Apparently, he’s the picture of good parenting. I’m totally in agreement with how Denise is handling this. She’s right. Her daughter is 18, and she’ll do what she wants, with or without her parents’ approval. If Denise had come down on her, she’d only distance herself.
When was she a good fit? When she accused the Richards sisters of smoking meth? When she slapped LVP? When she weaseled her way onto the show by attacking Denise? When?
On the other hand, I think these two should have their own spin-off. Poor Sutton. Awkward for sure, and perhaps at times inappropriate, but not malicious.
Hopefully, all will be well in the world of soap tomorrow, so stop by for some, along with tea, weekly quotes, and a piece of music from the vast catalog in my brain. Until then, stay safe, stay not making snap judgements, and stay not posting cryptic things on social media. It’s just annoying, and screams, desperate need for attention.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Chase sits in front of the TV, shirtless, eating a bowl of kids’ cereal. His phone rings, and Brook asks where he is. They were supposed to meet at the pool. He says, he’s watching the game… Shot put violation. Dammit! She asks what he’s eating, and he says, cereal. She says, so he’s watching the game and eating cereal when he could be hanging out at the pool with her? He says, yep… No, he means he’ll be there soon. She says, when? and he says, soon. He looks at the TV, and says, come on!
Sonny asks what Nina is doing, and she says she was just headed home. He asks if she can reconsider that and stay with him. Please? She says she really shouldn’t, but he says he’ll make it worth her while. He takes her hand, and they go to a table.
Dante comes back to his table, and Sam says, so, Sonny and Nina? He says he’s going to make like they’re not here, and she calls him a chicken. He says, totally, but he’s here with her and doesn’t want family drama ruining his night. She says, good. That gives him more time to fill her in on what kind of trouble he and Cody got in back in the day.
Cody watches as Zelda goes into a hotel room. Spinelli comes out with a room service tray, and Cody ducks back. Spinelli takes a bite of something, dashes back in the room, and puts the do not disturb sign on the door handle. Cody comes out, and says, this is getting interesting.
As he’s going into The Savoy, Curtis gets a text from Selina: Making some last minute arrangements for tonight. TJ joins him, and Curtis asks what he’s doing here. TJ says he went by Curtis’s house to see Marshall, and found out Curtis was coming in early, so he thought he’d stop by. Curtis says he knows he owes TJ a conversation… but TJ says, Marshall explained everything. He came here to see about Curtis.
The kids sit around the campfire, and Finn asks Gregory, what’s the verdict? Did he overstep asking Gregory to speak to Cam? Gregory says, not at all. He thinks Cameron appreciated it. Finn says, the kid has some weight on his shoulders right now, but Gregory says he thinks Cameron is strong enough to carry it. If he isn’t, he has Finn to help. Finn says he doesn’t think Cameron wants his help, but Gregory says, give him time. His bet is, Cameron will come around.
Wyatt hands Aiden the guitar, and Cameron says, Aiden is holding it wrong. Does he want Cameron to show him? Aiden says he wants to learn himself. Back off.
Trina and Josslyn go into The Highsider, which looks like a biker bar, but a really, really nice biker bar. Trina says they should have stopped and gotten a fake tattoo before they got here, and Josslyn says, not really her vibe. Trina says, never mind the aesthetics. They need to blend in so they can get some answers. Josslyn says, this place is pretty close to Spring Ridge, which is where Esme interns, and very convenient to pick up an untraceable phone. Trina says, so what now? She doubts there’s a counter that sells black market cell phones, or a guy that says, hi, can I help you? Josslyn says, Trina is hilarious when she’s out of place. They just need to stay calm, and the main goal, they just need to strike up a conversation with the clientele. A guy comes over and asks if they’re lost or something.
Maxie says, if these sticks are more to Austin’s satisfaction, have at them. She, for one, is more invested in the chocolate. He says he loves chocolate, but she should know, he’s a marshmallow man, and a gooey marshmallow is what defines a s’more. They hear something in the woods, and Maxie says, what was that?
Chase gets to the pool, and Brook says, finally. His pina colada is melting. He says, sorry; it was a great game. The lead changed nine times in the last two minutes, and the 3.5 favorite lost on a buzzer beater. She says, nice, and he says, nice? She says, it’s heartbreaking for the 3 point favorite. Is Chase going to swim tonight? It’s perfect weather. He says he’s just going to sip on this pina colada. He picks up his drink, and says he’s really glad she asked him to hang out tonight. He knows she’s been focused on taking down Linc, but they need a break, a night to just chill. Brook says, uh-huh, and looks at the doorway where Linc is talking to Selina. Chase says he guesses that was just too much to ask for.
Curtis says he appreciates TJ giving him and Marshall space to talk to Aunt Stella. He’s sure TJ has his own questions, but it really meant a lot. TJ says, Curtis needed answers. Now that he has them, how is he feeling? Curtis says he’s not going to lie; confused. It’s a lot to process. TJ says, for him as well. Even though he’s a medical professional, he felt a pit in his stomach when he saw Marshall’s medication. And when he said that his diagnosis was schizophrenia, he had an immediate visceral reaction. Curtis says, that’s understandable. Medical strides have come a long way, but it is a complicated diagnosis. He wonders how Marshall felt, hearing that 40 years ago, and TJ says, he must have been terrified. Not only from the stigma, but what could happen to him. Curtis says, which is why he chose to leave and stayed gone for so long, and TJ says, at least Curtis knows it wasn’t out of neglect. It was out of love for him and TJ’s father. Marshall wanted to protect them, even from himself, if it came to that.
Nina says, cheers, but Sonny says, it’s bad luck to toast with water. Nina is out of luck in the drinking buddy department tonight. She says she’s heard about that, but what if the water is as sparkly as his eyes? He laughs, and she says, besides, she’s had all the bad luck a person is allotted in one lifetime… and she’s to blame for most of it. He says he doesn’t want to tempt fate, but he thinks her luck is going to turn around. She says, do tell, and he says, because the hearing is over. No more secrets and betrayal; no more waiting for the other shoe to drop. The divorce is over, and he thinks it’s time they stopped denying there’s something between them. Is there?
Maxie says, Austin heard that, right? and he says he did. It’s probably nothing; nature’s noisy. She says he’s right. She needs to stop watching slasher movies before she goes to sleep. He says, that can’t help; does it help? They hear twigs break, and Maxie says, that was definitely something. He says, it’s probably just a fox, but she says, that doesn’t make her feel any better, and he says, stay here for a second while he checks it out. She grabs his arm and says, he’s not leaving her. He says, okay, let’s go to the camp, and she takes his arm. He says, skunk? Maybe it’s a skunk. She says, it’s definitely time to go, and they turn around. They’re startled to find Gregory with Violet there, and Violet says, boo!
Cameron tells Aiden, relax. He was just trying to help. Aiden says, he just wants to figure this out on his own, and Cameron says, okay. Jake says, relax. Cam crushes on the guitar. He’ll have Aiden playing in no time. Aiden says, Cam won’t always be around; he’s in college. And Jake will be in college soon too. And if mom doesn’t come back… He just needs to learn stuff by himself. Okay? Jake says, he doesn’t need to get upset. Cam was just trying to help. Finn gets Wyatt’s attention, and Wyatt steps away with him. Wyatt says, do you need me, Dr. Finn? and Finn says he needs a favor; two actually. Wyatt says, of course (🍷). How can he be of assistance? Finn asks Wyatt to call him Finn. He appreciates Wyatt acknowledging the whole doctor thing, but all his friends call him Finn, and he’d like to think of Wyatt as one of them. Wyatt says he’d like to think so too, and Finn says, so no more doctor. Wyatt says, no more doctor. What’s the other favor? Finn says, Aiden is going through a pretty tough time right now. He was wondering if Wyatt could include him in whatever he’s doing. It’s probably not enough time for him to learn guitar before the singalong tonight, but if Wyatt could include him in some other way, Finn would like him to participate. Wyatt says he thinks he knows of a way. Leave it to me, Doc… Finn.
Trina tells the bar guy, they’re not lost; they’re just from out of town. Josslyn says, they heard about this place, and thought they’d come check it out. Trina says, it’s a definite vibe, and the guy says, they’re a little older than the usual clientele. Josslyn says, sometimes they like to hang around people who are different than their friends, but he says, that’s not what he meant. They got ID? Josslyn says, yes, and they fish ID’s out of their bags. He looks at them, and says, okay, Jane and Kara. He hates to break it to them, but these are totally bogus.
Wyatt asks if Aiden can help him with something, and Aiden says, sure. Wyatt says he’s thinking of switching the song for the campfire singalong. Can he play some possibilities, and Aiden can help him pick the best one? Aiden says, sure.
Cameron tells Finn, it seems that Wyatt found a way to make Aiden feel better, and Finn says, good. He’s glad everything worked out. Cameron says, it’s almost as if someone knew, to make Aiden feel better, he needed to be in control of the situation, especially with everything in his life spinning out of control. Finn says he guesses the important thing is, Aiden is coming to terms with his emotions, right? It doesn’t matter how it happens. Cameron says, actually, it does.
Trina says her license isn’t bogus, and neither is Kara’s. They would never do something like that. The guy says, really? If they’re both 23, tell him about dimpled chads. Trina says, they’re really cute guys, and Josslyn says, boy band. He says, not even close. Beat it. He hands back the IDs, and says, next time, invest in better fakes. Trina says, that’s actually why they came. They heard there’s somebody who can get things like that; phony IDs, unregistered phones. Josslyn says, they can pay in cash, and he looks at the bartender and says, that’s the guy they’re looking for, but make it quick. He leaves, and Josslyn says, Trina sure got over her jitters quickly. Trina says she wasn’t about to let their last hope go down the drain. They say desperation gives you strength.
Zelda tells Spinelli, she’s done dealing with that parachuting charlatan. That was not part of their agreement, but don’t worry. Cody listens outside the door, and she says she handled Dr. Westbourne. No lawsuit; no chance of exposing what’s really going on here.
Sam says, so summer camp? and Dante says, he was twelve. His buddy Tommy Fazio had just gotten busted for shoplifting, and his mother was convinced he was going to be next. Sam says, and off he went, and he says he wasn’t thrilled about nature, but then it dawned on him that he’d be away from his mother, and the 200 other relatives who lived near them, and whose sole purpose in life was to guide him and supervise him. She says, she’s assuming nature was the downside, and he says, nature to him was the church parking lot, and playing stickball. He wasn’t opposed to nature, but it wasn’t his first choice. Sam says, on the upside, no supervision, and he says, limited supervision. There were counselors, but at least he was related to any of them. She says, and then he met Cody, and he says, yeah. Most of the kids there were like him, city kids. Cody was a country kid. He was different; he was comfortable out there. He saw Cody, and thought he should take some pointers from that kid. She says, Cody seems to want to remind him of the trouble they got in back in the day, and Dante says, he does. They had some good times.
TJ says he’s surprised Curtis came to work tonight. Isn’t the owner entitled to take a night off now and then? He tells TJ, sure, when Selina arrives, and he says, but he has something going on tonight.
Chase says, something tells him tonight wasn’t just about hanging out. Did Brook know Linc would be here? She says, so? She saw Linc checking in, in the lobby earlier. Don’t jump to conclusions. She knew Linc was up to something, and she was right. Chase tells her not to jump to conclusions, and she asks if he saw Linc talking to Selina Wu. Fishy, right? He says, Selina Wu has never been convicted of anything. In the eyes of the law, Linc isn’t committing a crime by associating with her. Brook says, don’t give her the whole eyes of the law thing. Isn’t his detective’s intuition tingling? He says, his detective’s intuition tells him that she’s trying to make up excuses to go after Linc. She says she doesn’t need an excuse; he’s holding her songs hostage. He tells her, he said he’d help her get her songs back, but she has to let him take the lead. They have to do it the right way. She says, he just doesn’t get it. Music to most people is something they listen to when they’re bored, but to her, it’s home… grounding… purpose… it’s her life. Ever since her mom took her to Tower Records on West 4th Street and Broadway to get a Jets cassette. He says he doesn’t know that band, and she says they’ll go over his deprived childhood another time. Ever since she knew she could sing, it was the only thing she wanted to do. Now she can’t sing, but thanks to him, she can participate in that part of her life through her song writing. It’s the only thing she has left in that area of her life… Oh hell. Linc’s coming over here. Linc strolls over, and asks how his favorite personal ATM is doing this fine… She asks why he’s back, and he says he’s just relaxing in Port Charles, in between taking meetings about her catalog. It’s amazing how much more valuable those songs are without her attached to them. Chase gets up, and tells Linc, it’s time to take a walk. Linc puts up his hands, and says, he’s just living life; enjoying the night. Brook knows he’d never do anything to upset her. He only wanted her to know how profitable her songs are; profitable for him anyway. He intends to continue tapping that. He leaves, and Chase puts on his shirt. Brook says, just let him be. He’s just trying to press her buttons. Chase says he’s just going to have a little conversation with him, and goes over to the bar. He asks when Linc is going to get it through his thick skull, leave Brook alone. Brook goes through Linc’s jacket pockets, and Linc tells Chase that he’s just making conversation, but Chase says, Linc is harassing her. The lewd innuendos, the rubbing it in her face that he cheated her out of her songs. Who the hell does he think he is talking to her like that? Brook takes out a card from The Savoy, and Chase says, he doesn’t care if Linc is on some big power trip – Brook turns the card over and sees, 11 pm, Password: Vesper – or he just gets off on being cruel, but Linc doesn’t talk like that to her again – ever.
Selina says, Curtis’s business continues to thrive. Who’s his friend? Curtis says, this is his nephew, Dr. Ashford, and Selina says, a pleasure to meet him. TJ says, her as well, and Curtis asks TJ to order them a round; N’neka knows what he likes. He needs to talk to Miss Wu. He says, he got her text; is there a problem? She says, thankfully, no. Curtis went off the grid to deal with a family matter. Curtis says he’s sure his staff and her nephew handled things quite nicely while he was away, but she says, nonetheless, she was compelled to confirm the details with him for tonight’s game. There is a very influential player who will be joining them for the first time.
Dante tells Sam, one of the activities at camp was horseback riding. The closest he’d been to a horse was when they’d go to the city as kids, and see them pulling carriages in Central Park, or cops mounted on patrol. So there he is, twelve years old, staring up at this giant beast, its nostrils flaring, and he’s thinking, I don’t want to get on that beast. So Cody sees this, and comes over, and Dante is thinking, great. This guy is going to give him a hard time because he’s scared, but Cody didn’t. He was super chill, and taught him how to stand, how to approach the horse, how to be respectful toward the horse. Dante was comfortable with the horse, the horse was comfortable with him, and Cody said, horses can sense human emotion; it’s their gift. At that point, Dante figured he was a good guy, and they’ve had each other’s backs ever since. Sam says, the guy’s got layers. She thinks that’s why Dante’s been able to tolerate some of the more questionable ones. Dante says, he may be screw up for sure, but he’s got a heart of gold.
Spinelli comes out of the hotel room, and Cody clears his throat. Spinelli asks if he can help Cody, but Cody says, he thinks they can help each other. He knows what’s really going on with Spinelli and Zelda. So let’s talk about what it will take to keep it quiet.
Sonny says, Nina got quiet all of a sudden. Did he say something uncomfortable? She says she doesn’t feel uncomfortable, but she’s maybe giving pause. As much as she loves sitting across the table from him, she can’t help noticing his own son hasn’t even acknowledged their existence since they sat down. Sonny looks over, and nods to Dante. He tells Nina, that’s just Dante. He’s just enjoying himself like Sonny is. Don’t worry about Dante; he’s been very non-judgmental. She says, even after the hearing? He can’t be okay with what Sonny said, or that he’s with her. Sonny takes her hand and asks if she wants to go someplace else that’s more their speed. She puts her other hand on his.
Violet says, they don’t have to be scared. Did they really think it was a bear? Maxie says, maybe she overreacted, but in all fairness, she didn’t expect to see people that far away from the campsite. Gregory says he’s sorry if they started them. He’s found he can’t resist the charm of a certain granddaughter. When she asked to come along to gather sticks for… Violet says, s’mores. Can they make them now? Austin says, there we go. A girl after his own heart. He loves a good s’more. He can eat ten s’mores. Can Violet do that? Violet nods, and he says, let’s see. They’ll wash the sticks, get them dry, and he promises he won’t munch any marshmallows in the meantime. Violet giggles.
The bartender asks what he can get Josslyn and Trina, and Josslyn says, IDs and an unregistered phone. Trina says, they heard he’s someone who can hook them up, and he says, heard it from who? They look at the bar guy, and the bartender says he might know a guy. They both want IDs? Josslyn says, actually, they want the phone first, and it should have working email, internet, and a camera. Does he have phones that could handle all of that? He says, well, sure. It’ll set them back about a grand. Is that a problem? Josslyn says, no, and puts her bag on the bar, but Trina says, wait. They’ve been burned before. They don’t want to get scammed again. Their friend said she got her phone here, and she wants to make sure he’s the right guy. She shows him a picture of Esme on her phone, and asks if he remembers selling a phone to her.
Sonny and Nina walk into Charlie’s, and she says, he’s absolutely right. This is more their scene. He tells her to grab a table, and he’ll get the drinks, but she says, how about if he grabs a table. This round is on her. She goes to the bar, and he smiles.
Chase says, why doesn’t Linc be decent for once in his life, and relinquish control of Brook’s songs; or at least split the profits with her? Linc asks if Chase is her manager all of a sudden. Is he looking for a payday? She’s already rich; she’s not hurting for cash with that family of hers. Linc walks over to Brook and says, a man can’t get a drink in peace. She has to sic her pit bull on him? Chase tells Linc, watch his tone, and the entire conversation was his idea. Linc says, next time he gets the urge, don’t, and Chase says, keep clear of Brook and they won’t have to worry about that. Linc picks up his jacket, and says, don’t worry. He has better places to be. He leaves, and Brook says, she bets he does. Chase says, what? and she asks what Chase said to him? Chase says, just that he can’t talk to her like that again. He’s sorry he lost his cool. She says, don’t apologize. It was incredibly reactive and old school, and really… and it was the perfect diversion. Linc’s up to no good, and now she knows what.
Curtis tells Selina, everything’s ready. He’s honored their deal, even during his family emergency. She says, his family matter must have been most distressing. Are things better now? He asks if she really cares, and she says she knows he may not think of her as a friend, and that’s fair. But she can provide an ear if he needs to vent, as an ally. Their businesses are dependent on one another
Gregory shows Violet how to put marshmallows on the stick, and Cameron tells Finn, his dad is a really cool guy. Finn says, he is, and Cameron says, he helped explain this whole Title IX situation. Cameron assumes Finn asked Gregory to talk to him, and Finn says he hopes it was okay. Cameron says, it was; it really helped. He thanks Finn, and Finn says, he’s welcome. Finn just wants… Cameron says, Finn just wants what’s best for him and his brothers, because Finn cares about their mom and them. Finn says he does. They’ve been pretty great, the way they welcomed Violet. Cameron says, it’s not hard. Violet’s Violet. He’s sorry for jumping on Finn about his mom. He knows Finn only wanted to help. The truth is, he’s really scared, and seeing Aiden, he understands Aiden is scared too. Jake probably as well. Finn says he’ll let Cameron in on a secret. He’s a little scared himself, but he promises Cameron, they’ll get through this together. Cameron holds out his hand, and says, together, and they shake
The bartender says, he sold Esme a phone a while back. Kinda had an attitude on this one. Josslyn says, that sounds like Ezzie. Does he remember when she came in, around last January? He nods, and a tall bald guy comes between Trina and Josslyn, and says, hello. He knows them. Josslyn says, he doesn’t, but he says, he recognizes them both; they were all over the news a couple weeks ago. Josslyn says, he must be mistaken, but he says he never forgets pretty faces. He remembers everything about their story, and Trina’s father, the cop.
Nina says she knows it’s not the Tan-O, but with her and Sonny there, it’s close enough. That pocket universe where all the reasons why they shouldn’t be near each other disappear. That’s a fantasy, because they can’t go back to the way it was. He says, they can’t, but what they can do – now that it’s in the open – they can take the universe out of their pockets, and suddenly, they have free space. She says, free space to do what? and he says, to think about us and what happens next. He kisses her.
Dante asks if Sam wants to get out of here, and she says she would love nothing more. They get up, and Dante says, let’s go, but Cody appears, and says, they’re not going anywhere, are they? The party’s just getting started.
Chase says, Brook went through his coat pockets? and she says, focus Whatever’s happening is happening at The Savoy. He says, for starters, they don’t even know if there’s anything illegal going on, and she says, he had a password. Chase never saw that movie where all the guests were wearing masks and costumes, hiding their identities, so they could indulge themselves in debauchery and drugs? He says, at The Savoy? and she says, they know slimeball Linc’s involved. Chase says, they don’t want to rush into anything without a better understanding of what they’re dealing with. Because that would be reckless and counterproductive. She says, God forbid, and he asks what happened to them enjoying each other’s company on a fine summer’s evening? She says, he wins. Shouldn’t the winner get the next round? She leans back in the chaise, and when he goes to bar, she slips out.
Curtis passes Linc in the back, and does a double-take. TJ is at the bar, and Curtis says, he’s sorry. There’s a lot he wants to unpack with TJ about Marshall, but he can’t right now. TJ says he understands. He’ll just chill, and maybe they can talk later. Curtis says, Molly is home, right? Why not fill her in. He’s sure she wants to know everything, and the two of them can talk about it. TJ asks if Curtis is trying to get rid of him.
Trina says, her father isn’t a cop, and tall bald guy says, right. Former cop. The bartender says, what the hell is this, some kind of sting? Josslyn says, no. This man is making it up. Tall bald guy says, Josslyn’s the PCU campus porn queen, and puts his arm around her. She says, get off of me, you creep, and pushes him. He says, touchy, and Trina says, let her go. Bar guy tells him to leave Josslyn alone, and tall bald guy says, mind his own business. He punches bar guy, and a huge fight breaks out. Josslyn and Trina cringe.
Everyone sits around the campfire, and Violet says, Wyatt is going to play a song. He said Aiden picked out a good one. Cameron sings with Wyatt.
Curtis says he knows the situation with Marshall is on TJ’s mind, but if TJ sticks around, that’s all he’ll be thinking about too. Does that make sense? TJ says, it does. It’s been a long day for him too, anyway. How about if he stops by Curtis’s place first thing in the morning? Curtis doesn’t know about first thing, but that sounds fine. He thanks TJ for understanding, and they bro shake.
Selina finds Linc, and says, this way please, Mr. Brown. Curtis watches as Linc goes with her.
Some of the others sing along, and Wyatt and Curtis finish their song. Everyone applauds, and Maxie looks around for Austin, but he’s gone. She says, Austin?
In the woods, Austin says, all right. You made your point, but understand something. The next time you want to talk to me, you find me when I’m alone. You leave Maxie alone. Leave her friends out of it; leave her family out of it. Got it?… Now what do you want?
Nina asks Sonny if this is part of having the space to figure things out, and he says he guesses. She says she thinks she can get used to this, and they kiss again. She asks where this newfound wisdom came from, and he says he’s made peace with the idea that his life moving forward will look more like what they had in Nixon Falls, as opposed to his past here in Port Charles. There’s no going backwards, and Carly made it crystal clear that they’re done. She says she’s sorry. Is he saying that kiss just happened because he got in a fight with his ex-wife?
Dante says, Cody left. He hightailed it out of here. They thought he was long gone. Cody says, his bus doesn’t leave for a few hours. They can stick around for a little bit, right? For old time’s sake? Dante says he doesn’t think so. He’s taking this one – Sam nuzzles his shoulder – and getting out of here. It was good seeing him. Cody says, it was good seeing Dante too, and they bro hug. Dante says, hit him up if Cody’s ever in town again. Sam says, it was good to meet him, and Cody says, her too.
Spinelli comes back to the hotel room, and Zelda asks, what took him so long? She was getting worried. He says he had to make an unexpected trip to an ATM. They’ve got a problem. Mr. Bell is going to be an issue.
Cody goes to the bar, and tells N’neka that he’s looking for a Bradley Cooper. She says, he’s in the back room, down the corridor, to the left. He says he appreciates it, and heads for the back. In the hallway, he takes out a wad of cash.
On the phone, Chase tells Brook, okay. This is the second voicemail. He’s looked all over for her. She can’t be in the ladies room for this long. Where the hell is she?
At the entrance of The Savoy, Brook’s phone rings, but she ignores the call. She looks at herself in her camera, primps a little, and says, that’ll do in a rush. She wishes Chase was here. He doesn’t know what he’s missing. She goes inside.
The bar fight continues. A patron gets thrown across the room, a waitress cracks a chair over someone’s head, and there are head butts. We hear sirens, and Trina says, he’s getting away. The cops pull up, and Josslyn says, they need to get out now. Bar guy says, the cops, and Josslyn says, the cops.
Chase tells Brook that she’s in a far worse position than when she started; Brad tells Selina, there’s a problem with the game; Josslyn says, bust her, and let Trina go; and Drew tells Carly, he was hoping the rules could be bent for him a little.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Punta de Mita Mexico. The women get ready for their day, several of them using glam squads. In Erika’s interview, she says, she doesn’t mind downsizing except for the glam, but surprisingly, I agree with Crystal, who says, why spend the money? She just throws on some lip gloss. They meet for an amazing breakfast spread outside. Dorit says she didn’t sleep, and in her interview, she says she had a lot of anxiety going into this trip. She wasn’t sure she could do it. She’s been struggling, and toyed with the idea of going back home. It took a lot of conversations with PK to get her to a place where she can go through the trip and feel safe. In Erika’s interview, she says she spent many a morning waking up feeling hopeless. We flash back to her saying she’s taking Lexapro, and she says she’s trying to stay in the moment, not the past. She tells the others that she was called a bully in court, and in her interview, she asks if she’s supposed to take it and not fight for herself. No one is going to do it for her, and if that makes her a bully, so be it. Sutton says she wants to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), and Erika says she can help tutor. It doesn’t seem like she’s being sarcastic, so I can’t figure this one out. LisaR tells a story about talking to a medium around the time of Lois’s death and how she told them to look for birds. They noticed that the paintings in Lois’s hospice room had birds in them; then LisaR found a ceramic baby bird in her bag. Neither of these things seems earth shattering to me, but if they have meaning for LisaR, that’s what’s important. In LisaR’s interview, she says, everyone has an idea of what grief is like until they go through it themselves. She’s trying be open and honest about it. They toast to Lois as a bird flies by.
There’s a surfing instructor on the beach, and LisaR, Erika, and Crystal go for a lesson, while the others go shopping. As usual, Diana is taking her time, and in her interview, she says, traveling is the biggest privilege. For 18 years she couldn’t travel, and being near water is a luxury. The instructor tells the neophyte surfers that it’s like yoga. In Erika’s interview, she says she can couch surf, and I laugh. In LisaR’s interview, she says, there’s risk taker in her; it’s like a drug. She doesn’t know where she gets it from, since neither of her parents were that way, but she doesn’t want to break her neck. She has lipstick to sell. They all stink at surfing, and no one stays up on the surfboard. The other women go into town, and on the way, Kyle says, she and the family come here often; they have offices here. We see clips of her and Mauricio having a good time. The group goes to a bar/boutique, and Garcelle tells them about buying the beach house. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she’s envisioning it for weekends or when family is in town. She sees it as communal, although she’s saying that now… In Dorit’s interview, she says she had reservations, but now she’s in her element. There’s nothing like retail therapy. In Sutton’s interview, she says she always likes the most expensive thing in the store; it’s a gift. I identify, but don’t have her budget. LisaR tells the Crystal and Erika that they’ll say they surfed. Diana arrives, and Erika says, the others pussed out and went shopping. Kyle buys the same kind of lingerie you could get at Victoria’s Secret, and I wonder, why that? Dorit says there were strong feelings with Crystal last night, and Sutton says, they’re starting their friendship from the beginning, but she has a problem with Crystal twisting words. Kyle says she thinks it’s bigger than that. Meanwhile, Erika tells Crystal that she has to have the hard conversation. What’s going on?
Erika says, Sutton called Crystal a liar, and we flash back to that. She says, Sutton will never stop coming for Crystal, but I think it looks like it’s the other way around. Crystal says she doesn’t want conflict, but Erika says, Sutton invited it. She called you a liar last night, baby. If you don’t open your mouth, you allow others to fill in the story for you. Erika is spot-on there, but clearly she’s trying to stir up a fight between Crystal and Sutton. Crystal says she’s doing her best, and Erika says, if she doesn’t stand up and fight for her side, she’ll be run over. Crystal starts crying, and Erika tells her, it’s going to be all right. In Diana’s interview, she says, Erika is straight to the point, and doesn’t mince words. She responds well to that. Crystal needs to grow bigger balls. Erika says, Crystal can’t take being called a liar on the chin. At the boutique, Sutton says she thinks Crystal is a good person, and Kyle asks if Sutton just doesn’t want a problem with her. Sutton says she’s not scared of anyone, and Kyle tells her, when Erika says something, she’s being reactive, but Crystal is more manipulative, which makes her scarier. Sutton says she wants to help Crystal be better. Friends don’t go behind your back and tell lies. Garcelle says she heard Crystal had done that to other friends, and in Sutton’s interview, she says she heard from a friend who was also Crystal’s friend, that it’s a behavior pattern. Kyle says, Crystal wants to be liked and have approval. She wants to look good, so she makes Sutton look bad,. In her interview, Kyle says she heard about this, but she has no intention of talking about it. She wants to give Crystal the benefit of the doubt, but it’s not matching up. On the beach, Erika tells Crystal, it’s not okay, and in LisaR’s interview, she says, she heard about Crystal falling out with 14 friends; she knows some of them. Being dropped by 14 friends is a lot. She doesn’t even have 14 friends. Erika says, calling her a liar is the worst thing you can do, and we flash back to several times Erika has put her finger in someone’s face for just that. Hmm… Who’s the common denominator? She says she’s torn up a few people about it. Kyle wonders what Crystal has to gain by throwing Sutton under the bus, even though she just explained that herself two seconds ago. Dorit says, Crystal was defending herself to Garcelle, and we flash back to Crystal saying, a lot more was said that was dark. Kyle suggests Crystal wants to be liked and look like a victim at the same time. Crystal and Erika go to the tiki bar, and Crystal broods. Erika says, it will be fine; just tell your truth. In Crystal’s interview, she says she thinks Erika is biased because of her history with Sutton for sure, but she also thinks Erika’s advice comes from a good place. Erika wants to protect her. Sutton is relentless, and Erika doesn’t want to see her walked over. Kyle asks if Sutton wants Crystal to admit she created this whole thing, but Sutton says, that’s on Crystal.
Kyle squeals about giant bugs or lizards or something in her room. In her interview, she says, note to self: shut the door when you leave. Next it will be an iguana. LisaR visits Erika’s room, and tells her that today was a nice distraction. When she came back, she had a good cry. Erika says, it’s therapeutic, and Kyle calls. Erika says, they were smarter to go shopping; they had their asses kicked. Kyle asks how Crystal is, and LisaR says, she cried the whole time. Kyle asks what was said, and Erika says she doesn’t remember, but Crystal cried to her through three margaritas. Kyle asks if they want to help her iron, but has no takers. I wonder, who irons anymore? And let me just point out that Crystal was having a fine time until Erika prodded the tears out of her.
The women get super dressed up, and go to a gorgeous outside table. Both Crystal and Diana are wearing bird earrings in honor of Lois, and LisaR says she’s been seeing birds all day, like this would be unusual here. LisaR asks if Diana wants to tell the story about her Room 23 book, and Diana says she thinks they already did. We see a clip of them discussing a book Diana put together, and the women encourage Diana to talk about it, but she obviously doesn’t want to. In Diana’s interview, she says, she doesn’t want to discuss it. It took a lot of money and time to achieve the book she wanted, and it backfired; rumors started. We see an article from Jezebel where it says, Diana’s subjects are all clients and call girls. From what we see of the book, it looks like artsy/nakey pictures. A producer says, so Diana isn’t a sex trafficker or high-class madam? and Diana says, it’s so ridiculous. She can’t believe it caught on. It’s very dangerous. Fake rumors can destroy your life. It was a painful time. Some people come out to do a ceremony for a cleaning of energy. First, they have to drink a shot of black tea, and in Crystal’s interview, she says she’ll do anything. She’ll pour it over her head or bathe in it. She needs the energy cleansed. A woman goes around burning (I assume) sage, and in LisaR’s interview, she says she doubts this will make them have a good dinner, but she’s willing to try. In Erika’s interview, she says, all the sage in Sageville won’t cleanse this. A guy blows a conch shell, everyone is startled, and Kyle and Dorit scream. Kyle asks what the women did after surfing, and Erika says, they talked about last night. Garcelle asks for specifics, and Erika says, Sutton called Crystal a liar. She would have to ask who gave Sutton that information. In Sutton’s interview, she says she could say she had a conversation with Jesus, and Erika still wouldn’t like it.
Erika says, Sutton told them she’d talked other people in Crystal’s group of friends. Who’s in the group, what did they say, and how does it fit in here? Sutton says, when you have a reputation for doing this… In Crystal’s interview, she says, Sutton has no idea what happened with her friends. Sutton has never met them, so she doesn’t want to breathe life into it. Sutton says, other people heard it, and LisaR says she has. Erika says if she’s not willing to tell them, why bring it up? Crystal said she feels like an easy target, and nothing she says will be good enough. In Kyle’s interview, she says she’s not buying it. She just doesn’t like Sutton; be honest. In Sutton’s interview, she says, they could have been talking about a lot of things. Why not talk about where Erika is with her legal stuff? Garcelle says, when Crystal stays quiet, it feels like they’re ganging up on her, and Crystal says, she knows her choice of words can be confusing; that’s on her, but she’s trying. Sutton says, Crystal keeps attacking her character, and Crystal says, Sutton attacked hers. Sutton says, she apologizes for bringing up hearsay, and Crystal says, rumors. Sutton says, that was unfair, and she takes it back, but she’s not taking back saying that Crystal has done this repeatedly to her, and she needs to stop that. Crystal says, Sutton needs to understand how she feels, and Sutton tries to interject, but Erika says, let her finish. Garcelle asks why Erika is all in this. Let them figure it out. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she thinks Erika is tired of talking about herself, so she’s making up for lost time, getting in the mix with everyone else. Crystal says, moving forward in her and Sutton’s friendship is important to her, and Sutton says she needs to hear Crystal say it, that she’s not going to do that to her again, so she can trust Crystal. She genuinely likes Crystal and wants to be her friend, Crystal says, Sutton also said she hated her, and Sutton says she hates what Crystal did. Everyone agrees that’s not how Sutton put it, and in Diana’s interview, she says, Sutton just contradicted herself again. She’s realizing there’s more to Sutton than she thought. And not in a good way. Sutton says she’s a good person, and Diana says she didn’t say Sutton wasn’t. Sutton says, let her finish, but Diana says she’s trying to find a solution. This frustrates Sutton more, and she tells Diana that she’s going to keep saying it until Diana hears her. In her interview, Diana says, Sutton’s reaction is shocking and embarrassing. To turn on someone who’s trying to help isn’t normal behavior. Kyle says, Diana is just trying to diffuse the situation, and Diana says, Sutton told her at their first lunch that she didn’t respond well to yelling, and wasn’t violent, yet Sutton just screamed at her. Sutton says she needs a break, and Kyle asks if she needs someone to come with her. She and Sutton leave, and go to the bathroom, Kyle tells Sutton, it’s not that big a deal, and to take a breath.
In Sutton’s interview, she says she’s trying to be calm. She doesn’t want to look crazy. At the table, Dorit says, Sutton’s aggression was misdirected; Diana felt genuine and kind. Diana gets all weepy, but says she’s good. In her interview, she says, this is the most vulnerable she’s been in many years. Being hormonal post-pregnancy makes you more vulnerable and softer. She likes to appear like she’s got it together even when she doesn’t. Kyle tells Sutton to hold her head high. She lost it for a second, but she got it together. Garcelle says, everyone is too much. She can’t eat her artichoke. Sutton comes back, and says she’s sorry. She asks if she and Diana are good, and Erika says, Diana started crying. Sutton says she lost her cool, and she’s sorry. Diana says, it’s all good, and Diana, Crystal, and Dorit go to the bathroom to fix Diana’s makeup. Kyle says, Crystal put herself in this position, and Garcelle says, Crystal takes it, literally caves in with her body language, and that makes it feel like Sutton is coming for her. Kyle says, that’s the victim card. She thinks it’s intentional. In her interview, Kyle says, Crystal wants sympathy. She doesn’t feel comfortable, and she guesses Crystal thinks this is the best way get their attention. But guess what? It’s not. Erika asks if they really believe Crystal is manipulative. She doesn’t think Crystal has ever been challenged by a friend group, and Kyle says, maybe the 14 friends challenged her. In Kyle’s interview, Crystal must have done a little something wrong to piss off 14 friends. Garcelle doesn’t think Crystal is to be trusted, and Kyle says, she’s intentionally murky. Erika warns them that she’s coming back, and not to say what they don’t want heard. Kyle says, they need to move on, and Garcelle tells Sutton not to say her and Crystal’s friendship is great. Sutton says, they’ll grow from where they are, and Erika says, they’ll get past what this is. Crystal has to stick up for herself. Dorit says, Crystal felt genuine, and Sutton says she’s willing to start over to build a friendship. She wants to. LisaR says, lovely, and Kyle throws a piece of bread at her.
Next time, Diana says, Sutton could have gotten head-butted when she came for her; Garcelle says, Denise is coming to her party, but LisaR won’t be there; LisaR says she reached out to Denise; and Erika gets what Sutton calls mud pie messy drunk on a boat trip.
🍹 Southern Charm is beginning their new season soon, so FYI, there are lots of old episodes, watching with the cast, and where are they nows on Bravo right now.
🐣 Tweet Dreams…
Meet me tomorrow for soap and whatever else I can come up with. Until then stay safe, stay never losing your sense of humor, and stay knowing if you don’t open your mouth, you allow others to fill in the story for you.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Finn, the kids, and Gregory get to the camping site, and Finn says, the hike was a little longer than anticipated, steeper. Gregory says, they all did great, and Violet says she wants to tell Rachel about the guinea pig they saw (in the woods?), and Finn tells her not to forget about the gopher; and they bite! She runs off, and Aiden joins them. Gregory says, if it isn’t Aiden, PC Pioneer, and Finn asks if he’s on a break. Aiden says, until dinner, and Jake says, look at him in his uniform. Aiden says, Jake used to wear one too, and Cameron says, but who wore it better? Jake says, him, definitely, but Aiden says, no way. Cameron walks past Finn, who asks where he’s going, and Cameron says, he just needs a break from all this pretending. He’s grabbing his phone; it should be fully charged by now. Finn tells Gregory, nothing like getting away from it all.
At The Savoy, Britt joins Nina, who says, there she is. She took the liberty of ordering Britt’s usual, but Britt says she’s sticking to water tonight. Nina says she thought Britt subscribed to the hair of the dog for a hangover, and Britt says, that’s before she became a GIF. Nina says, don’t worry, it’ll blow over, and Britt says, so she’s seen it? Nina says, has anyone not seen it? and Britt says, that’s great. Thank you. Nina suggests they switch topics, and Britt says, please. She hasn’t talked to Nina since their girls night out; what’s new? Nina says, what’s new… Well, here’s something. She almost left Port Charles.
Carly brings Sonny to her office and thanks him for meeting her. He says, she told him it was about the kids, and she says, it is. This is a difficult situation for them. In some ways, it’s easier for Donna and Avery because they’re too young to fully understand what’s going on, and they just want to know their family still loves them. They’re doing everything they can to reassure them of that. Josslyn’s been terrific; she’s spending lots of time with them, but she’s got a lot going on. He says he loves Josslyn; she’s like a daughter to him, despite what Michael said. She asks what Michael said, and he tells her, he said that after the divorce, and everything that happened with Nina, he basically threw away his relationship with his kids. Can she believe that? She says she can believe it, and she agrees. He says, she didn’t call him here to fight, did she? and she says she didn’t. She just wants to talk about what they still have in common, mainly their kids, and she wanted to talk about Michael and what this rift is doing to him. Sonny says he doesn’t like it either, but Michael’s made it clear he doesn’t want Sonny anywhere near his life. No matter what Sonny says or does, nothing is going to change that.
At the pool, Zelda asks Cody if there’s a problem, and he says he’s sure it’s just an accounting error, but his paycheck was off by $500. She says, there was no mistake, and he knows it, and he says, it wastes both of their time to argue over such a small amount. She says she agrees, and he says, just pay him what he’s owed, and that’ll be it. She says, she’s fulfilled Society Set-Ups’ part of the contract, and he asks if that contract included a drunk woman wandering into his landing zone. Someone could have been hurt. She says, but they weren’t, and he says, an act of gross negligence is bad for business. What’s $500 to protect her image? She asks if he’s threatening her, and he says, she’s a smart woman; you tell me. Sam and Dante walk in, and Dante asks, what’s going on?
As Trina and Josslyn are going into Kelly’s, Josslyn’s phone rings. She says, finally. Where have you been? Cameron says, sorry. His phone was dead; he had to wait for it to charge. PCU decided against Trina? He can’t believe it. She says, her neither, but it’s going to be okay. They have a plan.
In the woods, Austin sees Wyatt piling some wood, and Wyatt asks, how was the kayak? Austin says, great. Sorry he missed it. Kim’s sick and they’re down a counselor, so that leaves Wyatt. Wyatt says, not for long. It looks like reinforcements have arrived. Austin says, good. He wonders who they sent, when Maxie says, Maxie Jones, reporting for duty.
Zelda tells Dante, this man is trying to extort her, and Cody says, if extort means getting what he’s owed. He takes out an envelope, and says, the deal was for $2000. He holds the check out to Sam, and asks, what’s that say? She says, $1500, and Zelda says, two thousand, minus the charges to his room. Cody says, the hotel room was part of the deal, but Zelda says, not including incidentals. He says, he misunderstood, and Zelda says, and it cost him. Sam says, he charged $500 worth of stuff to his room? and Cody says, yes, but he didn’t know… Dante says, okay. If they get this guy out of Zelda’s hair, can they consider the matter closed? Zelda says she supposes so, and Dante says, let’s go. He, Sam, and Cody leave.
Cameron says, what plan? and Josslyn says, they’re at Kelly’s. She thought he was working today. He says he decided to go on that trip; he’s in Pautuck. She says, for real? He’s out of town? He says he thought he should be here, and she says she gets it. She’s sure Jake and Aiden are super psyched he’s there. Maybe this trip is what everyone needs. He says, that’s what Jake keeps saying, and she says, he doesn’t agree? He says he just hates pretending like everything’s fine when his mom is in Shadybrook.
Wyatt drops off Maxie’s luggage, and she thanks him for the assist. He says, no problem, and she tells Austin, he seems surprised. He says he is, and she says, and maybe a tad befuddled? He says he’s always befuddled. It’s nice to see her. What is she doing here? She says, Georgie is a Junior PC Pioneer, and as such, she’s on the Parents in a Pinch list. He says, it needs a better name, and she says, parents volunteer to help out when they’re understaffed, even if their child isn’t participating. So while Georgie is at a sleepover at her friend Lena’s house, here she is. He says, in beautiful Pautuck. She said she wasn’t ready to come back here quite yet, and she says she’s not, but let’s be real. When will she ever be? She thought there would be plenty of people and enough distractions, she’d be able to hack it. She’s also communing with nature. He says, sure she is, and points to her suitcases, asking, what’s she going to do with all of that? She asks if he’s never heard of glamping, and he says he’s heard of it, but that’s not what this is. She says, speak for yourself. Mac says, camping is good for the soul, but she believes an air mattress is key. So where can they set up her tent?
Josslyn says she’s not upset, and Trina asks who she’s talking to right now. Josslyn says, she’s actually glad Cam is spending time with his brothers, and Trina says, but? Josslyn says, but this is just another example that she and Cam are out of sync. But they don’t need Cam. They have all the help they need. Spinelli walks in, and waves.
Finn asks if Cameron came back yet, but Jake says, he’s still on the phone. Violet says, with his girlfriend? and Finn says he’s pretty sure she’s not dating until she’s 30. Violet tells Gregory, grandpa, talk some sense into him, but Gregory says he’s not touching this. Jake thanks Finn, and Finn says, for what? Jake says, coming here was a good idea, especially since Aiden won’t be around them most of the time. Aiden says, take that back, and Jake says, make me. He runs, and Aiden takes off after him. Cameron comes back, and Finn asks if everything is okay. Cameron says, coming here was a huge mistake.
Britt says, sorry about the hearing. She knows how much Nina wanted to be in Wiley’s life. Nina says she even begged Willow and Michael to reconsider, and Britt asks how that went. Nina says, about as poorly as you’d think, and Britt says she gets the impulse to get out of town. She’s just glad Nina didn’t act on it. She has family here. Nina thanks her, and Britt says she means it. If Nina were to jump ship, it would just be her, Maxie, and her mother. Nina rounds out their little motley crew. Nina says she would miss Britt too. Obviously, she wasn’t thinking clearly. Britt says, but she was on her way to the airport, and Nina says, her bags were packed and everything. Britt asks what convinced her to stay.
Carly tells Sonny, Michael is a grown man and makes his own decisions, but that doesn’t stop her from worrying about him. He asks if Michael is in danger, and she says, you tell me. If Sonny’s rivals know they’re on the outs, they could assume Michael is no longer under his protection. Sonny says, that would be wrong. He’s not going to let anybody hurt his son. She says, okay, sure, and he asks what that means. She says, he doesn’t think it hurt Michael when he testified against him? He says he didn’t testify against Michael, but she says, he testified for Nina; it’s the same thing. How does he not see that? She doesn’t get him. She gets that he and Michael are fighting, but Sonny has been Michael’s father since Michael was two years old. Sonny raised him. Sonny says he loves Michael, and Carly says, then how he could sit there when Michael was being attacked?
Sam, Dante, and Cody go to The Savoy, and Cody says, the woman owns a company, for God’s sake. What does she care about 500 bucks? Dante suggests Cody relax, and they’ll get a drink, but Cody says, no thanks. Dante says, he’s buying, and Cody says, in that case, he’ll have a bourbon. Dante says, that’s what he thought, and Sam goes to the bar while he and Cody grab a table.
Britt says, now she gets why Nina is here and not on a plane to Tahiti. Nina says she was actually headed to Europe, but she’s not here just because of Sonny. She has family here. Not just their motley crew… Britt says, Wiley, and Nina says, Sonny helped her remember that she can’t abandon that little boy. Even though she can’t spend time with him, she has to stay here to prove to Michael and Willow that she deserves a place in that little man’s life. Britt says she hopes it works out for Nina, and Nina says she doesn’t sound very optimistic. Britt says she just thinks if she has unrealistic expectations, Nina is going to set herself up. Nina says, for what? and Britt says, at best, to get hurt, at worst, to do something that reinforces Michael and Willow’s decision to keep Wiley away from her. Nina says, thank you for the encouragement, and Britt says she wants Nina to have Wiley in her life, but realistically, Nina was the one who chose to go to court, she lost, and now she has to give Michael and Willow time and distance to come around. On the bright side, she still has James. Nina says, yeah, she can watch James grow up. She knows she’s suffered a great loss, but she’s also realized she still has a lot left. Britt says, including Sonny? and Nina says, she doesn’t think she has Sonny. Britt asks what she calls it, but Nina says she doesn’t know. They just have something between them. Britt says, ya think? and sees Cody looking at her.
Cody says, great, and Dante says, what now? Cody says, that Britt woman is here. She acts like he ruined her life when it’s obvious her life is already a disaster. Dante says, she’s not lacking in the complication department, but they were talking about Cody. Cody says, can they not? and Dante asks, what’s going on with him? Why is he hard up for cash? Is he in trouble?
Finn says, he and Cameron talked about this. Jake and Aiden needed a break, and it seems like they’re having fun. Cameron says, it’s not that. Yes, it’s hard being away from his mom right now, but the reason he wishes he was home is that the school made their decision in Trina’s Title IX case. They ruled against her. Finn asks what that means, and Cameron says he doesn’t know, but it is not good. Finn asks if he wants to talk about it, but Cameron says, not unless Finn can tell him what’s about to happen with his friend.
Josslyn says, they still think the phone is their best bet, and Spinelli says, to prove Esme was the one who recorded her and Cam. Trina says, Scotty asked him to examine it right, as an expert for the defense? and Spinelli says, he did, and the PCPD examined it as well. Josslyn says, the PCPD’s got nothing on The Jackal, and Trina says, The Jackal? He says, one of his many pseudonyms, and Josslyn asks if he thinks he can work his magic, and find something the police missed. He says, as honored as he is by their faith in him, he’s looked at it from every angle, and there’s nothing to connect the phone to the evil doer, or anyone else for that matter. It only exists to Trina as its possessor. Trina asks if he can’t find out where the phone was purchased, and Josslyn says, or when. Trina says, maybe someone remembers Esme from the store, and Josslyn says, she’s hard to forget. He says, alas, the phone has very little data on it. It was only used twice; once on the night in question, and once to send the email blast. Neither of which offer much information. Trina says, what about the serial number? That’s unique to the phone, right? He says, it is, but according to the serial number, this phone doesn’t even exist.
While helping her with the tent, Austin asks if Maxie did a lot of camping as a kid. She says, not a lot a lot, but enough. One time, Mac, her, and Georgie… He says, her sister Georgie? The original Georgie? Maxie says, yeah, she was an original, and he says, the OGG. She says, anyway, the trip was a disaster. It rained the entire time, and their tent had seen better days. Water was leaking in on the sides, and Georgie of course (🍷) insisted she sleep in the middle. He says, that’s love, and she says, or Georgie would rather get soaked than listen to her complain. She thinks Georgie was right. Austin says, he thinks you have to work at NASA to figure out these instructions, and Maxie puts up the tent in two seconds, saying, voila. Stick with her, and he’ll be fine. He says he’s starting to see that.
Carly says, Scotty said Michael was violent against women in open court, and Sonny just sat there, and Sonny says, they were in court. Did she want him to get up, grab Scotty, and throw him against the wall? She says, it’s what happened after. There was a recess, and he didn’t even check on Michael; he went to Nina. She watched him touch Nina’s face. He says, come on, but she says, his son weathered a vicious attack, and he consoled the woman who initiated it. She doesn’t know him anymore. The man she loved, that she fought for, that she married five times would have never done that. He’s gone. The man who came back from Nixon Falls is a stranger.
Trina tells Spinelli that she’s confused. So there’s no phone? He says, the phone exists physically, as she well knows. It’s just, according to the serial number, it never made it to the store. Josslyn says, so it was stolen, and he says, or lost in transit, but she says, let’s go with stolen. Trina says, they should have known Esme was too smart to leave a paper trail, and Spinelli says he’s sorry he couldn’t offer more help. Trina says she appreciates him trying, and Josslyn says, this is insane. They were there that night. There needs to be something they’re forgetting. Something Esme did that can now be seen as suspicious. Trina says she’s not giving up on the phone angle yet, and asks Spinelli, where would you go to buy a hot phone? He says, The Highsider, and Josslyn asks, what’s that? He says, it’s a bar… somewhere that two underage amateur sleuths should not be. So feel free to share their theories with Scotty, but please do nothing else. Understood?
Gregory says, Cameron is doing a great job, covering for the kids’ sake, but something is obviously up, and Finn says, he got some bad news about a friend. He asked if Cameron wanted to talk, but he wasn’t interested. Gregory says, Cameron strikes him as an open, personable guy; not the sullen teen type. Finn says, he’s not. If Elizabeth was here, he’d talk to her. Gregory says, Elizabeth’s not here, and Finn says, of that, he’s acutely aware. Gregory says, he means, Finn is the only option; try again. If at first you don’t succeed… Finn says he might have a better idea.
Cody tells Dante, there’s no trouble. It’s just how he lives his life; gig to gig, paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes, there’s a fair amount of time between each one. Dante asks why he doesn’t just get a steady job, and Cody says, the demand for a full-time skydiver isn’t as robust as one might think. He’s gotta go where the money is. Dante says, if Cody needs 500 bucks, he’ll loan him 500 bucks. Cody says, Dante can buy him a drink, and let him sleep on his couch. Dante can even bail him out of jail in a pinch. But Dante’s not going to pay his way. He doesn’t want to owe Dante like that. Never did; never will.
Maxie asks what gear Austin brought, and he says, he brought this, indicating his bag, and a bedroll. She says, he doesn’t even have a tent? but he says, the forecast was for clear weather, and he likes to sleep under the stars. She says, okay. What does he have in there anyway? Please tell her that he brought toothpaste. He says, all of the essential items, and he brought a change of clothes, and this. He hands her a small book, and she says, it’s a guidebook for the state park. She thought he knew every inch of these woods. He says, he does; it’s his dad’s. It has all his notes and his comments on every trail and every campsite. He knew every inch of this place. Maxie says, amazing, handing it back to him, and he says, when he’s here, it’s like his dad is with him. She says, it’s great he has a special reminder of Jimmy Lee, and he says, his father loved this place, and tried to teach him the same appreciation. She says, like father, like son, and he says, pretty much. She says she’s glad she’s here, and he says, to pitch in, in a pinch, for the win. She laughs, and he holds out his hand. She takes it, and he says he’s glad she’s here.
Carly says, that gesture of support Sonny showed Nina stripped away any illusion. He had a family that adored him, and he threw it away. He says, she gave up on them, but she says she didn’t. She walked away after she found him in bed with Nina. He says, he begged her for weeks, and she pushed him away; she said she wanted to move out. But let’s be honest, she was punishing him. The night she didn’t show up, he was a wreck. He slept with Nina – absolutely wrong – and he’s so, so sorry he hurt her, but she wanted a divorce. She wanted them to end, and she gave up on them. She says she never gave up. She asked for time and he wouldn’t give it to her. He was lying to her for months. He says, and she doesn’t know anything about lying?
Maxie paws through her stuff, and says, this is a disaster. Wyatt asks if he can be of assistance, and hands a small bag to her. She says, he’s an angel. Where did he find it? He says, near her car. He was only following PC Pioneer guidelines. When breaking camp, always recheck the area. She asks if that always includes parked cars, and he says, they moved her gear. He thought it was a little like breaking camp, and he should check to be safe. She says she’s glad he did. This is her toiletry bag; it has her toothbrush. He says, it’s important to maintain dental hygiene while camping, and she says, it says so on page 15 of the PC Pioneer’s Handbook. He says, she memorized the handbook? and she says, not yet, but she and her daughter Georgie are working on it. He says, it takes a while, but it’s worth it. She says, that lesson is true for most worthwhile things in life. If he’s learned that already, he’s way ahead of the game.
Sam brings the drinks to Cody and Dante, and asks if she interrupted something. Cody says, Dante kindly offered to help him out, but he let Dante know he’ll get the money on his own. She says she doesn’t mean to pry, but is everything okay? Is Cody in trouble? Cody says, obviously, Sam and Dante are made for each other. For the last time, there’s no trouble. He has plans. Dante says, what kind of plans? and Cody says, for the future. He’s not going to live like this for the rest of his life. He’s saving up for his dream. Sam says, which is?
Britt’s phone dings a few times, but she ignores it. Nina asks if she wants to answer that, but Britt says, no. It’s just Brad. He’s checking on her. He thinks she’s clinically depressed. Nina asks if Britt shouldn’t reassure him, but Britt says she wants to make him sweat a little. He’s the one who took the video of her at the MetroCourt pool. Nina says, Brad is the reason she’s a meme? and Britt says, a GIF. Nina says, yeah, let’s make him suffer, and they clink glasses.
Dante says, a working ranch of his own, that’s cool, and Cody says he’ll raise cattle, break horses; livin’ the dream. That’s why he’s trying to save every penny he can. Dante says, which is why he’s going to take a 4 hour bus ride to Watkin’s Glen instead of renting a car? Cody says, bingo, and Sam says, buying a ranch is quite a goal. Cody says he’ll make it happen, and she says she thought he couldn’t stay in the same place for too long, but he says, just needs to be the right place.
Gregory says he heard Cameron was worried about his friend, and Cameron asks if Finn told him. Gregory says, no specifics, and Cameron says, it’s not really a secret. One of his best friends is involved in a PCU Title IX investigation. They found her guilty. Gregory says, they found her responsible, and Cameron says, to be honest, the whole process is confusing. Gregory says, as a college professor, he’s pretty familiar with the Title IX guidelines. He can answer questions if Cameron wants. Cameron says, that would be great, and thanks him.
Spinelli says he has to depart; duty calls. Trina thanks him for meeting them, and Josslyn says, he’s the best. He says, now he’s also nervous that he’s said too much, and Trina says, they’ll tell Scotty their theory. He says, and not take matters into their own hands? and Josslyn says, they won’t do anything stupid. He says, Josslyn… She says, they won’t, and he says he’s trusting them to use their common sense here. Josslyn says she’s her mother’s daughter, and he says, that’s precisely what he’s worried about. He leaves, and Trina puts The Highsider in her phone. She says, 483 Water Street, and Josslyn asks what they’re waiting for.
Sonny tells Carly, let’s not forget when he came home, his wife was married to his best friend. She says, they thought he was dead, and he says, that’s one way to mourn. She says, it’s not like she and Jason fell into each other’s arms the next day. It took a year for those feelings to develop, and why is that? He says, let’s not bring Nina into this, but she says, that’s impossible when all roads lead to her every single time. She and Jason would have never gone there if they thought there was a chance he was still alive. He says he would have never been with Nina if he hadn’t lost his memory, and she says, why is that? His refusal to hold Nina accountable is astounding. He says, what Nina did was wrong. He hates the pain she caused Carly and the kids, but he was furious with her. Carly says, for maybe five minutes, and he says, the feelings he had for Nina in Nixon Falls happened when he didn’t know who he was. He came home and still had those feelings. He didn’t want to have those feelings, but he couldn’t shake them. The lie Nina told was wrong, but the connection they had was real. She says, and he chose that connection over his family, but he says he didn’t; she and Michael did when they shut him out. Michael’s trying to tear him down. Michael wants him forgotten; those were his words, and she’s cheerleading for him. She says, Michael’s a grown man. So if he wants to cut Sonny out of his life, that’s his decision. Just like it was her decision as an adult to file for divorce, but Donna’s a little girl. And as her mother, it’s on Carly to look out for her. He says, she’s not keeping Donna from him, is she?
Cody sees Britt at the bar, and says, last chance. She says, for what? and he says, to buy him a drink. She says, tempting… She’ll pass. Does this mean he’s leaving town? He says, tonight, and she says, it’s still a no. He says, she doesn’t give an inch. It makes it that much more unbelievable she’s letting Society Set-Ups off the hook. He thought she’d stand up for herself. He guesses he was wrong. She says, that was one weak attempt at reverse psychology, but he says he thought it was pretty good. She says, she grew up surrounded by master manipulators, and he says, sounds interesting. Her drink comes, and she says, it wasn’t. Good luck. She starts to leave, and he says he just hates to see someone leave the game with money on the table. She says, something he would obviously never do, and he says he’s not that dumb. She tells him that if he has a problem with Society Set-Ups, handle it himself, and walks away.
Wyatt says hi to Finn, who asks, what’s going on? Wyatt says he’s a junior counselor for the PC Pioneers now, and Finn says, moving up in the world. How’s school? Wyatt says, it’s great. He’s decided he wants to study music. Finn says, he plays the cello, right? and Wyatt says, sometimes, but he’s really into the guitar. He’s leading the singalong at the campfire tonight. Finn should come. Finn says, singing, huh?
Gregory tells Cameron that he knows it’s a lot of information, but Cameron says he thinks he understands it a bit better now. He thanks Gregory, but Gregory says, thank Finn. He’s the one who suggested they talk.
Finn says, singing, huh? and Wyatt says, it’s going to be great. He walks off, and Finn looks at Cameron.
Nina suggests she and Britt go to the PC Grill for dinner, but Britt asks for a raincheck. All she wants is her sweet, sweet bed right now. She feels like she could sleep for a week. Nina says, maybe Brad’s not totally off base. Britt sounds a little down. Britt says she just needs to recover from last night… and this morning.
Cody tells Sam and Dante that he should get going. It was good to see Dante. Congratulations on the job, and the girl. Cody is really happy for him. Dante says, thanks, but he thought Cody’s bus didn’t leave for an hour. Cody says he has one loose end he needs to tie up before he leaves town, and tells Sam that it was good to meet her. She says, him too, and he and Dante shake hands. Dante says, see him around, and Cody leaves. Sam says, Dante has a really interesting friend there, and he says, she has no idea.
Austin says he thought Maxie was coming over to the Pioneer’s campground, and she says she was looking for something. He says, among her many bags? and she says, her many useful bags, with her many, many necessary items. Anyway, she found what she was looking for, and she’s ready for what’s next. Violet, Aiden, and Jake come by, and Violet says, goody! She’s not the only girl. She runs to Maxie, who says, I’ve got your back, sister. Violet says, boys are okay, but some things they just don’t understand, and Maxie says, totally. Violet is so wise. Austin suggests Aiden and Jake help Wyatt get firewood, and Aiden says, they’re on it. Violet says, let’s get this party started, and they follow.
Carly says she would never keep Donna from Sonny. For Donna’s sake, not his. He says, this is how she sees him now, and she says, yeah. He says he guesses they’ve just got nothing else to say, and she says, Donna is their only connection. He’ll live his life, and she’ll live hers. He says, all right, and leaves.
Zelda gets up, leaving the pool area, and Cody follows.
Britt asks if Dante’s little friend is gone, and he says, Cody is on his way out of town. Britt says, hallelujah. How did Mr. Law and Order end up being friends with a second-rate con artist anyway? She leaves, and Sam says she was actually wondering same thing.
Zelda knocks on a hotel room door as Cody watches from around the corner. The door opens, and he ducks back, but Zelda goes inside. Spinelli wheels a room service tray out, takes a bite of something, and dashes back in.
Carly’s phone rings, and Josslyn says she wanted to let Carly know that she and Trina are going out dancing with some friends tonight. Carly says, oh fun. She’ll be there… She’s just kidding, but it does sound like fun. (That sounds like something my father would do to me.) Josslyn says she hopes so. She might be out late, and didn’t want Carly to worry. Carly says she loves her considerate daughter. Have fun and no drinking. Josslyn says she promises. Love you. Carly says, love you, and Josslyn asks Trina, ready? Trina says, let’s do this, and they go into the bar.
Sonny comes into The Savoy, and Britt tells Nina, goodnight. He says he took a chance that Nina might be here, and she says, he was looking for her? He asks what she’s doing tonight, and she says she was just headed home. He asks if there’s any way she’ll reconsider, and stay with him tonight.
Wyatt shows Violet a rock, and says, check this out; isn’t it cool? She asks where he found it, and he says, by the lake. She wonders if there’s more like it, and he says, they can check in the morning. Finn asks Gregory, what’s the verdict? Did he overstep, asking Gregory to talk to Cam? Gregory says, not at all. He thinks Cameron appreciated the gesture. Finn says, the kid’s got a weight on his shoulder, but Gregory says he thinks Cameron is strong enough to handle it. If he isn’t, he has Finn to help him. Finn says he doesn’t think Cam wants his help, but Gregory says, give him time. He bets Cam comes around.
Maxie runs up to Austin, and says she found sticks for roasting marshmallows. She shows him, and he laughs, saying, he doesn’t think her sticks are s’more sufficient. She asks if he’s saying her sticks are deficient, and he says he’s heard size doesn’t matter, but they do need to be sturdy enough – that’s right, he’s saying it – to stick them in the marshmallow. She says, okay. She didn’t know she’d taken up with the s’mores police. He says, stick with him, and she’ll be fine, and she says she’s starting to see that. They laugh, and we see that someone is watching.
Tomorrow, Selena tells Curtis, their businesses are dependent on one another; Cody says he thinks he and Spinelli can help each other; Trina asks if the bartender remembers Esme; and Sonny asks, what if he makes it worth someone’s while?
🏕 Coming Up In the World…
I honestly didn’t recognize him. Five minutes from now, he’ll be in college.
Click in tomorrow for some soap and what’s going on in Beverly Hills. Until then, stay safe, stay ready to stand up for what you believe, and stay knowing most worthwhile things in life take a while, but it’s worth it.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At the pool, Drew says, business is so much better conducted outdoors, and Michael says, that’s why deals are closed on the golf course. He’s sorry the talk with Ned didn’t go well, and Drew says, the have many more holes to play, and that’s officially the end of the golf metaphor. He hands Michael his tablet, and says he thinks once they show this to Ned, Ned is going to have a change of heart. Michael asks if this is right. There’s been a 52% increase. That would mean the company is… Drew says, skyrocketing is the term he believes Michael is looking for, and Michael says, that’s incredible. Carly walks in, and Michael says he wonders who’s buying all these shares. Carly says, you’re welcome.
At the MetroCourt bar on the phone with Dex, Sonny says, something’s come up; it’s personal… Yeah. He’ll get back to Dex with the instructions.
Jordan walks over to Martin and Valentin’s table, and apologizes for the interruption. Valentin asks how he can be of service to her and the good people of Port Charles today, but she says, actually she’s here to see Martin. His office told her where to find him. Martin says, they told him that she was on her way, and Valentin thanks him for the heads up. Martin says, they’re not doing anything criminal until 4 o’clock; he thought it would be a nice surprise. He asks Jordan how he can help, and she says she got a call from the Bureau. It’s about his brother.
Spencer says, surprisingly, Ava isn’t asking for much, and Laura says, define not much. He says, in exchange for a weekly allowance from his trust fund, he just has to remain at Windymere. Laura says, Ava wants him to stay? and he thanks her, saying, his confidence can always use a boost. She says she’s just trying to keep up. The last she heard, he and Esme staying at Windymere was causing friction. So what changed?
Ava tells Nikolas, all she wants is for them to be open and honest with each other going forward, and he says he totally agrees. That’s why he found the perfect way to thank her for giving their marriage a second chance. He wants a divorce. She asks, what happened to working things out? and he says, doesn’t she see? This marriage of theirs, there’s no saving it. It’s dead.
Esme tells Ryan, she’s playing the long game, waiting for the right time for Ava to learn about Nikolas’s infidelity. He says, he sees, and she says she knew he’d understand, taking his hands. He says he does, and grips her hands tightly. She says, that hurts, and he says, it’s meant to. Because words can’t possibly express his disappointment.
Felicia goes up to the guard outside Ryan’s room, and says she hopes he can help her. Her name is Felicia. He says he knows who she is. Before he retired from the force, he worked under her husband. He’s a good man. She says she couldn’t agree more, and he asks what he can do for her.
Esme tries to pull away, but Ryan won’t let her. She tells him to listen to her. His plan is good, but hers is better. Felicia walks in, and asks just who Ryan thinks he’s fooling.
Carly says, she told them she would, even though Michael wasn’t sold on her investing in Aurora, and Michael says he specifically asked her not to. She says, she thinks the big picture here is really important. The stock… He says, is soaring. Is that because of her? She says, Aurora is trading on the open market. Anyone can buy in, and she just made sure the right person did. Drew says, it’s not like they could have stopped her, and she says, Aurora’s shares are a hot commodity. Michael asks how many unique investors they acquired today, and Drew looks at his tablet. He says, not as many as would they would have liked. It looks like Carly did buy the most significant percentage of shares. Michael asks her, how many shares did she buy?
Martin asks what Cyrus has done now, and Jordan says, there’s strong evidence that Cyrus couldn’t have been responsible for the attack on Martin and the mayor when they were in protective custody. Martin says, Laura confronted him about it. She said, he insisted it wasn’t him. She said he appeared genuine. Jordan says, it appears that, for once in his life, Cyrus was telling the truth, and Valentin asks, who was responsible for the attack? but Jordan says, it appears the Bureau’s investigation hasn’t determined yet who targeted them. Martin says, so it appears there could still be a threat. Does his sister know? She says she spoke with the mayor before she reached out to his office, and he thanks her for the update. She tells him to give her a call if he has any information or concerns, and leaves. Martin tells Valentin, full half the glass. Maybe his brother found religion after all. Valentin says, Martin doesn’t have to laugh this off on his account. He can admit he’s worried.
Jordan goes over to Sonny, and tells him that she just wanted to say a quick hello. He says, now she has, and she tells him, okay, take care then. She starts to leave, but he says, wait. She has something of his, and he wants it back.
Spencer says he doesn’t blame Laura for having whiplash. Suddenly Ava’s determined to fix her toxic marriage, and work things out as a family – God knows what that means – when not too long ago she was willing to bribe him with his trust fund to move out and take Esme with him. Laura says, Ava was going to bribe him to move out? and he says, it was the exact same deal, but in a different direction; five figures a week, take Esme, and go. His father was furious. She says, not to mention hurt. He makes a skeptical noise, and she asks him to put down his animosity for a minute, and pick up a little thing called empathy. He says he was going to work out things with his father anyway. So if Ava was going to give him money for an inevitability, why shouldn’t he take it? She says, his relationship with money has always been problematic. He says he realizes that, and she says, does he now? He says, she’ll be happy and proud to know his priorities have changed, and she says, really? So what’s most important in his life now?
Ava says, he just told her that their marriage is dead? and Nikolas takes it she has questions. She says, yeah, she does; starting with, what the hell is going on? How can he say he wants to fix their marriage, then seconds later say that it’s dead? He says, because their marriage, the one they’ve been struggling with, has been in the death throes for a while. Now that they’re ready to move forward, they have to let it go. She says, if he’s leaving her, just say so, but he tells her, of course (🍷) he’s not leaving her; he’s doing exactly the opposite – by ending this marriage. She says, he wants a divorce, and he says, they can clean the slate; remarry. For real this time… for keeps.
Felicia says, Ryan may think he looks all harmless, sitting there in his chair, but his eyes give him away. Esme says, Dr. Chamberlain is here to receive medical attention, not visitors. Felicia says, and she is? and Esme says, Esme Prince. And she is? Felicia says, Esme isn’t a nurse, but Esme says she works at Spring Ridge. She’s here to attend to a patient. Felicia says, inmate, and Esme asks if Dr. Chamberlain wants this visitor her. He blinks once, and she asks if he’s sure. He blinks again, and Felicia says, one blink for yes, two for no; is that right? Esme says, it is, and Felicia says, and for more complex communication, they use a board with letters. Esme says, yes, and Felicia says, got it. It looks like they’re been chatting away, one letter at a time. She tells Ryan, he may be locked in, but as long as he has the ability to express himself and share his poisonous thoughts with another human being, he’s just as dangerous as he ever was.
Martin tells Valentin, what? Me worry? (A nod to Mad Magazine?) Why should he be worried? It’s not his first go-around as a marked man. Valentin tells him, just say the word, and he’ll get Martin round the clock security, and Martin says, Valentin would do that for him? Valentin says, for him? No, but Martin handles his affairs, and he can’t risk that information falling into the wrong hands. Martin laughs, and says, Valentin is a sensitive son of a bitch, isn’t he? As much as he appreciates the offer, he has to say no. He’s not really worried about himself; he just doesn’t want anything to happen to Laura. Valentin says, Martin and Laura have gotten pretty close, haven’t they? and Martin says, more than close; they’re family. He’d do anything to protect her.
Laura asks Spencer to tell her about his new priorities, and he says, he doesn’t like Ava still, and he’s not sure he ever will, but he can recognize she’s important to the people who matter to him. And if his father loves her, that is something he can learn to live with. She says, good. Really, really good, and it’s about time. He says he thought she’d think so, and she says she does. She’s glad he’s finally realized he doesn’t have veto power in his father’s marriage, but she’s still bothered by something. She doesn’t understand this arrangement he has with Ava. He says she just wants him to live there; making up with his father is his choice. She says, so reconciliation is free of charge, and he says, if it’s costing anybody, it’s him. She says, of course (🍷) it is. But does he really think he can reconcile with his father with Esme around?
Esme says she doesn’t know who Felicia thinks she is, but if she doesn’t leave, Esme is going to have to tell the guards she’s harassing Ryan. Felicia asks who Esme thinks let her in. Besides, Ryan told Esme that he wants her here. We go way back; don’t we? He blinks, and Felicia says, one for yes. So how much time has Esme spent with Ryan? Esme says, enough, and Felicia says, Esme may think she’s helping him, doing a service, but he’s a homicidal psychopath. Esme says she’s familiar with what Dr. Chamberlain has been accused of, and Felicia asks why Esme keeps calling him doctor. He lost his license to practice before Esme was born, and for good reason. Esme tells her, if you say so, and Felicia says she knows so. He maimed, and manipulated, and tortured, and tormented. Esme should be careful. He’s very good at getting what he wants from people. Esme says she’ll take that under advisement, Miss… She’s sorry, she didn’t catch Felicia’s name. Felicia says, Mrs. Felicia Scorpio, and Esme asks how she knows Ryan. Felicia asks if Ryan wants to tell her, or should she?
Michael says he didn’t want Carly taking this big of a risk, but she says, it’s her risk to take. Michael says he respects that, but how much is liquid? and she says she met with her financial advisor, and took a calculated risk. Drew says, which is not really an answer, but she says, it’s all the answer they’re going to get. Aurora needed a jump start, and she needed to speculate, and look; it’s already paid off, for all of them. Michael says, so far, and Carly says she thinks it’s time to give credit where credit is due.
Sonny says, he has a ship sitting in the harbor, and every minute it sits there, he loses profit and goodwill, and Jordan asks, what’s the cargo? He says, coffee, and it has a shelf life, and she tells him, take it up with the harbormaster. He says, he thought because she was so gracious to come over and say hi, he’d take it up with her. The harbor patrol still works with the PCPD, right? She says, they do, but dock bureaucracy is hardly in their purview. She’s sure they’re just dotting their i’s. He says he’s just asking, what’s the hold up? but she says she honestly doesn’t know. She’s afraid she can’t help him. He says, of course (🍷) she can’t. He doesn’t know what’s worse; people who watch you burn or people who light the match. She says, this isn’t about the harbor patrol or the PCPD. What’s really eating him? He says, forget about it. He’ll let his lawyers handle it. She says she heard about the hearing, and he says, it’s front page news. She says, when he testified, he knew he’d be letting someone down. It can’t be easy for him. He says, tell his son that, and she says, he wants to talk about sons? Let’s talk about hers. He says, her doctor son? and she says, when he first arrived in Port Charles, did it occur to Sonny, or anyone, that medicine would be his path? He says, TJ was an angry kid, and she says, angry, troubled, rebellious, especially toward his mother. He says, now look at him. She’s got to be proud. She says she is, but it’s a long road. There were moments she wasn’t sure they’d ever get through, but they did, and she’s sure Sonny will too. He says, he appreciates the thought, but it’s different. TJ wasn’t hell bent on destroying her.
Drew says, this calls for a toast, bringing over three glasses of champagne, and Carly tells Michael, come on. Michael says he’s not happy about this, but he appreciates it, if that makes sense. Carly says, Michael and Drew are doing something huge, and she’s just honored to be a part of it. Michael says he guesses there’s only one thing left to say; to Carly. Carly says, yes! and Drew says, to Carly, ELQ, and Aurora, may they long reign together. Carly says, and here’s to getting rid of Valentin Cassadine, and they clink glasses.
Valentin tells Martin, he can appreciate the desire to protect one’s family, and the willingness to go to any lengths to do it. Martin asks if everything is all right, and Valentin says, it will be, once the voting goes his way. Martin says, about that. What’s the probability Ned is going to come down on his side? Shouldn’t they be formulating some kind of a Plan B? Valentin says, there is no Plan B. Ned goes against his family, and comes over to Valentin’s side, or it’s game over. And Valentin’s not worried, because Ned will.
Laura says, given how Ava feels about Esme… Spencer says, hates; she hates Esme. Laura says, that makes her think his and Esme’s presence won’t make anything easier, and Spencer says, for whom? She says, anybody, and he says, much to their mutual shock he and Ava are willing to compromise. As for Esme, he’s going to make sure she doesn’t stand in the way of progress. She says, he sounds very determined, and he says he is, for several of the right reasons. She says, just don’t let money blind him from the lessons he learned without it, and he says he won’t. She says, if that’s the case, maybe he won’t give up his job, and he says, his job here? She asks how many jobs he has, and he says, Cameron can tell her that he doesn’t have the patience for serving. Cameron covers his shifts all the time, cleans up his messes, and he would be certainly no great loss to this institution. She says, she’ll take his word for it, and he says, speaking of Cam, how’s his mother doing? She says she thinks that’s something he should ask Cameron himself, and he says he’d love to. He’s just not sure what to say. She says, he could start with, how are you? Then move on to, how are his brothers? Then ask how his mother is doing. And he could keep, I’m your friend and you can say anything to me in his back pocket in case he needs it. He says, she makes it sound easy, and she says, he’ll never know until he tries. She’d like to see him work things out with all of his friends; Trina too. He says he and Trina don’t have a friendship, and never will. Not as long as he’s with Esme.
Ava says, Nikolas wants a divorce so they can stay together? and he says, exactly. She says, that seems like a lot of extra steps just to end up in the same place, but he says, he wants them to be on equal footing; not just emotionally, but financially. She says, they already tore up the post-nup. As far as romantic gestures go, it was quite unforgettable actually. He says, divorcing without preconditions entitles her to half of his assets, excluding what’s entitled to Spencer of course (🍷). Does any part of this appeal to her? She says, there was a time it would have, and he says, not anymore? She says, they’ve just come through one of the biggest challenges of their marriage, and they’re still working their way back to each other. They haven’t even slept together yet. He asks if that’s what this is about. That’s not a problem. They consummated their marriage; they can consummate the end. She says, it’s not about sex really. It’s about something much deeper. What happens if they sever this union, and they’re not strong enough to withstand the next challenge? If they untie this knot, there’s no guarantee they’ll tie a new one.
Laura says, Spencer and Trina aren’t friends right now. Can he blame Trina? He chose Esme. He says he didn’t want to choose, but Esme kept forced the issue. She can be territorial. Laura says, she’s insecure; she’s all alone in the world. He asks if that’s what Esme told her, and Laura says, Esme told her that she never knew her biological parents, and that her adoptive parents were distant and cold. Maybe that’s part of what drew them together; they both grew up without a mother. Spencer says, maybe Esme would have made different choices if her mother had been in her life… that’s rich. She says, he can have empathy for Esme and not allow her to control his life, and he says, that’s exactly right. The key to Esme is her past.
Felicia tells Esme that Ryan harassed and stalked her for years. Before his infatuation with Ava, she was his obsession. And that’s the short version. Esme asks Ryan if that’s true, and Ryan flutters his eyes. Esme sits in front of Ryan, and Felicia asks, what’s he saying? Esme says, let’s find out, and gets the board. Ryan blinks, and Esme points out U-B-O-M. She says, he says, Felicia is… the bomb? and Felicia laughs, saying, it’s Ryan’s version of a joke. Once upon a time Ryan crashed her wedding with an explosive device. She asks if Esme is his new obsession, and tells Esme, remember,he was obsessed with Ava Jerome, so he put a knife in her daughter. That’s what he does to women. He also left his brother to rot in an asylum for months. If he’s willing to do that to his own blood, what will he do to her? Esme says, she’ll bear that in mind, and Felicia says she’s not sure why she came here in the first place. She takes Esme’s place in the chair, and says, maybe it was to see if he’s still a threat, but mostly it was to show him that many of his intended victims are still standing. She gets up, and tells Esme, whatever you do, don’t let him get in your head. Because once you’ve served his intended purposes, he will turn on you, discard you, and probably kill you. It’s not like hasn’t done it many times before. Felicia leaves, and Esme looks at Ryan, who stares straight ahead.
Laura says, Spencer has a good heart, just like his father, and Spencer says he appreciates her faith. He knows they’ve both let her down, yet here she still is. She asks where else she’d be, and he says, city hall maybe, for one. The mayor of Port Charles shouldn’t have to expend so much energy keeping her grandson out of trouble. She says, the people she loves are the best part of her life. She’s where she should be. He says, if he got his heart from his father, his father got it from her. He hugs her, and says he loves her very much. She says she loves him too, and he says he promises to protect the people who have stood by him. And he will become the man she’s always told him that he could be. She says she knows he will, but now, he has to get back to work, and she leaves.
Drew asks how Michael really feels, and Michael says, about what his mother did? Angry she did it, but pleased it’s working. Drew says, there’s something else going on, and Michael says, she invested so much; the pressure’s really on them to succeed, more now than ever. Drew says, but they’re in a better position to make that happen, and Michael says, better, not certain. Drew says, okay. Does Michael want him to present the new information to Ned? Michael says, his mom brought up some good points. Right now, they need all hands on deck, not just Ned. Lucy walks by, and Drew says, well then, let’s go shore up some prospects. They go over to Lucy, and Drew says, this setting suits her. Michael asks if she’d like a drink, and she says she’d love one. She’ll have what Drew’s having. Michael says, as you wish, and Drew sits on the chaise next to her. He asks, how’s life post IPO? and she tells him, she’d like to say it’s all yachting and buying vineyards, but this precious moment is the first break she’s had in weeks. Drew says, no rest for the wicked, huh? and she says she’s certainly that. He says, and savvy, and resourceful. Michael says, with an impeccable sense of business, handing her a drink, and she thanks him. She says, look at you two. Clearly there’s a pitch here, so let her hear it.
Jordan says, aside from loving their kids, parents have two jobs. the first one is to raise decent, functional adults. The second is to never give up. He says, what if they give up on you? and she says, if he’s as tenacious about reconciling with Michael as he is about reclaiming that coffee shipment, they’ll reconcile soon. Carly joins them, and says hello to Jordan. She says she’s sorry to keep Sonny waiting; she appreciates him coming by. Jordan starts to leave, and Carly says, before she goes, are there any developments in Trina’s case? Jordan says she wishes she had better news, and Sonny asks if she means Trina could go to prison. Carly says, they all know Esme set her up, but Jordan says she can only testify to the evidence, not her personal convictions. She tells Sonny, don’t give up. Those roadblocks don’t last forever. She leaves, and Carly asks what that was about, but Sonny says, nothing. Just something going on at the docks. She called; he’s here. Are they going to have it out? She says, they’re not having it out in here.
Michael says, the winds are changing at ELQ, and they want to know if they can rely on Lucy’s support. Lucy says, that’s right. There’s a shareholders meeting real soon. Drew says, the last time she voted with Valentin, and they’d love to shift her allegiance to them. Lucy asks if Valentin has done a bad job, and Michael says, Valentin is an effective businessman, but he’s not a Quartermaine. Drew says, it’s a family business, and they believe it’s better for the bottom line if a family member runs it. She says, suppose she decides to back them in this return to nepotism – she’s not judging, by the way. What’s in it for her? Drew asks if she can keep a secret, and she says she’s the soul of discretion. Drew says, ELQ and Aurora are merging, and Michael says, that could mean even more growth potential for Deception. Drew says, with Aurora sharing a significant part of the market share, it will only expand, and Michael says, her loyalty could mean nearly non-existent advertising rates, and a significantly higher budget for marketing. Drew says, not to mention a wider global reach, and she says, they drive a very hard bargain. Michael says, so can they count on her vote?
Martin says, if the Quartermaines beat Valentin at this game, he had a good run. It’s not like he lost to an unworthy adversary. Valentin says, he’s not giving up ELQ, and Martin says he’s not suggesting that. He’s just saying, there’s more to life. It’s not like Valentin needs the company. If the vote goes sideways, Valentin can spend more time with Charlotte. Take up surfing. Focus on that beautiful but dangerous super spy lady friend of his. Valentin asks when Martin became so defeatist, but Martin says, make no mistake, he has as little intention of losing as Valentin does. Valentin asks if Martin is sure about that, and Martin says, he’s just pointing out it’s not the end of the world if this thing goes south. In fact, if it does, they can too. He hears Playa del Carmen is lovely at this time of year. Valentin tells Martin, listen close. When Nikolas and Ava took Windymere from him, he was at his lowest. And no matter how trivial ELQ seems to Martin, it was Valentin’s salvation. Martin says, message received and noted; failure is not an option. Valentin says, no, it is not. Not now. Not ever.
Ava tells Nikolas, marriage isn’t like an Etch-a-Sketch that you can shake and start over. Their history will still be their history. Their mistakes will be their mistakes. Their triumphs and failures will have led them to the same place. He asks if she can’t trust him when he says, starting a new chapter is the best way to move forward, and Laura knocks at the door. She says she hopes she’s not interrupting. Spencer told her she could find them here. Nikolas says, perfect timing. He and Ava have good news… he hopes. Laura says she hopes it’s that they’ve decided to work things out – it’s good to see Ava at home – and that they’ve made a commitment to making their decisions together from now on. Nikolas says he knows he has. Ava?
Esme says, Ryan mentioned Felicia, but it seems he left out a lot of details. He says, that’s because licentious, duplicitous women like Felicia, aren’t worth mentioning. Felicia is one of his great disappointments. Don’t end up on that list herself. She says she did what he asked, but he says, not all of it. She hasn’t told Ava that she slept with Nikolas, and why not? And don’t tell him it has something to do with the younger Cassadine. Esme says, if she’d exposed Nikolas’s infidelity right away, she would have exposed her agenda. Once they find out what she’s up to, it’s game over. They’ll form a united front, she’ll be kicked out, and Ava and Nikolas will be stronger than ever, and they don’t want that, do they? He says, no, they don’t, and she says, she knows this is the last thing he wants to hear, but Ava and Nikolas are genuinely devoted to one another. One betrayal may not be enough to split them up, which is why they need to compound this; make their split truly and utterly irrevocable. He says, she may have a point, but he’s getting anxious to move on to the next phase of his plan. He needs to spread his wings. She says, and he will; it’s just a matter of time. He says, he hopes she knows what she’s doing, and she says, trust me, daddy. What I have planned will blow that family apart once and for all.
Lucy says, Drew and Michael have given her tiny, measly one percent a lot to mull over, and Drew says, they’d appreciate a commitment as soon as she could give one. Michael says, Valentin can’t beat their offer, and she says she’ll be in touch. Ta, boys! She leaves, and Michael asks if Drew thinks she’ll bite. Drew says, he thinks she’s tempted. Thanks to Carly, their stock’s on the rise. They win over Lucy, show Ned the numbers… Michael says, and they’re sitting pretty.
Martin thanks Valentin for lunch, but Valentin says, he’ll be earning it. He wants Martin working around the clock to make sure he stays CEO. Martin says, if that’s the reason for this repast, he should have ordered himself the thousand dollar caviar burger with gold leaf. Valentin asks if Martin knows what gold leaf tastes like. It doesn’t. He’s better off with the frittata. Martin tells him, so says the last of the big spenders? In that case, he thinks he’ll get himself a doggy bag, eat the burger alone, and bill Valentin anyway. Valentin doesn’t have to finesse him into doing his job. Valentin says, there is one more things they need to discuss, and Martin says, his lovely Lucy and her pivotal one percent. He told Valentin that she’d already promised it to him. Valentin says, yes, she has, but it’s the prerogative of a woman to change her mind like the weather, and he’s afraid a mind like Lucy’s will be a perfect storm. Martin says he promises Valentin, he’ll do everything he can to persuade her, and Valentin says, you do that. And once he gets Lucy’s and Ned’s help to keep him in as CEO, those who think they can control him are in for one hell of a reckoning.
Felicia tells the reception nurse that she’d been waiting for Maxie and Bailey, but stepped away, and the nurse says, they’re still upstairs. They should be done soon. Felicia turns around to see Ryan being wheeled out. He stares daggers at her before he’s wheeled into the elevator.
Esme walks into Kelly’s, and asks Spencer, how’d quitting go? He kisses, her and says, it’s his last shift. Cam wasn’t happy, but family comes first. She says, meaning his deal with Ava? but he says, her; she’s his family. She says, it’s nice to hear him say that again, and he says, he’s sorry it’s taken him so long. She says she hopes he knows that he’s her family too, and he says, of course (🍷) he does. What’s more important than family? So no more aprons. He wants to spend every single free minute he has by his baby girl’s side. They hug.
Ava says, her and Laura’s conversation helped clarify her thoughts. Laura was absolutely right, as usual. She and Nikolas have both made mistakes, but they’re ready to put that behind them, and move forward together. She takes Nikolas’s hand, and says, they’re beginning a new chapter. Laura says, that’s music to her ears, and Nikolas says, together, they’ll forge a future, where no problem is insurmountable, and where love will truly conquer all. But first, they have to get divorced. Laura’s smile turns into a whaat? look.
In her office, Carly thanks Sonny for meeting with her, and he says, she told him it was about the kids. She says, it’s a very difficult time for them. In many ways, it’s easier for Avery and Donna, because they’re younger and don’t fully understand what’s going on.They just want to know their family still loves them. They’re all trying to reassure them of that. Josslyn has been terrific. She’s spending tons of time with them, even though she’s got a lot going on. Sonny says, he loves Josslyn. She’s like a daughter to him, despite what Michael said. Carly asks what Michael said, and Sonny tells her, after the divorce, and what went on with Nina, that he basically threw away his relationship with his kids. Can she believe that? She says, yeah, she can, and she agrees.
Tomorrow, Josslyn says she and Trina have a plan; Maxie tells Austin if he sticks with her, he’ll be fine; Nina tells Britt, they’re going to make them suffer; and Carly says she doesn’t know Sonny anymore.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Fornells, Menorca. The crew sits at a table on deck, drinking, and Gary says, it’s the last charter. Can they can believe it’s the end? It was the funniest preference sheet meeting he’s ever been at. There’s a chick who doesn’t eat anything. They clink glasses, and Scarlett says, they should make the most of their time together. Gary asks if she wants to hang out tonight, and she says she does – with everybody. Colin asks Marcos about the gluten free guest, and Marcos says, it’s a heavy one; no pasta or rice. In Colin’s interview, he says he doesn’t think he’s seen Marcos like this before. He needs to be here for Marcos. He wants to see Marcos finish strong. He tells Marcos that he’ll help, but Marcos has got to learn to delegate. He wants Marcos to leave on a high note.
Scarlett and Gary sit on deck, but when Gary gets kissy, she suggests they go socialize. In Marcos’s interview, he says, it’s hard to have fun with the crew when he has a different problem. One of the guests has celiac disease, so he has to be careful. He doesn’t want to mess up the last charter. He starts making some bread, and Gary asks him to come have a drink. Marcos says he’ll be there in a second, and Gary tells Marcos that Scarlett pulled away when he tried to kiss her. In Gary’s interview, he says he doesn’t want Daisy to be angry. Maybe he should let Scarlett be. Marcos joins the crew, and they have shots. Gary has to run to the toilet, only to discover there’s no toilet paper. Lucky for him, Glenn is in the cabin, and Glenn suggests Gary use his tip from the last charter, but hands him a box of tissues. The guys take hurricane shots with the girls slapping them. I have to say, this is one of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen catch on with a group of people, and I’ve seen some stupid stuff. Daisy slaps Gary, and he spits his shot at her, then hugs her. In his interview, he says, that’s for being all up in his business. Kelsie goes to bed, but the others get in their bathing suits and in the hot tub. Daisy asks Gary for a dare, and next thing we know, Ashley is doing the worm. Scarlett has a shot out of Marcos’s navel, and more crew members do the worm. In Daisy’s interview, she says she knows it’s a school night, and they shouldn’t go crazy. They’re being naughty, but that’s tomorrow’s problem. Marcos and Ashley go swimming, and the crew goes to bed. Marcos says he’s never had this kind of fun, and he, Colin, and Gary roughhouse and laugh. In Marcos’s interview, he says he’s going to regret this in the morning.
In the morning, Daisy says, all she can smell is tequila, and wonders if it’s in her hair. Marcos and Colin are still asleep, and Ashley says she feels fuzzy, but they were having fun. That’s all that matters. Barnaby asks how Ashley is doing, and she says, living. The deckhands do chores, and Gary says, it was a silly idea getting so drunk, like they don’t all know this. Marcos still not up, and Glenn finally knocks at the cabin when it’s three hours to charter. In Glenn’s interview, he says, he’s not their dad. If they’re hungover, it’s self-inflicted, and he doesn’t give a sh*t. He asks if Marcos had fun, and Marcos says, more than he should have. Glenn says, it’s just 52 hours until the season is done. Scarlett can’t find her radio, and provisions come in. Daisy says, f*** no. She doesn’t know if she can do this. Marcos is finally up and out, and says he’s dying. He wonders why everything is so heavy. Gary is glad to finally leave the bay they’ve been sitting in, and Glenn says he thinks they’ll be able to do some sailing. Thinking about the wedding is giving him a rash, and Colin asks if he’s ever done one before. Glenn says, almost; on the first charter. They had a massive bust-up. We flash back to (I guess) the first season, when two of the guests were supposed to get married, but had a fight instead. Glenn says, they probably broke up after the charter. Daisy and Gary tell their respective departments, looking good, and Scarlett doesn’t know how they did it. Glenn tells the crew to get dressed, since the guests are being picked up shortly. Scarlett bumps into Daisy, who drops a glass, and says, f*** my life. In Marcos’s interview, he says he’s confident in himself, but dealing with a strict diet is intense. He’s drawing a blank. No garlic, onions, or parsley. It’s going to be bland food.
The guests arrive, and Glenn welcomes them, saying, they have a great trip planned. He’s heard there are going to be some interesting events. Co-primary bride-to-be Allegra says, he’s officiating, and Glenn acts surprised. He tells them that they’re going to sail to a nice bay where they can drop anchor. Daisy does the tour, and Colin checks in on Marcos, who says he’s making the cake tonight. Glenn tells Colin to fire it up, so they can get going. They pull anchor, and Allegra tells Scarlett that she doesn’t want her wedding dress to be an origami swan, and Ashley intercepts, saying, she’ll bring it to hang downstairs. In Ashley’s interview, she says, all she’s wanted is to prove to Daisy that she’s good at her job, and good with the guests. She wants to finish the season strong. Glenn thinks they can get in a good sail. The sails unfurl, and things fall and slide. Daisy says she has the worst hangover she’s ever had, and Marco says, he was hoping to work on the cake in between meals. In Marcos’s interview, he says, because one of the guests has celiac disease, he can’t have cross contamination, so everyone is eating gluten-free. Daisy serves lunch, and Marcos comes up to explain the dishes. The sails come down, and they dock in the bay. The guests ask Ashley about the rope swing, and guest Virgil is the first to jump off of it. Ashley cracks her head going up the stairs, and I laugh evilly. Co-primary groom-to-be Gabe won’t let go of the rope, and nearly collides with the boat. He swings back on deck, and says he’s not good with heights. Glenn says, it’s the first time he’s seen that, and in his interview, he just laughs.
Glenn suggests the guests do some exploring, and Scarlett packs a bag for them. They get in the tender, and Gary takes them to see the caves. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and Gary takes pictures. Guest Matt proclaims the caves awesome, and they head back, Gary telling them to keep their feet and hands inside the ride. Glenn thinks a beach near a lighthouse will be good for the wedding, and the stews plan the decorations for tonight’s astrology dinner. Daisy suggests they wear glitter makeup and put up fairy lights. In his interview, Marcos says, he just has a dinner, two breakfasts, the wedding reception dinner, and a cake, and he’s out. In the crew mess, Daisy asks if Gary thinks he’ll get married, and he says, he wants kids, but unless she’s a yachtie, it would be difficult. He doesn’t want to be single his whole life. Colin says, sometimes, they’re right under your nose, and Gary says, Daisy! Scarlett tells Ashley that she’s over it with Gary, and dinner is served. The guests talk astrology, and guest Laura says, the food is because of her restrictions, so sorry, but the others thinks the food is fantastic. Virgil says, the crispy zucchini is dope. Daisy asks Colin to play music for the wedding, and he says he’d better practice. The guests ask Daisy to take photos of them after dinner, then turn in early, Allegra saying, she and Gabe have to write their vows. Marcos works on the cake, and in his interview, he says, somehow have to make a gluten free cake moist. He’s going to treat it like a woman; with a lot of love and passion, a little massage here and there.
Daisy says, it’s their last full day, and Gary grabs her, kissing her and saying, good morning. Colin asks how Marcos is doing, and Marcos says, good, but the cake took so long. In Marcos’s interview, he says, the cake is his biggest pressure. He’s going to decorate it between meals. It’s pretty much like a race, and it’s stressful. Allegra says she still needs to do her vows, but Gabe says he took a crack at it. She asks if she can see, but he tells her, no, as we all would. Daisy asks Scarlett to help serve breakfast, the featured dish being lobster benedict and regular benedict (my favorite!). Some of the guests go swimming, and guest Malee asks if Allegra is going to toss her bouquet. Allegra asks if there’s anyone particular she should toss it too, and Malee says, Daisy. Allegra says, she’ll have to be casual. In his interview, Marcos says, his mom is a baker, and it’s important that a wedding cake be separate from a regular cake. It can’t be sloppy, and has to be elegant. He needs to make his mom proud, so she doesn’t give him sh*t later. Gabe tells Glenn that they’re going to keep it short and sweet, and Daisy tells the stews to make the beach as nice as possible. In Daisy’s interview, she says she hopes Ashley shows growth, and that she delegates, organizes, and acts professional. Weddings are stressful, and if Ashely can do this, she can do anything. Gabe asks if Glenn is nervous, and Glenn says, a little. The tender is loaded up with decorations, and Gary tells the crew to set up as large an area as possible to keep people from coming too close.
The beach is crowded with people, and Colin says, kids are swimming. In Ashley’s interview, she says she doesn’t want to mess up these people’s wedding. Gary says, this is his worst day. He hates this. he reckons people will clear out by 6:30, which doesn’t give them much time. He radios Daisy, who tells him to be ready at 10 to 7. Marcos decorates the cake, and thinks they should get married on the boat. In Ashley’s interview, she says, the boys have no clue what they’re doing with the decorations. They have to step it up. This is her make it or break it moment. She tells them, it’s going to be awkward with people in the background. Malee helps Allegra get dressed, and she and the female guests have a shot. In his interview, Marcos says, he also has to do the reception dinner. Normally, he’d have a group of chefs helping him build the menu, but it’s just him. Glenn goes to the beach, followed by the guests minus Allegra, Glenn asks if this makes Colin want to get married, but Colin says, hold your horses. Gary goes back for bride, and tells her, everyone is waiting. She asks if Gabe is there, and Gary says, he doesn’t have running shoes on. At the beach, he helps her with her train, and Colin lifts her onto shore.
Colin plays guitar, and the bride walks down the aisle, or beach as it were. Glenn says, they’ve come here to celebrate the coming together of two lives, and the occasion of them making a total commitment to one another. Gabe says he didn’t believe in love at first sight, but was struck when he met Allegra. He vows to always be by her side, no matter what. Allegra says, Gabe is the smartest person she knows. He’s the most thoughtful, and the kindest, and makes her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. It’s always been him, and will always be him. She loves him. Glenn says, may they be poor in misfortune, and rich in blessings. May they live out the meaning of this moment all the days of their lives. He pronounces them husband and wife, and they kiss. There’s cheering and crying, and a Just Married sign on the tender. Allegra tosses the bouquet, and Daisy catches it. Gary runs into the water, saying he’s not going to marry her, and she says, he’s such a d*ck.
Next time, Daisy wants everything to be perfect; Ashley is in full panic mode; and Colin asks if Gary caused trouble last night.
💸 Cash Me Outside…
Join me tomorrow for soap and a side of tea. Until then, stay safe, stay not taking things or people for granted, and stay never giving up. Roadblocks don’t last forever.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
As the car is packed for a camping trip, Violet asks Cameron if he’s sure they have enough marshmallows and chocolate. He says, they have enough for an entire month; it’s only a weekend trip. Laura comes by, and says she loves seeing everyone pitching in together. Violet says, they’re going camping, and Laura says, what a wonderful idea. Elizabeth is going to be happy to hear they’re going on a trip as a blended family. Cameron says he’s late for work, and leaves. Finn thinks he should talk to Cameron, but Laura says, no; she’s got that.
Portia reads from her tablet to Epiphany, when you are visualizing vectors. Do you do it in A) one-dimension, B) two dimensions, or C) three dimensions? Epiphany says, vectors… visualizing vectors… Is it A? Portia says, no, it’s B. Two dimensions, babe. Epiphany says, who is she kidding? She’s never going to pass the MCATs and get into med school, and fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. Portia says she remembers she said the same thing when she was going through them, and Epiphany says, but Portia was still young when she became a doctor, and she had more time and energy. Portia doesn’t know what to tell her there. They haven’t invented time machines just yet. (If only.) Epiphany says, at the very least, does she have any study tips? and Portia says, someone did help her once. They said, don’t think about it as a test. Think about the questions as if you’re dealing with an actual patient; someone that came to you for answers. Epiphany asks if that did the trick, and Portia says, it did. It reminded her of why she wanted to be a doctor in the first place, and it wasn’t to do good on some test. It was to help people. Curtis walks in with Marshall, and says, then it looks like they came to the right place. Marshall smiles and nods at Epiphany, and she smiles back.
Laura asks if Cameron isn’t going with everyone else on the camping trip, but he says he has his hands full here with his job, his second job at the MetroCourt pool, not to mention dealing with things with Joss. She says she doesn’t want to pry, but it’s summer, after his freshman year in college. Doesn’t he think he deserves to have a little fun? He says, roughing it in Pautuck State Park isn’t his idea of a good time. She says, not fond of sleeping in a tent? Or is it maybe the fact that his mom won’t be there?
Trina looks at her phone, and says, confidential message from the office of the Dean of Students. Josslyn says, they don’t know for sure if this is bad news, and Trina says, yeah, but once she opens this email, her life won’t be the same.
Spencer says, Ava is way off base. He’s back with Esme. She asks if he’s trying to deny his feelings for Trina, and he says he doesn’t owe her any explanations. She says, he knows how much Trina means to her, so she wants the truth. What kind of game is he playing?
Nikolas grabs Esme’s arm, and says she can’t be serious. Ava can never know that he… that we… She says, made love? (bleh) and he tells her to keep her voice down. She tells him, she’s only saying, if the guilt of it is too much to bear, and he needs to unburden himself to Ava, he won’t be alone. She’ll be right by his side.
Mac comes into the hospital and sees Felicia. He says he takes it that Maxie and Bailey Lou are still upstairs with the pediatrician, and she says, yes, they are. And when they’re finished, she was hoping he’d join them for a family dinner. He says, sounds fine to him. He can’t get enough of that little angel. She says, everything is new through a little one’s eyes, then looks behind Mac, and says, no. Ryan is wheeled out of the elevator by several guards and Rory.
Laura hugs Cameron, and says she’s sorry. She knows he misses his mom; they all do. And she knows he also feels pressure to earn money and be the man of the family, but doesn’t he admire what Finn is doing; trying to keep things as normal as possible for Jake and Aiden? For Violet too, for that matter. He says, they can’t pitch a tent in the woods and pretend everything is normal when mom’s suffering, but she says, his mother chose to get help, and she’s working on getting better. He says, but they don’t know how long it’s going to take. He doesn’t know what to say anymore when Jake and Aiden ask why they can’t see their mom. Things will not get better until mom gets home.
Curtis says, he brought his father in to have his bandage changed, and maybe have another scan, and Epiphany says she heard about the mugging; she’s so sorry. Marshall says, his son came to the rescue. He throws some punches in the air, and says, thanks to Curtis, they came through all right. Epiphany says she’s not surprised Curtis came through for him, but she’s sorry he didn’t get there before Marshall got injured. Marshall says, he may be the worse for wear, but she should see the clarinet. Epiphany laughs, and says she’ll show Marshall to his room, and let the doctor know he’s here. Portia thanks her, and Epiphany says, no, thank you, for the tutorial. She leaves with Marshall, and Portia says, when she left Curtis at the house, he and his father had a lot to unpack. Curtis says, a whole suitcase full, and she says, if he doesn’t feel comfortable talking to her about it, they can talk another time. He says he doesn’t want to talk about it, but he has to. Because what he learned might affect her too.
Josslyn says she and Trina can do this, and they open the email. Josslyn says, oh no, and hugs Trina.
Spencer tells Ava, yes, he cares about Trina, but his loyalty is to Esme. Why is that so difficult for her to understand? She asks why he’d care about Trina if he thinks she’s the one who hurt his friends, while claiming Esme’s behind that revenge porn? Doesn’t that make him angry? He says he doesn’t have to explain himself to her, and she says, she’s the one in control of his trust fund. It’s her decision to give him an allowance, but what she gives, she can take away. So out with it. What is he up to?
Nikolas says, he and Esme have both been given second chances; her with Spencer, him with Ava. The last thing they want to do is throw those chances away, right? She says, if he can forget what happened between them, so can she. Nikolas flashes back to… It’s like a bad penny; it just keeps showing up. He says, Ava took the first step toward reconciliation, and he needs to find a way to reciprocate, and she asks if they’re talking diamonds or rubies. He says, none of the above.
Felicia tells Mac, she knows Ryan can’t hurt her because of his condition, but still… He says, wait here, and goes over to Rory, asking what Ryan is doing here. Rory hands Mac some paperwork, and says, the desk sergeant gave him this assignment, to provide back-up for the Spring Ridge guards during transport. The patient is going to undergo a series of tests at GH. Is there a problem? Mac says, unfortunately, no, handing the papers back to Rory. Everything seems to be in order. Mac goes over to Ryan, and bends down to his level. He says he knows Ryan can’t talk, or even move a muscle, but Ryan can hear him, so listen up. He knows it’s legally the correct thing to do to offer Ryan medical treatment, but if it were up to Mac, he’d have taken Ryan down a long time ago. All Ryan’s victims, all the people he killed, he never gave them a chance to survive. So even though he can imagine Ryan hates his life as a vegetable, trapped in a body that can’t do anything, it’s still way better than he deserves. Ryan lets out a yell, and leaps out of his chair, pushing Mac onto the floor, and getting on top of him. He says, Mac never was very bright, and Felicia screams. Ryan tears at Mac’s throat like a zombie, and looks up and says, Felicia, so nice to see you. Felicia whimpers, but it was all somebody’s daydream – I’m guessing Ryan’s. Mac tells Rory to escort the prisoner to the exam room, and make sure the room is secure before he hands Ryan over to the guards. Rory says, yes, sir, let’s go, and Ryan is wheeled away. Mac goes over to Felicia, and she says she’s okay. Evil like that, pure evil, can’t win out. He says he wishes it were that easy. Does she have a silver bullet? She says, something better, a baby.
Ryan is left in the exam room alone (really?), and makes a fist with his hand.
Gregory asks Finn how things went at Shadybrook, and Finn says, Violet told him. Gregory says, nothing gets past her, and Finn says, Elizabeth is getting the help that she needs. Gregory asks why he senses there’s more to the story, and Finn says, Elizabeth made it clear his presence there was making it worse for her. She kind of asked him to leave. He goes over to Violet at the car, and asks if she’s ready for this.
Laura says, when she saw Cameron’s mother, she had only one concern; her boys, not herself. Cameron asks if that isn’t the problem. Shouldn’t her entire focus be on herself and getting better? She says, when he gets older and has kids, he’ll see that you never stop worrying about them or putting their needs first, but he’s right. She should be focusing on herself right now, but she won’t be about to do that if she knows Cameron is putting his life on hold. It will only add to her anxiety. He says, so him going on this stupid camping trip will actually make her feel better? and Laura asks if it’s really stupid to spend time with his brothers right now. Go for a walk in the woods. Maybe they’ll run into a family of deer. Anything to distract their minds from what’s going on with their mother. He says he guesses, and she says, he likes Finn, right? and he says, sure he does. She says, everybody says Hamilton Finn is a genius who can cure incurable diseases, and they’re right, but he’s also a human being. He could use Cameron’s help right now. She knows Cameron’s mother was counting on him to help right now. If ever there was a time for a family to come together, it’s now.
Portia asks how Marshall’s story affects her, and Curtis says, because it affects him. He doesn’t think he’s betraying any confidence in saying this. Marshall is well aware there have been way too many secrets, so he’s okay with him telling her everything. She says, she’s here to listen, so take all the time he needs. He says, after she left them at the house, Marshall opened up. It was like somebody opened the window, and let the sun shine in after a lifetime of being lost in the dark. He just let it all out; all those years he was away from them, thinking he was protecting them. When in reality, all the while, he was suffering. If TJ hadn’t found those pills… She says, the pills she found Curtis holding? and he nods. He says, after Marshall was mugged, the doctors in New York asked is he was on any medication. Curtis knew he was on heart medication, but didn’t know what kind or what dose. He and TJ had the keycard to Marshalls hotel room, so TJ went to look for the pills. They were just trying to help the doctors with any information they could. She asks if he’s saying Marshall’s heart condition is worse than he initially let on, but he says, no. He’s saying there was no medication for a heart issue. TJ found antipsychotic medication. All these years, Marshall has been taking medication for schizophrenia.
Trina reads, this is to inform you that you have been found in violation of regulations enumerated in Title IX. You’ll be contacted by the Dean’s office to schedule a meeting, at which time sanctions against you will be stipulated and possible expulsion will be addressed. Josslyn says, they still get to meet with the Dean. So there’s a chance they’ll impose sanctions while allowing Trina to stay enrolled in PCU. Trina says, thanks for trying to stay positive, but she doesn’t need a pep talk. Actually, in a way this decision did her a favor. Josslyn says, how? when Rory comes to the doorway and listens. Trina says, it’s like climbing a high diving board. It’s scarier to climb back down than just take a deep breath and jump. Josslyn says, okay, but what is Trina jumping into? Trina says, the way she sees it, if anyone’s going to clear her name and prove she’s not guilty, it’s her. Josslyn says, just know that Trina’s got her family, and her, and hopefully Cameron. Rory comes in, and says he hopes there’s room for one more supporter.
Esme says, she and Nikolas are in this together, so tell her. What does he have in mind for Ava? He says, Ava made a huge gesture by returning home to him. She even accepted Esme, and reinstated Spencer’s trust; those are huge concessions. He has to come up with a fitting response. She says she can’t wait to hear how the story ends, and hugs him. She says, this is for good luck, even though he doesn’t need it.
Spencer says he’s not up to anything, and Ava says, for once in his young irresponsible life, he’s got to be honest. Whose side is he on? Trina’s or Esme’s? Nikolas walks in with the ice, and says, what did he miss?
Gregory shows Violet how to tie a square knot, and says, now it’s her turn. It’s okay if she doesn’t get it right the first time. He sits with Finn on the back of the car, and Finn says, his advice never changes, does it? The whole it’s okay if you don’t get right on the first try thing. Gregory always let him and Chase figure things out on their own. Gregory says, if memory serves, Finn and Chase rarely took his advice, and Finn says, very true, but he’s starting to. Instead of hovering over Elizabeth, he’s taking the boys and Violet on this camping trip. Gregory says, that’s very healthy, very mature, but if he knows his son, and he thinks he does, Finn is already planning some other way to help Elizabeth, whether she wants it or not.
Cameron tells Laura, that’s not fair, her bringing up his mom’s expectations of him, when he’s been disappointing her for a long time. Laura tells him not to do this to himself. He made a mistake, just like everybody else. His mother is really proud of him, and beating himself up right now is not productive. He’s just going to get bogged down in all of that, and then he can’t be present to help anyone else. What sense does that make? The best thing he can do for his mother is go on the camping trip, and spend time with his younger brothers. So what does he say?
Marshall says, Epiphany doesn’t have to stick around until the doctor shows up, and she asks if it ever occurred to him that she might have another reason for sticking around. The last time she saw him, it was, hello, goodbye, and have a nice life. He says, he thought it was best, and she says, best for who? He encouraged her to go for her dream of becoming a doctor. Then when she takes him up on it, he’s out of here. Not so much as a postcard from the road. He asks if she’s telling him that she’s going for it, and she nods. He says, is she grabbing that brass ring? and she says, with both hands. They laugh, and she says, he may have run away from his family, but she’s not running away from her future. He says, he may have run away, but if she’s not going to hide from her future, he can’t run away from his past. He’s back to face it, and he’s back to stay.
Portia asks if Marshall happened to mention when he was first diagnosed, and Curtis says, it’s been at least 40 years ago. He’s been saying there was more to Marshall’s story, and he was right. That explains everything. Marshall walked away from his family because he was protecting them; there was never any unknown enemy. He was protecting them from himself. As long as he and Tommy believed he was dead, he was sparing them from the pain, grief, and stigma of that disease. She says, 40 years ago, a lot less was known about that condition, and he says, can she imagine the courage it took to walk away from his family; to face that illness alone?Or the courage, even more so, to come back and tell the truth? She says, it is very brave. Did he happen to mention if he had any recent episodes? Curtis says, the medication keeps it under control. He believes Marshall’s biggest fear isn’t what he’s about to do, but what he’s already done by passing on his DNA. He’s read this disease can be passed along genetically. Is that true?
Trina asks if Rory always listens in on conversations, and waits for the right time to make an entrance, and he tells her, people say there’s never a cop around when you need one. Now she can tell them they’re wrong. Josslyn says, she can’t get ahold of Cam, but she’s glad Rory is here. PCU may have made a decision about the Title IX findings, but there’s still time before a judge rules on Trina’s case. Rory says, he’s on the clock right now, but once he’s off duty, they can come up with a strategy to exonerate Trina. Trina says she’s touched by their support, but if there are any clues to find, she needs to find them. She can’t involve a member of the PCPD, and she can’t involve Joss and Cam. She needs to do this one on her own.
Spencer says, Cameron is expecting him at Kelly’s, and Nikolas says he admires Spencer’s dedication. Even though he can draw from his trust fund, he still feels an obligation to his friend. Ava says, that’s our Spencer, loyal to a fault. Spencer leaves, and Ava says, Nikolas’s timing is not great. She was so close to finding out what Spencer’s up to with Esme. He asks what makes her think Spencer is up to something, and she says, he’s a Cassadine, isn’t he? They’re all going to be under the same roof. She’s going to do everything she can to get along with Nikolas’s son. Unlike his father, Spencer’s choice of companionship leaves a lot to be desired. She gets closer to Nikolas, and frowns. He says, what’s wrong? and she says she knows that fragrance. It’s Esme’s.
Mac says, he and Felicia have been dancing around this topic for months, but never seem to go there. So let’s go there. They sit, and he asks if she’s saying that she… that we… Is she pregnant? She says, God no. Is that what he thought? What she meant was, they have Bailey Lou, a new life of hope and promise. Ryan has nothing, no one, except his twisted self. He says, then she’s not upset they never had a baby of their own? and she says, absolutely not. He helped her raise two beautiful daughters, and that’s good enough for her. They kiss, and Esme comes out of the elevator. She tells the guard at Ryan’s room that she’s here to visit him, but he says, no visitors. Another guard says, wait a minute. She’s the intern from Spring Ridge. Esme says, Dr. Gould asked her to sit with the patient in case he needs to communicate. The guard lets her in, and closes the door. She says, hello, daddy. She’s about to make all of his dreams come true.
Finn says, it’s difficult for him to fight the impulse to solve a problem, and Gregory says, and in Elizabeth’s case? Finn says he’s been thinking about reaching out to her parents, and Gregory just looks at him. Finn says, that’s it? Gregory has no opinion? That’s not like him. Gregory wonders if Finn is genuinely asking for his opinion, or has he already made up his mind?
Spencer runs into Kelly’s, and tells Cameron, he has great news. He sees Laura, and says he didn’t know she’d be here. She says, don’t let that stop him. He’s got great news; let’s hear it.
Portia tells Curtis, yes, there’s a genetic component to schizophrenia, but his father’s condition isn’t necessary something he’d inherit. He says, that’s a relief, and he thinks Marshall will be relieved as well. She says, there are so many factors that could have gone into this diagnosis, and medicine’s come a long way in 40 years. Whoever treated his father back then was just learning about what they were dealing with, but still… He asks what she’s saying, and she tells him, if he wants to be absolutely sure, he could go in for genetic counseling and testing.
Rory says he admires Trina’s courage and independence, but she’s going to need more than that to prove her innocence. Let them help her. She says, she appreciates that, but she can’t involve anyone else. Josslyn says, it’s a little late for that. She’s in this too, not only as a victim of revenge porn, but as Trina’s friend. This is happening to both of them in different ways, and they need to work together. Screw it. Let’s just go straight for Esme. They’ll make her tell the truth. Trina says, and when Esme accuses them of assault? Josslyn says, fine. Trina can stay here. She’ll take her chances. Trina says, no, she will not. Neither of them are committing a crime, not even to save her from a crime she didn’t commit. Rory says, she knows all the right words, but fair or not, the burden of proof is still on her. Trina says, that’s why she needs to find a way, her own way, to prove that Esme set her up.
Nikolas tells Ava, it’s no shock Esme’s perfume lingers here. She just stopped him outside. She asks what Miss Muffet wanted this time, and he says, now that Esme and Spencer are back together, she hopes he and Ava will forget the past, and be closer than they ever were before. She says, and Nikolas believes her? He says he believes she wants to be with Spencer, and Ava laughs, saying, or Spencer’s trust fund. He says, maybe both, but Esme realizes if things are going to work out with her and Spencer, their happiness – his and Ava’s – is essential. She says, happy wife, happy life, is that it? He says, she took the words right out of his mouth, and they kiss.
Esme says, Ryan’s plan is working to perfection. The fuse has been lit, and it’s only a matter of time before it blows up Ava and Nikolas’s marriage. She gets the alphabet board, and sits down. Ryan asks what she did, and she tells him, let’s just say she made Nikolas an offer he couldn’t refuse. He says, pray tell. What did she offer Nikolas? and she says, me.
Finn says he hasn’t exactly made up his mind, and he’s asking for Gregory’s opinion. Gregory tells him to look at his daughter. See what she’s doing? Finn says, she’s tying the knots Gregory taught her, and Gregory says, then she’s untying them. He didn’t teach her that. She figured that out on her own. Finn says, it serves him right for having a teacher as a father
Spencer asks if he and Cameron can have a moment alone, and Cameron says, anything Spencer can say to him, he can say to their grandma. Starting with why he was late to work again. Spencer says, Cameron told him that he had to choose, and Cameron says, and did he? Spencer says, it’s all taken care of, and Cameron says, good, because he’s going camping. Is Spencer going to be able to take care of everything else here? He hands Spencer his apron, but Spencer says, there’s been a change of plans. If he’s going to take care of everything, he doesn’t have time to buss tables. He hands the apron back, and says, consider this his notice.
Curtis tells Portia, if there’s any chance he could inherit his father’s condition, he wants to know all there is to know about genetic counseling. She says she can put him in touch with a specialist. The more Curtis knows about his father’s condition, the better prepared he’ll be to help his father. He says, if there’s one thing he found out the hard way, it’s that there’s a fine line between helping and interfering. Before he commits to anything, he’ll wait for the okay from Marshall. Portia says, of course (🍷); she understands. He says, unless it means that much to her, but she says she wants him to do what’s best for him. He takes her hands, and says she’s amazing. She’s always thinking of other people and not herself. So if it means that much to her, say the word, and he’ll speak to a specialist.
Rory says, before Trina says anything else, this is where he gets off. She says, because he’s a cop? and he says, the less he knows, the more freedom she has to do what she needs to do. All he can say is, good luck… to Esme. Josslyn asks what he’s talking about, and he says, if she and Trina coming for her, Esme needs to look out. He leaves, and Josslyn says she likes that guy.
Ava says, she and Nikolas can’t sweep their problems under the rug. They went off the rails because they didn’t trust each other enough to be completely honest. He says he admits it was wrong of him to invite Spencer and Esme to live here without consulting her first, and she says she admits, although she and Spencer have reached a kind of détente, Esme is a different story. He says, forget about Esme. Speaking of happy wives, he has something he wants to give her.
Felicia says, just her and Mac are more than enough. And this year, their Christmas newsletter will be embarrassingly filled with all of their blessings. And they can add Bailey Lou this year. He says, sounds good to him, when his phone dings. She asks if it’s about Ryan, and he says, no. They need him at the station, but it shouldn’t take long. Can he meet her at the restaurant? She says she’s a cop’s wife; she’s used to waiting. He tells her not to worry about Ryan. The only place he’s going is back to Spring Ridge. She walks him to the exit doors, then turns around and looks at Ryan’s room, three guards standing outside.
Ryan says, Esme had sex with her boyfriend’s father? and I say, thanks for reminding me. She says, the plan was to break Nikolas and Ava up, right? He says, if there weren’t guards outside the door, and he wasn’t handcuffed to this chair, he would hug her. So tell him everything. How did Ava react when Esme told her? Esme hesitates, and he says, she did tell Ava that mewling idiot she married cheated, didn’t she?
Portia says, Curtis has gone his whole life without knowing about his father’s illness, so there’s no rush to see a genetic specialist. Curtis and his father have been doing so good lately. Why doesn’t Curtis wait and talk to Marshall; see what he thinks about it. He thanks her for understanding, and says, as soon as he gets the all clear, he’s taking Marshall home. Home. Sounds good, doesn’t it? She says, it sounds realgood, and he kisses her, saying, home, one more time before he goes out the door. Portia leans on the table a moment, then picks up her phone. She says, this is Dr. Portia Robinson, and she’d like to set up a consultation with one of their counselors… She has a few questions that require a genetic specialist.
Josslyn says she can’t believe they’re back to square one with Esme, but Trina says, not necessarily. Josslyn says, she has a new idea? and Trina says, yeah. They have to forget about breaking up Esme and Spencer. They need to break down Esme’s story to prove she’s the guilty one. And Trina knows exactly how to do that.
Epiphany says she doesn’t know where Marshall’s doctor could be, and starts to leave, but he says, they have some unfinished business too. She says she thought he said his clarinet was damaged, and he says, instruments can be repaired easier than people can. Besides, they never got around to that second date. She says, is he asking her out? and he says, is she saying yes? mimicking her with his hand on his hip. They laugh.
Gregory says he knows how much Finn wants to help Elizabeth, but he thinks the best thing Finn can do for her is take care of her boys, and trust Elizabeth to know what’s best for her. Violet runs over, and says, she did it, showing Gregory her knot. He tells her, good job, and they high-five.
Laura says, Spencer is quitting his job? and Spencer says, Ava restored his trust fund allowance. He thinks he should be able to get by on ten thousand. Cameron says, ten thousand a year? but Spencer says, no, a week. Violet pops her head in, and tells Cameron, it’s time to go. They have a trip to get to. Cameron tells Spencer that he’s on the schedule tonight. Cameron has no one else to cover for him. Finish his shift. Cameron hands back the apron, and says he’s got to go. Spencer says, one last shift won’t hurt, and Cameron says, bussing tables is a lot easier than living at Windymere with Ava, Esme, and Spencer’s dad. He hopes Spencer knows what he’s doing. He thanks Laura, and hugs her. She tells him that he made the right choice, and to have fun. Cameron leaves, and Laura looks at Spencer. He tells her, say something, and she says, she was wondering, if Ava is giving him an allowance, what is he giving her in return?
Ava tells Nikolas, she doesn’t need presents. All she wants is for them to be open and honest going forward. He says he totally agrees. That’s why he thinks he found the perfect way to thank her for giving him a second chance. He wants a divorce.
Esme tells Ryan, she’s playing long game; finding just the right time for Ava to learn about Nikolas’s infidelity. He says he sees, and she says she knew he’d understand, and takes his hands. He say, indeed he does, and she tries to pull away, but he holds on. She says, that hurts, and he says, it’s meant to. Because words can’t possibly express his disappointment.
Felicia walks toward Ryan’s room.
On Monday, Ava asks Nikolas, what happened to working things out; Spencer says, the key is in Esme’s past; Carly thinks they should give credit where credit is due; and Sonny says, Jordan has something of his, and he wants it back.
This girl is way immature, and doesn’t realize she can’t assign any definition she wants to a word. And regarding gaslighting, I do not think it means what Crystal thinks it means.
I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. – Jimmy Dean
I love my cats more than I love most people. Probably more than is healthy. – Amy Lee
The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all. – John F. Kennedy
Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Wherever there is fear, there is control. – Shana Schutte
The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. – John Powell
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King Jr.
🦁 Easing On Down the Road…
There’s nothing Dead this Sunday, but I’ll be here on Monday (well, really Tuesday, but really, really early) for soap and the final Deck charter. Until then, stay safe, stay putting some Variety Spice in your life, and stay remembering, it’s okay if you don’t get it right the first time.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Selena brings Sonny an envelope, and says, it’s from their most recent gains. He says, any one of her guys could have brought it. Why the special delivery? She says she needed to speak to him, and asks if he’s aware the harbormaster was fired. He says he heard, and she says, he was her point person when her shipments came in. Sonny assured her easy passage for her merchandise. Without Vince, will that change?
Dante sees Brando at the gym and asks if he’s coming or going. Brando says, going; he just finished a workout. Dante asks if Sonny is around, and Brando says, Dante just missed him. He asks if Dante knows Sonny’s new guy, Dex, but Dante says he hasn’t really spoken to Dex. Why? Brando says he saw Dex earlier with Sonny. He couldn’t hear everything, but they were talking about Michael. It didn’t sound like good news. Dante says, Sonny would never hurt Michael, if that’s what Brando is worried about, but Brando says he’s not; it’s Dex. There’s just something about him. He’s seen guys like Dex in the service, real eager to please the commander, or boss, sometimes taking matters into their own hands. They’re trying to deal with a problem to score points. Dante asks if Brando thinks Dex sees Michael as a problem that needs to be solved to try and impress Sonny, and Brando says he does.
On the phone with Drew, Michael says, things got pretty tense, which is about average for this family. Dex walks in, covering the gun in his waistband, and Michael says he was hoping Drew could come up with something better… They’ll talk. He sees Dex, and asks if he can help him. Dex says he hopes so, and Michael asks what he’s doing here. Dex says, showing initiative.
At the pool – which I’m sure we’ll see a lot of now – Brad approaches Brook, and says he didn’t get a chance to say hi at the Society Set-Ups mixer. She tells him to cut to the chase. He’s clearly working up to something; just say it. He says, she’s big on social media, right? and she says she has a presence. He says he was wondering if she happened to see the GIF from the other night, and she says, Britt slogging her way drunk and drenched out of the pool? She laughs and says she saw it; everyone saw it. He says he’s just curious. What was the giveaway that Britt was overserved? She says, you mean wasted? Britt was drinking like a fish at the mixer. He should know; he kept refilling her drinks. He says he was trying to be a friend, and she says, friends don’t let friends make public rants about how love is futile. If anything, that parachute guy saved her some embarrassment from saying something more embarrassing. Now the only embarrassment she has to live with is the existence of that GIF. Any idea who posted it? He says he only sent it to one person, and she says, that was him? How could he do that to his supposed best friend? He says, Britt is absolutely his best friend. And yes, in retrospect, it was absolutely a bad idea to send that footage off to an influencer, but it’s just one GIF in a whole world of GIFs. Cody walks in, looking at said GIF on his phone, laughing.
On the phone, Britt says, it’s character assassination. That video was taken without her knowledge or consent… Yes, she knows it was a public place, but still, she wants that GIF deleted off the face of the earth… It’s a threat to her livelihood. She’s Chief of Staff at General Hospital. She can’t have her image smeared this way… Yes, she meant to say Co-Chief. Do they want to get fired? Since they’re so particular about details, find a legal way to get fix this before they both lose their jobs.
Gladys lies on the couch eating cookies, when Sasha comes past. Gladys asks if she’s going somewhere, and Sasha says, the kitchen to grab a glass of water. Does Gladys need one? Gladys says she’s good, and asks if Sasha would like a cookie; they’re delicious. Sasha says she knows. That’s why she bought them. They’re for the Deception support staff to thank them for their hard work. She was bringing them to work tomorrow. Gladys says, whoops. She guesses she’s support staff too, although she’s really suited for more, but there’s more cookies in the bakery box. Sasha says she’ll just save them for Brando and get more. Gladys says she’ll go with Sasha, but Sasha says she won’t. Gladys has to stop this; she’s driving Sasha crazy.
Britt leaves a message for Obrecht, and says she’s sorry she missed her again. She’s going to keep calling until Obrecht talks to her. They both said things they shouldn’t have. She doesn’t want to leave things this way. She’s not playing the degenerative disorder card, but Obrecht said it, life is short. Call her. She leaves her hotel room.
Sonny says, the new harbormaster won’t be an issue, and Selena asks what the basis is for his assurance. He says, the basis is he’s going to handle the situation. Understand? It’s his territory. Has she forgotten who controls what goes on here? Him. She says she meant no disrespect. She’s become aware that Sonny has a competitor for his coffee business. Now the unexpected firing of his associate. Since they’ve agreed to keep each other informed of possible challenges to their territories, she thinks it’s only prudent to ask – is someone new making a move?
Michael says, Sonny sent Dex? but Dex says, Mr. Corinthos doesn’t know he’s here, but he made sure no one saw him on his way to the stable. Michael says, make sure no one sees him on his way out, and turns his back, but Dex says, that was rude. Michael says, apparently not rude enough for Dex to get the message. This is private property, and Dex shouldn’t be here. Dex says he isn’t done. He came here for a reason. Dante walks in with Brando, and says, what reason would that be?
Brad tells Brook, parachute guy is back. She looks at Cody, and Brad says, by all means gawk. He can’t say he blames her. He looks hot in actual clothes too. Brook says she can’t disagree, and she has very high standards. He’s coming. Cody asks how it’s going, and Brad says, amazing. Cody asks if they mind if he joins them; he forgot to book a chaise. Brad says, yes…I mean, no… I mean we don’t mind. Please, join us. Cody says he appreciates it, and introduces himself. He shakes hands with Brad, who has a hard time letting go, until Brook gets up and steps between them, introducing herself. She says, he made quite the entrance the other night, when her phone dings. She says, it’s work; she has to go. She says, nice to meet Cody, and leaves. Cody says, if Brad has to go, Brad doesn’t have to stick around for him. Brad says he has nowhere else to be, and sits back down. Cody sits, and Brad says, Brook was right. That parachute landing was a real attention grabber. Cody says, it didn’t exactly go as planned, but Brad says, people were still buzzing about it. Cody says, about him, or the hot mess that fell in the pool? Britt walks up, and says she didn’t fall; he slammed into her. Cody says, we meet again.
Sasha says she agreed with Gladys living with her, but she didn’t agree to Gladys acting as her babysitter, or warden, or whatever she’s doing. Gladys asks, what is she doing? and Sasha says, Gladys is following her around everywhere, like she’s afraid to let Sasha out of her sight. Gladys says she’s just concerned about her favorite daughter-in-law, and Sasha says, that sounds cute and charming, but they both know what’s going on here, don’t they? Gladys says, maybe she’s hovering a bit too much, but she saw that paparazzo try to tempt Sasha with drugs, and doesn’t want Sasha to fall back into addiction. Sasha says she didn’t take the bait, and Gladys says she’s glad, but since Sasha won’t tell Brando about the pills, she has to stay close so she can recognize the signs if Sasha slips. Sasha says, she won’t slip, and Gladys tells her, says you. Who is Sasha fooling here, Gladys or herself? She’s done this dance before. They say, once an addict, always an addict. They have to stay vigilant. Sasha says she has to stay vigilant; her. Gladys can’t do it for her. Gladys can’t protect her from her addiction. If Gladys wants to know the truth, she can get drugs anytime. In their business, people are around everywhere, using or selling. She’d be surprised. Gladys says, not if she has anything to say about it, and Sasha says, that’s exactly her point. If she wanted to use, she could. She doesn’t care how much Gladys tries to helicopter her or run interference, she would find a way, and it wouldn’t be difficult. She went through a rehab program, remember? After her heart attack from tat cocaine laced with dextroamphetamine Cyrus gave her. That was a real wake-up call. She knows that in order to stay clean, she has to want to stay clean. And she does. Gladys asks if it isn’t good to have back-up, and Sasha takes Gladys’s hands, saying, she appreciates Gladys’s concern. She knows it’s coming from a place of love, but Gladys has to believe her; she’s completely fine. There’s a knock at the door, and Sasha finds a box outside. She asks if Gladys ordered something, but Gladys says, no, and Sasha sees it was forwarded from her old apartment. Gladys puts the remaining cookies in the kitchen, and Sasha opens the box. She takes out a tiny pair of work boots, and Gladys asks, what is it?
Britt says she saw Cody being led away in handcuffs. Why is he not in jail? He says he didn’t do anything wrong, and she says, he was arrested. He says, she was hammered. Maybe that’s why her memory is so spotty. How’s her head feel? Did she get enough water before she went to bed last night? The waiter brings Cody’s order, and Cody says, they can bill it to his room. Oh, he forgot; he already checked out. He wonders if the front desk still has his credit card info, but Brad says he’s got this. He tells the waiter to add it to his order, and put it on Selena Wu’s tab. Britt asks what he’s doing, and Brad says, just being friendly. Cody says he appreciates it, and Britt asks if she can talk to Brad a minute. They walk over to the bar, and Britt asks why Brad hates her. First he makes her an internet laughingstock, now he’s aiding and abetting the enemy? And since when is he comfortable living large off auntie dearest? Brad says, that’s a lot to unpack. First, he doesn’t hate her; he adores her. And he’s sorry. He was a little tipsy when he sent that footage of her climbing out of the pool to a friend. Secondly, Cody didn’t mean to knock her into the pool. She says, Cody? It’s Cody now? Brad says, that’s his name, and Cody approached him. Britt says, he did? She didn’t see that coming. He says he wishes, but sadly, it’s nothing like that. Brook was with him, and then she took off. Britt says, and he stayed to buy Cody lunch and a drink on auntie’s tab. He says, nothing wrong with showing some hospitality, and as he mentioned, Cody didn’t knock her into the pool on purpose. She says, right. She was just in his way. Brad says, she was standing awfully close to the edge when he landed, and she says, Brad means when he literally dropped out of the sky in an unsafe manner? He says, unsafe, but spectacular. By the way, congratulations; her memory is coming back. She says, if only she could forget, and looks at Cody, who’s already looking at her.
Gladys asks Sasha if this is supposed to be a joke. What kind of sicko would send those? Sasha says she bought them when she was still pregnant. She thought Brando would get a kick out of them, but they were backordered. She completely forgot about them. Gladys says she’ll make sure they’re returned, and Sasha says she knew they’d be too big for a newborn, but – she cries a little – but she figured Liam would grow into them eventually. There’s a knock at the door, and Gladys says, it better not be more deliveries, but it’s Brook. Gladys tells her, come in, and Brook says Gladys seems strangely happy to see her. She sees Sasha holding one of the boots, and asks, what’s going on? Sasha says, they were for Liam.
Dex says, Detective Falconari and Michael’s cousin; it’s a family reunion. Dante asks if Michael invited this guy onto the property, but Michael says, he doesn’t know who he is or why he’s here. Brando says, allow him to introduce Dex, Sonny’s new hire. Michael says he sees. He thinks Dex took a wrong turn, and Dex says, must have. Michael tells him, have a nice day, and Dex says he’s going. Brando follows him out, and asks if Dex is headed back to work. Dex asks, yeah, why? and Brando says he thinks he’ll follow, and tell Sonny about Dex’s bad sense of direction.
Dante asks if Michael is okay, and Michael says he’s fine. Dante asks what Dex wanted. Was he here about Sonny’s problems with his coffee business? Michael tells Dante, he said he was fine. Dante can drop the whole big brother thing, and mind his business.
Sonny tells Selena not to concern herself. He’s taking care of the situation. He thinks he knows the source. She says, which is? and he says, he’s handling it. She says she’s sure he is, but if there’s anything she can do… He says, Miss Wu, all due respect, like I said before, it doesn’t concern you. Leave it alone.
Britt tells Brad not to think he skated past what he did to her by recording that humiliating video. Cody orders another drink, and tells the waiter to put it on the same tab, and give himself a nice tip. Britt says, she’s still furious, but Brad says, he just wanted to record what she said for posterity. She says she didn’t believe that excuse the first time either, but he says, she seemed a little persuaded. She says, it was just an act for her mother’s sake. If she smells fear, Britt is done for. He says, it sounds like her mother is just worried about her, and she says, since when is he on her mother’s side? He says, it’s not about sides… She says, what? and he says, he gets that she’s upset that he sent that video. He was trying to be relevant or something, but it was wrong, and not okay. And even though he was a little lubricated himself, he should have been looking out for her, like he’s trying to do right now, but she makes it impossible sometimes. She asks what he’s talking about, and he says, something’s going on with her and he’s worried. She’s been acting weird for a while now. At first he thought it was about Jason, and he’s sure that’s part of it, but there’s something else. They’re besties, right? Talk to him. Tell him what’s going on with her… for real.
Gladys tells Brook, Sasha forgot she ordered them, and they were delivered here. Brook says, it must have been a real shock, appearing out of the blue like that, but Sasha says she’s fine. Brook says she doesn’t see how that can be true, and Sasha says, it has to be. She’s okay. Really. What brings Brook by? Brook says, just some Deception business; they can talk about it tomorrow. Sasha says she’d love to talk business. What’s up? Brook says, Lucy heard from the people at the Home and Heart Shopping Channel. They want to give Deception a one-hour slot. Sasha says, that’s amazing. What do they have to do? Brook says, they don’t have to do anything but get Sasha ready. She’ll chat up the talk show host, talk up the products, maybe do a little demonstration. Gladys says, this is great. They’re going to have to increase their inventory. She loves the Home and Heart. She’s seen stuff sell out in 20 minutes, and then the host has to vamp for the rest of the hour. Awkward. Brook sees Sasha look panicked, and says, that won’t happen. Gladys wonders if she has more faith in their products than Brook, but Brook says she has no doubt their cosmetics will sell. She just has to remind Maxie and Lucy to bulk up their inventory before they go on the air. They’ll make sure they don’t sell out. Sasha’s hands start to shake, and she says she’ll be right back. Gladys asks where she’s going, and Sasha says, the bathroom. Please offer Brook some lemonade and cookies. She leaves, and Brook asks how Sasha is really doing. In the hallway, Sasha leans on the wall.
Dante tells Michael, mind his own business? They came because Brando had a bad vibe about that Dex kid, and it turns out he was right. Dex came here to intimidate Michael or rough him up. They wanted to make sure she was okay. Michael says, Dante doesn’t need to get involved, but Dante says, it’s too late; he is involved. Dex is one of Sonny’s guys apparently, and Sonny’s business has had some setbacks lately; Corinthos Coffee has lost some lucrative contracts. The harbormaster was abruptly fired, and the new one is being obstructive. Does Michael know anything about that? Michael says, every business has it’s ups and downs, even Sonny’s. Dante says, that’s what he thought. Why can’t Michael see that going after Sonny makes everyone’s lives worse? Is it all worth it just to try to humiliate their father?
Sonny comes out of his office at Pozzulo’s, sees Brando with Dex, and asks, what’s going on? Brando says, he and Dante found Dex with Michael. Michael’s okay; they got there in time. Dex asks what Brando is talking about. They were just having a conversation; he wasn’t going to clip the guy. Even if they hadn’t rolled up, Michael would have been okay… eventually. Sonny says, Listen. Dex even touches one of his kids, and he’ll kill Dex himself.
Britt says, Brad is right; she’s been going through some things. He asks if she wouldn’t feel better talking with someone like him. She’s making it hard on herself just keeping it all in. She says she can’t say anything if he doesn’t stop talking, and he says, talk then. She says she was about to, and now she has to compose her thoughts again. Sometimes he’s on her last nerve. Brad says, he’s coming, and Brad says, who? What? Cody asks if she’s done yelling at this guy, putting his arm around Brad’s shoulders. If this is how she talks to her friends… She says, how she talks to her friends is none of his business, and something he’ll never experience. Now why doesn’t he leave before she changes her mind, and sues him for bodily harm? He looks her up and down, and says, her body doesn’t look harmed to him, and she asks if he ever stops. He says, unlike you, Dr. Westbourne, I prefer to be nice to people; smile and not bark. She asks how he knows her name, and he says, it’s all over his feed, and shows her his phone.
Gladys tells Brook, stupid supply chain. Sasha turned pale as a ghost when she saw these. It didn’t feel good to her either. Brook says she’s so sorry. She’ll take them when she leaves, and donate them. Gladys thanks her, and says, the sooner they’re out of here, the better. Brook says, she and Chase gathered all of Bailey’s belongings when she moved home with Maxie; her clothes, her toys, the 552 baby accessories you didn’t even know existed until you were caring for a child. But they still forgot some things in the nursery at the Quartermaine mansion; some onesies she outgrew, a stuffed animal. A few weeks after Brook moved home, she went into the nursery to get a toy for Wiley, and she stopped in her tracks. She started going through the drawers and the closets, and that’s when she found the stuffed animal. She just sat in the rocking chair and bawled. And that’s with her knowing Bailey is alive and well and living with her real mom. She can’t imagine what it’s like for Sasha to be reminded of Liam. Gladys says, maybe she should check on Sasha, but Brook says, she hasn’t been gone long. Gladys says, she’d still feel better if she looked in on her, and Brook says, she understands Sasha is upset, but is there another reason Gladys is concerned about Sasha? Gladys says, Sasha’s her family. There’s no such thing as being too concerned. Brook says, but she seems overly worried. Is there a reason for that?
Michael says he doesn’t want trouble with Dante, but every time they talk, it’s clear Dante is siding with Sonny. Dante says, he’s not siding with anybody; he’s just trying to keep the peace. Michael keeps escalating things. Sonny’s not working against him. Michael says, Sonny’s siding with Nina; he testified for her. Apparently, it’s not her fault that she didn’t tell Sonny he had a family waiting for him, and then Sonny tells the judge that Nina should be able to see Wiley. It wasn’t a surprise, but it still felt like a betrayal. Dante says he can’t defend Sonny on that one. He doesn’t agree with what he did in court. Michael says, and Sonny’s testimony was just a start. Then Scotty started questioning him about Claudia Zaccara’s death. According to him, Michael bludgeoned a helpless woman, and Nelle was justified in hiding Wiley from him. Dante says, who cares what Scotty says? He’s full of crap. Michael says, he was acting on Nina’s orders, and there was Sonny in the courtroom, sitting on her side. So don’t talk to him about peace. He doesn’t want peace. Sonny didn’t just betray Michael and his family; he betrayed himself, his code that he instilled in Michael his whole life. Family first, right? Sonny doesn’t care about his family; he proved that. Dante says, maybe Michael can tell him how messing up Sonny’s business balances the scales, but Michael says he’s not doing anything illegal. Dante says, Michael got the harbormaster fired, and Michael says, they all know he was on the take. Dante can’t tell him that as a law enforcement officer, he’s unhappy that guy is out of commission, but Dante says, he couldn’t care less. He cares about Michael. This isn’t like him. Michael says, because it’s on him to forgive and make allowances, while Sonny gets what he wants, takes what he wants, and everyone around him has to pay the price. No more. He wants Wiley to grow up the son of a successful businessman, not the grandson of a mobster. Dante says, he wants Wiley to grow up the son of a successful businessman obsessed with revenge? Does that make Michael better than Sonny? If Michael wants to cut Sonny out of his life, do it, but he’s never going to be done with Sonny if his entire life revolves around revenge.
Sonny tells Dex, my family, everyone in it, and that includes Michael, is off limits. Does he make himself understood? Dex says, absolutely understood, boss, and Sonny tells Dex to wait while he walks Brando out. Sonny says he’s grateful for what Brando did, but why did he go after Dex in the first place? Brando says, when he was at the gym, he heard part of Sonny and Dex’s conversation. He wasn’t trying to eavesdrop; he couldn’t help it. Sonny says, go on, and Brando says, there was something about Dex’s attitude that rubbed him the wrong way. It was instinct, you know? Sonny says he appreciates everything Brando does for his family, and Brando says, anytime. Sonny tells him, go to that beautiful wife of his, and Brando leaves. Sonny says he gave Dex a job; what was it? Dex says, to find out if any other vendors have canceled orders with Sonny’s business, and Sonny asks where he heard Michael in that order. Dex says, nowhere, sir, but… and Sonny says, no buts. When he gives Dex an order, Dex needs to obey it. Do what he wants; nothing less, nothing more. Dex says, that doesn’t work for him.
Britt says, delete it, reaching for Cody’s phone, but he dances away, asking, why would he do that? She says, the video was taken out of context. It doesn’t show him knocking her into the water. He says she should be thanking him for his skills. If he had plowed into her at full speed, who knows? She asks why he’s even standing here. He should be locked up for creating a public nuisance, and flying a parachute without a license. Cody says he doesn’t know if that’s an offense, and she says, as far as she can tell, he’s just a drifter who literally blew into town, who she can’t wait to blow back out. The only reason she hasn’t sued him is that she doesn’t want him hanging around for the court date. He says, she’s welcome to try; he doesn’t really have anything worth taking. He was paid to parachute into that pool, which he did. He can’t be held responsible because she was standing too close to the edge. Furthermore, he has evidence she wasn’t injured as a result. He knows she walked out of that pool of her own considerable glory. He flashes his phone, and she says, if he brings that up again, the phone is going to end up at the bottom of the pool. Selena walks up and says hello to Britt. She says, and he is…? Cody tells her, Cody Bell; he’s blowing through. Selena says, she and Brad have a meeting, and Brad says, that’s why he’s here. She says, shall we? and they leave, Brad telling Britt, play nice. Britt says, Cody can leave now, and he says he will once he gets what he’s owed. She says she doesn’t owe him anything, and he says, not everything is about her. He’s waiting for someone. She tells him, wait somewhere else.
Brook asks Gladys if there’s something she doesn’t know about. Is that why Gladys is staying here? Gladys asks if Brook thinks it’s strange they’d want her here, and Brook says, come on. Sasha isn’t just her friend; she’s a pivotal part of Deception. She wants to know so she can help. Sasha comes back, and says she’ll be okay. She just needed to splash water on her face. Home and Heart is a huge opportunity for Deception. She’s excited for them, but has to admit she’s a little nervous, being on camera, having all the focus on her. That’s why she wants to prepare. It’s the best way she knows to conquer her jitters. Brook says she totally understands. They’ll prep her, coach her, they’ll beat those jitters into submission. Sasha says, let’s get to it, and they all sit. Sasha says, they should discuss which products to present, and the order to present them to maximize sales. Brook says she’ll take notes to forward to Lucy. She thinks they should start with a bang to get the audience’s attention. She was thinking lips. Sasha tells Gladys that she’s not on the clock, so she doesn’t have to stick around for this, but Gladys says she’s not going anywhere. This is fun. Just pretend she’s not here.
Selena says she’s impressed with Brad’s work so far. He’s accomplished every one of the tasks she’s given him. Last night at the poker game, Judge Abbott told her that he was quite charming. Selena smiles for the first time ever, and he says he’s actually enjoying it so far. She says, he sounds surprised, and he tells her that he had his heart set on working at GH. He was thrown when she intervened, but he had no idea what the job would entail. She says she’s aware he was hesitant to get involved with one of her enterprises, however, she has a talent for matching people with the task they’re best suited for, and so far, he’s impressed her. He says, that’s great to hear, because he thinks he’s ready for more. He wants to make a real contribution to the family business.
Sonny asks what Dex said, and Dex tells him, with all respect, he doesn’t think Sonny wants a robot. He wants someone who can think for himself; who can anticipate problems and deal with them so he doesn’t have to. Sonny says, Dex thinks that’s him? Sonny barely knows him. Dex hasn’t earned his trust. Dex says, yes, sir. He’s sorry for going to see his son. He knows he went too far, but he was trying to impress Sonny. He knows he can do more for Sonny, and wanted to prove it. He didn’t think it through. He blew it and he’s really sorry. He just wanted a chance to show his initiative. Sonny says, he appreciates Dex’s enthusiasm, but he’s not there yet, and the way he’s going to get there is to listen to what Sonny says, and obey his orders. Dex asks if that means he didn’t screw it all up. Is Sonny giving him another chance?
Britt looks at her phone, and says, ten emails from the Board… Now eleven. She sighs.
Selena says, Brad has no experience with her organization. He needs to study and learn the business; then complete the necessary training. He says he’s up for the challenge, and she tells him, so you say. Why should she invest in him now? He says, because they’re family? and she says she’s been let down by family before. He says, who? and she says, it’s time to go. He can prove his dedication right now. She leaves, and he follows her out.
On the phone, Britt leaves a message for Terry, saying, she wouldn’t blame Terry if she was avoiding her calls. She’s probably not coming in today, for obvious reasons. If Terry is fielding calls from the Board, she’s so sorry. She’ll talk to Terry later. Cody sits on the chair next to hers, and says, careful; her face is going to freeze that way. She says, this whole pool debacle is ruining her life and her reputation. How is anyone going to take her seriously now? She swears she should sue. He says, she absolutely should.
Sasha comes out to the kitchen, and takes what looks like an OTC pill bottle out of her bag. She opens it, and Gladys comes flying out. She says, no! and knocks them it from Sasha’s hand, scattering pills everywhere, when Brando walks in.
There’s a knock at Sonny’s office door, and Frank says, it’s Dante. Sonny asks if Dante is here about Michael. He knows all about what happened. Dante says he figured Brando would have told him. Who is this Dex guy? What is he doing? Sonny says he had a conversation with Dex, and put him on notice. He can tell Dante right now, Dex isn’t going to do anything without checking with him first. He’s going to follow Sonny’s orders, believe him.
On the phone, Michael says he’ll circle back with Drew when he gets back to the office. He’s running a quick errand. Dex shows up, and Michael says, twice in one day. Is everything okay? Dex says, sure thing, boss. Sonny slapped his hand, and he promised to be good from now on. Michael says, Dex coming to the Quartermaine estate was out of line. His family is off limits. Dex says, he’s heard that one before, and Michael asks if he looks like he’s joking. Dex says, it’s just ironic considering Michael hired him to take down his father.
Tomorrow, Sasha insists she’s not using drugs; Spinelli asks if his outfit meets with Sam’s approval; Esme says, love is all around; and Cody tells Britt to take back her power.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Garcelle brings her sister Chantal to a beach house she bought, and is planning on tearing down. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, she didn’t grow up knowing anyone who had more than one home; some didn’t even have one. Buying a beach house is a big deal. Her vision is to build something that’s 2700 square feet, modern, with different decks. She wants a place where her kids can go, have fun, and create memories. So when she’s gone, they can say, cool. Mom did this. She tells Chantal that she’s thrilled to be able to work and do this, and Chantal says, it’s the work ethic that was instilled in them; hard work pays. Their mom said, work hard and study hard, and it will work out. Garcelle says she’s proud of herself, and Chantal says she’s proud of Garcelle too. In her interview, Garcelle says, she has four sisters and two brothers, and she’s the baby. Chantal lives in Miami, and visits the most. They don’t see each other often, but they talk on the phone. Chantal is the type of person who laughs at her own jokes, and sometimes Garcelle wonders if Chantal needs her one the phone, but they have a good time when they see each other. They go to the beach, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says she loves the beach. It reminds her of growing up in Haiti, bringing her favorite fruit, kenap, and hanging out. She would see the homes, and think, one day… and one day is here. She tells Chantal that it’s her happy place, but where’s her man? Chantal says, he’s in the water, and they laugh.
Dorit meets Erika for lunch, and tells her about the therapy session. She feels it’s good and helpful, and Erika says, it’s painful too. Dorit says, it’s draining, and in her interview, she says she’s doing EMTR therapy, and we flash back to her session. She says, the more she does it, the more she’ll find the tools to manage her anxiety, which is the ultimate goal. Erika says, because Dorit got into therapy right away, she’s on her way to recovery, and Dorit asks if Erika got an update on Lois. Erika says, it’s bad, and we flash back to LisaR telling Dorit that Lois is in hospice, and has a do not resuscitate order. Dorit tells Erika that she feels broken hearted, so she can only imagine how LisaR feels. In Dorit’s interview, she says, PK told her to take the girls out of town, and Diana said she’d fire up the jet. She tells Erika about the plan to go to Mexica, and says, they’re taking a PJ courtesy of Diana. Erika says she’s excited.
In a different restaurant, Kyle meets Crystal for lunch. Crystal says she texted Kathy, who said, planning Paris’s wedding is a nightmare. In Kyle’s interview, she says, all eyes are going to be on them, so everything has to be perfect. There’s a lot of pressure on Kathy and Paris. They talk about Crystal getting triggered, and Crystal says she’s not used to conflict. It was a hard topic, and she held it in; she didn’t want to talk about it. Kyle says, Crystal brought up something from a year ago, and we flash back to Kyle saying she doesn’t remember Sutton saying anything horrific. She says, in Crystal trying to defend herself to Garcelle, she threw Sutton under the bus. And in not saying what it was, she left it open for people to interpret it was worse than it was. Crystal says she’s not going to repeat it, and Kyle tells her, she shouldn’t have said it then. In her interview, Kyle says, Sutton made the I-don’t-see-color comment – we flash back to that – Crystal corrected her, and she apologized. Kyle is confused. She asks Crystal what was so dark, but Crystal tells her, it’s not her place to say the details. Kyle says she thinks Crystal is gaslighting the situation, but Crystal says she’s just being careful. Kyle asks if she isn’t being dramatic, and Crystal asks Kyle to give her the benefit of the doubt. Kyle says, Crystal needs to start being direct, and not passive/aggressive, and Crystal promises to do everything possible to be more open and direct. I’m actually surprised that, not only is Kyle having Sutton’s back, she hit the nail on the head as to what Crystal’s issue is.
Diana visits Kyle, whose dogs try steal the food while she’s answering the door. Kyle says she’s tired from wedding, but it was beautiful, and Paris was funny and sweet. In Kyle’s interview, she says, last night was the beginning of Paris’s three-day wedding. It was a small event with around 200 people. We see a clip, and Kyle says, it was a special moment she’ll never forget. She tells Diana that she couldn’t sleep. She also got the exciting news that Farrah is engaged; she turned her ring around at the wedding. She asks Diana how the baby is, and Diana says, too brave. In her interview, Kyle says she can’t imagine having a toddler at this point, but maybe in one year she’ll be nana, grandma, or granny. It’s weird to think about. Diane says, it’s cute that Eli trying to walk, but it’s a lot of work. She wants more babies, but after Eli was born, she got pregnant again. She was five months along with a boy, and everything was going well, but then she went to an appointment and found out the baby had died. In Diana’s interview, she says, they had figured out the baby had been dead for a couple of weeks, which can be dangerous for the mother because of infection. She tells Kyle, to have a miscarriage past twelve weeks is rare, and she almost bled to death. In her interview, she says, it felt like a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. She went from being on top of the world to nothingness. Kyle asks if she can try again, and Diana says, they told her, it’s fine now, but they have no idea what happened. In her interview, Diana says, she’d like to give it one more try, so it doesn’t end on that note. But God laughs while we make plans, so they’ll just see how it goes. She tells Kyle that it’s the first time she’ll be away from the baby when they go to Mexico.
Garcelle meets Sutton for dinner, and says, last night was strange. Sutton says, she and Crystal talked it out over the summer, and Garcelle asks what it was Sutton said. Sutton says, she told Crystal a story about looking out… We flash back to Sutton telling Crystal that she was looking at the pool, and saw her white child, with children who were Black, Chinese, and a red-headed Irish Catholic. She thought, this is what it should be. Crystal says she doesn’t disagree with Sutton, but she doesn’t believe it’s enough anymore. Sutton has to do more. Garcelle wonders what Crystal found dark, and Sutton tells her, that’s exactly what she said. In Garcelle’s interview, she wonders if she’s missing something. Sutton views it as light, and Crystal as so dark. Is there a missing piece to this puzzle? Sutton says she wants to move on, and Garcelle says, they will when everyone knows what Sutton said. That can’t be the only thing. Sutton says, it’s all she can think of, and Garcelle tells her to watch her back. Crystal alluded to something dark, and that’s not a friend. Sutton says, it’s very scary.
November 15, 2021. In LisaR’s interview, she says, her mom passed away in hospice. She was 93½, and you know it’s coming, but you want to keep your loved one alive. Lois had stipulated no feeding tube, no resuscitation, nothing. We see pictures of Lois throughout her life, and LisaR says, the hardest decision in that moment was making the decision not to keep her alive. It was really hard. She cries, and we flash back to Lois on the show over the years. I am definitely no fan of LisaR’s, but I feel for her. The loss of a parent, or someone close, is a feeling of grief that’s universal. LisaR says, the world loved Lois, and to be able to share her was a great gift.She was such a good human being. She was such a light, and LisaR feels lucky to come from that. Kyle calls Erika, and Erika says, she didn’t feel comfortable asking when LisaR was coming back, but she understands if LisaR doesn’t want to go on a girls trip just after losing her mom. Kyle says she hopes LisaR comes; they can toast to Lois. Erika says, many times, and Kyle says, when you’re going through something like this, you want a distraction.
They meet at the airport, and Kyle hugs LisaR, saying, she’s happy LisaR decided to come. In LisaR’s interview, she says, they were there over a week, and took care of the stuff you have to take care of when someone passes away. She knew she had to go on the trip; her mom would be mad if she didn’t. She talked to the girls and Harry, and they said, Lois would want her to go. In Dorit’s interview, she says she knows it will be nice for LisaR to be around people who will make her laugh and support her. She hopes it’s a good experience and trip for her. They get on the PJ, and Kyle says, first class all the way.
On the plane, Dorit says she thinks they should go to the hotel and freshen up, then have a nice dinner at the restaurant in the resort. The arrive at Punta de Mita, and take two limos to the hotel. Kyle says, Sutton, Erika, and Crystal are in the other car, and wonders if there’s awkwardness. Garcelle is also in the other car, and there’s heavy silence until she says she bets Dorit is speaking Spanish to the driver. Sutton says, they always respond in English, and sure enough, we see she’s right. Garcelle says, Diana always flies in her people ahead of her, and we see Diana’s team fixing her suite. In Diana’s interview, she says she travels so much, she sends people ahead to set up the place the way she wants it, and to make sure wherever she’s going is in good condition. She knows her team is taking care of it, and wherever she goes will be amazing. Diana’s stylist Lia asks if they can make the closet taller. The women arrive and the hotel manager says, they’re nestled in paradise. They’re met with a drink made from raicilla (similar to tequila) and ferment of coconut. Dorit pronounces it yummy, and I think, it would have to be to get me to drink it. It sounds disgusting. Diana gets to the presidential suite, and she and Lia check out the view. Diana says she can’t wait to get in the water.
They go to dinner, and LisaR says, it hasn’t hit her yet, but Kyle says, it’s only been two days. LisaR says, you think differently when it’s your mom, and Kyle says, no matter how old you are, you want your mom. LisaR says, it wasn’t how she wanted to see her, and Kyle says, she lived an incredible, vibrant life. LisaR says, she had all her faculties, and could hear and see, and Kyle says, she was surrounded by her entire family. LisaR says, Lois loved being famous. She would ask how many likes a post got. Diana says, she was so cute, and they toast to Lois. Dorit apologizes for being late, saying, she has a room on the ground floor. There were people outside, and it was very triggering. In Dorit’s interview, she says, she was put in a beautiful suite, but she already had anxiety over going on the trip. Feeling safe is an obstacle she’s trying to overcome.
LisaR asks if she missed anything while she was gone, and Sutton says she had her store event. Out of phony politeness, LisaR asks how it went, and Sutton says, it was successful, and thanks everyone for coming. LisaR says, the pictures looked fun. She’s glad it went well. There’s serious radio silence at the table, and LisaR says, they’re awfully quiet. Sutton says she’s been busy, and missed a lot too. There was a conversation without her at Crystal’s party. Kyle says she filled Sutton in because it felt strange to have the conversation without Sutton. We flash back to Garcelle filling Sutton in, and Sutton says she doesn’t want to be misconstrued. Crystal said they’d had a dark conversation, and Crystal knows her character and her family. They come from a place of love, and in her house, they express love to everyone. She wanted to make that clear, and doesn’t want any untruths to be spoken that might be damaging. We flash back to Crystal telling the women, a lot more was said that was very dark. Crystal says, it made her uncomfortable, but they talked through it. Sutton says, it was last year, and she wants to be able to trust the friendship they’re developing. Crystal says, the tone was heavy and uncomfortable, and Dorit says, Crystal told them what was said was a lot worse, and it was dark. Crystal says, words are like Rorschach tests, and Garcelle says, what’s that? Someone says, a blot test, and Crystal says, she knows these are big words. Really? I have no words. Garcelle says, they understand big words, and in her interview, she says she has some big words for Crystal, but she doesn’t want to use them. It might make her feel uncomfortable. Diana says, Crystal is the youngest, but Dorit says, 38 isn’t a baby, and Diana says, when she was in her 30s, she was naïve. Sutton says, she was coming from a place of love, and Crystal tried to assassinate her character. That makes her nervous about their friendship. Erika says, she’s in awe of what she’s hearing. It’s kind of what she was saying last year. Sutton says, she wasn’t trying to assassinate Erika’s character, and Garcelle agrees, this is different. You can’t compare the situations. In her interview, Garcelle says, Erika was being judged by the whole world. Sutton was just asking questions, wondering if they’d be in trouble because they knew too much. We flash back to Sutton saying she talked to an attorney, and Garcelle says, Crystal deliberately tried to assassinate Sutton’s character; that’s the difference.
Kyle asks if Crystal isn’t making things up, but Crystal insists she’s not. Sutton said things that were hurtful. When are they going to stop denying her experience? Kyle says, Crystal told them, the things that were said so horrible, she couldn’t talk about it. That’s what she means by Crystal gaslighting. In Crystal’s interview, she says, if LisaR or Erika said dark, no one would care, but because she did, it’s horrific; it’s too much, too intense. They see her as someone who’s easy to attack, judge, and poke at. I seriously doubt either one of them would have used that word, but okay. Garcelle says, they’re talking like Sutton’s not here, and Sutton says she knows what she said. Erika asks what she thinks Crystal is accusing her of, and Sutton says she doesn’t want any insinuation about her personal character. Erika wonders if Sutton wants Crystal to say she doesn’t think Sutton is racist, and Dorit says, it’s not about the content of the conversation, but the insinuation. Erika says, the insinuation that she’s a racist, and LisaR says, this is where it gets dangerous. Crystal is dangling a dangerous carrot. Erika says, people will fill in the blanks with something worse, and Sutton says, here we go again. She’s f***ing pissed.
Sutton tells them, she said nothing wrong and nothing bad; that’s the truth. Crystal says she didn’t bring it up, but Sutton says, she did. She has a pattern with this with friends. She makes up lies behind their backs, and she needs to stop it. Sutton is telling her this because she likes Crystal. Erika wonders how the friends figure in, and in Sutton’s interview, she says, Beverly Hills is a small town. People who were no longer friends of Crystal’s warned Sutton that Crystal likes to make sure she’s best friends with the most powerful girl in the group. And she’ll do anything to get there. In LisaR’s interview, she says, she heard what Sutton is talking about, but chose not to use it. Kyle says she’s not trying to go back, and Crystal says, then go forward. Kyle says she was the only other person there, and has no choice but to say this is what she witnessed. In Crystal’s interview, she says, Kyle is choosing to focus on what serves her, not what’s important and might be hurtful to Crystal or people of color. In other words, she’s not focusing on Crystal. Kyle says, Crystal made it sound worse than it was, and in her interview, she says, it is possible she missed something that triggered Crystal? She’ll give Crystal that, but then say what it was. Erika tells them, someone tell her what was said, and Sutton says, it was about how she’s raised her family to have multicultural friends; everyone is welcome. In Kyle’s interview, she says, now she gets it. Crystal is confused. The conversation didn’t take place at the same time as the one in Tahoe about not seeing color; it was the next day. We flash back to the flash back, and Kyle says, she did hear the story, just not when Crystal said. She didn’t think it was dark then, and doesn’t think it’s dark now. Garcelle says, Sutton didn’t say anything horrible. It didn’t seem dark to her; not as dark as Crystal made it out to be. Crystal asks if Garcelle doesn’t find it problematic? and Garcelle says, no, thereby debunking Crystal’s theory about people of color. She says, Crystal alluded to something that could hurt Sutton’s reputation, and Sutton says, the shame of it is, she likes Crystal as much as she hates her. Crystal says she’s sorry, and Sutton says, thanks a lot.
Next time, surfing – or not; Erika tells Crystal that Sutton called her a liar; Sutton needs to take a break; and Garcelle says, Erika is bugging the sh*t out of her. I love Garcelle.
💡 I have an idea. Why don’t they accept the fact that Crystal likes to over-dramatize things, and translate it in their heads? Like when a guy has the man flu and says he’s dying. You know this means he’s just feeling like crap. Seriously, it would solve the biggest problem on this show besides Erika’s insecurities. Probably everybody has one friend with whom they have to translate what they’re saying into normal words. I love how she said words were like a Rorschach blot. Nope. A chair is a chair, not a cloud.
💃🏽 Dancing Like No One’s Watching…
Join me tomorrow for soap, soap news, and random cups of tea. Until then, stay safe, stay childlike, but not childish, and stay not letting your life revolve around revenge, or you’ll never be rid of the target.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Britt lies in bed and groans, when Brad says, wakey-wakey. Hair of the dog? He holds up a bloody Mary. Water? She says, aspirin, and Obrecht asks if her poor little head hurts. Just wait. She’ll bring the real pain.
Sonny punches the heavy bag, when Temp Brando walks in, apologizing for being late. Sonny says he’s just early. Is Brando okay? Brando says, his mother just needed help moving the furniture, and Sonny says, it’s a helluva thing, Brando and Sasha putting up with Gladys. Brando says, that’s one way to look at it, and Sonny says he could take Gladys off Brando’s hands and put her up in her own place, but Brando says, there’s no need. Sasha seems to be happy about it. Sonny says, really? and Brando asks if he can believe that. Sonny says, no, and Brando says, whatever makes Sasha happy makes him happy. Besides, Sonny’s got enough family on his plate already.
Ned is grooming the new horse, when Michael comes into the stables, and says, impressive. Ned says, he is, and Michael asks if Leo likes him. Ned says, Leo is doing backflips, and Michael says, Leo is really blossoming; the therapy sessions are doing wonders. Ned and Olivia have really come through for him. Ned says, they’re his parents. Would he expect less? Michael says, no, not at all. Ned always stands up for his family, which is how he knows, come next week at the shareholders meeting, ELQ will finally be back under family control.
Carly tells Drew to let her be his friend. Let her help him save ELQ from Valentin. He wonders if this is the first time the words save ELQ have been uttered by anyone but a Quartermaine, and she says she was a full-fledged Quartermaine at one time; twice if you count Jason. Now she’s just an honorary member. He chokes on his drink, and she says, what? He says he’s seeing a vision of Monica tossing salt over her shoulder.
Marshall tells Curtis, the police dropped him off at a psychiatric ward. There, they put him under a 72 hour hold for observation, and that’s when they were able to diagnose him. Curtis says, with what? and Marshall says, schizophrenia. Curtis asks if this is the secret Stella has been keeping from him all these years, but she says, Curtis didn’t travel all the way to New York and back for answers from her. She knows it’s hard, but they’re just getting started, and now is not the time to turn away. Talk to his father. Curtis says, schizophrenia. When he heard about Marshall’s arrest and learned they put him in an institution, Curtis thought it was because of the war; PTSD, depression, mania, something like that. Not this. Marshall says, hearing it the first time was a surprise for him too, and Curtis asks if there were any signs when Marshall was younger. Did anybody see any signs before the arrest? Marshall hesitates, and Stella says, they’ve been playing out this moment a long time; at least until he decided to look for his son. He knew it might come to this, and now it has. The moment has arrived. Time to meet it. Marshall says, okay, but don’t say he didn’t warn them.
Britt ducks under the comforter, and tells Obrecht to go away. Obrecht says, nein, and they struggle with the blanket. Britt says she’s trying to sleep, but Obrecht says, it’s nearly noon. Brad says, actually, it’s closer to ten o… Britt smacks at him, and he says, okay. Britt sits back down on the bed, and Obrecht says, here’s the deal. From them, Britt is going to receive a long overdue course direction. She’s lost her way. Brad says, no one hates this more than him, except maybe her, but welcome to your intervention. Ta-da!
Carly tells Drew, she and Monica are doing great… for them, and he says, the detente with Monica is reason enough not to involve herself. She asks if he’s really rejecting her offer, and he says, it’s a generous offer, but even her own son turned it down. She says, Michael works for Aurora; Drew is the owner. He’s really opposed to her buying in? He says he’s opposed at her putting herself at great risk on his behalf, and she says, Aurora trades on the open market, right? So she really doesn’t need his permission to buy in. She can help him whether he likes it or not.
Sonny says, Brando knows he’s always here to help, because Brando is family, and Brando says, indeed he does. Sonny says, accept his help, and Brando says, still no good with Michael? Sonny punches the bag, and says, not likely at this point. Brando says, Sasha told him things went Michael’s way at the hearing, so he thought it might have paved the way for a truce. Sonny says, not after he gave his testimony. He just wanted to get at the truth, and said some things people didn’t want to hear, but no decision is going to help him and Michael at this point. Brando says he’s sorry to hear that. Is there anything he can do to help? Maybe talk to Michael? Sonny thanks him for the offer, but he doesn’t want anything to alienate Brando and Michael, and Brando says, let him know if anything changes. Sonny says, just so Brando knows, things are going to get worse between him and Michael. Dex walks in, and says, boss, we’ve got problems.
Britt opens the door, and says, both of you, vamoose, but Obrecht says, this behavior is unacceptable. Britt says she’s not the one who barged into her hotel room. How did they even get in? Brad says, they told the desk that Britt was going to go full world tour Guns N’ Roses, and Obrecht says, and there might be alcohol poisoning. Brad says, and it would bring EMTs and cause bad publicity for the hotel. Britt says, and that load of bull made a five-star hotelier violate their guest’s privacy? But Brad says, no. She said something like blah-blah-blah, privacy policy, yada, yada; he’s paraphrasing. Britt says, how? and Brad says, he created a distraction, and Obrecht adds, while she swiped a housekeeper’s keycard. Britt says, wow. They can’t make it to 10:30 without a crime spree? and Brad says, the hotel might not be concerned about Britt’s reputation, but Britt should be, especially once that GH rumor mill gets going. She’s going to leave poor Terry defending her while the hospital board tries to take her head. Britt says, there should be a law against this much melodrama this early in the morning, and Obrecht says, this is hardly melodrama; this is tragedy. Her reputation and livelihood will be in peril once word spreads of her bravura performance. Britt says, what performance? It’s not her fault she got dunked by an exhibitionist himbo, literally dropping out of the sky. Brad says, and objectively speaking, quite hot, and Obrecht says, yes. By all accounts Cody is a specimen worthy of study, but they’re referring to Britt’s swan dive tantrum that preceded it. Britt asks, since when did speaking her truth turn into a tantrum? and Obrecht says, since it involves public displays of disorderly conduct. Britt says, she was simply calling out the romantic industrial complex, but Brad says, it was sloppy. Britt says she’s sure, like most things she says, it fell on deaf hears, and no one will notice anything. Obrecht picks up Britt’s phone, and says, it’s all over her social media feeds. Of the world of humiliations Britt has brought upon this family, this might be the most devastating. You have become – she shows Britt he phone – a meme. Britt sees a clip of herself struggling to get out of the pool, and asks who recorded her? then looks at Brad.
Marshall says, the judge sent him back to see some doctors, and the doctors told him again what was wrong with him. It took him a while to come around to it. Even now he wakes up some days wondering if it’s all just a bad dream. Stella says, but that notion doesn’t last, and he says, no. He gets up, and feels his aches and pains, and knows that’s real. He looks around and sees the same room he went to sleep in the night before, and sees his clothes where he left them, and he knows that’s real. He goes outside and smells the air, good or bad, it don’t matter; the air is the air. Good or bad weather, he steps out into the world. He closes his eyes and embraces the noise around him. And he knows ain’t nobody after him. He’s safe in his body and safe in the world, and he knows that’s real. He steps forward into his day, every day, and he walks walk toward his music, and he knows that’s real. He’s had no break with reality. He stays on his meds, and his meds keep him level. Curtis asks if he doesn’t feel anything, and Marshall says, sure, there’s side effects from the drugs, but it beats the alternative, don’t it?
Carly says, now that it’s been decided, she’ll get a bottle of champagne to celebrate, and Drew asks if she’s trying to ditch him to call her broker before Michael intervenes. Isn’t the fact that she’s trying to end run him reason enough to let this go? She says, let her help him, and he says he didn’t ask for her help. She says, but he’s getting it anyway, and he says he doesn’t need it. She says, everybody needs help, especially those who won’t ask for it. Or doesn’t it matter if they get ELQ back?
Michael says, he comes bearing gifts, and hands Ned a velvet pouch, saying, it’s to go over the stable door. He has a forger on stand-by to make something for them as soon as Ned, Olivia, and Leo decide on a name. Ned takes out a horseshoe, and Michael says, maybe the Lucky Leo Ranch? Ned says he’ll submit Michael’s suggestion to the decision makers. In the meantime, let’s not pretend he came here to look at the horse. Michael says he wanted to talk things out; he hates being at odds with Ned. Ned says, nor I you, and Michael says, Ned is the one who insisted Valentin needs to go. Ned says, he’s done an admirable job, but he’s not a Quartermaine, and Michael says, exactly. Ned says, he is; him, Michael, and Drew, all Quartermaines. Michael says, they’ve got to keep it in the family, and Ned says, they just disagree as to how. Michael says he wouldn’t go that far. They all want a lean mean ELQ, even more nimble and profitable than it is now. Ned asks how they make that happen, and Michael says, he and Drew have been negotiating against themselves. They made Ned an offer, but he hasn’t budged. Ned says he hasn’t found much in their offer worth budging on. He’s given a lifetime to ELQ, and in return they’ve offered what? Busywork and an empty title; they can do better. Michael says, tell him how, but Ned says, he knows how, but Michael says, he and Drew agree, CEO is off the table, so put something else on it. Ned must have been working on a counter, so come on, let’s hear it.
Sonny asks Brando to excuse him and Dex for a second, and they step away. Sonny asks, what’s the problem? and Dex says, last night’s coffee shipment has been held up at the docks. Sonny asks if he talked to the harbor master. Vince will clear this up… Dex says, he got fired yesterday. There’s a new guy in charge now, and he wasn’t receptive to Dex’s suggestion to speed up inspection. Sonny says, the product can sit on the docks for a while. It’s coffee – it’s not going to get impounded – but the staff change concerns him. Dex says he’ll look into it, and Sonny says, Dex told him problems. What’s the other problem? Dex says, someone is trying to cut in on Sonny’s market share. They’ve got competition.
Drew tells Carly, of course (🍷) he wants ELQ back in Quartermaine hands; it’s his daughter’s legacy. She says, it’s his legacy, and he says, maybe to a lesser degree, sure. She asks if he doesn’t feel like a Quartermaine yet, and he says, at best a Quartermaine come lately. She asks if he’s blind. Doesn’t he see the way Monica looks up to him, or the way Michael and Brook look up to him? Or how Ned is threatened by him? She’s been around many Quartermaines, and she can say from up close and personal observation, he fits right in. He says, coming from her, he’s not sure that’s a compliment, but she says, not a Quartermaine like Edward, who was very nice down deep. He’s the other Quartermaine. He’s Lila, and there’s no better compliment than that.
Sonny says, what competition? and Dex says, the managers at the Grill and every city franchise of Haven Bistro canceled their contracts. They’re declining delivery of Corinthos Coffee. They’re buying from someone else instead. He knows he’s new, and this is probably a drop in the bucket… Sonny asks what it feels like to him, and Dex says, a sign of things to come. Does Sonny think it’s Wu? Sonny says, he and Wu have an arrangement. His connections on the docks are important to her, and Vince was his guy. Dex asks if Sonny thinks they’re connected, and Sonny says he does, and he thinks he knows who’s behind both.
Britt hits Brad with a pillow, and says, he taped her. He says he didn’t tape her; the recording is digital. Obrecht takes the pillow from Britt, and says, stop. This cavalcade of indignity has gone on long enough. Britt says, dammit, Brad, why? and he says he did it for her. So she can look back on it one day and see how far she’d come. She’ll be reclining in her, as yet unmet, husband’s arms, and watching herself at her lowest. Obrecht says, they can only hope this is her lowest, and Brad says, and he and Britt will laugh and laugh. Obrecht says, or she can sit watching this with a few dozen cats looking on with distain, on a loop, over and over and over. Brad says, it’s part of historical record, and Britt asks if historical record shows she’s the wronged party; that she was divebombed by a beefcake? Brad says, nobody’s saying she knew that hunk of a man was going to Chicken Little right on top of her, but some might say this was a prayer answered. She’d just got done with saying something about love falling out of the sky. Britt asks if he thinks this is what she meant, and he says, she could do worse. Obrecht says, they’re getting way off topic. They’re concerned Britt hasn’t been herself. Brad says, she hasn’t been herself in a long time now, her mean, but in a fun way, self. She’s been mopey and aimless. Britt says, so if she’s not stealing embryos or tormenting nurses, she’s adrift? Brad asks if she really feels like she’s running at 100%, and she says she had one bad day. Obrecht says, she had a string of bad days, and Britt says, they’re her days and she doesn’t have many of them left. So if they’re bad or not, they’re nobody’s business but hers. Brad says, she’s a thoroughbred, and she asks if he just compared her to a horse. He says, horses are beautiful and noble creatures, with long narrow faces and killer cheekbones, and Britt says, why aren’t you recording this, James Wong Howe, for historical records? He says, first of all, he thanks her for referencing a cinematic genius of Cantonese descent, and she says she thought he’d like it, but she still hates him. He says, second, his point is, she’s strong and resilient. One of the bravest people there is, so why is she bellyaching about the days she has left? She knows she’s going to outlive them all. Britt looks at Obrecht.
Curtis asks if the meds could have had something to do with Marshall’s episode a few months back, and Marshall says, sometimes they yank his blood pressure around, but he doctors are always tinkering with the dosage and the cocktail. Curtis says, and they work 100% of the time, and Marshall wonders if Curtis is asking him if he hears voices or hallucinates. Curtis says, no. He just wants to know what to look for. If it was serious enough to drive him away the first time, it could drive him away again, and Curtis doesn’t want to lose Marshall a second time. They could have helped him. Family helps people that they love through illnesses like this. Marshall says, Curtis and Tommy were babies, and his mama had enough on her hands, and Curtis asks if it was her choice. Marshall says, no, it was his, and Irene’s. He’s not saying she agreed, more like acquiesced. Curtis says, him and Tommy believing he was dead, and Marshall says, he was afraid of the man he might become had he stayed. Curtis wore a badge for how many years? Curtis says, enough, and Marshall says, in all those years, Curtis never crossed paths with one of those lost people? Curtis says, he means homeless? Of course (🍷). Marshall says, not just unhoused, unmoored. Ambling down the street, words all garbled, carrying on to themselves, responding to something no one else can hear. And alone… always alone. When he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, that was his immediate fear, that he would end up being one of the lost. Curtis says, if Marshall had been at home, he’d have been with loved ones, who could have kept him moored, but Marshall says, he couldn’t take that chance. His delusions were of the paranoid type; he thought the government was after him. Curtis says, but Marshall told him that he’d never had a relapse, and Marshall says, he got lucky. At the time, there was no way to predict that. Curtis says, but there were hospitals. They still could have helped him. Marshall says he needed protect his wife and kids while he was still capable of making that choice. What if it all went wrong? What if the medicine didn’t work? What if the medicine stopped working? Maybe Curtis can’t imagine the hurt and shame Marshall could have brought down on him, but Marshall has, and it’s haunted him every day of his life. He was in danger of becoming someone else. Not the man Curtis’s mama married, not the man he knew. Not the father he wanted to be, or even have them be around. So he took the deal, and he took their meds, and he took off. He starts to cry, and says he’s sorry he hurt Curtis and Tommy, but at the time, he didn’t know what else to do.
Drew tells Carly, he wishes he’d met Lila, but he knows enough about her to take it as a compliment. She says, score one for her, and he says he doesn’t know if he’ll ever be completely comfortable in that house, but he doesn’t remember the last time he felt like a stranger. Carly tells him, that’s what Jason said, but he didn’t use those words, and he asks what Jason would say about her trying to buy into Aurora. She says, he would tell her to stay out of it, and he asks if she would if Jason told her too, but she says, no. She ignored Jason’s advice all the time, and he never held it against her. She’s sure at some point they were in a crisis of her making, and he said, I told you so, but she can’t remember. Drew says, she’s holding him to the same standard, but she says she’s not, because he schooled her on that. Jason is Jason, and Drew is Drew. Although there are definitely some similarities, Drew is his own person. He advised her to stay out of it, and she considered his advice; she’s just not going to take it. She thinks she’s going to make a lot of money on this merger, but he says, she is not doing this to make money. She’s doing it to back him and Michael. She says, right, because Michael’s her son, and it’s the least she can do to settle up with him. He asks what debt she thinks she’s repaying?
Sonny thanks Dex for the update, and Dex asks if he should look into it; figure out who’s making moves. Sonny says, check with the other clients, and see if any of them are thinking of making a switch, when Dex’s phone rings. Sonny tells him, take it, and Dex steps away. Sonny takes a swing at a hanging bag, and Brando asks if he still wants to spar. Sonny says, he thinks somebody has already taken a swing at him, and Brando asks if he has any idea who. Sonny says, yep; his own son.
Ned says, co-president, and Michael says he’s not sure about the co. He and Drew are already looking at that for a shared CEO position. Ned says he’s not referring to himself. He means the three of them. They share power and divide responsibilities. They each oversee a division according to their ability. The big decisions come down to a vote among the three of them. It’s equitable and it’s transparent, and it’s a sign of good faith that in the future they can move forward as a unit. What does Michael say?
Obrecht asks Brad to please leave them, and when he’s gone, she tells Britt, look at this place. It’s not fit for schwein. Britt says, everything is exactly how she wants it, and Obrecht says she finds that hard to believe, handing Britt a bra. Britt says, why? Because she prefers to store her bra on the lampshade? Or she’s not ashamed to single, and she doesn’t care if she dies alone? Obrecht says, pardon her intrusion. If Britt doesn’t appreciate her help… but Britt says, stop. She’s sorry she jumped down Obrecht’s throat. Obrecht says, don’t apologize. If anyone should apologize… Britt says, let her finish. She does appreciate Obrecht’s help and knows Obrecht means well, even if good intentions are a relatively new concept for her. She gave Society Set-Ups her best shot, and it didn’t pan out, and that’s okay, but she tried. Now she’s going to take a break from putting herself out there. Obrecht leads Britt to the bed, and they sit. She says, this isn’t about Britt meeting someone; it never was. If Britt doesn’t wish to share her life with another person, Obrecht will respect that. Perhaps her happiness with Scotty has made her a hopeless romantic. Britt says, Obrecht’s version of one, and Obrecht says she wants the people she cares about to be as happy as she is. Since her work scope is rather small, she can devote more time than the usual meddler. Britt says, maybe meddle with Nina? and Obrecht says, and her recovering amnesiac mafiosi? She’s getting nowhere near that schlimazel. As for Britt, she only wants Britt find the happiness she’s recently discovered. What she has with Scotty… Britt says, please, no details, and Obrecht tells her, she’ll just say, a gruff, sturdy, ethically flexible man who worships her is a nice change of pace. Britt says she’s happy for Obrecht, and Obrecht thanks her. She apologizes for attempting to foist her idea of contentment onto Britt, but she doesn’t apologize for butting in when she sees her only living child flailing. And make no mistake about it; she is.
Marshall asks if that was enough detail for Curtis, and Curtis says, for now. Marshall says, good. He’s going to take some rest. He gets up, and Curtis says, one more question. Marshall says he’s tired, but Stella says, just one, and Curtis says he’ll make it an easy one. About Marshall’s drug regimen. It’s been honed and refined over the years, right? Marshall says, It has, and Curtis says, and in all those years, Marshall never had an episode or a relapse? Marshall says, he told Curtis, he’s been lucky. Why? Curtis asks, how come Marshall didn’t come back years ago? Why now?
Drew asks what Carly could possibly think she owes him, and Carly flashes back to the courtroom, and telling Drew that Nina isn’t Willow’s mother. She tells him that she messed up his whole Victor Cassadine plan, but he says, that was an honest mistake. She says, and he’s been there for her since her marriage crashed and burned, but he says, that’s what friends do for each other. Nobody owes anybody anything. She says, he could have turned his back on her at any time, and let’s be honest. Before he went to Afghanistan, they’d grown apart. He says, that’s not how he thinks of it, and she asks, how can he not? He says, they hit a little bit of a rough spot when Jason came back. He didn’t know how or where they belonged in each other’s lives, but they navigated through that. He never once doubted them. He knew they would find their way back to each other; to the friendship they used to have. Or if they didn’t, they’d create a new one. And look at them now. They did it.
Sonny tells Brando, there’s a new angle, targeting his legitimate enterprises. Someone is throwing their weight around, interfering with his supply chain, messing with his clients. He’ll give Michael some credit. He’s smart, and he knows how to strategize. Brando asks if Michael has ever come after Sonny’s businesses before, and Sonny says, no, but Michael thinks he abandoned his family. Michael only sees what he wants to see, which is ironic, since when Michael got together with Willow, she was married to Chase.He only make allowances for himself, not for his own dad. Sonny leaves, and Dex looks at Brando. Brando says, problem? and Dex says, nothing he can’t solve. As Dex puts his phone away, Brando notices a gun in his waistband.
Marshall says, Curtis is the reason for why now. He kept his eyes on Curtis from afar. He witnessed Curtis’s struggles and his triumphs. Some made him proud, others broke his heart, but he never dared interfere. Not until Curtis gave him a sign. Curtis says, what sign? and Marshall says, The Savoy, his club. When Curtis opened a place for music, it was like God Itself was telling him that Curtis was ready. Or maybe that he was ready. He’s sorry he was late, but he’s here now. Stella says, and he’s staying, and Marshall says, he’s staying. Curtis and Marshall hug, and Marshall tells Stella, come here, girl. The three of them hug.
Britt says, she’s not flailing, but Obrecht says, Britt just doesn’t see it, and she’s certainly not living up to her potential. Look at herself; she’s letting life pass her by. One could make a convincing case that Britt is wallowing. Britt says, because none of the candidates put up by Society Set-Ups interested her? She’s raised her standards. She sighs, and says, she wants a man that will not only save her life, but who she can trust with her darkest secrets. Someone who can look her in the face and not flinch when she tells them that she has Huntington’s Disease, and she’ll inevitably die a horrible, debilitating death. Does Obrecht know any guys like that? Because the only one she’s met is buried under seven tons of rock on Cassadine Island. Obrecht says, Britt has had almost a year to make peace with Jason’s death and her diagnosis, and Britt asks, since when is there a time limit on grief? Or facing her own mortality? Obrecht says, Britt isn’t the only person who has to content herself with what time she has left. She has friends, and a cousin, and a nephew, and a mother who love her, and will miss her when she’s gone. Obrecht will be devastated. With the life she’s led, did Britt think she expected to outlive her children? Nathan is gone, and every morning she’s grateful for each and every moment left with Britt. She wonders when will Britt ever feel the same, and she leaves.
Michael says he’ll take Ned’s offer to Drew and see what he says, but Ned says, Michael doesn’t sound very enthusiastic. Michael says, to be honest, he doesn’t think it will appeal Drew. An equitable distribution of power among the three of them doesn’t account for the risk Drew is taking on the Aurora side. Ned says, Drew takes the risk, and Michael reaps the benefit. Then the two of them turn him into their underling. Drew has never even worked for ELQ. Michael says, maybe not, but he did. He was the CEO for years while Ned was doing his music and other stuff. Ned says, long before Michael found himself in the executive suite, he was changing Michael’s diapers. Michael says, let’s not get personal. If Ned loses sight of what’s at stake, they all lose. Ned walks outside and looks at Valentin in his phone contacts.
Carly says she’s glad she and Drew managed to push through, although she’s probably been doing all the pushing, since he felt like everything was fine. He says, sorry. Next time, he’ll clue her in. No more secrets. How about this? He doesn’t stand in the way of her investment, and she’s got to keep him honest; tell him if he starts veering away from Lila, and heading toward Edward. She tells him, don’t worry; she will.
Brando asks if Sonny is headed out, and Sonny says, he’s got to stop the bleeding. Brando asks how he can help, and Sonny says, just asking is plenty. Brando says he gets; it’s a sensitive situation. If he can’t talk to Michael, maybe he can talk to Dante. Maybe the two of them can get Michael to the table; see if he and Sonny can’t hammer out a peace. Sonny says, Brando is a good guy; stay that way. He doesn’t want to get involved in this. Brando tells Sonny that he said it himself, this is a legit business, which means there’s nothing Brando can’t know. Since it’s also family, he doesn’t want things to get so bad between Sonny and Michael that they can’t find their way back. Sonny says he thinks they’re a little too late for that.
On the phone with Drew, Michael says he just talked to Ned. Ned came back with a counter, but he wasn’t enthusiastic. Things got pretty tense, which is average for this family, but he was hoping Drew could come up with something better… All right. They’ll talk. He turns, and sees someone there. He asks if he can help them, and Dex says he hopes so.
Tomorrow, Sasha says Gladys is driving her crazy; Dante asks if that makes Michael any better than Sonny; and Sonny tells someone, if they touch one of his kids, and he’ll kill them himself.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Marcos tells Gary about his best friend Juan Carlos’s mom dying of a heart attack, and that Juan Carlos is in Miami, and couldn’t see her. In Marcos’s interview, he says, Juan Carlos is one of his oldest friends. He was there when Marco’s grandpa and grandma died, and he couldn’t go back to Venezuela because of his immigration status. Gary tells Marcos that his situation is more important than the guests, and asks if he wants company in the galley. In his interview, Marcos says, it’s not easy. He imagines it’s his mom, and hopes that sh*t doesn’t happen to him. He and Gary go to the galley, and Marcos says, business. Co-primary Lane tells Daisy that he likes to do a crew versus guests thing, and in the galley, Marcos tells Gary, this kind of stuff always happens when you’re away from home. Daisy checks out the table setting, and tells Ashley that she has the glasses the wrong way. (Ah-ha! in Nelson voice.) Daisy says, there’s a cabin that’s free, and tells Ashley to do it, then tells Marcos that the guests are sitting for dinner. It’s seafood night, and when Gary brings up a platter, he pretends he cooked it. Marcos describes the fabulous dishes, and Lane says, they’re all allergic seafood… just joking. Marcos laughs, but you know he’s thinking, not today. He goes to the galley to get dessert prepared, and Lane says, the seafood is impressive in variety. Marcos tells Colin about Juan Carlos’s mom, and says he always gets news like this when he’s cooking. That’s how it was when his grandpa and grandma died. Colin says, that’s when you realize how strong you are, and Daisy tells Marcos, the guests are ready for dessert. The guests pronounce the mean amazing, and applaud Marcos. Gary asks if Scarlett worked this hard day boats, she says, no, and they laugh. In Ashley’s interview, she says she doesn’t blame Gary; Scarlett is f***ing hot. It’s predictable though. We flash back to Gary flirting with everyone, including jokingly with Glenn, and Ashley says, it’s actually hilarious. Scarlett tells Gary that he makes her laugh.
Lane thanks the other guests for dressing up in white, and helping them celebrate. In Daisy’s interview, she says she’d love to meet someone amazing, but it hasn’t happened in 34 years, so she’s not holding her breath. Co-primary Amanda wants to saber a bottle, and does so successfully. Guest Becky asks if Glenn will join them for dinner tomorrow, and Gary tells Daisy and Kelsie about Juan Carlos. Marcos goes to bed, and Glenn tells Gary, the wind is picking up overnight. It will interesting to see how the swell comes through. Ashley says she’s pretty sure it was like this when they dragged last time, and Glenn suggests putting a couple fenders on deck. He tells Gary to keep an eye out for drifting. In Glenn’s interview, he says he’s not worried about the Parseval, but they might drag into all the little boats. Gary tells Kelsie to be vigilant, and know the surroundings.
The wind is 15 knots at midnight, and Marcos tells Gary that he spoke by text to Juan Carlos. He doesn’t believe it. Life is unfair. Gary says, that’s why you have to make the most of every day. By 1:40 am, the wind picks up 25 knots, and Kelsie thinks one of the surrounding boats is getting too close for comfort. In her interview, she says she needs someone who has the ability to move the boat if they need to get the f***ing hell out of there, and she wakes up Gary. He says, they’re stretching anchor, and if they start dragging, they’ll be deep in mud. In Gary’s interview, he says he learned the hard way, and doesn’t want it to happen again in his lifetime, let alone twice in one season. At 6:30 am, the wind is at 30 knots, and Gary tells Barnaby that he’s going to bed, and wake Glenn if he gets concerned. It’s guest Becky’s birthday, and Lane thinks it would be fun to go kite surfing. Colin thinks they should wake Glenn because they’re dragging so much, and in Glenn’s interview, he says, there’s no choice but to re-anchor. They won’t just be dragging in shallow water, but into other boats. He tells the deckhands to pull both anchors up and redrop them. In Barnaby’s interview, he says, it could be a serious problem if they keep dragging, and Colin sees there’s a chain wrapped around one of the anchors. In his interview, Barnaby says, if they can’t get the anchor up, they could end up hitting a little boat.
Colin tells them to bring the anchor up so he can screw around with it, and in Colin’s interview, he says, it’s chaotic. If this debris gets caught in the propellor, it could break something. He wants to scream. A rock and another anchor are attached to it, and as Scarlett serves breakfast, Colin curses the anchor. Gary tells Glenn that he’ll jump in the tender, and Colin says, they have to make sure nothing goes in the thruster. They manage to get all this crap off the anchor, and Colin tells Glenn, both anchors are at the water line. They re-anchor, and Lane asks if the captain was doing stunts. It was actually pretty exciting. Lane asks Glenn if it’s possible to sail if it calms down, but Glenn says, it woudn’t be fun, but maybe tomorrow. Lane jokes that he wants a second opinion from Barnaby. He tells Gary about the relay they want to do with the crew, and shows him the Seaman Cup trophy. Gary thinks it’s brilliant, and Lane tells him to come up with ideas for events. Is he up for the challenge? Gary says, game on. In the galley, Marcos tries to explain molecular gastronomy to Colin, and shows him how it’s done, which is where it finally made sense to me. Simplified, he put cantaloupe in a blender; added gelatin; heated it, then used a pipe (like you use for icing), dropping it into cold water. Boom! Caviar pearls that taste like cantaloupe. Colin asked if you could do it with any liquid, and Marcos said you could. I imagine they use molds or whatever to make the various food shapes. Ashley whines loudly about wanting to be in the relay, and Gary asks that the teams be changed from four on each to six, so there will be no tears. Ashley then tells the guests about how she whined, and afterward, Daisy says, the guests shouldn’t know that stuff unless they ask. If Ashley stood back, she’d probably get her way. Gary tells everyone to get in their swims soonish.
Daisy tells Marcos that Glenn will be dining with the guests, and Marcos says, he’ll have to change everything because he’d planned for eight people, not nine. She asks if she can help, and keeps apologizing. In Daisy’s interview, she says, f*** me. She feels so guilty. In the galley, Marcos says, f*** this.
The guests dress like pirates, and the crew like sailors. Glenn gives them instructions for the sailing course. He says, after that, they’ll bring a paddleboard around the boat once, then to the jacuzzi for the finish. This is possibly the best episode of the season. Scratch that. It is the best episode. Very little Ashley bullsh*t, and more fun. The guests are keeping the crew so busy by including them, there’s no time for Ashley’s bullsh*t. Glenn is the referee for the crew, and guest Matt for the guest. Ashley is paired with Barnaby, and in her interview, she says, no way she’s losing this race. They lag behind, and in her interview, she says, Barnaby is a sailing instructor. He should be doing his job better. When they get to the paddleboards, Glenn says he thinks it’s going to be a photo finish, with a mad dash to the jacuzzi. Everyone sits in the hot tub, and guest Romeo says, they were bested by the seaman. In Colin’s interview, he says, some people would think they’d let the guests win, but a competition is a competition. In Ashley’s interview, she says, f*** yeah; told you. The crew receives their cup, and they all drink out of it. Glenn says he’s impressed; they all did well. Marcos tells Daisy that dinner isn’t going to be as molecular because of the timing. She apologizes, and says she’ll take the bullet. In his interview, Marcos says he had a small amount of time to reinvent the dinner for nine plate. Daisy feels awful, and Ashley and Scarlett decorate for the dinner.
The guests are seated, and Glenn joins them. Glenn tells them that they don’t get many Canadians, and the first course is served – it looks like a tomato, but it’s a pepper! Amanda says, finding out the chef was excellent has been a highlight, and in Glenn’s interview, he says he doesn’t really understand it. He’s good with a regular tomato. The caviar is presented, Marcos having used prosciutto and cucumber, and Lane says, even though they told him, no holds barred, Marcos was still using their favorites. Glenn suggests Marcos might be an alien from the future. They toast to birthday girl Becky, and Amanda tells Marcos that he’s a magic man. Lane does a happy food dance, and Glenn thanks them. They suggest Glenn party with them, but Glenn says he needs his beauty rest. Lane tells the story of a man being asked if he’d ever done a hurricane. He drank a shot, got water thrown in his face, and was slapped. They want the crew to do the same to the dudes in the group, because apparently it’s some weird tradition. In Ashley’s interview, she says she has a lot of pent up frustration; it’s gonna rip. In Kelsie’s interview, she says, it feels wrong since the guests are so lovely, but if the guests ask, they provide. So they provide what the guests ask, and everyone goes to bed, a jolly good time having been had by all.
Gary bugs Scarlett to talk on deck, but she tells him it has to wait until she’s done. He talks anyway, so Ashley runs to Daisy, saying, Scarlett doesn’t need to be having a heart-to-heart with Gary when she could be helping. In Ashley’s interview, she says, she’s totally f***ing with Gary’s fun. Daisy comes up on deck, and tells Scarlett, it’s not the appropriate time. Gary says, he’s been c*ck blocked, and in Scarlett’s interview, she says, the only person causing trouble in her and Gary’s relationship is Gary. Scarlett told Daisy she tried to tell Gary later, but he said it wouldn’t take long. Daisy says, that’s Gary. Later, a shirtless Gary finds Scarlett in the laundry room, and half-asleep Daisy comes out. Gary asks if they were talking loud, and Daisy just glares at him, going back in her cabin. Gary tells Scarlett that Daisy is just jealous, and in her interview, Scarlett says, it’s easy for Gary not to care. Daisy’s not his boss. It’s effecting her work and she wants him to stop. This is why she can’t do this.
Glenn tells Colin that it’s not worth going back to drop off the guests, so they’ll take them to shore in the tender. Gary says, they were the best guests they’ve ever had, and I agree. Glenn calls the crew to the cockpit to say goodbye, and Daisy says, it feels like they’re picking up, not dropping off. Lane says, they obviously wish they could have sailed, but everything was phenomenal. He’s going to keep an eye out for Marcos, and expects to see a Michelin star near his name soon. The food totally redeemed the wind and the weather. He gives Glenn the tip envelope, and Gary goes with them in the tender. Glenn blows the horn, and the guests wave from the dock. The crew does some quick cleaning, and it’s time for the tip meeting. Glenn tells them that he’s not bias, but this was the classiest, funniest, kindest group, and they were Canadians. Not going anywhere and having to entertain guests is the hardest, and it’s the first time a chef did molecular gastronomy. Marcos has been continuously outdoing himself. They got the biggest tip of the season; $23K or $2,555 each. He hates to end the meeting with bad news, but they have a charter tomorrow, at noon. Daisy says, they’re so close to the end. How is this happening? Glenn says, they start at 8 am; it’s the final charter. He can’t allow their work to go unappreciated though, and has a caterer from a restaurant coming to the yacht. He tells them, it’s a school night, and to police themselves, so they can bang it out for the last one. Daisy asks to talk to Ashley, and tells Ashley that she can see how hard Ashley works, but the whingeing grates on her. (I’m assuming that’s akin to whining.) Daisy says, it’s inappropriate, and a part of the job Ashley needs to work on. There’s no point in decorating a beautiful table if you can’t sell it. Ashley says she knows she needs to work on that, and Daisy says she wants to see amazing, happy, and helping Scarlett. One last push. Marcos tells Colin that he has to keep going like nothing happened, and Colin asks how he can help. Glenn asks Daisy, Gary, and Marcos to join him for the preference sheet meeting.
The co-primaries are Laura and Matt, who are bringing Allegra and Gabe, who were supposed to get married in 2020, but had to cancel. They want to make up for lost time, and be married by Glenn on the beach. Gary asks if captains can really marry people, and Glenn says, to make it official, you have to follow-up with a Justice of the Peace. In Glenn’s interview, he says, he knows it’s traditional for a captain to officiate, but weddings can be a lot, and he’s nervous. Daisy reads that on day one, the guests want an astrological rave, and on day two, the beach wedding, with a reception including a multi-tiered cake. Marcos reads that another co-primary, Loren, adheres to a gluten-free diet, and Marcos says, that means she’s allergic and he has to be careful. In Marcos’s interview, he says, gluten-free, dairy-free, and a f***ing wedding cake. He’s going to have to make a gluten-free cake. This is going to emotionally destroy him; the stress is too much. Glenn says, it’s an interesting finale, and they all chant, last charter. Scarlett asks Daisy if they can wipe down the stainless tomorrow, and Daisy agrees. Daisy tries to chat with Marcos, who asks her to give him some space. The restaurant caterer arrives, and the crew gets dressed for dinner. After they’re seated, Daisy asks Marcos to go for a smoke. They go up on deck, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he’s better, but he’s sad and worried. She says, he’s an incredible chef, and to see him so low makes her heart break. She hugs him, and in his interview, he says, it’s the first time the whole season that he’s thinking he’s not going to pull it off. It’s that serious. He tells Daisy, he’s human, and in his interview, he says he may reach his limit. He’s in a glass of water, and ready to drown. Daisy says, he’ll come out shining, and hugs him.
I have my favorite episodes of the OG Below Deck (Shame Cocoon for one), but this was hands-down my favorite episode of Sailing Yacht. I’ve never been that crazy about this spin-off, although Glenn has grown on me, but these guests were so much fun, and so inclusive of the crew, there was literally no time for Ashley’s machinations, and little time for Gary’s nonsense. Gary is just an idiot, but Ashley could give Jax Taylor a run for his money as Worst Human On Earth. There was also a bit of excitement with that whole anchor thing. Best. Sailing. Episode. Ever.
Next time, party on deck; Daisy says, a hangover is tomorrow’s problem; the crew deals with tomorrow’s problem three hours before charter; Glenn says, tomorrow’s problem is self-inflicted, so it’s on them; and the beach where the wedding is to be held is crowded.
To counteract the sad news above. On a side note, Bravo finally backed themselves into an acronym corner. Because it might get confused with Dallas – RHOD – it’s RHODubai. Good thing they aren’t from Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoron-ukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. And yes, it’s a real place in New Zealand.
Delivered as promised. Feel free to come along tomorrow for a look at some soap and some Beverly Hills. Until then, stay safe, stay pursuing at least one passion, and stay not becoming a meme.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sonny picks up Nina’s necklace from in front of Nelle’s gravestone. I knew it!
In a cab, Nina tells the driver that she’s going to the airport; the international terminal. Her phone dings, but she brushes it aside.
On the phone, Sonny tells Phyllis not to worry. He’s going to find her.
Sam says, when Cody said, partners in crime, is he talking about Detective Falconari? Cody says he can’t wrap his head around the cop part. This guy’s mom sent him to summer camp to keep him out of trouble, and he got in a lot more while he was there. Dante says, that was because of Cody, and Cody says, right. He’s the one who led Dante astray; Dante’s the innocent one. Sam says, they’ve known each other that long? and Cody says, we were twelve?Thirteen? Dante says, twelve. He came home from school one day, and his mom had a bag packed. He was going to camp for the summer. Stay out of trouble and get into nature. Sam says, and Cody was the bad influence that corrupted Dante? Cody says he was a bad influence, but so was Dante back in the day.
Josslyn sees Cameron at the pool, putting out towels, and says, two shifts? Kelly’s, now here? He says, with everything going on with his mom, he figured he could use the extra work, and she asks if they can talk about what’s going on with them.
In front of her house, Trina says she can’t believe she and Rory stayed out so long, and he says he guesses that means they were having a good time. She says she guesses so, and thanks him for everything back at the pool, and for dinner, and for ice cream. She’ll pay him back for everything. He tells her not to worry about it, and thanks her for introducing him to that amazing food truck. She says, right? She only knew about it because it goes by PCU on certain days. He says, another testament to her incredible taste. Good art, good food. He can’t wait to see what else she introduces him to.
Spencer says he promises whatever Esme has to say, he’ll listen, but can he please go first? He’s had a lot of time to think about what she said to him; how he takes her for granted, and how Trina gets under his skin. But he evades every time she calls him out on it, and he realized she’s right. She deserves some answers.
Ava says, don’t tell her that he hired a divorce lawyer already, and Nikolas says, no, but he was ready to give up on their marriage. She says she was too. She drew a line in the sand, and she was ready to walk away. Thankfully, she realized it was the last thing she wanted. They can find their way back from this, can’t they?
Dante says, Cody didn’t corrupt him, but he definitely coerced Dante into going along with his more harebrained schemes. Cody says, like Dante didn’t have any suggestions, and Dante says, Cody knows it wasn’t his idea or choice to take a canoe out in the middle of the lake, and tip it over on purpose. Cody starts laughing and banging the table, and says, they pretended they were drowning, and yelled, help! help! until the prettiest CIT came over. Dante tells Sam, that’s Counselor-in-Training, and Cody says, she swam over. She – air quotes – rescuedus – end air quotes – and boy she was mad. Dante says, they got banned from the beach for the rest of the summer, and Cody says, then Dante stole all the camp director’s cigarettes out of his cabin. Dante says, and why did he do that? and Cody says, because he dared Dante to. Dante says, they got busted because this guy smoked every cigarette in the pack, and started puking all over the place, and Cody says, nothing like a little adrenaline rush to let you know you’re alive. Sam says, it’s like jumping out of a plane and crash-landing on an unsuspecting woman, and Cody says, talk about mad… and pretty. She actually reminds him of that CIT. Still, if she hadn’t been there, it would have been a perfect landing. Dante says, instead of a potential negligence lawsuit, and Cody says, look at Dante, former renegade, embracing the straight and narrow path to a humdrum life. Dante says he doesn’t know if staring down the barrel of a loaded gun is as dangerous as jumping out of a plane, and Cody says he’s just messing with Dante. He’s going to get another round for that dinner Dante is going to buy him. He gets up, and puts his hand on his back. Sam asks if he’s okay, and Cody says, that tumble just fired up some old injuries. He’s good. A little pain just lets you know you’re alive. He goes to the bar, and Sam wonders why Dante never mentioned him before. Dante says he doesn’t know. They saw each other at summer camp, had a helluva time, but they lost touch after Dante stopped going. Sam says, that’s too bad. He seems like a good guy. Dante says, he is a good guy. Good at getting in trouble.
Josslyn says she feels like she and Cameron should be able to tell each other everything by now. Unless this is something bigger. Does he feel like they need time or something? He says, no. He doesn’t want that. Does she? She says she doesn’t know what else to do. Clearly, something is going on. Cameron flashes back to telling Spencer that he’s not going to lose Josslyn because Spencer can’t keep his head in the game. Make it happen, or he will. Cameron says, Josslyn is right. There’s something he has to tell her. She says, okay, when Adam walks in. Cameron says, isn’t that…? and she says, the creep who tried to hit on her when she thought they were just study buddies? Adam says he’s sorry to interrupt, but he really needs to talk to her.
Taggert tells Portia that he was hoping Trina would get home before he left, and she says, Trina is actually supposed to be back by now, but she has been working a lot. Dealing with everything hanging over her head, Portia doesn’t blame her. She wishes there was something she could do to make things better, and Taggert says, she will. He asks her to give Trina a big hug from her dad, and she says she sure will. Trina’s still a daddy’s girl; don’t worry. Taggert opens the door to find Rory and Trina standing there, and asks, sweetheart, who’s your friend?
Nikolas downs a drink, and Ava says, they had a fight; so do most couples. She just had to remember everything they’ve shared. How they’ve survived, despite everyone’s predictions to the contrary. Because they love each other. Because they understand each other. It’s going to take a helluva lot more than an argument to sever that bond. He flashes back to… I don’t want to talk about it, and says, to be fair, it was more than one argument. There are things between them that aren’t easy to resolve. She says, nothing between them has been easy, and it hasn’t stopped them yet, but he says, she walked away from him; from them. He thought it was over. She says she thought so too, but it’s because they’re both stubborn, passionate people. When they’re at odds, things can get really ugly, but when they’re together, they’re unbeatable. That’s the problem. They stopped working as a team. They started to let their own agendas drive them, and forgot to protect this life they’ve created together. That life is beautiful. It’s remarkable, and utterly their own. And she’s not going to let Spencer and Esme tear it down.
Spencer says he’s so sorry for how bad things have gotten between him and Esme. He’s so sorry for the way he treated her. He takes her hand, and asks if she’ll please forgive him.
On the phone, Sonny asks if Brick can track down Nina for him. She’s not returning his calls, his texting, or nothing… He’s just afraid she’s not in a great state of mind, and she might do something she’s going to regret.
Nina thanks the driver for making the stop; she left her passport in the office. She realizes her necklace is gone, and asks him to wait. They have to make another stop before he drives her to the airport.
Cody comes back with beers, and says, to Port Charles finest. That means Dante. Dante says, to unexpected reunions, and they clink bottles. Sam says, no wedding ring; he’s not married? He says, free as a bird, and she says, no kids? He says, no, and she asks if there’s anyone special in his life. He says, she asks a lot of questions, and Dante says, Sam is a private investigator; occupational hazard. Sam says, it’s like jumping out of a plane and landing on a roof. It’s sort of like skydiving. Is that what Cody does for a living, or is it his side hustle? Cody says, actually, for a long time, he was a stunt horseback rider, and Dante says, cool. Cody was always good with horses. Cody says he grew up around them, and when he moved out west, he worked on ranches. That’s where he learned stunt riding, but after too many tumbles, he had to hang up his saddle. Now he makes a living doing short term gigs. Sam asks if dropping out of the sky isn’t hard on his back, and he says, yeah. He’ll probably have to quit that too. So how long have Sam and Dante been together? Dante asks if Sam wants to take that one, and she says, they’re coming up on a year. Cody asks how they met, and Dante says, Sam has been a family friend for years. Sam says, her ex-husband was best friends with Dante’s father. Cody says, Dante found his father. He remembers Dante wanted to know who he was. Dante says he got to know his father a little over 10 years ago, and Cody says, that’s significant; tell him about him. Dante says, he’s a businessman in Port Charles, and Cody asks, what’s his business? Dante says, Corinthos Coffee, and Cody says, his dad is Sonny Corinthos?
Sonny tells Brick, talk to him… a plane ticket, where?… Dammit. Milan?… How soon?… All right. He’s on it. He starts to leave, but meets Nina, who’s coming into the cemetery.
Cameron says, if he was Adam, he’d get the hell out of here, but Josslyn says, it’s fine. Let’s hear what he has to say. Adam asks if they can talk in private, and Cameron says, he’s joking, but Josslyn says, it’s fine. He’s got a minute. Cameron steps away, and Josslyn says, one wrong word, and he’s in the pool, and she’s pretty good at it. He says he’s been afraid to talk to her at school, but he saw her come in there, and figured it’s now or never. She says, for what? and he says, an apology.
Nikolas tells Ava, as convenient as it would be to blame Spencer and Esme, they’ve struggled with trust and honesty from the beginning, and he takes his responsibility in that. Ava says she knows they have legitimate issues to work through, but despite that, there’s love here. There’s a kinship even, and there’s certainly no denying their attraction. Surely those things can see them through. What does he say? Is still in this with her? He says, don’t call him Shirley.
Esme says she appreciates Spencer’s acknowledgement that he’s treated her badly, but it’s not that simple. She removes her hand from his, and gets up. He follows and says, he knows he messed everything up. He’s trying to work it out. He wants to be the man she deserves, but in order to do that, he may need a second, third, or fourth chance, and he doesn’t even know which one he’s on now. Just believe he’s trying to do better by her. She says she needs more than trying, and from where she’s standing, it doesn’t look like he’s trying very hard, except to justify his behavior. She’s been willing to stand by him, no matter what, but she hasn’t gotten anything close to that from him. She deserves better. His father reminded her of that.
Nikolas says he’s with Ava, always and forever. She moves to kiss him, but he backs up a little. She says, forever lasted all of four seconds, and he says she just surprised him. She says, and his instinct was to recoil; that’s not very reassuring. He says he’s as in love with her as ever. He wanted to grab her in his arms so many times, and he had to restrain himself. They came so close to the edge of giving up. It might take time for him to feel normal. She says, there is still one giant thing between them. If they really want to move forward, they have to settle it once and for all.
Spencer says, Esme talked to his father about him? and Esme flashes back to – oh! My eyes! She says, among other things. Nikolas saw her suitcase, and she accidentally broke the news about Ava’s offer for them to move out of Windymere in exchange for an allowance from his trust fund. One thing led to another, and she told him they fought, and she was on the verge of walking out on him. Spencer asks what Nikolas said to make her stay, and she says, Nikolas cares about Spencer and doesn’t want to see him hurt, so he talked her down. He gave her a new perspective on relationships. It was a lot to take in, but it made her realize she has to be honest in what she needs from Spencer. He says he knows their relationship has been rocky. He’s been in a bad head space ever since he came back from Spring Ridge, but he’s ready to do whatever it takes to make this work between them. She asks if he really means that.
Portia asks if she can get Rory anything to drink, but he says he’s fine. Trina asks if Taggert wasn’t supposed to be leaving, and Portia thinks she remembers Rory. Wasn’t he at the courthouse at Trina’s arraignment? He says, yes. It was the first day he officially met Trina. Trina says, Rory got her a soda when she was in the interrogation room. Portia says, well, that’s an interesting story, and the three of them force a laugh. Taggert says, mm-hm, and Rory says he heard how Taggert and Commissioner Ashford took down Cyrus Renault. Great work. Taggert says, ya think? He broke the law. He had to convince his ex-wife and daughter that he was dead for nearly six months. Trina says, which she had a problem with at first, but then she realized he was just doing what he had to do. Rory says, it sounds like Taggert did what he needed to do to protect his family and community. He admires that. Taggert asks if Rory likes breaking the rules. Is that the real reason he’s hanging out with Taggert’s daughter?
Josslyn says, Adam wants to apologize? and he says he does. He’s sorry for being a total jerk. He had no right to say the things he said. She says, no, he didn’t; so why did he? He tells her, he’s ashamed to say it now, but all he saw was a hot girl in a video. He didn’t think about how it felt to have her privacy violated. Then he read her article in The Invader. Reading about what she went through, it was seriously messed up, and made him check himself. If someone did that to his sister, he would be furious. He’s really sorry, and sorry he made it worse for her. She thanks him, and says she accepts his apology. He asks if they should hug it out or something, and she says, remember the pool? Don’t push it.
Dante says he’s guessing Cody knows the name Sonny Corinthos, and Cody says, he knows Sonny roasts a mean bean. Can Dante hook him up with some free coffee? Dante says, some things never change; always looking for an angle. Cody says, it’s not what you know, and Dante says, it’s who you know. Cody asks what Dante is up to tonight. Does he want to raise a ruckus to honor the old times? Dante says he has an early morning, and Cody says, Dante has to keep those bad guys off the street. Dante says, and get his kid to school. Cody says, look at Dante. He’s a dad with a great job, and a cool girlfriend. He didn’t think Dante had it in him. Cody is happy for him. It looks like he grew up to have a full life. Dante thanks him, and says, it looks like Cody got the life he wanted too. Cody says, more or less. He’s glad they had this chance to catch up, even if it’s just one night. Sam says, they’re having dinner at her place tomorrow night. Why doesn’t Cody come by?
Sonny says he was worried about Nina. He called and texted, but she didn’t return his calls. She says she put her phone on silent; she wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone. He says he heard her petition to see Wiley was rejected. He’s sorry. She asks if he’s upset about how she let Scotty go after Michael, and he says he doesn’t like to see Michael in pain, but can’t he feel for her too? She says she won’t be hurting Michael or anyone anymore. She’s headed to the airport as soon as she finds… He says, this? holding up her necklace. He won’t give it to her, and she says, she’s running late; there’s a car waiting for her. He says, too bad. He’s not letting her go.
Ava says, her offer to Spencer wasn’t only to get him and Esme to move out; it was for her and Nikolas. Nikolas says, she wanted to give them space to work on their marriage, but it hurts that his son chose money over their relationship. Ava says she means no disrespect, but in Spencer’s eyes, Nikolas did the same thing. As a gesture of good faith and to show him she’s committed to their marriage, she won’t make Spencer choose. He says, if she reneges on their deal, Spencer will be furious, but she says, no. She’ll still give him the money, on the condition he remain here. Of course (🍷) she’ll still have to put up with Esme. He says, not necessarily. Esme and Spencer might be breaking up. Esme seems to think so. Ava says, maybe that’s why Spencer was looking for her. Maybe she’s gone already. This calls for a toast. Things are looking up already.
Spencer tells Esme, he means it with all his heart. He wants them to make it. Can she please accept his apology? She takes his hands and says she loves him. She wants to make this relationship work, so yes, she forgives him. She hopes this can be a new beginning for them. He says he wants that too. He’s ready for all this drama to be a thing of the past. She says, the best part is, she knows he means that.
Portia tells Taggert, this isn’t an interrogation, but Rory says, it’s a fair question. Actually, he’s a by-the-book guy. That’s why he looked it up, and there’s no rule he’s not allowed to be friends with Trina while she’s awaiting trial. Taggert says, he’s a rookie, right? There’s something Rory needs to understand about law enforcement; there’s written rules, and unwritten rules. Rory says, yes, sir. He takes that seriously. Just like he takes seriously their oath and motto, to protect and serve; that’s why he was drawn to the job. He’s not violating the oath or motto by hanging out with Trina. If someone has a problem with that, it’s on them, not him. Portia asks what Rory likes to do in his spare time, and he says, Trina is teaching him about art; she has a great eye. Trina says she keeps telling him, art is subjective, but she guesses she’s been around it more. Rory says, no false modesty; own it, lady. Trina says she guesses she’s pretty good at it, and Rory says he likes to keep active; play sports, swim, work out when he can. The job keeps him pretty busy, and the whole work/life balance is tough. Portia says, let her know when he’s got that figured out, and he says, right now, he’s trying to remind himself to make more time for the things he enjoys. He and Trina smile at each other.
Cody tells Sam, he appreciates the offer, but he’s got to hit the road tomorrow. She says, no way. He’s only there for the day? He says, life in the gig economy. His next job’s in the Finger Lakes area, but Port Charles seems like a nice town. Sam says, it is. Too bad he can’t stick around and get to know the place. Cody says he never gets too comfy in one place; got to pay the bills. Sam asks if he’s looking for something long term, and he says, since he quit riding, he just goes where the wind blows. He’s open to opportunities. Why does she ask? She says she might know of a job that’s a good fit, if of course (🍷) he’s interested.
Nina tells Sonny, she can’t stay here. She hates losing him, leaving him, but she can’t keep doing this. Her mistakes have cost him everything, and they’ve finally caught up with her. He says he meant what he said on the stand; he forgives her for what she did to him. She thanks him, and says, it means everything, but it doesn’t change the fact she lost Wiley, her grandson, her flesh and blood, the last link she’ll ever have to her daughter. He says, she doesn’t know that for sure, and she says, Michael and Willow won’t let her see Wiley after everything that happened in court today. He says, Michael and Willow can’t keep her from her grandson forever, but she says, they can. They won’t let that little boy see anything redeemable in her. Willow accused her of being exactly like Nelle. And Nina said terrible things. She has a habit of lashing out when she feels cornered. She missed her chance at getting what her mother stole from her. She won’t know Nelle, and now she won’t know Nelle’s son. The only thing she has left of them is that necklace. Please give to her so she can go. It hurts too much to stay here. He puts the necklace in her hand, and asks her to do him a favor. Before she leaves; let him ask her one thing. How does she think Wiley will feel when he finds out she gave up on him?
Sam tells Cody, her kids spend a lot of time at their grandmother’s. They have stables and horses. They just got a new horse, and they’re actually looking for another handler. Cody says, so old money? New? She says, does it matter? He said he worked on ranches. Does that mean he has experience in managing and grooming horses? He says, yeah. When he was a kid, his family tended to some horses that were on an estate near the camp. He helped out, and even took over for a couple years before he went out west. She says she can’t promise anything, but she and Dante can get him a foot in the door, but Dante says, he thinks it’s a good idea, but he doesn’t think it’s the right one for Cody. Never too comfy in one place, right?
Cameron gets a text from Spencer: All good. Plan on track. Josslyn comes back with Adam, and Cameron says, everything okay? She says, yeah, and Adam says, he was telling Josslyn that he read their article in The Invader, and how sorry he is everything went down the way it did. They’re really brave, and he appreciates them both. Cameron says, cool, thanks, and Adam leaves. Cameron asks if he’s legit, and Josslyn says, actually, yes. He apologized, and told her that when he read the article, he changed. They changed his perspective. It’s just more validation that they made the right decision in agreeing to do the article. He says he guesses they did. He’s glad she’s finally getting some closure. She tells him, she wouldn’t say that. She won’t get any closure on any of this until Esme gets what she deserves.
Spencer and Esme walk in, and Ava says she’s glad Spencer is here. She has some news. She’s decided to amend their agreement. Spencer says, she’s giving him full control of his trust fund? but she laughs, and says, no. She’s still giving him an allowance like they agreed, except Spencer won’t be moving out. He’ll stay, and work things out with his father. Spencer says, she wants him to stay here? and she says, yes, and it seems the timing has worked out perfectly. Nikolas told her what happened. Esme looks at Nikolas, who gives a small shake of his head, and Esme asks Ava, what was that exactly? Ava says she understands Esme and Spencer have been having some difficulties, and are looking to take a break. She’s not going to insult Esme’s intelligence by saying she’s sorry to hear that. She’s sure Esme will land on her feet; find some other family to terrorize, as long as it’s not hers. Esme says, that’s where Ava is wrong. She and Spencer worked everything out. He stays; she stays. Does that alter Ava’s terms? Ava looks at Nikolas.
Nina tells Sonny, she’s not giving up on Wiley; she’s fighting to stay in his life. Sonny says, until now. She had one setback, and she’s going to throw in the towel? She says she can’t sit on the sidelines and watch that little boy play out the rest of his life without her, knowing his family poisoned his mind against her. It just hurts too much. He says, if she runs away, Wiley is going to believe the lies. He’s going to grow up, and want to know his mother and her family. He’s going to seek Nina out, and maybe want a relationship with her when he finds out how great she is. She says she doesn’t see that happening, but he says, they don’t know the future, but he can tell her right now, she’s not going to have a relationship with Wiley if she’s not here. She says she just feels hopeless, and he says, so she’s going to run. That’s what she does; it’s her pattern. She has to break that pattern. Otherwise, Wiley is going to grow up believing all the lies people are telling him. She says, what if it’s too late? but he says, that’s her fear talking. Remember what she said to him? The only way she could make it up to Wiley is to prove how much she loves him. She believed that then, believe it now. She says she doesn’t know what she believes, and he says, stay here. She has a life here. She could have one with Wiley, but she’s never going to know if she runs away.
Cody thanks Sam for the offer, but says, it’s not the right gig for him. Dante says, ever since they were kids, Cody’s had adventure in his veins, and Cody tells Sam, he’s right. Dante’s always had his number.
Cameron says his break’s just about over, and Josslyn says, he was going to tell her something before Adam interrupted them. He says, it’s not really important; it can wait. She says, really? Because she can’t shake the feeling he’s hiding something from her. He says, no. He’s sorry. He’s probably giving off weird vibes; he’s worried about his mom. She says, right. She’s sorry, but he knows he can tell her anything, right? He says he loves her, and she says she loves him too, and they hug.
Ava says, the most important thing is that Nikolas and Spencer work out their problems. If Esme and Nikolas are back track, it seems that Esme will be sticking around. Nikolas says, that is if Spencer decides to stay; the decision is his. And Nikolas supports whatever he decides. Esme says, seems like win-win to her, and Spencer says, how can he refuse such a generous offer? but the look on his face is skeptical. Ava says, then it’s settled. As a welcome home gift, she’ll wire his first payment. She jets, and Spencer says he’ll come too. He follows Ava out, and Esme tells Nikolas, she thought they’d never leave. In the hallway, Spencer asks if Ava is really okay with Esme staying here. She says she’s committed to her marriage, just like she’s committed to Spencer and his father moving forward. If that means putting up with Esme, Ava will do her best to tolerate her. She walks away, and inside the room, Esme says, so Nikolas didn’t tell Ava? She doesn’t suspect? Nikolas says, no, and what happened between them can never happen again. They’re back together with their partners, and have another shot at making it work. He thinks it’s best if Spencer and Ava never find out, and Esme says she totally agrees. Ava and Spence never have to find out. Nikolas leaves.
Rory says, it’s nice meeting Portia and Taggert, but unfortunately, he has an early morning. Portia says, it was nice meeting him too, and Taggert says he was just leaving; he’ll walk Rory out. Rory says, see Trina soon, and leaves with Taggert. Trina laughs, and picks up her phone. Portia says, he was nice, and he was cute too. She picked up a little connection. Trina tells Portia, like she said, he’s a nice person, but she barely knows him, and Portia says, okay. Whatever Trina says. They both squeal.
Nina touches Nelle’s gravestone, and tells Sonny, okay. She’ll stay in Port Charles, for Wiley. He says, she’s making the right choice, and she says, she’ll watch that sweet little boy become a stranger to her, or worse, afraid of her because of what his family has said about her. She’s not sure how she’s going to handle that. He says, she’s not going to handle it alone. She has him, Phyllis, her family and friends. He takes her hand and says they’re here for her, and she says, that’s a good thing. He says, every step of the way, and she says, because she doesn’t know how she’s going to watch Wiley grow up without her, or how she’s going to live without him. Sonny holds her, and she cries
On Monday, Portia asks if Marshall gave Curtis a reason to trust him; Valentin tells Ned, everything has a price – what’s yours; Willow tells Carly that dealing with Nina helped her come to a big decision; and Elizabeth tells Finn that he’s hurting her more than he realizes.
⌨️ Why the Temp…
It was a little startling. The weird thing was, I kind of thought he made a better Michael than the regular Michael.
Trust is lost in buckets and gained in drops. – Judge Faith Jenkins
The hardest thing to understand in the world is the income tax. – Albert Einstein
If I were to search for logic, it wouldn’t be among the English upper class. – Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith), Downton Abbey
I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles. – Audrey Hepburn
I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers. – Kahlil Gibran
Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them. – Orison Swett Marden (Or smack them out of the way.)
There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. – Nelson Mandela
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
🧍🏽♀️ Just Taking a Step To the Right…
Come hither again when the Dead are Feared. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping your priorities straight, and stay not letting your pattern be running away. And if it is, break it.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Britt fumbles around under the parachute, and pops up, saying, what the hell was that? The parachutist pops up from the other side, and says, now that was interesting. Hello, Port Charles! Britt asks for someone to help her out of the pool.
Michael asks Carly, what is it? As long as it isn’t bad news. She looks at the envelope, and flashes back to opening it, and reading, Patient A has a 99.9999999999999 chance of being related to Patient B. Carly says, if this is true, Nina is Willow’s mother. Michael asks if she’s okay, and she lets out an audible breath.
Sonny comes into Charlie’s, and Phyllis says, that look on his face better not be disappointment. He says he’s always happy to see her, and she asks if he’d be happier if Nina was here. He asks if she came by, and Phyllis says, not today. He says, he called and texted, but she didn’t get back to him, and Phyllis asks if he’s worried about the hearing. He says, she didn’t let him know if the judge ruled, and Phyllis says, maybe it’s still going on. He could head over there and offer his support. He says he already did that, and he just made it worse.
Carly tells Michael, she’s fine. She’s just trying to decompress from the day. Willow says, tell her about it, when Drew joins them, and asks how it went. Michael says, they won, and Willow says, Nina has no one to blame but herself. Drew tells them, congratulations, and Willow takes Michael’s hand, saying, it really does feel like a victory, doesn’t it? After everything Nina put them through, and all that crap she said on the stand, it’s over. Nina can never lay claim to their family again.
At the park, Josslyn says she can’t believe Wiley beat her again. Maybe they should just play a different game. Wiley says, like what? and she says, like volleyball, but he says, no way; she’s too good. She says, finally, a little respect. Her phone dings, and she wonders who it could be. Wiley says, Cameron? and she says, he guessed it. Wiley says, Cameron texts her a lot. She reads: Don’t worry about Spencer. Will set him straight about Esme.
As they head for the room where Esme and Nikolas are, Spencer picks something up from the floor, and tells Ava, this is Esme’s jacket. He calls to Esme, and inside, she and Nikolas break apart. Nikolas says, Spencer. Spencer looks at Ava, who shrugs, and he tries the door, but it’s locked. He says, that’s funny. This door’s been locked. Who would have done that?
Brad continues to film, as Britt hoists herself out of the pool, and says, don’t worry about me. She struggles to stand up, using a table as leverage, and Maxie asks if she’s okay. Britt says, does she look like she’s okay? She tells Dante, feel free to arrest that guy at any time, but Spinelli thinks invoking the law is a little extreme. Britt says, he could have killed her, and Maxie says, don’t be dramatic. Britt says, excuse me? and Maxie says, he was obviously part of the entertainment, and did a really cool stunt. Brad says, he, for one, is thoroughly entertained, and Britt tells Dante, arrest him. Dante says, first things first, and asks the guy to get out of the pool. The guy says he’s a little tied up, and fiddles with his harness, and Dante tells him, get untied up. Come on, get out of the pool. He’ll give the guy five seconds. Britt says she’ll count. 1… 2… 3… 4… 5! Dante says, come on, and the guy frees himself, saying, all right. It’s official. He’s completely free. Britt says, not for long, and Dante says, Cody? The guy says, Dante? and Dante says he doesn’t believe this. Britt makes a face.
Carly says, if there’s one thing they’ve learned, it’s that Nina isn’t going to disappear quietly into the sunset, and Michael says, she took her best shot and lost. Can they please stop talking about Nina, and go home and celebrate with Wiley? Carly says, if only it were that simple, and Willow asks why it isn’t. Drew wonders if he can steal Michael for a minute, and they step into the hallway. Michael asks if it’s about the hearing, and Drew says, yes… and no. It’s mostly about ELQ.
Phyllis says, that hearing sounds like a nightmare, and Sonny says, it was. She says, maybe it’s naïve of her, but things were simpler back in Nixon Falls, weren’t they? If you had a problem with a neighbor, you worked it out over the fence. He says, or over a nice cold beer in town, and she says, and families duked it out at Thanksgiving not in court. He says, and lawyers get their fees, and everyone walks away like they lost, even if they won. She says, it must have been excruciating, standing up for Nina, knowing what it would do to his relationship with his son. Be honest though. If he could go back, and do it all over again, would he make a different choice?
Spencer jiggles the doorknob, and calls, Esme. Are you in there? He says he guesses not, throws the jacket on a chair, and leaves. Ava is about to knock, when Nikolas opens the door. Ava asks, what exactly was he doing in there?
Esme runs out onto the parapet in her underwear.
Brad hands a shirtless Cody a towel, and Britt says, really? Brad says, what? He looks cold. Cody says he’s sorry about getting Britt all wet, but in his defense, he was told the pool was going to be cleared. She says, well, it wasn’t, and he says he sees that now. Dante asks what Cody is doing here; working as a skydiver? Cody says, yeah, and Brad says, Jack of all trades. Cody says, exactly. Where did Dante Falconari end up, besides Port Charles? Britt says their little catch-up is cute, but can Dante arrest him now? Cody says, get out of town. Dante is a cop? and Dante says, guilty as charged. Cody says, him, an officer of the law? and Britt says she swears, if Dante doesn’t do something… Cody says, that is hilarious, and Dante puts handcuffs on him, and says, how about now? Is it funny now, or not so much?
Carly asks how Willow is feeling, and Willow says, mainly relieved. She can’t wait to move forward, and get on with their lives. Carly says, it got pretty intense with Nina. She’s never seen Willow that angry. Willow doesn’t think she’s ever been that angry. For them to go through what they did, and have Nina come begging, after the fact. After having her lawyer say in open court that Michael is violent toward women;that Nelle, a psychotic murderer was cowering in the shadows with her baby because she was scared of him? Why would she let Nina near her child after she did that to Wiley’s father?
Drew says, he’s not going to tell Michael what to do when it comes to his dad, or anything for that matter. If Michael wants to take Sonny down, that’s his call, but he can’t have Michael distracted. This is a high risk business venture, and they need to be present and focused. If whatever’s going on with Michael’s dad gets in the way, he’s going to have a problem with that. Michael says he hears Drew, but wants Drew to know where he’s coming from, and Drew says, fair enough. Michael says, Nina lied to his family for six months. She carried on a romance with Sonny in Nixon Falls for six months, while they grieved a man they thought was dead. She also came to visit Wiley under false pretenses, and took advantage of their generosity in giving her a second chance. That’s why they fought this petition; Nina is a bad influence. She’s not a person they want in Wiley’s life, and as Wiley’s parents, it’s their choice to make. Drew says he couldn’t agree more, and Michael says, Sonny disagrees. Today, he got on the stand and testified on Nina’s behalf. Drew says, it doesn’t surprise him that Michael is furious, but he had this campaign against his dad way before this hearing. Michael admits Drew is right.
Sonny tells Phyllis, would he change anything? He kept asking himself that as he walked out of the courtroom. She says, and? and he says, no, he wouldn’t. He knows that probably makes him a traitor, especially in Michaels eyes, but he sees it as being true to what he believes. She asks if he said that in his testimony, and he tells her, he said he thought Wiley deserves more love, not less, and people should put him first. And even if you make mistakes, you should learn by them, and lead by example; no one’s perfect. She says, amen to that, and he says, that includes him, but he’s not going to apologize for who he is. He’s not going to sit back and let a loving grandmother be cut out of her grandson’s life. It’s wrong. She says, wow. Nina means that much to him? and he says, Wiley means that much to him. He just hopes Wiley grows up, and he doesn’t want Wiley to just be Michael’s son or his grandson. He wants Wiley to be his own man.
Josslyn says, Wiley is so lucky he doesn’t have a girlfriend who drives him crazy, and he says he has a girlfriend. She says, who? and he says, her. She asks if she drives him crazy, and he says, not today. She says, good to know. You know what else she knows? He’s going to be real heartbreaker when he grows up. He asks, what’s a heartbreaker? and she says she has an idea. Does he want to take a little trip? He asks, where? and she says, you’ll see.
Spencer looks at Esme’s suitcase, when the doorbell rings. It’s Cameron, who says, what the hell? Spencer says he didn’t have to come all the way out here, but Cameron says, from the sound of Spencer’s text, he did. What happened with Esme? Spencer says, things were going great, he swears. He cut a deal with Ava to get him and Esme out of the house, and in exchange, he was going to have access to his trust fund. Plus, it would have the added benefit of giving him and Esme time together. It was a win-win-win. Cameron says, it’s perfect. Where did it go wrong? Spencer says, Esme started tearing into Trina. He couldn’t help it; he lost his cool, and he took off. Cameron asks, where? and Spencer says, he went for a ride to clear his mind. He realized he’d messed up, and came back to try and talk things out, but Esme was gone. Cameron says, Esme’s left the island? but Spencer says he doesn’t know. Her suitcase is here, but he can’t find her. It’s like she vanished.
On the parapet, Esme gets her clothes on, while inside, Nikolas asks if Spencer is with Ava. He thought he heard Spencer’s voice. She says, he did. Spencer’s looking for Esme; has he seen her? Nikolas says he hasn’t, and she says, he seems nervous. He says he’s just getting his bearings. He was reading, and fell asleep. She says, with the door locked? and he says, was it locked? The wind must have blown it shut, locking it by accident. She says, it must have been some nap. His hair’s all mussed up, and he missed a button. He suggests they go downstairs, but she thinks they should stay here; it’s quiet and private. Perfect for what she has to say. He says he thinks she made her feelings perfectly clear when she threatened to walk out, and she says, about that. They hear something outside on the parapet, and Ava says, what was that? Outside, Esme curses herself for dropping her shoe.
Dante says, Cody could have hurt someone, and Britt says, yeah, here. Cody says, it was a paid gig. If there’s an issue, take it up with the people who hired him. An officer asks if Dante needs a hand, but Dante says, no, and thanks him for the cuffs. Brook says she knows Chase wants to get in there. it’s just a few more weeks. He asks if they can sit and talk, and they go to a table. Britt says she’s curious about Cody’s job description. Did it say party crasher? Cody says he was supposed to land in the pool; make a big splash… literally. But then… What is her name? Brad says, her name’s Britt, and Britt kicks at him. Cody says, then Britt was smack in the middle of his landing zone. Spinelli says, it is a brilliant marketing strategy; a singles event with eligible men literally raining from the sky. Not that he took any pleasure in how it transpired. The main thing is Britt’s okay, yes? She says, she’s fine, and Cody says, see? She says, but she could have downed, so off to jail he goes. Cody says, Dante’s not doing this, is he? and Britt looks at Dante.
Willow tells Carly, Nina is certifiable. In one breath, it’s, take pity on me; you’re wonderful parents. And in the other, it’s, just kidding; Michael is a woman and child abuser. Carly says, she’s a piece of work, and Willow says she’s just done. Nina better not show up, or try to contact them. The judge made her decision; it’s over. Carly says she couldn’t agree more, and puts the envelope in her bag. She says, all that matters now is giving Wiley the best childhood possible, and Willow says, that is 100% the plan. I can’t wait for this to backfire.
Michael tells Drew, he knew Sonny was different after he returned from Nixon Falls, but when he realized he didn’t know who Sonny was, was at Nina’s trial, when Sonny defended her. A few weeks later, Sonny slept with Nina, and a few weeks after that, Sonny and Carly were divorced. Drew says, Michael is furious on his mom’s behalf, but Michael says, he’s furious with himself. All the years wasted on believing in Sonny, his honor, loyalty, and love. But he sees Sonny for exactly what he is now; he’s a criminal with a long line of luck. This is where his luck ends, and Michael is going to see to it. Drew says, this is where he steps in. He knows what’s going on; Dante told him. Michael plans to use ELQ to go after Sonny. Michael says, and Drew wants no part of that, and Drew says, no, he doesn’t. He’s not just some guy Michael works with; he’s Michael’s uncle. Obviously, he wants to protect ELQ, but more than that, he wants to protect Michael. Michael says he’s good, but Drew says, hear him out. He’s never been that close with Sonny, even when he thought he was Jason, and he agrees Sonny has acted badly. He’s going to stop short of saying Sonny failed his family, because it’s a complicated and tricky situation. Michael says, that is exactly what he did, but Drew says, a lot of people close to Michael don’t feel the same way. So the harder he pushes Sonny, the harder it’s going to be for Dante, for Kristina, and especially for Avery and Donna. They’re too young to be able to grapple with all this. Michael says, loving his siblings, and propping Sonny up are two different things, but Drew says he’s not asking Michael to prop Sonny up. Michael says, it’s what they do every time they pretend Sonny is a legit coffee importer. Michael’s not a gangster. He’s not going to go in guns blazing. He’s a businessman. He’s going to outmaneuver Sonny, and he’s going to do it without ELQ. Drew asks if Michael is sure about that, and Michael says he’s not going to let his issues with his father get in the way of his business with Drew. Drew says, he’s going to keep them separate, right? Because their company, and the people who depend on them, can’t be used to punish Sonny. Michael says, understood.
Phyllis says she doesn’t need a transcript to know Sonny’s heart’s in the right place. She saw it in Nixon Falls. The way he stood up to Elijah when he saw Elijah was trying to take advantage of them. How he treated them like family… when Lenny got sick. He says, they are family, and she says, hell, he almost died when he pulled her and Nina out of that fire. He says, make sure she tells Wiley that one day, but she says she has the feeling he’ll get the chance to tell Wiley himself. The Pub phone rings, and Phyllis answers. It’s Scotty, and Phyllis says, no, she hasn’t come in…I see… Of course (🍷) I will. She says goodbye, and tells Sonny, Nina lost.
Cameron says he can’t believe Spencer let Esme get inside his head – again. Spencer says he doesn’t need a lecture. Not today. It was bad enough seeing Trina with Officer What’s-His-Face at the gallery. Cameron says, she was with Rory? and Spencer says, there was nothing going on, but he didn’t love it. Then to have Esme rip into her… Cameron says, Trina doesn’t need Spencer defending her honor; she can take care of herself. Spencer says he understands, but Cameron says, clearly he doesn’t. His brothers are upset enough that their mother is away, and Joss goes into combat mode every time he suggests Spencer’s not evil incarnate. Spencer says, he knows it’s rough, but Cameron says he doesn’t need Spencer’s sympathy. What he needs Spencer to do is expose his girlfriend already.
Nikolas rebuttons his shirt, and Ava heads to the door to look outside. Nikolas says, it must have been the bats. This is the time of the afternoon they come out. Because everyone knows bats come out in the daytime. Really? He says, they should be grateful the bats eat all of the insects, and Ava says she’ll be sure to send a thank you note. She steps away from the door, saying, bats, vermin with wings. Esme listens from outside, and Nikolas asks if Ava will join him downstairs. She says, in a minute. She needs to apologize. She’s sorry she threatened to walk out on him. She didn’t mean it. She’s so sorry. She shouldn’t have done that.
Spinelli asks Sam if she can’t persuade her beau there’s no need for such drastic measures, and Britt says, what? Brad says, he agrees; let muscles off with a warning. Cody says, or a good spanking, and Dante says, the law’s the law. He’ll do Cody a favor and not arrest him in front of an audience. Let’s go. Sam runs up, and says she’s coming with Dante. Cody asks if she’s Dante’s girlfriend, and Dante introduces them. Cody says, the pleasure’s all his, and Dante says, let’s get out of here. Dante leads Cody away, and Britt calls, enjoy lock up!
Brook says, so much for finding true love, huh? and Chase says, happily ever after is hard to come by. Brook wonders if it’s not better to quit while you’re ahead; save yourself the agony. Chase says, it’s definitely a smart play. Fortunately, Finn was the smart one in the family.
Going back in the courtroom with Michael, Drew asks if everything is okay, and Willow says, everything’s great. Carly says, everything turned out the way it was meant to for everyone involved, and Michael asks if Willow is ready to go home. She says, so ready, when Wiley runs in. Michael picks him up, and Willow asks what he’s doing here. Josslyn says she figured they’d want to see him. She hopes it’s okay. Willow says, it’s more than okay, and thanks her. Michael says, Wiley is a sight for sore eyes, and Wiley asks why his eyes are sore.
Sonny leaves Nina a voicemail, saying, he heard the news; he’s sorry. Call him back when she can, or text him, and he’ll be right there. He tells Phyllis to do him a favor. If Nina comes in, let him know. She asks where he’s going, and he says he’s going to find Nina. She says, they’re both worried, but possibly, Nina may not want to be found. Maybe the point is for her to be alone right now, to process, to grieve, to scream. He says, the last time she was like this, she went to Nixon Falls, and Phyllis asks if that doesn’t prove her point. He says he needs to be with her, and she says, he doesn’t even know where to start. He says, that’s where she’s wrong, and he leaves.
Nikolas flashes back to him and… please don’t make me look at this again. Ava asks if he isn’t going say something, and he says he thought it was over; that she was giving up on them. She says, no. She guesses she was thinking about it, but she went to the firing range to blow off some steam and ran into his mother. Laura told her that he’d asked her to write a letter of recommendation to the Adams Day School for Avery. He says, he knew his mother would be happy to help. Turns out she knows the headmistress. Ava tells him, that’s what she said. The letter is already sent, and she has a call in to the Director of Admissions, and that’s great. She’d really like Avery to go to Adams, but hearing what he did, without making a big fuss or wanting any credit, was a wake-up call for her. She was reminded how thoughtful and generous he can be. After her anger cooled down, she was able to hear his mother’s sage advice. He asks if she’s sure it wasn’t a lecture, and she says, maybe a little of both, but it got her thinking. Not that they don’t have real issues to work through – they do – but she’s never been a quitter, and doesn’t intend to start being one now. Does he?
Brook says, so Chase isn’t a world famous physician like his brother, but he’s smart in other ways. He asks, how so? and she says, like knowing when to step in and save her from blowing it with Valentin. He sacrificed so much to protect Bailey from Peter. He says, that’s not necessarily smart, and she says, heroic then. Maybe she was wrong. He says, about? and she says, the whole quitting while you’re ahead thing. Maybe it’s the exact opposite. You need to jump in more, think less. He says he can do that. In fact, he’s going to make the leap right now. He’ll do everything he can to help her get her music back.
Spinelli gives Britt some coffee, assuring her, it’s the best way through. He has a prediction. One day they’ll look back on the events of today, and see only fond memories. Brad says, he will, but Britt tells him, don’t get any ideas. He’s all mine.
At Charlie’s, Cody says, he thought for a second, Dante was actually going to haul him in, and Dante says, for a second, he was. They bring beers over to the table where Sam is sitting, and Dante says, a tip if he may? The next time Cody decides to jump out of an airplane for money, make sure he doesn’t jump in a pool, public or private. Cody says, noted, and Sam says, Cody is lucky Dante had an extra change of clothes in his car. (Like they’re the same size. Hint: they’re not.) Cody says, gracias, compadre, and Dante says, Cody’s welcome, but he wants them back. Cody says, that Britt woman, she’s something else, and Sam says, that’s one way to put it. Dante says, Cody should thank them. They saved him from Britt’s wrath. Cody says he’ll pay them back by letting them buy him dinner. After all this commotion, he’s starving. Phyllis comes over, and Dante introduces Cody. He asks Phyllis if everything is okay.
Sonny runs into the cemetery, calling for Nina. He goes over to Nelle’s grave, and bends down.
Michael asks if Wiley had fun with Aunt Josslyn, and Wiley says, they played a game, and he won. Josslyn demands a rematch, and Willow thanks Josslyn for taking care of Wiley while they were… Josslyn says, indisposed. Of course (🍷). Anytime. Is everything good? Wiley asks what Michael and Willow are doing here, and Carly says, Wiley wasn’t the only one playing a game. His mommy and daddy won too. Josslyn says, they did? and hugs Michael. She says, thank God, and hugs Willow. She’s so happy that the game worked out the way they’d hoped. Michael says, so are they.
Spencer says, Cameron is right. He can’t keep ping-ponging from Esme to Trina if he’s going to make this work. He needs to show Esme that he’s all in. It just drove him crazy seeing Trina at the gallery with that cop. Cameron tells Spencer, he’s going to say something and he needs Spencer to hear him. He’s going back to take care of Jake and Aiden. He will not lose Joss because Spencer can’t keep his head in the game. Do whatever it takes at this point; Cameron doesn’t care. Confess to Trina, suck it up to Esme, just make it happen tonight. Or he will.
Nikolas asks, what brought on Ava’s change of heart? and she says she just told him. He says, right; his mother and a letter of recommendation. She says, and herself, and he asks why she didn’t tell him before. She says, before what? He recovers nicely, and says, before they came so close to losing what they have. She says she’s telling him now. That’s got to count for something. He says, it counts for everything. Yes, they still have issues, and of course (🍷) they need to discuss them, but not here. Come with him. She won’t regret it. He holds out his hand, and she takes it. They leave, and Esme walks in from the parapet. She says, how wrong you are, Nikolas. Ava will regret it, and so will you.
Brad says, Britt has the hots for parachute guy? Not that he blames her, but those weren’t the vibes he was getting. She says she’s interested, but only to the extent that he helped her prove her point. What’s better evidence that true love is a lie than a cynical attempt to sell it with stunts? Spinelli says, there was nothing cynical about it, and Brad says, what’s wrong with a little romance? Bonus if it’s wrapped in a package as drool worthy as Candy’s. Spinelli says, Cody, and Brad says, whatever. His name could be Elmer for all Brad cares. Britt says she’s going to sue him for assaulting her, and Spinelli says he thinks assault is a bit of a stretch. She says, she’s going to sue him, even if she has to sue him for every stitch of clothing he’s not wearing.
Sam and Dante come back to the table, and Cody asks if everything is copacetic. Dante says, yeah; it’s just family stuff. Cody says, let him know if he can help, and Sam says, who is he? He says, Cody Bell. We met at the pool? She says, she knows, but until an hour ago, she didn’t even know he existed, now he and Dante seem to be picking up where they left off. Dante says, you know how it is when you’re friends from childhood. They literally grew up together. Cody says, and got into trouble together, and Dante says, that too.
Chase says, maybe he does think too much, and Brook says, he does. He says, maybe he should start seizing the moment, and she says, there’s no time like the present. They almost kiss, when Chase’s phone dings. He says, it’s his brother. He’s having a tough time with everything that’s going on with Elizabeth. She says, Chase should go be with him, and he says, really? She says, really, and he says, okay, thanks. And tomorrow, it will all about her and him, and getting the goods on Linc. And once they do, they can use it to get her music back. She says, she’ll see him tomorrow; she can’t wait. He says, him either, and heads for the door. Brook goes over to Britt’s table, and says, that was quite a splashdown. Brad says, Cody can splash into his bath anytime, but Spinelli says, technically, a tub is indoors, and you can’t splash down into it. Brook and Chase steal a glance at each other.
Carly asks Wiley for a hug, and says she loves him so much. Always remember that. He says he will, and Josslyn leaves with Willow, Michael, and Wiley, amid congratulations from Carly and Drew. When they’re gone, Drew says, what was that head nod? Was it because of the DNA results, or because Willow doesn’t know yet? Carly says, it was the results; she heard from the lab. He says, and? and she says, Nina’s not Willow’s mother. He says he guesses it was for the best, and Carly says, especially after the hearing; it was brutal. He says, Michael told him a little bit about it. Sonny testified for Nina. She says, that was the least of it. And the whole ordeal happened because of Nina; because of her selfishness and entitlement issues. Poor Willow is just exhausted, and she’s angry, and she wants Nina as far away from her family as possible. Drew says, it would have been awful if Nina was her mom, and Carly says, but she’s not. He wonders why Harmony said she was, and Carly says, Harmony was a troubled woman, but it doesn’t matter where Willow came from. It matters who she is today, and how much she loves Michael and Wiley, and the life they have to look forward to. I dunno. I’m not so sure Drew is buying this.
Sonny finds something on the ground, but we don’t see what it is. He looks around. I wonder if it’s Nina’s necklace.
Spencer walks into the now unlocked room, and Esme is there. He says, finally. Where has she been? She says, she’s been around, and he says he’s been looking everywhere for her. There’s something he needs to tell her. She says she has something she needs to tell him too.
Ava says, Nikolas is acting strange. What’s going on? He’s scaring her. Spit it out. He says, there’s something she needs to know.
Tomorrow, Rory can’t wait to see what else Trina introduces him to; Cameron says he has something to tell Josslyn; Sonny says, Nina may do something she’s going to regret.
📋 Exit Interview…
I’d forgotten he also writes for GH. He was co-writer of today’s episode.
Pop in tomorrow for some soap, tea of all kinds, a thoughtful collection of quotes, and a musical moment. Until then, stay safe, stay taking only your own inventory, and stay being true to what you believe.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Maxie finds Britt at the pool, and Britt says, finally. Where has she been? Maxie says, at Deception. She got stuck with Home and Heart on the phone. Britt says she thought Maxie had an attack of common sense, and decided to skip this ordeal, and Maxie says, what ordeal? It looks like everyone is having a good time. Britt says, look closer, and Maxie asks, what’s the problem? Britt says she doesn’t know what she’s doing here, and Maxie says, staying open to possibilities? If Britt would just put herself out there, she’d have guys falling all over her. Britt wonders if that’s what she even wants, but Maxie says she won’t know unless she tries. They’ve both been through hell and deserve some good karma. What’s better karma then donating to a worthy cause, while sipping cocktails by the pool? Britt says she’ll give Maxie that one; the cocktails are delicious. Maxie says, Britt just needs to follow her lead. Forget the past, and focus on the future. She’s looking forward, and likes what she sees. Austin comes over and gives Maxie a drink, saying, he’s glad she made it. Maxie asks if Britt is okay, and Britt says, better all the time. Brad is coming with her next drink… Brad spills the drink on her.
Sam says she knows Spinelli doesn’t like Austin for Maxie, and he says, that’s exactly it. She’s the mother of his child; he’ll always be connected to her. They sit, and Spinelli invites Drew to join them. Drew says, Spinelli looks amazing, and it goes without saying, Sam always looks good. Sam says, it’s always nice to hear, and Drew says, it’s the truth. Spinelli says he can’t wait to hear about everything Drew has going on.
Brook says she swears she’s not mad at Chase… Okay, she’s not mad at him anymore. They both got a little heated. He says, they definitely need to clear the air, and they both say, you first. Brook says she’ll go first, and Chase says he’s listening.
Nina tells Scotty, Judge Foster said she didn’t need a lot of time to make a ruling. Is that good or bad? He says he doesn’t know, but he’ll know shortly. Willow asks Diane why they’re not hearing closing arguments, and Diane tells her, it’s a hearing, not a trial. Judge Foster heard all she needs to make a decision. Temp Michael (see below) says, how much damage does she think Scotty did with that rewrite of what happened with Claudia? but Diane says she’s not going to speculate. They’ll just have to wait for the judge to come back. She asks where Carly is, and Michael says, his mother had an errand she needed to do. Willow says, it must be very important. Otherwise, she’d be here. Michael says, who knew the judge would come back with a decision so fast? He’s going to text her. He’s sure she wouldn’t want to miss this.
At the hospital, Carly stares at the envelope with the DNA results. She’s about to open it, when her phone dings. It’s a text from Michael, saying: Judge ready to rule. Come back ASAP.
Ava is wrapping things up at the shooting range, and Valentin walks in. He wonders why he’s not surprised to find her here, and she says, the same reason she’s not surprised to see him here. He says, it’s probably not a bad idea, brushing up on her gun skills, given the company she’s been keeping, and she asks if he has any idea what he’s talking about. He says, that wasn’t her, dining with Victor at the MetroCourt? She says she doesn’t remember seeing him there, and he says he wasn’t there, but he has sources. Apparently, they were getting pretty cozy. Is she thinking of upgrading from Nikolas? She says, Valentin’s father is certainly more charming than he is, when Anna walks in, and tells Ava, she wouldn’t say that. Valentin has his moments.
Spencer lets himself into Windymere, and flashes back on Esme saying, if he leaves, she may not be there when he gets back. He sees her suitcase, and says, no such luck.
Esme and Nikolas kiss, and he steps back, saying, he’s sorry; he shouldn’t have done that. Then they go back to kissing. I can’t say, ew! enough times. It’s not the age thing – I’m okay with that – but… I don’t know what it is. Just ew!
Carly comes back just as the bailiff is saying, all rise. Judge Foster says, it is the opinion of this court that parents have the right to decide who’s in their child’s life, just as they are responsible for anything that affects their child. However, the law in New York state is very clear. It allows a biological grandparent, such as Miss Reeves, to petition to see their grandchild. That law is why they’re here today, and the only reason she allowed this circus to go on as long as it has. The law gives Miss Reeves the right to be heard, regardless of the merits of her case. She’s heard both arguments for and against visitation. The respondent party has proven the petitioner’s presence in Wiley Corinthos’s life would be detrimental. She hereby denies the petition of Miss Reeves to visitation with the minor child. Willow says, thank God, Michael says, we won, and they hug. Nina looks devastated, and Carly looks at the envelope she’s already opened.
Brad tells Britt, he’s so sorry; somebody bumped into him. She says she knows, and he asks her not to use it as an excuse to leave. Britt says, no harm. Just get her another cocktail. Austin says, Britt has great reflexes, and Brad says, she’s like a panther. Maxie says, they’re going to sit down, and let the two singles mingle. Mingle. They leave, and Brad gives Britt his drink, saying, take mine. None of it spilled, and it’s the right price – free. He tells her, there’s a lot of hot guys here, and did he tell her how sexy she looks in that outfit? She tells him, easy. She might think he’s trying to boost her confidence. Terry joins them, and says, hello there. Britt asks if Terry didn’t say she didn’t need a singles mixer, that she was seeing someone, and Terry says, it looks like it’s not going to work out. Britt asks, what happened? Terry said they had great chemistry. Terry says, they did, but he just got a job offer in Chicago. He tried to turn it down, but she told him not to; the opportunity’s just too good. Britt sees a passing waitress with a tray of drinks, and Britt says she’s just going to take this whole tray. The waitress says, no, and they struggle for a moment. Britt says, we need them, and the waitress lets go. The drinks slop over the sides of the glasses a little, and Britt tells her, look what you did.
Valentin says, he’s here as Anna requested. He can’t wait to see what she has planned. Anna says she thinks he’s going to like it, and Ava says she’d warn Anna not to trust him, but something tells her that Anna wouldn’t listen. She leaves (wearing very LOUD shoes), and Valentin asks if Ava said something. Anna asks if he cares, and he says, he does not. He was a little worried she was going to stand him up. She asks if he was afraid she was going to pay him back for all the times he disappeared on her, and he says he has a bad habit of doing that. Sorry to be such a disappointment. Can he take her invitation to join her here as a sign she’s willing to give him a second chance? She says, a second chance? She thinks he’s on about 99 at this point. He says, yet here we are, and she says, here we are. Did he choose his weapon? He asks if he’s going to need to defend himself.
Nikolas and Esme get busy to music with a heavy beat. I don’t think I can watch.
Spinelli says, Sam tells him that Drew is going to be Scout’s swim coach. He knows Drew is a Navy SEAL, but how good of a swimmer is he? Are there going to be other kids there around Scout’s age? He assumes the pool will be heated. Drew says, Scout is in the 7 and 8 group at the country club. He just pitches in when the staff needs some help. He just wants to make it fun. He doesn’t want to make it feel like it’s Olympic training. Dante joins them, and apologizes to Sam for disappearing. She asks if he wants a drink, and Spinelli says, allow him, but Dante says he’s good. He asks if he can talk to Drew for a minute, and Drew says, sure. They leave, and Sam asks Spinelli, what’s going on? Why is he so desperate to get away from her? He says, perish the thought, but she says, stop. He’s dodging her question. What’s going on?
Brook says, she can admit she went too far, asking for Chase’s help in getting Linc. He says, she means when she asked him to entrap Linc, and risk getting thrown off the force for good, and she says, yes, that. It wasn’t a good idea at the time, asking the one on suspension to do something potentially… He says, catastrophic? and she says, not strictly legal. He’s helped her so much in the past, she guesses she got carried away, but he also overreacted. They can agree on that, right? He says, sure, and she says, great; they’re good. He says, she does realize she never said she’s sorry, and she says, I’m sorry. Now can they move on? He tells her that he has one more thing to say about that, and she says, of course (🍷) he does. He says he’s decided he’s going to help her take Linc down after all.
Britt asks Terry, what happened? and tells Brad that he should talk to that really hot waiter over there. He says, where? and makes a beeline toward the bar. Britt asks if Terry is sure it’s not going to work with this guy; she seemed so happy about him. Terry says, she’s disappointed, but it’s okay, and Britt says she’s not buying it. They both know quality men are few and far between. Terry says, she and Chet met by accident, they texted a lot, but they only went on one follow-up date. They weren’t officially a couple. Britt says, love sucks, and Terry says she’s definitely not talking about love. She and Chet had potential. She’s just sorry she’s not going to see where that leads. Britt says, this is what happens. Life offers you something, then snatches it away.
Maxie tells Austin that she loves what a happy baby Bailey is. It’s kind of incredible, considering the first year of her life was a roller coaster. Here she is again, rambling about her kids. She’s so sorry. He says, don’t be. He loves when she talks about her kids. She kind of lights up, and it looks beautiful on her.
Spencer brings out a sandwich, and says, Esme’s probably in her room, waiting for him to come looking for her. He sits on the couch, and takes out his phone. He eats, and sends a text to Esme: Where are u? He takes another bite, and sends a text to Cameron: Screwed up with Esme. Lost my cool. Preparing to grovel. Any tips?
Brook says, Chase changed his mind, and wants to help her with Linc? He says he does, and she says, he made her apologize to him. He says, because she needed to, and she says, he’s right; she did. He says, and he accepts her apology. So let’s go get that slimeball.
Drew asks if there’s a problem, and Dante says, that depends. Is Drew backing Michael’s vendetta? Drew asks what he’s talking about, and Dante tells him, Michael said he’s going to dismantle everything Sonny built. Drew says, it’s unlikely Michael is going to start firebombing Sonny’s warehouse, and Dante says, of course (🍷) not. Drew asks what it has to do with him, and Dante says, Michael is going to use ELQ to target Sonny.
Judge Foster says, Scotty’s mischaracterization of Michael bordered on slander. The court is perfectly capable of reading and comprehending a criminal record. Scotty’s distortion wasted the court’s time, tried its patience, and did his client no favors. As far as the court is concerned, this matter is closed. Court is adjourned. She bangs her gavel, and Michael says, it’s over, hugging Diane. Scotty tells Nina, it was a legitimate argument. If she’d just listened. He’s sorry. He gave it his best shot. Diane tells Michael and Willow that she’s happy for them, and Michael hugs Willow. Willow asks Carly, what’s wrong? and Nina walks over to them. She asks Willow and Michael to please reconsider.
At the shooting range, Anna says, a PPK, and Valentin says, it’s a classic. What about her? She says she has her own; it is a classic. She tells him, let’s decide on the rules for our little competition. Whoever gets the cleanest set of kills, wins. He says, what are the stakes? and she says, if he wins, she’ll have dinner with him. He says, and if she wins? and she says she doesn’t know. She’s not sure yet. He says, what if it’s a draw? but she says, it won’t be. He says, she’s using her own weapon. He’s never used this one before. She has an unfair advantage. She asks if he wants time to practice, and he says, that sounds fair. He fires one shot, and says, okay. She says, one shot; that’s it? That’s what he calls practice? He says, he only needs one. She should know that about him. Once he gets a feel for it, he always hits his target.
Nina tells Willow, please don’t cut her out of Wiley’s life completely, and Michael says, Nina was the one who brought this case to court. Her petition was denied; there’s nothing left to say. Nina says she knows that legally she has no right to see Wiley; she’s at their mercy. Willow says, now Nina is asking for mercy, after trying to destroy Michael’s reputation. Nina says, she’ll take anything. Supervised visitation. She can come to their house, and they can both can be there the entire time. Willow asks, why would she ever let Wiley spend time with a women who had her lawyer tell lies about his father on the stand? All Nina proved today was that she’ll do or say anything to get her way. When it doesn’t work out, then Nina starts crying, and says she didn’t mean it, or she was misunderstood. Nina is the one who pushed the issue by taking it to court. There’s no going back now. Michael asks if Willow is okay, and Willow tells Nina, she and Michael are Wiley’s parents, and like the judge said, it’s up to them to decide what’s best for him. And they don’t think Nina can be trusted with him. It’s really that simple. Nina says, they can’t change this; she loves Wiley, and he loves her. Michael says, he doesn’t know any better. That’s why they’re protecting Wiley, from her. Scotty takes Nina’s arm, and says, let’s get out of here, and Diane tells Willow and Michael that Nina should sue Scotty for malpractice. The stunt he pulled by attacking Michael totally alienated her from the judge. Michael says, it’s over, and the judge found in their favor, thanks to Diane. Willow thanks her, and says she didn’t want this hearing, but she’s glad that it’s now legally settled. Diane tells them to thank themselves, Michael for the most part. He held up beautifully under Scotty’s attack. And Willow was nothing short of brilliant on the stand. Willow says, she was fighting for Wiley, to make sure Nina has no chance to hurt their son. We keep seeing Carly, who doesn’t look happy, and maybe a little sad. I’m guessing she didn’t like the test results.
Spencer finishes his sandwich, and wonders why Esme isn’t texting him back. Oh, he gets it. She wants him to beg. That’s not going to happen. He hears someone come in and gets up, but it’s Ava calling for Nikolas. She says, oh, it’s you, and he says, obviously. She asks if he’s seen his father.
Ewwwwww! Nikolas wraps a blanket around Esme and himself, and she thanks him and says, he’s always been so considerate. He says he can’t believe that happened. Is she all right?
Drew tells Dante, he knew Michael was planning on cutting Sonny out of his life, but he had absolutely no idea Michael would use ELQ resources to take him down. Is Dante sure? Dante tells Drew, Michael said he was going to take Sonny down. He didn’t say he was going to use ELQ to do it, but call it an educated guess. Drew says, he gets Michael’s anger toward Sonny. His dad chose the woman who kept him away from his family for mothers over Michael’s own mother. If it’s a legitimate deal that benefits ELQ, but damages Sonny, he can’t stand in Michael’s way. But that said, he would never do anything to weaken ELQ. Dante says, but does Michael know that?
Austin says, it’s June, so he was hoping to get in some hiking, and was wondering if Maxie would like to come with him sometime. She says, absolutely. As long as it’s not in Pautuck. She’s not ready to go back there yet; she’s sorry. She knows he loves the woods there. He says, he does, but they’ll find a place in Port Charles. Someplace that’s new to both of them. She says, deal, and he says, great. Britt mocks them, saying, great, great, and drinks some more. Austin asks if there’s a problem, and Britt says, by all means, do their thing. Just explain one thing to her first. What are they even doing at a single’s mixer? Maxie says, this is also a charity fundraiser, and Britt says, oh my God. She’s officially a charity case.
Brook says she’s excited Chase is on board, and he says, not so fast. He has conditions. He’ll keep an eye on Linc, and see if he’s involved in any illegal activities, but he will not set Linc up. She says she would never ask him to do that, but he tells her, it’s what she said. She says, that was before; she’s moving on now. Any help he gives her is appreciated. She was afraid she was going to have to deal with Linc herself. He says, well now she doesn’t have to; not on his watch. She says, he’s the best, and hugs him.
Anna and Valentin finish shooting, and Anna asks how he did. He says he held his own. What about her? She says she doesn’t know. It’s less of a challenge when the target isn’t moving. Unlike him, who is so hard to pin down. He says he meant what he said. He’s ready to stay put for a while. But she’s always liked a moving target. Will it work for her? She says, it depends if there’s anything to stay put for, and he says, there will be, he promises. She asks if they should see who won, but he says he thinks they already know the answer.
Britt sees the same waitress, and says she’s just grabbing this one drink. Maxie and Austin come over, and Maxie asks if Britt doesn’t think she should slow down. Britt says, drinks help her mingle. She’s not here for charity. She sings, I’m here because I’m single, and asks why she’s talking to them. Maxie says she’s still going to be Britt’s friend after this, and they high-five. Austin suggests they leave her to it, but Maxie doesn’t know. Brad says he’ll keep an eye on Britt, and Terry says, they both will. Austin and Maxie leave, and Britt says she’s fine. She tells Terry and Brad, all right wingman and wingwoman. They need to find her someone. She looks around and says, too short… still lives with his parents… had his teeth whitened too many times… Just no; too many freckles.
Drew thanks Dante for the heads up. He knows first-hand how easy it is to let anger consume you, and Michael doesn’t deserve that. Dante agrees, Drew says he’ll talk to Michael, and leaves.
Nina fingers her heart necklace, and Scotty tells her that he’s got to sign some court documents. Does she want him to call Obrecht? She says she doesn’t want to talk to anyone. She can’t believe it’s over. He says, it’s a hard loss, and she says she thought for sure they were going to win. Maybe she just convinced herself of that because she couldn’t bear the thought of losing Wiley forever. He says, maybe Michael and Willow will reconsider, and she says she’s got to go, and jets.
Sam says she’s still waiting, and Spinelli says, okay. He cannot lie to her. Yes, something is going on, but he’s not ready to talk about his new… thing just yet. She says, just promise her that he’s not in danger, and he says, heaven forbid; it’s nothing like that. Can they just leave it at that for now? Britt says, look at that hideous shirt, and Spinelli checks himself before turning to look at her. Britt dances, and Terry tells her to lower her voice. She’s getting loud, and obnoxious. Britt asks if she’s causing a scene, and Brad says, not yet, but she’s well on her way. Britt makes a face, and says, that won’t do. She moves to the front of the room and tries to clink on her glass with a celery stick.
Chase says, he and Brook have been talking around something, and he doesn’t want to ignore it anymore. She says, her neither, and Britt whistles with two fingers. She says, listen up. This is going to blow your minds. Get ready. She drains her drink.
Spencer tells Ava that he has no idea where his father is, but there’s this hot new invention. It’s called texting. She should try it sometime. She says, he’s not responding to her texts, and Spencer says, he wouldn’t either if he saw her name. She says, never mind; she’ll find him herself. Spencer says, they need to talk, and she says, the just tried that; it didn’t work very well. He says, he and Esme are moving out, and she says, good. She saw Esme’s suitcase in the foyer. He says, the deal was, if they move out, he gets access to his trust fund, but she says, their deal is that she gives him a weekly allowance. Is there something else? He says, they’re not moving in with his grandmother and Doc, and she says she’s sure Laura will be happy to hear that. He says, they’re going to stay in five-star hotels for a while, and she says, so that’s what he’s going to do with his money. She doesn’t think it’s very wise, but you do you. He says he’s going to need his first payout, but she says, not going to happen. He says, they have a deal, and she says, they’re still here. He doesn’t get any money until he and his girlfriend are really, truly, totally and completely out. Not until they have a new place. He says, she doesn’t trust him? and she says, God no. And she trusts Esme even less.
Esme says, she can’t believe they did that, and Nikolas says, he’s so sorry. He never expected this to happen. Is she okay? She says she’s great. If she’s being totally honest, she’s been fighting these feelings for a while. Has he been struggling too? He says, he’s sorry. He feels like he took advantage of her. She says, he didn’t. If anything, he saved her. She’s been so lonely and sad. Spencer’s been so cold to her, and he’s been so kind and caring. It’s nice to feel close to someone again; to feel safe in his strong arms. <gag> She says she’s sorry Spence isn’t the man she thought he was, and she’s sorry Nikolas’s marriage is over, but she’s nothing but glad that they found each other. He says, what they did was wrong. Spencer is his son. She says, she and Spence are finished. To be clear, it was Spence’s choice, not hers. Going forward, Spence has no say in what she does. Nikolas says, Spencer will never forgive him for this, but she says, Spence never has to know. Ugh. She says, for both their sakes, Spencer should never find out, and he asks if that’s what she wants. She says, even though Spence has made it perfectly clear he doesn’t give a damn what she does, the last thing she wants to do is cause trouble for him. She just couldn’t resist Nikolas; he’s been so good to her. She kisses him, and I can’t unsee this.
Michael says, now that it’s over, how is Willow feeling? She says, it’s been draining; Nina put them through so much. But now that it’s over, she’s pretty sure she’ll sleep well tonight. Michael thanks Diane for everything. He doesn’t know how she does it; nothing seems to rattle her. She says, that’s not entirely true, but thanks him for the compliment. It’s her job not to lose her cool, and Nina gave her so much to work with. Now they have a legal ruling. If Nina comes anywhere near Wiley, they can have her arrested. Willow says, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, but it’s good they have that protection. Diane says she loves it when the good guys win. Enjoy their victory. On her way out, Carly thanks her, and Diane says, it’s her pleasure. Carly gets bonus points for holding it together when Sonny testified. Carly says, anything for Wiley, and Diane says, of course (🍷) Carly would feel that way, but she has some idea of what it cost her. Well done. Diane leaves, and Michael says he’s glad Carly could make it back in time for the verdict. Now, they celebrate. Carly says she definitely agrees justice was served. She asks Willow, any second thoughts? and Willow says, no. Why would she? Carly says she knows Willow struggled the most in denying Nina contact with Wiley, but Willow says, not anymore. She sees Nina very clearly now, and she’s thrilled they have protection legally. They never have to see that awful woman again. Carly fingers the envelope, and Michael asks, what’s that?
Britt says, what are they doing here? Supporting a charity? She doesn’t think so. Terry tells Brad, do something, and he starts filming. Britt says, they’re shelling out their hard earned money on a search for love. They’re all suckers. Save their money, and get a pet. Spinelli says, everyone wants to find their special someone, and Britt says, once you care, they leave you. Spinelli says, you just have to find the right one, and Britt says, oh yeah, the mythical right one. The one who will complete your life. The one who will stand by you to hell and back. The one who will trust you more than you trust yourself. You’ll always have Paris, right? Wrong. Haven’t they seen how the movie ends? She flies off with the other guy. Because it’s just a sappy movie. There is no right one. They hear a plane overhead, and Dante asks, what’s going on right now? Spinelli tells Britt, have faith. Her time will come. The plane gets louder, and people are starting to look up. Britt says, Port Charles is the anti-Cupid. No, actually it’s not; it’s a place, not a person. Cupid’s not a person either; he’s just a chubby baby thing. Terry says she’s made her point; come eat. Britt says, no. These people have to understand. Maxie comes in, and says, oh my God, and Britt says, there is no love in Port Charles. All the good ones are taken or dead. You might as well wait for someone to fall out of the sky. The plane is really loud now, and Dante tells Britt, look out below. Something falls on her and pulls her into the pool.
As their targets come forward, Valentin counts Anna’s shots. He asks if she fired one less round than him, or did she miss her target entirely? That’s not like her. She points out the middle of the forehead, where she fired twice in the exact same place. He says, she won the competition. Is she going to give him a second chance to have dinner with her? She says, she’ll do him one better, and he says he’s listening. She says, she decided for her prize, they get to spend the evening together. He says, doing what? and she says, he’ll figure it out. Pick her up at 7. She leaves, and Valentin gets a call from Victor.
Spencer picks something up from the floor, and tells Ava, it’s Esme’s jacket. He calls out to Esme, and inside the room, Nikolas and Esme break apart. Nikolas says, Spencer. In the hallway, Ava shrugs, and Spencer reaches for the doorknob.
Nina goes to Nelle’s grave, and drops to her knees. She says she lost the right to see Nelle’s son. What is she going to do, now that she’s lost Nelle and Wiley?
Drew walks into the courtroom, and Michael asks Carly if it’s bad news. Carly remembers saying, sorry, Michael, and opening the envelope. She sees it’s 99.9999+ probability that Patient A is Patient B’s mother. She says, if this is true, Nina is Willow’s mother. Michael says, mom? and Drew watches.
Britt is under a parachute in the pool, and scrambles out. She asks, what the hell just happened? The parachutist pops up and says, now that’s interesting. Hello, Port Charles!
Tomorrow, Chase tells Brook, happily ever after is hard to come by; Cameron says it was perfect, and asks where Spencer went wrong; and Phyllis asks Sonny, if he could do it over, would he make a different choice?
🎡 Revolving Michaels…
Boy did this startle me. I was like, you’re not Michael.
Still in La Quinta, Kyle makes a million eggs for breakfast, and calls caterer Miguel for bloody Marys and mimosas. She tells him, it’s a 9-1-1 situation. Dorit says she didn’t sleep, and in her interview, she says, there’s a lot going on in her head. All she wants is to be able to put this behind her, and feel like herself pre home invasion. LisaR suggests Dorit talk to her mom, and we flash back to when we found out Lois had been attacked by a man she worked with, who turned out to be a serial killer. In LisaR’s interview, she says, it’s on the same level of violation, and Lois lived through it to have a beautiful life after a life altering trauma. She’s a survivor and so is Dorit. Garcelle asks if Kyle talked to Sutton, and Kyle says, Sutton is having breakfast with Crystal and Diana. Garcelle says, Crystal texted her last night that she wanted to go home. Kyle thinks there has to be more to it, and Garcelle wonders what the trigger was. Kyle says, maybe Crystal felt they cared more about Dorit than they had about her last year, even though it’s apples and oranges. She says, they’re like detectives, even though that’s not what I’d call it. Kyle goes to the front door, where the drinks have been left, and brings them in; to-go cups in a coffee holder. Very festive. Garcelle calls Crystal, and asks how she is. She says, great, but she’s being facetious. Garcelle asks if Crystal wants to talk; everybody is worried about her. They don’t know what triggered her. It’s that she didn’t feel validated, right? Garcelle moves to another room to talk, and the rest of the women strain to listen. Garcelle tells Crystal, they didn’t realize she was holding onto stuff from last year, and suggests Crystal come by and clear the air. Then they can go home feeling she’s okay. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she doesn’t want another year to go by where they don’t talk about something. She tells Crystal, ten minutes, and Crystal says, okay. Garcelle convinced her to come. Garcelle hopes the talk goes better than it did at Sutton’s party.
Kyle says she can’t believe it was a year ago when they were here, and Erika says, her life was a shamble. She hates the living room sofa. Kyle says, Erika is like night and day, and Erika says she’s so glad she’s moved past it. She thanks them for accepting her for the wild animal she was, and we flash back to that, although frankly, I’m not so sure anything is different. Erika says she felt backed into a corner every day, and in her interview, she says, it consumes every part of life, then you get over the bridge. She’s far from done, but she can catch her breath. She says she was dragged through the mud for something she didn’t do, and Garcelle says, she didn’t show compassion. Erika says, you can’t when you’re in a legal situation like that; every word counts. They’re not even sure people weren’t paid. Dorit asks if she means there’s a chance the victims are lying, and Garcelle says, no way. Erika says, way, and in Garcelle’s interview, she wonders why there would be lawsuits if there was no merit. In Erika’s interview, she says, people want it to be true. They don’t care about the truth; they just want her to fail. It’s not going to happen. She tells the women, she can’t admit to something she doesn’t know happened. The best way she can serve the rightfully wronged is to comply with the justice system.
Crystal arrives, and Garcelle says she’s tipsy. Erika says she’s lit, and Crystal tells them that Sutton and Diana are headed back to L.A. At the hotel, Diana goes to Sutton’s room, and Sutton asks if she wants to eat, since there’s an entire buffet in the room. Sutton says she hasn’t eaten meat in a long time, but there’s something about bacon she can’t resist. In Diana’s interview, she says, a bacon eating vegetarian isn’t a thing. I like Diana, but Sutton didn’t say she was vegetarian. Diana wonders, what happened last night? and Sutton says, why Crystal was crying? It came from nowhere. Diana says, everyone has different triggers. Hers is when someone makes fun of her accent. It brings her back to people laughing at her. Sutton says, it’s low, and Diana says, and saying stupid stuff about her country. She tells them to find it on a map. She’s a Leo, and relishes confrontation. Sutton says she doesn’t mind confrontation, but doesn’t like screaming. Diana says, she used to be aggressive because she was scared. In her interview, she says, she grew up in the Sarajevo ghetto, and she was angry with the world, explosive. Now she just doesn’t give second chances. Sutton tells her that she’ll have to give these women more than one chance. Maybe several. Diana wonders, how many?
LisaR asks Crystal to talk about how she’s feeling, and Crystal says she feels like this is some weird therapy. She wants to be clear that she wants to get through this conversation, and doesn’t want to talk about it again. Garcelle asks, what triggered her? and Crystal says she doesn’t actually… like being emotional… Dorit tells her to take her time, and Crystal says, what was upsetting was, when she was struggling with Sutton, they were telling her how to feel. It was like a massive campaign to negate how she was feeling. We flash back to the whole violation thing, which we will never, ever be allowed to forget, and Crystal says, it isn’t easy to pour her heart out. Then she was told she used too strong a word, and the focus shifted to something that wasn’t the focus. Garcelle asks if she means it’s not safe for her emotionally, and Kyle says, she told them it wasn’t a safe space. In Dorit’s interview, she says, it’s not a safe space just because a group of adult women don’t agree with her? This is a vacation compared to what she went through. Dog Bambi feasts on the cheese board, and we flash back to her eating charcuterie one day ago, or one week in dog years. Kyle says she’s a fixer, but Garcelle says, she’s a stirrer. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, this is Kyle’s idea of fixing, and mimes stirring a pot. Kyle tells Crystal not to wait a year holding in something that bothers her. Garcelle says, if she’s 100% honest, she’s been holding onto something she knows may be explosive. She feels that when Crystal and Sutton had their thing, no matter what Sutton said – she could have said, the sky is blue – Crystal was going to say, are you that girl?It felt like a set-up. Crystal says, now that Garcelle knows her, does she still think that? but Garcelle says she doesn’t know. In Crystal’s interview, she says, Garcelle blindsided her. After knowing her, does Garcelle really think that’s something she’d do? It’s out of her character. Crystal tells them, there was a lot more said prior to that, and it was very dark. Erika says she wishes they’d known that, and in LisaR’s interview, she wonders why Crystal didn’t just say that at the time. She’d be pissed if she was Sutton. Crystal says, Kyle was there, but Kyle says, she doesn’t remember Sutton saying anything dark. So Crystal makes a CYA move, and says, Kyle was drunk. She’s not going there. Garcelle steps away to talk to her son Oliver on the phone, and Erika asks what was said, but Crystal isn’t spilling. In Erika’s interview, she says, when you’re not specific, you allow the person you just told to fill in the blanks with the worst possible sh*t. Garcelle comes back, and announces that Oliver got a great job working with LVP. Kyle says, on that note, let’s go home, and Erika says, to Los Angeles, where they belong. It sounds like the last line in a corny movie.
Dorit tries to persuade PK to replace some of his Diet Cokes with water, and finds it stressful trying to get him to change his lifestyle. He asks how she is, and she says she’s holding it together, but something changed inside. Her reactions aren’t the way they used to be. In Dorit’s interview, she says, in her new normal, her day is filled with palpitating anxiety and navigating triggers. The kids come into her room every night, and when she hears the sound of the bedroom door, she can’t catch her breath. She tells PK that she doesn’t know how she’ll feel at any moment, and wants to process this. He suggests she take a few days off, and bring her friends to Punta Mita. She asks, what if she feels anxious, and he says, then she can come home. She says she feels like that would feel nice. He says, he’ll watch the shows they watch together, and then just watch them again when she gets back, but she gives him a hard no. He says he’s got to watch some shows, but she says, everything they watch together, he can’t watch. She suggests he watch things she wouldn’t like.
Sutton gets ready for her store event with Alexis Mabille. In her interview, she says, he’s the Paris darling of couture, and finally got in the country. We flash back to Sutton whining about the hold-up to Kyle, and Sutton says she’s having a Parisian party. How fun to have couture come to L.A. She tells us, when you do a party like this, there’s a big list of things to do. There’s the guest list, the food, and bar. We see clips of Sutton overseeing those aspects, and she says, and for this one, they needed mannequins. She gets very nervous. She tells the staff, they’ve got to watch the clothes; don’t mess them up.
Diana’s glam squad makes their magic, and her stylist Lia asks if Diana has been to Sutton’s store. Diana reminds Lia that she’s allergic to stores; she thinks it’s the chemicals. In Diana’s interview, she says, designers know her style, taste, and size. They put things aside for her, and send them over. Dorit tells PK that she spoke to LisaR. Kyle got a message saying, Lois had a stroke, so LisaR was going to Medford. She didn’t have any more information, but asked them to keep Lois in their prayers.
Kyle tells Dorit that LisaR had a serious conversation with the doctor. It’s all about making Lois comfortable now. We see a clip of LisaR saying that Lois is going into hospice, and has a strong directive not to resuscitate her or put her on a feeding tube. Kyle says, her mother knew what was going on, but had them bring her home. She didn’t want to die in a hospice. Dorit asks if they also brought in a nurse, but Kyle says, no. She and Kim did everything. It wasn’t easy. She remembers them trying to bathe her mother, and almost dropping her. She couldn’t communicate, but they were all laughing. In Kyle’s interview, she says, LisaR is where she needs to be. Hard as it was, Kyle wouldn’t have missed being there for her mom’s last breath. She checks her phone, and tells Dorit, a paparazzi was taking photos over her fence. Dorit says, that’s triggering, and Kyle says she’s sorry. It was just the paparazzi. Dorit says, it makes her thinks someone is casing Kyle’s house.
On her red carpet, Sutton says has Alexis’s spring/summer 2022 collection on display, and to celebrate they’re doing a Paris night. Garcelle asks Sutton if all the girls are coming, and Alexis asks who she’s really asking about, but Garcelle insists she’s just asking. At Erika’s place, she tells Mikey that she’s finally figured out the thermostat after a year. She tells him that Sutton is having a designer come in for a store event, but she’s not going. It was a group invitation, and when everyone was apologizing and kissing asses, she’d asked where her apology was, but Sutton said she didn’t get one, since she didn’t like Erika. We flash back to that, and in Erika’s interview, she says she has a date with a vibrator; she can’t make it. She tells Mikey that she’s glad she doesn’t have to dress up, put on a face, and pretend to be nice.
At the store, Crystal says she’s worn leather in honor of Sutton, and we flash back to the ugly leather pants incident. Dorit and Kyle get out of the limo, and Dorit wonders why the press is here. In Dorit’s interview, she says, she can’t talk about what she went through, except close friends and family. How can a friend not give her a heads up? Is Sutton that self-absorbed? I admit to being a Sutton fan, but I also call a spade a spade. I’m totally empathetic to what Dorit is going through, but she’s really expecting too much. This is the second time she believed someone should have been thinking about her situation when it’s understandable why they wouldn’t be. Kyle talks to a reporter on the carpet, saying, Dorit is unbelievably strong, but the aftermath wasn’t so easy. Kyle asks Sutton if this is the infamous border guy. There are lots of air kisses, drinking, and checking out clothes. Kyle asks if everything is okay with Sutton and Crystal, and Crystal says, it was an awkward conversation at Kyle’s house. Kyle says, Crystal didn’t tell them what Sutton said that was so dark, and in Kyle’s interview she says, either Crystal is confused or she is. Her money is on Crystal. Sutton tells Dorit, she doesn’t know why they’re going backward. She doesn’t want to relive or rehash it. They’ve grown out of it, and grown better. Let the tree stand tall, not cut it down. In Sutton’s interview, she says she’s staying calm because she didn’t say anything she’s ashamed of or that was dark. Garcelle tells Sutton, what Crystal alluded to was that it was something that would change the dynamic between them; like she’d said something crazy. Watch your back with your new friend.
In Garcelle’s interview, she says, friendship is about trust. One minute, she felt like Crystal was in Sutton’s corner, then she threw Sutton under the bus. Sutton says, she doesn’t want go backward; let’s move forward, and work together; that’s sisterhood. In Kyle’s interview, she says she’s confused. A year ago, Sutton was sensitive and emotional about everything. We flash back to that, and Sutton says, she wants all of them to be positive. In her interview, Kyle says, she doesn’t know if Sutton took happy pills, but there’s nothing there; zero emotion. Sutton says, stop talking about her behind her back, and Diana takes off her shoes, saying, she hasn’t worn heels in two years. Kyle sits with Garcelle, and says, obviously, Sutton doesn’t want to go back. Sutton and Crystal pose for pictures on the carpet, and Kyle says, Crystal is leaving it open for guessing. When you let people assume, they assume the worst. Crystal asks, what’s going on? and Kyle says, they were talking about the conversation they had earlier. Garcelle had feelings, and instead of defending herself, Crystal brought up Sutton. Kyle was there, and Sutton didn’t say anything horrific. Crystal says, maybe she doesn’t remember because it doesn’t affect her, and Garcelle says, they’re thinking the worst. In her interview, Garcelle says, again it’s Crystal’s word choice. Dark is a dangerous word. It sounds like something that would affect their friendship when it came to race. Crystal says she doesn’t want to focus on the word. Sutton said something problematic, but forgivable. Garcelle says, why bring it up then? and Crystal says, the question they asked was damaging. In Crystal’s interview, she says, Garcelle was accusing her of setting Sutton up; it’s a massive accusation. If she was accused of murder, just saying, I didn’t do it, wouldn’t suffice. It was all she had. Sutton sits with them, and Kyle says, the conversation involves Sutton; she should be here. Sutton says, normally she’s not around for that, and Garcelle says, she told Crystal that she felt like she set Sutton up when she’d asked, are you that girl? Crystal said, it wasn’t prefaced that way; Sutton had said something dark. Sutton says she’s apologized, learned, and changed a lot. She doesn’t know what was said, but she can’t take it unless they can go forward. Kyle says, sounds nice on paper, and Garcelle says, it got them thinking whatever it was, was worse than it was. In Kyle’s interview, she says, Sutton probably is afraid she said something she doesn’t remember, so she wants it dropped. She was there, and that’s not what happened. By now, everyone has gravitated to this conversation, and Diana says, in defending herself, Crystal opened a can of worms. She can defend herself without saying something she’s not prepared to say. In Dorit’s interview, she says, Crystal knows what she’s doing. She’s creating the worst case, and adding insult to injury, she refuses to say what it is. She’s playing dirty. Sutton says, the worms are dead, and Diana says, this is hard to follow. Crystal says, she had to answer a question and defend herself, and Garcelle asks why she used the word dark. In Crystal’s interview, she asks how dark is a strong word? Don’t tell her what words to use. Garcelle says, Crystal planted the seed, and they’re left in the rubble. Crystal says she didn’t want to bring it up because it’s been resolved. In her interview, Garcelle says, it’s not resolved at all, and Crystal says, they questioned her integrity. and that’s where it’s going to stop.
Dorit tells PK that she’s going to an EMDR session, and he says, it’s going to help. She says, there’s something different inside her, and PK says, George made a valid point. The thieves took their belongings, and invaded and violated their home. Don’t let them take your life. In Dorit’s interview, she says, they took so much more than material things; her ability to feel safe and whole. Knowing PK is supportive, strong, and capable means a lot. PK clears out, and therapist Val arrives. In her interview, Dorit says, this type of therapy is good for trauma victims. It reprograms the brain to think of the traumatic moment and associate it with peace and joy. Dorit tells Val about going to Sutton’s event, and Val says, Dorit’s home has been her cocoon. When she’s outside, she feels activated, and it’s a normal response. She gives Dorit some cord things to hold, and says, they vibrate, and it causes left/right brain activity like when we’re sleeping. When trauma happens, early on, we separate it into frames. She wants Dorit to think of the frame where there’s a gun to her head, and she’s thinking, it’s not safe. Where is she feeling it? Dorit says, in her chest, and Val says, allow her mind to go where it usually does, and Dorit says, she’s thinking about the kids. Val says, go with it, and Dorit starts to cry. Val tells her, let whatever comes up, come up, and Dorit says, God forbid anything happens to them. She can’t shake feeling scared, worried, afraid, and sad. Val says, Dorit knows she’s safe, here and now, and in Dorit’s interview, she says, when she closes her eyes, she sees the headline: Mother found dead in bedroom; kids shot dead in their bed. It’s a thought that’s going to haunt her for the rest of her life. Val tells her, take a breath. Dorit says, it feels like she’s far from where she needs to be. Like she has a lot of work to do.
Next time, Kyle accuses Crystal of throwing Sutton under the bus; Garcelle questions Sutton about what she said; Dorit plans a girls trip to Mexico; and LisaR says, Crystal is dangling a dangerous carrot.
💰 The Real Housewives of Dubai is definitely worth a watch. Lots of bling, and an interesting cast, including Caroline Stanbury (Ladies of London), the only blonde in the bunch. Once again, Caroline’s very cute little dog proved that pets are the great leveler by peeing on her bed. It did end up with some screaming (not Caroline), which was a little disappointing, since it’s only the first episode. Model Chanel Ayan was the instigator, and it looks like there will be more to come from that one.
Stop by tomorrow for soap and tea. Until then, stay safe, stay letting your Pride flag fly, and stay knowing, when you let people assume, they assume the worst.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 