Lisa and Carly sat at the bar. Lisa poured them each a drink.
Carly wondered why they were banished from Luke's office. "Why are we out here when all the action's in there?"
They both swallowed their drinks in one swallow. "Because," Lisa replied, "you and I don't need to see what's going on."
"Let me guess, it's between Luke and his father."
Lisa nodded, "Yep. Although, I am glad that Laura stayed in there. It keeps down on bloodshed."
Carly pushed her glass towards Lisa for another round. “I tried to get Alexander to tell me what he was doing here, but he wouldn’t give up any information.”
Lisa poured them each another drink. "I have a sneaking suspicion it has to do with Bobbie and Stefan.”
"What?"
"Stefan is involved in a ridiculous charade of a marriage to Bobbie. The damn thing’s not even legal. So you don't have to worry about her going back to Tony."
"Tony loves me. But what about you? What does this mean for you? I thought you and Stefan were..."
Lisa cut her off, “We are. And let’s leave it at that.” They downed their second round.
"How do you feel about sharing Stefan with your aunt?"
Lisa reached down and pulled free the Cassadine pendant that was hanging around her neck. "See this?”
Carly shrugged, “So?”
“So, it means that I don’t have to worry about Bobbie."
The girls both jumped as the door in Luke’s office slammed loudly. Lisa looked at Carly. "What I wouldn't give to be a fly on that wall."
*****
Luke stood by the door that led outside. He reopened it. "I said, get the hell out of my club!" he yelled.
Alexander walked over and slammed the door shut again. "Not until I've said my peace. You owe me that."
Luke was livid, "I don't owe you a damn thing," he seethed quietly. "You walked out on me and my sister almost 35 years ago and never looked back once. So don't expect anything from me, or Bobbie."
"Lucas, let me explain..."
Luke cut him off, "If you don't leave now, I'll have you thrown out for trespassing."
Alexander gave up. "All right, Son. You won't listen, but maybe your sister will."
Luke exploded again. "You stay away from her!"
Alexander pretended not to hear him and waved back to him. He walked out the door heading back into the club, where he could see Lisa and Carly. Luke leaned heavily on his desk and let out a long sigh.
Laura crossed over to him from where she had been silently observing the whole conversation. As she stood next to him, he straightened up and turned his back to her. He didn't want her to see the tears that were rolling down his cheeks.
She saw them anyway. She wrapped her arms around him from behind and rested her head on his back. "I love you," she whispered.
Luke finally turned around to face her. She reached up and wiped away his tears. Silently, he pulled her into an embrace so tight that she had trouble breathing. But she didn't care.
He finally spoke. "I wouldn't ever do that to your or any of the kids."
“I know,” Laura nodded as there was a soft knock on the door.
Lisa stuck her head in the door, “Alexander just left. Is everyone still alive in here?"
Luke felt guilty suddenly, because he realized that his oldest daughter had grown up just like he had, without a father. "Yeah," he mumbled. He crossed over to her as she entered the room. He pulled her into a big bearhug. "I’m so sorry. I love you, Baby Sunshine."
Lisa, looking extremely embarrassed said only, "Me too."
Laura looked on and smiled.
*****
Alexis opened her door, not surprised to see Lisa standing there. “Hey Lisa. Come on in.”
Lisa walked in talking, “You would not believe who showed up at my father’s club today. Alexander. Is he nuts?”
Alexis shrugged slightly, “Or so I’ve been told.” When Lisa gave her a strange look, she continued, “Well, I’ve heard that your grandfather isn’t exactly 100% when it comes to common sense.”
“I would’ve thought that the whole thing was one of Helena’s mind games with me, until now. What does he expect? For Luke to just welcome him with open arms like nothing ever happened?”
Alexis sighed, “Lisa, I have to be honest. I have no idea what your grandfather wants, or why he came here. I know that Stefan didn’t send for him.”
Lisa nodded, “Of course not! Alexander is one of Helena’s personal minions. Can she be far behind? What does she want? To take back over the family or something?”
Alexis just shook her head, “I have no idea. I’m sorry, Lisa.”
Lisa flopped down on the sofa and sighed, “I’m sorry too, Alexis. I guess I just figured that if anybody knew what was going on, it would be you.”
She smiled, “I’m flattered. Look, Lisa, I have some errands to run, why don’t you stay here, draw a nice hot bath and just relax for a while. You look tense. Okay?”
Lisa nodded again, “Okay. Thanks, I appreciate it. How long are you going to be gone?”
“Probably three or four hours, at least.”
“Thank you, Alexis.”
*****
Lisa laid in the tub on her stomach, her chin resting comfortably in her hands. She closed her eyes and inhaled the scent of the perfumed water. She thought she heard something and looked around the candlelit room. Not seeing anything, she closed her eyes again.
Stefan smiled as he saw her lying there. He watched as the candlelight glinted off the chain she wore around her neck. He silently took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. He took a handful of water and poured it slowly over Lisa’s exposed back.
She inhaled slowly and let out a quiet sigh, “I wondered how long it would be before you showed up.”
As he caressed her back, he asked, “Then you aren’t surprised?”
She looked up at him and shook her head, “No.”
“Upset?”
“No,” she whispered almost silently.
He knelt down next to the tub, gently stroking her back and shoulders. She just laid there in silence, enjoying his tender touch. She sat up slowly and allowed him to pour water over her shoulders.
After several minutes, he reached over and took the towel off of the vanity. She stood up and he wrapped her gently in the towel and lifted her effortlessly out of the tub.
He carried her into the spare bedroom. Standing in front of her, he reached around and pulled out the ponytail holding up her hair. He smiled as her hair fell around her shoulders. He took the hairbrush off the nightstand and brushed her hair back slowly.
She closed her eyes and relaxed her shoulders as he gently pulled the brush through her hair. He traced the line of her necklace with his finger and watched with satisfaction as a chill rushed up her spine. He leaned over and placed slow deliberate kisses along the base of her neck, pulling her ever closer to him.
She moaned softly, instinctively reaching up for the buttons on his shirt. Stefan quickly shed his shirt and unwrapped the towel that covered Lisa, tossing both them easily across a nearby chair. He collected Lisa in his arms, laying her delicately on the bed.
“Stefan, I...” Lisa started.
He quickly silenced her, his mouth covering hers. They kissed passionately, hungrily.
“Sweet Leezia,” he said breathlessly, “It’s been far too long.”
She nodded slowly, “Make love to me, Stefan.”
*****
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
JANUARY 1997
A couple of days later, Lisa was sitting at a table in Kelly's. Ruby sat across from her. “You’ve been rather distant the last few days.”
Lisa nodded, “Yeah, Rub. Lots of stuff on my mind.”
Ruby patted her hand affectionately, “You know where to find me if you need anything.”
“Thanks,” Lisa said, smiling. Ruby got up and went back to her other customers.
Carly walked in and quickly sat across from Lisa. "Why did we have to meet here?" Carly asked.
Lisa shrugged, "I thought it would be easiest. Family settings and all that."
Carly glared, "Family, my foot. The only people that know who I am are you and Luke."
"I'm sorry. I just figured Ruby knew too. She knew about me from the moment I got here."
Carly frowned and shook her head. Sitting forward, she talked in a hushed whisper, "The only thing she knows is that I stole Tony from Bobbie and forced her into Stefan Cassadine's waiting arms. But that's another story. What did you find out about Alexander?"
Lisa sat back and smiled as Bobbie entered Kelly's. Bobbie smiled politely at her in return. She acted like she was going to talk to Lisa until she saw who was sitting with her. She frowned and made a beeline for the bar.
Lisa shrugged. "If she only knew. I'm sorry, Cee. Didn't expect her to be here. Honestly." Carly nodded and Lisa continued, matching Carly’s earlier hushed whisper. "Old man Alex hasn't been seen since he left the club the other day."
"That doesn't explain what he's doing here."
Lisa nodded, "Or how he knew where to find us at all. You never mentioned it to him did you?"
Carly glared at her. "Do you think I have a death wish? Him being here only increases the risk of everyone finding out who I am."
Lisa frowned, "Then he’s up to something. He never does anything unless ordered to or if it benefits him. Not a good sign."
"Like what? Who would order him to watch us?"
“Not us. Me. He’s connected with the Cassadines.” Lisa looked up to see Luke walking in the door. Luke walked over to her and kissed her on the forehead, "Afternoon, Sunshine."
"Daddy."
Luke bent down to their head level, “Looks like you girls are cooking up trouble.” He then looked at Carly and whispered, "I would suggest that you make yourself scarce, little girl."
Lisa glared at him, "Be nice," she scolded. "Cee and I were just leaving. Right?"
Carly stood up. "Right." She started to walk towards the door.
Lisa called after her, "I'll be with you in a sec." She dropped to voice to a whisper and addressed her father. "You gonna tell Bobbie about Alexander?"
"Only that he's in town. Anything else is up to her."
Lisa nodded. “Don’t hold this Cassadine thing against her, Daddy. I can almost assure you that it won’t last. She’ll need you to help pick up the pieces.”
Luke frowned, “I won’t ask how you know that. Quite frankly, I don’t wanna know. I can’t believe that you’re letting him play games with both you and Barbara Jean. The whole thing makes me sick!”
Lisa smiled, but said nothing.
Luke added, "One more thing. Keep a low profile around Bobbie. It’s only a matter of time before she figures out whatever game it is that Steffin is playing. I don’t like it! He’s pitting this family against itself, and I’ve got news for you, this Spencer doesn’t want to play. And be careful if Caroline is with you. I don't want Barbara putting together the wrong puzzle pieces. You know that finding out the truth about her daughter would break her heart."
"Uh huh,” Lisa nodded again and left.
Luke sighed. Shaking his head, he walked over and joined Bobbie at the bar. Bobbie mumbled, "I hate that husband stealing little tramp."
Luke looked at her pathetically, although he wasn’t sure which girl she was talking about. "Now that your the happy homemaker with the Bat, why do you care?"
Bobbie sighed, "Luke, when are you going to get over the fact that Stefan and I are together?"
Luke quickly responded, "When hell freezes over. He's playing games with you Little Sister, when are you going to realize that?"
"Our marriage isn't a game, Luke."
"Oh no? You may be wear his ring and carry his name, but someone else is playing in your game." Luke dared her to ask him about it.
Bobbie was quiet for a second, not wanting to hear what he was saying. Defiantly, she said, "I've never seen him with anyone else, and Nikolas says he was hardly ever involved before."
"And you believe the little bastard?" Luke shook his head. "Goldilocks is sleeping in your bed, Barbara Jean. And she's quite happy to stay there, thank you."
"So you obviously know who it is," she paused, waiting for him to tell her who. "Well?"
Luke didn't want to admit that Lisa was the one 'shackin with Steffin', so he changed tracks. "Alexander is in town."
Bobbie rolled her eyes, "What a way to...what? Alexander? Who?" Then it hit her. "Why is he here? What does he want?"
Luke shrugged. "He showed up at my club the other day. No one knows what he wants. And I for one, don't care, just as long as he stays away from the kids. All of them." Luke stood up. "I just thought you should know."
Without another word, he walked out the door. Bobbie watched him go, then glanced at her watch. If she was going to surprise Stefan, she had to hurry. She stood up and left.
*****
Stefan sat at his usual park bench. Lisa came up from behind and put her hands on the bench on either side of his shoulders. “Good afternoon, Leezia,” he said without ever looking at her.
Lisa walked around and sat next to him. “How long has Alexander been in town?”
“You’ve seen your grandfather?”
“I wouldn’t exactly call him that. And that stunt he pulled was very stupid, even for him. He’s lucky Luke didn’t kill him. Fortunately, Caroline, Laura and I were there to keep him calm.”
“Good for you.”
Lisa glared at him, “What does he want?”
Stefan shrugged slightly, “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Don’t be obtuse, Stefan,” Lisa hissed. “Helena sent him here. I know she did, just as sure as I’m sitting here. What does she want? Does she want to kill me, since Billy couldn’t do it?”
Stefan looked at Lisa, really looked at her, as if for the first time. What he didn’t see was Bobbie come up behind them. She stayed back in the bushes. Hidden from view, but within earshot. He continued to Lisa, “Leezia, do not worry about my mother. As long as you are my wife, she will not touch you.” He noticed that he couldn’t see her pendant, “Why do you insist on keeping your pendant hidden?”
Lisa glared at him, “Why do you insist on keeping up this farce of a marriage to Bobbie? It’s invalid! Even the preacher was a phony. I bet she no clue, does she?”
“I truly care for Barbara. But she knows nothing about me or the family. This arrangement suits me.”
Lisa sighed. “That’s sick.” There were tears in her eyes, but she kept them stifled for now. “You ‘care’ for her? Do you ‘care’ for me? At least now I know that you have feelings for another woman, does she? Or doesn’t she have anything to worry about?”
Stefan looked at her, slightly confused. “I care for you, I’ve always cared very deeply for you. Leezia, something else is wrong, what is it?”
“I deceived myself into thinking that I was the only one, and then you involved yourself with my aunt. Stefan, you and I were together for a long time.” She tried to rationalize the situation, “I knew that our whole marriage was out of necessity, not out of love. I used to hope that one day it would be something more, but now...”
“Our marriage was in a lot more than name only. The reason you ran away three years ago proved that. I think the other night proved that it’s still more than just in name.”
She looked up at him sadly and shook her head, “Then can we stop hiding it? Let me take my rightful place at your side as your wife.” She couldn’t stop the tears from coming now. “Unless, I forfeited that right when I left and you no longer think of me that way.”
Stefan took her hand in his and touched her face with his other hand, wiping her tears away. “Leezia, you left because you felt you had to. You couldn’t face what happened. I couldn’t face it either, but I wasn’t able to leave. Your heart was broken and I didn’t know how to repair it.” He had tears in his own eyes now. He continued, “I never would have extended the family name and protection to you if I planned on leaving you. I was just waiting for you to come back and claim it. I made a promise to you, and a Cassadine never breaks his word.”
Lisa knew that she should feel comforted, but she didn’t. “You made the same promise to Bobbie. How am I supposed to compete with what she can give you? I still have nightmares about what happened. And I see you standing next to me telling me that you love me. It’s the only time you ever said it.” She finally broke down in tears, rocking back and forth, sobbing.
Stefan sighed, Lisa had a point, but his feelings for her were strong. He had just never put it into words. In that moment, he realized exactly what Lisa was running from. He had done the same thing once. He took her face in his hands and turned her towards him, looking deeply into her eyes, “In my eyes, and the eyes of the law, you are my wife. The first, the only.” He pulled her into an embrace and held her, rocking with her as she cried.
Neither of them noticed Bobbie rushing away, wiping tears from her eyes.
*****
