by Angie
Hi everyone! Thanks for all the feedback! I love receiving it! And Rhonda, I stayed home to finish this just for you! *G*
Winner Takes All~13
"Julia, have you seen my earrings for this dress?" Brenda called out to her
sister from the bathroom.
Julia, looked at herself once more in the mirror before responding. Her blond hair had been put up in a french roll, secured with butterfly pins which accented her hair beautifully. Her dress was a full length soft amber silk, slinky dress which complimented her skin tone. "Yes, they’re right here Brenda. Now will you hurry up?! Were going to be late!"
Brenda waltzed out of the bathroom, still in her bathrobe as she grabbed her earrings from Julia. "The Nurse’s Ball is an event Julia! Were allowed to be late."
"Late yes, but I do want to get there before the chorus line!" Julia complained.
"Don’t be so melodramatic! I’m almost ready" Brenda claimed.
Julia walked over to her sister. "Please don’t say you’re going to extra trouble to look good because of that playboy living across from us!"
"No, of course not. Jerry’s room in downstairs Julia" Brenda laughed.
"Brenda. . ."
"No, I’m not trying to impress anybody, okay?! Now, give me a minute. I’m almost ready" Brenda told her disbelieving sister.
*********
"Come on in, it’s open!" Jax yelled as he ran around his penthouse in search of his bow tie.
"What are you doing?" Jerry asked as he walked in, his black tuxedo making him look even more eye-catching.
Jax stopped a moment, to meet eyes with his brother. "I’m trying to find my bow tie. I. . .I don’t know where I put it!" he said frantically as he continued looking around the room.
Jerry looked down on Jax’s desk to see a bow tie sitting squarely in the center. Shaking his head he picked it up. "Jax?"
"Will you stop talking and help me find it?!" Jax barked back.
"What, this?"
Jax looked up to see his brother holding the bow tie with his index finger. Walking over, he grabbed it and put it around his neck. "Thanks" he said grudgingly.
"Oh, the pleasure was all mine" Jerry responded sarcastically. "So, what has you so wound up little brother? Perhaps the appearance of a certain woman you’ve been dreaming incessantly about for the last month?"
"No, perhaps its because I have to perform! I still cannot believe I was dragged into this. Those ladies conned me like pros."
"That’s why I always say, never go into a room when the ladies out number you" Jerry insisted. "It’s too dangerous. Although," he pondered, a lascivious look appearing on his face, "it could also be *very* nice."
Jax threw a couch cushion at him. "Will you shut up, and help me with this damn thing?"
Jerry chuckled as he walked over to assist his brother with his tie. "You know. . .I’ve never felt closer to you Jax" he joked as he was inches away from his brother.
Jax pushed his brother. "I’ll tie it my self you joker!" he grumbled.
"Oh come on Jax. Lighten up. You know you want to laugh."
"Lets just go" Jax responded, as he lightly slapped his brother on the back, the hint of a smile appearing on his face.
*********
"BRENDA!!" Julia paced around the room, looking at her watch.
"Okay, okay!! I’m ready" Brenda came tumbling out of her room, straightening out her dress.
"Finally! Now lets go" Julia said firmly as she grabbed her wrap and purse, and opened the door. Brenda was about to follow when she quickly flew back into the room.
"Brenda!"
"I forgot my wrap! Sheesh Julia, lighten up!" Brenda smiled as her sister gave her a glare.
Julia shut and locked the door behind them, and they walked towards the elevator. Brenda gave a longing glance back at Jax’s door, wondering if he had left yet. "I wonder what he looks like in a tux" she thought to herself. She knew what he looked like without one, Brenda smiled deviously.
"Brenda!"
"Coming!"
************
As the elevator doors opened, Julia and Brenda noticed the ballroom was just beginning to fill up.
"See, I told you we weren’t going to be late" Brenda told her sister. She smiled as she looked up, and out of the corner of her eye she saw him. It was hard to escape him. He was the best looking person in the room, and Brenda only had eyes for him. He and his brother who seemed to be occupied with Bobbie Jones were at the other end of the room, Jax leaning on the wall looking ever so delicious. "Ah Julia. . .lets go see who’s over there" Brenda told her sister as she led her in the direction towards Jax.
She was coming towards him. Jax fought to keep his heart from beating out of control. As she came closer, her beauty intensified. The gown was floor length, with a full skirt, and the burgundy velvet complimented her hair perfectly. It was strapless, revealing the beauty of her bare shoulders, and the neck line dipped slightly in the middle of her chest, giving a hint of more.
By now, Julia had noticed the looks Jax and Brenda had been giving each other, and was trying desperately to stop it. "Brenda, why don’t we go say hi to Lois and Ned?"
Brenda continued walking however, until she met Jax, face to face. "Well hello there partner. Ready for our number?"
"As I’ll ever be" Jax responded casually. "I hope you can keep up."
"Oh, you know I can."
"My, my aren’t you two ladies a gift from god" Jerry commented as he turned around to see both Julia and Brenda standing before him. "Don’t they look beautiful Jax?" he nudged his brother.
"Yes" he responded softly, continuing to gaze only at Brenda. "Like an angel."
"Shall we escort you ladies to your table?" Jerry offered.
"Sure" Julia agreed as she walked over to Jax and took his arm. "Shall we Brenda?"
Brenda took Jerry’s arm, and looked back at her sisters reprimanding gaze. "Yes, lets go. We are. . .sitting with the Quartermaines."
"So are we, I guess that ELQ stock came in handy after all" Jax responded.
Julia groaned inwardly to herself. Why didn’t her sister just give that man the secrets of their entire company?! She seemed to be more than willing to give anything else to him. Jasper Jacks was playing her sister like a violin, and she wasn’t going to stand by and let it happen!
As the foursome reached their table, Jax pulled out a chair for Julia before taking a seat next to her. Brenda however, didn’t wait for Jerry to pull a seat out for her, as she quickly went to the remaining seat next to Jax. Jerry took his place in the last seat next to Julia.
"What are you trying to pull Julia?" Jerry whispered to his former love.
"I’m not trying to pull anything Jerry. All I’m doing it protecting my sister." Wanting to change the subject, Julia switched gears. "So, what were you doing talking to Bobbie Jones?" she inquired with a knowing gaze.
"Talking, is that alright your highness?" Jerry retorted.
"Talking?" Julia laughed. "Jerry, you either bed woman, or you leave woman--you don’t do anything as humane as having a conversation with them."
"Well, it became a habit due to all the time we’ve spent together" Jerry shot back, amused at the look of fury that entered Julia’s eyes.
Before Julia could respond, the voice of Edward Quartermaine interjected. "So, this is the Jacks brother I’ve been trying to avoid."
Jerry rose, shaking hands with the Quartermaine patriarch. "Edward! It’s a pleasure I’m sure."
"Not particularly" Edward responded bluntly, a suspicious look in his eyes. "I’ll be watching you Jerry Jacks."
"If you wish, but unfortunately, I’m really not that interesting" Jerry responded.
Over on the other side of the table, Lois and Brenda were conversing with each other excitedly. "Brenda! You look fabulous!" Lois complimented. "Are you ready for your performance?"
"Yes. But I just want it over with!" Brenda laughed.
The lights began to dim, and the chatter amongst the room began to quiet down, as Lucy made her grand entrance on centre stage, wearing a gold sequin number, sure to be one of many dresses adorned by her tonight.
After her opening remarks, and hopes for the numbers to go "through the roof" this year, the entertainment portion of the program began! First up? Elizabeth Webber, and Lucky Spencer performed "Anything for you" from the musical "Oliver", and the threesome of Alex Garcia, Marcus Taggert, and Mac Scorpio followed with a hysterical version of "All for love" as sung by Sting, Rod Stewart, and Bryan Adams.
As Lucy watched the "police posse" finish their number she squealed with excitement. This was going to be the best nurses ball ever! As the curtain closed, Lucy appeared on stage once more. "Wasn’t that fantastic?! Now, you all know how to show your appreciation. Fill up those police hats with donations and go over to the silent auction while we take a break in the entertainment! The house lights lit up the room once more, and the guests began milling around the ballroom.
Brenda excused herself from her table to pour herself a drink, smiling at Karen Wexler as she passed by the intern table. As she began to pour her drink, a cold voice sounded from behind her, causing her to jump slightly.
"Enjoying the show Brenda?"
Brenda pursed her lips together and spun around. "Actually I was enjoying it tremendously Jason. Is there a point to you trying to ruin my evening?"
"You seem to be very cozy with Jacks brothers" Jason commented, casting an icy gaze over to them.
"Yes, well, you and *your* date appear very. . .scandalous" she shot back, casting a gaze over to a slim woman with shoulder length brown hair fitted in a tight black dress, exposing everything.
"Carly has nothing to do with this."
"Fine. The Jacks brothers have nothing to do with this as well. So tell me Jason, is this just a visit to try and scare me, or do you really want something?"
Jason stepped closer to her, his breath on her shoulders. "You think you’re so smart don’t you? Brenda, one day I will avenge Sonny’s death."
Brenda flinched slightly at the sound of his name. "Sonny’s death, was a result of his career, it had nothing to do with me. I don’t blame any business screw ups on him do I?"
Jason’s eyes darkened. "Sonny’s dying wish was that you always be safe, and I’ve respected that. I’ve done it reluctantly, but I have kept his wishes. Don’t push me Brenda Barrett. Or you’ll be sorry."
"Is there a problem here?"
Jason and Brenda turned to see an inquisitive Jax standing before them, his eyebrows raised, and a smirk on his face.
Jason put distance between himself and Brenda. "No, there isn’t. Not yet anyways" he said as he walked away.
Brenda shook her head as she watched him walk away. "Don’t you think a person would get sick of being so dark all the time?!"
Jax placed his hand on Brenda’s cheek. "Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" he asked in a concerned voice.
Brenda couldn’t respond. Her nerves were jumping at his touch. How was it possible a simple gesture could make her so vulnerable to him?
"Brenda?"
"Um. . .no. I’m fine" Brenda said quietly moving away from his touch. "Do. . .do you want to go and get some air with me?"
Jax smiled, "sure" he responded as he escorted her outside of the ballroom.
Back at the Quartermaine table, Julia and Ned had begun arguing over certain business prospects.
"Ned, I don’t know what you are thinking, but I don’t see the Asian market rebounding soon!" Julia insisted, as she continued to look around for her sister. "Where’s Brenda?" she asked out loud.
"I don’t know. She was talking to Jason just a minute ago" Ned answered.
Julia glanced around and saw Jason sitting at his table quite cozily with his date. Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "Where’s Jax?"
It was a beautiful night. The terrace had been decorated with an array of fresh cut flowers, and tiny lights on the walls. As Jax and Brenda walked out, they both inhaled the night air contentedly.
Brenda turned to Jax. "Thank-you for stopping my conversation with Jason. I didn’t want to spend the entire intermission arguing with him!"
The moonlight cast a light on her that made her look even more enchanting. Jax’s words were caught in his throat as all he could do was gaze at her, his longings for her increasing rapidly.
Brenda smiled self-consciously as she noticed the way Jax was looking at her. As if she was the only person who mattered. As if he wasn’t looking at her, but *in* her. "Jax, stop looking at me like that" she said softly.
"My pleasure" her responded as he cupped her face with his hands and brought their lips together in a perfect kiss. Their lips which had grown so accustomed to each other melded together in harmony, as Brenda moved her hands up Jax’s chest and around his neck in order to move closer to him. Her lips parted, allowing Jax entry into her mouth, a sweet, passionate moan escaping from both of them as the kiss deepened immensely.
"So THERE you are!! I’ve been looking all over for you!" Julia exclaimed,
barging into this private rendezvous.
Still oblivious to Julia’s presence, she watched as Jax picked up Brenda
walking over to a bench on the terrace as they continued to kiss each other
passionately, Brenda now sitting in his lap.
Julia was shocked to see the display of emotions between them. He had her sister so far gone on him that Brenda was in a position to give him *anything* he asked for, both personally, and professionally. She had to stop this. "Whoops!" she sounded as she let her champagne glass drop to the stone ground, shattering loudly into a million pieces.
Jax and Brenda who were seconds away from engaging in rather forbidden acts of foreplay broke away from each other, still in a fog. As the image of her sister became clear, Brenda jumped up and out of Jax’s lap, straightening her dress. "Hi Jules. . .what brings you out here?"
Julia folded her arms crossly at her sister. "The next acts are starting, I suggest you two get inside NOW!" she barked as she gestured Jax and Brenda to go into the ball room. As they walked to the ball room in silence, both Jax and Brenda began scolding themselves.
"Fantastic, all it takes is for her to look beautiful, and I drop like gravity" Jax grumbled to himself. He definitely was leaving after the nurses ball. There was no way in hell he could stay any longer.
"I am too WEAK!" Brenda shouted to herself, taking a couple of deep breaths. They had decided on nothing! She had to follow through on her decision. Brenda could already feel the glare boring into the back of her head from her sister. She would get it tonight.
The threesome reached their seats just in time as the lights dimmed once more, and Lucy sauntered out wearing a bright orange, silk dress, with red flowers bordering the "V" shaped neckline. After giggling in response to the hoots and hollers directed her way, Lucy introduced the next line of entertainment; Ned and Emily singing and swing dancing to a medly of music from Cherry Pop’in Daddies, Big Bad Voodoo, and The Squirrel Nut Zippers. The number was a huge success as everyone in the room began cheering the number on, and swaying to the catchy beat of the music. At the very end of the song, Ned picked up Emily, swooping her around in the air in sync with the drum beats of the music. The crowd went wild, whooping with enthusiasm, and the dancing mood instilled in everybody.
"Wow!" Lucy exclaimed as she returned to the stage. "Now that is how you entertain! Were taking a little break, but you know where all the donation centers are. Keep on giving generously for this extremely worthy cause." As the house lights rose once more, a crowd rushed to the dance floor, while Lucy made eye contact with Brenda, signaling that it was time to get ready for her number.
"Julia?" Brenda called out. "Jax and I are going backstage to prepare for our number, is that okay with you?" she asked facetiously.
"Fine" Julia responded, her eyes showing Brenda the discontent she was feeling.
Brenda reached for Jax, and the two of them rose to head backstage together.
"Are you ready?" Brenda asked, enjoying the feel of his hand on her back as he led her to their dressing room.
"As I’ll ever be I suppose. You?"
"Sure. No turning back now right?" she asked, her eyes searching his, trying to see how he was truly feeling.
"Guess not" he responded shortly as they walked into the main dressing room.
Nothing. Brenda shook her head slightly in disappointment. Why was it that he seemed to look into her so easily, yet she didn’t have that same power? Was she just imagining everything? "I’m not supposed to care!" she muttered to herself aloud.
"Did you say something?" Jax asked at the sound of her voice.
She looked back at those unmistakable eyes. She wasn’t supposed to care, but hell, she did. She cared a lot. "No. Nothing" Brenda smiled meekly, as she grabbed her dress for the performance and went to change.
Ten minutes later. . .
"Yoo hoo!! Hello in there?!! Are you guys ready?" Lucy banged on the door loudly. "Serena, Maxie, and Karen" are almost done their Spice Girls medly! You guys are up next! Plus you guys are the last act so I need you to be perfect!"
"oh, no pressure right Lucy?" Brenda spoke out as she opened the door.
"No! Of course not! I just need you to be perfect, which I know you can do, so were fine! Now, I can’t find my guest speaker, she isn’t here yet! I’m going crazy. Yes, I’m going crazy. You would think that after so many years of doing this I wouldn’t have to go crazy, but I am. So, ta! Good luck, and you have three minutes!!" Lucy turned around, as Brenda giggled quietly at the babble that could come out of that woman’s mouth!
Lucy stopped suddenly. "You’re HERE!! Thank-goodness!! I was. . .going crazy waiting!"
"I’m sorry" a familiar voice answered, "my flight got delayed due to weather problems, and traffic was terrible on the way here! Lucy you’ve caused a traffic jam!"
"Robin? You’re the guest speaker?" Brenda said suddenly, walking closer.
"Yes?" she responded as she laid eyes on Brenda. "Oh my goodness, Brenda!!" The two girls hugged each other tightly. "I can’t believe you’re here!! It’s been so long Brenda!" Robin exclaimed as they greeted each other.
"I’m sorry girls, but Brenda is up really soon, and I need you in your place too Robin!"
"Are you in town long?" Brenda inquired.
"For a week, I’ll be at my uncle Mac’s, so call me in the next couple of days."
"Definitely!" Brenda smiled. "It’s good to see you Robin" she said sincerely before walking over to the stage where Jax already preparing.
Hearing the cheers coming from the audience, Brenda and Jax realized Lucy
had taken the stage once more, and they were up. They got ready as Lucy made
her introduction.
"Well, we’ve saved the best for last. What do you get when you combine
two gorgeous, corporate raiders together? A collaboration worth gold. Here
are two of the best. Ms. Brenda Barrett, and Mr. Jasper Jacks!
The curtains opened to reveal Jax, in his black tuxedo softly playing the piano with a lounge-type melody, and Brenda sitting on top of the grand piano cross-legged, in a fitting, slinky black dress.
Brenda looked over slyly at the piano player, slowly inching herself closer to him. "Mr. Piano man, take any request?"
Jax stopped playing, as he looked up with a flirtatious smile. "Well, it depends on what you want from me."
Raising an eyebrow, a devious smile crosses her face as her hands suddenly grabbed his shirt, pulling him towards her fiercely. "Its become so clear to me now. I want you." she spoke lowly as trumpets began blaring up into an upbeat jazz standard, with Jax playing along perfectly with the instruments. Microphone in hand, Brenda jumped off the piano, draping an arm over Jax’s shoulder, and out came a voice that mesmerized everyone. . .
I never cared much for moonlit skies
I never winked back at fireflies
But now that the stars are in your eyes
I’m beginning to see the light
I never went in for afterglow
Or candlelight on the mistletoe
But now that you’ve turned that lamp down low
I’m beginning to see the light
Used to ramble thru the park
Shadow boxing in the dark
Then you came and caused a spark
That’s a four alarm fire now
I never made love by lantern shine
I never saw rainbows in my wine
But now that your lips are burning mine
I’m beginning to see the light
But now that your lips are burning mine
I’m beginning to see the light
Used to ramble thru the park
Shadow boxing in the dark
Then you came and you caused a spark
That’s a four alarm fire now, now!
But now that your lips are burning mine
I’m beginning to see the light
Well, beginning to see the light
yes I’m beginning to see the light.
The trumpets helped blare out the final chord as Jax made use of every octave on the scale of the piano, the audience went wild, and the song finished. Breathless, and a smile plastered on her face, Brenda looked down at Jax as they silently congratulated each other. The curtains closed, leaving Jax and Brenda alone as Lucy discussed the importance of AIDS, the need for a cure. "Here is proof of what all the research, and all the money has helped achieved, and how close we are to a cure. Please welcome our guest speaker for tonight, Miss. Robin Scorpio." A gently applause was audible in the audience, and Robin began her speech.
Jax and Brenda returned to their dressing room to change, and gather their belongings.
"I think we did pretty damn good if you ask me" Jax commented, as he waited for Brenda to come out of her change room. "It wasn’t as ghastly as I thought, so I’m satisfied."
"I’m glad!" Brenda shouted out from the other room.
"What about you? How were you?"
Walking out of the change room, back in her original dress, Brenda smiled at Jax. "I. . .didn’t crash and burn, so I can’t complain, right?"
"No, you didn’t crash and burn" Jax concurred getting up to take her hand. "You, have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard" he told Brenda sincerely as he kissed her hand gently. "Shall we go back to our seats and listen to the guest speaker?" he asked, extending his arm out to Brenda.
Brenda froze suddenly. She melted at his touch, and wanted so badly to know the real him. The man under that suave, ruthless, exterior. How could this connection be wrong? Should it be fought? "Jax. . ." she began.
Jax brushed her cheek with his hand gently. "Something on your mind?"
(Yes. . .be with me, let us explore this connection we feel for each other) What she wanted to say held such a clarity in her mind. "Jax. . .we should get back to our table before Julia comes after us with a whip!" she joked consciously. "Besides, I want to watch Robin speak. She’s an old friend."
Jax nodded happily, as Brenda took his arm and they returned to their tables in silence.
**********
Lucy paced around backstage in a circle as she awaited the beginnings of the chorus line. "I’m going to keep my clothes on, I’m going to keep my clothes on" she told herself out loud.
"Well I hope so, but you don’t have to on my account."
Lucy looked up in horror. "Jax! What are you doing here?"
"I just came here to tell you how much I admire your work in this production Lucy. To do this every year for such a wonderful cause take commitment, and if you need any help with it next year, give my assistant a call."
Lucy beamed appreciatively. "Well thank-you. I always try to do my best, and as long as I keep on improving every year on the figures, I’m doing well."
"LUCY!!!" a stagehand came running up to where Jax and Lucy were standing, almost bowling them over.
"What? What’s wrong?" Lucy asked.
"Look!" the stagehand announced, thrusting a sheet of paper into Lucy’s hands.
Jax watched as Lucy’s mouth dropped open, and she began yelling obscenities to anybody that passed her. "NO!! This has to be a mistake! Are you sure you have the right numbers?!!"
The stagehand nodded furiously. "I got them myself. But, about forty-five minutes ago, every kid in the pediatric Aids wing, and intensive care was given a toy to keep. Plus, all that expensive champagne that was delivered probably added up to--"
"Wait a second! What expensive champagne?!"
"Well, maybe you don’t think so, but three hundred dollars a bottle is pretty--"
"THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS?!!" Lucy shouted, "what is going on? I would never have ordered that!"
"That’s right Lucy, you didn’t, but you really have to learn to make orders with a pen" a voice called out of the dark.
Lucy’s eyes narrowed in disgust. "Eve Lambert, please do not say you are as low as spending money for Aids research, on revenge against me!"
Eve revealed herself. "Lucy, every kid in this hospital is appreciative of you. I did you a favor" she rationalized.
"Favor, my you know what! You know how important it is for me to achieve at least 150% of last years numbers, and I’m NOT going to miss it this year, you. . .you. . .witch!"
Eve laughed, at Lucy’s rage. "Lucy, your still going to make about the same as last year, most people won’t notice."
"I don’t care about that! I’m going to get the numbers I should have gotten! That amount of money is going towards research, if it is the last thing I do!" Lucy asserted.
"Well, how do you plan on doing this before the chorus line begins?" Eve goaded, as she saw the chorus line beginning to assemble.
Lucy took a few deep breaths. She had to think of something, something guaranteed to make her a ton of money. "Ladies!! Don’t go on yet" she announced to the chorus line, "the ball isn’t OVER!" Lucy smiled suddenly. "Oh my goodness! What a fantastic idea! I’m a genius! This can work!"
"What Lucy? What’s wrong?" Amy Vining asked.
Ignoring Amy, Lucy turned to face Jax. "Jax, I know you said you would help next year, but can you help me out this year?" she asked as Lucy began walking closer to the stage.
Jax followed suit and walked along with Lucy. "Sure Lucy, what do you need?"
Lucy stopped at the side of the stage, a devious grin forming on her lips. "I need you" she said simply as she grabbed Jax by surprise and ushered him out onto the stage, microphone in hand.
"Ladies and Gentleman, the chorus line isn’t ready to go out yet. The figures I wanted for this Nurses Ball haven’t been reached, so were staying until we reach them, and Mr. Jasper Jacks is going to help."
Jax smiled cautiously. What was she doing?
Lucy smiled at Jax once more before facing the audience.
"Where shall I start the bidding for one night with Mr. Jasper Jacks?"