Chapter 25 Saturday Night-Party Night Liz pounded on the bathroom door for the third time. “Sarah!” She called. “Quit hogging the bathroom!” Liz listened at the door and all she heard was loud music. “Sarah! You didn't take my radio in there, did you? Sarah?” She pounded on the door. Suddenly it was jerked open. Sarah leaned out the door, holding a lit cigarette in one hand and the portable phone in another. “What?” she growled. “You've been in the bathroom for an hour! Other people have to use it too.” Liz started fanning the air in front of her. “Gram will kill you if she finds out you've been smoking in here.” “So?” Sarah took a puff. “You want one?” “No, thanks I quit. Just hurry up in here and don't spray the air freshener, it doesn't work, just makes it smell worse in here.” “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll be out in 15 minutes.” Sarah slammed the door in her face. “I just *love* having her back.” Liz muttered. “It was just my sister being a total baby.” Sarah told Deenie over the phone. “Ever since… well she has turned into such a goody-two shoes she makes me sick.” “Don't sweat it.” Deenie advised. “Can you get a ride to the club tonight because I can't come and get you.” Sarah groaned. “Now I have to ask Lizzie for a ride. How could you do this to me Deenie?” “Sorry! I'll meet you by the front okay? So Nikolas isn't coming for real?” “Nope. He came up with some lame excuse. He doesn't do the dance thing anyway.” Sarah set down her cigarette and started to apply her lip-liner. “How was the date Friday?” Deenie just had to ask. “Nik kept insisting it wasn't a date, he wouldn't even pick me up! And he put me in a cab afterwards.” Sarah picked up two lipsticks almost the exact same shade and tried to decide which one looked better. She shrugged and then picked another lipstick and used that instead. “Man, is he resisting hard or what?” “Yeah but he can't hold out for long.” Sarah spritzed herself with perfume. “I got him once and I can get him again and when I do…” “You're gonna dump him harder and way worse than he did you.” Deenie laughed. “Exactly!” Sarah rolled her eyes. Deenie was such a teenager. No wonder she hadn't let her in on her real plans for Nikolas. Sarah grinned as she checked out her reflection. She fluffed up her hair with her free hand. “Just perfect.” ~~~~~ Liz had finally had a chance to get into the bathroom and got ready for the night's activities. She was coming out of her room, putting in an earring, rushing because she was late and she knew that Lucky would be on time. “Hey, Liz!” Sarah called from behind. “Yes?” “Nice dress.” Sarah commented. Liz was wearing a simple black dress, nothing too flashy or fancy. She waited for Liz to comment on her body-hugging red dress but it never came. “Thanks. What do you want?” Liz got straight to the point. “I need a ride to the club, can I go with you and Lucky?” Sarah hated asking Liz for a favor. “I thought you were getting one with Deenie?” “Something came up. I'm going to meet her there.” “Why can't you just get a cab?” Liz didn't want to be in the same club with Sarah, let alone be in a car with her. “Liz, why are you being so mean?” Sarah exploded. “I just want a freaking ride!” Liz sighed. “If Lucky doesn't mind, it's fine by me.” “Thanks.” Sarah muttered. “Sis.” ~~~~~ Emily groaned and started taking off her outfit, her third one so far. Nothing looked right, she thought. I'm too tall and too thin and nothing works for me. “ARRRGGHHH!” she screamed before diving back into her closet. “Knock, knock.” Carly called out as she walked in. “Carly, you came!” Emily rushed over to her and gave her a hug. “When you called freaking out about having nothing to wear, I knew I had to come over and calm you down.” Carly returned the hug. “I don't know why I'm acting like this. I'm just going to a club with some friends.” Emily pushed aside a pile of clothes and flopped down on her bed and Carly sat beside her. “No, you're going to a club with a *guy*.” Carly corrected. “A pretty cute guy, from what you've told me about him.” “Tino's just a guy. Who is kind of cute.” Emily admitted. “But it's not like this is a date or anything. I don't think of him that way no matter how much he wants me to. It's just that he's…” “Not Nikolas?” Carly finished for her. Emily nodded. During their shopping trip Thursday, Carly had badgered Emily until she had caved in and told her everything that was going on with her and Nikolas. Emily had confessed that even though she didn't like waiting around for Nik to make up his mind there were times when she couldn't help it. “I know that he just wants to be friends and I should just get on with my life but there is a part of me that hopes that he will want to be more than friends. Am I just being stupid?” “Nope.” Carly rubbed her back. “You're being human, it sucks doesn't it? But what you have to do is this, and I know it might be hard at first, you have to move on. You can't spent all your time waiting on one guy when there are others that would jump at the chance to be with you. And if that guy you were waiting on is The One, he will not let you go without a fight and maybe the other guy you turn to will be The One instead. Do you get what I'm saying?” Emily nodded. “So that's why you went out with that Marcus guy? You got sick of waiting on Jason?” “That and I haven't had a date in a while.” Carly laughed. “Carly, I love my brother but he's an idiot if he lets you get away.” “I've been thinking the same thing about Nicky.” “So you didn't tell how it went with Marcus? You have to spill it Car!” Carly laughed. “How about we talk after your date, yes it is a date, with Tino and we have a good old-fashioned girl talk about them? Now let's get you dressed.” Carly stood and went over to Emily's closet. Emily groaned. “I have nothing to wear.” Carly started rummaging around in the closet. “Emily, we just went shopping. I could have sworn you bought a new outfit. Where is it?” Emily grabbed a skirt and a shirt from off the bed. “Here it is. I put it on first and it looked horrible!” Carly sighed and rolled her eyes. “It always looks horrible. Put it on again Em and then I'll do your make-up and hair and then you'll look at yourself and tell me if it really looks horrible.” “I'm telling you it doesn't fit me right.” Emily mumbled. She continued to complain about the outfit while Carly quickly did her make-up and arranged Emily's hair in a messy upsweep. “How tall is Tino?” Carly asked. “Um, he's real tall.” Emily tried to remember exactly how tall. “Taller than you? Does he have a couple of inches on you?” “Yeah, a lot.” “Good, wear these.” Carly thrust Emily's knee high boots at her. Emily took the boots. “It's still summer, these will be too hot.” “Wear them.” Carly insisted. Emily put on the boots and Carly placed her in front of her full-length mirror. “Tada!” Emily looked herself over. Emily hadn't felt the need to go all out so she had just bought a simple shirt and skirt. The shirt was a deep silky green. The skirt was a black mini and with the tall black boots they showed off Emily's best assets, her legs, to perfection. Emily smiled. “You were right. I look great.” “Told you so.” Carly grinned. “Now, let's just try this.” Carly unbuttoned the first two buttons of Emily's shirt then stepped back. “I would undo a third but you don't want to look like you're giving it all away, just a little.” They laughed together. Carly noticed Emily's necklace. “Are you going to wear that too?” Emily's hand flew to her neck. “Uh, yeah, it's the Cassadine medallion Nikolas gave me. I think it works, don't you?” Emily turned to the mirror. Carly watched her facial expression very closely. “Yes, it looks nice.” Emily breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't taken it off ever since last Friday, when Nikolas had put the medallion on her. Even with all her confusing feelings about not wanting to wait around for Nikolas to get his act together she couldn't bear not to wear it. It was her connection to him. As much as a jerk and idiot he had been lately, he was still her best friend. She fingered the medallion. There was a knock at her door. “Come in.” She called. Reginald poked his head in. “There's a guy here for you Emily.” “Thanks, I'm coming right down.” “So the mysterious Tino is here. Hmm, I think I'll just go have a little look- see.” Carly headed out the door. “Carly don't you dare embarrass me!” Emily cried as she followed her. They clattered down the stairs and came to a stop in front of Tino. He grinned at Emily. “Couldn't wait to see me, huh chica?” Carly started walking around Tino, checking him out. Tino smiled and held out his arms so she could get a full view. “Like what you see?” Carly nodded. “You were right, Em, he is cute and conceited.” “I never said you were conceited.” Emily quickly corrected. “But you said I was cute and that's what counts in my book.” “Great sense of humor.” Carly noted. “Hi, Tino Rodriguez.” He thrust out his hand to Carly. “Em's date tonight and friend for the moment but I hope to be much, much more.” Emily blushed. Carly shook his hand. “Carly Spencer. Em's friend and your worst nightmare if you do anything that hurts Em on your way to being `much, much more'. Trust me, you don't want to be on my bad side.” Emily decided it was time to break this up. “You know Tino we should get going, it's getting late.” Tino checked his watch. “Yeah, it is. Nice meeting you Miss Spencer.” “Right back atcha.” Carly said. “I'll talk to you later.” Emily muttered to Carly. Carly tried to keep from laughing. “You look great by the way.” Tino looked her up and down. “Thanks, so do you.” “Have fun you two, but not too much fun!” Carly couldn't resist throwing out as they walked out. Emily turned and threw Carly an evil stare, which just made her laugh. ~~~~~~ Nikolas through down the book he had been pretending to read and stood. He walked over the window of the family room and ran a hand through his hair as he stared out. He guessed that Emily and Tino were on their way to the club tonight. He wondered if she was thinking about him. Was she wearing red? She always looked good in red, he thought for no reason. Carly came into the room with a cheerful smile. “Hey Nicky.” She said with a wave. “You are in some serious trouble.” Nikolas turned, uninterested. “Why do you say that?” Carly flopped down on the couch then checking to make sure Mrs. Landsbury or Stefan weren't around she put her feet up on the coffee table. “I met Tino tonight.” “You did?” “Yup, Emily had needed some help getting ready for her date tonight and…” “Wait a second.” Nik held up a hand to stop her. “She thinks this is a date? She called it a date? They're going on a date?” Carly smiled to herself. “Well, she didn't use those exact words but a girl doesn't agonize over her clothes when she's just going to hang out with a friend. She does that when she's going to go on a date.” “So she considers this a date?” Nikolas wanted it to be clear. Carly shrugged. “Yeah, to her and to him, especially to him, it's a date.” Nikolas turned to look out the window again. Carly got up and walked over to him. “Oh, don't mope, Nicky. You still have a chance just don't blow it by doing one thing and meaning another. No more of those kiss-and-run accidents all right? Because believe me, it won't be that much of a hardship for Emily to turn her affections to Tino.” ~~~~~ Tino pulled up in front of the club just when Lucky, Liz, and Sarah did. Emily noticed Sarah immediately and groaned. “What is she doing here?” “Who?” “The tall blonde over there.” Emily pointed her out. “We used to be friends but we aren't anymore.” Tino looked her over. “She doesn't look like the friendly sort to me.” “She isn't.” “Well then we'll just have to avoid her.” Emily threw him a grateful look. “She's my friend Liz's sister and I hope she doesn't want to hang with her tonight.” “Maybe you'll get lucky. Now we can't sit in this car all night.” Tino got out and held open the car door for Emily. Sarah had just spotted Deenie and waved at her. She was glad to get away from Liz and Lucky; they were so sickeningly sweet with each other it almost gave her a toothache. She saw Tino helping Emily get out the car. “Hey is that Emily? And *who* is that guy she's with?” Sarah started walking towards them to get a better look. Liz heard her and nudged Lucky in the side. “Emily's here and I guess that's Tino. She's right, he *is* cute.” “What? Who's cute?” Lucky hadn't been paying attention. After listening to Sarah chatter on and on he had started to zone out. “Pay attention. Emily and Tino are here. Here's your chance to check him out.” “Lizzie, guys don't check out other guys.” He corrected her. “But it looks like your sister is about to.” Sarah came up to Emily with a false smile. “Emily! How have you've been? I heard all about… well, I'm sorry that you had to go through what you went through. Are you better now?” “How did you…” Sarah ignored Emily's answered and zeroed in on Tino. “So, who's your friend?” She asked. Emily rolled her eyes as she did a quick introduction. “Sarah Webber, Tino Rodriguez.” “Nice to meet you, Tino. Very nice.” She practically purred. Emily wanted to gag. She had to get Tino out of there before Sarah embarrassed herself even more. “Liz is waving us over, Tino, let's go.” She dragged him away. “That girl is not subtle.” He pointed out. “You think?” Tino laughed. “I like it when a girl knows what she wants but that one goes a little too far.” “It's all a part of her charm.” Emily introduced Tino to Lucky and Liz. Liz flashed Emily a quick thumbs up behind Tino's back, Lucky rolled his eyes at her antics and the four of them walked into the club. Deenie came up to Sarah. “And who was that?” “The hottest guy I've ever met. Not counting all those European hotties. I wonder what on earth he is doing with Emily.” Sarah couldn't take her eyes off him. “I thought she and Nikolas were an item.” “I guess this is why Nikolas didn't want to come tonight. He can't bear to see her with someone else. I must make sure to tell him all about it later. Come on,” Sarah grabbed Deenie's arm. “I'm ready to party.” The two of them walked into the club. It was packed with people and the dance floor was already filled. There was smoke coming from smoke machines and the music was pumping. ** We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light ** Tino looked over and saw how Emily was swaying to the beat. “You wanna dance?” He shouted over the music. Emily nodded her head. She turned to Liz and said, “We're going to dance! You guys coming?” Liz looked at Lucky expectedly. He shook his head. “Slow dances are more my thing.” Liz shrugged. “Maybe later.” Emily let Tino lead her out to the dance floor and the two of them began to move to the music. ** I'm feelin' fine 'Cause in time I'll be out tonight I'm startin' now Makin' sure I look fine tonight Call Rene and Boo Gotta meet them soon Tell T. to call Shawn I'll be here at 1:00 When we show up All the guys at the club Wanna get our backs We look good in black ** Emily was bouncing in time with the music when Tino placed his hands on her hips and pulled her in close to him. Emily wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. They started to move together. Tino rocked her down and then back up. ** We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light ** Emily laughed out loud as Tino unexpectedly twirled her around and wrapped his arms around her waist from the back. He grinned at the sound of her laughter. ** I'm feelin' high 'Cause I'm outta control tonight (feelin' high don't wanna stop) He's got me movin' DJ groovin' I feel way right (groovin' I don't wanna stop) I'm gettin' freaked from behind I don't even mind 'Cause he lookin' damn fine Make him mine in time Gotta take him home When I get him alone I'll make him scream and moan He won't wanna stop ** Emily was having a great time. It had been a long time since she last went to a party and she needed the chance to cut lose. It's a shame Nikolas couldn't be here, she thought and then she tried to banish that thought. No thinking about Nikolas tonight she told herself. You are with a good looking guy who has his total attention on you so don't blow it. ** We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light ** Liz watched Emily and Tino with a smile. Emily was cutting loose and having a good time for a change. Liz glanced over at Lucky, she loved the boy but she really wished he'd dance! “Come on, we're dancing!” She took his hand and dragged him onto the dance floor. “What?” Lucky went along though. ** We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light I'm feelin' high tonight Outta control tonight I'm feelin' high tonight I feel high ** Emily grinned at Liz who had finally pulled Lucky onto the dance floor. Liz smiled back and just shrugged to say, “I had to dance.” ** We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light ** Sarah watched them all with a frown on her face. Emily should be alone at home recovering from her suicide attempts not rubbing herself over some guy and Liz shouldn't even be out of the house and dating Lucky. She was the only one not dancing. Even Deenie had found some fool to dance with. Well Sarah had had enough and she grabbed the first guy she saw. ** We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light We go deep And we don't get no sleep 'Cause we be up all night Until the early light ** The music changed to pounding house music and Emily started to wiggle out of Tino's arms. He held her closer and then let go. She turned to face him with a big smile on her face. “That was fun but whew,” she fanned herself with a hand. “I'm a little hot and thirsty.” Tino took the hint. “I'll go get you something to drink. I'll be right back.” Liz pushed Lucky behind him. “Go get me one too. I want to talk to Em.” Lucky took off behind him. Liz pulled Emily off the dance floor. “You were right, he is cute.” “Cuter than Lucky?” Emily teased. Liz shook her head. “No one's cuter than Lucky but he might be sexier than Nikolas.” It was Emily's turn to shake her head. “No way!” They laughed over their silliness. “But he seems pretty nice but I haven't had a chance to get to know him.” “Maybe we can do something together? Like hang out or something?” Emily suggested. “Good idea.” Sarah and Deenie came walking by and Sarah couldn't help stopping and saying to Emily, “You looked disgusting rubbing yourself all over that guy like that. You keep that up and he'll expect a lot more later on.” Emily sneered at Sarah. “Are you speaking from experience?” Liz choked back a laugh as Sarah walked on. “I don't know what happened over in London but Sarah sure has changed and not for the better.” Liz told her. ~~~~~ Before they could walk back over to the girls, Lucky pulled Tino to the side. “Look, man, I don't know you, I don't how you are but if you do one thing to hurt Emily, you will live to regret it.” “God, what is with you people? This is the second time tonight I've been warned.” “Who warned you?” Lucky had to know. “Some chick named Carly Spencer.” Lucky nodded. “My cousin. Spencers are known for protecting their family and friends so watch yourself.” “Why does everyone think I'm out to break her heart? I don't work that way. I like Em and I would never, ever hurt her in anyway.” Lucky stared at him before saying. “Just see that you don't.” They went back to the girls and watched as they sipped their drinks. Lucky looked around the club. “This is a pretty nice club.” “But not as nice as your dad's?” Liz laughed. “Nothing's as good as Luke's.” “Your dad is Luke Spencer? You're one of those Spencers?” Tino said wide-eyed. Lucky nodded. “Yeah, we're *those* Spencers.” Emily laughed. “You didn't care about my being a Quartermaine but you find out about Lucky's family and you go all fanatic on him.” “Well, it's just that I've heard about Luke Spencer for years. I remember my mom telling me about how he saved the world from being…” “Can we not go into my family history? I've learned that some things should stay in the past.” Tino nodded. “Sure, sure. Hey, Em, you want to dance again?” “Yeah.” Emily put down her glass. ** Baby I know you are hurting Right now you feel like you should never love again Now all I ask is for a chance To prove that I love you From the first day that I saw your smiling face Honey I knew that we would be together forever Ooh, when I asked you out, you said no, but I found out Darling that you'd been hurt, you felt that you'd never love again I deserve a try, honey, just once Give me a chance, and I'll prove this all wrong You walked in you were quick to judge But honey, he's nothing like me ** Tino once again lead Emily to the middle of the floor and this time they were joined by Liz and Lucky from the beginning. Emily watched as Liz immediately threw her arms around Lucky's neck and Lucky drew her close to him. Liz placed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. ** I'll never break your heart I'll never make you cry I'd rather die, then live without you I'll give you all of me, honey that's no lie I'll never break your heart I'll never make you cry I'd rather die, then live without you I'll give you all of me, honey that's no lie ** Tino slowly drew Emily's arms around his neck and wrapped his around her waist. He pulled her in as close as possible and the two swayed softly to the music. ** As time goes by you will get to know me A little more better, girl that's the way love goes, baby And I know your afraid, to let your feelings show And I understand, but girl it's time to let go I deserve a try honey, just once Give me a chance and I'll prove this all wrong You walked in you were so quick to judge But honey he's nothing like me Darling why can't you see ** Emily sighed and Tino tightened his hold on her. Their swaying slowed down until they were barely moving. ** I'll never break your heart I'll never make you cry I'd rather die, then live without you I'll give you all of me, honey that's no lie I'll never break your heart I'll never make you cry I'd rather die, then live without you I'll give you all of me, honey that's no lie ** ** No way (no way) No how (no how) Make you cry I swear No way No how I'll make you cry ** Tino whispered into her ear. “I really want to kiss you.” Emily pulled back, not knowing what to say. She started to respond. “I…” “I'm not going to do it know.” He let her know. He looked around. “There's too many people here. I like to do my kissing in private, it's so much… better that way, don't you think?” Emily nodded wordlessly. “I was just letting you.” He told her and he pulled her back close to him. Emily didn't know what to do so she just continued to dance. Her last experience with a guy and kissing had been with Nik and each time he kissed her he did it without warning and he acted like he hadn't wanted to do it. It was nice to be with a guy who gave her a little warning and who really wanted to be with her. ** I'll never break your heart I'll never make you cry I'd rather die, then live without you I'll give you all of me, honey that's no lie I'll never break your heart I'll never make you cry I'd rather die, then live without you I'll give you all of me, honey that's no lie ** Emily couldn't help whispering back. “I really want to kiss you too.” And they continued to dance.