Chapter 8 Alexis walked into her penthouse after a long day of depositions. Ned had been on her mind all day. He had been gone for three weeks and hadn’t called since he left. She went to her machine to check her messages and today was no different than the days in the three weeks that proceeded it…he hadn’t called. “Maybe he has moved on” she thought to herself. “How can I expect him to wait for me when I haven’t exactly been waiting for him.” How can I just let you walk away Just let you leave without a trace When I stand here taking every breathe With you You’re the only one who really knew me at all Ned walked into an empty hotel room. The concert had just wrapped up and he was beat so he feel onto the bed. His mind immediately went to Alexis. He had been trying to contact her for three weeks now, but never got an answer. Each time he called he intended on leaving a message but could never bring himself to do it. She needed time and time is what he was willing to give her. How can you just walk away from me When all I can do is watch you leave Cause we’ve shared the laughter and the pain And even shared the tears You’re the only one who really knew me at all He reached for the phone, dialed her number, and waited while it rang. “Hello” Ned sat up and began to speak but nothing came out. He couldn’t even bring himself to say Hello. He hung up the phone, laid back down and turned his head to look at the nightstand where a picture of he and Alexis had been since the day he got there. So take a look at me now There’s just an empty space There’s nothing left here to remind me Just the memory of your face Take a look at me now There’s just an empty space And you coming back to me is against the odds And that’s what I’ve got to face Alexis got out of the shower, wrapped a towel around her, and walked into her bedroom. She sat down at her vanity and began to brush her hair. She put the brush down, pulled out the top drawer, and took out a picture of she and Ned. “Why haven’t you called me?” she said as she ran her finger over his face. I wish I could just make you turn around Turn around and see me cry There’s so much I need to say to you So many reasons why You’re the only one who really knew me at all Ned picked up the picture, gave it one last look and placed it on his chest…there it laid with his arms around it as he feel asleep. So take a look at me now There’s just an empty space There’s nothing left here to remind me Just the memory of your face Now take a look at me now Cause there’s just an empty space But to wait for you is all I can do And that’s what I’ve gotta face Alexis stood up with the picture in her hands. She walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge just glaring at the one person who taught her the meaning of love. She brought the picture to her chest and wrapped her arms around it as she laid back onto the bed. She rolled onto her side, brought her knees up to her stomach, and rocked herself to sleep. Now take a look at me now Cause I’ll still be standing here And you coming back to me is against all odds It’s the chance I’ve gotta take -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 9 Alexis was busy researching some case law when there was a knock at the door. “What brings you here during the day? Don’t you have a coffee business you have to run?” she said rather sarcastically. “Nay…I got my boys on it. Listen, I hear Juan is performing at Luke’s tonight and I really want to go. You up for going with me?” “I don’t know Sonny. I’m not sure I’m ready for everyone in Port Charles to know about us yet.” “Us? You mean we are an ‘us’ now?” “You know what I mean. I’m not sure it’s a good idea. I mean I’m not even sure people know Ned and I aren’t together anymore.” “Well, this will be a perfect opportunity to tell them, without actually having to TELL them!” “I don’t know Sonny. You know Emily is going to be there and she adores Ned. I don’t want to do that to her.” “Alexis, we are friends. We aren’t allowed to hang out together as such?” “Yes, but…” “No buts. Come on Alexis, I really want you to go with me and I promise to be on my best behavior. We can just act as though nothing has ever happened between us. I know…how about we go as neighbors who couldn’t find a date? I mean everyone knows Ned is off on tour and Carly is busy settling she and Michael in to her new place. Please?” “Alright, I’ll go. BUT, no touching, no indecent eye contact, no stares, no nothing that gives away anything that we have shared.” “Deal. Now, I’ll let you get back to work and be ready for around 6:30” he said as he kissed her on the top of her head before he left. Alexis sat at her desk staring at the stack of books that laid before her. Her thoughts immediately went to Ned. She wondered what he was doing, if he was having a good time performing, and most of all, if he was thinking of her. She looked around for the itinerary for his concert performances and saw where he was supposed to be in Detroit for the night and where he was staying. She picked up the phone and dialed the number to the hotel, and asked for Eddie Maine’s room. The girl on the other end of the phone said she would ring it. Alexis sat there nervously as the phone continued to ring. As she got ready to hang up, someone picked up. “Hello” “Hi, um is this Ned Ashton’s room.” “Yes it is, but he isn’t here right now. He’s in the lobby doing an interview. Can I tell him who called.” Alexis sat there in silence. She couldn’t decide if it was best to leave a message for him or not. “Are you still there?” “Um, yeah…I’m here. Would you just tell him Alexis called?” “Alexis, hey, I didn’t know it was you. He’d want me to go down and get him if he knew it was you.” “NO, don’t interrupt him. I’m on my way out anyway…just please tell him that I called.” “Ok, I will” Alexis hung up the phone and laid her head down on the desk. Part of her hoped he had been there and part of her didn’t. It would have been so much easier for her if she could just forget Ned Ashton, but she couldn’t. 6:30pm Alexis was rummaging through her closet looking for something to wear. She came across a sequin dress “Too dressy” she said as she tossed it on the bed. Next, she picked up a suit “Too businessy” she said as she tossed it on the bed. She came across her black skirt with a flowered print that had slits on both sides, “perfect” she said as she put it on. She went through her dresser drawers looking for a top and came across a red, lightweight, deep v neck sweater with ¾ inch sleeves. She put it on and looked in the mirror. “This top is a little low cut…oh well, I really don’t have time to change.” She had just finished putting her shoes on when she heard Sonny knock on the door. She made her way down stairs to open it. “Wow, you look great. I don’t think I have ever seen you in a pair of jeans” she said as she looked him up and down. “And you look amazing. Turn around for me” he said as he shot her his dimples. Alexis turned around for him. “Let me get this straight. You expect me to follow the plan of ‘no touching, no indecent eye contact, and no stares with you dressed like THAT??? Alexis, are you TRYING to torture me?” Alexis laughed “No, I’m not, I just didn’t know what to wear.” “Oh my God, well I’ll just let you know beforehand, I ain’t making any promises I KNOW I can’t keep tonight!” “Come on, we better get going” she said as she directed him toward the door. “Ladies first” Alexis walked into the hall as Sonny checked her from head to toe. “God, you look great!” “Well thank you” she said as she pushed the elevator to go down. “Hey, where is Johnny?” “He’s already in the car waiting for us” As they got on to the elevator, Sonny hit the first floor button and looked over at Alexis. “You really do look exceptional tonight and since I’m not allowed to do this in public…he began to stare at her….or this…he looked up and down her body…or this…he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her towards him…is it ok if I do it now? Alexis’ temperature began to rise. He was so close to her and she wanted him to touch her all over. She slowly brought her lips closer to his and kissed the corners of his mouth. She ran her finger across his lips and pressed her lips against his. Sonny ran his tongue around her lips and kissed her gently. He stepped back and looked her deep in the eyes. The elevator doors opened but neither moved. “Say you don’t want me Alexis” “I can’t say that…but not now, we have a performance we need to get to.” They both smiled at each other for they were content with the way things were headed. He took her hand in his and led her to the car.