Dream a Little Dream

Chapter 29

Lucy came back onstage. This time, her gown was a strapless column of tiny silver paillettes.

“What a talented bunch of people we have in this town!” she said. “And we're nowhere near done. Lots more great performances, and a big surprise coming. For our next number, Scott Baldwin, Justus Ward, Ric Lansing, Alexis Davis and John Durant give us the ol' 'Razzle-Dazzle!'”

Scott walked onstage, dressed as Billy Flynn in “Chicago,” followed by Alexis, dressed as Roxie Hart. Just before going onstage, she crumpled up the paper bag she'd been breathing into and handed it to Carly.

“Oh, Billy, I'm scared,” Alexis said. The quiver in her voice was real nerves, but still a good effect.

“Roxie, you got nothing to worry about,” Scott replied. “It's all a circus, kid. A three ring circus. These trials – the whole world – all show business. But kid, you're working with a star, the biggest!”

The curtain rose to reveal a circus-cum-courtroom set.

“Give 'em the old razzle-dazzle,” Scott sang. “Razzle-dazzle 'em. Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it, and the reaction will be passionate. Give 'em the old hocus-pocus. Bead and feather 'em. How can they see with sequins in their eyes?”

John, Ric and Justus joined Scott on the stage.

“Give 'em the old double whammy,” they sang. “Daze and dizzy 'em. Back since the days of old Methuselah, everyone loves the big bambooz-a-ler!”

As the number went on, a ripple of smothered laughter went through the audience. Jason saw what Carly meant about her father – John was game, but he was always a step behind and a smidge off the beat.

“Give 'em the old razzle-dazzle,” the song continued. “Razzle-dazzle 'em. Show 'em the first rate sorcerer you are. Long as you keep 'em way off balance, how can they spot you've got no talent? Razzle-dazzle 'em ... Razzle-dazzle 'em ... Razzle-dazzle 'em, and they'll make you a star!”

The song wound up with John bumping against Justus, both stumbling, and recovering for the final pose. Carly stood beside a stage entrance shaking her head and smiling.

John came offstage. “So, how'd I do?” he asked Carly.

“You were wonderful, Dad,” she said. “You stayed upright.”

“I think that was the best that could be hoped for,” he said with a grin.

* * *

Offstage, Alan nudged Lucy. “It's time,” he whispered. “Go out there and make a short speech to introduce me, then I'll come out and introduce our guest.”

“Got it!” Lucy said, brushing the last crumbs of a quick cannoli off her lips. Carly looked across the stage at Lucy with a puzzled frown. Lucy smiled and nodded at her, mouthing, “surprise guest.” Carly raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

Meanwhile, Alan and Robin had scooted over to the back entrance, where a limousine awaited. After a hurried greeting, they ushered their guest inside.

Maxie, Diego, Georgie and Dillon were standing backstage. “Guess we better go get ready,” Dillon said. “It's almost ...” His voice trailed away as he saw Alan, Robin and the guest walk by.

All Dillon and Diego could do was point, and open and close their mouths like gasping goldfish. “What is with you two?” Maxie said.

“I don't believe it ...” Diego said. “No way ...” Dillon said. AJ stuck his head out of the dressing room and stared. “Way to go, Dad,” he whispered.

Onstage, Lucy continued speaking.

“...Tonight we have a special surprise cooked up by General Hospital chief of staff Alan Quartermaine, and Stone Cates AIDS Wing director Robin Scorpio. Alan, take it away!”

Sitting at the Quartermaine table, Monica, Jason, Ned, Justus and Lois looked at each other quizzically. Then they turned their attention to the stage as Alan strode out, beaming.

“We have a very special guest to speak with us tonight,” Alan said. “He moved HIV and AIDS further into mainstream discussion. Because of his openness and candor, we were able to move past HIV and AIDS being a disease 'only certain people get,' and facing the real threat it poses to everyone. Anyone who watched 'SportsCenter' or read the newspaper couldn't say they didn't know someone with HIV. He has lived with dignity and strength, and been a symbol of hope for many living with HIV and AIDS. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to introduce to you, basketball legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson.”

The audience gasped for a moment, then went wild with applause as Magic appeared onstage. Flashbulbs popped as he posed with Alan. Then Magic took the microphone and smiled his megawatt smile at the crowd.

“Thank you, Port Charles, for such a warm welcome,” Magic said. “It's an honor to be here. I've heard a lot about the Stone Cates Wing, and the community's efforts to support people with HIV and AIDS. Since I was diagnosed HIV-positive almost 14 years ago, a lot has changed. There have been great medical advances. But AIDS has become a global pandemic. There's still a long, hard fight ahead.

“When people talk about the fight against HIV and AIDS, most of the focus is on national policies, or international efforts, or what the big pharmaceutical companies are doing,” he continued. “But the day-to-day, personal fight is done by individual people, hospitals and communities. It's about doctors working into the night to come up with treatments for their patients. It's about nurses giving personal care. It's about volunteers bringing meals, help and comfort. It's about family and friends giving unwavering support. It's about those of us with HIV and AIDS never giving up, taking our medication, living a healthy life. It's about teachers, parents and organizations informing the community – especially our young people – giving them facts, imparting values, to help them stay safe.

“You all are a part of that day-to-day fight,” he said. “Some of you are medical professionals – doctors, nurses, administrators, researchers. Some of you are HIV-positive or have AIDS. Some of you have a loved one with the disease, or lost someone to it. You all have given generously of your time, money and love to make tonight happen. And the fact that you've carried it on for 12 years shows your commitment. I honor you for that.

“A lot of people look at me and see me still active, still healthy, still looking forward, and think that's the way it is for people with HIV,” he said. “But I'm fortunate – I was a healthy athlete when I contracted the virus. I have the resources to have access to the finest medical care. I have the support of my whole family, and have been blessed with the kindness of my fellow players and fans. That's not the reality for most of us with HIV and AIDS. We still have to press forward and fight for better care, for better prevention, for better education, and for a cure. What you are doing tonight, and what you do every day, is part of that fight. Thank you for doing it so well, so generously, and with so much love. Thank you.”

The audience rose in a standing ovation that lasted a full five minutes. Finally, Alan came back on the stage and waved to shush the audience.

“How did you like our little surprise?” he asked the audience. More cheers.

“Okay, well, it's not over yet,” Alan said. “Mr. Johnson has generously donated two spots in his annual Midsummer Night's Magic – a five-day event will all sorts of fun goings-on, including pro and celebrity basketball games, a golf tournament and other entertainment, along with airfare and lodging, to be auctioned off tonight.”

Several male eyes popped at that announcement.

“Five thousand!” Lorenzo Alcazar opened the bidding. Soon, it was a near free-for-all as the testosterone surged. Even Jason got in on it.

* * *

After the auction, Lucy came back out. Magic Johnson was escorted to the Quartermaine table.

“Thank you, again, Mr. Johnson, for coming here and your amazing generosity!” she said. “I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening. Next up, we're ripping off television for a special treat. This is 'Dancing with the Stars: Port Charles Edition.' First up is one of Port Charles' most beloved couples – Deception CEO Laura Spencer, and her husband, former mayor and current entertainment entrepreneur extraordinaire Luke Spencer, performing a waltz.”

Luke and Laura stood at opposite sides of the stage as the opening strains of “Fascination” began. Luke had to catch his breath with his first sight of Laura – unbeknownst to him, she had re-created the gown she'd worn that night they danced through Wyndham's Department Store. The rich, deep rosy red fabric. The sequins. The twirling skirt with the feathers at the bottom. And she wore her hair loose and curled, just like that night.

They met at the center of the stage. Luke took her in his arms, and the waltz began. For them the stage, the audience, the lights didn't exist. All they saw was each other. Around and around they went. Lucky, watching from alongside the stage, and Lulu watching the closed-circuit television in the hospitality suite, both gazed at their parents, who could still capture that magic after all those years.

The song ended. Luke kept Laura in his arms long enough to whisper, “Don't you dare change out of that dress, Angel.”

“I won't, as long as tonight ends differently than that night did,” she whispered back.

“It will, Darlin', it will.”

* * *

Stefan Cassadine took advantage of the applause for Luke and Laura to go get drinks for himself and Anna.

Watching Luke and Laura waltz brought back many memories for Stefan of his time with Laura on the Cassadine island during her imprisonment there. A young man with a heart bursting with love, he thought he could make his Lasha love him simply because he wasn't Stavros. He'd thought Laura's passion and love with Luke would fade into memory. Seeing both so vividly in evidence more than 20 years later almost made him laugh at his own folly all those years ago.

So much had changed since then. His passion for Laura had turned into a passionate hatred after she'd left the island, as well as himself and Nikolas, to reclaim her life in Port Charles. But time and change brought wisdom and understanding that had not been there before, and he'd long forgiven Laura her well-intentioned failings. God knows he'd done enough in his life not to be too judgmental. And loving Chloe had put to rest any passion – be it love or hate – for Laura forever.

Courtney Matthews was at the bar when Stefan got there.

“Having a good time?” she asked.

“It's been a most interesting affair so far,” Stefan said. “Alan pulled off quite the coup, bringing Mr. Johnson here. It could get General Hospital national media coverage, which not only benefits the Nurses' Ball and the Stone Cates Wing, but the whole hospital.”

Courtney nodded.

“You think it's a good time to press on with the mobile health clinic funding?” she asked.

“I do, indeed,” he said. “It may be time for you to branch out beyond the Port Charles area, Courtney. Let's talk Monday about a possible fundraising trip to New York. And then we'll talk about setting up an annual fundraising event on par with this.”

Courtney smiled dazzlingly at the thought. She'd be moving in some powerful circles in New York – and Stefan trusted her to do it! She wasn't sure which was more thrilling.

“I have to say, Courtney, that you look spectacular tonight,” Stefan said. “I was afraid I'd hurt you when we talked last.”

“It did hurt, a little,” she admitted. “But deep down, I knew you were right, and that I was ready to let that white thing go. And compliments like yours always help.”

The bartender handed Stefan his drinks.

“By the way, Stefan, there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you,” Courtney ventured. “With Jeremy Logan being our biggest donor, I'm thinking he should be thanked in some way.”

“What way are you thinking?” Stefan asked.

“It's a way to honor the hospital's history, as well,” Courtney said. “I think we should name the mobile health clinic after his mother, Anne Logan. She had a strong connection to the hospital through her work, and Mrs. Hardy as well as Jeremy, and, as he said, it combines two of her passions – nursing and helping the poor. I think he'd go for it.”

Stefan nodded. “An excellent idea,” he said. “He's very publicity shy, so I'm not one-hundred percent sure he'll go for it. But it's worth a try. Mention it to him tonight, if you like.”

Courtney nodded. “I will,” she said. “I'll let you know what he says.”

* * *

Meanwhile, Lucy was back onstage.

“Wasn't that lovely?” she said of Luke and Laura's waltz. “Our next 'stars' – Mitchell Coleman and Tracy Quartermaine – will give us the foxtrot.”

Tracy and Coleman walked onstage together. Coleman, as he was supposed to, had one arm around Tracy's waist and held her hand with his other hand. Tracy felt both touches more keenly than she would have liked.

Coleman wore a tuxedo, his hair was rakishly pieced. Tracy had on the golden brown dress with the swish skirt, her hair perfectly sleek and turned under. Amber and gold drops swung from her ears. She could hear Coleman start to breath funny, and new he was nervous. She turned to face him before the music began, and he awkwardly took her in his arms.

“Look in my eyes,” she whispered. He looked. She quaked inside. The music began.

“Slow, slow, quick-quick,” she said through a clenched smile as they took their first steps. They moved together smoothly, the sparkles in Tracy's swirling skirt catching the light. His eyes never once left Tracy's, who met his gaze steadily, her stiff smile relaxing into something genuine.

At the table, Alan beamed with pride at his sister, then shook his head. Such a dichotomy between the beauty and grace onstage, and the ugly ruthlessness she could show in personal relationships. What a combustible combination of Mother and Father, he thought.

Coleman kept his arm around Tracy for a moment after the music ended. As nice as it felt, she quickly disengaged for the bows. She caught Alan's eye, and he blew her a kiss.

They walked off stage to warm praise and thanks from Lucy. “You two really came through,” she said as she took a bite of cannoli before heading back onstage.

Tracy and Coleman walked past the dressing rooms, heading towards the hallway that would lead them back to the ballroom. Instead, Coleman took Tracy's hand and led her down a service hallway to a deserted office. In an instant, their lips were on each other's, and their hands roamed gleefully.

* * *

“Ready for some more 'Dancing with the Stars?'” Lucy asked the audience. The applause gave their assent.

“We may need our next performers to give us CPR when they're done,” Lucy continued. “Here are Lucky Spencer and Samantha McCall, representing the Iroquois County Rescue Squad, performing the tango.”

Sam's cheeks were as red as the fiery, sequined, strappy number she was wearing. The skirt swirled, going just below her knees, to show off the dramatic leg movements. Lucky, on the other hand, had turned pale and weak at the knees seeing Sam in her costume. It was a dream to be able to take her in his arms and dance the sensual tango, but he was also terrified at revealing his feelings.

They got onstage. Lucky took Sam dramatically into his arms as the music began. Once again, they locked eyes. Sam's legs kicked and her hips swayed beguilingly. Jason remembered his dream, where those hips were his to touch. Now, he was just another trainee to her.

The swaying, the dramatic movements, had Lucky fighting to hold back his desire. The final dip, and they were done. It took everything in him not to bend down and kiss her right there in front of everybody. He straightened up, and they took their bows.

You got it bad, Cowboy, Luke thought from the audience. And so does she, if my eyes are still good.

Backstage, Lucky and Sam were scared to look at each other, scared that they'd revealed too much. Sam quickly ducked into her dressing room. Lucky's gaze followed her, and he wished the rest of him could, too.

Nearby, Rachel Adair waited to go on for her number. She noticed Lucky standing alone, but she couldn't see his longing gaze towards a retreating Sam. She walked up to him.

“Hi, Lucky,” she said, smiling sweetly. Lucky smiled back.

“Hi, Rachel,” he said. “That's some getup.”

“Taking one for the team,” Rachel replied with a grin. Lucky laughed.

“That really is,” he said. They stood there chatting a little longer. Lucky, glad for a light distraction, didn't notice Sam leaving her dressing room after she'd changed. But she saw him smiling and laughing with Rachel, and she quietly scooted away. I'm an idiot, she thought.

* * *

Lucy had come back onstage after Lucky and Sam finished, fanning herself with a program.

“Whew!” she said. “Those two turned up the heat in here! Our next performers take us back to the days of snoods and fedoras. Skye Quartermaine and Lorenzo Alcazar, performing a swing dance!”

Skye looked stunning with her hair perfectly coiffed in 1940s waves reminiscent of Veronica Lake, deep red lipstick and alabaster skin. Her dress was a modest one of shimmering celery green, with a full skirt and crinoline. Lorenzo's suit was a brown pinstripe, with a brown fedora.

They twirled, jumped and jittered to “Jump Jive and Wail.” They laughed breathlessly as they moved about the stage. They were greeted with loud applause at the end.

“We're going country now,” Lucy said. “Amy Vining, Yank Se Cheung, Bobbie Spencer, Steven Webber, Rachel Adair, Tony Jones, Chris Ramsey and Melissa Bedford are going to entertain you with a country line dance!”

The eight came onstage in full Western regalia – cowboy hats, boots, colorful plaid shirts, jeans for the men, fringed full suede skirts for the women. They got moving with “Boot Scootin' Boogie” by Brooks and Dunn. A few “yeee-haws!” from the crowd – led by Luke and Mac – had the audience giggling and cheering.

“Our final number,” Lucy said, after the line dancers left to hearty cheers, “is a cha-cha, performed by Emily Quartermaine and Nikolas Cassadine to Santana's 'Smooth!'”

Zander, in his dressing room, closed his eyes and clenched his jaw at the mention of those two. He shut the door to drown out the noise. Polite applause – nothing more – greeted Emily and Nikolas. She was wearing a bright pink beaded dress with a fringed skirt, and matching spike-heeled pumps. Her hair was pulled back in a bun.

They began with the first wails of Carlos Santana's guitar. Around the stage they moved effortlessly, never turning their gaze from each other. Then ... Emily stumbled slightly. Her right heel caught in a small crack in the stage floor and broke off. Nikolas stared in horror. Emily, cool as a cucumber, continued the dance, albeit awkwardly, as she worked her feet free of the pumps, and kicked them offstage one by one. Elton caught each one-handed. Lucy goggled at him.

“I was all-league shortstop on my high school baseball team,” Elton said. “What? You think we all hate sports? You're talkin' to a die-hard Yankees fan, toots. And not just because I want to be the meat in a Jeter-ARod sandwich.”

When the music ended, there was warm applause in admiration for Emily's pluck.

* * *

There was a short break as Elton tried to free Emily's shoe heel from the crack in the stage floor. It wouldn't budge, and some nail heads stuck out.

“Can't get it loose,” Elton reported to Lucy. “Fortunately, it's near the front of the stage, where not many people will go. Just remember to warn everyone before going on, and we should be fine.”

* * *

Several prominent Port Charles citizens had joined Alan and Magic Johnson at the Quartermaine table. Stefan, Mac and Scott were among them.

“This is quite a party you have here,” Magic remarked to Alan.

“Lucy always manages to make each one better than the last,” Alan said. “But she'll be hard-pressed to top your surprise appearance.”

“Port Charles is a good town to come out like this,” Magic said.

“It is,” Justus replied. “I understand you have business ventures in minority neighborhoods – movie theaters, restaurants. This could be a good place to invest.”

“Really,” Magic said. “It's something to think about.”

“Outside of Mr. Ward, there aren't many prominent minority business players in town, regrettably,” Stefan said. “If we can get some smaller minority-owned businesses to invest, it could be a win-win for everyone. We have some neighborhoods that could use some building up.”

“Hmm,” Magic said. “I'll definitely think on it. Let me have your cards, and we can talk sometime in the near future. But for now, I have to get up to my room. I'm leaving early for New York in the morning, and I'm due for my meds. Good night, gentlemen, and thank you again, Dr. Quartermaine, for letting me be a part of this.”

Magic stood up and quietly left the room.

“It'd be a good thing to get someone like him on board in that neighborhood between the Asian Quarter and downtown,” Scott said.

“We have a lot of work to do before that area's safe for large-scale development,” Mac said.

* * *

Luke was outside the backstage area smoking a cigar. Lorenzo joined him.

“You two had quite the retro charm,” Luke said, offering Lorenzo a cigar, which Lorenzo accepted. “Scored some points with the in-laws, too.”

Lorenzo nodded.

“Hear anything?” he asked. Luke knew what he meant.

“Not a word, yet,” Luke replied in a low voice. “May not be for a while. The wheels of justice, yadda yadda. I hate waiting.”

Sometimes, fate is kind. Just then, Luke felt his phone vibrate. He looked at the number.

“Speak of the devil,” he said with a grin at Lorenzo. “Speak,” Luke said into the phone. On the other end was WSB agent Frisco Jones – former husband of Felicia, brother of Tony and father of Maxie and Georgie.

“So, what's the deal?” Luke asked.

Lorenzo had always liked Luke, but had often wondered about the veracity of his tales of derring-do. His slightly cocky, slightly self-deprecating bon vivant manner made it hard for Lorenzo to believe that Luke could grapple with life and death with any seriousness, or hold a grudge.

That wonder vanished in the moments that followed. Lorenzo watched Luke's face turn to marble. He could actually see Luke's face hardening as it went a bloodless white. Then his eyes darkened and glowed with a hate that made Lorenzo shudder.

“Okay,” was all Luke said. “I want in. Thanks. And I want the honors when you're done. Thanks again. I'll be waiting. Toodles.”

Luke turned off the phone, re-attached it to his waist, and silently puffed his cigar for several minutes, forgetting Lorenzo in his own thoughts.

“What's going on?” Lorenzo finally asked. Luke came back with a shake of the shoulders.

“Be at the Haunted Star tomorrow night at seven to find out,” Luke said. “Tell Jax and Jerry – but nothing about this to Blaze or anyone else. Clear?”

Lorenzo nodded. “Clear,” he said. “We'll see you then.” He could sense that Luke wanted to be alone, so he stubbed out his cigar and went back inside.

“How do I tell Angel this?” Luke whispered.