staying out all night with that reprobate, Lucky Spencer? I should have him arrested!"

Emily is unphased as she wraps her arms around his neck in a warm hug and kisses him on the cheek. "I love you, too, Grandfather. Thank you for worrying about me. I wouldn't have it any other way."

Edward's scowl melts at Emily's unexpected words and embrace, but his voice remains gruff. "Of course I love you, My Dear. Was there any doubt?" He kisses her on the forehead. "That isn't the point. You had us all very worried, with the exception of Lila. She poo-pooed us and went to bed early. Promise me you won't do it again, hmmm? I'm not sure my heart could take it."

"Grandfather, you knew when I moved back in I would be keeping my own hours," she chides gently. Once the scolding is out of the way, Edward and Emily link arms and enter the living room. Waiting on the sofa are Alan and Monica, who are instantly on their feet when they see Emily. Monica is the first to speak. "Emily, you're home! Thank God, we were so worried!"

Alan's response is more harsh. "You had us quite concerned, Emily. I really thought you were beyond this kind of irresponsible behavior. I'm very disappointed in you! Is this what we can expect now that you're seeing Lucky again?"

"Oh, leave the poor girl alone, Alan! She just got home." Edward grouses. "If she's acting irresponsibly, it's because of your neglect."

Emily puts her thumb and forefinger between her lips and whistles to cut off their quarreling. "TIME OUT! Mom, Dad, I'm fine. If you'd checked with Reginald, then you would have known that I left word with him about my plans. As for where I was, it's not open for discussion." Pouring herself a glass of water, she smiles at them. "Much as I love to be surrounded by such unwavering love and devotion, you will have to fight without me. I'm in too good a mood, not even a family brawl could ruin it. l. I'm going to my room, see you at lunch!"

Emily walks out of the room and up the stairs to her bedroom. Just as she enters, her phone starts ringing. "Hello?"

Lucky's warm voice floats through the phone lines. "Hi, Beautiful. Survive the Quatermaine gauntlet?"

Emily plops down on the bed happily. "Yep, I'm an old pro at this. Though I don't imagine they're done with me yet. I'd lay odds that I'll be getting lectures from both Mom and Dad before the day is out. So what are you doing?"

......................

In the park, Stefan takes a seat on an empty bench, waiting for no one in particular. For the first time since coming to live Port Charles, he is actually more comfortable away from Spoon Island. Wyndemere is no longer his refuge, but a tomb. Each day spent there is a slow death as the lost hopes and dreams for his future torment him.

Some of the tightness in his chest recedes as he fills his nostrils with the clean park air. Perhaps a bit of a break is just what he needs to lift his spirits. If he can gain perspective, then maybe, just maybe, he can shake this yoke of despair that follows him wherever he goes.

He smiles at sound of joyful screeching from the direction of the swing sets. The girlish laughter floating on the breeze reminds him of LesleyLu and he turns on the park bench so he can watch the children. He almost wishes he'd thought to bring her along with him. LesleyLu would have enjoyed herself.

On the path leading towards him from the playground wanders a young couple with a baby stroller. The man has his arm on his wife's shoulders as she pushes the baby. The blissful couple gazes lovingly into the stroller, cooing and sharing the wonder of their child with each other. They are in their own little world.

Despite the sharp pain he feels in his chest, Stefan can't look away from them. He watches as the mother stops the stroller and the father lifts a small bundle of baby to be cradled in his arms. Stefan estimates the baby to be about two months old... close to the age Richard would be. And judging from the clothes, it's a boy.

"Hello, Stefan."

"Kevin." Stefan is jolted out of his momentary trance. Swiping a lone tear from his cheek, he turns a stoic face towards Kevin. "This is a surprise. What brings you to the park?"

Kevin looks from the family Stefan was just studying to Stefan's almost perfectly bland expression. "I just happened to be passing through. Mind if I join you?"

Stefan motions for him to sit. "My apologies for being out of touch. I have been... otherwise occupied. Tell me, how is Cassidy and her little girl?"

"Mother and daughter are beautiful, of course. And well taken care of. Thank you for all you've done for them." Kevin observes his cousin closely, noting the small hints of strain which Stefan has worked hard to hide... the tension in Stefan's body, the new wrinkles around his eyes, some graying of his hair at the temples. "And you? How are you holding up?"

"It appears as if Laura is through the worst of it," Stefan responds. "She is shopping with LesleyLu right now, buying new dresses for their trip to New York City with Lucky. As for Nikolas, he has relaxed considerably since the decision was made for Gina to have their child at home."

Kevin's brow furrows in concern for Stefan and indecision on how to proceed. Stefan had just mentioned everyone but himself. If this were someone else, Kevin might ask about the omission directly. But Stefan is intensely private with his feelings, something Kevin could identify with. Press Stefan too far, be too obvious, and Stefan would withdraw even further into himself. But looking at Stefan's carefully guarded expression, Kevin's not sure if that's possible.

"So everyone is taken care of: Laura, Lulu, Nikolas, even Gina. But how about you? Who is taking care of you?"

Stefan gives him a tight smile, and it's obvious from the steely glint in his eyes that he isn't pleased at the pointed question. "I am managing, you needn't be concerned."

Kevin nods, not the least bit convinced. Stefan's body language is too rigid, his emotional expression too restrained for someone who is coping well. But he knows if he presses it further now, Stefan will get up and leave. "Well you picked a beautiful day to visit the park. Seems like everyone else had the same idea."

Stefan replies readily, seemingly relieved to have the conversation move to safer ground. "I was just thinking earlier that I wished I had brought LesleyLu with me today. She would have enjoyed herself."

"You know, I have been meaning to ask for some time. Would Lulu like to come over to the Lighthouse and feed the ducks?" Kevin asks. "As a matter of fact, the pond is overrun by a new batch of hatchlings."

"Oh really?" Stefan enthuses, pleased at an opportunity to bring Lulu happiness. "I'm certain that LesleyLu would like that very much..."

...........

Luke's club before opening.

Lucky is behind the counter when Laura and Lulu enter. Lulu, dressed in crisply ruffled pink dress, is practically prancing with excitement. "Lucky!"

Lucky flashes Lulu a grin. "Hey, Little Sister. Whatcha up to?"

"Mommy and I went shopping for new dresses," She answers, pointing to her dress proudly. "And this is the one I'm wearing on our trip to New York City!"

"Well I wondered why you were so dolled up. You look beautiful, Lu. I can't wait to show you off." Lucky places two glasses on the counter and fills one of them with root beer for his sister. "Hi, Mom. Drinks are on me. What'll you have?"

"A club soda would be perfect, thanks," Laura answers, taking the stool next to Lulu's. "After we picked out that dress, she just had to come over and show it to you. I think she's just a little excited."

"And why not?" Lucky says indulgently. "I know I am. Guess what I got tickets to?" He winks at Lulu.

Lulu covers her mouth, she's so excited. "What?"

Lucky waits a moment to keep the suspense up. "The Lion King. Not the movie, the PLAY."

"Really?!" Lulu exclaims, after taking a sip of her rootbeer.. "That is so cool! I can't wait to tell Georgie."

"And what about you, Mom?" Lucky asks. "You up for the big day?"

"You bet." Laura takes a sip of her club soda. "So what else is on the agenda? Stefan wants us to take Cassadine jet. I agreed to it as a concession for not bringing guards."

"As long as we can make our own schedule, that's fine by me." Lucky turns his attention back to Lulu. "Lulu, I'm going to give you a tour of all my favorite places In New York City from when I visited as a kid. Wait until you see the Museum of Natural History..."


..............

Justus is robbed of the ability to breathe at the picture Alexis presents when she opens the door to her penthouse. Gone is her businesslike persona, and in it's place is a feminine vision of his dreams. Her auburn hair is pulled back from her lightly tanned face into a becoming French braid, with wisps of hair hanging in ringlets down to her bare shoulders. The light silk dress she wears is the perfect shade of lavender to accentuate her eyes and olive skin. The bodice, which is held up by thin straps, reveals enough cleavage to be beguiling, while the skirt of the dress flares out at her hips, hanging in folds that end midthigh and allowing a pleasant view of her shapely legs. The only way she could be more beautiful, Justus has to admit, is if she were laying in bed completely nude.

"Beautiful," Justus murmurs when he catches his breath.

Alexis warms under Justus appreciative gaze, twirling 360 degrees to give him the full effect. "I'm glad you like it. I splurged this afternoon. I figured it was time I spoiled myself a little."

"Whatever you paid for it, it was worth every penny," Justus marvels, letting himself be led into the penthouse.

"Would you like a drink before we go?" Alexis offers.

"I think I better pass," Justus declines, giving her a mischievous wink. "I'm not sure I trust myself to act like a gentleman in such close quarters. Not with you in that dress anyway."

Alexis flushes a deep shade of pink. Though she would never admit it out loud, a small part of her wishes he wasn't such a gentleman. "I suppose it would be a waste not to show off the dress," She says in a teasing tone, while at the same time reaching for the matching jacket. As she slips it over her shoulders, she feels a tingle of excitement when Justus helps her extract her braid from under the jacket. "Shall we go?"

Justus leans in, letting his hot breath warm her neck. "This evening promises to be unforgettable."

..................

Laura tucks the bed covers tightly around Lulu's compact little body. Brushing a wisp of hair off her little girl's forehead, Laura leans in to kiss her cheek. "Good night, Sweetheart. Get lots of sleep. We have a big day ahead of us in New York City."

Just as Laura reaches the door, Lulu calls out. "Mama, I don't think we should go."

Laura turns on her heel to stare at her daughter in disbelief. "What? Lulu, why the sudden change? You've been excited for days about going!"

Lulu shrugs. "I changed my mind. I don't want to go. I wanna stay home."

Laura crosses the room again to sit on her daughter's bed. "Tell me what's wrong, Lulu."

Lulu fiddles with her bed covers and avoids looking at her mother. "Nothing."

Laura sits in silence with Lulu for awhile, pondering what could have made her daughter have this change of heart. "Are you worried about Gina? Are you worried you'll miss Gina giving birth? You know we'll have a cell phone with us if she goes into labor. We'll be home in no time."

"No, it's not Gina and the baby." Lulu twists her blanket into a large clump. "Please don't make me go, Mama. I won't have fun."

Laura is stumped. Something is bothering Lulu, she can see it as clear as day, but what? It's not Gina and the baby, Lucky is going with them.... the reason suddenly occurs to her. "Lulu, are you worried about Stefan?"

Lulu's eyes fill with tears. "He'll be sad if we're not home. He'll miss me and I'll miss him!"

Laura embraces her daughter tightly. "Oh, Honey. We're not going to be gone for very long, it'll be okay." Hearing Lulu's choked sob, Laura cradles her daughter's head and rocks her. "But it's long enough, huh?" Lulu nods. "Well, I wonder if there's a way to still have our trip and make it so you and Stefan aren't so sad..."

"He could come with us," Lulu suggests through her sniffles.

"I'm afraid that won't work very well, Sweetheart," Laura answers. "But maybe there's another way. What if.... what if you could call him on the phone from time to time and say Hi. Would that work?"

Lulu brightens at the idea. "Yeah, that would work. Could I call him on the airplane too?"

Laura lays Lulu back on her bed and tucks her in. "If you want, sure. So can we go?"

"Okay," Lulu agrees with a yawn. "Good night, Mama. I love you."

"I love you too, Sweetheart." Laura places another kiss on Lulu's cheek and smooths out the blanket before leaving. "Good night, sleep tight. I'll see you in the morning."