Monthly Archives: February 2026

February 20, 2026 – GH Weekdays, A Tribute To Luke, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Animal Accomplishments, An Eight-Spot Of Quotes & 2017

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What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🍕 Weekday Slices…                                                                          

Monday: 

Brook met Chase at the Brown Dog Bar.

At the bar, Carly griped to Jason about Michael’s custody agreement and Ric handling it.

Ric brought a dressed-up Elizabeth to the hatchet range.

Jacinda brought Michael to the hatchet range, and he said he’d been thinking candlelight dinner, elegant, maybe a tablecloth. She said this place screamed elegance and threw her hatchet. It hit close to the bullseye. She told him, imagine the target is Drew’s melonhead.

Sidwell, Lucy, and Ava dined at the MetroCourt, and Ava said she hadn’t realized it was Valentine’s Day. Lucy said, in Ava’s life, it must be just another day, and Ava said Lucy must have been hoping for a romantic evening and instead, they were droning on about a Botero.

At a nearby table, Alexis said she was surprised Molly invited them and not Cody, and Kristina said Molly had something to tell Alexis. Molly said she wrote a new book.

In her office, Britt told Nathan that either Anna had a nervous breakdown or… There was no actual proof Faison was alive, right? Obrecht ran in and said she had joyous news. Maxie was awake.

Maxie told Felicia to call the doctor, since she was sure Felicia just said Nathan was alive. Felicia said he was and had been living in Port Charles for the last six months.

Marco asked how much Lucas heard, and Lucas said enough to know he had Marco all wrong.

Obrecht said she hadn’t spoken to Maxie herself, but hearing from Nathan would rejuvenate her. Britt said Obrecht had no idea what she was asking.

Maxie said it made so sense. She’d buried Nathan. Felicia said she felt the same way, but Anna proved it.

Carly told Jason that Sonny insisted Ric had no agenda, but she didn’t buy it, and Michael wouldn’t have signed it without Sonny’s influence. Jason’s phone rang and he said Spinelli needed to see him.

Michael threw his ax and it bounced off the target and onto the floor.

Ric said he wanted to take Elizabeth somewhere offbeat. Molly said the hatchet range was fun, but maybe he miscalculated. She asked if he was implying she didn’t know how to have fun, but he said, no, never, but he had to admit she had a cautious streak. She said she’d grab some drinks and he could grab some axes.

Lucas followed Marco inside, and Marco admitted he was talking about Sonny. Lucas said it didn’t sound good. What was the project and why did they need Britt under control? That didn’t sound like legal advice. It sounded like he was threatening to kill Britt if she didn’t do what they wanted. If he was wrong, tell him.  

Lucy told Sidwell a story and he laughed. Ava didn’t, and he asked if it was the story or her martini? Ava said maybe this wasn’t the atmosphere to discuss the Botero and they should go to the gallery, but Sidwell said he’d hoped they could all be friends. Lucy said, in the spirit of friendship, she’d been unfair to Ava. Who was she to judge? Weren’t they all allowed to reinvent themselves once in a while?

Alexis said she didn’t know Molly was writing a book, but Molly said it wasn’t a big deal. Kristina said Molly’s agent was crazy excited and had an editor on board already, and Alexis said she was proud of Molly, but Molly said she’d decided not to publish.

Lucas got loud and said Britt wasn’t there as a concierge doctor and Marco had threatened to end her life. The lies ended there. Marco said, it was his father, and Lucas said, but he knew. Marco said, yes, and Lucas said it made Marco just as guilty and made him a fool for believing in him. He’d defended Marco to everyone including his sister. Marco looked pained, and Lucas said he’d believed every lie, but no more. He started to leave, but Marco grabbed him and said he wasn’t going anywhere.

Brook told Chase that she had no details, but Maxie should be coming home soon. Tonight was about them. They reminisced about past Valentine’s Days, and Chase wondered if the Brown Dog was romantic enough. She said it wasn’t the place; it was them together. He said, forever, and they kissed.

Spinelli joined Carly and Jason and apologized for the intrusion. He had news that couldn’t wait. Earlier today, Maxie awoke. She was up and talking like nothing happened. He was thrilled and grateful and surprised, and couldn’t wrap his mind around it. Carly had to leave for the MetroCourt, and Jason said it was great news. Spinelli said, indeed. He knew all he should feel was relief that his lady love came back to him, but the green-eyed monster… Jason said Spinelli was worried about Nathan, and Spinelli said, what happened when Maxie found out he was still alive?

Felicia explained how they confirmed it was Nathan, but Maxie said she’d buried him. Felicia said Anna had Nathan exhumed because they had to be sure, and there was no body. She hadn’t believed it either, but when she talked him, she knew it was Nathan.

Britt said they didn’t know if Maxie knew Nathan was alive, and Nathan agreed that it couldn’t be rushed. Not just for Maxie’s sake, but for James. Obrecht said, of course (🍷) Nathan was putting others’ needs before his own. She’d follow his instincts and they’d go slowly and carefully, because he and Maxie were meant to be together. Nothing would get in the way of that.

Jacinda said Michael was remarkably bad at ax throwing, but he said it was on purpose. She said, really? and he said, no. She said, a lot of guys couldn’t handle a woman beating them, but he didn’t care, and he said he was glad she didn’t care that he was flawed. They were about to toast, but she stopped, and he asked if she was anti-toasting. She said, there was one born every minute.

Elizabeth hit close to the bullseye, and Ric said they’d call it one, but she said she didn’t need his pity points. Besides, it was cheating. She couldn’t remember the last time she had a night out. He said she was a head nurse and a mom. It was understandable that fun wasn’t a priority. She said, maybe it should be.

Alexis asked why Molly submitted the book to her agent, but Molly said she didn’t submit anything. Kristina said she’d asked to read it, loved it, and sent it. Molly’s agent also loved it and thought it would be a massive hit. Alexis said, only if Molly wanted it to be, and Kristina asked Molly to tell Alexis why she didn’t want it published. Molly said because it would hurt Cody’s feelings.

Carly stopped by Sidwell’s table and thanked him for opening his home for her to make up with her brother, and he said it was his pleasure. His son’s happiness was paramount and Lucas made Marco happy.

Lucas told Marco to get his hands off him and backed away. Marco said he never lied about his feelings. He loved Lucas and wanted to build a life with him. Lucas said they could have done that on the mainland. Marco had been manipulating him the whole time. He didn’t move to this godforsaken island because it was the next step. It was so Marco had easy access to his dad to carry out… what? What was he extorting Britt to do? Marco said he’d brought Lucas there because he wanted them to be together day in and day out. He’d risked everything for him.

Jason said he was sure Maxie would be happy that Nathan was alive, but it didn’t mean she’d stop loving Spinelli. Spinelli said he agreed, but it was the kind of love she had that was the problem. She loved him as a companion, Georgie’s father, and the friend who eventually won her over. Her relationship with Nathan was different. When she saw how wonderful he was with James, why wouldn’t she go back to him? Jason wondered why Spinelli could see Nathan clearly, but not himself.

Felicia told Maxie that Nathan showed up with no phone, no ID, and remembered nothing from the past seven years. He remembered being shot and everything before. He remembered her, Georgie, and that there was a baby on the way. Maxie wondered what he’d been doing, and Felicia said the working theory was that it had something to do with Faison, and Maxie said, don’t tell her that Faison was back from the dead. Felicia said Faison was still dead, but Britt was also alive. She’d shown up before Nathan. Maxie said Britt and Nathan being back at the same time was not a coincidence.

Nathan said he knew Obrecht was coming from a good place, but please let them figure it out for themselves, and Obrecht promised not to interfere. Britt suggested he get it in writing, and Nathan thanked Obrecht for telling him about Maxie. He left to take a walk and clear his head, and Obrecht said he was guarding his heart, afraid to hope in their reunion. Britt said she knew that’s what Obrecht wanted, but she had no idea what Maxie and Nathan wanted. Maxie was with Spinelli now. They had a daughter and were raising a family. Obrecht said Maxie had a child with Nathan too, but Britt said people moved on and she needed to respect that. Obrecht said time was precious and could be stolen at any moment. Who knew how much time they had with the people they loved?

As she brushed Maxie’s hair, Felicia said Britt’s situation was different. She remembered everything and had orchestrated the whole thing herself. She’d made herself disappear and hadn’t known Nathan was alive or what happened to him. Maxie asked if she believed that, and Felicia said she didn’t know what to believe where Britt was concerned, but she thought Nathan was telling the truth. He seemed as confused and mystified as the rest of them. Maxie asked how he was doing, and Felicia said, wonderful. He was the same old Nathan, concerned about everybody but himself. Maxie was the first person he’d asked about and the second was the baby. Maxie said, who wasn’t such a baby anymore. Did he meet James? What did James think of his father?

Jason told Spinelli, give Maxie some credit. She didn’t settle; she chose him. Spinelli said, at the time, Nathan wasn’t a choice. Now he was the large, chiseled one. Jason said Maxie had to tell Spinelli how she felt. She might surprise him. Jason’s phone dinged, and he saw a text of a boat, snowflake, and heart emoji.

Molly said Cody didn’t understand she’d been writing the book before she knew him and was able to see who he was – amazing. That’s what happened in the book. Kristina said, which he would have known had he bothered to read past the second chapter. Molly said, Cody had every right to be upset. The main character was inspired by him and wasn’t portrayed in the best light. Kristina said, then he became the hero and the heroine fell in love with him, and Alexis said it was like Pride and Prejudice. Kristina said it was so good, but Molly said, not good enough to ruin a relationship. She’d written it as a hobby, but it wasn’t more important than Cody. Kristina asked if Molly should stifle her talent for Cody’s sake. It was a bad example for her niece. Molly said their niece had nothing to do with it and she wouldn’t be in this position if Kristina hadn’t stolen her book. Alexis said she thought what was best for Scout was that they be nice to each other and make room for each other’s differences. She had to check in with the sitter and told them to try to be nice to each other while she was gone.  

Lucy said she thought it was wonderful that Lucas forgave Carly and lovely that she’d chosen accept Marco and his amazing father. Carly said, lovely is the word, and hoped they had a great evening. Alexis ran into Ava and said it was interesting company that she was keeping. She had a quick question. Was Jenz Sidwell worth the wrath of Lucy Coe? Ava said, after the fiasco with Ric, she was interested in men of a different caliber. Sidwell was that man and she wouldn’t let Lucy Coe or anybody else run him off.

Marco told Lucas that his father had been trying to bring him into his business since he was 18, but said he’d represent him in his legal affairs. That was it. Lucas said, clearly, things had changed, and Marco said Sonny was the reason his mother was dead. He started to cry and said, no one was holding Sonny accountable except his father, who’d promised him justice. Lucas asked if that’s why Marco was working for him, and Marco said, yes. Lucas asked why he should believe Marco, and Marco said because Lucas knew better than anyone what it meant to lose a mother.

Lucas said, don’t drag his mother into this, and Marco asked how Lucas felt when he heard she was gone and realized he’d never hear her voice again or tell her the things… he thought there would be time to say. Imagine if she hadn’t passed away peacefully in her sleep. His mother took her life, and he knew who was to blame. Lucas said he wanted justice, and Marco said it was all he wanted, but Lucas said, no. He heard Marco, the tone in his voice. He didn’t want justice. He wanted revenge. Did the conversation end with Sonny in a hospital bed or the morgue? He couldn’t be a part of this. Marco said that’s why he lied. He didn’t want to put Lucas in that position. Lucas said, yet here I am, and Marco said he thought he wanted vengeance more than anything, but it turned out that he wanted Lucas just as much. Lucas said he couldn’t have it both ways, and crying, Marco said, I’ll stop. Please stay with me.

Jacinda said she couldn’t believe Michael was drinking a Black Mallard, and he said it’s what he liked. She said, so would she if it was the real deal, and he asked if she thought they were pouring well liquor into the bottle. She said she could almost guarantee it, and he took a sip. He said it was Black Mallard. He wasn’t handy with an ax, but knew his scotch and could prove it by taking a blind taste test.

Ric got a bullseye, and told Elizabeth, ha! And that’s how it’s done. He did a dance, slipped, and fell. She said, exactly like that? Was he okay? He said he was, and they laughed.

Alexis came back and Kristina said it was Molly’s book and Molly’s decision. She was sorry she’d intervened. How about if they buried the hatchet – literally. Alexis said she wished she could, but she had to relieve the sitter. Have fun. Molly and Kristina left.  

Felicia told Maxie that it took time for James to adjust, but Nathan was patient and eventually, James warmed up to him. Now they were two peas in a pod. James adored his father. Maxie said she couldn’t believe this was actually happening, and Felicia said she knew it was a lot. How was she doing? Maxie said she thought it was a miracle that James’s father was back, but she’d watched Nathan die and there was no explanation for this. Felicia said, take all the time she needed to absorb it. She should probably get some rest. Maxie said she was exhausted, but terrified to closed her eyes. What if she didn’t wake up again?

Brook said, poor Spinelli. He must be over the moon that Maxie is awake… Chase said, then Nathan throws a wrench in his world. What would Brook do in her place?

At the Brown Dog, Obrecht ordered schnapps, and saw Spinelli. She said she was thrilled to run into him. She was grateful for the love and guidance he’d shown when Maxie was in a jam. He’d held Maxie’s family together remarkably well. He said he’d do anything for Maxie, and she said, clearly his efforts were no longer necessary. Maxie was awake and coming home to reunite with her beloved Nathan.

In the old harbormaster’s cabin, Britt wondered if the wood could be any wetter, when Jason came in and said, let him. She said he’d cracked her code, and he said, a boat, a snowflake, and a heart. It had to mean this place. It had to mean her.

Chase said, say Brook thought he died and she fell in love and then he came back, and she said, first off, he was never leaving her. She’d feel sorry for the future guy. She would forever and always choose him. They kissed.

Kristina and Molly walked into the hatchet range, and Kristina said, this was a good idea. Seeing Michael with Jacinda and Elizabeth with Ric, she added, but apparently not original.

Elizabeth thanked Ric for a fun night, and he said they should do it more often. She said she thought they just might, and they kissed.  

Her hands over Michael’s eyes, Jacinda said, what if Michael got it right? He said, the winner received a favor to be named later, and she said those were broad parameters and she had a vivid imagination. He said he’d take his chances, and drank. He admitted not knowing which was which. What was the favor? She said she’d think of something.

Ava told Sidwell that she’d just heard from the seller. Maybe they should head to the gallery to sign off on the purchase. Lucy was welcome to join them, but she wasn’t sure Lucy would find it interesting. Lucy said she was going to sit with her delicious souffle. Please go and enjoy his expensive art. Sidwell said it had been a memorable evening. He hoped the three of them would do it again soon. Lucy said he could count on it, and he left with Ava.

Carly said Michael told her about the custody arrangement and that Alexis had a hand in the negotiations, and Alexis said she doubted Carly was happy. Carly said, not at all, but she got that Alexis was doing all she could to make sure Scout stayed with her. She didn’t have to like it to respect it.  

Maxie said she was terrified to go to sleep. She was afraid of lapsing into a coma again. Felicia said that wasn’t going to happen. Did Maxie remember when she had nightmares as a little girl? Maxie said Felicia would hold her hand until she fell back asleep, and Felicia took her hand. She said, close your eyes. I’m not going anywhere.

Obrecht said one thing she’d learned was that true love always found its way, and Spinelli said he couldn’t agree more. They clinked glasses.

Maxie slept, when Felicia’s phone rang. She went into the hallway and said she was wondering when she’d hear from them. Nathan said he just found out, and she said she was with Maxie now. She’d fallen asleep, but they were coming back tomorrow. Maxie couldn’t wait to see him.

Marco said once his father’s project was finished, he was done with all of it, and Lucas said, what about Britt? Marco said she would be done too. He’d make sure of it. He needed to stay until the project was finished. Please. He needed Lucas to believe in him. He held out his hand and after hesitating a moment, Lucas took it. They hugged, but Lucas looked scared.

Jason said Britt took a risk, and she asked why he came. He said because she’d texted. Why do it? She said, because time could be stolen from them at any moment. They shouldn’t waste a second they had together. They kissed.

Tuesday:

Lucas showed up at the MetroCourt and Carly said she’d like to bring their family and Marco’s family together.

Tracy went to Windymere and told Sidwell that they needed to get a few things straight.

At the MetroCourt, Ric told Sonny that he could pick up some of Diane’s slack. Since he was moving operations to Rochester, he needed someone who knew contracts. Turner came in, and Sonny asked her to join them. She said she had update on Rocco.

Laura asked Alexis to come to her office. It had to do with Congressman Cain.

At the hospital, Willow told Elizabeth that she was tendering her resignation.

Chase was at the station, when Molly told Nathan that she was recusing herself from the case. Nathan said they had no new leads against Michael and maybe the case had run its course.

Michael saw Dante in the nook and wondered if they were no longer speaking.

Laura said Drew’s office had been cagey about his condition, and Alexis said his stroke had been serious. He was locked inside himself and couldn’t communicate. He wouldn’t be able to complete his term.

Willow said, right now her family had to be her priority, and Elizabeth said she could extend her leave of absence, but Willow said Drew needed to be properly taken care of. Elizabeth said there were professionals for that, but Willow said, for now, Drew stayed with her.

Molly told Chase that she’d recused herself, and he said he hadn’t meant to imply she was acting improperly. She said she had to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, and could cross a line without realizing. She was moving on and he should do the same.

Dante said, as Michael’s brother, he wanted to talk, but he was acting Police Commissioner. He wasn’t overseeing the case, but it was still his responsibility. Until it was over, it would benefit them both to keep their distance. Michael said it was also an excuse. Wasn’t Dante angry that he lied? Dante said, of course (🍷). He knew Michael’s alibi was shaky, but gave him the benefit of the doubt and it came back to bite him. Michael said he was sorry he’d made the wrong call.

Carly wanted to have Marco and Sidwell over for dinner, but Lucas said it was a terrible idea. She said she wasn’t cooking, and he said that was a given. She was right and he owed her a huge apology.

Tracy said Maxie had recovered and was eager to get to work, but Sidwell doubted she came all this way to tell him in person. She said his days of free reign over Deception were done. Flattering Lucy had gotten him control. Sidwell said when Maxie collapsed publicly, so did Deception’s stock. He took over their transport needs as a favor. She said she wanted a full audit, a detailed documentation of every single shipment.

Ric asked if Rocco was a problem, but Turner said, the opposite. He was doing a great job and logging tons of hours. He’d probably fulfill his sentence ahead of schedule. Sonny said he was grateful for the suspended sentence, and Ric thanked her for signing off on the plea deal. She said she had her reasons.

Michael said he hadn’t wanted to put Dante in the position of having to report it. He didn’t do it, but was the most likely suspect. He needed Dante to find the shooter. Dante asked if Michael was out for justice, and Michael said he was out to save his own ass. He hoped everyone, including Dante, would see he was innocent, and Dante said him too.

Chase said he assumed Nathan was still working on the case, but Nathan said he couldn’t discuss it. Chase said he thought they’d overlooked how Michael could get in Drew’s house.

Willow told Elizabeth that if it became too much, she’d find long-term care for Drew, but didn’t think it was right to start with that. When the time was right, she’d come back to nursing. She was rebuilding her life and unfortunately, leaving GH was the first step.

Sidwell thought an audit was excessive and didn’t want to burden Maxie with it, but Tracy said Maxie wouldn’t be performing the audit. He said he’d give her information on any shipment she wanted, but she said she wanted every single number on every single shipment. He said he was confused. Deception was back in the black, largely thanks to him. She said he’d mistaken Deception for a subsidy of SRE Worldwide. She wanted to go back to the original agreement where he just supplied the zincite.

Lucas said he was so sorry. Carly said Marco was involved in Sidwell’s business. He’d believed Marco, but overheard Marco and his dad and they were working on something illegal. He had no clue what, and got out of there fast.

Laura asked if Scout had seen her father, and Alexis said Willow thought Scout should get settled first. Laura said there was an empty seat in congress and Governor Mendez had called her. Port Charles was the largest city in Drew’s district, and he’d asked for a recommendation. Alexis said if Laura wasn’t the mayor, she’d suggest her, and Laura said, actually, she had the perfect person in mind – Alexis.

Sidwell asked why Tracy cared. Deception was a blip on the Quartermaine financial radar and there was no love lost between her and Lucy. Tracy said she wanted all her investments to be profitable, but her granddaughter was a partner, as was Maxie. For those reasons and more, she wanted the company to be successful and out from under him. He said he preferred his arrangement stay the way it was, but she said, not an option. He suggested she find another hobby. He wasn’t going anywhere. He asked Pascal to show Tracy out. They were done.

Lucas said he couldn’t go into details, and Carly asked if he was going to the police or the WSB. He said he didn’t want Marco arrested. Sidwell took advantage of him when he was emotionally vulnerable. He knew they loved each other. Carly asked what if Marco told Sidwell, but Lucas said, he wouldn’t. She said he didn’t know that, but Lucas said he knew Marco. He couldn’t walk away. At least not yet. Carly said, of course (🍷) he could, but he wouldn’t. Still, he couldn’t stay at Windymere one more day.

Ric said most ADA’s would have thrown the book at Rocco to make a name for themselves, and Turner said Rocco’s accuser was unreliable. Forensics supported none of his claims and he must have realized, since he disappeared. The charge was trespassing and a plea deal was the best choice. Ric said it spoke well of her that she didn’t punish Rocco for Sonny’s reputation, and she said she didn’t fight proxy battles. Sonny said Turner was always up for a fair fight.

Chase said Drew’s house had no sign of forced entry and they must have entered in the back using a key, and Nathan said a lot of people had keys. Chase asked how he could be 100% sure Michael didn’t have a copy.

Dante wondered how he could be sure he didn’t subconsciously push the investigation away from evidence or not want Michael to be guilty, and Michael said he was a great cop with great instincts. Dante said Michael should have told him the truth and let him do his job, and Michael said he trusted Dante, but not the legal system and Dante knew why. Dante said, for what it was worth (🍷), he had faith that Nathan would find out the truth, and Michael said that was all he wanted. Dante left.

Dante went to the station, and told Nathan that he heard Maxie woke up. Nathan said he was all over the place. He was invited to Maxie’s welcome home party, but wanted to wait for Maxie to reach out first. He had something he thought they should have jumped on sooner or possibly overlooked, and Dante asked, what? Nathan said, what if Michael had a key to Drew’s house?  

Pascal told Sidwell that Lucas had been eavesdropping on his conversation with Marco. He didn’t know what Lucas heard, but he had his ear to the living room doors. Sidwell asked what Lucas said when Pascal confronted him, but Pascal said he decided it was best that Lucas not know he was caught. Sidwell wondered why Marco didn’t say anything to him. Perhaps he chose not to pursue it. Pascal said, perhaps he did and was keeping the conversation from Sidwell. Lucas had Marco wrapped around his little finger. If Lucas confronted Marco, could he trust that Marco would come to him?

Lucas said it was his life and his relationship and he could handle Marco, but Carly said Marco wasn’t who he’d thought. How could he trust Marco? He asked how many times Sonny lied to her, but she said she knew who Sonny was at the beginning. Marco was hiding a big piece of his life. If he’d known from the beginning, would he still have gotten involved?  

Sonny said Turner’s talent in the courtroom was better than her talent on the ballfield, and she said if she had a chance to put him on trial, she’d bring her A-game. She left, and Ric asked what was going on between Sonny and the ADA. Who was playing who? Sonny said Turner was ambitious, sharp, and always lobbying for high profile cases. She also never met a press conference she didn’t like, and wouldn’t hesitate to put him behind bars. Ric said, as the former DA who ruined his career by trying to take Sonny down, why was Turner having pleasant conversation with him instead of doing everything she possibly could to put him away?

Chase saw Michael in the nook and walked past him. Michael asked if they could find a way to co-exist. The tension was hard on everyone. Chase said it would make it easier if Michael would turn himself in. He was sure Diane could get him a generous plea deal. Michael said he didn’t frame Willow. The gun was found in her belongings because she shot Drew. Chase said, Willow would never shoot anyone. Michael, on the other hand… Tracy stormed in and said Chase was still blaming Michael for Drew’s shooting, and Chase said, wasn’t it enough that Willow was unjustly accused? Tracy said, Willow was unjustly acquitted.

Willow said she’d put herself on this path and would see it through to the end, and Elizabeth said it wasn’t like they wouldn’t see each other, but the place wouldn’t be the same without Willow. They hugged and Willow thanked her for everything.  

Alexis said she was flattered, but had never considered running for public office, and Laura said that was good news. Port Charles didn’t need a career politician. She had integrity and would fight for their best interest. Alexis said she’d gone to prison, and Laura said she’d paid her debt to society. Alexis said she was disbarred, and Laura said she’d been reinstated. She thought that demonstrated Alexis’s ability to navigate bureaucracy in pursuit of justice. Alexis thought that was a stretch, but Laura didn’t. She said, the most important thing was that Alexis was someone she could work with, in a way she never could with Drew. Alexis said the bar had been set low. Just don’t use the seat to enact petty vendettas. Laura said Alexis wouldn’t be using the higher office as a steppingstone. She’d want the best for Port Charles, and they’d make a good team.

Lucas said Marco represented his father’s corporate interests, but got in deeper after his mom died, and Carly said she thought Marco and Natalia were estranged. He said, that made it worse. They had no chance to reconcile. Marco thought Sidwell would help him get closure, so he got involved in Sidwell’s business. Carly said, business was the word Sonny always used, and he said Marco promised once this was over, he’d keep his distance, so he agreed to stay for now.

Sidwell said he valued Pascal, but never question is son’s loyalty. Pascal said, before Lucas, he had no reason to think so. Sidwell said he didn’t want unnecessary friction with Marco unless absolutely necessary (😐), but he did hear Pascal. Keep an eye on Lucas and make sure he had no more chances to eavesdrop. Pascal asked, what if Lucas demanded Marco choose between him and Sidwell? He understood that Marco remained here to monitor Britt. Sidwell said, if Lucas persuaded Marco to leave, he’d be there to console his son at Lucas’s funeral.

Alexis said she wasn’t sure, but Laura thought she was a natural. they needed someone who understood local issues and could represent them well on a federal level, so they got the support they needed. They could disagree and still work together. Alexis said she didn’t think compromise was a weakness, and Laura said she saw Alexis as someone who wouldn’t put special interests ahead of the people she represented. She wouldn’t let Sidwell use the town for his personal gain. Alexis said Laura would like her to help fight Sidwell?

Molly saw Elizabeth at the hospital and asked if she had a nice Valentine’s Day. She saw Elizabeth and Ric at the hatchet range. She was there with Kristina, but they didn’t stay. They got the sense she and Ric didn’t want to be interrupted.

Nathan said he asked if Michael had the key and he’d said no, and Turner asked if he could take Michael’s word for it. He said, if Michael did have a copy, there was no way to tell when he came into possession of it, and she said they’d start by getting a search warrant.

Willow went to Windymere, and said, Sidwell wanted to see her? and he asked her to call him Jenz.

Molly said she was happy to see Elizabeth and Ric having fun, and Elizabeth said it was fun. And a reminder of how unpredictable Ric could be. Molly said Elizabeth was important to Ric. She’d made a big difference in his life. Elizabeth said she enjoyed spending time with him, and lately, it had been easy and fun.

Sonny said Turner wasn’t out to ruin him, and Ric asked if Sonny liked her. Sonny said, what’s not to like? She was attractive and fair. She’d come after him if she had the chance, but wouldn’t abuse her power to do it. Ric said, so they were friends, and Sonny said they knew where they stood with each other. Ric asked if Sonny was interested in Turner. Not as a respected opponent, but as a woman.

Turner told Dante that she was turning over the case to another prosecutor. She was biased, still believing Willow was guilty. She also didn’t want to wreck her career by publicly admitting they had the wrong person. She didn’t want to be near that, and he should steer clear too.

Chase said, Willow didn’t shoot Drew. Michael did. Michael said he didn’t, and Tracy said Chase was a wonderful man and made her granddaughter happy. But if he couldn’t let this go, he was in the wrong family. Nathan came in and apologized for the intrusion. He was there to serve Michael a search warrant for the keys to Drew’s house. Tracy said they had to call Diane first, but Michael said it was fine. He wouldn’t oppose it – he handed Nathan his keyring – starting with these.  

Carly said, if Marco loved Lucas, Marco wouldn’t let him near his father. Sidwell was dangerous. Lucas said he knew. That was why he was taking Marco with him when he got away from Sidwell.

Laura said she knew it was a lot, but believed she and Alexis could do an awful lot of good for Port Charles. Alexis said she’d consider it, and Laura said, tomorrow. Every day that the seat was empty, the city paid. Alexis said she’d think it over and let Laura know as soon as she could. Laura said, I hope it’s not too long, Congressman Davis.

Sidwell said he’d heard Willow was caring for her husband alone at home, and Willow said she was trying to do the right thing for Drew. Sidwell said, of course (🍷). She was a very appealing public figure, sympathetic and brave. She’d been publicly exonerated, was a cancer survivor, and a nurse. She was a devoted mother who’d repeatedly stood up to the corrupt Quartermaine and Corinthos families. Willow thanked him, but still wasn’t sure why she was there. He said, when a member of congress was incapacitated, it wasn’t unheard of for the spouse to take over and finish the term. He thought she was uniquely qualified to take Drew’s place in Washington.

Wednesday:

Nathan told Dante that he’d gotten a search warrant, but Michael gave him his keys.

Willow met Nina in her office, and Nina said she thought they should have a party for the kids with a bouncy house. Willow thought it sounded great. They’d been through a lot and there was more to come.

In her office, Alexis told Suzanne and Molly that Laura wanted to give her Drew’s job.

Kristina overheard Cody talking on the phone about his book club and said she had a real page turner for him.

Lulu interrupted Laura at work, and Laura said, it was about Maxie, wasn’t it?

Brook went to Maxie’s house and found Spinelli ruminating. She asked why he seemed so down since Maxie was coming home today, and he said it struck him that he’d been happy living there.

Cody said he was reading Pride and Prejudice, and Kristina gave him a copy of Molly’s manuscript. He said he wasn’t touching it. There was a steep price to pay for violating Molly’s privacy.

Alexis said the governor had only asked Laura for a recommendation, and Suzanne was ready to roll, but Alexis said, not yet.

Willow told Nina that Michael gave her joint custody to avoid the visitation hearing. If he was charged, she had something more important to consider. She’d been contacted by Drew’s political associates, and they wanted her to serve the remainder of his term.

Lulu said she was happy for Maxie and her family, and Laura said, that included Nathan now. Lulu said Maxie was coming back to the love of her life.

Nathan told Dante that forensics was on it, and Dante suggested he go home, but he didn’t want to mess things up.

Spinelli said Maxie was coming home, and Brook asked why he was so upset. He said reality had settled in and he realized how he handled what happened today would change his life. If he didn’t rise to the occasion, he could lose Maxie and his family.

Kristina told Cody that she’d violated Molly’s privacy by sending her manuscript to the publisher. Molly never intended for it to be published. It was only a creative exercise. Cody said Molly saw him as a complete doofus, and Kristina suggested he be less self-involved. Casey was loosely based on him and was a doofus at the beginning, but had a true hero’s journey. He was compelling, cool, and deep. Just read the damn book. He said he’d read it when it was published, but she said it wasn’t going to be published.

Alexis said, Laura just made a recommendation, but Molly said, she wouldn’t have asked if she didn’t think the position would be offered. Alexis was perfect for the job. Suzanne agreed, but Alexis said the more she thought about it, the less she thought she’d do it.

Nina said it was a fantastic idea and a wonderful opportunity, but Willow said she didn’t know anything about politics on the federal level. Nina said she was a quick study. She’d been a teacher and a nurse and a amazing spokesperson for New Tomorrow. And Willow had a secret weapon – Nina.

Lulu told Laura that she’d only developed feelings for Nathan because Maxie wasn’t there. She had the right to reclaim her life. Laura said the feelings Lulu had were real and legitimate, and Lulu said even if they were right for her, they were wrong for everyone else.

Dante said he thought Nathan would want to see Maxie, and Nathan said he did, but it wasn’t about him. The last thing he wanted was to confuse James. Maxie had moved on and had a kid with Spinelli before she even met him. He didn’t want to become an obligation.

Spinelli told Brook that Maxie’s husband was alive and in Port Charles after he’d been dead for seven years, and Brook said he was assuming he’d lose without giving Maxie a say. Didn’t he think she’d want one?

Kristina told Cody that Molly never intended on publishing the book and was turning it down. She’d sent it behind Molly’s back, so Molly never got the opportunity to polish it and make the characters the way she wanted them to be. Her editor thought it was perfect and wouldn’t let her change it now. That’s how much Molly cared about him and his feelings. Cody asked if Molly said that.

Molly said Alexis was a fierce and fearless advocate. Who better to speak truth to power? Suzanne said she could make a real difference, and Molly said they needed more truth tellers. Alexis told her that voters said that, but did they believe it? She didn’t know if she could compromise her values. Molly suggested she look at compromise as for the greater good. Look at how she handled Willow and Drew in service of Scout.

Nina told Willow that Drew won the seat because of her. She was the one who had the network and had even introduced him to McConkey, who wouldn’t have given him a second look. She’d made a mistake, but Willow was a different story. Because of her heart, she was more equipped to do good than Drew ever was.

Spinelli said Jason argued that it wasn’t a foregone conclusion, and Brook said Jason was right. He shouldn’t throw in the towel. He said Maxie was the great love of his life, but Brook hadn’t seen Maxie with Nathan. He had, and Maxie was thoroughly in love with him. Nathan was tall, handsome, heroic… She asked how shallow he thought Maxie was.

Nathan said Maxie’s life had changed and he imagined her feelings had too, and Dante asked if he was talking himself into letting her go. Nathan said she had a life with Spinelli that was good and happy, and Dante said, so she shouldn’t have to honor the promises she made before everything changed? Nathan said, for him and Lulu, time stopped, but people moved on. Maxie made a life with someone else, like Dante did with Sam.

Laura said Lulu’s feelings were okay, but Lulu said, then why did she feel guilty? Laura said she was a good person and a good friend, but Lulu said, a good friend visited every week and gave you an impeccable manicure when you couldn’t do it for yourself. She was the type of friend who kissed her best friend’s husband, then tried to make excuses for it being okay to pursue a romantic relationship. Laura said, stop. It was a very complicated situation. Maxie hadn’t even known Nathan was alive and moved on. Lulu said, had she really? She was there and saw up close what Nathan’s death did to Maxie. Now that he was back, why wouldn’t it change everything for her?

Lulu said she suddenly realized her feelings for Nathan were deeper than she thought, and Laura hugged her. She said Lulu had talked about how she felt. Had she talked to Nathan? How did he feel?

Nathan said, if Dante had known Lulu would wake up, would he have given up his life with Sam to be with her? and Dante said he and Lulu weren’t together when she got hurt and Sam died before Lulu woke up. The timing was different and timing mattered. He loved Sam and was committed to her. He’d wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and the kids. Nathan said, of course (🍷). What if Maxie was committed to Spinelli and the life she made with him?

Brook said she wasn’t in Port Charles when Maxie and Nathan were together, but she’d witnessed Maxie and Spinelli become real life partners and build a life. She watched Maxie find her way back to him. When Maxie talked about him, her eyes lit up. She loved telling stories about how smart, funny, and loyal he was, what a wonderful father he was, and how they fit together. Why was he assuming her relationship with Nathan meant more than what they’d created together?

Molly said Alexis managed to get Willow acquitted and navigate the tension and conflict with people she cared about for Scout’s sake. She’d compromised so Scout would be better off. Suzanne said that’s what politics was. The end game was doing the best for her constituents and making compromise worthwhile. Alexis said they had good points, but would she be doing it for the greater good or for her own ego?  

Nina said Drew used his power as a weapon for his personal vendettas, but Willow would use her power to help her constituents. The same ones Drew promised to care for, but ignored. Willow said she didn’t know policy, and Nina said that’s why she’d succeed. People would want to work with her. Drew had almost a year left. It was nothing. If she didn’t like it, she could walk away afterward. If she liked it, it could change the trajectory of her life and empower her in ways she never dreamed.

After reading a little, Cody said Casey was still a doofus, and Kristina said he had the attention span of a four-year-old. She’d cut to the chase. Molly bottled her emotions and writing had been an outlet since she was a kid. She poured her heart out on the page and suddenly wrote a book. It was magical and annoyingly productive, but she’d rather keep it hidden than hurt him. That should tell him how much she cared.

Molly asked how this could be about Alexis’s ego, and Alexis said Drew was a decorated Navy SEAL and wanted to serve his country. He was also a vacuous pit of need that no amount validation could fill, but he wasn’t always like that. Maybe politics corrupted him and turned him into the psycho he was today. Molly said Alexis wasn’t Drew. She had principles and purpose, and a moral compass. Suzanne said she had more faith in Alexis than she had in Drew, and Molly said Alexis didn’t owe anybody anything, but she’d love to see Alexis represent her. Suzanne said her too, but Alexis said it wasn’t just about her. If she took the position, there would be consequences for Scout.

Lulu told Laura that she hadn’t talked to Nathan, but was sure he was thrilled about the reunion. He’d never stopped loving Maxie. Laura said she was sure he’d be thrilled Maxie was awake, but Lulu couldn’t assume to know his feelings. Lulu said she didn’t want to complicate the situation more. She wanted her feelings to go away. She felt most that Maxie deserved her happy ending and so did Nathan. The person she felt bad about was Spinelli.

Spinelli told Brook that he’d choose Maxie 1000 times over, but if circumstances hadn’t ripped Nathan out of her life, what were the odds she’d choose him? Brook said he’d find out, but Maxie got to make the choice. Maybe it was scary for her too. He said if she chose to be with Nathan, he’d be devastated, but he’d support and respect her decision, and Brook said, another reason Maxie loved him. She didn’t settle, she chose him. Let her choose again.

Dante told Nathan that assumption was never a smart thing. Let Maxie set the pace. The kids had their mom back and James would have both parents for the first time. He’ll love that. Nathan said he hoped so. If Maxie wanted to try again, he’d do that. Dante said, because it’s what James wanted? It had to be what Nathan wanted too. Did he?

Cody asked why this was so important, and Kristina said she loved her sister and didn’t think she should pass up the opportunity. Books mattered and she thought Molly’s book could mean something to people. It was a special, lovely story about people taking the time to know someone past the first impression. The world could use more of that and she thought her sister deserved to see her work published. It was just a hobby, but Molly was good, and his opinion mattered. She wanted him to read it, keep an open mind, then decide. He said what if he didn’t love Casey’s hero’s journey? And she said, then her sister was wrong about him. Molly thought he was a hero and this was his chance to prove her right. She left and Cody sat down to read.

Alexis said if she took the position, she’d be a public official. She’d been to prison, been disbarred, and was a recovering alcoholic. It would be brought up in debate, and if it was just her, she’d handle it, but it was all of them. She didn’t think it was fair to impose it on them. Molly said she’d be a model for Scout. She’d be showing her granddaughter how to face challenges head-on, overcome them, and learn how to triumph over adversity. Sometimes people didn’t know who to be or what to do until they were shown. Alexis wondered how Molly got so smart and inspired, and Molly said she learned from the best. What did Alexis want to do? Alexis said she wanted to serve in congress.

Willow said Nina made it sound easy, and Nina said it wouldn’t be, but it would be worth it. And she’d be with Willow every step of the way. They’d do it together. Willow wondered how she’d have time with having the kids part-time, and Nina said, Michael would have them 60% of the time. He’d have to work around her schedule since she’d be serving her country in Washington DC. Willow said, what about Drew? and Nina said she thought it was time to consider long-term care. She’d be doing a wonderful thing, and she was the only person he’d want to serve in his place.

Laura said Lulu thought Maxie would choose Nathan? and Lulu said, Spinelli knew how much Maxie had loved Nathan and thought he’d bow out even though it would shatter him. Laura said, poor Spinelli. He had a beautiful heart. Lulu said she guessed it was good that she and Nathan barely got started. It just didn’t feel that way. They hugged.

Spinelli wondered what happened when Maxie saw Nathan for the first time and was dazzled by his ocean blue eyes, and Brook said, dazzled was a temporary state. She knew in her heart that Spinelli was the one. Spinelli swept Maxie off her feet every day. Spinelli said he did and he would. He would sweep Maxie off her feet, but would need an assist from Brook.  

Dante said Nathan could only speak for himself. What did he want to do? Dante’s phone rang, and he said, thanks for letting him know. He told Nathan that they found a match on one of Michael’s keys. His brother lied. He had the key to Drew’s house.

Thursday:

Dante said Michael told them that he didn’t have the key and he wasn’t stupid, and Nathan said Michael didn’t exactly tell the truth all the time and had been caught in another lie. Dante said he was sorry to say they had to talk to Michael immediately and Nathan was the only one who could do it.

Willow adjusted Drew’s bed and told him Wiley and Amelia were coming over to stay with her. Despite all the obstacles, it was actually happening and both knew he was an obstacle. She hated that it had to be this way, but he hadn’t left her any other choice. She had to do the best for her children. The doorbell rang and she said it must be Alexis who was supervising the drop-off. She’d check on him later.

Ric asked if Michael was okay with the custody arrangement, and Michael said, it could be worse. Wiley wondered when they were leaving, when Michael’s phone rang. Nathan said they needed Michael to come down and answer some questions. It was best if he came now.

Willow said she’d waited so long, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Alexis’s help. She hugged Alexis, who didn’t hug back.

Mac told Georgie and James that they’d done a good job with the sign. No fighting, arguing, name calling, and James wasn’t climbing or breaking speed records. Maxie walked in with Felicia as he said he wanted them safe and sound, and she said, mission accomplished. They hugged.

Dante told Turner that Michael was on his way, and she said it was a smart move to check his keys, but Nathan said Chase had suggested it. Turner said it would determine whether Michael would be charged with attempted murder.

Michael said he had to go to the station and asked Ric to take the kids. Ric wondered what they wanted to question Michael about, and Michael said they’d had a warrant for his keys. They thought he had one for Drew’s house, but he never did. Ric asked, then why were they bringing him in? and Michael said, great question.

Alexis told Willow that she and Ric loathed each other for years and it was hard on Molly. The best thing was for her to put aside er acrimony with Michael. The kids would fare better if they coexisted peacefully. Willow said she’d do her best, and Alexis wondered if she could check on Drew before she brought Scout to see him.

Spinelli came out and said, no. He missed Maxie’s grand entrance. Maxie hugged the kids and said she’d missed them so much. James said she was back and so was his dad. He couldn’t wait for her to see him.

Maxie thanked Brook and Chase for taking care of the kids, and Brook said she was so worried. She’d missed Maxie so much. Maxie said she was back now and never leaving again, and they hugged.

Willow said Drew had a visitor, and Alexis said she hoped he was up for company. He blinked once, and Willow said he blinked once for yes and twice for no. Unfortunately, it was the only way he could communicate. Whatever Alexis thought best for Scout was what they’d do. Elizabeth called, and Willow left. Alexis said she and Drew certainly had issues, but she never wished anything like this would happen to him. (Ha-ha – sure.) It must be horrific. He blinked once.

Ric asked if the kids were ready to go, and Wiley asked if Michael was in trouble, but Ric said, not at all. They just wanted to give him his keys back. Wiley said, the keys Uncle Chase took? (D’oh! Mouths of babes.)

Spinelli thanked Brook for her help picking out his trés chic ensemble, and she said he looked handsome. He said he pulled out all the stops to fight for Maxie, and she said he had this in the bag. Cody came out with James, who wanted to tell Maxie the big news. Cody said, while she was gone, James learned how to jump with Comet. He was always there and James always followed instructions. James said, no negotiating, no begging, no helmet, no riding, and Maxie said she was proud of him. James left to find a video and Cody said he made sure James was safe. Maxie said her son was an adrenaline junkie and it was scary. Her mom said Cody had been there, and not just for riding lessons, but for James’s nightmares too. He said they were family, and she said he’d proven that.

In the interrogation room, Michael said he needed to reschedule since Diane was stuck in court, and Nathan said he could be detained until she was available. Michael asked if he was going to be arrested, when his phone rang. Nathan gave him some privacy, and Michael said, perfect timing. He needed a lawyer. Ric said he’d be there after dropping off the kids, but wanted to give Michael a heads up. He’d tell Michael when he got there, but in the meantime… Michael told him, don’t say anything without a lawyer present. He had the feeling he was walking into a trap, and Ric said he most definitely was, but if they played it right, the PCPD would suffer the consequences, not him.

Spinelli told Maxie that the kids were planning a surprise in the den. Relax while they set it up. He left, and Lulu arrived. Maxie said, you are late, and Lulu said, what else is new? They hugged, and Lulu asked how Maxie was doing. Maxie said it was a little overwhelming, and Lulu said she understood. It was disorienting to find out time didn’t stop for everyone else. Maxie said it would take time to adjust to being normal, and Lulu said Maxie was there for her when she came back and she planned on returning the favor. Maxie said Lulu was such a good friend, when Brook came in.

Michael said, Maxie was coming home and it was too bad Nathan was missing it. Nathan said if Michael wanted to help, answer his questions now, and Michael said he loved Maxie and would do anything for her, except implicate himself.

Turner didn’t get how Michael could be foolish enough to incriminate himself, and Dante agreed Michael wasn’t that sloppy. Turner said, maybe he finally got tripped up by his own arrogance.

Elizabeth brought some cupcakes Aiden made and asked how Willow was holding up. Willow said she was all over the place. She was excited, but scared she’d seem like a stranger. Elizabeth said it might be awkward at first, but they’d re-bond in no time, and Willow said Elizabeth had been a good friend and she’d never forget it. A car pulled in and Willow opened the door. Wiley and Amelia ran to her and she cried, hugging them. She said she’d missed them both so much, and Wiley said they’d missed her too. Ric brought the kids’ bags, and Elizabeth came out. They smiled at each other, and Willow said, it was so hard being away from them. She loved them both. Wiley said they loved her too.

Alexis said Scout missed Drew, but she was taking good care of her. Scout was doing well in school and having a great time with Kristina and Molly. She’d like to bring Scout, but thought she should prepare Scout first since he wouldn’t be able to communicate with her very well. Drew blinked over and over, and Alexis asked if he was trying to tell her something. He blinked once.

The kids were ready in the den, and Maxie left. Lulu said she felt Brook judging her and saw her disapproval. Brook said she didn’t think Lulu should tell Maxie that she and Nathan had feelings for each other unless they’d acted on them, and Lulu said they’d kissed once. Almost twice, but they didn’t. Brook said she was hoping they’d paused at the having feelings floor, but as long as it ended now, she didn’t think Lulu should tell Maxie. It would only hurt her. Lulu was surprised Brook wasn’t going to tell her, but Brook said Maxie needed the support of all her friends, even Lulu.  

Elizabeth said she thought Willow had this, but Willow asked her to stay so it would seem more like a party. Plus, she could use the moral support. Wiley asked if they could save a cupcake for his daddy, and Willow said she thought Michael was coming with them. Wiley said he was, but had to go to the police station. They had his keys. Willow flashed back to putting Drew’s key on Michael’s keychain, and Elizabeth wondered what it could be about, but Willow said she had no idea.

Ric arrived at the station and told Michael that the kids were happily reunited with their mom. Nathan suggested they get started and said, on February 2nd, they’d asked if Michael had the key to Congressman Cain’s house and he’d said no. Did he stand by his statement? Ric said, don’t answer, and told Nathan, cut to the chase. Nathan said they had a warrant for Michael’s keys to see if he had access to Drew’s house and he had a ky that did, but Michael said that was impossible. It must be a mistake.

Maxie said she loved the slide show, and Georgie said they wanted to catch her up on what she’d missed. James wondered when his dad was getting there, but Felicia said Nathan was stuck at work.

Mac said he was glad Cody was able to make it, but thought he’d bring Molly, and Cody said he would have, but things hadn’t been great between them. Mac asked, what happened? and Cody said it wasn’t important. He didn’t want to drag the mood down. Mac said if Cody wanted to talk, he was there.

Chase said they had to go, and Maxie thanked them. Bailey Lou loved spending time with them. Chase said the feeling was mutual, and Maxie said Bailey Lou was lucky to have them in her life.  

Alexis said she was sorry. She knew Drew was trying to tell her something, but she didn’t understand. He was blinking three times, and she didn’t know what he meant. She thought she was agitating him and wanted to get Willow, but he blinked twice. She said she was going to leave. She’d tell Scout that he loved her and was thinking about her, and she’d bring Scout to see him soon.

Back at the Quartermaines’, Chase said, that was a good time, and Brook said she loved Maxie and all the kids were happy. He said he guessed they wouldn’t be babysitting much anymore, and she said he’d miss having a little one around, huh? He said he wasn’t trying to pressure her, since he knew she wasn’t ready to adopt, and she said she loved that he was supportive, but she’d been giving it a lot of thought. They should do it. Let’s start our family. They kissed.

Michael said he’d never had a key to Drew’s, and Ric asked for a private moment with his client. Nathan said it would be better if Michael told the truth, and Ric said, Michael had no key, but Nathan said, it was in his possession. Ric said he wasn’t getting into a legal debate with Nathan. He motioned to Turner through the window and said that was her cue. Turner told Nathan that she’d take it from here, and Nathan left. He told Dante, sorry, but Dante said he did fine. Go see Maxie and tell her that he said hi and was happy that she was home.

In the den alone, Lulu looked at the kids’ Valentine cards to Maxie and flashed back to almost kissing Nathan.

Spinelli told Maxie about his new trick for getting Bailey Lou down, and Maxie said it was impressive. She thanked him for keeping the family together while she was gone, and he said he’d had a lot of help. She said, at the end of the day, he was the glue. When she left, she’d had three kids, and when she woke up she had three kids. That she still had James was most impressive. He said, they made it work, but nothing was the same without her. Things may not go back to the way they were, but she shouldn’t rush to figure things out. He knew it was complicated, but the most important thing was that she was back. Was there anything he could do for her? She said today had been a lot and she probably needed alone time. Let everyone enjoy themselves. She was going to take a walk, clear her head, and get some fresh air. Tell everyone she loved them. She left.

Turner said she strongly suggested Michael cooperate. They had enough to charge him. Ric laughed and said they had nothing, and she said it was the third lie they’d caught Michael telling – his alibi, being on Congressman Cain’s street the night of the shooting, and now he lied about not having a key to Drew’s house. Ric said they had no proof. They could prove the key was on Michael’s keyring, but that didn’t prove Michael put it there. Much less that he used it to get into Drew’s house. They had no chain of evidence. It was pure speculation. He was asking for them to allow his client to leave immediately.

Willow gave the kids Christmas presents that she’d saved, when Alexis came back and Willow stepped aside with her. Alexis asked how the drop-off was, and Willow said, Michael wasn’t there. How was Drew? Alexis said she told him about Scout, but he seemed agitated. It was like he wanted to communicate something, but she couldn’t figure out what it was.

Elizabeth said the kids were so happy with Willow, and Willow said it confirmed he knew in his heart. Everything she’d done to reach this point was worth it. Elizabeth said she wanted Willow to have more moments like this, and Willow asked her to keep an eye on the kids while she checked on Drew.

Turner said, if Michael didn’t put the key on the keyring, then who did? and Ric said there were currently many more people living under the same roof as Michael. Turner asked if he was implying someone from Michael’s own family was trying to frame him, but Ric said he wasn’t implying anything. He was talking about one person in particular. An eyewitness recently saw someone handle Mihcael’s keys who had no reason to. Michael said, Willow? but Ric said, one of the PCPD’s finest – Officer Harrison Chase.

In the nook, Brook thanked Alexis for coming on such short notice, and Chase said they’d come to her last year about the adoption process. Alexis said they’d put it on hold, and Brook said, if she was still willing to represent them, they’d like to look into adopting a child. Alexis said it was a big step. Congratulations. She may have a big commitment coming up, but she’d be delighted to help. How soon did they want to start? Brook said, immediately.

Will allow said Alexis told her that Drew was trying to communicate with her. She knew he was trying to tell Alexis what she’s been up to. Sorry. She couldn’t let him do that. She put a syringe full of the drug into his IV tube.

Georgie said, the party was a huge success. It was great having their mom back home. Spinelli said he wholeheartedly concurred, and James asked if he thought their mom liked the party, and Spinelli said, of course (🍷). James said, then why did she leave? and Georgie said, maybe it was too much. Spinelli said, she loved it, but sometimes when you were full of joy, you needed alone time to process. All she needed from them right now was the promise that when she came back, they’d all be waiting.

At the cemetery, Nathan brushed the snow from his own grave. Maxie came in the gate and said, Nathan? He stood up and said, Maxie? They soap looked at each other.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Lulu is rushing out when she finds a photo of Luke. She says, hi, dad.

In her office, Laura tells Elizabeth that it’s nice to see her. She had no idea Elizabeth was stopping by. Elizabeth says she knows Laura is really busy, but she wants to share some good news. Aiden finally passed his driver’s test. Laura says, thank God. Good for him and good for Elizabeth. Her days being a chauffeur are over. Elizabeth says, that’s true. Now Aiden is in full savings mode and begging her to take him car shopping because he’s obsessed with finding the right one. Laura says she didn’t realize he was that into cars, and Elizabeth says, it’s all he talks about these days. Laura says, that’s really interesting, and Elizabeth says she knows, right? She has no idea who he gets that from. Laura says she does. His grandfather, Luke.

Sonny goes to his old kitchen to visit the moss bowl🎍and finds Carly, who asks if everything is all right with Donna. He says he just dropped Donna off at school. He knocked at the front door, and he guesses she didn’t hear. She asks if everything is okay, and he says Donna told him that she left lunchbox foyer while she was putting on her coat. He said he’d get it and bring it to her. Carly says, Donna’s lunch isn’t for a couple of hours. Does he want to have a cup of coffee with her? He says, Corinthos coffee? and she says, if she had anything else, her whole system would shut down. He says he guesses he’ll take a cup. He sees a poker chip and asks where it came from, and she says, from Donna. She found it. She hopes he isn’t teaching Donna to gamble. He says, Donna isn’t old enough to count cards, but when she is, he will, and Carly says, that’s not funny. He says he found it in a box when he was moving to the new house and gave it to Donna, and she says, take it home with him. Donna will either cover it in glitter or learn to play Texas Hold ‘Em and she doesn’t need either headache. He says he’s got to tell her… It reminds him of… She says, Luke, and he says, Luke.

Lulu goes to the nook where Tracy is having tea, and Tracy asks if she can make… Lulu runs to her and hugs her, and Tracy asks, what’s wrong? She’ll take care of it. She’ll fix it. She’ll hire someone to fix it. Consider it fixed. Lulu says, nothing is wrong. Can’t a stepdaughter need a hug from her stepmonster? Tracy says, of course (🍷), but this is not an ordinary occurrence, and Lulu says she came across a picture of her dad. She shows Tracy, who says, can she? Tracy takes the photo and says, Lulu never had a chance to grieve her father, did she? Lulu shakes her head, and Tracy says, well, it’s important to do. So they’re going to honor her dad. Lulu hugs her again.

Laura tells her assistant to cancel her 4 pm. She has a couple of errands she needs to take care of out of the office. And one more thing. Please remind her to get a birthday gift early. Her grandson is saving up for a car. Her assistant says, knowing teenage boys, he probably wants a convertible, and Laura says, probably.

At All Saints, Lulu lights s candle and sits with Tracy, who holds her hand. Lulu says, it’s so quiet, and Tracy says, it sure is. Lulu says, her dad always told her that he was surprised he didn’t burst into flames when he walked in, and Tracy says, however, a watering hole on the other hand… Lulu says, welcomed him with open arms. This isn’t working. You were right. Tracy says, about what? and Lulu says, this isn’t her dad. Let’s go. Lulu leaves, and on her way out, Tracy blows out the candle. She looks up and says, I know. I know.

Sonny flashes back to seeing Luke on a patio and Luke saying he’s out of there. Sonny asks what he thinks he’s doing, and Luke says, this is where his family lives. His sister, his wife, and son. Sonny says, calm down. Don’t go crazy on him. Does he want to give the neighbors a show? Luke says, that’s fair. As he understands, they’ve got business to do, but they do not do business here – ever. You do not come to my house. You do not speak to my friends. And under no circumstances do you ever go near my family. Understand? Carly asks if Sonny is taking a trip down Memory Lane, and Sonny says, it’s hard not to. Luke spent a lot of time on the Haunted Star. When he first met Luke, he would never have guessed they’d end up where they did. Luke was more than a friend. He was Sonny’s brother. Carly says, he was so good to her mother, and Sonny says, when he wasn’t driving Bobbie crazy. She says, Luke thought she hung the moon, while she… He says, not so much, and she says, not so much. She flashes back to telling Luke that she doesn’t care about ELQ, and he says he does. So turn everything over to him and he’ll take care of everything, and she can wipe her hands of the whole deal. She asks why she’d do that, and he says, because they’re family, calling her Caroline. She says, since when? and he says, since she was born. How about a little Spencer solidarity?

Lulu tells Tracy that church was the last place her dad would ever be. He didn’t even get married in one. Tracy asks what she suggests. They go to Atlantic City? Vegas? What? Lulu says, find some random casino, since it was where Tracy and her dad got hitched… the first time. Tracy says, hitched is a nice way of putting it, and Lulu says her dad tricked Tracy into marrying him when she was drunk beyond belief, so she thinks hitched is pretty generous. Tracy says, there they have the beginning of a complicated, tumultuous… beautiful and oh so real… She flashes back to Luke saying, good morning, beautiful. How do you like your coffee? She says, no, and he says, welcome to our honeymoon, you wildcat. She says, no amount of alcohol in the world could ever make her marry him, and he says, consider the evidence. He shows her his wedding ring and the certificate, and she says, ugh. He says, we have to stay married until death do us part. Tracy remembers smashing a raw egg on Luke’s head, and him saying, oh, Spunky. She tells Lulu, forget the casino. She has a better idea. She takes Lulu’s hand and pulls her along.

Carly says she’s got to get to Bobbie’s, and Sonny says he’ll bring Donna her lunchbox. She thanks him for taking care of Donna, and he says, yeah. She thanks him for talking to her about Luke. It was nice. He says, yeah, it was, and she leaves. He picks up the poker chip, puts it in his coat pocket, and leaves.  

At the Brown Dog, no one is around, and Lulu says she told Tracy that it was too early, but Tracy says, nonsense. The door was open, so somebody has to be here. A janitor comes out, and Tracy says, told you. He says, they’re closed, and Lulu says, see? Tracy says, actually, they’re here to celebrate somebody dear to them, somebody they loved and lost. The man says he’s sorry to hear that, and Tracy says, thanks. He says, but they can’t stay. Come back at 5 when they open.

Tracy counts out $500 into the janitor’s hand, and he says, it’s a steep price for a remembrance, but Tracy says, it’s worth every penny. He tells them to promise not to let anybody else in and don’t do damage. Tracy asks if they look like the types to trash a bar, and he says, her (meaning Lulu), no, but you, definitely. Tracy laughs and Lulu says she’ll make sure Tracy behaves. The janitor leaves, and Lulu says, now what? Tracy says, now we toast, and Lulu wonders what they should drink. Tracy says, the better question is, what was his drink? and Lulu goes behind the bar and gets out two bottles.

Sitting in All Saints, Laura says, what a life we led. Us together and apart. She flashes back to holding a baby and Luke asking what she thinks of Lulu. Laura says, Lulu? That’s her alter ego, her secret identity. He says, Lulu and Lucy Johnson are his favorite identities. That way she can be named after her mother and grandmother. She says, Leslie Lulu, and a young Lucky says, how about just Lu? Leslie Lu. Larua says she loves it, and Luke says him too. In the present, Laura says, no one could ever accuse them of being boring. They burned too brightly for that. As she speaks, we flash back through their life together. She says, even when they built their family, it never stopped being an adventure. It’s because of you, my love. Because you were a force of nature. You didn’t just walk on this earth, you changed it. You changed me. I see you in the kids of course (🍷), in their fire and in their stubbornness and in their refusal to live life small. But there’s more than that. She actually sees glimpses of him every day of her life, in every brave choice she makes, whenever she stands her ground, when she really feels like she wants to turn and run. She thinks that’s why it’s so hard to accept that he’s gone. It just feels wrong. Even saying it sounds like a lie. She knows he’s not here on earth with them anymore, but he never left her. Never once. She feels his presence when life gets too heavy and she feels like she can’t go one more step. It’s his voice she hears, calling her angel, reminding her of who she is. And then somehow, she finds the strength and does go on because what they had was never really over for her. It just transformed because their hearts are bonded together beyond time, beyond loss, beyond this lifetime. Nothing can change that. Nothing. Thank you for the dance. Thank you for the adventure and thank you for the love of a lifetime.

Tracy says she heard Lulu’s father’s drink of choice was scotch, but Lulu says she thought it was rum. Tracy says, actually she thinks his favorite drink was whatever you’ve got, and Lulu says, well, rum and scotch are both available. Tracy says, so how about a little bit each – in separate glasses please. Lulu says, thank God, and Tracy says, her father was the textbook definition of a renegade. Lulu says, no one was going to tell him who to be or what to do, and Tracy says, Lord knows she tried. She flashes back to Luke being in the hospital, and he says, she’s pretty damn mad at somebody. She says, at him for treating life with such callous disregard. She’s furious at him that he refuses to put her, his children, or anybody else ahead of his infantile insistence on living life on his terms. Why for God’s sake? He says, she’s supposed to know him better than anybody. So he had a couple heart attacks… All right, three. So what is he supposed to do, roll up in a ball and not be him? Tracy and Lulu clink glasses, and Lulu says, wow, that is… wow. Switch drinks. They take a sip and Lulu says she’s not sure which is worse. Tracy laughs and says she’s not sure this is the best way to honor Lulu’s father if he had a drinking problem, and Lulu says, don’t tell him that. Tracy says, too late. Her father chased his demons and even caught up with a few. Just not the one who liked to drink with him. Lulu says, but the spark in his eye came back, and Tracy says, her father would not, could not be kept down.

Laura goes to Bobbie’s, and Carly asks if she can give her some coffee. Laura says, oh, please. Great. Carly says, already been day, huh? and Laura says, and then some. It’s nice to see her. Carly says, it’s nice to see Laura. Is everything okay? Laura says, for some reason, she’s been thinking an awful lot about Luke today and doesn’t know why, and Carly says, that’s funny. She and Sonny were just talking about him earlier. Laura says, really? Maybe there’s something in the air. Carly wonders if there’s an anniversary or birthday they missed, but Laura says she doesn’t think so. Then again, they didn’t need an occasion to miss someone. Carly says, no, they certainly don’t.  

Sonny comes into the Brown Dog, and Lulu asks what he’s doing here. He says he was going to ask them the same thing. He saw the car out front and the bar is closed. He thought they might be having car trouble. Lulu says, no car trouble, but he’s right. The bar is closed. Tracy says, Lulu felt that she’d never really grieved Luke, so they’re doing it here today by celebrating, and Sonny says, that’s nice. He doesn’t want to interrupt. He’ll let them go. Lulu says, wait. He loved her dad too. He says he still does, and she suggests he join them. He sits down.  

Laura tells Carly, it’s delicious. So fresh. She thanks Carly for keeping the place going, and Carly says she does it for her mom. This place was so important to her. Laura says, and Luke. She leaves and outside, she flashes back to being with Luke in the kitchen at Bobbie’s. She says she loves him and wants to be his wife. She’s still happy. Please face her. He turns and she says, he still loves her. She can see it in his eyes. Laura’s phone chimes and it’s a text from Lulu: Where R U?  

Elizabeth looks at her phone and smiles. She asks Nurse Emma if everything is okay around here, and Emma says, it’s shockingly quiet around here. Elizabeth says, excellent. She’s going to take off a few minutes early. There’s someplace she needs to be. As she waits for the elevator, she looks at her phone.

Sonny says, Lulu’s dad gave Tracy a run for her money – literally – and Tracy says he doesn’t have to look so amused by it. He says, it definitely worked out in the end, and she says, yeah, but in the beginning… Lulu says, okay, yes. It got off to a rocky start, but her dad ended up falling in love. Tracy says, hopelessly, and Sonny says, a couple so wrong, it turned out so right. Lulu asks if they can talk about how much Luke got away with, and Sonny says, the list is so long. He blew up the Haunted Star. Tracy says, that man never answered for a single con, a single disguise, because he was so damn charming. Sounds like somebody else they know. Sonny asks if she just called him charming, and she says, no. They laugh, and Lulu says, hearing their stories, she misses him less. Sonny says he’s got a million of them, when Laura comes in. She says, maybe, but nobody has more than her. This was a wonderful choice. She thinks Lulu’s dad would feel right at home here. She sits down.

Carly leaves Bobbie’s and outside, she looks at the sign. She flashes back to asking if Luke is calling her a liar. He says, no. He’s calling her a Spencer, through and through. She came out of the womb ready to rumble. She doesn’t suffer fakes or fools and he appreciates that. She says he thinks he knows her so well, and Luke says, she knows him and knows if some arrogant cop and his lovestruck girlfriend got one of his kids thrown in the slammer, he’d wait years if he had to roll over broken glass and hot tar to get revenge. Does that sound familiar? In the present, she looks at the sign and digs around in her bag for something. She takes out the poker chip.

Lulu says her father told her nothing ventured, nothing gained when it came to two things – cards and love, and Tracy says, leave it to him to link cards and love. Laura says she doesn’t know about that. She thinks there’s a lot of luck involved with both. Lulu says, to love, and they clink glasses. Laura flashes back to her and Luke’s first wedding, and Luke says, I, Lucas Lorenza Spencer, take thee Laura Webber Baldwin, to be my wedded wife. To have and hold from this day forward. For better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health. TO love and to cherish till death do us part. Carly comes in and says, of all the random places to meet. This is an interesting group. What’s going on? Lulu says she never got a chance to mourn her father, so she’s doing it tonight. She thought Carly would want to be a part of it. Laura says she’s sure this is why they were all thinking about Luke today, and Carly says she thinks Laura is right. She asks why Sonny gave back the poker chip, and he says he didn’t. She says, he must have. She found it in her purse when she was leaving Bobbie’s. He says, whoever put it there, it wasn’t him, when Elizabeth comes in and says, hi, everybody. Lulu says, she made it, and Elizabeth says, Lulu told her they were celebrating Luke and she wants in. Tracy says, pull up a chair. Scotch or rum? Elizabeth asks if those are the only options, but Lulu says, no, and she sits down.

Sonny says, in some cultures people believe you die twice. Once when you take your last breath and then when your name is mentioned for the last time. Tracy asks if it matters if your actual name is used or would jackass suffice? Then you could live on forever. Laura says she guesses they all mourn in their own ways. Everyone’s rituals are different. Carly says, they all have them in their own way, and Sonny says he’s seen people celebrate with lanterns they put out to sea in remembrance. Lulu says she loves that. It sounds beautiful.

The group stands at the pier with their lanterns, and Laura says sometimes we act like we say one final goodbye and that’s it. And sometimes, in some situations, it is, but with Lulu’s dad, it’s a little but more like, see you later. Sometimes just hearing a certain tone in someone’s voice or hearing a song by one of his favorite artists or sometimes she catches a scent, and it smells like one of his shirts, like he’s right there, standing in the room with her. Sonny says, may Luke be joined with his beloved Haunted Star and may he always roll sevens. He puts his lantern in the water, and Tracy passes out to-go cups and says, Luke’s favorite. Laura says, to Luke, and they all toast, to Luke. Laura says, this just feels right, and Lulu thanks Tracy and tells her that she loves her. Tracy says she loves Lulu too, and Lulu sees a light. She watches as Luke leaves for the last time, turning to look at her and smiling. She says, see you later, dad, and we see the lanterns in the water.

Alone, Sonny flashes back to Luke giving him a gun. Sonny says, it’s a thing of beauty, and Luke says he wants Sonny to have it, but Sonny says, Luke can’t give it to him. It’s his gun. Luke says he just did, and Sonny says, but he can’t let Luke go wherever he’s going. He’s unarmed. Luke says he’s not exactly defenseless, and Sonny says, fast talking can only get him so far. Luke says, that gun belongs in the life they both chose. He’s walking away from that life. He has to find something else, something different, while there’s still time. Sonny raises his cup.

Back home, Elizabeth finds a muffin that Aiden has left for her and flashes back to telling Luke that she baked him some brownies. He says, her specialty, and she says, he remembered. She bets she can make him laugh, and he says, that would be quite a feat. Go for it. She opens her coat and says, ta-da! revealing a silly outfit. He says he likes the socks. He knows she wouldn’t join a cult… She’s working the GH Christmas bash. She asks if he wants to be her date, and he says, that’s about the sweetest offer he’s had this millennium. In the present, she picks up the car magazine underneath the muffin plate and reads.

Laura’s assistant asks how everything went, and Laura says, it was an interesting day. Her assistant says, productive? and Laura says, yes, very, and special. Her assistant says, all was quiet here, so she ran out and got Laura’s grandson a card. It’s on her desk. Laura thanks her and she leaves. Laura sits at her desk and looks at the card. It has a car on the front and says, Happy Birthday – Hope it’s a great ride! She flashes back to being in Luke’s car in disguise, and hearing sirens. Luke pulls over and tells her to focus now. Keep relaxed and breathe. Breathe. She cries and remembers dancing with him. He says he wants her to know that when he looks at her now, he doesn’t see the 18-year-old girl anymore. He sees a woman and she’s magnificent. He’ll always be proud she’s his wife. She says she’ll always be proud he’s her husband. And if she’s as magnificent as he says, it’s because she spent the first half of her life with him. He kisses her hand.

Carly stacks menus, and flashes back to telling Luke that if he thinks relationship advice is going to give him another month of free rent, he’s crazy. Luke says they agreed that his stay there would be open-ended and fully comped and she knows it. Get her head out of her shapely butt, because she knows bullets and love don’t mix. She says she’s going to take her chances. She’s going to Sonny’s party. He says, no Johnny? No escort? She says, Michael wants her there and she cares enough about her family to make an appearance. No more room service and she’s cutting off his spa. He says he doesn’t care about the spa. They’re family and whether she believes it or not, he doesn’t want to see her hurt.  

Tracy sips tea and looks at a framed photograph of Lila. She flashes back to Luke saying they know he’s nobody’s idea of a great catch, but he’s better with her, so much better. They’re a perfect match. They work, damn it, so here he is before her, deeply flawed, offering his broken body, battered heart, and this. He shows her a ring and says, please wear it again. In the present, she cries and says she’d do it all again.

Lulu puts the picture she found in a frame on the mantel, and flashes back to Luke saying he’s confident that whatever life throws at her, she’s smart and strong enough to handle it on her own. Come on. She’s a Spencer and she always be his one and only baby girl. He loves her. She takes the poker chip out of her pocket and thanks him for giving her his luck and his love. She kisses her fingertips, puts the chip by the photo, and touches his face.  

On Monday, Spinelli tells Lulu that it’s not a fight he’s willing to undertake; Wiley tells Willow that he doesn’t like it there; Ric tells Alexis that he has news about Drew’s attempted murder case; and Michael punches Chase in the face. As we’d all like to.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Tribute to a true icon.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-preview-special-tribute-episode-for-luke-spencer-and-anthony-geary/

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-alexa-havins-on-lulu-mourning-luke-in-bittersweet-anthony-geary-tribute-episode-excl/

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-maurice-benard-remembers-anthony-geary-sonny-previews-luke-tribute-show-excl/

Another kudo to Baby Glinda!

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-actress-joins-pixars-toy-story-franchise-in-starring-role/

When will people learn to differentiate between a character and the actor? Throwing apples? Really?

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-star-cameron-mathison-says-drew-is-not-a-good-human-defends-willows-revenge/

I had no idea Turner and Sidwell were married IRL. They look amazing, and I have to admit, if I saw them on the street, I’d turn to look, and I don’t say that often.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/general-hospital-stars-and-their-real-life-partners-a-valentines-day-spotlight/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

The crew was finally able to shed the Salt Lake City women, but not before more shrieking and arguing. At least they left a sizable tip – $35K – which was more than deserved just for having to listen to all the screaming and yelling.  Sous chef Alesia broke up and made up with Ben, but ultimately decided she was not cut out for the galley and returned to being a stew. Luckily, when the new stew arrived, she was copacetic to being the new sous chef. And oh yeah, it was Ellie from Below Deck Mediterranean.

Summer House

Kyle had a hissy fit and ran off, and Carl was sent to put him back together. Ho-hum. Another summer at the beach. While there was background relationship finagling, the main focus was on watching the deterioration of Kyle and Amanda’s marriage. Amanda was tired of Kyle behaving like a single twenty-year-old, while Kyle thought she was stifling his money-making skills. She had to explain to him like he was a toddler how it wasn’t the DJ’ing that was the problem. It was the excessive drinking and the DMs she was getting from women saying he was cheating. He gave her a non-apology apology, and by the end, nothing was any further along than it was when they started.

Vanderpump Rules

I didn’t pay attention to a lot of this because it was the usual who’s zooming who. What I did catch was Audrey’s stand-up act where she roasted her co-worker/castmates. When she got to Angelica, she was nothing but a mean girl squared, causing Angelica to leave in tears. I’m no fan of Angelica’s, but I felt sorry for her. Natalie might have thought Audrey killed it, but all she killed for me was any respect.

Southern Charm

Ugh. Salley. I don’t even know what to say about this woman. She is so insecure and obvious and must have all the attention from all the boys men in the group. I’m surprised she hasn’t spontaneously combusted over her jealousy. Two minutes ago, she was catching feelings for Craig and now she hates him. For whatever reason, Charley remains friends with her and is trying to keep the details of her relationship with Craig to herself. Salley isn’t having it, but she will have a helping of Austen, who loves the attention. Austen, however, has made it clear he’s not loving Salley that way out of respect for Audrey. The group went to Mexico courtesy of Shep, and during dinner, he suggested they make New Year’s resolutions for the person sitting next to them. Venita said Austen should stand up for himself more, which Whitner interpreted to be smack talking Craig. Craig told Venita that she didn’t exist in his world and to f*** off. By the way, Shep put the trip together in hopes of them finding inner peace. Fat chance.

Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills

This week, Denise made an appearance, and admitted what a d-bag Aaron is. He’d assaulted her several times. Disappointment all around. We also found out Erika got shoved around during a post-Tom relationship. More disappointment, but she got out fast, so good. Erika asked Amanda about the cult she’d been in, but we’d all might as well just read the article. The only enlightening thing was that Amanda said it was a religious thing, but she gave very few details. Amanda felt confused since she’d been told to be forthcoming about her opinions, yet got slammed for them. Um… Maybe she should consider her condescending delivery. On the upside, Rachel said she’d danced more in the Hamptons than she had in years. Hot Girl Summer in progress.

The Valley: Persian Style

Golnessa started a new jewelry business, Valley Girl Diamonds, just to bug Sky. Since Mercedeh was working, Tommy was supposed to pick up Shams at school and was a half hour late, even though he only had one job. He dropped off ice for the open house, and she tried to get him to stay and maybe talk to Reza, but nothing doing. At that point, she was reaching the end of the road with this nightmare from New York. Mauricio white gloved Mercedeh’s open house and said her staging had no warmth, but she had still done a good job.

Random Reality Items

This was my first guess. Hint: Do not put foreign objects in your body.

Coming in April. I’ll wait and see. They’re always good to start before it degenerates into drunken brawls at a dinner parties.

Now on Netflix and my short list.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Never Blink. Amazon Prime. First off, this movie makes you want to blink as soon as they start talking about it. A group of scientists has discovered another dimension that happens, well, in the blink of an eye. Gruesome AF, it’s an interesting premise, kind of like Nightmare on Elm Street combined with Strangeland. The action was good, the monsters were creepy enough, and I didn’t hate it. However, for a bunch of ahead-of-their-time scientists, their computers download like they’re on dial-up.

The Long Walk. HBO/MAX. In a totalitarian, impoverished, post-apocalyptic world similar to our own, a lottery is held and 50 males are chosen to make the walk. The rules are simple. Keep walking at 3 MPH or die until one contestant is left standing. Hey, at least you get three warnings before meeting your doom. The winner gets an insane amount of money and one wish. Unlike The Running Man (Stephen King is having a banner year), it’s less the excitement of the journey itself, and more about character development and emotion. Contestants become close, only to watch each other die. Mark Hamill shines as the draconian Mayor, who encourages the walkers along, but doesn’t hesitate to eliminate them. I would have chosen quite a different wish from the winner, but it was still a satisfying ending and well worth watching.

https://dailytarheel.com/article/lifestyle-the-long-walk-review-20251003

Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. HBO/Max. Dunk is a wannabe knight who teams up with a boy named Egg when he can’t seem to get rid of him. Kind of like a Game of Thrones buddy movie, the series is about Dunk’s journey and the obstacles he and Egg meet along the way. While I only just started watching, and would have rather seen beyond The Wall with Jon Snow, it’s a nice treat in the meantime.

https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-game-of-thrones-spinoff-hbo-tv-review-2026

I’m also reading Maurice Benard’s book, Nothing General About It, and loving it. He’s open and honest about his upbringing, struggles with mental illness, and his love for the woman who has stood by him. I appreciate a celebrity biography, and this book gives me an extra layer of enjoyment since there’s so much about him working on General Hospital, which it turns out is the workplace anyone would be blessed to have.

🐾 Astonishing Achievements In Animaling…

🐕 Hopefully, he wasn’t working for the government.

https://people.com/meet-nazgul-dog-who-crashed-2026-winter-olympics-race-11910145

🐺 Once extinct, they’re now all growed up.

https://people.com/deextinct-dire-wolves-hunting-together-as-a-pack-11908890

🐩 A surprising friendship.

https://people.com/dog-forms-2-month-friendship-with-wild-seal-in-viral-tiktok-exclusive-11906273

🌊🐶 To retirement and beyond.

https://people.com/romeo-manatee-is-officially-the-oldest-manatee-ever-recorded-11908666

https://people.com/25-year-old-dog-spends-golden-years-helping-seniors-11905995

🦜 Quotes of the Week

Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.Henry David Thoreau

What I did or said should never be more important than why I did it or said it. Andrea Kelly

The only impossible journey is the one you never begin. – Tony Robbins

If exhausted from severe and long-continued thought, he had to touch the earth again to renew his strength. When this weariness set in he would stop thought, and get down with a little dog or kitten to recover. – William Herndon, Abraham Lincoln‘s business partner

If you fight for your limitations, you may just get to keep them. –  Les Brown

A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t. – Jack Dempsey (Apparently, I’m a champion every morning.)

No one should be ashamed to admit they are wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that they are wiser today than they were yesterday. – Alexander Pope

It’s literally petty in the best way. – Reza Farahan, The Valley: Persian Style

☃️ Up To Snow Good…

Until next time, stay safe; stay not bare beating or dry begging; and stay remembering that assumption is never a good thing.

February 19, 2026 – Extra, Extra Quickie – Tribute To Luke

Standard

What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

While I usually post Friday into Saturday, by then the point would be moot. At least we didn’t have to wait a year for this one.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-preview-special-tribute-episode-for-luke-spencer-and-anthony-geary/

See you at the usual time.

February 13, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Maxie Wakes Up, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Watching Soon, Bringing the Bowl, Snubbed, Winning Wags, Four Quotes Doubled & Day

Standard

What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🍕 Weekday Slices…                                                                          

Monday: 

Valentin and Carly discussed Jack showing up during the snowstorm. Valentin said he was going to Windymere.

Lucy brought Sidwell a surprise picnic lunch and found Ava with him.

Mac and Laura told Dante than Anna wasn’t coming back as Police Commissioner.

Cullum told Jack that Anna was in a mental hospital in France.

Gio asked Emma where Anna was, and she said they had to leave her in France. It was worse than any of them thought it could be and she’d lost the grandmother she knew.

Felicia went to see Jason and told him that Anna wasn’t doing well, but had given her a message for him.

Carly said their plan to frame Jack wouldn’t work if Valentin was caught or Sidwell killed him. He asked why she cared.

Ava hoped Lucy brought enough food, but Lucy said she did no such thing. Sidwell said they were in the middle of an auction and Ava was helping him. He went to get supplements for the food so there would be enough, and Lucy asked how much art Ava needed to thrust on a man. Ava said Sidwell loved her taste and Windymere’s interior should be equal to its fabulous exterior. Lucy said she knew what Ava was selling and it wasn’t art. She thought Ava was trying to get back into Windymere, but Ava said Lucy knew nothing about her relationship with Nikolas and less about her relationship with Sidwell. He had the heart of a collector. All Lucy collected was husbands.

Emma told Gio that they thought Anna was having a PTSD episode, but they weren’t sure. She tried her best to get them to see Anna the way she did – fun, funny, and so strong. She’d survived so much. Emma had thought nothing could bring Anna down, but seeing how broken Anna was, she didn’t know if Anna was still in there.

Felicia told Jason that Anna was still in France. She’d been admitted to a private clinic and couldn’t leave because of open criminal charges. Anna said her suspicions were right and Cesar Faison was alive. She’d claimed he’d been holding her captive. Jason said he’d shot Faison himself, and Felicia said that’s why Anna said he was the one who had to stop him.  

Laura said, unfortunately, Anna wouldn’t be well enough to hold a coherent conversation for some time, and Dante said Anna was the best agent he knew. He asked if something went wrong on her assignment, but Mac said, according to Anna, there was no WSB assignment.

Cullum told Jack that Anna had a breakdown in the field. She went rogue and refused WSB protection. She’d deserted her post, initiated an unauthorized operation, and now she was paying the price. Jack found that impossible to believe.

Carly said, what if something happened to Valentin? She couldn’t pull off the plan without him, and what about Charlotte? She refused to tell his daughter that he was dead. He asked if she was playing the daughter card, and she said, yes. He said she knew all the right buttons to push, and she said it was one of her gifts.

Jack said Cullum’s intel was wrong, but Cullum said his source was good. Jack said he knew Anna very well and she didn’t crack. Something else was going on. Cullum said the facts were the facts and Anna was no longer a WSB problem. He highly suggested Jack concentrate on the disaster he’d made with Valentin’s transfer. Valentin had escaped on his watch. Cullum said he wanted Valentin found and left.

Lucy said she’d rather collect husbands than arrests, and Ava said she’d paid her debt to society. Lucy said she counted herself lucky that she wasn’t standing in front of an open window. She was sure Ava wanted to shove her out of one like she did Kristina. Ava said she and Kristina had made peace, and Lucy said she wasn’t going to stand by and let Sidwell fall prey to Ava. All Ava was interested in was his bank account and fat commission checks. Ava said Lucy was no different from her, except she’d been circling Sidwell for a year – flirting, posturing, and wasting his time. Sidwell came back and asked what he’d missed.

Felicia said Anna wasn’t in a coherent state and was having a post-traumatic breakdown, and Jason wondered if there was a chance it wasn’t a breakdown and Anna was telling truth about Faison.

Emma told Gio that Anna was frantic, not focused, and paranoid. She’d been rambling that Faison was after her and after Emma too. Emma tried to say she was fine and it would be okay, but nothing registered and she felt hopeless. There was a knock at the door, and Emma opened it to Josslyn, who asked if Emma was okay.

Ava told Sidwell she’d take a raincheck on lunch. She was going to focus on the auction and keep an eye on his bids and secure the pieces he wanted. She left, and Sidwell said he’d noticed a bit of tension. Lucy said she couldn’t bite her tongue any longer and she’d be happy to enlighten him on Ava’s history. He said he did his homework on all of his associates and was aware of Ava’s past, as he was Lucy’s. Lucy had gotten a second chance, so why couldn’t Ava?

Emma said her grandma was in trouble and in a mental health facility in France, and Josslyn said she was sorry. Could she help? Emma said, not unless she could bring Anna back to reality, and Josslyn asked if there was any idea what caused it. Emma said Anna left on a WSB mission on Halloween. Something bad must have happened, but no one knew what it was, and Anna claimed she’d been kidnapped by Cesar Faison.

Mac told Dante that Anna was staying for treatment and recouperation. Until her legal situation was sorted out, there were no assurances she’d be well enough to resume her duties. Laura said Dante and Mac had both led the department, and Mac said a big part of his life was now in Boston with Maxie, but Dante had done a great job filling in and he supported Dante staying. Dante said he had other commitments. He wasn’t ungrateful, but he had a lot to process. Laura said Anna was irreplaceable and asked Dante to take a few days before deciding. Dante left, and Laura asked how Mac was holding up.

Felicia said, Anna claimed Faison kidnapped her on Halloween, and Jason said he’d talked to her that day. She said she suspected Faison was still alive. He’d thought he got her to see that someone might be using Faison as a distraction, but he didn’t follow up. Felicia said Anna told them she’d been chloroformed in her car and held captive in France. She’d insisted Obrecht and Peter August visited her in her room and Faison had talked to her over an intercom. Jason asked if she’d actually laid eyes on him, and Felicia said, once, for a brief moment. Then she lost it and said Faison was watching Emma and that Faison would never stop. They were bound together forever. The doctor came in and sedated her, when Anna screamed that she had a message for him.

Cullum went to Carly’s and introduced himself. He said he had a few questions for her.

Mac told Laura that it had been one thing after another. First Maxie, and now Anna. He was trying to be strong. Emma seeing Anna like that was eating him alive. Laura said the problem with being the one who took care of everyone else was that you had no opportunity to fall apart yourself. If he needed help, she was there. He said he wished he was as confident as she was. When he’d met Anna, she’d dazzled him and he could tell why his brother fell in love with her. Laura said Anna was one of a kind, and Mac said she’d always bounced back, but maybe she’d realized how much she’d been carrying alone all these years.

In his office on the phone, Jack tried to get Anna’s status, but had no luck. Dante showed up and said he wanted answers about Anna now.  

Carly asked if she needed a lawyer, but Cullum said it wasn’t that serious. She’d been seeing Agent Jack Brennan. She asked if there was a WSB rule against having a personal life, and he said, not officially, but he was concerned the relationship was compromising Jack’s focus. Jack’s most critical case was at a dead end – the pursuit of Valentin Cassadine.

Josslyn wondered if Britt and Nathan both being alive and in Port Charles had been a trigger for Anna, and Emma said that was the word for now. Gio told Josslyn that Emma had just come in from a long flight and asked if it could wait, and Josslyn said, of course (🍷). She was sorry to bother Emma, but was there if Emma needed help. Emma thanked her and said she needed to decompress, and Josslyn left, looking at the cover of Faison’s book in the hallway. Gio said he was sorry Josslyn upset Emma, but Emma said her heart was in the right place. She’d wanted to talk to him alone anyway. She had to leave Port Charles.

Carly said she didn’t understand what capturing Valentin had to do with her, and Cullum said it should be Jack’s number one priority. She said it was, but he said, not from where he was standing. She said, historically, Valentin was a hard man to catch, but Cullum said he thought Jack was coming up empty because he’d been busy elsewhere. She asked if he thought she’d been a distraction, and he said, one of many. Jack had also gotten distressing news about his colleague Anna, who’d had a mental breakdown while on assignment in France. Carly said that didn’t sound like Anna, and he said, anyone could crack under the right conditions. A reminder they all needed from time to time. He left.

Lucy said she’d made mistakes and started over, but unlike Ava, she hadn’t required a re-do because she’d killed someone. Sidwell said there were extenuating circumstances, and Lucy said she felt like they’d gotten close and she enjoyed spending time with him, but she couldn’t bear to watch him become next in the long line of Ava’s victims. He said he was capable of taking care of himself, but she said she couldn’t sit by and watch him fall into Ava’s trap. If they were going to continue being close, he had to make a choice – Ava or her?

Emma told Gio that they’d filled in Grandpa Robert, and he decided she should tell her mom, but she wanted to do it in person. She was sure her mom would want to go and see her grandma together. Gio said she was doing what was right for her family, and Emma said her mom loved her grandma so much. She was going to be devastated. Gio said he was there if she needed anything, and she said she didn’t know how long she’d be gone or when she’d be back. He said, when she got back, he’d be there waiting, and they hugged.

Jack said he’d been on the phone, trying to get information, but was being stonewalled, and Dante asked if Anna was really on a mission. Jack said, of course (🍷), and Dante said, she swore there was no assignment.

Jason asked if Robin knew, but Felicia said, not yet. He asked about Emma, and she said, Robert decided Emma should break the news. She had a favor to ask. He said, name it, and she asked if he could reach out to Jack and fill him in on the conversation with Anna. Tell him about her suspicions that Faison was alive, and his suspicions that Faison was a distraction. He said, absolutely not.

Carly offered Valentin a drink, and he said, cocktail hour. I like it. She said she wanted him to sit down, and he said he liked it a little bit less. She told him that the man at the door was a WSB agent, Ross Cullum. Did he know him? He said he knew of Cullum, and she said he told her that Anna had a mental breakdown. He said Cullum was lying.

Sidwell said he feared Lucy was misguided. He found her charming and delightful, and he enjoyed spending time with her, but he didn’t take ultimatums from anyone, even someone he cared about as much as her. She said then she guessed she’d be going. He could keep the basket. He’d get hungry, since Ava always left people wanting. She left, and outside, she said, you’re going to regret this, Jenz Sidwell. You have no idea how much.

Mac told Laura that he felt helpless. He owed Anna so much. She brought Robin into his life. It had been a joy and privilege to raise her when Anna and Robert couldn’t. Anna changed his life for the better in so many ways and he hoped she knew. Laura said she was sure Anna did. She believed the Anna they all knew and loved would come back, and when she did, he could tell her himself. He said he hoped she found her way back, but he didn’t know when or if that would happen.

Emma brought out her suitcase, and Gio said he’d come with her. After the Nurses Ball, he’d been reeling and her grandma took him in. He wanted to repay her and be there for Emma. Emma said this was something she needed to do on her own. That’s how her grandma would handle it, and her mom. He said he got it and would drive her to the airport, and they hugged. She said she was really scared, and he said him too. Whatever happened, they’d face it together.

Jason told Felicia that they weren’t telling the WSB anything. They caused this. They knew Faison was Anna’s weakness and used it until she broke. It was lucky the French authorities got to her first, so the WSB couldn’t cover its tracks. Felicia said she trusted him because Anna did. Anna knew he’d know what to do.

Valentin spoke to the clinic in France on a burner phone, then broke the phone. He told Carly that Anna’s doctor said she’d had a psychotic break, claiming Cesar Faison was alive and had held her captive. Carly asked if he thought it was a cover story the WSB was using for protection, and he said he didn’t think they set it up, but they were responsible for what happened. And for that, they’d be held into account.

Jack told Dante that it was imperative everything they said stayed between them. He trusted Dante more than anyone here and his gut told him that something was off. Dante said him too. What Jack told him would stay there. The worst-case scenario, he wouldn’t reveal his source. Jack said the photos Anna had sent were doctored. The WSB’s official story was that Anna doctored them herself and went rogue to find Faison. There’s no way that’s true, which means Anna is in real trouble.

Tuesday:

Lucy was getting a mani/pedi to left her spirits, when Ava walked in.

Cody read Pride and Prejudice and flashed back to arguing with Molly about what she’d written. Tracy came in and was shocked that he was reading a book.

Molly joined Kristina for a manicure, and Molly said she knew Kristina had submitted her book to her agent behind her back.

Alexis met with Danny at the Quartermaines, and he said he needed to know all about the Cassadine family.

Lucas came home to find Pascal standing in the foyer. Pascal told him that Marco was unavailable. He had important business to attend to. Lucas asked what Pascal’s problem was with him. Or was he jealous?

Elizabeth brought Portia a take-out lunch, a salad with extra olives. Portia said Isaiah must have ordered it.

Jason told Sonny that it was worse than they thought.

Valentin wanted to go to Windymere, but Carly said she’d go.

Tracy said she’d never seen Cody read a book, and he said, because he was dumb, right? She asked what had gotten into him, took the book from him, then laughed. She said she would expect Hemmingway, but not a regency romance. He said there was more going on with him than what people thought. He wasn’t a bumbling idiot. She said, no one thought that except him, but he said one person in particular did.

Kristina said the book was ready for submission, but Molly said she was never going to submit it. She’d just wanted an honest opinion. Kristina said Molly would have tinkered with it forever. Admit it. Her agent loved her book.

Ava said she thought Lucy and Sidwell were having a picnic, and Lucy said she left it at Windymere along with the relationship. It dawned on her that she deserved more than being another mare in Sidwell’s stable. Something Ava couldn’t understand.

Portia told Elizabeth that Isaiah knew about her latest craving for olives. He was helpful, patient, and easy-going. They fit together, but that could change when they found out who the father of her baby was.

Alexis told Danny that she’d never been invited to a potluck, but she knew the players. She gave Danny some paperwork and said her father had been with Helena, but they weren’t married and she was illegitimate. Danny wondered where Charlotte fell.

Jason told Sonny about Anna and that she was saying Faison had held her captive. She also said Peter August had paid her a visit. Sonny asked if he believed Faison was still alive, and Jason said he believed Faison was still a threat. According to Felicia, Anna was suffering from delusions and paranoia and believed he had to stop Faison.

Valentin asked what point of entry Carly was going to use, and she said a top-secret, little-known opening – the front door. Sidwell had extended an invitation to her because he wanted her to make peace with Lucas for Marco’s sake. Josslyn was using her brother for her own agenda, and she hated that she was about to do the same thing.

Lucas said whenever he showed Marco affection, Pascal popped out and interrupted, but Pascal said he was just doing his job. Lucas said he didn’t think so. He hadn’t realized how bad it was until Pascal was away. Pascal wanted what he had and resented him. Pascal said Lucas was consumed with his paltry romance and blind to what was really going on there, when Marco showed up.

Portia told Elizabeth that she and Isaiah trusted one another. The person she was worried most about was Trina. It would be difficult if Isaiah was the father. Trina was already struggling with her parents splitting up. If Curtis was the father, it would be easier for Trina, but not her. The test was only thing holding up the divorce, but if Curtis was the father, there would be issues about custody and parental rights.

Alexis told Danny that Charlotte’s branch went back to Mikkos’s father, Ivan Stanislovich Cassadine, who’d had three sons. Danny asked if Valentin wasn’t Charlotte’s dad, and she said, herein lies the difficulty in constructing the family tree. The Cassadines had a propensity to lie – it was in their genes. Valentin thought Mikkos was his father, but Victor was. The only ancestor Danny and Charlotte shared was Ivan. Danny said, his great-great-grandfather, and Alexis said, Charlotte’s great-grandfather.

Carly said she knew Lucas moving in with Marco put him in danger, but Josslyn encouraged it, and Valentin said, it was probably a WSB order. Carly said it made her sick that she was about to do the same thing, and he said, being hesitant would get her hurt, but she said she was going. The goal was to get Josslyn out of the WSB and Lucas off the island. She had no choice but to go.

Marco asked if there was a problem, but Pascal said, it was a simple misunderstanding. H’de explained Marco was occupied and Lucas didn’t take it well. Marco said they’d appreciate some privacy and went into the living room with Lucas. Lucas said Pascal was a liar and a loose cannon. Marco had no idea what he was really like. Marco kissed him, and in the foyer, Sidwell said perhaps Pascal should have stayed in France.

Jason told Sonny that felicia thought Anna was suffering from PTSD. He didn’t believe Faison was still alive, but before Anna left, she told him that she was afraid he was. He thought he got her to consider that someone was using Faison against her. What if she’d been on the edge and he’d missed it? He knew the signs and could have helped. Sonny said Jason knew the signs when it came to him, but didn’t know what to look for with Anna, and Jason said he felt he could have done more and chose not to.

Molly told Kristina, the phrase multi-book deal might have been uttered, and Kristina said she was sorry to have rushed Molly’s timeline. Molly said she’d had no timeline. Writing the book had been her way to decompress, a creative outlet for her. Kristina said Molly wrote it for publication and just needed a push. She was welcome. Molly thanked Kristina for tanking her relationship with Cody.

Cody said Molly wrote a romance novel and based the main character on him, and Tracy said it was flattering. He said the character was rude, untrustworthy, and dumb, and Tracy said, maybe not. Had he talked to Molly? He said she never intended for him to read it, and that made it worse. What was even worse than that was that now he knew what she thought of him. She asked how Jane Austen was involved, and he said Molly told him that Casey was like Mr. Darcy. It was confusing, since Darcy was a rich, arrogant guy, and definitely not him. She asked how much he’d read of Molly’s book, and he said, a few chapters. She asked how much he’d read of Pride and Prejudice, and he said, not much. She said he had a lot of reading to do.  

Lucy said maybe Sidwell could divide his attention, but she didn’t need to accept that treatment. Ava had financial incentive. Ava said Sidwell was a client, and Lucy said, a generous one. Ava reminded Lucy how much she made on the sale of Windymere, but Lucy said it was worth every penny. Ava was taking Sidwell for a ride. Ava said that wasn’t fair. Sidwell appreciate sophisticated pieces. He wanted an upgrade and he got it.

Sidwell said he overheard the altercation and asked if Pascal couldn’t keep it together without arousing suspicion. Pascal wondered why Sidwell was trusting Lucas when he was too close. One misstep, and he’d discover something he shouldn’t. Sidwell said they’d been over this, and it annoyed him to go over it again. If Lucas was important to Marco, then… Pascal said, then Lucas was important to Sidwell, and Sidwell asked how it went in France. Pascal said, like clockwork. Anna believed she had made her great escape.

Jason said Britt needed him and he’d abandoned Anna in the process, but Sonny said he couldn’t save everybody. He got Britt’s trust and found out Cullum started the fire. He had a choice and took one. There was no guarantee he could help in France. Anna had family and was getting help. Jason said he couldn’t shake the feeling something wasn’t right. Anna sent Felicia to him for a reason, even if it didn’t make sense. Sonny said he’d never tell Jason to ignore his instincts, but Anna could just be sick and in need of medical care. Jason said, maybe, when his phone chimed. He sighed and said it was Alexis. Something was up with Danny.

Valentin asked Carly to look for an entrance in the wine cellar. He needed to know if it was still open. Carly told him that she’d say she wanted to expand the MetroCourt’s wine list or got lost finding the bathroom, but he said it wasn’t a game. Don’t give Sidwell a reason to be suspicious. If she got caught, it would be a bad day for Lucas and worse for her. More important, it would be bad for him. Play it smart. She said she’d get out safely with an invitation to come back.

Lucy said what she and Sidwell had was real, but Ava Lucy was convenient. Sidwell used her to get a good deal and found her and Lucyness quite tedious. It was obvious to everyone but Lucy. She’d worn out her welcome and didn’t know it. Lucy told the pedicurist that she’d have to reschedule, since she realized this wasn’t stress-free. On her way out, she told Ava, keep in mind that Sidwell’s love of old things extended to Greek sculpture, not his vendors.

Molly told Kristina that Cody found a copy of her book and was curious. Then he realized Casey had been inspired by him. Kristina said he should be flattered by the love scenes, but Molly said, he didn’t read that far. She didn’t think he’d be reading anything else of hers now. Not after how he was depicted.

Lucas said he wasn’t complaining, but that was weird, and Marco asked what was going on. Lucas said Pascal was outwardly hostile and he’d asked what Pascal’s problem was. He didn’t love that Lucas suggested he had feelings for Marco. Marco said, he had it coming. Maybe he could be moved to another property. Lucas said he didn’t want to trash Pascal’s life – not yet – and he wasn’t going anywhere. They kissed.

Elizabeth told Portia that she got both sides. She understood why Portia was putting off the paternity test, but she also seemed stressed not knowing.

Alexis told Jason that Danny asked her to decipher the Cassadine family tree, and Sonny asked why. She said, for school credit, but he only seemed interested in if he was related to Charlotte.

Tracy said when Molly referred to Mr. Darcy, she didn’t mean Cody was like him. She meant her hero was functioning like Mr. Darcy. In the beginning, the leading lady finds Casey deeply unlikeable. Then, over time, they fall in love. It’s a tale as old as time. Like Beauty and the Beast. Cody said, now he was a beast? but she said, Casey was repellant and became irresistible, but not before misunderstandings and arguments that ramped up the sexual tension. He should be flattered. Molly had been thinking about him for months and fashioned her hero after him. He said now he got what she was saying. What happened if Casey wasn’t what he seemed, but with him, what you saw was what you got. What if he was just a heel?

Kristina said it was fiction and Cody would get over it, but Molly said she didn’t think so. He was taking it personally and she hated that she hurt his feelings. Kristina said, he wasn’t supposed to read it, and Molly said Kristina wasn’t supposed to send it, yet here they were. If she’d intended to publish it, she would have made changes and made Casey less obviously based on Cody. Kristina said Molly had no chance to make changes, and Molly said, thanks to her

Sonny told Alexis that what she and Ric put together for Michael’s kids was the best, and she asked if Carly was in agreement. He said, not like him, but Wiley and Amelia needed their mother. Alexis said she wanted an arrangement that everyone could live with, and he said he didn’t want to use the kids as a bargaining chip, like Scout. How was Scout doing? Alexis said she was worried about her father, but starting to relax. She was settling in. Her next step was to get Willow to allow Scout to see Danny. Sonny said she might not want to do that.

Pascal told Sidwell that Anna had been sedated and put on a ship to France. There had been an altercation with a gendarme, and she was arrested and admitted to a mental institution. Sidwell asked if they still had access to her, and Pascal wasn’t certain, but said he could try. Sidwell said, don’t. Let Anna cook until they needed her. There was a knock at the door, and Sidwell opened it to Carly.

Tracy asked if a true heel would go to the trouble of reading Jane Austin to understand his girlfriend’s intentions instead of watching an adaption, and Cody asked if there was a movie. She said, several. Would he like to return the book? He said, no, and she said Molly knew there was more to him than met the eye. What happened to Molly’s character was up to Molly, but what happened in real life was up to him.

Molly told Kristina that her agent didn’t want her to change anything and thought Casey was a major selling point. The readers would fall in love with him. Kristina said Cody should thank Molly for making him look good. Give him a chance to finish the book. He’ll get it. And when he saw it on the shelf, he’d be so proud, like she was. Molly was going to sell the book, right?

Portia said, fine. She’d stay focused on work and Isaia. When her mind drifted… Elizabeth said, she pictured one awful scenario after another. Not knowing gave her more stress. Now was the perfect time to take the leap before she was further along. Then she could focus on the good stuff. Portia said she’d rather do that than spend time with her divorce lawyer. She needed to know the truth so she could move forward.

Valentin looked at pictures of Charlotte, Danny, and Rocco on his phone.

Jason told Danny that Alexis said he’d needed help with a school project, making a family tree of the Cassadine side. He was spotty about the Quartermaine family tree, but Tracy could fill in any blanks. If Danny needed help with anything, he hoped Danny knew he could ask him anytime. Danny said there was no project, and Jason said, Alexis had suspicions. Danny said he wanted to know more about the Cassadine family, and Jason said he appreciated the truth, but why lie? Was he that interested in family history? Danny said, not just his. Charlotte’s too.  

Sonny said Scout needed stability and routine and wouldn’t get it from Danny. He was focused on Charlotte. Charlotte and Danny were a good match in the thrill-seeking department. Alexis said that’s why she wanted Jason to talk to him. God knew what trouble those two could get in together.

Carly said Sidwell told her to stop by, and he said he was glad she took him up on the invitation. He assumed she was there to see her brother. She said, that was the plan, and he said Lucas was in the living room. She went in and Lucas asked what she was doing there. She said she came to apologize, and Sidwell looked all happy.

Lucy went to Sonny’s and said, sorry to barge in, but she needed to talk to him in private. Alexis said she had an appointment and left, and Sonny asked what he could do for Lucy. She said he could clean Sidwell’s clock.

Wednesday:

Curtis went to see Jordan and said he had a surprise for her.

Portia told Britt that she wanted to take the paternity test.

Josslyn looked at Faison’s book bio and the tin of cigarillos. She flashed back to finding them at Windymere, when Trina came in and asked what Josslyn was smoking.

Jason asked why Danny made up a story about a school project, and Danny said his grandma didn’t like talking about the Cassadine side of the family, but he should have been honest. Jason said his grandma would have been cool with the truth. Did he get all the information he wanted? Danny said, yeah.

Charlotte went to see Valentin and they hugged.

Carly said she’d like to speak to Lucas privately, but understood if he wanted Marco there. Marco said it was a private sibling conversation, and he and Sidwell left. Carly said she hadn’t been fair to Lucas and Marco and she was wrong, and Lucas asked, why the sudden change of heart?

Sonny said he thought Lucy and Sidwell were an item, and Lucy said it had definitely blossomed into something deep and meaningful. He asked if Sidwell felt the same, and she said, of course (🍷), but he’d messed with the wrong woman and now he had to pay.

Danny told Jason about being with Charlotte alone at the gatehouse during the storm. They’d had a moment, so he kissed her.

Charlotte said her police escort was outside the Quartermaines’ and had no idea she was gone, and Valentin said he was glad she was okay. She said, thanks to Danny, and he asked if Danny knew he was there.

Lucas said Carly had been hating on Marco and suddenly saw the error of her ways? What did she really want? She flashed back to Valentin telling her to look for the entrance to the catacombs, and she said she understood why Lucas was skeptical, but he was her brother and she missed him. She was sorry she hadn’t been supportive of his relationship. She loved him and didn’t want to fight. He said he appreciated her effort, but an apology wasn’t enough.

Lucy told Sonny that she’d thought she and Sidwell were progressing at a nice pace, when Ava came sniffing around, throwing herself shamelessly at him right in front of her face. She voiced her concerns to Sidwell and told him that he had to choose between her and Ava. He was a complete cad and said he didn’t do ultimatums. She should have listened to Sonny and not gotten involved. Sonny said he was sorry it didn’t work out, and Lucy said, then help her take Sidwell down, but Sonny said the answer was no.

Josslyn said they weren’t hers, and Trina said, let her guess. Josslyn was holding them for a friend. (Ha-ha!) Josslyn said the cigars belonged to her study partner, who accidentally left them there and asked if Trina had changed her sheets. Trina said her mom had stayed the night of the blizzard, and Josslyn asked how it went. Trina said, not great, but it could have been worse.

Britt told Portia that she put a rush on it and once they got Dr. Gannon’s swab, they’d have the results in an hour. For what it was worth (), she admired Portia for standing up for herself. She’d had a right to stand her ground when she’d been pressured for answers. Isaiah came by and said he got Portia’s text, and Portia said she’d decided she was ready to take the test. As soon as Britt got a cheek swab from him, they’d know whether he was the father of the baby.

Curtis made a fire and he and Jordan kissed.

Jason asked if it was the first time Danny and Charlotte kissed, and Danny said, yeah. He hadn’t known he wanted to kiss her until it happened. He liked hanging out with her. They really got each other. Like when Rocco was in trouble and they were on the same page. He knew she was smart, pretty, and stuff, but he’d seen her as a friend. After they kissed, it felt different, in a good way. Jason asked if Charlotte was okay with the kiss, but Danny said he didn’t actually know.

Charlotte said Danny knew everything, and Valentin said she wasn’t supposed to tell anyone, but she said the person they couldn’t trust was Nina. She’d overheard Nina talking to Agent Brennan. They had a deal where Brennan would help Nina with her daughter in return for information from Charlotte about him and she’d had to warn him not to reach out to Nina. He said he wasn’t going to, but thanks, and she said the problem was, she sort of confided to Nina that she’d been in touch with him. He said that’s why she never should have told Danny. Brennan would be looking at her and interviewing those close to her, and he was an expert at getting most people to spill. She said Danny wasn’t most people. He knew it was important to keep quiet and understood lives were on the line. She trusted him completely.

Carly asked if Lucas was saying he’d never forgive her, but he told her that he was saying he needed more. She needed to accept that Marco was a part of his life. She said, done, and he said she had to do more than tolerate Marco. She had to make an effort to know him because he saw a future with Marco. She said they’d gotten serious, and he said living together had strengthened their relationship. When he told Marco that he wanted their own place, Marco said he liked being near his dad, but prioritized Lucas’s feelings and agreed to do it in a couple of months. She said she was happy Marco put Lucas first, and Lucas said he wanted to do the same. That meant he was only letting her back in his life if she was willing to get along with Marco.

Curtis and Jordan snuggled on the sofa, when she sat up and looked at her laptop. He asked if he was keeping her from work, but she said it wasn’t urgent. Sidwell wanted her to see why Windymere had lost power. He’d said he was worried about something, but what that something was, she didn’t know, and she was no closer to taking him down than when she started. Curtis said she’d get him. He knew if she put her beautiful mind to something, nothing and no one could stop her. She said they had that in common, but he said, in his case, maybe it wasn’t always a good thing. She asked what he did, and he said he wanted Portia to take a paternity test, but she was pushing back. In his frustration, he might have made a tactical error that may come back to bite him.

Isaiah asked if Portia was only doing this because Curtis pressured her, and she said he’d threatened to get a court order, but she told him to go ahead. She’d do it when she was good and ready. She’d talked to Elizabeth and realized it was time to learn the truth and face the consequences. He said he wanted the baby to be his (me too), but knew how much it would complicate her life, especially with Trina. She said things were looking better and she and Trina were making progress. She felt it was time to settle this, so she could start planning for the baby’s future. He said, no matter the outcome, he’d still be by her side.

Lucy wondered how Sonny could say no. She thought he’d jump at the chance. Sonny said it was tempting, but what if they made up next week? She said it wasn’t going to happen, and he asked what revenge looked like to her. She said Sidwell had wormed his way into Deception and was shipping cargo under Deception’s auspices with no oversight. He asked if she thought it was illegal goods, and she said, if they were legal, why do it in secret? She was going to find out. He said maybe she was onto something, but making a move like that would be a huge mistake.

Sidwell returned with Marco and said Pascal told him that she’d wanted to see them. Carly told them that there was something she needed to say that she should have said a long time ago, and Lucas asked Pascal for privacy. Pascal left, but kept the door ajar to listen, and Carly said she’d apologized to Lucas and would like to apologize to Marco. She’d judged him unfairly because of his father. Sidwell said they did set off on a shaky foot, and she said, true, but she should have realized Marco was his own man. Clearly, he made Lucas very happy, and if they gave her a second chance, she promised to support their relationship. Marco thanked her and said he knew it wasn’t easy. Carly said she hated apologizing and admitting she was wrong, but this time she was and she was very sorry. Marco said, apology accepted. He wanted her to know that her brother meant the world to him, and he’d never do anything to hurt him. She said he’d better not. She believed they should spend more time together because she wanted to get to know him better. Marco said he liked that idea, and Lucas said they had no idea how much it meant to him. He thanked Carly and they hugged. Sidwell applauded and said he was glad it worked out.

Sidwell said he wasn’t sure Carly would take him up on his offer, especially after their rocky start. He hoped it would be the first of many visits. She was welcome any time. She thanked him and said she thought she’d take him up on it, and he suggested they start now. Join them for cocktail hour. Lucas said he had to head to the hospital, and Carly said, another time then. Sidwell said he looked forward to it, and Lucas said they could take the ferry together and catch up. He kissed Marco, and outside the door, Pascal peeked in, then made a face.

Curtis said, despite Alexis’s advice, he told Portia that he’d get a court order and make her take the test, and Jordan said she was no fan of Portia’s, but wow. Curtis said Portia told him that he was welcome to use a court order, but she was on her own timetable, and Jordan asked if he was going to. He said no. He thought it was incredibly unfair, but once he cooled off, he realized he couldn’t force her. She said he’d respected Portia’s agency as a woman and a person, and he said if he was the father, they’d have to co-parent and he didn’t want acrimony. She suggested he and Portia talk again and find a way to dial it back, when his phone rang and he said he might have chance now. He told Portia that he was glad she called. About the paternity test… Portia said he got his wish. She took it and was at the hospital waiting for the results. She’d keep him posted. He told Jordan that Portia took the test. He was about to find out if he was going to be a father again.

Josslyn said she could see why it was hard for Trina to trust Portia, and Trina said it was impossible. What if her mother hurt her, or worse, hurt her baby brother or sister? Josslyn said they should make up so Trina could be there for her new younger sibling, and Trina said, whoever the father was, she wanted a relationship with the child, which meant she was going to have to let go of her anger toward her mom. Her phone rang, and she said, speak of the devil. Portia said she wanted to let Trina know that she’d decided to take the test. The lab was rushing it, so she should have the results soon.

Valentin said he was glad Charlotte felt she could count on Danny. He was sure Danny was a devoted friend. Charlotte said they’d had each other’s backs more than once, and he told her not to rely on Danny too much. It was a dangerous situation, and they didn’t want to drag him into it. She said Danny could handle himself. He was a good friend. She really should go, since she didn’t want Officer Jeffers to get suspicious. They hugged, and he told her to be careful. She said, him too.

Danny told Jason that he was pretty sure Charlotte kissed back, but it was a blur since Rocco showed up and they had to act normal. Jason asked if they’d talked about it after, but Danny said, not yet, and Jason said he thought Danny should reach out and make sure it was something they both wanted. He didn’t want to make assumptions. His phone rang, and Danny asked if it was important, but Jason said, not more important than him. Danny said they were good, and Jason said let him know what happened. Danny thanked him for listening, and Jason said, anytime.

Trina went to the hospital and she and Portia hugged. Portia said Trina didn’t have to come, but she was glad Trina did. Trina said Portia was right the other night. She couldn’t allow their issues to affect her relationship with the baby. Portia said Trina was going to be the best big sister and asked Trina to sit with her while she was waiting for the results. Isaiah said the lab was analyzing them now, and he started to leave, but Portia asked him to stay. They’d get the results soon and he had as much riding on this as anyone. He said, if it was okay with Trina, and Trina said, whatever was happening, was happening. If he wanted to stay, it was fine by her.

Josslyn thanked Jason for coming, and showed him the book and tin of cigarillos. She asked if these meant anything to him, and he said P.K. Sinclair was Faison’s penname and it was his favorite brand of cigar. Why did she have them? She said another agent was carrying them and a copy of the book with an inscription from C to his muse. He asked who the agent was, and she said, Ross Cullum. Jason flashed back to Britt telling him that Cullum wouldn’t think twice about killing him, and told Josslyn, start at the beginning.

Sonny said Deception was Lucy’s company and she could dig where she wanted, and Lucy said Sidwell would cover his tracks before she found anything. She had to take him by surprise. Now to figure out how… She’d get back together with him. Sonny said Sidwell was a low life, but she said she knew reconciliation was the true path to revenge. He wouldn’t know what hit him. She’d say, please forgive her, and pretend everything was the same. When he dropped his guard, she’d go in for the kill.

Sidwell asked if Marco bought Carly’s apology, and Marco said he did. If she’d been super sincere, he’d be more suspicious, but he could tell it was hard to say and that seemed right. However, it may be a problem for them. Sidwell asked, how so? when Lucas came into the foyer. He heard them talking and stopped outside the door. Marco said it was nice of Sidwell to help broker peace, but as a result, Carly could end up spending more time there and he wasn’t sure they wanted her snooping around.

Josslyn told Jason that the night of the storm, she cut the power to Windymere, which forced everyone to go to the mainland, so she could search. He asked why she didn’t tell him, and she said she’d had no time to fill him in. She ran into Cullum and recognized him from the WSB. He asked if Cullum recognized her, but she said, no. Jack had done everything in his power keep her off Cullum’s radar. She pretended she was looking for Lucas and Cullum pretended to be the caretaker. She thought he bought it and when he left the room, she went through his coat pockets, where she found the cigars and the book. He asked if Cullum saw her, and she said, unfortunately, but she told him that she was using his coat as a blanket and the book fell out. Her curiosity got the better of her and she noticed the woman on the cover looked like Anna. He asked if she reported this to Brennan, but she said, no. Jason was the only person she’d told. He said, keep it that way, and she said, of course (🍷). Brennan reported to Cullum. She wondered if Cullum was some Faison superfan or had a personal connection to him, and Jason said, if he did, it was that he was working on Faison’s final project. Cullum and Sidwell were partners.

Danny texted Charlotte, asking her to meet up, and she replied, sure. When and where?

Valentin asked what happened at Windymere, and Carly said she made amends with Lucas and apologized to Marco. He asked about the catacombs, and she said Lucas had to go to work, but forgot his phone and went back before he got on the ferry. Valentin said, that’s fine, and she said she thought he’d be weird and judgy. He said he was judgy, but she opened the door to more visits. They needed to figure out what Sidwell was up to. Setting Brennan up to take the fall was the only way to protect her brother and daughter. She said, and his daughter. Next time, she was going to find out exactly what was going on at Windymere.

Sidwell asked if Marco was concerned that having Carly around would cause trouble for them, and Marco said she couldn’t keep her nose out of other’s affairs. What if she caught Britt going in and out of the catacombs? Sidwell said he’d advised Britt to be discreet, and Marco said, good luck with that. Britt was a giant pain in the ass with the subtlety of a wrecking ball. Sidwell laughed and said, not anymore. He found a way to keep her under control. He was keeping her medication at Windymere. If she wanted to stay alive and functioning, she had no choice but to complete their project. Marco said it was about damn time, and in the foyer, Lucas looked shocked and Pascal stood quietly behind him.

Sonny asked if Lucy was getting back at Sidwell by spying on him, and she said she knew she could do it. He said it was risky, and she said, no risk, no reward. If she’d use any information to find out what the shipments were. Sonny said it was easier from the inside, and she said, exactly. She’d get so close to Sidwell, she could literally stab him in the back. That would be wrong, but she wanted to make sure she lowered herself to share him with that man-eating… floozie, Ava. Sonny said, those two had no idea what they started with her, and they laughed.

Jordan flashed back to Portia saying that she’d want Curtis to be part of the baby’s life, but not Jordan, and Jordan saying that would be between her and Curtis. Portia said that Jordan took Curtis from her, but would never take her child. When it came down to Jordan or the baby, Jordan knew who Curtis would choose. Jordan paced, then sat on the hearth.

Curtis showed up at the hospital and asked if there was any word, but Portia said, not yet. She told him that she’d keep him posted. They’d get the results soon. Curtis said he was glad they were putting the matter to rest, and sat with Trina. Britt came out and said she had the results. She gave an envelope to Portia, who opened it. She thanked Britt, and Britt left. Trina asked what it said. Who was the baby’s father? There were soap looks all around.

Thursday:

Felicia, Georgie, and James visited Maxie. James gave Maxie a Valentine from him and one from Bailey Lou.

Nathan went to Lulu’s house and said he needed her help.

Chase had a tea party with Bailey Lou as Brook watched from the doorway.

Dante called Jordan to his office and said it was about Anna.

Trina asked who the baby’s father was, and Portia said she and the baby had the same father. Curtis was the dad. Trina and Curtis hugged.

James insisted that Maxie could see them and hear them when they talked, and Felicia said their mom knew they were there and that they loved her. She could see them with her heart.

Chase told Brook that he’d miss Bailey Lou when Maxie came back. He loved the little person she was becoming. When she was a baby, she was completely dependent on them, and they’d had to protect her with Peter August on the loose. It brought them closer together. It was when they first started falling in love. Even then, he saw Brook would be an amazing mother and he couldn’t wait for them to have a child of their own.

Jordan said she didn’t think it was possible for Anna to have a psychotic break, and Dante said Anna was the rock of the family. He didn’t know when she’d recover. He’d been offered the job permanently. She said it was different from being a detective, and he said, that was the problem.

Nathan had to bring the class Valentine treats and all he could think of was candy hearts, and Lulu said, no one liked them. He said he didn’t want to be the lame parent who embarrassed his son, and she said they’d figure it out together. He’d be the coolest dad in the school.

Isaiah told Curtis, congratulations, and left. Trina said she was so happy. The baby would have the best dad ever. Curtis said he was relieved to get answers. Now they had to figure out the best way to move forward. Portia thought they should talk, and Trina left. Curtis thanked her for taking the test, and she said, it was time. So where did they go from there?

Felicia said James did a wonderful job decorating and told Georgie that her mom’s nails looked beautiful. It was James’s turn for alone time with Maxie, and Felicia and Georgie left. James told Maxie that he’d only been to the ER once and it wasn’t that bad. A girl in his class had asked him to be her Valentine, but he said no. He loved Maxie best.

Dante said he’d thought he understood job, but it was so much more, and Jordan said it was a big shift going from detective to administrator. The Commissioner was the face of the department and caught all the blame. When she’d been Commissioner, she’d missed being a detective. She’d thought she was making a difference. He said he didn’t think it was the best use of his skills and he had the added pressure of filling Anna’s shoes. She said no one could take Anna’s place. He needed to find a way to make the job his own. He was a natural leader.

Chase said he didn’t mean to put Brook on the spot. He didn’t want her to think he was pressuring her about adoption. She said, right now, she and Gio were getting to know each other, and she didn’t want to jeopardize their closeness. It was too new. He said he wouldn’t make a move until they were both ready. Now he needed to prove he was good enough for the job he had to begin with. He left for work.

Ava met Trina at the bistro, and asked what was going on. Trina said her mom took the paternity test and her dad was the father. So why did she still feel awful?

Curtis said they had to figure out a way to parent their child, and Portia said she didn’t want to fight with him. He said him neither, and she said that’s why she took the test, so he wouldn’t get a court order. He said he appreciated it. That’s why he proposed they finalize their divorce and establish custody. He suggested a 50/50 split, and she said it wasn’t ideal. He said, under the circumstances, it made sense. With the custody decided, they could focus on being parents and not fighting.

Brook told Bailey Lou that she wouldn’t mind having a little girl like her, when Gio came in. He said he and Bailey Lou hung out all the time and were basically BFFs, and Brook asked if Donna agreed. He said they’d agreed to share him and asked if it was okay if he hung out with them.

Ava asked if Trina wasn’t happy, and Trina said she was. Her dad wanted to be a father again. Ava said, complicated, huh? and Trina said, when they were waiting, it hit her that things didn’t have to be this way. It should be a happy time and if her mom hadn’t cheated, it would have been. She didn’t know who the father was and everything was ugly and public. Ava said it was awful when Portia was on the stand, and Trina said she loved her mother, but wanted to get past not trusting her and didn’t know how.

Portia agreed, and Curtis said he’d have his lawyer draw up a custody agreement. She said he could handle Aunt Stella, and he said, and his dad. It made him happy that they were working together, for the baby’s sake and hers too.

Jordan said the cops at the PCPD looked up to Dante. Considering who his dad was, that was something. They respected him and his integrity, and it spoke volumes about his leadership abilities. He’d be a help to Port Charles and Laura. He said her support meant a lot and guessed that meant she didn’t want her old job back. She said, no thanks. It wasn’t where her life was headed. Her phone chimed and she saw a text from Curtis: Headed back to your place. She told Dante that she had to get going.

Lulu said Nathan didn’t want to show up other parents and make enemies in the PTA. The moms would love him, and some of the dads. She asked how many kids were in James’s class, and he said, twenty-two. She said they’d better get to it.

Georgie told Felicia that she didn’t mean to upset James, but he was talking like their mom would answer. She wanted their mom to open her eyes. She missed her so much. Felicia said so did she, but Maxie was fighting as hard as she could to come back.

James said he’d started playing hockey. Didn’t Maxie want see him play?

Chase went to Dante’s office, and Dante said he wanted to check in with Chase on his first day back in uniform. Chase said, look at them now. Dante was Police Commissioner and he was a patrolman. How things have changed. Dante said what hadn’t changed was that Chase was a damn good cop. The only thing that worried him was Chase’s ability to take orders… from him.  

Gio said Emma was going to San Francisco to tell her mom about Anna’s condition, and Brook asked when she’d be back. He said he wasn’t sure. She and her mom might go to France after. Brook said she knew Gio would miss Emma, and he said it wasn’t the same on the phone or with texts. She said his support meant everything to Emma… unless there was more he wasn’t telling her, and he said he got that Emma needed to be there for her family. Family meant everything to Emma. What if she decided to move back to San Francisco?

Ava said she couldn’t tell Trina that Portia wouldn’t lie again, but with any relationship you were taking a chance that the other person might hurt you or might let you down. Portia was taking a chance on her too. Before taking a chance, she took a step back and thought, what’s the alternative? Walking away? Trina said that wasn’t something she wanted to do, and Ava said, whatever Trina decided, she supported her. She did have empathy for Portia. Ava was a deeply flawed person, and Trina took a chance on her. Trina’s mother was flawed as well, but would walk through fire for her because her mother loved her. Was there a world where Trina would give her a chance to learn from her mistakes and realize she had to be more honest from now on?

Isaiah took a shower in the locker room and came out in a towel to find Portia there. She said she was worried about him and wanted to see how he was doing. But if he didn’t want to see her, she’d leave. He said he didn’t want her to go. There was so much he wanted to say. But not in a towel.

Jordan said, well? And Curtis said he was going to be a father again. They hugged and she said she was happy for him. He said he was thrilled and couldn’t wait to experience the things he missed out on with Trina, and Jordan said he’d be an amazing father. He said, especially if she’d be around. He couldn’t wait to share everything with her too. They hugged again.

Nathan and Lulu assembled goodie bags, and Nathan said she’d saved him serious embarrassment, but she said she was sure he’d have figured it out on his own. He said he was glad he didn’t have to. He loved James so much, but there wasn’t a lot he could do for him. She said he was willing to put James’s happiness above his own. That made him a good father and James was lucky to have him. He said he hoped James thought so too, and she said she was sure he did.

James hugged Maxie and said he missed her so much. Please come back to us.

James said he told Maxie about hockey and the school Valentine’s party, and Felicia asked about treats for the class. James said they wanted to meet his real dad. Not that Spinelli wasn’t his dad too… Georgie came out and said it was Felicia’s turn. James promised to stick around, and Georgie said she’d watch him. Felicia went in, took Maxie’s hand, and held back tears.

Jordan asked if Trina knew, and Curtis said she was there. Now he had to tell Aunt Stella. She said Stella would be thrilled. She was sure Trina was. He said Trina was still struggling to come to terms with it, but imagine how awesome she’d be as a big sis. Jordan said it was a relief that the paternity was finally settled. How did Portia take the news? He said, better than he’d hoped.

Now fully dressed, Isaiah said he had to rise the day off, and Portia said she completely understood. What she didn’t understand was how much she wanted the baby to be his. He said him too. He wasn’t going to lie and say he wasn’t sad about the baby not being his – he took her hands – but he could still love the child because it was hers. If the last months had taught him anything, it was that life was a hell of a lot better with her in it. He’d love to stick around if she’d give him a chance. She kissed him.

Trina said, what if Portia couldn’t be honest and lied to her again, and Ava said she may have to walk away, but she needed to be absolutely certain it was the right thing to do. When Kiki and Griffin got together, she walked away. She turned her back on her daughter. She’d felt betrayed and so hurt that she couldn’t see past her own pride and work through the anger. Then, it didn’t matter. It was too late. Now she knew of course (🍷) that she’d rather have KiKi as she was than spend the rest of her life without her.

Dante said he hoped it wasn’t forever, but he needed to know Chase would respect his leadership, take orders from him, and accept his limits being a patrolman. No more side investigations or building a case against Michael. It wasn’t his job. It would be Mac’s job to get evidence if there was any. Chase flashed back to putting Michael’s key ring on the nook floor, and Dante asked him to give his word that he wouldn’t interfere with an investigation. He could count on Dante to do the same.

Brook asked if Emma told Gio there was a possibility she might not come back, and he said, no, but he’d never seen her so shaken. Anna was the center of the family, and now she was gone. If her family needed her, he was worried Emma would decide to stay. Brook said she thought it was too soon to worry and asked if Emma felt the same about him. They seemed to have a genuine connection. Gio said, before, he knew Emma was smart, beautiful, and compassionate, and Brook said, Emma was a catch. So was he. If it came down to it, he could head to San Francisco and sweep Emma off her feet. What she liked most about Emma was that Emma made him happy.

Felicia told Maxie that Georgie and James were doing well. So was Bailey Lou. She stayed with Brook and Chase when they were there. She’d taken so many pictures, she couldn’t wait to show them to Maxie when she woke up. She made sure they had fun and had plenty of things to look forward to. She and Spinelli kept them on schedule, but there was still a giant hole in the family where she was supposed to be. They were waiting for her to come back to them. They loved her so much and she loved her so much. As a mom, she’d seen Maxie do impossible things her entire life, so she knew Maxie could do this too. She kissed Maxie’s forehead.

Nathan said if it turned out great, he’d share the credit, and Lulu said, James’s classmates and their parents would be impressed. He said his relationship with James wasn’t the only placed he was still finding his way. He was still figuring out where things stood with them. He’d talked to Nina about it. Lulu said she’d talked to her mom, and he asked what Laura said. She said, surprisingly, Laura wasn’t against the idea of them dating, but advised her to take it slow. What about Nina? He said, the same. Dante and Maxie made it complicated, but she thought he should follow his heart.

Trina told Ava that she couldn’t imagine life without her mom. She had no idea what it would look like with her family completely different. Ava said it wasn’t necessarily bad different. Remember, she still had the power to decide how to move forward with her mom.

Isaiah said he needed Portia to be honest. Did she think Curtis would be a problem? She said she didn’t think so. They’d decided on joint custody. They’d raise the baby together, but live completely separate lives. Isaiah asked if she was okay with Jordan being involved in the child’s life, and she said it wouldn’t be long. It would never last because no one could live up to Curtis’s impossible expectations. Their relationship would implode like last time.

Jordan said joint custody would be best for everyone, and Curtis said that’s why they needed to settle it now before a problem came up. They needed to amend the paperwork, file it, and be divorced. She said she felt it was wrong to say, congratulations, and he said he could finally put fighting with Portia behind him and focus on a future with her. She said they could finally live their lives together with nothing hanging over them and holding them back.

Dante said he meant it when he told Chase that he was a good cop. He’d be a plus to have on the force. Did he promise to stay out of the investigation into Drew’s shooting? Could he trust Chase to do the job? Chase could do the same with him. Chase said, yeah, and they shook hands. Dante told him to have a good shift, and Chase left.

Gio gave Bailey Lou some cheese and crackers, and wondered who could say no to her. Brook said he was just as cute when he was little. He’d look at her with those big eyes and big smile when she’d babysit him once in a while. Now she understood why Camilla only called her when someone canceled at the last minute. He said he got excited when she’d come. She had all the fun stories. She said she was glad they had the memories, and he said he was so angry when he first found out the truth. Now he thought he was so lucky, growing up with a cool cousin like her, who turned out to be his mom.

Nathan said he knew he wanted to be with Lulu, but he didn’t want to put her in a tough position, and she said she was worried about that too. She kept hearing her dad’s voice in her head. He’d say, well, cupcake, what would you do if you weren’t afraid? Nathan said, what would she do if she wasn’t afraid? and she said, follow her heart. He took her hands and they put their foreheads together.

James wanted to go ice skating, but Georgie said she thought they were going to the bookstore. Felicia said they could hit the rink next time, and James asked why he couldn’t go skating. From the doorway, Maxie said, James Malcolm West, you are not going skating without a helmet.   

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Nina comes into the Crimson reception area to find Jacinda with a shirtless Michael. She asks if they have to christen every surface in her office.

Elizabeth puts on makeup, when Lucas comes into the locker room. He says, wow. She looks beautiful. She thanks him and says she’s going out with Ric tonight. He says, great, and she says, no snarky comment or offer to hook her up with someone else? Not even a, you could do better than him? He says, trust him. He’s the last person who should be giving her advice on men.

Marco walks into the Windymere lab and says, nice to see Britt finally at work, and she says, it’s not like she had much choice. They both know why she’s cooperating. He says they do, and he has the reward for services rendered right here.

Lucy approaches Windymere and says, Jenz Sidwell, you messed with the wrong woman. Now you have to pay… You’ve got this. Sidwell opens the door and says, she couldn’t stay away.

Nathan and Lulu almost kiss, but she says she’s sorry. She can’t.

The kids and Felicia hug Maxie, who asks if she’s in a hospital, and Felicia says, she is. Maxie says, this place doesn’t look like GH, and James says, it’s not. They’re in Boston. Felicia says they had her transferred for treatment, and Maxie says, for what? Felicia says she had a heart attack, when Spinelli returns. He runs to her and they hug.

Michael tells Nina, come on. What’s the big deal? It’s practically after hours and she already banned them from having sex in her office, so where are they supposed to? Jacinda says, he’s teasing. He spilled coffee on his shirt, so she grabbed him a clean one from wardrobe. Trust her. None of the office furniture was defiled… not today. Nina says she has a magazine to run, so she doesn’t have time to worry about her CEO and the assistant he foisted on her soiling every corner of the building. Michael says, she can relax because he’s not here for Jacinda. He’s here for her.

Elizabeth asks, what’s going on with Marco? but Lucas says, she’s going out. He doesn’t want to ruin her night by throwing all of his problems at her. She asks what he’s talking about. He skipped the Nurses Ball to stay home and watch it with her after her accident. He says he remembers. He had a good time. She says her too. Now she wants to be here for him. She won’t have a good time tonight knowing something is wrong with him. He says, all right. He just found out that Marco isn’t being honest with him. She says, about what? and he says, a few things, like who he really is and what he really does and pretty much everything.

Britt gives herself her shot, and asks if Marco really has to watch her like that. He says, as a matter of fact, he does, and holds his hand out for the used syringe. She says, that wasn’t the same top of the line syringe she’s gotten used to, and he says, so sorry to hear their medical devices are not to her liking. She says her too. It makes her worry about how they’re handling her medication in general. She’d feel better if she could see herself that it’s properly stored. He says, unfortunately, he can’t make that call, but he’ll make sure to pass along her request, and she says, how generous of him. He says he really wishes it didn’t have to be this way, but she says, if that were true, he would do something about it, and he never has and never will. He says, as he told her, he’ll talk to his dad. He wants to allay her concerns. She says, maybe he does, but what happens after dear old dad says no, right? Her health goes to hell, but at least he tried. Does pretending he cares make him feel better about his role in this? Will it be enough to convince him that he’s the good guy Lucas sees when he looks at him? Marco says he is a good guy, and she says, in what world? Good guys do not lie to their boyfriend’s face every day. She’s been there, and take if from an expert, the truth will come out. It always does. Then that will be it, and when it ends, it won’t end well for him.

Georgie says she still can’t believe mom’s awake and talking to them, and James says he told her that mom could hear them. They probably woke her up. They laugh.

Spinelli asks, what happened? but Felicia says she’s not exactly sure. One minute, Maxie was unconscious, and the next, she was standing in the doorway and talking. He says, it sounds miraculous… Does she disagree? She says she wants to talk to the doctor and find out if Maxie is in the clear before they start talking about miracles, and Spinelli says she’s right. The doctor comes out of Maxie’s room and says, Miss Jones is ready for visitors. The kids run in, Spinelli and Felicia following, and Maxie asks where Bailey Lou is. Spinelli says, at home, safe and sound. Chase and Brook have been watching her. Maxie says, okay. The doctor said it’s been about six months. The last thing she remembers is shopping for school supplies. Now it’s Valentine’s Day. She wants to hear about everything. Spinelli says that’s what they’re here for, and Georgie says, there was a blizzard in Port Charles. Maxie says, what? and James says, yeah, the snow was up to the roof. Georgie says, no, it wasn’t, and James says, almost to the roof. Maxie says, that is a lot of snow.

Felicia asks the doctor, how was the exam? Maxie is no longer in danger, is she?

Nathan tells Lulu, sorry. He’s not exactly helping her. She says he really isn’t. Being close to him, she can’t… What if Rocco or Charlotte walked in? He says, that’s a good reason, but is it the only reason? and she asks what he means. He says, once upon time, they chatted about being friends. Maybe there’s still a part of her that thinks that’s all they should be. She says she was thinking about that, but maybe after everything is said and done, they’ll both decide that they’re better off just as friends, and he says, unlikely for him at least. She says, until that time comes, if it ever does, she’d like to live in this time and space to see what these feelings are and see if maybe they’re meant to be more than just… He says, pals? and she says, yeah. He says him too. So if right now in the living room isn’t the right and time place for a kiss, he guesses they’ll have to take a look at their calendars and pick a new location and try again. He’ll wait.

Lucas tells Elizabeth that he’s always known Sidwell had shady business dealings, but Marco swore to him that he was never involved in it. He said he had nothing to do with his father’s business, and like an idiot, he believed Marco. She says, now he doesn’t? and he says, he overheard Marco and his father having a conversation at Windymere. It seems like Marco knows all about whatever’s going on, and whatever is going on, it is not good. She says, maybe he didn’t hear enough, but he says he did, and it went from not good to so much worse. Not only is Marco involved, it sounds like he’s his father’s righthand man. Elizabeth says, Marco is a lawyer. Maybe he was just giving his dad legal advice. Lucas says, what he heard was not legal advice. Marco has been lying to him, maybe since the day they met. She says, sometimes when people talk business, it comes off as aggressive and it just sounds harsher than it really is, and he says, Marco and his father were talking about coercing someone to do something to get what they wanted. He swears it sounded like he was listening to a total stranger. The Marco talking to Sidwell was not the man he fell in love with.

Lucy says she hopes Sidwell doesn’t mind her dropping by like this, and he asks why he should mind. She’s always welcome here at Windymere. Always. She says, good to hear. She wasn’t quite sure what to expect after their last encounter. She doesn’t know exactly how to say this… He says, one of the many things he enjoys in their time together is how open she is. Her honesty is refreshing. So let’s not mince words. Just say what she came to say. She says she should have never asked him to choose between her and Ava.  

Walking into Crimson, Ava says, it’s her, and Jacinda says, it is. Did she expect someone else? Ava says she doesn’t know what she was expecting. Given how unhappy Nina was the day Michael imposed Jacinda on her, she didn’t know if Jacinda would still be around. Jacinda says, well, she is. Unfortunately, Miss Reeves is busy at the moment.

Nina says she presumes the issue is the way she runs Crimson, but Michael says, not at all. Whatever their differences may be, he thinks she does an incredible job as Editor-in-Chief. She thanks him and says she’s grateful they haven’t allowed their personal issues to affect their working relationship. He says he is too, and she says she also really wanted to thank him for deciding to grant Willow partial custody. He says he thought it was time for the kids to have their mother back. Which actually leads him to the reason for his visit. He’d appreciate a little consideration in return. She asks, what kind of consideration? and she says he wants her to take it easy on Jacinda.

Marco tells Britt that Lucas is his personal life. This is business, temporary business. Once it’s over, he and Lucas can finally have a life together. She says, he thinks so? They’re not making pizzas here. They’re developing a potential weapon. What they’re doing is dangerous, and for the record, no one finds Lucas’s moral superiority more annoying than she does, but if he really loved his boyfriend, he wouldn’t lie to him. Not about something like this.

The doctor tells Felicia and Spinelli, Maxie appears to show no signs of cardiac distress and the anti-rejection meds are working like they’re supposed too. Spinelli says he’s all too aware that Maxie adheres to no other timetable but her own, but why did she now regain consciousness? The doctor says, her blood pressure and cardiac ejection fraction have improved over the course of several weeks. Over the same time period, the enzyme levels in her blood stream have decreased. In fact, the last blood test only showed a trace amount of the enzymes presence in Maxie’s system. At this rate of degradation, he thinks the next round of bloodwork will show no trace of the enzymes in her system at all. Felicia says, he’s going to confirm that though? and he says, absolutely. Spinelli asks if he foresees any long-term complication from the coma, and the doctor says, her reflexes are sharp and her vitals are strong. Her motor and cognitive skills remain intact. She’s a little weak, but that’s to be expected. Felicia says, she’s really going to be okay? and he says, they’ve been praying for a miracle. He’d say they got one. Spinelli and Felicia hug.

As he’s taking the goodie bags with him, Nathan drops some and Lulu helps him pick them up. He thanks her and says he couldn’t have done any of this without her. He’ll give these to James to pass out. She’s supposed to kiss him, but hold onto this until the right time and place. They look up to see Brook in the doorway.

 Felicia says she feels like she can breathe for the first time, and Spinelli says, she’s really going to be okay, but she’s already taken in so much. Felicia says, if he doesn’t mind, she’d like to give Maxie the news about Nathan, and he says he thinks that would probably be best.  

Maxie looks at Georgie’s phone and says, oh my God. She did such a great job and looks beautiful. Felicia and Spinelli come in, and Maxie says, Georgie was just showing her her solo in the Christmas pageant this year. And James told her that Santa brought him his very own saddle, which means he must have been on his best behavior for the past few months. James says, and Santa counts it when you try, and Maxie says she’s glad he does. She just wishes she’d been there to help out. They were all alone. Spinelli says, she’s here now and that’s all that really matters, and Maxie says she guesses they’re a family again. And nothing or nobody is ever going to change that.

Brook tells Lulu and Nathan that she didn’t expect Bailey Lou to conk out so fast. She did sing the whole way over here. She guesses Bailey Lou tired herself out. Lulu says, that’s sweet, and Brook says, it is, but she wishes Bailey Lou knew another song, because now she knows way too much about buses and wheels. She’s so sorry she showed up unannounced. Lulu says, it’s no problem. She and Nathan were finishing up the Valentine goodie bags for James’s class. Nathan says, and he was dropping stuff on the way out. He thanks Lulu again for her help and she says, anytime. He leaves, and Lulu asks how Bailey Lou was today, but Brook says, save it. Lulu says, sorry? and Brook asks, what’s going on with her and Nathan?

James says, Maxie should see him ride. He’s been on Comet and Hades let him pet him. Maxie says, okay, so if she asks Cody to tell her how his lessons are going, Cody will say, well, and James is listening to everything he says. James says, ask all she wants. He’s gotten so good, even dad wants to try it. She says, is that so? and Spinelli exchanges looks with Felicia. Felicia says, Spinelli has barely had a chance to get a word in edgewise. Why don’t they give him and Maxie some private time? Georgie tells James, come on. They can try some of the stuff that dad brought back from the bakery. James says he just hopes dad got those cookies, and Spinelli says, as promised. They leave, and Spinelli sits next to the bed. Maxie asks if he’s going to say anything, but he says he doesn’t think he has the words. She says, that has to be a first, and he says he’s imagined this moment every second of every day and night. And now that it’s here, it’s too much for him to grasp. She says she had a lot of surprises today herself, but his being by her side wasn’t one of them, and he takes her hand.

Nina tells Michael, Jacinda isn’t the worst assistant in the world. If they can manage to keep their relationship out of the office… and reception area… and the elevator, she’s sure the two of them can find a way to coexist. Michael says, good, and gets up. They shake hands, he thanks Nina, and he leaves.

Jacinda tells Ava that she can go in, and Ava thanks her. She goes into the office, and says she sees Michael’s hooker is still on the payroll. How is that going for her? Nina says, actually, not too bad, but she’s sure Ava didn’t visit her to discuss her assistant. Ava says, can’t she just visit her very best gal pal in her place of business? and Nina says, she can, but she’s not, and please don’t use the phrase gal pal ever again. Ava says, okay. Fair enough. The truth is, she needs someone to talk to about Jenz Sidwell.

Sidwell gives Lucy a drink and says he’s surprised she’s come to regret her ultimatum. Why the sudden change of heart? Lucy says, there’s not one reason. She thinks they have the best time together and since she’s met him, she’s been so impressed, since the first day. He says, as he has with her, and she says she loves working with him at Deception. He helped the company and helped her a great deal, especially in Maxie’s absence. Not to mention the fact that she shudders to think what would have happened to the company if not for his – she clinks her glass against his – zincite. He says he was happy to provide her some relief in her time of need, and she knows he’d do anything for the women of Deception. She says she knows that because he’s just that kind of man, decent and so charming. That’s why she didn’t want to throw the relationship away. She loves spending time with him, even if it means sharing his time with Ava. So what does he say? Does he think he could give her another chance?

Marco says, Britt is in this deeper than he is. She’s the last person who should be judging him. She says she’s not judging him. She’s trying to get through to him because she’s been in that position. She worked with her own father, but she was a fugitive and he was the only person she could turn to. He has options she never had, so why would he choose to be shackled to his dad? What could he possibly be getting out of this? Marco says they all have their reasons, and she says, from where she’s standing, if he wants a happily ever after with Lucas, he’s doing the one thing that will guarantee he never has it.

Lucas tells Elizabeth that it took him so long to be open to finding love after Brad. Then he met Marco and thought he could be the one. He thought what they had was real. Elizabeth says she’s seen the two of them together, the way Marco looks at him, and the way Lucas lights up around him. That is real. Just because Marco’s not being 100% honest, doesn’t mean Marco’s feelings for him are a lie. His feelings may be the reason he’s not truthful. Lucas says, that runs counter to everything he believes a relationship should be, and she says she would agree, unless Marco is into something dangerous or illegal, which it kind of sounds like he is. Maybe Marco is lying to him because he thinks he’s protecting him. And as hard as it is to accept he may not be the same person Lucas thought, that doesn’t erase everything they’ve shared. What the two of them have is love, and that love does vanish just because of some lies.

Jacinda and Michael kiss, and she asks how things went with Nina. He says, pretty well, if she could believe it. Nina practically gave them her blessing. She says, it’s a relief. Nina is her boss after all, and she doesn’t want it to complicate his custody arrangement with Willow, especially when it’s so new. When exactly was he planning on telling her about that?

Nina says, Jenz Sidwell? She’s heard nothing but bad things about the man. Ava says she’s heard those whispers as well, but it has not been her experience with him, and Nina says, as his art dealer. Ava says, Jenz the client is extremely wealthy and Jenz the man is more that. Nina asks, how? and Ava says, he’s much more loving as a father. She’s seen him with his son and he’s been nothing but supportive of Marco’s relationship with her nephew. The four of them have been spending a great deal of time together. It’s allowed her to connect with Lucas on a whole new level. Nina says, the way she’s talking, it sounds like she’s connecting to Sidwell. Does she have feelings for him? Ava says, it’s too soon to tell, but there’s definitely a little spark… something. She thinks Jenz senses it too. Unfortunately, somebody else has noticed it – Lucy Coe.

Sidwell says, of course (🍷) he’ll give Lucy another chance. She’s truly one of a kind and his position here is owed in large part to her generous guidance and extensive knowledge of this wonderful city. It’s never a dull moment with her around. She says she certainly hopes not, and he says, the idea of not seeing her any more truly bothered him. She says she’s heard that before, but it’s definitely nice to hear again, and he says he thinks they’ve evolved enough to enjoy each other’s company without any expectation of exclusivity. She says she definitely agrees, and he says they have a lot of catching up to do. How does dinner at the MetroCourt sound? She says, absolutely fabulous, and he says, fantastic. He just has one stop to make first.

Looking at Spinelli’s phone, Maxie says, hold on. Is that Brook and Lulu in the same room together? His phone must be on mute. She doesn’t hear them yelling at each other or threatening to smack each other. He says, their interactions have actually been in acceptable decibel levels and there have been no assaults, physically or otherwise. They’ve buried the hatchet to take care of the kids. She says, maybe she should have fallen into a coma earlier, and Spinelli says, ugh. She says, too soon? and he says he’s not sure if there will ever be the right time for that jest. She agrees and says, to be honest, Brook and Lulu getting along is the best news she could have woken up to.

Brook tells Lulu to look her in the eye and tell her that there’s nothing going on between her and Nathan. Then she’ll drop it. Lulu says, things have been so good between them. She doesn’t want to do this. Brook says, exactly, because they’ve been helping Spinelli and Felicia together. But if something is going on between her and James’s dad… He’s Maxie’s husband and that changes things for everyone involved. Lulu says, Maxie is her best friend, and Nathan has been out of her life for seven years. She moved on with Spinelli. Brook says, Lulu is rationalizing, which means she’s right, isn’t she? and Lulu says, yes. She and Nathan have feelings for each other.

Felicia says she just got off the phone with Mac, and he can’t wait to see Maxie, and Maxie says she can’t wait to see him too. Felicia says, the kids have a flight to catch, so say goodbye to mom, but Georgie says she doesn’t want to leave Maxie alone. Spinelli says, she won’t be alone. He’s going to fly back with them, and grandma is going to stay with her. James says he doesn’t want to leave without her, but Maxie says she’ll be okay and she doesn’t want them missing any more school. Besides, she really needs them to help her take care of Bailey Lou. Got it? James says, got it, and she says, give her a hug. She and the kids say, I love you, and Spinelli says they have their orders. They need vending machines, no doubt, and bathrooms, and anything else before they go. He looks at Maxie and says, Maximista… She says her too, and he says, come on, kids. They leave, and Maxie says she’s okay. Felicia doesn’t have to keep crying. Felicia says she knows Maxie is okay. She’s crying because she loves her so much. They hug, and Maxie says she loves Felicia too.

Lulu tells Brook that she realizes the whole situation is complicated and knows it could end up devastating Maxie and confusing James. She’s trying to navigate this. Brook says, good luck with that, and Lulu says, chances are nothing could even come of this, but how are they supposed to know one way or another if she and Nathan don’t have the time and space to explore whatever these feelings are? Brook says, so she’s supposed to give them time and space. Funny. She remembers someone else asking… Oh, right. That was her asking Lulu for the time and space to deal with the repercussions of her teenage pregnancy, but no. Lulu couldn’t give her that courtesy and went ahead and blew up her entire life. Lulu says she never told Gio that Brook was his mom. She wanted Lois to tell them both the truth. She inserted herself into Brook’s personal life and learned from that mistake. Brook says, how convenient. Lulu finally learned a lesson in discretion just in time to need it from someone else. Lulu says that’s not what she’s doing. She just knows people will get hurt if whatever the feelings are with Nathan are real. She’s just trying to be careful about everything. Brook asks if Dante knows she has feelings for his best friend, and Lulu says, no. That’s the whole point of exploring this in private, so no one needlessly gets hurt. Brook says, no. The point is that she and Nathan should never explore this at all. Dante is Nathan’s best friend and Maxie is Lulu’s. Lulu has always had faults, but her friendship with Maxie and her loyalty to her was never one of them. If she and Nathan pursue this, she’ll lose Maxie forever, and sorry, but she deserves to.

Nina says, spark or not, Ava has a far bigger problem than Lucy Coe, and Ava says, what’s that? Nina says, Avery’s father. Or has she forgotten that Sonny and Sidwell absolutely despise each other? Ava says she doesn’t take orders or relationship advice from Sonny. She thinks Lucy will hang herself as far as Jenz is concerned and he’ll focus all his attention on her. The question is, does she let him? Is Nina going on the record in saying she’s against it? Nina says she’s completely absolutely against it, but she will admit that it’s nice to see her friend with a little glow. Ava says, does she have a glow? and Nina says, it’s there, but maybe there’s enough reason to let it sit.

Jacinda asks if Michael compromised with Willow because of her, because he thought their relationship and her past would cost him more if fought her? Michael says, that was a factor in his thinking, but it wasn’t the decisive one. He couldn’t risk being charged with Drew’s shooting, then also having Willow petition for full custody. So he decided to get ahead of the situation. How did she find out? She says, Kristina thought she already knew, and he says he was going to tell her on their date tonight. That is, if she’s not too upset to still go out with him.

Marco says what he’s getting out of this is none of Britt’s business, okay? This project will be over soon and when it is, he and Lucas can finally move forward and build their lives together. Britt says, keep telling himself that, and he says, they can agree that the sooner the project is done, the better it will be for the both of them. Get it online. Give his father and Cullum what they want and then they can all be free to live their lives. He leaves.

Lucas tells Elizabeth, what hurt the most was how he defended Marco to his sister. He chose Marco over Carly, and she was right the whole time. Even after how he acted, she came to Windymere and tried to make things right between them. She accepted his boyfriend for who he is – and get this – she even apologized. Elizabeth says, she loves him, and he says he pushed away his sister for someone whose never been honest. Elizabeth says, she’ll forgive him, and he thanks her for being such a good friend. She says, hold onto that feeling. She’s about to give him some tough love. She believes he and Marco have real feelings for each other, but living in that house is not safe. Sidwell was a dangerous man when he was holding Lucky hostage and he’s just as dangerous now. So Lucas needs to go back, pack his bags, and move out of Windymere tonight.

Michael says he’d rather focus on the good things that are and one of those things is Jacinda, and she says, okay already. She’ll go out with him. She laughs and says, where to? He says, it’s a surprise, and she says, why not let her surprise him for a change? She’ll pick the place. He says, deal, and they kiss.

Ava thanks Nina for the advice. She can always count on Nina and what she says. Jenz sees her value and respects her opinion. It’s been a while since that happened and goes a long way with her. There’s a knock at the door and Jacinda says, you have a visitor. Nina says, there’s no one else on her calendar, but Jacinda says, it’s not for her. It’s for Miss Jerome. Sidwell comes in and Ava asks what he’s doing here. Sidwell greets Nina, and says he went to the gallery and Miss Robinson told him that he might find her here. He has a proposition, a dinner proposition, for her. Ava says she accepts, and he says he’s so pleased. Shall we? He holds out his arm and Ava takes it. As they leave the office, he says, just so she knows, they’re having company, and Lucy says, great news. The MetroCourt has a table for three. Sidwell laughs and says, it’s great, so great.

Marco calls Cullum and says, Britt Westbourne’s medication has been administered for the day. The next time they meet, he’d like to revisit their conversation about Sonny Corinthos. Lucas hears him.  

Britt went into her office to find Nathan, and says, he scared her. He says, sorry. He didn’t mean to. She asks what he’s doing here, and he says he’s got some bad news. She says, how bad? and he says, Anna Devane is convinced their father is alive.  

Brook says, believe it or not, she’s trying to do Lulu a favor. If nothing happened between her and Nathan, she should keep it that way. Because no unanswered question about feelings is worth risking her friendship with Maxie’s. Lulu’s phone rings, and Spinelli says he has the most wonderful news. Maxie woke up. Lulu says, oh my God, and Brook says, what is it? Lulu tells Spinelli, okay, bye, and Brook asks if everything is okay. Lulu says, Maxie is awake.

Maxie says, thanks to Georgie and Spinelli’s videos and James’s very vivid and detailed storytelling, she feels like she’s caught up on everything she missed. She thinks it’s sweet that James is calling Spinelli dad now. Felicia says, James and Spinelli have only grown closer since Maxie’s been in here, but when James said his dad was learning to ride horseback, he wasn’t referring to Spinelli. Maxie asks what she means, and Felicia says, James was talking about Nathan. Nathan is alive.

On Monday, Carly tells Jason that Sonny insists Ric doesn’t have an agenda, but she doesn’t buy it; Molly has something to tell Alexis; and Marco says Lucas isn’t going anywhere. And not in a good way.

🧼 The Only Soap News Fit To Print…

Maximista is back.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/maxie-returns-on-general-hospital-heres-how-kirsten-storms-came-back-to-the-show/

https://ew.com/general-hospital-actress-kirsten-storms-returns-after-brain-aneurysm-11906052

Glad for Cameron, but wishing Drew would drop dead.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-star-cameron-mathison-shares-a-cancer-update-after-his-recent-checkup/

He’ll be missed, but it’s a sweet reason.

https://ew.com/why-steve-burton-is-taking-a-short-break-from-general-hospital-11903840

Because, Roger Howarth.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-comings-goings-roger-howarth-back-on-set-as-matt-clark/

💉 A Dose Of Reality

Below Deck Down Under

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City were still on Deck, and these women argued so loudly and intensely at dinner, they ignored dessert service and Chef Ben coming up to ask about the food. Captain Jason had plans to join them for dessert, but wisely thought better of it. Sous chef Alesia thought Ben was moody, so obviously she’s never seen the show or any competition show where chefs are involved. I thought he was very accommodating and possibly mellowing as he gets older. I wondered if the Salt Lake women would be friends if not for the show and maybe that’s what the real problem is. Angie seems to be an accident waiting to happen, as she ended up with a pretty bad hand injury after dressing up like a lobster or something and getting a door closed on it. All I have to say is, they better have left one hell of a tip, especially after seeing the mess they left behind.

Summer House

We watched more Kyle and Amada’s relationship disintegrating further. It’s not a huge shock since Kyle bitched to everyone except Amanda and talked all kinds of smack about her – she smoked weed every night (his point?), they didn’t have sex (has he met himself?), and their place was like something from Hoarders (bordering; it was sloppy, but not quite a Hoarders situation). His excuse this season for being an a-hole was that Loverboy was not doing well, even though he’d sunk $500K into it and was taking no salary. I was actually surprised, since I’ve tasted Loverboy’s product and thought it was very good. He’d been supplementing his income by DJ’ing, which in and of itself, wasn’t an issue for Amanda, but he was also partying hardy, going so far as sleeping it off at a fan’s house. I’m with Amanda in saying that’s just a no. Maybe Kyle should try to get on a Housewives show since he fits right in with his drinking and screeching.  

Vanderpump Rules

We learned that there was more to Venus than just his long, pretty hair, when he talked about his struggle coming out and the struggles being out afterward. LVP gave him the task of being the host of SUR’s Gay Pride event and his confidence was bolstered. Other than that, it was the usual making up and breaking up, or vice versa. When the group went to a bar after a game of volleyball, Natalie put on lip gloss in anticipation of making out (ew, messy!) and in her interview, told us, I don’t know what says about me but there’s just something so chic about having a couple of drinks and making out with people. And that pretty much sums up the whole season so far.

Southern Charm

The best thing about the past couple episodes is the name of Whitner’s family farm – Itchy Grass Farm. The worst thing has been Craig. He keeps insisting he never said he was worried Charley would fall in love with him, yet we’ve clearly seen it on video. It must be true that they forget about the cameras. Shep insisted on talking to Austen even though Austen said he didn’t want to, and stumbled through a halfway poetic plea for Austen to let Audrey go. In Shep’s interview, he said Austen hadn’t gotten the memo, but it was Shep who hadn’t gotten the memo, since Austen had already broken up with her. He just hadn’t mentioned it to Shep or Craig. A funeral service for Chauncey was held at Patricia’s Whitney’s house, and Austen gave the perfect eulogy: [Chauncey was] a true legend. A noble companion. A four-legged, tongue-dangling potato with the spirit of a lion, and the mental fortitude of a toddler. [He was] a confidant, a snack stealer, a friend. What he lacked for in brain power, he more than made up for in spirit. All dog tributes should be so eloquent. At the end, Madison was about to have her baby.

Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills

Rachel, Kyle, and Dorit took off for the Hamptons, while the rest went to Amanda’s Manifestation Moment party. <sigh> I’m not a fan of the manifestation movement or moment or whatever. If it worked, we’d all be millionaires by now. When the women tried to get Amanda to take accountability for causing the rift between Kyle and Dorit to widen, Sutton called Amanda a wimp, which totally offended her. In Erika’s interview, she said, if Amanda couldn’t handle wimp, perhaps she was I the wrong group, and we got a montage of see-you-next-Tuesday tidings from past episodes. Dorit met with Mauricio and tried to get him to see things from her side, but to no one’s surprise except hers, Mauricio stuck by his boy. On Watch What Happens Live, Reza (The Valley: Persian Style) told Rachel that she was killing the game during her freshman season, and I concur. Loving her.

The Valley: Persian Style

RJ set up a lunch date with Tanin and Sky, where neither knew the other was coming. Then he took their purses and booked, in the hopes that they’d kiss and make up. When Tanin said, Sky made it sound like others were beneath her, Sky said, they were, reenforcing her reputation as bougie princess. She doesn’t just avoid accountability, she honestly thinks she has none. Mercedeh was frustrated at Tommy not wanting to mend fences with Reza, and even though he’d brought it all on himself, he continued to whine about the repercussions of his rampage. Reza decided to make the first move and sent Tommy a beautiful text. While still being an a-hole who refuses to take accountability (WOTD) at the beginning of the episode, Tommy wrote back suggesting they get together after filming. I’m hoping that’s because he wants it to be a genuine moment off-camera and not because he’ll want to change history once the cameras are rolling again. TBD.

Random Reality Items

Oh, the irony. Apparently, Jill doesn’t know 1) Puerto Rico is part of the United States, 2) they speak Spanish there, and 3) there were other performers. I’m thrilled that Dorinda will be replacing her. I’m not a fan of cancelation, but like Ramona before her, she got what she deserved.

https://ew.com/jill-zarin-fired-from-real-housewives-reunion-series-after-racist-rant-about-bad-bunny-super-bowl-show-11904130

Now we’re talking.

Her art is brilliant. I would definitely buy a piece. I’ll be waiting for that website to be up.

https://screenrant.com/1000-lb-sisters-amy-slaton-leaning-into-artistic-era-see-more-artwork/

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Ash. Hulu. More psychological thriller than horror, protagonist Riya wakes up on a foreign planet, the rest of her spaceship’s crew dead, and she can’t remember a thing. When a man claims to have observed the carnage from a distance, he tries help her piece together what happened. Supposedly, the crew was infected by a virus that causes violence, and Riya begins to remember bits and pieces, unsure of the part she may have played in the crew’s demise. It wasn’t my favorite, but I didn’t hate it.

The Blackening. Netflix. This film had been on my not-so short list for a while, and when I saw it was leaving soon, I figured I’d better get to it. It turned out, it was just what I needed – a good laugh. Starting with a group going to a cabin in the woods for some fun and relaxation, the movie turns every horror trope on its ear and laughs at it. It’s a good time partnered with a hint of a message about Blackness. And even though a Black character is technically the first to die, they’re also the last left standing. Lots of laughs, some gore, and a unique perspective.

The Great Flood. Netflix. An asteroid has hit the earth, causing a more than great flood. It’s a catastrophe. It starts with a single mother in a flooded apartment, trying to get to safety. Then the twist comes. It was hard to even find a review without spoilers, but I’m not going to give it away. I started watching because I have a fascination with big waves, and stayed for the wild ride.

No spoilers here.

All the spoilers.

The ‘Burbs. Peacock. I never saw the film, but now I’ll have to. I love Keke Palmer, I love what I’ve seen of this series so far, and even though I’m not done with Season 1, I’m hoping for a Season 2. Samira, Rob, and their newborn move back to Rob’s childhood home in suburbia. While still on maternity leave, Samira becomes fixated on the old, dilapidated Victorian house across the street. At first it’s empty, but when the new owner moves in, Samira is sure he’s up to no good. There’s a rational explanation for everything, but she’s convinced there’s a mystery to uncover.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/the-burbs-creator-finale-cameo-season-2-ideas-1236716853/

Fallout finale. Amazon Prime. A scene with cockroaches that would make any New Yorker cringe and Max’s fight against the Deathclaws were amazing. There were some laughs – like when Steph’s offense of being Canadian is worse than the actual deception and killing she’s waged – and the magnificent setting of New Vegas. But still, like the reviewer below, I was left feeling a little ripped off. Like when I hoped for a pterodactyl in The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and there was barely a glimpse of one holding up a sign that said, Look for me in the third installment of the franchise! I get I should want to watch the next season, but give me a grand gesture at the end of the last one. I still enjoyed it, but something was missing.

https://www.avclub.com/fallout-season-2-finale-recap

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

I think she’s done enough.

https://ew.com/americas-next-top-model-returning-cycle-25-tyra-banks-11905345

🏈 All About That Bowl…

You didn’t think I meant the sports stuff, did you?

The surprises.

https://ew.com/lady-gaga-ricky-martin-make-surprise-appearance-at-bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-11902389

https://ew.com/bad-bunny-super-bowl-2026-halftime-show-featured-real-wedding-11902395

The commercials.

https://ew.com/super-bowl-2026-commercials-best-and-worst-celebrity-ads-11900001

https://ew.com/dunkin-super-bowl-2026-ad-tv-sitcom-stars-good-will-hunting-spoof-11900455

The movie trailers.

https://ew.com/super-bowl-2026-movie-trailers-11899496

The I-Can’t-Wait.

https://ew.com/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-sequel-super-bowl-2026-trailer-brad-pitt-adventures-of-cliff-booth-11902369

🪄 No Second Helping For You…

What Michelle Yeoh said.

https://ew.com/michelle-yeoh-reacts-to-wicked-for-good-being-snubbed-at-the-oscars-11905756

🐶 It’s a Dog’s World…

🐾 It’s the Puppy Bowl for the win.

https://www.usatoday.com/live-story/sports/2026/02/08/puppy-bowl-2026-highlights-winner-super-bowl/88568327007/

https://www.tvinsider.com/1244314/puppy-bowl-2026-winning-team/

🥇 At least he went out a winner.

https://people.com/puppy-bowl-fans-mourn-contestant-teigan-who-died-before-puppy-bowl-2026-aired-11903144

🧙 Brother from another mother… and world.

https://people.com/women-take-in-foster-dog-that-looks-like-dobby-from-harry-potter-exclusive-11903934

🦮 A different Bowl, yet the same.

https://people.com/super-bowl-2026-beth-stern-shares-super-bowl-tradition-great-american-rescue-bowl-11902067

🐕 I can just imagine the fluffy chaos.

https://people.com/goldens-in-golden-2026-largest-unofficial-golden-retriever-gathering-11903043

👰🏻‍♀️ And Golden makes three.

https://people.com/bride-and-groom-include-beloved-pet-golden-retriever-in-wedding-dance-exclusive-11902802

Happy Valentine’s Day!

🦪 Quotes of the Week

Tomorrow becomes never. No matter how small the task, take the first step now. – Tim Ferriss

Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you. – T. A. Barron (So don’t step on any butterflies.)

Life lived for tomorrow will always be just a day away from being realized. – Leo Buscaglia

When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.Henry J. Kaiser

Life is problems. Living is solving problems. – Raymond E. Feist

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goals: my strength lies solely in my tenacity. – Louis Pasteur

I can handle failing, but I can’t handle not knowing what could have been. – Evan Carmichael

I feel like I just got an emotional wedgie. – Rob (Jack Whitehall), The ‘Burbs

❄️ Fire Of the Frost…

Until next time, stay safe; stay being wary of black ice on the roads; and stay remembering, no risk, no reward.

February 6, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Willow Tells Drew All, Soap Suds, This Week’s Reality, Weekend Watching, Watching Soon, Grammy Dish, Spice Minus One, Bowling For Puppies, Best, Octonary Quotes & Stars

Standard

What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🥤 Weekday Big Gulps…                                                                   

Monday: 

Ric went to Sonny’s, and Sonny said Ric needed to make sure Michael didn’t lose his children.

Gio and Emma came into the nook to find Chase and Brook there. Emma asked how mad Tracy was, and Brook asked why she’d be mad.

Suzanne said someone was waiting for Alexis in her office who would only talk to her. Alexis went in to find Willow there.

At Bobbie’s, Lucas told Marco that it was nice to go to Ava’s, and Marco said, and spending the night at the MetroCourt. Lucas suggested they enjoy this unicorn of a day. Maybe it was time they got their own apartment on the mainland.

At a nearby table, Michael said he was sorry Jacinda had to ride out the storm alone, but Jacinda said she was fine. He said he’d missed her, and she said she liked knowing he thought about her. She’d missed him too.

Britt woke up to Jason puttering around, and he said he’d let her sleep. He asked how she was feeling, she said, amazing, and they kissed.

Lucas said living at Windymere had been amazing (WOTD), which was why he thought he and Marco were ready for the next step. They could afford a nice place downtown, close to where they worked. Marco asked if this meant Lucas wasn’t happy at Windymere.

Brook said they couldn’t find Tracy, and Gio said she’d gone to get back the Quartermaine heirlooms. Emma said, Tracy had a plan, and Brook said, that was never good. Gio said they were supposed to meet her, but had to turn back, and Emma said they hadn’t heard from her. Brook said, what if she’d gotten stuck? They had to find her.

Michael and Jacinda talked about making pancakes, and Jacinda said she didn’t like cooking, but she liked watching cooking shows. (Same. I knew we were kindred spirits.) Kristina came in and said it was nice to see Michael smiling.

Ric said he was happy that his and Sonny’s relationship had improved, but he’d represented Willow at the custody hearing. Sonny said it wasn’t about sides, but about the grandkids, and Ric said his hands were tied. Sonny said he wanted Ric to broker a compromise. He was a damn good lawyer and had another chance to prove it.

Alexis asked if it was something with Drew, but Willow said his status was the same. He could only communicate by blinking. It was the reason she needed Alexis now more than ever. Her visitation hearing was coming up and she’d relied on Drew. She’d been proven innocent (nope – not guilty is not necessarily innocent) and Alexis was a fantastic lawyer. She was the only one Willow trusted to show what a good mother she was.

Britt told Jason that she wished she could stay in this moment. It was easier when it was just them. The rest of the world screwed everything up. It would be hard to stay away from him. He said it was temporary. He could help her get out and didn’t want her to be afraid. Walking out of this room was the first step in setting her free.

Ric told Sonny that compromise was the most logical way to end the battle, but Michael and Willow had said goodbye to logical and rational, and Sonny said Willow might be more reasonable without Drew. Ric said Michael would be a harder sell. He’d gone in on Michael hard during the custody hearing. Sonny said somebody had to make the first move and it was going to be them.

Alexis said she didn’t think she was the right person, but Willow said Alexis was the best lawyer she knew and she wasn’t leaving anything to chance. Alexis said, what about Ric? but Willow said she didn’t trust him after he’d disappeared on her. Judge Haran’s death delayed the hearing, and it was torture not seeing her kids. She’d been exonerated and Michael was now under suspicion. Alexis said she hadn’t heard anything of the kind, but Willow said she assumed it was just a matter of time before they charged him. He’d also been endangering her children by openly dating a criminal and she had proof.

Kristina said Scout had loved the snow, but Molly had been absent with Cody, and Jacinda said, they finally figured it out. Michael asked how it was with Scout living there, and Kristina said Scout sometimes felt guilty about being happy without her dad. Michael said Wiley had those moments about Willow, but Drew’s stroke had done what he couldn’t – gotten Drew out of their lives. Kristina asked if he’d heard anything new from the PCPD, but he said he’d heard nothing.

Chase said Tracy’s car hadn’t been involved in an accident, and Gio said it wasn’t in the garage. Brook fretted that Tracy was stuck on a back street, when Tracy walked in saying, the things she endured for this family… What? Gio said, thank God she was alive, and everyone gave her a group hug.  

Jason told Britt that her boat was gone, and she said when she made it back to shore, she’d have to deal with insurance and Jason would have to act like he hated her. He said it would be tough, but all that mattered was that they both knew the truth. They were in this together. He thanked her for trusting him, and she said he was the only person she did trust. He was the only one who knew the hell she’d been going through. Now they had to pretend last night didn’t happen. He said, it did, it was real, and it was amazing. He wouldn’t abandon her. She said she’d try to remember that, and he said she had to believe Cullum and follow his orders. It was the only way to be safe.

Britt said she’d miss this place, and Jason said, as soon as they were back, give him the medicine, and he’d have Brick work on reverse engineering it. She said they usually gave her a week’s supply, and she had four in her room. He suggested that he sneak in and grab one. They were watching her, not her room. Brick would get this done. She said neither one of them were . They must bring out the best in each other. They kissed.

Lucas said Windymere was great, but it was Marco’s dad’s house, and Marco said Luas had seemed okay living with his sister and aunt. Lucas said it was nice to get time with them, and Marco said that’s how he felt. He’d gotten closer to his dad since his mom died and wanted a deeper relationship. Lucas asked if he was afraid he’d lose that if he moved out, and Marco said, sort of. Sidwell was busy and running into him in the kitchen was easier than scheduling time to see him. Lucas said, Pascal creeps me out.

Brook said they’d been concerned, but Tracy said she was fine. She’d gone to retrieve her possessions and got stuck spending the night with Martin Grey. Emma said they’d tried to get to her, and Tracy asked, how hard did they try? Brook told them that she thought Tracy was trying to say she was grateful they’d been smart and obeyed the police, and Tracy said, exactly. It was too late anyway. She was already in hell, but she’d managed to resolve the issue. Brook asked what she did, and Chase asked, where’s Martin?

Jacinda got a call and stepped away, and Kristina asked Michael how it had been living with their brother the acting Police Commissioner and Chase. Michael said, Dante was in a tougher position, when Jacinda came back and said Nina’s last appointment canceled, so she wouldn’t be in until later. Kristina asked how it was going, and Jacinda said Nina hated her and was giving her the boring, busy work, but she had no intention of letting Nina win. Nina was vindictive but knew a ton about the fashion world. She was going to learn from her whether Nina liked it or not, and also make full use of the Crimson closet. Michael said he knew she’d be a perfect fit, and Jacinda said liked Nina knowing that she was more loyal him than her. Michael’s phone rang, and he said it was Sonny. He asked, what’s up? and Sonny said he needed to come to the house. It wasn’t an emergency, but it was important. Michael said he’d be right there.

Willow told Alexis that Jacinda had a long history of arrests before she’d drugged Drew, and Alexis said she didn’t think she was the right lawyer. Willow said her children were more important than her own freedom, and if she wasn’t with them, she might as well be in prison. Alexis would do anything for Scout, and it was the same way with her and her kids. The both understood that you did what you had to for the people you loved. You didn’t have to like it. You just did it.

Jason said they’d dock at King’s Beach and Britt could get a car, but she said her phone washed away. He said she could grab a bus, but she said the bus smelled as she followed him out.

Lucas told Marco that Pascal gave him a weird vibe. He’d gone to the wine cellar and was definitely alone, but suddenly Pascal was behind him. Marco said being quiet and unobtrusive came with the job, but Lucas said, quiet was one thing, but he was positive the cellar was empty. He was standing between the door and Pascal. How did he get in? He thought Pascal had gone through the catacombs. Pascal escorted him out, but he went back and couldn’t find a door. Marco told him, leave the catacombs alone.  

Chase asked if they needed to call the paramedics, but Tracy said she didn’t need to resort to violence. Besides, she needed Martin mobile so he could load things into her car. Emma said, good for her, and Gio said it was the least Martin could do. Tracy said he conceded that she was within her rights. She’d brought the items dearest to her in her car and the rest would be picked up this afternoon. Chase asked if she’d talked to Willow first.

Alexis suggested she familiarize herself with Willow’s case and they’d talk another time, but Willow said she needed her children. If Alexis didn’t help her, there would be no Scout. No nothing. She didn’t like saying it, but they did what they had to for their children and grandchildren. She gave Alexis the folder, and Alexis said they’d do it her way. Willow said she felt better knowing Alexis was on her side, and left. Suzanne brought Alexis her coffee and closed the door. She asked what she could do to help, but Alexis said, nothing. Willow blackmailed her into representing her at the visitation hearing. She’d represent Willow or no Scout. Suzanne said Alexis had no choice, but Alexis said she had one. Suzanne said it was unthinkable, but Alexis said Willow played the Sam’s daughter card and the grandchild card perfectly and gave her no choice.

Michael wondered why Ric was there, and Sonny said they wanted to talk about the best way to approach the visitation hearing. Michael said Ric had been Willow’s lawyer, and Sonny said Ric was his brother. He’d find a way to peace between Michael and Willow.

Tracy said she didn’t feel the need to check with Willow before retrieving her family heirlooms, and Chase said she removed property from Drew’s house without permission. Tracy said, Drew didn’t object, but Chase said Drew couldn’t talk. Gio said Ned could have died when Drew walked away after he collapsed. The least he deserved was to lose the stuff he’d stolen. Tracy said, spoken like a true Quartermaine, and Gio said, yeah, he was. Chase said Tracy had taken the law into her own hands, but Tracy said Martin had been there watching her the whole time. If Drew’s attorney didn’t object, why would Drew? Brook said Tracy had a point, and Chase said, okay. She won. Tracy said she usually did. She was going to look for Yuri to help unload the car, and Gio said he’d help. Jason came in and Chase asked where he was all night. (Dude is so working my last nerve.)

Lucas asked why Marco was touchy about the catacombs. It wasn’t the first time. Maroc said, sorry. He’d gotten lost in a cave when he was a kid and was freaked out about dark enclosed spaces. He didn’t want Lucas to get hurt. Lucas said it was a completely different situation. He was an adult and could take care of himself. Britt came in and walked upstairs, and Lucas asked if that wasn’t what she was wearing yesterday. Marco said maybe she’d gotten stuck and holed up somewhere, but Lucas said, no way. She’d had plenty of time to get home. If that wasn’t the walk shame, he didn’t know what was.

Suzanne said Willow genuinely seemed to love her children, and Alexis said, she also acted like she loved her husband. Suzanne said it was a completely different category, but Alexis said she didn’t know how Willow felt about anyone or anything since she was a convincing liar. If she didn’t know that Willow shot Drew, she’d be helping her, but now she questioned everything. Suzanne said she was a great lawyer. It was hard to defend someone who was guilty, but she’d done it before. Alexis said it was different. She’d be handing over Ameilia and Wiley to a woman who’d shot her husband in the back. Suzanne said the decision wasn’t solely up to her. She’d present the argument to the judge who would make the decision. She had to trust that the system did what it was supposed to do and achieved justice.

Michael told Ric that he didn’t need to compromise. He had full custody, which would hold weight with the judge. Ric said he disagreed. Michael was in a worse position now. Willow had been exonerated and married a congressman. He was facing potential criminal charges and Alexis had given the prosecution a roadmap to follow. Michael said he hadn’t been charged, but Ric said it would still affect the judge’s perception. Willow would get visitation this time. The question was how generous the judge would be. If they decided in her favor, it would open the door to Willow getting full custody. Sonny said they had to get in front of a judge that didn’t decide in Willow’s favor.

Kristina said she loved seeing her brother laugh. Being with Jacinda made his life more bearable. Jacinda said she hoped so. She was so lucky they met at the Port Charles Grill. She couldn’t believe how understanding he was about her not telling him about being with Boyle when Drew was shot. Not many men would understand how she had to protect herself. She never thought Boyle would admit it. Kristina said Michael was one of the most loyal people she knew, and extremely fair. He knew her lie wasn’t meant to hurt him. Jacinda said she could see he was a special guy and she loved spending time with him. She’d never lie to him again. Kristina said she’d always wanted this for her brother. Jacinda got him and treated him well. She was good for him… Willow came in and went over to their table. She told Kristina that Alexis told her that they’d had a great time with Scout. Alexis was going to represent her at the visitation hearing. She was glad Jacinda was there. She couldn’t thank her enough for helping her reunite with her children.

Michael told Ric and Sonny that they were both wrong. He still had the power. Talking was a sign of weakness. If she wanted to compromise, Willow had to come to him. His phone rang, and he said, can you push it?… Okay. He’d be right there… Diane needed him to meet at ADA Turner’s office. Turner wanted to question him about Drew’s shooting.

Jacinda said Willow had lost touch with reality again. The children belonged to Michael. Willow promised Jacinda that she was thinking clearly. She remembered when she first laid eyes on Jacinda in Drew’s bedroom. She had a sketchy past. The judge wouldn’t like Michael being with someone like her and would be generous with visitation. Kristina said, Willow was just proving how unstable she was. She kept doing this. She’d made a scene when she lost custody. At her wedding she told everyone what a bad guy Drew was, then she married him. She thought Willow should take a look at herself and think about what she’d done before she dragged Jacinda through the mud. Willow said she’d expect Kristina to have more empathy, considering the mistakes she’d made. After this unwarranted attack, the judge would think twice about who Alexis exposed Drew’s daughter to.

Alexis told Suzanne that Scout was all she had left of her daughter. She’d do what she had to, to protect Scout. Suzanne said, the hearing would come and go, but her relationship with Scout would resonate through her whole life. Alexis wondered how many compromises she had to make. What if Michael was arrested and Willow got full custody? How could she stay quiet just because she got what she wanted?

Marco said he was sorry and would talk to Pascal, but Lucas said that would just make it weirder. He got Marco wanting to be close to his dad and would put up with it for him. Marco asked Lucas to promise to stay out of the passageways and catacombs, and Lucas said he used to live there. He was very familiar with the catacombs. Marco said, accidents happened. If Lucas got hurt, he’d never forgive himself. Lucas said, okay. He’d stay away. Marco took his hand and thanked him. He said, they could look at apartments later, and Lucas said, fine. They’d live at Windymere for now, but it wasn’t permanent. Marco suggested they look for apartments in May, and Lucas said, deal.

Back in her room, Britt opened the nightstand drawer, but her medicine wasn’t there.

Tracy said, good luck getting Jason to open up, and Chase asked where he was. Danny, Charlotte, and Rocco spent the night in the gatehouse. Yuri found them about 3 am and brought them back. Jason asked if they were okay, and Chase said, yeah. Jason said he didn’t see the problem, and Chase asked if he didn’t think it was a problem for them to know where he was when Emma got a call. She said, yes, this is Anna Devane’s granddaughter…. What happened?

Britt tossed the room, sat on the bed, and said her medicine was gone.

Emma thanked them, and said, oh my God. It was a police officer from a small town in France. They found her grandmother. Chase asked if Anna was okay, and Emma said she didn’t know. Anna had flagged down a car on a remote road. She said she needed help. She’d been held prisoner and escaped. She needed to warn everyone – Cesar Faison was alive.

Tuesday:

Emma found Felicia at the hospital and said her grandma was in trouble.

Jason went to Dante’s office and asked when he’d last heard from Anna. Dante said before she’d left, but apparently, she was found by the side of a road in France. She’d been taken into custody and was in some kind of state. She kept saying she had to warn them because Faison was still alive.

Cullum knocked at Britt’s door and said she seemed to have misplaced something. (He’s a real card.)

Willow went to see Nina, who asked, how was her meeting with Martin? Willow said he claimed the reason he was in Drew’s house was to keep an eye on the place, but he’d had an unexpected visitor – Tracy Quartermaine. She’d let herself in with this. She showed Nina the key and said, Martin took Tracy’s key and she took back the Quartermaine family heirlooms. Nina said she didn’t blame Tracy, but didn’t see Drew giving her a key. Willow asked if there was any way she could use Tracy’s breaking and entering and theft against Michael. (I guess no one remembers the court order about the heirlooms.)

In Turner’s office, Diane said Michael had been reciting this since he could form words, but she wanted to review. He said, don’t volunteer anything and keep his answers short and sweet, and she said, preferably, yes, no, and I don’t know. And the last and most important one… Michael said, Diane knows best, and she said, Diane always knows best. And she hated surprises. Michael said, unless they were in a Tiffany bag, and she said, the smaller the bag, the better. Molly and Nathan came in, and Molly said she wanted to go over the timeline of Michael’s movements the night of Congressman Cain’s shooting. Diane said she was sorry, but Molly had made that impossible.

Turner went to Sonny’s and said her office was questioning Michael. She thought she’d stop by to clarify her role. She saw a Pomeranian with Sonny, and he said the dog wasn’t an alpha dog, but don’t tell him. She said, it wasn’t the size of the dog in the fight… and he said, it was the size of the fight in the dog. The Pom growled.

Nina said Michael seemed like an odd choice for Tracy to bring with her, but Willow said Martin told her that he was alone. Nina said, so Michael wasn’t involved, but Willow said, he could have been involved in some other way. Maybe he and Tracy came up with a plan. Nina said Tracy never said he was in Drew’s house. She saw his car on the block. It sounded like Willow had no evidence. Willow said she had to focus on what she could prove against Michael and Alexis was going to help her.  

Diane said there was a conflict of interest. Since Molly and Michael were cousins, it wasn’t proper for her to interrogate him. Molly said she understood, but it wasn’t a trial or deposition. If Turner followed through, she wouldn’t be involved in the prosecution. Diane said she needed a moment to confer with her client, or they could wait for a subpoena, and Molly and Nathan left. Michael asked if they were going to wait for a subpoena, but Diane said, of course (🍷) not. Turner just handed them a massive gift.

Sonny said the Pom’s name was Fizz. They’d rescued Fizz, but his daughter said Fizz rescued them. He introduced Turner to Fizz, who growled. Sonny said he’d been trying to teach Fizz manners, but he didn’t like cops. Dogs were hypersensitive and maybe he smelled the PCPD on her. Fizz made the same mistake he did, judging her on the first impression. He took Fizz to the kitchen.

Emma told Felicia that she’d gotten a call from Captain Russo, a municipal police captain from a small town outside Dijon. They were holding Anna there. She thought Anna was okay physically, but she didn’t know if Anna was in trouble. He’d said she got in a fight with an officer, but before that, she’d flagged down a car, insisting she had to warn everyone that Cesar Faison was alive when he’d been dead for years.

Dante told Jason that Captain Russo had Anna in custody, and Jason asked if she was hurt. Dante said she’d had an altercation with an officer that had been deescalated. She said Faison was alive and had been holding her hostage, but she managed to escape. Jason wondered why she’d say it if it wasn’t true, and Dante asked if she’d mentioned it to him. Jason said she was adamant that if Britt and Nathan were alive, Faison could be too, but there was no way that was true.

Britt said Cullum took her meds, but he said he’d had them secured. From now on, they’d be kept in the lab at Windymere. She could access them when she was working and it would provide incentive for her to make the progress they needed. Britt said she’d gone there to work. It wasn’t her fault the blizzard took out the power. She needed her meds to perform her work there. Cullum said they allowed her life, but she’d overestimated herself. She’d done good work, but again, she wasn’t the only scientist who could complete the project. She’d officially made herself expendable.

Sonny said Turner was safe. Fizz the terror was in the kitchen. He gave Fizz bacon. It put him in a happy place. Turner said, her too, and he said, so she came there because of Michael. She said she wouldn’t be personally prosecuting him, and he asked if she was saying Michael had been charged. She told him that she wasn’t saying that and it wouldn’t be information she could share. He said he’d never asked her to cross any lines and had been upfront with her. Could she say the same?

Diane told Michael that this was perfect, a huge misstep. Molly was biased in his favor. Michael said he didn’t do it, and she said she believed him. Unfortunately, he’d been caught in a lie, so the truth didn’t matter anymore. Invite them back in. Michael opened the door, and Diane said her client would be happy to answer questions. Molly asked what Michael’s whereabouts were on the night of Congressman Drew Cain’s shooting, and he said he was in his office talking to his sister Kristina…

Willow told Nina that Alexis agreed to represent her. Alexis had already proved her innocence and made Michael look guilty. She could do the same thing again in family court. Nina said she wasn’t sure doing that with no proof would help, and Willow said she could prove Michael was endangering her children by having them around his girlfriend. Drew had compiled a dossier on Jacinda after she’d drugged him. Nina actually did her a favor. Michael had no problem with the children being around a hooker who’d had multiple arrests for solicitation, shoplifting, and who knew what else. No judge would support a father who made such irresponsible choices.

Jason told Dante that he’d shot Faison. He’d thought he got through to Anna, suggesting someone was using Faison as a distraction. Dante said the mention of Faison triggered Anna’s PTSD and he knew that kind. Just when you thought you had it under control, you woke up somewhere and didn’t know how you got there. Jason wondered if it caused Anna to have a break, and Dante said she could be suffering from paranoia and would need someone she knew and trusted to bring her back.

Britt said she was due at the hospital and needed her meds to function and keep up appearances, but Cullum said she’d figure it out. She said she’d been playing by his rules and needed access to her medicine. Let her hold onto a couple of doses. He said Sidwell had given her too much leeway. She’d be dealing with him from now on. His terms were clear. She’d get one dose at a time at Windymere. He left and she cried.

Molly said, that was everything, and thanked Diane and Michael. She’d leave them to discuss things. She and Nathan left, and Michael said he guessed it was over, but Diane said, no. it was definitely not over.

Turner told Sonny that she thought she’d been transparent about her intentions. She enjoyed his company and his cooking, but if he committed a crime she could prove, she’d prosecute him to the full extent of the law. He said he didn’t doubt it. She was ambitious, which wasn’t a bad thing since she wasn’t corrupt. He’d be concerned if she had a vendetta. She asked if he thought that was different, and he said, yeah. Someone without principles was a threat and would do anything – plant, manufacture, tamper with evidence – to get what they wanted and get away with it. Going against him or someone he loved to get what she wanted wasn’t who she was.

Jason said the only way was to talk to Anna in person, so he’d go, and Dante said he’d make arrangements. Keep him in the loop. Jason said he had something to take care of first, and left.

Britt straightened up the room and flashed back to Jason saying he’d get her out of this. She said she should have known it was too good to be true.

Mac said he’d get the next flight to France, and Emma asked if he believed Faison was alive. He said, the better question was, did Anna believe it? and Emma said, she must have a good reason. Felicia said, unless it was a ruse. Anna was strong and wouldn’t suddenly break. Emma said, unless she was pushed too far. She’d been gone for months. They didn’t know what she’d been through or where she’d been. Mac said maybe it was ruse. Anna’s way of sending a flare and reaching out for help. Emma said Anna did reach out to her and she was coming with them.

Dante said he was informed Anna had a mental break, and Nathan asked where she was. Dante said, in police custody in France. She claimed Nathan’s father was still alive. Nathan asked why she’d think that, and Dante said it sounded like the fact he and Britt were alive led Anna to think Faison was too. It might be far-fetched, but did he have any insights?

Jason knocked at the window, and Britt let him in. He said, sorry, but she was supposed to be at work. She said she was on her way. He couldn’t be there. He told her to give him a vial to give to Brick, but she said she couldn’t. Cullum took them and was keeping them at Windymere, and she could only access one dose there. He said he was going to Windymere, but she said, stop. This was over. He had to leave. Cullum was there today and may be watching her.

Turner said Sonny thought because she had principles, it would be a fair fight, but he asked, who said they were fighting? She said if she had to, she’d come for his criminal enterprise with bulletproof evidence and every bit of her legal expertise, and he said, alleged. She said she came as a courtesy. That was it. He said he hoped one day she realized they had a lot more in common than she knew, and, moving closer to him, she said anything was possible, but don’t hold his breath. She left.

Nina asked if Alexis was pushing the scorched earth strategy, but Willow said they didn’t discuss it. But she was sure Alexis would agree they would need an aggressive approach. Michael would have one. Nina said that didn’t mean she had to. The children were the priority, and the judge saw parents use the court as a place to settle scores. The last thing Willow wanted them to see was the same thing. Willow said the last thing she wanted to see was Michael walking away with her children. Nina said the best way was to be the reasonable parent who wanted the best for her children, the rare parent actually seeking peace. Willow said she’d tried peace before, and it didn’t work. It was time for something stronger.

Diane said she needed to know if there was anything out there that could tie Michael to the shooting, but he said, nothing. The last thing he needed was to go to family court being a potential suspect. She said he hadn’t fully grasped how severe this was. He had the means, motive, and opportunity and the authorities knew that. He said it was no secret that he hated Drew, but he didn’t shoot him, and she said the only reason he hadn’t been charged was that the DA’s didn’t want to lose another case. They needed a case stronger than Willow’s and he was one piece of evidence away from being charged and tried for attempted murder.

Willow told Nina that she’d begged for peace, repeatedly, pleading and crying for a drop of mercy. She was sick of it. If she’d gotten time with her kids, it would have been worth it, but all she got was more time away from them and an attempted murder charge. Nina said Willow was in charge now, not Michael or Drew. She was the parent seeking understanding and compromise for the best interest of the children. That was what the court responded to. Willow said that’s what she thought, but last year taught her that it was the fastest way to lose. If she wanted to win, she had to fight for them. She had to go after Michael with everything she had.

Felicia said they had no idea what they’d be walking into, but Emma said she could handle herself. Her grandmother could be pretending and the police called her. Anna gave them her name. Anna needed her and expected her to come. If she had to, she’d go alone. Felicia said it was dangerous, and Emma said she’d call her grandpa for back-up. Mac said Robert would bulldoze the French authorities, and Felicia said if Anna had wanted his help, she would have reached out to him or had him call the French authorities. Emma said, all right. When did they leave?

Nathan wondered why Dante thought he had insight, and Dante said Nathan had lost seven years. He was probably investigating that. Had he uncovered anything that Anna might have stumbled on? Nathan said he was in the dark. Did Emma know? Dante said, she was the one who got the call, and Nathan said, at least now they knew where Anna was. He hoped they could help.

Britt said she needed to go, but Jason said they could figure it out. She had to trust him. She said there was nothing to figure out. She was trapped. He said he was going to find a way. He promised he’d make this okay.  

Michael said Diane thought they were getting ready to prosecute him, but Sonny said they were wasting their time. Michael said, maybe, but Willow still had the advantage. Sonny said, Ric knew what he was talking about, and Michael said Ric was right. He had to compromise. He had to get Willow to the table before he lost his leverage.

Nina said it would make sense if Willow had proof, but she didn’t, and Willow said, everyone knew Michael was guilty. The only reason he hadn’t been arrested was because of his powerful family – the Quartermaines, Sonny, and Dante. Nina said, the Quartermaines would use their influence, but Sonny had always been sympathetic toward her. He wasn’t out to get her. Dante was a fair man and wouldn’t hide or suppress evidence. Willow said she didn’t want to fight with Nina, and Nina said she didn’t either. Willow said Alexis was on her side. She’d been cleared of the shooting, and she would see her children.

Turner asked Molly what the status was on Michael Corinthos, and Molly said, he answered every question. Turner asked if she felt he was truthful, but Molly said she wasn’t sure. It was difficult to give an impartial read. Turner said that’s why she’d asked Nathan to join her. What did he think? Nathan said he was a cop. Michael had driven to Drew’s house, but other than that, the evidence hadn’t changed. Molly asked if Turner still believed Willow was guilty, but Turner said it didn’t matter. There had to be accountability, but she needed evidence. Not footage that could be corrupted or disappear, but solid physical evidence. That was on Nathan. He asked if she wanted him to find evidence that Michael Corinthos did more than stand outside, and she said, and let himself in the house and shot Drew. Then and only then would her office move for securing a conviction.  

Willow looked at the key to Drew’s house.

Mac called Dante that they were headed to France, and told Felicia and Emma that he’d spoken to the French authorities. Felicia asked what they told him, and Mac said they wanted to transfer Anna to a mental health facility this evening. They weren’t equipped to care for her, and it was for her own safety. Felicia said they didn’t know Anna’s state. It could be an elaborate con or a breakdown. She’d be trapped in a state-run institution and that couldn’t happen. Mac said he’d called Doc. Maybe he could recommend a hospital. Felicia said they needed to make arrangements to get there before Anna was committed.

Jason told Dante that he was needed there and couldn’t go. He couldn’t get into it, but it was a family matter he had to handle. He told Dante that he was sorry and left.

Cullum went back to Britt’s and said she’d made a strong argument about keeping up appearances. They needed her in good condition. He took out a syringe and said, consider it a gesture of good will. He’d administer it for her. She said she was a doctor and had… but he repeated that he’d administer it for her. She swabbed an area on her side with an alcohol wipe, and he administered the shot. (It was creepy.)

Wednesday:

Lulu ran into Nathan at Bobbie’s.

Obrecht went to see Nina, who said it would be wise for Willow to stay away from Drew. Obrecht said it would also be best for Drew.

Ric told Alexis that Michael and Willow had one shot at peace and it would take them to make it happen.

Outside the office, Willow stared at the key some more, when Michael showed up.

In her office, Laura talked to Josslyn about infrastructure and they talked about the storm. Laura said Spoon Island was the only place where the power was out for a significant amount of time. She saw that Josslyn had a copy of The Crystalline Conspiracy and asked where she got it.

Jason told Sonny that Anna was in trouble.

Aix-les-Bains, France. Mac and Felicia talked to Dr. Laurantt, who said Anna was agitated and sometimes incoherent. She’d been through a traumatic ordeal. Emma asked if they could see her, and the doctor told them not to say anything that would traumatize her more. Felicia and Mac went in first.

Anna was pacing, when Mac and Felicia came in. She told them that they had to get her out. She had to stop Faison.

Nathan told Lulu that Jen was okay with them breaking in to seek shelter, but he was paying for a new lock and a bottle of whiskey. Lulu said she should be the one paying, but he said it was his way of saying thanks for an unforgettable evening. Other than Christmas with James, it was the best time he’d had since being back.

Josslyn said she’d taken the book out of the library because the woman on the cover looked like Anna, and Laura said it was Anna. She explained about Faison’s pseudonym and said her family still had a connection to him. Britt was his daughter and Obrecht had a relationship with Rocco. Josslyn asked if Faison wasn’t dead, and Laura said, very, very dead. Thank God.

Mac said last they heard, Anna was on a top-secret assignment for the WSB, but Anna said it was all lies. She’d been kidnapped on Halloween. She was chloroformed in her car, came to handcuffed to a chair, then transferred to another location in France somewhere. The attendant spoke French to her, and she knew he was working for Faison. She’d tried to escape and failed, and when she needed a phlebotomy treatment, they brought in Obrecht.

Obrecht told Nina that Drew and Willow had a toxic co-dependent relationship, and this would make it worse. Nina should talk to Willow. Nina said her and Willow’s relationship was still fragile and all she could do was support Willow.

Willow said she and Michael shouldn’t talk without their lawyers, when Alexis came out and suggested they get started.

Nathan asked if Lulu was avoiding him and were they still friends, and she said, absolutely. He said he’d miss her if she wasn’t there, and she said her too. Nathan admitted it would be tough.

Obrecht said Nina wasn’t doing Willow any favors, but Nina said she couldn’t risk losing Willow again. Obrecht said what had gotten Nina into trouble was neglecting to warn Willow about Drew. It was a parent’s job to tell their children the hard truths, even if they didn’t want to hear them – especially if they didn’t.

Michael said Diane was in court, but he showed up as a sign of good faith and figured they could reach a compromise. Ric said their goal was to facilitate an agreement for the good of the children, and Alexis asked if Willow agreed to hear Ric out. Willow said, fine, and Ric said if they went back to family court, it would be a year, maybe two, and there was no guarantee it would be the outcome either of them wanted. Alexis said if they both came to an agreement, they could present it to the judge, but Willow said Michael would soon be charged with shooting Drew and was dating a hooker with a record. She was in a better position, so why shouldn’t she take her chances in court?

Doctor Laurantt asked if Emma’s grandmother wasn’t the Police Commissioner, and Emma said, she was also the best WSB agent on record. She was smart and nothing got by her – ever. That’s why her possible breakdown might not be what it seemed.

Felicia asked if Anna was sure it was Obrecht, and Anna said Obrecht was still loyal to Faison and did what he wanted her to. Felicia said Obrecht had been in Port Charles. She visited James regularly. Anna said she must have skipped town for a few days. After she left, that’s when Faison made an appearance. Mac said, she saw him? and she said, not immediately. First she saw a lit cigarillo in her room, then he talked to her through the intercom. Mac said Faison was dead, but Anna said that’s what they were supposed to think, but it wasn’t true. The same with Britt’s death or Nathan’s. Peter visited her too.

Sonny said Anna was convinced Faison was alive? and Jason said he’d told Dante that he’d go to France, but he wasn’t going. Anna wasn’t the only one in trouble. Britt finally opened up to him, and it was exactly what they thought. She was being forced to work on her father’s project by Sidwell and his partner. Sonny asked who Sidwell’s partner was, and Jason said, Ross Cullum, the WSB director. Sonny said, son of a bitch, and Jason said he was the guy who tried to kill Sonny and almost killed Michael.

Lulu went to Laura’s office bearing coffee, and asked if she could trade it for advice. Laura said, deal, and Lulu said she was falling for her best friend’s husband.

Nina said Nathan just missed their mother, and he said it was a relief. He loved her, but wasn’t in the right headspace to deal with her. After spending time with Lulu when they were holed up during the storm, he needed to confront something he’d already suspected. He had feelings for Lulu.

Alexis said there were still good arguments to be made against Willow, the strongest being the evidence that Drew paid off Judge Haran and had her killed. Willow said they couldn’t prove it and she had nothing to do with it, but Alexis said she was married to the number one suspect and shared her home with him. No judge would be inclined to give her half custody, let alone full custody. Willow said, so because of Drew, she couldn’t have her children? and Alexis said she was pointing out that Willow’s case wasn’t a slam dunk. Willow said, even if Michael was arrested? and Alexis said, in the eyes of the law, the case wasn’t about her best interests. It was about the best interests of the children. Ric said nobody would get everything they wanted, but they could guarantee that both of them would get access to their children, and Willow asked what they were offering.

Jason said Brick connected Cullum to the WSB slush fund that paid for the assassin and the firebomb, and Sonny asked if Cullum was in town. Jason said he was. He’d been pressuring Britt and Britt didn’t scare easily, but she was terrified. Sonny said they’d get eyes on Cullum and know his routine. The more they knew, the easier it would be to take him out. Jason said they couldn’t. Not yet.

Josslyn saw Obrecht walk into Bobbie’s, and said she was just thinking about her. She was reading The Crystalline Conspiracy, and heard the author was Obrecht’s ex. Was that true? Obrecht said, yes, and Josslyn said she’d read his bio. Was it true he smoked those nasty cigarillos? Obrecht asked if Josslyn thought she was a fool. What did she really want?

Anna said Faison came into the room and was as close to her as they were, and Mac asked where he was now. Anna said she wasn’t sure, and started to cry. She thought she passed out, and when she woke up, she was tied up inside the trunk of a car. When they pulled over for gas, she managed to get out. She ran and flagged down a farmer who called the police. Mac asked about the altercation, and she said she was trying to get the officer to listen officer, but he refused… Then he grabbed her. She fought back and now she was in a mental clinic. Felicia said, so Faison was out there somewhere? and Anna grabbed her and said Felicia knew better than anyone what Faison was capable of. They had to get her out so she could stop him. With tears in her eyes, Felicia said, okay.

Outside, Mac said Anna was convinced she’d been held prisoner, and Dr. Laurant said, Faison was dead? Felicia said, very much so, and the doctor said the paranoia caused a break in reality. Emma said, or it was all a ruse. It wouldn’t be the first time Faison faked his death. The doctor said, possibly Anna was reliving a past trauma and created a new reality from the pieces of her history, and Felicia said it did feel like a mash-up of previous encounters. She thought Anna needed time to heal and needed professional help. Mac asked when they could bring her back, but Dr. Laurant said Anna wasn’t going anywhere.

Laura asked if Lulu was talking about Nathan, and Lulu said they’d been getting close. She was feeling like they were more than friends, and she found out her hunch was right when they got stuck together in a café during the storm. Laura asked if something happened, and Lulu said they made their own connection. They kissed and it was wonderful, but when reality set in, they realized they couldn’t pursue it. Laura said, because of Maxie and James, and Lulu said they were at the top of the list, but just now when she saw Nathan, she had second thoughts about staying away.

Nina said she had no idea Nathan was interested in Lulu, and he said they’d bonded since he came back. Their circumstances were strangely similar. They’d both lost time with the ones they loved. Nina said she’d had issues with Lulu in the past, but Lulu was a good person, and Nathan said she was easy to talk to, funny, and beautiful. Being around her was exhilarating, but they had a huge problem. Nina said, starting with Maxie.

Michael said Willow could have the children every other weekend and a month in the summer, but Willow said that was ridiculous. His rationale for keeping the kids was not wanting Drew in their lives. He’d had a massive stroke, and the odds of his recovery weren’t great. So Michael’s reason for keeping them was only to punish her. Michael said he had a stable home and shuttling the kids back and forth wasn’t good for them, but Willow said plenty of kids went back and forth. He was just making excuses. Ric said Willow was right, a lot of kids split their time. What was so unreasonable? Alexis said she thought it made sense to start with 60/40 custody, and Willow said, in Michael’s favor? Alexis said, for now. Could Michael live with that? Michael said he guessed so, and Willow said she needed a minute to think – alone.  

Sonny told Jason that he was all for being cautious, but they had to make a move before Cullum took a shot at him or his children. Michael had third degree burns because of that son of a bitch, and the same almost happened to Kristina because of Sidwell. But he couldn’t go after Sidwell because he was framing Laura for Dalton’s death. Jason said, Britt was there when Sidwell killed Dalton, and Sonny asked if there was proof, but Jason said, no. It was Britt’s word against Sidwell’s, and they couldn’t take action right now.  Sonny said because Sidwell supplied her medicine? and Jason said, Cullum did. That’s why they couldn’t kill him yet. If he died, so did Britt.

Dr. Laurant said Anna was also facing assault charges, but Mac said, it was a misunderstanding. The doctor said they’d sort it out in court. At the moment, Anna knowing she was in a French clinic connected her to reality. Transporting her might fuel her paranoia and she’d think she was a prisoner again. Emma asked if it wasn’t better for her to be surrounded by family and friends, and Dr. Laurant said, eventually, but she advised they keep her until she was mentally strong. Felicia said she thought the doctor was right, and Mac said, with the legal situation, they didn’t have much choice. Emma said she wasn’t leaving until she saw Anna.

Nina asked if Nathan still loved Maxie, and he said, of course (🍷). He always would. It was like no time passed for him, but for her, it was seven years and she’d moved on. That was a good thing, since he wouldn’t want her stuck in the past with a dead guy. She made a family with Spinelli, and he had no intention of interfering. If Maxie recovered… when she recovered, he didn’t want to ruin what she had. Nina said he’d decided it was time for him to move on, and he said he didn’t expect it to be Lulu. She asked how Lulu felt, and he said, the same, but they agreed it couldn’t go anywhere. That didn’t change how he felt and he was sure it didn’t change how Lulu felt either.

Laura said Lulu and Dante were divorced and Maxie was with Spinelli, but Lulu said Maxie was still married to Nathan. Laura said it was a grey area when someone was declared dead, and Lulu said she felt like she was betraying Maxie, especially now. And it could still affect Dante’s friendship with Nathan. Laura asked if she still had feelings for Dante, but Lulu said, no. She’d always love him, but it was clear his heart belonged to Sam for the foreseeable future. They were in a good place. Laura said there were fewer obstacles than Lulu thought.

Alexis told Michael that she knew her defense put him in the PCPD’s crosshairs. She was just doing her job. Sorry. She thought he was a good man and admired that he put his children first. Michael said he hoped Willow did the same.

Willow took Michael’s keys out of his coat pocket and put Drew’s key on the key ring.

Obrecht said she had a difficult time believing that Josslyn happened to pick up the book and develop an interest in Faison’s nicotine habit, and Josslyn said, full disclosure. She checked the book out of the library after she saw a copy at Windymere. She was curious as to why it was there. Obrecht said it was once Faison’s home. Maybe he left a copy. Josslyn said when she found it, it was with a pack of cigarillos. She showed Obrecht a picture on her phone, and Obrecht asked when she took it. Josslyn said, it was during the storm. She looked inside and there was an inscription – for my muse – signed with the initial C. Obrecht said, Faison had one muse, and one muse only – Anna Devane.  

Anna asked what Emma was doing there. Faison was watching. He was always watching. Emma asked if Anna thought he was alive, and Anna said he was and he was obsessed with her, but it was worse now because he had Emma on his radar. He’d mentioned her, a veiled threat. That meant she had to stay away. Emma said she had no choice. The doctor said Anna couldn’t come home. Anna said it was better. Faison would be fixated on her and not Emma. Emma cried, and Anna said she had to leave now before it was too late.  

Laura told Lulu that you couldn’t control who you fell for. She learned the hard way that her actions had consequences. Not just for herself, but the people she loved. Lulu said that’s why her initial reaction was to shut this thing down, and Laura said Lulu was just getting back her life. Go slowly and remember she deserved to be happy. Lulu said being able to talk to and confide in Laura meant more than she’d ever know, and Laura said, for her too.

Nathan said it wasn’t just Maxie. Dante was his best friend, and Lulu was his ex and the mother of his child. Nina suggested they date quietly and see if it went anywhere, but he said he didn’t want to start being dishonest. Nina said she’d done that and look where she was – alone – and he said he thought he should go for it. She said if his heart was telling him to go with Lulu, trust it, and he said that was exactly what he was going to do.  

Willow said she accepted the terms, and Ric said he thought it was wise. Alexis said she’d draw up the paperwork and present it to the judge. She suggested Michael run it by Diane, and he said he would. He and Willow left, and outside, she said she knew it wasn’t easy. He said it was a compromise. Neither of them got what they wanted, but they were doing the best for their kids. She said that’s all she ever wanted.

Jason told Sonny that Britt was going to take a sample and reverse engineer Britt’s medicine, but Cullum restricted access. He had to figure out a way to get his hands on it, but needed a little time. Sonny said he wouldn’t move on Cullum until Jason secured the medicine, and Jason thanked him. Sonny said he understood, but it was to their advantage. Sidwell thought they were in the dark, but he didn’t know how long that would last. Jason said when they got rid of Cullum, Sidwell would think it was WSB blowback, and Sonny said the clock was ticking. Jason said, as soon as Britt was in the clear, Cullum was dead.

Josslyn said a book from the 90s and the cigarillos were weird. Wasn’t Faison dead? Obrecht said, unquestionably, but his memory was alive in those who revered him. Josslyn asked if it was someone impersonating him, and Obrecht said, that, or emulating him. Perhaps it was a passionate fan.

Emma said Anna was safe there, but Anna said she wasn’t. Faison was a monster and had proven he could find her anywhere. That’s why Emma couldn’t be there. Faison wouldn’t leave her alone until they were together. Dr. Laurant came in with an orderly, and Anna tried to jet, but the orderly grabbed her. Emma cried, and Anna said, tell Jason I’m right. He has to stop Faison. Mac and Felicia pulled Emma out of the room, and Anna collapsed.

Thursday:

Michael met with Sonny and Carly in the nook. He told them that he and Willow reached a custody agreement.

Turner ran into Jordan at the rock wall and asked if she could talk to Jordan about a cold case file where Sonny was a person of interest.

Brook and Chase went to Bobbie’s and Chase whined about having to follow rules of the PCPD. He went to the counter where Molly was on the phone about the Michael’s questioning. He eavesdropped and asked if it wasn’t a massive conflict of interest.

Curtis went to see Alexis and asked what he needed to get a court order to compel Portia to get a paternity test.

Kai texted Trina that he needed to see her asap, and she asked where he was.

Lucas told Isaiah that Willow had decided Drew was better off at home under her care, and we all got good laugh seeing him incapacitated in a wheelchair.

Michael said he’d wanted the deal. It was 60/40, him. Sonny thought it was fair, but Carly wondered what he was thinking.

Chase asked if Molly shouldn’t recuse herself, but she said it was preliminary questioning. He asked if Michael was charged, but she said, no. There was no new evidence. Chase said he’d been placed near the scene, but she said Michael had no means to get in and there was no sign of forced entry. Chase’s superiors would fill him in if they deemed it appropriate. Ric came in and she left to sit with him. Brook told Chase that he’d overstepped and Molly saved his career by shutting it down.

Molly told Ric that her editor wanted to publish her book, and he wondered why she wasn’t excited. She said the book might be the reason she and Cody were over.

Jordan said the consensus was that Sonny was involved, but the evidence was largely circumstantial, and Turner wondered, why make the presumption he was guilty? Jordan said she thought Turner knew better. Never give Sonny the benefit of the doubt.

Curtis said Portia was giving him the runaround and he had to protect his interests, but Alexis said she couldn’t help him after she’d torn Portia’s life to shreds on the stand. He said he’d tried to convince Portia to take the test, but she’d said no.

Seeing Isaiah and Portia together, the nurses giggled, and Portia told him that they’d be old news by next week. It was freeing that the secret was out in the open. She missed being Co-Chief, but now she wasn’t his boss, so they had nothing to hide and at the end of the day, she went home with him.

Kai let Trina into Drew’s house and said he was supervising delivery of medical equipment. Willow was bringing Drew back home today.

Elizabeth said she knew Willow was a great nurse, but this was a massive undertaking, and Willow said she appreciated Elizabeth’s concern, but she was hiring help. It would be hard, but Drew’s best chance of recovery was with her. Scout was staying with Alexis, so it was just them and she was the only one who could give him what he needed.

Lucas told Drew, one blink for yes, two for no. He’d get Drew’s therapy set up when he was ready. Willow asked if Drew was ready, and he blinked once.  

Molly told Ric that the character was inspired by Cody, but all aspects of him, both the jerk and the sweet, soulful man she’d gotten to know. The point was, he shouldn’t be insulted if he read it without her permission. They got in a big argument and hadn’t spoken since. Ric said he was sorry, but he didn’t know how Cody would come back without her taking the first step.

Portia asked if Isaiah felt they were moving too fast, and he said, no, but if she felt that way, they’d pull back. He wanted her to be happy and comfortable. Portia’s phone rang and she said duty called.

Curtis asked if he had grounds, and Alexis said, yes, as long as it didn’t jeopardize the health of the baby or mother. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

Turner said Sonny had been questioned dozens of times, but only convicted once, and Jordan said Sonny didn’t make mistakes and wasn’t sloppy. Turner said he seemed to be the PCPD’s default go-to guy. She was concerned that in some cases, they might have allowed the real perp to get away. She’d seen Sonny when his grandson was arrested, and he was nothing but a concerned grandfather. Maybe they should reassess if he was really the boogeyman. Jordan said she’d told Laura that Rocco was innocent, but make no mistake, Sonny was not.

Sonny said he’d advised Michael to compromise, and Carly said he’d negotiated against himself. Michael said he was being investigated for shooting Drew and couldn’t go to the hearing while under suspicion. Sonny said he could have lost custody altogether, and Michael said, it was either compromise or leave the country with the kids.

Chase told Brook that everybody assigned to the investigation was too close to Michael. The acting Police Commissioner was his brother. Brook said Michael had been Chase’s best friend and was his cousin-in-law. He shouldn’t be involved either, but Chase said he wasn’t. She said, then why wouldn’t he let this go?

Kai said Willow asked him to supervise the delivery of medical supplies, and Trina wondered why he was getting wrapped up in this. Willow shot Drew twice, which could have been why he had the stroke. She suggested they leave and that he resign from Drew’s office, and he said it made sense, but he couldn’t do that.

Molly asked why the onus was on her to reach out, since it was dramatic license, and Ric said Cody wouldn’t know that. Men were prone to self-sabotage. Don’t be fooled by his actions. He was probably torturing himself about the ways he’d screwed up. Take it from an expert.

Elizabeth said she was glad Portia was back, and Portia said she’d probably be out on the street if not for Tracy and Laura putting in a good word for her. Elizabeth said she was surprised about Tracy, and Portia said she was ready to prove they were right. Elizabeth asked if she’d gotten quality time with Isaiah, and Portia said things were easy with him and she didn’t have to live up to impossible standards. It had been a long time since she felt comfortable with someone.

Curtis said he didn’t want to force Portia, but didn’t have any choice, and Alexis said he had choices, but kept circling back to the same one. A court order would make it worse and if it was his baby, he’d be setting the tone of how he’d deal with Portia until the child was an adult, litigating every aspect of her life. She’d done it twice and it wasn’t a template he wanted to set.

Lucas said he hadn’t known Portia was back, and Isaiah was surprised he hadn’t heard the whispers. Lucas said personal relationships were tricky at work. If Isaiah needed a sounding board, he was there. Isaiah said there were no issues so far. He hoped that translated to raising the child.

Chase said someone shot the congressman and framed Willow, and Brook said she was found not guilty. What did he stand to gain? He said Michael was the likely suspect and was free, but she said there was a list of suspects, but he was locked in to Michael and not seeing clearly.

Kai told Trina that he realized Drew wasn’t the man he thought, but he was still a human being, and Trina said they did what they could to expose Willow. Now it was out of their hands. Kai said she did what she could. He’d stopped her from calling 911 and insisted they stay quiet. By the time they came forward, it was too late, and that was on him. Now it was on him to keep Drew safe. She said Willow was dangerous. She’d shot her husband and they didn’t know what else she was capable of. Willow walked in from the back.

Ric told Molly not to take Cody’s silence to mean it was over, but if she wanted to reconcile, she had to take the first step. Maybe he should take his own advice. After his ashwagandha adventure, he was grateful to be alive and told Elizabeth that he’d lied about representing Willow pro bono. She was happy he’d told her the truth, but they had a good friendship opportunity, and he didn’t want to ruin it by pushing the envelope. Molly said she liked how Elizabeth saw the man he could be. Maybe she could help him see it too.

Elizabeth asked how Portia was feeling, and Portia said it was a way easier pregnancy than with Trina. She’d been a nervous wreck. Curtis had ended their affair, and she was lying to Taggert. This time, everything was out in the open and Isaiah was making everything smooth. Elizabeth asked if Isaiah and Curtis were managing to co-exist, and Portia said true peace wouldn’t come until she took the paternity test. Elizabeth asked what was stopping her, and Portia said she wanted to enjoy the pregnancy this time. She didn’t think this would happen again and didn’t want or need the pressure. Curtis would have to wait.

Curtis told Alexis that he’d put his life on pause because he had two possible futures – one where he was the baby’s father and the other where he wasn’t. Alexis said she advised him to wait. Court was time consuming, laborious, and adversarial. Portia would come around sooner or later. He said later bothered him. He’d waited 20 years to know Trina was his daughter and it was when Portia was forced to tell him. He had the right to have a part in this baby’s life like he did Trina’s. She suggested he communicate with Portia first before doing something drastic.

Lucas said Isaiah seemed unfazed by fatherhood, but Isaiah said he was quietly freaking out. He didn’t want to add to Portia’s stress. It was enough with Curtis being worried the baby was his. He could dictate Portia’s life, or worse, push for full custody. Lucas suggested he keep the peace, and Isaiah said Portia did tell him that Curtis was a good dad to Trina. So if Curtis put his child’s interest first, he knew Portia would appreciate it if he did the same.

Chase said the evidence pointed to Michael, but Brook said it wasn’t enough. Chase asked what more proof she needed to move the needle, and she said it depended on the proof. Both she and Dante acknowledged that Michael was capable of it, but neither of them accepted the likelihood that he did it. Chase walked out and Brook followed.

Michael told Carly and Sonny that if Willow had gotten sole custody, he would have taken the children and left the county. He’d rather be a fugitive than leave the kids with Willow and Drew. Sonny said Michael did what he had to. He had the kids the majority of the time, and Drew’s stroke left him immobile, so he wasn’t a factor. Michael said the kids were asking for their mother. They loved her and wanted time with her. He prayed Willow would be a good mother 40% of the time.

Willow thanked Kai, and he said he and Trina had plans, so she stopped by to help. Willow said she was waiting for a ramp, but until then, it was easier access with Drew through the back. Trina said she’d wait outside, and left. Willow said she was sorry for stepping on Kai’s plans. He had no idea what it meant to have Drew home.

Lucas said it was good to see Portia, who said it was nice to be back. Curtis joined them, nudging Lucas over, and Lucas stepped away. Curtis asked how Portia was, and she said everything was going great. He asked when she planned to take the paternity test.

Jordan said she just wanted Turner to know that Sonny had a way of pulling people in. Her son TJ (who?) had gotten close to him at one point. It was easy to fall under Sonny’s spell, but doing so was a serious mistake. Turner asked if Jordan thought Sonny was cultivating her to protect his son.

Carly wondered what kind of questions Michael was asked, and Michael said about his movements the night of the shooting. She asked if he left out anything, but Michael said the police knew everything. Sonny flashed back to Turner telling him that she wouldn’t personally prosecute Michael, and he said, don’t worry about it. Michael wasn’t going down for this. Brook and Chase walked in.

Trina and Kai went to Alexis’s office and she asked, what happened/ Trina said they were at Drew’s house and Willow brought Drew home. Alexis was surprised Drew wasn’t going to a facility, and Kai said she’d asked him to oversee the medical equipment being installed. Drew would be living at home with her. Alexis said, the woman who tried to kill him was caring for him?

The technician told Willow that they had a database of caregivers, and to call with any questions. She thanked him and he left. She told Drew, alone at last. (Mua-ha-ha!)

Isaiah brought Elizabeth a flower delivery, and the card said, Stay right there – R. Ric walked in and she thanked him for the beautiful flowers. He asked if she was going to give them to a patient or throw them away, but she said they were coming home with her. He asked if she’d have dinner with him, and she said she hadn’t heard from him in months. He said he’d been reevaluating what was important in his life, without the benefits of ashwagandha, and she said she guessed she made the cut. He said he was sorry for the radio silence and asked for a chance to make it up, and she said, name the time and place.

Jordan told Turner that Sonny would do anything to shield his kids. A good rule of thumb was that whatever Sonny advised, do the opposite.  

Curtis said he needed to figure out how to move forward, and Portia said she’d work with him, but was doing what was best for her child. He said he had the right to know if the baby was his, and she said he would. He told her to take the test next week or he’d get a court order and compel her to tell him. Lucas listened in, and Portia said she planned on carrying through the pregnancy on her own terms. If that wasn’t okay, go get his court order.

Sonny said he was just leaving and told Michael to see his mom out. Michael and Carly left, and Brook said she wanted to run something by Sonny about Gio. Sonny and Brook left and Chase saw Michael’s keychain on the table. He flashed back to Molly saying Michael had no means of getting in and it wasn’t a forced entry, and he saw Drew’s key.

Trina wondered why Willow would do this, and Alexis said maybe she felt guilty. She was Drew’s wife and had power of attorney and the final say in medical decisions. Kai said he decided to keep working for Drew, so he still had access, and Alexis said Drew was still Scout’s father. Be careful and keep an eye on things. Kai said he would, and Alexis said they’d both learned their lesson the night Drew was shot. If they saw anything, don’t wait, and come to her immediately.

Willow said she’d been counting the minutes. Dreaming about this moment where it was just them, no distractions. Could he hear her clearly? Drew blinked, and she said, good, and tucked his hands under the blanket. She said sometimes she felt like he just talked over her. She guessed she could say he was her captive audience now. He had to listen to her now and should know it was her. She was the one who shot him.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

At the hospital, Elizabeth tells Britt that she has patients waiting, and Dr. Rand… Britt says she knows she had patients waiting. She’s a doctor and always has patients waiting. Elizabeth isn’t her supervisor and needs to stop ordering her around and policing her movements. Elizabeth tells her that what she was going to say was that Dr. Randolph is looking for her. Dr. Randolph is Chief of Staff, and unlike her, is Britt’s supervisor. Should she tell Dr. Randolph that Britt is late because she’s moonlighting at Windymere?

At the gym, Kristina thanks Jacinda for joining her, and Jacinda thanks her for the invitation. She’s been meaning to check out this teacher. Everyone at Aurora keeps buzzing about her flow class recently. Kristina says, Rya is the best. She’s so glad they got in the class because it fills up. Jacinda says, so she’s a front row regular. What’s so special about this class? Kristina says, never the front row. (Same.) She can’t take the pressure. But Michael was the one who actually told her about the class. Jacinda says, he doesn’t strike her as the yoga type, and Kristina says, it takes effort, but he manages to find his zen. If she likes the class, they could go together. Jacinda says she’d love that. Michael is always busy. Kristina says, now that the kids will have more time with Willow, she’s sure Michael’s schedule will lighten up and he’ll have more time, and Jacinda says, since when are the kids spending more time with Willow?

Chase is in the nook, when he hears Dante calling for Rocco. Dante comes in and asks if Chase has seen Rocco. He’s got to get him to GH for his community service. Chase says he’s sorry, but he hasn’t. Before Dante goes, he’s curious how the follow-up questions went with Michael.

In the solarium, Michael looks at a picture of Wiley and Amelia on his phone, when Brook comes in. She says, it was a little tense with him and Chase earlier, and they hug. He says, yeah. He’s trying not to let it affect the rest of the family, but he doesn’t think he’s pulling it off. He knows it’s been affecting her. Sorry. She says, he can’t take that on. She’s fine, but if in the future she’s not, she’ll let him know. He says he appreciates it, and she says, Uncle Sonny told her that he had news regarding the kids. He says he has to let them know they can start seeing their mom again.

Willow says she can’t tell Drew what it feels like to finally say it out loud, to finally say it to him. I shot you, Drew – twice – in the back. She still has a hard time believing she did it. Even though she learned how to use a gun at Dawn of Day, she never thought she’d touch one again. She didn’t know there was a part of her capable of hurting someone like that. She’s a mother and a nurse, committed to helping people. She does what she can to help people heal, but that night she realized she had no other choice. It was the only way she’d ever really be free – of him.

Britt says, Elizabeth knows about her being Windymere’s doctor? and Elizabeth says, Dr. Jones mentioned she was working as their concierge doctor. Britt says, let her guess. Lucas snowshoed over here as fast as he possibly could just to tell her that, but Elizabeth says, no. They were just talking about the storm, and he said the two of them barely made it off Spoon Island. Britt says, yes. It was a rough ride, but she made it back shore to before the storm got bad. She’s been moonlighting as a private doctor because it turns out getting her life back in order after coming back from the dead is expensive. Sorry she jumped down Elizabeth’s throat earlier. She overreacted. Elizabeth says, apology accepted, and Britt leaves.

Brook says she thought the visitation hearing wasn’t until next week, and Michael says, there’s not going to be a hearing. They came to an agreement on their own. It’s going be a 60/40 custody split. Brook says, wow. Okay. She wasn’t expecting him to say any of that. All right. She assumes the 60 is time with him. He says, yeah, and she says he doesn’t seem happy. Why did he agree to it? He says he’d rather lose 40% now than go to court and risk losing everything.

Jacinda says, so Michael agreed to let Wiley and Amelia spend 40% of the time with Willow before the visitation hearing? and Kristina says, yeah. Sorry she just blurted it out like that. She assumed Michael told her. Jacinda says, he hasn’t told her anything, and Kristina says she’s sure he didn’t get a chance to yet. Jacinda says, or he’s mad at her and just needs to find his zen before they talk face to face, and Kristina asks why Michael would be mad at her. Jacinda says, when Willow threatened to expose her laundry list of crimes and indiscretions to the family court judge, what if she was using it to back Michael into a corner? She could be forcing him to give up custody of his kids because of her.

Dante says, Chase was demoted because of his involvement in this case. Now he was asking about Michael. Does he really think he should be doing that? Chase says he may have gotten demoted, but he still cares about justice being served. Or does that not count for anything because he’s just a beat cop and Dante now outranks him. Dante says, come on. They’re equals. They’re at home and there are no ranks. And Michael lives here, so when they walk through the door, they’re not suspects, they’re family. Chase says, in an ideal world, that’s how they’d handle it, but the fact remains that Drew’s shooter is still walking around. He hopes if evidence surfaces that shows Michael had something to do with the shooting, Dante won’t do anything to shield him. Dante says, if evidence surfaces for any suspect, he’ll follow it to the letter of the law. Rocco comes in, and Dante asks if he’s got everything he needs. Rocco says, yep, and Dante says, all right. Let’s get out of here. Dante and Rocco leave, Chase looks at Drew’s key on Michael’s key ring, and leaves.

Willow says she knows Drew must have a lot of questions. She’ll do her best to answer them. After she found out about him and her mother, she felt the need to get away. Yes, it was a major shock and a huge betrayal. She thought it was something she could recover from, but she needed to do it alone, without him hovering, and honestly she needed to take a step back and breathe. She was concerned about getting her children. She was living with Elizabeth, working, and doing everything possible to show the court that she was a stable, loving mother who deserved her children, but she just had one problem that would not go away. And yes, she knows he would have helped her with it, but you see, he was the problem. She begged him to leave her alone, but he wouldn’t listen. If she couldn’t get him to leave her alone, she knew she’d never have a chance at getting her children back. And he knew that. He knew what Michael’s terms were and just wouldn’t back off. Something had to change. She was desperate and didn’t know what to do, so she went to the Quartermaine’s and got the gun from Edward’s study. She flashes back to that, and says she didn’t know if she could bring herself to use it. She just knew she needed to have something, some way to get free. She really scared herself that day. She was going to lose her kids, maybe forever. She would have done anything not to cross that line… but then Judge Haran was murdered.

Rocco and Dante arrive at the hospital, and Elizabeth says she’ll get Rocco signed in. Britt comes by and asks when Dr. Navarro is available for a consult. Her patient needs… Rocco! How’s community service going? Rocco says, so far so good. He thinks he’s getting the hang of it. He likes helping patients. Britt says, great to hear. Maybe he’ll be a doctor someday. He says, maybe, if the NHL turns him down, and Britt says, that reminds her. Her mother bought tickets for his next game, so she’ll be in the stands. She’ll try to keep her mother under control, but she already has a foam finger, so she can’t make any promises. Elizabeth says she’ll get Rocco set up with his assignment, and he thanks her. He says, it’s nice to see Britt again, and Dante tells him to text him or his mother when he’s done. Rocco leaves with Elizabeth, and Britt says, great kid. No surprise the patients love him. Dante asks how far Britt thinks she can push him.

Kristina says, Willow’s not above blackmail or much else, but Jacinda isn’t the reason Michael decided to share custody. Jacinda says, really? Because the fact he’s dating a former escort with a criminal record definitely won’t help in front of a judge. It would make sense that Michael tried to cut a deal before the visitation hearing to avoid having to explain her. Kristin says, Michael would never let himself be bullied by Willow or anyone else when it comes to his children. He obviously cares about her, and she told Jacinda that she’s really good for him. Jacinda says she appreciates that, but they both know if she ends up being a problem for Michael in the eyes of the court, he’ll have to rethink their relationship. Maybe being with her is more trouble than it’s worth. Boyle comes in and says he thought that was Jacinda. It’s been a while.

Brook says, the judge might give Willow visitation, but the court already gave him full custody. Why did he think he was at risk of losing his kids? Michael says, because circumstances have changed. Willow was cleared of Drew’s shooting. She’ll likely be back to work at the hospital soon. On paper, she’s perceived as a suitable parent. Brook says, so? He’s better that that. He’s a great dad on paper and in real life. He says, for now, and she says he thinks he’s going to be arrested and charged in Drew’s shooting, doesn’t he?

Willow asks if Drew remembers tracking her down at the hospital the night he was shot, and he blinks once. She says, he interrupted her conversation with Chase. He was doing that thing he always does when he’s threatened by something, anything. She flashed back to Chase saying he knows she’s a great mom and the court will see that too, and Drew saying, thank you so much for your expert opinion, Detective Chase, but how they get Willow’s kids back is up to them. In the present, she tells Drew that Chase talked to Judge Haran for her. He told her that she was the to getting her kids back. If she showed that she was stable and working, she could get her kids back without Drew’s money, power, or congressional influence, because she was enough without him. She hadn’t been told she was enough for anything in so long… and then Judge Haran was dead. She was the woman who gave her a lifeline to her kids without him and she was gone. She leans closer and asks if Drew killed her. Or did he have someone else do it? Drew blinks once.

Outside, Chase looks around, then tries several keys in the backdoor.

Willow says she knows he’s capable of killing Judge Haran. He’s capable of anything, as long as it can keep her dependent on him. Because that’s what the whole thing has been about, manipulating her and using her children in any way he needed to keep her needing him and tied to him. All of that ends now.

Britt asked how she was pushing Dante by going to a hockey game, cheering, and drinking a gallon of hot chocolate just to stay warm, and he says, Rocco doesn’t need her support. In fact, he can’t think of any instance where she should pursue any kind of relationship with his son. She says she’s confused. She thought they’d all come to a truce between Mayor Collins and Nathan tag teaming to play peacemaker with her mother. She doesn’t understand where all this energy is coming from. He says, she doesn’t? She stole seven months of his son’s life and doesn’t have the tiniest clue? Britt says, it’s ancient history. Rocco seems to be thriving despite a few situations that can be chalked up to being 15. And Dante seems to be doing okay too – Mr. Acting Commissioner – so she doesn’t understand why he’s up in her face. He says, she doesn’t care, does she, about what she’s done or who she’s hurt, and she says she’s not defending the hurtful things she’s done, but in this case, she’s defending the outcome. His beautiful boy is in this world because she brought him here. So yes, Rocco is going to be curious about her. She knows he might hate this, but she actually thinks Rocco kind of likes her. He says, because Rocco doesn’t know the real her. The one who uses and manipulates people, something she’s not going to get the chance to do with his son because she’s not going to be in Rocco’s life. She doesn’t deserve to be. She says, maybe not, but Rocco’s not a little boy anymore. He gets to choose who he lets into his life, not Dante.

Boyle says he contacted Jacinda’s agent, who said she was still on hiatus. He was hoping maybe they could get dinner sometime. Kristina says, they’re heading into yoga class, so… and he says, far be it from him to keep them from their fitness regime. Jacinda is more than welcome to bring her friend to dinner. Jacinda says her friend isn’t interested in dinner. This is Kristina Corinthos-Davis. Boyle says, oh, sorry. He didn’t even recognize her, but the offer still stands for dinner with them both. He likes to keep in touch with his constituency. So… Okay. He’s going to hit the weights. It may surprise them, but this – he indicates his dad bod – doesn’t happen on its own. Good to see her. He leaves, and Kristina says, that guy is just so… She feels like she wants to take a shower before class. Is Jacinda ready to go in? Jacinda says, give her a minute. She’s not quite done with him yet.

Michael tells Brook that Diane thinks there’s an excellent chance he’ll be charged in Drew’s shooting. If that happens, his standing in family court will be severely weakened to say the least. Willow could even file for emergency custody. Brook says, and there’s a good chance she’d get it, and he says, yeah. She says, he probably blames Chase for his part in Willow’s exoneration, and he says he definitely doesn’t agree with the choices Chase has made and thinks his loyalty to Willow is incredibly misguided, but he’d never blame her for Chase’s actions. Brook wonders if she can ask him something, and he says, yeah, of course (🍷). She asks if he’s concerned about the kids well-being when they’ll be with Willow. Is he worried about their safety? He says he’s questioned Willow’s priorities since all this began, especially in regard to Drew, but now Drew had a stroke and he’s incapacitated. She says, so he’s not a danger to the kids for the moment, and Michael says he still has misgivings about Willow. If it was up to him, he wouldn’t allow her to see the children at all, but he thinks right now a 60/40 split is the best option he has.

Willow says, if it had just been her he was manipulating, she probably could have detached herself enough to keep thing from escalating to this point, but it wasn’t. He used her kids to hold on to her and hurt them in the process. He twisted Wiley up more than once and had him in tears. She is his mother. Did he think she’d just forget that or did he think she saw it the same way he did, her children as collateral damage, a means to an end.

Chase slips inside and looks at the key. (I’m surprised the key isn’t in the credits at this point. Have one on me. 🍷)

Willow says she trusted Drew wanted what was best for her and her kids. When she flew to Germany, he said he supported her, but he sabotaged her. She flashes back to telling Michael that she spoke to the receptionist in person. She said he didn’t want to see her and should send her away. Michael says, no, that never happened. He’d never say anything like that. He was alone and in pain and missing his family. He would have loved to see her. In the present, she tells Drew that he paid off the receptionist and made her say Michael didn’t want to see her, didn’t he? and he blinks once. She says, then he set up Wiley, her sweet, little boy, to hear that his father didn’t want him anymore. She remembers telling Michael that either Wiley misconstrued something he or someone in his family said or he was making this up to turn her against Drew. She tells Drew that he knew it would make Michael furious and he knew she would defend him because he knew she could never have imagined he’d do something so hateful. She throws a tray across the room, and it crashes, scattering everything. She says he never loved her and never loved her kids. He just wanted to have her to get back at Michael and the Quartermaines for pushing him out of their family. So he systematically destroyed every part of her life, so she was isolated and had nothing but him. And that’s why she shot him. Her only regret is that he didn’t die. Chase calls to Willow and says he heard a crash. Is she okay?. He walks in.

Chase asks if Willow is okay, and she says, sorry. She’s fine. She accidentally knocked over a tray. She guesses she’s emotional and ended up scaring all three of them. Chase says he’s sure she is. How could she not be. She asks if she left the front door unlocked, and he says she must have. He heard she was bringing Drew home and he wanted to check on both of them. She tells Drew, that’s nice of him, isn’t it? and Drew blinks once. She suggests she and Chase go into the living room and let Drew get some rest. Coming from the hospital and getting him here has taken a lot out of him. Chase says, yeah, sure. He hopes Drew makes a swift recovery. He knows Willow is taking great care of him. Willow says she’ll be right back. Get some rest. She kisses Drew on the cheek and follows Chase out, stopping to glare at Drew from the doorway. (I am loving this Willow.)

Brook tells Michael, from the kids’ perspective, this is great news. She knows how much they’ve been missing their mom. He says, they have, but he just didn’t want it to turn into an endless back and forth between him and Willow. He doesn’t want his kids to be stuck in the middle of a tug of war between their parents like he was. She says, don’t let them be. She understands why he feels like he made a huge concession and conceded a ton of territory to Willow, but he can’t look at it that way. He asks how he’s supposed to look at it, and she says, like he’s giving the kids something they desperately want. He’s helping them reclaim their relationship with their mom, who they love and miss and need in their lives. To a degree that’s heathy and safe, of course (🍷), which is a lot easier to manage now that Drew is out of the picture. He says he just doesn’t want his anger to impact the kids, but she says, it won’t. He’s a great dad and will put his kids first. She’ll help him.

Jacinda tells Boyle that she’s sorry Kristina was so abrupt. She’s actually really nice. He says he’s sure she has he famed Corinthos charm just like her father. He’s so sorry for putting her on the spot mentioning her agent. It was indiscreet of him. He knows her privacy is important to her. She says, his is important to him too, and he says, and she’s always been respectful of it. He appreciates that and he meant what he said. Now that they shared the delightful experience of testifying in court, what was between them is out in the open. He was thinking they could grab dinner and they could be out in the open too.

Dante says, Britt isn’t getting it. It’s not just about her past. They both know she is a danger right here, right now. As far as her faking her death, no one was buying that she was living in Croatia making exfoliants and taking a spa day on her off time. Britt says she’s trying to rebuild her life, and he says, that’s great. Do it. Just keep his son out of it. Rocco being a part of her life could get him killed. Just being near her puts him at risk. She says, think what he wants of her, but she’d do anything to protect Rocco, and he says, that’s great. Start by staying away from him.

Michael and Brook sit in the solarium with the kids, and Brook says they have good news. Michael says, they get to see mommy again, and Wiley says, when? Michael says, they’re still figuring that part out, but it will be soon, and Wiley tells Amelia that they get to see mommy. He asks if the judge won’t be mad at mommy, and Brook says, the judge isn’t mad at anyone. She’ll be really happy that mommy and daddy made a compromise and will both get to see them. Wiley says, Aunt Tracy said, never compromise but… Michael says, as wise as Aunt Tracy is, sometimes it’s good to compromise, especially when it helps the people you love. Brook says, with compromise, everyone gives a little and gets a little back. That way, no one’s left out. Wiley says, mommy’s not left out? and Michael says, mommy’s not left out anymore. Wiley hugs him.

Chase tells Willow, sorry about bursting in like that. When he heard the crash, he thought Drew might have fallen or that she needed help. Willow says, no, it’s okay. It was just nice that he came over. She guesses she’s a little overwhelmed, which is strange. She’s used to dealing with patients in situations like this. He says, it’s got to be difficult when the patient is your husband, and she says, it is. It’s a lot for her brain to process. How did this happen? How did they end up here? He says, this, all this, it’s on Michael, and she says she doesn’t know if he heard, but they came to an agreement. The kids get to stay with her, and she gets to see them 40% of the time. He says, that’s great. The kids will be so happy. But he doesn’t think she should trust Michael.

Jacinda tells Boyle that her plans are kind of up in the air right now, so she’s not exactly free to say yes to dinner. Possibly her schedule will clear up in a month or two. He says, cool. Okay. So what does she want him to do? Contact her agency? She says, no. Call her directly. She’ll give him her personal number. He says, personal number? Yeah. Okay. Kristina watches them.

Elizabeth asks if the coast is clear, and Dante says he guesses it is – for now. He guesses she’s surprised he and Britt got into it. She says she had a feeling it was headed in that direction, and he thanks her for getting Rocco out of here. She says she totally understands that Britt can be triggering – let her count the ways – but is that part of the reason Britt got under his skin today? He says he doesn’t know. He feels like he’s watching a car crash in slow motion. His son is about to get hurt and there’s nothing he can do to get him out of the way.

Britt runs into Rocco and he asks if she even likes hockey. She says, that’s the one with the balls and sticks and the shoes you have to rent, right? and he says, yes. Those are part of hockey. You nailed it. Britt says she doesn’t know much about hockey, but she does try to stay open to new things. He says he knows how busy she is. Don’t feel like she has to come to the game.  

Dante says, no matter how much he hates it, Rocco is curious about Britt, and he wants to get to know her and he likes her. Elizabeth says, and he hates that, and he says, of course (🍷). When he sees Britt, he sees a threat and he doesn’t think that’s going to change. Elizabeth says, what Britt did to him and Lulu was horrific, but people do change. Personally, she has no use for Britt, but some people in town do, people she likes and respects. People who’ve grown to trust Britt. He says, like Jason? and she says, yes. Jason is one of them, but it does seem like Britt has reformed and she’s always been an excellent doctor. He asks if Elizabeth would trust Britt with her kids, and Elizabeth tells him that she’ll say this. She didn’t think Britt would knowingly put anyone’s kids in danger, least of all Rocco. He says, that doesn’t make him feel any better, and she says she wishes it did. He says he does appreciate her keeping an eye on Rocco when he’s at the hospital, and she says she’s happy to do it.

Britt says Rocco is right. She’s got a lot of work at the hospital, and she just took another job as a concierge doctor. She’s really busy. She’ll try to make it to the game, but she can’t make any promises. He says, she should work. They’re not that good and she’d be doing all that cheering for nothing. He’ll see her. He starts to leave, but she calls to him. She tells him to wear his mouth guard. She doesn’t want any flying pucks or swinging sticks to ruin that million-dollar smile. He says, yeah, and she says, that’s the one, and Rocco leaves.  

Kristina says, did Jacinda just give her number to Boyle? but Jacinda says, no. It’s nothing like that… She doesn’t know why she was just about to lie. Yes. She gave Boyle her number. Kristina asks, why? He gave her up on the stand. That guy is a walking red flag. Jacinda says, otherwise, he’s been more than decent to her. For the record, she gave him her number, but she gave him no promises. Kristina says, what a relief, but what about the promises to her brother? and Jacinda says she hasn’t made any and Michael hasn’t made any to her. Kristina says she’s just a little confused. She thought things with Jacinda and Michael were good. Jacinda says, as far as she knows, they are. Thanks to Kristina’s brother, she has a pretty great life right now, but who knows how long it will last? Kristina says she doesn’t know what Jacinda means, and Jacinda says, it’s just that there are no guarantees. Boyle is probably a good person, so she’s staying in touch just in case. Kristina says she thinks Jacinda is drastically underestimating Michael. Even if they broke up tomorrow, she’d still have her job at Crimson. Jacinda says, until Willow forces Michael’s hand because she doesn’t want some hooker around her kids or her mother’s place of business. She has to prepare for the worst-case scenario since it always happens. Kristina says she looks forward to Michael proving Jacinda wrong.  

Michael tells Wiley, time for homework. Where’s his backpack? Wiley says, maybe he left it in the nook, and Michael says, check. Then they’ll get to work. Wiley says, okay, and runs out. Michael says he can’t thank Brook enough, and she says she was just here for moral support. Michael says, here’s to hoping he made the right call – time for everyone – and she says he’s doing the best he can for his kids. As a parent, it’s all he can do, right?

Chase puts the keys on the floor in the nook and Wiley sees.

Willow tells Drew, it was nice of Chase to stop by and check on them, wasn’t it? He wished Drew a speedy recovery and he meant it because he’s a kind and generous person. And even though he hates Drew for what he’s done to her – and Chase does hate him – he’s able to put all that aside, but she just couldn’t. She doesn’t know if he’ll find this a consolation, but he didn’t have a stroke. She drugged him with this medicine – she shows him the vial – and as long as he receives his regular dosage, he’ll stay just like this, and she needs him to stay just like this because she needs to make sure that he never has power over her, or anyone, again. But that’s going to take time and effort on her part. She shows him the syringe and approaches the bed. She says, until then, his money, connections, and the power of attorney he signed over to her, are all going to help her forge a new life for herself and for her children that’s all hers. A life where she’s in control. He didn’t leave her a choice, and she swears she tried really hard to come up with one. This was only way back into her children’s lives. She puts the contents of the syringe into his IV and says, so for now, she needs him to stay on this medication.

On Monday, Laura tells Chase and Dante that Anna isn’t coming back as Police Commissioner; Valentin says Carly always knows the right buttons to push; and Felicia tells Jason that she has a message for him from Anna.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

This could definitely be good if she tortures him for a while.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-willow-confesses-she-doesnt-necessarily-feel-proud-says-katelyn-macmullen-excl/

Everyone should have a side gig.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-star-ryan-paevey-shares-a-special-look-into-his-personal-life-with-fans/

This was never a regular show for me, but he was in one of my favorite kick boxing videos.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-stars-remember-kristoff-st-john-on-the-anniversary-of-his-passing/

I don’t think any of us expected it to ever happen.

https://ew.com/susan-lucci-recalls-stunned-disbelief-when-she-won-first-daytime-emmy-after-18-losses-11898932

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

The beginning was basically an introduction to the crew. There were familiar faces – Daisy as chief stew, deckhand João, and my favorite chef, Chef Ben. I tuned in late and someone was crying already, but I didn’t even know everyone’s names yet, much less why there was crying so soon. It was the crossover with The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and So. Very. Noisy. Ben was very restrained, especially since his sous chef Alesia seems like an idiot. For me, the less time spent in the kitchen the better, but even I knew more. One of the deckhands said the guests sounded like the group at his local pub, but Daisy summed it up best when she said, these bitches are next level delulu.

The new cast.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/below-deck-down-under-season-4-cast-official-bios-photos-details

Summer House

I immediately found it depressing that, at their age, this group was still gathering for summer parties that always ended up both literally and figuratively messy. You could smell the break-up brewing between Kyle and Amanda. The best thing about the episode was the party theme, a carnival that included a petting zoo. I just hope the animals got to safety before beer cans were crushed against foreheads. This show is just sad anymore.

Vanderpump Rules

This was even worse than Summer House. They’re the right age for messy parties and lives, but that’s about all that’s going on with them. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry about Shayne breaking up – if that’s what they want to call it – with Angelica. After her initial immature reaction, they were still walking down the aisle in her head. Girl, when they guy says he’s not good enough for you, believe him. Luckily, it was World Dog Day and LVP gave a speech. She said she knew the names of all the dogs who walked by, but not the owners. Same. Tom Schwartz also made an appearance.

Southern Charm

Salley is an agent of chaos all right, but Craig isn’t much better. I just don’t get the constant rivalry Craig feels for Austen. But then again, I don’t get what all the girls see in Austen. The dating style of this group is very high school, but it might have something to do with the small pool. They need to get out once in a while. Madison managed to.

Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills

Dorit is an idiot who’s become even more insufferable now that she’s sans PK. Her pearl clutching faces make me want to scream. I’m no Amanda fan, but I had to agree when she said she wanted to get through a dinner without being verbally accosted by Dorit. The others actually disagreed, but why shouldn’t she want one freaking dinner in peace? But when Amanda asked for that, Dorit pivoted to Amanda having once been in a cult. Not only did this have nothing to do with the topic at hand, but it was also Dorit’s attempt to out Amanda. They all made it sound like it was a big secret, and Kyle called it a deep dive. It’s not very deep when it’s right there on Google. Dorit found it on a public blog, so… Poor Rachel broke down, dealing with the viralness of her upcoming divorce, but she still managed to be the voice of reason.

The Valley: Persian Style

Sky insisted on going home, so Bamshad had to follow, but she wasn’t happy with his lack of support as she cursed everyone out. She insisted she’s not snobby, but in the next breath said everyone was beneath her. 🤯 Golnesa was still looking at houses beyond her means, and realized she’d have to rely on Dennis once more. He seems surprisingly easy-going about her tirades. Mercedeh is now working for Mauricio, who still manages to pop up everywhere on Bravo. He does seem like he’d be a good boss though. Tanin hosted a girls night where there was lots and lots of wonderful food, and RJ hosted a boys night that Reza described as minimal and broke down. In their interview, Adam said, it was definitely girls night for the win.

Random Reality Items

Say no more – I’m in!

So does this mean they won’t be acting like high schoolers or are they just taking that act to the city?

Good for her. And I don’t hate a Kinder-Bueno.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Wicked Little Letters. Hulu. I loved this movie. Based on a true story, the town saint begins to get anonymous letters of a profane nature. The town free spirit is immediately suspected, even thought the two were once friends. Funny AF, but also poignant without going to the cornfield. It was one of those movies where I couldn’t stop smiling.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. HBO/MAX. This was an excellent film. I wouldn’t quite call it horror, although it was a bit like Polanski’s Repulsion. Or maybe even Rosemary’s Baby. It was ultimately about a woman not being heard. A lot of the protagonist ’s angst comes from a parenting standpoint, but even though I’m only parent to four-legged creatures, I identified. Rose Byrne was amazing, leading the cast, as were Conan O’Brien as her therapist and A$AP Rocky as a friend she meets along the way.

https://www.polygon.com/if-i-had-legs-id-kick-you-hbo-max/

Falling Skies. Netflix. This is not a new series, but it’s new to Netflix and was new to me. Aliens aren’t on my short list of genres, except for the original V, but it still involved an apocalypse of sorts, so I was like, why not? The cast is good, the story’s not awful, and the effects are adequate. But I just kept wondering, if this life is so intelligent, why are they clunking around in armor that just seemed to get in the way of any movement? It’s also not clear why these monsters are here, although I assume all will be revealed. I haven’t finished watching it yet, but I’m in for the rest of it. I like having a series on tap that I can throw in on a Sunday night.

https://movieweb.com/falling-skies-stream-netflix-january-2026-sci-fi-action/

The rest of my line-up included Fallout on Amazon Prime (only one more episode… sniff…), The Beauty on Hulu (doling episodes out like methadone), and Beyond the Gates on Paramount+ (why did they move People’s Court to 2 pm?).  

🔮 Watch Of the (Near) Future…

Ghouls have hopes too.

https://extratv.com/2026/02/04/fallout-walton-goggins-on-hopes-for-the-ghoul-and-cooper-in-season-3-exclusive/

Bad to the Bowl.

https://people.com/who-is-performing-at-the-2026-super-bowl-11896597

Only watching it for the ads.

https://ew.com/jurassic-park-reunion-super-bowl-sam-neill-laura-dern-jeff-goldblum-exclusive-11896974

Olympic entertainment.

https://ew.com/winter-olympics-2026-performers-11898843

It’s truly a new world. No, really. How did he get this gig?

🏆 Not Your Grammy’s Grammy…

The winners.

https://ew.com/grammy-awards-2026-winners-list-11892584

The best and worst moments.

https://ew.com/grammys-2026-best-worst-moments-11896738

And most important, the fashion.

https://ew.com/grammys-2026-red-carpet-photos-11894866

I actually like Miley Cyrus’s jacket, but it looks cumbersome. And I see Billie Eilish wearing Wednesday.

https://www.purewow.com/news/grammys-red-carpet-fashion

This is just beautiful.

https://www.purewow.com/news/grammys-2026-best-look

🎤 Four-Fifths Of a Reunion…

Just because I like them. Loved the fashion back in the day too.

https://ew.com/spice-girls-reunion-viva-forever-amid-victoria-beckham-family-drama-11900149

🐶 Sunday Goes To the Dogs…

🐕 The competition.

https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/puppy-bowl-2026-photos-see-adorable-shelter-dogs-competing-year

🐾 Meet the players.

https://www.today.com/video/meet-the-cats-and-pups-of-the-2026-great-american-rescue-bowl-257273413830

🐕‍🦺 Almost as good as when the Golden Retriever peed in the ring at Westminster. The audience applauded and a good time was had by all except the handler, who was mortified.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/06/entertainment/video/puppy-bowl-puppies-john-berman-vrtc-digvid

🐩 Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Puppy Bowl, including past Bowls.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl

🥇 Best Of the Best…

Last, but not least – God loves a terrier.

https://ew.com/westminster-dog-show-catherine-ohara-best-in-show-tribute-11899177

🎺 Quotes of the Week

Our ancestors achieved far more with far less. – Kristian Smith

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. – Anais Nin

Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly. – Franz Kafka

You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it. – Robin Williams

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. – Warren Buffett

Kites rise highest against the wind—not with it.Winston Churchill

I just want to eat shrimp and die alone. – Bailey Taylor, Summer House

The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love. Please, we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love. – Bad Bunny, Grammy Awards

So Sabrina Carpenter releases a dove, and everyone is up in arms, yet it’s okay for several poor groundhogs to be yanked from their hibernation for no reason whatsoever. Priorities.

🥶 Getting Cold Feet…

Until next time, stay safe; stay keeping your faucets dripping if it’s below freezing; and stay leaving other people’s keys alone.