3

One hour later, after they’ve eaten at least two helpings of Ribs from Eli’s, Lucky and Liz end up at a practically deserted Kelly’s. Katie is the only one there rubbing down a counter. She glanced up and noticed her friend enter with a beautiful brunette.

"You’re back," Katie seemed surprise.

"Yeah. Uh…is my aunt around?"

"No but she said if you needed anything do what I can. What’s going on?"

"Katie, this is Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is my friend Katie Campbell."

"Hey," Katie shook Elizabeth’s hand.

"Hi," Elizabeth smiled.

"Elizabeth needs a room. There is one available isn’t there?" Lucky asked.

"Of course. Your old one. Why don’t you two set down and I’ll make you a sundae," Katie grinned, disappearing into the kitchen.

"She seems nice," Elizabeth watched her disappear.

"She’s great. We’ve been best friends for six months now," Lucky nodded, leading her to the table they used to always set at. Lucky looked at her and wondered what truly brought her home and what happened to Jason. "So you want to talk about it?"

"About Italy? It was beautiful Lucky. So different from the U.S. and…"

"Elizabeth I know all that. I’ve been there with my parents when I was on the run. I meant do you want to talk about what brought you home so quickly?"

Elizabeth was about to say no, but looking into those concerned blue eyes, she knew she owed him an explanation. A explanation for everything. "…He left me for Robin. He took his half of the rent money with him. I was all alone in a strange country. I didn’t know what to do."

"You called me. That was a good idea."

"I didn’t know if you’d help me after what I did. Where did you get that much money from anyway?"

"Nikolas. But don’t mention it to him. I told him it was to pay for a specialist in deprogramming."

"He must hate me right now doesn’t he?"

"He’s not real happy with you but I don’t think it’s hate," Lucky shook his head. "if I told him what the money really was for he wouldn’t have given it to me."

"Lucky I’m going to pay every cent back. I promise."

"Elizabeth like I said, don’t worry about it. I have it covered."

"You’re so good to me," Elizabeth sniffed. "I definitely don’t deserve you."

Lucky was about to answer when a cold voice snorted. "You’ve got that right." Lucky turned to see his brother coldly glareing at Elizabeth, Gia stood beside him, clutching his hand.

"Well look who decides to return and grace us with her presence," Gia snorted.

"Nikolas. Gia," Elizabeth nodded towards the couple.

"Lucky. Can I see you for a minute. Upstairs. Alone," Nikolas is already heading to the second floor.

"I’ll be back," Lucky looked at Elizabeth and turned to his brother’s girlfriend. "Try to be civil anyway."

"I always am," Gia shrugged as Lucky followed his brother.

"Lucky what is she doing back here? I thought she was with Jason," Nikolas hissed, angry at Elizabeth’s reappearence into his brother’s life.

"He left her in Italy. She’s come back to regroup," was Lucky’s flat reply.

"Please…please tell me that the money I loaned you wasn’t for her. Please Lucky…it was wasn’t it?" Nikolas suddenly knew the truth from the way Lucky diverted his eyes.

"She had no one else to turn to Nikolas."

"Audrey! Sarah! Her parents! Why you? Why can’t she leave you alone and let you go on with your life! You were doing just fine without her!"

"Nikolas…"

"She took off when you needed her most! In fact she was the reason you were so susceptible to Helena in the first place! Now that Jason has dumped her she thinks she can waltz right back into your life, no questions asked!"

"It’s not like that Nikolas."

"Oh really? Well then why did she call you? Why did she ask you to get her back home?"

"Because she needed someone who wouldn’t tell her that she was wrong, that wouldn’t rub it in that Jason had left her with nothing. She knew I wouldn’t do that, and I won’t. No matter what may have happened between us in the past, Elizabeth was always my friend and I don’t turn my back on my friends."

"Too bad the same can’t be said for her."

"You’re acting like you were the jilted boyfriend," Lucky looked at his brother suspiciously. "What’s really going on here?"

"Nothing. I just want my brother finally happy. I want all reminders of your ordeal vanquished, and believe me, Elizabeth is a reminder."

"Well I don’t see it in that way," Lucky sighed.

"I know you don’t. That’s why I’m glad I have the clarity to see right through Elizabeth’s little games and she’s not going to get away with it," Nikolas turned and stormed back down the stairs to see Gia and Liz setting two chairs away from each other. Nikolas stands in front of Liz, his dark eyes flashing angrily. "You may be able to fool my brother into forgiving you and taking you back, but it doesn’t work for me and I’m not letting you get away with what you’ve done. Come on Gia! Let’s go!"

"Bye Lucky," Gia waved following her boyfriend out the door.

"Nikolas is pretty angry with me isn’t he?" Elizabeth got to her feet and approached Lucky who sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Yes he is. But he’ll get over it. Don’t worry about him," Lucky shrugged.

"He has every right to be angry and so do you. You needed me and I let you down. And for what? To be left in Italy all alone with no one to turn to. Can’t say I didn’t deserve it. In fact, when I called you should have told me to go to hell."

"But I didn’t and I won’t. Not now and not ever Elizabeth. I’ll be here whenever you need me."

"Here you go two sundaes," Katie smiled, coming out of the kitchen.

"Thank you," Elizabeth smiled.

"Was that Nikolas and my cousin that just left?" Katie glanced to the door.

Lucky nodded. "Nikolas isn’t to pleased with me right now, so I’m going to give him his space."

"How can you do that when you live with him?" Katie looked at her friend quizically.

"It’s easier than you think," Lucky laughed.

"Oh Elizabeth, I found where Tammy keeps the keys and found the key to Lucky’s old room. Here you go," Katie holds out the key to Elizabeth.

"Thank you. I really appreciate this."

"Well I better go. I promised Gia I’d stop by and pick up that bracelet from Aunt Flo. See ya," Katie waved, rushing out the door.

"She’s Gia’s cousin?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes widen.

"You seem surprised."

"I am. She’s so nice and sweet, and Gia’s so…I don’t know…Gia."

Lucky laughed. "You just say that because Gia reminded you of yourself when you first came here."
"Ugh don’t remind me," Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "I steal can’t believe that I planted those tests on Sarah like I did. If it wasn’t for Nikolas…"

"Hey that’s the past and you’re not that girl anymore," Lucky took her hand.

"Yeah that girl would have told Jason where to go the minute he stepped into her life," Elizabeth sniffed, popping the cherry from her sundae in her mouth. "And she would have never left her boyfriend when he was in trouble."
"Elizabeth come on. Stop blaming yourself for that. It was best that you weren’t here. It was better that you were in Europe instead of in Port Charles."

"But you needed me…"

"No I needed my parents and they came through. So did Nikolas. I’m fine. And you will be too after you get over this heartbreak Jason left you with. He didn’t even have the guts to tell you in person?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "He just left a note. I had no idea Robin was in town. It came as a total surprise."

"What a asshole," Lucky shook his head. "He even fooled me into thinking he really cared and wanted to protect you. That was the only reason I didn’t put up much of a fight anyway. If I had known that he’d do this to you…"

"Lucky…nothing you could have said or done would’ve changed my mind. I just hate that my relationship with Jason destroyed my relationship with everyone here. I don’t know how I’m going to face up to Gram and I’ll have too. Sooner or later."

"And she’ll be loving and understanding when you do," Lucky smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "And as for everyone else, I’m sure they’re not going to react like Nikolas did. They’ll understand."

"I wish I had your confidence," Elizabeth sadly smiled. "Well look at the time. I better head upstairs and get settled. Thanks for the talk Lucky."

"Anytime you need me Elizabeth, I’m here. Just give me a call," Lucky nodded.

"Thank you," Elizabeth smiled, getting up out of her seat. Looking at Lucky one last time, she darted up the stairs, leaving Lucky to lean back into his chair, lost in memories of the past.

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