On this magnificent winter evening Port Charles’ latest odd couple, Laura Webber and Carly Corinthos, are hosting an open house to formally announce their partnership and to showcase their new place of business, an extravagant suite in a prime real-estate locale on the river. On hand are members of the Chamber of Commerce, city dignitaries, business and union heads, family, friends, and most importantly the media.

As the invited step off the elevator into the spacious lobby they are greeted by the catchy instrumentals of a jazz combo. Silver helium balloons sporting the Deception logo adorn the ceilings throughout the office. The Port Charles Grille caters the event; its skilled wait staff mans the buffet table and bar providing tantalizing hors d’oeuvre and age-appropriate beverages. After touring the facilities most of the guest mingle in and around the three connected executive offices which boast an impressive view and sliding door access to the balcony.

Out on the terrace Nikolas Cassadine along with a few smokers from the party brave the crisp night air. Hands in pockets, he is thinking about his Uncle, missing him tremendously. Although he was here to celebrate his Laura’s big night it was at this type of public function that he sometimes felt most isolated, before he had always had Stefan by his side but now he was the lone interloper, especially where Laura was concerned. Lucky’s disappearance and subsequent return had once and for all lain to rest any fantasies Nikolas had about his mother. He may be Laura’s first born but Lucky was the first born of love, and Nikolas would never be able to compete with that. Like all Cassadine men he ranked second in Laura’s heart. Nikolas looks at his watch; Gia would be arriving soon. For the first time this evening a genuine smile lights up his face. A friendly voice interrupts his thoughts.

"Well Nikolas, what do you think of Carly and Laura’s little foray into big business. Leave it to my daughter to spend a fortune before even trying to make a buck," Bobbie chuckles referring to Carly’s insistence that the first step to creating a fresh image for Deception was finding a new site, one that adequately reflected the bold change in ownership. Something more spectacular than the modest 3000 square feet Laura had decided to lease. Bobbie has no idea how Carly managed to persuade Laura and Sonny to agree to it but here they were standing in the plush new headquarters of Deception.

Nikolas turns and gives Bobbie a quick hug. "In this case business does definitely make strange bedfellows."

"I really don’t know what Sonny is thinking putting those two together and then letting Carly shop for around for new office space."

"I’d say business is good on all fronts. I noticed Sonny isn’t here."

"Much to Carly’s chagrin but he didn’t want to put a damper on things. Nikolas I know you have concerns about Sonny bankrolling this project but this really is Laura and Carly’s baby."

"And the undercover guards are a nice touch."

"Being a Cassadine of course you’re quite knowledgeable on the subject."

"Touché. Given my family’s illustrious history I’m in no position to cast stones."

"Nikolas I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be so petty. It’s not easy being Sonny’s mother-in-law or Carly’s mother for that matter."

"I understand completely."

Bobbie thinks it over for a second. "You do don’t you." The thought makes her sad as she acknowledges the tremendous burden Nikolas has carried as result of living in Port Charles. "Have I told you how proud I am of you and Lucky. Probably not since I rarely ever see you. It really is wonderful Nikolas to know that you and Lucky are getting along so well despite my brother, Helena, and everything else."

"It may have taken me a while to realize it but I like having a brother."

"And I know for a fact that my nephew feels the same way. Stefan would be proud of you too Nikolas."

Nikolas with a heavy heart, "I hope so. Thanks Bobbie."

"Anytime. And don’t be such a stranger. I know Lucas would enjoy seeing you."

"I’d like that. I can’t remember the last time I saw him." Nikolas peeks at his watch. "I need to get out to the lobby. I’m expecting a friend."

Bobbie laughs following Nik back inside. "A female no doubt."

Nikolas grimaces. "It’s Gia Bobbie. You know my roommate. I’m not dating anyone if that’s what you were thinking."

Tongue-in-cheek Bobbie quips, "I can see how the Gia factor might cause some complications in that area."

Ignoring Bobbie’s double entendre Nikolas assures her, "It’s nothing I can’t handle. Anything else you’d like to know?"

"Alright I’ll go back to minding my own business now." Before parting company Bobbie eyes Nikolas’ snug black turtleneck and charcoal gray slacks and teases, "By the way you look very handsome tonight and you smell good too." Winking she walks away to find Roy, leaving Nikolas to ponder the Gia factor and how much longer could he really handle it.

~~~~~
Downstairs

  Gia flashes her invitation to the doorman and security guards. She is simply dressed in a grey fitted skirt that reaches her knees. Woven with tiny flecks of cream, the warm soft knit is a mixture of silk and angora. Underneath her mid-length black leather, blazer-cut jacket she wears a thick, cream turtleneck. Square-toed, knee-high black leather boots with a moderate heel hug each calf and give her ensemble an enticing dimension as a portion of bare slender legs is revealed. A small black clutch purse with a single shallow strap hangs from her hand; silver hoop earrings; a black watch; and two silver rings, one on each hand are her other accessories. Her only makeup is an espresso colored lipstick. Strolling across the marble floor with trademark braids swing freely, Gia yells to the stranger to hold the elevator.

"Thanks."

"You’re welcome." Jason presses the button for the 15th floor. Clearly irritated he resumes fiddling with his messed up tie, ready to yank it off.

"Looks like you could use some help."

"What?"

"With your tie."

"I’m not very good with this kind of stuff."

"Well you’re in luck because I am. Here hold my purse." Gia steps closer, turning him towards her. She begins to redo his silver and blue patterned tie, admiring the navy Armani suit. "Nice suit."

"Thanks but I didn’t pick it out."

Gia looks up at him. "I didn’t think you had. You really don’t strike me as the shopping type."

"It’s one of my least favorite things to do. Thankfully I’m not required to dress up that often."

"That’s too bad because you look great in this suit."

Jason isn’t sure how to react. Noticing his embarrassment Gia rolls her eyes.

"You don’t know how to take a compliment. And believe me I only meant it as a compliment and nothing more. Fashion is my business. At least right now anyway."

Jason recovers murmuring, "Well I guess I’m in good hands then." Looking down as Gia’s nimble fingers put the finishing touches on her handiwork Jason adds, "And they’re such lovely hands."

Staring at his tie Gia frowns. Was this man flirting with her? Man being the operative word. All of a sudden she felt 16 again, a time in her young life when she had learned a valuable lesson: stick to guys your own age.

Lifting her chin, Jason smiles, "It was just a compliment."

Gia gulps. Wow such brilliant blue eyes.

"Just a compliment," Jason silently wonders. Equally entranced by a pair of defiant brown eyes, he resists the urge to caress the silky soft skin beneath his fingertips; this exotic beauty was a teen and probably wasn’t much older than his sister. Obviously his self-imposed celibacy was taking its toil, when he returned to Vegas tomorrow he wouldn’t be so quick to turn down the next offer that came his way. The elevator reaches the 15th floor and the doors begin to part. Reluctantly Jason drops his hand.

Nikolas, anticipating Gia’s arrival, has a perfect view of the intimate scene. Jealousy courses throughout his body. What the hell was Gia doing standing inches from Jason Morgan, staring at him as if in a trance?

"Thanks for helping me out." Jason hands the young lady her purse and holds back an elevator door for her.

Biting her lip, Gia shakes herself. What’s wrong with her? She must be feeling light-headed from lack of food. It’s not like blue is her favorite color or anything. Taking her purse, she finds her voice, "Just don’t ruin my work of art."

Exiting, Gia sidesteps a group conversing near the elevators. Continuing she takes in the chic surroundings and is impressed, from the looks of it Laura and Carly’s little soiree was a big success. On the far side of the sleek circular receptionist podium, the centerpiece of the lobby, which tonight was serving as a makeshift bar, Gia spots Nikolas and comes to an abrupt halt causing a trailing Jason to bump into her. Jason grabs her waist as she stumbles forward. Okay something was up and it wasn’t good. There were no dimples, no warmth in his gaze, not even a hint of a smile. Everything about him was ice cold. Gia watches in disbelief as her roommate and so-called friend walks away without even saying hello.

"Are you okay? I didn’t mean to run you over."

Clearly distracted Gia hurriedly replies, "I’m fine."

Knowing it was for the best that their chance encounter remained just that, Jason watches as she weaves her way around guests before disappearing down a hallway.

"Jase? Oh my God! Jase what are you doing here?"

Jason turns around. Carly throws herself into his arms.

"Hello Carly."

"What are you doing here?"

"Sonny sent me."

Carly steps back. "You’re kidding right. He couldn’t come but you could. That makes no sense Jason."

"It’s what Sonny wanted Carly. Besides this isn’t just about you. Other people are involved, you do have a partner to think about."

Carly scoffs, "Some partner. If she had any guts she would have insisted that my husband be here after all if it wasn’t for him none of this would be possible. I’m here alone while she prances around with her new boyfriend posing for the cameras."

"Carly I don’t think this is best time or place to air your dirty laundry."

Carly pulls her hair from out of her face, calming down. "You’re right Sonny and I can discuss the Laura situation later." She hugs Jason again. "I can’t believe you’re really here."

"Well I am and therefore you’re not alone. Plus I’m sure Bobbie’s here."

"You know what I mean. It’s not the same. Anyway it’s the principle of the matter. This is an important moment for me and my husband should be here to spend it with me."

"It looks like you’re going to have to make do with me."

Carly smiles, "Well I guess you’ll do. I can’t believe Sonny didn’t tell me you were coming."

"It was supposed to be a surprise Carly."

"Look at me I’m totally surprised, now you and Sonny can pat yourselves on the back for a job well done."

"I guess I should add it was supposed to be a pleasant surprise."

"I’m happy. Really I’m very, very happy that you are here. I’d just be happier if both you and Sonny were here okay."

"I get the picture Carly so what do you want me to do about it. Sonny’s his own man."

"I guess I want you to listen. Sometimes I need to vent especially about Sonny and you are like my only true friend so it would be nice if you’d just listen. I’ve missed you Jase."

"I know. I’ve missed you too."

Already knowing the answer Carly nevertheless asks, "Then why don’t you move back?"

Before he can respond a photographer interrupts their conversation, "Mrs. Corinthos if you don’t mind I’d like to get another picture of you and Ms. Webber."

For a brief moment Carly is actually torn, photo op or Jason. "I’ll be back in 2 seconds Jason. Don’t wander off."

"I won’t. I promise."

~~~~~
Men’s Restroom

Washing his hands Scott Baldwin looks up to see Nikolas Cassadine enter. Of Laura’s two sons Nikolas seemed to be more receptive to the fact that Scott was dating his mother. Or maybe it was that Lucky was more wary. Although he’d only been around Nikolas on a few occasions Scott had picked up on the young man’s hidden ambivalence towards Laura. For example earlier this evening he’d observed Nikolas as a beaming Laura had charmed the Mayor with an animated anecdote about Lucky’s first trip to the barbershop. While everyone had laughed at the image of a 5 year-old haphazardly cutting his own hair, the polite smile on Nikolas’s face hadn’t quite reached his eyes. Perhaps Scott was able to recognize the internal conflict within Nikolas because at one time he too had fallen into the shadows of Laura’s all-encompassing love for a Spencer.

"Hello Mr. Baldwin."

"How’s it going Nikolas. And by the way I’d prefer it if you called me Scott or Scottie or dude. Anything but Mr. Baldwin please."

"Sure Scott."

"Much better. You see according to your mom I’m in the middle of trying to recapture my youth and well you might derail my efforts by addressing me as if I were your elder."

Scott grabs a paper towel, noticing Nikolas hasn’t made a move to use the facilities he questions, "Do you need some privacy? I’ll be out of here in a sec."

Indignant Nikolas replies, "No. No. It’s nothing like that. I just ducked in here to escape so to speak."

"I was just playing with you Nik. Sorry I mean Nikolas."

"I do prefer Nikolas."

"That’s cool. So what’s the deal I thought you’d be an old pro at these types of events yet here you are looking for an out."

"I just wanted to get away for a couple of minutes."

"I hear you. Since you have a minute." Scott pauses.

"Please go ahead."

"Well Laura tells me you’re not too keen on Sonny’s involvement in this thing. Neither am I but Laura can be stubborn when it comes to certain matters."

"I offered to give her the money my Uncle left me but she declined."

"It wasn’t anything personal Nikolas. She doesn’t want anyone doing her any favors. Not me, not you, not Luke, not anyone. Anyway you have good instincts and I’ll be keeping my eye on Corinthos." Leaning forward as if conspiring Scott adds, "And on Laura of course."

Hesitantly, "You really care about her don’t you? Even though she hurt you."

"I was bitter for a long time. I hated Luke. I even hated Laura. But time heals all wounds. And love. I found that there are other fish in the sea."

"But here you are with Laura again."

"First loves can be lasting loves. We have a second chance to get it right. I just have to convince your mom of that."

"You’re a better man than most. She left you for someone else. I don’t understand how you could ever trust her again?"

"Too be honest I never thought I’d see this day either. Basically it comes down to a personal choice. There is no guarantee but in my heart I know the reward is worth the risk. Wait until you fall in love then maybe you’ll be able to relate."

Nikolas gives Scott a skeptical look. Thinking of prior relationships he realizes he hasn’t experienced love. Infatuation and fleeting desire yes, real love no and he isn’t sure that he wants to. Seeing his mother’s casualties Nikolas wasn’t going to willingly follow in their footsteps. Laura being his mother was an act of fate, but it would be he who dictated his love life, not destiny. He would learn from his Uncle’s mistake. For Cassadines, with their obsessive tendencies, falling in love was a dangerous proposition, a weakness. And right now he knew the one person who could prove to be his downfall was Gia Campbell.

"Hey your mom is going to wonder what’s taking me so long. I’ll catch you later." At the door Scott looks back at Nikolas, "Maybe we can do this again, you know shoot the breeze. Not in the bathroom but like hangout after work or something. Think about it."

"Yeah I will." Nikolas thought Scott was a little out there but for some reason he liked him. He wondered where Laura found these guys. Back to matters at hand. If nothing else tonight had been enlightening, although he and Gia were strictly platonic he’d obviously somehow become too attached to her, as if her existence in his life was significant. For some reason he’d given her too much leeway, he needed to start treating her like a tenant instead of a best friend. Knowing he should get back to the party Nikolas steps into the hallway. Gia is standing against the wall waiting for him; stormy light brown eyes collide with dark cold ones.

End of Before the Morning After, Please e-mail me any feedback by clicking on the mailbox below :)

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