Dream a Little Dream

Chapter 38

“Laura! Where are you?”

Laura Spencer stuck her head out of the door of one of the apartments above Vagabond. “Over here, Lucy,” she called, looking at her watch. “You're running late! You won't get to the party in time for the surprise.”

Lucy Coe-Collins, lugging three large shopping bags, came over to the door.

“It's all right,” she said, panting a little. “I called Doc to let him know, and I'll just go there from here.”

“You could have just brought them over tomorrow,” Laura said.

“I figured if you had them here tomorrow morning, you could wash them when the appliances arrive,” Lucy said. She looked around. “This is nice. Who's going to live in this one?”

“This will be for Epiphany and her parents,” Laura said. “Lucky was really into design when he and Luke were making the apartments, and he incorporated some universal design elements into this apartment. The doorways are wider, to accommodate wheelchairs, and both bathrooms have grab bars, wheel-in showers with benches and wheelchair friendly sinks. Epiphany's dad is still using a walker, so this will be a big help. Stan will be across the hall. I remember when Lucky was doing this, I secretly hoped he'd go to school and become an architect. But he's just not the kind of guy to sit in a classroom.”

The furniture had arrived earlier in the day. Laura and Lucy sat down on the couch. Lucy pulled out a comforter set in a royal purple and gold paisley. “This one is for Epiphany,” Lucy said. “Luke told me a little about everyone, so I hope it works.”

“Does it ever!” Laura laughed. “Lucy, it's perfect! Bold and colorful – just like Epiphany! You should be a decorator. You've got a great eye and great instincts.”

“And, well, I love to shop,” Lucy said, laughing.

The next set was a tone-on-tone damask set in garnet red, with a floral pattern on the comforter and stripes on the shams and bedskirt. “For her parents?” Lucy asked.

“Just right,” Laura said. The final set was a comforter in variegated stripes of blue from sky to navy, with a navy bedskirt and matching striped shams.

“I figured something simple and masculine for her son,” Lucy said.

Laura nodded. “Totally on the mark,” she said. “Clean and unfussy. Thanks again, Lucy.”

Lucy stood up. “You're not coming to the party?” she asked. Laura looked around and sighed.

“I can't,” she said. “There's still so much to do. I gave Lulu our gift for Karen. Luke's working tonight, and I still have to organize the kitchens, and the bathrooms. Tomorrow I have to wash the bedding, and run last-minute errands while the appliances and cable are being set up.”

“I'd think Luke could leave things for a few hours and help,” Lucy sniffed. Laura rolled her eyes.

“Luke's totally useless when it comes to domestic stuff,” Laura said. “And he'd be an absolute grouch. All this setting-up-a-household work makes his teeth itch, I think. But he still got the ball rolling, going with Felicia to get the furniture and appliances. He'd only do that for a real friend.”

Laura got up and went into the kitchen. She set the block of knives on the counter, and leaned the cutting boards against the wall.

“You had to compromise a lot, all those years you were away,” Lucy said.

“I did,” Laura said, sorting the utensils into drawers. “We never had a real home. We had to make one wherever we went, but Luke hated it if I got attached. I was lucky along the way sometimes, finding friends like the Johnsons. Coming back here was my dream come true. But it was hard for Luke, settling back down, building a life in one place and all that goes with it. He really struggled with it, and it put a big strain on our relationship. I needed roots, while he needed wings. I think that's why he took to Sonny the way he did. It was his way of connecting with the old thrill of danger. Part of him still hates owning more than a backpack's worth of stuff.”

“But after all those years of living his way, and all the stress and danger that went with it, I think it's only fair that you get to have your kind of life now,” Lucy said.

“It's funny,” Laura said, with an ironic laugh. “When I first came back here, all I wanted was a real home for us, and to go back to school. I didn't want to leave the area again. And it turns out that I'm the one spending so much time away now, while Luke stays in Port Charles.”

“He had to find his own way of living here,” Lucy said. “He has excitement from his businesses, and you let him go off on his own a lot. It takes a pretty secure woman to do that.”

“If I didn't, I'd lose him,” Laura said. “He's got that part of his soul that needs to be free, to be on the move, to seek adventure. He can't change that any more than he could change the color of his eyes. And it's one of the reasons I fell in love with him. We've been able to build a life where we each get what we need for ourselves, and from each other. You'd better get moving, Lucy, or you'll miss dinner.”

“Okay,” Lucy said. “But I'll swing by tomorrow to help out. Around noon all right?”

“Sure,” Laura said, knowing that, by Lucy's inner clock, it'd more likely be around 2 p.m. when she arrived.

* * *

Lucas stepped off the train and walked into the station. Before he could even look around, his mother had engulfed him in a big hug. It took everything he had not to flinch. He was wrung out from the trip, and thinking about having to live in the closet.

“Hey, Mom,” he said with a quick kiss on the cheek. Bobbie looked at him closely. He looked so tired, she thought.

“You look beat,” she said. “Let's get your stuff in the car and we'll go straight home. After dinner, you can go right to bed.”

Lucas nodded. Bobbie chatted ceaselessly on the ride home, telling about the Nurses' Ball, Carly coming home, how the son of one of her old boyfriends was going to be interning at GH, Jerry being out of town for a few weeks on business, and how Lucas had to get ready for PCU registration next week. She seemed bubbling over with happiness.

“What's going on with you, Mom?” Lucas teased. “Maybe you need to switch to decaf.”

Bobbie laughed her jolly, broad laugh. Then she told Lucas about her promotion. Lucas goggled.

“Wow, Mom! That's awesome!” he said, forgetting himself for a minute. “I'm so proud of you!”

Tears came to Bobbie's eyes. Having her children so proud was the best part of the promotion.

“Alan gave me all of next week off, so I'd be ready to start,” Bobbie said. “So I'll have lots of time to help you get ready for school. You've got registration next week. And all these clothes need to be washed, and school supplies bought...”

Lucas started feeling smothered.

“Mom,” he said with a weak laugh. “I'm a big boy now. I think I can handle registering for classes myself. But if you want to do laundry, knock yourself out.”

Bobbie laughed. That sounded like the Lucas she knew and loved.

* * *

Gail and Scott began setting out the dinner spread at Karen's surprise party. Gail had roasted a turkey, ham and boneless rib roast the day before. She sliced them cold, and arranged them on platters on the table. Plates of lettuce and tomato were next to the platters. Small crystal dishes were filled with mustard, mayonnaise, pickles and horseradish were also on the table. On each side of the platters were baskets holding rye, pumpernickel and Italian breads, and kaiser rolls.

Lee went outside and grilled vegetable kabobs. Once he was done, those went on a platter set on the buffet, along with potato salad, baked beans, salsa and chips, and cheese and crackers.

The night was perfect – warm, but not hot. People mingled indoors and out. Lucy, then AJ and Carly, arrived quietly.

Karen, Emily, Nikolas, Robin, Gia, Linc, Sam, Elizabeth, Ric, Rachel Adair, Lainey Winters, Brian, Lucky, Mary and Jason sat around a long table near Gail's rose garden.

Steven Webber looked out the window at the table. Seeing Rachel there, friendly with his friends, was hard. They'd ignored their past at work, which was made easier by Steven not having any patients needing help from immunology. But it still gnawed at him. What was she feeling? How could she just walk away?

He bit his lip and turned away from the window. Audrey Hardy came over and put her hand on his shoulder.

“Steven, talk to her,” she said. “What you two are doing right now isn't good for either of you.”

Steven gave a sad half-smile.

“I'm scared to, Gram,” he said. “What if she says she didn't really love me back then or something?”

“Or what if she says she still loves you?” Audrey said. “You're so wrapped up in wondering what she's feeling, you haven't figured out what you're feeling.”

“I don't know ...” Steven said.

“There's only one way to know,” Audrey said. “Talk to her.”

* * *

Karen got up and walked over to the little bar on the patio and refilled her drink. Chris Ramsey was there.

“Another year beginning,” he said. “Did you imagine us being where we are today when we met our first day as interns?”

Karen laughed, then sighed.

“No,” she said. “I thought I'd finish my internship then head back out west to be with Jagger. You probably thought you'd be chief of staff by now.”

Chris laughed. “No, chief surgeon,” he said. “But first in line to be Alan's successor.”

“Instead, you're running the lab,” Karen said. “Are you happy?”

Chris made a face. “Happy? I guess,” he said. “My job is better than I thought it would be.”

Karen noticed he said nothing about his personal life. A flippant, greedy playboy when he first came to town, Karen had discovered his demeanor hid a lonely childhood of abuse and neglect. Money and position were Chris' only priorities. That changed a few years later when he fell in love with one of their fellow interns, Julie Devlin. But Julie died of brain cancer. No one but Karen knew the depth of Chris' feelings for Julie.

“Chris, it's been five years,” she said gently. Chris held up his hand and looked at her sharply.

“Not tonight, Karen,” he said. “Tonight's about having fun.”

He turned abruptly and walked away. Boy, I stepped in it good there, Karen thought.

* * *

Carly and Brenda refilled their plates in the dining room, then stood at the French doors and looked outside. Brenda nodded at Jason, who was laughing at something Sam had said.

“How was he today?” Brenda asked.

“Actually civil,” Carly sniffed. “He knows better than to make a scene with the boys around – he and Michael came to an agreement that none of the mess with him and AJ would spill over onto Michael and Morgan. If Jason wants to have any relationship at all with the boys, he'll toe the line on that.”

“That's good,” Brenda said. “It's not fair to the boys to be in the middle.”

“It was so good to be away from that,” Carly said. “AJ looked better than he has since Jason woke up. He really needed a break from all the intensity here.”

“You think he'll be all right?” Brenda asked.

“I'll do everything I can to make sure he is,” Carly said. Brenda caught the ominous tone in her voice and looked over at Jason. Watch your back, Jason, she thought.

* * *

Maxie reached the Shangri-La ahead of Jesse, so she went to the front desk and got a room. She was waiting by her car, twirling the key ring on her finger, when Jesse pulled in.

He had a knapsack over his shoulder, and carried a 12-pack of cola. He grinned.

“You made good time,” he said.

“Didn't have any problem getting out tonight,” Maxie said. “My mom was so distracted with other stuff she just bought my story about going to a party and spending the night there.”

“Cool,” Jesse said, following Maxie into the room. She blasted the air conditioner while he put the soda in the fridge. He was going to fill the ice bucket, but when he turned around, Maxie was right in front of him. With a smile, she started pulling off his t-shirt. His hands reached down and undid her jeans. Maxie moaned.

“Oh, God, Jesse,” she gasped as his fingers found the waistband of her thong and went behind it. She finished pulling off his shirt and kissed his bare chest. Jesse gently pushed her onto the bed.

* * *

Jason enjoyed himself with this new crowd. There was a mix of the familiar – Karen, Robin and Emily – with new and younger people. It was a good mix. Karen, the grounded and pragmatic. Mary, sweet and shy. Robin, understanding and kind. Gia, strong-willed and witty. Sam, spunky and vivacious. Elizabeth, gentle and graceful. Rachel, poised and confident. Lainey, quiet but observant. He also liked the guys.

“How'd house-hunting go?” Brian Beck asked Sam.

“Okay,” Sam said with a slight shrug of the shoulders. “I didn't find anything that would work, but I'm learning what's out there and what I can afford.”

“Any house stand out?” Mary asked.

“One,” Sam said. “It was a four-bedroom ranch on a quiet street, near a park. A perfect situation.”

“But...” Karen prompted.

“But ... it needs a metric buttload of work inside and out,” Sam said. “It would be too much to take on by myself, and I'd have no time to do it between work and Danny. It's really too bad. I can't stop thinking about what I would do with it, and how much Danny would like it.”

“I'm so sorry, Sam,” Elizabeth said. “But maybe you'll find something better.”

“I hope,” Sam said. “I'll be looking again next week.”

“Any nibbles on the cabin yet?” Ric asked Mary.

“Actually, yeah,” Mary said. “The Realtor said they're going to take a second look at it this week. If they still like it, I'll get an offer.”

“So fast!” Gia said. “Are you ready to move?”

“I could be if they want it fast and make a good offer,” Mary said. “Most of my stuff would probably go into storage, and I'd rent over Kelly's until I can close on a townhouse.”

“You'd be a nice neighbor,” Sam said.

Jason shook his head. “I remember when the neighborhood around Kelly's was not the kind of place you wanted to live,” he said. “What a change.”

“Yeah, that was when scum like Corinthos ruled down there,” Linc said.

“It was so pathetic what happened to him,” Emily said. “I remember once, towards the end, I was headed over to Kelly's to meet Elizabeth and I passed him. He'd known me since I was a kid, when he was with Brenda. And he looked at me like he was checking me out. It was real obvious. I felt ... I don't know ... soiled.”

Jason stared at her in disbelief and disgust. He tried to imagine the Sonny of his dream going after Emily. He couldn't.

“I think Jason's face pretty much says it,” Gia said to Emily. “You and Sonny? That is just not of the Lord.”

Everyone laughed, except Jason and Robin, who remembered Jason's dream and looked over at him. He was watching Emily's giggling reaction to Gia's comment with a faint smile. Robin also felt sad for Sonny. Once, he had been a loyal friend. Now, he was a punchline.

* * *

Serena Baldwin, Lulu Spencer, Georgie Jones and Brooke Lynn Ashton sat around the bedroom Lee and Gail had set aside for Serena.

“It's going to be great having you at Port Charles High,” Serena said to Lulu. “With Georgie and Brooke seniors this year, I was thinking I'd be left all alone after next June.”

“I'm pretty stoked,” Lulu said. “I'll miss New York, and my friends there, but it's not like I'm going into a new place all alone.”

“Have you registered yet?” Georgie asked.

“Mom and I are going over on Tuesday, after we get the Johnsons settled in,” Lulu said.

“The Johnsons?” Brooke asked. Lulu told them about the family friends fleeing New Orleans.

“Wow,” Serena said. “That has to be scary – leaving your home and not knowing what's going to happen.”

“It sounds like an adventure,” Brooke said.

“Except for the part where they could lose their home and just about everything they've worked their whole lives for,” Georgie reminded her.

“Still, it has to be exciting in a way,” Brooke said. “If the storm does hit there like the weather guys think, they'll have to make whole new lives. So, is the son hot?” she asked Lulu.

“Brooke, he's already out of college!” Lulu said. “Way too old for you. But, yeah, Stan's pretty cute.”

“I wouldn't mind an older man,” Brooke said. “He'd have to be more fun than the boys at our school. They're all either jocks, geeks or dorks. So immature.”

“Sounds like pickings are slim,” Lulu said with a laugh.

“There are some nice guys,” Serena said. Brooke rolled her eyes.

“I want someone interesting,” Brooke said. “Most of these guys at school have never lived anywhere but Port Charles, and never think beyond Port Charles.”

“Guess you'll just have to wait until college to find someone,” Georgie said.

“I wish I didn't have to go,” Brooke said bitterly. “All I want to do is sing my music my way. But my parents won't even consider letting me just strike out on my own. They still think I'm some stupid kid.”

“I thought you were hoping to go to Berklee,” Lulu said.

“If I have to go to college, yeah,” Brooke said, with all the impatience of 17. “It's in Boston, so I'll be in a big city, and far away from my parents' watchful eyes. But why learn in a classroom when I can be out there doing it?”

“What's the rush?” Serena said. “You can still perform while in school, and you'll be able to meet a lot of different people and have fun.”

Brooke nodded. None of them understood, she thought. I'm just bursting with music, and my parents are holding me back. They don't take me seriously.

Just then, Gail called up the stairs.

“Girls! Come on downstairs! It's time for cake and presents!”

* * *

Patrick Drake sat in his hotel suite, surfing the Internet for local interior designers. If everything went well, he could have the penthouse within days and he wanted to get going on re-doing it right away. That Sonny Corinthos had taken a spectacular place and turned it into a mausoleum.

After scribbling down the contact information for a few designers, Patrick checked his e-mail. He always held his breath checking his e-mail and phone messages. He hadn't heard from his father since May, when Patrick graduated. The memories of that day were bitter – Noah smelling of scotch at the ceremony, and Patrick's explosion of anger afterward. Patrick had called the house in Atlanta several times after Noah had left, but Carmela, the maid, told him he was still away. Noah had informed Carmela the day he arrived home from the graduation that he'd be going away for a few months.

Patrick had found out that Noah had taken a year's leave of absence from his job before leaving. It didn't make sense to Patrick. If his father was going to go the Leaving Las Vegas route, why wouldn't he just quit, or not do anything? Where did he go? Patrick tried to shove the questions out of his mind. His father's drinking, started after Patrick's mother died, had caused Patrick countless hours of worry, hurt, guilt and anger. No more, he thought. Let the old man finish it if he wants. I'm burnt out and can't care anymore.

Patrick spent a few minutes trying to convince himself that he meant it. Finally, he decided he needed a distraction. Dinner and a night out would be just the thing. He took the elevator down to the lobby to get recommendations.

* * *

The birthday cake Heather had made was a smash hit. Karen laughed herself almost to tears over the little iguana on the top. She and Scott sliced up the cake, Gail handed out plates and flatware to everyone, and Lee scooped out ice cream.

After Karen had eaten her cake, it was time for presents.

“Oh, Jason!” Karen said. “It's wonderful!”

Jason had bought her a silver charm bracelet. He'd also found a charm of an iguana in sparkling green enamel over silver. Karen thanked him with a kiss on the cheek.

As the present-opening continued, Jason went back outside to get a drink. Carly was out there filling her own glass.

“Having a good time?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Jason said. “I like just hanging out with people again. They're really nice. Sam's been great – really supportive with my training. And that Gia is one piece of work.”

Carly laughed. “I can see why she and Nikolas didn't last,” she said. “She's nobody's princess. It's queen or nothing for her.”

“It's strange how Emily is content with that,” Jason said. “Part of me still doesn't get it.”

Carly shrugged.

“It could be a few things,” she said. “His alpha-male prince schtick may make her feel secure, something she didn't feel as a kid. First she loses her dad, then her mother dies, then she ends up a Quartermaine. It was a lot to live through.”

Jason nodded. “I can see that,” he said. “Doesn't make what they did to Zander right, though.”

“No, it doesn't,” Carly said. “And I don't think she's really learned from that whole mess yet.”

As they talked, neither saw AJ watching from inside the house. All the nagging fears and insecurities he'd left behind while on vacation were creeping back. He shook his head and forced himself to turn away from the window, looking for a conversation to join.

* * *

Jesse rolled off Maxie with a long, contented sigh.

“Ditto,” Maxie said, laughing.

They lay side-by-side silently for several minutes, feeling the chill blast of the air conditioner on their skin. Then Jesse rolled on his side and began nuzzling Maxie's neck.

“What's that?” he whispered, tracing the scar down the center of her chest.

Maxie flinched. Jesse noticed and pulled his head away, propping it on his hand and looking down at her with a puzzled expression.

“I'm sorry,” he said. “Did I say something wrong?”

Maxie sat up and shook her head. “No, it's just me,” she said. “The scar's from when I had a heart transplant...”

She told him the story of her illness, laying near death in the hospital, then the tragedy of BJ's death that led to Maxie's survival.

“Wow,” Jesse said. “That's ... amazing.”

“Yeah, it is,” Maxie said, a tinge of bitterness in her voice. “BJ's Amazing Gift. Ever since then, I've had to live up to that. I can't fail at anything, or be anything but a good little girl, or I'll be accused of wasting that gift. Every time Aunt Bobbie or Uncle Tony look at me, I see their grief, and the demands that puts on me.”

“Demands?”

“BJ didn't get a chance to live, so I'm living for both of us,” Maxie explained.

“Bull,” Jesse said. Maxie stared at him.

“You've had that heart almost twice as long as BJ did,” Jesse went on. “I think it's your's by now. It was given freely, with no strings. That's what a gift is. The way I see it, the best way you can honor BJ is to live the best life you can, the life you want to live, on your terms.”

Maxie looked away, tears stinging her eyes.

“All along, I've felt inadequate next to BJ,” she whispered.

“And it's unfair,” Jesse said. “BJ died a sweet, cute little girl. That's all she's ever going to be. Who knows? She could have grown up to be a major hellraiser, or just a normal teenager. But because she did die young, it's natural that she got deified a little.”

Maxie nodded.

“No one's ever understood like that,” she said.

“I didn't know her,” Jesse said. “I can be a little more objective.”

Maxie kissed him.

“Thanks,” she said. “Want to get a pizza?”

* * *

The party was winding down. Serena, Georgie, Brooke and Lulu had gone back upstairs to watch movies.

Gail was in the kitchen, wrapping up the meat and putting it in the fridge. Felicia and Lucy were helping her. Gail opened a cabinet door to take out a Tupperware container – the cabinet handle broke off in her hand.

“Damn!” she hissed. “This kitchen is falling apart!”

“Why don't you remodel?” Lucy asked. The room was very dated – mud-brown cabinets with tarnished brass handles, a brown electric range, a matching refrigerator and dishwasher, drab rust-colored tiles with darkened grout, and scarred laminate countertops in rusty orange.

Gail sighed in exasperation.

“I'd love to, but Lee is so skittish about spending that kind of money,” she whispered. “Now that I'm retired, and he's only doing part-time work for ELQ, he's gotten really careful. His top priority is that if he has another stroke, and is incapacitated, that I have enough to take care of him without losing everything.”

Lucy nodded. “I can understand that,” she said. “But there are ways you could do this without spending a lot of money. You don't need custom cabinets and marble countertops, you know.”

“If you could find a way to do it nice on a budget, Lucy, maybe,” Gail said. “But Lee can be so stubborn --”

“What am I being stubborn about this time?” Lee asked, holding the vegetable platter as he entered the kitchen.

Gail held up the broken handle and raised her eyebrow at him. Lee sighed.

“Enough is enough, Lee,” Gail said. Lee put up his hand.

“Not now, honey,” he said. “We can talk about it later.”

“I'm not going to be put off,” Gail said. “This is getting ridiculous!”

Lucy decided to jump in before things escalated.

“If you don't mind, Lee, I can do a little research,” she said. “You know, look into affordable options for renovating. I think you could probably fix this up for less than you think.”

Lee shook his head. “I don't know, Lucy,” he began.

“There's no harm in looking,” Lucy said.

“I just don't know if I want to lay out that kind of money,” Lee protested. “We'd have to take some out of our investments.”

“This is an investment,” Felicia broke in. “Outside of what you have saved, your home is your biggest investment. If you guys ever decided to sell, this kitchen would drag down the value.”

Lee looked around, realizing the women were right, but not ready to give in completely.

“All right, Lucy,” he said. “Do your research. I'm not making any promises,” he added, looking at Gail, “but I'll keep an open mind.”

Gail flung her arms around him.

“That's all I needed to hear!” she said. “Thank you, darling!”

* * *

Out in the living room, the party was beginning to break up.

“You still want that birthday cocktail?” Robin asked Karen.

“Absolutely!” Karen replied.

“Okay, who's in for Luke's?” Robin asked.

Sam, Mary, Gia, Lainey and Elizabeth raised their hands.

“Anyone else?” Robin asked.

“Sorry, I have to get to the restaurant,” Lucky said. Rachel Adair, disappointed that Lucky wasn't going to go out, said she was going to go home. She'd worked that day and was tired. Linc was spending the next day with his grandmother and had to be up early to take her to the early church service she favored. Brian had to work the next day, so he, too, declined. Ric also had some work to do, and left for home with a kiss for Elizabeth.

“I promised Gran I'd take her to church in the morning since TJ's going over to see Simone,” Steven said. “Have a good time.”

“Uncle and I are having breakfast tomorrow, so I think I'll head home,” Nikolas said.

“I'll go with you,” Emily said to him.

“Are you sure?” Nikolas said. “I don't mind if you want to go out for a while, I can have the car come pick you up.” Emily shook her head.

“No,” she said. “I think I'd like to just go to bed.”

“Jason?” Karen asked.

“Sure,” Jason said.

* * *

Meanwhile, Lesley, Monica, Alan and Amy had stayed to help Lee, Gail and Scott clean up.

“Where was Bobbie tonight?” Alan asked.

“Lucas came home from his diabetic camp today,” Scott said. “So she was spending the evening with him. Can you believe he's going to start college next week?”

Lesley sighed.

“I know,” she said. “I feel the same way when I hear Lulu talking about Driver's Ed.”

Scott rolled his eyes. “Ugh,” he said. “Serena's talking about it, too. I don't look forward to those insurance payments.”

“Speaking of time flying, I can't believe Noah Drake's son starts as an intern on Monday!” Monica said.

“What?!” Scott exclaimed. “No way!”

“It's true,” Lesley said.

“Oh, my God!” Amy said. “This could get interesting! What is Bobbie going to do if Noah ever comes for a visit? Wonder how Jerry Jacks will like it?”

“Stop it right now, Amy,” Lesley said gently, but firmly. “Patrick will be under enough pressure starting an internship. I won't have you making it any harder for him. No gossiping about him – those who remember Noah will make the connection. Those who don't, don't need to hear about it. I mean it, Amy.”

Amy nodded, noticing that Alan, the chief of staff, was also looking intently at her. “All right,” she said.

After an awkward silence, Alan asked, “Where were Luke and Laura tonight?”

“Luke had to work tonight, so Lucy could come,” Lesley said. Then she told of how Laura was getting the apartments above Vagabond ready for the Johnsons.

“It's a good thing they're doing,” Alan said. “Please, let us know if we can be of any help.”

* * *

Carly noticed AJ was quiet on the ride home.

“You okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, I'm just beat,” AJ half-lied. Then he took a deep breath. “Saw you talking with Jason. How was he?”

“Okay,” Carly said. “I figured since he held up his end of the deal and was civil around the boys today, I could meet him halfway.”

“Deal?” AJ asked. “What deal?”

“He and Michael came to an agreement,” Carly said. “Basically, Jason can't talk bad about you around the boys. He does that, Michael will give him a chance to be friends. If Jason doesn't hold up his end, Michael won't like him.”

AJ felt a lump in his throat. That dear, loyal little guy!

“I'm glad he decided to go out with the girls,” Carly said.

“Why?”

“If he can have a life and friends of his own outside the house, maybe he'll back off you,” Carly said.

“I don't think he's going to forget that easy,” AJ said.

“You never know,” Carly said.

* * *

Luke came home from a night at the Haunted Star. Laura was curled up on the couch, reading a magazine and eating peach ice cream.

“Hey, Angel,” he said, leaning in for a kiss. “Everything go okay at the apartments today?”

“Everything's ready for tomorrow,” Laura said. “I hope the appliances arrive early as they promised. We have to wash all the bedding, dishes, silverware and utensils. It'll be a long day. I'll pick up Lulu at Lee and Gail's tomorrow morning, and Felicia and Lucy said they'd come by to help out.”

Luke sat down on the couch and rubbed his face. Laura could see that something was bothering him.

“What is it?” she asked. Luke let out a long sigh and slouched a little on the couch.

“It's just ... I'm glad we're able to help Piph and the family out, but ... if they have to stay on, it's another obligation, another responsibility,” he said. “You know obligation gives me hives. I hate that feeling, and I know it's wrong to feel it, especially after all they did for us, but I do.”

“Luke, it's not as bad as you make it out to be,” Laura said patiently.”They may not have to stay more than a few days. The storm may not be as bad as the weathermen are saying. But if the worst happens, and they do have to stay on, you've already done your share. You've given them refuge.”

“And if I'm not here, if I get the call from Frisco, who's going to be there for them?” Luke said. “I feel like I'd be sticking you with another load to bear.”

“It'll be all right,” Laura said. “If they have to stay, they'll have all of us, and Mom, and our friends. Stop borrowing trouble and go to bed.”

“Only if you come with me.”

* * *

Rachel turned on the lights in her living room. She was tired, but not ready for bed yet. She sat on the living room couch and turned on the TV, flicking quickly through the channels.

Being around Steven was so hard. She had no idea how he felt. Sad? Angry? Relieved that they'd broken up? Interested in a reconciliation? She felt off-balance.

She gave up watching TV, and tossed the remote aside. Might as well try and get some sleep, she thought. Just then, there was a knock on her door.

Who on earth could that be? she wondered. She got a shock when, looking through the peephole, she saw Steven. Her hands trembled as she undid the locks and opened the door.

“Hi,” she said, looking puzzled.

“We need to talk,” Steven said. “Can I come in?”

“Sure,” Rachel said. Her heart pounded as he strode past. This is it, she thought.

Steven stood in front of the sofa, running his fingers through his hair.

“Why wasn't I enough?” he asked. Rachel stared.

“What do you mean?”

“Why wouldn't you come with me?” Steven cried. “We could have figured things out. But being with me wasn't enough for you. I thought you loved me!”

“I could ask the same thing!” Rachel retorted. It was Steven's turn to stare.

“Why couldn't you come with me?” she cried. “There were poor people in San Francisco. Working with your dad was more important than being with me!”

Steven slowly shook his head. He hadn't anticipated her being as hurt and angry as he was. “Rachel...” he began.

“What did you expect me to do, Steven? Forget my responsibilities? You knew how deep in debt I was!” Rachel said. “Our love wasn't going to pay that off! And what was I supposed to do in Bosnia? They didn't want an immunologist. So I couldn't even do the work I went into debt to train for! But I was just supposed to smile, go along, and toss away everything I'd worked for! Did you even consider following me, Steven?”

Tears were running down her face. Steven felt grief and shame over the past, and his inability to see things from her point of view over the years. He fumbled in his pocket for his handkerchief and wiped the tears from her face. They looked into each other's eyes, and fell into each other's arms.

* * *

Patrick entered Luke's after having dinner at a little Italian restaurant near the hotel. This looks like a good place, he thought, as he listened to a jazz trio at one end. He walked up to the bar.

“Good evening,” Hutch said. “What can I get for you?”

“Courvoisier, neat,” Patrick said. “Nice place you have here.”

“Thanks,” Hutch said. “I'm just the manager. You new around here?”

Patrick nodded. “I just got into town the other day,” he said. “Start a new job on Monday.”

“Where?”

“Over at General Hospital,” Patrick said. “I'm an intern.”

“Good place to work,” Hutch said. “Lesley Webber's a good lady. She'll take good care of you.”

“You know Dr. Webber?” Patrick asked.

“She's the mother-in-law of the owner,” Hutch explained. “What's your name?”

“Patrick Drake.”

Hutch started. He peered closer at Patrick. “No, it couldn't be ...” he said. “You any relation to a Dr. Noah Drake?”

Oh, Lord, Patrick thought. My first night in town and I meet someone who knows the old man.

“Yeah,” Patrick said. “He's my father.”

Hutch grinned.

“Any son of Noah Drake's is a friend of mine,” he said, handing Patrick his drink. “This one's on the house. Your dad helped save my life a long time ago. Least I can do is buy his kid a drink.”

Patrick grinned, keeping any ironic thoughts to himself.

“Thanks,” he said, and headed towards a table, where he could enjoy the music and people-watch.

A few minutes later, Karen, Sam and Gia entered. Things are looking up, Patrick thought. They grabbed a table closer to the front of the club and were joined shortly by Elizabeth, Lainey, Robin and Mary.

Now there's a buffet, Patrick thought, admiring each one in their turn. That busty brunette's pretty hot. So's that one with the kiss-me lips and blue eyes. There's something about the petite brunette ...

“Where's Jason?” Karen asked.

“He stayed behind to say goodnight to his folks,” Robin said. “He'll be here in a minute.”

“Good,” Karen said. “Because if that guy in the corner over there keeps gawking at us that way, I think we'll need Jason to protect us.”

Robin, Elizabeth and Gia were facing Patrick, so they could glance quickly. They giggled.

“Oh, my God,” Elizabeth gasped. “Could he be any more obvious?!”

“Only if he had his shirt unbuttoned to his navel and was wearing some big gold medallions,” Gia said.

Robin glanced shyly over again while the other girls giggled again. He was taking a sip of his drink and didn't see her. She looked away and smothered a sigh.