Category Archives: horror

June 27, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Daisy’s Christening Day, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Dead Coming Up, New Squid, Bite Me, Above & Beyond, Octrain Of Quotes & Banner

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Carly talked to Michael in the MetroCourt Garden about Daisy’s christening, but he wasn’t paying attention. She asked what was going on, and he said welcoming a new family member felt cruel to Willow.

Nina said Willow had just gotten divorced, but Willow said she’d just lost her kids. Marrying Drew would help her get them back.

In his office, Martin told Drew that he’d alerted the media. Tracy had caved and they had her where they wanted her.

Brook found Tracy in the solarium and told her that there was so much she wanted to say to Gio, but she was giving him space. Tracy said Gio would come to her when he was ready. She wanted to run something by Brook, and Brook asked if she was hiding a body. Tracy said, not yet. She’d received an offer from Drew and had agreed to his terms. She needed to decide if she should go through with it.

Kai went to the gallery and told Trina that he’d taken Drew up on his offer and accepted the internship.

Portia sat down in the locker room and Isaiah came out in a towel.

Curtis came out of pool, and Jordan said she was shocked to find him there in the middle of the day. How would Aurora survive without him chained to his desk? He said, through the magic of cellphones. What was the point in working in a building that had a rooftop pool if he didn’t take advantage of it once in a while?

Carly said it was up to Michael and Sasha, but his beautiful baby girl was something to celebrate, and he shouldn’t feel guilty about the christening. He’d fought for his parental rights and the judge decided the children were better off with him full time. She was relieved. He said he was too, but was having a hard time getting past Willow falling apart in court. Carly said they’d been in love a long time and that didn’t go away overnight, but he said it wasn’t just that. Willow loved the kids and was still their mother, and he wanted her to be when she was ready and healthy. The real problem was Drew.

Willow said she and Michael had gotten married when they wanted to fight Nelle, and Nina said, so it was just a legal tactic, but Willow said this was different. She and Michael weren’t in love the first time they got married. She and Drew were in love and intended to stay married. They were telling the truth. Nina said, they knew that, but the judge wouldn’t.

Jordan told Curtis that the job with Sidwell gave her a bump in salary, so she could afford something bigger. Plus, to maintain her cover, she had to commit to the part. Anyone in her position would upgrade their living situation.

Isaiah told Portia that he was sorry. He didn’t realize anyone was in here. She said she needed a minute after pulling a 15-hour shift. She was trying to work up the energy and wherewithal to go home and couldn’t find it.

Trina said she thought was turning down the move to DC, and Kai said he did turn it down. He didn’t want to leave Port Charles or her, but Drew said the position had flexibility and Drew would make it work for him. Drew was letting him work in Port Charles. He might go to DC one in a while, but he definitely wasn’t moving there. Trina said she was happy he was staying, and he said him too. He asked if she was okay about him taking the internship. He wanted her to be honest. She said she didn’t trust Drew and thought working for him would be Kai’s biggest mistake.

Drew told Martin that this was the second best thing that happened to him all day, and Martin wondered what could possibly be better. Drew said Willow agreed to marry him, and Martin said he’d offer congratulations, but he and matrimony were no longer speaking. It was a smart strategy for the custody fight. Drew said what was different was that he loved Willow and looked forward to her sharing his last name – Quartermaine.

Tracy told Brook about the press conference and said if she dropped the cease and desist preventing Drew from using the name, he would refuse to cooperate with the authorities and the ketamine charges would go away. Brook asked what the problem was, and Tracy said, her pride. It was telling her to let this ridiculous case go forward. Force them to prove it. Brook said, could they? and Tracy said, of course (🍷) not. She didn’t drug Drew. Brook said, normally she’d tell Tracy to fight to the end, but it was a matter of public record that she’d framed Alexis. She could lose even though she didn’t do it. Drew was a complete sleaze, and he was offering her an offramp. She may just need to swallow her pride and take it.

Isaiah said Portia was Co-Chief of Staff. Why was she working a long shift? She said someone had to cover for Dr. Park in the ER and she volunteered. He said he apologized if he was overstepping, but was she possibly taking on too much? She said she was actively avoiding going home, and he said if things were tough there and at home, she needed a distraction and to not think of either.

Curtis said Jordan was good at making a believable cover, and she said there were so many life-or-death situations where he had her back and helped her. He said he knew she had his back, and they reminisced about a drug operation where they sat in his busted-up car in the August heat with no air conditioning. Jordan said, if only his employees knew their polished CEO once sat in a sweatbox, and Curtis said he remembered the chase. Then the look on his face when he realized he’d been played. Jordan said, that almost made it worth it.

Nina said if Willow married Drew, it would look like they were working the system. The judge saw how devastated Willow was. She’d think they only married to change that. Willow said they wouldn’t be, and Nina said, they knew that, but had to make sure no decisions seemed irresponsible or reckless. Willow said Martin had advised them to get married. He’d said it was a good strategy. Nina said, it might be, but Willow didn’t have to do it right away.

Michael told Carly that he and Willow had no chance to solve their problems. If Drew had backed off, who knew what could have happened? Carly said, Drew was family. They were close and he trusted Drew. Then Drew betrayed him in the worst possible way. Michael said, then Drew played mind games with his son, making Wiley think he didn’t want him. It was despicable. What kind of man did that? She said, someone with no moral compass. At least for now, Willow was blind to it. Michael said that was going to change.

Kai asked if Trina’s parents couldn’t keep their grudge with Drew between them, and she said they happened to be people she loved and who mattered to her. He said he got they had a bad experience, but Drew had been nothing but good to him, and she said she he was, but she had to question Drew’s motives. Kai asked if it wasn’t possible Drew saw something in him. She had. It was an amazing opportunity to explore politics on a national level without leaving Port Charles. She said she didn’t know he was interested in politics, and he said all he’d thought about was football. Now his future was wide open. It intrigued him. He liked helping people and serving the community. He wanted to see where it went. Maybe he’d pursue it long term or maybe not, but he did know he was hoping that working with someone she didn’t like wouldn’t come between them.

Brook asked if Tracy was that worried about Drew calling himself a Quartermaine, and Tracy said it did. The name meant something, and he didn’t deserve the name or the respect that went with it. Brook said Drew would never get what he really wanted – their acceptance. He’d never actually be one of them. Monica wouldn’t even let him into the house. If he needed a name change to drop the charges, give it to him. Tracy said she’d face the humiliation that came with the deal she made with the devil, but Brook said she wouldn’t be doing it alone, and took Tracy’s hand.

Isaiah said Portia would be no good to her patients if she ran herself into the ground. If she wasn’t going to get sleep, at least have some fun. Portia said she didn’t remember what fun was like, and Isaiah said they’d have to change that. It was a beautiful day, and they were going to go have fun.

Carly said Michael was legally able to get the kids away from Drew, and he said if Willow had any chance of being in their lives, Drew had to be taken out of the equation. Carly said she’d even teamed up with Nina, but nothing would shake Drew’s hold on Willow, but he said that was before she lost her kids. She painted Drew as her hero, but he was the real reason she’d lost her children. If she was forced to see that, maybe it would finally be enough for her to walk away for good.

Nina said it was fine if Willow and Drew wanted to get married, but they had to convince the judge it was a real marriage, not just a legal strategy. There should be no rush. No city hall. No Vegas. An actual wedding that was planned. Willow said she’d have to wait longer to see her kids, but Nina said there had been no visitation hearing yet. Willow said if they got married by the time the hearing was scheduled, it would improve her chances, but Nina said rash decision making wasn’t going to help her get her kids back.

Jordan said, afterward, she and Curtis had sat on the roof of his car, and he said they celebrated finally nailing Hoffman. She said the breeze from the water cooled them off. She remembers it being the best feeling ever. He said, because it was.

Kai said he appreciated that Trina was worried, but he was making a choice based on his experiences and could handle himself. He didn’t have to like someone to learn from them. Trina said, but he liked Drew, and he said he did. Maybe Drew would give him a reason not to, but that was a lesson he had to learn for himself. It was an amazing opportunity, and he was going to take it. His phone dinged and he said he had to go to a press conference for Drew. He’d call her later. As he left, she called him back and kissed him. She said she didn’t have to agree with him to be on his side. He had this. He thanked her and kissed her.

Brook met Chase at the press conference, and Tracy said she appreciated the support, but Brook didn’t have to notify the family to witness her public humiliation. Brook said she was Tracy’s moral support and Chase was hers. Chase said he was here support Tracy too, and Tracy said she’d been through worse, when Martin came in.

Curtis said, it was a long time ago, and Jordan said things were a lot different. He said he was proud of them. They’d come a long way. She said she just got a glimpse of the guy she used to know, when Portia came in with Isaiah. Curtis’s phone rang, and he said it was Trina. Trina asked if he could come by the gallery.

Portia told Isaiah that her workaholic husband made time to spend at the pool with Jordan, and he said maybe they had the same idea they did. Portia said they weren’t co-workers and didn’t need to decompress. They used to be married. Did he think they’re behavior was appropriate? He said he didn’t think he was the person to ask. He wasn’t impartial. He and Jordan used to date.

Willow said getting married could be the only way to get her kids back, and Nina asked if Drew was pushing her, but she said, not at all. Nina suggested she tell Drew that she wanted more time to plan. As her mother, she’d love to give Willow the wedding she’d dreamed of. They could plan it together. Willow said she’d already told Drew that she’d marry him, but she’d think about the rest of what Nina said. She had to go. Nina told her to call if she needed to talk, and Willow left.

Carly says she wants Drew out of Willow’s life almost as much as Michael does, but she may never leave Drew. Was he willing to keep the children out of her life for good if that was the case? He said Drew wouldn’t be part of Wiley and Amelia’s life. It was non-negotiable.

Martin told the press that Congressman Quartermaine was going to address the charges against his aunt, Tracy Quartermaine. There was nothing more important to him than family, honesty, and loyalty. Brook wondered if Tracy would go through with it, and Chase said Tracy had the means, motive, and opportunity. Brook said Tracy’s colorful past didn’t help, but if Tracy had wanted to drug Drew, she wouldn’t have met him in a public place and kept the evidence in her car. She’d already been caught framing someone and wouldn’t let herself get caught again. He said it was an interesting and perfectly logical defense.

Drew said, it didn’t have to go this way. Tracy could have cooperated. Tracy said he was so proud himself for winning. Gloat wasn’t a good color on him. He said, nor on her, although she’d worn it many times. Now that the shoe was on the other foot, he guesses it was proof they were related. He left and she said, think again.

Isaiah told Portia that he and Jordan’s relationship was brief. It got complicated and she wanted to step back. Portia said she could guess why, and he said this wasn’t helping her unwind. Maybe they should go. She said, absolutely not, and he said he’d wanted to help her relax, not add to her tension. She said it hadn’t. Curtis didn’t even notice she was here. Clearly, he was focused on something else.

At the press conference, Drew told Kai, when it was over, they could go back to what was important, making the constituents happy. His aunt made a grave error in judgement and when she acknowledged that, he could put the incident behind him and move forward. Kai flashed back to hearing Curtis talk about paying Jacinda off to say Drew took the ketamine on purpose, and Drew said he’d see Kai after the press conference.

Nina said she needed to talk to Carly. Carly needed to get through to Michael. If she didn’t, Willow was going to marry Drew.

Michael found Willow in the solarium and told her that the kids weren’t there. She said Yuri told her and although she’d love to see them, she came to see him.

Trina told Curtis that Kai accepted a position as Drew’s congressional intern, and he said he was sorry. There were better people for Kai to work and learn from, but don’t let the tension affect their relationship. Kai was a good guy and Trina seemed happy with him. Don’t let this stop that between them. Trina said she knew Curtis was trying to find the escort and bring her back, but she didn’t understand how it would protect her mom. He said it was complicated and to leave it alone, but she said she couldn’t. What kind of trouble was her mom in?

Portia said she couldn’t fix the situation until she knew what she was dealing with, when Isaiah’s phone rang. He said he needed to take it and when he left, Portia went over to Jordan. She said she was sorry to interrupt. Jordan must be exhausted from entertaining her husband all afternoon.

Carly said she felt awful about Willow, and Nina said she’d be legally entitled to visitation sooner or later. Carly said they’d deal with it them, and Nina said both kids were at an impressionable age. Drew would be a potential role model and a huge influence. The only way to change that would be for Michael to compromise now. Carly needed to convince him to allow Willow to see the kids and get a court order as soon as possible and make sure it’s just Willow, not Drew. Carly said she didn’t think it was possible, and Nina said if Willow saw the kids, she could pry her away from Drew. Carly had the power to get Michael to allow Willow to see the children.

Michael asked how Willow was feeling, and she said, better. She was so shocked. It hit her all at once and she didn’t know how to handle it. He said it was a surprise to him too, and she said the process was horrible. She didn’t want another court fight. Wiley and Amelia loved and needed them both, and they needed to set a good example. Michael agreed, and she said that’s why she wasn’t hiding anything anymore.  Their lack of honesty was what got them into trouble in the first place. She and Drew were getting married.

Drew addressed the press and said he knew his family was a fractious group and Tracy Angelica Quartermaine’s questionable judgement was legendary. As a family, they’d decided it didn’t make sense to waste taxpayer money and clog the court with a personal mattery. His aunt fully regretted her actions that led to her arrest and was pleased to make a public announcement. The Quartermaine family would settle the dispute in house, and he’d no longer cooperate with the investigation involving his aunt and strongly encouraged them to drop the charges. Now his aunt would like to address them herself.

Tracy took the podium and said she’d like to read a few prepared remarks. With regard to the reckless and reprehensible accusations she’d levied against her beloved and honorable nephew, Congressman Drew Quar… After trying several times, she said she couldn’t do it. She had to tell the truth. Drew took the drugs, then planted them in her car. He caused embarrassment and disgrace to the family when he destroyed his nephew’s marriage and should be thrown out of office the same way his stepmother threw him out of the Quartermaine mansion.

Tuesday:

Jason met Sonny at Sonny’s house. Sonny said Turner thought she was sending him to prison, but didn’t know her star witness was about to disappear.

Sidwell invited Lucy to lunch at the MetroCourt Garden, and said his son would be joining them.

Jordan said she didn’t know what Portia was implying, and Portia said she saw Jordan and Curtis by the pool, smiling and laughing. Jordan said reminiscing about old times? and Portia asked if she meant during their marriage. Jordan said Portia needed to have a conversation with Curtis, but Portia said Curtis wasn’t the problem. Jordan was.

Trina told Curtis about Kai overhearing him and Portia talking about Jacinda. She asked if Portia was in trouble and did Drew have something to do with it. Kai was working with Drew, and she needed him to tell her what was going on.

Tracy tried to call Drew Congressman Quartermaine, but couldn’t do it. She said she had to tell the truth. Drew took the drugs, then planted some in her car to embarrass and disgrace her. Just ask her nephew about that. He should be thrown out of office the same way his stepmother threw him out of the Quartermaine mansion. Martin suggested Brook take Tracy home. She was either having a stroke or sundowning.

Nina said Carly had to convince Michael to give Willow visitation. It was the only way to stop her from marrying Drew. Carly said Nina had plenty of chances to do that and nothing had worked. Why was this time different?

Michael said he and Willow married to get custody of Wiley from Nelle. Did she think it was going to help her this time? She said she loved Drew and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, and Michael said if she married Drew, he’d make sure she never saw the kids again.

Jason said Natalia’s house was set up along with the guards, and Sonny said if she brought over the incriminating records, she’d be off to Belize. Jason said he had eyes on her just in case, but had one concern. What if Natalia already told Sidwell everything she knew?

Sidwell, Marco, and Lucy talked about Sidwell’s house in Dubai, and Sidwell said he’d tried to swing a substantial sale Lucy’s way, but it fell through. She asked if he was talking about Windymere, but he said, no. Sonny’s piers. Sonny considered his offer, but decided not to take it. Que sera sera. Lucy said, don’t give up yet. Perhaps she could still make it happen.

Nina said if Michael agreed to a generous visitation schedule, there was no way Willow would pass it up, even if Drew couldn’t go. Eventually, Willow would see that she didn’t need Drew’s help to have the kids in her life, and it would be the beginning of the end of their relationship. Carly said Drew was still calling the shots. There was no way he’d let Willow agree when it didn’t include him.

Willow said Michael won custody, but once she and Drew were married, the judge would revisit it and give her at least partial custody. Michael said he wasn’t being cruel, but after her meltdown, he didn’t think that would happen. He’d exercise every bit of his power to protect his kids. She said he didn’t have to protect them from her, but he said as long as she was with Drew, it wasn’t healthy for them. It was his opinion and the judge’s too. She said Willow’s relationship with Drew was the reason she’d lost. If they got married, she would seal her fate. She said he was just trying to bully her into dumping Drew. He was scared she was going to win and when she did, she’d try to have more compassion than he had for her.

Tracy said she was no fool, and on the side, Kai said he wanted to get Drew out of there, out of the line of fire and away from the cameras. Martin said Tracy blew her chance to stay out of prison with her insolent behavior. If there was any doubt about her guilt, there wasn’t now. She said his client got caught acting like a frat boy on spring break and was trying to cover his ass, planting the ketamine to frame her. From the audience, Cody said she was dead wrong about that.

Lucy said perhaps she could get Sonny to reconsider, but Sidwell said he’d declined before. She said circumstances had changed and she thought she’d pay him a visit right now. Sidwell called her an angel, and hugged her.

Sonny told Jason that he’d considered the possibility of Natalia leaking information to Sidwell, but from what he’d seen, she couldn’t stand Sidwell. The animosity ran deep and Sidwell would make plans to come after him even if Natalia was gone. He wasn’t the type to take no for an answer.

Portia said she’d seen Jordan begging for Curtis’s attention before, when Isaiah came back. Portia said Jordan found excuses to seek Curtis out, but Jordan said they had business dealings, and they were still family. Curtis was TJ’s uncle. And they were friends. Portia was projecting and what she’d described was how she chipped away at Jordan’s marriage to Curtis. Portia asked if it was pay back, and Jordan said if they were having a problem, it wasn’t on her. Portia asked, who said they were having problems? and Jordan said something wasn’t right or Portia wouldn’t be confronting her. Portia said Jordan had been fawning over Curtis and it was embarrassing, and Jordan said Portia was the one causing a scene because she felt insecure. It had nothing to do with her. If Portia’s marriage was on the rocks, Jordan was guessing she only had herself to blame. Grabbing a drink from nearby, Portia threw it on Jordan.

Cutis said Trina’s mother was in a tough position with very negative consequences if it wasn’t handled, and Trina asked how she could help. He said she couldn’t. They were handling it. She asked if he was tracking down Jacinda, and he said, yes. She asked if he was going to ask her to lie, but he said, the less she knew, the better. She said she understood he wanted to protect her but thought he was making a big mistake. She could help.

Tracy said she gave Cody a roof over his head and a job. This was how he repaid her? Brook told Chase that Cody despised Drew, and Chase asked why he was doing this. Brook said she had no idea. Martin announced that Cody was the son of the PCPD Chief of Police Mac Scorpio and worked for Tracy. It was courageous for him to speak out against his employer. Cody said he wasn’t a supporter of Drew’s and didn’t vote for him, but he couldn’t stand by and see him be accused of something he didn’t do. Cody was in charge of the horses, and Hades was their prize show horse. Before the Hampton Classic, Hades needed a minor medical procedure, and he had to help by getting an anesthetic. His truck wouldn’t start so he borrowed Tracy’s car. In addition to supplies, he picked up ketamine and must have left a vial in Tracy’s car. That meant the congressman didn’t frame her and Miss Quartermaine didn’t drug the congressman. She was innocent.

Curtis said he appreciated Trina’s concern, but her mom was in this situation because of him. Drew had been gunning for him and got to him through Trina’s mother. He was the target, not her, and he didn’t want Trina involved. They were capable people, and she had to trust him. Trina asked him to promise to tell her if it got worse, and he promised, but told her, in the meantime, don’t discuss it with anyone. She promised that she and Kai wouldn’t tell anyone.  

Jordan asked what was wrong with Portia, and Isaiah told Portia to come with him. As she left, Portia warned Jordan to stay out of her marriage. Isaiah hustled her out and asked if she felt better. Portia said, not really. This wasn’t her, but she had to deal with this once and for all. Her phone rang and she said now was her chance.

Nina told Carly that she’d deal with Drew, but needed Michael to work with her. Do it for their grandchildren. They loved and needed to see their mother. It would also help Willow deal with the trauma. Carly said she wasn’t unsympathetic, but hadn’t forgotten what Willow put the children through. She couldn’t stop Willow from marrying Drew; no one could. Nina would have to figure out another way. Carly left.

Jason said too bad Sidwell wasn’t legit. Sonny selling him the piers would solve all their problems. Sonny said, leaving Port Charles in Sidwell’s hands was a huge mistake, and Jason said they couldn’t tie him to the explosion or exonerate him. There was too much uncertainty, and they should prepare for blowback. There was a knock at the door, and Jason opened it to Lucy carrying a basket of oranges. She said she was hoping to have a tête-à-tête with Sonny, and Jason said he had to get going. He left and Lucy said they needed to talk about Sonny’s piers.

Outside, Jason’s phone rang. Nina asked if there was any chance he could meet her at the MetroCourt.

Michael said he’d tried to be compassionate, but Willow said he was unreasonable. She’d flown to Germany to see if they could work something out, and he refused to see her. He asked where she was getting that. No one told him that she was there. She said she spoke to the receptionist, who’d conferred with him and said he didn’t want to see her. He said, that never happened. It must have been a mistake. Willow said the mistake was hers thinking it was possible to be amicable, but he said it made no sense. She said he couldn’t stand it that she chose Drew over him, and he was holding it against her, keeping the children from her as punishment for falling in love with another man. He said he’d never use the children to punish her, but he would protect him from Drew, who was a destructive, manipulative fraud. She insisted Drew was none of those things. He respected her enough to tell her the truth, and he said Drew lied to her and she lied to herself. Willow said Drew treated her as an equal, and he said she wouldn’t stop living in her warped fantasy life. She said he was used to getting his way, but not this time. She was going to marry Drew, and she was going to get her children back.

Martin asked why Cody hadn’t stepped up before now, and Cody said he didn’t watch the news. There was so much sadness out there. He didn’t realize he’d left the ketamine in the car until it was time for the procedure. The full truth was he didn’t ask to borrow Tracy’s car and was worried she’d be upset if she found out. Martin said, more than facing charges that would send her to prison? and Cody said he didn’t realize how far it had gone. When he found out what happened, he had to say something. Martin asked how much Tracy was paying him, and Cody said he had the receipt, pulling it out of his pocket and reading, Dr. Jane Thomas, DVM. Martin said that didn’t prove a damn thing. It could have been doctored. Tracy grabbed the receipt and said she’d take it to an expert to prove it wasn’t. It was going right to her lawyer. Martin made a grab for it and fell off the stage.

Sonny asked if Sidwell sent Lucy over, but she said, no. She thought he needed to reconsider Sidwell’s offer. It wasn’t about the commission, but about being his friend and getting him out of a politically sticky situation. Measure C made a mess for him and Laura. Why turn down Sidwell? Sonny said, because he was a bad guy, and Lucy asked if he realized he was already in business with Sidwell through Deception. He said it wasn’t his decision, and she said the stock was soaring. It would be that much better if Sidwell owned the piers to operate his import business. He said, minerals and God knows what else, and she said in the spirit of cooperation and friendship, what could she do to make it happen?

Marco wondered if Sidwell thought Lucy could get Sonny to change his mind, and Sidwell said it was a long shot, but she was very persuasive. He hoped she succeeded so he didn’t have to resort to more drastic measures… Just kidding. Marco said he didn’t think Sonny would be an impediment for much longer.

Nina told Jason that Drew was engaged to her daughter, and she needed to make sure they didn’t make it to the altar. He asked how he could help, and she said she pitched a plan to Carly to get Michael on board, but Carly turned her down. She was desperate and Michael valued his opinion. He asked, what was her plan? and she said she wanted Michael to let Willow see the kids – without Drew. It would give Willow less reason to marry Drew and give her wiggle room to get Willow to postpone the wedding. If she got really lucky, she could convince Willow to dump Drew altogether. He said, it could work, and she asked if that meant he’d talk to Michael. Willow approached and asked, what’s going on here?

Carly told Michael that she’d talked to Nina and Nina told her that Willow and Drew were getting married. He said he knew. Willow was just there. She was convinced it would help her win back custody. Carly said, Nina thought if he allowed Willow visitation without Drew, it would take away her incentive to get married. Eventually, she could be pried away from Drew, and he’d be out of the picture for good. In the end, that’s what he wanted, right?

Portia said she was at the pool when Curtis called, and he said they must have missed each other. She said, they didn’t. She saw him with Jordan and thought they needed to have a conversation about that. He said they needed to discuss Trina. She knew Portia was in trouble, and knew it was because of Drew.

Martin was helped up, and Drew said he thought it best to bring the conference to an end. He thanked everyone for their time and patience, but Tracy said, before they left, there was something Drew might want to say to the good people of Port Charles. Drew said it seemed his dear Aunt Tracy had been exonerated, and he couldn’t tell them how relieved he was to know she wasn’t the one who drugged him. But rest assured he’d be working closely with the PCPD to find the real culprit. Tracy said he didn’t have to look far. Just look in the mirror. She laughed.

Jordan said she was glad Isaiah was still there, and he asked if she was okay. She said it was unexpected, but she was fine, and she thanked him for intervening. She didn’t know why Portia flew off the handle. He said he saw her with Curtis too. Was she seriously trying to say there was nothing to worry about?

Portia said they should have been more careful and asked if Curtis thought Kai told Drew what he heard. Curtis said, Trina told him that Kai wouldn’t, and he had a hard time believing Kai would do anything to hurt their family or Trina. He wanted to make sure Trina didn’t get tangled up in this. She asked if Trina knew what Drew was holding over her head, but Curtis said she had no idea Portia doctored Heather Webber’s test results. Portia said, if she did, she’d probably blame herself, and he agreed. They had to make sure to stop Drew. She said it didn’t seem possible, but he said he had some good news.

Michael said he thought Willow would come to her senses, but he was wrong and so were Carly and Nina. Today he knew Willow was incapable of realizing that her and Drew’s relationship was harming the kids. It was why she lost custody, and she couldn’t or wouldn’t see it. Ultimately, it didn’t matter because the impact on the kids was the same. Carly asked, what was his plan? and Michael said he’d ask Diane to delay the visitation hearing, but when it happened, Willow would get nothing. Keeping the kids from their mother broke his heart, but he couldn’t allow Drew to be part of their lives.

Drew said if Martin hadn’t been focused on revenge, he would have seen what Tracy was planning and stop it before she made fools of them. Martin said he could do damage control with the press, but Drew said he’d done enough. Martin said he was going to the hospital to get his back checked, and Drew said Martin’s retainer was all he was getting.  

Chase said, that was quite a speech, and Cody said it was the truth. Chase asked if he really had the receipt, and Cody said he’d have to check. He wasn’t so good at keeping records.  

Brook said, that was wild. Cody rode in to rescue Tracy. Tracy said she was relieved to be cleared.

Sonny said Lucy was a savvy businesswoman and savvy enough to know not to get involved in the situation. Lucy said he was judging Sidwell by his reputation, not his actions, but he said he trusted his sources. She said she also trusted hers and thanked him for hearing her out. She hoped she hadn’t imposed on their friendship. He said, not at all, especially when she brought him delicious oranges. They ate one.

Sidwell asked why Sonny wouldn’t be a problem. Did Marco know something? Marco told him that he’d said as much as he could say, and Sidwell said he hoped Marco was right. He preferred not to get his hands dirty, but if it was the only option to eradicate Sonny from Port Charles, so be it.

Jordan said nothing was going on, and Isaiah asked if it was completely innocent… It wasn’t his business anymore. She said she was sorry it didn’t work out, and he said him too. He saw that Sidwell wasn’t the only problem. Her ex-husband was too. She said that wasn’t true, but he said, deep down, she knew it was. If not, she was in for a rude awakening.

Curtis told Portia that Felicia had a lead on Jacinda. She was in Sydney, He didn’t know her exact location, but he would within 48 hours. Portia said, maybe the nightmare would be over soon, and Curtis said if he could convince Jacinda to come back and publicly state that Drew hired her for a wild night of sex and drugs, he’d be too busy to focus on imploding Portia’s career.

Tracy asked if Brook didn’t think Cody would lie, and Brook said she wasn’t judging, but it was clever. Tracy said, it was Michael’s idea. A real Quartermaine knows how to get things done.

Drew told Kai that he’d have to call off the wedding. He couldn’t be the reason Willow lost her kids. Kai asked if he thought it was a possibility, and Drew said it seemed everyone was against them. Kai said there was something he should know. Curtis Ashford planned to find the escort and bring her back to say Drew knowingly abused drugs. He should prepare for increased scrutiny. (I said, no, no, no, no, no, through the whole thing.)

Willow asked if Michael sent Jason to intimidate her and her mom, and Jason said she was making a mistake. She said he was wrong about his brother. Drew was a good man, and she couldn’t wait to be his wife. Together, they were going to get her kids back. He said, if that’s what she wanted to do, that was her choice, and left.

Michael said he hated separating the kids from their mom, but it was for their own good, and Carly said she’d been where he was. She was convinced keeping him from AJ was the right thing, but he didn’t thank her for that decision. His kids might not thank him and might very well resent him. He said he had to do it anyway and live with the consequences.

Wednesday:

Gio instructed Rocco and Danny on working at the pool. Danny was on water and Rocco on towels. Rocco told Danny that his mom took his photo like it was his first day at school. From a chaise lounge, Lulu waved to Rocco.

At the Quartermaines, Marco gave Lulu two birth certificates for Rocco, telling her how, 7 months later, it was altered to Rocco Falconari. Dante walked in.

Kristina went to Alexis’s office and Alexis said she’d seen Elizabeth. Martin was pushing her to sue the car company. She wasn’t interested and Alexis thought she didn’t suspect Kristina’s involvement. Kristina said Elizabeth didn’t suspect, she knew. Lucky told her.

At the gallery, Ava gave Laura an invitation to the Joel Sartore opening, but Laura said her calendar was overflowing. If she couldn’t make it, could she pass the tickets on to Elizabeth?

Ric came into the hospital, and Elizabeth said she was busy, but he said he was there to see a potential client.

Martin told Lucas that his back was still killing him. Lucas examined him and Martin said it was all Tracy Quartermaine’s fault.

Tracy looked at her phone and laughed, when Cody walked in. He said he knew how much she enjoyed watching Martin fall ass over teakettle, and she thanked him. She knew the minute she told him to shut up, Martin would insist he speak. She was trying to make a GIF of Drew’s face the minute he realized she’d won, but she’d ask Leo to do it later. They needed to discuss his payment. He said he didn’t want her money.

At Sonny’s, he asked what Natalia’s answer was, but she said she didn’t know. He was asking her to give up her life. He said, for a whole new beautiful, comfortable life in Belize. They were running out of time. What was her answer?

Rocco asked what Lulu was doing there, and she said she was just another guest. She asked if he remembered his social security number and if he thanked Carly, while she straightened his shirt. Danny told Gio that Rocco was so embarrassed. if his mom was here… she’d do the same thing. Gio said, so would his.

Brook told Dante that they were wrapping up and said she’d let Marco know when she made a decision. Marco left, and Dante said he assumed Chase told Brook what happened. She said, yeah. He could hold what he wanted against her, but Chase was just protecting her. He said he didn’t want to hear it, and she asked if he wanted to yell at her again. He said he didn’t. Talking to Chase made him realize it wasn’t getting him anywhere. In order to reach Gio, they had to work together.

Cody told Tracy that Drew was such an ass, he was happy to take him down a peg or two. She’d been framed and he was glad to help. She was a great boss, and it was the best job he’d had. She said Hades loved him and she found him more than tolerable. She thanked him.

Kristina said Lucky didn’t mention the blackmail to Elizabeth. Just that he helped cover it up. She had the right to turn Kristina in, but wasn’t going to. Alexis said Elizabeth must know Lucky could be charged as an accessory after the fact, but Kristina said, Lucky was headed to Africa, but Elizabeth knew it would hurt Alexis and Molly. Alexis said Kristina’s plan to break up Ava and Ric needed to stop.

Ava said, of course (🍷), and Laura said Elizabeth loved art and now that she had her cast off, she probably wanted to get out. Ava said she was happy Elizabeth was feeling better, and asked if Laura wanted a sneak peek at Joel’s new book. She sipped at a drink, and Laura said not her too with the dragonberry juice. Ava said Ric got her hooked on it, and Laura said he and Elizabeth were drinking it when she stopped by.  

Elizabeth asked Lucas if Laura knew Martin was in the hospital, but he said he wasn’t sure. She said she’d do the honors, and he said he’d noticed Ric was around, but she said he was there for a potential client. Lucas pointed out that Ric had dropped by every day since Lucky left, and she asked if he thought she was leading Ric on.  

Sonny said the longer Natalia stalled, Turner would pull the deal and prosecute her. He couldn’t let her give Turner anything that incriminated him. Natalia handed him the key to her safe deposit box and said, everything was in it. Her life was in his hands.

Ava said Ric had been working nonstop, and Laura said, now that the Corinthos case was settled, he’d have more time. Laura’s phone rang and she stepped away to take the call. It was Elizabeth.

Kristina said, as long as Ric and Ava were in it together, they’d drain the Cassadine estate dry, and Alexis would get caught for embezzlement. Alexis said she wouldn’t leave Elizabeth in Ric’s crosshairs, but Kristina said, she already was. If anyone could handle Ric, she could. Alexis said Elizabeth had a soft spot for Ric and she’d take him back. They should tell her about the blackmail. Kristina said, if they did, she’d confront Ric before she kicked him out of her life. Then he’d retaliate by sending her to prison. They were in this too deep and couldn’t say anything.

Cody told Tracy that he didn’t like taking money to help a friend.

Martin said he was going to sue Tracy for emotional and physical distress and the damage would go up with every spasm, but Ric said Martin had lunged at the paper, lost his balance, and fell. Martin said Tracy goaded him. How about a nuisance suit? She’d pay them to go away. Ric said Tracy was too vindictive to settle and he’d need a retainer of $15K. Martin said he couldn’t afford it. He wasn’t even sure he could pay his deductible. Ric said, forget Tracy. Take care of his back.

Lucas said Elizabeth was friendly toward Ric, but he was seeing Ava. Why did she seem bothered? She said there were certain things she liked about Ric, but hadn’t forgotten the terrible things. She wasn’t going back to him and Ric knew that. Unless he saw what he wanted to see. Lucas said it was hard seeing the good in people that others didn’t, and she asked if he meant Brad. He said they all made choices, and he’d decided when he had enough.

Dante said he wasn’t ready to forgive Chase or Brook, but didn’t want to prevent a relationship with Gio now. Brook said she wanted that too and was sorry Gio was so mad at Dante. She gave Gio up. It wasn’t Dante’s choice. Dante said she’d had a good relationship with Gio before. On the other hand, he’d come down hard on Gio when Rocco passed out. He regretted it and it made it harder for Gio to trust him. She said they were in the same boat. What should they do?

Sonny said he knew Marco negotiated for Natalia and asked what the timeline was. She said, Monday, and he said she’d be long gone by then. She couldn’t tell Marco that she was leaving. If Turner found out she was going to run, Turner would arrest her. Natalia said she wouldn’t be able to come back, and he said, no contact with friends or family. Belize was beautiful, especially if you had money, and she’d be safe. She’d be in a beautiful, luxury home on the beach. She asked if he would still be in contact with her, and he said, yeah. He owed her a debt and took it seriously. (If she doesn’t want to go, I will.)

Cody met Kristina and said he assumed she wanted an Ava update. She asked how it was going, and he said she couldn’t expect instant results. If he came on too strong, Ava would get suspicious. She told him to include Lucky leaving the country in his next conversation, and he asked, why? She said Ric was infatuated with Elizabeth and Ava was aware of it. She was guessing that Ric didn’t tell Ava about Lucky, and it would make her insecure and more receptive to his advances. Cody said if Ric was into Elizabeth, wasn’t his job done?

Elizabeth said she was sorry she’d assumed Ric was there to see her, and he said she could make it up to him by letting him buy her coffee – or dragonberry juice. She said she would have guessed he had plans with Ava, but he said, not tonight. Ava was swamped with a big show coming up at the gallery.

Brook told Drew that Gio was fair. They should let him set the pace and not crowd him. Eventually, he’d be ready to hear them out. When he was ready to listen, they’d prove they wanted a relationship, one on one and as his parents. Dante asked, what happened if Gio was never ready?  

Lulu asked how Rocco and Danny were doing, and Gio said it was their first day, but he thought they’d get the hang of it – Danny dropped a towel – eventually. Lulu asked how Gio was doing, and he said, just fine.

Alexis asked if Eliabeth had a minute to talk in private, and she said, sure. Lucas’s phone rang, and Marco asked if he wanted to meet for a drink at the MetroCourt pool when he was done. They could watch the sunset. Lucas said he’d love to. He was guessing from Marco’s tone, his mom’s legal troubles had cleared up, hypothetically, and Marco said, hypothetically, the interim DA was tough, but he negotiated, and a tentative agreement was in place. He was glad it was over.

Sonny said Natalia had kept his heart condition a secret and made sure he got the help he needed. She came to him when Turner offered her a deal. She said she was sorry she let Turner think there was a deal worth making, and he said she was there for his daughter when she’d had an accident. She was also there for Kristina in court. These were the little things he didn’t forget, and he’d make sure she was taken care of. She thanked him and said he had no idea how grateful she was. She was excited about the new life he was offering. He said loyalty meant everything to him and he wouldn’t abandon her.

Laura asked what Martin had done to himself, and he said he’d had a bad fall and was stuck there overnight. He didn’t want to be a burden. She said he was her brother. She loved him and he’d never be a burden. He said he’d wanted to get his own place, but couldn’t work, and she told him not to worry. He’d need an overnight bag, so text her a list of things she needed to bring back. She left, and he said, Tracy Quartermaine is going to pay for this one.

Tracy met Lulu at the pool, and said there was a pool at the house, but Lulu said, that pool didn’t employ Rocco. It was his first day. Tracy thought it was cute that Lulu was spying on Rocco, but Lulu said she wasn’t spying, and Tracy laughed. Gio asked Danny what he was doing, and Danny said, refolding the towel. Gio said they couldn’t reuse the towels, but Danny said, the guy barely touched it. Gio said, any towel they picked up should be put in the bin. Lulu said it looked like Gio would have the big brother thing down if he gave it a chance, and Tracy told her to just be grateful they were getting along. He was still mad at Brook, and she hoped he got over it soon.

Dante told Brook that they couldn’t give Gio so much space that he’d question if they cared. They had to do something to show him. She said they couldn’t force a relationship on him, and he said there was so much he didn’t know about Gio. Now he felt like he’d never get to know him. Brook said he would. Between her, Dante, her mom, and her grandma, they’d get through to him. Dante said they were a tough group to ignore forever. She was right. They had to be patient, but it was hard. He’d missed so much already.

Cody asked if Molly would be okay if Ric and Elizabeth got back together, and Kristina said, Molly would love that, but Elizabeth wasn’t interested. Until Ric knew he had a sure thing, he’d settled for Ava, but Ava… Cody said, is no one’s consolation prize, and Kristina said, if there was a break-up, it would be Ava breaking up with Ric. They had to get Ava to see that she had better options than Ric.

On the phone, Ava said she’d lost an antique watch. She knew she had it the day Ric went to Beecher’s Corners to work a case. Could they tell her the date?… Her mistake. Thanks. She flashed back to Ric telling her that he’d made it back so quickly because he had a fast car and knew a shortcut. In the present, she said he was a lying liar.

Marco asked if Lucas was working at GH when Britt was Chief of Staff, and Lucas said he was. Britt was best friends with his ex, Brad. Why? Marco said he came across her name whole working on a case. He’d see Lucas at the pool. Lucas said they’d start at the pool and see where the night took them.

Alexis said she didn’t realize Kristina and Elizabeth had talked, and thanked Elizabeth for not going to the police even though she had every right. She didn’t take what Kristina had done lightly. She’d spent her life pursuing justice, and now she was covering up Kristina’s crime. Elizabeth said, of course (🍷) she was. Kristina was her daughter. Alexis said she couldn’t let Kristina go to prison even though she deserved it.  

Lulu thanked Rocco for the excellent service, and Tracy said, the service was fine, tipping him. Danny and Rocco high-fived and Gio said they were free to go. Rocco asked if they could go in the pool, but Gio said employees didn’t get to swim. Swim at the Quartermaines. Danny said what if he tripped and fell into Rocco, and Rocco said, and as he was falling, he pulled Danny in? Tracy blew a whistle and said she’d give them a ride home. She’d had enough fun in the sun.

Cody saw blank walls in the gallery and asked, what happened? Was this art? Ava said, no. She was making room for an exhibit. He saw a freestanding sculpture and asked if that was art. She said it was abstract and meant to be touched. They both ran their hands over it, when Ava’s phone rang. She said, that’s not right. They booked months ago… She was sorry too. Cody asked if she was okay, and she said, not really. That was the guy who normally hung the art exhibits. He had a family emergency and wasn’t coming.  She had nothing on the walls for the exhibit. Cody said he was good with a hammer and nails.

Elizabeth said Lucky told her that Kristina thought it was Ava’s car, and she was horrified, and Alexis said so was she. Elizabeth said she knew Kristina had been struggling since she lost the baby and Sam. Anyone would have snapped. She thought Kristina made a terrible mistake. She gave into her impulses, and she knew Kristina regretted it. Alexis said that was generous. She thought Kristina was aware of the severity of what she’d done, but she was wondering if she was seeing what she wanted to. Elizabeth said she didn’t think so. After talking to Kristina, she thought Kristina understood. It was one reason why she agreed to stay silent.

Sonny asked when Natalia was supposed to meet with Turner, and she said, Friday afternoon. He said by the time the meeting rolled around, she’d be on a beach, sipping a Mai Tai and thinking about her future. She thanked him and said she’d be ready. She needed him to know how important their relationship was to her, and he said it was to him too. She said she was sorry she’d compromised it not telling him that Jenz was her ex. He blindsided her and she froze. No matter how he sold himself, he was a dangerous man. Marco wasn’t. Sonny needed to know Marco wasn’t like Jenz. Her attitude drove Marco toward his dad, but he wasn’t a criminal like his father. Remember that. Sonny said as long as Marco was only Sidwell’s lawyer, there was no problem.

Ava said, hanging the art was harder than it seemed. She couldn’t ask Cody. Cody said he was offering. She would have to point and occasionally cheer him on, and not hit him with anything when he got too close to the art. Serenity, where he grew up, was huge and had a lot of art. He wasn’t allowed near it, but sometimes there was a piece he’d have to look at. If he leaned in, the housekeeper would slap him. Ava said, that was terrible, and he said, those days were long gone. He’d be on his best behavior and be careful. No slapping or fighting. Ava asked if he did that often, and he said, the last person he hit was the mayor’s son, but in his defense, he was drunk. Ava said, he hit Lucky? but he told her that it wouldn’t be a problem. He didn’t get drunk anymore and Lucky was out of the country.

Elizabeth told Alexis that Ric knew how she felt about Lucky and they hadn’t been killed. She thought it best to move on and she had. So had Ric. The accident was a wake-up call. Ric seemed lighter. Ric heard them and ducked around the corner.

Natalia went to Miller & Davis, and Marco asked if she wanted to go over the deal. Natalia said the message was clear, but she wasn’t there as his client. She was there as his mother.

Dante saw Lulu at the pool, and she told him that Rocco’s shift was over. He said, too bad. It looked like they both had the same idea.

Kristina was sitting in a lounge chair, when Lucas came in. She asked if he wanted to join her, and he said he was meeting Marco, but was happy to keep her company in the meantime. She asked if things were going well, and he said, very well.

Dante saw Gio and said, got a minute?

Brook was looking at the birth certificate, when Danny and Rocco walked in. Rocco asked if she was working, and she said, yeah. She was busy with a very important project.  

Deanna went into Martin’s room, and he said he hoped she brought dinner. He was starving. She said they had a bit of a problem. She was sorry, but apparently, his insurance lapsed. He was no longer covered.

Sonny went to see Laura and she asked, what’s going on? He said he wanted to tell her in person that he wouldn’t be selling the piers to Sidwell. She said she couldn’t tell him how relieved she was to hear him say that. Sidwell was an evil man. The last thing she wanted was for him to get a foothold in Port Charles. Sonny said that’s why he turned Sidwell down. He wants to take over the city, but that ain’t gonna happen. He knew Sidwell acted like a legitimate businessman, but he’d seen how Sidwell operated. Laura said, so had she, Lucky, Anna, and Jason. Sonny said, not to start anything, but violence was coming to Port Charles and they had to figure out a way to stop it.

Thursday:

Sasha put Daisy in her crib as she talked about the christening.

Brook was looking at the Rocco folder when Rocco and Danny came in. Danny said they almost got kicked out, and Brook asked what they did. Jason came in and told them to quit bugging Brook.

Gio told Dante that he was still on duty, and Dante said he had tickets to the Port Charles Philharmonic series. He asked if Gio would like to check it out with him. He, Gio, Rocco, and Charlotte could make a night out of it.

At the pool, Lucas told Lulu that he was meeting Marco, and she said she was happy that he was happy, but how close was Marco with his father?

Marco said he wasn’t interested in talking to Natalia outside of the case, and she said even if he never acknowledged her as his mother, she gave birth to him and nothing changed that. Not even if they never spoke or laid eyes on each other again. He asked what that was supposed to mean.

Sidwell looked at photos of Sonny’s family members, when Boyle came in griping about being summoned to Spoon Island. He asked what was with the photos, and Sidwell said Sonny’s family was his obvious weakness. Their negotiations broke down and it made him upset.

Carly went to Sonny’s and said she had bad news about the christening. Sonny said he thought the reception was at her place, but she said Monica wanted to go, so it was easier to have it there. He said there was something he needed to fill her in on.

Sidwell told Boyle that Sonny turned him down, so he had to give Sonny incentive to sell. The people of Port Charles had to be reminded there was a menacing thug in their midst. Boyle said he wanted no part of it, but Sidwell said he was paying for Boyle’s campaign and didn’t care what he wanted. He’d do what Sidwell deemed necessary, smile, and say thank you.  

Lucas said he understood Marco and his father were close, and Lulu asked if he wasn’t concerned. He said, not really. He appreciated her concern, but they were two completely different people. Marco wasn’t his father. She said it would be good to know how tight they were. Were they just emotionally tight or criminally tight too?

Natalia said it may be the last time she and Marco saw each other, and he said she was leaving the country, wasn’t she?

Dante told Gio that he didn’t know much about classical music, but the first chair violinist was one of the best in the country. Did he want to check it out? Gio flashed back to smashing his violin and said music wasn’t his thing at the moment. Dante said, maybe some other time. He had a subscription and Gio could take who he wanted to. Let him know.

Jason asked how the pool was, and Brook said it was still standing. Danny said Gio wouldn’t let them go for a swim, and Jason said they had a pool there. Rocco told him, that’s what Gio said, and Danny said, nothing happened, and Tracy drove them home. The boys left, and Jason asked if Brook was good. She said she was up to her neck in Deception, and Jason said he had to talk to the boys and see how much money he owed Carly.

Sasha told Daisy, sleep well, my little ray of sunshine. She turned out the light and left.

Felicia was waiting in the nook and asked Sasha how it was going. Sasha said it was wonderfully exhausting and everything she’d ever dreamed of. She thanked Felicia for coming, and Felicia said she figured it had something to do with the christening and last-minute errands. Sasha said it was something more important. Felicia had been supportive, encouraging, and loving, Sasha’s ultimate safe space. It would mean so much to her if Felicia would be Daisy’s godmother.

Danny and Rocco told Jason about the day, and Rocco said Gio was a drag. They wanted a quick swim. Danny said it wasn’t like Carly would care, when Dante came in. He said the staff being in the pool would make them look entitled unprofessional. They didn’t want to be those guys. The boys left and Jason thanked Dante. He said he thought it was going to be good for Danny to work, and Dante said Rocco too. Did Jason have a minute? Jason asked, what’s up? and Dante said he realized he had the wrong take on Jason.

Lucas told Lulu that he assumed Marco and Sidwell’s relationship was similar to Sonny and Dante’s. They loved each other, but chose to keep Sonny’s extracurricular activities out of it. Lulu said Sidwell didn’t strike her as having the same code or boundaries, but Lucas said Marco promised he had nothing to do with his father’s business and had given him no reason not to trust that. Lulu said she didn’t, but she was going off what she knew about Marco’s father, and Lucas said, totally fair. Imagine if Charlotte was judged solely on who her father was. She said, well played, and he said, score. She said she just wanted him to be careful, and he said his eyes were open. Maybe he and Marco crossed wires. He was going to go. Lulu said, if Marco showed up, she’d tell him that he just missed Lucas, and Lucas left.

Natalia said she was leaving the country and Marco never had to deal with her again ever. He asked where she was going, and she asked what difference it made. She was starting a new life somewhere else. He wondered how she arranged it. Sonny, right? She said, yes.

Sonny told Carly that Sidwell had offered to buy his piers. The offer looked good on paper, but he couldn’t hand over unchecked power. He knew Sidwell wasn’t a fan of the word no and wouldn’t give up. Carly asked how long Sidwell had been trying. How were they sure he wasn’t responsible for the fire in the penthouse, or the assassination attempt in LA? Sidwell could be a threat to their family.

A drunk guy told Lulu that he liked her hat, calling her blondie. He asked if he could buy her a drink. She said she was good, and the guy sat down. He said the Mai Tais were insane, and Gio asked if Lulu was okay. The guy said he was trying to convince her to have Mai Tai and loosen up. How about a swim? Gio said the pool was closed and the lady would like him to move along, but the guy said he and blondie were good. Lulu said if he called her blondie once more time, she swore… Gio said he was going to tell security the guy was harassing her, and the guy said they were real buzzkills. He’d go swimming on his own. Gio repeated that the pool was closed. Get out. The guy left, and Lulu thanked Gio for the assist, when they heard a splash.

Brook looked at Rocco’s folder and flashed back to Lulu saying she’d never lie to her children or keep huge life altering secrets from them. Brook called Deception and asked Mona to print out the March financials. She’d pick them up from the office. She put the folders on her desk and left.

Sonny told Carly that he, Brick, and Jason had been looking into it, but so far nothing tied Sidwell to the bombing or assassination attempt. Then again, nothing exonerated him either. Carly asked how they knew he wasn’t a genius at covering his tracks, and Sonny said he was keeping his guard up. Sidwell had it easy getting what he wanted in Port Charles. Carly said he was invested in Deception, had underwritten the Nurses Ball, and scooped up Windymere, but Sonny said Sidwell wasn’t going to take anything from him.

Marco asked when Natalia went to Sonny, and she said before she’d come to him. He said Sonny was going to kill her, but she said that wasn’t who Sonny was. He said Sonny was a mobster, but she said he wouldn’t hurt her. They were friends… more than that. He’d promised to take care of her. He appreciated she’d been there for him a lot. He said she was blowing the deal and now her best outcome was to go to prison where they could keep her safe, but she said she and Sonny were leaving together. He said Sonny’s entire family and business were there. He wasn’t going anywhere. She said, not permanently, but she was starting a new life in a new country and Sonny would be part of it. He’d promised to provide for her. He said Sonny was going to kill her. He’d negotiated a deal she’d had no intention of honoring. He could be on the hook and go to prison. Lucas came in and asked if he was okay.

Felicia said she’d be honored to be Daisy’s godmother. Was Michael… Sasha said she was certain Michael was in full agreement. Felicia was a steadying presence and a true friend. Felicia said they were family, and Sasha said she felt that. Her mom and Robert were gone, and she was grateful. Other than her grandmother, she’d had no consistent mother figure. Felicia had a maternal way with her gentle guidance and open acceptance. She let people find their own way and she wanted that for her daughter. Felicia suggested they make it official, raised her hand, and said she accepted the role as Daisy’s godmother. They hugged.  

Daisy cried and someone came into the room, their shadow looming over her.

Natalia said she’d let Marco fill Lucas in. She wasn’t dealing with him when he behaved like this. Marco said he tried. If she left, the rest was on her. If she walked out, she was no longer his client or his mother. She was officially nothing to him. She said she already was and left. Marco said he had to call the police, but Lucas said, don’t do that.

Carly asked Sonny, what about Natalia? She was Sidwell’s ex and knew he’d had heart surgery. What if she’d tipped Sidwell off? Sonny said, let him worry about that. Natalia wasn’t going to be a problem for him or anyone in their family.

Dante said he thought Danny ran wild because Jason was too busy with Sonny to see what Danny was doing and what Danny thought he needed. Jason said he knew Danny needed space, and Dante said balance began there. They couldn’t hold on too tight. That’s not how it operated with Rocco, and he had to be patient with Gio. Let him call the shots. He was sorry he was so dismissive and critical of the way Jason parented his son. He apologized. Jason said, no problem. Apology accepted.  

Sasha suggested she make tea and found she’d put the milk in the cupboard instead of the fridge. Baby brain was real. Felicia asked how it was going with the Quartermaines, and Sasha said it had been great. Michael was an amazing father and Wiley and Amelia were so cute with the baby. They wanted to help with her, and she loved it. Felicia asked about Sasha’s parents, and Sasha said Robert video called every morning at 10 am Eastern time. He had to see Daisy. Felicia said, what about Holly?

Daisy was now in a different onesie, and the mystery person left. (I wondered now if it was Holly.)

Sasha said Holly was a work in progress, and Felicia said, weren’t they all? Sasha said they’d come a long way to build a relationship, and Felicia said her relationship with Maxie hadn’t always been good. She made some big mistakes, and it took a lot of time and effort and a lot of forgiveness to overcome it. It didn’t happen overnight. Sasha said Holly had been lovely. She’d sent a gift and they’d been texting. Now that she was a mother with a daughter, she looked at some of Holly’s choices differently and thought Holly did the best she could in the best way she knew how. Holly was what she was, and Sasha was starting to see she did what she could. Felicia said nothing taught you humility faster than parenthood. Everything you knew about your parents probably deserved a second look, as well as things you knew about yourself. They heard Daisy crying on the monitor, and Felicia said she was going home to rethink her outfit.  

A man told Gio that the guest was escorted off the property and sent home in a cab. It wasn’t the first incident, so he was no longer welcome at the MetroCourt. Gio had done an excellent job getting him out of the pool. He told Lulu, sorry for the inconvenience, but Lulu said she was fine and praised Gio. The man left, and Lulu said, part of her wanted to let him drown. Brook came in, but stayed behind a partition, listening. Lulu asked what the rule was about dangling your feet in the water, and Gio said he’d let her. She asked if he wanted to join her, and he said, why not? They sat laughing and talking as Brook watched.

Danny said he was going to bury Rocco at poker, when he saw the folders on Brook’s desk. Rocco said Brook told them that was private. Should he be looking at it? Danny noticed Rocco’s name.

Lucas said it was just them, and Marco said Lucas didn’t understand. He needed to get his mom arrested. Lucas said he’d mentioned Sonny, and Marco said his mom had evidence against Sonny that she was supposed to turn over to ADA Turner, but she already gave it to Sonny. Sonny convinced her that he’d protect her, and in her mind, she was moving to another country to live with Sonny. Lucas said that made no sense. Sonny had too many ties to Port Charles. Marco told Lucas, that’s what he’d said. She was supposed to turn everything in on Monday at 11 am, but she wouldn’t be there. Now he was left holding the bag. Lucas said he couldn’t bring the police in. He couldn’t be the reason his own mother went to prison.

Sidwell was looking at the photos again, when he heard Natalia coming in. She said she and Marco just got in a huge fight. Marco never wanted to see her again. He asked, whose fault was that?

Lulu and Gio talked and laughed, and Lulu said she was glad Gio was here for the boys. She had the feeling they needed him. Gio said he was glad Danny and Rocco weren’t there when the drunk was bothering her. They would have tackled him into the pool. Lulu said they didn’t need to. The Mai Tai idiot did it on his own. She thought they handled it pretty well. He said if she hadn’t thrown him the floating device, the guy would have dragged him down too. She said they made a pretty good team, and he said, they sure did. They high-fived and Brook looked pained.

Jason said he was sorry for what Dante was going through with Gio, but Dante said what happened wasn’t on Jason. Jason said Dante wasn’t responsible for what he didn’t know. Gio was a smart and good kid. Dante had to trust him to figure it out. Dante said he didn’t know what Gio would want from him or even what he had to offer, and he didn’t think Gio would accept it if he did.

Danny said it was about Rocco. See for himself. He handed Rocco the folder.

Marco said either Natalia went to prison, or he did, or she died, but Lucas said he didn’t know as Sonny would kill her. Marco negotiated in good faith with the ADA. It wasn’t on him if his mother ran for it. Marco said it was a total nightmare, and Lucas said the only people who knew the truth about Natalia’s plans were Sonny, Natalia, Marco, and him. He wasn’t going to say a word. No one else ever needed to know. Marco said Lucas would keep his secret? and Lucas said he would.

Sonny said they should be grateful Michael was home safe with the kids and happy, and Carly said, and their newest adorable surprise granddaughter. It was wild all the family Daisy brought together. Daisy was a Spencer, a Corinthos, a Quartermaine, and a Scorpio. Sonny said, God help her, and Carly said she was going to get so much love.

Sasha goes to Daisy’s room and says Daisy is lying in the wrong direction. She always puts Daisy facing the door. And her onesie was yellow. Did daddy change her? Why would he do that?

Natalia says she should have known she wouldn’t find compassion. Sidwell turned her son against her a long time ago. He says she did that all on her own, for not accepting Marco for who he was – a remarkable man. So whatever hole she found herself in this time, don’t expect him to dig her out. Natalia said she didn’t, but she needed him to promise something. He said he loved Marco; prove it. Keep Marco out of his disgusting business. They both knew Sidwell had his hands covered in blood. Don’t doom their son to the same fate. She left and he took out the photos one more time. He looked at Sonny, then slammed the envelope down. He went out onto the turret in the rain and looked out over the city.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Josslyn greets Michael at the Quartermaines and says they’re having a christening in his baby’s honor. She’s so excited, but admits she didn’t see it coming. He says, no one did at first. It wasn’t exactly planned. She says, you can’t plan for a baby as cute as Daisy. They’ll all be putty in her little hands. He says, Daisy was what his heart needed, but he didn’t realize until Sasha told him. Josslyn says she’s happy for him, and he says he’s happy for him too. She says, he’s home where he belongs, and he says, finally. She asks why he wanted to meet here instead of the church, and he says he wanted the chanced to explain why she’s not Daisy’s godmother.

Felicia says she’s excited. She can only imagine how Sasha is feeling. Sasha says she’s pretty excited too, and Felicia says, a christening is a big deal. It’s an honor to be Daisy’s godmother. Sasha says, when she was growing up, there was no big family, just her and her grandmother most of the time. Thanks to Felicia, Maxie, and Mac, Daisy will have the kind of life she didn’t have. She loves Felicia. Felicia says she loves Sasha too, but why did Sasha make everyone think Jason was Daisy’s father the whole time?

Carly says, Jason looks perfect (FYI, in a suit), and he thanks her. She says, Michael would have probably asked him to be Daisy’s godfather, but Sasha did it first. Michael didn’t have to ask. He says he’s honored, but he was surprised. She says, in the first place, he really stood up as Daisy’s father when no one knew who was. Sasha would have been alone except for him. They must have a genuine bond. He says, they do, and she says, it’s fitting that now he gets to watch over Michael’s daughter like he watched over Michael.

Natalia thanks Brook for coming over. She wanted to speak with Brook privately. Brook asks, what’s going on? and Natalia says, it’s the last thing Brook wants to hear. Deception is in trouble.

Turner shows up at Sonny’s place, and he says, hi, Justine. To what does he owe the visit? She says, for the record, they’re not on a first name basis, and he asks if he should call his lawyer. She says, he might if his attorney can explain why he sent her this. She indicates a box in her hands.

On the phone, Anna says, then get another judge to sign off because she needs the warrant today… Yes, today today… Thank you. She tells Jordan, sorry. Signing off is supposed to be the easy part. Jordan says, don’t apologize. She knows how it works in this office. Anna asks if Jordan put any more thought into what she should do about Curtis, and Jordan says she doesn’t know what’s happening between them, but whatever it is, Portia has a big problem with it.

Portia goes to Curtis’s office and says he must have gotten an early start this morning. She didn’t see him at home. He says he had work he needed to take care of, and she says she understands. she was hoping they could talk. He says, now is not a good time today, but she says she needs to know one thing. Is he helping her with Drew to save their marriage or is he using getting her out of trouble as an excuse to leave her once and for all?

Sasha tells Felicia that there was so much strife swirling around Michael, she didn’t want her child dragged into any part of what was going on around him. Felicia says, being a mother means making hard choices and putting your child first. Sasha was already thinking like Daisy’s mom before she was even born. Another way to be a mom is allowing the family to spoil her daughter. That reminds her. She and Yuri took all the gifts to the nursery. Sasha says, gifts? Plural? Felicia says, Sasha has no idea, and Sasha says she’ll remind Daisy again and again how lucky she is – how lucky they are – to be part of the Scorpio family. Cody stands at the door with a giant stuffed elephant and asks if that includes them.  

Sonny asks, what’s in the box? and Turner asks if he’s really going to pretend he doesn’t know. He says he doesn’t have to pretend. Sorry to burst her bubble. She says, it’s a baseball glove, gorgeous, very expensive. Some of the nicest leather she’s ever seen. He says, whoever sent it was doing her a favor judging by the sad, ugly glove she showed him the other day. She could definitely use it. She says, giving gifts to a public official is a risky move. If it’s seen as a bribe, it’s a felony. He says, is that so? She says, it is, but a squeaky-clean guy like him would never cross that line, would he?

Josslyn says she would make the best godmother the world had ever seen, and Michael says, no doubt, but he and Sasha agreed in the beginning that she would make all the decisions when it came to raising the baby. Josslyn asks if he supports that, and he says, 100%. She decided on Jason and Felicia. Josslyn says she can’t be mad at that. They’re amazing options. She knows firsthand that Jason is the best godfather one could have. Michael says Jason promised to be there for Daisy, just like he was there for him and for Josslyn, and she says, when Michael was in Germany, she couldn’t help feeling the heart of the family was missing. He really is their anchor. He says, speaking of his time away, it sounds like she and mom kept busy. Mom is dating the spy from Christmas dinner and Josslyn went to Easter Island and is now assisting a professor in his research. She needs to tell him everything, like now.  

At the church Jason says, Carly and Michael didn’t make it easy, but it was an honor to watch over them. Carly says she looks back at that time and she’s like, how did I do that? How could she leave her newborn? But she was able to do it because of him. If Michael was with him, she knew he’d be okay. Jason says, and he was, and she says, more than okay. He took care of everything, even Michael’s christening. By the time she walked into the church, her son had a name. He says, two of his favorites – Sonny and Mike. He can still hear Edward yelling, over my dead body! when they announced it. She says, only the Quartermaines would crash a christening, and he says, they had to. They weren’t invited. She says, Edward was so mad. Wow. But not today. There will be no uninvited crashers today.  

Brook tells Natalia that she blew off Tracy’s concerns about Sonny’s investment because she did her due diligence. The money was clean. It was from an account Sonny put aside for the record label. Natalia says, that money was clean, but it was a second follow-up transaction from a different account. If she’d scrutinized it in time, she’d have caught it. Brook asks if Sonny knew, but Natalia says, he had no idea. His finance team handled it. Brook says, Sonny would never do something like that, and Natalia agrees and says, it was a huge clerical error. Brook says, an error that could cost Deception its reputation, and Natalia says, it could, but there are some things they can do to protect the company. Have Sonny divest for safety and optics. There’s also a chance it may never come out. Brook asks if Natalia thinks they need to avoid a scandal, and Natalia says she doesn’t know, but she thought Brook deserved to know regardless. Brook says she appreciates that, but why come forward now?

Anna says, so Portia, General Hospital’s Chief of Staff, threw a drink on Jordan? and Jordan says, Co-Chief and yes. Portia threw a glass of iced tea on her. Anna says, wow, and Jordan says, and she caused a total scene, which is her way. Anna says, good Lord. Talk about overreacting. Jordan says, it’s just Portia’s M.O. in general, but if she’s being honest, she’s not so sure Portia was. She and Curtis do have a connection that runs deep, and she’ll always carry a torch for him. She doesn’t think that will ever change. Anna says, it’s a struggle, carrying a torch for another woman’s husband, one that you still love or have feelings for. It’s kind of brutal, especially when they’ve moved on. Jordan says, that’s the thing. They were reminiscing by the pool yesterday and she started feeling like maybe he felt the same way. Anna says, in spite of what Jordan felt in her head, she knew he was married, and Jordan says, that’s why she asked to stop by Anna’s office. She wishes she could have settled the conflict between her head and her heart before she walked through the door. Anna says she knows where Jordan’s heart is. Where is her head at? Jordan says she’s not the kind of woman to get involved in someone else’s relationship. If she did, she couldn’t respect herself and it would mean she didn’t learn anything from the pain she felt when her marriage fell apart, and she did. Even if Portia is being petty, she could never do to Portia and her marriage what Portia did to hers.

Curtis says, all he can concentrate on right now is getting free of Drew and any leverage he has over Portia. Whatever’s happening between them is lower on the list. Portia says she needs him to move it up. She can’t sit in limbo forever, waiting for him to decide whether their marriage is worth fighting for. He says he understands, and she says, maybe he has a lot going on right now or maybe he’s not ready to fight for their marriage, but she is. He says, if they dive into this right here, right now, she’s not going to like what he has to say, and she says she may not like it, but she wants to hear it. She needs to hear it. He says, okay. He admits that Drew wouldn’t have gone after her had he and Drew not fallen out. She says she’s proud of him standing up to Drew and refusing to be taken advantage of, and he says, right. He appreciates that, but they wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for her lies. After everything that happened with Trina, she promised him that things would be different. She’d always tell him the truth. She knows better than anyone that secrets ruined his marriage to Jordan. Yet here they are, questioning their future together for the exact same reason. Portia hurt him and betrayed him. His mind is blown that she’d be so foolish to put their family in this situation again. She says, wow. She’s glad she’s finally hearing what he’s thinking. He was right. She didn’t like it, but she needed to hear it. Now he needs to hear what she has to say.

Sasha says, of course (🍷) she and Daisy are happy to have Cody and his friend as part of the family, and he says, good to hear, because it could go either way on any given day. But actually, this isn’t his friend. To be honest, he intercepted the delivery guy. There’s a card. Sasha reads: Wishing you and Daisy a life filled with love and happiness. Love, Mom and Dad. She says, it’s so sweet, but it’s a little weird to read mom and dad. Felicia asks if Robert and Holly mentioned anything about visiting, but Sasha says, not yet. But she’s bombarding them with photos and videos. Mostly Robert. She and Holly don’t communicate as much, but she wants Daisy to know both of her grandparents. They hear Daisy cry on the monitor, and Felicia asks if she can get her. Sasha says, sure, and Felicia leaves. Sasha asks if Cody wants to hold the baby, but he says, Daisy is still pretty new. Let her grandparents and cousins break her in before he attempts anything. She says, if he’s sure, and he says he is. She seems happy. She says she is, and he says, that wasn’t the most convincing response. She says, sorry. Everything is fine. He says he knows her. If it’s not, she has to tell him. Seriously, what’s wrong? She says she doesn’t know. Something really weird is going on around here and it has to do with Daisy.

Josslyn says, when Michael has a few hours to spare, they can go to lunch or something and she’ll fill him in on everything he missed when he was gone. He said they’ll definitely go, and she says, he’s definitely paying. He says he missed her, and she says she missed him. So did the kids. How is he doing back home with the kids living with him full time? He says he’s adjusting. They both love being a big brother and sister. She asks if they’re excited about the christening, and he says, yes, but he thinks they’re struggling, Wiley in particular. He asked if his mom would be there, and when he told Wiley, no, he could see the confusion all over his face. How were they having a big family event without mom being there? And it’s only going to get worse. Josslyn asks, why? and he says, because Willow and Drew are getting married.

Brook says she doesn’t understand why Natalia didn’t tell her the second she saw it, but Natalia says she wasn’t sure about it. When she was, in good conscience, she couldn’t move on and not tell Brook. Brook thanks her for telling the truth, unlike some other people in her life, and Natalia says she thinks her son probably had a little to do with her coming forward. Allison too. Brook says, how’s that? and Natalia says, when you have two kids who want to have nothing to do with you, you realize some pretty hard truths about yourself. Like maybe you need to be a better person or a better mom. She just made a lot of mistakes with Marco and Allison. She refused to see the way her children were living their lives as anything other than missed opportunities. She destroyed her family and it’s her own damn fault. Brook says, there’s still time to repair it, but Natalia says she wishes that were true, but there’s nothing left here anymore for her. A lot of pain and hurt, and she thinks Marco is better off without her here. He’s started a whole new life in Port Charles and that’s okay because she has her future wide open now waiting for her.

Sonny says, it must have been sent by a very thoughtful teammate, and Turner says, maybe, but she finds it awfully convenient that the day after they had a run-in at the park, a brand-new baseball glove appears at her door with no note, no return address, and no indication of whom it might be from. He says he doesn’t know what to tell her, and she says, only someone with expert help and motive could pull off a drop that clean. He asks if that’s all she’s got, a gut feeling and no evidence. Is that how she prosecutes all her cases? She says her instincts haven’t let her down yet, and he says, yet. That is the word that matters. She says, okay. Even if he didn’t send it, she can’t accept it. He can pass it along to one of his teammates. Kristina comes in and asks if Sonny is ready to go, when she sees Turner.  

Sasha tells Cody, Daisy is great, but there have been a few things… It started at the hospital when they brought her the wrong baby. They sorted it out, but it still shook her up pretty good. He says, of course (🍷) it did, and she says, then, the first night they were home, the mobile over the crib was spinning. She knows it was off when she left. Then yesterday, when she put Daisy in her crib, she was wearing a yellow onesie. When she went to check on her, not only was she in a pink onesie, she was facing in the other direction. He says, Daisy can’t move around like that yet, right? and she says, no, and she can’t change her own clothes. He says, good to know. The hospital is an easy explanation, but the other stuff, there’s Michael, the nannies, and Mama Q running around. Any one of them could have done it. She says she asked. No one touched anything. He asks if she’s sure. This place is kind of like Grand Central Station. Any number of people could have gone in there and run the mobile or moved Daisy. Unless… She says, unless what? and he asks if she thinks it’s a ghost. She says, no, but it’s really unsettling, and he says he knows, but he’s sure there’s an easy and corporeal explanation for it all. He knows what happened with Liam and knows the journey she was on to get here. She has a second chance at being a mother and he promises her baby will be okay. She asks how he knows, and he says, she’s got the best mom in the world. He thinks he knows and always knew.

Josslyn tells Michael that she guesses she shouldn’t be surprised. Willow and Drew are awful people, so now they’re doing an awful thing. Michael said he was blindsided by the news, and she says she bets. She was so hard on Willow when he was gone, and mom took on Drew. They didn’t actually get anywhere, but they got a lot off their chests. It was like some weird primal scream therapy. Michael laughs and says he’s glad something good came out of it. He’s trying his best to keep the hurt and anger over his marriage out of the equation altogether and focus on what’s good. She says, yes. That’s the right thing to do. The kids love their mom. He says, they want to see her, but Willow keeps choosing Drew over them. By agreeing to marry Drew, she’s making that choice permanent. She says, Willow is going to… Willow, but she’s caused enough drama. So please don’t let it darken what should be a special day.

Carly says she wants to doublecheck security and then she’ll be good, but Jason says he and Sonny took care of that. The church is secure and has been on lockdown ever since. She says she did see quite a few guards, and he says, there are quite a few she didn’t see, so everything’s going to run smooth today. She asks if he’s sure, and he says he’s positive. After the explosion at the penthouse and the attempt on Sonny’s life in LA… She says, both unsolved, by the way, and he says, but they’re on high alert, especially at events like this. If anyone even thinks of making a move, they’ll be stopped.

Turner says, good to see Kristina again. She hasn’t seen her since the trial. How is she? Kristina says she’s okay. It got little crazy at the end when the decision came in. Turner says she remembers, and Kristina says she never got the chance to properly thank Turner for all she did. So thank you. Turner says she was happy to do what she could. It’s her job to bring criminals to justice. It looks like they have somewhere to be. She hopes they have a wonderful rest of their day. Sonny says, her too, and she leaves. Kristina says, the acting DA pays Sonny a house call? Something is going on unrelated to softball. He says, there’s nothing going on. He promises. Could she do him a favor? He left Daisy’s gift in the kitchen. Can she get it and meet him back here? She goes to the kitchen and Sonny makes a call. He says, ADA Turner was here. She’s showing too much interest for his taste, so as far as Natalia goes, there’s a change of plans.  

Anna says, if Curtis is feeling the same way Jordan does and the same pull, she’s probably right, and Jordan says, maybe it’s like Anna said. Being connected the way they are, they’ll probably always feel something. She doesn’t want to think about what that means. Portia and Curtis’s future is unclear, but she knows the issue they’re dealing with is serious. Portia’s been dishonest and kept secrets from Curtis. Anna says, kind of sounds familiar. Would it be fair to say that she and Portia are now on an even playing field? Jordan tells Anna that she can certainly say Portia’s high horse is a lot lower these days, and Anna says she thinks Jordan needs to speak with Curtis, have a proper, honest conversation about all of this. Jordan says, maybe. Curtis is important to her, and she’ll always want him in her life, but the way things are going, she doesn’t know if she can be around him anymore.

Curtis tells Portia, if she’s got something to say, let’s hear it, and Portia says she knows a little something about being hurt and betrayed too. He keeps bringing up Trina and she could have sworn they dealt with that a long time ago. Yet here he is throwing it in her face again. He knows she kept Trina’s paternity a secret from him and Taggert to protect her. That’s why this whole thing with Drew started. She wanted to protect Trina from that lunatic Heather Webber and did what she had to, what she could do, to keep Heather in prison where she belonged. She’ll always do whatever it takes to protect their daughter. She knows he wants her to say she regrets everything, but she doesn’t. He says, at least she’s finally being honest, and she says she’s so tired of living in fear of his judgement, his impossibly high standards, and needing to be right every single time they talk. She’s terrified that she’s going to try her best, but never live up to his image of the perfect woman in his head. She’s a human being. She makes mistakes. Those mistakes shouldn’t cost their relationship. They should work on them and grow from them. That’s what marriage is. He says, secrets can’t be the way married couples solve their problems. He can’t keep secrets from her. She says he didn’t tell her that he and Michael were plotting against Drew. Like he said, that’s what he did that started all this and that’s the reason Drew is coming after her right now. Drew is trying to destroy her life and everything she’s worked for because she’s Curtis’s wife. A wife he’s not sure he wants anymore. He says he regrets every day what he started with Drew, but she says, keep the regrets. She wants some understanding. He says, she has it, and she asks why he feels like what he did is different than what she did. He says, there are differences, but she says, no. There’s hypocrisy and irony because she loves him for protecting their family by any means necessary, but when she does it, he uses it as an excuse to break up their family.  

Carly greets Michael with a hug and asks, where’s Daisy and the kids? He says, Kristina is supervising a photo shoot in the garden before the ceremony, and she says, good luck. She can’t imagine anyone in that group staying still for very long. Sonny says he’s surprised Jason got her to stay still, and she says, they were having a conversation about old times, like Michael’s christening, and how important it is for them all to be together and look out for each other. Sonny says, nothing is more important than family – the family you’re born into and the family you choose along the way. As they all know, family is forever.

Looking at her laptop, Natalia says, Sonny was right about one thing. Belize is gorgeous. Is that sand really that white? That’s crazy. There’s a knock at the door, and she opens it to Paul. She asks, what’s going on? She didn’t expect him until later. He says, everything is fine. There’s just been a change in her itinerary. She’s not leaving tonight. She’s leaving now. She asks where Sonny is, and he says, at his granddaughter’s christening. She says, if he’s taking the red eye, she’ll wait and take it with him, but he says, Sonny’s not going with her. She’s going alone.

Anna looks at some papers and makes a call to Turner. She says, Commissioner Devane. Something just landed on her desk, and they need to discuss it. She needs Turner here now.

Curtis says, Portia is right about protecting Trina, but they have different ideas about what that looks like and the consequences of their different ideas look different. She says she’s apologized over and over. At some point, he has to break down and tell her how to fix this. He says he’s not sure it can be fixed, and she says, so he’s saying this is it? This is how they end after everything they’ve been through together? She understands that he’d never do to her what she’s done to him, but she’d never make him feel the way he’s making her feel. She starts to cry, and he says, she’s hurting and in pain. She says, they love each other and brought each other so much joy and so much happiness, haven’t they? Let’s just get back to that. Just tell her what to do. How they can work through this together. Tell her there’s hope. He kisses her.

 Brook comes into the church and says she ran into Sasha and Daisy outside. That baby is delicious. Carly says she plans on spoiling Daisy every chance she gets, and Brook says she thinks there’s going to be a long line of people waiting to do just that. Carly says, the more love, the better, and Brook says, always. Carly says she needs to find Father Reyes and tell him this has to be perfect, and Michael says, or they could not pressure him and just see if he’s set up for the ceremony. Carly says, we’ll see, and they leave. Brook says, good thing they’re all in the church. The father is going to need all the help he can get. Chase says, so Corinthos and Scorpio. That’s unusual parenting. Felicia says, it is, but Robert seems very happy about it. He and Holly sent a gift to the house. Chase says he’s disappointed. He’d be interested to see Sonny, Mac, and Robert stand around the baptismal font. Felicia says, Mac and Robert can’t be here, so he’ll have to let his dream go. Brook says she wants to run something by Chase, and they go to a more private spot. He asks if she’s okay, but she says, no. She has no idea how to tell Maxie. He says, tell Maxie what? and she says, Deception might be in very serious trouble.

Sonny tells Jason that ADa Turner paid him a visit today. Her reason was innocent enough, but she’s more interested in him than he’d like. Jason says he doesn’t like that, and Sonny says him neither, but it made him think getting Natalia out of town sooner rather than later was the best thing. Jason says, he moved up her flight and Paul is picking her up as they speak, and Sonny says, the last thing they want is for her to run into Turner or anybody else. Jason says, Paul is taking her straight to the airport, and Sonny says, she’s going to be put on a plane and she’s going to Belize, and this can finally be over.

Natalia says, Sonny’s not coming? and Paul says, her name has always been the only one on the manifest, but Mr. Corinthos arranged for her travel, accommodations, and security. She says, but he didn’t arrange to get himself on the plane, and Paul says, he has no reason to need to accompany her. She says, okay. Then she needs like, an hour to pack. He says, that’s fine, but she needs to hurry. He’ll let Mr. Corinthos know her ETA. Paul leaves and she closes the door and cries. She says, Sonny’s not… So there’s not… a future. There’s no new life. Just the same one somewhere else. Did she just tell herself this story? I didn’t do it without your help. Sonny, you bastard. You don’t want anything to do… What happened to not abandoning her? She cries some more and says, he doesn’t want anything to do with her. He just wants her gone. She checks the hallway, grabs her purse, and leaves.

Portia is about to return Curtis’s kiss, when he lifts her onto the desk. They hear the door open and it’s Jordan.  

Brook tells Chase that Sonny’s second investment in Deception wasn’t clean, and he asks if that wasn’t Tracy’s concern all along. She says she’s aware, and he asks how she found out. She says she saw Natalia at the MetroCourt earlier… He says he can’t talk about this, and she says, why? What does he know?

Turner asks what Anna wants to discuss that’s so important Anna had to order her into the office, and Anna says, see that? showing her a folder. It landed on her desk. It was an accident. It was intended to go to Detective Chase. The same detective Turner assigned to a case that she and Detective Falconari were excluded from. Turner asks how much she read, and Anna says, enough to know this stops now. Turner says, really? and Anna says, Turner isn’t running an investigation through her department using her officers without her. Turner says, there are reasons Anna was excluded. First and foremost, she can’t count on Anna when it comes to dealing with Sonny Corinthos. Anna says, okay. If Turner doesn’t trust her, she doesn’t end run her. Take it to internal affairs. Turner says, maybe she will.

Brook says, Sasha and Josslyn are going to bring in Wiley and Amelia, and Carly asks if Sonny is good. He says, yes, he is. He loves moments like this. The whole family under the same roof. They just don’t get enough of them. She says, no, they don’t, when Natalia strides in. Carly asks Sonny why Natalia is here.

On Monday, Portia says Curtis may not see what’s going on here, but she certainly does; Lucas tells Marco that this may be the last chance he has to reach back; Natalia says Sonny is going to get what he deserves; and there’s an explosion.

General Hospital will not be airing a new episode on July 4th.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

First the sad stuff. This still upsets me to no end.

https://extratv.com/2025/06/25/slain-actor-johnny-wactor-s-mom-and-brother-attend-premiere-of-his-final-film-exclusive/

https://extratv.com/2025/06/09/first-look-at-johnny-wactor-s-final-film-ciao-mama-exclusive-trailer/

https://people.com/johnny-wactor-mom-gets-standing-ovation-premiere-of-actor-final-movie-one-year-after-death-11761541

I recognize him, but don’t remember him from GH. His character sounded like a good time though.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/joe-marinelli-general-hospital-and-santa-barbara-alum-has-passed-away-at-68/

Now fun stuff. Hmm… We know Britt’s coming back – I assume in a flashback – so why not? Although Obrecht is still alive, so why not?

https://parade.com/tv/general-hospital-star-67-keeps-fans-guessing-amid-return-rumors

A sign of the times. The only shocking thing to me is finding out there’s another soap character out there named Sonny.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/pride-and-joy-the-romantic-and-dramatic-history-of-gay-weddings-on-daytime-soaps/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

The gay porn guests were still on board and Chef Anthony forgot one of them had a shellfish allergy. Fraser told the guest that it was his mistake, but in his interview, he said he was concerned since bringing on the chef had been his bright idea. Solène cleaned the bar without being told, and Rainbeau went out of her mind with joy. In Rainbeau’s interview, she thought it was kind of sad she was this excited, but it wasn’t long before she found a big mess Solène didn’t clean up. After she confronted Solène, Solène tried to bitch to Jess about it, but Jess wasn’t having it. The guests requested an S&M Venetian private club dinner, and Fraser was happy to oblige, insulting the guests without cracking a smile while serving dinner. The other staff, including Chef Anthony, played along, and a good time was had by all. After the guests left, Captain Kerry said he’d been impressed by everyone’s performances, but unfortunately, the tip didn’t reflect that. It was pathetic. Since there was a commercial, I figured he was doing that thing they do on American Idolwe’re so sorry to tell you… you’re going to Hollywood! But alas, that wasn’t the case. It was $19,990 or $1500 each. He gave them a dinner perk and some time off, and later, the crew lounged in the hot tub. Fraser kissed Damo after his boyfriend had specifically told him that kissing others was a no-no, but in his defense, it sounded like they never see each other, both of them being in the industry.

Next Gen NYC

So I guess 10K for an apartment is on the cheap side now? At least according to Ariana and Hudson who found one for that amount. Charlie said, with his dad, it was one big d*ck measuring contest. Well, it’s only a contest if you enter. He brought some friends to meet his dad and stepmother, probably to prove what an immeasurable d*ck his father is and that the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree. Georgia was dating a guy that sounded like her complete opposite, but he seemed cool and wanted to invest in her heart project. So kudos! One reviewer compared this show to NYC Prep, which I also loved, but this group seems a lot more mature. In thinking about it, it must be really weird to be related to someone on reality TV and probably being their kid is the worst. Georgia, the one native New Yorker, is the one feeling like the odd man out because she’s not there as a nepo baby.

The Valley

Jax needs to have some cheese with that whine. When he wasn’t listing the faults that he supposedly addressed in rehab, he was complaining about how Brittany and the rest of the world treated him. A group trip to Maui was planned, where Jesse intended to propose to Kristen, and at least Jax had the good sense to opt out. No doubt he wanted to party without eyes on him. Not that it mattered a whole lot. With him or without him, there are plenty of issues to go around. Everyone has beef with someone, but when they claim to want resolution by talking it out, the talks usually end up with screaming and/or crying.

Yeah. He doesn’t seem like the nicest guy. And what the blip is Scheana wearing?

Real Housewives of Miami

It never fails that I stop watching something, forget why I stopped, then remember after I watch again for a while. With this, it was the constant screaming matches during events. This time it was during a surprise wedding celebration Alexia was throwing for Marisol and new husband Steve, and between Julia and Gurdy. It doesn’t matter why. It’s always stupid stuff. I felt bad for Marisol though. She was like, hello? Can you deal with this another time and not at my wedding reception?

Random Reality Items

I’m not sure why she was concerned. I didn’t get the vibe she was the bad guy in the situation. Just the opposite.

Below Deck baby leaves the dock!

You, too, can live like the Countess.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem. Netflix. At the time, this guy was an endless source of amusement to me. It was like, what’s next? In watching  this, I could see why people wanted to keep him in office. He really did work for the people. Unfortunately, his extracurriculars got the better of him.

https://people.com/what-happened-to-toronto-mayor-rob-ford-11758556

Grenfell Uncovered. Netflix. Harrowing and upsetting doesn’t begin to cover it. A high-rise apartment building became a literal wall of flame in the blink of an eye because of the inappropriate materials used to build it. Fire freaks me out since it so easily becomes out of control. I can’t even imagine being trapped in an inferno like this.

https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a65170885/grenfell-uncovered-netflix-documentary-trending/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-14837965/Netflix-viewers-tears-Grenfell-Uncovered-documentary.html

The Ritual. Netflix. Nothing deep here. Sacrificial rituals aren’t my favorite sub-genre, but this is a fun watch. The monster has a slow reveal, but there’s plenty of action leading up to it.

No spoilers.

https://www.unilad.com/film-and-tv/netflix/netflix-horror-the-ritual-watch-creepy-861343-20240828

Lotsa spoilers.

The Fix. Amazon Prime. The air is unbreathable, but there are ways around it. You can wear a mask, but the more affluent can get a drug that combats the poisonous ozone. It can also have some crazy side effects. Apparently, there’s a limited supply, but the public doesn’t know it. Although it seemed like the head guy gave out an awful lot of it to those around him. Since it was something a little different, I didn’t hate it, but it wasn’t one of my favorites. IMO, the plot got more complicated than it needed to be, with unnecessary tributaries thrown in.

https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/prime-video/prime-video-just-got-an-overlooked-sci-fi-thriller-movie-thats-already-crashed-the-top-10-and-its-a-pleasant-surprise

Diary of the Dead. Amazon Prime. I kept missing this part of George Romero’s Living Dead manifesto, so this one’s a little old, but a zombie is a zombie and this delivered. One interesting tidbit was seeing Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead franchise) in the credits as Special Makeup Effects Producer.

Dead City finale. AMC+. Just when you think you’ve seen every way possible the dead can attack, they find something new. There was truly some phenomenal acting. While I’m sad to see this come to a close, I’m looking forward to Daryl Dixon’s next chapter. Spoilers, but come on, you haven’t seen this yet?

⚰️ Dead Of the Future…

Premieres September 7th.

https://ew.com/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-season-3-teaser-premiere-date-new-photos-11759045

🐙 Join the Game…

Squid Game is back in the house.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/squid-game-season-3-review-netflix

https://www.netflix.com/tudum/videos/watch-the-trailer-for-squid-game-season-3

🦈 Have a Bite…

Shark Week begins July 20th.

https://www.discovery.com/shark-week/shark-week-2025-kicks-off-july-20

https://people.com/shark-week-2025-how-to-watch-new-shows-11759071

🐶 Tails Of Surprise…

💍 If I tried this with one of my dogs, it would be chaos multiplied.

https://people.com/celebrity-dog-serves-as-ring-bearer-in-owners-wedding-exclusive-11762126

🐕 Who says cats are the only ones with more than one life?

https://people.com/dog-thought-dead-for-4-years-reunites-with-stunned-family-11760580

🐻 No doubt my dogs would take advantage of the open refrigerator.

https://people.com/small-senior-dog-scares-big-black-bear-out-home-video-11757704

🪽 I love an inter-species friendship.

https://people.com/woman-finds-comfort-in-friendship-between-pomeranian-and-pigeon-after-loss-of-daughter-11759276

🐳 Quotes of the Week

The only defense against the world is a thorough knowledge of it. – John Locke

A year from now you may wish you had started today. – Karen Lamb

Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work. – Chuck Close

You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space. – Johnny Cash

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. – Herman Melville

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact. – William James

You’ll have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to. – Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), Good Will Hunting

I asked my dog what two minus two was. He said nothing. – I don’t remember where I heard this, but it’s pretty funny.

Happy Independence Day!

♨️ We Got Steam Heat…

Until next week, stay safe; stay behaving responsibly on Independence Day, aka the 4th of July; and stay working on your mistakes and growing from them.

June 20, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Willow Answers Drew’s Proposal, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Coming Someday, Pets (!) Of a Different Kind, Double the Four Quotes & Hot Fun

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Jack met Carly at the pool. She told him that life had been crazy, and she should have thanked him a long time ago. He said, for what?

Emma saw Gio at the pool, then noticed Dalton getting out. Gio asked if she was there for pool time, and she said, something like that.

Vaughn walked into Dalton’s office and told Josslyn that Dalton was still at the MetroCourt. She said she needed to finish before he got back.  

Tracy found Martin in the living room and said he’d gotten her invitation, and he was on time. Martin said he assumed she was ready to pay him to intercede on her behalf and asked if she had her checkbook ready.

Drew told Jason that he had the solution to their problem. He needed assurance from Michael first, but Michael wouldn’t listen to him. Jason said the problem wasn’t Michael or anybody else. The problem was Drew.

Anna told Chase and Dante to come with her – now! She led them to a jail cell and asked for their badges and guns. She said this had to stop and they weren’t going anywhere until they figured it out and started acting like partners again. She told the guard to lock them in and if they started fighting again, turn the hose on them.

Lulu said, when it came to Brook, she’d done nothing wrong, and Maxie said, maybe this was a mistake, and they should wrap it up. Brook said nothing was ever Lulu’s fault, no matter how many lives she destroyed, and Lulu said the only thing she destroyed were Brook’s lies.

Dante guessed they had to figure this out, and Chase said Dante was treating him like the enemy. Dante said Chase was supposed to be his partner and best friend, to have his back, but Chase said he’d made a choice to support his wife. He hated the position he was in, but for better or worse, his loyalty was to Brook. He’d always have her back. Dante said, and stab him in his.

Maxie said this needed to stop. Brook and Lulu were supposed to be finding common ground because they loved their kids. Brook said that Lulu was only interested in going scorched earth, but Lulu said Dante and Gio deserved to know the truth. Brook said from the moment Lulu woke up, she’d looked for ways to tear Brook down, and Lulu said, Brook gave her all the ammunition she needed.

Emma said hi to Dalton, and he said he was sorry she didn’t get the job, but she had stood out in class. He was impressed by her, so if she wanted to talk shop, she was welcome to come by his office any time. He’d make time for her. He left, and Gio asked what the hell she was doing.

Carly said she’d been worried about Michael for so long. Then there he was, fully healed and strong. Jack said she never gave up, and she said she’d never give up on her kids. He said he admired that, and she said there were moments that were hard to watch Michael fight for the kids, but he won in the courtroom and welcomed a new, beautiful daughter. It wouldn’t have been possible without Jack. He got Michael into the clinic, flying him in on a medical jet. She’d always be grateful. Her kids were the most important things in her life.

Tracy said she wasn’t paying Martin for anything. She called so she could give him a message for Drew as his counsel. Tell him that she’d give him the Quartermaine name back.

Drew told Jason to take him out of the equation. He didn’t want Willow to suffer, and they both knew she loved her kids. Jason said Drew was completely out. Willow lost custody. Michael had to take the kids away because she left him no choice. Drew said, there were choices. They’d met with Carly and offered a compromise. The kids would stay with Willow and Michael would have very generous visitation. Jason said there was no way Michael would allow the kids to live under the same roof as Drew. Willow trusted him and he tore her family apart. He set Wiley up to believe his own father didn’t want him. Drew was poison to those kids, and until Willow saw that, there would be no compromise.

Vaughn asked if Josslyn saw anything out of the ordinary, but she said, not on the uni mainframe. Vaughn said they needed his cellphone, but she said she hadn’t had the opportunity to clone it. He told her, make one, and she said Dalton needed to be distracted. If it was on his cellphone, she’d get it.  

Emma said she’d tried to stop Dalton’s research before, but it didn’t work, and Gio asked if she thought he was working on animals. She said she needed proof. That’s why she wanted the job, but Josslyn swooped in and stole it. She’d have to get more creative and closer to Dalton. Gio asked, how creative and how close? and she said Dalton wasn’t the first sleazy professor interested in a student. He’d told her to stop by any time. Gio asked how he could help.

Carly gave Jack a gift bag and he said, it’s not ticking… He took out a big, fancy wrench that said, To a Jack of All Trades, and he said he loved it. It was the most thoughtful gift he’d ever received. He kissed her.

Brook told Lulu to admit that when she found out about the baby Brook gave up, she decided to blow things up and do as much damage as possible. Lulu said she had no master plan. Dante had a child out in world and Rocco had a brother. They deserved the right to know him. Brook said, and in deciding who deserved what, Lulu thought her son deserved to get hurt, but Lulu said she never intended to hurt Gio. If she made a mistake, it was that she didn’t go to Dante immediately.

Chase said Brook was afraid Dante would go looking for their son, and Dante said he would have. Instead, he found out they were living in the same house. Chase said, Brook didn’t know it was Gio, and Dante said he could forgive Brook as a teenager, but she was an adult, and they were living in the same house. She never said anything, and she should have. Chase should have. Chase said Brook didn’t want her child’s life turned upside down and he respected her wishes, and Dante said their lives were intertwined. They were basically family. He got that, as a teen, Brook felt ashamed, but she should be ashamed now for not telling him.

Tracy told Martin that as long as Drew retracted his statement to the police and refused to testify about the ketamine business, she’d drop the cease and desist over his usage of the name. Martin said it didn’t matter. They had more than enough evidence to send Tracy to the hoosegow. Tracy said they both knew she didn’t drug Drew, and an investigation would prove she was being framed. It was also a magnanimous offer. All Drew wanted was the name, so take the deal. Martin said, no. He didn’t think that worked for them.

Drew said they all hated that he’d empowered Willow, and she stood up to Michael. Willow was an incredible mother. That didn’t matter because she refused to fall in line and do as she was told. They were punishing her. Jason asked if he actually believed that was the truth, and Drew said he did. It was a travesty in the courtroom. Michael might have stolen her kids, but he wasn’t going to keep them. Jason moved closer and asked if that was the message Drew wanted taken to Michael, and Drew said, quote me.

Emma asked if Gio wanted to help or to tell her it was a bad idea, and he said, it was a bad idea, but she wasn’t going to listen. He knew she could handle herself, especially if she had him as back-up. She asked if he planned to ride to her rescue, but he said, only if she needed it. She had his back on the worst night of his life, and he’d always have hers. she said she appreciated it, and left.

On the phone, Anna asked to be patched into Patrolman Jennings. She asked if Jennings had eyes on the person of interest… Great. She wanted a Code 169.2… He heard correct. Jack came in and said he was glad she was here. They needed to talk.  

Dalton went to his office, and Josslyn gave him his messages. When he set his phone down, she covered it with a folder. He said there was nothing too important, so he was heading to the lab. She said she hadn’t been to the lab and would love to see it, and he promised she would, but there was no need to rush it. Dalton left, and playing custodian in the hallway, Vaughn told her that she was clear. Josslyn picked up Dalton’s phone and started to clone it.

Lulu said, once Brook knew, she had months to tell the truth, but kept lying, and Brook said she thought Lulu respected her choice. Lulu said she understood, but once it was clear that Brook’s son was Gio, she couldn’t stay silent. Brook said it wasn’t her call, but Lulu said she chose to tell the truth. Brook chose to lie again and again. She won’t lose any sleep. Could Brook say the same?

Chase said Dante needed to be careful how he talked about Brook. She had nothing to be ashamed of. She’d agonized over it years and did Dante a favor for not making him trade his youth for diaper duty. Dante said he would have stepped up, but Chase said Brook wasn’t ready to be a mother. She would have been forced if she hadn’t chosen adoption. Between the Cerullos and the Falconaris, they would have taken her choice, so she chose to break her own heart so her son could have a good life. She made the right choice. Dante said, for her, but not for him or his son.  

Tracy told Martin, quit posturing. It was his duty as Drew’s counsel to take her offer to Drew. She suspects he agrees. Martin said he didn’t think so, but Tracy said Drew wanted the legitimacy of being a Quartermaine. They both win. Martin said he’d agree if she held a press conference, a very public one, and warmly welcomed Drew back to the bosom of the Quartermaine family. He’d taken the liberty of drawing up a statement. He handed her some paperwork.

Jason said Drew wasn’t taking Michael’s kids, and Drew asked if Jason was protecting them. It was so typical. Him rushing into battle for Carly, Sonny, and the rest of the family. Meanwhile, his own family was begging for his attention. When was the last time he checked in with Danny or Jake? (Hmm… The same could be said of Drew. When was the last time we even saw Scout? And the Nurses Ball doesn’t count.) Sam would be so proud. Even after her death, Jason hasn’t made them a priority. Jason said Drew would never get Michael’s children. He may have destroyed their mother, but he would not destroy them. Quote me. Jason walked out.

Anna and Jack went to the interrogation room, and Jack said the WSB recognized the assassin who tried to kill Sonny, and Anna asked if he meant the firebomb. He said there had been a second attempt in LA in April. He thought Jason would have brought her up to speed. She was a contract killer on the WSB’s radar. Now she’s dead. She was well-known in the espionage community, just like Soliski, the operative who put the incendiary device in the penthouse. Anna said, so two different people tried to take out Sonny in the last six months, and he said, exactly. Their local mob boss had run afoul of someone with powerful and dangerous connections.

Vaughn saw Dalton go back into his office and looked panicked, but Josslyn was apparently finished. She asked if everything was all right, and Dalton said something had come up. Had she seen his phone?

Jason met Carly at the pool, and she said he sounded worried on the phone. He said Drew wanted him to make a proposal to Michael on his behalf, but Carly said Drew had nothing to offer that would interest Michael. Jason said that’s what he told Drew, and she said Willow believed in Drew and he caused her to make bad decisions. Now she wanted to see her kids and Carly felt terrible, but it was on Drew.

Tracy read, my beloved nephew… The document went on about her lapse in judgement, and she suggested Martin must have had too many blows to the head if he thought she’d accept responsibility for something she didn’t do. Did Drew know he was doing this? He said it involved the other issue, and Tracy said, like Willow’s custody woes? He thought he’d swoop in and get what he wanted – her humiliated. He said, or in prison. Either works. He’d give her time to think about the offer. He left.

Dante said he didn’t think Gio appreciated that Brook lied, but what did he know? Gio wasn’t talking to him. Chase asked whose fault that was, and Dante asked if he was to blame for Brook, Lois, and Gloria lying. Chase said Dante and Gio’s relationship damage had nothing to do with them. When Rocco got alcohol poisoning, Gio was just a nice kid trying to help, but Dante came down on him hard. Dante said his son almost died, and Chase said he took his fear and hammered on Gio. His own mother said he came down too hard on Gio, and if Gio didn’t feel safe to come to Dante, it was on him. He was throwing blame, but it started and ended with him. Dante said Chase had no idea what it was like to be told his son was in the hospital. He wasn’t a father.  

Maxie said they were all guilty of lying, but Brook told her not to waste her time. Lulu would never understand how hard it was to give up a baby. It was like she died inside. All she wanted was a better life for her son. Why couldn’t Lulu see it. Lulu said she did, but there was more to it. She’d sacrifice anything for her children, but she wouldn’t lie to them or keep a huge life altering secret. Brook made Gio’s entire life a lie. No wonder he wanted nothing to do with her. Brook slapped Lulu (and I mentally joined her).

Lulu lunged at Brook, but Maxie stepped in between them and said, enough. They took it too far and Brook needed to go home. Brook said, happily, but it’s not over. Lulu came after her son, and she was going to pay dearly for that. Brook left and Lulu said she couldn’t believe Brook hit her. She was so lucky they were here. She would have taken Brook down. Maxie said Brook shouldn’t have hit Lulu, but Lulu took it way too far. Gio found out the truth about his family in the worst way possible because of her. She and Brook hated each other and would never be friends. The world kept going, but Lulu hurt Brook’s child, and she had to own that.

Dante told Chase that he was sorry. He shouldn’t have said that. He didn’t mean it. Chase said Dante was saying a lot of things he didn’t mean and would end up regretting. He was asking as Dante’s partner and friend, stop lashing out at everyone. Dante said he would feel like he had a handle on part of it, and something would happen, and he’d be furious all over again. Chase said he got it, but Dante was isolating Gio, who would have no place to go when he wanted to build a relationship with his father. Dante asked if Chase thought it was an option at this point, and Chase said he thought Gio was too overwhelmed to see his parents were good people. He and Brook needed a chance to show up for him. Dante admitted that he was too hard on Gio. Not because Gio was his son, but because he was wrong. He hoped he hadn’t blown his chance to know his son.

Anna said the second attempt took place out of her jurisdiction. If it was connected and if the WSB was concerned, why was Jack willing to share information? Jack said whoever wanted Sonny dead tried to take him out twice. A family member had already been hurt and there was no reason to stop until they finished. He didn’t want to see someone else get hurt. Anna said he wanted to protect Carly, but he said he wanted to give her up to date information. She asked if he’d looked into Dalton, and he told her to check her email for a report. As far as he could tell, Dalton was perfectly clean. She thanked him and he left. She said, liar.

Josslyn asked if Dalton was sure it wasn’t in his car, but he said he’d had it with him in here. He moved some files around and found his phone. He told her to get all the stuff off of his desk so it didn’t happen again. He was going back to the lab.

Carly said she knew Michael didn’t want to see Willow in more pain, but he wanted his children safe and couldn’t trust them to be emotionally safe with Drew. Jason said he didn’t think it was possible for Willow to walk away from Drew, and she said Willow was so fragile. It was like she’d been taken back to the cult. Jason said Drew’s intention was to get Willow’s children back to her, and Carly said Drew wanted to show her that he was her hero and only he could save her, but the judge’s ruling was over. Jason said it wasn’t over. Nothing was over. Drew was not going to give up.

Martin met with Drew, who said he’d almost told Michael that he’d stay out of Willow’s life so she could have access to her children. Jason made him realize if he left, he’d be abandoning Willow. He’d be leaving her alone, powerless, and vulnerable to everyone. Martin said Willow did have a loving mother with considerable resources, but Drew said he’d stay by Willow’s side and give her the strength to fight back and win. They were going to war. They were going to get Willow’s kids back and use every weapon in Martin’s arsenal to do it.

Brook met Marco in the solarium, and he asked if she was okay. She said she would be. Was he able to do the research she’d asked for? He said he started, but there was a lot there. He was still unclear about what she wanted with a dead woman.

On the phone, Anna said, anything… Oh, the person of interest is here?… He must be upset about the Code 169.2. She walked into the squad room and asked if she heard Dalton correctly that there was a boot on his car. Dalton said, unfortunately, yeah, but he didn’t expect the Police Commissioner to get involved. Anna said she was happy to help.

Vaughn went into Dalton’s office and told Josslyn that he overheard Dalton. He had a boot on his car and was pissed. Did she get it? She said she did. A full copy of everything on Dalton’s phone. Emma started to walk in, and Vaughn grabbed Josslyn and kissed her.

Drew told Martin to do whatever it took. He didn’t care how deep Martin had to dig. They needed leverage to get Willow her children back. Martin said there was one step they could take, but it was drastic. He’d never go through with it himself. Not again. It was risky and the potential for catastrophe was unlimited.

Jason told Carly that it didn’t matter. Michael had the kids. Willow was a shell of herself, and Drew felt responsible. His back was to the wall, and he could do something crazy. Carly said she didn’t give a damn. Drew wasn’t getting near her grandchildren again. Whatever it took, she was going to stop him. Gio overheard. (You’d think he’d stop listening in.)

Chase said if Dante didn’t have faith in him as a friend, did that mean Dante had no faith in him as a cop. They could go to internal affairs and say they didn’t want to be partners anymore. Dante said he hated how it went down, but he could keep his work and personal life separate. Chase said he thought he could too, and Dante called to the guard. He said tell the Commissioner they were good. There was no need to break out the hose. The guard unlocked the door.

Lulu approached Gio, but he said he was in the middle of his shift. She said it wouldn’t take long. She owed him a big apology.

Marco handed Brook a folder, and she said the woman played a major role in Lulu’s life that directly impacted Lulu’s family. She needed all the legal documents. Marco asked what she was trying to prove, and she said that Lulu wasn’t half the mother she said she was. The woman that was going to help her prove it was Britt.  

Tuesday:

Emma apologized and asked if she was interrupting, as Vaughn hid the cloning device in his hand. He asked if she was going to rat them out.

Gio asked, why the apology? and Lulu said he overheard her confronting Lois at the Nurses Ball. It shouldn’t have been how he learned about his birth parents. He said she had nothing to be sorry for.

Brook told Marco that she wasn’t in Port Charles at the time and needed to know if wild stories she’d heard were true. He asked if it was a particular story, and she said that Britt had stolen an embryo belonging to Dante and Lulu. She had it implanted in herself and got pregnant, giving birth to a baby boy.

Sonny joined Dante and Rocco at the batting cages and said Dante was looking good. Maybe he should dump the PCPD and play for Corinthos Coffee.

Sasha thanked Felicia and Carly for offering her a place to stay, but she was moving back to the Quartermaines. Whether she wanted it to or not, it felt like home.

Michael told Curtis that Aurora had its strongest numbers ever, and Curtis congratulated him on the baby. He said he was glad Michael came by, and handed Michael his resignation.

Nina told Drew that Willow wasn’t ready to see him, and she wasn’t sure Willow ever would be.

Willow sat in her room, remembering Michael saying she’d chosen Drew over her kids. Lucas came in and said he heard she was going home, but she said, there was no home without her children.

Emma said, so Josslyn and Vaughn knew each other, and Josslyn said they’d spoken a few times. Vaughn said, when they did, he was a goner, so he made it a point to track Josslyn down. Emma said she didn’t remember kissing in Dalton’s office being part of the job description, and Vaughn said he’d get fired if he was caught, but Emma said his secret was safe. He thanked her and left. Josslyn said, thanks, but Emma said, save it. Her silence was going to cost Josslyn.

Sasha said her situation at the Quartermaines was pretty perfect, and the late Monica had thought of everything for the nursery. Felicia agreed that it was probably the best place for Sasha, but if she changed her mind, she knew who to call. Sasha said she and Daisy were so lucky, being a part of something so big and so warm. She never had that growing up and was grateful her daughter would. Not to mention the debt she owed Willow for delivering her baby safely. Michael said she’d lost custody of the children. Carly said she did, and Sasha said, she must be devastated. Carly said that was an understatement.

Lucas said Michael wasn’t vindictive and would never want to break the children’s connection with Willow. Once the dust settled, he was sure Michael would allow access. Willow said it would be at Michael’s discretion. He would get to decide where, when, and how long. Lucas said he thought the court decided that, and she said she bet Michael let him see Wiley. Lucas said he did. That’s how he knew they’d work something out. They both wanted what was best for the kids. Willow said she was sure he was right, and he left to check on her discharge orders.

Michael asked why Curtis was resigning. If he wasn’t happy… Curtis said it was nothing like that. Something was off about the recent coverage of Drew. It wasn’t all positive, but he’d been giving Drew the benefit of the doubt and it had been his call. Michael said he was right in deciding on reporting about Drew’s actions and not editorializing, and Curtis said he’d had no choice. Drew was blackmailing his wife.

Nina told Drew that Willow needed to avoid any shock or disruption. She could be retraumatized. He said she couldn’t stop him from seeing Willow, but she said she could. He wasn’t Willow’s husband and had no legal standing. As Willow’s mother, she did, and he wasn’t on the list of approved visitors. Willow was scheduled to leave and coming home with her. He said that wasn’t happening, and asked Portia to remind Nina that he could see Willow anytime he wanted, but Portia said, according to HIPPA, the family decides. He said he thought it was time to have a chat with the two of them. They’d forgotten who was in charge.  

Josslyn said Emma promised Vaughn’s job was safe, but Emma said she didn’t say Josslyn’s was. Josslyn asked if Emma was going to tattle. Were they five? Emma said, for all she knew, Dalton would fire Josslyn and hire her as a replacement. It would be fitting, since she deserved it in the first place and didn’t sabotage anyone to get it. Karmic retribution. Josslyn asked what Emma wanted, and Emma said she wanted Josslyn to get the hell out of there.

Drew said he knew Nina and Portia were working against him and knew they’d hired Jacinda to have him drugged. Nina said, prove it, but he said that wasn’t how it worked. She needed to stop with the pushback and Portia needed to stop stalling. Portia said he needed to be realistic. She couldn’t make Curtis do what he didn’t want to. He wasn’t a puppet or stupid. Drew said that wasn’t his problem. If they went behind his back one more time, he’d expose their secrets. They held each other’s fate in their hands. One more screw up from either of them, Portia’s career ended and Nina’s relationship with her daughter ended.

Curtis said Michael was a majority shareholder, so full disclosure, and Michael asked where that left him if Curtis resigned. Curtis said his dealings with Drew shouldn’t come at the expense of Aurora’s integrity, but Michael said he wouldn’t accept it and tore up the envelope. Curtis said he couldn’t run Aurora with Drew call the shots, and Michael said, Drew tore his family apart and was doing the same thing to Curtis’s. Do what he had to in order to save his family.

Dante said he’d be sticking with the PCPD, and Sonny said, what about Rocco? He had skills. Dante said, stay away from his rookie. He’d be playing for the boys in blue. Rocco said he’d had some interesting offers, and Sonny said, let’s see what you got. Rocco said he had no mitt, but Sonny said Vito was out front and would drive him to get it. Rocco left, and Sonny said he wasn’t being selfless. He needed to talk to Dante alone. Dante asked if it was about ADA Truner, and Sonny said she was coming down hard on him. He wanted a heads up. Dante said he’d been locked out of an investigation. He thought it had to do with Sonny, but now he knew. Sonny said Dante shouldn’t get the blowback, and Dante said he was worried about him.

Gio asked why Lulu went digging in the first place, and she said she was trying to find her daughter’s location. She stumbled upon the information that Brook had given up a baby when she was young and Dante was the father. She’d known Dante a long time and knew in her heart that he’d want to know his son. Gio said he thought he knew where this was going. She wanted him to hear Dante out, but the only people he could stand to look at were Sonny and Rocco. Nothing she said could change his mind.

Brook told Marco that if she had this straight, Britt passed Rocco off as her son. When Dante and Lulu figured it out, they claimed him as their own. She wanted to start by finding Rocco’s original birth certificate. If Britt was listed as the mother, she wanted to know who the father was. Marco said it would take some digging and asked what she wanted the information for.

Vaughn got out of the pool and Josslyn kissed him. She said he started it, and he said he had to keep Emma from spotting the cloning device. She said, thanks to his quick thinking, they were officially dating. And they had a big problem.  

Dalton came in and saw Emma in his office looking through a folder. He said this was an explanation he was looking forward to hearing.

Lulu said she wasn’t trying to get Gio to forgive anyone, talk to anyone, or do anything. Gio said he didn’t get it. If Lulu cared, why didn’t she tell Dante? Lulu said she should have, but she wanted to talk to Brook first. Brook was extremely emotional when she told Brook that she had a son. Gio asked if Lulu believed Brook really didn’t know, and Lulu said he was taken away before Brook could see or hold him. He said it showed that she didn’t want him, but Lulu said she thought it was something they felt helped to make the process less painful. Gio asked why Brook stayed quiet, and she said Brook said she didn’t want to hurt him or disrupt his life. Gio said she meant disrupt her life. She was only thinking of herself.  

Brook said she didn’t need a reason, but Marco said it would help to know where she was coming from. What was she hoping to get? Did she intend to use the information against Lulu? She said, what if she did? Didn’t Lulu deserve a taste of her own medicine? He said he didn’t know enough about the situation to tell her, and she said, what if she did use what he dug up against Lulu. Would it bother him? He asked if she wanted a lawyer or a moral compass, and she said, lawyer. He said she was paying for the information and could decide how to use it.

Nina asked what Drew wanted, and he said he wanted her by his side when he brought Willow back home. From Portia, he wanted an editorial in Aurora about the miscarriage of justice at the Corinthos custody hearing. A mother ripped from her children. He’d go to Curtis himself, but he was sure Curtis would rather hear it from her.  

Curtis said Michael shouldn’t pay for him being in a bind, but Michael said they would take Drew down together. Curtis said he’d handle the situation with Portia in his own way, but he couldn’t use Aurora to do it, and Michael said he was already using Aurora and Drew wouldn’t suspect. They’d let him think he was winning. The more confident he got, he’d get sloppy, like what happened at the custody hearing. He and Willow were close to a compromise, when Drew manipulated his nine-year-old son and left him in tears. All in the name of destroying the chance of joint custody. Drew gambled and Willow lost. Leave him do it again and he’d leave himself wide open. When he did, they’d be ready to strike.

Carly told Sasha that Willow argued with the judge and begged. She left, but she heard Willow passed out. Sasha asked where she was now, and Felicia said, here. Carly said she thought Willow was being released soon, and Sasha said she felt terrible for Willow. A nurse brought the baby in and gave her to Sasha, but Sasha said it wasn’t her baby. It wasn’t Daisy. What had they done with her? Where was her baby?  

Vaughn said he thought Emma said no problem, but Josslyn said it was for her. He asked what Emma wanted, and Josslyn said, for starters, leave her alone in Dalton’s office. She was probably ransacking it. He said they both knew she wouldn’t find anything, but she said Emma wasn’t the type to give up. He said he could tell by the way she was dressed at the pool, and Josslyn asked what he meant. He said Emma was flirting with Dalton and made a point of chatting him up, and she said Emma had no idea what she was getting into. They needed to stop her.

Emma said Josslyn had to leave, but she was happy to help Josslyn finish filing, and Dalton said he and Josslyn would have a conversation about that. It was Jossln’s job, not Emma’s. Emma said it gave her something to do while she was waiting for him. He’d said to stop by anytime. She was serious about continuing her studies in Environmental Physics. Did he have a second? He said, for her, sure, and she said she’d hit a wall on an equation and was hoping to walk her through it.

Dante told Sonny to look out for Turner. She’d been made interim DA and wanted to make a name for herself. She was smart and efficient and had the PCPD and the DA behind her. The stuff with Gio made him realize how important his relationship with Sonny was. He was lucky to have Sonny as a dad. Sonny said she was the lucky one. He appreciated Dante standing up for his brother. Had Gio reached out? Dante said, no. Why would he? He’d been lied to his whole life and didn’t trust anyone. Sonny said Gio would come around sooner or later, and Dante hoped he was right. In the meantime, he needed Sonny to look after his boy.

Gio said the only reason Brook wanted a relationship now was to save face, but Lulu said she didn’t think so. Brook had a lot of flaws, but caring what other people thought wasn’t one of them. He said she cared when she got pregnant, but Lulu said, she was a scared teenager and wanted what was best for him. Gio said, fine, but she grew up and still never looked for him. He thought it was weird that they were living in the same house, and she didn’t know. She should have felt or sensed it. However, the mother connection works. Lulu said she didn’t know. There were so many other factors involved. He said she figured it out, and she said, the night of the college party when Dante confronted him, it was the way Lois jumped in. She was so fierce about it. Dante said, Lois and Gloria were always defending Gio and protecting him, and it just clicked in place. Gio asked if she agreed with them. Did she think they were just looking out for him? She said she thought that was their goal, but they took it too far. Now he was the one paying the price.

Outside Willow’s room, Nina said if Drew told Willow that she set him up, Willow would know they’d slept together. Drew said, go ahead. Tell her right now.

Michael asked Sasha, what’s wrong? and she said, Daisy was missing. Carly said they brought Sasha the wrong baby, and Michael said they’d find their daughter. Everything would be okay. Take a deep breath. Lucas brought Daisy in and gave her to Sasha. Sasha said, thank God. It’s her.

Vaughn agreed with Josslyn that Emma should steer clear of Dalton. If she got involved with the professor, Anna would get drawn in. Josslyn said, Dalton could get spooked, and Vaughn said, or close up shop all together. She said, the bottom line was, they had to get Emma away from Dalton, and he said it was hard when someone had a cause to defend, but she said she knew how to keep Emma away.

Portia went to Curtis’s office and told him that Drew wanted Aurora to publish an editorial against the Corinthos custody verdict. He wanted them to say the judge got it wrong. The children should have gone to their mother. She knew it was the last thing he wanted to deal with and tried to talk Drew out of it. He said, don’t. It’s fine. He’d run the editorial.

Rocco approached Brook and she said it was good to see him. He said he’d been spending time at his mom’s. He was going to the batting cages, but wanted to tell her that he talked to Gio. He was working at the MetroCourt pool as a lifeguard. He said he was glad they were brothers, but he was still mad at their dad. He didn’t get it since the person he should be mad at was her.

Lulu said Lois and Gloria didn’t try too hard to cover their tracks, and Gio said they didn’t think anyone would bother looking. They believed the lie. Lulu said she got the sense they were hoping and praying it would all work out. She confirmed it when she found out Camilla hadn’t been pregnant leading up to the time he was born. Then she found that Brook had a baby boy on May 15th. He said, wow. He didn’t even know his own birthday.

Sasha told Daisy that she was never allowed to disappear again, but Michael said it wasn’t her fault. Carly wondered whose fault it was, and Lucas said she was in the nursery. He thought she was put in the wrong bassinette. Sorry. Sasha said she was just grateful that Daisy was safe, and Felicia asked to talk to Lucas outside. In the hallway, she asked how it happened, and he said protocols were adhered to religiously, especially by the nurses. He thought he’d ask questions, and she said she wanted to assist him as Sasha’s patient advocate. He said he was going to talk to the nurse on duty. This never should have happened.

Drew said he knew Nina wasn’t going to tell Willow, and she said he promised Willow would get full custody, then stood in the way of compromise. He said, Willow alienated everybody else. They were all she had left. What would happen to Willow if she lost them? They went in and found Willow lying on the bed fully dressed. Nina asked how she was doing, and Willow took Drew’s hand. She said she missed him, and he said he was just letting her get some rest. How was she doing? She said she was so tired, and he said, because she’d been through so much. They had to get her home so she could rest and recover. Willow said she wanted to go home.

Dalton handed Emma her papers and said, there, and Emma said it was impressive. She pictured everything he did in his lab as miraculous and wondered if she could have a peek. He said she was a brilliant student, but she couldn’t see his ongoing research. His sponsor wouldn’t have that.

Josslyn said, Vaughn could join Emma’s animal rights group. His job in the maintenance department was a plus because he had access to the labs. He could sell himself as a true believer and lead Emma down the wrong path away from Dalton. He said, perhaps she was getting the hang of this.

On the phone, Marco said, before Natalia Ramirez testifies against Sonny Corinthos, they want more assurance. They want a deal in writing.

Sonny said he’d always look after Gio, no matter what, and Dante said that meant Sonny had to protect himself. The family needed him and Gio needed him most of all.

Gio said he wouldn’t know who he was if not for Lulu, but Lulu said that wasn’t true. He said he didn’t know his own birthday. Everyone knew their birthday except him. Not until now. She said she was sorry. She shouldn’t have blurted it out. Her delivery left a lot to be desired. He said, it hurt like hell, but at least it was real.

Rocco told Brook that he had to talk to Gio. None of this was his dad’s fault. She said it was more complicated than that, but Rocco said his dad did nothing wrong. She said as much as she dreamed of finding her son, she never wanted it to happen like this, and she wasn’t the one responsible. Rocco said he hoped it worked out for her, and left. Brook looked at a picture of Britt in the folder.

Portia said it was a quick yes, but Curtis said it wasn’t like he had a choice. She asked what Michael said, and he said he’d handle Michael.  She said she hated that she was putting him in that position, but he said he knew who the real enemy was, and it wasn’t her.

Willow signed the discharge documents, when Sasha came out of the elevator with Daisy, Michael, and Carly. Soap faces all around.

Wednesday:

At the hospital, Ric asked if Isaiah knew where Elizabeth was, and Isaiah said she’d taken a personal day. She needed to regroup after Lucky and Aiden left for Europe.

In her office, Alexis thanked Elizabeth for meeting her. She wanted to talk about Elizabeth’s car accident.

At the pool, Kristina wanted to check in with Cody, but he said she couldn’t be there. He was waiting for Ava. He’d paid the manager to alert him when she made a reservation. Kristina left and Ava walked in.

In Curtis’s office, he told Portia that he wished she’d trusted him. They could have faced Drew together. She said she could see that now, and he said she was wife. She said she hoped that never changed. She loved him so much.

Kai told Trina that today was the big day. He found out when he could play football. Trina asked Josh for a break, and told Kai that this all ended when he got the all-clear, but Kai said that was up to Drew.

Back home, Willow told Drew that the house had been filled with so much hope and promise. She’d imagined a life filled with it, but now it felt empty… like her.

Sasha and Michael looked at Baby Daisy, and she said she felt terrible running into Willow and Drew. He said, thankfully, there was no scene, and she admitted she felt guilty about Willow going home without her kids. He said, thanks to him, but she said she was glad the children were with him. He said, since they were on the topic, maybe now they could figure out what to do about Daisy.

Ric asked if Elizabeth mentioned how long Lucky and Aiden would be gone, and Isaiah suggested he call Lucky.

Alexis said Laura mentioned that Martin was pressuring Elizabeth to sue the car company, and Elizabeth told her that she said no. Alexis said Laura had asked her to look things over and as an objective lawyer, see if she had a solid case. Elizabeth said she appreciated Laura’s concern, but she was totally healed and had no desire to go to court. She was ready to put the nightmare behind her.

Cody called to Ava and asked what she was doing at the pool. She said it was too beautiful a day to be cooped up, so she thought she’d work by the pool. He suggested she take the seat next to him, and she did.

Portia moved to kiss Curtis, but he said he was sorry. He wasn’t ready yet. She said it was going to take some time. She’d have to earn his trust back and hoped he’d give her a chance. Jordan knocked at the door and asked if she was interrupting. Portia said, yes, she was, and Jordan said she’d come back, but Curtis said, don’t leave.

Kai said Josh was here for the season, but Trina said Kai wasn’t obligated to that. He said he got that she and her parents didn’t like Drew, but it sounded like they’d paid a sex worker to smear his name. She said they didn’t know what was really going on, and he hoped they could agree to disagree. Trina said they could, and he said he hoped it wasn’t long before they could celebrate.

Willow looked at Amelia’s stuffed giraffe and told Drew it was Amelia’s favorite. She thought she’d be bringing Amelia home. He said he was sorry, but it wasn’t over… She said, stop. Don’t make more promises he couldn’t keep.

Ric said he was concerned about Elizabeth, but Isaiah said she could take care of herself. If he had other questions, inquire somewhere else. Lucky was one of his best friends and he’d look out for Elizabeth while Lucky was gone. Mess with her and you’d mess with him. Ric said, of course (🍷), and assured Isaiah that Elizabeth didn’t need protection from him.

Elizabeth made a phone call to Kristina and asked Kristina to come to her place. It was important.

Curtis said it was a conversation they should have at home, and Portia said he was right. Her husband was all Jordan’s, so to speak. She left, and Jordan said she’d just made an awkward situation worse. She didn’t mean to cause a problem. He said she didn’t. How could he help her? She said she was following up on Sidwell’s meeting about voting yes on Measure C, and he said he was getting it from all sides. Portia just told him that Drew wanted Aurora to run a hit piece on Michael.

Michael said he knew he’d agreed to Sasha’s terms, but that was before everyone knew he was the father. Now that the secret was out… She said, he wanted to change their arrangement? and he said he’d like to be a part of his daughter’s life, but it was up to her. He’d still respect her terms. Sasha said, to be honest, she thought he was going to fight her for custody like he did Willow, but he said he didn’t trust Willow’s judgement. He trusted hers. She said she still wanted to be the only parent on the birth certificate and raise Daisy herself. Nothing had changed. He asked if she was cutting him out of their daughter’s life completely.

Drew said he didn’t want to give Willow false hope, but didn’t want her to give up. She said it was over. She’d lost and Michael got custody. She’d never get her children back. He said, in time, Michael would be willing to negotiate, but she said he wouldn’t even talk to her. He just walked away, like what happened in Germany. He’d played cruel mind games, so why would Drew think he’d compromise, even when she helped deliver his baby. He also made up a story about Wiley overhearing Drew. She should never have fought him. He was too powerful. She gambled with her children and lost them forever. He said she didn’t understand what really happened.

Kai asked the doctor how soon he could go to practice, and the doctor said the procedure was a success and his subsequent test results were promising. However, based on the latest results, the titanium didn’t fuse to his spine sufficiently to compensate for the damage of the fracture. He knew it wasn’t what Kai wanted to hear. Kai asked if that meant he’d never play football again, and Trina told Josh to turn the camera off.  

Cody said this was his favorite fav pool outside of the Obsidian in Vegas, and Ava said she loved the Obsidian. It was old school with a classic vibe. Cody said he expected to run into the Rat Pack when he gambled there, and she asked, what was his game? He said, poker, and she said, same. He asked, what was her biggest jackpot? and she said, $33,000. His? He said, 12K. She must let him in on her strategy. She said, a lady never tells, when Molly came in and looked over at them.

Elizabeth said she thought it was time to get everything out in the open, and Kristina said, like what? Elizabeth said she thought Kristina knew, but she’d make it easy. Lucky told her that Kristina caused the accident. She’d cut Ric’s brake lines thinking it was Ava’s car. She’d tried to kill Ava, and instead, nearly killed her and Ric.

Trina wondered if Kai’s condition could improve, and the doctor said, anything was possible, but right now, it looked like it was as good as it was going to get. She asked about a secondary procedure, but he said it would be too risky. He understood that Kai was disappointed, but the good news was, he was perfectly healthy. Trina asked if he could play any sport, and the doctor said, absolutely. Running, biking, swimming, but he advised no contact sports. The impact of a 250-pound player hitting him could be catastrophic. He was sorry. Kai said he knew the doctor did the best he could, and he appreciated it. The doctor left, and Josh said, sorry. Did Kai mind talking about how he was feeling, and Trina said, of course (🍷) he minded. He was devastated. Josh said it was his job… and Trina said if he didn’t get his damn camera out of Kai’s face, she was going to drop kick it out the window and him behind it. Josh said he was truly sorry, and left. Trina said she was so sorry. Was there anything she could do? Kai said, nothing. It was all over. She hugged him.

Isaiah told Portia that he had a quick question. Ric was just there looking for Elizabeth, and when he mentioned Lucky left town, Ric practically jumped for joy. How bad did he mess up? Portia said Elizabeth knew how to handle Ric, but he said she had enough to deal with. He could tell she was still hurting. He thought she would always love Lucky. Portia said, sometimes feelings for exes never went away. Ask Jordan.

Jordan told Curtis that Drew was the main reason Willow lost custody. Now he wanted Aurora to clean up his mess? Curtis told her that he said he’d do it. He had no choice. Drew was blackmailing his wife. She asked what he was going to do now that Michael was back, and he said he owed Michael the truth and came clean. He offered Michael his resignation, but Michael insisted he stay. He was convinced they should let Drew think he’d won… at least for now.  insist stay convinced let d think won at least for now

Drew said Willow couldn’t blame herself. He had no idea how far Michael would go. He should have been more prepared. Willow said it wasn’t his fault, but he said it was. He promised she’d keep her children, and he failed her. He was sorry. It wasn’t over. He talked to Martin, who mentioned something they could do that might improve her position and get the terms revisited. The timing wasn’t great, but they should give it a shot. They should get married.

Alexis met molly at the pool, and Alexis said she didn’t care for the pool, but some people liked it. Molly said, they seemed to, as she stared at Cody and Ava. Alexis turned around and looked too.

Cody said he used to hustle poker games, and Ava said her daughter Kiki hustled for the thrill of it. She didn’t approve, but deep down, she was proud. Cody asked if Kiki was still a gambler, but Ava said she’d passed away several years ago. He said he was sorry, but she said she liked to talk about Kiki. It had been a while since she thought of them playing cards and it made her smile when she did. She thanked him for that.  

Kristina said she was so sorry. She never meant to hurt Elizabeth. Elizabeth said she knew. She meant to hurt Ava. More precisely, Kristina meant to kill her. Kristina said she snapped. She was still grieving Adela and had a huge fight with Ava again. She was in the garage and saw the wire cutters. She tried to stop it. She called Ava to warn her, but she didn’t pick up. As she was driving back, she passed the crash and saw what happened. She was horrified. Elizabeth said Kristina got her and Ric, and Kristina said, if they wouldn’t have made it, she was going to confess. Elizabeth said they would have been dead, so they wouldn’t have been impressed with her grand gesture. So Kristina let Lucky cover for her. She wanted to call the police, but the only reason she didn’t was because Lucky would be charged as an accessory. Now that he’s out of the country and not in the reach of the PCPD… Kristina said, Elizabeth was going to turn her in.

Kai told Trina that he had no doubt he’d play again. He was an idiot. She said, stop. He wasn’t an idiot. The surgery was a success. He said, not enough. What did he do now? She said he’d get through it and find peace like he did before, but he said that’s what he told himself, in time, he’d be fine without football. But he was lying to himself and to her. The moment he found out about the surgery, he was out of the dark cell and on the other side. He again had the hopes and dreams he’d worked his butt off for. He thought he had a second chance. It wasn’t about fame or glory. It was about him being himself again. Now all that is gone. The door was slammed in his faced and he’s sitting in the dark again. She said she was so sorry and hugged him. He said he was so damn close.

Sasha said she wasn’t cutting Michael out of Daisy’s life. She wanted Daisy to know her dad, but she planned on retaining full custody and raising Daisy by herself with no assistance or interference from him or any of the Quartermaines. The only change would be that Daisy would know he was her dad. Did he think he could still live with that? He looked at Daisy and said he meant it when he said he trusted her to make the decisions she thought best for their child. He could live with her terms, but would like in writing that if anything happened to her, he’d be Daisy’s legal guardian. She said, yes, and thanked him. He said the custody fight made it clear to him that his kids came first. He wanted to give Daisy the best life and asked her to consider what she needed. She’d always have his full support.

Willow asked if Drew was proposing now? and he said he wanted it to be more romantic, but it was all about their happiness and love for each other. It would show they had a stable, loving home with two parents. She said that’s why she married Michael the first time. So he could get custody of Wiley from her sister Nelle. She wasn’t sure she’d do it again. He said, this was different. That was a marriage of convenience, but they were in love. It’s where they were headed anyway. She said she’d thought so, but she wasn’t sure it would work, and he said they’d present themselves to the court as a loving family, opposed to Michael with his mistress and baby. He wasn’t guaranteeing custody, but at least they had a fighting chance if she said yes.

Molly told Alexis that Ava cozying up to Cody, didn’t sit well with her. He was too nice of a guy for Ava to sink her fangs into. Alexis said he seemed nice. Were they friends now? Molly said he’d kind of helped her a few times. She was stranded with a flat and he gave her a ride on his horse. He also escorted her to the Nurses Ball and sat at the table with her when Alexis and Kristina were nowhere to be found. But she was glad that whatever happened, Alexis and Kristina made amends. Alexis said she and Kristin had a whole new level of understanding.  

Elizabeth told Kristina, no, and Kristina said if Elizabeth did turn her in, she’d understand. Elizabeth said the family had been through enough Losing Sam. She didn’t think they needed the pain of watching Kristina go to prison and Molly would be devastated to know that Kristina almost killed her dad. She was going to abide by Lucky’s wishes. Kristina thanked her, but Elizabeth said if she ever did something like that again, a revenge plot, she would turn Kristina in in a heartbeat. There was a knock at the door and Elizabeth let Ric in. He stopped when he saw Kristina.

Willow told Drew that the judge repeatedly said she’d used bad. She might see it as rash or impulsive, or worse, that she put him before her children again. Drew said he thought the court would see their relationship in a different light. If they got married, it would be seen as more legitimate and respectable. Willow said she wasn’t sure, and he said he knew it was coming fast. She said it was hard to think straight. She was tired. He said, just think about it and know whatever she decided, it wouldn’t change how much he loved her. He suggested she get some rest. Then maybe marriage wouldn’t be such a bad idea.  

Kai said he was sorry he lost it, but Trina said, don’t be. He never had to hide his feelings from her. He said he wasn’t used to being… and she said, vulnerable? He said he guessed so. There was something he needed to do. She said he needed time to process and feel his feelings, but he said he’d be fine. She said maybe she could come with him, but he said it was something he needed to do alone. He was grateful for her and he’d call her later. He left.

Ric said Kristina was the last person he thought he’d find at Elizabeth’s, and Kristina said, same. She was about to head out. She thanked Elizabeth for understanding. They were definitely on the same page. She left and Ric asked what that was about, but Elizabeth said it was a personal matter. Why was he there? He said he stopped by the hospital, and she wasn’t there, so he tracked her down, and she said if he had something to say, spit it out. She had a lot to do. He said he thought she’d have loads of time now that Lucky and Aiden were in Europe, and she said she knew why he was here. Because Lucky was gone… He said he came by to make sure she was okay, as a friend. He wanted her to know that if she needed anything, he was here for her.

Cody asked, when was the last time Ava hit up Vegas? and she said it had been a while. It would be funny if they’d crossed paths. He said he was positive they didn’t, and she asked how he was so sure. He said he would have remembered her, and she said, enough hooky. She had to get back to the gallery. It was nice running into him. He said it was great running into her too. Now it was time for the pool. She left and he jumped in. Molly smiled at him and raised her beer.

Jordan said she was glad Michael threw Curtis’s resignation in the trash, and he said Michael knew how conniving and destructive his uncle had become. He tore Michael’s family apart and Michael warned him not to let the same thing happen to him. He didn’t have the heart to tell Michael that it might be too late for him and Portia. The phone rang, and Curtis said he had to take it. Jordan said they’d talk about the meeting another time, and left. Curtis said, put him through.

In the hallway, Jordan called Anna and asked if she had time to meet up. She was in desperate need of a friend and a stiff drink.

Trina stormed into Portia’s office and said she knew it. Portia asked, what happened? and Trina said Kai spoke to the doctor who helped with the spine surgery. It wasn’t good enough to play football. Portia asked how Kai was taking it, and Trina said he was heartbroken. And all because of Drew Cain. She hated him so much.

There was a knock at Drew’s door and he opened it to Kai. Kai said he was sorry to just drop by. Had Drew herd from Josh? Drew said, not yet. What was going on? Kai said the documentary wasn’t going to turn out the way either of them wanted it to.

Michael told Wiley and Amelia to say hello to their baby sister. Meanwhile, outside someone watched them.

Thursday:

Jordan met Anna at the pool and Anna asked, what was the emergency? Jordan said Curtis’s marriage was on the rocks and she didn’t know how she felt.

At a table nearby, Isaiah told Lulu that Lucky and Aiden’s European adventure was up and running. Lucky said she was going through something and asked him to look in on her. If she wanted to talk, he was there, but if she just wanted to hang out, he was good with that too. Lucky was one of the best friends he ever had and saved his life a few times. Lulu said Isaiah had saved hers, so she thought they were square.  

On the phone, Josslyn left a message for Dalton saying she was sorry. She’d had a family situation, but she’d never ask anybody to do her work again. Trina came in and Josslyn said she’d never believe what Emma… What was going on? Trina said, it’s Kai.

Kai told Drew that the surgery worked, but not enough for him to play football again.

Jason told Sasha and Daisy, welcome home, and asked where Michael was. She said, tucking the kids in. They were staying there tonight. Michael came in and said, Amelia wanted her mother to kiss her goodnight, but he wasn’t sure when it would be okay for Willow to see the kids. Jason asked how Willow was doing, and Sasha said they’d run into her at GH and she wasn’t doing well.

Sonny arrived at Windymere, and Sidwell said he was surprised when Sonny called. It must be important. Sonny said he was thinking about Sidwell’s offer to buy his pier.

Trina told Josslyn that the doctor called Kai’s surgery a successful failure. He was better than before, but not good enough to play football. Josslyn said he must have been devastated, and Trina said, and then some. Josh had his camera in Kai’s face the entire time, so she put her hand over it. Josslyn said it was one thing to be injured and miss a season, but it was Kai’s entire career, and Trina said when she got everybody out, Kai started sobbing. Again Kai’s future was pulled out from under him and his dreams destroyed, and it was all Drew’s fault.

Drew said they knew it wasn’t guaranteed, but Kai had recovered so well, and Kai said he thought so too, but they were both wrong. He could do normal activities, but no football. Even if he was willing to risk it, no school or franchise would take him. All that work for all those years amounted to nothing.

Jordan told Anna that Curtis said he was worried it was too late to patch up things with Portia and her heart began to race. She wasn’t saying she wanted to get back with him… Anna said she’d kind of been where Jordan was, and Jordan asked what she did. Anna said she struggled. She’d loved Robert and he fell for Holly. She heard they had problems and considered taking advantage of the situation and get back with him. Jordan said, did she? and Anna said part of her wanted to, but the other part thought no good could come of it. She ultimately decided she wouldn’t want someone swooping in if she was having marital problems. Jordan said that’s exactly what Portia did to her.

Michael told Jason that he needed to figure out where they were going to lived. The gatehouse was out. It would be too hard for the kids to live there without their mom. Jason suggested he stay there. At least the kids would have the family close. Sasha said she was going to put Daisy to bed and thanked Michael. She was glad they were on the same page. She left, and Jason said things seemed to be going good with Michael and Sasha. Michael said they’d talked things out. He wasn’t sure everyone would agree he was doing the right thing, and by everyone, he meant the rest of his family.

Sonny said he wanted to talk to Sidwell man to man. He wanted the truth. Why did Sidwell really want his pier? Sidwell said he appreciated Sonny’s directness, so he’d respond in kind. He wanted to pier in order to end Sonny’s influence on the city.

Marco told Lucas that he couldn’t stop thinking about his mom, but attorney/client privilege prevented him from telling Lucas about it.  

Jordan told Anna that she knew Portia didn’t intentionally sabotage her marriage. It wasn’t about payback, but Portia didn’t learn from her mistakes. Curtis forgave her for lying, then she turned around and lied to him again. She felt horrible for Curtis and Trina, but didn’t have much sympathy for Portia.

Lulu told Isaiah that she’d dug herself a big hole and a lot of people were pissed and hurt. It wasn’t her story to tell, so she couldn’t say more. His phone rang and he said it was GH. She told him to get it. There was someone she needed to talk to anyway.

Michael told Jason that Sasha asked him to continue to allow her to raise Daisy in her own way away from the Quartermaine insanity. But that also meant staying out of his baby’s life. Jason asked if he told her that he would honor her wishes, and Michael said he did, but Daisy was here now, and the secret was out. Sasha wanted to be the only legal parent, and he agreed.

Sasha put Daisy in her crib and said, this was her room. Mommy would be right next door and hear Daisy the second Daisy needed her. Sleep well. Mommy loves you. She turned out the light and left. (Daisy is one of those delightfully animated babies like Wiley was.)

Sonny asked if Sidwell thought he was going to push him aside, but Sidwell said he was hoping Sonny would step down like a gentleman. His shadow loomed large and his name was tied to organized crime. The cycle of violence had been constant. He was planning on doing business there and it didn’t include monthly mob shootouts. He would bring jobs and commerce. It would be good for the city, good for Sonny, and good for him. Sonny said if Measure C passed, the city would take the pier, but Sidwell said he was a gambling man. What was life without risk?

Drew told Kai that he was so sorry. It wasn’t the outcome they’d wanted or expected. Kai said it wasn’t the best ending for the documentary. Josh filmed him getting the news and he was so messed up, Trina jumped in and got rid of Josh. He knew it was supposed to be an uplifting story about his big comeback… Drew said, don’t worry. There wouldn’t be a documentary. He owned the footage, and it wouldn’t see the light of day. Kai said Drew didn’t want a sad ending. Now he wasn’t even getting a documentary. Drew said Kai didn’t owe him an apology. If anything, he owed Kai one. (Narcissist/sociopath at work.)

Trina told Josslyn that Kai was devastated the first time, but eventually accepted it. Then Drew came along with this newfangled surgery like it was a medical miracle. He wanted Kai’s good PR. He never cared about Kai. Josslyn said, Drew didn’t care about anything and ended up ruining the lives of the people he helped. Trina said, like Willow? Was she any better? Josslyn said she went home today, and Trina asked how bad it was in court. Josslyn said she wasn’t there, but her mom was and said the judge granted full custody to Michael. Drew had her convinced she’d be able to take the kids, and when reality set in, she broke. Trina said Drew was such a user. Her dad, now Kai, even Willow now. Josslyn wonder who was going to stop him, and Trina said somebody would Count on it.

Josslyn told Trina that Michael said he found Wiley in tears. He’d overheard Drew tell his lawyer that Michael didn’t want Wiley and Amelia now that he had Daisy. Trina said no one believed it, did they? and Josslyn said, only Willow. It wasn’t like Drew was subtle. Trina said he was legit crazy. He’d threatened to bulldoze the Quartermaine crypt, then partied with a sex worker while Willow was out of town. Now he was hurting kids. Josslyn said, he had a good reason. The crypt was in the wrong place. He didn’t know Wiley was there… Who would believe all this? Trina said, Kai, and it was scaring her.

Jordan said, Curtis didn’t tell her they were splitting up, but Anna said, he was confiding in Jordan about his marriage. What did she think she’d do if his marriage ended? Would she go back to him? Jordan said she didn’t want to think… Lulu said she was sorry to interrupt (maybe we should make Lulu interrupting a drinking game). She needed to talk to Anna. Jordan stepped away.

Marco said Lucas couldn’t repeat this information, and Lucas said Marco had his word. Marco said, remember when he ran into a certain client of his at the pool? They got arrested later and charged with a DWI. Lucas asked if anyone was hurt, and Marco said, luckily, no, but it wasn’t their first offense and they’re facing severe consequences. Lucas said he was surprised Marco took on this client. He’d sounded like he wanted nothing to do with her. Marco said he didn’t. Then he thought about what Lucas told him and realized he couldn’t turn his back on her. Lucas asked if she could go to prison, and Marco said the acting DA offered her a deal for the exchange of information on a certain alleged crime lord. Lucas said, Sonny Corinthos?

Sidwell said if Sonny sold him the pier, it would be front page news. Measure C would become about real estate and not a referendum on Sonny’s reputation. The voters won’t care because no one would be worried about who had the pier or what happened to it. Sonny said Sidwell gave money to the Measure C campaign and was trying to get him to sell. That left him no choice. Sidwell said Sonny did have a choice. He could walk away richer and more importantly, clean. It was a chance to unburden himself and free himself from the enterprise that long enriched him, but had become an albatross around his neck. Neither of them was getting younger. Sonny had led a tragic life and already lost one son. Can he imagine the rest of his days with his family safe and secure? Sonny asked if Sidwell was threatening his family.  

Jason said Michael’s name wouldn’t be on the birth certificate, and Michael said, nope. He wasn’t sure what Daisy’s last name would be, but it wouldn’t be Corinthos or Quartermaine. Jason said he was sure Tracy would have something to say about it, and Michael said he had no custodial rights, but he trusted Sasha and she updated her will for him to get custody if anything happened to her. It was important that she remain the sole legal parent. Jason said even if Michael was okay with it, others might not be, and Michael said starting with his mother and the Quartermaine’s. He was sure some would say he was giving away his baby and he never wanted Daisy to feel that way.

Someone creeped into Daisy’s room and watched her.

Lulu said she needed to apologize to Anna, and Anna asked why. Lulu said she’d never properly thanked Anna for bringing Charlotte back. She was nasty about Valentin, and she was sorry. Anna said Lulu had a right to be, but Lulu said, Anna still brought her daughter back and risked her life. It wasn’t enough, but she thanked her.

Isaiah asked Jordan how her new job was. He’d seen her ads on Measure C. She was doing a good job. Did she change her mind about Sidwell?

Trina told Josslyn that she thought Kai was in a daze and could only think about going to the guy who paid for his surgery and thanking him. Every time Drew’s name comes up, she bites her tongue. Josslyn said Trina’s silence was usually loud, and Trina said she hated to stay quiet, but she didn’t want friction because of Drew. Josslyn said, Drew promised Willow would get her kids back. Once Tracy proves he set her up, everyone will know he’s a liar and won’t believe anything he says again.

Drew said Kai was an amazing talent. He’d wanted to help Kai achieved his goal, but didn’t consider the downside and he should have. It was his fault. Kai said he was glad he took the chance. He did what he could to get his dream back. Drew said Kai’s positivity was priceless. He may not be able to give football back to Kai, but he might have something else to offer him.

Marco told Lucas that fortunately, his client doesn’t sign anything before going over it with a fine-tooth comb. He slammed on the brakes. Now Turner is giving him the runaround and holding the threat of prison over his client’s head. Lucas said Sonny used to be married to his sister. They weren’t close, but had family in common. He had no illusions about Sonny. Marco said his mom had made herself a target for Turner and Sonny. They’d both be gunning for her and he didn’t know how to help.  

Sonny said no one threatened his family and lived, and Sidwell said he was sorry. He meant the complete opposite. Once Sonny no longer owned the pier, everyone around him would be safe from the people trying to take things from him. Sonny said, like Sidwell, but Sidwell said, if either of them wanted violence, this would have been over long ago. Sonny said, like how his son almost died? and Sidwell said, a man’s children are sacred. That kind of violence must be met in kind. He wouldn’t want anything to happen to Marco. Sonny said he’d do anything to keep his family safe, and Sidwell said, good. Did they have a deal?

Anna said she knew she’d caused pain, but Lulu said she knew it was an accident. Anna said it was her responsibility, and she had to live with it every day, and Lulu said if she got tired of carrying the burden, she encouraged Anna to put it down. Anna thanked her and asked how Charlotte was doing. Lulu said Charlotte was doing great. She found a friend group and was counseling at Lila’s Kids this summer. Anna said she was glad Charlotte had a parent who could love and guide her the way she needed.

Jordan said she had no illusions about Sidwell, but she enjoyed her job, and Isaiah said it must help that her ex was head of Aurora.

Drew said he had an intern lined up, but they dropped out. Was Kai interested? It was a paid internship, and Kai would work closely with him here and in DC. He realized it couldn’t replace football, but it might be a nice distraction. He handled the Pediatric Sports Initiative (🍷) well. Kai said, that was one speech. It was a generous offer, but Drew didn’t have to give him a consolation prize. Drew said it was no secret he’d alienated a lot of people. Kai was a natural born leader and great with the media. Most of all, he had integrity, and he needed someone with integrity by his side whose judgement he trusted. And it would look great on Kai’s resumé. He believed Kai could do a lot of good if he was interested.

Marco said he was resigned to a life without his mom, but he didn’t want to see her go to prison, and Lucas said he understood. His dad came around and when things finally fell apart, homophobia wasn’t the problem. Just because their parents gave them life, didn’t mean they owed their parents theirs. Do what makes him happy. Marco said his father’s acceptance was important. She only saw what she wanted him to be.

Jason said, the only thing Daisy would think was that her dad loved her and was easier to work than her mother, and Michael said when he was granted full custody, he felt like he could breathe again. Jason said, the way Willow reacted after the ruling showed she wasn’t stable, and Michael said Willow was strong. To see her crumble that way, she may be damaged in ways that can’t be repaired. Only because she fell in love with Drew. Jason asked if he was worried about Sasha, but Michael said, no. He had to hope she didn’t have her own Drew someday. Jason said he didn’t think Michael had to worry. Daisy was her number one priority, and she was strong. Michael said he thought Sasha was a great mom, and Jason said, that’s what was important.  

Sasha went into Daisy’s room and discovered the mobile above the crib was playing music. She asked if the music woke Daisy up.  

Sonny asked why he and Sidwell would have a deal. Port Charles was his home. His roots and his children were there, and he would protect the city from anyone, including Sidwell. Sidwell said, be wise. Reconsider. Sonny wondered why he should take Sidwell’s money, told Sidwell to stay out of his way, and left.  

Trina said Drew had crossed powerful people, and Josslyn said, Tracy, Trina’s dad, Michael, and Jason, and by extension, Sonny. Sonny and her mom weren’t the most forgiving group. One would take Drew down and soon. Trina said she hoped so, but she didn’t want Kai near Drew when it happened.

Drew asked if Kai had plans for the summer, but Kai said, not anymore. Drew told him to take some time and think about it. Remember his future wasn’t over. It would just be different, and Drew thought it would be just as bright whether he took the offer or not. As much as Drew would like to have Kai on his team, no matter what, he hoped Kai considered him a friend. Kai said he did and they shook hands.  

Lulu told Anna, nothing was more important than her children. She still couldn’t believe she lost four years literally overnight. She didn’t want to miss another second, and thanks to Anna, she didn’t have to.

Isaiah said, for what it was worth (🍷), he was sorry how things ended between them, and Jordan said, for what it was worth (🍷), so was she. He said, regardless of his attitude… and she said, which time? He laughed and said he wished her the best. She said sometimes the timing just wasn’t right.

Lucas said he thought it was great that Marco’s father supported him, and Marco said that’s why he tried to extend the same grace to him. Lucas said, as his father pointed out, being gay is different than being a criminal, and Marco said he didn’t mean it that way. The closeness with his dad was important. Lucas said he just worried about Marco’s proximity to danger, like Michael or his father at one time. Marco said he got the impression Sonny and Michael were close, and Lucas said Michael was a strong person. He’d had a tough life, but things were finally looking up. He couldn’t tell Marco how happy he was when the judge granted full custody to Michael. Marco said, with no visitation, but Lucas said he was sure Michael wouldn’t keep Willow out completely. Marco said it was unusual. Judges usually didn’t consider no visitation for the mother.

Judge Haran said she granted Michael full custody like Sidwell wanted, and he thanked her for a job well done. The rest of the money had been wired to her account.

Michael told Jason that for a long time after the explosion, every day, every moment, was agony and fear. He figured his kids were with Drew and Sasha was pregnant with him not being there to help. It was one of the lowest point in his life. Jason asked how he got through it, and Michael said his kids. Knowing that they needed him, he knew he had to get better and get back home. Jason said the kids were lucky to have Michael, and Michael said he was lucky to have Jason looking after them. Knowing that helped a lot. He never expected things to turn out this way. He was happy with all three of his children under the same roof and safe with him. What more could he ask for?

Sasha adjusted the mobile and said, good night. I love you. She left.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

On the phone, Ava says she looks forward to seeing someone at the gallery, when Nina walks in. Ava says she’s been texting and calling. How is Willow? How is she? Nina asks how much she told Ava, and Ava says, just the very awful, very broad strokes. Nina says, Michael got full custody. Willow collapsed and was hospitalized after that. She needs to talk to Ava. Ava asks, what happened? and Nina says, it was everything she feared… and so much worse.

Willow comes out of the bedroom and asks if Drew went running already. He says, it’s a beautiful day outside, and she says she guesses she must have fallen back to sleep. He says, she probably needed the rest. How is she feeling? She says she knows she slept last night, but she’s still so tired, and he suggests he make her breakfast. Anything she wants. It might make her feel better. She says she’s not hungry. It’s hard to care about starting her day without seeing her kids.

Wiley says he can swim the length of the pool without taking a breath, and Michael says, no way. How did he learn to do that? Wiley says, Uncle Drew. Does he want to see? Michael says, absolutely. Let’s see what you’ve got. Wiley swims and Michael looks over at Kristina.

Curtis finds Tracy in the solarium, and she says, this is a nice surprise. Unless his Aunt Stella sent him to chastise her. He says, she didn’t. The truth be told, his Aunt Stella found it quite amusing watching Tracy’s recent run-in with the PCPD. Tracy says she bets. What brings him here? He says, how about delivering Drew the setback he so richly deserves? Together. She says she’s listening. Tell her more.

In the park, Emma suggests Gio play softball for the PCPD. He likes to play, and he doesn’t suck. He’d also score points with her grandmother. He asks if he needs to score points with her grandmother, but she says, of course (🍷) not. Her grandmother loves having Gio stay with them, but just think, she’d love it more if he played ball for the PCPD. He says he can picture the situation, sitting in the dugout with Dante right now, and she says it would be the perfect way to get everyone off his back. Maybe everyone would relax and stop worrying about how he’s handling the Brook and Dante are my parents thing. He says, everyone is worried he’s going to do something crazy and lose it again. Like he might turn to a life of crime or become a Buddhist monk. She says, both things take commitment, and he can’t even agree to play ball for the PCPD. A dog runs up and grabs Gio’s baseball mitt, running away with it. He yells, don’t! and chases the dog. Emma follows saying she’s worried about the dog running into the street.

Anna tells Sonny, the party is over, and he tells her, many people have said that and they were wrong. She says she’s not wrong. She’s gone easy on him in the past, but today is the day of reckoning and there’s nothing he can do about it. We see they’re in the park to play ball.

Anna says, no matter how many ringers he has playing on his team, he’s going to lose, and Sonny asks what she’s talking about. What ringers? Is she suggesting he hires people to play on his softball team? She says, there’s a minor league pitcher warming up in the bullpen and he has plenty of minor leaguers on his team, but he says she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She knows how much he respects her, but when she was across the pond playing cricket and eating crumpets, he was playing stickball in Bensonhurst until it was so dark, you couldn’t see. She says, speaking of Bensonhurst, did he know Gio’s been staying with them? and he says, yeah. Emma’s been great for him. She says, Gio is good for Emma. She’s thinking they kind of help each other. It’s nice.

Gio says, drop the glove, dog, and we’ll pretend this never happened, and picking the dog up, Emma says, stop it. You’re scaring her. He says, she’s not freaking out; she’s taunting him. Emma says, aren’t you cute? and he says he doesn’t see anyone looking for her. She says, she has no collar. No worries. She knows what to do.

As they lie in bed, Trina wonders if it’s okay to ask Kai where he was, and he says he went to tell Drew that the surgery was a successful failure. It was good for his health, but bad for his football career. She says she felt like that’s where he was, and he says he knows how she feels about Drew, but he wanted to talk to Drew one on one. She says she gets it. How’d it go? He says he thanked Drew for paying for his very expensive consultation and surgery. Then he asked if they could stop the whole documentary thing. She says, really? Wow. How did he take the news? Kai says, he was amazing. He said they could totally stop it and no one would ever see the footage. Then – get this – he apologized.

Curtis says, Drew has been on the ropes for a while now. The voters weren’t thrilled with his relationship with Willow. Tracy says, otherwise known as his nephew’s wife. Go on. Curtis says, then Drew’s reputation took a hit when a viral video surfaced of him taking body shots off an unknown woman, and Tracy says, otherwise known as a sex worker. Please go on. Curtis says, then the congressman claims he knows who drugged him and there was a mixed reaction at best. Folks aren’t sure about Drew. She says, he doesn’t exactly exude trustworthiness and credibility, and Curtis says, here’s the problem. Her high-profile arrest on the red carpet at the Nurses Ball shifted the power in Drew’s favor. He was seen as a victim and gained sympathy. She says, that’s exactly what he knew would happen when he framed her.

Wiley comes out of the pool and goes over to Amanda (nanny? swim coach? who knows?) Kristina says, Michael did a great job covering when Wiley brought up Drew, but he says he didn’t. She insists he did. Wiley has no idea how he feels about Drew. He says, thank God for that. It’s crazy. He remembers last summer Wiley couldn’t stop talking about Uncle Drew and how he wanted to be a Navy SEAL just like Drew was. At the time, he was thrilled that Wiley was having so much fun and Drew was taking an interest in him. It never occurred to him that Drew might be using Wiley to get to Willow. Kristina says, it never occurred to any of them. They were under the radar until they weren’t. Michael said, that’s one of the sad parts of divorce, the good memories getting poisoned. All those times him, Willow, and the kids were hanging out with Drew. Were they flirting and he was that oblivious? Kristina says, he wasn’t oblivious. He was in love and trusted Willow. He says, what that was, was a mistake, and she says, he has a right to be angry, but it would be a mistake to let it consume him. He says he’s sure he’ll get over it eventually, but she says, that’s not good enough. He has to decide that his anger isn’t in charge. Thanks to Ava, she knows about anger consuming you and it’s dangerous to let it go unchecked. You find yourself doing and saying something you deeply regret that you can’t take back. Michael wonders why he has the feeling she’s talking about something specific. What did she do?

Ava says, Drew is the one with bad judgement, but according to the judge, Willow is the one making all the bad decisions, and Nina says, exactly. Ava says she’s so, so sorry. She can’t believe what that man has become. Nina says she saw it coming. She tried to get through to Willow. She begged Willow to postpose the custody hearing, but that man has his hooks in Willow so deep, she barely recognizes her daughter anymore. Ava takes Nina’s hand.

Willow tells Drew that she never thought Michael would get custody like that. She doesn’t know what happened. He says he doesn’t know what happened either (because they’re both stupid), but it doesn’t matter. They can fix it. They know how. Has she thought about his proposal? She says, it’s all she’s thought about, and he says, that’s nice to hear. She says she knows he wants to help, and she loves him for it, but he’s the reason Michael took the kids away. She doesn’t see how marrying him will help get them back.  

Turner tells Anna that against her better judgement, she’s here to play for the PCPD. Plus, the league is a great networking opportunity. Anna says, there we go. Sounds about right.  

Sonny tells Gio, looking good. Is he playing? Gio says he knows him – Uncle Sonny. He’s not used to see him like this. Sonny says, when they’re playing, Gio can call him Sonny, and Gio says he can do that, and thanks him. Sonny says he saw Gio and Emma throwing the ball around, and Gio says, then they found a stray dog. Emma is off somewhere trying to find the owner. Sonny says, good. He thought they could have a conversation. Gio says, Sonny is the one person in the family not pursuing him to talk, but Sonny says he thought Gio could be on the Corinthos Coffee team. He saw that Gio had a great arm. Gio says he can’t believe Sonny saw him play. He had to sneak out to do it. Why? Sonny says he was trying to get Rocco to play, and Gio says, Corinthos Coffee, ELQ, the PCPD, and Deception. Those are teams full of people he can’t stand to see right now. Sonny says Gio found out a hard truth in a bad way. There’s nothing they can do to change that. All they can do is move forward and he’s willing to help Gio.

Michael asks Kristina, what’s going on? Did something happen? She says, nothing. It’s just they both know she’s made terrible mistakes based on anger before. She almost let her anger at Ava destroy her completely and she doesn’t want that for him. Drew and Willow have already taken enough from him. Don’t let them take more. He says, the Willow he knew was stronger, and she says, Willow was struggling more than any of them knew. Drew took advantage of that, and they both betrayed him. It doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is that he has his kids and they’re safe, at home, and healthy. And he has a beautiful baby girl. What matters is that he try to focus on the positive. He says, she’s right. When he feels himself needing revenge, he’ll focus on the kids and their future. She says he needs to do that for himself too. He says he’s hoping Willow will get to a place where he feels okay about her being around the kids. They need both of them, but he doesn’t know when and if he’ll feel comfortable to let her see them.

Drew says, Willow is right. It’s his fault completely that Michael took the kids. He made two big mistakes. He never should have invited Wiley to DC for his swearing in. Obviously, he wanted them there for his big moment and it was pure selfishness on his part. She says, Wiley wanted to be there. She’s proud of him. She still is. He says he never should have drawn up the guardianship papers, but she says they had no idea how long Michael would be in Germany and she didn’t want Carly to take her kids if something happened to her. If she’d made Nina the guardian, Diane wouldn’t have even mentioned it. He says, the bottom line is that the judge thought they were disregarding the law. So from now on, they were consulting a lawyer before doing anything. This was them doing just that. She says, getting married because a lawyer says it’s a good legal strategy would be like she was using him, but he promises that’s not the case. He would marry her anytime, anywhere. He would love that their marriage be a natural progression of building their lives together, but right now, they have to get her kids back. But if she doesn’t want to get married, they won’t. All he asks is that she listen to all the facts before she makes a decision. How does that sound?

Trina says she didn’t know Drew knew how to apologize, and Kai says, he does and he did. He felt awful that the surgery didn’t get him back on the football field. Drew knew he wanted that more than anything. She says she can’t be mad at that, and he says, good. The more he talked to Drew, the more he realized he was glad he had the surgery. Otherwise, he’d always wonder. This way, he knows for a fact that he did everything he could to get back on the field. He thinks it made it easier for him to face the loss of the future he imagined for himself. She says, that is amazing, but it’s a little fast. She guesses it’s good, but just yesterday he seemed so lost and it hurt her heart. He says he was lost when he left GH. He had no idea what his future looked like, but Drew helped with that too. Drew offered him a paid position as his congressional intern.

Tracy tells Curtis, as if she’d ever slip Drew a drug and leave evidence of it in her car. Come on. If you’re going to frame someone, put some effort into it. Curtis asks if she can prove Drew planted the ketamine, and she says, no, but she knows when he did it. He sailed over and pretended he wanted to discuss Measure C. Then he stayed afterward to plant it. Curtis says, the case hinges on Drew’s testimony and the two of them had a drink the night he was drugged, and she asks if anyone saw her put a drug in his drink. Did they find her fingerprints on the bottle? Curtis says, no, and she says, because she didn’t do it. He says, if they get Drew to retract his statement, the DA’s office doesn’t have a case, and she says, correct. Alexis said they’d have to drop the charges. Then she’d have her lawyers sue for false arrest. He asks how they get Drew to recant, and she says, let him use the Quartermaine name and make a public apology for her egregious lapse in judgement. He says, so there’s an offer on the table, but she says, no. There’s an offer in the garbage because she’s not going to do that.

Michael says, Wiley flew across the pool. He’s so strong. He bets Wiley is hungry. Wiley says he’s starving, and Michael says he’s guessing a PB&J. Wiley says, yes, please, and Michael asks if Kristina would like to join them. She says she’d be delighted, and Wiley asks if Daisy can have one too, but Michael says, she’s too little. When she’s big enough, Wiley can make her one himself. Let’s go. Kristina sees Wiley’s T-shirt was left behind and tries to get Michael’s attention, but Michael keeps walking.

Trina says, Kai can’t play football anymore. Doesn’t he want to take a beat before jumping into something else? He says he thinks he needs this. Now he has a purpose. The internship will give him something to focus on and a way to move forward. She asks, how long is the internship? Will it go past the summer? What is he going to do about school? Will he move to DC? He says he has to ask about that, but he definitely knows he doesn’t want to move to DC. He doesn’t want to leave her.

Ava tells Nina that she can’t believe this even happened and Drew still refuses to see he’s the problem in Willow’s life. If he loves her like he says he does, why not get the hell out of her life. Nina says she told him that at the hospital, and Ava says she guesses he wasn’t very receptive. Nina says, no. He just doubled down and said he knew she and Portia had worked together to ruin his reputation. Now if either of them crosses him, he’ll take them both down. Ava says, oh well. Evil and efficient. Nina says she’s afraid the only way out is telling Willow that she and Drew slept together when Willow and Drew were falling in love, and Ava says she gave Nina that advice all along. She knows Nina had her reasons, but Nina shot her down every time. Nina says she knows, but they agreed Willow needed her and Willow needs her right now more than the truth. She needs to get Willow away from this man. Ava says she has a list of reasons why Nina shouldn’t tell Willow the truth, and Nina says, tell her. She’s all ears. Ava says Nina has to be very careful. If she tells Willow the truth now after everything that happened, Willow may or may not believe her. Or she may confront Drew. Drew will tell her that Nina is a liar and Willow will believe him. Either way, she’ll have lost her relationship with her daughter. Nina says she couldn’t bear it after everything else, and Ava says, with Nina out of the picture, who would Willow have left to lean on? Nina says, just Drew, and Ava says, take it from someone who alienated and lost her daughter, don’t do it. Don’t say a word. The truth is important, but the most important thing is not to lose Willow right now.

At Drew’s place, Martin says, Judge Haran often rules in favor of married couples over a single parent. That’s why he suggested Willow and Drew get married. It will demonstrate that no matter how their relationship began, it’s something they’re invested in. Drew asks what Willow thinks, and Willow says she and Michael got married to keep Nelle from getting custody of Wiley and it worked. Martin says, with her and Drew married, and Drew’s reputation restored, he thinks they stand a better chance of getting the custody ruling amended. Drew says, wait a minute. His reputation restored? Did that mean Tracy was going to play ball? Martin says, not happily, but he thinks she’s smart enough to know that she doesn’t have a choice.

Curtis tells Tracy, so from Drew’s point of view, this is a good plan. The public believes he’s the innocent victim and he gets to look magnanimous for letting his auntie off the hook. Tracy says she was mildly impressed when Martin made the offer, and Curtis wonders if they could get Martin to switch sides, but Tracy says she doesn’t see him doing that. Curtis says, because? and she says, because she had him arrested for the crypt scheme. All he wants now is to see her publicly humiliated. Curtis asks what her lawyers think about going to trial, and she says, they thought the incident a while back with Alexis would be worked in again. He says, the one where she framed Alexis for drunk driving, then left town when the trial came up? and she says, yes, but she and Alexis are past that. So she doesn’t see why it’s the court’s business. He says, so she’s looking to get the charges dropped, and she says she guesses so. He says, to that end, he hired a P.I. to track down Drew’s body shot companion, a woman named Jacinda She says, if he finds her, she can tell everyone about how Drew bought the ketamine and took it himself, and he says, that’s exactly right.

Sonny says, Gio can feel how he wants. if he wants to cut off people, that’s what he needs to do. He believes Gio should keep working at the MetroCourt. Gio says, it’s a good job. He’s helping people and saving up for his own place. Sonny says he’s not going to keep bugging Gio to play for Corinthos Coffee. He thought it would be fun and actually, he needs someone like Gio. Gio says he might be terrible, but Sonny says he’s seen Gio hit the ball halfway across the block when he was a kid. Gio says he remembers that. He remembers he didn’t get to play often. Lois and Gloria worried that he’d hurt his hands and it would affect his violin playing. Sonny says, don’t worry. Now he’s an adult and doesn’t have to answer to them. Gio says, Sonny is right. Okay. He’ll play for Corinthos Coffee. They high five.

Drew asks if Martin clarified things, and Willow says, it made sense. She feels like at least she can breathe again. There’s hope. He says, absolutely there’s hope. He wishes they lived in a perfect world and could have the wedding of their dreams, but they don’t. It they want to keep hope alive, that’s what they need to do. She says, nothing is more important than her kids. Okay. Let’s get married. He asks if she’s sure. She doesn’t feel pressured? She says she’s sure. Marry me. They kiss.

Turner says, it’s official now. She’s Anna’s teammate. Anna says, the world has a sense of humor, and Turner says she assumed she’d be on the bench for a while, but they have her playing the next game. Anna says, the PCPD has always been at a bit of a disadvantage with the cops. They can’t sustain a consistent line-up. That’s why they combined this year. Turner says, got it. She’s going to need practice… a lot. The last thing she wants to do is let down her team. Anna says, it gets competitive, but do her best and she’ll be fine. Anna thanks her and says, they got off on the wrong foot. She’s sure once Sonny is gone, they’ll get along better. Anna says, stranger things have happened, and leaves. Turner says, okay, and Sonny yells at Turner to catch the ball.

Gio asks if Emma had any luck finding the owner, but Emma says, no. She tells Sonny, hey, and says she took the dog to a shelter where she volunteers. They checked for a microchip to see if she had an owner, but she doesn’t seem to have one. She thinks the dog might be a stray. Sonny says, she’s cute, and Anna says, that dog is a thief. Emma tells Gio to make himself useful and hold her. She’s going to take a picture and post it online to see if anyone claims it. Gio asks if she’s talking about him or the dog, and she says, smile. She takes the picture.

Nina says she thinks Ava is right. Willow can’t take another loss. When they were checking out of the hospital, she was fragile. To make matters worse, they saw Michael and Sasha and Carly with the new baby. They had cards and flowers and were filled with joy.  Then Drew made her leave, say she had an emergency work meeting, to keep her from going home with Willow. Ava says, Willow needs her now more than ever, when Nina’s phone dings. She says, Willow wants to meet her at the MetroCourt pool, and Ava says, she’s getting out of the house. That’s a very good sign. Nina says, maybe she can get through to Willow after all. (This might seem farfetched, but I wonder if Willow is stalking Sasha’s baby. She is pretty tired in the morning.)

Tracy asks how close Curtis is to finding this Jacinda woman. Martin is insisting on a public apology ASAP. Curtis tells her, it’s hard to say, and she says, as long as she’s exonerated. She doesn’t like taking the blame when she’s guilty. She’s definitely not doing it when she’s not. He says, understood, when Michael comes in. Curtis says he and Tracy were just discussing how Uncle Drew is demanding a public apology from her. He wants her to paint him as a hero and a survivor. Michael says, if anyone likes to be seen as a hero, it’s Drew, and Tracy says, what if Curtis can’t find the woman? Nobody will believe Drew framed her and there’s no proof that he planted the ketamine. Michael says, ketamine? Isn’t that a horse anesthetic?

Sonny asks if Turner is looking for this ball, and she says, it got away from her. He tosses it to her and says, not much of a softball player, is she? She says he’s not the first person to notice that today.

Trina says, sorry she’s late, but Ava says, that’s okay. She got Trina’s text. Trina says she and Kai were having a whole conversation about his future, and Ava asks if it was inspired by his follow up with the surgeon. Trina says, it was. Kai will never play football again. Ava says she’s so sorry. Kai must need her now and because he has her, he’ll be just fine. Trina says she hopes so. He was so crushed by the follow-up. It broke her heart. But he’s such a good man. The first thing he wanted to do when he found out his dream wasn’t going to happen was to thank Drew for making the surgery happen in the first place. Ava says, that was admirable. Maybe with the surgery behind him now, Kai will no longer be so tied to Drew. Trina says, he will. Drew’s not letting go of him. He offered Kai a position as his congressional intern.  

Drew says he’s having a good day and hopes what Kai is going to make it even better, and Kai says he wishes he could. He’s so sorry. Drew says, oh no, and Kai says he’s honored Drew thinks he’s the right person to trust with the position. He’s thought it over and has to decline. Drew says, politics isn’t for everybody. He thought it was a good thing, but guesses he was wrong. Maybe Kai’s interests lie elsewhere. Kai says, Drew wasn’t wrong actually and the more he thinks about it, he can see how politics can be rewarding. Drew says he’s confused. Why doesn’t Kai want to take the position? Kai says he doesn’t want to relocate to DC. It not the right move. He has to graduate from PCU, and more than that, he wouldn’t have survived the last six months without Trina. So where she is, is where he wants to be.

Nina meets Willow by the pool and says it’s great to see her out and about. How is she doing? Willow says she’s moving forward, and Nina says, okay. That’s wonderful news. It’s exactly what she should do. Willow keeps looking around and sees the T-shirt. She says, this is Wiley’s, and Nina says, Wiley’s not here. She would have seen him if he was. Willow says she must have gotten the time of the lesson wrong, unless Michael forgot. Wiley will be crushed if he did. Nina says, Michael didn’t forget. Why don’t they sit down for a minute. Willow says she can’t. It’s Wiley’s favorite and she has to reunite him with it now.

The dog steals Anna’s hat, and Emma says, it’s not the best idea to steal the Police Commissioner’s hat on game day. Anna asks, whose dog is that? and Emma says she’s trying to find the owner. Anna says, and if she can’t find the owner? and Emma says she’s going to keep her. She’s going to call her Outback.

Turner tells Sonny that she wasn’t allowed to play softball as a kid. Her mom spent a fortune on braces and wasn’t about to risk her getting hit in the mouth with a ball. Sonny says, what about when the braces came off? and she says, and risk this smile? Not a chance. He says she’s got great smile and should use it more often, and she says, it’s 2025. He’s not actually telling a woman she should smile more. (Yeah, we hate that.) He says, actually, he was thinking about her mom’s investment, and she says, have a good game. He tells her to keep her eye on the ball, and leaves.

Ava says she can see how difficult an offer it would be for Kai to refuse. Did Trina try to talk him out of it? Trina says she was tempted, but doesn’t want to be that kind of person. She’s not with Kai because he does what she wants. He’s a confident guy and knows himself and she finds that attractive. Ava says, it’s an attractive quality, and Trina says she’s going to support his choice, even though it’s not what she would choose for him. Ava asks if that means he’s taking the internship, and Trina says, no. He’s not moving to DC. He wants to be with her. Ava says, smart man, and Trina says she wants Kai as far away from Drew as possible.

Drew says he gets where Kai is coming from. There’s nothing more important than making sure the woman in your life that you love is a priority, but the terms of the internship aren’t set in stone. He can make it what he wants it to be. Kai asks what that means, and Drew says, it’s flexible. He wants Kai to come with him to DC a few times a year, see how things are run on Capitol Hill, meet some people. He’ll be based in Port Charles, and when Drew is in DC, Kai will represent him here, interface with the constituents. It will be a great hands-on experience for him. Kai says, Drew would be okay with him repping him? and Drew says, Kai is a positive person, and he wants those on his team who genuinely care about people. Kai wants to make a difference and is a natural fit for the job. Kai says he’s starting to think he could be too. Okay. He thanks Drew and says he won’t let Drew down. When does he start?

Nina says she doesn’t think it’s a good idea for Willow to go to the Quartermaines now, but Willow says, this is a special situation. Wiley loves this T-shirt. Nina says she understands, when Kristina approaches. She says, there’s something of Wiley’s still here, and Willow asks if Wiley and Amelia are doing okay. Kristina sees the shirt in her hand and says, that’s exactly what she’s looking for. Thanks. Willow says she was worried Michael might forget, but Kristina says, he didn’t. Nina says, Wiley told her that he swam across the pool in one breath. It was pretty cool. Willow says, he’s been working on that, and Kristina tells her, that’s what he said. Willow reluctantly gives her the shirt and says, please tell the kids that she… Kristina says she will, and leaves. Nina asks if Willow wanted to be here because she needed to see Wiley, and Willow says, of course (🍷). Nina says she knows how desperately Willow misses them, but she’s not allowed to see the kids right now, and Willow says she knows, but if she happens to bump into them… Nina says, Willow can’t do anything to make Judge Haran think she’s violating the court’s decision, and Willow says she knows. Nina is right. Nina say she’s sorry it has to be like this, and Willow says, her too, but it won’t be for long. Nina says she hopes Willow is right, and Willow says she knows she is. By the time the visitation hearing is scheduled, she and Drew will be married.

Martin asks if he’s setting up a press conference or not, and Tracy laughs. She says, as if she would act… Michael says, they talked about this, and Curtis says, she has no other choice right now. She says she seems to have misplaced her copy of the statement, but Martin takes out another and gives it to her. She says, wonderful. Thank you. She tears it in a few pieces, says, one more, tears it again, and throws it in the air. Curtis says he thinks Tracy is trying to say, go ahead and set up the press conference, but Tracy tells him that’s not what she’s trying to say. Michael says, please. Let’s just get this over with. The less they have to do with Drew, the better. Tracy says, okay. Set it up. She’ll perjure herself by reading his poorly written statement.

On Monday, Brook says Tracy needs to swallow her pride and take it; Carly asks if Michael is willing to keep Willow out of their children’s lives for good; Kai tells Trina that he’s taking the offer; and Nina tells Willow that waiting will be worth it.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Get up to speed with Britt and the embryo.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-wild-tale-of-britt-giving-birth-to-rocco-on-general-hospital/

I started forgetting about his character. They mentioned him recently and I was like, oh yeah.

https://parade.com/tv/general-hospital-star-reveals-surprising-new-career-move

💉A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

Chef Anthony is back and was showing pictures of his beautiful black kitty. It was a charter of gay porn stars, which Captain Kerry had no problem pointing out that Fraser would love. The guests marveled at the skylight where they were going to do a few nude moments. Solène was still a pita and Rainbeau hyperventilated over the vacuuming. I identified. Fraser had to reprimand the stews because the captain came to him in nothing but a towel because he had no uniform, and he was pissed. For Parisian night, there were two chefs and a talent show. The captain had a talk with bosun Caio about things like the banana floating away.

Next Gen NYC

Once again, Charlie was the man of the hour, triggering Riley with micro-aggressions about being scary. He apologized, then behind her back said he didn’t mean it. Brooks has a boyfriend and his dad was trying to be cool, asking about the boyfriend’s body count – he just learned it! – and telling Brooks not to give his heart away before knowing this info. He also thought he should mentor Charlie and I cringed my way through their meeting. Ew. Too much sex talk from a guy I didn’t want to hear it from. Gia had a party and everybody hauled ass out to New Jersey, albeit on a private bus. And several brought laundry.

The Valley

Jax. This guy. He says all the right things, then ten seconds later acts like a d-bag. I was impressed by Zack calling him out after he went on about how many hours of therapy he had in rehab. Zach asked if he was rage texting Brittany the rest of the hours. <snort> On top of it, he blah-blah-blahed about doing the right thing in his interviews. And took the couch when he picked up his stuff. No surprise, his first order of business was to crash Zack’s party where Brittany was in attendance. He was also all hot and bothered about the party thrown for Brittany at their bar, whining that it was a big insult since he was just getting out of rehab. In Danny’s interview, he said what we were all thinking – he wasn’t sure rehab worked. Jax was no less snarky or full of himself than he was before he went in. Maybe even more so. Kristen said, all Jax knows is there’s a party and he’s got to be there. He doesn’t care what it is, who it’s for, or who’s going to be there. Jax was served and Schwartz said in terms of divorce, it was a love letter. No doubt Jax will make short work of changing that.

The Real Housewives Of Miami

Larsa and Lisa having to share a flight and a car ride was amusing after their sniping and snarling last week. Both Lisa and Larsa’s son were modeling in Milan. This whole Alexia divorce thing is a mystery to me. That guy is just yanking her chain and she can do better. And Lisa’s boyfriend Jody being friends with Larsa’s ex and her going on about it right in front of her son. Are we 12? Also mature was her decision to take a selfie with a ring light when Lisa walked the runway.

Random Reality Items

Wow. We haven’t even seen it yet and already there’s a Reunion.

Isn’t stars kind of subjective? To paraphrase Mariah Carey, I don’t know them.

I never would have thought she’d leave NYC, especially for Florida.

I kinda sorta watched her reality show and kinda sorta liked her.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy. Netflix. Documentary. I remember hearing about this at the time and feeling horrified that ten people lost their lives in the crush at Travis Scott’s concert. Using footage from people’s phones, it’s even more horrific. You can literally feel what it was like. The weirdest thing was how, in one area, people were having fun, oblivious to what was going on in other areas, where people were getting hurt or dying. There was a lot of blame to go around, but I voted for Live Nation, who made rules that it would seem were impossible to keep during a disaster. The best part was how a nurse was pulled out of the crowd before being crushed and saved another concertgoer. The saddest part was how, in the end, no individual was criminally responsible. It didn’t have to happen, yet could happen again.

https://www.undertheradarmag.com/reviews/trainwreck_the_astroworld_tragedy

Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99. Netflix. 3 episodes. The perfect example of a Pinterest fail. The idea: Duplicating the musical phenomenon that was the original Woodstock, filled with peace, love, and understanding. The Reality: Too hot, too filthy, too expensive, along with some lit candles. It was a powder keg waiting to explode. Next up in the Trainwreck line is Rob Ford, the mayor of Toronto, who has given me many amusing moments. I can’t wait.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/trainwreck-woodstock-99-tv-review-2022

Creep 2. Netflix. Another work of budget genius. Serial killer * is at it again, this time with a female protagonist. Or is she? And again an ending that I saw coming, then didn’t.

Mild spoilers.

Spoilers, but I thought this was an excellent article. I hadn’t considered the parallel between the film and the horror film industry as a whole.

https://certifiedforgotten.com/creep-2

Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster. Netflix. The main focus is on OceanGate’s CEO Stockton Rush and how he brushed aside naysayers while having too many yes men. Despite our penchant to reach for the stars, or in this case the depths, basic scientific concepts are kind of important. His choice to put his faith in a concept rather than a proven vessel turned out to be a deadly one.

https://slate.com/culture/2025/06/titan-oceangate-disaster-netflix-documentary-submersible-elon.html

🔮 Future Watch…

Hopefully, they’re not just releasing one episode a year.

https://okmagazine.com/p/the-last-of-us-season-3-cast-plot-release-date/?utm_source=aigeon

🐾 Facets Of Fame…

🦩 Pets who are statues.

https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/famous-dog-statues

📜 Historical pets.

🦄 Pets that don’t really exist.

https://www.ranker.com/list/best-fictional-pets/carly-kiel

🐓 Quotes of the Week

If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it. – Toni Morrison

Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance. – Samuel Johnson

You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated. – Maya Angelou

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. – John Burroughs

Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. – Annette Funicello

I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse. – Florence Nightingale

Don’t count the days, make the days count. – Muhammad Ali

I’m all right with her being gone, but where the hell did she go?Amy Slaten, 1000-lb Sisters

Happy Juneteenth

🌳 Bustin’ Out All Over…

Until next week, stay safe; stay cleaning up after yourself at the park or beach; and stay never letting anger consume you, even when you have a right to be angry.

June 13, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Maxie Sets Up Brook and Lulu, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Un-Undead, City Bear, Best In Stage, Notable Pets (!), 3 Quotes 3 Times & Have a Cup

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

At the hospital, Drew told Ric about seeing Michael and Willow together with the kids. Things were definitely thawing. Whatever reconciliation was happening, he was going put an end to it right now.

Michael called Willow and said it was nice last night with the kids, and he thought they might speak privately at the courthouse. She said she’d like that and told Nina about it. Nina said it was a good sign. Michael wanting to talk might be what they’ve been hoping for.

Lucky brought Elizabeth to work and said it was the last time he could make sure she got there.

Chase found Brook at the boathouse, and she said she felt closer to Gio there. He practiced there and loved how the sound carried. He may never play the violin again and it was all Lulu’s fault.

Rocco told Lulu that Gio wasn’t answering his texts, and Lulu admitted she could have handled it better. Rocco said both his dad and Gio were hurting, but she said it would eventually blow over.

At the pool, Ava came in and Marco approached her.  

Cody asked if Carly had a minute. How did she feel about love?

Kristina brought Wiley and Amelia to the hospital, and Lucas said he knew they were here to see… Wiley said, Daisy, and Kristina left with Amelia after parking Wiley on a bench with a snack. Lucas asked how meeting Daisy was, and Wiley said, very fun. Lucas had to go to the desk, when Drew saw Wiley sitting alone. The wheels turned in his head, and he told Ric that things had to go their way. They needed custody of Wiley and Amelia. Now that Michael had the new baby, he didn’t want them.

Marco told Ava that they’d met at Miller & Davis, and she’d sold some artwork to his father Jenz Sidwell. He was lucky he ran into her. His father needed to get a Van Gogh through customs, and he thought she might have connections. She said, no problem, and he said he didn’t even have to name drop Lucas. She asked how he knew Lucas, and he said they were dating.

Cody told Carly that every Tuesday night could be the MetroCourt’s weekly singles night at the pool with a $50 buy in. He’d get the proceeds, but when couples hit it off, they’d want to get a hotel room, and she’d get the revenue. She said it was a five-star establishment, and they didn’t rent rooms by the hour, but he said they could get influencers and sponsors. The MetroCourt pool would be the hottest hang out for wealthy singles. Who could say no to love?

Elizabeth said Lucky had a lot of goodbyes to make, and he said, none of them were as hard. She said they were 15 when they fell in love and weren’t the same people, but it was okay. He said he still loved her as much today as back then and always would. She said she loved him, but they both knew he struggled with Port Charles, and it fit him even less now. They just ended up wanting different things, but it was better they parted now than wound up unhappy. They hugged and he said, goodbye.

Brook told Chase that she begged Lulu not to say anything, but she couldn’t do it. She didn’t know if she was more furious at Lulu or her mom. Chase showed her his response to Lois’s text, saying that Brook needed space and he refused to be a go-between. Forgiveness was Brook’s choice and he supported her decision. He told Brook that she could always count on him loving her.  

Drew told Ric that Michael now had a family with Daisy and Sasha, and it was what he wanted. Wiley listened as Drew said it was the only reason Michael came back. Ric said it would make it easier for them, and Drew walked away. Ric noticed Wiley sitting on the bench and followed Drew.

Willow told Nina that maybe Jason was right. She and Michael needed to just talk, face to face, with no one else in their ear. Nina said the kids needed both parents, but the way things had been headed, she wondered if Michael was even going to get visitation.  

Ric asked if Drew’s performance was for Wiley’s sake and wondered if it was a good idea to use the kid. Drew said he hated himself for it, but he loved Willow and had to derail any softening between her and Michael. Ric asked if it would be so terrible, and Drew said, yes. Because if Willow agreed to shared custody, it would only benefit Michael. Michael was losing and knew it. Compromises weren’t good and they had to stay the course. Hopefully with Wiley’s help they would.

Michael asked Wiley, what happened? and Wiley said, Michael didn’t want him and Amelia anymore. Michael said that wasn’t true. He loved them more than anything and there wasn’t anything he wanted more. Their phone calls were what got him better. All he wanted was to come home to them. Wiley said, what about the new baby? and Michael said he’d need Wiley more than ever to be a big brother and teach Amelia how to be a big sister. Where did he get that idea to begin with? Wiley said he heard Uncle Drew say it.

Ava said Lucas was quite the catch, but Marco was no slouch himself. Marco said she might change her mind when she found out his mother was Natalia Ramirez.  

Carly said she appreciated Cody’s idea, but they had themed nights at the pool every night of the week. If that changed, she’d let him know. She loved his hustle. She left, and Cody asked Gio how he was holding up. Gio said, for a guy who just found out his whole life was a lie, he was fine. Cody asked if Gio needed money, but Gio said he was staying with Emma and her grandmother and had everything he needed.

Lucky went to Lulu’s and said he came to say goodbye. He was leaving Port Charles for good. Lulu said, when they’d talked, things with Elizabeth were going great, and he said, they were, but it couldn’t last and that was on him.

Willow told Nina that it was like old times. Not in a romantic way, but just nice. That Michael shouldn’t be kept away from his kids. Nina said Willow told her that Michael was a good dad, and Willow said she’d just been disappointed. He was acting like the old Michael, and he’d compromised in the past. She could return the favor by compromising now. Nina said, that was the way, to be open and honest, and Willow said, if that was true, why had Nina kept secrets?  

Michael, Kristina, Wiley, and Amelia looked at Daisy, and Kristina said she would need Wiley to teach her the tricks of the trade. Michael gave Wiley his phone and told him to find out which cartoons Daisy needed to know about while he talked to Aunt Kristina. He told Kristina that things were never going to get better with Drew in the picture.

Seeing Elizabeth, Lucas said all was right with the world again, and they hugged. He asked what was wrong, and she said, Lucky was leaving. She told him to go after he proposed.

Lulu said, staying in one place had never been Lucky’s thing, and he said he and Elizabeth were opposites. Her comfort was in stability. Lulu asked where he was going, but he said he didn’t know. He was going to travel with Aiden over the summer, like they did with their mom and dad. Lulu said she hated this, but it sounded like he and Elizabeth were being mature, and he said, Elizabeth was, and he was trying his hardest to be. She asked if he was sure he could walk away, and he said he loved Elizabeth too much not to.

Ava said she apologized for her part in exposing Marco’s mother’s unlovely opinions, and Marco said Lucas had told him, but he knows how deep his mother’s intolerance runs. Ava said she couldn’t imagine not accepting her child for who they were, and he said he appreciated that. Ava said she’d be in touch, and left.  

Rocco asked if Gio got his texts, and Gio said he was sorry. He was still spinning. Rocco. Rocco said he got it and was sorry, but Gio said, Rocco didn’t lie to him. Rocco said he’d never lie to his own brother.

Nina asked, what secret? (really?) and Willow said, that Michael and Sasha slept together. Nina said she just found out the other day… Willow said she wasn’t mad. She was grateful. She knew how close Nina and Sasha were and couldn’t imagine how difficult it was. Nina said she knew if she was going to make sure Willow got the kids, she needed to tell Ric. She loved Willow so much and would do anything for her. Willow told her that a lot of people said the words, but never backed them up with action. Nina did and put her first. Michael joined them and told Willow that Wiley thought he didn’t want him and Amelia anymore, and she said, because of the new baby? Wiley was thrilled to see her. Where did he get that idea? Michael said, from Drew.

Kristina went to the pool and told herself to take a deep breath. She looked up at the window and Gio asked if she was okay. She said she thought she could do it, but maybe it was a bad idea. It’s her first time back at the pool since… Gio said she was pale and suggested she sit. He’d get her some water. He brought her a bottled water and asked if he could take her to the elevator, but she told him that she said she’d do it, and she was going to. He said, if she needed him, let him know, and he left. Ava walked by on the phone, talking about the Van Gogh, and saw Cody on the end. She said she believed he was on her chaise.  

Chase said Gio would come around, but Brook said when he heard it was her choice to give him away, it shredded him. Chase suggested she give him time to process, and she said it was her choice to give him up and now he knew. Chase said she did the best she could, but she said she gave Gio away. The part that hurt most was that she didn’t want him. Chase said that’s not how it was, but Brook said, it was for Gio. He was in pain, and she caused it.

Rocco said finding out he and Gio were brothers and living together, he had no idea, and Gio said he always wanted a brother. Rocco said him too. He had Danny, but he was glad to have Gio too. Gio said, growing up, he was lonely sometimes. He was envious of people with crazy families and when his mom died, he wished he’d had even one person to go through it with him. Things were weird, but finding out he had a brother was one of the best things to come out of all these lies. Rocco said he knew it was tough with Dante. He could talk to him again and make him get it so they could move past that night.

Cody said he was so sorry and offered to get Ava a drink for commandeering her chaise. She said she wouldn’t say no to an ice tea, and he apologized again. He left as Kristina watched.

Michael said he found Wiley in tears and Wiley told him that he heard Uncle Drew saying he didn’t want him or his sister. Drew was tearing apart their family. Willow insisted he misunderstood, but he told her that Dre said it and he bet Drew meant for Wiley to overhear. Willow said, Drew would never do something like that. Wiley either misconstrued something or Michael was making it up to turn her against Drew. Drew as a good man who loved her and her children. He would never do something to hurt them. Michael told her to remember this moment, the moment she could have ended things, but refused. She chose Drew over her kids. He went into the courtroom, and Nina asked if Willow was okay, but Willow said, no. Drew asked what was wrong, and Willow said Michael claimed Wiley heard Drew say that Michael didn’t want him. Wiley is upset now, but she knew he’d never do that. He said, no, never, and hugged her. He said he was so sorry. It just showed that Michael wasn’t well, and the kids belonged with them.

Michael told Diane to stick to the plan. Do what she had to do for him to get the kids. They weren’t safe with Willow.

Ava said she had some loose ends to tie up, and Cody thanked her for chatting. He was sorry about the chair. She said, no problem, and started to leave, but Kristina asked if she was back to the scene of the crime. Ava said, days like this made you appreciate your freedom. Enjoy it. She left and Kristina saw Ava’s sunglasses on the table.

Elizabeth said it was crazy how much she and Lucky loved each other. Maybe if she was the same girl he’d met outside Kelly’s and was willing to throw caution to the winds and follow… Lucas said, but she wasn’t that girl anymore, and she said, no, but she knew her and was grateful for her. And she was grateful for the boy she met outside Kelly’s all those years ago. They would always love each other, but it wasn’t going to work this time. He said she was doing the right thing. Truly loving someone was wanting what was best for them. She said, in their case, just not each other.

Lulu said she’d miss Lucky. She was counting on him to help her through this rough patch. He said he saw the video from the Nurses Ball. Thanks to her? She said, not on purpose, and he said he took that as a yes. She said she never meant to hurt Gio. She was just trying to find out the truth.

Chase told Brook that he wanted to lash out when his world fell apart and punish everybody. He guessed Gio felt that way, but it wasn’t forever. Emotions would fade and Gio would see Brook’s decision for what it was, the ultimate sacrifice. She said, even if Gio forgave her, she didn’t know if she could forgive herself. What if Gio never allowed her to be his mother because of the secrets and lies she didn’t know about? He said there would be no keeping the big stuff from their child. They would learn from this and their child would know they were adopted as soon as possible. Brook agreed and promised she learned from her mistakes, but Lulu never would.

Gio told Rocco that he wasn’t being rude, but he wasn’t ready, and Rocco said his dad had no idea about any of this either. Gio said it didn’t matter. Dante made it clear what he thought of him, and he didn’t care if Dante changed his mind because they were related. He got that Rocco loved his father, but Dante meant nothing to him

Ric called Willow as his next witness. He said she had two children and had been married two years, correct? and she said, yes. He asked if she believed Michael was a good father, and she said she used to believe that more than anything. He said, and now? and she said, absolutely not.

Kristina approached Cody, and he said, hello Molly’s sister. She asked how he would like to make some money.

Lucas said there was power in acceptance, and Elizabeth said she was proud of her and Lucky. Staying together would end in heartbreak. He said, she did the responsible thing, and she asked why it hurt so much. They hugged.

Lucky said Lulu was just trying to do the right thing and one day Gio and Dante would be able to see that. Lulu said she hoped so, and Lucky said he was taking off. She was in charge of holding all things down that were Spencer. She said she was up for the challenge. Was he sure she couldn’t convince him to stay? Lucky said she was the reason he came back, and he was so glad he did. The one thing he’d change was that he wished he’d been the match that saved her. She said he’d saved her more times than he realized. He said, back at her. And if she ever needed him… She said, use the bat signal? and he said, or text. He loved her. She said she loved him to, they hugged, and she cried.

Rocco said he got that Gio wasn’t ready to talk about their dad and didn’t want people to treat him differently. But they’d always gotten along. If they hung out more, it wouldn’t be a big change. Gio suggested they put the brother stuff on the back burner and go back to just being friends, and Rocco said he’d like that. See him soon? Gio said he could count on it, and Rocco left.

Brook thanked Marco for coming to the boathouse. She reached out before he was new in Port Charles and she needed a lawyer with no ties or conflict of interest. Did he have any ties to Lulu Spencer? He said, none that he was aware of, and she suggested they get started. (I like it!)

Willow said it was more obvious after the fire when Michael chose to go to Germany for treatment rather than Baltimore where he’d be closer. Ric said, and the children could visit, and Willow said, before that, work at Aurora and ELQ made him miss things like school events, sports, family dinners, and weekend trips. Ric asked if that was difficult for Wiley and Amelia, and she said very. It converted the message that Michael liked the idea of being a father more than the act of being one.  Ric said, beyond Michael’s family’s violent lifestyle, it was clearly an abandonment issue, and Willow said she tried to keep it civil. She even flew to Germany, but Michael refused to see her. She tried, but Michael couldn’t or wouldn’t meet her halfway. Michael wrote something on a pad, showing it to Diane, and Ric said, no further questions. Diane said, Willow testified under oath that the children were her number one priority, and Willow said, yes. Diane said, so tell her and the court honestly, which was more important, being with them or being with Drew Cain?

Tuesday:

Tracy found Brook at the boathouse and asked if Jenz Sidwell’s son just left. Brook said he was a lawyer, and Tracy wondered who she was going to sue. Brook said, if she was, it would be her mother and grandmother, but no damages could make up for the look of pain on her son’s face.

Ava talked to Trina about an upcoming art opening. They were going all out, the whole shebang. The nightmare was over, and Ava was back.

Cody asked if Kristina needed a bartender, but she said she wanted him to seduce someone.

Martin went to Laura’s office and told her that he’d lied about where he was.

Lucky found Isaiah at the hospital and said he was there to repay a debt.

Kai went to Portia’s office and wanted to know about the congressman.

Diane asked Willow, what mattered more, being with the children or being with Drew? and Willow said Michael had given her a similar ultimatum. He’d grant her access to the children, but only if she left Drew. The hearing was really about her relationship with Drew. Why should she have to choose?

Tracy said Lois and Gloria had betrayed Brook, and Brook said she’d given them the boot. Her mother only thought about how it affected her, yet she’d lied to her, Gio, and everyone. Her whole life she’d tried to live up to their expectations and be good and honest. Look where it had gotten her.

Martin said he’d told Laura that he’d taken care of the unpleasantness with his ex-wife, but he was in a jail cell in Lodi. All of his ex-wives had gotten together and decided to strip him of his assets. He was broke.

Cody said he thought it was progressive of Kristina. He’d always felt Alexis was attractive… She told him, stop. God no. He said, then who? and she said she wanted him to seduce Ava. He said, why her?

Ava said she was able to refinance her second property and Jenz Sidwell had made several large purchases. It was touch and go for a while, and she wouldn’t have gotten though without Trina’s help. Trina said she was there when Ava needed her, except for tomorrow. She was going to GH with Kai for his post-op scan. She was still worried, but it was Kai’s choice. Ava asked why it still wasn’t sitting right with her, and Trina said it was hard to accept Kai getting closer to Drew, even though she got why he felt grateful. Ava said Trina’s original assessment of Drew was spot-on and she advised Trina to be careful around that man.

Kai thanked Portia for inviting him to the barbecue. It was really fun and great to meet Trina’s granddad, but he owed her and Curtis an apology. He shouldn’t have gone on about Drew. He tried not to judge and make up his own mind about a person, but didn’t understand how someone so good to him didn’t get along with them. Portia said it had nothing to do with anyone else, and he said he knew there was an issue at Aurora between Drew and Curtis. Was there something else he wasn’t seeing about Drew?

Diane said, going back to the beginning of the affair, what happened? and Willow said she and Drew fell in love. She tried to stay away from him, but she couldn’t. Diane asked if Drew pursued her, but she said, no. Diane said, she pursued him? but she said, no. Diane wondered if they’d fallen in love for no reason, and Ric objected, saying Diane was badgering the witness. Judge Haran overruled it, and Willow said she didn’t understand what this had to do with her ability to be a mother. Diane said, it had no bearing on the affair? Even them having sex on the floor of the children’s nursery?

Lucky gave Isaiah the deed to a cabin by the lake that his dad built. He wanted Isaiah to have it. He wouldn’t be able to use it because he was leaving Port Charles.

Brook said she’d tried to live up to their standards and they were total hypocrites, and Tracy said, now she knew who they were. She didn’t have to please or defend them. She was free. Brook said her son was still a Cerullo, but Tracy said, he was still a Quartermaine, like Brook. Brook said as soon as Lulu came at her, she should have ground Martin down for information. She should have looked for her son.  

Ava said, the congressman was very cunning, and Trina had a right to be concerned about what he had in mind for Kai. Trina said she knew what Drew was capable of and didn’t like it, but she was going along for Kai’s sake. Ava said, Portia had to deal with Drew because of the Pediatric Sports Initiative (🍷), and Trina said Portia had been stressed. Maybe that was why.

Portia told Kai that Curtis and Drew were best friends, then Drew changed. They hardly recognized him. Kai wondered why, and Portia said Drew had gone to prison for insider trading. While he was there, he was attacked and nearly died. She didn’t know if that was why, but once he got out, he was opportunistic, selfish, and extremely manipulative. He was willing to use anyone to get what he wants. That’s why she, Trina, and Curtis were so concerned. He asked how he could turn his back on someone who’d done so much for him, but Portia said they’d never ask him to do that. She just wanted him to be aware of the kind of person Drew really was. She and Curtis had trusted him, and he did things to hurt them. They didn’t want Drew to exploit Kai. Kai asked if she thought Drew was capable of that, and she said she knew he was.

Willow said she and Drew didn’t plan on it. Sam had just died. Diane said, so the only way to comfort him was to have sex in the nursery. In that instant, she’d put Drew’s needs ahead of her children’s. They could have come in at any point and seen them in flagrante delicto. Ric objected for badgering again, and the judge sustained it. Diane said, when Michael was at General Hospital being treated for third degree burns, did Willow bar the family’s access to him? Willow says, because… Diane said, yes, or no? and Willow said, yes, but… Diane said Willow wasn’t so sure of her course of action. What convinced her otherwise? Willow said Drew helped her realize it was the only way to get her children back from the Quartermaines. Diane asked why she didn’t consult Michael before taking Wiley to Drew’s inauguration in DC, and Willow said, Wiley waws excited and she and Drew thought it was a great opportunity. Diane said, when Michael chose to seek treatment in Germany, it frustrated her. She didn’t want the best possible medical treatment for him? Willow said, of course (🍷) she did, but she didn’t think he’d abandon his children. Diane said, to choose the best treatment was abandoning his children, and Willow said, yes. Diane asked why she chose to move Wiley and Amelia into Drew’s home without consulting Michael, and Willow said she and Drew felt it was the best stable home. Diane asked how the children felt, and Willow said, they loved it. Diane asked if they’d expressed a desire to return to their own home, and Willow admitted they’d asked to move back home.

Cody asked why Kristina was going after Ava and why she thought Ava would be into him. Kristina said Ava was easily distracted and Cody was charming and a shiny new object. She wanted to help Ric see how horrible she was. She was looking out for Molly. He said Molly was pretty great, and she said, Molly was amazing. She loved her father and was appalled that he was dating Ava. Molly hated Ava as much as she did. If not for Ava, she wouldn’t have fallen and lost their baby. Ava was the reason her brother Morgan was dead, and if Cody could come between Ava and Ric, he’d be doing a good thing, and she’d make it worth his while.

Ava asked how Trina’s parents were acting weird, and Trina said Marshall came for a visit and they were having a family get together, but her parents had a vibe, and it wasn’t the first time. Ava asked, when was the first time? and Trina said, since the Nurses Ball. They left early, saying they had to work, but she felt there was something more happening. Ava said relationships went through phases and it was normal. There was nothing to worry about. Trina said Ava was probably right. She was sure she was making a big deal of nothing.

Martin told Laura that it was embarrassing. He was so skint, he couldn’t afford his room and he was wondering if he could impose on her and Doc and move in for a while. Laura said, of course (🍷). Lulu just moved out and Lucky was spending all his time with Elizabeth. She was hoping it would become permanent. They had plenty of room. They hugged and she said he could stay as long as he liked. He said he was going to get back on his feet even though his most lucrative client was in prison for life. He was going to make a full financial recovery, and Tracy Quartermaine was going to pay for it.

Tracy said what if Brook had looked and it led to Gio. He could still be just as angry. Brook said only if he knew who she was. She wouldn’t have wanted to destroy his memories of Camilla. She wished she’d come clean on her own terms instead of keeping Lois and Gloria’s secrets. She’d begged Lulu to keep quiet. Tracy said she thought she’d convinced Lulu too. She was sorry. Brook said she was going to remind people never to come for Brook Lynn Quartermaine, and Tracy asked if by people, she meant Lulu. Brook asked if she didn’t think Lulu needed to be held accountable.

Diane asked why Willow didn’t want shared custody, and Willow said she loved her children and had wanted their father to be in their lives. Diane asked why she used the past tense, and Willow said, up until an hour ago, she thought it was possible. Michael seemed open to compromise. They were getting along last night, showing Wiley and Amelia their new baby sister. Diane asked, what changed? and Willow said, Michael gave in to his animosity for Drew. Before the hearing, he approached her and made it clear he wouldn’t agree to a joint custody arrangement, so she had no other option than to petition for full custody. Diane asked if she thought she was the perfect parent, but Willow said she’d made mistakes. She regretted the way her marriage ended, but when she fell in love with Drew, her marriage was already over. She and Michael were going through the motions and neither one of them was able to admit it.

Ric said, for months, Willow was the primary caretaker of the children, and she said, when Michael was in Germany, she was the sole parent. Drew was a godsend. He helped them move into a safe home. He cared for them, read to them, and played with them. He made them feel safe and loved. She might have made mistakes, but she was Wiley and Amelia’s mother, and they belonged with her.

Lucky told Isaiah that he’d proposed, but it didn’t take. Part of him was heartbroken, but the rest felt like he knew it was the right thing for both of them and Aiden. Isaiah asked why he didn’t give the cabin to his son, but Lucky said, Aiden told him that his wilderness phase ended when he was a PC Pioneer. Isaiah saved his sister’s life, and he couldn’t begin to thank him. Isaiah said Lucky got him out of Sidwell’s compound and was almost killed. Lucky said rescue missions and life or death poker games were his jams, and Isaiah said, when they met, he said he was soul searching, but he was hiding. Coming to Port Charles, he found a place to practice and found a place to live. He faced himself. Because of Lucky and his sister, he was back in the OR. If anybody owed anything, Isaiah owed him. Lucky said Isaiah was welcome and they hugged. He told Isaiah that he had to take off, and Isaiah said, good luck. Lucky told Isaiah to fix the place up for him. Isaiah owed him.

Kai thanked Portia for her time and said he thought now that he knew Drew’s background better, he understood why Trina didn’t trust him. Portia said, a word of advice. Drew didn’t have to be an issue for him and Trina. Focus on what brings them together.

Judge Haran said both sides had given her a lot to consider. She’d be making a propriety determination on which parent should get custody and would keep the welfare of the children first and foremost in her mind. They’d be notified when she reached a verdict. Court was adjourned. Drew hugged Willow and said she was great. Carly said, what now? and Diane said they waited and hoped the judge made the right decision.  

Tracy said she thought Brook made up her mind, and Brook said she’d tried to live down the Dante and Lulu thing and make up for it. Tracy said she did more than make up for it, and Brook said she should have been more like Tracy. Tracy was who she was and made zero excuses for it. She’d do anything for her family and didn’t pretend otherwise. Mess with her and she’d mess right back. Tracy said she loved seeing this strength, but Brook needed to know that exercising that strength came at a cost.

Cody said he got that Kristina was looking out for her sister, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to get mixed up with Ava. Kristina said she’d make it worth his while, and he asked, how? She said she had resources. She was good for it. He said he wasn’t un-interested, but needed to know she was serious. She asked his terms, and he said, cash, money up front, and he wouldn’t tell what she was up to.

Trina said she was happy Ava was back on her feet, and the gallery was safe. Port Charles wouldn’t be the same without it. Ava said she’d had some lucky breaks, and Ric had been a help. Trina said she noticed ava and Ric had been spending a lot of time together, and Ava said Ric was a good man. She was getting to know him on a professional and personal level. Trina asked if she was happy, and Ava said she thought she was. Trina said, if Ava was happy, she was happy.

Laura suggested Martin settle in before he declared war with Tracy, and Martin said he wasn’t kidding. Tracy was going to foot the bill for his pain and suffering. Laura said she’d steer clear of Tracy, but he said Tracy had it coming. Laura said her home was his home, but if he broke one law in getting back at Tracy… Martin said she had his word. He was being meticulous, thorough, and 100% legit. For once, the law was on his side.

Tracy told Brook that she’d spent most of her adult life wrangling her great-grandparents. No doubt she would have lived a happier life if she’d stepped away from the conflict instead of leaning in. Were scheming and conflicts where Brook wanted to put her energy, or having a relationship with her son and strengthening her marriage? It was amazing that she’d found the love of her life. Brook said Tracy had Luke, and Tracy said she did, but she had five or more marriages before him. The grifter, three mobsters, and a serial killer… and two other marriages to Luke. Brook is in a different position than she was. Brook was surrounded by good people who loved her. She wanted Brook to think carefully before she put her energy and strength toward revenge.

Trina said she wondered if Ric was right for Ava. She knew his reputation because of Josslyn. Ava said Josslyn was hardly objective, and Trina said he fought to get Heather released. She got that it was his job, but she thought Ava was great and wanted him to be worthy of her.

Cody said it wasn’t going to happen overnight and Kristina said she wasn’t being impulsive. She’d thought it through and was playing the long game. He said he’d have to access the situation, for a fee, and she said, how much? He said $1000 would get her a trial run, and she said here was his way in, handing him the sunglasses. They had a deal.

Lucky knocked at Laura’s office door, and she asked what was on his mind. He said he needed to tell her that he was sorry, but he was going to disappoint her again. She said he was leaving, wasn’t he?

Portia left a message for Nina and said she was calling again. Call her back. She knew Nina was busy, but she needed to find Jacinda. It was an emergency. Portia threw her phone and said, dammit! The phone nearly hit Isaiah, who was standing in the doorway.

Brook said she appreciated the warning, but thought Tracy was underestimating her. She could love Chase and be a good wife and build a relationship with her son. Tracy said she was concerned about the revenge, but Brook said she didn’t look at it as revenge. She was being true to herself. She was doing what she felt was right, fair, and just.

Michael said Willow held her own better than he thought she would, and Carly said Willow may think she had the last word, but the judge would see through it. He said he hoped she was right. Something wasn’t making sense. Was she sure Willow went to Germany? Carly said, Jason convinced her to go, and he said, then why did no one tell him that she was there?

Willow thanked Nina for her support, and Nina said she’d do anything for Willow. Willow said she couldn’t believe Michael would lie about something Wiley said. It made her more certain she was doing the right thing. As if Drew would ever say such a thing.

Ric told Drew that he hoped the outcome was what Drew was hoping for. He did what he could. Drew said so did he. Staging the scene in front of Wiley guaranteed there would be no compromise between Michael and Willow. Ric said he guessed when you went up against the Quartermaines, you had to pull out all the stops, and Drew said, Willow stood strong. They were going to win. (I say, no, they won’t, because Willow said Drew’s name one too many times, and obviously excluded Michael from all decisions.)

Wednesday:

Lucky told Laura that he wanted to make it work, but this wasn’t where he belonged, at least not right now. She asked if he genuinely believed this was what was best for him, and he said he was. She said then there was nothing to apologize for.

At the hospital, Martin approached Elizabeth and said he was looking for a client. She asked what their name was, and he said that remained to be seen.

Trina and Kai went to the pool, and Kai said he had something he needed to tell her. When he was at her parents’, he heard something he wasn’t supposed to.

Isaiah asked if everything was okay, and Portia said it was a spam call. He said he was worried it had something to do with her lying to her husband.

Felicia went to Curtis’s office and asked why he wanted to see her. He said he wanted to hire her.

Nina said she thought Willow handled herself well on the stand. She was steady, calm, focused, and fought for her children. Willow said Ric had her prepared, but she wished things hadn’t gone so far, and Nina told her that Michael said something about Wiley overhearing Drew say Michael didn’t want Wiley and Amelia. Willow insisted Drew would never say that. It showed Michael was even willing to lie about Wiley.

Sonny asked how it went, and Jason said the judge was making her decision. Michael said he didn’t know, but him losing was a definite possibility, and if he did, he was taking Wiley and Amelia and leaving the country.

Lucky said he’d felt guilty that he was gone when Laura and Lulu needed him most. He’d promised not to abandon them again. Laura said he hadn’t abandoned them. There were times he left when he had to and times he was running away, but this time it felt like he was going because it was what was best for him. What changed? Lucky said he’d asked Elizabeth to marry him and she wisely turned him down.

Elizabeth asked if Martin’s client was a patient, and he asked her to point him in the direction of any patient who was feeling litigious. She said, so he was ambulance chasing, and he said he had no choice thanks to Tracy and his ex-wives. Elizabeth was just in a car accident and might be entitled to compensation. Elizabeth was like, thanks, but no thanks, when Tracy came out of the elevator. She asked, who let Martin out?

Kai said Trina’s mom and dad were talking about the escort who was partying with Drew. Her dad said he wanted to find her and have her claim that Drew paid her for sex and took the ketamine on purpose. He said they couldn’t figure out their marriage until her mom was safe and her mom wasn’t safe until he found the escort.

Curtis said he knew Felicia had stepped away from P.I. work, but he admired her skill and professionalism. She said she felt the same way about him. Why did he need her? He said he was too busy at Aurora to tackle a project and was hoping she’d be interested in moonlighting. She said, what’s the job? And he said, it was less a what and more of a who. He wanted her to locate someone off the grid who was a key part in a major story Aurora was running, an escort named Jacinda… She said, the escort seen with Drew doing body shots? and he said, that’s the one.

Portia said she didn’t know what Isaiah meant, and he closed the door. He said, the last time he came to her office he overhead her conversation, and she said, he eavesdropped. He said he didn’t need to. Anyone could have heard, but it happened to be him. She asked what he heard, and he said, if her husband found out she was lying, her marriage would be over. She asked what he wanted, and he said it was obvious something was weighing on her. If she needed to vent before things got worse, he was available.

Willow said she thought they’d had a breakthrough when she saw the version of Michael that she used to know, and Nina wondered if his change in attitude was because of what Drew said. Willow told her it was what Michael claimed he said, and Nina said, maybe Wiley heard something. Willow said, anything was possible, but it was more likely that Michael was doing what he had to in order to get sole custody. Nina asked if she thought Michael was lying, and Willow said she thought he was trying to manipulate her. First, he showed her the side she fell in love with, and when she let her guard down, the real Michael showed up. If he made her uncertain and vulnerable, he’d swoop in and take her children. She wasn’t going to let that happen.

Sonny said Michael didn’t sound optimistic, and Michael said Willow came off as sympathetic and the truth about the baby might have been enough. Carly asked if he was going to leaved his life behind. What about Sasha and Daisy? Michael said he and Sasha would cross that bridge when they came to it. Drew set Wiley up and he didn’t want the kids around Drew anymore. Willow thought he was a liar and Drew walked on water when Drew was actively hurting his kids. Willow wouldn’t see it, so they couldn’t be with her.

Laura said it must have been hard for Elizabeth too, and Lucky said she didn’t turn him down because she didn’t love him. They loved each other and wanted what was best for each other. They’d taken different paths and needed different things. It was better they acknowledged that now. If they didn’t, they’d just end up hurting each other.

Tracy asked if Martin had been released early from the pokey, and he said his ex-wives had bled him dry thanks to her. She said she’d gotten handwritten notes and Blair’s floral arrangement was decadent. His exes had good taste, except in men obviously. Martin said she should be nicer to him. She just might need his services sooner than she might think.

Trina wondered what Drew had to do with her parents’ marriage, and Kai said he was just telling her what he’d heard and wished he hadn’t. He got the impression her dad wanted to track down the escort and pay her to lie about Drew.

Curtis said he wanted Felicia to nail down Jacinda’s location and circle back to him, and she said she was guessing someone paid her to leave town and stay hidden. It might be tough to track her down. He said he’d make it worth her time, and she said she could absolutely find Jacinda, but needed assurance that had nothing to do with money.

Isaiah said Portia was an excellent physician and a fantastic administrator. She seemed stressed. Maybe for her own sake, she should take a step back. Portia said he was out of line, but he said he didn’t think he was. If she kept going like this, she was going to make a mistake. She said she appreciated his concern, but strain and stress were part of the job. She was fine, and as far as her marriage went, that was none of his business. He said, understood, and left.

Carly said Michael couldn’t leave his new baby, and Michael said he didn’t want to, but what choice did he have? He’d promised to let Sasha raise the baby on her own terms and his kids were his everything. Daisy had her mom, so he had to put Wiley and Amelia’s interests first. Jason said he’d be there if Sasha need anything, and Sonny said he’d be there for everything. Michael said he never wanted to keep Daisy a secret, but was respecting Sasha’s wishes. It didn’t help with custody. Carly said, now that the truth was out, it might cost Michael when the judge ruled.

Isaiah told Elizabeth that he was down one best friend and up one cabin. It was a gift from Lucky. Elizabeth said, he never mentioned it, and Isaiah said, maybe they had other things to talk about. Was she okay? She said, yeah, and he said he was a little surprised when she told Lucky to go. She said Port Charles was where Lucky was from, not where he belonged, and Isaiah said Lucky wanted to be with her. Why not roll the dice? She said it was tempting and would have been great for ten minutes, but it wouldn’t work and they’d both be heartbroken again.

Laura said love stories didn’t really have fairytale endings in real life, and Lucky said he’d like to think once in a while they did. She and his dad weren’t big on fairytales. Laura said they liked adventures. She never questioned Lucky’s need to be out in the world, seeing it, saving it, changing it. She was grateful he came home and reconnected with the people he loved and who loved him and would always love him no matter where he went.

Trina said Tracy being arrested for drugging Drew made no sense, and Kai asked if it was possible. She said she didn’t know, but Drew had screwed over her father and destroyed his own nephew’s marriage. He was a politician trying to save his career, so he could be lying. Kai said, what if he wasn’t?

Curtis asked, what kind of assurance? and Felicia said she was guessing Jacinda didn’t anticipate the full-blown media circus. She needed to know that if she located Jacinda and Jacinda chose to stay hidden, she’d honor that. He said he had no intention of sensationalizing it. He just wanted to talk with her and make her an offer. If she refused, he’d respect that. Felicia said, in that case, they had a deal, and they shook hands. There was a knock at the door and Jordan said she was sorry for interrupting, but Felicia said she was just leaving. She left, and Jordan said, let her guess. He hired Felicia to track down Jacinda.

Nina said, if Michael was warm and caring, did Willow think they could reach a compromise? and Willow said she wanted to. The kids loved their dad and missed him when he was gone. But if he was willing to lie about the children and Drew, what else was he willing to lie about? How could she trust him? Drew came in and said Willow was incredible in court. She was about to get her kids back because of it. She showed what kind of person and mother shew was. She could have had it in the bag when Sasha took the stand and said she was pregnant. As soon as the truth was out, it was game over.

Carly said if Michael took the kids out of the country, it was kidnapping and there was no coming back from that. Michael said it wasn’t a move he was making lightly, and she said, what about his family, his brothers and sisters he was leaving behind? He said he didn’t want to, but it was no life without his kids. They were his first priority, but not Willow’s. She asked if Willow didn’t entertain the possibility that Drew said what he did, but Michael said, he could do no wrong in Willow’s eyes. She might trust him with the kids, but he couldn’t.

Tracy asked why she’d need Martin, and he asked if she wasn’t out on bail. She was facing charges of drugging a sitting congressman. She said she was framed, and he said they found the evidence in her car. She said, Drew put it there. Did he think anybody would believe she was stupid enough to keep evidence in her car of a crime she’d committed? He said he didn’t know, but she had a checkered past. He’d had plenty of time to do the research and there were all kinds of ways Drew could make her life miserable. Maybe he should talk to Drew about them.

Jordan told Curtis that Felicia was one of the best P.I.s to find someone off the grid – present company excluded. She had no doubt Felicia could track down Jacinda. Curtis said, the question was, what could he get Jacinda to say about her involvement with Drew?

Trina wondered why her father would pay an escort to make up a story about Drew, and Kai said he didn’t know. It seemed like he wanted to protect her mom. She asked if he thought it was connected to the woman they thought drugged Drew, and he said he thought that’s what it sounded like, but she said, it made no sense. She didn’t know what was going on, but she was sure there was an explanation. Kai asked what she wanted to do.

Drew said Michael’s lies came to light, but Willow put the ugliness aside and delivered her husband’s mistress’s baby. She’s practically a saint. Willow said she was a nurse and Sasha was in labor, but he said it was more than that. The judge would see that Michael deserved to lose his kids, and when she got full custody, they could put it behind them and get a fresh start in DC. Willow said she wouldn’t relax until the kids were back with her. She needed to get some air and would be back soon. She left, and Nina asked if Drew meant one word of what he just said.

Sonny said, whatever Michael needed, he was there, and Michael asked what Jason thought. Jason said he thought Michael was doing what he thought was right for the kids. He’d do what he promised and look out for Sasha and Daisy and get them to visit. Whatever Michael decided. Michael thanked Jason for looking out for them when he couldn’t, and Jason said, of course (🍷). Michael said Carly was being too quiet, and Carly said she thought he was wrong and making a huge mistake. There had to be another way. If he crossed that line, he’d be a fugitive in the eyes of the court and make Drew and Willow right. He said he could live with that as long as the kids were safe. They were out of time, and he couldn’t leave the children with Willow and Drew. He was going to pick up Wiley and Amelia and take them to the park, and he left.  

Lucky guessed it was time to head to the airport, and Laura told him to give Aiden a hug and send lots of pictures. Wherever he ended up, try a little harder to keep in touch. Let her know how and where he was once in a while. He promised, and she said she was grateful he came home. She was going to miss him. She hugged him and cried. She said she was happy he was here and wanted him to know he had her blessing to go. He said it meant the world to him and thanked her for the welcome home. Also, for letting him go. She said if he ever needed her, she was there. She would always be his mom.  

Isaiah told Elizabeth that Aiden would have an amazing time. He was coming back, but Lucky wasn’t. It may be the last time she’d see him in who knew how long. Was she sure she’d said everything she needed to?

Jordan said Curtis was taking a chance. He was not the only one with a Drew problem and might not be the only one searching for Jacinda. Curtis said that’s why he needed to get to her first, and she said, what then? He said, it stayed between them, and she said she trusted him with her cover working for Sidwell. He could trust her with this. He said he intended to find Jacinda and pay her to tell him a story on record that would protect Portia and destroy Drew. Jordan said, if it worked, it would solve his problem, but what if it created another?

Trina said they wouldn’t do anything, unless Kai had a better idea, and he said, maybe she should talk to her parents. She said, ask them if they were planning on paying a sex worker to defraud the congressman? She didn’t know what was going on, but it was none of their business. She trusted her parents, but didn’t trust Drew. She was asking him to let it go. He said she was right. it was none of their business, and suggested they get in the pool.

At the airport, Aiden thanked Lucky for taking him, and Lucky said he hoped it was the first of many trips. He had so many places to show Aiden. Aiden asked how long they’d be in Paris, and Lucky said it was a pit stop for now and they’d circle back. they were going to start with his grandpa’s old stomping grounds, Amsterdam. Lucky got a text from Elizabeth: Wait for me.

Nina said Drew was enjoying this, but Willow wasn’t. It was tearing her apart. He said he wasn’t enjoying it. He wasn’t the bad guy; Michael was. She said, from where she was standing, it was a photo finish. Everyone was getting along great, and they could have reached a compromise, but then suddenly, something changed. Wiley apparently heard that his father no longer wanted him and Amelia because of the new baby. He wouldn’t know anything about that, would he?

Carly told Sonny that they just got Michael back. She couldn’t lose him and her grandchildren. Talk to him. Sonny said he hated this, but Carly said he seemed ready to put Michael on a jet. He said she’d do the same, and Jason said, Carly was in the courtroom. Was it as bad as Michael thinks? Sonny’s phone rang and he left to take the call.

Willow was in the park when Wiley ran up to her and hugged her. She looked up and saw Michael with Amelia.

Tracy asked if Martin was digging up dirt on her. They both knew he didn’t have the money to rent a bulldozer. He said it would be harder for her to dig her way out of the charge. His help was going to cost her.

Jordan said she’d be a bad friend not to say that so far, Jacinda had been discreet, for a price. Portia had a Drew problem, but if he pursued Jacinda, he might have a Jacinda problem. In paying the escort to lie about the congressman, he would muddy himself and risk losing everything – his reputation, his integrity, maybe even his freedom. He could end up in prison or under Drew’s thumb for the rest of his life. He said it was a risk he was going to take. He and Portia shared a child, and he couldn’t have the mother of his daughter go down by Drew’s hand. He’d rather have a Jacinda problem than have Portia lose her medical license or go to prison. He wasn’t going to let that happen.

Nina wondered if Drew was depraved enough to set up her sweet grandson and tell him that his father no longer wanted him because he had a new baby. Even Drew couldn’t be that cruel. Drew said, what Wiley heard was exactly what Willow and the judge needed to hear. And when her daughter got full custody of her grandchildren, Nina would agree.

Carly told Jason that she saw what Michael saw. Willow clinging to Drew and Drew having no remorse. Jason asked if she thought it would go in Michael’s favor, but she said she didn’t know. Who was to say who the judge would believe? Jason said he could see why Michael thought he had to go, and Carly said she hated it. He said him too, and she said she thought she couldn’t stand Willow and Drew before. Their selfishness cost her not only Michael, but Wiley and Amelia.

Michael told Wiley to look out for his sister, and the kids ran off to play. Willow said she guessed they had the same idea, and he said, the kids loved the park. She said she couldn’t count how many times they’d brought the kids here together, and he said, good times. She said, they were… It didn’t have to be this way. He said, it didn’t. She made a choice. They both made choices. Willow’s phone rang and it was the courthouse. Michael said, they must have reached a decision.

In her office, Laura took a picture of Lucky as a child out of her wallet. She kissed it and said, my baby. She held it to her heart.

An airline guy told Lucky that he needed to board, and Lucky said his son was already on the plane. He was waiting for his son’s mother. Could he have five minutes? The guy said, one, and Elizabeth ran in saying she was there. She said he waited for her, and Lucky said he’d always wait for her. He noticed she had no luggage, and said, for a second, he thought maybe she was coming. She said she’d thought about it, but couldn’t let him leave without him know she did love him. That hadn’t changed and she’d never stop loving him. He said he loved her too, more than ever, and she told him, be happy. Take care of himself, yes? He said, yes, and she said, get Aiden home safely. He promised and the guy said it was time. They kissed, and he said he’d still think of her whenever he saw something beautiful. He said, goodbye, and gave her one last look before walking onto the ramp. She sighed and said, bye, Lucky.

Thursday:

Sonny got into a car in the hospital parking lot and Natalia was in the driver’s seat. She said she was in serious trouble, and so was he.

Kristina went to Alexis’s office and said she thought she just solved their problem with Ava.

Cody went to the gallery and Ava asked if she could help him. He said, no, but he thought he could help her.

Elizabeth met Laura in the breakroom, and Laura said she wanted to check in with Elizabeth about Lucky. Elizabeth said she was sorry. Laura had every right to blame her for Lucky leaving town.

Willow said the judge was fast and wondered what it meant, but Drew said he had no idea. His gut instinct said the woman Michael cheated with giving birth during the hearing was not a good look.

Drew said it had to be a good sign and that the judge was going to award the kids to Willow, but Ric said, not necessarily. She could have decided on shared custody. Willow said she’d rather not. It was already uncomfortable. She ran into Michael in the park with the kids, but they barely had a chance to talk before they were called back. Michael came into the courtroom with his supporters, and asked if Jason made arrangements in case things didn’t go their way. Jason said he’d be in the air before anyone realized the kids were gone.

Alexis asked what Kristina did to solve their problem, and Kristina said Alexis told her that the only way to stop the blackmail was for Ava and Ric to turn on each other and break up their united front. Alexis said she told Kristina to leave it to her, but Kristina said the opportunity fell in her lap and she had to take it. She hired someone to seduce Ava.

Ava asked how Cody thought he could help her, and he said she’d left some pretty fancy looking sunglasses at the pool. He handed them to her and she said they were her favorite pair. She couldn’t believe she left them. He said it was exciting to see the works of art, and she thanked him for finding her sunglasses. A less honest person would have kept them. He said they looked better on her than on him, and she asked who he knew where to bring them. She didn’t recall giving him her name.

Laura hugged Elizabeth and said she didn’t blame her, but Elizabeth said if she’d told Lucky yes, he would have stayed. Laura said they both would have ended up miserable. She was grateful that Elizabeth knew Lucky would never be content in Port Charles, even though she was happy having him here. She knew he’d be happy traveling the world and helping people, and Elizabeth gave him the opportunity to make that choice with no regrets. Laura was grateful to her.

Sonny asked, what kind of trouble? and Natalia said it was risky for her to be talking to him. Yesterday, after they talked at the pool, she was pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence. She was upset after talking to Marco and drank more than she should have. She was ashamed of herself, but lucky that it wasn’t worse. It wasn’t her first offense, and she was facing up to five years in prison. Unless… Sonny said, unless what? and she said unless she helped ADA Turned build a case against him.

Judge Haran said the request for divorce was hereby granted. The marriage was dissolved. Willow got the 2024 Range Rover, the art collection, and any jewelry and clothing she acquired during the marriage. But what was of the utmost importance was the determination of custody of the two minor children.

Alexis asked if Kristina hired a gigolo, but Kristina said she didn’t hire a professional. She hired Cody Bell. She saw him and Ava bump into each other and there was something there. Ava was taken with him. Alexis asked if she thought Ava would dump Ric for Cody, and Kristina said it would take come work on Cody’s part, but she thought in time, Cody would have Ava eating out of the palm of his hand.

Cody said he wasn’t stalking Ava. Everyone knew who Ava Jerome was. Her reputation proceeded her. Ava said, not in a good way, and he said he preferred to make his own conclusions about people. His reputation wasn’t too great either. She said, in her book, he was a hero. The sunglasses were from a special collection that was sold out and she wasn’t telling him how much they cost. He said the gallery must be doing well. He’d driven by and wanted to come in, but he knew nothing about art. She said, so he was interested in or curious about art, and he said, definitely. He’d love it if she’d explain it to him. She said she loved talking about art and was happy to share her knowledge. She had time right now.

Sonny said they both knew Natalia had nothing to offer Turner. He’d never confided anything about his alleged illegal activities. She had nothing that would incriminate him. She said, actually, she did. And if she gave Turner what she had, he could be put in prison for a long time.

Judge Haran said there were different factors to consider in determining the custody of young children and it came down to which parent was better suited to keep them safe and secure and would put their welfare and best interests above all else. Mrs. Corinthos had exclusive custody since December 12th, 2024, and moved them from home to home four times. She transported Wiley across state lines without his father’s knowledge and had him stay in the same hotel suite she stayed in with Congressman Cain. In the wake of Michael’s catastrophic injuries, she’d made no attempt to promote contact with the children and their father. In addition, she filed paperwork giving legal guardianship to Congressman Cain and ignoring Michael’s custodial rights. She had demonstrated a consistent pattern of neglecting regard for her children’s emotional well-being and violated the law. Now that Michael was recovered, he was capable of caring for the children, along with support from his many family members. Consequently, the decision of the court was to award full physical and legal custody to the children’s father, Michael Corinthos. (What I said.)

Ava told Cody that abstract art wasn’t meant to be taken completely literally and showed him a painting. She said it was the 1919 eclipse that led to Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, but he said he thought it looked like a guy with snakes coming out of his eyes. She must think he’s an idiot. She said, no. Art was subjective and at its best should affect the motions, but sometimes the connection wasn’t there and that was okay too. He said he was worried if he told her the truth, she’d feel like she was wasting her time teaching him, but she said she’d only feel that way if he’d said he saw what she did. She was glad he told the truth. He said he felt destined to be an uncultured dope, and she said she didn’t give up that easy. She liked a challenge. He said so did he.

Alexis said Kristina’s plan had the potential to backfire spectacularly. What if Ava found out? Kristina said Cody had experience as a conman. She thought he could do it. Alexis asked if she thought he could steal Ava away from Ric, and Kristina said it wasn’t going to be easy, and he’d need help. That’s why she needed to push Ric on someone else. Alexis asked if Kristina hired a gigolo for him too, but Kristina said, with Lucky out of the picture, Elizabeth was single, and they both knew Ric wasn’t over her. Alexis said Kristina couldn’t push Elizabeth on Ric. She didn’t deserve it. Kristina said Elizabeth didn’t have to share Ric’s feelings, but given their past, he was the perfect person. Ava would be insecure and jealous and run into Cody’s waiting arms. They could use this to their advantage. Alexis said she thought Kristina hadn’t learned a damn thing from her mistakes.

Laura asked Elizabeth to come to dinner soon. Martin was back from California. Elizabeth said he was there earlier. He thought she should fila a lawsuit against the car manufacturer. He thought it would be a big payday. Laura said maybe Elizabeth should consider it, since she’d had pain and suffering as a result, but Elizabeth said she’d like to put it behind her. Laura said she understood. She could wrangle her brother. He wouldn’t badger Elizabeth. Elizabeth said she’d come if she could bring dessert, and Laura said it was a deal.

Sonny asked what information Natalia had, and she said when she was fired, she was in the middle of analyzing the financials and put a copy on her home computer. She still had it because she wanted to make sure to protect herself. The authorities were keeping a close eye on her ex’s involvement with Deception, and she wanted to make sure she could prove she didn’t do anything wrong. He asked what that had to do with him, and she said it included all the records of his involvement. She followed the money and there were discrepancies. None of them added up to more than a slap on the wrist… Sonny said, but they’d give probably cause to get a warrant to search his holdings, and she said she was guessing they’d find more than enough to take him down.

Willow said she didn’t understand what was happening, and Ric said she lost. She said they couldn’t be right, and he said he was sorry. She got up and said, please. The judge couldn’t give her kids to Michael. They belonged with her. She started to hyperventilate, and Ric told her to control herself. Judge Haran said visitation would be negotiated at a later hearing after the children had consulted with a psychologist. Willow told Ric, do something, shaking him. She started to flip out and said her children needed her. The judge banged her gavel and called for order, telling Ric to restrain his client. Willow said, how could they do this? Michael had cheated with Sasha and had his baby. All she’d done is love her children and try to do her best. She screamed, it isn’t right, and Judge Haran said court was adjourned. She asked the bailiff to clear the court, and Willow ran over to Michael. She cried and told him that Wiley and Amelia needed their mom. Tell the judge that she’d made a terrible mistake. Diane said they need to go, and Willow grabbed Michael’s hand. She said, they need their mother, and Michael shook her off. He left, and Nina held Willow, who continued her hysterics.  

Alexis said, acting first and thinking later was what got them in this mess, but Kristina said she was doing the opposite. She’d thought this through before speaking to Cody. It was a plan for the long game and had flexibility. They could pivot as it progressed. Alexis said there were a lot of variables they had no control over that had to go right at the right time. Kristina said Cody had to see if it worked first, but it was a sure-fire way to break up the united front of Ric and Ava. It wasn’t illegal. Alexis said it was unethical, and Kristina said they were extorting her. Alexis thought they should wait for a better opportunity, but Kristina said it may never come. In the meantime, Alexis had to embezzle money from Ace and the more likely she was to get caught. Alexis’s phone rang, and she said, great. It was Laura. Laura asked if Alexis could stop by. She had something important she needed to discuss, and Alexis said she’d come right over. Kristina asked if Alexis thought she knew about the embezzlement, and Alexis said she guessed she’d find out.

Ava asked Cody to think of something beautiful, and he said, Angelina Jolie. She said, maybe something less prurient. Something beautiful, not a woman, that got him in the gut. He said, a horse running in a field at sunrise, and she said there was so much beauty to be found in nature. She handed him a flyer and said she was having a show. Joel Sartore was a talented wildlife photographer, and she thought he should come. He said, hors d’oeuvres. It sounded fancy. He doubted she’d want him there. She said it could be stuffy and the likes of him could liven it up a little bit. Think about it. He said he would and thanked her for the crash course in art. Ava thanked him for rescuing her sunglasses.

Sonny asked if Turner knew Natalia had the Deception financials, but Natalia said she only told Turner that there was a slight possibility she could find something. No promises. He said he assumed she was going to keep quiet, but she said she was in a bind. She didn’t want to do anything to hurt him, but she was backed in a corner. If she didn’t cooperate, she’d go to prison. He asked if she was blackmailing him, but she said, no. She was loyal to him and hoping they could figure something out. She needed his help.

Carly asked if Michael was okay, and he said he won custody of his kids, but seeing Willow fall apart, he didn’t want that. Diane said she felt for Willow, but her outburst validated that the judge made the right decision. Michael said he had to see his kids.

Still freaking out, Willow said she needed to see Wiley and Amelia. They need to know how much she loved them. Nina promised they knew, and Drew said he thought they should get her home. They helped Willow up, and Willow said Drew told her that she’d win, then keeled over.

At Charlie’s Cody told Kristina that he went to the gallery. He and Ava had an interesting conversation and as far as he was concerned, he completed the trial run, which meant Kristina owed him $1000. She said she’d send it now, and used her phone. She asked how it went, and he showed her the flyer, saying it was his ticket to see Ava again. Based on their interaction, he thought he pulled it off. He’d definitely see how far it could go. How far did she want it to go? Kristina said, whatever needed to happen for Ava to leave Ric, and he said he could do that, but there was one catch.

At Laura’s office, she apologized to Alexis for being vague. Martin was back in town and trying to convince Elizabeth to file a lawsuit over her car accident. Alexis said she was surprised Elizabeth didn’t want to put it behind her, and Laura said, she was going to do that, but Martin was desperate for work and thought it would be quite a bit of money. She thought Elizabeth deserved it since the accident was caused by a vehicle malfunction. Alexis said the car had been destroyed. To find evidence would require a lot of investigation. Laura said her brother had his own agenda and she wanted an unbiased, honest opinion. If Alexis thought Elizabeth had a strong case, she may try talking her into pursuing it.

Drew and Nina brought Willow to the hospital, and Elizabeth said she heard Willow fainted. How was she feeling? Willow didn’t respond, and Elizabeth said she had a room set up. Was it okay to get her settled in? Willow barely nodded, and Elizabeth wheeled her away. Drew said it was a travesty He didn’t understand how Willow lost. Nina asked if he heard anything the judge said. She lost because Drew had her take Wiley across state lines and tried to make himself the children’s legal guardian. Willow lost her children because Willow did everything that he wanted her to since their egregious affair began. In the eyes of the court, that made Willow a bad mother.

Natalia said she knew she’d betrayed Sonny’s trust not telling him that she’d been married to Sidwell, but she valued their friendship and hoped he felt the same way. He said he did and was grateful for her discretion. He’d make sure both of them came out unscathed. When did she have to report back? She said tomorrow at 3, and he said they’d talk before that. Stay calm and he’d handle everything.

Elizabeth said she was going to give Willow IV fluids and draw up some labs. Try to rest. Everything would be okay.  

Carly asked if Michael was okay, and he said, it was gut wrenching watching Willow. He couldn’t help thinking about when he first fell in love with her. She was great with Wiley and when she was pregnant with Amelia, she risked her life to carry the baby to term. He couldn’t reconcile the Willow he married with the one he divorced today. He didn’t know how it ended up like this. Carly said she didn’t either. Maybe it would be a wake-up call for Willow to get her act together and have a relationship with her children. He said he hoped so. In the meantime, he had to figure out a way to tell them that they wouldn’t be seeing their mom for a long time.

Nina asked how Willow was, and Elizabeth said, physically, she was fine. She started Willow on IV fluids, but her vitals were good. She thought Willow was in shock. Drew said he was going to sit with her, but Elizabeth said she was dozing off. It was best to let her rest before she had a psyche consult. Drew asked if Elizabeth thought she had a mental breakdown, and she said she couldn’t be sure, since Willow wasn’t responding, but they’d know more soon.

Natalia thanked Sonny for everything. She was afraid he wouldn’t take her call. He said it was water under the bridge. They’d work together. Natalia said maybe he’d trust her like he used to and wondered if they could get back to where they were. He said coming to him was the first step, and she said she was glad she did. It had been a nightmare. She’d never felt more trapped and alone. This was the first time she felt like maybe things would turn out okay. He said she had to trust him, and she said she did. He was such a constant. They hugged.

Alexis told Laura that a lawsuit might take a long time. She wasn’t sure it was worth the trouble, but she’d speak to Elizabeth and get the details. See if Martin was right to pursue it. Laura thanked her and said she knew she could count on Alexis’s unbiased, honest opinion.

Kristina asked, what catch? and Cody said he did his research on Ava. He knew she wasn’t a saint, but had no idea how downright lethal she was. She shot Mama Q. Kristina said, if it helped, she was trying to shoot someone else, and he said, she also killed Mama Q’s cousin, definitely on purpose. If Kristina wanted him to be Clyde to Ava’s Bonnie, he needed hazard pay – a lot – added to his original fee. She said, fine, and suggested they negotiate and get him started.

Ava left Ric a message that she was thinking about him. She wondered how it went in court and hoped they ruled in his favor. Call her back when he got the chance. She picked up her sunglasses and pondered.  

At the hospital, Ric asked Elizabeth how Willow was, but she said he knew she couldn’t tell him. HIPPA. He said, of course (🍷). He’s been doing this a long time, but if she’d seen what he saw… She said she couldn’t imagine losing custody of her children, especially that young. Her heart hurt for Willow. Ric said he hated losing because of his pride, but this one hit differently. He never felt so horrible losing a case. She said he did everything he could, and he said he wished it had been a different result. She put her hand on his.

Carly gave Jason a beer and said Michael was outside telling Wiley about the divorce and what it meant for everybody. It was going to be rough for a while. If Michael had gone on the run, it would have been worse. Jason said Michael and the kids would be okay, but he wasn’t sure he could say the same about Willow. Carly said, it was awful. Drew led her down the wrong path. Jason said now she was suffering the consequences. Drew shattered Michael’s family and shattered Willow. This was on Drew.

Drew said he was going in to sit with Willow, but Nina said she was resting and not to disturb her. He said he felt helpless, and she said if he wanted to help, go home. He said he wouldn’t abandon Willow. She needed him. Nina said he was the last person Willow needed. He didn’t get it. He did this to her. He cost her the children. If he truly loved Willow as much as he said he did, he’d walk away right now and never look back.

On the patio, Wiley asked if they could go back to the park and see mommy, but Michael said he was sorry. They wouldn’t be able to spend time with mommy for a while. Wiley asked, why? and Michael said they went to court, the place that made the rules grown-ups had to follow. Even though he and mommy loved them, they decided it was probably best if they weren’t married anymore. The judge agreed and also decided Wiley and his sister should live with him. Wiley said, what about mommy? and Michael said, for now, it was the three of them. Mommy loved him and his sister so much. Soon she’d come and visit. They hugged and Michael said he loved Wiley so much.  

Willow opened her eyes and looked around. She remembered the judge saying that it was the decision of the court to award full physical and legal custody to the children’s father, Michael Corinthos.  

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

At Pozzulo’s, Sonny tells Jason, Michael wasn’t sure he’d get custody of the kids, much less full custody, and Jason says, it’s what’s best for the kids, as long as Drew is in the picture. Sonny asks, how’s Willow? but Jason says he hasn’t heard yet. It was really rough seeing her in the courtroom yesterday. Sonny says he hopes she get the help she needs, and Jason says, they all do, especially Michael. He still cares about her. Sonny says, of course (🍷) he does. He’s Michael and she’s the mother of his children. He loved her very much. Jason says, he still does, but Sonny says he doesn’t know if they could have made it together, but it doesn’t matter. They know who’s to blame.

Drew meets with Martin and says, Willow is in bad shape. Martin says he’s not surprised. Nothing, not even partial custody. Drew says he can’t stand seeing her like this. Can they appeal? Can they argue that Ric was a last-minute substitute and get the judge’s ruling thrown out? There had to be something they could do to get Willow her children back.  

Maxie calls Brook, who says, what’s up? Maxie says, James is home sick from summer camp and Georgie wants him to stay in the garage, so she doesn’t get infected by his cooties. It’s been a pretty normal day. She was wondering if Brook could come over to work with her. Brook says, who could say no to that? She’s on her way. The doorbell rings and Maxie opens the door to Lulu. Lulu says she got Maxie’s text. That must mean Maxie is still speaking to her.

Tracy says, good, Brook is still here, but Brook says she’s on her way out. She’s headed to Maxie’s. Tracy asks if the weekend starts on a Thursday now, and Brook says, it probably does somewhere, but they’re working from there. Tracy says, as long as the work gets done. It will do Brook a world of good to focus on work. Brook says, as opposed to what? Revenge?

Anna says, Natalia Ramirez? and Molly says she was assigned to the case, but had to recuse herself. Anna says, Molly’s sister was involved with Natalia’s daughter. Right. Natalia is… Molly says, Natalia has a complicated relationship with her whole family. She’s afraid she doesn’t have many details about the case. Anna wonders why it was reassigned to an attorney on Molly’s level, and Molly says, it should have been. Who took it? Anna says, acting DA Justine Turner.

Marco thanks Alexis for sitting in on the meeting, and Alexis says, not a problem. She knows what it’s like to shepherd her family through legal troubles. Marco says Alexis is helping his mother, even after the terrible things she said about Kristina and his sister when they were together, and Alexis says, they came to an understanding. He asked for her help and she’s happy to help. What’s past is past. Natalia comes in and says, Alexis’s assistant told her to come in. Alexis says, it’s fine, and Natalia asks what this is about. Marco says, it’s about her arrest, and Natalia says, really? Now he cares?

In the squad room, Chase says, it’s been a minute since he and Dante talked, and Dante says, if they keep it to work, they should be good. Chase asks, is that possible? Or are they going to have a problem here?

Drew says he doesn’t understand what happened, and Martin says he’d love nothing more than to run up some billable hours, but at this point, pursuing an appeal is unlikely to change the outcome. Drew asks, why? He doesn’t understand how Willow lost. (Boy, is he an idiot. The judge even explained why.) Martin says, for starters, he reviewed the judge’s ruling, and while it’s harsh, her reasoning was straightforward. Willow took Wiley over state lines without Michael’s permission, then turns around and tries to make Drew, the man she had an affair with, guardian of her children. Again, without consulting the father. Drew says, Michael was halfway around the world and unreachable, but Martin says he’s not sure the argument that Michael getting the best possible medical care was abandoning his children endeared them to the judge. In legal parlance, they’d say it was disregard for the father’s parental rights. Drew asks if there’s some way they can appeal. There has to be. Martin says, maybe, but the odds of winning are so low, all it would do is cause Willow more pain. Is that something Drew wants to do?

Anna says, Justine took the case herself. Does Molly have any idea why she might do that? Molly says she doesn’t know. Since Turner stepped in for Robert as the interim DA, she’s been cherry-picking high profile cases, but a DWI? Anna says her thoughts exactly. There must be something in this DWI that caught her attention. She’d love to know what it is.

Dante says, work isn’t a problem for him, and Chase says, good. Dante asks, what have we got? but Chase says, we don’t have anything. The case was assigned to him… alone. Dante says, Chase is telling him that Anna doesn’t want him on it? but Chase says, not Anna. ADA Turner wants him to work it alone. Dante asks, why? and Chase says he’s guessing there’s a conflict. Dante wonders if it’s his dad, but Chase says he hasn’t been informed as to the nature of the conflict. The ADA said to report to her and no one else. Dante asks if Anna knows, but Chase says he hasn’t had a chance to discuss it. Dante says he’ll talk to her himself, but Chase says he doesn’t think it’s necessary. Dante says he sure as hell does.

Maxie tells Lulu, don’t be ridiculous. Of course (🍷) she’s still talking to her. Lulu says, she’s one of the few who are, and Maxie says she’s been Lulu, meddling in people’s lives until it blew up in her face. That was her jam. Lulu says she had the best intentions and she’s not sure it was a total disaster. Maxie says, that’s the part she’s not sure about? and Lulu says, Gio finally knows the truth about his parents. He thought he was an orphan. Now he knows he isn’t and has huge family who loves and accepts him. Maxie says, what Lulu did affected a lot of lives. Does she understand? Lulu says she tried to get Brook to tell the truth. Brook had decades to do it. As far as she’s concerned, she did nothing wrong.

Tracy says she’s glad Brook is taking her advice and is focusing on work instead of revenge, and Brook says she plans on spending today solely focused on Deception. Tracy says, it’s a more appropriate outlet for Brook’s hurt and rage, but Brook says she’s not sure rechanneling her rage is the best practice. Tracy says, getting Erica Kane on the phone is a worthwhile outlet and Erica will probably respect her for it, and Brook says she’ll put it on her to-do list. Tracy says, it will be a more affective pursuit than Brook’s ill-conceived vendetta against Lulu. She’s glad to see Brook let it go. Brook asks, who said anything about letting it go?

Natalia says she needed Marco and called him repeatedly. He didn’t pick up once and now he’s summoned her here. He says he got her messages this morning and set up a meeting as soon as he knew, and Alexis says, he does want to help. Natalia says she’s already handled it. The ADA offered her a deal. Alexis says she strongly advises Natalia not to represent herself. Let them help her navigate the deal. Without counsel, it would be precarious. Marco promises Sidwell won’t know any of this, and Alexis says, no one will. Natalia says, great, and they sit down. Alexis asks, what led up to the deal and what are they offering? and Natalia says, last night, she was arrested for a DWI, not her first, Alexis says, that’s a felony and can mean up to five years in prison, and Natalia says, that’s what the DA told her before she offered the deal. Alexis says, she’s the interim DA. What are the terms? Natalia says, they want her to turn over everything she has on every single interaction she’s had with Sonny Corinthos.

Sonny says, Willow isn’t the same Willow he knew when Michael started going out with her, and Jason says, if that Willow still exists, there will be no change with Drew in the picture. Sonny says he’s happy about what’s going on with Michael and thanks Jason. Jason was there when the ruling came in. He was supposed to go, but he couldn’t. He had something important to take care of. Jason says, business? and Sonny says, kind of. Natalia is starting to be a real problem for him.

Tracy says, let the emotions settle and clear, calm minds lead to letting it go, but Brook says, if someone had done that to Tracy’s kids, Tracy wouldn’t be so willing to let it go. Lulu hurt Tracy’s grandkid – her – and destroyed Gio’s memory of the woman who loved and raised him. If it had been anyone other than Lulu who’d done that, Tracy would be ready for war. Tracy says, there’s truth in that, and Brook thanks her. She also thanks Tracy in advance for not telling her to let it go again. She won’t. Now she has to get to work. Lucy won’t be happy if she lets this affect her job. Tracy says, Lucy is inconsequential. Maxie wants what’s best for her. That’s what they all want. They want her to heal.  

Maxie says, Lulu destroyed the memory of the woman Gio thought was his mother and went against a dying woman’s wishes, but Lulu says she’s not the one who lied. Gio is Dante’s son and not once in 22 years did Brook tell Dante that she’d had a baby. She chose not to and if Dante wants to be mad at someone, he should be mad at Brook. Maxie says, Brook made an impossible choice, and Lulu says, no one is judging Brook on her decision to give Gio up, but Maxie says, Gio might disagree. Lulu says, it was Brook’s decision not to tell the truth, and Maxie says, it was Brook’s truth and not hers to tell. Lulu says, somebody had to, and Maxie says, why her? Lulu says, because she knows exactly what it’s like to be kept in the dark when it comes to her child. Dante deserved to know, like she did. She’s not trying to make Maxie feel guilty about Georgie. She made a mistake. Britt and Valentin committed crimes. Maxie says she appreciates the distinction, but this situation is about Brook. And in order for everyone to move on, including Gio and Dante, Lulu needs to take accountability for what she did.

Alexis says, sorry. She has to recuse herself. Sonny is Kristina’s father and a close friend. Natalia says she was afraid of this, and Marco says he wouldn’t have asked Alexis if he’d known. Alexis says he did nothing wrong and everything that was said is covered under attorney/client privilege. Natalia thanks her, and Alexis says, good luck. Sorry. She leaves, and Marco says, Natalia could be in real danger. Tell him exactly what she has on Sonny Corinthos.

Sonny says, Natalia was the CFO of Deception and had access to the financial records, and Jason asks if he didn’t let her go. Sonny says, she kept them at home, and Jason says, that’s not good, but it’s a legitimate business. What’s the problem? Sonny says, the problem is, the money he invested wasn’t clean and there are some discrepancies. Jason says, that’s not a mistake Sonny would make, and Sonny says, the money guy screwed up and is now in the Pine Barrens. Natalia got a DWI and it’s not her first. She could go away for a long time. Jason asks if that’s why she’s trying to make a deal, and Sonny says he knows the records she has wouldn’t be incriminating… Jason says, but it would open the door to a bigger investigation, and Sonny says, Turner could do a deep dive into his financial records, everything he’s had in the last 20 years. Jason asks how he knows, and Sonny says, Natalia warned him. She told him everything. Jason asks how he wants to handle it, and Sonny says he can’t let Natalia let Turner know anything.  

Marco says, Natalia hasn’t handed anything off to the DA and it doesn’t sound too damning to begin with. Where is the evidence? She says, on a portable drive in a safe deposit box in a Port Charles bank. She’s supposed to hand it over this afternoon. Marco says, that’s not going to happen. Not until he meets with Turner and gets the best possible deal. She says she’s not in a hurry, and he says he’s more concerned about her safety. Does Corinthos know she and Turner are talking? She says, he has no idea, but Marco says, that doesn’t mean her life isn’t in jeopardy. He knows they have a history, but he would never want to see her get hurt. She says she’ll be fine, but he says she doesn’t seem to understand the severity of the situation. Not only did she get another DWI, which is irresponsible enough, she’s wrapped up in Sonny Corinthos’s life and is in danger. She says she appreciates his concern, but Sonny would never hurt her.

Sonny says he knows that Natalia is a liability. If it was anybody else, he’d deal with them permanently. Jason says he gets why Sonny doesn’t want to, and Sonny says, Natalia kept his confidence about his heart problem and she’d been good to him. She saw him through. Jason says, so she’s a good friend? and Sonny says, not just to him, to Kristina. When Kristina was in the car accident, Natalia was there and called him. She stayed until he got there. At Ava’s trial, she got on the stand and lied to protect Kristina. Jason says he remembers, and Sonny says, she could have kept quiet about Turner’s deal, but she came to him. He’s grateful for that. Jason says, it’s always better to know, and Sonny says, it’s not like he trusts her. Jason says he feels like he owes her. How can he cut his losses and protect himself? Sonny says, and do it without hurting Natalia.  

Drew says he hates it, but Martin is probably right. Let the judge’s ruling stand… for now. Martin says, it’s the smart thing, and Drew says, it makes no sense. The judge ruled in Michael’s favor. (Apparently, he didn’t listen to what anyone is saying.) Martin says, it’s not the norm. In most cases the standard is shared. Drew says, Michael wouldn’t hear of it. It was all or nothing. He was contentious. Martin says he was hoping for 60/40 split in Michael’s favor. He didn’t expect full custody with no visitation built in. Drew asks if there’s anything they can do, and Martin says, there is, but he’s not going to like it. They could run around Diane Miller and talk to Michael. Michael is angry, but he’s not cruel. He loved Willow and given time, he might grant her access. Drew says, were it that simple. Michael made it clear that as long as he’s in Willow’s life, he’ll make sure she never sees her children again.

Anna says, keep her posted, and Molly says, what she learns, Anna will learn. As Molly is leaving, Dante comes in, and they hug. Molly says she hasn’t seen him since the Nurses Ball. How is he doing? Dante says he’s hanging in there, and she says, call her if he wants to talk. Anna thanks her, and she leaves. Anna asks what she can do for Dante, and he says his so-called partner told him… Anna says, so-called? and Dante says, Chase is working on a case he’s not allowed to be part of. Anna says she read the file. The DA’s office assigned Chase the case and embargoed him. He asks if she has any insight, and she says, not yet, but she can’t do anything about it unfortunately. He says he guesses Chase was telling the truth, and she says, doesn’t he usually? Dante says, he used to, and she says she thought they were solid. All she’s hearing is hostility. Why? What’s going on? He says, it’s a family matter. He shouldn’t have brought it to work. She says, it’s too late for that.

Maxie tells Lulu to put herself in Brook’s shoes, see things from her perspective, but Lulu says, that’s all she’s been doing for months. Maxie says, clearly, that’s not all she’s been doing, and Lulu says she feels for Brook. It can’t have been easy to find out Gloria and Lois knew she had a son all this time and never told her. Maxie says, exactly. Brook’s relationships with her mother and grandmother are, at the very least, damaged. They’re not the same and never will be. Lulu says, it’s not her fault. They were the ones who lied. Maxie says, Gio is the son Brook has been thinking about every day for 22 years, who she’s known her whole life and had no idea who he was. Lulu says, that’s on Gloria and Lois too, and Maxie says, if Brook messed with Lulu’s relationship with Rocco, she’d be angry. Lulu says, of course (🍷) she would, but it would never happen. She doesn’t lie to her kids. She never has and never will. The doorbell rings, and Brook walks in with her face in her phone, saying Maxie will never believe the numbers… She sees Lulu and stops.  

Brook says she shouldn’t be surprised that Lulu got Maxie to lure her over here, so Lulu could ambush her or get Maxie to run interference. She is surprised Maxie would let herself be used. Maxie says, excuse me, and Lulu says, Brook is the last person she wants to see. Maxie says she needs them both to shut up right now. First of all, she would not let herself be used and when Brook says such a thing, she feels like Brook doesn’t know her. And she’s perfectly capable of scheming herself, which is exactly what she did. Brook asks, why? and Maxie says, the two of them need to be in a room, face to face – no Dante, no Chase, no Quartermaines – and have it out. Lulu says, Maxie doesn’t want that, and Brook says, too many breakable objects. Maxie says, this has to end. What they’re doing is affecting more than them. It’s affecting people they love.

Anna says, Dante and Chase are her best detectives. Whatever they’re going through, now work is a problem, so she has to get to the bottom of it. He says, don’t worry, and she says, obviously, this has something to do with what happened at the Nurses Ball. He says, it does. His whole life changed that night. He found out he had a son, Gio. For 22 years, he’s lived his life without him. Anna says, he’s right to feel how he does. What did Chase do? He says, Chase knew for months, and she says, that Gio was his son? He says, not Gio, but Chase knew Brook had his kid and kept it to himself, and she says, he didn’t expect Chase to betray his wife’s trust. He says, Chase should have at least convinced her to tell him, and she says, convince Brook? Other than they had a child together, she’d have thought Dante never met her. Dante says, he puts his life in this guy’s hands every day. How can he trust him? She says, he’s going to hate what she has to say next. She could see why Chase kept it from him.

In the solarium, Alexis asks, what legal entanglement did Tracy get into this time? Does it have anything to do with her arrest at the Nurses Ball? Tracy says, Drew is accusing her of drugging him. He has a flair for the theatrical. Alexis says, he isn’t the only one, and Tracy says, he’s a thorn in her side, but whether Alexis sees it or not, he’s a problem for her also. As luck would have it, there might be a solution to their Drew problem. Alexis says she has no idea what Tracy is talking about, and Tracy says, Alexis is Scout’s grandmother and as such, has legal standing in the city of New York. She needs to sue Drew for custody of Scout.

Drew says, Michael can be ruthless, but he’s also reasonable, and Martin says, it sounds like there’s still something to hope he’ll be reasonable about. Drew says, unlike his less trustworthy family members, he believes Michael would stand by what he says. Willow told him in the past that at his core, Michael is a good person. According to the whole town, he’s the problem and derailed Willow’s life. Whether that’s true or not – and he doesn’t believe that it is – it’s the perception. Martin says, all too often, perception is reality, and Drew says, exactly. If he ends things with Willow, takes Scout and goes to DC, Michael will give Willow access to her children. Martin asks if that’s something he’d be willing to do, and Drew says he loves Willow and knows she loves him. Between Michael’s demands and everything that’s been spewed at her about him, he has to ask himself the question, would she be better off without him?

Dante says he can’t believe Anna is taking Chase’s side, but she says she’s not taking his side. Like Brook, she chose not to tell her child’s father about his child’s existence. Dante says, she didn’t tell Robert about Robin because she had to keep Robin safe, and Anna says she did, but she didn’t end things on good terms with Robin’s father, and it wasn’t fair to Robert. It was mostly deeply unfair to Robin. She got lucky and Robin forgave her. She thinks partly because Robin was a child. Gio will be a bit trickier. Dante says, he already is, and she tells him that she’s not saying he doesn’t have a right to be angry about being betrayed. But as much as he thinks what Brook should have done or said, he’s not in Brook’s shoes. It’s never easy and it’s never clear cut. He says, Robert handled it, and she says she was lucky there too. He embraced Robin and made the choice to accept that what happened, happened. Better decisions could have been made, but they weren’t. He focused on his relationship with Robin. He could have chosen not to have one, but he did his best to not dwell on the past. Dante says, good on him for being able to do that, but he doesn’t think he can swing it. Anna says she thinks she understands if he can’t, but he can do the bare minimum and keep things professional with his partner. In fact, she insists on it.

Molly goes to Alexis’s office and sees Marco. She says she’s sorry to interrupt, but she’s looking for her mother, Alexis Davis. He says, she just stepped out and he’s not sure when she’ll be back, and she says, he must be Marco Ramirez. Her mother’s said great things about him. He says, they’re all true. He’s met Kristina, so she must be… She says, Molly Lansing Davis, and shakes his hand. She works in the DA’s office. He says he was just about to call there. He needs to discuss the Natalia Ramirez case.

Natalia goes into Sonny’s office, and he says, she wasn’t followed. She asks how he knows, and he says his drivers are good. She thanks him for seeing her. He asks if she has information for him, and she says she just saw her son at Miller & Davis. They discussed the deal, but she didn’t tell him that she tipped Sonny off. She would never. He says he appreciates that, and she says, they’re in this together. Don’t worry about her. He says he’s glad she said that because he thinks he has a way out for both of them.

Alexis says, Tracy wants her to sue Drew for custody of Scout. Why doesn’t she do it herself? Tracy says she was falsely accused of drugging a sitting congressman. Alexis is the next best thing. Alexis says she’s thought a lot about Scout’s well-being. She’s thought about it every day since Sam died, and of course (🍷) since Drew’s scandal. Tracy says, so she’s on board, and Alexis says, Scout loves her father, and he loves her. Tracy says, oh please. Drew doesn’t know about love. He just knows how to mimic love. Alexis tells her, say what you will about Drew – and she’s said a thing or two of her own – the bottom line is, his daughter believes in him. He’s a good father and loves Scout. The last thing she wants to do is upend that little girl’s life more than it has been. Tracy says, Drew pretended to be a loving father, who pulled his daughter out of the house and separated her from Danny and Rocco – again. Alexis says, Scout has suffered more and lost more than a child should, and Tracy says, Alexis should have told Drew to leave Willow alone. Alexis says she didn’t want him to make a run for DC and take her granddaughter with him. Things have changed. Michael has custody and Willow’s not leaving the kids. Tracy says, she would if she cared what was best for them, and Alexis says she’s telling Tracy to find another way to get back at Drew. She’s not letting Tracy use her granddaughter to do it.

Maxie says, Brook and Lulu have so many people in common. Tracy is Brook’s grandmother and Lulu’s stepmother. Lulu says she knows who Tracy is, and Maxie says, then she probably knows Tracy is seeing two people she cares about who are breaking her heart. Brook says, with all the backstabbing going on at that house, and Maxie says, fair point. How about Dante? How much pain he must be in seeing the mothers of his children despising each other – two of the most important people in his life. Gio is Rocco’s brother. What do they think will happen if they’re constantly at war? Brook says she doubts Gio knows. He won’t talk to her. Maxie says, it’s only a matter of time before it trickles down to Gio and Rocco’s relationship. She’s not asking them to do it for her, even though she’s tired of it, and she’s not asking them to do it for themselves. Do it for the people they both love.

Dante says, Chase is right. He’s not on the case. Chase says he wouldn’t lie about that, and Dante says, just about the son he didn’t know he had. Chase says, they’re not letting personal feelings impact work. Dante can’t do that. Dante says, or what?

Marco tells Molly that he’d like everything to go through him and needs the details, starting with the deal. Molly says, he’ll have to speak to ADA Turner, and he asks if she can offer advice on how to handle Turner. She says, Turner is fair, but ambitious. She’s determined to make a name for herself. She’s got political ambition and if she wants something, she’ll stop at nothing to make it happen.

Natalia says, Belize? and Sonny says he owns property there and knows people. She can start over. He’ll help her with a new life and a new identity. She says she doesn’t know. She may not have the best relationship with her kids, but leaving them behind and never speaking to them again… He says, it’s a lot to ask, but they don’t have more options. They’re on the clock. Turner will send her to prison unless she takes the deal. Natalia says she promised she wouldn’t. In tipping him off, she sacrificed her future. He says, in Port Charles. He guarantees she can have a life somewhere else. He’s going to make sure she’s protected and that she has a great life. She has his word.

Tracy tells Alexis that it was worth a shot. About that absurd ketamine charge… Alexis asks if it’s really that absurd, and Tracy says, I beg your pardon. Alexis says she knows Tracy thinks Drew framed her, but she’s living proof of Tracy’s ability to orchestrate a situation. Tracy says, let it go. The two situations are completely different. She did that. This, she did not. She was framed, plain and simple. Alexis says, if only that were the case. There’s only one solution. Tracy says, out with it, and Alexis says, the only way the case will move forward is if Drew testifies. Don’t give him a reason to do that. Tracy says she doesn’t mean… and Alexis says she does. Apologize. Tell Drew not to pursue it. Ask him, plead with him, grovel. Her fate is in his hands.

Jason meets Drew and asks what he wants, and Drew says, it’s about Michael. Jason says he figured that much, and Drew says he needs Jason’s help. Jason has a good relationship with Michael. Jason says, so did Drew until he blew it, and Drew says he’s not asking for a fight. For everyone’s sake, especially Willow’s, he needs Jason’s help to fix things. Jason says, how? and Drew says he needs Jason to take a proposal to Michael from him.

Chase tells Dante, or nothing. Calm down. Dante says, don’t tell him what to do. Don’t tell him anything. Chase knew he had a son. He sat here across from him knowing the truth and didn’t tell him anything. How could he do that? Chase said he was honoring his wife’s wishes, and Dante says, he should have manned up and told his wife to tell the truth. Chase says he doesn’t tell his wife what to do. It wasn’t his secret to tell. It was her child. Dante says, and his. Remember that? Anna tells them to lower their voices. They have a situation that apparently, she has to handle.  

Lulu says she has to admit she didn’t consider the long-term effect on Gio and Rocco, and Maxie says, it’s not too late to start. If Gio sees her set her anger aside maybe he will too. Show him anything is possible. Brook says, fine. Maxie is right. Maxie says, she is? and Brook says, for Gio and Rocco’s sake, she’s willing to accept Lulu’s apology. Lulu laughs and says she owes someone an apology, but that someone sure as hell isn’t Brook. She owes Gio an apology. She feels terrible about the pain she caused him, but she’s not sorry for what she did to Brook and never will be.

On Monday, Martin tells Tracy, there is a way they both can win; Josslyn tells Vaughn, if the information is on his phone, she’ll get it; Anna says Drew and Chase aren’t going anywhere until they figure it out; and Jason tells Drew, until Willow sees it, there will be no compromise.

🧼 The Only Soap News Fit To Print…

Lucky’s last day.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/what-happened-on-jonathan-jacksons-last-general-hospital-episode-as-lucky/

No. Just no. He is Lucky.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/jonathan-jackson-on-gh-recasting-lucky-i-respect-that/

I’m psyched. Maybe she’ll be an ex-wife of Martin’s?

https://ew.com/one-life-to-live-legend-erika-slezak-joins-general-hospital-11753991

Woah.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/eva-larues-real-life-stalker-nightmare-subject-of-new-documentary/

Apparently, it’s going to be a wild ride.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/kelly-thiebaud-says-her-general-hospital-return-will-be-a-wild-ride/

https://parade.com/news/general-hospital-stars-tease-enjoy-the-ride-amid-cast-shake-up-steve-burton-bradford-anderson

He’s with Lesley now.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-star-chris-robinson-dies-at-86/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

Chef Lawrence was done (that was quick), and Fraser suggested Chef Anthony from last season as a replacement. Captain Kerry wasn’t so sure about that, since he’d had to let Anthony go, but Fraser swore he was a changed chef, now with more experience. Solène spiraled over finding a poopie in a toilet she had to clean, quickly shouting for help. She’ll be lucky if that’s the worst thing she finds. And I guess just flushing it wasn’t an option? This one is a real germophobe, which makes me wonder why she chose a career where she has to clean up after people and the crew is cramped together even during their off hours. Primary Sam said Lawrence’s curry was even better than his mom’s, which was an excellent note to go out on. Sam was also surprisingly complementary upon departure. The tip was a fatty – $30K.

Why he said goodbye.

The Valley

Kristen and Luke had a housewarming party where the outcasts were invited. They left their house messy, which would cause me untold anxiety. I once found a pair of underwear that had missed the laundry basket after a party, and ten years later, I’m still not over it. Michelle paid a visit to Lala, and Jasmine and Melissa met with Janet and Jason to squash their beef. Jasmine apologized for her Karen tirade, saying she just felt it in the moment. How old are you again? In watching Brittany’s interviews, I’ve decided she should have picked a different dress other than the keyhole neckline number. It makes her boobs look totally off center. Because Jax was being sprung from rehab soon, the gang turned Jax’s bar into Britt’s for a night and threw her a party. With all the nonsense Jax continues to put her through, she’s lucky to have such a great support system.

Agreed.

Next Gen NYC

Teresa and Meridith had dinner with Gia and Brooks, proving that you don’t have to go home again to go home again. Ava met with her dad, Damon Dash, and he said he wanted her to run one of his companies. He thought she’d make a great CEO, which I thought was one of the best compliments a dad could give his daughter. My favorite moment – possibly my favorite moment so far – was Georgia proving she wasn’t blackout drunk by saying, 7 x 5 = 45. (Hint: It does not.) I’m still loving this show, but not so much crypto trader Charlie. Apparently, I’m not alone since Ariana said – and I quote – you been a dick since I met you.

🐎 Smushed in between these shows was a watch party for a 2024 reality show, The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys, with cast members from Below Deck, Southern Charm, and The Valley. I was only half paying attention, and all I know is that they owe a ton of money on their ranch and their second season will be showing up on Bravo. It’s always a good time when Kate and Fraser get together, but it just made me long for another season of Outer Range.

https://people.com/the-mcbee-dynasty-real-american-cowboys-moves-to-bravo-for-season-2-exclusive-8730303

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/the-mcbee-dynasty-real-american-cowboys-season-2-everything-to-know-trailer-cast-premiere-date

🌴 Love Island looks like the dumbest sh*t ever. And all I watched was the credits.

Random Reality Items

I kinda sorta watched this.

Returns on July 31st. The first time I randomly watched this show, I was surprised at how much I liked it. Those who can’t do, watch it on TV.

I thought I felt a collective exhale from the direction of the city.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

28 Weeks Later. Hulu. For whatever reason, I missed this one and wanted to get it in before 28 Years Later comes out. Lots of gore, lots of speedy zombies, and lots of Robert Carlyle. If you like a good zombie romp, you’ll like this movie. The ending was a bit abrupt, but fitting.

https://www.cbr.com/28-weeks-later-streaming-hulu/

https://collider.com/28-years-later-danny-boyle-explains-virus-sunshine-trilogy/

Presence. Hulu. A family moving into a spectacular house that’s also haunted is nothing new, but that doesn’t mean there still can’t be some surprises, and the ending sure surprised me. The acting was as impressive as the house, and main character Lucy Lui has been one of my favorites since Kill Bill. I was particularly impressed with the one-sided phone conversations which are difficult to do convincingly. Be forewarned though, the overall tone is depressing, as many ghost stories are.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/presence-streaming-hulu-i-think-its-the-most-original-haunted-house-movie-in-years

Carriers. Paramount+. In a post-apocalyptic world where a highly contagious virus has wiped out most of the world, two brothers and their girlfriends set off on a trek for whatever is out there. Meeting a man traveling with his daughter, who’s infected, they learn a doctor has developed a serum that combats the virus. No surprise, their trip isn’t an easy one and fraught with obstacles.  While the concept isn’t exactly a new one, it’s a favorite genre of mine, and both the acting and script were satisfactory.

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/carriers-review/

A Minecraft Movie. Soon to be on HBO/Max. I can’t believe I forgot to include this last week. I went to see literally the last showing at my local cinema and I was so glad I did because I loved it. Quite a bit. Jack Black and Jason Momoa make a great team, one living his childhood dream and the other stuck in his glory from the 80s. The entire cast rocks, but what I loved best were the creatures. They were cuteness squared. Lambs! Pandas! Dennis! There was nothing deep here, just a lot of fun and playfulness.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/didnt-expect-a-minecraft-movie-to-be-one-of-favorite-experiences-of-year-then-watched-with-kids

https://www.cbr.com/hope-may-be-lost-for-a-minecraft-movies-chances-at-1b/

Sirens. Netflix. While I covered this last week, I finished the series and found the ending to be genuinely satisfying.

🏌️‍♂️ He’s Not Really Dead…

It’s kind of like the time someone dumped milk on Susan Lucci at the grocery store, believing she was really Erica Kane.

https://ew.com/last-of-us-co-creator-reacts-to-fans-angry-over-pedro-pascal-shocking-exit-11750367

⚰️ Speaking Of Dead…

Somewhat of a spoiler, but I don’t care. This was one of the best moments ever.

https://ew.com/zombie-bear-attack-walking-dead-dead-city-11744356

🎭 The Toniest Awards In Town…

The winners.

https://playbill.com/article/tony-awards-2025-live-updating

The best and worst moments.

https://ew.com/tony-awards-2025-highlights-best-and-worst-moments-11747808

And as always the most important, the fashion.

https://people.com/tony-awards-2025-best-dressed-stars-11750333

🐾 Famous, Fabulous, and Fuzzy…

🐶 Who doesn’t love a pet moment?

https://zeenews.india.com/photos/entertainment/national-pet-day-2025-8-celebrity-pet-moments-that-won-the-internet-and-fans-hearts-2884657

🐕 To be fair, my non-famous dogs influence me every day.

https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/who-are-the-top-dog-influencers

👑 Adding crown snatching to his resumé.

🎬 Hooray for Hollywood pets.

https://www.tmz.com/2025/05/10/hollywood-famous-pets/

🎺 Quotes of the Week

A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts.Joshua Reynolds

Happiness depends to some extent upon external conditions, but chiefly upon mental attitudes. – Paramahansa Yogananda

Magic exists. Who can doubt it, when there are rainbows and wildflowers, the music of the wind and the silence of the stars? Anyone who has loved has been touched by magic. It is such a simple and such an extraordinary part of the lives we live. – Nora Roberts

Whatever you are, try to be a good one. – William Makepeace Thackeray

If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there. – Lewis Carroll

Every champion was once a contender that didn’t give up.Gabby Douglas

Ideas do not reach perfection in a day, no matter how much study is put upon them. – Alexander Graham Bell

New Yorkers are very friendly… sometimes. – stranger Ariana Biermann met on the street, Next Gen NYC (She’s not wrong.)

You wanna act some type of way in your corduroy pants?Hudson McLeroy to Charlie Zakkour, Next Gen NYC

Happy Pride Month!

🍃 Blowin’ Through the Jasmine In My Mind…

Until next week, stay safe; stay prioritizing hydration; and stay remembering, all too often, perception is reality. So act accordingly.

June 6, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Anna Gives Sonny a Warning, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Watch Of the Future, Worth Barking About, Decuplet Of Quotes & Summer  

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Elizabeth asked what Lucky knew about her accident, and he said he knew Kristina caused it.

Kristina went to see Michael and said she had so much to tell him.

Laura told Alexis, as Ace’s legal guardian, she got statements from the trust. It looked like 10 million dollars had been removed from the Cassadine estate in the past month and a half.

Rocco showed Lulu the video of Gio smashing his violin at the Nurses Ball and asked, what happened?

Gio showed up at Sonny’s and said he had a question. Did Sonny know?

Brook told Lois, two things would always be true. Gio would always know she gave him up and she would always know Lois lied to her. Gio didn’t want anything to do with her, and she didn’t want anything to do with Lois. Gloria walked in and told her not to talk to her mother like that. If Brook wanted to have it out with someone, have it out with her.

Brook asked if Lois was hiding behind Gloria, but Lois said she was trying to get Brook to understand. Brook said there was nothing to understand. Two people she’d loved and trusted lied to her. Gloria said that was enough.

Rocco asked if it was true that Brook and Dante were Gio’s parents, and Dante said, yeah. Gio was his son and Rocco’s brother.

Alexis told Laura that what she’d seen were investments and apologized for not telling her sooner. She’d thought it was best to diversify some of the trust portfolio and moved some of it to a mutual fund that was high rated. She wanted to make sure Ace’s inheritance remained strong. There was nothing more important than family.

Elizabeth wondered what Kristina had to do with her accident, and Lucky told her about Kristina cutting the brake line to what she thought was Ava’s car. Elizabeth said, it wasn’t Ava’s car though. It was Ric’s.

Michael asked how the family was, and Kristina said she and Molly were great. Her and her mom were… fine. Family was complicated. She couldn’t believe Michael was finally home and walking into a custody battle, but he said it needed to be settled once and for all. Kristina said she knew he wanted to do right by his kids. If he was telling himself that deep down Willow was a good mother and made compromises, it would be the wrong move.

Sonny said Gio had questions and so did he. Why didn’t he come in and get answers? Gio said Sonny didn’t tell him, no, so he must have known, but Sonny said he didn’t know. The first time he heard was when Gio announced it to the world. He hadn’t known Brook was pregnant, which was surprising since he was so close to Lois. Gio said, if he didn’t know, why had Sonny always been so nice to him? Sonny had paid for his lessons, music, and education. Why had he been so generous? Sonny said he knew Gio was special and that hadn’t changed.

Lulu told Rocco that his dad and a lot of people were trying to make sense out of it, and Rocco said, Gio’s mom was Camilla, and his dad was a soldier who died in the war. Dante said they were led to believe that. Gio was lied to and so was everyone else.

Gloria told Brook to calm down and cool off. Emotions were high. She knew it was a lot to process, but Brook’s mother was still her mother, and she was still Brook’s grandmother. She had to show some respect. Brook had been a pregnant teenager, and it didn’t just affect her. Imagine the position she’d put her mother in. Lois said Brook told her that she wasn’t ready to be a mother and she trusted Brook to know herself and respected her wishes. Brook said, by lying? and Lois said, by protecting Brook and doing the best she thought she could for Brook’s child. Gloria said Brook’s mother lied to spare her and it ate her alive, and Brook asked if that’s what Lois told herself, that she was sparing her. Lois said keeping Gio in the family was the only way to ensure he was going to be taken care of and happy. And he was. Gloria said Camilla was a godsend. Would Brook rather they gave him to strangers, and she never saw him again?

Kristina told Michael that she thought Willow would come to her senses and realize being with Drew was a mistake, but Willow was more consumed with Drew now than she ever was, like how it was with Shiloh. She’d been bouncing the kids around and they hardly saw them anymore. Michael said if Drew had his way, it would only get worse. Word had it that Drew bought property in DC.  

Elizabeth told Lucky that they had to tear the car apart to get them. They both had surgery. Ric almost died. How long had he known? Lucky said, since the night it happened. He’d been covering for Kristina ever since.

Gio said there had to be more to it. Did Lois ask for Sonny’s help? Sonny said, she did. She was his oldest friend and the Cerullos were family. He was more than happy to help. That’s what family does. Gio said, Lois lied, but Sonny said it was more complicated than that. Had Gio heard the story about Dante being his son? Gio said, bits and pieces, and Sonny said, when Lois found out, it was before Camilla died. Gio asked Olivia pulled a Lois and never told him about Dante, and Sonny said, she kept it from everybody. He thought she was worried about his affiliations. He wasn’t defending Lois, but she made her choices for a reason. He and Dante knew where Gio was coming from.

Dante said he didn’t know he had a child and definitely didn’t know it was Gio, and Rocco asked, when were he and Brook together? Dante said they’d been camp counselors one summer. They were kids not much older than Rocco. They were teenagers and got careless. They made a mistake. Brook didn’t tell him that she’d gotten pregnant, had a baby, and put it up for adoption. Rocco said, Brook never told him that he had a son? and Dante said he found out the same way everyone else did – when Gio announced it and smashed his violin.

Brook said, if it was up to Gloria and Lois, she wouldn’t have known Gio was hers. She’d continue hoping and praying her son was out there living a safe and happy life. Lois said, he was happy, and Gloria said Brook was acting like they didn’t make sure Gio was loved and well-protected. He was their priority. Brook said they were acting like they’d done nothing wrong and didn’t regret everything. She asked if Lois regretted giving Gio to Camilla, and Lois said, no. Brook asked if Lois didn’t regret lying to her for 22 years and letting her see Gio, never knowing he was her son. Gloria said they made the decision they thought was best, and Brook said, when Camilla died, Gio was an orphan, but they said nothing.

Laura told Alexis not to overextend herself. The Cassadine fortune carried a lot of baggage. Don’t allow it to add to her stress level. Alexis said she needed to follow her conscience, when Suzanne came in and gave Alexis the balance sheets for the Dolos fund, since Laura had been asking about it. Alexis asked if Laura wanted to go over them, but Laura said, in the future, just keep her more informed. Suzanne said she heard congratulations were in order. Laura’s extended family had a new addition. Laura said, excuse me?

Rocco wondered why Brook didn’t tell Dante that he had a kid. He was the best dad. Dante said he didn’t know how much Brook knew, and Rocco said, she knew she had a baby. Lulu said Dante couldn’t answer his questions yet. He was trying to make sense of it himself. Rocco said Gio was his brother, and he missed out on nearly everything with him, and Lulu said she was sorry. His dad would get answers and so would he. Rocco said it was a lot. If it was some big secret, how did Gio find out the truth?

Brook said, Gio was 12 when Camilla died. Didn’t they think he needed a mother? Lois said, it tore Gio apart. They were just getting him through it. Gloria said, the poor boy would have been traumatized all over again, and Brook said her son was alone at his lowest point, but Lois said he was loved and cared for. Brook said, not by her. She was an adult, and they kept her son away from her when he was all alone. She’d never forgive them for that.

Sonny said now that Gio knew Brook and Dante were his parents, circumstances were different, but he got it. Gio asked if it was easy with him and Dante, but Sonny said, not at all. It changed everything. Dante went from being an adversary to being his son. Gio asked if they were cool now, and Sonny said he was proud of that. It took years and it might take time to build a relationship with Dante. Gio said, what if he didn’t want that?

Kristina said taking Michael’s children away didn’t sound like the Willow she knew. She didn’t recognize Willow anymore. Michael said at first, he thought Drew was manipulating her, but she was responsible for her choices. She chose to prioritize Drew and chose to destroy her family.

Lucky told Elizabeth that Kristina showed up at Charlie’s, then ran out. He went after her. She called Ava to try and warn her. Elizabeth said, Ava wasn’t in the car, and Lucky said he found Kristina pulled over near the crash, totally freaked out. She was in shock when she saw Ric and said she’d thought it was Ava. That’s when he knew she’d caused the crash. Elizabeth asked why he hadn’t turned Kristina in to the police.

Lucky said, Kristina could get charged with three counts of attempted murder and go to prison for life, and Elizabeth said maybe that’s where she belonged. He said she didn’t see Kristina’s regret. It wasn’t premeditated, but a crime of passion, a lapse in judgement. When she realized what she’d done, she tried to stop it. Elizabeth said, but she couldn’t. She and Ric could have died. He said the only reason Kristina wasn’t behind bars was because she didn’t die. It was a miracle she survived, and she and Ric were okay. He didn’t see how it benefited anyone to send Kristina to prison. Elizabeth said, what if it kept Ava from being killed? (I don’t know if I’d consider that a benefit.)

Michael told Kristina that he wasn’t the perfect husband, but he loved Willow. He didn’t think they’d ever seen each other clearly and only showed the parts they wanted the other to see, not the dark parts. Kristina said, that would have been honest, and they’d have handled the dark parts, but Michael said Willow couldn’t have handled his.

Lulu told Rocco that Gio found out the truth because of her. She uncovered some information and thought his dad deserved to know the truth. She investigated and found out the baby was Gio. Rocco said Gio was living with them. He didn’t get why Brook kept it from them, and Lulu said she didn’t know what Brook knew. She’d struggled over the right thing to do, but he needed to understand that she respected adoption as well as Brook’s right to make her choice. She took issue with the lies. Gio was his half-brother, and his dad was an amazing father, so when she found out he was here in their lives, she couldn’t keep quiet anymore.

Sonny said he couldn’t tell Gio how to feel, but Dante was a good man and a great father. If Gio give him a chance, Dante would show him. Gio said Dante didn’t like him. He made that perfectly clear after Rocco’s alcohol poisoning. He wasn’t interested in having a relationship because of biology. Sonny said he understood Gio felt hurt, angry, and betrayed. It wasn’t the best state of mind to make decisions. Take his time and see how he felt. Figure it out then and make a decision to what he was open to or not. Gio said, Olivia lied. Did Sonny ever stop hating her for that? Sonny said he never hated her. He was angry and it took a long time to get past that, but loves her. At times he thought about how much time he missed with Dante, but he forgave her and didn’t regret it.

Gloria said she and Brook’s mother her did their best. Brook owed her beautiful life to Lois. Stop hating her and try thanking her. Brook said her child was in pain because they’d both misled him his entire life, but Gloria said they’d made a decision that wouldn’t destroy her life or Gio’s. Brook said they didn’t know what life she would have given Gio, or he would have given her.

Elizabeth asked, what would keep Kristina from trying to kill Ava again? and Lucky said it was a wake-up call, but Elizabeth wasn’t convinced. Why was it on him to cover for her? Her mother was a lawyer. Lucky said it was too late. He helped cover it up, which made him an accessory. She said, so if he went to the police, he’d be charged too, and Lucky said if she felt the need, he’d go, but she told him not to risk prison. It didn’t just affect them. They had to think of Aiden, Ric, Molly, and Alexis, who was still grieving the loss of Sam. She wasn’t sending one of Alexis’s remaining daughters to prison. Lucky said when he saw Lulu, he thought of how much he owed Sam. He thought that’s what drove him to protect Kristina in the first place and didn’t think she would try it again. Elizabeth said it would only harm more people who didn’t deserve to be hurt. She’d keep Kristina’s secret.

Suzanne told Alexis that she was sorry. She assumed Laura knew what happened at the Nurses Ball. Alexis said Suzanne’s knack of oversharing worked out this time. Mayor Collins had the right to know. There was a knock at the door and Marco said he needed to discuss the Dolos fund statement. Suzanne left and Alexis asked what they needed to address.

Michael said he made an error in judgement when it came to Willow. He’s sure she felt the same way. Kristina said it’s not like Drew would make her happy and Michael said he wouldn’t. She destroyed her life to be with him, so it had to seem worth it. He was more important than the children. Kristina said everyone tried to tell Willow and she claimed the children were happy, and he said, the truth was, Wiley and Amelia were no longer emotionally safe. He was going to take the children, no matter the cost to Willow.

Brook said she loved her Quartermaine family, but didn’t trust them. Not until now did she realize they were the family she wasn’t safe with. Gloria said that wasn’t fair or true. Brook’s mother loved her more than anything and every decision she made was to protect her and Gio. Gio wasn’t hurting because of them. That honor went to Lulu Spencer who was messing around in things that were none of her business. Brook said Lulu hated her, so she didn’t expect anything from Lulu. But if this is how they showed her love, she didn’t want any part of it. Lois said she knew Brook was angrier than she’d ever been, but please say she believed Lois loved her.  

Rocco asked if Lulu told Gio, but Lulu said, no. She thought Gio overheard a conversation between her and Lois. She was going to tell Rocco’s dad, but Gio went public before she could. Rocco asked if they wanted him to talk to Gio, and Dante said he appreciated that, but it was on him. He had to figure out where to start. He left.

Sonny told Gio that if he needed a place to stay, he was Gio’s grandfather, so his home was Gio’s home. Even if he wasn’t Gio’s grandfather, it would still be. If there was anything Gio needed, he was here. Gio thanked him, but said, whatever he did next, he’d do on his own for himself, and he left.

Michael said he put his kids in this situation, and it was his responsibility to get them out, and Kristina said she’d help any way she could. Michael said if there was no other option, he’d break Willow down to nothing to keep the kids away. She was going to see a Michael Corinthos she’d never seen before.  

Marco told Alexis that the company was brand new, incorporated in the Grand Keys and in existence less than a month. Their only asset was the 10 million dollars from the Cassadine estate. It had the makings of a shell company, and he wondered if they were dealing with a case of fraud. Alexis said there was no fraud and assured him that they’d been vetted, and he said he realized he was new, but he liked her and the firm. He’d seen set-ups like this before, and it looked like a set-up for money laundering. Was she sure it was good?

Lucky said he was sorry. He owed Elizabeth the truth. She said she was glad he was being honest, but why now? What changed? He said if they’re really doing this, he couldn’t lie to her. He wanted to be worth of her trust. she was the most important thing in the world to him. If she hadn’t survived the crash, he couldn’t have handled it. She said it would be nice when she got her cast off and could move on from all this, and he said that was all he wanted, kissing her cheek. She said, in some ways, they’d taken a horrible situation and made it surprisingly wonderful. Being under one roof was unexpected and part of her would miss this. He said they could still look forward to amazing things like the dinner he was making for her tonight. He went to the kitchen and Elizabeth moved her blanket, uncovering a ring box.

Rocco said he was sure Dante hated how hard it was on Gio, and Lulu said she thought he was right. She had some regrets too, but now she thought Gio needed to figure out how great it was to have Dante for a father. Rocco said he was a good guy. Gio had to see that. Lulu said she thought he would, and he’d see how great it was to have Rocco for a brother. They hugged, when Laura came to the door. She told Lulu that heard it was a very eventful Nurses Ball.

Dante showed up at Sonny’s, and Sonny said he just missed Gio. Dante said he didn’t just miss Gio. He missed 22 years with his kid. He guessed that was Brook’s fault.  

Brook said she believed Lois loved her and believed Lois thought she was doing the right thing, but it was wrong. Not at the Nurses Ball. Were they thinking about Gio, standing up on stage, all alone, smashing his violin? He left the room shattered with nowhere to go and no one to trust. Think about that and tell her that everything they did was for the best for Lois’s grandson. Lois cried and Gio walked in.

Tuesday:

The pool is open! Trina and Kai went to the pool and met Emma there. Emma said her AC went out coming back from Niagara Falls with Gio, and Trina asked where he was now. Emma said she dropped him off at Sonny’s.

Dante told Sonny that he had a hard time seeing Brook the same way and owed Sonny an apology. When he found out Sonny was his father, he didn’t welcome Sonny with open arms. Sonny said they’d gone past that and moved on, and Dante said his mother lied and he gave her the benefit of the doubt, but he was having a hard time doing the same with Brook. Sonny said Dante could be angry with who he wanted, but the important thing was he had a son who was hurting.

Gloria said, thank God Gio came home to his family, but Gio said he wasn’t home and none of them were family. He was grabbing his stuff and leaving.

Alexis wondered if Marco was asking if she was laundering money, but he said, no. He had experience in international banking law and if she found herself entangled or the investment not working out the way she planned or she got in trouble, he was here to help.

Diane gave Ric her witness list and said she’d offered Willow a generous settlement. Ric said he had a few tricks up his sleeve and saw Kristina on the witness list.

In the hallway, Michael told Kristina that he was ready for this to be over, and Jason told Carly to keep cool on the stand. Do what it took to get her grandchildren away from Willow, even if she had to be civil. Drew and Willow came in with Nina, and Willow said she was terrified. Drew said he was here for her and so was her mother, and Nina said, don’t worry. Everything would work out just fine.

Tracy arrived and told Drew, sorry. She was fresh out of ketamine. Willow and Drew went into the courtroom and Drew told Ric that he was counting on him to convince the judge that Michael was no altar boy.

Sasha worried that Ric knew about her and Michael, but Jason said, he didn’t. But if she was called to the stand, she was good under pressure.

Diane said they were about to start and everyone went in. Michael told Jason that they had a problem.

Nina said hi to Sasha, who barely looked at her.

Lois said Gio had every right to be angry, but Brook had nothing to do with this. Gio asked Brook if they’d made her give him up.  

Dante said Gio was reeling, and Sonny said Dante knew what it was like to meet his father as an adult and could relate. Dante said he had a lot of years to make up for, and Sonny said if he and Dante got past it, Dante and Gio could work their way to each other. Dante said he had to get to the courthouse. He was testifying on Michael’s behalf. Sonny told him to go help his brother for both of them, they hugged, and Dante left.

Diane said she wasn’t putting Jason on the stand. Ric would question him about the incendiary device and would say his proximity to Sonny posed a danger to Michael’s children. He wasn’t wrong. Jason said he still wanted to support Michael, but she told him to support Michael from a distance. She asked if Michael was okay, and Michael said, no, but she was right. She said, always, and Michael said he’d be right in. He thanked Jason for understanding. Even after what she’d done, he hated raking Willow over the coals. Jason said it wasn’t about Willow. It was about the kids, and he had to keep them away from Drew. Michael was a great father, and his kids needed him. Jason left and Michael went inside.

Alexis thanked Marco, but said there was nothing to be concerned about. Dolos wasn’t a shell company, and she was perfectly comfortable with the investment. He said if she changed her mind or the investment came under scrutiny, there were ways to mitigate her personal risk. She thanked him, when her phone rang, and he left. She asked what Ric wanted, and he told her to get to the courthouse now. She said she didn’t have a court date, but he said, Kristina did.

Ric said Diane had added Kristina to the witness list. If she testified, she’d most like tell the story about Willow using Michael’s torched body as a bargaining chip. Alexis said, if Willow was worried about that, she shouldn’t have done it in the first place, and he said, like if Kristina didn’t want to go to prison, she shouldn’t have cut his brake lines. Alexis wondered what Diane could ask Kristina that had to do with the divorce, and Ric said, maybe nothing, but she never knew what her daughter might say that would open up a line of questioning. They were starting, so whatever she wanted to do, do it fast.

Josslyn walked into the pool area and Emma glared at her.

Sidwell and Jordan came to the pool and met Dalton at a table. Sidwell introduced Jordan and told her that Dalton was doing cutting edge research at PCU. Jordan said Sidwell told her that he was about to change the world, and Dalton said that was the plan. Josslyn told Trina and Kai that she had to work, but would see them on her next day off. She went over to Dalton’s table and Emma said she was sashaying over like she owned the place and cozying up to Dalton. Trina said Josslyn was working for him, and Emma said Trina’s bestie sabotaged her and stole the job that was practically hers.

Brook told Gio that she had no idea she had a son, but no one made her give him up. She was a teenager and wanted him to have parents who could love and care for him without needing to grow up themselves. Gio thanked her for being honest and got that she didn’t want him, but she said knowing she couldn’t care for him wasn’t the same thing. Gio said she would have found a way, and Brook said it was the hardest thing she’d ever done and carried it with her every day. Lois said, Brook loved Gio enough to give him a better life, even if it meant never seeing him again.

Judge Haran came in and asked to hear from the plaintiff. Diane said her client was seeking full custody of his minor children. They were going to prove the children’s mother abdicated her parental responsibility, beginning with her actions during an extramarital affair with Michael’s uncle. They were offering a 5-million-dollar settlement. Ric said Willow couldn’t be bought. She was a devoted mother and was seeking full custody. The judge told Diane to call her first witness.

On the stand, Carly said she was present at the Quartermaine Christmas party where the video of Willow and Drew having sex in the children’s nursery played, and Diane asked, what happened after it was viewed? Carly said she realized Willow and Nina had left, so she went to the gatehouse where Michael and Willow were living. She found Willow and her mother attempting to remove the children without Michael’s knowledge. Michael showed up before they could sneak away. Diane asked if he stopped them from leaving, but Carly said, he did not. He wanted to avoid confrontation, and Willow was emotionally unaware of how her actions were impacting the children. They were upset, but Willow was only concerned about how the night’s events were affecting her. Diane asked if it was difficult for Michael to watch Willow leaving with the children, and Carly said, it was heartbreaking, but he understood their well-being came first. Diane asked about Willow accompanying Drew to his inauguration, and Carly said Wiley called her. They were spending the night in a hotel suite, and she didn’t think Willow was aware he’d called. He said she was in Uncle Drew’s room. Diane asked if Michael had authorized the children’s transport across state lines, and Carly said, absolutely not.

Josslyn told Dalton that she’d sent out his proposal, and he introduced her to Sidwell. Sidwell said she seemed familiar, and Jordan said she was Carly’s daughter. Dalton said Josslyn was his new assistant, and Sidwell invited her to join them. Josslyn sat down, and Sidwell asked how she enjoyed working with Dalton. She said she couldn’t wait to get into the lab, and Dalton said his screening process was rigorous. He had to find people he trusted. He’d learned that lesson the hard way.

Chase took the stand, and Diane asked if he’d collected Wiley and Amelia from their grandmother’s penthouse. He said they had a court order to do so, and Diane asked if the children were upset. Chase said, not at all. Wiley was especially eager to go home. Diane asked if he hadn’t once been married to Willow, and he said, yes. She asked if Willow had been faithful, and he said, it was complicated. Diane said, yes, or no? and he said, no, she wasn’t.

Jason went to Sonny’s and told him that Diane changed her mind about him taking the stand. Sonny said he hated that the only thing he could do for his son was stay away and the only thing he could do for his grandson was wait him out. Gio had come by earlier and was angry, but Sonny hoped he could make up with his family. Jason said Gio wanted nothing to do with the Quartermaines, and Sonny said, he was especially mad at Lois and Gloria. Jason said, so were the Quartermaines. They were furious and they weren’t the only ones.

Gio asked why he should believe anything they said, and Lois said maybe he shouldn’t. They’d lied to him for his entire life, and she was sorry for that. Gloria told her not to apologize and told Gio not to act like they did a terrible thing. He had a good home, and Camilla was a wonderful mother. She loved him with all her heart, and he loved her the same. He said, then why did she lie to him every day of his life? Even on her deathbed, she didn’t tell him. Lois said they’d spoken to her before she passed, and she’d agreed it would be too confusing to tell him the truth. Brook said, she agreed? Did they pressure a dying woman into keeping their secret?

Ric asked who Willow cheated with, and Chase said, Michael. Ric asked if Michael knew she was married to Chase, and Chase said, he did. Ric had nothing further, and Diane asked to redirect. Did Willow know she was married to him? Chase said, of course (🍷), but… Diane thanked him. The judge told him to step down, then called for a 10-minute recess.

Drew asked if Ric planned on fighting back or was he going to hand the children over to Michael. Ric said, so far, there had been a lot of pearl clutching, even from Michael’s own mother, about him letting Willow take the kids. There were no kidnapping charges filed, and Diane was retreading old territory while they had new and compelling evidence to offer.  

Alexis got to the courtroom and asked to borrow her daughter. In the hallway, she told Kristina that she was getting her out before Kristina got them both thrown in prison.

Dalton said Sidwell had been generous in his support, and Sidwell said Dalton’s research was going to benefit the whole world. Dalton said, if only everybody saw it that way.

Trina told Emma that Josslyn wouldn’t take a job she hadn’t earned, and Kai said Josslyn would be spending the summer in a lab while they hung out at the pool. He intended to make the most of his freedom before training. He asked if Trina wanted to join him and they went into the pool.  

Gloria said Brook should be ashamed to accuse them of such a thing. It was Camilla’s choice. Lois said she didn’t want to pass on and have Gio grieving and questioning his entire life. Camilla made her wishes clear. She didn’t want to die with Gio thinking she wasn’t his mother. Gloria said if Camilla had wanted to tell him, they would have worked things out, and Brook said she got why they didn’t tell him before Camilla died, but afterward, she could have helped him. They made sure she never got the chance.

Diane told Dante that he was up next. Then Kristina, Tracy, and Michael was last. Dante said, Kristina left with Alexis, and Diane said she was testifying that Willow kept Michael’s family from him while he was fighting for his life in the burn unit. Carly said Diane could put her back on the stand, but Diane said they needed to hear from someone close to Michael who could clearly convey what happened. Michael said he thought he knew who could do it.

Sidwell asked Dalton to tell Jordan about his research, and Dalton said he was devising a process to help generate clean energy. Josslyn’s phone rang, she said she had to take it, and left.  

Back at her office, Alexis told Kristina that she was sorry if her absence hurt the case, but there was no choice. Marco came in and said Diane was looking for Alexis. Why wasn’t Kristina in court? Kristina said she was going to tell Diane that it was too triggering, and she was getting flashbacks from the last time Ric shredded her. It was believable. She told Marco that she didn’t think they’d met and introduced herself as the family embarrassment.

Jason asked how much forgiveness Lois needed from Sonny, and Sonny said he didn’t condone what she’d done, but he stood by their friendship because it was Lois. Dante and Brook were spinning and Gio felt the people he trusted the most lied to him. When he was on stage and broke his violin, it broke Sonny’s heart. (Same.) That instrument was his life, and he destroyed it. Jason suggested Gio was taking out his anger out on himself, and Sonny said he knew what it was like and didn’t want it for his grandson.

Brook told Lois and Gloria that they kept saying they wanted to protect Gio, yet they left him without any parents at all. Get out. They weren’t welcome there anymore. Lois said she’d pack her stuff, but Brook said she’d have the staff do it and send it to Bensonhurst. She wanted them out of her sight right now. Lois and Gloria left, Lois giving Brook a long stare (that I couldn’t exactly read).

On the stand, Dante said Michael wasn’t the intended target of the incendiary device. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Diane said, nothing further, and Ric asked Dante to tell the court what this was, giving him a folder. Dante said it looked like Michael’s criminal record, and Ric asked him to read the flagged passage. Dante read that Michael was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served time in Pentenville, and Ric said, nothing further. Diane asked for a redirect and asked Dante to please describe the surrounding circumstances. Dante said, Claudia Zacchara kidnapped Carly who was pregnant. By the time Michael found them, Carly had given birth to Josslyn. Claudia absconded with the baby and in stopping her, Michael accidentally killed her. So he went to prison for protecting his baby sister. Ric then asked, what was the weapon in question? and Dante said, an ax handle. Ric said, for the record, Michael was charged with involuntary manslaughter, not self-defense or justifiable homicide. He had nothing further.

Tracy was sworn in, and Carly got a text from Josslyn: Stay calm on the stand. Don’t lose your temper. Diane said Michael and Tracy had a publicly contentious relationship, yet she was a character witness. Why? Tracy said they had a contentious business relationship. Michael was the lynchpin of the Quartermaine family and was her late brother Alan and his wife Monica’s only biological grandson. He was the future of her family. Drew wanted everything Michael had, including his wife, who enthusiastically obliged. Ric objected and it was sustained.

Ric asked Tracy to explain her arrest, but Tracy asked, why? It was irrelevant. Judge Haran told her to answer the question, and Ric asked if Tracy was arrested for kidnapping Wiley and Amelia. Tracy said she was babysitting at Michael’s request. The children were restless, so she had her bodyguard Yuri take them for a drive. Ric asked if she was refusing to answer, and Tracy said it wasn’t about her. It was about Willow’s fitness as a parent. Willow professed to being the perfect mother, but she was so willing to let Drew use her children as a weapon against their family. Ric asked if she was charged with kidnapping, and the judge told her to answer. Tracy said, yes.  

Tracy left and Diane said she’d like to call Michael, when Josslyn walked in. Diane said, actually, she’d like to request a brief recess to confer with her witness, but Ric said she could prepare on her own time, not the court’s. Judge Haran said she was inclined to agree. Call her next witness or rest her case.

Sidwell said he had another engagement, but Jordan should stay and enjoy the sunshine. He left, and Jordan said she’d love to read more about Dalton’s work. He said he appreciated her interest, but his research was hush-hush, and she said that made her want to read it even more. Why the need for secrecy? He said, the simple answer was that he didn’t want his work subject to public scrutiny until it was complete.

Kai and Trina called for Emma to come in, and she got in the pool. Dalton looked at her and she looked back. (Again, hard to read. Is he a creeper? Is she annoyed?)

Marco said he was the new associate and had only heard good things about Kristina. He left and Alexis said they couldn’t risk Ric questioning her. Kristina wondered if this was how it was going to be. Ric would say jump and Alexis would ask, how high? Alexis said Kristina tried to kill someone and almost killed two people. She didn’t get to be picky about how Alexis covered it up.

Lois went to Sonny’s and said she and Gloria were heading back to Bensonhurst. Her daughter wanted nothing to do with her. Sonny said, she would, but Lois said they’d see about that. Sonny offered to talk to Brook on Lois’s behalf, but Lois said, don’t bother. She was worried about Gio. He had no one looking out for him. Sonny said he’d do everything he could for their grandson, and she said that was all she could ask. She thanked him and left.

Brook said she’d like it if Gio stayed. They could work through this. He said he got it. They were both lied to, but the fact was, none of them wanted him. The feeling was mutual. He walked out.

On the stand, Josslyn said, Willow used the status of Michael’s medical proxy to bar the family from him. He’d filed for divorce, so they were estranged. Michael needed to be surround by family, but it didn’t matter. Willow used Michael’s life-threatening medical condition to get what she wanted and ignored the impact on the family, putting her child’s father’s health in jeopardy. Diane asked where Drew was, and Josslyn said, next to Willow. Diane gave it over to Ric, who said, when Willow forbade the family from seeing Michael, was it after Josslyn’s mother ruthlessly stole the children from their home? Josslyn said, no, and Ric said she didn’t have her niece and nephew taken by her mother? Josslyn said she did, but they were staying with their grandmother. They weren’t removed from their home. Her mother had a court order, so a judge felt they shouldn’t be under Willow’s care. It was perfectly legal. Ric said Josslyn testified that Willow took drastic action after the family used the legal system to separate her from her children. Wouldn’t any mother do anything to fight for her children? Diane objected and said Josslyn wasn’t an expert in motherhood, and the judge said, sustained. Ric said Willow’s only desire was to be reunited with her children. Wasn’t that all she wanted? Carly whispered, don’t take the bait, and everyone waited.

Wednesday:

Anna thanked Jack for stopping by her office. It wasn’t about official police business, but entirely personal.

Emma got out of the pool and Gio gave her a towel. He said he’d been hired as a lifeguard, but was pitching in. He couldn’t stay with her and her grandmother forever. She asked if he’d gotten all the answers he needed.

Lucky directed Elizabeth, sans cast, to a gazebo where a beautiful table was set for dinner. She asked what the occasion was, and he said, her getting her cast off. He thought she’d appreciate a change of scenery and they had a lot to celebrate.

Sonny met Laura at a table by the pool, and she asked if it wasn’t the day of Michael’s hearing. He said he thought it was better if he stayed away. She congratulated him on his new grandson and said that’s why she wanted to meet. She was afraid it would have huge repercussions for the entire family.

Brook stormed into Lulu’s house and Lulu asked what she wanted. Brook said she wanted to know why Lulu blew her son’s life to hell.

Ric asked Josslyn if it wasn’t true that her sister-in-law only desired to be a good mother, but Josslyn said she didn’t know. They weren’t close. She did recall something Willow said at the Nurses Ball though. They were in the ladies’ room and Willow told her that nothing was more important than being with Drew.

Elizabeth said the cast kept her from doing the things she loved, like dancing with him, and Lucky took out his phone. She said, not here, but he said, why not? and put on music. They danced.

Gio told Emma that he’d gotten some answers from Sonny, who had no idea Gio was his grandson. He went back to the Quartermaines’ to get his stuff and ran into Brook, Lois, and Gloria. It was World War III. Lois confirmed that Brook didn’t know he was her son, but that didn’t change the fact that she didn’t want him. Emma said she was sorry, and he said he didn’t know what to believe. Aside from her, the only person he trusted was Sonny. He saw Sonny sitting with Laura and said, and now he wasn’t sure about that.

Laura said there was tension between Lulu and Dante, when Gio interrupted. He asked if Sonny was keeping tabs on him.

Brook said she’d had another ugly encounter with her son, and Lulu said she wasn’t the one who gave up Gio and lied to Dante. Brook said, but she was the one digging into things that were none of her business and was responsible for Gio finding out in the worst way possible. Lulu went at it with Lois backstage where anyone could overhear. Lulu said if she could change it, she would, but Gio was suffering because Brook’s mother perpetuated a huge lie. That wasn’t on her. Brook said she blamed her mother and grandmother, but Lulu couldn’t deny her part in it. She was no way off the hook.

Willow jumped up and said, that was out of context, and the judge told her to sit down and refrain from further outbursts. Ric asked if there was anything more, and Josslyn said it was fuzzy after that. Things escalated when Drew barged in the ladies’ room, threatened her, and told her to stay away from Willow. He said Michael would lose his kids. Ric had no further questions, and Diane called Michael Corinthos III to the stand.

Diane asked if Michael loved his wife and he said he did. She said he not only married her, but made her the adoptive mother to his biological son Wiley, so he must have held her in the highest esteem. He said he did, and she asked if that continued today. He said he was in love and thought it had blinded him to certain red flags. Willow grew up in a cult, Dawn of Day, and he thought she’d suffered from that upbringing more than he’d realized. Ric objected, saying it was speculation, but Diane said Michael had direct insight on his wife’s character. Judge Haran allowed it, and Diane asked him to elaborate. Michael said Willow was taught not to think for herself and to bend to the will of others. She did that with the cult leader Shiloh and was doing it now. She was willing to do whatever Drew wanted even to the detriment of her children. Diane asked for an example, and he said she was a very damaged person. Unless and until her issues were resolved, he didn’t believe she was capable of providing a safe and stable home for their children.

Dalton sat next to Emma and said it was nice to see her again.

Jack said he’d never heard of Dalton, and Anna said he was a world-renowned physicist working on a highly classified project in Port Charles. He was working at Northern Coastal in Berkeley up until a year ago in a secure restricted lab. A student group tried to break in and vandalize the lab, but security caught them before they did any damage. What he was working on was so classified, rather than risk exposure, they had the students sign an NDA and expelled them instead of pressing charges. Within the month, Dalton left Northern Coastal and wound up in Port Charles. Jack said, it could be innocuous, but Anna said it had the earmarks of someone avoiding scrutiny. Dalton specialized in cold fusion. He asked what she thought was going on, and she said her gut was telling her that he was working on something big and potentially dangerous.

Laura told Gio that she asked Sonny to meet her there. It was her idea. Gio apologized and said he was on overload. Sonny said everything was confusing and introduced Laura, saying she was Rocco’s grandmother. Laura said she’d been meaning to reach out and thank him for what he did for Rocco the night he had alcohol poisoning. He was a good friend. Gio said he wished he’d done more. Now he was Rocco’s half-brother. Laura said she was looking forward to getting to know him better, and Gio said he had to get back to work. He left, and Laura said, clearly, Gio was in pain. Sonny said he wished he could do more to help.

Brook said she’d asked Lulu to back off, but Lulu kept digging, even after she said it would hurt her son. Lulu said once she suspected Gio was Dante’s son, she couldn’t drop it, and Brook asked how she figured it out. Lulu said she got suspicious when Dante ripped into Gio after Rocco’s alcohol poisoning and Lois got over the top protective. Things fell into place, especially when she found out Camilla was never pregnant. Brook said she should have stayed out of it, and Lulu asked if Brook really didn’t want to know she was Gio’s mother.

Ric said Michael alleged that Willow was incapable of giving their children a safe and stable environment due to her upbringing, but they should look at Michael’s. He was raised by Sonny Corinthos, a well-known crime lord. Diane started to object, and Ric said, withdrawn. There was no denying that Michael grew up surrounded by violence. He was shot in the head as a child with a bullet meant for his father and Dante had testified that he was caught in a firebomb at the penthouse, which was why he’d been absent from his children’s lives. Even if he wasn’t the target, it didn’t seem like a safe and stable environment for children to grow up in.

Ric said it wasn’t the first time Michael had manipulated the legal system to exact revenge. He’d sued his own father for custody of his half-sister Avery. Ric wanted to revisit the topic of Claudia Zacchara. Involuntary manslaughter was a serious crime.

Elizabeth thanked Lucky for going to all this trouble, and he said he’d thought about this since they were kids. She said, a picnic in a gazebo? but he said it was just the setting for the main event. She asked, what main event? and he said, this, showing her the ring.

Jack asked how Anna knew about the break-in, and she said she did some digging. He said, because Emma was a student? and she said that’s why it was personal. She would involve herself, but he had more resources and latitude. She knew she was on to something. He said he thought it was more like she was being an overprotective grandmother and wondered if it was impairing her usually impeccable judgement.

Dalton said he knew Emma was upset at not getting the job and hoped she didn’t hold it against him, and she said she was sorry she took it badly. She’d been disappointed. He said he had no idea it meant so much to her, and she said she enjoyed his class. She was jealous that Josslyn got to work so closely with him. Vaughn watched them from a nearby table.

Sonny told Laura that he’d spoken to Gio, who wanted to know if he’d known the truth. He hadn’t and thought Gio believed him. He hoped they could keep building a solid relationship. Laura said she thought they could. Gio knew he could talk to Sonny. Sonny said Gio was upset with Dante and Brook, and Laura said she knew Dante had a terrible fight with Lulu. She expected there would be friction for a while. That’s why she thought it was important for both of them to keep an eye out for Rocco. She had the feeling he could use the extra support.

Brook asked if Lulu expected a thank you, and Lulu said she at least expected Brook to stop acting like it was the worst thing ever. Brook said it was up there, and Lulu wasn’t the heroine in the story. Lulu said she wasn’t the villain either, and Brook said, whatever she had to tell herself. Yes. She’d rather be in the dark and sparing Gio the pain. Lulu said Gio would have a family – a father, brother, and a mother again – but Brook said she didn’t know if that was true. Gio pushed them away, and based how furious he was, she didn’t think that was ever going to change.

Diane asked if Michael had contact with his children while he was recovering in Germany, and he said they spoke on the phone. She asked if Willow facilitated the calls, but he said his sister Kristina did. Diane asked if Willow made a concentrated effort to connect him with his children, but he said, no. She said, since the adultery was exposed, had Willow made every action to separate him from his children? and he said, yes. Diane said Willow transported them across state lines for a trip with Drew and he was not advised? and he said, yes, correct. She asked if he’d been advised that on April 14th, Willow signed and filed a document appointing Drew Cain as the children’s guardian in the event anything happened to her, and Michael said, no. She said, no further questions, and submitted photos of Congressman Drew Cain, the guardian of her client’s children, engaging in a frolic with a woman convicted multiple times for solicitation. She asked for the court’s attention on the monitor and showed proof of Willow’s adultery with her uncle-in-law in the children’s nursery playroom. The video played and she rested her case.

Ric said Nina had seen the footage before, and Nina said, at the Quartermaines’ Christmas party. He asked how it came about, and Nina said, Tracy accidentally played it from Michael’s phone. It was from an app. Michael had secretly installed a nanny-cam without her daughter’s knowledge. (Not sure how this applies, since it wasn’t like he would think that would happen.) Ric said it was odd that Michael knew and never said anything, and Nina said, at first, he kept it a secret from Willow. Ric asked if she agreed with what Carly said went down at the gatehouse, and Nina said they did want to leave, and Carly tried to stop them. But when Willow insisted the children needed be with their mother, Michael never put up a fight and gave her permission to take the children. He asked if the children were upset, but she said, not at all, and he asked if it was fair to say Willow loved her children and they loved her back. Nina said Willow was the best mother she’d ever seen. Her children adored her. In her opinion, Michael didn’t want custody. He was just angry and punishing Willow for falling out of love with him.

Diane asked when Nina last spoke with her son-in-law, and Nina said she tried to speak with him at the Nurses Ball, but he was too busy snatching her grandson. Diane said, just answer the question, and Nina said, not since before he went to the hospital. Diane said, the same night he filed for custody, so her opinion on his motives for wanting custody was just speculation, and Nina said, yes.

Felicia went to Anna’s office and asked if she was interested in a bite, but Anna said she’d lost her appetite. Jack was there and she asked him to investigate something she was suspicious of that involved Emma. He accused her of being over-protective. She asked Felicia to put on her P.I. hat. She’d give Felicia the facts and Felicia could tell her if that was the case.

On the phone, Vaughn said he was hanging by the pool… No problem. He’d come right over. He left.

Dalton asked what Emma’s plans for the summer were, but she said she hadn’t figured them out. She might take an internship with a cosmetics lab, but it wouldn’t be like working in his lab. Was there any chance they could meet met up sometime? She had so many questions about things they’d talked about in class. He said he’d be delighted. His door was always open.

Josslyn’s phone dinged and she told Carly that it was work. She left, and Ric asked Sasha her occupation. She said she’d been the cook at the Quartermaines’ for a little over a year. He asked if during that time she witnessed any interaction between Michael and Willow, and she said she had. She even babysat the kids. He asked her to describe their relationship, and she said there was nothing out of the ordinary until she saw Willow kiss Drew on the 4th of July last year. He asked how she felt, and she said she was stunned and felt bad for Michael. They were friends. He said they were once engaged. Was their romantic relationship sexual in nature? Diane said it was irrelevant, but Ric said it spoke of the nature of their relationship, and the judge told Ric to proceed with caution. Sasha said, during the course of their relationship, they had sex, and Ric asked when their relationship ended. She said, 2021, and he asked, when was the last time they had sex?

Vaughn said he had Dalton under surveillance, and Jack said they hit a major snag. As they suspected, Anna was on to Dalton and close to launching her own investigation. Vaughn said, that could spook Dalton and send him underground, and Jack said, or worse, he could halt his research. They didn’t want him selling it, but they did want the technology for themselves. Anna couldn’t get in their way.  

Felicia wondered how Emma would feel about Anna asking the WSB to look into her professor, and Anna said, Emma would tell her that she was overstepping. But she felt she was on to something. Felicia said, was she, or was she overcompensating because of Robin?

Dalton told Emma to let him know when she wanted to meet up, and she said she’d be in touch.

Laura said she was sure everything would be done to shield Rocco, and Sonny said he was a sensitive kid. He’d figure it out. Laura said she thought it was important that he knew he could talk to them. She thought they should present a united front to show the whole family wasn’t torn apart. Sonny said he thought Rocco had a wise grandma, when Boyle approached the table with his phone recording. He said it was their esteemed mayor with Public Enemy Number One. Smile for the camera. It was a livestream for the people of Port Charles.

Lulu said she was sure Gio would come around, but Brook said she wasn’t. It didn’t have to be this way and would have been different if Lulu had come to her and let her decide. Lulu said she thought Brook would keep lying, and Brook said Lulu made a huge life-changing decision for her and her kid. She should have respected Brook as a mother instead of trashing her entire life. Congratulations. Lulu always wanted to destroy her life and finally succeeded.

Ric asked, when was the last time Sasha and Michael had sex? and Sasha said she didn’t understand why he was asking. He said he thought she did, and Diane objected. Judge Haran told him to get to the point, and he asked if Sasha was at the Brown Dog Bar on October 30, 2024. She said, yes, and he asked what she did. She said, drink, and he asked, how many? She said she didn’t know. She was upset after finding out her boyfriend was her cousin. He said, when she left, was she alone? and she said it was none of his business. The judge told her to answer, and she said she left with someone. Ric asked who she left with and reminded her that she was under oath. She said she left with Michael.  

Vaughn suggested Josslyn get involved, but Jack said she was too green to go up against a former agent. Vaughn said he knew how to handle Devane.

Anna said she’d always regret not being there for Robin when Stone died and she was diagnosed with HIV, and Felicia said she didn’t have to be over-protective because of it. Anna said, what if both things were true? She over-compensated, but she also trusted her instincts and they were telling her Dalton was working on something illegal.

Gio asked, who was that guy? and Emma said her professor. Gio said, the physics guy, and she asked if he was still there. He said, yeah. Why? She took off her towel, revealing her bikini bottoms, and Dalton watched.

Lucky said he’d loved Elizabeth almost his entire life, since the first day they met. They had their had ups downs, and he knew they’d been through so much. It seemed like madness, but they’d also matured a lot – her more than him perhaps, but deep down, the connection was still there. He believed more than ever they could still have the life they’d envisioned since they were teenagers. He got down on one knee and said all he wanted was to spend the rest of his days with her and Aiden and her boys. So would she do him the honor of marrying him… again? She said she loved him so much, but the answer was no.

Sonny said he was in no mood, and Boyle said this was why when the people hit the polls, they should vote for Ezra Boyle for mayor and vote yes on Measure C. Laura asked if he was done, but Boyle said he had so much more. Gio walked by with a stack of towels and accidentally on purpose knocked him into the pool. Gio said he was so sorry. He hadn’t seen Boyle. Laura and Sonny laughed as Boyle flailed around in the pool, and Laura said she liked that grandson of Sonny’s. Sonny said, he’s a winner.

Lulu said it was unbelievable. She was just trying to do the right thing and Brook and Dante were thinking the worst of her. Brook said she was glad to hear Dante didn’t believe Lulu’s act, and Lulu said, at least they knew Gio was their son. How it played out was up to them. She was out. She started to walk away, but Brook asked if she thought it was going to be that easy. Lulu was going to blow up her life and walk away? If she did, she was in for a rude awakening. Brook walked out.

Ric said Sasha and Michael left the bar after consuming a lot of drinks. Did they have sexual relations that night? Unless she wanted her baby born in Spring Ridge, answer truthfully. Sasha said, yes. They left the bar and had sex, and he said, here they were, 9 months later. He understood she was claiming Jason Morgan was the father. Was that really true? Or is Michael Corinthos actually the father? Sasha said Ric was a disgusting creep. Yes. It was true. Michael was the father of her baby.

Thursday:

Lucky asked Elizabeth to marry him – again – and she said she loved him so much, but her answer was no. He asked if she meant no now or forever.

At the pool, Lucas met Marco with a Mai Tai, and they clinked glasses.

Maxie met Sonny at a poolside table and asked why he wanted to meet privately. He said he didn’t want Lucy’s spin on it and asked how badly Deception needed Sidwell. She said, right now, they needed Sidwell more than they needed him.

Curtis told Portia to relax, and she said they were sleeping in separate bedrooms. How was she supposed to relax? He said he didn’t want the family to figure out something was wrong and ask questions.

Kai and Trina arrived at her house, Kai bearing flowers.

Jason met Anna at the park, and she said she needed his help. He’d be helping Carly too.

Jack said, Josslyn saw Sidwell and Dalton together? and she said she’d seen on Dalton’s calendar that he had a meeting at the pool. It being Sidwell was just a lucky break, and she was asked to join them. Jack asked if she’d learned anything interesting, and she said Sidwell was sponsoring Dalton’s research.

Ric said, on October 30th, Sasha had sex with Michael which resulted in her pregnancy, and she said, yes. He said, on October 30th, the night before Willow and Drew made love (gag), but she said she wasn’t there. She had no idea. He said, to the best of her knowledge, as far as she knew, was Michael unfaithful first?

Elizabeth said told Lucky that she didn’t see a way of their lives fitting together, and Lucky said he’d disappeared before and didn’t blame her for thinking he wasn’t going to stick around for the long haul, but he knew he could, and he wanted to. She said she loved having him there, and he’d hold on to the ring and prove every day that he was in it for the long haul. She said she believed him, but he had to ask himself, would it really make him happy?

Trina said she hoped Drew would focus on someone else and get off Portia’s back for a while. The doorbell rang, and Trina opened the door to Marshall. He asked how his favorite granddaughter was, and they hugged.

Maxie said, Sonny’s investment kept Deception afloat at a crucial time, but they’d made the money back several times over. Their Youth Truth serum was going through the roof, and the more demand for the product, the more zincite they needed. Sonny asked if Sidwell was the only one who could access it, and she said if he knew someone else who was sitting on a pile of it, introduce her. She’d heard the stories, and wasn’t happy working with Sidwell, but right now they were making money because of him. Money she needed because her kids refused to stop growing and eating. So she was putting her misgivings aside until he gave her a reason not to. Natalia walked in, saw Marco, went to the bar, and ordered a vodka soda.

Jason asked what Carly had to do with it, and Anna said, the new professor at PCU, Henry Dalton, was doing extensive research. It looked above board, but she was concerned that it was more dangerous than he was letting on. She needed help to prove she was right. Jason said he didn’t see what that had to do with Carly, and she said, Dalton hired a new research assistant – Josslyn.

Josslyn asked if she should get close to Sidwell, but Jack said he’d take care of Sidwell. Concentrate on monitoring Dalton. What was inside this box would allow her to clone the contents of his phone. He also knew Anna was suspicious of Dalton. She said, because of Emma, and he said Anna was determined to go after him. She said they needed to find a way to discredit Emma so Anna would stop looking, and he said they couldn’t attract Anna’s attention to the Bureau and had to let it blow over.

Ric asked, how inebriated was Michael? but Sasha said he’d have to ask Michael. He asked if drugs were involved, and she said, absolutely not. He asked if Michael had cheated with other women, and Diane objected. He withdrew the question and said, her witness. Diane said, let’s talk timelines. Sasha testified that she’d witnessed Willow and Drew share a kiss on July 4th, 2024. In a subsequent conversation, did she tell Sasha about a second kiss in early September? Sasha said, yes, and Diane asked if Willow confessed the nature of her feelings. Sasha said Willow told her that she had feelings for Drew that she couldn’t control, and Diane said, let the record reflect both the kisses and Willow characterizing her feelings happened before October 30th. Judge Haran said, so noted, and Diane had nothing further. The judge told Sasha to step down, but Ric had a redirect and asked how much Michael paid her to hid the fact she was carrying his baby.

Natalia said she was glad she ran into Marco, and he introduced her to Lucas. She said, nice to meet him. She needed to talk to Marco alone. Lucas said he’d be at the bar, and left. Marco asked if she realized how incredibly rude she was, and she said she was sorry, but they had important family business to discuss. Allison still wasn’t returning her calls. Could he please ask her to return one text or call. She’d like to join Allison on tour, and they needed to discuss things. Marco said, despite his better judgement, he introduced her to Lucas, who was important to him. Instead of making an effort, she wanted him to convince his sister to bring her on tour. Natalia said stop making her the bad guy. Allison needed to stop her tantrum and realize she needed her.  

Maxie told Sonny that she needed to take care of something quick and went over to Lucas. She said, please tell her that complete snack wearing the hell out of that swimsuit was Marco. He said it was, and she said she needed details. He could start with what Marco and his mother were fighting about. They didn’t look happy. Natalia told Marco to let her explain, as Sonny watched them.

Marshall said it was good to see them, and Curtis said, Aunt Stella and TJ were sorry, but they had to work late. Marshall said he was sorry he wouldn’t be there long enough to them, but it was just a short stop over, then the tour was back on the road. Curtis said they loved him and were proud of him. He was touring with Wynton Marsalis. Trina introduced Kai to Marshall, and Kai said it was nice to finally meet him. Marshall said he’d enjoyed Kai’s games. He had impressive improv skills and Marshall was sorry his career got cut short. Kai said he was on his way back to playing. It was miraculous. He’d met some who made it their mission to get him on the field again.

Elizabeth said she fell in love so young. The feeling had never gone away, and she couldn’t imagine it ever would. Loving him meant she wanted his happiness as much as her own. He said, being with her made him happy, but she said it meant being in Port Charles, the same town, the same house, and the same routine. She knew it was too small of a place for him and the last thing she wanted was for him to live an unfulfilled life just to prove himself to her. Was Port Charles really where he wanted to be?

Sasha said, Michael didn’t pay… She doubled over and Ric asked if she was all right. She said she was fine, and he asked if Michael told her to keep their tryst a secret, but she said they both felt no one else needed to know. He asked, why? and she said because she worked for his family, loved her job, and didn’t want to jeopardize it. He asked what Michael’s reason was, and she said she couldn’t speak for him, but she knew he still loved Willow, even after he found out she’d kissed his uncle, so maybe that. He said, when she found out she was pregnant, did she tell Michael? and she said, yes. He asked if Michael instructed her to keep it secret, but she said, no. She was the one who insisted. Michael was willing to claim the child publicly, but she asked him not to. She knew what was coming for Michael and Willow and didn’t want her baby going through that. She wanted to protect her baby from a life where the people around them tear each other… She gasped in pain.

Lucky said he loved Elizabeth and wanted to be with her, but maybe she was right. Port Charles would always be important, but it wasn’t his home anymore. Being there full time wouldn’t fulfill him, at least right now. Elizabeth thanked him for being honest, and he said he’d give anything to be the kind of person who was content staying, but she said, if he was, he wouldn’t be the person she loved. He said it was unfair. They’d just found their way back to each other. She said it would be more unfair if she asked him to stay, and he suggested she leave with him instead. They could go see the world together.

Trina told Marshall about the day Josh came early and Kai was on his pain meds. He just kept petting her sweater and saying, fuzzy. They all laughed, and Kai said Josh was a great guy, but he couldn’t wait until he could play again and his part in the documentary was over. Trina said, or they could go out in public without someone following them asking questions. Marshall said it was both flattering and a chore, and Kai said, Congressman Cain was generous enough to arrange and pay for his surgery. He felt the documentary was the least he could do.  

Anna said Josslyn would be working closely with Dalton, and Jason said she needed to tell him everything she knew about the professor. Anna said she became suspicious when the Emma thing didn’t add up. Dalton taught at Emma’s previous university. She was arrested for protesting his research, but instead of charging the students, the university swept it under the rug. It was almost as if the school didn’t want to call attention to it. After that, Dalton turned up there at PCU. Jason said none of that told him that it was worth investigating, but she said, the fact that the WSB was looking into it should.

Marco said Ally had worked up the courage to tell Natalia who she really was, and Natalia pushed her aside, like she did him. Natalia said she was trying to be better, and she was better, but Marco said, not enough. In the years when he needed a mother, she wasn’t there. The best thing to do was leave Ally alone and stay away from him too.

Sasha said she thought she was in labor, and Rick suggested it was cheap theatrics. Michael yelled at him to back off and ran up to Sasha, and Judge Haran adjourned the court while the witness got medical attention. Michael promised Sasha that it would be okay, and she said it wasn’t supposed to happen for another month. She couldn’t lose the baby. It couldn’t be like Liam. He said it wouldn’t. They’d get her to the hospital on time. She said there was no time. The baby was coming now. Willow said, let her help.

Willow asked if Sasha was feeling pressure or the urge to push, and Michael asked if she thought she could make it to the hospital, but Sasha said she wasn’t going anywhere. The pain was too strong. He said the paramedics were on their way, but Willow said they wouldn’t be on time. Sasha’s water broke and her contractions were two minutes apart. The baby was coming any second.

Lucky said they could see the world together. Elizabeth was an amazing nurse. Think of the good they could do. Every day would be an adventure. (Packing now.) Elizabeth said, what about their son? and Lucky said he could come too. His parents bounced around. She said he was born into that life and didn’t know any different. Aiden had friends and family here. He had school and Tobias. He was graduating soon and would apply for college. She didn’t know if he wanted to be uprooted. He said, Aiden came first, but when he went to college, they were free and could go wherever they wanted. Elizabeth said it wasn’t just Aiden. She had a life here too, that she loved. She had friends and family and a career that she didn’t want to leave behind. It would make her as unhappy as he would be if he stayed.

Natalia said she knew she made a mistake and wanted to make it right if Marco would give her the chance, but Marco said he had. And she disappointed him every time. He was done thinking she was going to change and done with this conversation. Go get drunk somewhere else. She walked away and Sonny asked her to have a seat. She sat with him and said, when she tried to fix things with her kids, why did she make it worse? He said they were hurt. She needed to give them space. They’d come around when they were ready. She said Marco’s father was doing everything in his power to keep them apart, and Sonny said, Marco seemed like a smart guy. Sooner or later, he’d realize he needed his mommy. Natalia asked why Sonny was being so nice.

Jason asked how Anna knew the WSB was involved, and she said, Brennan. He said, Jack told her? and she said, he may as well have. When she told him her suspicions, he completely dismissed them out of hand. He said her judgement was clouded because of Emma. Jason asked if there was any chance he was right, and she said she was good at what she did. It didn’t behoove Jack to wave off her suspicions. He asked if she thought Jack was trying to throw her off, and she said she was certain of it. The fact that he said there was nothing there meant there was definitely something there. She had no idea about the WSB’s plan, but if it warranted their attention… He said, it’s got to be big, and she said, and therefore dangerous. Josslyn had no idea what she was being pulled into.

Jack said, in order to avoid Anna’s scrutiny, she needed to believe Josslyn was who she thought Josslyn was, and Josslyn said she was a hard-working college student with a job in a science lab. Josslyn said, if Anna asked any questions, she didn’t know what Anna was talking about. Jack said if Anna popped in the lab, Josslyn would be surprised. Under no circumstances was she to run interference. Was he clear?   

On the phone in the hallway, Carly said, what did they mean, the paramedics couldn’t get through?… There was a protest about Measure C? Tell them that a woman was having a baby and to come now.

Drew told Ric that he was nervous at first… Nina interrupted and said, what the hell was Ric doing? He said his job, and she said she gave him everything, even the contact information on the bartender who saw Sasha and Michael leave together. All he had to do was establish they’d had an affair. Carly stormed over and said, it was her. Nina was the reason Ric found out it was Michael’s baby.

Lucky said he fell in love with Elizabeth the moment he saw her sneaking a cigarette outside Kelly’s all those years ago, and he never stopped loving her. He’d always love her. She said she’d always love him. She wouldn’t be who she was today without him. They used to want the same things, but the people they grew into… He said, not so much.

Lucas asked what was with Marco’s mom, and Marco said, same as always. Lucas said he was sorry. If Marco wanted to talk, he was there. Natalia seemed upset. Marco asked if that was Lucas’s way of telling him that he was too hard on her.

Sonny said he’d been where Natalia was at with his son Michael. They were able to find their way back to each other and he thought her kids would do the same. She had to back off and let it happen. Maxie waved to him from the bar, and he said he had a meeting and asked her to think about what he said. She said, yeah, and thanked him. Sonny left, and she looked at Marco. She called Sidwell and said she was done letting him put her off. He owed her and she was coming over to collect. She drained her drink and left.

Portia said, Michael showed up? and Trina said she left out the part about Willow seeing Wiley running into Michael’s arms. It was quite an entrance and exit. He picked up Wiley and walked out. Portia said she was sorry she missed it, and Trina asked why they had to leave early. Portia said she told Trina. They both had work in the morning, plus her father had to phone some affiliates in Japan. But they were there for the most important part, Trina’s song.  

On the patio, Marshall said Kai seemed like a solid young man, and Curtis said he was and he treated Trina well. Marshall said that was all that mattered, but something Kai said had him worried, and Curtis said he thought positively about Drew. Marshall said they both new Drew Cain didn’t deserve his admiration, and Curtis said Drew had been good to Kai, but he hoped Drew didn’t turn on Kai the way Drew turned on him.

Willow said Sasha was doing great. She could do this. Sasha said she couldn’t lose another child, and Michael said the baby would be fine. From the information she’d sent him, he knew the baby was healthy and strong. She’d done everything right and she was going to come through the pregnancy. She was one of strongest people he’d met, and he knew she could do this one last thing. Willow said the baby was crowning. This was it. Take a deep breath and one last big push. Sasha pushed.

Carly said Sasha was Nina’s friend. How could Nina betray her like this? Drew said it happened because Carly insisted on a court date. Now Michael would know she betrayed him, and he’d lose custody of his children. Carly said he didn’t give a damn about Wiley and Amelia. He was helping Willow to hurt Michael. Nina said Carly was trying to take Willow’s children from her to hurt Willow, but Carly said she was protecting her grandchildren. Willow had lost all sense of decency and common sense to be with Drew. Drew said they loved each other and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. He didn’t know why she couldn’t accept that. Carly said she wasn’t the only one who had a problem with him. She knew for a fact Nina was the one who hired Jacinda and had him drugged.  

Sasha wondered why the baby wasn’t crying. Please tell her the baby was okay. The baby began to cry, and Willow picked up the biggest preemie in history. She said, it’s a girl.  

Elizabeth asked if Lucky planned on leaving Port Charles soon, and he said, yeah. He knew it was sudden, but being here and knowing they couldn’t be together hurt too much. He should find Aiden and talk to him. He had no clue how to tell Aiden that he was leaving again. Elizabeth said she might have a thought.

Josslyn told Jack that if she saw Anna, she was her friendly neighborhood student assistant, and he said he’d take care of Devane. She asked what he was going to do, and he said he was just informing her. It was her job to concentrate on the mission and not question outside her purview.

Anna said she couldn’t be 100% certain her suspicions were correct, but Jason said, the fact that the WSB was interested pointed to her being right. Anna said, now Emma was going after Dalton. Emma denied it, but she knew and couldn’t allow her to get involved where she might get hurt. She needed to find out what Dalton was working on and what he intended to do with it. Jason said, and if Josslyn is in danger, and Anna said she couldn’t get directly involved. Dalton would know the WSB had eyes on him. She needed him to look into Dalton for her, but promise not to confront him directly. He said he’d take care of it.

Sonny thanked Maxie for the meeting, and she said she wanted to make sure he wasn’t offended. He said, no, but he thought they should be more careful. Sidwell knew when he invested in Deception that Sonny was an investor. He was positive Sidwell’s interest in Deception was actually an interest in him.

Lucas told Marco that his relationship with his mom had a lot of ups and downs, but they were both willing to work on their issues and got through it. It was hard to believe she was gone. They lost a lot of time fighting, but when they worked things out… Marco asked if it was Lucas’s subtle way of telling him not to cut his mother out, but Lucas said it wasn’t his place. He was just offering his own experience. Marco said he was glad Lucas did, and took his hand.

A police officer gave Natalia a breathalyzer test and said it was .12, way over the limit. Natalia said she felt fine, but the officer said she was under arrest for driving while intoxicated. She argued as he cuffed her and read her rights.

On the patio, Kai left to get Marshall a refill, and Trina said, so? Marshall said he seemed like a nice young man. Did he make her happy? She said, so happy, and he said that was all they needed to worry about. She said she missed him, and he said he missed her too. More than he could ever say.

Portia said she’d told Trina that she and Curtis left early because they had work in the morning and he had a call from affiliates in Japan, and he said she was good at making up stories these days. Portia said she was sick of it. The snide comments, the tension, and straight up anger he’d been throwing her way. He said, deal with it. They can’t figure out what to do about their marriage until he finds Jacinda and pays her off to say Drew hired her for sex then took ketamine on purpose. (He’s out of the loop.)

Willow gave the baby to Sasha and Sasha said she was so beautiful. Michael said she was amazing, and thanked Willow, who nodded. They all looked at the baby, and the paramedics came in with a gurney.  

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Marshall says he’s overjoyed at how happy Trina is with Kai, but Kai’s admiration for Drew Cain is a bit unsettling. Curtis says he doesn’t like it either, but he hopes Kai sees the truth about Drew. Marshall says he hopes it happens sooner rather than later.

Molly goes into the interrogation room and as she’s looking at a folder, she says she’s here to ask a few questions of… Miss Ramirez. A still drunk Natalia says she doesn’t appreciate being held like a common criminal. She holds up her cuffed wrists and says, look at this. It’s harassment because she knows Sonny Corinthos. Tell the police they’re not going to get away with it.

Jordan says, since the Nurses Ball, Sidwell has been well-received. She thinks he should donate to the July 4th celebration, keeping him in the spotlight as a philanthropist both corporately and as a citizen. He says he’d like to look into it, when Marco comes in. Marco says he doesn’t mean to interrupt, but Sidwell says, he’s not. They’re just wrapping up. Unless of course (🍷) … Jordan says she has one last question, about Henry Dalton.

Jason says he’ll get what he can on Henry Dalton and confirm the WSB’s interest in him, and Anna thanks him. He says he’ll be discrete, and she says she appreciates it. ADA Turner comes by and says, it’s a nice night for a stroll, but a curious place for a chat. Or did she interrupt a meeting?

In Sasha’s hospital room, Michael says, the baby is so beautiful, and Sasha says, the doctors say she’s perfect, even if she did come early. Sonny comes in and says he could have told her that. He and Michael hug, and he asks how Sasha feels. She says, better than ever, and Sonny says, congratulations to both of them. Michael introduces him to his new granddaughter Daisy, and Sonny says, hello, little one. Welcome to the world.

Carly and Felicia hug, and Felicia says, Bobbie would be so pleased. Another Spencer woman in the world who also happens to be a Scorpio. Carly says, Daisy has a flair for the unconventional, which means she’ll fit right in with in both families. She’s just thankful Daisy is healthy and safe. Felicia says she thinks the woman Carly should thank is Willow, and Carly turns to see Willow standing there.

Nina knocks on Drew’s door and says she knows he’s in there. He needs to listen to her. He opens the door and says, don’t waste her breath. It’s too late. Nina says, Willow knows? and he says, not yet, but the second she comes home, he’s telling her that her own mother set him up. She tried to destroy his life and reputation. She says, if he does that, they’ll both lose Willow. She guarantees it.

Curtis says he really missed Marshall, and Marshall says he missed his family too. He’s sorry Portia got called back to GH. He kind of got the feeling that she was using work as an excuse to get out of the house. Is there something Curtis wants to tell him?  

Molly says, according to the arresting officer’s report, Natalia blew a .12 on the breathalyzer. Then she grabbed the breathalyzer out of the officer’s hand. Natalia says she doesn’t want to cause any more trouble. This has taken so much of her time already. Just let her pay the fine or whatever. She wants to go. Can she go? Molly says she doubts that’s going to happen, but it’s up to whoever is prosecuting the case, and Natalia asks if she isn’t it. Molly says, normally she would be that, but she’s going to recuse herself because of personal bias. Otherwise, Natalia’s lawyer could claim she’s not impartial. Natalia says she doesn’t know Molly, but Molly says she knows Natalia, for the homophobe that disrespected her sister.

Sidwell tells Jordan, Henry Dalton has innovative ideas on forms of clean energy and he’s funding Dalton’s research. She says she thinks that would be more proof of him being a philanthropist, but he says, not yet. The research is promising, but he’d like to wait to highlight his involvement once it’s successful. Marco says he assumes this is part of Sidwell’s push to position himself as a legitimate alternative to Sonny Corinthos, and Sidwell says, maybe. Before Jordan goes, he’d like her to show Marco more of the latest polling. She says, the latest polls show that 62% of the voters want Sonny’s piers taken from him using imminent domain. That means Measure C is on track to pass. Marco says, that’s the last thing Sidwell wants.

Anna says, not that it’s any of Turner’s business, but she and Jason were discussing her granddaughter, Emma. Emma and Jason’s cousin Gio left the Nurses Ball together. She can understand their concern. She was there, wasn’t she? Turner says she was, and nothing brings you closer together than family. Jason asks if this is official or is he free to go, and Anna says she doesn’t know. Maybe Turner is going to arrest him for speaking to her or her for talking to him. Turner says, they’re both free to go, and Jason leaves. Turner says, Anna has to see how bad it looks meeting in secret. Even if nothing happened, the implication of impropriety is there. Anna is a public servant and needs to be aware of how she’s perceived. Anna says, suspicious minds will always find something wrong. There’s nothing she can do about that. Turner says, her behavior is compromising the public’s trust in the city of Port Charles and their leaders, and Anna says, save it for her stump speech. Turner asks how Anna knows, and Anna says she respects ambition. In Turner’s case, it’s the sheer volume. She’s obviously set her sights on being the new DA. Turner says, Port Charles needs newer, younger blood and a DA who actually lives in Port Charles and is doing their job. Anna says, Robert is a hard man to beat. She’s going to need more than mudslinging.

Curtis tells Marhsall that when he found out about Trina, he and Portia agreed that the only way they could continue their marriage was to be completely honest with each other. He just found out she’s been lying to him for months. Marshall asks if he’s talking about… Curtis says, she hasn’t been unfaithful. That’s all he thinks he wants to say right now. Marshall says he’s truly sorry, but something is different this time. Whatever happened, Curtis is still here. Curtis asks what he means, and Marshall says, he could have walked away, but he didn’t. Why not?

Nina says, if Drew tells Willow about Jacinda, she’ll tell Willow that while they were falling in love, he was also sleeping with her mother. She’ll turn her back on both of them and be completely alone at Michael’s mercy. Is that what he wants? He says he can’t see Willow forgiving either one of them, but he can’t believe Nina had him drugged and paraded around Port Charles. Nina says, no one made him go clubbing or take body shots off a sex worker, and technically speaking, she didn’t drug him. He asks how she could do this to Willow. Willow’s pain at being betrayed was horrible. What kind of mother would do that? She says, the kind desperately trying to save her daughter from him, but now she knows that’s impossible.

Carly says she owes Willow a huge thank you for coming to Sasha’s aid, and Willow says she’s glad she was there to help. She’s happy for Sasha and Michael, and Carly. Carly thanks her, and Willow says, hopefully this means no more fighting. The truth is out there, and the judge’s decision should be obvious now. Carly says her greatest hope is that her grandchildren, all her grandchildren, end up where they’re safe and loved. She leaves, and Felicia asks if Willow is good. Willow says, yeah, but Carly doesn’t understand. Now that Michael’s secret is out, Michael lost.

Michael says he’s sorry he didn’t see Sonny before this, but Sonny says he hears Michael’s been busy. Michael says he’s not the only one. Sonny’s seen two new grandchildren is just as many days. Gio, now Daisy. Sonny says, life is full of surprises and miracles, and he and Michael hug.

Nina says, Willow is completely in love with Drew and will believe anything he tells her. It’s cost her so much. She doesn’t want Willow to lose her kids too. Drew asks, how could she? It’s out there now on record that Michael cheated first and fathered another child. When the judge rules, they’ll finally be free to get out of Port Charles. Nina asks what he’s talking about, and he says they’re about to start a new life in DC, away from all this. Away from all his haters. She says she knows that’s what he wants, but what does Willow want?

Sasha tells Daisy that she’s been waiting for her all along. She loves Daisy so much. In a baby voice, Cody says, I love you too, mama, and comes in. He says he won’t stay. He wanted to make sure she was okay after her courtroom birth. Sasha says, she’s perfect, and he says, they both are. She thanks him and tells Daisy that this is her big old cousin Cody. He says, hey, Daisy. I have so much wisdom to pass on, tiny grasshopper. He tells Sasha that he guesses he has a few apologies to give to Jason, and she says, yeah, he does. Daisy was conceived on the night they broke up. She was at the Brown Dog Bar, and she was devastated. Michael was there. He says, at least something good came from their doomed romance. He’s glad she found her happily ever after. She thanks him and says she hopes he finds his too.

Natalia says, Molly’s sister forgave her, and Molly says, Kristina has a big heart. Now Natalia sees why she can’t be the prosecutor. Another ADA will come. Natalia asks, how long will that take? She didn’t even get her phone call, and someone has to take these off. She shows Molly the handcuffs again, and Molly says she’ll talk to the desk sergeant. Good luck. She leaves and Natalia says, thanks… for nothing.

Curtis tells Marshall that the knows Portia loves him and God knows he loves her too, but the lying hurts. It’s twice that he knows of and he doesn’t want to make the same mistakes he made with Jordan. Marshall asks what he means, and Curtis says he reached a boiling point. It was one lie too many and that was it. In retrospect, Jordan’s lies were work related. They were tied up around bringing Cyrus to justice. For him to ask her for answers just wasn’t fair. Marshall says, he was just trying to make it work, and Curtis says he was fighting for what they had. He quit and sometimes he thinks he gave up too soon. Marshall says, from the sound of things, maybe he should give Portia the second chance he didn’t give Jordan. Curtis says, maybe.

Michael says, Jason told him that there was another attempt on Sonny’s life, and Sonny says, yeah. Brick saved his life. He’s thinking the person behind it could be responsible for whoever bombed the penthouse. He hates that Michael was hurt because of it, and not for the first time. Michael paid a high price for being his son. Michael says he wouldn’t change it if he could. Nothing his kids could ever do would make him stop loving him and the same went for them. Sonny says, thank God, and Michael says, Sonny did everything in his power to protect him, but now he’s an adult and he’s protecting himself and his family. Sonny pats his shoulder.

Marco says, support for Measure C would be going against Sidwell’s own interests. If Sonny sold him the piers and Measure C passed, it would be his property that would be seized. Sidwell says, it won’t come to that. They’re using Measure C as a strategy to get rid of Sonny. Jordan says, so far the strategy is working, and Sidwell says, in passing Measure C, they’re using it to pressure Sonny into selling the piers. Once the piers are his, the voters wouldn’t care about Measure C. Sonny’s hold on Port Charles will be gone. Jordan says, on that note, good night, gentlemen, and she leaves. Marco says he hopes Sidwell has a Plan B, and Sidwell asks, why? Marco says, Sonny Corinthos isn’t the type of man to give up without fight.

Sonny tells Michael how Diane thought Michael would probably be better off if he stayed away from the hearing, and Michael said he knew. She’d said something to Jason. Sonny asked how it was going, and Michael said, honestly, he didn’t know. When his paternity came out, he thought his biggest nightmare came true, but when Sasha gave birth, he got to be there. It felt like a miracle. Sorry he didn’t tell the truth about the baby. Sonny says, as long as the baby is healthy and he and Sasha are on the same page, and Michael says he thinks they are. Sonny says, Drew has been pulling Willow’s strings, and Michael says, it pushed him to the point where he had to fight for Wiley and Amelia. Sonny says, maybe everybody coming together will bring them an opportunity. A smart man knows sometimes compromise is the only solution. And Michael is a very smart man.

Jason visits Sasha, and he says, the baby is beautiful. It looks just like her. Congratulations. She thanks him for everything he did for them. He took a lot of flak from a lot of people for nothing. The secret came out anyway. Jason says they did the best they could in the situation. The good news is she and Michael get to be Daisy’s parents. She wonders if she can ask one more favor. She’s had no time to run it by Michael, but she’s sure he’d agree. Would Jason be Daisy’s godfather? He says, it would be an honor, when Carly asks if she can come in.

Jordan tells Curtis that she’s sorry to just drop by. TJ told her that Marshall was in town and she wanted to say a quick hello. Curtis says, he would have loved that. Unfortunately, he had a late flight. She says she’s sorry she missed him, but please tell her that they had a good visit. He says, it was wonderful and it couldn’t have come at a better time. He needed his dad’s insights. She asks if Portia is there, and he says, no. She’s at GH. They’re both making a lot of excuses not to be alone together. She says she’s sorry, and he says, so is he. He doesn’t know what’s happening with his marriage.

An officer uncuffs Natalia and gives her phone to her, and she says, it’s about time. Privacy please. She makes a call.

Marco’s phone rings and Sidwell asks if he needs to get that, but he says, no. He’s already said all he needs to say to her.

Natalia says, voicemail. Perfect. She leaves a message saying she gets it. Things ended badly earlier at the MetroCourt, but she’s in real trouble. She needs him, so can he please come to the PCPD as soon as he can? Please, Marco. Please.

Molly goes to the pool and sees Cody with a beer, his feet in the water. He yells, Molly! Come join the celebration! Even she must be off the clock by now. She says she has to be… Why the hell not? and he says, a beer for the lady, but she says, actually, she’ll have white wine.

Turner tells Anna she’s not campaigning. Not yet. She’s doing her job. Two of the city’s top officials – the mayor and the Police Commissioner – have close personal ties to known criminals, Sonny Corinthos and Jason Morgan. Why not bring them up on charges? Anna says, give her evidence that will stick in court and she’ll arrest them immediately. Turner says, sounds good, but she’s read Mr. Morgan’s arrest record. All the times he was arrested, he never once saw a conviction. Anna says, that’s the DA’s department, not hers, and Turner says, the DA’s office is limited by the evidence collected, or lack thereof, by the PCPD. Anna says, goodnight, and leaves. Turner says, goodnight, and answers her phone. She says, really? They made an arrest… You know what? She’ll take care of it herself.

Sidwell asks if something happened between Marco and Natalia, but Marco says, just more of the same. She is who she is. He suggests they focus on Sonny. It’s not going to be easy dealing with him. He’s been running Port Charles for decades and stopped other hostile takeover attempts. Sidwell says he sees Marco has done his research, and Marco says, you bet. Sonny’s a heavy hitter. He should never be taken lightly. Sidwell says he’s also done his research. Marco’s friend Lucas is an extended member of Sonny’s family. Marco says, another reason he wants nothing to do with Sidwell’s campaign for getting Sonny out of town.

Nina says, Drew is the main reason Michael and Willow’s custody fight got so vicious so quickly, but now they have the opportunity to cool things down. So why doesn’t he step back a little bit and give Michael and Willow room to talk about a custody arrangement that doesn’t include ripping the family apart? If he advocates for that, Willow will give him all the credit. Drew says, Michael is a Quartermaine, and those people don’t stop until they have everything. So the only way to protect Willow is to convince her that Michael is relentless and not to be trusted. Willow needs to get custody of the kids. Otherwise, Michael will take them from her.

Willow sees Michael at the elevator and asks if he’s leaving. He says he’ll be right back. He’s picking up Wiley and Amelia so they can meet their baby sister. He gets in the elevator.

Jason says he’ll give them a minute, but Carly says, don’t go far. He says he’ll be right outside, and leaves. Sasha says, Michael knew everything, and Carly says she understands. She knows Sasha did everything she could to protect Michael’s baby. All she can ask is that they be honest with each other. Sasha thanks her, and Carly thanks Sasha back. She says, if Sasha and her daughter need anything, please ask her.  

On the phone, Drew asks if Willow is coming home soon, but she says she’s sticking around a little longer. Michael is bringing Wiley and Amelia and she’s hoping to see them. He says, don’t worry. Soon she’ll have full custody, and she’ll get to see them every day.

Cody says, get over here. The water’s great. Molly says she has a few more emails and she’s not messing up her suit. He asks if she can’t be the least bit spontaneous, consequences be damned, and she says she’s perfectly comfortable. Besides, the pool is closed. He says, that’s an easy fix. Just turn the sign over. Does she sleep in her business suit? Does she color code her underwear and organize her socks? She says, okay, okay. Fine. She’ll show him that she’s not uptight. She takes her shoes off and rolls up her pants. She sits next to him and puts her feet in the ware. She says, happy? and he says, elated.  

Turner tells the desk sergeant that she heard Natalia Ramirez was brought in this evening, and he says, she was. Is the acting DA taking DWI cases now? She says she’d like to see Natalia’s file, and he gives it to her. She flips through it and says she needs them to check on priors. She wants everything she can get her hands on about Natalia Ramirez.

Sidwell asks how it’s going with Lucas, and Marco says, they’re taking it slow. But he’s not unsure about the feeling that Lucas could be someone special. He doesn’t want to screw it up. Sidwell says he’s happy for Marco and Port Charles to have the both of them. Marco asks why he wants the piers, and Sidwell says, it’s the perfect place to expand his interests as a mineral importer, as well as his less public pursuits. Marco says he’s going to stop Sidwell there. He represents Sidwell in his legitimate business dealings only. That’s their agreement. He has nothing to do with anything illegal. Sidwell says he does business all over the world. What’s illegal in one place is legal in another. Marco says, Sidwell is a successful businessman many times over. Does he really need to push for more?

Curtis says he told Jordan at the Nurses Ball, Drew was pressuring Portia to have him run favorable coverage about what he’d doing. She asks if he found out what Drew has on Portia, and he says, it’s pretty bad. It could ruin Portia’s life. He saw all the signs, but didn’t want to believe Portia would lie to him to do Drew’s bidding. She says she’s sure Portia felt backed into a corner, and he says, the problem is even worse. The pictures of Drew’s mystery woman. Portia set him up. She hired Jacinda and gave her ketamine to give to Drew. Jordan says, wow. What a mess. Curtis says, after Trina, Portia promised him, no more lies. She broke her promise and chose to manipulate him instead of telling him the truth.  

Nina visits Sasha, who says, she just missed the star of the show. Nina says, that’s okay. She’ll go to the nursery and see her through the glass. She came to see if Sasha was okay. Sasha says she’s a bit tired, but so happy, and Nina says, good. She’s sorry for the way Ric went after her. She’s sure the shock of his harsh treatment probably led to Sasha’s premature labor. She never meant for anything to happen to Sasha or her baby. Sasha says, that’s on Ric, not Nina, and Nina says she wishes that were true. She was the one who told Ric that Sasha and Michael had sex.

Jason tells Carly that Michael asked him not to tell her. At first, he only knew they’d slept together, but when Michael asked for her in the burn ICU was when he put it all together. Carly says, what about the rumors he was the father? and he says he didn’t deny them because they were trying to protect Michael and Sasha. She says, that’s awfully noble. She has to know. For Michael, would he have continued to lie to her?

Sasha asks how Nina knew, and Nina says she just recently figured it out. She was in the Brown Dog Bar and the bartender confirmed it. Sasha says, and she ran to Ric. How could she do that? Nina says she hated doing. She’s sorry she exposed Sasha’s secret, but she couldn’t let Willow’s children be taken away. Sasha says she knows Nina loves Willow, but does she really think the children will be better off with Drew full time?

Jordan says she doesn’t believe Portia set out to lie. Fear is the driving force behind a lot of lies and bad decisions. Curtis says he realizes that, but they just want to keep how far apart they are from Trina, and she says, they can’t keep it from her indefinitely. Trina is too smart. Curtis says, she definitely is and will figure it out. Jordan says, the kindest thing for him and Portia to do for each other is not rush to judgment. Take a beat and look for a way to repair what’s broken instead of fixing his discomfort by ending the marriage. He says, easier said than done, but she says he’s the strongest man she knows. If he wants to save his marriage, he’ll find a way.  

Molly says, Cody told her that he was celebrating, and he says, Sasha had a baby. It was a little premature, otherwise, she’s perfect. She says she can definitely drink a toast to that, and he says, it was a big adjustment finding out Sasha was his cousin. He didn’t react well. She says, yeah. She thinks she remembers a few arrests. They laugh and he says he was feeling pretty miserable and sorry for himself. But seeing how happy Sasha is reminded him that sometimes things don’t you don’t expect to be happy turn out to be great.

At the hospital, Anna congratulates Sonny and says she guesses he and Robert are officially related. He should probably expect a box of cigars. He says, the big exploding kind? and she says, even enemies can find common ground. They have Robin and now they have the baby. He says, love is a powerful thing, and she says, it is. In the spirit of peaceful coexistence, she’d like to share a conversation she had with ADA Turner. She’s making it her mission to go after him. He says he’s aware. Many have tried. Anna says, Turner wants Robert’s job, and she doesn’t think Turner will rest until she puts him behind bars.

Wiley runs to Willow, and she says she’s happy to see him. She loves him so much. He tells her, daddy says they have a new baby sister. He’s taking them to meet her. Can mommy come too? Michael says, absolutely. Please join them.

Molly says she’s surprised Cody came here for a one-man celebration, and he asks if she means instead of a dive bar. Dive bars are more his speed. He guesses he was just feeling nostalgic. This was the spot where he first arrived in Port Charles. Actually, he parachuted in right here. He knocked Britt Westbourne into the pool. Molly says she remembers. There’s a GIF out there of Britt looking like a wet rat. He says that was his fault. It took her a while to forgive him. To Britt. They clink glasses. He says, it was three years ago. That’s a long time. Molly says, it’s not that long, and he says, before he lived here, he barely ever stayed in any place more than a few months at a time. This time he’s glad he stayed.

Sidwell says he understands what Marco is asking of him, but respects him too much to tell him what he wants to hear. Instead, he’ll be honest. He has no interest in changing the way he does business or lives his life. Marco asks what Sidwell is telling him, and Sidwell says, the offer for Marco to be his righthand man is still on the table.

Anna says, Turner wasn’t sharing anything, but she knows Turner is actively investigating Sonny, and Sonny says he appreciates the warning. ADA Turner can dig all she wants. He’s a law-abiding citizen and she ain’t going to find anything.

Turner goes to the interrogation room and Natalia asks if her son is here. He’s her lawyer. Turner says, not yet, and Natalia says, Turner can’t ask her anything without her lawyer present. Turner says, fine, and sits down. Why don’t they talk about Sonny Corinthos while they wait?

Jordan says she’s sure Curtis will figure out the right thing to do, and he says he appreciates her faith. He only knows for sure that Portia is completely vulnerable to Drew. He can’t decide what to do about his marriage until he knows she’s safe from Drew.

Jason says, it would have been difficult, and Carly says if she’d asked if Jason was the baby’s father, would he have lied to her? He says he’s glad she never did, and she wonders why Michael didn’t trust her enough to tell her. He says, Michael thought once she knew, she would be too exited and never be able to hide it, and she says she doesn’t know if she’s mad or grateful, but now that the truth is out that Michael cheated, Willow is convinced she’ll get full custody of the kids. He asks if she thinks Willow is right, and she says, yeah. She’s afraid Willow is right.

Nina said she couldn’t defend what Willow and Drew were doing, but she loved her daughter. As a mother, she had to tell Ric about Sasha and Michael. But she loves Sasha and she’s very sorry that what she did hurt her. Sasha says she’s too tired to fight or hold a grudge. She has her daughter now and that’s all that matters. She does feel sorry for Nina though. They both know Willow is making terrible choices and she’s going to keep making them as long as Drew’s in her life.

Michael and Willow look at the baby along with Wiley and Amelia. They smile at each other as Drew watches.

On Monday, Drew tells Portia that they’ve barely scratched the surface of what she can do; Lulu says she and Danny need to get a few things straight; Jason asks if Dante is threatening to charge Danny with manslaughter (again, no one died, so what the…?); and Sidwell wants to make a deal with Sonny to their mutual advantage.  

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Boo! Hiss! I’m not really into the romance on the show, but why is it every time I like a couple together, one of them leaves?

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/its-official-jonathan-jackson-is-leaving-general-hospital/

That whole thing was so powerful, from his violin performance to him smashing it.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/gh-exclusive-how-giovanni-mazza-brought-gios-pain-to-life/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

The OG Deck is back with Captain Kerry and Chief Stew Fraser. I will miss Captain Lee and Kate forever, but this is what we’ve got. Deckhand Kyle is also back, so turn on your closed captions. The other deckhands and stews were all new to the boat. The only stews that stood out to me were Rainbeau de Roos, whose name I would love to steal, and Solène Favreau, who seemed inept, harried, and not good at receiving correction. They were off to a great start, leaving the guests’ luggage at the dock, and the bosun saying too many things were happening. The first charter brought small children, and Fraser playing princess with the primary’s little daughters was precious. Primary Sam was not as precious, using a black light to comb his room and being super nit-picky with the food. After sending steaks back and having the chef making new dishes, he decided they didn’t want them. It didn’t look like anyone else got a vote, so good thing there were more courses. By the end of the episode, Chef Lawrence babbled at production and was ready to quit.

Meet the cast.

The Valley

I really feel badly for Brittany, the recipient of rage texts and failed party plans. She tried – the operative word being tried – to organize a nice trip to the beach, but apparently Jasmine had been storing up beef at Janet and let fly. Apparently, Janet is a sh*t ass friend, a vibe killer, exhausting, had sh*tty friends, and gave Karen energy. Now tell us how you really feel. Seriously, like Summer House, these people are too old for this. Hell, people ten years younger are too old for this.

Next Gen NYC

I already like this series a lot, but whenever a show is set in NYC, I wonder how much of my liking it is about loving the city. Poor Georgia, the only native New Yorker, is wondering why she suddenly feels like an alien when she gets questions like, who the f*** is Ben Affleck? and discovers that no one saw When Harry Met Sally. Riley Burress says she doesn’t know that show. Perhaps it reminds me of my early NYC days. If I’d the looks of a model, the money of a rock star, and an apartment that wasn’t a railroad flat with a triangular closet. Regardless, it was more fun than you can imagine, and I hope to relive a little of that with this group.

Meet the cast.

Summer House

In the Reunion Part 2, there was a lot of rehashing Lexi and Jesse’s on and off situationship. I was very much over this already, so I kind of tuned out. Not to mention how much I cringe everyone someone talks about Toegate. Oddly enough – or maybe not, since motherhood will mature you – Lindsay was the voice of reason, one of the cast calling her Mother Hubbard. Not so surprisingly, Kyle was an a-hole and did his best to steal her thunder. Gabby’s dress, if that’s what we’re calling it, continued to be distracting.

Random Reality Items

Because he got high.

Will make beds to stay there.

Slade Smiley! NOLA! Shannon’s vajayjay! Premieres July 10th.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Creep. Netflix. I thought this film was genius budget-wise. Two actors, one handheld camera, and no need for special effects, this could have been made for about 25 bucks, so kudos. It didn’t hurt that the story was original and pretty intriguing. A filmmaker takes a gig documenting a dying man’s story for his unborn son. It isn’t long before the filmmaker, and the audience, start to wonder if that’s what’s really going on. Well executed, with twists and turns, and an ending I never saw coming, which is saying a lot. This is kind of an old film, 2016, so there wasn’t a whole lot on it, but apparently, there’s a sequel.

https://www.fortressofsolitude.co.za/creep-netflix-horror-movie-mark-duplass/

Fear Street: Prom Queen. Netflix. Adapted from RL Stine’s book series, this is the third in a trilogy. Nothing new to see here and it’s been done better, but it was worth a quick trip to the 80s. There’s also something to be said for a movie you need absolutely no brain power to watch.

https://www.newjerseystage.com/articles2/2025/06/03/new-release-review-fear-street-prom-queen/

Sirens. Netflix. Julianne Moore is one of my favorite actresses. She is incredible in Boogie Nights, the Midnight Cowboy for the 90s. But I digress. I’ve only watched a couple of episodes so far, but I’ll be in for the rest. The bad sheep sister, who also takes care of a homebound, sick father, tries to rescue her younger sibling from what she believes is a cult. Funny, witty, and keeps you guessing.

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders. Netflix. A three part docuseries on the obvious cold case. I really didn’t know a whole lot about it, especially what was most disturbing. James William Lewis who was tied to the murders, has never been tried.

https://decider.com/2025/05/27/cold-case-the-tylenol-murders-netflix-review/

Day of Reckoning. Amazon Prime. This was a weird film, and I could see why a lot of people didn’t like it, but I enjoyed it. Fifteen years after a load of weird monsters have devastated mankind, they’re back for the survivors. There’s never a concrete explanation as to why this is happening, or why people aren’t better prepared for their return. The plot has more holes than Swiss cheese, but I didn’t care. I loved the monsters. They were reminiscent of the old Ray Harryhausen effects, but a lot gorier. And they all can’t be Godzilla Minus One. I thought it was a good time.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5742568/

Some user reviews. A few spoilers here.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5742568/reviews/

🔮 Looking Forward To Watching…

The second part of Squid Game Season 6 premieres June 27th.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/squid-game-season-3-trailer

Season 7 of Stranger Things premieres November 26th, December 25th, and December 31st. Cute, huh?

https://www.eonline.com/news/1418123/stranger-things-final-season-premiere-date-revealed

https://deadline.com/2025/05/stranger-things-5-premiere-date-netflix-1236414933/

The Black Phone 2 is in theaters October 17th, and will eventually stream on Peacock. I honestly don’t know how I feel about this. The first one had such a perfect ending, I can’t fathom a sequel being as good. That doesn’t mean I won’t watch it though.

https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/the-black-phone-2-debuts-eerie-official-trailer-for-blumhouse-sequel

🐶 Snips, Snails, Puppy Dog Tales…

🏆 The Stanley Pup returns June 6th on TruTV, as well as on NHL Network on June 8th.

https://people.com/stanley-pup-dog-hockey-game-returns-how-to-watch-11749775

🐕 A dog-endorsed book.

https://people.com/the-dogist-elias-weiss-friedman-new-book-exclusive-11749240

🐩 The ray of sunshine that is Pilaf meets some new friends.

https://people.com/demi-moore-announces-she-and-her-tiny-dog-pilaf-are-caring-for-even-smaller-baby-ducks-11748457

🪅 Quotes of the Week

If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?John Wooden

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. – William Shakespeare

A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.Serena Williams

Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth. – John F. Kennedy

I believe the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity, is daring to dare. – Dr. Maya Angelou

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. – John Powell

Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you have to make the decision right. – Dr. Phil McGraw

A mathematical formula for happiness: Reality divided by Expectations. There were two ways to be happy: improve your reality or lower your expectations.Jodi Picoult (I vote for lowering expectations.)

The border to eternity is never ahead of us. It runs parallel to life and can be crossed over at any moment by old and young. – Reinhard Bonnke

There’s plenty of time for finger pointing later. Let’s stay focused. – Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom), Beyond the Gates

🎡 Are You Ready For the Summer…

Until next time, stay safe; stay being careful to watch out for rogue waves at the beach; and stay knowing that sometimes compromise is the only solution.

May 30, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Nina Has a Decision To Make, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Last Last, New Age, Alexander Does the Tonys, Cosplay This, Outside the Yard, 7+1 Quotes & Out

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Nothing to see here. Memorial Day rerun.

Tuesday:

Brook asked Lois if Gio was really her son and Lois said, yes.

Emma followed Gio to the Quartermaines and he told her that his entire life was a lie. He couldn’t stay there. She said she wasn’t going to stop him. She was coming with him.

Michael said he’d missed Wiley, and they were having a sleepover at Grandma Carly’s. He left with Wiley, and Jason told Willow and Drew if they followed Michael, they’d never see Wiley again.

Lulu and Cody had a beer on her porch. She asked how Dante was, and he said Dante was mad, confused, and in shock. He told Dante what he’d known. Lulu said she was sorry the way it came out, but at least now Dante knew the truth. Cody wasn’t sure they made the right call.

Lois told Brook that she and Gloria were trying to do the right thing. They decided to keep Gio close, and they were only trying to look out for Brook’s child. No child was ever more loved. Brook said she couldn’t breathe, and Lois held her.

Emma asked where Gio wanted to go, and he said, anywhere but here. On the way out, they ran into Tracy coming in. She said Drew framed her and had her arrested. Then Jason left her stranded at the police station. She asked what they were doing there instead of the Nurses Ball. What was wrong? Gio flashed back to overhearing he was Brook and Dante’s son and smashing his violin. He said Tracy kept reminding him that he wasn’t a Quartermaine, but the joke was on him. It turned out he was family.  

Willow asked Jason where Michael was taking Wiley, when her phone rang. She asked the nanny where Amelia was now and told Jason that he had no right to take her baby. Jason left and Carly said she would see Nina in court. Sonny said he had something to take care of and Nina asked him to hear her out.

Trina brought Kai back to the apartment and he said he couldn’t get over how beautiful her voice was. Every single thing about her was beautiful.

Cody asked if Lulu was the one who told Gio, and she said she was pretty sure he’d overheard her and Lois talking. Cody said it was on him too, but maybe confronting Lois at the Nurses Ball wasn’t the best idea. He hadn’t given enough thought to how it would affect Gio and equated Gio’s experience to his, but their situations weren’t the same. He’d never felt like he fit in, but Gio grew up with a family who adored him, and they blew it all to hell. Lulu flashed back to Carly saying she’d put this train in motion and needed to get off the track before she got leveled.

Lois brought Brook some water and Brook wanted to hear everything. Lois said Gloria knew Camilla desperately wanted a baby and Camilla was thrilled with the opportunity to be a mother. It was a relief that they could watch over Gio, and she could tell Brook with absolute certainty that her baby went to a loving home. It seemed like the perfect solution, but then Camilla got sick and passed. Gio’s world had fallen apart, and they thought it was wrong to tell him at that point. She was trying to do the right thing. Dante came in and asked, the right thing for who?

Sonny said Jason was acting on Michael’s wishes and Michael had a right to see the kids. Nina said she thought Michael’s return would calm things down and they could make him see compromise was what was best. Sonny said, unless or when Willow got away from Drew, this was how it was going to be. He wondered if Nina could get Willow to see who Drew really was. Drew had runed Willow’s life, tanked her marriage, and she was about to lose her kids. He hoped Drew was worth it.

Michael came back to the house and Sasha was there with the kids. He said he’d missed them so much.

There was champagne waiting at the apartment, and Trina said it was Stella’s way of celebrating her performance, since she couldn’t be there. Kai made a toast to Trina’s undeniable shooting star and to Aunt Stella for being Aunt Stella. Trina felt bad that she was having an amazing night while Gio was having a night from hell. At least Emma was with him and would make sure he was okay. Kai said he had experience in thinking everything was fine and having it suddenly come crashing down. Trina had it too when she’d lost Spencer. Trina said she’d been thinking about it lately, and her mom helped her realize that she didn’t want to lose someone else she cared about.

Tracy told Gio that she’d spent the better part the evening being detained by the man. What was she supposed to know? He said he’d assumed she was in on it. Brook and Dante were his parents, which made her his great-grandmother. Congratulations! It’s a boy! She told him to start at the beginning, but he told her to ask Lois. She said, it was him all this time. He was her great-grandson. He started to leave, but she told him, don’t take another step.

Brook told Dante that she was sorry. She got pregnant that summer – their summer – in camp. She couldn’t tell him because she didn’t know how. She was young and scared out of her mind. She felt so lost and didn’t know what to do. She only knew she couldn’t terminate the pregnancy, so she had the baby and gave it up for adoption. She’d sworn she’d never tell anybody, and swore she didn’t know their child was Gio until tonight.

Emma told Tracy that they were heading out, but Tracy said that wasn’t okay. She wanted Gio to tell her what happened and why he believed that Brook and Dante were his parents. Gio told her that Lois had said they were. He’d overheard her, but it was the truth. Tracy said she understood wanting to run, but he didn’t get to say he was family and just waltz out the door. He was her family. She had two sons, a granddaughter and a grandson. Now she had a great-grandson. She showed him a photo of Edward and Lila, and said they were his great-great-grandparents. Everything in this house was his and everybody who lived there was related to him. Don’t push them away.

Cody said he’d never forget the look Gio’s face, and Lulu said, he looked so lost and betrayed. It made her heart hurt. Cody said, for Gio, Brook, and Dante. He knew she hadn’t wanted it to go down like this, but he couldn’t help feeling guilty. They’d been blinded by the lie and couldn’t see the reason the lie was there in the first place. So many people’s lives had been ripped apart. (Like someone didn’t tell Lulu that was going to happen every five minutes.) Lulu said, things had changed, but it was for the better. It was good that Dante knew. Cody said now Gio knew Camilla hadn’t been his mom, but Lulu said, no one could take away the love they’d shared. Cody doubted Gio appreciated that right now, and Lulu said, maybe someday. Cody said he hoped Gio wasn’t out there alone.

Dante wondered why Brook never told him later, and she said, once she decided to give the baby up, she felt it would be cruel. She didn’t want to burden him with something that couldn’t be changed and make him suffer like she was. He said they had to put all that aside. They had a son who was in trouble. She said she had to find Gio, when Tracy texted that Gio was at the house and to come quickly. Lois wanted to come with them, but Brook said, like hell.

Michael tucked Wiley in and said they would talk in the morning. He told Wiley about flying over the ocean and said his love for Wiley and his sister was bigger than the ocean. Bigger than anything. He was back and now everything would be different.

Trina said she never thought she’d feel so strongly about someone again, then Kai came along. At first, she thought he was a bit of an arrogant jerk and was embarrassed she’d judged a book by its cover. He was neither of those things. She didn’t know how to handle the attraction and felt guilty because of Spencer. Kai said he was a goner from the night Trina dumped her drink on him, and she said she got there at the end. He told her, it was just the beginning, and they kissed.  

Trina said Josslyn had texted and was spending the night at her mom’s, so she and Kai had the place to themselves. Kai asked if she was sure she wanted to do this, and she said she definitely wanted to. They got busy and there was a song part.

Continuing to justify her thoughtlessness, Lulu said, even when change was good, it was hard, and Cody said, Gio’s entire reality had been turned on its head. She said it was worth it if it meant the truth came out. Dante was an amazing father, and despite her many faults, Brook was a loving person and had Chase to rein her in when she went off the rails. She thought Brook would be a good mom. Gio believed he was an orphan and now had a whole other family who would accept him the way the Scorpios had accepted Cody. (It’s mindboggling how clueless she is.)

Brook said it had been her baby and Lois had pretended like she was calling the shots. Meanwhile, she had nothing to do with it. She’d agreed to a closed adoption with the understanding that neither of them knew where the baby went. If Lois changed the plan, she should have told her. They could have figured it out together. Lois reached for Brook’s arm, but Brook shook her off and said what she’d done was unforgiveable. She had zero excuse. She’d lied to everybody, including her own daughter, for 22 years, and lied to Gio his entire life. The list went on. Lois said she wished she could go back, but Brook said that meant nothing to her. Stay away from her and her son. She left, Dante following after giving Lois a look, and alone, Lois sobbed.

Trina and Kai basked in the afterglow. Trina said she hadn’t wanted Kai as a partner, but was glad. He was one of the best things to happen to her. Kai said he felt the same way.

Michael flashed back to Sasha telling him that she didn’t think it was healthy to raise her child as a Quartermaine. He told her that he’d missed the kids so much, and she said he looked great. She asked if he was in any pain, but he said nothing he couldn’t manage. He asked about her, and she said she was great. He thanked her for helping with Amelia, and she said, Amelia knew her from the Quartermaines’. She and Jason thought it would be less scary if she went with him to pick Amelia up. He thanked her for sending the sonograms and said he didn’t want her to start worrying he’d go back on his word and try to be part of the baby’s life. He wouldn’t do that unless she changed her mind.

Drew and Willow ran into the station, and Drew told Mac that they wanted to report a kidnapping. Willow said it was her daughter, and they knew where she was. Drew said, Jason is the one who kidnapped her.

Cody told Lulu that family did Gio no good if he couldn’t trust them. He didn’t know how you came back from a lie this big. Lulu suggested it would happen with love, patience, and time. It wouldn’t be bleak forever. Everyone would help. He said he’d do what he could, and she said she would too, but he said she might want to lay low for a while. He said, goodnight, picked up the rest of his six-pack, and left.

Ned found Lois in the MetroCourt garden and looked at her grimly.

Tracy told Gio that the Quartermaines weren’t perfect, but they were his family, and he said he got that it wasn’t her fault, but he had a family. He loved his mother more than anything and lost her. Now he found out none of it was real. It was a complete lie. The family had now were a bunch of liars, so excuse him if he didn’t jump on the Quartermaine bandwagon. Brook and Dante walked in.

Wednesday:

Maxie met Nina at the Brown Dog Bar and Maxie said she watched the whole thing on TV. Nina said, it got worse when Willow found out Jason took Amelia. This would change everything for the custody hearing. The only way Willow would keep her children was if she ended things with Drew and there was one thing that could happen to push Willow to the edge. Maxie asked if Nina was going to tell Willow that she’d slept with Drew.

Drew said Mac had to arrest Jason, and Willow said Jason took Amelia. Mac asked, where? and Drew said, to Carly’s, but they might not stay, so Mac had to move quickly. Mac asked why Jason took Amelia, and Willow said, Michael told him to. Michael showed up at the Nurses Ball and left with Wiley. She assumed they were headed to Carly’s. Mac said what he was hearing was that the children were with their father. That wasn’t kidnapping. Drew said Jason wasn’t welcome in their house and had terrorized the babysitter. They police had to do something.

Carly came back to the house with Josslyn and Jason, and Josslyn hugged Michael. Carly hugged him and said nothing had been the same without him. He thanked Jason for getting Amelia and told him that it was smart to bring Sasha. He asked Carly if it was okay for them to spend the night, and she said it was more than okay. Donna would be thrilled to see him at the breakfast table, and she would too. Josslyn said his timing was impeccable, and Carly asked how he knew to come home.

Ned asked, why? and Lois said she was really sorry. He said, Brook had a baby when she was practically a baby herself and kept it from him? It was the biggest crisis of their daughter’s life and when she needed support, where was her father? Nowhere because Lois cut him out.

Gio said he was just leaving, but Brook said, don’t go. Please. Dante said they had to talk, and reached for Gio’s arm, but Gio said, don’t touch me. He had nothing to say to them. Brook said Dante didn’t know she’d been pregnant and didn’t know about him, and Gio asked, what was her excuse?  

Ned wondered if Brook thought he’d be angry or ashamed. Did she think he’d disown her or think he didn’t care? Lois said, it wasn’t like that. What teenage daughter wanted to tell her father that she was pregnant? Brook was ashamed and needed her help, so she did what she thought was best for their daughter. Brook didn’t want to terminate the pregnancy, so Lois had to figure out how to get Brook out of town before she started showing. She didn’t want Brook’s whole life derailed because of one careless moment. Ned said he would have supported Brook and helped, and she said, maybe. Or maybe the Quartermaines would have swooped in and taken the baby as if it was another asset.

Brook told Gio that she had a baby and gave them up for adoption. She didn’t know if she had a boy or a girl or where they ended up, except it was a loving home. She didn’t know it was him. Gio said she didn’t want him and gave him away. Out of sight, out of mind. Brook said, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It wasn’t that she didn’t love or want him. She wasn’t ready to be a mother – she was just a kid – but she never forgot him. Gio asked if she ever came looking for him, but she said she didn’t think it was right to bust into his life and upend his whole world. He said, like what happened tonight, and Dante said Gio was angry and confused. He was too. Gio said they’d all been lied to, but it made no difference about what he thought. Brook said she was there to answer any questions, but Gio said it was too late. He was leaving. He walked out the door and Emma followed. Tracy said Brook had to let him go.

Nina said, Drew sold Willow on a fairytale romance, saying he was so in love with her, and Maxie said, and the whole time he was sleeping with her mom. Nina said if she told Willow, she’d see Drew for the liar he was, and Maxie said, one would only hope, but it didn’t guarantee Willow would get back with Michael. Nina said, all that mattered was getting Michael to a more equitable place regarding custody, and Maxie asked if Nina thought it would be easier if Drew was out of the picture. Nina said, exactly, but she didn’t know if she had the guts. What if she lost Willow? Maxie said it was a definite gamble, and Nina said Willow would know she said nothing while Willow threw her life away for a man she knew was lying the entire time. Willow was never going to forgive her for that.

Nina said, as a mother, she knew if she told Willow the truth, Willow might have a chance to hold on to her children. But as a mother, she couldn’t bear the thought of losing Willow. Maxie said she got it. Nina didn’t get the chance to raise Willow. Nina said she didn’t get the chance to be a mother to Nelle and Willow is her only child, and Maxie suggested she stay quiet for now.

Michael told Carly, as soon as he was strong enough, he called Diane and she told him about the court date. He arranged for a flight home asap. Josslyn said he looked great and asked if he was holding out on them, and he said he didn’t want to get their hopes up. After he talked to Diane, he thought surprise was the best strategy. Josslyn said, Willow was definitely surprised, when the doorbell rang. Jason left to get it, and Michael said he knew everyone would be at the Nurses Ball and figured it would be the best time. Jason brought Mac in and Carly asked what he was doing there. Mac said, investigating a kidnapping.

Ned said, the Quartermaines would have loved Brook’s child, and Lois said they would have, but they would have felt it was within their rights to control the child. Gio had the right to grow up to be whoever and whatever he wanted to be. It was her mom’s idea, but she was on board, and Gio grew up happy and healthy, and they were right there in case anything went wrong. She wasn’t thinking about how it might affect anyone 20 years later. Ned said he’d been living with his own grandson for over a year, and Lois said, it wasn’t fair, but she felt it was the best solution. She told herself it was what Ned would have wanted. Ned said she was right in saying it wasn’t fair, when Olivia came in. Ned said he was done here, and Olivia told him, go ahead. She had some words for her good friend Lois.

Dante said Gio was their kid, who Brook never told him about, and he barely knew, and Tracy said she’d let them talk privately. She wanted them to do her a favor. Try not to let their pain obscure the fact they met their son and he’s a wonderful boy. She left and Brook said Dante had every right to hate her. Dante said he didn’t hate her. He just didn’t know why she didn’t tell him. She said she was completely freaked. All she could think was that she’d screwed up and was in huge trouble. She didn’t want him to deal with that trouble too. They hadn’t made any promises. It was a summer romance. What would he have done if she’d told him? He said he had no idea. She never gave him the chance to have a choice. She knew he cared about her and respected her, and she returned that sentiment by lying to him for 22 years.

Emma brought Gio to the footbridge and said, this place was important to her mom. Whenever she needed a minute to think, she came here. Gio said it was peaceful, and Emma agreed. She thought he could take a minute to catch his breath and decide what he wanted to do next. He said he had no idea, and she put her hand on his.

Brook said she’d lied to Dante, and she was sorry, but she did what she had to do. He said she did whatever was easiest, but she said, none of it was easy. She didn’t know the first thing about being a mom. He said he’d like to think if she’d told him, he’d have done the right thing and stepped up. He got why she didn’t tell him then, but why not now? They were friends and she could have told him at any point. She said, too much time had passed, and the fallout seemed like it would be worse. Her only choice was to keep it buried. He asked if she would have told him if she hadn’t been forced to, and she says, probably not. When she gave the baby up, she thought they’d only meet if he came looking for her. She’d made peace with the fact he never did, because it meant he was content in his own life. She had no clue it was Gio, and they were living in the same house. Dante said, so Gloria and Lois knew. Who else? They heard Chase calling for Brook in the foyer, and then he walked in. He asked Brook if it was really Gio, and she nodded. He held her as she cried.  

Lois told Olivia that there was nothing she could say that she hadn’t said to herself, and Olivia said they’d been best friends since preschool. They did everything together their entire lives. How could she? Lois said, Brook didn’t want anyone to know, but when she needed help, obviously, Lois told her mother. Olivia said, Lois was the closest thing she had to a sister. She would have never kept a secret like that from Lois. Lois said, until she was in the exact same position, Olivia couldn’t say what she’d do. She did what she thought was best for Brook and Gio’s privacy. Olivia said, Lois did what was best for herself. She set it up to keep her grandson close, so she didn’t have to share him with anyone, even his mother. Shame on her. Lois said she guessed the glass house Olivia was living in helped her to see clearly. How dare Olivia look down on her when she didn’t tell Sonny that Dante was his son.  

Nina said, Drew’s strategy was to portray Michael as an absentee father who took off on his kids, and Maxie said, to have fun in a burn unit? Nina said it wouldn’t work anyway now that Michael was home, and Maxie said Ric was a good lawyer. Nina said she hoped he won, and Maxie said Sasha had gotten a subpoena. Ric probably thought she saw or heard something at the Quartermaines that would work in Willow’s favor. Nina said, Sasha would probably be a hostile witness now, with Jason in the mix. He thought of Michael as his son. Maxie said, if Cody hadn’t blown Sasha’s cover story, they would have believed Sasha met some guy in a bar, but Cody found out it was Jason. Nina asked when Sasha said she met a random guy, and Maxie said, the night before Halloween, the night before Sam died. Maxie’s phone chimed and she said, Bailey Lous was awake and asking for her. She had to go. Nina thanked her for the talk, and Maxie said she was sorry she wasn’t much help. Nina said she was more help than she knew.  

Carly asked Josslyn to stay the night, and Michael said Wiley and Amelia would be glad to see her in the morning. Josslyn said, okay, and Carly said, a slumber party! Michael thanked Sasha for her help, and she said she was happy to do it. Welcome home. Michael thanked Jason for everything, and Jason said he was proud of Michael, and they hugged.  

Chase asked if Brook was okay, but she said she didn’t know. Dante asked if Chase knew, but Chase said, not about Gio. Brook told him about the baby a few months ago. Dante asked if Chase didn’t think he should know, and Brook said he wanted to tell Dante, but she begged him not to. It was her job to protect Gio’s life, and she knew Dante wouldn’t stop until he found his son. It wouldn’t be fair for Dante to confront him and completely upend his life and tonight proved it.

Olivia told Lois that she didn’t tell Sonny about Dante because she had to protect her son from being weaponized by his father’s enemies. What was she protecting Gio from? Lois said she didn’t lock Gio away in a tower. He grew up in the neighborhood, surrounded by the best people. He was happy and didn’t want for anything. Olivia said, except his real parents, but Lois said, he didn’t long for them. He had a mother who loved him. Olivia said, until he didn’t. Lois let him be orphaned when he had a mother and father right there. Lois said, by then it was too late. She had to respect the choices that were made. Olivia asked if she’d ever talked to Brook about the possibility of keeping the baby, but Lois said she knew Brook wasn’t ready to be a mother. Olivia asked if Lois thought she was ready when she was pregnant with Dante. Yet it was the best decision she ever made. Lois said, but it came at an incredible cost. Olivia gave up so much when she gave birth. She was the life of the party, and then she was a scared, tired, single mother. Brook knew she didn’t want that and she didn’t want it for Brook. Olivia said, they could have helped Brook and Dante. And for the record, she sacrificed nothing. She didn’t know Lois at all and if this was the real Lois, she didn’t want to know her. She walked out.

Sonny walked in and Lois told him, have at it. She deserved it and everyone else had taken their shot. Sonny said he would have helped, and she said he did help, even though he didn’t know Gio was his grandson. He said he could have done more, and Lois said when Brook got pregnant, they didn’t know Dante was his son. When Camilla died, the truth came out and Sonny had so much on his plate, she didn’t want to add another whopper on top of it. He said, Gio lost his mom. Didn’t she think he’d want more family? She said, he loved Camilla. They had an otherworldly connection, and she couldn’t take that away from Gio too. He asked if she was trying to give him a relationship with his grandson when she asked him to pay for Gio’s musical education, and she said she thought that way, she could share Gio with him without the truth ruining all these lives. He said he wished it had been different, but he appreciated what she was trying to do. She said she appreciated him saying that. Brook and Olivia were done. Her daughter and her best friend wanted nothing to do with her anymore. Sonny touched her arm.

Tracy said she was glad Chase was here. Dante was hurt and angry. Brook said Dante had a right to be, and Dante said, Dante is still here. Tracy said he was and his anger was justified. Just don’t direct it at Brook. Direct it at Lois, whose unilateral decision making got them into this fiasco. Brook said Lois betrayed her trust. If that wasn’t bad enough, she confided in Grandma Gloria, and Brook didn’t know the half of it. Lois let her worry and wonder how the baby turned out while she was watching him grow up. They’d asked if anyone knew besides her grandma, but Gloria was the only one she knew of. Dante asked how the hell Gio found out. Why now? Tracy looked at Brook.

Willow asked where her kids were, and Mac said, at Carly’s, fast asleep. He looked in on them himself. Drew said Willow was their mother. Did he have to go above Mac’s head? Mac said, he could try, but it wouldn’t do him any good. He handed Willow a paper and said it was a court order. Michael had been granted emergency custody until the hearing. It was all legal and above board. There was nothing they could do.

Carly said she was happy Michael was home, mostly for Wiley and Amelia. They needed him. Michael said he needed them too. Being separated from them was the hardest part of his recovery. Josslyn went upstairs, and Michael said, Carly told Diane to move on with the divorce without telling him. She said she wanted him to focus on her recovery, but if he thought she overstepped… He said she did the right thing and thanked her, and she said she was so relieved. Was he sure he didn’t leave too soon? He said, if he did, he didn’t care. It was time for him to come home.

Nina asked the bartender if he’d worked the night before Halloween. It was actually the night Congressman Cain got punched. She thinks she asked him to call the police. The bartender said that was him. Why? She said a friend came in the same night and she was wondering if he remembered seeing her. She showed him Sasha’s picture, and he said, Sasha Corbin, the Deception model. He had a huge crush on her. She was hitting the vodka hard. Nina asked if she met up with anyone, and he said he wasn’t into gossip. She said she didn’t like gossip either, but she’d make it worth his while. She slid a $100 bill toward him, and he said, a dude did eventually join her. Nina asked if he’d be able to ID him, and he said, you don’t forget a $500 tip. She showed him Jason’s picture, but he said, that’s definitely not the guy.

In the car, Drew asked Willow, please don’t do this, but she said she had to try. He asked if she wanted him to come with her, but she said the guard wouldn’t let him in, and his presence wouldn’t make things easier. He said he’d be there if she needed him and she said she knew. She got out of the car.

Lois said Brook told her to stay away from her and Gio. She was so afraid she’d lost them both. Sonny held her as she sobbed.

Gio said he couldn’t believe what his Aunt Lois said. Really his Grandmother Lois. Emma said his head must have practically exploded, and he said that’s what happened when he said Brook and Dante were his parents. He was in a daze when Emma found him. She said she knew something was wrong and he insisted on playing, and he said, the show must go on. He looked out to the audience and saw his family, people he’d known his entire life, and part of him shut down. The other part lost it completely. Emma said she didn’t blame him, and he said all he could think was, did they know? Ned, Olivia, and Sonny are his grandparents. Is that why Sonny paid for his music school? Emma said she knew from her mom that Sonny helped people whether they were family or not. She wondered if she could ask him something, and he said, sure. She asked why he smashed his violin. She knew how important it was to him. He said, because the violin was the biggest lie of all.

Chase told Brook that it had been a rough day. Maybe they should go to bed and start fresh in the morning. Ned walked in, and Brook said she needed a minute with her dad.

Willow was about to knock on Carly’s door, when Michael opened it. She said, please don’t do this. Don’t take her children away from her.

Nina asked if the bartender was absolutely positive this wasn’t the man with Sasha that night, and he said it was Jason Morgan, and she wasn’t with him. Nina said, the other man who was a big tipper, did he leave with Sasha? and the bartender said, they were both hammered. They had their hands all over each other. Nina asked if they left together, and he said, lucky bastard. She said, it wasn’t his man, was it? and showed him a picture of Michael. He said, yeah, that’s the guy, and Nina smiled.

Thursday:

There was a knock at Lulu’s door. No surprise, it was Dante.

Tracy met Olivia in the foyer and said she guessed congratulations were in order. Olivia and Tracy’s son were grandparents.

Brook told Ned that she was sorry. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him or love him… He said it was all right and he understood. He hugged her and she cried.

Emma asked why Gio smashed his violin, and he said, because the violin was the biggest lie of all. He thought he got his talent from his mom and after she died, it made him feel like he was carrying a piece of her with him, but it turned out she wasn’t his mom.

Dante told Lulu that it was a messed-up night and he didn’t want to go around in circles. Did she tell Gio that he and Brook were his parents?

In the nook, Jason thanked Sasha for helping with Amelia, and she said she was relieved Michael was back. He deserved to be home with his children. She protectively touched her ever-growing bump.

Michael said he wasn’t discussing custody with Willow now. Go home. She asked him to let her say goodnight, but he said the kids were asleep. She said he knew the kids belonged with her, but he said, not anymore.

Lulu said Brook must have told Dante how she accidently on purpose found out, and he said he assumed she was the one who figured out the baby was Gio. Did she tell Gio? She said, no, but she did confront Lois in a dressing room at the Nurses Ball and thought Gio overheard. He asked why she did it, and she said, for him. She thought he deserved to know the truth and was only trying to help. He said she didn’t help anyone and made everything worse.

Tracy gave Olivia a drink and asked if she was all right, but Olivia said she didn’t know how she was. Gio was her grandson. She remembered when he was a baby. The whole neighborhood fell in love with him. She held him all the time and should have felt that she was holding her own flesh and blood. Tracy said Olivia wasn’t psychic – Olivia gave her a look – at least not then. Olivia wondered how Lois could do this to her and Ned, and Tracy asked if she’d talked to Ned. Olivia said, briefly, but he was in the living room with Brook now.

Brook said Ned had to be disappointed. She’d kept a huge secret and kept his grandson from him. He said he wished she’d come to him, but it was her life and he wasn’t going to second guess the choices she made. She said all she could think about was Gio. She’d wanted to meet her child for so long and it was a total nightmare.

Sasha said she was glad Michael was back and with his kids, but when it came to her and her baby, nothing had changed, and Jason said, obviously, they needed everyone to keep believing he was the father. She said, especially now that his custody case was coming up, and Jason said that he understood it wasn’t about Michael, but about what she needed. She said she felt like a hypocrite, but he said, it was two different situations. Michael could trust her, but couldn’t trust Willow. She said it was like nothing mattered but Drew and Willow was about to lose her children because of him.

Willow asked how Michael could say that. She was the children’s mother and had been their sole parent for months. He said she’d uprooted them from their home and forced them to play family with their great uncle, but she said they loved Drew and Scout and their new home. He said when he talked to Wiley, Wiley always had the same two questions. When was his daddy coming back and when could he and Amelia go home? That’s when it hit him that Willow had been putting her own wants and desires above the kids’ welfare. He had a court order to back him up. She said it was temporary, but he said he was going for full custody. He’d let her have a relationship with the kids on one condition.

Cody found Sasha in the nook, and said he’d come to check on Dante, but Yuri said he left. She asked why Dante wouldn’t be all right, and he said she didn’t hear what happened at the Nurses Ball.

Gio said he should go, and Emma said she wasn’t telling him what to do or how to feel, but she wasn’t leaving him alone. He said he didn’t need a babysitter.

Lulu told Dante that she was sorry. She’d never meant things to come out like this. He said she should have minded her own damn business, but she said she kept thinking about her experience with Charlotte and the time she missed out on. She didn’t want him and Gio to miss out. He asked why she didn’t just tell him, and she said Brook begged her not to. He said she’d never cared about Brook’s feelings before, and she said she never searched for his son. Things just started happening and she suspected it was Gio. Brook wasn’t just keeping a secret; she was lying. Dante said, Brook didn’t know it was Gio. He could buy her wanting to bring them together, but she just wanted everyone to see Brook as bad as she made Brook out to be. It didn’t excuse what Brook did, but Lulu allowed her petty rivalry to upend so many lives. And the one who paid the biggest price was the only one innocent in all of this – Gio.

Willow asked, what condition? and Michael said he’d give her access to the children if she ended her relationship with Drew. She also had to move out and have no contact. Willow said he was being spiteful because he hated seeing her happy, but he said he didn’t care if she was happy or not. He didn’t want that man around his kids. Drew was an awful person and had made her awful. Her life was imploding, and she was making one bad decision after another. Who did she love more, Drew or the kids? It’s time she made that decision. He closed the door, leaving her outside.

Willow went back to the car, and Drew asked, how’d it go? She told him to take her home. She wanted to get out of there.

Michael thanked Jason for coming back and suggested they talk outside. He wanted to thank Jason again for everything he did tonight and looking out for Sasha. Jason said it was no big deal, but Michael said it was a big deal letting everyone think he was the baby’s father. Jason said he’d do anything to protect Michael and his kids, and Michael said it felt wrong not helping Sasha, but Jason said she wanted to raise the baby on her own. Plus, he couldn’t give Willow more ammunition to use in court. Michael said, seeing Sasha made it hit home that the baby was coming soon, and Jason asked if he was hoping Sasha would change her mind. Michael said in an ideal world he’d like to be a father to his child.

Sasha said she felt bad for Gio, Brook, and Dante, and Cody said, it was a colossal mess. It didn’t have to be, and he believed it wouldn’t have been if he hadn’t stuck his nose in it. She said it sounded like Lulu would have uncovered it with or without his help, and he asked why he kept shooting his mouth off. First about Jason being her baby daddy and now this. She said she hated the term baby daddy, and he was just trying to do right by someone he cared about. He said he was sorry he hadn’t been a better friend to her, Dante, or Lulu. He should have told Lulu to drop it.

Ned asked if Brook was able to talk to Gio, and she said she tried to explain that she didn’t know he was her son, and she hadn’t lied. Gio was so angry and so hurt, he accused her of not wanting him and forgetting about him, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Ned said he’d understand when things settled down. It was Lois and Gloria’s doing, not hers. Brook said, just because you understand the facts doesn’t change the way you feel. What if he never gave her a chance to love him? Ned said he highly doubted that would be the case and they hugged.

Olivia said she kept thinking how Gio brought them all together, and Tracy said, oh God. Now she had blood ties to Sonny Corinthos. Olivia said, now she was a member of a large and ever-growing club, and Tracy said, all the more reason to run Sonny out of town. He’d been a terrible influence already and would do more to corrupt Gio. She wouldn’t have it.

Jason said he’d gotten to know Sasha and understood where she was coming from. She thought Michael was a great father. She wouldn’t have helped with Amelia if she didn’t believe that. She’d been through a lot and valued her independence. Michael said he’d do his best to respect her decisions. He knew it was going to be a knockdown, drag out fight with Willow and Drew. Jason asked if there was any room for compromise.

Willow told Drew that Michael was so cold and calculating. She’d never seen him like this. (I believe that’s what she said the last time he was like this.) He’s not the Michael she knew. Drew said, he wouldn’t let her see the kids? and she said, no, and if he got his way, she’d never see them again unless… she breaks things off with him. He said, obviously, that wasn’t going to happen, right? and she said she didn’t know if she had any choice. (What is wrong with this woman? If it was a choice between some guy and my dogs, I’d pick the dogs. Also, if everyone is calling you a donkey, you need to start looking in the mirror for the ears and tail.)

Gio said Emma had been great and now he was yelling at her. She said she was an old pro at getting yelled at. Go for it. He said what he needed was to wake up from this nightmare. Who knew what and when? And were they ever going to tell him? Emma said she thought Brook and Dante were telling the truth. They didn’t know he was their son. Dante didn’t know he had another son. Gio said he believed they weren’t lying. When Rocco had alcohol poisoning, Dante was honest about what he thought of him. He’d always wanted to know what his father thought of him and now he did. His father hated him.

Lulu said it wasn’t about trashing Brook or making her look any kind of way. Dante deserved to know he had a son… Dante said she should have told him immediately, as soon as she suspected it was Gio, and she said she wanted to. Carly warned her… He said, Carly knew? and she said she had to confide in someone. He said she confided in everyone – Carly, Cody, but not him. She said she was sorry, but she wasn’t the bad guy. Brook gave up their baby. He said he was pissed at Brook and would hash it out with her, but that was between them. Gio was feeling like trash now because she wanted to prove how terrible Brook was. For what? To get in his good graces? She asked if he thought she did this to win him back.

Michael said he told Willow that unless she left Drew and severed contact, she couldn’t be part of their children’s lives, and Jason said, assuming the case went his way. Michael said it would, and Jason asked what Willow said. Michael said she thought he was punishing her for being happy, and Jason asked if there was any truth in that. Michael said, maybe a little at first, but then he thought about Wiley and Amelia. The only thing that mattered was what was best for them. Willow kept putting her needs and Drew’s above the kids and he didn’t see that changing.  

Willow said she didn’t want to end things with Drew, but Michael threatened to keep the kids from her, and Drew said he couldn’t. Michael just wanted her to think that. She said, why not? Now that Michael was back in Port Charles, everything changed. Drew said a judge would decide that. She didn’t want to surrender before she went to court. She wouldn’t lose. Trust him. He wouldn’t let that happen. Willow said she did trust him, but it was a huge risk, and he said, even if she gave in, who’s to say Michael would hold up his end of the bargain? She’d be all alone and at his mercy. Willow said he was right. She couldn’t trust Michael at all. She knew he could be a ruthless man, but how he spoke to her was just plain cruel. Drew wondered, what kind of person made a woman choose between her kids and the man she loves? Michael was using it as leverage, to get revenge. She said Michael told her that she was putting her needs above the kids, but that’s what he was doing. He kidnapped them just to keep her apart from them. Drew said, it was an ambush, and she said she couldn’t have such a vengeful cold-hearted man raising her children. She took off her rings and put them on the dashboard, and said she was planning on taking them off after the divorce was official, but after tonight, her marriage was over. She’d return them in the morning. Drew took one of the rings and said, not this one. This stayed with them.

Olivia went into the living room and asked how it was going. Brook said, better, and asked if they could talk. Ned left to give them privacy, and Brook said she understood if Olivia was furious with her. She gave away Olivia’s grandchild and never told her. She was so sorry. Olivia said Brook was under no obligation to tell her anything. No one understood more than she did. She’d been a scared pregnant teenager once herself. Brook said Olivia kept the baby and it worked out, and Olivia said, until Dante went undercover and was shot by his own father because she never told them about each other. She understood more than anyone. Just remember one thing. She was always here for Brook, no matter what. Brook said she wouldn’t mind a hug, and they hugged.

Tracy told Ned that she had a confession to make. She knew Brook had a baby. He asked, for how long? Why didn’t she tell him? She said she just found out and Brook swore her to secrecy. She had started to look for her great-grandson, but somebody beat her to it. He asked if she knew who it was, and she said she had a pretty good idea.

Dante told Lulu that he never said she was trying to win him back, but she said, close enough. It never once crossed her mind to use the information to get back together with him. He said, it will never happen, and she said, obviously. He said she blew up the only chance of him having a relationship with his son, and she asked how it was her fault. He said, Gio wanted nothing to do with him, and she said she was sorry. She hoped he and Gio worked things out, but as far as they were concerned, she didn’t want him back – ever.

Sasha said she couldn’t think of what Cody could have said to get Lulu to back off, and he said he could have tried. It broke his heart tonight. Gio was so hurt and angry. He smashed his violin to pieces on the stage. He saw so much of himself in Gio. Discovering his life was a lie was super painful, and he didn’t like the people who raised him. Gio loved his mom, or at least he thought he did. Sasha said things worked out for Cody in the end. He was welcomed into an amazing family. Maybe the same would be true for Gio. He told her, that’s what Lulu said. He only hoped they were right. It didn’t have to be like this.

Michael told Jason that he didn’t like the idea of taking the kids away from their mother. They loved her, but he had to protect them. Jason said he knew it was a complicated situation, but he trusted Michael to do what was right. As always, Michael had his full support. Michael said that meant a lot, but he wasn’t sure the kids would feel the same way, and Jason said it was only a matter of time before Wiley and Amelia would know he did the best for them.  

Willow said, that ring belonged to Lila, and Drew said she was his grandmother. He had as much right to it as Michael did. He understood if she didn’t want to wear it, but maybe one day when she was old enough, they’d give it to Amelia. Willow said Michael was going to use her infidelity against her, but Drew said Michael wasn’t squeaky clean. They’d dig up whatever Michael was hiding and then blow him out of the water. He started the car (I wondered, where’s Kristina with the wire cutters when you need her?) and they left.

Michael watched a sleeping Wiley and promise that he’d never leave him and his sister again. He kissed Wiley’s forehead.

Sasha said Cody couldn’t go back and change what happened. All he could do was learn from it. He said it wasn’t up to him to expose other people’s secrets, especially when a child was involved, and she said, sometimes parents kept secrets to protect their children. Those decisions should be respected and left alone. She caressed her bump.

Ned said, Lulu knew about the baby too? Was he the only one left in the dark? Tracy said Lois and Gloria were extremely unfair to him. He was an excellent father and would be an even better grandfather. He needed to work on being a better son though. While he was sipping cocktails, she was left to rot at the PCPD. Jason bailed her out. He said he called to check on her several times and was told she wasn’t available. He knew she could take care of herself. She was one of the strongest people he knew. It’s where Brook got her hutzpah. Tracy said he was flattering her to get her to forgive him, and he asked if it was working. She said, no, and he laughed.

Brook wondered if she’d made a mistake and should have kept baby like Olivia, but Olivia said the choice Brook made was as valid as hers. They both required massive sacrifice. They did what they thought was best at the time for themselves and their children. Nobody could fault them. Brook said, except Gio. She tried to talk to him, but he couldn’t get away from her fast enough. Olivia said, once he calmed down – and he would – they’d find him – and they would – and make sure he knew how much they all loved him.

Emma said Dante didn’t hate Gio, but Gio said she didn’t hear the things Dante had said. She said, even if Dante hated him – which he didn’t – he wasn’t alone. He had so many people who cared about him, her included. Why not come back to her grandma’s and stay for a while? She’d love it. He said he couldn’t impose, but she said, we can’t stay here. It was chilly. He said, we? and she said, where he went, she went. He just needed to decide where that was. He said, anywhere but here. The further away, the better. She said, okay. Let’s go.

Lulu told Dante, from now on, they’d stick to co-parenting Rocco. She didn’t even see the need to be friends. He said, sounds like a plan. He’d be back in the morning. He’d be the one to tell Rocco that he had a half-brother, not her. Other than that, stay out of his life please, and stay the hell away from Gio. She’d done enough damage. He left and she cried.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Elizabeth says, it’s been such a long time since she had a yogurt parfait from Perks. Now Ric just happened to show up with one. How weird. He says he does know her. He also got her a dragon berry juice. It’s good for everything. This stuff is going to change her life. She asks if he’s saying her life needs changing, but he says, no. She sounded like she needed cheering up, being cooped up in the house. Elizabeth said, it’s not that bad. She’s sad she missed the Nurses Ball. He asks if she got to watch it on TV, and she says, of course (🍷). The nurses were amazing, and it was hard to top Lucy, Felicia, Anna, and Spinelli. The fact that Spinelli filled in for Tracy at the last moment made it better. He says he can’t imagine which performance was denied because of Tracy’s arrest on the red carpet. There’s a knock at the door and Laura walks in.

Alexis tells Kristina and Lucky, for the record, this meeting is covered by attorney/client privilege. Please start by telling her everything that happened the night Kristina tried to kill Ava.

Carly asks if Curtis has a minute. She didn’t mean to interrupt. He says, no problem. Have a seat. He heard Michael was back from Germany and doing great. She says, better than they expected. They’re thankful and grateful. He says, Michael deserves it. He’s sure the rest of the family has a lot to catch up on. Tell Michael that he’ll reach out later. What can he do for her? She says she’s not sure if he’s aware, but Michael’s divorce proceedings start today. Michael would never ask for a favor, so she’s here to do it for him. Michael could really use his help.

Michael asks Sasha how she’s doing. Is she sleeping okay? Does she have any strong cravings? Does she want to sit down? The baby kicks, and she says, whoa. That was a good one. It’s been happening a lot lately. Does he want to feel it? She puts his hand on her bump.  

Ava goes to Nina’s office and says she sounded panicked on the phone. What’s going on? Nina says, a little. She just got new information that could guarantee her daughter getting full custody of her children. Ava says, wonderful, but Nina says she doesn’t want to use it.

Emma wakes up (in a hotel room? a cabin?), but Gio isn’t there. She gets up and hears the door. He comes in and asks if she’s okay. She says she is now. She thought he took off. He says, no. He would never do that to her, especially now. She’s the only person on earth that he trusts.

On the phone, Brook thanks Anna for letting her know. Even if Gio’s not here, at least he’s with Emma. She’s sure they’ll hear from them any minute… She knows they will and just had to say thanks. Lois walks in and Brook tells her that Gio is with Emma. Lois asks if he’s okay, but Brook says she doesn’t have the right to ask that question. How could he possibly be okay?

Laura says she doesn’t usually barge in, but she didn’t want Elizabeth to stand up. She sees Elizabeth has company, so she’ll see her later. Elizabeth says, it’s okay. She and Ric were just catching up and drinking dragon berry juice. Would Laura like some tea? Laura says she’d love some, but can handle getting tea. Ric offers to get it and goes to the kitchen. Elizabeth says Ric just surprised her by stopping by with breakfast and dragon berry juice. Laura says she’s never heard of it, and Elizabeth says, Ric swears by it. He says it’s good for everything. Laura says she wouldn’t be surprised if Ric stopped by with dragon berry juice every time Lucky stepped out of the house, and Elizabeth asks if she’s suggesting Ric is watching the house and waiting for Lucky to leave. Laura said she’s suggesting he’s not above that behavior, and they laugh.  

Alexis says, Kristina intended to kill Ava, and the accident hurt two other people, so that’s two other crimes. Kristina says she knows she shouldn’t have done it, and Alexis says, the crash was labeled an accident, but if the police investigate, they’ll tie her to the cut brake lines and she’ll go to prison. The question is, for how long? They both need to tell her everything that happened that day. Don’t leave anything out. Kristina says, they told her everything, but Alexis says she’s looking at mitigating circumstances, anything that can reduce Kristina’s culpability. So please walk her through the entire day. Kristina says she went to see Ava. They day before, her dad had collapsed, and Ava just stood there and didn’t do anything.

Curtis says, Michael is his friend, and he’ll help in any way he can, and Carly says, Willow and Drew are accusing Michael of abandonment. Curtis asks what the hell they’re thinking, and Carly tells him that they’re saying Michael could have gotten treatment in Baltimore and been close to Wiley and Amelia. He says, getting the best medical treatment shouldn’t cost Michael his kids, and she agrees. She says she hopes the judge sees through Ric’s argument, but just in case, it would be helpful if Aurora Media would remind people that Drew Cain is a con artist. He’s not a man who uses his position as congressman to help people. He uses his position to get revenge and settle scores. Curtis says, she’s preaching to the choir. He knows exactly the kind of man Drew is. She says, if they focus a media attack on showing all of Drew’s missteps since he took office, it could sway public opinion or it could help the judge rule in Michael’s favor. What does he think?

Nina tells Ava, the night Drew admitted he kissed Willow, Michael stormed out and stayed out all night. Willow told her because she was so worried. It was the same night Sasha found out Cody was her cousin, and they had to break up. The bartender at the Brown Dog Bar told her that Michael and Sasha were there. They got drunk together and left together. Ava says, so maybe they slept together, which would mean Michael is probably the father of Sasha’s baby. All Ric would need was the implication to get a judge to believe Michael cheated before Willow. Plus, that means Michael was hiding a pregnant mistress, which might be enough to get a judge to give Willow full custody. Nina says, exactly. Willow will get everything she wants. Ava asks why Nina hasn’t told Ric, and Nina says, one reason is that she loves Sasha and to exploit that Michael is the father of her baby would be a big betrayal. She doesn’t want to hurt Sasha.

Michael thanks Sasha for letting him feel the baby. It was a good one too. She says, they all are lately. She’s glad he was here when it happened. He says, him too. Actually, he was hoping to ask her for another favor. She says, of course (🍷). Whatever he needs. He says his divorce hearing is today. It would be great if she stayed with Wiley and Amelia while he was in court. She says she loves spending time with his adorable children, but she can’t watch them today. She’ll be at the hearing too. He asks, why? and she says, Ric is calling her as a witness.

Gio looks at his phone and sees tons of unread messages and missed calls. Emma says, a lot of people are probably trying to get in touch with him, but he says he’s not ready for any of that yet. She says he doesn’t have to be. At least not yet. She bets everyone is worried though. He says, half the messages are from people he doesn’t know. People who are so close to him, he doesn’t even have their numbers in his phone. Now they’re family. No. He doesn’t buy it for a single second. That’s also a lie. He’s supposed to believe Tracy prizes family blood relatives more than anything, and now that he’s an official Quartermaine, she cares what he thinks. Emma says, to be fair, Tracy doesn’t really care what anybody thinks, and Gio says, and there’s Sonny. He had some cool conversations with him about music. That’s it, and he’s supposed to think of Sonny as his grandfather now. No. Knowing they’re related doesn’t make him feel different. He’s not having fake relationships with any of them. She says she knows it’s hard, and he says, it’s also a lie. And he’s supposed to believe that Tracy prizes family above everything.

Brook asks why Lois is even here, and Lois says she was concerned about Gio. She knows Brook is furious with her, but she just wanted to make sure Gio was all right. Brook says she doesn’t know how he is. He couldn’t get out of here fast enough last night. All she knows is that Emma told Anna that they were together somewhere. Lois says, they’ve got to find him, and wonders if Anna can track Emma’s phone, but Brook says, no. Gio’s entire life blew up in his face. She needs to explain herself and ask forgiveness, but it’s not more important that Gio’s need for time and space. She’s not going to do to him what Lois is doing to her. Lois asks what she’s talking about, and Brook says, Lois came to get forgiveness and have Brook say she understands. She has no interest in taking care of Lois’s feelings after Lois betrayed her trust.

Lois says she hates what she did, but she only did it because she thought it was best for Brook and Gio. She did exactly what Brook asked and found the baby a good home. Brook says, with her own family, and Lois says, Camilla just lost her husband and said she felt like she had nothing to live for. Ma told her about the baby, and they could feel the light come back to her eyes. All she wanted to do was raise Gio and love him. She promised Brook that she’d find her child a good family and that’s exactly what she did. Brook says, Lois also lied to everyone, including her. Now she knows why Lois encouraged her not to tell Dante about the baby. Lois says she was trying to shield Brook. She was going through so much and she was so scared. Brook says, of course (🍷). All she wanted was to not be pregnant and for this to not be happening. Lois gave her the closest thing to it. She told Brook to tell no one, not even her dad. She could go on tour with Lois for a few months, have the baby, and go back to her life like nothing happened. Lois offered her a lifeline made of secrets and God forgive her, she took it.

Carly says, up until now, Aurora has been neutral, some would say charitable, about Drew’s behavior, but Curtis says he didn’t think it was right to use his platform to further his personal agency. That’s something Drew would do. She says she respects that, but isn’t asking him to print anything that’s not true. She just wants the world reminded that Drew seduced his nephew’s wife. Then he tried to dig up the Quartermaine crypt just to get back at Tracy. And let’s not forget the congressman embarrassed everyone in Port Charles with pictures of him with a sex worker. Curtis says, what about Drew accusing Tracy of drugging him? and Carly says, ketamine is a party drug. It’s more likely Drew took it recreationally. Otherwise, are they supposed to believe Tracy got her hands on some ketamine, dosed Drew, and left the evidence in her car? She doesn’t think so. Curtis admits the scenario seems unlikely. He wants to help Michael, but he can’t.

Michael wonders why Ric would want Sasha to testify unless he found out Michael was the father of her baby, and Sasha says that was her first thought too. But the only people who know are her, Michael, and Jason. Danny knows Jason isn’t the father, but doesn’t know who the father is. She thinks their secret is safe. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, yes. During her deposition, Ric’s questions were pretty straightforward. He wanted to know about Michael and Willow, but no baby related questions at all. Michael says, okay, good, and Sasha says, Diane, on the other hand, asked thoroughly about her seeing Drew and Willow kissing on July 4th, and the fact Willow asked her not to tell him, which Ric hated. Diane doubts Ric will call her as a witness. He says he’s glad Diane is on his side, and she says her too. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, during the deposition yesterday, she realized if she had told him about Drew and Willow kissing when it happened, maybe it would have prevented all of this. Maybe he and Willow would have worked it out and they’d still be married.

Nina said she’d seen firsthand how much being pregnant again meant to Sasha, and Ava said, after what Sasha went through, she was sure. She was happy for Sasha. Nina said her too. Sasha had gone to great lengths to conceal Michael’s paternity. If that information were revealed, Sasha’s whole life would be turned upside down. Ava says, considering the father’s dysfunctional family, that’s the least of what could happen, and Nina says she doesn’t want to ruin Sasha’s happiness. Ava says she understands that, but Sasha did sleep with Michael. Why do they get to keep their dirty little secret when Willow’s life is out there on social media for everyone to comment on? Nina says, it’s not fair, but Drew is at fault. He turned Willow’s life into a circus. That’s another reason she doesn’t want to give Ric ammunition. If Willow gets full custody, she is never ever going to leave Drew.

Michael told Sasha that Drew made his way into the existing cracks in his and Willow’s relationship. If it had been as strong as he thought, there was no way Drew would have gotten between them. Sasha asks if he really believes that, and he says, absolutely. Looking back, as much as he loved Willow, he never saw her clearly. She says, Willow made it hard to see the real her, and he says he was so desperate to make her happy, he doesn’t think he knew who she was. He thought she was a good, honest person, someone better than him. So he made sure to show her only the best parts of himself. He kept a lot from her. He doesn’t think Willow ever got to know the real him. Sasha says she hears him taking responsibility, but what about Willow? He adored her and gave her everything she ever wanted, and she threw their marriage away. She deserves a sleaze like Drew. Michael says, she can have him. They can’t take away his kids.

Curtis says he would like nothing more than to remind the world how unfit Drew is for public office, but it could backfire spectacularly. He may run Aurora Media, but Michael is the majority shareholder. If he runs a smear campaign, Drew could wind up looking like a victim. He wants to take Drew down as much as Carly does, but that ain’t the way to do it. She says she guesses he’s right, and he says, don’t worry. He’s working on something else.

Elizabeth thanks Ric for breakfast, and he says, anytime. Madam Mayor, always a pleasure. Laura says, him too, and he leaves. Elizabeth says she hates to admit it, but the dragon berry juice is really good. She and Ric will always be friends, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t set firm boundaries. Laura says she’s sure Elizabeth has, and Elizabeth thanks her. She says, when it comes to Lucky, Ric is nothing but a problem, and Laura says, of course (🍷). Lucky sees Ric as a potential rival.

Kristina tells Alexis that she wasn’t thinking clearly. If not for Lucky telling her to leave when he did, the cops probably would have seen her. Alexis asks, how? and Kristina says she was freaked out and openly at the scene, but off to the side. Alexis asks, how many were at the scene? but Kristina says she doesn’t know. Lucky says he thinks there were two cops, four paramedics, and at least a couple of firefighters. At the time, everyone was too busy to notice, but cops have bodycams and could probably obtain the footage. Kristina says, the police definitely know she was there, and Alexis says, why? Was she interviewed? Kristina says, no, but she did tell Dante that she saw Ric’s crashed car.

Emma asks if Gio slept at all, and he says, no. He just lied there all night thinking about all the people who’ve been lying to him. Emma asks if he thinks there are people besides Brook and Lois who knew, and he says, not Brook and Dante so much, but Sonny. He and Lois have known each other forever. If she told anybody, it would be him. And that would explain why Sonny’s been so generous, paying for his entire education and all his music stuff. Emma asks if he thinks Sonny lied, and he says he didn’t think his mother… Camilla would. Emma says, she didn’t tell him the whole truth, but she didn’t lie to him about her feelings. She was his mom and loved him. He says, Emma doesn’t know that, and she says she never met Camilla, but the way he talked about her and the stories about him growing up… All he needs to know is that he loved her and she loved him too.  

Lois says she doesn’t have to apologize to anyone. She did what was right. Brook says, it wasn’t right. Instead of the closed adoption she agreed to, Lois gave the baby to her cousin. He grew up down the block. She used to babysit him and play with him, and she never knew he was her son. Lois says, it tore her up every single time, but when Ma suggested Camilla, she was too selfish to say no. She was so scared to send the baby out into the world. This way, she didn’t have to and could look over at him and make sure he was okay. Brook says, he wasn’t okay when Camilla died. She was an adult. Why not tell her then? Lois says, Gio was devastated when his mother died. What was she gonna do? Add to his grief by telling him that his mom wasn’t his mom? Brook says that’s an excuse, and Lois says, Brook was an adult trying to make it in the music business. She was taking every gig she could. Should she have called Brook and told her to come home? No. She gave Gio a good home and gave Brook her freedom and that was the right thing to do.

Alexis asks if the police know Lucky was there, and he says he ran over when he saw Elizabeth was one of the victims. He talked to the paramedics and followed the ambulance to GH. Alexis says, it doesn’t necessarily matter that Kristina witnessed the scene, and Ric and Ava’s footage from the garage doesn’t show Kristina cutting the brakes. Lucky says he thinks the only thing that’s incriminating is the car. That’s why he went to the impound, but the guy said it had already been crushed. He thought that was the end. Alexis says, now they know Ava bribed the guy to say that, because the car is hidden somewhere nobody knows. He asks, what’s the next move? and Alexis says, they need to stay as far away from this as possible. Even if the police know they were both there, it doesn’t necessarily connect them. Lucky says, that’s it? He wants to help in any way he can. Alexis says he’s been very helpful. She has a better idea of how the day went and where they’re most vulnerable. He says, okay, and Kristina thanks him. Not just for helping, but believing she never intended to kill anyone. He says, just call if they need him, and leaves. Kristina asks what Alexis thinks. Is there any way out of this?

Elizabeth says it sounds like Laura knows something. Did Lucky talk to her about Ric? Laura says, no, not at all, and she certainly never asked him about it. Mother’s intuition. When she watched Lucky looking at Elizabeth, it was so clear she was the woman he never fell out love with. Now they were living together again. Elizabeth says, it’s wonderful having him here. She just doesn’t know if it’s enough. When you love someone you know is good at rescuing you, but not so good at the mundane day to day stuff, what do you do to make the relationship work? Laura says, Lucky is so much like his father, and Elizabeth says, yes, and she knows how much Laura and Lucky’s father loved each other. Yet they couldn’t make it work. Maybe she’s naïve to think she and Lucky could.

Portia goes to Curtis’s office, and he says, they need to talk. She says, about what? and he says, the fact that Carly came by and asked him for help with Michael. He couldn’t do it because Drew was holding Portia’s crimes over their heads. She says, he’s not the only one who’s frustrated. She tried to stop Drew herself, but she failed.

Nina says, if she tells Ric the truth about Sasha and Michael, Willow will probably get full custody, and it will have worked out exactly the way Drew promised her. Ava says, and Nina doesn’t want to give him credit? and Nina says, no, but Drew already bought a house in DC. He was talking about bringing Willow and the kids there permanently. If Willow gets full custody, she’ll lose her daughter and her grandkids. Ava says, what happens if Michael gets custody? and Nina says she has no idea, but she knows Willow will want to stay here where Wiley and Amelia are. She has to believe that if Willow’s relationship costs her the children, she’ll eventually leave this man. So maybe she’s just better off in the long run if Willow doesn’t get full custody.

Elizabeth tells Laura that it’s wonderful having Lucky here, taking care of her the way he has. She actually feels like she can depend on him 100%. Does Laura think he’s happy here? Laura says she hopes so. But she thinks that’s what she wants. She wants him to live here with Elizabeth, the woman she knows he loves, and raise their child together. Elizabeth says, those are not bad things to want, but Laura says she doesn’t know if it’s right for both of them. She’d like them to figure out what’s right for them.  

Ava says, Nina is in a no-win situation. Whatever choice she makes is a gamble. If Willow found out she knew about Michael and Sasha and didn’t tell her… Nina says, Drew made it perfectly clear that he wants Willow all to himself. And if he gets that, he’ll move them to DC in a heartbeat. Ava says she doesn’t envy either choice. They have ugly consequences. As a friend, the best advice she can give is for Nina to choose the consequences she can best live with.

Wiley says he was afraid Michael would be gone for a really long time, and Sasha asks why he thinks that. Wiley says, Uncle Drew told them that daddy couldn’t come back for a very long time, and Michael says, Drew was wrong. He’d never stay away a second longer than he had to. Daddy’s doctors fixed him up and he’s all better. Carly comes in and says, it’s so good to see him. Wiley asks if they can go swimming, and Carly asks what daddy thinks. Can they go swimming? Michael says, absolutely, and Wiley asks if mommy can come, but Michael says, not today. Sasha suggests they get their bathing suits on and takes the kids upstairs.

Alexis tells Kristina that the only way out of this mess is Ric’s car. As long as it exists, there’s proof the brake line was cut. Nothing Kristina or Lucky said could mitigate the attempted murder charges. Kristina says, so Alexis is going to continue to pay off Ric and Ava until they bleed the Cassadine trust dry? She hopes no one catches Alexis embezzling. Alexis says, until they find the car, Ava and Ric have the upper hand… until… unless she can get them to turn on each other. They’re both greedy, disgusting, duplicitous people. Kristina says, if they’re not in it together, they can turn on each other. How can we make that happen? Alexis says, we don’t do anything. Kristina doesn’t do anything. Let the PCPD investigate this. She’s got to stop being impulsive. Kristina says, maybe she should pay for what she’s done, but Alexis says, it will devastate Molly. If Kristina doesn’t intend to save her own life, do it for her sister.

Portia says she knows it was crazy to hire a sex worker, but she and Nina thought it would work, and Curtis asks if Nina knows what Drew has on her. Portia says she never told Nina why Drew wants to bring her down. It was enough that both of them needed to stop him. Curtis asks if they happen to know where Jacinda is now, and she says, Australia maybe. Nina gave her a lot of money to take an extended vacation somewhere remote. He says, so Drew can’t track her down, and Portia says, there’s one thing she hasn’t figured out. She and Nina drugged Drew. How did Tracy end up getting arrested or it? He says, Drew framed her.

Gio says he keeps remembering things about his mom, and Emma says, like what? Gio says, his dad Francis was in Iraq and before he died, he sent photos. Camilla never said Gio looked like him. She never said he had his dad’s eyes or his smile. She said he looked more like her side of the family. Emma says, now they know why, and Gio tells her, Camilla said when his dad was killed, she found out she was pregnant. She said having him saved her life. She called him her little miracle. Emma says, that was her truth. It makes sense, except the pregnant part. Having him come into her life at the lowest point, no matter how it happened, gave her a reason to keep on going. And he’s going to stand there and tell her that she’s not his mom. Gio says, she was definitely his mom. Brook is just the woman who gave him away.

Lois says, if she’d told Brook that Gio was her son after Camilla died, she wouldn’t have the life she has now. She wouldn’t be a strong, successful businesswoman working at Deception. She wouldn’t have met and married Chase. Would she have been willing to throw that away? Brook says, she’s asking the wrong question. Gio is her son, and all the choices Lois made robbed her of making her own choices for him. Now he’s an adult and she’ll never get the chance. Lois says she doesn’t know that, but Brook says, he won’t talk to her. She can’t help him through his identity crisis because he doesn’t trust her. Lois says, in time, he will, but Brook says, no, he won’t, because Lois showed them both that the one person you trust more than anyone in the world can lie to your face for years. So Lois should be asking how Brook can ever trust again, or Gio. She took away everything he knew about family and now he is no one.

Curtis asks how Drew knew she’d done something, and Portia says she has no idea… Wait a second. Brad is the only other person who knew. Curtis says, something else to hold over her head and it comes with serious jail time. If he can prove it. She says, he can’t prove her involvement. The ketamine traces back to Brad, an ex-con. Who’s going to believe an ex-con over her? He says he hopes she’s right. He has an idea on how to neutralize Drew. She says, okay. What is it? He says, they’ve got to do something Drew can’t do. They’ve got to find Jacinda.

Emma’s phone dings and she tells Gio that her grandma wants to know when she’s going to be home. He says, she should go back, but she says, he’s not getting rid of her that easy. He says he needs to get away and is thinking of a road trip to Canada. She says, okay, road trip it is. But he can’t just keep avoiding everybody. He needs to take care of how he really feels about family. Are they going back? He says, they’re going back.

Lois says she can make sure Gio knows no one was ever trying to hurt him, but Brook says, two things will never change. Gio will always know she gave him up, and she’ll always know Lois lied. Gio doesn’t want anything to do with her and she doesn’t want anything to do with Lois. Gloria walks in and says, hey! Don’t you dare talk to you mother like that. If you want to have out with someone, have out with me.

Alexis finds Laura in her office and asks if she forgot an appointment. Laura says, they didn’t have an appointment. She was looking over Ace’s trust fund and she’s very concerned. There seems to be a lot of money missing.

Elizabeth asks, how was the meeting? and Lucky says he went to see a lawyer about her car accident. She asks why he did that, and he says, because he knows more about her accident than he told her.

Michael tells Carly that he asked Sasha to watch the kids, but she couldn’t. She has to be in court. Did Carly know she was on the witness list? Carly says, Diane mentioned it. She thinks it’s a waste of time. What can Sasha testify to besides knowing Willow was sneaking around with Drew behind his back?

Ric goes to Nina’s office, and Ava says she didn’t expect him so soon. How did he make it back from his meeting in Beecher’s Corners so quickly? He says he has a fast car and knows a shortcut, and Ava says he’ll have to tell her all about it later. She’ll leave them both to it. She leaves, and Ric says he wanted to come by and make sure Nina is ready to testify. Nina says she actually doesn’t know what she’s going to say now, and he says he’s surprised. She has to testify to what she saw after Michael found out about the affair. She says, Michael let Willow take the children, and he asks if she has something new to add. Nina thinks about it.

On Monday, Brook asks if Lois regrets giving her baby to Camilla; Elizabeth asks what Lucky knows about her accident that he hasn’t told her; and Laura tells Alexis that 10 million dollars has been removed from Ace’s estate.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Take a peek. You know you want to.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/behind-the-scenes-at-the-gh-nurses-ball-2025/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

How does a superyacht not have enough dishes for a 7-course meal?

The Valley

Wah-wah-wah. Poor Jax. He claimed it was the first time he’d allowed himself to be vulnerable, but I swear we’ve heard that several before. Keep throwing that against the wall, Jax. Maybe it will stick eventually. Brittany let him see Cruz and got a horrible therapy session for her trouble. In her interview, she said he wanted to re-live his pre-Brittany days and it was sad since he was a 45 year old father. Agreed.

On my wish list.

Summer House

The Reunion Part 1. I gritted my teeth during the Toegate discussion, especially the debate over how much time should be taken with a toe. The set design evoked a sleepover, which was kind of cool, but I was less than impressed with the wardrobe. As for Gabby’s… dress? No, just no. No. Usually, my only Reunion outfit complaint is it being too extra, but this made me wonder if they knew they were going to be on TV. Kyle had once mentioned on Watch What Happens Live that certain companies would not hire cast members from Summer House, which didn’t surprise me. Imrul also found out there was a downside to letting the world see your party side. He was disinvited from a nephew’s birthday party after they’d seen the show, not feeling he was the best example. As Dr. Phil says, when you choose the actions, you choose the consequences.

Random Reality Items

New Housewives and new Villains, which are kind of the same thing.

He’s off to a great start. I’ve been following that story. Very creepy and very NYC.

Could Kenya be twirling back anytime soon?

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Pee-wee as Himself. HBO/Max. 2-part documentary. I loved this film. At the end of his life, Paul Reubens said, I wanted somehow for people to understand that my whole career, everything I did and wrote, was based in love. From the moment the film started, I got that from his eyes alone. I was a Pee-wee’s Playhouse fan and often watched it Saturday morning, usually with a hangover, along with Lighting Force, a half-hour poor man’s A-Team starring Wings Hauser and a half-hour Tarzan starring a very hot Tarzan. Reubens discusses his entire career and the evolution of Pee-wee Herman, which was fascinating. Some of it is not new news, like his arrest in a porno theater and later for possessing child pornography, both of which were ridiculous. His so-called possession was his vintage erotica collection, which was shown. It was a big stretch saying the photo in question, one out of hundreds, was of someone underage. Still, he bounced back. Speaking of collections, I thought I had a lot of needless stuff, but Reubens was quite the collector of everything, especially pop culture items. I could have spent days combing through his impressive treasure trove. My only complaint is that the film wasn’t longer.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/pee-wee-as-himself-max-documentary-tv-review-2025

A few spoilers here.

https://people.com/paul-reubens-reveals-true-self-shares-his-final-words-in-new-pee-wee-herman-doc-11740098

Mickey 17. HBO/Max. Whenever Bong Joon Ho is involved, I’m in. Mickey is an Expendable, who does the most dangerous work while testing a planet for habitability and when they die – not if, when – they’re simply reprinted and sent back out again. This did make me wish we could reprint our bodies. Make mine thinner please. Only one version of an Expendable is allowed to be alive at the same time, and two Mickeys collide when one is presumed dead. It was a very busy film, so you might have to concentrate, but it was definitely a new concept worth watching.

https://movieweb.com/robert-pattinson-mickey-17-streaming-max/

A few spoilers here.

https://decider.com/2025/05/27/mickey-17-streaming-movie-review

Southern Comfort. AMC+, Amazon Prime, TubiTV, et al. This is an old film from 1981, but it doesn’t feel dated. I’d seen it long ago and for whatever reason, it popped into my head, and I had to watch it again. During the Vietnam War era, a group of National Guardsmen participate in a training exercise in the Louisiana bayou. It’s the perfect cautionary tale of don’t act like you own the place when you don’t. Brion James is exceptional as a local they capture when the stupidity of one of the Guardsmen gets out of hand. Even after all these years, it did not disappoint.

https://www.cbr.com/war-movie-southern-comfort-perfect-for-clint-eastwood-fans/

⚰️ Finale Of the Dead…

As I always say, if I need the ending explained, maybe I shouldn’t be watching it. Obviously, spoilers here, and although I won’t spoil anything, let it suffice to say, it wasn’t exactly uplifting.

https://ew.com/the-last-of-us-season-2-ending-explained-11740827

👑 Gilded Once More…

Great show. Great cast. The Gilded Age returns on June 22nd.

https://www.tvinsider.com/gallery/the-gilded-age-season-3-premiere-date-photos/

🏆 Another Shot…

If you’ve never seen Hamilton on Disney+, you’re missing out. I actually call my subscription to their service a perpetual rental of the show.

https://ew.com/original-hamilton-cast-to-reunite-at-78th-tony-awards-11744341

🩰 Don’t Dream It, Be It…

It always amazes me how much work is put into these costumes. Although I do tend to put a lot of effort into my yearly Halloween theme.

https://ew.com/best-anime-central-2025-cosplayers-from-squid-game-star-wars-fantastic-four-11741525

🐾 Reaching For the Stars…

🐶 Dogs are college students too.

https://people.com/doug-the-pug-receives-unique-honorary-degree-11741828

🐩 A canine at Cannes.

https://people.com/who-is-the-fashionable-dog-on-the-cannes-red-carpet-11737825

🐕 Everything is beautiful at the ballet.

https://www.purewow.com/news/demi-moore-striking-photo-instagram

👄 Quotes of the Week

By hero, we tend to mean a heightened man who, more than other men, possesses qualities of courage, loyalty, resourcefulness, charisma, above all, selflessness. He is an example of right behavior; the sort of man who risks his life to protect his society’s values, sacrificing his personal needs for those of the community. – Paul Zweig

It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.Eleanor Roosevelt

I know now a loss can be a gift. A chance to grow. Losing has taught me to be a better winner and a better person, one who is always looking for opportunities to learn. – Serena Williams

We’re flawed because we want so much more. We’re ruined because we get these things and wish for what we had. – Don Draper (John Hamm), Mad Men, The Summer Man

Don’t spend major time on minor things. – Jim Rohn

If you can get someone to laugh with you, they will be more willing to identify with you, listen to you. It parts the waters. – Robert Orben

Always forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them so intensely. – Percy Colson

He talks in the cadence of a leprechaun. – Kalani Faagata about Florian Sukaj, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé :The Last Resort

🌞 The Song Sings Itself…

Until next week, stay safe; stay using sunscreen now that you’ll (hopefully) be outside more (better yet, do your skin a favor and consider using it year-round); and stay never taking a lifeline made of secrets.

May 23, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Two Bombshells At the Nurses Ball, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Wait List, Rites Of Pet (!) Passage, Two Quartets Of Quotes & Glow

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Brook called a family meeting, and Ned asked Lois if something was going on at Deception. Tracy seemed distracted lately. Lois said it seemed like Tracy being Tracy.

Dante saw Sasha in the nook, and she asked how Rocco was doing. He said he thought Rocco had learned his lesson, and she said he was a really good kid. So was Danny.

Ned asked Brook what the meeting was about, and Brook said it had been tense since Rocco went to the hospital and Gio was walking on eggshells. He’d been beating himself up. Jason said, so had Danny, and Brook said, for the sake of family unity, could they please move on. Gio listened from outside the door.

Cody it was strange there was no record of Gio being born, but was still skeptical, but Lulu said, the more she thought about it, she thought Camilla had never been pregnant. Camilla had been on tour and the Bensonhurst crew wouldn’t have known.

Drew said he was surprised Portia had said anything to Curtis. In order to be blackmailed, a person had to do something wrong, something that could even cost a doctor their medical license.

Sonny said he knew Willow didn’t want an ugly custody fight. Nobody would win. Willow said it was the last thing she wanted for Wiley and Amelia, but Carly and Michael seemed determined to take her kids from her.

Nina asked Carly if Michael was coming home, and Carly said she hadn’t expected the hearing so soon. Nina said the simple solution was to postpone it, but Carly said, nothing doing. Nina said she’d thought they were together on this, but Carly said Willow would never leave Drew and she had to protect her grandchildren. Nina said they were her grandchildren too, and Carly wasn’t doing this.

Drew gave Curtis a hypothetical situation that was actually real about Portia tampering with Heather’s test results. He assumed the hypothetical doctor’s career would be over and it would be devastating for her daughter too.

Lulu found the name of the group Camilla toured with- The Nicola Quartet. They’d been performing in New Zealand when Gio was supposedly born in LA. Cody said they had to be certain if they were going to upend people’s lives, and Lulu said she wasn’t stopping until she had proof. She was going to find the other members of the quartet.

Tracy didn’t think two teenage boys getting drunk was unheard of and Brook said none of them would have called Rocco’s parents when they were Gio’s age. Gio came in and said he’d used bad judgement that Rocco had almost paid for. He couldn’t change things, but would work to gain back everyone’s trust. Lois followed him out to the foyer, and he said she and Brook needed to stop making excuses for him.

Sasha said Danny was sorry for talking Rocco into going to the party, and Dante said Danny was a good kid, but still reckless. Sasha said Danny was taking it seriously, and Dante said he loved Danny, but he was too much like Jason for his own good.

Sonny said Carly should never have interfered and he thought Willow should get a postponement, but Willow said she was sick of having it hanging over her head and Ric said she could win. Sonny said nobody would win, especially the kids. She should wait until Michael got home and they should compromise. Michael had told him that he wasn’t looking for full custody.

Carly said she was hoping Nina would get through to Willow, but she wanted the kids away from Drew now. Willow would never see him for who he was and she had to do something to protect the kids. Nina asked if Carly had just been pretending to work with her to keep her distracted.

Cody looked up a song that Camilla had once played in concert and found it on a file sharing site. Lulu looked for contact info on the remaining quartet musicians and told him that she’d say she was doing a story on touring musicians and had known Camilla. After doing a search, she found the viola guy.

Ned said he was impressed with Gio, and Jason told them, Gio said it all, and left.

Lois told Gio that she wasn’t excusing his behavior, but they’d all made mistakes. It was part of growing up. Gio said he wasn’t a kid anymore, but she said he always would be to her. He said he didn’t know what he would have done without her. Thanks to her and Sonny, he had an amazing life. He could stand on his own now because of them.

Sasha said she thought Jason was fundamentally a good man, and Dante said Jason loved his kids, but wasn’t a huge help when disciplining them. Danny needed boundaries and with Sam gone, he wasn’t getting a lot of them. Jason had to step up the way father should. Jason walked in.

Lulu left a message for the viola guy.

Curtis told Drew to keep his daughter’s name out of his mouth, but Drew claimed it was just hypotheticals. What if the patient found out a doctor was trying to deny her freedom and got a lawyer? The doctor would be facing a crippling lawsuit, and the doctor and her husband would be responsible for part of the enormous settlement.

Sonny said he’d talked with Michael before the accident, and he’d only asked for full custody as a negotiation tactic. If he hadn’t gotten hurt, he and Willow would have worked out joint custody. Willow said Michael wasn’t open to a compromise anymore. She’d flown to Germany, but he’d refused to see her. Sonny said it didn’t seem like Michael at all.

Nina said Carly had gone behind her back and lied to her face. Carly said she never made any promises and Nina was the one lying to her daughter. Nina said she had to stay on Willow’s good side, but Carly thought it was just an excuse to stall. Nina wasn’t a mother and never would be.

Nina said she was a good mother, and Carly said, then act like it. She was acting like a friend. Nina said she’d already lost Nelle and wasn’t losing Willow. Carly said Willow would come around. A good mother sacrificed their own happiness for the good of their child. Nina said Carly had never sacrificed anything. She did what she wanted no matter who it hurt. Carly said Willow should be thankful Nina didn’t raise her, or she’d be a worse mother than she was now.

Dante jetted and Jason wondered what he’d interrupted. Sasha said they’d been talking about Danny, but she should have kept her mouth shut. Jason was glad Danny had so many people looking out for him. There was a knock at the door and a woman served Sasha with papers. Sasha told Jason that she’d been called to testify in Willow’s custody hearing, and Jason said, thanks to Carly, it had been fast tracked. Sasha wondered if Willow knew that Michael was her baby’s father.

Dante came back, and Tracy said he’d missed the family meeting. Dante asked what it had been about, and Brook said, him and Gio. Olivia said the consensus was, Dante was being too hard on Gio and she agreed.

Curtis said, there was no proof, but Drew said a hypothetical doctor wouldn’t give in without it. He was sure the hospital’s system could verify it. A digital footprint lasted forever. Curtis said, so did photos and videos, and no amount of good press would erase the damage done.

Willow said the receptionist was clear that Michael didn’t want to see her, but Sonny said he knew Michael. He wouldn’t want to put his kids through what he’d been through. Willow said she’d been shocked, and Sonny said all the more reason to let it go. Call for a postponement until Michael came home and could speak for himself.

Nina said Willow was an excellent mother, but Carly said Willow was too blind to see who Drew really was. Even if she could, she’d be too gutless to admit it. she just whined and blamed other people. For all they knew, Drew would move them all to DC. Drew was going to do everything in his power to keep the kids from Michael, and Willow would blindly follow. Willow didn’t deserve the kids or to be a mother. Nina slugged Carly and they got into some hair pulling.

Josslyn came in and broke up the fight. Carly told Nina, get the hell out, and Nina said, gladly. There was no way she’d let Carly take willow’s children away and would do whatever it took to stop her. Josslyn asked what was going on.

Jason said only he, Sasha, Diane, and Michael knew Michael was the father. Danny only knew that the father wasn’t him. Sasha said she hadn’t told anyone, and Michael’s name wasn’t on any paperwork. She wondered how Ric thought she could help Willow’s case.

Drew said he intended to prove he was drugged, but Curtis said people would think he was a politician who would say whatever he could to save himself. They’d dismiss him and think less of him. Drew said he had the situation under control, and Curtis said they’d see what happened. Drew said he looked forward to Aurora’s endorsement of Ezra Boyle and Measure C, suggested some editorials on how organized crime was bad for Port Charles, and left.

Dante said he was surprised at Olivia, but she said Dante wasn’t a saint back in the day. Dante said she’d done something about it and gotten him on the right track. No one was doing anything about Gio. Just talking.

Gio said he never realized how much Lois and Gloria shielded him when he was younger, but Lois said, Dante was exaggerating. Gio said he wasn’t. He needed it when he was younger, but didn’t anymore. Lois said family looked out for each other, and Gio said it was clear nothing would change Dante’s mind about him.

Lulu left messages for everyone involved and mentioned Camilla. Her phone rang and it was the cellist, Margaret Harper, returning her call. She said she hadn’t thought of Camilla in years, and it was a tragedy she’d died so young. Camilla had quit the tour with no notice and left them in the lurch, which wasn’t like her. They’d had to cancel the New Zealand leg of the tour. Lulu asked if Camilla had been having a rough pregnancy, but Margaret said, Camilla wasn’t pregnant.

Brook said Gio regretted what he’d done, yet when he was young, Dante couldn’t see that breaking in and stealing was wrong. Gio didn’t need the tough love that Dante had needed. Dante said, as a parent, he got it, and knew Olivia had been trying to make him a better person. He didn’t think Gio was trying to hurt Rocco, but had screwed up, and sometimes you had to be hard on a kid. Brook would see it when she had her own kids.

Gio told Lois that he was sure Dante was trashing him right now.

Josslyn was surprised about the hearing, and Carly said Willow needed be out of Drew’s house. Josslyn wondered how a hearing could be scheduled when Michael was still in Germany, and Carly said she was looking for emergency custody. Josslyn said Carly needed to call Michael and tell him about the hearing.

Jason said some witnesses were never actually called, and Sasha wondered if Ric was hedging his bets. Jason said it was no secret she and Michael had dated and were still friends. Maybe Ric thought she’d overheard or seen something make Michael look bad. Sasha said Ric would be disappointed.

Lois said Dante didn’t think Gio was a bad person, but Gio said Dante had a terrible opinion of him. He’d just stay out of Dante’s way. There was no reason they needed be friends. Olivia came out and told Gio that there was something she needed to say.

Willow said it was only right Michael should be there. She didn’t want Carly to be speaking for him. Nina ran in all disheveled, and Willow asked, what happened to her face? Nina said, Carly happened. She went to see Carly, and she refused to postpone the hearing and said Willow didn’t deserve custody. She told Sonny that Carly had made it clear she was trying to take the kids from Willow, and Willow said there was no room for compromise with Carly involved. She was calling Ric and would tell him to do whatever it took to keep the kids with her where they belonged. She left and Sonny told Nina that he came this close to getting Willow to postpone the hearing. Nina said his ex was a psycho bitch and there was nothing they could do at this point. Carly had gone too far. Sonny said Nina was the one who got Willow’s kids taken from her.

Jason told Sasha not to worry, and she agreed that Ric had no reason to suspect Michael was the father of her baby. Her secret was safe.

Sonny told Nina that he’d been Willow’s last hope. He’d come there for her. If Willow lost her children, Nina had no one to blame but herself. 

Carly said she wasn’t calling Michael, but Josslyn said they were Michael’s kids. He had the right to know. Carly said she didn’t want him to cut his recovery short and come home, and Josslyn asked if she really thought the judge would side with her over Willow who was the children’s mother. Carly said she hoped the judge would look at the facts and see that the kids were in an unhealthy environment. If her strategy didn’t work and Michael lost custody of Amelia and Wiley, he was never going to forgive her.

Dante said when Brook had a child, she’d look at things differently. She was going to be an awesome mom. Brook thanked him, but wouldn’t let him dismiss her opinion. Gio had apologized over and over. What did he want?

Olivia told Gio that it took guts to own up to his mistake. Next time he’d do better. Period. The end. He thanked her and she said her son would come around too. He told her, that’s what Lois had said, but he didn’t think so. She said Dante was upset because he saw so much of his younger self in Gio. 

Lulu told Cody that Margaret was going to send her a picture of her and Camilla on the beach. When the picture came through, Cody said Camilla was hot, but didn’t look pregnant. Lulu said Lois and Brook had been hiding Dante’s son in plain sight.

Curtis listened to the recording he’d made of the conversation with Drew. He looked at Portia’s number in his phone.

Drew called Mac and said he remembered more from that night. He knew who’d drugged him.

Tuesday:

Nina and Drew both tell someone on the phone that the answer is no.

Nina and Drew host on the Nurses Ball red carpet. Nina made sure to make a dig at Drew, asking if his name is Cain or Quartermaine. He tells her, Quartermaine, like there was never any question.

Tracy complained about being late and Olivia asked if Tracy shouldn’t be on vocal rest since she was singing lead. Tracy said she was nervous about Lucy, who was a walking, standing, singing disaster. She didn’t want Lucy’s underwear ruining her act. Olivia said, at this point, Tracy was basically fate’s passenger, and in unison with Ned, she told Tracy, something always happens at the Nurses Ball.

Lulu told Cody that she was riding over with Dante, and he asked if she was going to tell him about her theory. She said she was, but not yet. She had no definitive proof, but if she was right, he deserved to know.

Ric showed up to bug Alexis as she was leaving. He brought her all the paperwork she’d need to cover up her embezzlement and make the investments look legit. She told him to give it a rest.

The Mistress of Ceremonies, Lucy, arrived with a llama. The llama was too precious, and Lucy looked so cute in a red twirly skirt and Nurses Ball T-shirt that I must have.

Nina asked Lucy to tell them about her date, and Lucy said the devastatingly handsome and soft fella was Sebastian. They were on a mission to promote rescue for llamas. She thanked Drew and Nina for replacing the original host who had to drop out. She said they made a glamorous, fabulous, gorgeous pair. Nina asked about Lucy’s special guest, but Lucy said, a lady never tells, but promised it would be worthwhile and fantastic. She told them, Sebastian says, ta, and they left. Sonny and Donna came in.

Brook wondered why Lulu was at the Quartermaines, and Lulu said Dante had offered her a ride. Lois was meeting Sonny at the Ball, and Tracy called her a traitor. Dante was like, really? They were surrounded by Sonny’s family. Olivia and Ned left, Ned telling Tracy to get a ride with Brook and Chase.

Drew blabbed about Measure C to Sonny, but Sonny said the people of Port Charles needed to choose what was best for the city. That was politics, but tonight they were here for something more important. Nina welcomed Donna, who is the cutest child on earth and has Sonny’s dimples. Carly was next, and Drew said, too bad Michael couldn’t be there. Carly said she was sure he missed his favorite nephew. She knew how much they loved to share things. (Snap!) Drew said it was tragic that Michael had been the unintended victim in the attempt on his father’s life and they should pass Measure C for Michael’s sake. (Hard to believe even Drew would think this was the appropriate place and a good look for him.)

Carly said she was against Measure C, which was clearly one politician’s attempt to make himself important at the expense of one of Port Charles’s most generous citizens. Nina asked, what politician? and Carly said, Councilman Boyle. Jordan came in with Sidwell, and Nina asked about her resignation. Jordan said it was about opportunity, and she was now the COO of Sidwell’s company, SRE Worldwide. Sidwell was also picking up the tab for the entire Ball. Sidwell said he’d gotten such a warm welcome from the good people of Port Charles, it was his way of saying thank you to the city. Drew started talking about his own agenda again, when Felicia and Isaiah arrived. Felicia said Isaiah was her friend and co-worker, but not her date, and Nina pointed out that she was married to Chief of Police Mac Scorpio. She asked if Isaiah was single, and he looked at Jordan and said, very.

Ric thought the paperwork would help, but Alexis said it would help if he’d stop blackmailing her. Ric said it wouldn’t be happening if Kristina hadn’t tried to murder Ava, but if their arrangement was unacceptable, he could have Kristina thrown into prison. Kristina came in and wondered why Ric was always there.

Some guy named George told Nina and Drew that they made a great team, and Nina said, lucky her. She introduced Port Charles’s favorite power couple, Ned and Olivia. Drew said he was happy to see how well the family was represented at the Ball, and Ned said he didn’t realize how important the family was to Drew other than using the name. Olivia hustled him off. Portia, Curtis, and Trina came in, and were introduced. Drew said they had a last minute arrival, and Kai said, surprise!   

Kai told Trina that Stella talked to the doctors who gave him the all clear for the night. There was no way he was going to miss her performance. Nina asked about Kai, when Drew interrupted and introduced him as the once and future football star at PCU. Kai said if he got back into football, it was because of the congressman’s generous support. Curtis said he thought the next arrival was coming.

Tracy wanted to walk the red carpet with Lulu and Brook, but Lulu said she was walking with Dante. Dante said he’d promised Charlotte and Rocco that he’d escort their mom. Tracy said, at least her beautiful granddaughter wouldn’t desert her, but Brook said she was planning on walking the red carpet with her husband. However, Tracy was welcome to join them.

Dante and Lulu came in, and Nina remarked on Lulu’s triumphant return. Josslyn and Gio followed, and Josslyn talked up Gio’s violin playing. Gio said he played mostly classical music, but was changing it up tonight, and Josslyn said his performance wouldn’t make up for Nina’s piece of trach co-host. She and Nina had their differences, but she was sorry Nina was stuck working with him. Nina said Josslyn had a feisty spirit like her late grandmother Bobbie Spencer.

Chase’s phone rang and he said it was work. He told the others to go ahead, and Brook walked in with Tracy. On the phone, Chase said, Mac wanted him to what?

Alexis told Kristina that Ric came to see if Molly was there, but she told him that they were meeting at the Ball. Kristina said the Ball wasn’t there, so why was he? Ric asked what happened to her putting her anger away, and she said, that stopped when he decided to help Willow steal her brother’s children from him. Ric said Michael’s mother had pushed the date and reignited the custody battle, and Kristina told him that it said a lot about Willow to choose a bottom feeder like him to represent her. Ric suggested she might want to watch being on her high horse. All it took was one little push. He left and Alexis said Kristina needed to be nicer to him. Kristina said maybe Alexis was losing her mind.

Gio asked if Sonny had seen Lois, but Sonny said it was hard to keep track of her. They talked about Gio’s upcoming number and Sonny asked, how was Gio’s first red carpet? Gio said, Josslyn made it memorable. Josslyn told Carly about taking shots at Drew on the red carpet, and Carly said Drew tried to use Michael to bait her so he could use it at the custody hearing, but she kept cool. Tracy and Brook were introduced, and Tracy grabbed the mic to express support for Measure C. She added that she was heartened her congressman nephew was leading the charge to rid the city of the blight that was Sonny. Drew said it was nice to be on the same side for once, when Chase approached. Nina asked if he wasn’t slated to perform, but Chase said he’d been put back on duty. He asked to talk to Tracy, but she said, in a minute. She was talking about an issue important to the people of Port Charles. Chase said it couldn’t wait, but she said, this couldn’t either. He said he was sorry to do this, but she was under arrest.

Nina took the mic, and Chase suggested he and Tracy discuss it off camera. Tracy said, clearly, it was an erroneous accusation, and she wanted the people of Port Charles to see how ridiculous it was. He said he was arresting her for assault, drugging an individual without their knowledge or consent. Tracy asked, who was drugged? and Chase said, Congressman Drew Cain. Tracy said it was a mistake, but Drew said, no, it wasn’t, and Chase handcuffed Tracy. Dante told Lulu that he hoped Tracy didn’t make Chase use the taser, and Chase read Tracy her rights as he led her away. 

Portia said Curtis seemed distracted, and he said he had some calls to make. He left, and Isaiah looked at Portia, remembering overhearing her say if Curtis found out she lied, her marriage was over. Isaiah brought her a glass of champagne and said, if she ever needed to talk, come find him. Dante told Sonny that he missed Chase arresting Tracy. Drew accused her of drugging him. Sonny said, it couldn’t happen to a nicer person.

Nina introduced Anna and Emma, and said she heard Anna was slated to perform not one, but two acts. Anna said that remained to be seen. The leading vocalist in one act had been led off in handcuffs, and her partner in the other act was the arresting officer. Nina said she was sure Anna would figure it out. Her resourcefulness was legendary. Drew asked if Robin was coming, and Emma said her mom couldn’t make it, so they were here to represent. Anna said there had been so much progress since the first Nurses Ball in 1994. People with HIV were living long and happy lives thanks to the dedication and resourcefulness of scientists and researchers. She believed it was just a question of time before a cure was developed. (Truth. I have a high school friend who has been living with HIV for many, many years now.)

Alexis suggested they not let Ric ruin the evening, and Kristina wondered why she was defending Ric. Alexis said they’d made a truce for Molly’s sake, but Kristina said, since he was going after Michael, all bets were off. Alexis said it would be better to keep things even, and Kristina asked if was because she was emotionally volatile and asked if Alexis was going to have her committed.

Cody saw Molly outside, and they smiled.

Cody continued to stare at Molly, who asked if she had a stain on her dress. Cody said, no, and asked if she was heading in. She said she was waiting on her mom and Kristina, but they hadn’t responded to her texts. Cody said, in that case, and held out his arm. He said he promised to leave his pants on, and she took his arm.

Alexis asked if every time they had a difference of opinion, Kristina was going to accuse her of thinking she was crazy. Kristina said Alexis had tried to have her thrown into a mental institution without her consent and It was hard let go of. Alexis said she was just trying to give Kristina advice, but Kristina said she wasn’t going to be nice to Ric when he was fighting to have her brother’s children taken away. Alexis suggested she stay out of Ric’s face. He wasn’t someone they could afford to piss off for Kristina’s sake. Kristina asked what she was talking about.

Nina asked if Molly and Cody were an item, and Cody said Molly had the pleasure of prosecuting him more than once. Molly said she didn’t technically prosecute him, and Cody said they met while he was in custody. Part of his sentence was to escort beautiful women on the red carpet.

Ned said the MetroCourt looked amazing, and Carly and Olivia clinked glasses. Carly left to check on the waitstaff, and Brook asked if Ned saw what happened to granny. Ned asked what she’d done now.

Chase brought Tracy to the interrogation room where Mac was waiting. He uncuffed her and said, for what it’s worth… (🍷) She told him, save it, and Mac asked him to tell Felicia that he was sorry he couldn’t make it. This was definitely going to take a while.

Lucy said there was a problem, and Anna said she’d heard about Tracy. Lucy asked if she or Felicia could sing, but they were both like, no way. Lucy suggested Maxie could replace Tracy, but Felicia said Bailey Lou was sick and Maxie was home with her. Spinelli had brought Georgie and James without her. Anna said she thought Felicia might have solved their problem. 

Curtis told Jordan that Drew was definitely blackmailing Portia – hypothetically – and she asked what he had on Portia – hypothetically. He said he needed to confirm some things before he said, and she asked if he’d talked to Portia. He said, not yet, but he would… eventually. He looked over and saw Portia with Isaiah. A guy named Scott asked Molly who her date was and said he looked familiar. He wondered if he’d seen Cody in Deception ads, and Cody said that was in his past. He was no longer in the Deception business. Molly told Scott, so he says, and Cody said he’d better get her inside before she realized how much better she could do. 

Nina said it had been the last of the arrivals and their work was mercifully done. She thanked Drew, but he said it seemed they’d saved the best for last. Willow stood at the end of the red carpet sporting a funky new haircut.

Drew walked to Willow, said she looked incredible, and kissed her as cameras flashed. Nina looked sick.

Molly told Cody that neither her mom nor Kristina were responding to her texts. 

Alexis said she thought it was healthier if Kristina let go of her anger. That was the plan and as despicable as Ric was, it was a good plan. Kristina said she changed her mind, and Alexis said, change it back. Kristina accused Alexis of trying to control her like she’d done since Kristina was a child. Alexis was policing what she thought and did, and she was sick of it. Alexis said she was trying to keep Kristina from making a terrible mistake, but Kristina said her mistakes were her own. She didn’t need Alexis to protect her. Alexis said, she did, and if she didn’t protect Kristina, they’d both be going to prison. Ric knew Kristina had tried to kill Ava. 

Mac tossed a folder on the table, and told Tracy that Drew said she was the last person he’d remembered being with the night he was drugged. Tracy said that didn’t mean she drugged him, and she wasn’t the last person he’d been with. Mac said he’d seen the video, but he got a search warrant, and they found a vial of ketamine in her car. Tracy asked why she would have… He framed her.

Ned said if Tracy did drug Drew, she wouldn’t have gotten caught. Something was fishy. Brook got a text from Chase: On my way back, will explain everything when I get there.

Nina said Willow looked amazing and introduced her beautiful daughter who was also one of General Hospital’s finest nurses. She said Willow looked absolutely radiant and asked, what was her secret? Willow said she thought it was because she’d never been so happy.

We saw a man watching the red carpet on a tablet in a private plane. Willow said it was all because of Drew, and Nina said, obviously, they were serious. Willow said they were absolutely, totally committed to each other and to their future. She was thrilled to be blessed with blending a beautiful family. Michael The man continued to watch on the tablet.

 To Be Continued…

Wednesday:

Lucy screeched for her gown and Amy brought it. Lucy said all of their hard work was about to pay off, and Sebastian wanted to say, all of you folks, it’s showtime.

Alexis said she knew Kristina tried to kill Ava. It didn’t matter why she did it. She did it and it couldn’t be undone, so they had to cover it up.

Drew and Willow walked into a less than warm reception, and Willow left to change for her performance.

An announcer said, ladies and gentlemen, please help give a warm welcome to our host Lucy Coe, and Lucy came out in a sparkly gown. She said she was excited to be host for the celebration of community and contribution and was so delighted to welcome everyone to the 2025 Nurses Ball. She promised it would be a night they’d never forget. There was applause and a scream was heard from backstage.

Lucy said she was sorry. Everything was fine. Apparently, a stagehand got too close to Sebastian and llamas were very territorial. The stagehand… Let’s just say he won’t do it again. So yay. Moving on. She shared that she’d started the Nurses Ball 31 years ago – applause – to raise awareness and funds in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It was a teeny idea, and a one-time event grew into a Port Charles institution that she was proud of. They got together with the community to do something for the greater good. Some might think they didn’t have to do so much now, but they had to continue to fight the good fight. She thanked everyone for being there and thanked their amazing benefactor who underwrote the entire ball. That meant every penny went right to the cause. There was more applause, and she thanked everyone. She said they were also going to see all the fine, home-grown talent showing off their stuff. If you saved a life, you were a hero, but if you saved a thousand lives, you were a nurse. She was excited to start the evening by bringing back to the Nurses Ball stage the talented, hardworking, gorgeous medical staff at General Hospital. Once again, proving angels weren’t always wearing wings. Sometimes, they were in scrubs. A group performed Holiday, with Amy and Deanna on lead vocals. Willow and Isaiah also joined them, and they got a standing ovation.

Kristina said she did cover it up and wondered how Alexis knew. Lucky was the only person who knew. Alexis said she talked to Lucky, but after she knew the truth. Kristian said she never meant to hurt Ric and Elizabeth. She’d meant to cut Ava’s brakes. Alexis asked what the hell difference it made. (Right?) Kristina tampered with a car with the intention of hurting somebody and she did hurt two people. Good thing it wasn’t worse. Kristina said she felt terrible. It was all she could think about. She’d give anything to go back and change what she did. She tried to stop it. She called Ava to warn her, but Ava didn’t pick up and she was too terrified to leave a message. Alexis said, good thing she didn’t. It would have been another piece of evidence against her. They knew what she did and could prove it.

Kristina asked, who was they? Ava and Ric or the police? Alexis said Ava and Ric. Ava showed her a video from the security cameras in the garage of Kristina holding the wire cutters and heading toward Ric’s car. They had the car. Kristina said, the car was destroyed. Lucky checked. Alexis said she was sure Ava paid off the impound lot person to say that. They hid the car and only Ric and Ava knew where it was. If the police found it, they would see the brake lines were cut and Kristina would be charged with attempted murder. Kristina said, they hadn’t gone to the police. Why go to Alexis? Alexis said because they were blackmailing her.

Josslyn said she was happy Kai didn’t have to go back, and Kai said he had help. Trina said, Aunt Stella, and Josslyn said, now Trina didn’t have to rush off to see Kai and they could hang out. Trina said, Kai would also get to watch them in person, and Kai said he couldn’t wait. Josslyn noticed Willow and Drew coming in and watched as Willow went past them. She said she’d be back, and left.

Chase apologized for being late, but Brook said she was just glad he made it back. What was going on with granny? She didn’t drug Drew, did she? (Try saying that three times real fast.) Chase said that Mac took over before he got any details, and Brook said she knew Tracy hated Drew, but she couldn’t imagine her doing anything that horrible. Dante suggested her anger had reached epic proportions, and Cody called Drew trash with abs. Chase said Tracy would want Brook to have fun, and she said they had to be there or Gio’s performance. Tracy probably had her legal team on it and there was nothing worry about.

Josslyn found Willow in the bathroom and said she didn’t think Willow could sink any lower, but somehow, she had. It took a lot of nerve being here and all over Drew. Willow said she wasn’t leaving and asked if that was all. Josslyn said Willow would never take Michael’s children away from him.

Drew asked how Kai was feeling, and Kai said, pretty good. He thanked Drew again for everything, and Drew said he was sorry he wasn’t there more after Kai’s surgery. Kai said he’d read about it and hoped everything was okay. Drew said it would be. The documentary was going to be great for both of them. Since Drew is always working, he zeroed in on Portia.

Sonny asked if ADA Turner  was enjoying herself, and she said, perhaps it was the only Nurses Ball they’d be at together. He might find it difficult doing business in Port Charles if Measure C passed. Perhaps he’d relocate to a more welcoming climate. Sonny said Port Charles was his home. Nobody was pushing him out

Drew said he needed Portia to do something, but Portia said he needed to leave her alone. He asked if she’d check on Willow in the ladies’ room, but she said she wasn’t answering to him tonight. She was enjoying a night out with her husband.

Willow said it was none of Josslyn’s business. She was Wiley and Amelia’s mother, and they belonged with her. Josslyn asked, what about their father, the one she was still married to? Out of sight, out of mind? Willow said she hadn’t forgotten Michael. She flew to Germany to talk about all that and he refused to see her. She wanted to work things out, but he didn’t. It made her realize that she couldn’t sit around waiting for Michael to come home and there was nothing more important than moving on with her life and being with Drew. (Wow. Not too admittedly selfish.) She wasn’t going to let Josslyn or anyone else harass her. Drew knocked at the ladies’ room door and asked if Willow was all right. Josslyn said Willow’s hero was there now. Did Willow think he was late because he and his white horse were off scoring blow? Drew walked in and Josslyn reminded him that he was in the ladies’ room. Was he looking for his girlfriend or another hooker? She was sure Willow could help him out. She left. 

Portia met Curtis in the garden and said, the Nurses Ball was a magical night. It made you feel like anything was possible. She was lucky to be there with her handsome husband who she adored… What was wrong? Curtis said it was hard to enjoy the night when he knew she wasn’t being honest with him. She said, about? and he said, Drew blackmailing her.

Lucy introduced Gio, listing his accomplishments, and saying he combined classical sophistication with fresh street energy. It was his first time on the Nurses Ball stage and she asked for a warm welcome. There was applause and Gio did this amazing performance, leaping around the stage while playing. A light show went on around him and smoke from dry ice covered the stage floor. Lulu watched Lois get emotional while watching him. (I have never seen a musician perform on any instrument like this guy just did. It was phenomenal.)

Lois told Gio it was the best performance she’d seen him give. She’d told everybody in the neighborhood to watch him on TV and her phone was blowing up. He made them all so proud. Gio said he missed performing the most. He felt close to his mom on the stage. He felt like she was with him. She would have loved the Nurses Ball. Lois agreed, and Lulu asked to talk to Lois. Before she could, Lucy came backstage and said they needed the area clear for the magician’s water tank act. She told Lois that she needed her – chop-chop – and Lois told Lulu that Lucy was chop chopping already. She left with Lucy, and then Gio left.

Chase said he didn’t know Gio was that good, and Brook said even she was blown away and she saw him rehearse. She asked if it changed Dante’s mind. Or did he still think Gio was spoiled and irresponsible? It took a disciplined, responsible, hard-working guy to play like that. Dante said he thought Gio was great.

Kristina said, Alexis was stealing from the Cassadine estate to pay off Ric and Ava? Alexis said Ace would be fine. There was enough money that he couldn’t spend it in five lifetimes. The real issue was, now she was involved in an embezzlement scheme with the two of them. She needed to play by their rules. If she didn’t, they’d go after Kristina for attempted murder. Kristina was worried about Alexis getting caught, but Alexis said she wasn’t so sure. Ava and Ric thought they had it planned beautifully with shell companies, so their names were hidden. But the bottom line was, if she went down, so did they. The money would stop flowing and all three of them would be in jail. Kristina said they were dangerous. She hated them and they couldn’t be trusted. Alexis said there was no other way, but Kristina said they could tell her dad.

Cody asked if Lulu talked to Lois, but she said she couldn’t get Lois alone. She saw Lois’s face when Gio performed, and she knew she was right. She just needed to confirm her suspicions.

Jordan asked how Sidwell was enjoying his first Nurses Ball, and he said it was absolutely delightful. Isaiah joined them and said Jordan looked beautiful. He congratulated Sidwell. It was shaping up to a very successful event, and it was nice to see his blood money do some good for a change. Sidwell laughed, Isaiah told them to enjoy their night and left. 

Portia admitted Drew was blackmailing her, and Curtis said, over what? She said, Brad figured out that she’d altered Heather Webber’s cobalt levels – which Curtis knew – and he was using it as leverage over her. At first, he asked for small things and she didn’t want to tell Curtis because it was a hospital matter. She thought she’d handle it herself. Curtis was already dealing with so much at Aurora, she didn’t want to add to his stress. She was managing it. Curtis said, until Drew got involved, and she said, that’s when it escalated and became something much bigger. He said, how big? He needed to hear everything now.

Alexis said Kristina couldn’t go to her father. He’d take extreme measures. Kristina said she couldn’t let Ric and Ava blackmail Alexis, but Alexis said she was going to do what they told her. It wasn’t just about doing this for Kristina. She was doing it for Kristina’s sister too.

Curtis said he didn’t get how Portia put them in this position after everything they’d been through in the past, the secrets and lies. She was doing it again. She said she was afraid of exactly what was happening right now, and it was a hospital issue. It snowballed when Drew found out. Then it was too late to tell him. She knew he’d be furious. He said that’s one thing she got right. When he found out Trina was his daughter, Portia promised no more secrets, they’d always be honest. After all that, here they were. Portia said she meant it. She’d never keep something that affected him as much as that did. It was a hospital issue… He said she didn’t get it. It did affect him, all of them. It could be the end of her career. She could end up in prison and it could destroy everything.

Olivia and Carly got on stage, and Carly said they were honored and proud to be the hosting venue. Olivia said the incomparable Lucy Coe was going to delight them with the next performance, and introduced Lucy, Anna, and Felicia… Carly said, hold on. In another expect the unexpected Nurses Ball snafu, welcome to the stage a surprise guest. Anna, Lucy, and Felicia came out in Western wear, along with Spinelli who sang lead on These Boots Are Made For Walking (a karaoke go-to for me).

Kristina said Alexis drew up the commitment papers because Alexis knew what she’d done, and Alexis said it was a strategy to mitigate Kristina’s culpability for what she’d done. She was afraid to tell Kristina because she might tell her sister. Or Molly would find out that she had a mother, sister, and father who were criminals and going to jail. Kristina said she’d be all alone, and Alexis said Molly was also an officer of the court. She’d have to turn Kristina in or look the other way and become an accessory after the fact. She had to protect Kristina to prevent her from going to prison and had to do what Ava and Ric were asking. Kristina needed to let her handle this. Kristina said she’d judged Alexis harshly when Alexis was trying to protect her, as if the guilt she felt about Elizabeth and Ric wasn’t bad enough. Now she had to live with this too. Alexis said it was a mother’s job to protect her children and this was her choice. They exchanged I love yous, and Alexis said Kristina needed to let her handle Ric and Ava. Let her do it her way. Kristina said she was so sorry. Alexis was an incredible mother and woman, and she was so lucky. They hugged.

Curtis asked what Drew was making Portia do, and she said Drew wanted her to get Aurora Media to run positive stories. He said, not only was she lying to him, she was manipulating him. She used their love and marriage to make him play nice with a man that treated him like garbage and was treating her the same way. She said she knew it was wrong, but at that point, she was trying to protect their marriage. He said she didn’t. What she did was keep her mouth shut, first about Brad, then about Drew blackmailing her. She lied because Drew ordered her to and left him and the entire family vulnerable. She didn’t protect their marriage; she ruined it. What kind of marriage runs on lies and manipulation? She asked him to please not walk away. He couldn’t throw away their marriage.

Lois said Spinelli brought down the house. She knew he was brought in at the last minute to replace Tracy, but he was spectacular. Spinelli said, it was an honor to be asked. He didn’t know the music or the moves… Anna said they wouldn’t take no for an answer, and he asked how he could refuse the terrifyingly charming trio. He needed a stiff drink. He left, and Lucy thanked Anna for her brilliant idea. She saved the Nurses Ball. Felicia suggested they get changed and get back to their seats, and they danced out. Lois started cleaning up, and Lulu said she needed to talk to Lois. It couldn’t wait. She had to talk to Lois now. 

Brook told Gio that he was a star, and Gio thanked her and said it meant a lot. Dante watched them, frowning. 

Lois asked what this was all about, and Lulu said she saw Lois watching Gio performing, how emotional and proud she was. Lois said, of course (🍷). He was amazing. Did Lulu not see him play? Lulu said, he was truly great. His mother passed down her music gene. Lois said, she did, but Gio did the work, and Sonny helped with his education and training. She told Lulu that she was going to watch the rest of the Ball. She was sure Dante was waiting. Lulu said Dante was a patient guy. He didn’t mind waiting. That’s what made him a good detective. Lois said Lulu didn’t have to sell her on Dante. She was already a fan. Lulu said he was more than that. He was family. So was Gio and Brook. Lois asked what she wanted, and Lulu said she wanted the truth. She knew Camilla cut her tour short, but not because she was pregnant. Camilla didn’t give birth to a son in LA, but she know Brook did give birth to a son with Dante. And that son was Gio.

To Be Continued…

Thursday:

Portia told Curtis not to walk away. They had a beautiful daughter in there. He said, the daughter she’d lied about and kept from him for years. She said Trina loved him and was part of both of them. Don’t undo what they’d built because she’d made a mistake. He said he was the only one thinking about their family and Trina. He didn’t put them at risk, and what was already done couldn’t be undone.

Nina found Carly in the ladies’ room, and said she was hoping to get Carly alone, but not for round two. Carly asked what she wanted, and Nina said Carly had forced her hand by pushing up the court date. Whatever happened next was on her.

Ned said it was very generous of Sonny to pay for Gio’s musical education. What he saw on stage was exceptional. Sonny said Gio was a great kid and he was happy to help out. Ned said there was no denying Gio’s training had paid off. He noticed Willow and Drew walking in and excused himself. He walked over to Drew and said, you son of a bitch. Don’t think for one second I’m going to let you get away with setting up my mother.

Brook praised Gio’s performance and said her goosebumps had goosebumps. Dante said Brook was right. Gio was awesome and incredibly talented. He congratulated Gio, when Lucy grabbed him and Cody. She told them, let’s go to the dressing room now, and hustled them off.

Lulu asked why Lois looked surprised. She already knew Gio was her grandson and she’d been keeping the truth from him for his entire life.

Curtis said he knew what he and Portia had and what it took to build. She took what they built and broke it. She didn’t trust him enough to tell him the truth, so she lied. Portia said she was sorry. She didn’t know what to do. He said, so she manipulated him. She did Drew’s bidding and left their whole family, and herself, open and vulnerable to Drew. She asked him not to give up on them, and he said he wasn’t. At least not tonight. It would send a signal to Drew that they weren’t a united front and leave her exposed. He wouldn’t do that to her or Trina. They were going to smile and be every bit the loving, happy couple everyone expected. She said, and tomorrow? and he told her, let’s get through tonight, and walked away.

Drew said he had no idea what Ned was talking about, and Ned told him to cut the crap. They both knew his mother wasn’t sloppy. She’d never leave evidence of a crime she committed in her own vehicle. It had Drew written all over it. Drew said Tracy thought she was above the law. That kind of confidence caught up with someone and made them sloppy. Ned said they were going to find out who planted the drugs in Tracy’s car, and told Willow that Drew was an unconscionable ass. They’d all attempted to give her the benefit of the doubt. They’d believed Drew manipulated her and she was as much a victim as Michael. Willow said she was no victim and neither was Michael. He couldn’t be a victim when he wouldn’t even try to solve the problem. Olivia asked what she was talking about, and Willow said she flew to Germany to compromise with Michael, and he wouldn’t see her. Drew was the only person acting in her best interest. Olivia said Drew wreaked havoc and Willow stuck by his side cheering him on. Don’t expect sympathy when the whole thing blew up in her face. Ned and Olivia left.

Carly asked what was next, and Nina said they were going to prove Michael abandoned his children. Perspective was a funny thing. The night of the holiday party, when Michael played the video of Willow and Drew, he wanted Willow to take the children. Carly said, Michael didn’t want to scare the children. That’s how much he loved them. Nina said that was open to interpretation. The facts were the facts. Michael left the children with their mother without so much as a challenge and went to Germany, abandoning the kids. Carly said, for burn treatment, and Nina said, then he refused to see Willow, to speak to the children’s mother, when she flew over. She made the effort and was rejected. That looked bad for Michael. Carly said it was Nina’s spin. Like she’d said, everything was open to interpretation. Nina said there had only been one parent there, a consistent, loving, and stable force for the children, giving them everything they needed, and it wasn’t Michael. It was their mother, and she was going to make sure the court saw that. She left.

Emma talked to Gio about his performance, and Brook said he was great. Gio told Emma that maybe they should make this a regular thing. 

Lois said whatever Lulu suspected, it was absolutely none of her business. Stay out of it. Lulu said she knew Gio was Brook and Dante’s son and could prove it. Dante got Brook pregnant at summer camp. Should she finish or was Lois starting to remember now? (For a while, I couldn’t remember why I hated Lulu before she went into the coma. Now I remember. She’s an entitled mean girl.)

Lucy thanked the audience and told them to check on their silent auction items. We want to take your money away for a good cause. Two detectives, a gifted surgeon, and a cowboy sounded like the beginning of a joke, but she assured them it was no joke. They were the finest Port Charles had to offer, and they were lucky to have them. She introduced Chase, backed up by Cody, Isaiah, and Dante, singing The Look of Love. Chase is a dynamite singer, and the back-up guys were cute.

Lucy wanted to acknowledge one of the newest residents of Port Charles, the CEO of SRE Worldwide. Jenz Sidwell had moved his business and a member of his family to their fair city. He was fitting into their city of communal generosity and had sponsored the festivities. There was scattered applause, but Lucy said they could do better, and the audience applauded more enthusiastically.

Backstage, Chase and Brook kissed, and she said he sounded amazing. Lucy came in and said, no PDA. They’d make people jealous, like her, and it was a working area. Lois joined them and asked if they’d seen Gio. Lucy said he was in his dressing room, and Lois said the tango was about to start.

Portia said she and Curtis couldn’t wait to see Trina on stage, and Trina said she hoped she didn’t let them down. Curtis said she could never let them down, and left to get Portia a drink. Portia asked if Trina and Kai were enjoying themselves, and Kai said they were. They were going to the silent auction. Portia said she was going to wait for Trina’s father and that drink. Bid on something for her. Surprise her. They left, and Nina came in. She told Portia that Curtis was suspicious, but Portia said he was more than suspicious. He knew about Brad and Drew and what they were holding over her. She was worried about what he’d do next.

Jordan said Curtis didn’t seem to be enjoying the evening like the rest of them, and Curtis said Drew was blackmailing Portia. Portia confirmed it. Jordan said she was hoping his instincts were wrong for once, and he said him too. She asked what he was going to do.

Josslyn asked what Vaughn was doing there, and he said, enjoying the evening, supporting a good cause, and keeping an eye on her. Carly joined them and asked, who was Josslyn’s friend?

Lulu told Lois, Brook confided in Cody. Dante got her pregnant at summer camp. Cody drove her the bus station and Lois took her on tour with Miguel Morez, so no one knew. Cousin Camilla was going to keep the baby and went on tour with the Nicola Quartet to cover it up. Gio was born, but not in LA on June 4th. He was born in San Francisco on May 15th as Baby Boy Cerullo.

Vaughn said he knew Josslyn from PCU, and Carly introduced herself. Vaughn said the event was a lot of fun. He’d see Josslyn around and it was nice to meet Carly. He left, and Carly said, he’s cute. What’s the deal with that guy?

Lois asked why Lulu was digging up information on a situation that had nothing to do with her and messing with people’s lives. Lulu said Lois was the one messing with people’s lives. (No, you.) She’d been lying for decades and lying to Gio his entire life. She’d hidden him in plain sight, Dante’s son. She knew Lois and Brook were lying. Lois said Brook didn’t know about Gio. For all she knew, her sone was on the other side of the world and no one could tell her otherwise. She and her mother Couldn’t let Gio go, so they kept him close and kept it a secret from Brook. As Brook’s mother, she made the best decision she could at the time. Lulu said, maybe for her, but not Gio. His whole life was a cover-up. He had no idea where he came from. He wasn’t Camilla and Francis Palmieri’s son. He was Dante and Brook’s. The only question was, who would tell the truth? Gio stood outside the door, overhearing everything.

Lucy said, the next performer was from Australia, but she lived and made music in sunny LA. She asked for a warm welcome for Edie, who sang Old Her

Lois asked if Lulu knew how many lives this would touch and destroy, and Lulu said, like hers? She didn’t mean to be callous. She’d thought of nothing else for months. What Lois had been doing was wrong. Enough lies. It ends now. Either Lois was going to tell Gio and Dante the truth or they’d hear it from her tomorrow. Lulu walked out.

Sonny asked if Anna got a chance to talk to Robin, and Anna said Robin was sorry she couldn’t be there. She and Emma were holding down the fort, and Emma was taking behind-the-scenes photos. Anna said she’d missed a lot of important years, and it felt good to honor Robin and others impacted by HIV, like Stone. ADA Turner asked if she was interrupting, and Anna said, not at all. She had to change for another performance. Mr. Corinthos was all hers. She left, and Turner said, it certainly looked intimate, but Sonny said they were talking about Robin and his great friend Stone Cates. They’re the reason this is happening tonight. She should look them up. He walked away, leaving her look like the jerk she is.

Jordan told Isaiah, nice moves. She wasn’t at all surprised. He said that was nice of her to say, especially since he wasn’t friendly to her date. Jordan said Sidwell wasn’t her date. He was her boss. Isaiah said she was on his arm. Was that part of the job description? She should be on his arm tonight.

Willow said she was relieved Drew’s name was cleared. It made her more confident about her custody hearing. Drew said they were on a winning streak. (Winning!) She’d get permanent custody and then they’d figure out how to start their lives, here in Port Charles or even in DC. Nina approached and said she hoped they were having a great evening. Ric called her and asked if she’d testify on Willow’s behalf at the custody hearing. She told him nothing would give her more pleasure than telling the court what a wonderful mother Willow is. The children belong with her and Drew. She wants them to know, with Tracy’s arrest and Drew’s exoneration, going forward, they had her full support. Willow thanked Nina and hugged her. Drew said it made them happy to hear they had Nina’s support. It meant the world to have her in their corner. Watching all this, Josslyn told Carly that they made her want to throw up. She couldn’t wait for Carly to take Wiley and Amelia away from Willow. Carly said it wouldn’t be long now.

Emma told Anna and Chase, break a leg, and Chase said he had a great partner. He just followed her lead. Emma said her mother would be proud and asked if anyone had seen Gio. Anna said if he didn’t turn up soon, she’d have to put out an APB. Emma left to find him.

Willow told Isaiah that he’d been fantastic, and he said he was glad to contribute to his first Nurses Ball. Maybe she could be his date next year. She said, after his performance, the odds were good. He seemed to be having a good evening. He told her that Willow said the same thing.

Emma found Gio in the garden and said she’d been looking everywhere for him. What was wrong?

Lulu told Cody that she confronted Lois. Lois stonewalled and didn’t make it easy, but finally copped to the whole thing. He asked where she left it with Lois, when Dante approached and asked, what’s going on? 

Kai thought he might contribute to the next Nurses Ball, and Trina asked if he had a hidden talent. He said, other than creating ridiculous paintings, not that he knew of, but he was up for dancing and singing classes if it meant performing with her. She said, a two person act, and he said, the best were. Team work makes the dream work. Trina agreed and they kissed.

Lois saw Lulu talking to Cody and grabbed Brook. Brook asked if it was about granny, and Lois said, no, but they needed to get out of there right now.

Anna and Chase practiced, and Lucy asked where Gio was. Anna said she wasn’t sure, but Emma went to find him. Lucy said that meant he was missing or lost, but Chase said he was probably somewhere. Lucy said he had to be on stage. Nobody liked a silent tango. He wasn’t being professional, like Tracy. Where was he?

Emma asked, what’s going on? Her grandma and Chase were about to go on and were waiting. They needed him to play. Gio said he had to play. That was the gift he got from his mother. He was a violinist, and his mother taught him everything. It was all he had left of her. Emma asked if he was okay. If he was sick, she could tell them that he couldn’t go on. He didn’t have to do this. He said, yeah, he did. The show must go on. He walked to the stage. 

Lucy said Gio scared her half to death, and they were running behind. She handed him his violin.

Dante said Cody and Lulu looked intense, and Cody said Lulu didn’t want to tell Dante, but she’d confided he was by far the standout in their number. No one was looking at the rest of them. Dante said he knew Cody was lying. They were only looking at Chase, who had another performance with Anna. They’d better get a seat.

Lois said she’d explain it at home, but they had to leave, and Brook said, only if it was about granny. Anything else could wait. Gio was about to play, and her husband was dancing the tango. She’d seen the rehearsals, and she wasn’t missing it. Brook left, and Sonny asked if Lois was all right. What was going on? Lois said she was in terrible trouble, but he said they’d fix it after the show.

Lucy said it was a great night. The next act started in the streets of Buenos Aires and Montevideo and was still going bright, this beautiful and ever-evolving art form. She introduced Anna and Chase, with Gio accompanying them, and there was applause. Gio started to play, but stopped and stared into space. Anna went over to him, and he said he wanted to do something he’d never done before. He was dedicating this performance to his parents – Brook Quartermaine and Dante Falconari. Two people who didn’t want him and who didn’t claim him. Who gave him away and lied his entire life. He smashed his violin on the stage floor and walked off.

I wanted to cry and hoped Lulu was happy now.

To Be Continued…

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Lucy asks if everybody is having fun and there’s applause. She says, it’s such a great night and a lot of fun. The next act started in the streets of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. She wishes she could take them there, but she can’t. She can do this – present this beautiful, ever-evolving art form. Keep a long, cool drink handy, because coming at you to tango is Police Commissioner Anna Devane and Detective Harrison Chase and accompanying them on the violin once again is the extraordinary Giovanni Palmieri. There’s more applause, and the three of them come out. Looking grim, Gio begins to play. Anna and Chase begin dancing, but after the first few measures, Gio plays a sour note and stops. Anna goes over to him, saying his name, and he looks at the audience. He says, ladies and gentlemen. I want to do something I’ve never done before… I’m going to dedicate this performance to my parents… Brook Quartermaine and Dante Falconari. Two people who didn’t want me, who didn’t claim me, and gave me away. They lied to him for his entire life. He smashes the violin on the stage floor, looks at a piece of it in his hand, throws it down, and walks out. Everyone looks shocked, and Dante looks at Brook, who has tears in her eyes.

At home watching on TV, Elizabeth says, that was intense even for the Nurses Ball. Poor Gio. Lucas knocks at the door, and she tells him, come in. He walks in wearing a tuxedo and she asks what he’s doing here. He shows her a bottle of champagne and says, happy Nurses Ball.

Emma jets, and Lucy says she told them anything can happen at the Nurses Ball and it just did, but never fear. The show will go on. The show must go on. Picture it like a tiny hiccup. Brook and Lois both leave, and Lucy says, if you have a hiccup, you can drink backward from a glass of water. Have they ever heard that? No? What about a bag? She read if you breathe in and out of a bag it stops the hiccups. Right about this time she bets some of them would like to grab a bag for obvious reasons. Let’s get a drink. Then she’ll get the show going again. Cody goes over to Dante and Dante says he had a child? What was Gio talking about? Lucy says she’s going to do an intermission. Please don’t leave. Have two drinks. She’ll figure something out. They’re going to do something. Dante asks Cody, what happened? as Lucy walks off the stage.

At the station, Mac says it’s the first time he’s ever been glad to see Jason, and Jason says, thanks, I guess. Mac says, the prisoner is in there, nodding at the interrogation room. Jason goes in, and Tracy says, please. Now is not the time for the strong silent act. Get me out of here.

Sonny leaves the room, and Olivia and Ned follow. Lulu starts to go out, but Carly stops her and says, don’t. Hasn’t she done enough already?

Olivia asks if Sonny knew Gio was their grandson, and he asks if she knew anything about Brook having a baby. Ned tells Sonny that he’s embarrassed to say he did not. Chase joins them and Olivia asks, what the hell is going on? 

Walking into an empty room, Dante asks Cody, what was that? What the hell just happened in there? Cody wanted to talk to him. Let’s talk. Cody says he knows it’s a lot to take in, and Dante says, what is this? What does Cody know? Cody says he doesn’t know the whole story, but he knows one thing for sure. Brook had Dante’s baby.

Jason tells Tracy that Diane is calling the judge. Once she’s finished, he’ll post bail, and Tracy will be released. She says, the charges should be dropped. She was framed by that wretched brother of his. He says, even if that happened… She says, even if? Drew sailed up in that barge of his and trespassed on the property. Then he planted that… Jason says, ketamine, and she says, yeah, that, in her car, then called the PCPD and lied that she drugged him. Jason says, that’s probably what happened, and she says, that is what happened. Why is he giving her the dead eye? He says he’s thinking it wasn’t a good idea to team up with Drew.

Josslyn and Trina go backstage, and Josslyn says, could this be happening? Could Brook and Dante be Gio’s birth parents? Trina says she thinks so, and Josslyn says, he’s been told a lie his entire life. He looked crushed. She feels so bad for him. Trina says so does she, and Josslyn says, of course (🍷). Trina knows the feeling better than anybody. Trina says, when she found out Curtis was her dad, that one little piece of information changed everything. Josslyn says she wishes there was something they could do, but Trina says, all they can do is be a safe space for him. Josslyn says, Trina is her safe space. She doesn’t know what she’d do without her. Trina says, I got you, and Josslyn says, maybe they should find him, when Lucy comes in. She says, there they are. What are they doing? Why are they not in costume? Josslyn says, they’re not on for another twenty minutes, but Lucy says, they’re on now. Come. Go change. Run like the wind.

Chase says, it’s not his story to tell, and Olivia says, Brook had a baby? When? This is family they’re talking about. Is it true or not? Chase says, yes, and she says, yes what? He says, yes, Brook had a child in high school with Dante, but they need to talk to Brook. Ned asks what he means. Where did Gio get the idea they were his parents? Clearly Chase knew and was sitting on this. Chase says he has no idea. For all he knows, Gio is just as confused as the rest of them. Sonny says he bets he knows who could clear this up, and Olivia says, not Lois… She was the first one to run out after him. Sonny says, Lois has to know something. He’s sure of it.

Dante asks how Cody knows about this, and Cody says he’s known since that summer. That’s why Brook left camp early. She was pregnant. Dante says, she went to Cody? and Cody says, she needed a ride to the bus and he took her. She was freaking out. Dante says, because she was pregnant with his kid and Cody knew about this and didn’t tell him. They were supposed to be best friends. Why didn’t Cody tell him? Cody says, Brook swore him to secrecy. It’s not a great excuse, but he didn’t know what to do. He was young and stupid. When he didn’t hear anything else about it, he assumed she’d terminated the pregnancy. So what was the point in telling Dante? Dante says, she had the baby, his baby, and Cody says he just found that out yesterday, he swears. Dante says, and that baby was… is Gio, and Cody nods. Dante says, Gio Palmieri is his son, and Cody says, yeah. Dante says his brain is short circuiting, and Cody says he doesn’t blame him. Dante says, Gio is still the little kid lighting sparklers at the 4th of July block party. That was his boy. Cody says, yeah, and Dante asks if Brook knew. Cody says he doesn’t know. Dante has to ask her.

Lucas says, Elizabeth was watching the Nurses Ball? and she says, of course (🍷). The nurses were fantastic and knew she was there in spirit. Lucas says his spirit is there too, but it’s staying off the stage and completely dressed this year. She says, speaking of being dressed, isn’t he overdressed? He says he was working and heard she’d be home because of her injured wheel, so he thought he’d bring the Nurses Ball to her. She says sorry to disappoint him, but she’s not changing, and she won’t look as hot as he does. He takes out a paper crown and puts it on her head and says, there it is. It works on her. She has the perfect head for the camera. She tells him that she’s been saying that all her life, and he says he’s sorry he doesn’t have one for Lucky. She says, Lucky stepped out to run an errand. She’ll fill him in on everything he missed. She’s sure he’s not in a hurry to get back. He’s missing out. Lucas asks if she’s on medication, and she says, no. He says, then she’s not missing out, and he pours the champagne. 

Tracy says, teaming up with Drew was inspired, and Jason says, until it wasn’t. Look at where she is. She says she has no regrets about what she did, but Drew is going to regret what he did to her. Mac comes in and says he doesn’t know how she does it, but Diane worked her magic again. As soon as Tracy signs off, she’s free to go. Tracy goes into the squad room with Mac, and Jason gets on the phone. He asks what they need him to do.

Tracy signs the paperwork and says Mac is lucky she’s not suing the entire department. He says, for what? and she says, false arrest springs to mind. Anyone with a brain can see she was framed. He says, she might want to get a move on unless she wants him to arrest her again for harassment. She asks who she’s harassing, and he says, she’s looking at him. Jason comes out, and Mac says, good. He’s here. He’d say he was going to miss Tracy, but… She says, the feeling is mutual, and tells Jason to take her home. He says he can’t. She’ll have to find another ride. She says, what? and he says he’s got someplace to be. She says, someone’s got to take her home, but Mac says, they’re not a taxi service. Although she happens to be in luck. The number 8 bus stops out front. He leaves.

Lulu and Carly go into the ladies’ room, and Carly asks how Gio found out. Did Lulu tell him? Lulu says, no. She would never do that. Carly says, but… and Lulu says, but she did confront Lois in one of the dressing rooms. It’s possible Gio overheard. She’s got to find Dante. Carly asks, why? It doesn’t matter how Gio found out. At this point, they both know the truth and it’s what Lulu wanted all along. Lulu says, not like this, and Carly says, Dante needs to learn the truth, but he needs to hear it from the people who were actually involved. That means Lois and Brook, not her. She needs to calm down. She set this train in motion and needs to get off the track before she gets leveled. Carly heads for the door, and Lulu asks where she’s going. Carly says she’s going to watch her daughter perform. She suggests Lulu do the same, but the decision is hers. She leaves.

Olivia tells Sonny that Lois is her best friend. How could Lois not let her know they share a grandchild? How could she not let any of them know? Dante comes by and asks if they know where Brook is. Did Sonny know about this? Did Olivia? Olivia says, none of them knew. This is crazy. Dante says, it’s a lot to take in right now, but he has to find Brook. Sonny says, no one knows where she went, and Dante asks if she didn’t tell Chase. Chase says, no, and Dante leaves. Chase starts to follow, but Sonny stops him. Chase says he can’t let his wife go through this alone, but Sonny says, it’s not just about Brook anymore. It’s about Dante too. Ned says, they have to let them hash it out. Does Chase understand what he’s saying?

Lucy gets back on stage and says, see? It’s back? It’s fine. Everything is fine. It’s going to be more than fine. It’s going to be fabulous. The next act is especially powerful and by two PCU students. You know how people say, what’s wrong with kids today? These are two perfect examples of what’s exactly right – Trina Robinson and Josslyn Jax. There’s applause and Trina and Josslyn sing a duet, I’ll Be with You. When they finish, there’s lots of applause and a standing ovation. They hug.

Elizabeth says, it’s more fun to watch with someone else, and Lucas agrees. She asks if he wishes he was there, but he says he doesn’t know. She says, as she recalls, Brad proposed to him at the Nurses Ball. He says, Brad did. And as he remembers, Ric proposed to her at one as well. Elizabeth says, and Carly shared an insight or two with the entire audience, and he says, some things never change. She says, and some things do, and Lucas says, to friends who we love. She says, to friends who love you. They clink glasses and she says, the kids are performing the last song, and he says, yeah, per tradition. His initial instinct was to go watch them perform, but then it hit him. It’s not his job to sit in the audience and fawn over Wiley. She says, they’re in a private living room and he can gush all he wants if he wants. He says, buckle up. It’s going to be a night to remember since they’re in a private living room. She says, they can say all the inappropriate comments they want that they couldn’t say if they were there, and he says, that doesn’t sound like the Elizabeth Baldwin he knows… Like what? She says, the kids are going to be so off-key. Tracy got arrested on the red carpet and she wonders if they had to use a taser. Lucas says he’s just hearing about it now. He’s so glad he came. She says her too. 

Backstage, Portia and Curtis applaud Trina, and Portia says, she was wonderful on stage. Curtis says, it was an amazing performance. She never sounded better. He’s seen a lot of acts at The Savoy, and she and Josslyn killed it. Kai says, her dad is right. She blew him away. It was the best act of the night. Portia says, hands down, and Kai gives Trina a bouquet. Curtis says, nothing can top her and Josslyn tonight, and Kai says, no way. Portia says, that’s why they’re heading home, and Trina asks if everything is okay. Portia says, everything’s fine. It’s just been a long day, and they have work tomorrow. Curtis says, obviously, Trina should stay, and Portia says, have fun and socialize. Trina says she loves them, and Curtis says, they love her too. They leave, and Trina thanks Kai for coming. He says he wouldn’t miss it. Now can he get her autograph? They kiss. In the hallway, Curtis thanks Portia for making it easy, and she says she didn’t want to ruin Trina’s night. Look at how happy she is.

Carly tells Josslyn that their performance was so good, and Josslyn says Lucy begged them to go on early. They were supposed to go on after Anna and Chase’s performance. Then Gio did whatever Gio did. What does she even call that? Carly says she doesn’t know. It was awful. You would have never known Josslyn and Trina were put on the spot. They were amazing and she’s so proud. Josslyn thanks her and says she can’t stop thinking about Gio. It feels awful. And if he’s right, then what? Sonny is his grandfather? Willow and Drew approach, and Willow says they’d like to talk to Carly for a second. Drew says, preferably in private, and Josslyn asks if Carly is all right. Carly says, yeah, and Josslyn leaves. Willow says she wants to end this terrible fight over the kids. It’s not good for anyone, especially Wiley and Amelia. Drew says they want a peaceful path moving forward. That’s why they’re willing to find common ground. He guesses the question is, is Carly?

Olivia says she’s got to find Dante, and Sonny says he knows Dante is hurting, but Dante doesn’t want to hear what he has to say. She says, Dante heard what he had to say. This is life altering, relationship changing, never going to be the same kind of huge. He says, they have to let their son handle things himself. He knows where to find them if he needs support. The same goes for Chase and Brook. They know where to find them. What they need to do is go back into the ballroom and distract their minds. Let the kids do what they’re going to do. Olivia leaves with Sonny, and Ned says he’s right behind her. He says, clearly, Brook confided in Chase and for that, he’s grateful. Chase says, Ned wants to know why she didn’t tell him the truth, and Ned says he’s her father. Did she think she couldn’t trust him with that?

Drew says, Carly knows they have the upper hand when it comes to the custody hearing, but Carly says she doesn’t believe that at all. Drew says, now who’s being delusional? He and Willow talked and really want to try and find a compromise. Carly says, it would be nice if Willow could speak for herself, and Drew says, they’re a unit. (We are Borg.) Carly says she knows. The whole ballroom knows. But the kids are Willow and Michael’s, not his. Willow says she and Drew believe that together they can come up with a custody arrangement that satisfies both sides. Carly says, great. Joint custody. Willow tells her to be realistic, but Carly says she is being realistic. Willow says, they’re willing to let Michael have the kids every other weekend, and Drew says, plus two weeks in the summer. Carly says, really? and Drew says, that way, if they move to Washington, it won’t be as much burden on the kids. Carly asks if Willow agrees with moving Wiley and Amelia to DC. And don’t get her started on Drew. Scout just lost her mother, but they’re going to take her away from her remaining family. Drew says they’re the only family Scout needs, and Willow says she never intended to take the kids away from Michael. They love their father. Carly says she knows that, and Drew says, it’s a fair deal. Carly says she’ll see him in court, and Willow leaves. Drew tells Carly that she can’t say they didn’t try, and she says he may want to run after Willow, but grab some tissues first. He says, the best part about this is when she loses Michael’s kids, he’s only going to have her to blame. He walks away.

Ned says he feels terrible about what Brook had to go through. He had no idea. Chase says, he couldn’t, but Ned says he should have. He could have been there for his little girl. My God. Going through pregnancy and labor at that age, then giving the child up for adoption. Imagine what she went through and how it affected her emotionally. He knows he needs to talk to Brook. chase says, Brook is his daughter, and she loves him so much. She agonized about keeping that part of her life from him. He thinks she thought the truth might hurt Ned. Ned asked if that was really what Brook thought or what Lois made Brook think.

Lucy said, good news, everybody! We did it. We broke our fundraising record. There’s applause and she says, awareness and support for HIV/AIDS research is amazing. She thanks all of them. She’s proud to be a part of all of them. She thanks the amazing performers and the incredible hard-working crew and all the people who did the tiny jobs that made this night possible. Give themselves a round of applause. She thanks them again.

Lucas comes out with a plate of baked goods and says he can’t believe Elizabeth has all these lying around. She says, Aiden is always perfecting his craft, and he says, that kid has a gift. What else did he miss while he was working and driving over. Did anyone faceplant on the red carpet? She says, just Tracy’s arrest and the Quartermaines have a new family member. He asks if someone gave birth on stage, and she says, not exactly. The show comes back on, and Lucy sits in the audience.  

Lucy says she’s very excited for the last performance of five up and comers. It’s special because as they close out this wonderful evening it reminds all of them of what’s truly important. Please enjoy. Georgie, Scout, Wiley, James, and Donna come out, and Elizabeth says, how cute. Lucas says, the cutest, and the kids sing I’ll Be There, cutest kid in the world Donna starting them off. The song ends and there’s applause. Suddenly, Wiley says, daddy! and nuMichael walks toward the stage. Wiley runs to him, and Michael picks him up. Everyone is totally shocked, as one always is at the Nurses Ball, but they’ve outdone themselves this year. Michael looks at Willow, and says, come on, buddy. We’re going home. He walks out carrying Wiley.

Alrighty then.

On Monday, Cody tells Lulu that he doesn’t know if they made the right call; Kai asks if Trina is sure she wants to do this; Emma says she’s not trying to stop Gio, she’s going with him; and Brook says what Lois did was unforgiveable.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit to Print…

The die has officially been cast. We’re moving on.

I still can’t get over his performance.

https://parade.com/news/does-gio-on-general-hospital-really-play-violin

A major part of the Nurses Ball. Why can’t we all have that T-shirt… sniff…

💉 A Dose of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

I’m not even pretending to watch this. Too boatmancy. I’m saving myself for the OG Decks.

The Valley

Is it me, or do all these people look alike? Other than Brittany. Luke looked at a $14K engagement ring for Kristen. When Danny said it made a statement, Luke said the statement was that he had more money than he did. That much for an engagement ring is insane to me. Unless you actually are a millionaire, why? A good portion of the episode revolved around the discussion of Danny being an alcoholic. My jury’s out, but unless it’s an obvious problem, I’m not too keen on making those judgements.

Summer House

The best part about the finale is that the Jesse/Lexi saga is put to rest – for now anyway – and no more Toegate. Although I’m sure all that will be rehashed at the Reunion. The show finally caught up to real life news with Paige and Craig breaking up. No surprise that Craig was a big baby about the whole thing. Hey, sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Get over it and move on. I do love a costume party and there was a huge party with a spooky theme. The specifics were unclear, but it looked Halloween-ish. Lots of gravestone decorations and such. Amanda had zombie contacts which were pretty cool.

Thumbs down on the wardrobe overall.

He’s dead to her.

Random Reality Items

I’m with Melissa. Just make a damn decision already.

Her lawyers are probably exhausted.

You can’t fire me; I quit.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Crimes of the Future. Hulu. I’d wanted to see this when it came out, figured I’d wait for streaming, and then forgot about it. It’s another one you might not want to eat dinner while watching, but it’s Cronenberg, so what else would you expect? Taking place in a grim future world, new organs spontaneously grow in random people. It’s some sort of evolution, but it’s not clear whether it could actually be beneficial in the long run. A sort-of cult has turned it all into performance art and murders abound. The whole thing is rather weird and depressing, but the special effects were amazing, as was to be expected. I’m not sorry I watched it, but I doubt I’d watch it again. If you’re a fan of Cronenberg, this is definitely for you.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/crimes-of-the-future-movie-review-2022

Well, I didn’t think it was that disturbing.  

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14673037/Disturbing-horror-film-caused-mass-crowds-people-walk-screening-set-air-BBC.html

I’m still waiting for The Substance to come to more mainstream streaming.

https://www.cbr.com/body-horror-movie-like-the-substance/#thread

Nonnas. Netflix. On the other end of the spectrum, this is a tug at your heartstrings, feel good, mostly true story that made me want to move to Staten Island. I loved the cast and it brought me back to the days of Sunday dinners in my Aunt Agnes and Uncle Jimmy’s home – Italian and Lithuanian food for days on the table. It was feel good without being saccharin, and I just loved it.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/nonnas-movie-review-2025

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/vince-vaughn-called-his-netflix-hit-nonnas-outlaw-movie

Con Mum. Netflix. I love a true crime story and this one didn’t disappoint. A documentary about a con artist who conned her own son, it has twists and turns, and I have to admit, at one point I wondered if it was possible she was telling the truth. It’s not a story I was familiar with beforehand, so that’s always a plus. It also makes you wonder what you’d actually fall for. I’d like to think I was smarter than that, but you never know until you’re in it.

https://people.com/where-are-graham-hornigold-and-dionne-now-con-mum-11704400

🪤 Will Wait For You…

Coming for sure, I think, June 27th.

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/squid-game-season-three-theory

Hopefully, the apocalypse doesn’t come before Season 2.

https://deadline.com/2025/05/fallout-renewed-season-3-prime-video-1236394147/

I still haven’t finished Season 3 yet, but I’m in.

https://deadline.com/2025/05/yellowjackets-renewed-season-4-showtime-paramount-plus-1236405285/

🎉 Business In the Front, Party In the Tail…

🐈‍⬛ I’m sure I’ve spent money on worse things and kudos for helping a shelter while she’s at it. Love the cake!

https://people.com/15-year-old-cat-gets-lavish-quinceanera-exclusive-11740275

🐶 That one led to this one. Admittedly, it’s a big chunk of change, but if I had that kind of money, I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same. Hey, don’t judge.

https://people.com/pets/gabriel-iglesias-throws-100k-quinceanera-for-his-chihuahua-risa/

🐕 They stole my idea.

https://people.com/animal-shelter-holds-puppy-prom-for-rescue-dogs-11738785

🪻 Quotes of the Week

It doesn’t have to be the ten year plan. Just the next step. – Kristen Kish, Top Chef

To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility — these are marks of maturity and graciousness. – William Arthur Ward

Sometimes all you need is a ticket to Disneyland. – Jamal Menzies, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé, The Last Resort

Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions. – Albert Einstein

Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into visible. – Tony Robbins

I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear. – Rosa Parks

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

Aim for the middle. You’ll never miss. – Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), Deadpool & Wolverine

Remembering those who served on Memorial Day.

❤️‍🩹 Hope In Valor…

Until next week, stay safe; stay never leaving a lit grill unattended; and stay letting the truth be told by those actually involved.

May 9, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Sidwell Makes Sonny an Offer, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watch, Dandy At the Met, Fashionable Pets (!), Sextolet Quotes & Coming Home

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

(Trying to streamline a bit…)

Monday:

Lulu said the last thing she expected was for Dante to say he loved her too, and then he told her that he was also still in love with Sam.

Lois asked how Tracy found out about the baby, and Tracy asked if the decision had been Brook’s or Lois’s.

Willow asked why Carly was at Nina’s, and Carly said she was just checking up on the kids. Willow said to check with her first next time and not just show up.

Mac asked, what was the last thing Drew remembered? and Drew flashed back to talking to Tracy. He told Mac that he remembered nothing after getting to the Port Charles Grill. As soon as he knew anything, Mac would too.

Emma asked if Josslyn knew Vaughn, and she said, no, but she’d seen him around campus. Emma couldn’t find her thumb drive and freaked out. Meanwhile, Danny found Rocco passed out on the beach by the rocks.

Marco went to GH to pick up some client’s files and used it as an excuse to see Lucas.

Mac suggested pulling footage from the PC Grill, but Drew insisted his memory would come back. When that happened, he’d see that justice was served.

Brad told Portia that he wanted a big promotion. He had new leverage over her after putting two and two together about the ketamine and Drew. Portia said she wasn’t behind Drew being drugged; Brad was.

Carly asked how Michael was doing, but Willow said he’d refused to see her. She insisted Drew had been drugged and nothing had happened between him and that woman. It was the only explanation that made sense. Carly said it was the only explanation Willow could live with, and left. Willow asked Nina if she agreed with Carly. Was she an idiot for believing Drew?

Lois told Tracy that the decision had been Brook’s. She’d supported Brook and Brook had sworn her to secrecy. Tracy would have done the same for Ned. Tracy said Lois had avoided the family, and by keeping it from them, Lois and Gloria didn’t have to include their input. Lois said the only thing she did was convince Brook that she wasn’t a terrible person for getting pregnant. She did the best she could, and it had weighed on her. Tracy said Brook didn’t know where her son was, but Lois did.

Rocco woke up and told Danny that he’d been playing a drinking game with some frat guys. He just wanted to go back to sleep.

Gio asked if Emma had another copy of the drive, but Emma said her new data hadn’t been included on the back-up. Josslyn pretended to find the drive in the sand and gave Emma the corrupted one. Emma hugged her, thinking it was the one she needed for Dalton.

Lulu told Dante, you didn’t stop loving someone because they’re gone. That’s why she didn’t want to say anything, and Maxie had no right to share what Lulu didn’t choose to share. She wondered, why would Dante tell her how he felt if he had no intention of acting on it? and he said he couldn’t pretend that nothing was there, but she was using it to take out her frustrations on Brook. Brook didn’t deserve it. Lulu said he wouldn’t say that if he knew, and Dante said, knew what?

Danny found Gio and said he needed Gio’s help.

Lulu said Brook had done things… stuff. She wasn’t an innocent. Dante said Lulu had been given a second chance at life, but instead of mending relationships, she was tearing them apart. Dante wanted to know what Brook had done, when Carly walked in.

Marco admired and respected that Lucas loved what he did, and Lucas said he thought their date had been a success. He thanked Marco for opening up, and Marco was excited to see what their next date looked like.

Danny brought Gio to Rocco, and Rocco recognized Gio, which Gio said was a good sign. Gio wanted to get Rocco home, but Danny wanted to do it without Dante knowing. They heard Emma coming and Gio ran interference. He told Emma that he had to get back to the boathouse but would be back. Rocco conked back out and Danny and Gio helped him off the beach.

Lois said, the adoption was closed, and Tracy wondered why the Quartermaines had known nothing. They had the means to give the child every possible advantage. Lois said, in spite of all their money – and with them, the money was what it was always about – money didn’t make every decision easy. Brook hadn’t been ready to be a mother, and Lois had supported her. Tracy said, then the baby should have been there until she was ready, and Lois said, like Tracy dumped Dillon on Ned and Lila and Edward? Lois married into this family and knew how they operated, and her grandson deserved better. Tracy said that’s why Lois gave the baby up, and Lois said it wasn’t her motivation, but it was a hell of a bonus.

Nina asked, what changed? and Willow said she’d gotten caught up in the noise. When she’d had time to think, none of it made sense. She and Drew didn’t keep secrets. Nina asked if it was possible that Willow didn’t want to face the fact Drew wasn’t the man she’d believed he was because it was an indictment on her choices.

Deanna gave Drew an IV to replace his fluids and told him things would come back as the drug wore off. She asked if he’d checked his phone’s GPS. It would tell him where he was last night. He remembered shaking hands with Tracy again and saw he’d been at the hospital. He remembered talking to Portia.

Portia said she’d heard Brad had gotten his hands on some ketamine and Brad said she’d asked him to. She wondered who would be believed, an ex-con or a Chief of Staff. Blow his whistle and see what happened. She knew he’d want to use it to blackmail her and if he didn’t leave her and her family alone, she’d make sure he went down for drugging the congressman.

When Dante left, Lulu told Carly that Dante thought the only reason she had problems with Brook was because she was still in love with him. He thought she was jealous because he and Brook had a past, but the problems were mostly about the proof of the baby. Carly suggested she not tell Dante.

Josslyn told Vaughn that Emma had the corrupted version of the thumb drive, and she told the others that she’d seen him around campus. If he wanted to sell the story, he should spend more time there. He asked if she was homesick yet.

Gio and Danny brought Rocco to the boathouse. Danny said he’d stay the night and tell everyone they went camping. Gio said he’d stick around just in case, and Danny said he’d go to the house for supplies. He left and Gio looked for Rocco’s phone, when Cody came in.

Tracy suggested Lois leave if she found dealing with the family so insufferable. She’d help Lois pack. Lois said sorry to disappoint her, but she would be staying close to Brook. Tracy said she couldn’t wait for the day she rid the house of Lois and had the feeling that day was fast approaching.

Carly reminded Lulu that she, Jason, and Michael were a happy family and when Robin told AJ that Michael was his son, it changed their lives forever. Lulu said, AJ had a right to know, but Carly said, it wasn’t Robin’s place to tell him. Lulu said, Dante wasn’t Jason, and Carly said it still wasn’t Lulu’s right. Lulu asked if Jason was in Dante’s position, wouldn’t Carly tell him? and Carly said if Lulu exposed the secret, she’d regret it for the rest of her life.

Josslyn said it would be strange to feel homesick when she was home, and Vaughn said this used to be her life, but now she was pretending it was. Josslyn said it was surreal. She was there to sabotage someone’s chances at getting a job. He said, not just someone, a childhood friend, and she said Emma didn’t know what was at stake. He asked if she missed her old life, and she said, parts of it, but those parts were gone already when she joined the WSB.

Brad couldn’t believe Portia had learned from him and he watched Lucas with Marco though the window, also imagining them together at home. Lucas suggested he and Marco go to honky-tonk night, and Marco said he was going to love this town. Lucas said the town would love having Marco, and they clinked hash browns. Brad was uber jealous.

Cody said he’d seen the lights on and came to check it out. Gio told him what happened, and Cody said they did good getting Rocco home safe. He covered Rocco with a blanket, but then said Rocco’s breathing was off. They had to get him to the hospital now.

Carly said Brook’s child might not know he was adopted, but Lulu said that didn’t mean Dante shouldn’t know. Carly said it was Brook’s call since she’d carried the child, and Lulu whined some more. Carly told Lulu to make sure she wasn’t doing it because she hated Brook and wanted to be the one to tell Dante instead.

Gio and Cody talked to the doctor who thought Rocco had alcohol poisoning.

Dante looked for Brook, but Lois said she hadn’t seen her. He said the thing going on between her and Lulu was driving him nuts and he was tired of being in the middle. He tried to explain to Lulu that he and Brook were friends, but she couldn’t hear it. Lois said, sometimes strong women don’t get along, and he asked if he should stop trying to help. Lois suggested he stay out of it. His phone rang, and Cody told him that Rocco was in the hospital and to get there as soon as possible. Lois said she’d go with him

Emma couldn’t believe Josslyn didn’t play volleyball anymore, but Josslyn said she had too much going on and was still trying to catch up in Dalton’s class. She was a different person now, but still busy. Emma offered to share her notes and thanked Josslyn again for finding the drive.

Willow wondered how much of this was her refusing to accept being wrong about Drew, but in her heart, she didn’t think that was it. Nina said she’d never do anything to hurt Willow, but Drew wasn’t being honest. He’d been unfaithful. A mother knows. He wasn’t the man Willow thought he was. He pursued her when she was married to his nephew, and a decent man wouldn’t do that. She begged Willow to think long and hard before forgiving him. Willow said they’d found ketamine in his system and Nina suggested he was experimenting, but Willow insisted he’d been drugged. They both knew who did it.

Brad went into Drew’s room and said he had the name of the person behind Drew’s body shot party.

Emma and Josslyn remembered the old days with Spencer and Cameron. Emma said, Spencer could be your best friend one second and the next, stab you in the back, but she didn’t think hurting people necessarily made you a bad person. Josslyn told Emma not to freak if she didn’t get the research position, but Emma said she’d worked hard for it and it had to be hers. Vaughn watched from a distance.

Brad said he’d tell Drew who did it when he knew how much it was worth to Drew.

Nina said, Drew was ashamed of what he’d done and needed someone else to blame, but Willow asked if it was more likely Drew would do drugs with a call girl or that something else happened. She thought the escort gave it to him, but it hadn’t been her idea. She thought someone hired the call girl to set Drew up.

Dante and Lois got the hospital along with Lulu. Cody said the doctor thought it was alcohol poisoning and they were pumping Rocco’s stomach. Gio said he’d been at a PCU party. He didn’t go with Rocco, but had seen him there. Dante told him to start talking.  

Tuesday:

Dante interrogated Gio about Rocco like it was Gio’s fault Rocco got drunk. Gio said he didn’t realize how bad off Rocco was and thought water and sleep would set him right. Dante said if something happened to Rocco, it was on Gio. (Um… maybe he should have been watching his own kid?)

Brad said he knew who hired Jacinda, and for the right price, he’d tell Drew everything. Drew said he’d make sure Brad was handsomely rewarded.

Trina fretted over Kai who was sleeping after his surgery. Portia was proud of her for standing by him. Kai woke up and said he felt like the hard part was over and nothing could stop him now.

Lucky met Kristina at Charlie’s and told him that her mother was trying to have her committed.

Alexis left a million messages for Kristina and looked at the dagger. Diane came by and wondered why Alexis was brandishing a weapon.

Lois tried to talk Dante down, but Gio said he was right. Cody said it took him a while to figure it out too.

Portia said everything looked great, but Kai needed to rest. She left to update Dr. Mohinder, and Kai said he couldn’t thank Trina enough for her encouragement.

Ava picked Ric up from the hospital and he asked how it was going with Alexis. Ava said the next payment had arrived, and Ric said he’d be getting his cut directly, but Ava said she’d thought they were a team. He said he set up a shell corporation and bitched about Alexis’s psycho daughter trying to kill him.

Kristina told Lucky that the papers had been drawn up, but Alexis had changed her mind. He asked how she found out, and Kristina said Molly found out after her papers got mixed up with Diane’s. Lucky asked what Alexis’s reasoning was, and Kristina said she’d had a rough year and Alexis thought she could use some help. Lucky wondered if Alexis wasn’t completely wrong.

Diane asked Alexis to talk to her, and Alexis said Molly and Kristina were no longer speaking to her because they’d found the commitment papers when Diane’s stuff got mixed up with Molly’s. Diane apologized profusely and offered to make things right, but Alexis said what was done was done. It was on her to fix it.

Brad wondered how handsome handsomely was, and Drew asked how half a million sounded. Brad said it sounded like the truth and told Drew that Portia had set him up. He hoped Drew would blow her out of the water.

Dante continued to be unreasonable, when the doctor came out with an update on Rocco.

Alexis said she thought the girls may not forgive her, and Diane wondered how Kristina was blindsided. Alexis said she hadn’t been completely transparent. Kristina didn’t know Alexis was aware that she tried to kill Ava.

Ava told Ric not to forget she was the intended target, but Ric said he was the injured party. Ava said they were in this together regardless and it seemed like he’d decided to go rogue. He said he’d set up the shell corporation for both of them and let her take the lead on the blackmail since she despised Alexis. He knew Alexis’s priorities and extra money wouldn’t be a problem. Ava said they deserved to have some fun.

Dante and Lulu went in to see Rocco and the doctor said he was stable and would be fine. The alcohol content had been at a life-threatening level, and he was going to be okay, but Cody likely saved his life. He could have ended up in a coma, but would make a full recovery.

Diane wondered how Alexis found out about Ava’s brake lines being cut, and Alexis said it was a long story that Diane didn’t want to touch with a ten-foot pole. Kristina had been shocked and felt betrayed. Diane said they were just trying to protect her, and Alexis said Kristina couldn’t know that she knew about the accident.

Lucky said Alexis wasn’t wrong and it was okay to need help, but Kristina said she’d been talking to someone. Lucky said his mom sought treatment for a lot of years, and Kristina said she went into therapy when she lost the baby, but she thought Alexis was being extreme. Lucky suggested Kristina extend a little grace to Alexis.

Danny called Gio wondering where everyone was, and Gio told him what happened. Rocco was okay but they’d had to pump his stomach. Danny said it was his fault, but Gio said it was all on him. Carly asked to talk to Danny and told him to stay at the boathouse. She was coming there. Lois hugged Gio and told him not to let what Dante said get him down, but Gio said Dante had a point. Lois said no one could have predicted what happened and Gio was a good kid. Gio said Dante didn’t think so.

Rocco woke up and said he was sorry. Dante said they’d discuss it later and asked if he remembered anything. Rocco said some guys asked if he wanted to play a drinking game and he’d felt lame saying no, so he went along with it. Next thing he knew, he was in the boathouse. Dante said they loved him, and he didn’t know what he would have done had he lost Danny too.

Brad said Portia made him pull Drew’s medical records, then asked him to get ketamine, but there was no actual evidence. He asked what Drew was going to do about it now that he knew.

Kai was all grateful to Drew for giving him football back, and Trina said anything good that came out of it for either Kai or Drew was due to Kai. Kai said nothing could hold him back now. He knew Trina and her mom had been worried about the possible paralysis and wiggled his toes, saying, the worst-case scenario was off the table.

Carly told Danny that Rocco would be okay, but they needed to talk. He had no business going to that party. Danny agreed it was stupid. He’d just wanted to have some fun, but before he knew it, things were out of control. He convinced Rocco to go with him and went to play volleyball. He wasn’t gone long and wasn’t sure how Rocco got so wasted. Carly said he shouldn’t have left Rocco to his own devices and Danny said he felt terrible. Carly suggested he take responsibility. He had to promise he’d never do something like this again and sincerely apologize to Lulu and Dante. Jason gave him a lot of space, but he had to earn the trust. He needed to prove it to her that he could handle the responsibility.

Dante left and Rocco told Lulu that he thought Dante was angry with him, but Lulu said he was just scared, and it came out as anger. Dante was relieved to know he was fine. Rocco said he was sorry, and she said the Falconari boys knew how to keep things interesting.

Dante said Rocco would be okay and asked to talk to Gio. Lois went with them.

Kristina wondered, why now? and Lucky asked if she’d told Alexis about the car, but she said of course (🍷) not. He was the only one who knew. Alexis had seen she was anxious and was misinterpreting it. Lucky said it sounded like Kristina had a chance to keep her promise to learn from the accident and focus on bringing her family together.

Ric and Ava showed up at Alexis’s house and barged their way in. They gave Alexis the paperwork for the shell company, so she could put money in and make it look like investments. Ric said what she’d been paying wasn’t enough and he wanted separate transactions for his and Ava’s payments.

Carly told Danny to remember how he felt and how lucky he was and pay it forward. He said she sounded like his mom.

Cody went to see Rocco and told Lulu that he talked with Gio. She thought she should see how it was going and left Cody with Rocco. Rocco thanked Cody for saving his life, and Cody said Dante was his best friend. Rocco thought Dante was angry with him, but Cody said he was mad that it happened not mad at Rocco. Rocco said he wasn’t going to drink for a long time if ever again. Cody said getting in trouble was part of growing up and hopefully you did better the next time. Dante would come around. He was one helluva father and Rocco was lucky.

Dante asked if Gio took Rocco to the party, but Gio said, no. Lois tried to intervene, but Dante said it was between him and Rocco. Gio said he was there with other friends when Danny asked for help. He hadn’t known they were there. He got them home and made sure Rocco had a bucket and water. Dante asked why he didn’t call and Gio said he realized he should have. Dante started squawking about how giving alcohol to a minor was a crime and he could have Gio arrested, and Gio said he didn’t even see Rocco drinking. Dante asked how he knew Gio wasn’t just covering his ass by saying that, and Lois said Gio didn’t lie. Dante jumped all over her too and said her covering for Gio wasn’t going to work this time.

Trina and Portia accompanied Kai in his wheelchair, and Portia said the doctor wanted to try to get Kai on his feet, but don’t be upset if he had to try more than once. He got up holding Trina’s hands and took a step. She said she thought he could do just about anything and hugged him, but he looked a little worried.

Drew said he had to think about this, but Brad told him to just go and ruin Portia’s life. Drew said he’d double the money if Brad would do one more thing for him.

Alexis said it wasn’t a game. Doubling the money was a problem and it was enough money that someone would see it. She wasn’t a magician and if their greed raised enough red flags and she got arrested, she’d take them down with her. Ric said Kristina would go down as well, when speak of the devil walked in and asked what was going on.

Danny promised to apologize and tell Jason what happened. Carly said he’d dodged a bullet and should think about almost losing someone he loved before he picked up his next drink.

Dante said other people had always made decisions for Gio and it was time he grew up and made his own decisions. If Cody hadn’t shown up, Rocco could be dead just because Gio was afraid to get Rocco in trouble. Lois told him to stop it. He didn’t know what he was saying. He didn’t know who Gio really was. Lulu overheard.

Wednesday:

Chase and Brook were at the Brown Dog Bar to get time away from the family. Chase said, pretty soon, nights like these would be a thing of the past. After they had a baby, they’d be sleep deprived. Brook couldn’t wait.

Emma said Josslyn was different from the girl she remembered growing up, and Josslyn said Dex’s death had changed her.

Vaughn told Jack about Dalton being with Anna at The Savoy.

Kristina went to Alexis’s and found Ric and Ava there. Ric said they were there to see Molly, but she was running late at work. Ava said an apartment opened in her building and Ric thought Molly would like a place of her own. Kristina seemed skeptical about the late hour, and Ric said he was actually there about his car accident.

Laura went to visit Rocco and met Cody, who said Lulu asked him to keep an eye on Rocco while she tracked down Dante. Laura thanked him for getting Rocco to the hospital in time, and Rocco woke up.

Dante continued to act like a moron, going on and on and on, screeching at Gio, as Lulu listened in from around the corner. Lois said he didn’t know what he was talking about or who Gio really was, and Dante said he’d watched Gio grow up, but please enlighten him.

Vaughn said Josslyn couldn’t hear them, but it was possible Anna and Dalton weren’t talking about anything of interest to them. Josslyn’s biggest competition for Dalton’s assistant was Emma, and Anna might have been talking her up. Josslyn had also seen Dalton going into a lab at GH, but didn’t know why he was there. Jack told him to hold off on breaking in and asked how close Josslyn was to getting intel from Dalton.

Josslyn told Emma that Dex’s life hadn’t been great, but he became a better person because of it. Now they’d never know the man he would have become or what he would have achieved. It made her feel like she had to make her life matter in any way she could. That’s why she tried so hard to excel in class. Emma said that’s what brought her to PCU and asked if Josslyn could keep a secret. She was on a mission.

Brook told Chase that she’d been honest with Tracy about giving up her baby. Tracy had asked why Brook was threatened by Lulu and kept pushing. She didn’t tell Tracy that Dante was the father, not wanting to burden her with the truth.

Dante kept going, accusing Lois of shielding Gio from the consequences of his actions. He said Gio’s carelessness could have cost Rocco’s life. Gio said Dante was right, but he hadn’t given Danny or Rocco alcohol. He hadn’t even known anything happened until Danny came to get him. Dante gave kudos to Danny for knowing when he was in over his head, then blamed Gio some more. Lois said Rocco would be fine and she had enough of Dante beating up on Gio. Dante said if she didn’t like it, she could leave, and if he found out Gio gave booze to Rocco, Gio would face charges. Rocco could have ended up in a coma or at the morgue. Lulu came out and said, but he didn’t, and told Dante to stop. Dante said their son could have died tonight.

Laura thanked Cody again and Cody left. Rocco said he was sorry, and Laura said the most important thing was that he was all right. Rocco said he’d done something really stupid.

Kristina asked why Ric had to talk to Alexis about his car crash, and Ric said he’d taken a hard look his own life and wanted to build on getting along with Alexis. Alexis said she’d always do what was best for her daughters, and Ric fake hugged her. Kristina said, before they left, they should get something straight about the car crash.

Emma told Josslyn that Dalton engaged in certain unethical and illegal practices in his research at her other school. He’d been testing on mammals, and they’d decided to get proof by breaking in. Before they could, they got caught and expelled and Emma had to sign an NDA. Anna was the only other one who knew. She told Josslyn not to fall for Dalton’s good guy Aussie thing, and Josslyn asked why Dalton hadn’t been exposed by the school, but Emma didn’t know. She thought maybe it was embarrassing and incriminating and that he was doing the same thing at PCU, which was why she wanted to be his assistant. She needed to be the one to prove it.

Kristina said Ric’s accident helped her understand how important he was to Molly, and she had to honor that. Ric said Kristina was important to Molly too, and Kristina said she had to let go of her anger at both Ric and Ava. The anger had been eating at her, and she couldn’t live her life that way. She wanted to make peace. Ric thanked her and Ava said Ric’s accident had turned into an unexpected gift that kept on giving.

Chase said he was glad Brook told him about the baby, but it was hard for him to make Dante see how out of line he was about Lulu when he couldn’t tell him why. Still, he agreed with Tracy that it was Brook’s choice to tell who she wanted. Brook said it was a relief not to carry the secret by herself anymore. Cody came by and told them about Rocco being in the hospital.

Rocco told Laura that he and Danny thought it would be fun to crash a college party, but it was just weird. He didn’t know anyone or know what to say. He didn’t want to ditch Danny even though he wanted to leave. He was drinking a spiked punch, and some guys asked him to play a drinking game with them. He didn’t want to look more pathetic than he already did, so he played and lost track of what he was drinking. Laura said she remembered what it was like to be young and find yourself in a situation where you were over your head. She’d made mistakes and angered her parents, but they always forgave her – eventually. He was lucky to have parents like she had.

Dante screamed some more at Lois, and she said he was blaming Gio for something that wasn’t his fault. Fully gaslighted, Gio said it was all on him and he was sorry. He took off, and Dante insulted the parenting Gio had been given. Lois said, at least Gio was there. Where was Dante when his son needed him?

Kristina wanted to talk to Alexis, when Molly came home. Alexis said she didn’t think the Drew thing was going to blow over soon and asked if the girls could put their anger at her aside for Scout’s sake.

Vaughn was worried that Josslyn lacked the discipline to put the mission first, but Jack said Vaughn’s job was to support her.

Emma wondered, why the NDA? and Josslyn said it was suspicious. Dalton had to know people were on to him, so maybe he was legit at PCU. Emma thought he’d picked up where he left off, when Josslyn got a text and had to leave. She said someone would stop Dalton, and Emma said, damn right she would.

Chase thanked Cody for helping and Cody left him and Brook to their date night.

Lois said Dante was taking his guilt out on Gio. Most college kids would have left Rocco to sleep it off on the beach. Gio may have made a mistake, but he tried. Dante said all they had was Gio’s word that he didn’t know Rocco was drinking, and Lois asked if he had evidence or witnesses. Gio wasn’t like that, and Dante should know. Dante had a good heart, so how could he not recognize the same good heart in Gio? She said, shame on you, and left. Dante asked if Lulu thought he was being unfair, and she said she thought he was terrified, but had gone too far.

Ric and Ava went to the Brown Dog, where Ava produced her black card. Cody ordered at the bar and asked to start a tab, giving the bartender his regular, measly card.

Alexis said, Drew was completely out of control, and Molly asked if she thought he needed to be committed. (Ouch!)

Josslyn went to Jack’s office and found Vaughn there. She said she thought the mission went well, and he said the objective had been achieved. She said she wished she would have gotten the flash drive back quicker, but she still accomplished the goal. He said he’d seen her talking to Emma afterward and wondered if she was assuaging her conscience, but she said she didn’t bail on the job and never would. She was glad she’d talked to Emma who knew more than she’d thought.

Gio found Emma at the beach, and he told her about Rocco. He said Cody had realized Rocco needed to go to the hospital and now Dante thought he was the one who gave Rocco alcohol. Emma joked that everything about Gio screamed bad influence. Dante should know better. Gio blamed himself again.

On the phone, Lois told Gloria about Dante screeching at Gio and said, if he only knew.

Dante told Lulu that Lois and Gloria had always intervened, and Gio never learned responsibility. Lulu sarcastically said, being a classical musician took no discipline, and Dante said, Gio had lost his mom when he was 12 and never knew his father. He was never called on anything because Lois and Gloria would swoop in when they thought the others were being too hard on him. Lulu asked if Brook swooped in too, and Dante said, Brook was a softie with all the kids.

Alexis wished Molly and Kristina would understand why she did what she did, and Kristina said she wanted to move forward. They’d already lost so much, she couldn’t lose Alexis. Alexis was her mother and Kristina loved her, but what she did wasn’t okay. Alexis said she was just concerned, and Kristina wondered why Alexis didn’t ask her about it. Alexis said she’d made a mistake and was sorry, and Kristina said she understood and appreciated the apology. Molly suggested they have breakfast together in the morning for Scout’s sake.

Vaughn said Dalton was working on something he wasn’t disclosing at PCU, and Josslyn said, illegal animal testing. Jack came back and said, another reason he wanted Josslyn to get the assistant position was because he didn’t want Anna near Dalton. She couldn’t know anything, or she’d get in the way. Vaughn said Josslyn needed to focus on getting the job, and she asked what Jack wanted her to do when she got it.

Gio told Emma that he blamed himself for not calling 911. Dante refused to believe he didn’t give Rocco alcohol because that was the kind of person Dante thought he was.

Laura told Rocco that kids died from alcohol poisoning, and she expected there would be consequences. He said it couldn’t be worse than how he felt right now. He was never going to drink again. Laura said they all made promises like that after their first hangover (yep), but she’d settle for him waiting until he was 21. He said he’d still be grounded by then, his parents were so mad, and she said it was because they loved him. So did she. He said, even when he was an idiot? when Lulu walked in and said, even then. Dante followed her in, and Rocco said he was sorry he’d scared them.

Jack said they had reason to believe Dalton was working on a new technology with global implications, and Josslyn wondered if it was a biological weapon. Jack said she could let them know when she got in the lab. They might not be the only interested party, so look out for Dalton talking to or partnering with someone else. Josslyn wondered why they didn’t just arrest him, but Jack said they wanted him to finish his research. The WSB wanted his technology, not just his theories. Vaughn would still be on as her handler and was getting a job in the facilities department. Josslyn laughed and said he’d be a janitor, but Jack said his job was to help her. It was her op. Don’t screw it up. And if she saw Dalton talking to Anna again, he needed to know asap.

Molly said it would take Kristina time to forgive Alexis, and it would take her time too. She went upstairs and Alexis looked at the paperwork from Ric and Ava.

The bartender gave Cody Ava’s black card by mistake, and Cody said it wasn’t his. He’d never seen a card like that. The bartender said they didn’t get many around there. It had a very high limit. Cody watched as he returned it to Ava. Lois came in and Brook said that Cody told them Rocco would be fine. She asked why Lois was a mess and Lois said Dante had been tearing into Gio, blaming him, and accusing him of giving Rocco the booze. He’d said, if Cody hadn’t come by, Gio would have let Rocco die. Chase said Dante was overreacting, but he was Rocco’s father, and he couldn’t blame him. Lois said she could absolutely blame him. Gio took it to heart, defended Dante, and blamed himself. Brook said he’d get over it and wondered why it was upsetting Lois so much.

Emma said Dante was just wrong. Gio had helped her when he didn’t even like her. He’d never let anything bad happen to anyone. She thought Dante would apologize when he calmed down, but Gio said he thought Dante finally told him what he really thought of him. Now he knew Dante didn’t respect him at all.

Lulu walked Laura out to the hallway and wondered if this was payback for all her bad choices. Laura said Rocco would be fine, and Lulu said, but he was still grounded. Laura said, spoken like a true mother.

Rocco said he knew what he did was stupid and would be mad too if he was Dante. Dante said he was angry, but mostly glad Rocco was okay. He promised his love for Rocco would always be stronger than any anger he had. Rocco was his son, and he loved him. He’d never turn his back on him. Lulu watched through the window, then told her phone that she needed to find out where Lois was when Gio was born.

Thursday:

Nina sat at the MetroCourt bar, when Portia called and told her to look at the news. Drew was holding a press conference where he pretended to be an upstanding guy who was set up.

Jordan saw Curtis at the MetroCourt, and they talked about Drew. Curtis wasn’t sure how Drew was going to bounce back. Meanwhile, Drew said he’d stop at nothing to clear his name, along with his bestest pal Willow at his side. Nina sighed.

Lucas walked with Elizabeth down the hospital hallway, when they saw Brad wearing fancy new duds.

Sasha asked Danny to help her clean up the kitchen, and he asked if she was going to pretend that she didn’t know what he’d done to Rocco.

Making a house call, Isaiah was pleased with Sonny’s progress. He told Sonny to stay on his meds, avoid stress, and he’d be good as new in no time. Dante came by and immediately got annoyed with Jason, saying that Jason’s son almost got Rocco killed last night. He told Jason that Danny left Rocco at the PCU party and Rocco ended up in a situation that could have killed him. Jason didn’t supervise Danny enough and he blamed Jason more than Danny. Isaiah reminded Dante not to stress out Sonny. (Good luck with that. Dante is on an idiot roll.)

Sasha said she’d heard about what happened, and Danny said he could handle everyone being mad, but not the disappointment. Gio wound up getting involved and he felt like a jerk. Sasha said if he didn’t, he’d really be one. We had to hold ourselves accountable when we did something wrong, but we all made mistakes. If someone said they didn’t, they were lying or a psychopath. Making a mistake didn’t make you a bad person.

Brad said he was making some changes and, Lucas said his outfit made a statement. Brad said he was headed to HR because he was leaving town. He left and Lucas wondered, what the hell just happened?

Curtis joined Nina and she asked if he’d seen the press conference. Willow was right there supporting her man. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

Jordan, Tracy, Sidwell, and Marco sat at a nearby table, and Sidwell introduced Marco to Tracy. Tracy wondered how much Drew’s PR faceplant had hurt their collective effort to get rid of Sonny.

Isaiah left, and Sonny asked if Dante was going to be okay. Dante said he’d never been that scared in all his life.

Sasha told Danny, based on her mistake experience, when you made a mistake it wasn’t about the apology. An apology was a big part of taking accountability, but what mattered was what you did going forward. Danny said nothing like this would ever happen again, and she said it couldn’t. You had to own your mistakes, take accountability, do better, and be better. Unless you went for the other option; believe you dodged a bullet and pretend like nothing happened.

Brad went to see Portia, who told him to get lost. He handed in his resignation, saying there was nothing left for him there and he was starting fresh. She’d have to find someone else to do her dirty work.

Nina told Curtis that Willow was supposed to know better and have more self-respect. Not blindly follow a man who paraded a prostitute around town and ended the night doing body shots off her. Willow found them in bed together, but still insisted on believing Drew.

Sidwell acted like it was no big deal, and Jordan said the general public would shortly move on to the next scandal. She wanted to discuss the location of the esplanade, but Tracy wanted to discuss getting rid of Sonny. Marco said that wouldn’t happen until they got serious

Sonny wondered how Rocco and Danny were at a college party, and Dante said he canceled plans for the Woodchucks game on them. He should have been supervising them. Sonny said Dante couldn’t predict everything, and Dante said Danny was a great kid, but reckless at heart. Sam had to set boundaries to keep him safe, but Jason didn’t. It was on him, and he had to make sure Rocco didn’t hang out with Danny anymore. Their relationship wasn’t worth it if his son died. Gio was untrustworthy and making things worse.

Danny said he cared about Rocco and would never pretend like nothing happened. Sasha asked what would happen the next time something seemed fun, but also dangerous and stupid, and Danny said he’d have to think about it differently. Sasha said it was a challenge to make better choices, but that’s how you made amends. Jason listened in, and Sasha said she thought Danny would learn from this. She hoped Danny was around to teach her baby the things he’d learned.

Portia said if Brad quit, he was done and not to think about blackmailing her again. Brad said blackmail was no longer in his future, but something told him it was still in hers.

Willow found Elizabeth sitting in the waiting area, and said they missed her. Portia texted Willow wanting to see her and she left. Isaiah came out of the elevator and Elizabeth wondered where he’d been hiding.

Curtis told Nina that Drew released the test results and ketamine had been in his system. Nina said he wouldn’t be the first to indulge, but Curtis said he’d never seen Drew use drugs or drink in excess. Drew had a lot of enemies, and he wouldn’t be surprised if Drew had been set up.

Tracy said she was deadly serious, but Marco said he saw an uncoordinated social media effort that hadn’t broken through to voters. They needed to get better organized. Sonny was loved by the common man and a philanthropist. Tracy said he was a crime lord, but Marco said the race was closer than she thought. Drew joined them all pleased with himself.

Jason said he got Danny’s text and Sasha made herself scarce. Danny said he took Rocco to a PCU party, and it was all his fault Rocco almost died from alcohol poisoning.

Elizabeth said Isaiah had flaked on dinner three times, but he was forgiven. She and Lucky thought he was spending time with a mystery woman. He said, hypothetically, if he was seeing someone, they’d chosen their job over him, and she said, hypothetically, maybe he shouldn’t give up on them just yet.

Portia asked how Willow was doing, and Willow said it was all a big misunderstanding. Portia asked if the police found any other evidence, and Willow said Drew was set up and he was going to prove it.

Drew told Tracy that he was the victim of a crime and the woman he was with was a person of interest. Tracy said, apparently, the drink Drew had with her was the first of many. She didn’t know it was a prelude to a bender that would tank their efforts. Drew said he’d been targeted and the person behind it would be brought to justice.

Nina wondered what the meeting was all about, and Curtis said they had one thing in common. Nina said, to take down Sonny.

Dante told Sonny that Gio had been at the party and got Rocco back to the Quartermaines, leaving him in the boathouse with a bucket. If Cody hadn’t shown up, Rocco could have died. Danny was the one who wanted to go to the party, but Gio had made a bad decision. Sonny suggested Dante put himself back when he was Gio’s age. Maybe Gio thought Rocco just needed to sleep it off. Dante said Sonny sounded like Lois.

Portia wanted to speak to Willow as a friend. She could understand Willow’s loyalty to Drew, but thought it might shade how she perceived things. Willow said she was fine with her choices, and Portia asked her to look at everything with her eyes wide open.

Drew said nothing had changed, and Tracy laughed, saying he’d been publicly disgraced. Drew said he’d be exonerated and have the person he loved by his side. He left and Tracy said he had a lot of hubris, but Jordan said that might be exactly what they needed.

Willow expected Isaiah to tell her that she was crazy for sticking by Drew like everyone else had, and he said he thought she was stressed, not crazy. He’d seen the news, but had no opinion. Willow said Drew was innocent, and Isaiah said, good for her in trusting her own gut.

Jason said Rocco would be okay, and Danny was relieved. Danny said he’d gotten distracted and caught up in the party, and Jason said brothers looked out for each other. Danny said Rocco only went because of him, but if he’d known Rocco was drinking, he would have stopped him. Jason said allowing the situation to get out of control could never happen again, and Danny promised it wouldn’t. He had to take responsibility and make things right with his brother. Jason believed Danny could make good choices, but he was still responsible for Danny and took it seriously. They would check in with each other at 9 pm every night from now on. He believed in and trusted Danny, and knew he could do better.

Curtis told Nina that it had been a mistake putting the referendum on the ballot. Sidwell was trying to take over the piers and Tracy had hated Sonny for years. Nina said Drew hated Sonny and Jason, but despite everything she was still Team Sonny. She noticed Curtis left out Jordan and wondered where he stood with his ex and Sonny.

Jordan said the public loved a comeback story and it might be the key in taking down Sonny. Sidwell said, to be continued, as he and Jordan had another stop to make.

Dante told Sonny that Lois defended Gio non-stop. He knew Gio was a good kid, but needed to be held accountable. He should have called. Sonny said Dante was looking for somebody to blame. The kids had made mistakes because they were kids. Olivia said Dante screwed up all the time as a kid. With kids, you couldn’t protect them 100% of the time and had to accept that. Dante said his son almost died and he didn’t know what he’d do if he’d lost his son. He couldn’t take it.

Brad met with Drew and asked if Drew didn’t just want to take Portia down, and Drew said he was going to, but on his time. There would be plenty of destruction to go around.

Curtis said he believed Jordan chose the wrong side, and Nina wondered where it left Sonny. Curtis said he was going to give Drew the opposite of what he wanted, and Aurora would support Laura, endorse her as mayor, and encourage voters to oppose Measure C. They were backing Sonny by default in opposing Drew.

Drew went to Portia’s office and said she was supposed to keep him in the loop about anything that Curtis printed that would negatively affect him. She said Drew had generated the headlines and she didn’t have the power to tell Curtis what to print. Drew said maybe she thought he’d disappear, but he wasn’t done with her. She had to get Curtis to give him more favorable coverage. He still had evidence that would cost her medical license and her marriage. He wanted Curtis to endorse Ezra Boyle for mayor and voting yes on Measure C. Her husband was going to help him take down Sonny.

Willow told Isaiah she’d had her doubts about Drew, but went with him to have his blood tested. He had ketamine in his system, and she believed him that he’d been drugged. Now she needed a judge to believe it too. If Drew couldn’t exonerate himself and prove he was drugged, it would be bad for her divorce and custody fight. She could lose her kids.

Lucas said, whatever blackmail Brad had over Portia was over, and Elizabeth wondered if they should keep pursuing it. Lucas said a handsome stranger had sidelined him, and she said their main concern had been Portia being vulnerable to Brad. He said, whatever Brad had on her was leaving with him, and noticed Brad at the elevator. He went over and asked if Brad was really leaving. Brad said he figured it was time to move on since he had no reason to stay, and Lucas said a fresh start would be good for both of them. Brad said the whole world was open to whatever he wanted, and Lucas told him, good luck. Brad said, him too, and the elevator doors closed.

Jason told Danny that his Uncle AJ wasn’t much older when he started drinking heavily. It cost AJ, it cost Jason, and it cost his family so much. He didn’t want that for Danny and told him to be careful. He screwed up, but Rocco was okay. Danny should learn from it and don’t do it again. Danny said he wouldn’t, when Dante came in. (I heaved a huge Jason-like sigh.) Danny told Dante that he was sorry for everything, and Jason asked for minute with Dante. Danny left, and Jason said he understood Danny made a huge mistake, but it wouldn’t happen again. Dante said Rocco had nearly been killed, and Jason said he’d talked to Danny and Danny got it. Dante said, when Sam had caught him drinking in the park, she’d talked to him, but maybe talking wasn’t enough. Rocco almost died and Danny could be charged with accessory to manslaughter. (Maybe I’m wrong, but I think Rocco would have to be dead for that.)

Tracy asked where Marco’s dad was going, but Marco said he didn’t know. His dad let him know when there was something he should be aware of. She said she’d been resistant to doing business with Sidwell, and her reservation still stood. She asked Marco to give his father a message. If he helped her get rid of Sonny, all of Port Charles would be open to him, and she’d personally make sure he got the key.

Sonny’s guard told him that he had visitors, and Jordan and Sidwell came in. Jordan asked if they could have a moment of Sonny’s time, and Sidwell said he was quite certain they could make it worth Sonny’s while.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Outside Miller and Davis, Brook says she’s feeling really nervous. What about Chase? He says he’s nervous, but just accepting it, and she says she feels like she’s going to crawl out of her skin. Suzanne tells them that Alexis is ready to see them and asks if they need anything. Water or coffee? Brook asks if they have herbal tea, and Suzanne says she can run out and get some, but Brook says, never mind. Suzanne says, it’s fine. Who needs a lunch hour? She tells Alexis that Mr. and Mrs. Chase are here (I get confused for a moment, forgetting that Chase is actually Chase’s last name), and Alexis thanks her. Suzanne leaves, and Alexis says she was surprised to see them on her calendar. What can she do for them? Brook says, they want to adopt a child.

On the phone, Lulu said she’s looking for the history of L&B Records and their clients. They represented Miguel Morez… They’re kidding. Is there any chance he was touring on the dates she asked about?… She hears the door and says, sorry. She has to go. She’ll call back. She goes to the door and finds Danny, who asks if Rocco is here. He really needs to talk to him. Lulu says, he’s upstairs, but first they need get some things straight before he sees her son.

Jason asks if Dante is threatening to charge Danny with manslaughter, but Dante says, no. (And I’m still wondering how manslaughter can be charged when no one died, but okay.) He’s trying to get Jason to understand that what happened last night could have ruined Danny’s life, all because Jason wasn’t paying enough attention to him.

Willow goes into an exam room and says she needs to take Sasha’s vitals before Sasha sees the doctor. Sasha says, no offense, but she’d prefer another nurse, and Willow says she’s the mother of Michael’s children and Sasha is about to be the mother of Jason’s child. That makes them family. They can continue to hate each other or accept that they’re going to be in each other’s lives whether they like it or not.

Curtis finds Tracy at the MetroCourt and asks if she has a minute. She says, actually, she has two, starting now. Curtis sits down and says he couldn’t help but notice her meeting with Sidwell, Drew, and Jordan. She says, he was was wondering why she was working with someone she loathes, and he says he guesses they were talking about taking down Sonny, but why does she want to help take Laura down too?

Portia says, Curtis will never turn his back on Mayor Collins, but Drew says she’s got to find a way. He’s been incredibly patient so far, and so far his patience has gotten him very little. She says she’s done everything he’s asked her to do. She supported him when he announced his Pediatric Sports Initiative (🍷) campaign and Aurora gave him positive coverage, but there’s a limit. If Curtis is pushed too hard, he’ll get suspicious. He says, then she’ll have to step up her game. He doesn’t care how. He needs to find a way drive Sonny Corinthos out of Port Charles.

Sonny says, whatever Sidwell is selling, he’s not buying, but Sidwell says, actually, it’s the other way around. Sonny says he’s not selling the piers, but Jordan says she thinks he needs to hear them out.

Dante tells Jason that he’s tried to understand both sides. He gets why Sam was worried about him spending time with Danny. He wants to be Danny’s friend, and he gets that Jason did that when Sam was here. But they’ve all got to be aware… they should be aware – Lois walks in – that Danny’s got enough friends and doesn’t need Jason to be his friend. He needs Jason to be his father. Lois asks, what’s going on? and Jason says he guesses Dante is letting him know what he thinks of him as a father. Dante says, which isn’t much, and leaves.

Lulu says, Danny needs to tell her everything that happened last night at the party, and Danny says, going to the party was his idea. He convinced Rocco to go. He thought it would be fun. They got there and they met people. Lulu says, and they were both drinking? and Danny says, yeah. He was playing volleyball and lost track of Rocco. He didn’t realize how much Rocco had to drink. It was all his fault, not Rocco’s. He should have paid closer attention. He was really a bad brother, and it will never happen again. She says, they were incredibly lucky it turned out the way it did and wants Danny to remember that. Danny says he will, and she says, good. She calls for Rocco to come downstairs, and Rocco comes down carrying a bucket and rags. Danny says he’s so sorry for what happened at the party, and Lulu asks, how sorry? Rocco is cleaning the entire house and could really use some help.

Sasha asks if Willow is trying to use her child to smooth things over with her, but Willow says, not at all. She’d like to start over and bury the hatchet. Sasha says, because they’re family. For that to be true, Willow would have to act like Wiley and Amelia are Michael’s kids. Willow says she was always clear that Michael was their dad, and Sasha asks, when was the last time Michael laid eyes on his kids? Willow says, Kristina… but Sasha says, not Kristina – you. What is Willow doing to keep their dad in their lives while he’s recovering from nearly being burned to death? Willow says she flew to Germany for the kids’ sake, but Michael refused to see her.

Tracy says, Laura is a capable, smart woman and can take care of herself, and Curtis agrees, but he’s concerned about his friend. Ned comes to the table and says he’s meeting someone and he’s early, and Tracy says, by all means, join them. Ned says he’d love to, and sits down. She says she was telling Curtis why she’s chosen to support Drew on one issue and one issue only – Sonny Corinthos, and Ned says, here we go. Tracy says, Sonny has been a blight on this town and their family, as every Quartermaine can attest, and Ned says, yes, Sonny’s done terrible things to their family. No one would disagree, yet he’s not sure teaming up with another blight – Drew – is the answer. Curtis says, or Jenz Sidwell. They know little about him, and evidence suggests he did questionable things in Africa. If she opens the door to Sidwell, who knows what kind of things he’d do to their family.   

Sonny says he respects the former Commissioner enough to listen to her, but Jordan says he may not like her answers. Sidwell says, consideration is all they’re asking, and Sonny says he thought Jordan would keep better company. Jordan says she joined Sidwell’s company as COO and she’s excited about it. He’s a very efficient businessman with an amazing vision for Port Charles. Sonny says he’s not interested in Sidwell’s vision, and Sidwell says, even if what he’s planning is to Sonny’s advantage? Sonny says, Sidwell wants to make a deal? and Sidwell says, yes, to their mutual advantage. Sonny says, tell him exactly why he should want to help Sidwell.

Lois tells Jason that Dante is coming from a place of pain and not to let it get to him. Jason says, Dante told him that he was terrible father, and she says she knows, but she was with Dante when he got the call from Cody to come to the hospital. It was like watching a building fall on someone. Jason is a dad and knows what that kind of phone call would be like. Rocco will be fine, but Dante knows they could have lost him and he’s throwing blame everywhere. He attacked Gio, even though he knows Gio isn’t at fault. Jason says, attack seems to be Dante’s default position, and she says, it is now, but Dante knows he can’t go after Danny, so he’s coming after Jason. Jason says he can handle it. He’s just not sure Dante is wrong about him. Lois asks what he means, and he says he missed a lot of Danny’s childhood for all kinds of reasons, not all of them his fault. The bottom line is, he wasn’t there, and Dante was. She says, everyone knows he loves Danny, and he says, very much. But Danny was able to sneak out because he was off with Sonny. Dante was right. He let his son down.

Portia says, Drew doesn’t understand what he’s asking, but Drew says he actually does. He wants the best for Port Charles and thinks they both agree the city would be safer without Sonny Corinthos. Her own daughter was hurt because of Sonny’s violence. If there was no Sonny, there would have been no Cyrus (not sure how he figures that), and she and Trina wouldn’t have had to deal with that nightmare. He’s sure Trina still has scars from it. She says, he’s not using her daughter to manipulate her, but he says he’s telling her what she already knows. Once Curtis stops trying to tear him down, they can concentrate on what they both know is the right thing for Port Charles.

Lulu tells Rocco and Danny, don’t forget the gutters. The last owner never cleaned them, so they’re going be pretty special. She goes inside, and Rocco says, sorry Danny got stuck, but Danny says, it’s the least he can do. He’s really sorry about the party. Rocco says, it’s not his fault. Danny didn’t make him drink the punch or do shots. That’s all on him. Danny says he’s the one who got them both in trouble. They went to the party together, even though he knew Rocco felt weird. He should have made sure they stayed together. Rocco says, Danny came looking for him and helped him make it home. He can do better and from now on he will. Lulu comes out and says she has an appointment to get to. Can she trust the two of them to stay alone and not get into trouble? Rocco says, absolutely, and she says she expects the front and back porch to be so clean you can eat off of them, including the windows. The kitchen also needs cleaning. Can they handle that, or does she need to stick around and supervise? Rocco says she can trust them, and she says, because if they screw up, it’s back to square one with the trust thing. Understand? They both say, yes, and she says, good. She gives Rocco a kiss and leaves. Danny says, the back porch too?

Willow tells Sasha that everyone thinks she’s a terrible mom. Meanwhile, she flies all the way to Baden-Baden and Michael couldn’t be bothered to talk to her about a custody arrangement. But that doesn’t matter. She’s still the bad guy. Sasha says, Willow paid Michael back. She’s sure he saw Drew’s ridiculous press conference and saw her standing there holding hands with that sleaze after the photos of him doing body shots with some woman. What’s wrong with her? She should have more self-respect. Willow says, Drew was drugged, but Sasha says, only Willow believes that, and she believes it because she has to. Willow says, no one tells her what to believe, but Sasha says, people have, and Willow fell right in line when they did. Willow tore her life apart for Drew and if she had to admit she did the wrong thing for the wrong guy, she’d fall into a thousand pieces. She’s sorry, but Drew is the wrong guy. Willow says she tried to salvage their relationship for the kids, but obviously it was a mistake. She’ll send in another nurse. She leaves.

Sidwell says, their meeting was supposed to be about building the esplanade, but thanks to Ezra Boyle and Drew Cain, it became a referendum on Sonny. Sonny says, so he heard. He’s trying not to get his feelings hurt. Sidwell says, a fight would be time consuming and costly and Sonny could still lose the property to eminent domain. Jordan says, and it will still cause more negative publicity to fall on Mayor Collins. Considering how close she and Sonny are, is that something he wants to do? Sonny asks, so what are they proposing? and Sidwell says, Sonny can circumvent the democratic process and make a fortune while he’s at it. Sell the piers to him.

Curtis says, Tracy doesn’t have to take his word for it, but he doesn’t trust Sidwell. And he feels Ezra Boyle would be a terrible thing for Port Charles. Sonny is a known entity and what you see is what you get. Tracy agrees Boyle is a bottom feeder and would be terrible for Port Charles, and Ned says, in his own way, Sonny is – Tracy says, a criminalcivic minded. Curtis says he has his own issues with Sonny as well, but they need to think long and hard about joining forces with Sidwell. He has to go. It was nice seeing them both. He leaves, and Tracy says, good God. If one more person tells her that Sonny Corinthos is good for Port Charles, she’s going to lose her mind. Don’t start. Ned says he wouldn’t dream of defending Sonny. Besides, there are so many better things to talk about, like Brook and Chase having a meeting with Alexis today. They’re discussing adopting a child. Tracy says, Alexis? Isn’t that a little claustrophobic? Ned says, who better to help his daughter? and she says, to each his own. So how does he feel about becoming a grandfather? He says he’s still wrapping his brain around it. How did she feel about becoming a grandmother? She says she was sure she’d hate it and she really does.  

Brook says they wanted to talk to a lawyer. They need an expert to go through the options and make sure nothing goes wrong from a legal perspective. Alexis says, to be honest, adoption is quite complicated. There are a lot of factors involved. Brook says, before they get their hopes up, can they discuss the things that would disqualify people from becoming adoptive parents? Alexis says, like what? and Brook says, like if she had a baby in the past and gave it up.

Brook tells Alexis that she gave her baby up for adoption. The adoption was sealed and she never made an effort to find her child, who’s a legal adult by now and who never made an effort to find her either. Alexis asks if she’s worried that her previous pregnancy could be held against her, and Brook says she’s terrified it will disqualify them. Alexis says, it’s no secret that she, too, was pregnant as a teenager and gave up her daughter Sam for adoption. Everyone’s circumstances are special to them, but she wants Brook to know she’s pretty sure she knows how Brook feels. She’s also happy to tell them that agencies typically focus on the adoptive parents’ current situation, not the past. Chase says, great. They want to start a family and they’re ready to be parents. If he’s half the dad his dad was, he’ll be happy. Alexis says, Gregory would be happy to hear him say that, and Brook says she feels the same way. Her childhood was untraditional, but filled with the kind of love she wants to give their child.

Ned asks what Tracy means, she hates being a grandmother. She loves it. She’s finally the undisputed boss. Tracy says she’s always been the boss. She just worked behind the scenes. Now she’s out in front, trying to protect the family and her efforts are completely unappreciated. Ned asks what she’s talking about, and she says she heard him railing around about her helping to oust Sonny. He says he’s on her side, but she says, if that was true, he’d stand up to Lois, Brook, and Olivia when they gather to worship at the altar of Sonny Corinthos. He says he learned a long time ago, when it comes to Sonny, he and Lois agree to disagree. And with Olivia, he knew he’d get himself involved in a parental relationship, but no one has asked him to ignore the fact that Sonny is a mobster. Tracy says she’s asking him, her beloved firstborn, to help her campaign. Yes on Measure C and no on Sonny Corinthos. He says, she’s already bankrolling it. Why does she need his help? She says, money’s not the only thing that talks. Sonny has the current mayor on his side, and she has him. A former mayor’s endorsement means something to people. He says, her phone is on vibrate, and she says, it’s Lucy Coe. Lucy’s sole motivation in life is annoying her. She has to take it, but he has a decision to make – mom or the mob. She leaves.

Lois says, if Jason is talking about spending more time with his son, she’s all for it, but if he’s doing it because of what Dante said, don’t. Dante is too close to the situation to put what happened in perspective. Jason says he understands how Dante feels, and she says, they all do. What happened was serious and they all need to put the fear of God into Danny and Rocco and make sure it never happens again. Jason agrees and says, they’re way too young to be drinking. Lois says, Rocco also looks up to Danny and Danny needs to realize he can’t lead Rocco around by the nose. Jason says he didn’t know that was happening. He guesses he should have. She says, he gives Danny a lot of latitude. Danny knows he can count on Jason. He’s really a great dad. Jason thanks her for saying that, but Danny needs him, and in order for that to happen, he has to make changes.  

Rocco says, even after all this, his parents are going to be watching every move they make, when Dante comes in. He says he sees Lulu put them to work and asks where she is. Rocco says, she had an appointment and said if they weren’t done with the cleaning when she got back, it would be bad. Dante asks if they need help, and Rocco says, really? Dante says, they missed a spot. Does that help? Rocco says they need more soap, and Danny leaves to get it. Rocco tells Dante that he knows he shouldn’t be asking for any favors, but please don’t unload on Danny when he comes back. It will make Rocco feel even guiltier because Dante is blaming everyone but him. He’s not a kid. No one poured the alcohol down his throat. He did it himself. Danny comes back, and Dante says, both of them know they messed up. He knows they’re kids and that’s what kids do. That’s what he did, but when he was a kid, he was an only child. When he messed up, it was only him. They’re brothers, so when they do stupid stuff, brothers suffer the consequences with their brothers. Remember going forward that whatever happens, good or bad, they’ll always have each other. (Aww! I’m glad Dante is done with his tirade now.)

Portia says, there’s no way she can convince Curtis to do what Drew wants. He’s not going to change his position on the mayor, Measure C, or Drew. Drew tells her not to sell herself short. He’s seen what a skillful operator she can be, and they had a deal. He would not expose her if she helped him, but she’s just been stringing him along. She says, that’s not true, and he says, she made nice with the documentary team and stood next to him up there, but she’s done nothing substantial. Don’t think he hasn’t noticed. She says she’s doing the best she can, but he says she’s barely scratched the surface of what she can do. He believes in her. He leaves.

Sidwell says he’s willing to pay a premium price for the docks, significant enough to get even Sonny’s attention, and Sonny says, what about Measure C? Sidwell could buy them only to lose them to eminent domain. He won’t be able to recoup his losses unless he uses his new COO and her city hall connections to make sure he holds onto the piers. Jordan says, the mayor put Measure C on the ballot for a reason. She wants the people to decide on the future of the waterfront. The only person who can remove it from the ballot is Mayor Collins herself and she’s not going to do that. Sonny clutches and Sidwell asks if he’s all right. Sonny says he’s just bored. When he gets bored, he gets agita. Let’s wrap this up. Sidwell says he’s a gambling man. He always has been and he’s willing to bet once the piers aren’t owned by Sonny, the referendum will be purely about the esplanade and not what some people term Sonny’s unsavory business ventures. The good people of Port Charles will agree and vote to keep the esplanade built at the original location. Sonny says, it’s a risky bet, and Sidwell agrees it’s risky, but the risk is all his. For Sonny, it’s a win-win. He’ll get paid substantially more than market value for the piers and escape the whole political mess. Jordan says, and his name will no longer be associated with Mayor Collins.  

Sasha finds Jason and says she’s glad he’s here. They need to talk. He asks if everything is okay with the baby, and she says, everything is good. The doctor said the baby’s heart is good and there’s movement. Although she didn’t need the doctor to tell her that. This little thing is doing backflips. That’s not what they need to talk about. It’s Michael. Does Jason know Willow went to visit him in Germany? Jason says he told her to go. He thought they should have a face-to-face conversation about the custody situation. Sasha says, it didn’t happen, and he says he’s not surprised Willow backed out, but she says, Willow went. She flew all the way to Germany, but Michael refused to see her.  

Ned meets Lulu at the MetroCourt and says he’s curious as to why Lulu wanted to see him. Lulu says she’s reaching out on her mom’s behalf. She doesn’t know Lulu is doing it. Drew and Boyle’s campaign is gaining ground thanks to his mother. Because of her involvement, Lulu’s mom is going to lose her chances for reelection and her mom is a damn good mayor. Losing her would be a tragedy. He says, Boyle is a bum, and he thinks her mom is doing a terrific job, and she says, as a former mayor who still has influence with the voters, would he consider endorsing her mother? He says, of course (🍷). He plans on voting a split ticket – yes for her mother and no for Sonny. She thanks him and says she appreciates it. Anything she can do for him, ask. He says, actually, there is one thing. Could she break the news to his mother?

Willow sees Curtis at the hospital and says she wants to thank him. When that horrible story was published in The Herald, it was picked up by The Invader and spread on social media, but not by Aurora. He says, Aurora did cover it, and she says, they covered the facts. They didn’t publish those awful photos and that disgusting video. He says, they’re not a tabloid, and she says, they were completely fair to Drew. She can’t tell him how much that means. He says, objectivity is good for business, and they don’t want to seem bias, and she says, that’s what journalism is supposed to be. Drew was drugged. Are they going to publish an article about that? Curtis says they’re going to print a statement, but not take a position, and she asks what he means. He says, ketamine is a party drug. Whatever anyone thinks privately, they only have Drew’s word that he didn’t take it voluntarily. She says, Drew would never take ketamine on purpose, and he says he’s aware of her position on the matter and will keep it in mind, but Aurora will report unbiased and objectively. He asks her to excuse him and leaves.

Lois goes to Lulu’s house and says, the boys did an amazing job. Rocco says he knows she drove his dad to the hospital and thanks her for being there. Danny says they’re sorry for what happened, and she says she’s sure they are. Just don’t scare them like that again. They love them both too much. Rocco says he’d do anything to take back what happened, but since he can’t, he wants to make up for it. Danny says him too. Is there any more cleaning that needs to be done? Dante says, they’ve done enough. Take a break. Go, before he changes his mind. They leave, and Dante says, listen… He was out of line. Lois tells him that she shouldn’t have said anything.

Lulu says she guesses she could tell Tracy, but Ned says, as much as he’d love to farm out that particular conversation, he has to do it himself. She says, good, and he says, nothing is better at creating family friction than a political discussion. She says, when he was mayor, she bets he wished he was still on the road with The Idle Rich, and he says, all the time. Those were the days. She says she bets and asks when he stopped touring. He says, years ago, and she asks if Lois continued to manage him. He says, she did, but Miguel Morez was her main focus. He was the big money maker. She says, he was huge back then, and he says, Lois was on the road with him all the time. She saw the world with Miguel. Lulu says, it sounds amazing, but how did Brook handle being away from her mom so much? He says, obviously, Brook missed her, but he thinks she loved staying with Carmine and Gloria. When Brook got older, Lois took her out of high school to go on tour with her.

Alexis says, most prospective parents work with an agency or possibly a private adoption. An adoption can be opened or closed. These days, birth parents have a choice. Brook says she didn’t know that, and Alexis says, things have evolved. Some parents want no contact after they’ve given up a baby for adoption and some want to leave the door open for a possible relationship in the future. Either way, both are protected by a legal adoption and the adoptive parents always have full custody. Brook says they’d prefer a closed adoption. They’re definitely planning on telling their child later, but feel a relationship with the birth parents could be confusing. Alexis says she thinks it’s a good idea to set boundaries before they start, and Brook asks how soon they’ll be able to adopt. Alexis says, it’s hard to say. She knows some good private adoption attorneys and will reach out to them and see if they have any pregnant clients who want to give their child up for adoption. But she warns them, the process takes a while. It’s unpredictable and they’ll feel like they’re not in much control over anything. Prepare to be patient and know the process takes a long time.

Drew finds Willow at the hospital and she says she didn’t expect to see him here. He asks if she’ll get into trouble since she’s on the clock, but she says she wouldn’t care if she did. She’s glad to see him. It’s been a tough day. He says he’s sorry to hear that and they hug. Something in his coat pocket pokes her and she says, ow!

Curtis tells Portia, despite everything, Willow is still standing by Drew. It’s crazy. One of his editors is doing a write-up on ketamine and its popularity as a recreational party drug, noting Drew did nothing to prove he didn’t take it himself. Another black mark on the man’s character. Portia says, what if Drew is telling the truth? So far, Aurora hasn’t commented on the scandal. Maybe it should stay that way. Curtis says, it almost sounds like she wants him to back off Drew.

Drew hands Willow a vial and says, open it. She says, what is it? and he says his doctor gave it to him. It’s a vitamin infusion to help get his immune system back on track. That’s why he came to the hospital.

Dante tells Lois that he was scared about Rocco, got angry, and lashed out. He’s sorry. Lois says she never should have stuck her nose where it didn’t belong. She said a couple of things she shouldn’t have. He’s a great father to Rocco. He thanks her and says he knows Gio did what he felt was right given the information he had at the time. Lois says, Gio would never hurt anyone on purpose. He would have taken Rocco to the hospital if he’d known that’s what he was supposed to do. That’s the kind of good kid he is. Dante says, he’s never going to lack defenders with her and Gloria around.

Lulu says, going on tour must have been exciting, and Ned says, Brook loved it. Lois went on a huge international tour and Brook tagged along on the North American leg. She says, Brook must have been gone a long time, and he says, she missed five months of her senior year. His phone rings, and he steps away to take it. Tracy approaches the table and asks what Lulu is up to.  

Suzanne comes back with the herbal tea, but Brook and Chase are gone. She tells Alexis, Mr. Sidwell is outside. He doesn’t have an appointment. Alexis says, he never does. Send him in. Sidwell comes in and Alexis says she told him that she didn’t want the dagger, but he says, it’s hers. Dispose of it as she sees fit. He’s here because he needs her to draw up a contract. He’s about to make a very large real estate purchase.

Jason walks into Sonny’s and says, Paul told him that Sidwell was here with Jordan Ashford. Sonny says, Sidwell wants to buy the piers. He’s going to deal with all the riffraff. Jason says, Sonny’s not going to do it, is he? but Sonny says, maybe he is.

On Monday, Emma says, something is really wrong here; Curtis asks why Portia is defending Drew, and she says, because she has to; Jordan thinks Laura is in big trouble; and Sonny says, for their family’s sake, he’s not passing it up.

All the Soap News Fit To Print…

I loved that scene too.

https://people.com/stephen-a-smith-reacts-to-going-viral-for-general-hospital-scene-exclusive-11731374

First Monica, now Lesley. Are we going to pretend she’s not dead too?

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

Admittedly, I paid zero attention to this show this week.

The Valley

Jax rage texted everyone from rehab, begging the question, why do they allow phones? The Valleyites are another group who give offside commentary when two friends or a couple are trying to discuss something privately, like they do on Summer House. I get a debrief afterward, but sideline analysis is just weird. And intrusive. Kristen organized a healing/gratitude ceremony (ha-ha-ha!), and Brittany suggested passing a joint would be more productive. I concurred. When they went around the circle describing a beautiful moment in their lives, Jesse said he’d pass as he sniffled. Dude is such a drama queen.

Summer House

Since I never totally pay attention, I never noticed this one headboard made out of a huge piece of driftwood. All the others are the standard quilted thing, and this is like a piece of art. Since I’m sure something like that costs a fortune, I’m thinking about a DIY, but it will probably never get past the thought stage. Jesse and Lexi were back together again, and Ciara was over the both of them. Bye, boy, and Felicia. Kyle wondered who ate muffins, then marveled at his eating a whole one, but I asked, who eats less than a whole muffin?

Random Reality Items

Housewives updates – the vague, the doubtful, and the new.

The next season in the south, sans JT.

Now here’s something I can get behind. I’ve missed the Shahs and their mountains of wonderful Persian-ness.

👀 Weekend Watch…

Another Simple Favor. Amazon Prime. Silly, fun, and enjoyable, if not a little complex. The characters of Emily and Stephanie return for mayhem in Capri, along with the usual filling in the blanks with flashbacks necessary for a sequel. While I thought it was a fun sort of female buddy movie with more twists and turns than a ride at Disneyworld, I have to agree it doesn’t compare with A Simple Favor. The original was a smartly comical whodunit, while this was plain outlandish, throwing everything against the wall to see if it sticks. I didn’t hate that, and magnificent fashion never makes me mad. While it perhaps went too far at times, if another favor is needed, I’ll watch that one too.

https://screenanarchy.com/2025/05/another-simple-favor-review.html

That hat was crazy big.

https://people.com/about-blake-lively-sunhat-another-simple-favor-11725260

Don’t Blink aka Last Stop (2014). Amazon Prime. A group of friends vacationing at a lodge arrives to find nobody home and it looks like they left in a hurry. Not having enough gas to get back to town, the group has to stay, and one by one begin disappearing. It’s got a good cast and wasn’t awful, but I wasn’t thrilled with the ending. It also felt reminiscent of a TV movie, albeit a high quality one. A better choice in a similar vein would be the unfortunately named Reeker, one of my favorites.

Peninsula. Netflix. Set four years after Train to Busan, this is a sort of sequel, but not really. Even though it’s during the same zombie apocalypse, it’s a standalone story with different characters. This time, a soldier has taken the job of helping to get a truck of money (why money would be important in this world is beyond me) behind enemy lines. Once again, the point is, the enemy is us. While there’s nothing new about that, the zombie action scenes kicked ass and I wasn’t sorry I watched it.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/train-to-busan-presents-peninsula-2020

Dead City. AMC/AMC+. Don’t watch this back to back with The Last of Us or you will get confused.

https://collider.com/the-walking-dead-dead-city-season-2-premiere-recap/

Does anyone really go by these scores anyway?

https://www.cbr.com/the-walking-dead-dead-city-score-rotten-tomatoes-season-2/

🎩 Tailored to Perfection…

Fashion at the Met Gala.

https://ew.com/met-gala-2025-red-carpet-photos-11727880

https://ew.com/met-gala-best-and-worst-theme-looks-11727174

https://extratv.com/photos/image_jpg_20250506_19cf109c1f044b86a204e8eddaca8b61/

🐩 The Better Gala…

Recreating the look.

https://nypost.com/2025/05/03/us-news/nyc-dogs-are-recreating-celebs-met-gala-looks-at-this-years-pet-gala/

https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/pet-gala-nyc-2025

Puppy on the red carpet.

It’s not a party without Pilaf.

https://pagesix.com/2025/05/07/style/demi-moores-dog-pilaf-wears-adorable-matching-met-gala-2025-look/

🐄 Quotes of the Week

I’m convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they’re stones that don’t matter. As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good. – Maya Angelou

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. – Arthur Ashe

I believe that one of life’s greatest risks is never daring to risk.Oprah Winfrey

Decisions are made by those who show up. – President Jed Bartlett

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. – John F. Kennedy

He looks big in his little shorts. – Paige Desorbo referring to Kyle Cooke, Summer House

🪟 The Music Of Open Windows…

Until next time, stay safe; stay not disturbing springtime wildlife nests; and stay cleaning your gutters before they become special.

And a Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, mother figures, and pet moms!

May 2, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Brook Tells Tracy Everything, A Soap Bubble, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watch, Pending Awards, New Dead, Outside the Usual, An Eight-Spot of Quotes & Month

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Alexis asked where Kristina got the papers, and Molly said she got her files mixed up with Diane’s and went to Kristina with it. Alexis wanted to explain, but Kristina said obviously Alexis thought she was crazy and needed to be committed.

Anna found Felicia at the hospital and asked why she wasn’t dressed to go out. Felicia said there had been a slight change in plans.

At the Savoy, Curtis saw Trina with Kai, and said it was a big night. Trina said Kai’s surgery was coming up tomorrow, and Kai said he wanted to celebrate. He asked to speak to Curtis, and Trina stepped away. Kai said he owed Curtis an apology.

As Josslyn walked down the street, someone grabbed her from behind. Vaughn asked if she was already rusty.

On the phone, Carly said she was happy too… No complications… The doctor says he’ll make a full recovery… Sonny is going to be fine.

The shady nurse got a syringe ready to plunge into Sonny, when Sonny opened his eyes. They looked at each other and she smiled. Sonny went back to sleep, and as she was about to inject his IV, Brick walked in. He said he was sorry to interrupt, but he needed to see some ID.

At Bobbie’s, Sonny sat at the counter and asked for a menu. Mike turned around and said it was good to see him. He missed Sonny. They hugged and Sonny said he couldn’t believe it had been five years, and Mike said, time flies when you’re having fun. Sonny asked if this meant he didn’t make it through surgery and… Mike said, he’s dead? No. The surgery was a complete success. Sonny asked how he was there, and Mike said Sonny had been sedated pretty good, and he’d seen an opportunity to visit… if that was okay. Sonny said he could visit any time, and Mike said he tried to show up when he was needed. Sonny said there was something he wanted to talk about. Mike was right about all of it.

Alexis said the last thing she wanted was to commit Kristina, but Kristina said the papers suggested otherwise. Alexis said she didn’t sign or file them. She’d changed her mind and realized she couldn’t do it. Molly asked, then why draw up the papers? and Alexis said she appreciated Molly’s support for her sister, but needed to speak to Kristina alone. Kristina and Molly said, no, in unison, and Molly said Kristina wanted her there. She wasn’t going to abandon her. Kristina said Alexis had prayed for them to stick together and anything Alexis had to say, she could say in front of Molly too.

Josslyn said she thought this was a meeting, not an al fresco training drill, and Vaughn said he had to keep her on her toes. She asked, what if the cops had seen him? and he suggested he was an overly affectionate boyfriend. Josslyn said, in his dreams, and he asked what her problem was. She said she’d spent the entire night catching up in Dalton’s class. He asked if she’d made any progress on getting the research assistant position, and she said she was doing everything she could, but the competition was stiff.

Trina said she was glad Emma had come out to join them, and Emma asked how she and Kai were doing. Trina said, for the most part, things were great. Did Emma know Kai was having surgery? Emma said it was an experimental thing that would give him the potential to play football again, and Trina said, or it could go very wrong.

Kai said he’d asked for Curtis’s advice, then did the opposite. He valued Curtis’s opinion and hoped he wasn’t offended. Curtis said Kai had been under no obligation to take his advice and he admired Kai thinking for himself and pursuing his dreams. He wished Kai nothing but the best and prayed it all worked out.

Tracy asked if Gio was registered to vote in Port Charles, and Gio said he was registered in Bensonhurst. She said he needed to rectify that so he could vote for Laura Collins for mayor. And while he was at it, vote yes on the Measure C proposal to put the McConkey esplanade on Piers 55 and 56. He said those were his Uncle Sonny’s piers, and she said she knew they were on opposite sides in regard to his benefactor. She gave him a tablet and told him to read the website. He’d think twice about supporting Sonny.

Brick said, ID now, and shady nurse said, of course (🍷). Instead, she pulled out a gun, but Brick was faster and shot her with silencer. She slumped across the bed and Brick got on the phone. He said, yeah… Got a body here you guys might be interested in.

Anna hoped Felicia wasn’t backing out on having drinks with Jordan. She’d been looking forward to it. Felicia said, so had she. She was just going to be late. She was waiting on authorization from a patient’s insurance company. They couldn’t move forward until it was resolved. The minute it was, she’d put her party clothes on and come to the Savoy. Plus, the Nurses Ball was soon, and they were going to rock the red carpet in all their glory. She told Anna to go ahead, but Anna said if Felicia didn’t get the authorization in the next 15 minutes, she’d go.

Jordan got a text from Anna saying: Felicia and I are running late.

Emma said she got that Trina was worried, but it sounded like Kai’s mind was made up. Trina said, 100%, and Emma said she had to stay positive for him. He was lucky to have her by his side. Trina was great at her protest. Trina said, that reminded her. She’d run into ADA Turner, who had a bunch of questions about why Emma was expelled. Emma asked what Trina told her, and Trina said, nothing. She didn’t know anything, but thought Emma should know. Emma asked if Trina had any idea why the ADA was interested, and Trina said she got the feeling it was less about Emma and more about grandmother. Professor Dalton came by and said he hoped he wasn’t interrupting. He wanted to say hello. (Is he a creeper too?)

Curtis asked what brought Jordan to The Savoy, and she said she was meeting Felicia and Anna for drinks, and they were running late. Curtis asked if he could keep her company, and she said that would be great. She needed to give him a heads up. There was a new development where she and Drew were concerned, and she wanted him to hear it from her.

Brad brought a humongous folder to Portia’s office and said it was Drew’s entire medical history since he’d arrived in Port Charles, including the Jake Doe files. He didn’t know what she was looking for, but there was nothing scandalous. She said she was sure it would still come in handy still have another assignment for him.

Carly walked into Sonny’s room and said, oh my God. Brick told her to keep her voice down. Sonny was fine. She said she wasn’t fine. What the hell happened? Brick said they’d had a little situation.

Felicia said Anna and Emma seemed to get along better, and Anna said they’d had some nice heart to hearts lately. She practically had to force the details out of Emma, but she gained insight on her granddaughter and her sudden transfer to PCU. Bottom line, Emma had been involved in something reckless that could have resulted in a horrible outcome. She’d said it was in the name of protecting animal rights, but she didn’t think Emma looked before she leapt and got in over her head. She blamed Robert. Felicia said she wouldn’t argue with that, especially since he wasn’t there. Anna said she’d realized Emma was still the granddaughter she knew and loved, and Felicia asked if she was willing to cut Emma some slack. Anna said she was still going to keep a close eye on her.  

Emma introduced Dalton to Trina, and he asked for a word with Emma. She said, of course (🍷), and they went over to the bar. Dalton asked how her extra credit was going, and she said she’d been working on it for weeks and was almost done. He said it was needed to be considered to the research assistant position, and she said she hoped he’d be impressed. He said he did too.

Vaughn said the whole mission hinged on her securing a spot close enough to Dalton to gain his trust, and Josslyn said she was trying. Besides having to catch up in the class, there were three other applicants already. He asked if she was saying she couldn’t do it, and she said she couldn’t just snap her fingers and become Dalton’s assistant. He told her to do something to make herself stand out, so when the time came for him to choose, she’d be the first and only student Dalton considered.

Gio said the website was a total hit piece and painted his Uncle Sonny as a ruthless criminal mastermind, but Tracy said she thought Ezra Boyle’s PR firm nailed it. She was working with a committee whose common goal was to devest Sonny of his waterfront property. Gio asked, why? and she said, without it, Sonny couldn’t do business, and she wasn’t talking about his coffee business.

Sonny told Mike that he should have gotten out a long time ago. They used to fight about it and he should have listened. Mike said, why? He hung Sonny out to dry for years, then swooped in and told him how to live his life. That’s the reason he was living that life. Sonny said, nobody told him what to do, but Mike said he’d put Sonny on the path to begin with. Sonny said he should have listened, but he was stubborn, and Mike said, he was young. Sonny said, Mike was right, and he should admit he was wrong, and Mike asked, why the change of heart? Sonny said he’d been thinking about getting out for a while, and Mike asked, what drove it home? Sonny said, what happened to Michael, and Mike said he was sorry about that. He wished he could help. Sonny said it wasn’t Mike’s job, and it was his fault, and Mike said he knew Sonny wanted to beat himself up. Sonny said, someone came after him and Michael paid the price. It wasn’t the first time someone he loved was caught in the crossfire, and it was the second time for Michael. It was going to be the last. This had to be the last time.

Carly asked how Brick knew something was going on. He was headed for Dubai. Brick said he was leaving and saw a drop of blood in front of the supply closet. He looked inside and found a woman in her underwear. She was breathing and he called a nurse, then went to Sonny’s room and found the woman. Carly said, she would have killed Sonny if Brick hadn’t shown up. He saved Sonny’s life. They hugged.

Molly asked, why commitment? and Alexis said none of them could deny how difficult this year had been. Molly said, but why now? and Kristina said she’d been doing better. Alexis said she noticed Kristina’s progress when they had girls’ night and changed her mind, and Kristina said Alexis did it without talking to her. It was like something out of a horror film. Now, when she was finally stable and grounded, Alexis went behind her back. Alexis said Kristina left her no choice.

Gio asked why Tracy was going after Sonny, and she said she’d lived in Port Charles longer than he had and seen the violence and crime Sonny brought to the city and her family. He said, Sonny did good things for other people and had been nothing but great to him. She said she hoped that was always the case. Sonny was a dangerous man, and if you were in his life, you were exposed to danger. She didn’t want that for him. He asked what she thought would happen, and she said she didn’t know, but she knew Sonny took advantage of the people who trusted him. If you were pulled into Sonny’s world, you either ended up in prison or in the ground. It would devastate her if that happened to him.

Felicia looked at her tablet and told Anna the insurance wanted more forms. Anna should definitely go, and she’d do her best to catch up. Have a cocktail for her. Anna said Felicia could count on it and left.

Emma told Dalton that she’d been fascinated by today’s lecture, when she received a text from Gio: Need you at the Qs. ASAP. She told Dalton that she had to run and left.

Vaughn said Dalton was going to be at The Savoy, and Josslyn asked what he wanted to know. He said, who Dalton talks to and what are his interests besides physics. Just be smooth. The last thing they needed was for anyone to figure out what she’s up to. She said smooth was her middle name, and left.

Portia said Brad needed to get her some ketamine, and he said he didn’t know that’s how she rolled. She said it wasn’t for her, and he asked if it was for Congressman Cutthroat. Portia said, please, just do what she asked, and he said he could get fired. She said, don’t get caught. If he didn’t do what she asked, he’d get fired. Brad said their new arrangement sucked, and she told him, better pucker up then. She opened the door, and he left.

Jordan said, to be an effective COO, she had to bury the hatchet with Drew, and Curtis asked if they were friends again. She said, yes, and she’d likely be helping to further Drew’s agenda, to which he and Curtis were on opposite sides.

Kai said Curtis was nice about him not taking his advice. He was lucky to have Curtis in his corner, and luckier to have Trina. He knew she wasn’t all in about him having surgery. Trina said she was all in for him achieving his dreams, and he said the surgery was going to work. Even if it didn’t, he’d know he did everything he could to get back on the field.

Molly said, Alexis was blaming Kristina? and Alexis said Kristina wasn’t doing as well as Molly thought. Kristina said she was standing right there. What did Alexis mean? Alexis said Kristina had a difficult year. She’d lost the baby, post-partum, Sam, then Michael. Anyone could crack under the strain. Molly said, Kristina hadn’t and was still standing, and Alexis said she sensed Kristina was covering. She was saying the right things, but not feeling them. She thought if Kristina had to work that hard at putting on a façade, she could break. That’s what happened when she tried to cover up her alcoholism. Kristina said Alexis never asked her if she needed help, and Alexis said she knew Kristina would refuse and push her away. Molly said, this is better? and Alexis said Kristina would be in a place where she could be honest and up front about her feelings. She was trying to protect Kristina. Kristina said because she was a danger to herself and society, and walked out.

Sonny told Mike that he couldn’t find a way out and keep his family safe, and Mike asked, what were the options? Sonny said, if he disappeared, it would be like Nixon Falls and his family would be in even more danger. Mike asked if Jason could take over, but Sonny said, Jason was out too. Mike said he was sorry. He wished he had the answer, but have faith. He knew Sonny would find a way. Sonny said, if he stepped back, he’d be thought of as vulnerable. If he showed more strength and went in deeper, he’d need to find a solution, or his family would never know what it was like to live in true peace. Mike put his hands on Sonny’s shoulders.

At The Savoy, Anna sat next to Dalton at the bar. N’neka brought him a continental sour, and Anna said it used to be her favorite. Dalton ordered another one for his friend, and she asked if that’s what they were. He said, here’s hoping.

Brad put a vial of ketamine on Portia’s desk and asked if there were any other crimes she wanted him to commit. She said he wouldn’t be in this position if he hadn’t blackmailed her to begin with. Lose the attitude. He left and Portia called Nina. She said she’d gotten what they needed… Of course (🍷) she had reservations, but Drew left them no choice.

Curtis said he understood Jordan’s delicate position and admired her taking down Sidwell. She said if Drew and Sidwell did anything that would negatively impact him, she’d try to let him know, but he told her not to jeopardize herself. His main concern was that she stayed safe.

Jack said he’d heard about the attempt on Sonny’s life, and Carly asked if Brick called Jack for back-up. Brick said he called the WSB, and Jack said he was already in the LA office for a west coast meeting. The Bureau would take it from here. Brick asked if Carly was good, and she said, because of him, and hugged him. He said he’d do anything for Sonny and her, and left. She asked Jack if no one knew anything had happened and he said that was precisely why he was here. She hugged him and said she was relieved and grateful, and he said he felt the same way Brick did – anything for her.

Mike said he let Sonny save himself his whole life, but even when Sonny was furious with him, he saved him. When Sonny was Donna and Avery’s age, he dropped out of Sonny’s life. He surrendered to the choices he made, but Sonny not only lived his, he triumphed over them. He knew in his heart that Sonny would find a way to protect his family… their family.

Kristina went to Adela/Irene’s grave and said she missed Adela every day. Mama messed up this time. Something really bad. She tried to kill Ava, and doing so, she hurt Ric and Elizabeth, the kindest soul ever… Molly would never forgive her if she found out. They were finally in a good place and like sisters again. She didn’t want to lose that, but their mom had misinterpreted her guilt and thought she’d lost it. She didn’t know. Maybe she had.

Alexis said she thought she was helping Kristina, but Molly said she wasn’t. Kristina had been her rock since her dad’s accident and didn’t act like she was falling apart. Alexis was doing what she’d done Kristina’s entire life. In order to protect Kristina, Alexis undercut her and it didn’t help. It did the opposite. Alexis said she’d made a mistake and hadn’t filed the papers, but Molly said the only thing that mattered was that she’d had them drawn up in the first place. Molly snatched up the papers and left.

Alexis’s assistant Suzanne brought in a box and told Alexis it had just been delivered. She left and Alexis opened the box. She took out a note and read: Despite the intriguing history, it didn’t feel right keeping a family heirloom. It’s better in your hands. She opened the box inside and took out the dagger.

Molly said she thought she’d find Kristina at the cemetery, and said she was sorry. Kristina thanked Molly for having her back, and Molly touched the gravestone. She said they were all that was left. They might need to work on some things, but they were sisters. They didn’t have Sam and didn’t have their baby girl, but they had each other. Did Kristina know how important that made her? Kristina said she did, and Molly took her hand and said, me and you, forever. Kristina said, me and you, forever.  

Curtis said the new job suited Jordan, and she said it was like old times. He said, be careful, and she promised she would.

Kai told Trina there was one thing he hadn’t told her about the surgery. Drew was having it documented and hired a camera crew. She asked how he felt, and he said, a little weird, but to be honest, he felt like he had to say yes. It was a small price to pay considering. She said, to everything going his way, and he said he could definitely toast to that. 

Dalton introduced himself to Anna and said, judging from her accent, she wasn’t from around there. She said she’d lived in Port Charles a long time. Him? He said he’d moved there in January and took a teaching gig at PCU. Anna said her granddaughter went there, and he said it was a bit of a change, since he’d moved from California. Josslyn came in and saw them together.

Gio brought Emma to Tracy and said Emma had earned Tracy’s respect when she’d defended the crypt. Tracy said she owed Emma a debt of gratitude, and Gio said he hoped Emma could talk her out of her plans. Tell Emma what she was planning on doing to Uncle Sonny.

Carly asked if the west coast meeting was planned before or after Jack knew she was coming to LA, and he said, both. He’d been putting off being there and when he found out she would be, he pulled the trigger. He hoped he could take her out to dinner, and it may have been an excuse to check up on her. On the off chance something happened with Sonny’s surgery, he didn’t want her to be alone. She asked if anyone ever told him that he was extra thoughtful, and he said, not as often as she’d think. She said sometimes words weren’t enough. Actions mattered the most.

Mike said, speaking of families, Sonny had to get back to his, but Sonny said they had a lot more catching up. Mike said they had time. Until then, know he was always with Sonny. Sonny said he loved Mike and promised to try and be the man Mike saw when Mike looked at him. Mike said he already was. He always had been. They hugged and Sonny woke up. He said, thank you, dad, when the door opened. Carly said he was awake. Thank God. How was he feeling? He said he was still out of it, but all right. Was everything okay? She said he missed a lot.  

Tuesday:

Anna said, so Danton transferred to PCU from the Bay area. Why did he come there? He said they had the funds for his research, and he couldn’t pass it up, and she asked what he taught. He said, environmental sciences, and Anna said she had a feeling it was something like that.

Gio asked what his Uncle Sonny did that was so bad, and Tracy said Sonny had been a plague on their family for decades. Jason walked in and she said, exhibit A.

Lucas congratulated Marco for officially landing the job. He thought it was a good time to move on to the getting-to-know-you phase of the date. Marco said he knew what Lucas was getting at. He’d heard more about Marco’s dad. That’s not what he wanted to do on their date. Sidwell and Lucy walked in.

Cody met Lulu at The Savoy and apologized for being late. He’d been kicked by a horse. She said they could have done it another night, but he said he was happy for a reason to leave the stables. Aside from hanging out with Dante, his social calendar wasn’t booked.

Curtis said he was glad Jordan came out and wouldn’t ask any more questions about her new job. He always cared about her safety, and truth had a way of coming out.

Nina called Portia and said she had the ketamine and had the trap set. They just had to decide when and where Drew would be lured into it. Drew walked into Portia’s office and said they needed to talk, and Portia said she’d call Nina back. She said Drew couldn’t just barge in. She had a job she had to do. He said, unless she did what he told her, she’d be fired anyway. Did he need to remind her that he held her career and her relationship in his hands? Both were hanging by a thread.

Nina thanked Jacinda for coming on short notice, and Jacinda said, money talks. Nina said, as long as Jacinda didn’t. This needed to stay between them. Jacinda said, discretion was a given in her line of work, and Nina took out the ketamine. She said, here’s what they were using to drug Drew Cain.

Lulu asked Cody to let her buy him a beer, but he said he needed to get her a drink for giving him something fun to do.

Curtis said it sounded like Jordan was on her own and it wasn’t a small-time operation. Going after international criminals like Sidwell was another league. Jordan said he was looking at it the wrong way. It wasn’t whether she could handle Sidwell, but whether Sidwell could handle her.

Lucas said he hated to be the bearer of not so good news, but Marco’s dad just walked in, and Marco said he guessed they were doing this. Sidwell came over to their table and said, what a lovely surprise. He introduced Lucy to Marco, and Lucy said his name sounded familiar. She thought she’d emailed him some paperwork when his father purchased Windymere. Marco said Lucy had a good memory, and Sidwell said Marco was one of his many attorneys and happened to be his son. He just moved to Port Charles. Lucy welcomed him and said Port Charles had lovely, amazing people, and obviously, Marco had good taste like his father. Lucas said, good seeing her, and Sidwell told them to have a good evening. They left and Lucas said they couldn’t have asked for a better segue. Now they had to talk about their dads.

Dalton asked how a lady so beautiful could get a job like that, and Anna thanked him and said it was a long story. He said he had nowhere else he needed to be, but Anna said she had a rare night off. The last thing she wanted to talk about was work. He said he understood and asked what she wanted to talk about, as Josslyn watched them.

Tracy said she was just about to tell Gio and Emma about the suffering Sonny had wrought on the family, and Jason asked, what prompted it this time? Gio said that Tracy was supporting the campaign to steal the piers from Sonny, and Emma said they were trying to talk her out of voting for it. Jason said, good luck, and Emma told Tracy, please don’t. Tracy had said she owed Emma for saving the crypt. Tracy said she did owe Emma and was grateful Drew… There’s an idea. Gio asked what she meant.

Drew asked how many times Portia thought she could fail before he pulled the plug on their little arrangement, but Portia said it wasn’t easy to convince Curtis to change course about anything, especially when it came to Drew. She’d tried repeatedly. He said, that was why she had to pivot. Get Curtis to go after Sonny. He wanted to get Aurora to his Sonny with every media outlet. The referendum on the esplanade location was really a referendum on Sonny. They were going to yank him away from the waterfront and maybe even Port Charles. She said, Curtis and Laura were good friends and Laura supported Sonny. Curtis wasn’t going to go against Sonny that way. Drew suggested she reframe it. Sonny almost got Trina killed. She said he wanted her to use their daughter against Sonny? and he said he wanted to get results, or he would expose her secret. She said she’d try, but needed time, which he said was in short supply. His phone rang and Tracy said she needed to speak to him on a matter of their mutual interest. She could assure him it was of the utmost importance to him. He said, the PC Grill in a half hour, and she said fine. He told Portia that he wanted her to press Curtis again about Sonny and she had a week to make it happen. If she didn’t, he’d go to Curtis and tell him everything he knew.

Gio said Tracy was working with Drew, the man who nearly bulldozed her parents’ grave? They hated each other. She may not like Sonny, but he’d seen the good Sonny had done for the city. She said if Sonny was no more than the man he saw, she’d be fine with it, but he wasn’t. She wasn’t taking the risk of him harming anybody else in the family, including Gio. She was sure Jason was about to embark on telling some heroic and heartwarming stories, but don’t forget to tell them what Sonny did to his brother.

Jacinda said, ketamine was dangerous, and asked Nina where it was sourced. Nina said it was 100% clean, pharmacy grade. Jacinda would have to take her word for it. Jacinda said, she’d take it from here then, and Nina said, as soon as they heard back from Portia. She wanted to Drew to have a night he never remembered and a night everyone in Port Charles would never forget.

Portia joined Curtis and Jordan, and Anna told Dalton it looked like her plans had been canceled. It was just as well. She could use the sleep. He asked if he could interest her in showing him around town, but she said tour guide wasn’t in her job description. He said, how about giving him her phone number so he could take her out to dinner or coffee? but she said Port Charles wasn’t as big as it seemed. She was sure they’d run into one another somewhere. She left and Dalton asked for his tab. Josslyn sat next to him and introduced herself, and he said, the latecomer.

Lucas told Marco that Tony Jones was his adoptive father, but the one he was talking to Marco about was Julian Jerome, his biological father. Marco said he didn’t know Lucas was adopted, and Lucas said it was a long story. His adoptive parents were amazing and made sure he had a loving home and a loving extended family. When he found out about his biological parents, that family got bigger. Marco asked how Lucas’s parents reacted to him coming out, and Lucas said his dad was fine with it. His mom took a couple of minutes, but looking back, it wasn’t the judgement thing. He thought she was worried that she didn’t know how to protect him. Ultimately, she was his fiercest supporter. Was Marco comfortable sharing more of his experience? Marco said his dad accepted him with no problem. His mom couldn’t and still can’t. The only downside of living in Port Charles was that she lived here. Last year, she made headlines with her homophobic rant against his sister who happened to be gay as well and it went viral. Lucas asked who his sister was, and Marco said she was a singer. Her stage name was Blaze. Lucas said, his mother is Natalia Ramirez?

Emma told Gio that she wished she could stay, but she had to meet her grandmother. He said he appreciated her coming, and she said she was dying to know what she meant about Sonny and Jason’s brother. Gio said he was going to ask Jason when he came back, and she said she hoped that chatterbox told him something. Text if he found out anything. She left and Jason came back. Gio said, obviously, Tracy had a grudge and was angry when she was talking about Jason’s brother. What did Uncle Sonny do to him? If Jason didn’t tell him, he’d find someone who would. Jason said Sonny killed his brother.  

Tracy said she was bringing Drew an opportunity. For once, they had a common goal, to rip the piers out of Sonny’s hands and take the criminal element elsewhere. Drew said it would be waging public war, but he could make that happen. What was the proposal? She said, to join forces. If they put their differences aside and rid Port Charles of Sonny, it would send a powerful message. Together, they were unbeatable. Drew said he couldn’t argue with that, but he didn’t come cheap. Tracy laughed and said she didn’t expect he would. Name his price. Drew said, the Quartermaine name.

Portia told Nina that Drew just left for the Port Charles Grill and Nina said everything was set. Jacinda was here and knew what to do. She was sending her over now. Nina told Jacinda that if everything worked according to plan, she’d see her for the final payment, and Jacinda said, then she’d leave town and go far away from there. Nina said, exactly. And no one would ever know what really happened.

Cody asked what was new, and Lulu said her job as Brook’s assistant didn’t work out. He said, shocking turn of events, and Lulu said she still needed a job, so she decided to go back to her roots – journalism. She hadn’t done it for a while, obviously, but she loved it. She pitched some ideas to the Llanview Banner and got the green light on one. He asked what she was writing about, the abundance of handsome men in Port Charles? She said, weirdly, they didn’t pick that one. They picked the adoption story. Cody said it was a subject near and not so dear to his heart.

Curtis said Jordan did an amazing job as Deputy Mayor and Police Commissioner. He had no doubt she’d excel in her new job. She was always happiest undercover… He wasn’t saying that’s what she was doing. He was just making an observation. She said her life felt stagnant. When she caught the guy in Isaiah’s hospital room, chased him down the stairwell, and took him down, she felt alive again.

Lucy said Sidwell’s son was as handsome and charming as he was. It must feel incredible to have him in town. Sidwell said he did, and Lucy said she couldn’t believe Natalia never mentioned she had a son. She did not know Natalia at all.

Marco said his parents divorced when he was young and his father was barely around, so he didn’t have much of a relationship with him. Lucas asked if he and his mom were close then, and Marco said, very close. She was incredibly strong. She remarried and had Allison and things were great. He thought he could tell her anything Lucas said, until he came out, and Marco said, exactly. He was just a teenager, and she had a look on her face he’d never forget.

Dalton said Josslyn was facing an uphill battle after coming into the class late, and she said she had to work hard to a catch up, but it was worth it. He said he’d seen how engaged she was, and she wasn’t afraid to participate, and she said she was very into the class, but she wanted to make a strong impression. She wanted the summer research position. He said he didn’t think that was going to happen.

Portia met with Nina, who said Jacinda was on her way to the PC Grill. Was Portia sure the ketamine couldn’t be traced back? Portia said, absolutely. The less Nina knew, the better. Was everything set at Drew’s place? Nina said, the kids were sleeping, and Willow wouldn’t be back until morning. Portia said, the plan came ether quickly, but it seemed to be working perfectly, and Nina said, who knew when they’d get another opening? It would break her daughter’s heart, but she had to believe that in the end, it would all be worth it.

Jacinda walked into the PC Grill, noticed where Drew was, and went to the bar. The server went to get Drew’s drink, and Tracy said she wasn’t surprised at Drew’s asking price. Drew told her that he’d never said she was stupid. She knew what the terms would be. Did they have a deal or not? The bartender put Drew’s drink on the bar and Jacinda took the ketamine out of her purse. She poured it into the drink, and the server came back to take it. Tracy said when the vote passed and Sonny was driven from their fair city, she would rescind the obstruction. The Quartermaine name would be his. By agreeing to join the family in getting the piers from Sonny, he was worthy of the name, which he’d never been able to do before. They shook hands.

Nina looked at her phone and said, Drew had the laced drink. Portia said there was no turning back now, and Nina hoped Willow would be okay. Believing he cheated was going to devastate her. Portia said, he’d given them no choice, and Nina said, after tonight, she’d have be no more problems with Drew, and believed Portia wouldn’t either. Portia said, after tonight, Drew’s reputation would be beyond repair. Even if Aurora Media kissed the ring, it wouldn’t be enough to fix it. He’d have no more use for her and would move to DC, out of their lives for good. She had to meet Curtis at The Savoy, and Nina said, after tonight, no more worries. Portia said she hoped not, and left.  

Drew told Tracy that he looked forward to taking Sonny apart piece by piece. If Carly and Jason felt the sting, that was okay too. Tracy said she had no interest in Drew’s personal vendettas, but she was gratified he was using his talents for the common good as opposed to destroying his nephew’s marriage and the family mausoleum. She left and Drew finished his drink. Jacinda came over to his table and asked if the seat across from him was free. He said, sure. This is a strong drink. She asked if he was okay, and he said he was good and getting better all the time. He asked her name, and she said, Jacinda. He asked why she came over to join him, and she said he looked like someone she’d like to get to know. He said, likewise, and she said, this place is dead. Why don’t they go somewhere livelier? He said he knew just the place and drained his glass.

Dalton said it wasn’t Josslyn’s fault. It was the timing. He’d have to give the position to someone who’d been doing the work all semester. She asked if there was anything she could do to improve her chances, and he said, keep working hard. He didn’t want to discourage her, but wanted to manage her expectations. She said, fair enough, and he asked if he could give her some advice. Do her best on the assignment, but know it wasn’t likely she was going to get the position. There were plenty of other summer jobs. She was intelligent and charming and could find a position that matched her abilities. She thanked him, he said he’d see her in class, and she left.  

Gio said he didn’t believe it, and Jason said he wasn’t in town, but Sonny walked in on AJ attacking Ava. To save Ava’s life, Sonny had to shoot AJ. Gio said, Ava, Trina’s boss, and Jason said, that was the story. The trouble was, Monica and Alan loved AJ, but it was Sonny’s story and it’s what he believes. The Quartermaines, especially Monica, questioned Sonny’s version of events and there was a difference of opinion. Gio said, if Jason wasn’t there, how did he know? and Jason said he chose to believe what Sonny told him.

Marco told Lucas that his mother’s reaction devastated him, so he reconnected with his dad, who welcomed him with open arms. If not for his father’s love and support, he doesn’t know what would have happened to him. His father was his rock. Lucas thanked him for being open and sharing, and Marco said it was good to talk to someone who understood. He suggested they switch it up and hit a club, but Lucas said, no way. He was retired from dancing. Stripping in front of the whole town for charity could do that. Marco said he wanted to hear that story on the way to the club. He was taking Lucas out of retirement.

At the café, Emma apologized for being late, and Anna said since her plans were mostly cancelled, she thought she could salvage the evening by meeting Emma. Emma said she was thrilled to be Anna’s second choice. She needed the caffeine, since she was pulling an all-nighter with her project. Anna asked if it was her environmental physics project, and Emma said, that’s the one. Anna said she met someone at The Savoy who Emma might know – Professor Dalton.

Lucy told Sidwell that she couldn’t imagine a mother rejecting a son who she loved. She was so glad the ladies at Deception learned about Natalia’s deception and fired her. Sidwell agreed and said Natalia robbed herself of a relationship with her wonderful son. He was smart, determined, and passionate about what he did. Sidwell was a man with few regrets, but missing Marco’s childhood was the biggest one. She said she liked seeing the softer side of him, and he said there were many sides to him. His brilliant son was just one of them.

Portia said Jordan and Curtis looked like they were having fun, and Curtis said he was just congratulating Jordan on her new job. Portia said, already? and Jordan said she was working with Sidwell as his COO. Curtis said, that meant she’d be working with Drew sometimes, and Portia said, congratulations. Good luck.

Marco and Lucas walked into The Savoy, and Lucas said he was having flashbacks about his Magic Milo days. Marco said they were going to have fun, when Josslyn joined them. Lucas introduced Marco and said Josslyn went to PCU. Marco said. college students knew the best clubs. Josslyn was here, so he knew they chose wisely.

Lulu said, so meeting his adoptive father made Cody’s life better? and Cody said when he met his biological father, Mac changed his life. He was one of those dads that he was jealous about his friends having. But when he saw Mac with James, he felt a twinge, like it was a glimpse into what he missed out on. He was grateful for the time now, but it hurt knowing he couldn’t get the time back. Lulu looked sad, and he asked if she was okay.

Jason said he knew how Gio was feeling. The Quartermaines warned him about Sonny too. It got so bad, he completely cut ties with the family. He went to work for Sonny and Sonny became his family. It made the Quartermaines angry. they felt Sonny took him away from them. Now he had Danny and some life experience and saw things differently. He did think Sonny had always been his friend and was genuinely supportive. Gio said that’s how he felt, and Jason said it was a decision Gio had to make for himself. Did he trust his relationship with Sonny or did he listen to everybody else?

Emma said, Professor Dalton was at The Savoy? and Anna said he shared that he’d transferred to PCU from the Bay area. Now he and Emma were both at the same school at the same time. Emma said, it was just a coincidence, but Anna said in her line of work, she didn’t believe in coincidences. The last time they talked, Emma swore she was there for a fresh start, and she was just wondering if Emma had something she wanted to tell her. Emma said, fine. She deliberately made sure she was in Professor Dalton’s class.

Drew and Jacinda came into The Savoy, and Drew looked higher than a kite with his shirt half untucked from his pants. Curtis asked what the hell was going on. Did Drew forget he’d banned him? Portia said it looked like he’d forgotten a lot of things, and Drew went into extreme PDA mode with Jacinda. Curtis said he had to stop this, but Portia said, drunk Drew was making a fool of himself. Curtis said, let him bury himself, and Drew said, a round of shots for the bar – on me, and the patrons cheered. Jordan said she didn’t know what Drew was doing, but it was going to be a disaster for her new position with Sidwell. She had to get him away from that woman and out of here.  

Emma said, Dalton’s class at her old school was too difficult to get in. When she saw his name on the list, she jumped at the opportunity. It felt like fate. Anna said she might not believe in coincidences, but that didn’t mean they don’t happen. Emma said Dalton told her that he was eager to see her data model and she had a good shot at his summer research position. Anna hugged her and said she was so proud.

Gio said he respected Tracy, but had to trust his instincts about Uncle Sonny, and Jason said, Sonny wouldn’t want him to alienate himself from the Quartermaines because Gio was defending him. He’d faced worse than Tracy and Drew or any politician trying to take the piers away. Sonny was going to be okay, but Tracy chose to align herself with Drew and had already lost.

Drew got loud and said, this was so much fun, and Cody said he knew he was right about that SOB. Lulu said, that SOB was going to land her the top story tomorrow morning, and Drew said they should do body shots. Jordan went over to Drew and said he’d had enough, but he said he felt fine. He felt happy. Jacinda said they were just having fun, and Jordan said this was a really bad idea. Drew said, did she know what a really good idea was? Body shots! It would help her to relax. He lifted Jacinda onto the bar, and she stretched out. He went behind the bar and got out a bottle. He poured a shot into her belly button and slurped it out. (Yuck.) On the phone, Portia told Nina that Drew and Jacinda had shown up, and Nina asked how it was going. Portia said, better than they’d hoped. Much better. Lulu took a photo and Drew did another shot.  

Wednesday:

Willow was headed to the house while leaving Drew a phone message. She said reporters were camped out in front and wondered what was going on. She saw a high heel, picked it up, and looked at it.

Sonny woke up and said Jack was still there. Jack said, only as long as he had to be.

Jason arrived at the hospital and asked Carly how Sonny was. She said, alive and safe, thanks to Brick.

Kai found Trina waiting at the hospital, and she said she took the day off to give him moral support. He told her that the documentary film director was coming up. He was hoping Drew was here. Trina said Drew might not be there and asked if he’d seen The Herald. Felicia joined them and asked to steal Kai so she could get him checked in and go over paperwork.

Curtis went to Laura’s office and said he assumed she’d seen The Herald, complete with Lulu’s photo footage, and she said she couldn’t wrap her head around how Drew made such a huge error in judgment. He said if he hadn’t seen it, he wouldn’t believe it. Thank goodness Lulu was there to put it on record.

Lulu thanked Alexis for agreeing to meet with her. She was doing a piece for the Llanview Banner on the experience of adoption. Alexis said she had to postpone their meeting to take care of her granddaughter. Lulu said she didn’t write the piece in The Herald, but she did forward the footage. Alexis said none of it was Lulu’s fault. The mess was Drew’s mess, and she couldn’t let Scout know what her father had done.

Nina asked if Portia had seen the video, and Portia said she wanted to put it on loop to watch when she was having a bad day. She’d been hesitant about Nina’s plan, but hiring Jacinda was pure genius.

Willow approached the bedroom and saw clothing on the floor. She found Drew in bed half naked, and Jacinda came out, buttoning up a man’s shirt. She asked if Willow’s mom had taught her to knock.

Carly told Jason that Brick had to go to Dubai, so she’d called him. Then she went to check on Sonny and Brick was there with the woman they thought was Sonny’s nurse. She’d been shot dead. If Brick had shown up five seconds later, Sonny would have been dead.

Jack told Sonny that Carly explained that Brick had killed the assassin, so he called in a few favors, ran interference, and did clean up. Sonny said he appreciated it and thanked Jack for taking over his security. Jack said it was just until Jason arrived, and he had. He wished Sonny a speedy recovery and left.

Curtis told Laura that he thought it as best for Aurora to hold back until the story was picked up elsewhere. Lulu did him a massive favor. Laura said Curtis and Drew hostility wasn’t a secret, so he’d want to avoid the appearance of bias, and Curtis said he wanted it public before he moved forward. Drew was now radioactive politically speaking. Laura said, even Ezra Boyle was keeping his distance, and Curtis said her Drew problem may have been solved by Drew himself.

Alexis said Drew was many things, but she’d never known him to be reckless, and Lulu said he was very intoxicated. Alexis said she didn’t recall ever seeing him drunk, and Lulu said she wasn’t the only witness. There were a lot people recording on their phones, and Drew and his… date were hard to ignore. Alexis said it was out of character, and Lulu said that’s why she forwarded it to The Herald to alert them that their representative wasn’t just tipsy. He was out of control.

Nina said there was no way Drew could spin the video, and Portia said he’d be too busy doing damage control to meddle in other people’s lives. Nina said Willow would be home soon and was going to be devastated, but Portia said, a little pain now would save her a ton of misery down the road. Nina had to get Drew away from her daughter and grandchildren no matter the cost.

Willow said this was her bedroom, and Jacinda said Drew told her that Willow would be away. She wouldn’t have stayed over otherwise. Don’t be hard on him. Men needed to let off steam now and then. She took her shoe out of Willow’s hand and left. Willow slammed the door and shading his eyes, Drew asked if that was her.

Laura said she longed for the days politics was about issues and criticism was based on that (me too), and Curtis said Drew had neglected his duties. She said Drew was too busy picking fights and making friends who could carry out his vendettas. Whose lives had he bettered? Nobody. She’d love to debate him on the issues and not based on one night of bad behavior. Curtis said she had to admit it revealed Drew’s true character. He was self-serving, disloyal, and hypocritical. How could he be trusted? Shed said something felt like it was a distraction, and Curtis asked if she wasn’t going to comment publicly. She said she was being criticized for the company she kept, and couldn’t do that to anyone else, and he said that’s why she’d always get his vote. Kai’s surgery was today, so he was going to the hospital to wait with Trina. On the bright side, Laura was on safer ground with the referendum. With any luck, Drew would be voted out of office. Had she considered congress?

Lulu told Alexis that she wanted to give Drew a platform to explain, but when his team reached out, they couldn’t find him. Alexis said she used to be Editor-in-Chief of The Invader, and Lulu didn’t need to apologize for anything. Drew was a congressman, not a private citizen. His constituents had a right to know how he behaved in public and who he spent time with. But someone had to keep Scout away from it and if Drew wasn’t up to the task, she had to intervene.

Felicia said a gentlemen came to the hospital and had equipment with him, and Kai said Drew had arranged to film a documentary about his surgery. He said it was an inspiring story that would help people. Since he was paying for the surgery, it was the least Kai could do. Felicia said it was more Kai’s project since Drew wasn’t there. He was the star of the show. If he wanted privacy, just signal her and she’d make it happen. She was scrappier than she looked and happy to be the bad guy. She could just say it was hospital policy. Trina came in and Felicia left. Kai asked if there was any word from Drew, and Trina said, not yet. Was he still going along with the documentary without Drew?

Jacinda told Nina and Portia that the ketamine didn’t take long to kick in. After that, it was easy to get Drew to go to the club, but what happened there was all him. Portia said, what happened after? and Jacinda said when they got home from the club, Drew passed out cold in the bedroom. She set the scene and crashed on the couch, making sure she was awake when Willow arrived. She got an eyeful. Portia asked if anyone saw her leave, but Jacinda said she slipped out the back to avoid the reporters. Nina said now was the time for her to leave, and handed Jacinda an envelope. When she got to Sydney, she was to go underground. No social media or texting. Jacinda said she was happy to leave that behind too, and if anyone tracked her to the Australian Outback, she’d tell them the truth… that Congressman Drew Cain solicited her company at the Port Charles Grill, took her to The Savoy, then back to his place where the party continued. Nina thanked her, and Jacinda said it was a pleasure doing business with them. She left, and Portia said she should go too. Kai’s surgery was today, and Drew had a documentary director filming. Nina said of course (🍷) he did. Keep her posted. Portia said she would. Nina needed to be there for Willow, who needed her now more than ever.

Drew asked, what happened? and Willow said his date just left. She couldn’t believe he did this to her. She ran out, and Drew said, wait, then grabbed his head.

Carly told Jason that Brick showed up just as the assassin was about to inject Sonny’s IV, and Jason said, but she didn’t. Brick shot her. Jack came out and Carly said she’d been filling Jason in. Jason thanked Jack and Jack said Sonny was awake. Carly left, and Jason said he’d take it from here. Jack asked if Jason knew the woman who tried to kill Sonny, and Jason said, not yet. Why? Jack said because he did.

Carly asked how Sonny was feeling, and Sonny said, could be worse. She said, good news. Jason got a red eye and was there. He said that meant she could head home. There was nothing for her to do there. She said he’d almost been killed, but he said Brick came back and the assassin was dead, not him. She said, what if they send another assassin? and he said Jason was there and nothing would happen on his watch. Carly wanted to stay, but Sonny said he didn’t need her right now, but there was somebody else who did.

Director Josh asked Portia how likely it was that Kai would play football again. The surgery was risky. She said all surgeries had some risk, especially experimental ones. Josh said some patients had been left paralyzed. Was the risk worth it? She said it was a groundbreaking procedure, and they were lucky to have Dr. Mohinder as a guest surgeon. If it was a success, Kai could continue his athletic career. As the doctor refined his technique, it could improve the lives of people everywhere. Josh asked if the risks had been discussed with Kai, and she said, all parties involved had been informed, but she had full faith in the team at General Hospital and Dr. Mohinder. She saw a bright future for Kai. 

Kai said he’d already agreed, and Josh had shot footage, but Trina said he could stop it. He asked if she meant the documentary or the surgery, and she said, the documentary. He said he thought they should continue recording the procedure, and she said she’d help him every step of the way. He said he might have an idea. Josh wanted to interview him, and he might say she’s his girlfriend. She said she liked the sound of that, and they kissed.

Looking messed up, Drew stumbled around. There was a knock at the door, and when he opened it, reporters fired questions at him. He let Alexis in and asked what was going on. She said she was here to pack a bag for Scout. Scout was staying with her.

There was a knock at Nina’s door, and she opened it to a crying (weeping?) Willow, who fell into her arms. 

Jack told Jason that the assassin was well known in the intelligence community, but was the type that usually went after political or military leaders, not Sonny. Jason said, like Soliski, and Jack said they had similar backgrounds. They’d started in intelligence and branched out to the private sector. Jason asked if Jack knew who hired her, and Jack said, the WSB was investigating. She’d been found on the dark web and paid in crypto like Soliski.

Sonny said he was grateful for the support, but their daughter needed Carly more, and she said that’s why she wanted to stay, to make sure he got home safe and sound. He said Jason was handling that. Their daughter knew her father was sick and needed mommy by her side to tell her it would be okay. She said, fine, but only because he wasn’t supposed to be stressed, and he said he’d enjoy it while he could. He was already feeling better. He thanked her for getting him through this, and she said she wouldn’t have been anywhere else.

Lulu went to Laura’s office and Laura said she’d missed her. Curtis had been singing her praises about her piece in The Herald. Lulu said it wasn’t her piece. They did give her a byline, but she only sent the footage, so they knew the person sitting in congress and his friend were enjoying their night out. Lulu said she thought she detected an air of schadenfreude, and Lulu said she was worried that people would think she was a tabloid journalist, but Laura said people knew she was a responsible journalist. Lulu said she’d rather focus on her adoption story. She was interviewing a ton of people, and their stories were fascinating. She was wondering if she could interview Laura.

Willow told Nina that she came home to find every reporter in Port Charles on the front lawn. Her phone was dead, and she had to charge it on the way home. Nina said, so Willow had no idea. She was so sorry Willow was blindsided on top being betrayed. Willow asked how Nina knew what happened, and Nina said, everyone knew. It was in The Herald and all over social media. She showed Willow her phone and the headline, Congressman Cutthroat Cuts Loose!!! along with a photo of Drew doing body shots off Jacinda. Willow said, oh my God. That’s the woman she found in her bedroom.

Alexis said she refused to allow her granddaughter to deal with the gauntlet of reporters, and Drew asked why they were there. She said he really had no idea, and he said he couldn’t find his phone and last night was a blur, Alexis said, let her enlighten him, and showed him the body shot video.

Carly said Sonny wanted to see Jason, and Jason left. Jack said they’d had a productive conversation, and Carly asked if that was code for quietly threatening each other, but he said, no threats. He was handing over the reins and moving along with the plan. She asked what the plan was, and he said he was heading back to Port Charles. She said, what a coincidence. So was she.

Jason said he should have been there, but Sonny said Jason was where he’d asked him to be. Brick handled it. Their team wasn’t looking for someone like her. Jason said, somebody with ties to intelligence. They added more security to keep Sonny’s family safe, and Sonny said someone gave him an important message that had him looking at the big picture. They’ve talked about it before. They had to get out of this business. Jason asked, who sent him the message? and Sonny said, Mike

Lulu said she wasn’t sure Laura wanted to talk about her history and didn’t want to put her on the spot, and Laura asked if Lulu was concerned about her privacy. Lulu said she was keeping all of her sources anonymous. It was less about privacy, and more about Laura never talking about her adoption. Laura said that was because she wasn’t really adopted. She was switched in the hospital at birth. She had two families. It was very complicated. Lulu asked if Laura was sure that it wouldn’t open old wounds, but Laura said she thought she could talk about it. Lulu put her phone on record, and suggested they start with Laura telling her what it was like when Grandma Lesley entered her life. Laura said she didn’t understand who Lesley was, but knew she had a really great connection to a woman who was a stranger, and Lulu asked if she thought the Vinings saw it. Laura said it was possible, but she didn’t know. Eventually, Lesley told Laura that she was her mother, and in that moment, she felt a sense of relief, because it all made sense. The ease she felt and the connection she had to a total stranger. Lulu asked what it was like building a relationship with her birth mother, and Laura said she thought it would be easy and natural, but it wasn’t. They had challenges and there was a time she didn’t want anything to do with Lesley at all. She eventually ran away from home at 14 and joined a commune. Rick and Lesley found her, and Rick explained that her mother made all her choices about Laura based on love for her. Laura wanted to talk to her again and wanted to listen, she did, and then things got better. Lulu asked if she ever wished that she didn’t know any of this, and Laura said she still sometimes found herself wondering what it would have been like to have a normal childhood, but she loved both her mothers and couldn’t imagine her life without Lesley in it.

Curtis went to the hospital, and Portia said Trina was in with Kai. Josh, the director of Drew’s documentary, was also in there. He’d interviewed her and actually asked thoughtful questions. Kai was taking it in stride, even though it was unnecessary added stress before his surgery. But who cared what she thought? She was just a doctor. Curtis asked if Drew had shown his face, and she said, Trina told her that Drew promised to be there. He said, Drew made a lot of promises, and she said she was sure he promised to be faithful to Willow. He said, even after everything Drew had done, he found it hard to believe Drew would hurt Willow that way.

Josh asked how Kai was feeling, and Kai said, hungry, but good. He was ready, but he was glad Trina was by his side. Josh introduced himself to Trina and said he was wondering if she’d participate. He’d love to include her perspective. Trina said, sure, and Josh said she was an important part of Kai’s story. She said she’d try not to be boring, and signed the release. Josh asked if Kai was ready, and Kai said he couldn’t wait.

Willow asked if the kids knew anything, and Nina said Amelia was with her playgroup and too little to understand. Wiley and Scout were in school and not allowed to access their phones during class. Willow said she needed to get them home before lunchtime. Even if they were kept from their phones, their classmates would have theirs. How was she going to explain this? Nina said they’d figure something out. Willow just experienced a terrible shock. Give herself a minute to process. Willow said none of it made sense. Drew would never hire a prostitute. Nina said it looked like he did, and Willow said nothing about this seemed like the man she knew and loved. Drew had to be able to explain.

Drew said he had no idea who the woman was, and Alexis said, clearly, she knew him. He said he didn’t remember, and she said she had her share of mornings when she didn’t remember the night before. Was this the first time he’d had a blackout? He said, yes, and she said he was in big trouble. So do the right thing and let her pack a bag and let Scout stay with her. He said, for how long? and she said, tonight for sure. Preferably until he got this big old mess sorted out. He said, Scout should stay with her, and she said she’d do what she could to shield Scout from his bad press. He thanked her and said he’d get to the bottom of this. She suggested he do it quickly. She went to pack Scout’s bag, and he found his phone under the couch along with a red bra. He stared at it like he was considering putting it on.

Lulu asked if Laura could argue that children and their birth parents should be reunited, and Laura said, each case was different. Lulu said, it worked out for her, and Laura stopped the recording. She asked why the subject was so important to Lulu right now. This was about more than the article, wasn’t it?

Carly said Sonny wanted her to go back and be with Donna, and Jack said Sonny was right. She asked if maybe he could give her a ride to the airport pick. She’d have to stop by the hotel to pick up her stuff and book a flight. He said, commercial?… Absolutely not. She was flying as a VIP guest of the WSB.

Sonny told Jason that Mike said he’d find a way out of the business. Mike was proud of him for putting his family first. But he couldn’t make a move without someone coming after him. Jason said they had to get rid of whoever was coming after Sonny, and Sonny said, and whoever was giving them their marching orders. Jason said, the first step was getting Sonny back to Port Charles in one piece. 

Curtis told Portia that Drew seemed sincere in his commitment to Willow. He was so sloppy, showing up in public in that condition. The last thing he thought he’d see Drew do was hurt Willow in public with another woman. Portia said she never thought Drew would double-cross him, but here they were. Drew was a master at hiding his true nature and he dropped the act.

Nina told Willow that it seemed like Drew lost control. Had he been drinking more than usual? Willow said she’d only seen him have a cocktail every so often, and Nina told her that she wasn’t saying Drew was an alcoholic. Willow said, what if Nina was right and she’d been blind the whole time? Maybe her being out of town was a chance for Drew to cut loose. Was that who Drew really was? There was a knock at the door and Drew called for Willow. He said, please, they needed to talk. Willow looked at Nina.

Thursday:

Josslyn found Emma on her laptop at the hospital. Emma said Kai was having surgery and she was there to support Trina. Josslyn said, small world. Her too.

Josh asked what Kai’s hopes were for the surgery, and Kai said he wanted to play football again, get back on the field, be with his teammates, and feel the rush of the win. Deanna popped in and said it was time to prep Kai for surgery.

Dante fixed something while Danny and Rocco helped. Dante said afterwards, they’d go to the Woodchucks game with Lulu. Dante’s phone rang and he said, they did what?

Laura said Lulu was her daughter and she knew Lulu wasn’t being forthcoming about the subject of adoption. What did the topic have to do with her?

In the nook, Tracy laughed as she looked at her tablet. Brook wondered what was so funny, and Tracy said she was reading the article in The Herald. Lulu had gotten the ball rolling and sent footage of Drew’s debauchery at The Savoy to the paper, who sent a representative to cover it. Thanks to Lulu, Drew was no longer Congressman Cutthroat. He was Congressman Cad. Lulu was a national treasure. Chase and Gio walked in, and Brook wondered if they could go one day without Tracy giving an ode to the glories of Lulu. She couldn’t take it. She left, and Tracy wondered if it was something she said.

Drew said he knew Willow was in there. Please let him in. Nina told Willow that she’d call security, and they’d make him leave, but Willow said she needed to face this head on. She opened the door and asked what Drew wanted.

Gio asked what that was about, but Tracy said she had no idea. Did he see the news about Drew’s public meltdown? Or should she say, hoedown? Gio said, the video went viral on social media, but didn’t it mess up her plans to take down Uncle Sonny? She said it was a minor setback, but wasn’t going to stop her from making Port Charles a Sonny-free zone.

Drew begged to come inside, asking Willow to hear him out. Willow let him in and he wanted to speak privately, but she said she wanted Nina there. He said it was a huge misunderstanding, but Willow said she found him in their bedroom hooker. He asked if that sounded like him, and Willow said she didn’t know who he was, but she knew what she saw. And right now, she trusted her eyes more than him.

Josslyn told Emma that they were taking Kai in at 3. Did she want to get coffee? Emma said she had to finish her data model for Professor Dalton. It was the extra credit required to apply for the research assistant position.

Deanna told Josh, that’s a wrap, and he left. Trina asked if she and Kai could have a moment, and Deanna went out to the hallway. Kai said he thought they’d never leave, and Trina said he was doing great. Then again, he was pretty great. He took her hand.

Brook told Chase that if she heard one more person extol the virtues of Lulu, she was going to tear her hair out. Lulu was holding the truth about her and Dante’s child over her head and tormenting her with it. Lulu wanted to drive her insane and she though it was working.

Lulu told Laura that the Banner chose the topic out of three that she pitched, but she may not have been honest as to why she wanted to tackle that particular subject. Laura said she knew how to keep a confidence, but Lulu said it wasn’t her secret to tell. She wasn’t supposed to know. Laura said, so she stumbled on it? and Lulu said, stumbled, snooped, stuck her nose in where it didn’t belong. It depended on who you talked to. Laura said she couldn’t help unless Lulu told her what it was, and Lulu said she had knowledge about a child given up for adoption, but not all parties were aware of it and she could change that

Josslyn found Vaughn in a hallway, and he said he hadn’t heard from her in a while. Was anything going on? She said she was getting caught up in Dalton’s class, but she saw Dalton here. She followed him to a lab. He was carrying a briefcase. She didn’t know what was in it, but she got the lab number, and you needed a keycard to get in. She also saw Dalton speaking to Anna at The Savoy. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she knew they didn’t exchange numbers or information. Vaughn asked if the position as research assistant was hers yet, and she said, no, but she had a lead on that.

Drew asked again if he and Willow could have privacy, but Nina said she was staying. He had some nerve, barging into her home and demanding privacy after publicly humiliating Willow. He said he didn’t remember any of that. He would never do that. Nina told him, the entire internet says otherwise, and he said he didn’t remember anything. Nina said that was convenient, and he said he barely remembered anything after he left the office. Something was wrong.

Gio said he and Tracy didn’t agree about Sonny, but he got it. He spoke to Jason, who told him why she held Sonny responsible for AJ’s death. Tracy said, AJ was murdered, and he was her brother’s son, and Gio said Jason told him that Sonny shot AJ to save Ava. Tracy said, of course (🍷). To justify Sonny’s crimes. Gio said Jason lived in the house and had come back to the family, and Tracy said he took a long road to get there.

Chase suggested they stop the harassment right now by going to Dante and telling him everything, and Brook said she’d been tempted. She was tired of getting beaten up over the secret. But it wasn’t just about her comfort. It was about her child. She had a son out there and a big part of her wanted to find him, but a bigger part, the better part, wanted to protect him and not disrupt his life. She respected Lulu’s right to make her own choices, but she wished Lulu could respect hers. Chase said she would. He was putting an end to this once and for all. He walked out.

Laura said, a child was involved? and Lulu said, technically. Laura asked if they were in physical danger, and Lulu said, not that she was aware of. Laura said, so there was no threat to anyone, and Lulu asked, what about emotional threat? Laura said, to whom? and Lulu said, everyone. She thought they deserved to know the truth, but all she kept hearing was, it wasn’t her secret to tell. Laura said, yet she knew and carried it, and Lulu asked if that didn’t make it her secret to share. Laura said, no. She could see it was weighing on Lulu, but as a mother, she felt she had to advise Lulu to be really careful playing God with someone else’s life.

On the phone, Dante said he had this. They were here, but they’d see him soon. He told the boys that it was Yuri. They’d left such a mess in the boathouse, he felt he had to call. Danny and Rocco apologized, but Dante said, sorry wasn’t going to cut it. They were back to clean up or there would be no games in their future. They were old enough to know if they made a mess, they had to take responsibility and clean it up. Then they’d go to the game.

Kai said he was glad Trina was supporting his decision despite the risk, and she said she knew how much it meant to him and admired him for it. Deanna said it was time, and Trina said she’d see Kai on the other side. He thanked her for everything, and Trina left. Outside, she looked worried.

Emma told Josslyn that she had to turn in her work in the morning. She promised Gio that she’d go to the bonfire with him. She thought it was a nice way to blow off steam. Josslyn should come. Josslyn said maybe she’d meet Emma there. Trina joined them and said she was freaking out, but Kai was surprisingly excited and calm. It didn’t help that Drew’s documentary director kept shoving a camera in Kai’s face. Josslyn said Drew shouldn’t send a camera after anybody after his performance at The Savoy. He should hide under a rock.

Willow said the footage was out of Drew partying with the woman she found half-naked in their bedroom, and Drew said he had no idea who she was. Willow suggested there wasn’t much conversation and said neither one of them looked like they were there against their will. Nina said Drew was lucky Willow was speaking with him. He was angry that Willow wouldn’t ignore what she saw in her home with her own eyes simply because he said it didn’t happen. Drew said he loved Willow with all his heart and was asking her to trust that, and Willow said all she’d been doing was trusting him. She’d given up her life and her marriage because of him, and now she was going to lose her kids. 

Lulu said she wasn’t playing God, and Laura said, not intentionally, but it wasn’t her child. Lulu said, no, and Laura said, so she wasn’t going to be directly impacted by the information coming out. It sounded like she had a luxury perspective. She could step back and look at what she did without having the burden of angst after making the choice to give up a child. If she can’t imagine that, imagine having her agency taken away and being told what’s best for her and her child. She hoped Lulu didn’t take the position lightly.

Tracy gave Jason credit for being honest about his version of the truth, and Gio said, her version was different. She said her version was the truth. Jason’s perception was seen through the distorted lens of too many years at Sonny’s knee. He wasn’t the boy she knew and was largely Sonny’s work. Gio said there was a lot to admire, and she agreed Jason had a lot of admirable qualities, but he had more potential before Sonny robbed him. She hated that Sonny stole from Jason and a lot of people would be better off when Sonny was gone.

Chase knocked at Lulu’s door and Dante answered. Chase asked if Lulu was there, and Dante said, no. Was there something he could do? Chase said, tell Lulu to back the hell off his wife.

Josh hunted Trina down and wanted to film, but couldn’t unless Emma and Josslyn signed release forms. They sat close on either side of Trina, and Josh said he needed them to sign before he could film Trina with them. Josslyn said she didn’t like the camera and Emma said, talk to her agent. Josh asked if Trina would consider moving, and they just looked at him. He said he got it, and left. 

Dante said Chase was coming in hot, and Chase said he got hot when someone tried to hurt his wife. Dante said it was just the Brook and Lulu thing. They had history and both gave as good as they got. Chase didn’t want to get involved. Chase said, that wasn’t an option. He and Brook were planning on adopting and expanding their family. Lulu knew they were trying to have a baby and knew it was a sensitive, painful matter. Also private. In spite of that, she had to write an article on adoption. It was no coincidence. Dante asked if Chase didn’t think that was an overreaction.

Brook found Tracy in the solarium and apologized. She said she didn’t mean to snap. Tracy said she didn’t need an apology. She needed an explanation. She was sick of Brook and Lulu’s tit for tat. They weren’t teenagers anymore. Why was Brook so threatened by Lulu?

Lulu told Laura, in lieu of playing God, what should she do? What would Laura do? Laura said the family didn’t meet Nikolas until he was a teenager. That was a choice she made. Lulu said, there were extenuating circumstances, and Laura said, there always was with these decisions. She made a choice, then Lulu became ill and there was a chance to save her life, so Laura chose to bring Nikolas back into their lives. Lulu said she was grateful, but it cost her Laura, and starting to cry, Laura said, all choices in life cost something. Some of it easy, some of it took the rest of your life to pay. Choosing to expose someone else’s secret or truth was hubris and Lulu would be responsible for everything that happened after that. She hoped Lulu would think long and hard before she did anything. Lulu thanked her and they hugged.

Danny told Rocco that he wasn’t going to the game. There was a bonfire party on the beach. It was on the lake and they could walk from there. The kids at PCU were having it because of the heatwave. Rocco said they wouldn’t be able to get in, but Danny said it wasn’t an official party. They could just show up. He wanted to have some real fun.

Nina asked why Willow said she’d lose her kids, and Willow said she hadn’t had a chance to tell them how things went with Michael in Germany. He refused to even see her, much less talk. He hated her and blamed her. He was going to do everything to hurt her, and he was going to take her kids. Drew said he wouldn’t let that happen, but Willow said he couldn’t stop it. Not after this. She risked everything to be with him. He promised to protect her and her children, and he ruined everything.

Trina said she owed them, and Emma said she was done with her data model and Trina didn’t owe them. They were happy to be of support. Josslyn said, of course (🍷). Always. Emma said she was going to back-up her work later, but wanted to take a minute to take in this beautiful moment. Trina said it was nice to see someone as into their major as she was, and Emma said she wasn’t letting it out of her sight. She was going to call Gio to pick her up now. Josslyn said she could stay with Trina, but Trina said she could handle Josh. Josslyn said she’d see Emma at the bonfire, and stood by Vaughn at the elevator. She quietly told him that she needed help with something tonight, and they got in the elevator.

Drew said he’d fix this, and Nina asked why they should believe his meaningless words. Willow came to her in tears when she found another woman in the home he shared with her and her children. She wasn’t going to stand there and watch Drew gaslight Willow. He needed to leave. Drew told Willow, don’t listen. Go with what she knew. Nina said what Willow knew was what she’d seen with her own eyes, and Drew asked if Willow ever knew him to drink excessively or take drugs. Willow said, no, and he said he had to explain what happened. All he was asking was for her to give him a chance to prove it.

Brook said she wasn’t threatened by Lulu, and wasn’t jealous, and Tracy said, make her understand. She could see why Lulu would be threatened by Brook. She was a successful businesswoman, had lots of talent, and a wonderful husband who was devoted to her. They were at the beginning of starting a family. Yet with all that, Lulu’s mere existence riled Brook. Why was that? 

Chase said Brook asked Lulu not to write the article, and Drew said he could see how sensitive the issue was, but Lulu came up with three ideas to present to the editor at the Banner. She chose the article. It was a think piece, and the names would be changed. Lulu was just trying to be a journalist again. She got a gig and couldn’t turn it down. Chase said Lulu wasn’t just doing a job. She was intentionally hurting Brook. Dante said there was no proof of Chase’s accusation, and Chase said he was asking as a friend. Could Dante get Lulu to back off? 

Vaughn stopped the elevator, and Josslyn said Emma was the leading candidate for research assistant. She was going to the college bonfire and had a thumb drive with the data model she was turning in tomorrow. She needed to get the drive, copy it, corrupt the drive, and get it back without Emma noticing, and before Emma had a chance to back it up. He asked if she needed back-up, and she said, possibly. Did he think he could come up with a reason to be on King’s Beach? He said he had one question. Was she prepared to sabotage a friend?

Emma said, maybe Josslyn wasn’t so bad, and Trina said there was more to Josslyn than Emma gave her credit for. Gio arrived.

Danny said now that Rocco lived with his mom and sister, it wasn’t the same. Rocco’s phone rang, and it was Dante. Rocco told Danny that his mom and dad couldn’t go to the game and were going to have Yuri take them. Danny said it was fate, and Rocco said, fine. He’d go to the party.

Laura found Trina and told her that her dad said her friend Kai was having surgery. She thought Trina could use a friend to keep her company. Trina slid over and put her head on Laura’s shoulder.

Drew told Willow that he’d go to GH and get a blood test. All he asked was for her to wait and see what the test said. Come with him. She could make sure nothing was tampered with. Nina said Willow didn’t have to feed into his lies, and Willow said Nina was right. She didn’t want any more lies. That’s why she had to find out the truth for herself. She’d come with him. He held out his hand, but she ignored it and said, let’s get this over with. She walked out and Drew followed. Nina was obviously frustrated.

Lulu told Dante, sorry she was late, and said hi to Chase. Chase barely looked at her and left. Lulu said she’d just grab her stuff, and they could go, but Dante said he didn’t know if they should. He needed her help with something. They needed to help Brook.

Brook said Tracy wore blinders when it came to Lulu. She didn’t see Lulu as she was. She saw Lulu as the last remaining tie to Luke. Tracy said she was wrong. Lulu was so much more than her father’s daughter. She saw Lulu and knew her as she was, warts and all, and wouldn’t apologize for loving her. Lulu was trying to rebuild the life taken from her and finding her place in the world and reconnecting to her children. Why did Brook begrudge her? Brook said she didn’t, but Tracy said it seemed like Brook didn’t want Lulu to have anything. She didn’t want Lulu to have a house, a family, or a job. Brook said she didn’t care about that. She cared that Lulu knew she’d gotten pregnant in high school and gave the baby up for adoption. She cared that Tracy’s precious Lulu had been holding it over her head and threatening to blow her life up. Tracy was in shock.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada….

Arriving at the beach, Emma tells Gio, it looks like things are getting started, and Gio says, people are swimming. She says, why not? when Josslyn runs over and she and Emma hug. Emma says she’s glad Josslyn came, and Josslyn says her too. Gio asks if Josslyn would go swimming in this, and Emma tells him, give it up. All she wants to do is dance. Josslyn says, sounds great, and Emma says, looks like everyone is dancing. Vaughn approaches and Emma asks, who’s that?

Carly goes to Nina’s and asks if Willow is here, and Nina says, no. Carly says, did Nina deliver or what? She has to admit she didn’t think Nina would come through. This is amazing. Nina says, excuse me? and Carly says, come on. This was her, wasn’t it? She shows Nina her phone with the video of Drew acting the fool.

In the nook, Lucy, Maxie, and Lois are having a meeting. Lucy says, they need to take the Nurses Ball to the next level. Right now, Port Charles is a divided city, and they need to pull everyone together with song and dance and as many wardrobe changes as possible. Maxie says, people are going crazy over the referendum, which is about a sidewalk, but Lucy says, it’s not a sidewalk. It’s an esplanade. Lois says, call it what she wants, but what it really is, is a vote on supporting Drew screwing over Sonny. Lucy says, which reminds her. She disinvited Drew. Maxie says, she can’t disinvite someone or make the decision by herself, and Lois asks if Lucy also means she’s refusing his donation. Lucy says, of course (🍷) not. It’s for charity. Fine. She’ll heed the conventions of common courtesy, but does that mean she can’t have a silent protest deep in her soul when she appears on the red carpet… if he’s still a congressman by then.

Drew thanks Willow for coming to the hospital with him. He hopes to prove… She tells him to stop trying to sell her. She’s not one of his staffers. He says he knows. He’s sorry. He needs to prove that he wasn’t in his right state of mind. He’d never disrespect her or their relationship in that way. (Does that mean he would in other ways?) She says she can’t get the image of the half-naked woman in their bedroom out of her head, and he says he promises he’ll get to the bottom of this. Amy is talking with an orderly nearby and says she can’t believe they’re here together. The orderly says, maybe Drew is there to take care of his hangover, and Amy says, or tested for an STI.

Dante says, hear him out, and Lulu says, all right. He says, she’s already got a big win with Drew’s story. She’s shown what a great journalist she is. She says she’s already gotten calls from news outlets, and he says, she’s already on her way. Maybe now she doesn’t need to write the adoption thing. She says, don’t, and he says, she was using it to get her freelance career back up and running, but she has Drew’s story and doesn’t need it anymore. Do it for him. Maybe choose to write something else. She says, no. She’s a journalist and won’t let Brook dictate who or what she writes about.  

Tracy says she wants to make sure she heard correctly. Did Brook say she had a baby? Brook says, in high school, and she gave it up for adoption. Her father doesn’t know, and the baby’s father doesn’t know. Tracy asks, who does know? and Brook says, until recently, the only person she told was her mom.

Vaugn says, Josslyn is standing on his towel, and she moves. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, a PCU party. Gio says, there’s going to be a bonfire, and Vaughn says, nice. Emma says he’s not here for the party? and he says he was getting in his daily swim. She says, the water is super cold, and he says, that’s the point. Swimming is great. It strengthens the immune system and does a body all kinds of good. They should try it. Emma says, right now? and asks Gio, what about him? Gio says he has no swimsuit, but she says she’s not afraid if he isn’t.

Carly tells Nina that it took her a minute to figure it out, but the woman is Jacinda. She used to work at the MetroCourt sometimes. Drew can’t be stupid enough to hire a professional escort, so how did Nina swing it? Nina says, when Drew was at the MetroCourt, she saw an opportunity with Jacinda, and Carly wonders how she got Drew to do it. Nina says, it was super simple. Jacinda slipped something in his drink and once it hit, Drew did the rest. Carly says, so The Savoy was his idea, and Nina says, it was. The original plan was for Jacinda to go home with Drew. That’s why she had the kids for a sleepover. Jacinda was never going to sleep with Drew, just stage the scene for Willow to walk in on. Which she did. Carly asks, how bad a scene? and Nina says, she found a half-naked woman in her bedroom with Drew passed out on the bed. What else would she think but that her knight in shining armor slept with another woman? Carly says she knows how hard it must have been to hurt Willow, and Nina says she just kept telling herself it had to be done. Willow can’t lose her children. But when Willow showed up here with tears in her eyes, she just hated herself.

Brook says she’s so sorry she lied, but Tracy says she didn’t lie. It’s her life and her choices and she gets to decide who she wants to tell. Brook says she didn’t want to tell anyone. She knew the only way of dealing with the pain of giving up her child was to force herself never to think about him. Tracy says, she had a boy, and Brook nods and says her mom and Grandma Gloria didn’t tell her, Lulu did, but it got to the point where she couldn’t keep it from Chase. Tracy asks how he took it, and Brook says, he was wonderful. Tracy says, of course (🍷). Like father, like son… Wait a minute. How did Lulu find out? Brook says, she broke into Martin Grey’s hotel room, and Tracy asks, why? Brook says, he’s Valentin’s lawyer and Lulu was looking for leads on Charlotte. Instead, she found Martin’s notes about her baby and Lulu hasn’t let up on her since.

Dante asks Lulu to please listen to him, and she wonders if Chase asked him to talk to her. Obviously, he listened to Brook’s sob story about her delicate feelings. Dante says he’s worried about his wife, but Lulu says he doesn’t have to be. Brook is overreacting as usual. She pitched three stories, and the editor chose this one. Dante says, she told him that, and she says, that should have been the end of the discussion. He says, whether or not she thinks Brook is overreacting – Lulu says, she is – the bottom line is, Brook is truly hurt by the article. So why can’t she entertain using another idea? Lulu says she was hired to write this one and she’s not willing to risk her credibility at this stage of her career for Brook’s sake. He says, what about his? His friends, Brook and Chase, are struggling for real. The same way they were when they thought about getting a surrogate, harvesting eggs, and doing IVF with Maxie. It was hard. She must remember how hard it was. She says, it felt awful, waiting through Maxie’s pregnancy, only to find out Georgie wasn’t theirs; she was Maxie and Spinelli’s. He says, Brook’s not behaving rationally, but were they being rational? How can you be rational with kids? There’s too much love and it runs too deep. It’s too important. She says she couldn’t have made it through that time without him, and he says he couldn’t have made it without her either.

Gio says, let’s do this, and Emma asks if Josslyn is coming. Josslyn says she thinks she’ll grab a drink first, and Emma asks if Vaughn is going back in. He says, absolutely. Let’s go. Emma says, they’re doing this? and Gio says, yeah, they are. They strip down to their underwear, and run to the water, holding hands. Josslyn looks through Emma’s stuff, finds the thumb drive, and takes it.  

Tracy says she doesn’t understand how Martin is involved, and Brook says her mom went to him for legal advice. Tracy says, that’s what Lois was doing in his room. Go ahead. Brook says her mom wanted to make sure the adoption couldn’t be unsealed. Lois was trying to protect her, but instead left a paper trail for Lulu to follow. Tracy says, Martin shouldn’t have left sensitive paperwork lying around, and Brook says, Lulu shouldn’t have broken into his room. She knows Tracy doesn’t like Martin and loves Lulu, but she can’t keep make excuses for Lulu. Not to her. Tracy says, enough. Go on. Brook says, despite it being none of Lulu’s business, Lulu confronted her and accused her of doing everything wrong. Tracy asks what Lulu thought was wrong, and Brook says she insisted the father had a right to know. Maybe she should have told him, but she was scared. She didn’t know… Tracy says, stop. Don’t keep second guessing herself. She completely supports Brook having given the baby up for adoption. If that’s what she truly wanted.  

Carly tells Nina that she’s sorry Willow had to go through that. She knows what it’s like to find the man you love in bed with another woman. (D’oh!) Nina says she knows Carly does, and Carly says, Nina did the right thing. Willow is better off without Drew. They all are, especially their grandchildren. Now that Drew’s spell over Willow has been broken, she and Michael can reach an agreement that puts the children first. Nina said she thought so too, but that’s not going to happen.

Danny and Rocco see the makeshift bar, and Danny tells Rocco, relax. It’s not like anyone is going to be asking for ID. They’ll be fine. They’ve just got to blend in. Rocco asks, how? and Danny says, follow him. He goes over to the bar, says, what’s up? and he and the guy tending bar fist bump. The bartender asks what he can get them, and Danny says, a beer, but the bartender suggests they stay away from that. The keg was dropped and there’s a lot of foam. Try the grog instead. He hands them solo cups, and as they walk away, Rocco asks, what’s grog? Danny says, punch, and sniffs it. Spiked punch. Rocco says he’s not drinking it, and Danny tells him to just hold it. That’s how they blend in. Everyone has a cup. Two girls join them and ask if they go to PCU. Rocco just looks at them, and Danny says his brother is an extrovert introvert. Or is it introvert extrovert? One of the girls asks, what’s the difference? and Danny says he has no idea. Once the punch kicks in, Rocco will tell them all about it. The girl says, his name is Rocco? That’s so cute. She’s Zoe. Rocco says he’s Rocco and holds out his hand. She says she knows, and the other girl says she’s Keri. Danny says, nice to meet them. He’s sure the girls can tell they’re both freshmen.

Looking at the seating chart, Lucy says she thinks she needs to add another table, and Maxie says she knows Lucy wants to sell more, but bringing more people together doesn’t mean forcing them to sit on each other’s laps. Lois says, she can make more room, but they’re already pretty jammed in, and Lucy says, proximity breeds pleasantries, so patrons will get to know the strangers at their table. Maxie says she’s all for reminding people what they have in common is greater than what divides them, but this is the Nurses Ball. Lucy asks what she means by that, and Maxie says, they’ll be lucky if no one throws a drink in someone else’s face. Lucy says, sad, but true. Which begs the question., do they think maybe there’s a tactful way to ask Carly to stay backstage the whole night?

Amy says she wants to tell Willow how brave they all think she is. She’s willing to be seen with Drew after the display he made of himself. She’s a saint. Willow thanks her, and Amy says, of course (🍷). So they’re all on the same page and they’d hate for rumors to start, Willow’s not actually staying with him. Willow says, it’s none of her business, and starts to walk away, but Amy says she totally understands if Willow feels she has to. She did wreck her marriage to be with him. But don’t let embarrassment or regret make her feel obligated to keep a man who cheated on her. She could do better.

Brook asks what Tracy meant by, if it’s what she wanted, and Tracy says, she was forced to make a very difficult decision at a very young age. She guesses she’s asking if Brook regrets the choice. Brook says, all the time, but then she thinks about it and remembers how difficult it would have been to raise a child. She had her music. Hearing herself say that seems selfish. Tracy says, she would have been a child raising a child, and Brook says she knew she wasn’t ready to be a mom for sure. She told her mom, and she agreed. She came home from camp and told her mom two things. One, that she was pregnant and she didn’t want to terminate the pregnancy; and two, she wanted to give her child a better life than she could as a teenager. Tracy says, that’s a mature decision for a teenager to make. She’s proud of Brook. She knew her mind and that’s a good thing. Brook says she hopes so. Her mom made arrangements for the adoption, and it was a huge relief. It was a huge responsibility and when her mom needed help, she told Brook’s Grandma Gloria. When Brook found out that Lois told her, she was floored, but she realized her mom wasn’t just helping her deal with her baby, she was giving up her own grandchild. Tracy says, Lois needed support, and Brook says, she knows. Tracy says, Brook never told her father, and Brook says, no. She feels terrible, but feels it’s too late. Or she’s telling herself that to feel better. Be honest. Does Tracy think she’s a coward?

Danny tells the girls that he’s more of a basketball guy, and calls Rocco over. He says, the girls want to play volleyball, but Rocco says, it’s almost dark. Zoe says they have a glow in the dark ball, and Danny says, just come with them, but Rocco tells him, go. Danny says he’ll stay with Rocco, but Rocco says, just go. Danny says, if he’s positive, and gives Rocco his cup. Danny leaves and Rocco drinks.  

Dante thanks Lulu and says he knew she’d understand, but Lulu says she’s not going to drop the story. Dante says she just said she agreed with him, and she says she agrees there’s nothing rational about having a child. What he said proves the story she’s writing is important and deserves attention. As a journalist, she can’t walk away from it. He says he hates it when she does this. She gets fixated on something and barrels through with no consideration for other people’s feelings. She says, this is her career. She needs this to get her life going again. What she wants to know is, why Brook’s needs are more important than hers. He says, they’re not, and she says, it feels that way. Brook isn’t a damsel in distress who needs to be rescued. If Dante knew the things she knows… Dante asks what she knows. He and Brook had a fling as teenagers and he didn’t tell her because it was way before they met. She says she knows more than that, and he says, it was a fling that meant nothing and wasn’t important, but she’s still mad. Fine. Be mad, but it’s not about Brook. It’s about him and her because… She says, what? and he says, because she’s still in love with him.

Maxie says, it’s Carly’s hotel. She can’t ask Carly to make herself scarce. And she’s not forcing Carly to hide in a closet, so don’t ask. Lucy says, wherever Carly is, they’ll still hear her. Bear in mind, Carly is Bobbie’s daughter – may she rest in peace – so she’s keeping in mind that Bobbie was never afraid to call someone out. Neither is Carly. What if she goes off on Drew and Willow and causes a big, fat scene? Maxie says, Lucy has caused more scenes at the Nurses Ball than Bobbie and Carly combined, and Lois says, true. Lucy says, that can’t be true… Boy, is it dark out. That means she has to go. She’s got lots of stuff to do and it’s very, very dark. She leaves and Maxie says, great meeting. She wishes Brook was here, and Lois says, speaking of Brook, how is she doing at work? Is she okay? Maxie says she thinks Brook is going through something, but doesn’t confide in her, and Lois says she’s sure Brook will. In the meantime, she’s thankful Brook and Maxie are good friends. She’s glad they’ve gotten so close. Maxie says, they’ve been through a lot and Brooks friendship is important to her, and Lois says she thinks Brook is going to need a friend like Maxie now.

Tracy says she doesn’t think Brook is capable of cowardice. She was strong then and she’s strong now. She takes Brook’s hand, and Brook asks if she really thinks so. Tracy tells Brook that she’s often said Brook is the best Quartermaine, and Brook says, she has? When? Tracy tells Brook that she says it behind her back. Now she is saying it to Brook’s beautiful face because she’s more convinced it’s true. For the record, Brook does not owe it to Ned to tell him about the baby. Brook didn’t owe it to her to tell her, but she’s glad Brook did. She wipes a tear from Brook’s face, and Brook says she’s glad too. Tracy says, now she has to ask, with everything Brook and Chase are going through, has it occurred to her to find her son? Brook says, it has. It’s tempting, but the whole point was to give him a better life. If she barges in now, it goes against that. The only way she’ll see him is if he comes looking for her. Tracy says, so generous, and Brook says, Lulu doesn’t agree. Tracy says, Lulu doesn’t get a say, and Brook wonders why Tracy always takes Lulu’s side. Tracy says she’s not. She knows Lulu can be arrogant and self-righteous, but she’s frequently wrong, like her father. Loving somebody doesn’t mean you agree all the time. Brook says Tracy is just telling her that to make her feel better, but Tracy says she’s not. She’s sorry Brook was heartbroken and afraid to tell her, but she never wants Brook to doubt how much she loves her. Brook says she loves Tracy too, and they hug, Tracy now in tears.  

Lulu says, of course (🍷) she loves Dante. She always will. They have a child together. Dante says, that’s not what he means, and he thinks she knows that. Is she saying it isn’t true? She says, no. Who told him? He says, it doesn’t matter. He shouldn’t have said anything. Lulu says, he did, so talk, and he says he’s grateful she’s back, but ever since she woke up, she’s had him at wit’s end. So he went to Maxie. She says, of course (🍷), and he says, Maxie told him what she was going to say before she collapsed. She says, fine. When it happened, she was on her way to find him to tell him that she wanted to be with him. He says, that’s a lot to hear. He wanted her back then. She says she never got a chance, and the next thing she knew, four years had gone by and he was in love with Sam. He says he didn’t know she felt that way and thought she’d moved on with Dustin. He didn’t set out to fall in love with Sam. It just happened. Is she saying he should have waited for her?

Nina says, Willow forgave Drew already. She could tell Willow wanted to believe it when he said he didn’t remember what happened last night. Carly says, that doesn’t change the fact that it did, and Nina says she knows, but Willow went with him to get a blood test at GH. Carly asks what the blood test is going to prove, and Nina says, it’s going to prove there are traces of ketamine in his system. Carly asks why she didn’t use a drug that left the bloodstream faster, and Nina says, ketamine is a recreational drug, and it can’t be proved Drew didn’t take it voluntarily. Carly says, if seeing Drew in bed with another woman didn’t prove it and the blood test proves it’s in his system, Willow will believe he was drugged and she’s going to forgive him. Nina says, hopefully, his constituents won’t. At least it’s something. His political career won’t survive the scandal. Carly says, if Willow thinks Drew’s the victim, it will just tie them tighter. And if she finds out Nina did all of this, it’s going to be one big disaster.

Willow tells Amy that her relationship is her business, and Amy should know better than to believe everything she sees on the internet. Amy says she’s just trying to help, and Willow says, if she wants to help, stop gossiping and start nursing. Amy jets, and Drew comes back. He says, security is keeping the press at bay. He can get her a bodyguard… She says she’s fine and doesn’t need a bodyguard. He says, if it becomes a problem, he’ll do it in a heartbeat, when Isaiah comes out with the test results. Drew asks if the results prove he was drugged.

Rocco gets another drink and a guy says they need one more. Is he up for it? Rocco says, yeah, sure, and goes with him. Emma, Gio, and Vaughn come out of the water, and Emma says, that was great. Gio says, at first, now he’s freezing. Vaughn gives Emma his towel, and she wonders where Josslyn is. Josslyn joins them and Emma asks where she was. Josslyn said she took a walk and watched the sunset. She surreptitiously shows Vaughn the thumb drive in her hand, and he says he’s going to the bonfire to warm up. Do they want to come? Josslyn says, sounds great, and Emma says she’s got to get dressed first.     

Isaiah says, the tests show that ketamine was in Drew’s system, and Drew says, what? He knew he’d been drugged. Can he get a copy? Isaiah says, there’s a copy in his patient folder and he can have this hard copy. He hands the papers to Drew, and Willow thanks him for handling it personally. Isaiah says, his pleasure, and leaves. Drew asks if Willow believes he was drugged now, and she says, yes, she does. He thanks her and says, she has no idea how much that means to him. She says she’s glad. She just wants to get home. Drew says he has one more thing to do. Take the car and he’ll call a Ride Share. She says she’ll see him at home, and he says, their home or Nina’s home. She says, their home, kisses him on the cheek, and leaves. Drew sees Mac talking to Felicia and goes over to him. He says he needs to report a crime.  

Nina tells Carly, there’s no way Willow can find out. Partly because Jacinda is halfway around the world by now and there’s no one here to corroborate the story. (Yeah, except for Portia whose known to be wishy-washy AF.) There have already been calls for Drew to resign. The more pressure they put on the man, the harder it will be for him to play Prince Charming to Willow. At some point, he’ll slip up, and when he does, Willow is going to see who he really is. Carly says, they can’t sit back and wait for that to happen. The photos and the video have gone viral and they’re invaluable. Nina has to use them to convince Willow that Drew got high on purpose and cheated on her the first chance he got. Nina says, Willow can’t know how much she hates Drew. Willow will think she did something and turn on her. Carly says, Nina has to take the risk. If she doesn’t, they could lose everything. She promises there’s no way in hell Michael is going to let Willow raise his children with that man.

Lulu says, of course (🍷) she didn’t want Dante to wait. No one even knew if she was ever going to wake up again. She’s glad he moved on with his life. He asks if she’s sure, and she asks why it’s so hard to believe that she wanted him to be happy. (I dunno. Because she’s usually selfish?) Dante says, for what it’s worth (🍷), it wasn’t easy moving on, and she says she’s sure it wasn’t. Hard as it was to imagine him moving on without her, she’s truly happy Sam was there for him and Rocco. He says, Sam would appreciate her saying that. Him too. She says, it turns out she’s not jealous of Brook. She’s jealous of Sam and Sam died saving her life. She feels like that makes her a horrible person.

Vaughn asks, what happened? and Josslyn says she got here as fast as she could. Why didn’t he keep them in the water longer? He asks if she has any idea how cold the water is. Maybe he’s overthinking it. Maybe she could make Emma think it got lost in the sand. She can make another. Josslyn says, it’s got to be this one. Emma’s work is it and it’s corrupted. She has to give Dalton the corrupted one. He says, Josslyn will have to plant it on Emma, and she says she knows. Any ideas? Josslyn turns and sees Danny right there.

Carly says, Nina knows Diane will use the video and photos for Michael to get full custody, but Nina says she can’t push Willow. If she pushes any harder, she’ll lose Willow and she’ll be isolated with Drew. They’ll never get her away. Carly says, the longer this goes on, the more Willow will be hurt, and Nina says she can’t risk making Willow suspicious. Willow walks in.

Mac says, ketamine is a recreational drug. Any chance Drew took more than he could handle? Drew says he’s never taken drugs, and he doesn’t remember the woman in the photo. Mac asks, who was the last person he remembers talking to? and Drew remembers talking to Tracy at the MetroCourt. He flashes back to them shaking hands.

Lois finds Tracy and says, they need to talk about the Nurses Ball, since she’s a member of the hospital board, but Tracy says, there’s only one thing she wants to hear. Where is her great-grandson?

Brook finds Maxie and thanks her for sticking around, and Maxie asks, what’s going on? Brook says, just Quartermaine insanity, and Maxie asks if she’s sure. She wants to help. Just tell her what to do. Brook says, one thing, and Maxie says, name it. Brook says, pick a side, and Maxie says, what? Brook says she hates to do this to Maxie, but she can’t confide in her as long as she’s friends with Lulu. Maxie says, Lulu is her best friend. So is Brook. Brook says she cherishes that, and Maxie says, Brook knows she tries to stay neutral. Brook says she thinks things have gone way too far. Maxie’s got to decide. Is she Brook’s friend or Lulu’s? Brook walks out.

Josslyn tells Danny, neither one of us was here. Deal? Danny says, deal, they shake hands, and he leaves. Vaughn asks if he’s going to be a problem, but she says, absolutely not. The last thing he wants his parents to know is that he was at a college party. Emma and Gio come back, and Emma asks what Josslyn was talking to Mr. Aquaman about.  

We see Rocco passed out near the rocks on the beach.

Dante says, Lulu isn’t a horrible person, but he can’t pretend he wasn’t in love with Sam. Lulu says she’d never ask him to. She knows he’s still grieving, but she needs to get on with her life without him. She’s trying, but losing four years and being stuck in the past, sometimes she just feels so lost… It’s not his problem. The painful truth is… She’s in love with him, but he’s still in love with Sam. He says, yeah, but he’s still in love with her too.

On Monday, Emma says her thumb drive is gone; Brad says he’s come to collect; Drew says, as soon as he knows, Mac will; and Danny tries to wake up Rocco.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

For there being so much last week, there was nothing new for GH this week. So in lieu of that, some sad news. She was on Dallas, so it counts.

https://ew.com/priscilla-pointer-dead-carrie-dallas-star-amy-irving-mother-100-11724668

💉 A Dose of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

I could definitely vibe with a circus theme.

The Valley

Michelle said, Jesse was worse than Jax, but how is that even possible when Jax has a winning streak in being Worst Human Being Ever? Sandoval usurped the throne for a hot minute, but Jax is back to wearing the sash and crown. Michelle was all upset because Jesse had said she’d slept with a billionaire for money. I wish a billionaire was offering me money. True, $1500 sounded a bit cheap for a billionaire, but still.

Summer House

Kyle and Schwartz said they’d be good dads. Definitely, if the kid wants a younger brother. I guess I’m going to have to live with this toe thing for the rest of the season. Lexi claimed to be done, but Jesse wasn’t, and I’m still no sure if they’re still together or not.

Random Reality Items

I would not be heartbroken.

I would expect no less.

Get your reservation now. Men not included. Or the $25,000 taco.

👀 Weekend Watch…

Patient Zero. Amazon Prime. Purchase or rent. I still can’t believe after over a year of trying to hunt this down, I debated whether or not I should spend the $3.99 to watch it. I spent it and got my money’s worth. The zombies aren’t zombies in the usual sense, but super strong, super intelligent killers. An underground team has been assembled to try and find a cure, and one of them, Morgan (Matt Smith), can communicate with the infected, having been bitten, but not turned. There’s the usual cast of characters, like the beautiful scientist who has a romantic relationship with Morgan and a military brute who just wants to kill the infected, to hell with a cure. But the best character of all is The Professor. Stanley Tucci gives a stellar performance as he tells the tale of how he got infected and tries to discourage the search for a cure.

https://collider.com/matt-smith-stanley-tucci-patient-zero/

A Different Man. Max. You likely already know what this film is about – an actor with a deformed face a la The Elephant Man undergoes surgery to make himself look, for lack of a better word, normal. The twist is that he ends up being jealous of a man with a similar condition who is happy with himself as is. The bottom line, you can change all you want about the outside, but if you have issues inside, it ain’t gonna make a difference. Definitely worth a watch.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-different-man-film-review

I was happy to hear this got Adam Pearson, who plays the happier of the two, another job. Now I’m jealous.

Bright. Netflix. Apparently, the reviews weren’t great, but I thought this was a fun escape. Similar to Alien Nation, the main characters are partners on the police force – one human, one an Orc – in a world where all kinds of creatures exist. It’s like an extended version of the Cantina scene in Star Wars, and who doesn’t love that? There is an actual plot about hunting down a certain fairy and a magic wand on the loose, and the action scenes were great, but I’d watch this again just to look at the details.

https://www.cracked.com/article_40602_the-best-will-smith-movie-is-bright.html

https://www.cbr.com/netflix-bright-negative-reviews/

Tau. Netflix. Imprisoned by a rich inventor to work on technology, a grifter befriends the computer who is supposed to help keep her there, by hurting her if necessary. While it had many good moments, some cool special effects, and Gary Oldman voicing the computer Tau, there were one too many trips to the cornfield for me.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/tau-2018

Black Mirror: Season 7. Netflix. The individual episodes.

Common People – Usually the theme is technology gone bad, but this was more like merchandising gone mad. In this world of the future, there’s a company that has the ability to keep you alive and mobile even if you’re practically dead, for a monthly fee. No surprise, you need to keep upgrading and the price climbs as you do. Sound familiar? Even though the premise was slightly amusing, it was nonetheless depressing.

Bête Noire – A woman working for a food company finds out an old schoolmate, who is also their co-worker, isn’t who they seem to be. They have an ability that’s both awesome and dreadful. I loved the ending to this one, although I don’t know if I’d call it happy.

Hotel Reverie – The very definition of bittersweet. Futuristic technology allows an actress to replace the lead actor in a Casablanca-ish old film and she falls in love with the lead actress who has been dead for years. It made me cry.

Plaything – a lot of the episodes had a melancholy tone and this was one of them. A man invents a video game back in the Donkey Kong days and becomes personally involved with his tiny minions. Then tragedy strikes.

EulogyPaul Giamatti is magnificent as a man asked to participate in a memorial service, but to do it, he has to relive his memories through a few photographs. Again bittersweet.

https://collider.com/black-mirror-season-7-episode-5-eulogy-explained-paul-giamatti/

USS Callister: Into Infinity – If you know, you know, and know it’s the follow-up episode fans have been waiting for. A nerd invents a video game based on his favorite show that’s not quite Star Trek. He becomes part of the game and drags his co-workers in against their will. This time, other real players are added to the game. It was a relief after all the angst of the other episodes.

https://ew.com/black-mirror-season-7-episode-guide-11712277

⚰️ Bring Out Your Dead…

Season 2 of Dead City premieres this Sunday, May 4th. Be there or be a stiff.

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/the-walking-dead-dead-city-season-2-preview-negan-has-big-plans/

🏆 Awaiting the Honors …

The Tonys.  

https://extratv.com/2025/05/01/tony-nominations-2025-the-complete-list/

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

🍹 Three Dogs and a Fish Walk Into a Bar…

🦈 And then the fish ate the diver. Just kidding. This is pretty cool.

https://people.com/living-fossil-fish-thought-extinct-for-70-million-years-photographed-for-the-first-time-in-2025-11724699

📸 One way to meet the neighbors.

https://people.com/woman-offers-portraits-to-neighbors-one-brings-dog-exclusive-11725264

🐕 The big and the small of it. What’s really funny is how the Great Dane is the one who looks worried.

https://people.com/guinness-world-records-tallest-shortest-dogs-meet-11724914

🥠 Quotes of the Week

We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us. – Marcel Proust

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. – Marilyn Monroe

The more you are grateful for what you have, the more you will have to be grateful for.Hilary “Zig” Ziglar

Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye. – Helen Keller

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. – Harry S. Truman

If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased. – Katherine Hepburn

I don’t have any anger. Stop pissing me off.Florian Sukaj, 90 Day Fiancé: The Last Resort, Tell All Part 5

As mad as he gets, his hair is perfect. – Big Ed Brown, talking about Florian Sukaj, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé: The Last Resort

💐 It’s Gonna Be May…

Until next week, stay safe; stay off your phone while you take a walk and enjoy how spring has sprung; and stay not taking it lightly if you’re in a luxury position.

April 25, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Drew Keeps Willow From Michael, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watch, Shenanigans In the Wild, A Revolutionary Number Of Quotes & Day

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Josslyn heard Emma’s voice coming from a dumpster. She asked if Emma was okay, and Emma said she was fine. Josslyn could go. Josslyn asked if she was sure about that.

Maxie asked if Anna was going to arrest Sidwell, and Brook said, if she did, his assets would be frozen, and they wouldn’t be able to fulfill pending orders. Maxie said Anna had to tell them – how bad is this guy?

Jason asked why Sasha sold out to Sidwell, and she asked what he was talking about. He said she claimed to have a stash of money. Yes or no, did the money come from Sidwell? She said, yes.

Sidwell asked when Sonny was getting heart surgery, but Natalia said she didn’t know, but soon. She happened to walk in when Sonny was having an episode and got him his medication. Sidwell asked if she was saying it was fatal and the surgery would be lifesaving, but she said she didn’t know. She told him everything she knew. Now she had to do damage control after what he’d told Lucy.

Lucas met with Marco, who said he wasn’t sure Lucas was going to show since he didn’t answer Marco’s text. He knew Lucas was thrown by finding out Sidwell was his father. Lucas said he wanted to give Marco a chance to explain before judging him.

Isaiah said, now that Jordan had decided to infiltrate Sidwell, they were done? and she said, yes. He said he didn’t want them to be over (me neither). He’d been having a good time. Wasn’t she?

On the phone, Alexis asked what Sidwell wanted, and he said he understood there’d been an impending job offer for his son, but it had hit a snag when they’d found out he was Marco’s father. She said they thought it was pertinent information that should have come out in the interview, and she had no time for this. She hung up, startling Sidwell.

Sonny said, Carly was coming to LA? and Carly said he’d need someone there and that someone was going to be her. He said she couldn’t do that, and she gave him a look.

Jordan said she’d enjoyed their time together, and Isaiah asked why they couldn’t keep doing what they were doing. She said she couldn’t take the risk. She had to focus on her new job and Sidwell would probably have eyes on her. He asked if she was DEA, but she said, no. He said, so she was just on her own? She was going to disrupt her life and put herself in danger for the possibility of bringing Sidwell down? She said it wasn’t about ego, but she was in a unique position to stop him, and he said Sidwell had been operating under the radar for decades. Anywhere he went, he committed crimes, but his rap sheet was clean. Her chances of incriminating him were slim to none.

Lucas said Marco’s father hurt a lot of his friends and family, and all of them thought he was a criminal. Marco said he didn’t grow up with his father. His parents had divorced when he was young and his mom wouldn’t let him see Sidwell. When he was in high school, he and his mom had a falling out. She didn’t want a gay son and definitely not one who was openly gay. Lucas said he was sorry Marco went through that, and Marco said that’s why he reached out to Sidwell. His father didn’t care who he was or that he was coming out. His father was there for him. Lucas said he didn’t know his father until he was older, and Marco asked if they were close now. Lucas said, Julian died four years ago, and they were estranged at the time. Were Marco and his father close? Marco said they were. When his father was moving to Port Charles, he suggested Marco move there too, and he said yes. Lucas asked if Marco knew who he was and that he lived in Port Charles when he offered to buy Lucas a drink in Miami.

Emma said she was fine, but Josslyn said she didn’t sound like it. Emma said she was just trying to get her foot unstuck, and Josslyn told her to hold out her hand. Emma insisted she was fine, but Josslyn said she didn’t look it. Come on. Emma took her hand, and she pulled Emma out of the dumpster.  

Carly told Sonny that she’d say she was scouting hotels because she wanted to expand the MetroCourt. It was believable that he’d give her a ride to LA. Wishing he could bring the moss bowl 🎍 instead, he said they couldn’t stay in the same room, and Carly suggested they say they’re interviewing doctors for Michael’s follow-up treatment. Sonny said he didn’t want to use Michael as a cover, but she said, Michael would approve, and it would explain their presence at the hospital. She thought it was perfect and that it would work.

Anna told Maxie that she had no reason to investigate Sidwell. Since he’d distanced himself from Africa, he’d broken no laws. Maxie asked if they should distance themselves from him, and Anna asked if that wouldn’t destroy their business. Sidwell had every incentive to keep his dealings with them above board. He was looking to establish himself in Port Charles as a legitimate businessman. Ultimately, it was their decision and their company, but if it was her, she’d stay the course. She thought that was the safest thing, but whatever they did, don’t trust him. She left and Lucy came in. Lucy said they were never going to believe what she heard. Natalia is Jenz Sidwell’s ex-wife. In unison, Maxie and Brook said, Jason told us.

Jason asked why Sasha would take anything from Sidwell. He kidnapped her and held her at gunpoint. They barely got her out alive. Why take money from him and lie to Maxie and Brook? He thought they were her friends. Sasha said they were, and she didn’t exactly lie. She told them that it had been Sidwell’s response to her mother conning him and stealing diamonds from him worth hundreds of millions. She wasn’t saying he wasn’t dangerous, but he was provoked. Deception needed Sidwell’s zincite and Maxie said Deception wouldn’t use him because of what he’d done. They could have lost everything. She downplayed it because she wanted Deception and her friends to succeed. She didn’t think he was a danger, and they could make up their own minds. Jason said she didn’t have to take Sidwell’s money, but Sasha said she did.  

Sasha said she wanted to know that she could support herself and her child. She grew up with a mother driven by money, who transformed herself into whatever her mark wanted her to be. She didn’t want her child to think it was a valid way to live. He said, but her mother was acting alone. She had family and friends. Sasha said she didn’t want charity. This was compensation for what Sidwell had put her through. She took it and they’re done. Jason asked if she’d be okay if Maxie and Brook knew she took it, and she said, he wasn’t going to tell them, was he? He said, no, but the fact she didn’t want to, told him that she wasn’t okay with it.

Jordan said there was no evidence that Sidwell was doing anything illegal, and Isaiah said Sidwell was dangerous and ruthless, and too smart to leave a paper trail. She said, all the more reason to get close, and he said he was afraid for her. If Sidwell found out, she’d just be gone. She said she assumed as much, and he asked why she was hellbent on risking her life with no back-up. She said that was why she was saying goodbye now. If they’d been in a relationship she would have had to make him understand. The cold, hard truth was that it was her choice own and no one was talking her out of doing what she needed to do. He took her hand and said, please be careful. He left and Anna came along. She asked Jordan, what’s wrong?  

Sidwell walked into Alexis’s office and thanked her for seeing him, but she said she already told him that she had no time for him. What did he want? He said, they were on the verge of hiring Marco, and the presumed the stumbling block was him. She said, the fact he was Marco’s father was a factor, but Marco wasn’t the only candidate they were considering. He said none were as well qualified, and Alexis said Sidwell was one of Marco’s clients. Did he possibly know that Sonny and Jason were their clients and brought Marco in to infiltrate them? He said it wasn’t even a remote possibility, and she said, did he ask Marco to relocate? He said, yes. He was moving stateside and looking forward to being close to his son, but it was Marco who wanted to work at the firm. What could he do to alleviate their concerns? She’d be a fool not to hire him.

While downing gummi bears, Lucy told Maxie and Brook that they’d be fine. Brook said they could invoke the morals clause and sever ties with him, but Maxie said he’d never been implicated. Brook said, that would imply they knew something was illegal, and Lucy said if they cut their losses, it would take them months to build up a new supply chain. They’d have to postpone their global launch and would lose all momentum. If they stayed with Sidwell, they could keep an eye on him. They didn’t have to like him to do business with him. Maxie said, which brought them to their CFO. What were they going to do about Natalia?

Sonny said he didn’t want Carly to disrupt her life because of him, but she said left to his own devices, he’d push himself and his recovery would suffer. He said she wasn’t going to tell him what to do, and she said she had a better shot at it than anyone else. Sonny trusted her judgement enough to listen to her, and she was worried that Natalia knew as much as she did. Sonny said he he’d known Natalia was Sidwell’s ex, he would have acted differently, but he didn’t think she’d wish harm on him. His phone rang and Brook asked if he could come to Deception right away. They had to talk about Natalia.

Emma noticed Josslyn was limping and asked if she was okay. Josslyn said she was fine. She’d twisted her ankle during a hike on Easter Island. She’d been fine until she put weight on it hauling Emma’s ass out of the dumpster. Emma said Josslyn did not just call her fat, and Josslyn asked why Emma was always so angry with her. Emma said she was so sick of Josslyn getting everything she wanted, Easter Island, Dalton’s class, even though it already started. Everything always worked out for her. Josslyn said, when they were kids, she was jealous of Emma. She was perfect and could do no wrong. She was never in trouble. Emma said, because she was being who everyone wanted her to be, and Josslyn said, look where that got her. She had a criminal rap sheet. Emma said, public enemy number one, and they laughed.

Anna said that Jordan seemed tense, and Jordan said she’d just broken up with Isaiah. Anna said she didn’t realize they had something going on, and Jordan said, not anymore. She liked him too. Anna asked, what happened? and Jordan said, Jenz Sidwell came to town just when things were getting interesting. Anna said, so given his and Isaiah’s history, she cut Isaiah loose. She didn’t want Sidwell to be suspicious while she was cultivating him. Jordan said, exactly, and Anna said she’s cultivated targets in her lifetime. Jordan said she and Isaiah tried to see each other on the downlow… Anna asked, what changed?

Jason arrived at Sonny’s old kitchen and said he’d gotten Carly’s text. She said she found out Sonny was having open heart surgery, and he asked if Sonny told her. She said, just now, and asked how long he knew. He said he’s known for a while, before the penthouse. Sonny didn’t want anyone to know. Isaiah knew because he was monitoring Sonny’s condition, and Brick knew because he got the specialist in LA. Carly asked what Natalia brought to the party, and Jason said, she found out when she walked in while Sonny was having an episode. She got his pills, and he confided in her. Jason didn’t like it. She said, now it came out that Natalia is connected to Sidwell. Why didn’t he tell her what was going on? He said, Sonny didn’t want her to know, and she said, that never stopped him before. Why didn’t he trust her now? Was it because of Jack?

Marco said he dropped his card because he knew Lucas would find it. Once he did, he knew Lucas would get so drunk, he’d have to carry him back… Lucas said, stop. He didn’t know why he constantly embarrassed himself. Sorry. Marco said he didn’t know who Lucas was. He was just relieved to get his card back and intrigued by the cute boy who found it. Lucas caught him off guard and the next morning he had no reason to think he’d see Lucas again. Surprised again. Lucas asked if Sidwell being Marco’s father was a good surprise. Did Marco work for him? Marco said Sidwell was one of his clients, and Lucas asked if Sidwell was a criminal. Marco said he had no knowledge of his father doing anything illegal, and Lucas said, interesting phrasing. Was that because his father is legit or is Marco being willfully ignorant because he doesn’t want to know?

Brook said Natalia had been in Port Charles over a year, and Lucy asked if she believed Natalia said anything that could hurt them. Natalia walked in and said she wouldn’t have even if there had been something to tell. They had a right to be upset, but she asked that they hear her out. Maxie said, go ahead, and Natalia said her ex had been out of her life for decades. They broke up when their son was a baby. The last she heard, he was in East Africa. She had no reason to think he’d be in Port Charles. Brook said, but he was, and Maxie asked why she didn’t say something, but Natalia said it had nothing to do with their business decisions.

Emma said she’d been envious of Josslyn when they were kids. Josslyn was the super cool girl who lived part-time in Australia, surfed, and never cared what people thought. She pushed boundaries to go after what she wanted. Josslyn said they remembered things differently, and Emma said she was bugged that Josslyn was so fearless, while she was stuck being good. Josslyn said she was jealous of Emma. She had everything figured out and didn’t need to break rules or push boundaries to get what she wanted. Emma said now she just wanted to fight for what was right, and she was covered in paint and gum a tiny child put there. How did Josslyn get into Dalton’s class when there were at least 10 people on the waitlist?

Marco told Lucas that his father was powerful and ambitious. He knew there were parts of his father’s business that his father kept from him, and he preferred it that way. Lucas said he understood too well. He ignored everything his father did until he couldn’t. That’s why they were estranged when he died. Marco said, that’s new. He would tell Lucas his life story on date three. Lucas asked if this was a date.  

Jordan told Anna that after she resigned, Sidwell offered her a job as his personal lobbyist. It wasn’t official and she’d appreciate it if Anna didn’t say anything, especially to Curtis, and Anna said, of course (🍷). Was Laura in on this? Jordan said they’d come up with the plan together. She knew Boyle couldn’t resist grandstanding and putting her on the spot and he didn’t disappoint. And any good cover story works if there’s an element of truth. She’d never been comfortable with Laura’s closeness to Sonny.

Carly said she’d never tell Jack that Sonny needed help, and Jason said he knew she’d never divulge Sonny’s secrets to Brennan. She had a right to have a life, separate and apart from Sonny. In the past, she’d try to distance herself, and he’d pull her back. She said, those were her own choices, and he said, Sonny cost her a lot. She changed after Sonny and Nina. He saw how painful it was, and it wasn’t fair to ask her to come through for Sonny again.

Alexis asked why Sidwell was working so hard to get his son hired, and he said maybe he was overcompensating. He and Marco’s mother divorced when Marco was young. As a father, he was mostly absent. Marco’s mother had him – Natalia Ramirez. Alexis asked if he was Allie’s father, but he said, no. Natalia remarried and their divorce was so acrimonious, he missed out on Marco’s childhood. She asked when they reconnected, and he said, Marco reached out when he was in high school. He was happy to pay for Marco’s college and law school. He was grateful for the chance to bond with his son and was looking forward to living in the same city. Alexis said she could see he loved his son. Unfortunately, his feelings had no bearing on the firm’s hiring decision. She’d have her assistant see him out.

Natalia said she should have told them the second she walked in. She was sorry, but when she saw Sidwell, she froze. She didn’t know he was in North America, let alone Port Charles. Maxie said she was sure it was a shock, and Brook said, it was two months ago, and Natalia continued to keep quiet. Natalia said, Lulu was so passionate with her objection, she didn’t think they’d be able to move forward, and too much time had passed… Sonny walked in and said he didn’t know Natalia would be here. Natalia said, of course (🍷). She owed the women an explanation and an apology. Maxie said, Natalia explained why she kept her ex a secret, and Sonny asked what they decided. Lucy asked if they were still all in agreement, and Maxie said, yeah. Let’s not drag it out. Effective immediately, they were terminating Natalia’s contract.

Anna asked what happened when Jordan got Sidwell, and Jordan said they both knew he was up to something. He hired her to be his public facing, but once she was inside, she’d been in the perfect position to keep an eye on him. Anna asked if she thought she could get evidence against him, and Jordan said, maybe. She was hoping her presence in his organization would make it harder to pull something. Anna said it sounded too good be true, she and Laura having a man on the inside.  And she couldn’t think of a better man for the job.

Sonny said he’d made the decision, and Brook said that’s why she’d asked him to come. Maxie said, except they had a CFO they couldn’t trust, but in the light of things, it was a necessary evil. Lucy said they couldn’t have Sidwell’s ex-wife near their financials, and Natalia told Sonny that he knew she could be trusted. Don’t let it happen. He said he was sorry, but she needed to understand and accept the decision. She said, after all she’d done. Where was his loyalty? He said, business is business, and Natalia left.  

Lucas said he had no idea Marco’s standards were so low, and. Marco said it wasn’t the worst date he’d been on. Lucas said him either (me neither), when Marco’s phone rang, and he said his mom didn’t usually call him. Lucas said he was looking forward to date three, and left.

Carly thanked Jason for taking her life into consideration as she gazed at the moss bowl🎍. It seemed like it had been forever since Sonny’s name had come up in their conversations. She’d always love him. They had kids together. But she loved Jason for thinking about her and supporting her choices even when he didn’t agree. It was her choice to go to LA. She wanted to be there for Sonny. They’d been through a lot, and he was always there for her, just like she was going to be there for him. Jason said he was glad Sonny told her. Sonny was going to need a lot more help than he thought.

Josslyn told Emma that she didn’t know how she got in the class, but she did know she didn’t ask for a special favor. Emma said the school would do what it took to keep her dad happy. They could pay for a new sports center. Josslyn said she knew it was unfair that she got into class when there was a long wait, but now that she was in it, she was going to work her ass off. Emma thanked her and left.

Anna said she supported Jordan’s reasoning, but thought the bottom line was that Jordan missed the action. She was good undercover, but what was worse was that she loved it. Anna was worried that if Jordan focused on Sidwell, it would cost her, and Jordan said it already had. Anna said Sidwell wasn’t an easy target. He was dangerous, and for someone in town for a short time, he had powerful connections.

Alexis came into her office to find her assistant telling Sidwell that he needed to leave. Alexis said she’d take it from here and asked Sidwell if she needed to call security. He said, no, but he wanted to tell her one more thing. Marco had never done anything remotely illegal. He was proud of his son and loved him. Did she think he’d condone any form of criminality? Alexis said she had no idea, but she’d take it under advisement. Sidwell said she was a hard woman to impress, but Marco could rise to the challenge, as could he, and he left.

Jason said Carly had her work cut out for her. Keeping Sonny still while he was recuperating wouldn’t be easy. She said she’d gotten him through the original injury 25 years ago, and they’d get through this too. She was more worried about what Sonny had shared with Natalia. Did he think Natalia had told Sidwell Sonny’s secrets? He said Carly was Sonny’s ex. How much did she tell Sonny? She said, everything, and he said there was her answer. They’d have to assume Natalia told Sidwell everything.

Marco met with Natalia, and she said she didn’t know who she was angrier at – his dad or Sonny. His dad just blew her life to hell and after all she’d done for Sonny, he just fired her like she was nothing.  

Lucy said she was going to look for a new brand scout, and Brook said she was sorry. Natalia was furious. Sonny said she was, but they couldn’t ignore her connection to Sidwell. Since he brought her to Deception, he felt it was right for him to be involved in letting her go. Maxie said, but what happens now? and he said, they just deal with it.

Tuesday:

Ava visited Rick wearing a (faux) fur coat and said, Ava Jerome is back.

Alexis apologized to Diane for being late, and Diane said she couldn’t keep living like this. They needed to revisit the idea of having Kristina committed to a psychiatric hospital. Alexis said she couldn’t do it, and Diane asked if prison for Kristina was okay.

Lucky opened the door to Kristina who wanted to make sure Elizabeth was okay. Lucky said he told her that Elizabeth was fine, but Kristina said the guilt was eating her alive. She couldn’t last like this.

Trina met Curtis at the café, and said she had a feeling her mom told him about the conversation they’d had about Kai. He said he thought she might want someone else to talk with. He knew she was nervous about Kai having surgery. She said Kai was excited, but there was a good chance of it not working out. It would break his heart if that happened or worse. Something could go horribly wrong, and he wouldn’t be able to walk.

Kai went to Drew’s place and Drew said he was sorry about the other day, but Kai had all his attention now. Kai said he thought over Drew’s offer and wanted to have the surgery.

Nina walked into Sonny’s old kitchen and told Carly that she’d gotten a call from a friend in DC. Drew had been asking for the name of a realtor there. Hoping for a calming effect from the moss bowl 🎍, Carly said they couldn’t let that happen, but Nina said, first things first. What was Carly thinking with that ridiculous outburst? They were supposed to break up Willow and Drew, and Carly pushed them closer together. Carly said she was beginning think that’s what Nina wanted.

Willow went to see Jason, and he asked why she wanted to see him. She said she needed his help, and he sighed. He said he didn’t think it was a good idea, but she said he was her last chance. He’d gotten through to Tracy and Tracy compromised. No one knew Michael and Carly better than he did and he was the only person Carly would listen to. She begged him to tell Carly not to take her kids away.

Nina asked where the hell Carly got that idea, and Carly said she thought their alliance was about breaking up Drew and Willow. Now Drew was shopping for a real estate agent, and Nina just stood there after she laid into Willow. She could have used some back-up. Nina said Carly barely took a breath, and Carly asked if it was Nina’s plan all along to be there to comfort her daughter. Nina asked if Carly was done.

Curtis said he was surprised Kai wanted the surgery after Portia told him that she didn’t recommend it, and Trina said Kai ignored Portia’s professional opinion even though he’d asked for it. She thought he’d made up his mind the second he heard about it. It was Kai’s call and she knew she needed to be there to support him even if she didn’t agree. She didn’t want to be dishonest or lie, but she thought he was making a huge mistake.

Drew said he was hoping Kai would go through with it, and Kai said his fear got in the way of him saying yes. Drew said it was normal to be afraid to get his hopes up, but the doctor said he was an excellent candidate. He could call the doctor now if Kai wanted. Kai said he was amazed how generous Drew was, and Drew said, what was the point in having money if you didn’t use it to help people? Just give him a shout out when Kai won the Heisman. Kai said Drew was changing his life and had given him the best gift he could ask for – hope.

Alexis told Diane that Kristina and Molly were closer than ever. It was almost like it used to be. The only thing missing was Sam. Molly was now able to move forward, and Kristina was over the hump. If the truth came out, they were done, and she couldn’t let that happen. Diane said if she had Kristina committed, they would have secured an insanity defense as back-up, and she could keep Molly in the dark about the accident. Alexis said Molly was too smart and would keep digging until she found out and nobody would recover. The best option was to leave it alone and pray the truth stayed buried. So far, it had. Diane said that was all well and good except for one thing – Ric.

On the phone, Ava said she’d take the Maserati… Rose gold of course (🍷)… Fabulous. She couldn’t wait. Ric asked what she was doing, and she said she had plenty of the money left and more was coming, but he said she couldn’t be blowing it on lavish gifts for herself. She said she didn’t forget him, and gave him a giftbag, a thank you gift for standing by her. It was a limited-edition watch. She’d seen his was damaged in the accident. He said, no. It all had to go back. She couldn’t keep anything.  

Nina said Carly could trust her and she didn’t want Willow and Drew together. She wanted the relationship over permanently, but she was in a delicate position. If she was too obvious, she risked alienating Willow and didn’t want to blow it for the likes of drew. If Willow pulled away, she had no influence. Now she was in Willow’s ear. Barely, but it was better than nothing. Carly said Nina had to do more, and Nina said she was trying. Carly was a better mouthpiece anyway and most of what she said was spot on, until she brought up Nelle. Nina refused to let Nelle be weaponized, and moving forward, Carly needed to respect that. Carly said that was fair, but the slow approach wasn’t working. Willow had moved in with Drew and they were running out of time. Nina said she wanted Willow out of Drew’s house as much as Carly did, and Carly said she was done waiting. She was going to get Wiley and Amelia out of Drew’s house with or without Nina’s help.

Jason told Willow that Carly was angry, but meant what she said. Wiley and Amelia meant everything to Michael, and Michael meant everything to Carly. Michael couldn’t fight for himself, and Carly wasn’t going to back down. Willow said she knew no one approved of what happened, but it wasn’t fair for her to put her life on hold. He said that was her choice, but she was wrong about him being her least chance. Her last chance was herself.

Lucky asked if something happened, but Kristina said, nothing new. She kept replaying the accident in her mind and could barely sleep. She had nightmares and when she woke, she realized it was her life. She almost killed two people. Lucky said it was fine. Everyone was healing and would eventually move on. Kristina said she couldn’t move on from this. The only way to free herself was to confess

Ava said Ric couldn’t tell her how to spend her money, and Ric said he got it. He was happy for her and glad her luck was turning, but if she showed her wealth, people would notice and he expected her to be smart. Instead of Alexis transferring the money directly to her account, they needed to set up an offshore account and needed to put the money in Ava’s account slowly, make it look like the galleries were getting stabilized and doing well. She had to fly under the radar if she wasn’t going to get caught. She said, all right. She’d cancel the car and send everything back, but she was keeping the coat. She closed the blinds and said she found it kind of sexy when Ric gave her financial advice. Money was her aphrodisiac. She got in bed with him, and he said, blackmail was his. She said, it would be foolish to waste this serendipitous event, and they kissed.

Alexis said Ric didn’t remember the accident, and Diane said, yet. He’d remember the failing brakes or Elizabeth would, and Kristina would be in for a world of hurt. Did Alexis want to take that chance? Alexis was her best friend and Diane loved her. This was as close as she’d ever come to begging. Please take her advice. Alexis said she could handle Ric, and she loved Diane too. She thanked Diane, but told her to shred the papers. Alexis left and Diane put the papers in a folder.

A nurse gave Portia some paperwork to sign, and Portia noticed they were hosting a guest surgeon, Dr. Mohinder… and the patient was Kai Taylor. The nurse said, yes, the football star.

Drew said the hospital should be receiving the surgeon’s request shortly. If all went well, the doctor was optimistic that Kai would fully recover before the first game in the fall season. Kai said he didn’t know how he’d repay Drew, but Drew said it was the best use of his money… There was something Kai could do for him though. Kai said, anything, and Drew said he came across a documentary producer who did thought provoking work. He thought Kai could do a documentary story – from surgery to recovery to return to the field, a hero’s journey. It was a story that would inspire people. Defying the odds was something people wanted to see. Kai said he’d do it. He owed Drew and if Drew thought it was a good idea, he was in.

Curtis told Trina that deceit didn’t sit well with him, but sometimes in life, circumstances forced your hand. She said she’d been thinking of all the things that could go wrong and how much pain it would cause because Drew thought it was a piece of cake and a sure thing. Curtis said Trina had one choice, to stand by Kai’s side and support him, no matter the outcome.

Lucky said he was sorry it was hard, but he couldn’t tell Kristina to confess. It wasn’t his decision. Kristina said she knew that, but thought if she did, she’d feel lighter and be able to sleep. He said, but at what cost? and she said Molly would never get over the fact she almost killed her father, and she’d lose the only sister she had left. Her whole family would implode. It would destroy all of them. He said, the question was, what was more selfish? Her keeping the secret and protecting herself or confessing and hurting everyone she cared about?

Nina said she was completely committed to breaking up Willow and Drew, but she and Carly had to change their approach. Fighting only reinforced their romantic delusion of them against the world. Carly asked, what if Willow never sees the light or the real Drew? They couldn’t just hope she came to her senses. Nina asked what the alternative was, and Carly said, going to court to fight for custody of her grandchildren, but Nina said, no judge would give a grandparent more rights than the mother. If Carly did that, she and Michael would lose the kids for good.

Willow said nothing she’d done seemed to work and they were in this endless cycle of fighting, but Jason said that was because she surrounded herself with people who shoved their opinions at her. None of that mattered. They were her and Michael’s kids and the rest was noise. She had to shut it out and stop listening. He thought she should go to Germany and see Michael. They needed to meet face to face and end this war once and for all.

Lucky told Kristina to remember one thing. She’d been incredibly lucky. Everyone survived. She’d made a terrible mistake. She couldn’t change that, but she could learn from it. Make almonds amends in any way she could and let her family have peace. Stop letting her emotions rule her. Kristina said she’d been reckless and completely running on emotion, and he said, and more than anything, let go of her vendetta against Ava.

Alexis went to see Ric and said she thought she’d check in. He said she seemed nervous and asked if she was okay.

Portia went to see Drew and said she couldn’t believe Kai was going through what Drew was willing to do to him, and Drew said, nice to see her too. She said she saw the schedule and wasn’t going to sit by while he toyed with this kid’s life. The surgery was dangerous and not going to happen. He said it was, and Kai was the ideal candidate. She said, Kai was young and his whole life had been upended. He wasn’t thinking about the repercussions or how his life could be worse after the surgery. Drew said Kai was just there and was feeling excited, and she said that would end quick if Kai was left in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. How would Drew feel if he did that to Kai? (My guess is, Drew would say, oopsy, and move on.)

Carly told Nina that nothing was going to change until Michael came home. Then everything would change. Nina said that’s what she was hoping. The more room they gave Willow and Drew, the more they’d get complacent and comfortable. When Drew screwed up – and he would – she would be in Willow’s ear and tell her all about it. She’d agree to 50/50 custody and everyone would win, especially Wiley and Amelia. Were they in agreement on the plan moving forward? Carly said they were, and Nina said she’d keep Carly in the loop, but she had to stay away from Willow. She’d be in touch. Giving a last look at the moss bowl 🎍, Nina left, and Carly made a call. She asked if they were busy. She needed to talk to them.

Ric asked if Alexis was sure she was okay. He knew her and she was never this stressed unless it had something to do with Kristina. Alexis said she was fine, and Ric said she could talk to him. Their truce extended to him listening. She said she appreciated that and asked how he was. He said, better every day. He’d actually started to remember things about the accident. She said, like what? and he said she was too smart to be this dumb. She wouldn’t be there if she didn’t think he knew her lunatic daughter tried to kill Ava and almost killed him and Elizabeth instead.

Diane walked into Sonny’s old kitchen and asked, what fresh hell was she here to prevent or cause? Carly said, Michael and Willow’s custody case.

Willow said it seemed drastic to go to Germany, and Jason said he did it. He needed to hear something directly from Michael, so he flew over, talked to him, and got a clear answer. She said she and Michael hadn’t spoken since he left. Kristina set up the video chats with the kids. Michael probably hated her. Jason said he saw Michael before the explosion, and Willow said that was the day she was served in DC. He said he saw Michael’s face and it wasn’t something he wanted. He believed Michael loved her and the kids and wanted the best for them. She said she never doubted it, but Michael came out swinging and asked for sole custody. Jason said they were in this situation because they stopped communication. She had to see Michael face to face, and they had to be on the same page once and for all. It was the only way.

Alexis said, Ava and Ric were in this blackmail scheme together. Of course (🍷) they were. He said she was damn right. If she wanted to thank him for not turning Kristina in, he was all ears. She said he’d never change, and he asked if that meant their truce was over. Kristina belonged in prison. She could call if she preferred. She could end this. Alexis said it would kill Molly, but he said Molly deserved to know the truth. The horrible way Kristina behaved during Irene’s death was the person her sister was. It would break her heart, but at least she’d be free of Kristina. Alexis said, what about the money? and Ric said the money was nice, but for Molly to see who Kristina really was and that Alexis would always protect Kristina over Molly was the best gift he could give his daughter.

Trina sat next to Kai in the park as he watched some guys practicing football. He said everything was set for next week. He talked to his parents. They were out of the country, but supported his decision. He knew Trina wasn’t sure about it, but he appreciated her caring about him and looking out for him. She said she did care about him, and he said if he had the surgery, it would give him a shot at playing football again. It was a long shot, but that was all he needed.  

Drew said he would feel terrible if something happened to Kai, but the doctor was an incredible surgeon and wasn’t going to let anything happen. Portia said, every surgery was a risk, but this was a massively high stakes procedure. She was a doctor and the Chief of Staff. Maybe he shouldn’t argue with her. Drew said, maybe she shouldn’t throw her medical license and credentials around, since she knew she shouldn’t have them. She only did because of him. She said, now the threats, and he said it was a reminder, but he didn’t know why he was keeping her secret. She hadn’t helped him with Curtis at all. It was clear she had no sway with her husband. Maybe it was time Curtis, and the world found out the truth. There was a knock at the door, and it was Curtis. He asked what Portia was doing there, and Drew said they’d just talking about him.

Curtis asked what they were saying about him, and Portia said she’d come to tell Drew that she didn’t support Kai’s surgery. Curtis said he’d come about the same thing, but Drew said they were both wasting their time. He wasn’t going to yank the chance away from Kai. He promised them, the surgery was happening. Curtis said they’d just have to pray the surgeon could pull off a miracle. Not for Drew’s sake, but for Kai’s. Drew asked if they were done, and Portia said, absolutely. She and Curtis left, and outside, Portia said they’d have to pray the surgeon pulled it off and Kai became one of the rare success stories. Curtis said he hoped so for Trina’s sake as well, and Portia said, if it went well, it would prove Drew’s intentions were good and they could put it behind them and move on. Curtis said that wasn’t likely.

Trina said, the last time she saw Kai smile like that, he was in a football uniform, and he said football always made him happy. She said she remembered when she snuck in the tunnel and saw him smiling, and he said it killed him that he couldn’t play now, but the chance for the fall was keeping him going. She said she’d be on the stands supporting him, no matter what, and he put his arm around her.

Kristina thanked Lucky for listening, and he said he hoped it helped to clear her head. She said, it did. She wasn’t going to confess. It wouldn’t accomplish anything, and she didn’t want her family to suffer more than they already had. If anyone should suffer, it had to be her. She learned from it and was going to let go of her vendetta against Ava. She just wanted Elizabeth and Ric to get better. She wanted the people she’d to be okay and the people she loved to never get hurt.  

Alexis said she and Ric had a long, horrible history, but one thing she was sure of was that she thought he loved Molly. When he left, it was her who took care of Molly, raised her, and wrapped a loving family around her, including Kristina and Sam. Could he acknowledge that? He said, sure, why not? and she asked why he would purposely do something to hurt her by taking away her family. She gave in to Ava’s demands and funneled money from the Cassadine estate. Please don’t expose Kristina. He said, since she begged so nicely. He always enjoyed watching her smug moral superiority crumble when it came to Kristina. The blackmail wasn’t the best part. The fact that she had to embezzle from a child to do it was the gift that kept on giving. (Like Ace would even miss it. He could probably live off the interest alone.)

Willow said she didn’t know how it all spiraled or if Michael would want to hear from her, but Jason said he thought Michael would. They owed it to each other and the kids to talk. Somebody had to make the first move, and it had to be her.

Carly asked what the status of the custody case was, and Diane said it was at a standstill until Michael was back in town. Carly said Willow was served in DC. Could they move forward on Michael’s behalf? Diane said, not at the moment. It was hard to have a custody battle when the plaintiff was halfway around the world. Carly said she could handle getting Michael there as long as they were ready to go. Diane said they would be, and Carly said, good. Drew could decide to move at any time, and she wanted to get a court date on the books for the hearing. Diane said she didn’t keep the court’s calendar and there was a good chance they wouldn’t get one until later. Carly said that was okay. She wanted to keep it quiet until a date was found. She wanted Drew, Willow, and Nina to think the hearing was far off in the future. She wanted reality to blindside them.

Wednesday:

Laura goes to visit Lulu and see her new house and thought it would be a wonderful home. She couldn’t stay, but she could come back to help. Lulu said she thought she was good, and Dante came out. He said he thought he heard Laura’s voice.

Boyle stopped by Tracy’s table at the MetroCourt, and said he hoped they could let bygones be bygones and put their unfortunate property dispute behind them. She asked if he meant when he tried to bulldoze her deceased relatives. Did he want something? He said if she ever needed a friend in city hall… and she told him to sit. She said despite his unfortunate relationship with Congressman Cain, she did find herself liking some of his positions. Actually, just one position. The one where he put Sonny Corinthos out of business.

At another table, Nina thanked Portia for meeting with her. Drew was out of control, and they had to do something to stop him before he cost Nina’s daughter her children.

Carly was chopping vegetables in Sonny’s old kitchen, when Jason came in. She said they had something to talk about before she went to LA. She finally figured out how to get Michael’s kids away from Willow for good. Jason said he needed her to put the knife down.

Drew told Willow that he’d talked to his lawyer about the kids. If something happened to her and Michael, they could stay with him. She didn’t have to worry they would end up with Carly. His lawyer would make sure they wouldn’t. Willow asked if he could stop them.

Boyle said the locale of the esplanade should be left up to the people, but Tracy said she didn’t want to talk about the esplanade. No one gave a damn about the esplanade, and if she never heard the word esplanade again it would be too soon. Boyle said that’s what the referendum was about, and she said not to talk to her like she got her news from social media. The referendum had absolutely nothing to do with a sidewalk. He asked what she thought it was about, and she said she thought it was about getting rid of and extremely dangerous criminal in Port Charles. Sonny had wormed his way into the graces of important people. Her only regret is that it took this long to find the perfect way to shut him down. Boyle said he couldn’t agree more and asked if she was willing to put her money where her mouth was.

Dante said the garbage disposal was now working, but not some of the outlets, and asked where the panel was. Lulu said she didn’t even know her zip code, and he said he’d find it. He left, and Laura said Lulu really didn’t need her help. Lulu said Dante’s handyman skills had been a lifesaver, and Laura said she was sure they had. Lulu said, fine. She was enjoying his company, but she’d always need her mother. Laura said, nice save, and she was only a phone call away. She’d miss having Lulu and the kids there, but was thrilled Lulu had found a home for her family. Just don’t forget that her home was also Lulu’s home – always. They hugged and Laura left. Lulu found a giftbag among the boxes and took out a vase. Dante came back and said the outlets were working, and she said, don’t tell her that he picked out the vase. He said, Tracy did. He was just the messenger. She took out the card and read, Love, Your Stepmonster. Dante said, new house, new vase, and old, but functioning, garbage disposal. It looked like Lulu was back on her feet. Lulu said, not quite, but soon.

Brook told Lois that she and Chase would like to start a family, so they decided to explore adoption. Chase said Brook thought it would be a nice way to pay it forward, and Lois said she thought it was an amazing idea. She’d do what she could to help. Brook said, one thing they knew for sure was that they wanted to use the same agency where Lois placed her baby.

Carly told Jason that she wasn’t going after Willow with a knife. Michael served Willow with divorce papers when she was shacking up with Drew in DC, but there was no follow through because of his injuries. While he was in Germany, Willow was living out her romantic delusional fantasy with no consequences, like losing her children. She told Diane to prepare for Michael’s custody battle. Jason asked if they were going to inform Willow, and Carly said when they got a court date, but Diane thought it was far off. Jason said, what if Michael wasn’t ready? and Carly said they’d postpone it, but if and when he was ready and back in Port Charles, they’d have tons of evidence that Willow was an unfit mother. Jason said, but they didn’t know what Michael wanted.

Willow said she didn’t think extreme action was best, but Drew said it wasn’t extreme. Willow still had Michael’s medical proxy. She said she wasn’t using that as leverage again, and Drew said Willow had to consider her position. No one was filling her in on Michael’s medical condition. She said, Carly updated her when she asked and Michael was doing better, but Drew said, all they had was Carly’s word. What if he was getting worse? What if something happens to her? She said she didn’t want to talk about that, but he said, consider the possible outcome. That if Michael succumbed to his injuries and she became incapacitated? She needed to make it super clear in the eyes of the law that the kids wouldn’t end up with Carly. She said before they went any further, there was one more person she needed to face – her husband.

Brook said either she never knew the name of the agency or didn’t remember, but she was sure Lois and Gloria vetted them within an inch of their life. Chase said Lois told them she was grateful to the nuns, and Brook said, that’s why they thought it would be a great place to adopt a child of their own. What was the name? Ned came in and asked what he just heard about a child.

Portia said she was confounded by Willow’s faith in Drew, but it seemed to be a pattern. People fell under Drew’s spell. Nina said it was because he was a master manipulator, and Portia said Drew used half-truths and subtle pressure to convince people to do what he wanted, then made them think it was their idea. Nina said he had Willow convinced it was the two of them against the world and Willow never questioned it despite other people’s warnings. Portia said he tried to manipulate Curtis into giving him controlling interest in Aurora again, but when Curtis saw who Drew really was, it changed his perception for good. Nina said Drew would never show Willow any side of himself except the hero. If only she knew what he was capable of. Portia said, if Nina knew what Drew was hiding, the simplest way was to tell Willow.

Carly said her son wanted his children back, and Jason asked if she’d talked to Michael. She said, early in his treatment, she’d talked to him on the phone, but he was tired and in pain and she didn’t want to push it. Did he talk to Michael? He said they’d had two conversations that lasted about three minutes. He just wanted his kids to be okay. The only two who could fix this were Michael and Willow. She said, Willow was too enthralled with Drew. She didn’t even remember she had a husband. Jason said, she remembered. Willow was going to Germany to see Michael.

Drew said, Willow was going to visit Michael? and she said, that was the plan. He didn’t approve? He said it wasn’t that. He was surprised. She said she should have gone a long time ago, but didn’t know for sure what his condition was. She needed to see it for herself, so she was going to Baden-Baden. If Carly was lying about his progress, they’d know what legal action to take. The sooner she knew his current condition, the better, and if he was improving, they could have a productive conversation. Drew said, Michael filed for sole custody. Did she think he wanted to talk? She said, when she was served, it was petty and cruel, but Michael wasn’t. He’d had no chance to explain, and they only had Carly’s take on it. She needed to hear it from him. Drew said she might not like what he had to say, and she said, maybe not. There was a reason their marriage didn’t work, but they had cared for each other and the one thing they could always agree on was the kids. He said, the kids Michael was trying to take away from her, and she said, which was also not like him. Even when the video was shown, he stood up to Carly and let her take the kids because he knew they belonged with her. Drew asked, what changed? and Willow said she spoke to the one person who knew Michael better than anyone. She talked to Jason.

Boyle looked at a check and said he couldn’t thank Tracy enough. She said she didn’t want thanks, just results, and he said he was confident the referendum was going to go their way, but it wasn’t a slam dunk. Sonny had powerful friends who were fine with the status quo. Tracy said she wasn’t and she wasn’t the only one. Boyle said, if she aligned herself with them, she would be going up against Sonny’s powerful friends – Laura approached the table – such as their illustrious mayor.

Laura asked if Boyle was making amends to those whose family he tried to have disinterred, and Tracy said he promised to make every effort to make it up. Boyle said Laura should know he got the internal polling on the referendum. Sonny Corinthos’s days on the piers were numbered. Laura said, then they were. Excuse them. Boyle said given the way the wind was howling, Laura should jump on board with their position, but she said, unlike him, she didn’t choose her position based on polls. She did what was best for Port Charles. Tracy said Boyle had his money. Go put it to good use, preferably as far away as he could get. Boyle left and Laura sat down. She said, Tracy gave him money? She couldn’t trust him. Tracy said he was loathsome, but she thought they needed to listen to him.

Lulu told Dante that she was looking for a new job to go with her new place, and she’d found something perfect. He asked what she was going to do, and she said she reached out to her old contacts at The Invader. She was pitching herself as a long form journalist. She was starting as a freelancer and had a great call with the managing editor at the Llanview Banner. She felt good about this one. She got to make her own hours, so she’d have plenty time for the kids. Dante said, they’d love that, especially Rocco. He felt Rocco could use his mom.

Carly said, Jason told Willow to see Michael in Germany? and Jason said he did. She asked why he was talking to Willow, and he said Willow had tracked him down and wanted him to stop her from taking the kids like he’d stopped Tracy. He told her that only she and Michael could figure out their marriage and needed to have a face-to-face conversation. Carly said it was a bad idea. Michael was in no condition to figure things out. He was still in love with Willow.

Willow told Drew that she took the kids to see Monica and ran into Jason. They talked and he asked why she hadn’t reached out to Michael. The truth was, she was afraid of what Michael would say and do, but Jason said he’d be willing to hear her out. Drew said she couldn’t trust anything to do with Michael, but she said she couldn’t make decisions based on fear. She had to face him and try to find common ground for the kids’ sake. Was there something she wasn’t seeing? He told her that he couldn’t believe he was saying this, but he thought Jason might have a point. He was in favor of anything that brought the family peace.

Nina told Portia that she could expose Drew, but had no tangible proof. If she openly challenged Drew, it would just push them closer. Portia said that Drew wasn’t just a manipulator. He was impossible to call out. You could try, but it could backfire. Nina wondered if she was talking about Curtis, but Portia said Curtis could hold his own. She was worried about Trina’s friend Kai Taylor. Nina asked if he wasn’t the spokesperson for Drew’s Pediatric Sports Initiative (🍷). Didn’t he play football? Portia said, he was football until he got hurt. Drew convinced him that he could play again if he underwent an incredibly risky surgery. Nina said, if it was a success, Drew would be the hero for saving a young man’s future, but if it didn’t work… Portia said, Kai could end up paralyzed. Trina was terrified and they’d both tried to talk to Kai. Nina said, but he bought Drew’s act, and Portia said, if it didn’t work out, Drew would say he never promised anything, like making Curtis CEO. Nina said Drew could weasel himself into anything, and Portia said he lured them in until they were trapped, then convinced them they did it to themselves. Nina said then they’d just have to set a trap of their own.

Tracy said, a broken clock was right twice a day, and Laura said Boyle pandered to donors and polls. He was eager to get back and Sonny. Tracy said it was worth working with him to get rid of the blight on her family. Sonny stole Michael from AJ, then murdered AJ. There was no love lost between her and AJ, but he was Alan and Monica’s son, and it was a murder. She could understand Laura’s conflict and it wasn’t her intention to put her at odds with Sonny. That’s why she wanted to meet. She wanted to give Laura a heads up before she made her position public. She apologized for the timing. Laura said she didn’t care about that, but Tracy aligning herself with Boyle was a mistake, and Tracy said if Boyle was willing to go head-to-head with Sonny Corinthos, she had no choice but to support him.

A beautiful woman went to the bar and asked Boyle if the seat next to him was taken. Portia wondered how she and Nina would pull it off. Councilman Boyle was here. He was Drew’s lackey and did his dirty work. They looked over to Boyle and the woman laughing and clinking glasses, and Nina said maybe they could use that. Portia wondered what that woman was doing with that troll, and Nina said she’d seen that woman here before several times.

Lulu asked if Dante was concerned about separating Danny and Rocco, and he said, a little. He was more worried about Danny being without Rocco’s influence. Danny also let Rocco loosen up, but she shouldn’t worry. Rocco wouldn’t get in as much trouble as he did at Rocco’s age. Lulu dropped something and Dante suggested they take a break.

Ned hugged Brook and said adoption was wonderful. He adopted Leo and considered it a great joy, the gift of life. Chase said he hoped they were half as lucky, and Ned said the child they adopted would be happy and lucky. He’d do everything he could to help. Lois said, absolutely, when her phone rang. She said it was a lighting director she was trying to nail down for the Nurses Ball and left. Chase thanked Ned in advance and said they didn’t know if they wanted to adopt an infant or an older child. Ned said, the proper mindset was an open mind. You never knew who your child would be until the day you met them.

On the phone, Lois told Gloria, Bingo can wait. Brook was asking what agency they used to place the baby. What was she supposed to tell her? Clearly, there was no agency.

Lulu said they were using the glasses they’d got when they took Rocco to Disneyworld, and Dante said they were the first glasses he’d found. She said she remembered how excited Rocco was to meet Goofy, and Dante said he did too. That’s why he made sure they were still around. When she got sick and he packed up her house, he made sure he got what he thought she’d find important. He was hoping they’d get use one day. Lulu’s phone rang and she said it was the Llanview Banner.

Lois came back and Ned said he had to get to a meeting. They’d talk more tonight. He couldn’t wait to meet his grandchild.

Laura said she felt there was nothing she could say to change Tracy’s mind, and Tracy said there wasn’t. She was sorry it was going to create friction between them and understood it put Laura in a bad position. She hoped Laura understood the wisdom of ridding Port Charles of a mafia boss. Laura said Tracy thought driving Sonny out of town was going to rid them of organized crime, but it wasn’t. Somebody else would slip in behind him and she thought she knew who – Jenz Sidwell. She asked what Tracy knew about him, and Tracy said she wasn’t a fan. Unfortunately, Deception needed him and his rare mineral. Laura said he wasn’t just that Sidwell was a dangerous criminal, she believed he wanted to take Sonny’s place in Port Charles. By driving Sonny out, they were inviting someone worse in.

Carly said, if Willow saw Michael, she’d try everything to get what she wanted, but Jason said it was Michael’s decision. Carly said he was in no condition to decide and couldn’t have a full conversation. Willow wasn’t the woman he remembered and would put her person put selfish desire ahead of the kids. The Willow that Michael loved was gone. Jason said, if that was true, Michael needed to see it for himself, but she said he wouldn’t see it. Willow would cry and do what she could to get what she wanted. He told her to try to have faith and trust that Michael would see through that and figure it out, and she said he would if he was 100%, but he’s not. Jason said he was still Michael.

Drew said he only wanted what was best, and Willow said she was going to book her ticket now. Drew said he’d do it. They’d fly first class, and he’d find an incredible place for them to stay. He could take a couple of days off. Willow said as amazing as it sounded, she needed to go on her own, and he said she didn’t want him to go? She said, if it was a holiday or a long weekend, but she was seeing her husband who was in a burn clinic. On top of it, if Michael found out Drew came, he could take it the wrong way, and he wouldn’t exactly be wrong. She needed to focus doing what was best for the kids. He said if that was what she needed to do, he was behind her 100%, and they hugged.

Nina went over to the woman and said she didn’t mean to interrupt, but she was Nina Reeves, editor of Crimson. Boyle said he was off the clock, but she said she was talking to his friend. The woman introduced herself as Jacinda, and Nina said Jacinta must already be represented by an agency. She assumed Jacinta was a model. Jacinda said she was a freelancer, and Nina handed her a card. Boyle said they had to get going and asked for the check. Nina said, of course (🍷). Call her. She gave Jacinta a wink and went back to the table. Portia thought it was no time to scout models for Crimson, but Nina said, that woman was no model.

Laura said Sonny kept certain elements away from Port Charles, and Tracy said, like drugs. She understood he was the evil they knew, but she was willing to roll the dice on a brand-new devil. Laura said if she couldn’t sway Tracy, could she talk her out of aligning herself with Boyle. Boyle asked her to resign… Is that what Tracy wanted, for her to step down? Tracy said, of course (🍷) not, but why didn’t she distance herself from Sonny. Don’t let that man take her down with him.

Lulu told Dante that the Llanview Banner accepted her 2000-word article, and he said, which one? She said she pitched three and they went with the adoption story.

Brook said she felt terrible that Lois never met her own grandchild, but Chase said their child would still be a new member of the family. Lois said she’d welcome them with open arms – the whole family. Chase said, Tracy might complain, and Brook said, at the beginning, but then she’d be happy there was another Quartermaine, or adjacent. What was the name of the agency? Lois said, Saint Ignatius, and Brook said she’d give them a call. Lois said, unfortunately, they closed down 15 years ago.

Jason told Carly that they weren’t married to Michael. Willow was. Carly said, not for much longer, but he said, until that happened, Michael would say how and when the marriage ended. Carly said she wasn’t calling off Diane. They’d lay the groundwork for Michael to get his kids back and there was nothing Willow could do about it.  

Drew said he was proud of Willow for facing Michael alone, but she said he seemed to have his doubts. He said, never about her. He was going to miss her a lot. They hugged and she said she wasn’t gone yet. They kissed and moved to the bedroom where they got busy.

Boyle left with Jacinta and Portia asked how Nina knew she wasn’t a model. Nina said she recognized Jacinda from the hotel security footage. When she was co-owner, she had to have Jacinda removed from the premises several times for plying her trade. Portia said, she’s an escort? and Nina said, she was, and they had a job for her.

Thursday:

Brook brought Cody to the hospital and he told Felicia that Hades had kicked him. He’d made a rookie mistake, and it wasn’t the horse’s fault. Felicia said she’d find a doctor.

Lucas went to Lulu’s place and thanked him for meeting her. She wanted to interview him for the Llanview Banner. He asked if she needed a medical expert, but she said it was more personal. How did he feel about being adopted?

At the batting cages, Jason told Danny that Rocco was going to be late. Danny said Jason didn’t have to stay, but Jason said he hadn’t planned on leaving. He suggested Danny take some swings.

Alexis thanked Marco for coming back to the office, and Diane said she wanted to cut to the chase. They’d extended him an offer and wanted him to work there, but before they could consider moving forward, there was one thing she had to make abundantly clear.  

Molly walked Ric down the hall at the hospital, and he said he wasn’t the most popular guy. His only regular visitor besides her, was Ava. She said that’s what she was afraid of.

Dante came by Sonny’s old kitchen to see the moss bowl 🎍 Kristina. She said she’d made pancakes with Donna, but was crawling out of her skin a little bit. Dante said he was worried about their dad too.

Brick asked if Sonny was ready to do this thing, and gave Carly a hug. Sonny smiled.

Dante told Kristina that their dad appreciated her staying with Donna. Carly and Sonny were lucky. Kristina said since Carly was going with Sonny to LA, she was grateful she could help out, and he said Donna was here and safe with her. He was grateful too, that she got Sonny to tell him about his health issues. They were family and their dad needed them, especially now.

Brick asked how Sonny was doing, and Sonny said, better now that Brick was here. Brick said he already seemed to be in good hands. He was glad Carly came with Sonny. Sonny said Brick had connected him to the cardiologist, set up the appointment in LA, and kept it discreet, and Brick said, you know I got you.

Jason said Rocco had a great swing, and Rocco said his mom taught him. It was more Rocco’s sport, but he liked it. Jason asked how he felt with Rocco living at Lulu’s half the time, and Danny said, Rocco had missed his mom, and he was happy for him, but it was already weird enough with Scout gone. They were supposed to stick together. Jason said, like mom wanted, and Danny said, now that she was gone, he guessed it didn’t matter.

Molly said Ric was doing great. He’d come a long way. She’d been terrified when she got the call. He said he was tougher than people thought, but Molly said she thought people knew he was tough. She would have lost it if not for mom, Kristina, and Cody. Ric said, Cody the horse guy? and she said, actually, he’d shown up for her a couple of times and turned out to be a good friend. He said, good friends were hard to come by, and Molly said she was grateful Cody got him and Alexis to make a truce. She was concerned about his support system and worried that Ava was the only person showing up for him.

Diane said she didn’t like slip-ups. She introduced Marco to a valuable client, when she wasn’t aware of his controversial parentage. While he hadn’t been obligated to tell them, it was absolutely pertinent. Alexis said it wasn’t a disqualifier. Marco was an excellent attorney, and considering her background, she made it a point to not hold anyone’s lineage against them. While they appreciated the billable hours and Marco bringing in his client list, they needed assurances. Marco said, that his father’s business wasn’t a conflict in working with Jason and Sonny.

Felicia came back and told Brook and Cody that she’d thought Lucas was there, but there’d been a schedule. As soon as a doctor was free, she’d let them know. Brook got an ice pack and said Cody had to get the swelling down. She opened his shirt and said, let’s go, big baby, and put on the ice pack.

Lucas said his parents handled things the right way. They never hid that he was adopted, and he knew he’d been chosen and loved. He didn’t feel they love was any different than their love for BJ, his dad’s biological child. His mom loved both of them. Lulu asked if it made him more receptive to being an adoptive parent, and he said he didn’t know, but he had no hesitation. She asked if the aftermath changed how he felt, and he said, not at all. Adoption was the greatest gift to give or receive. Lulu said that might be the title of her article. He’d been an adoptive parent and been adopted. What was it like when his biological father came into his life as an adult?

Jason said he knew Danny missed his mom and felt he had no one to talk to except Scout, but Scout was young, and he wasn’t seeing her as much as he’d like to. Danny said he was happy about Rocco getting his mom and sister Charlotte back, and Jason said it made sense that Rocco would be feeling mixed up with losing his mom. Rocco could talk to him about how he felt missing her. He missed her too. They were similar and stayed in their heads too much and didn’t talk. He and Danny’s mom did. Nobody got him to talk like she did, and it helped, so he was there. Anything and everything Danny wanted to say, whenever he needed.

Lucas said Tony Jones would always be his dad, but Julian was part of the reason he existed. Despite not being raised by Julian and his many flaws, he found he had room in his heart for his father. He asked if that was awkward or terrible, but Lulu said, neither. She appreciated his honest answers. Julian was a flawed man, but if Lucas could choose, would he still have Julian re-enter his life or would he have been better off never knowing him. Lucas said their relationship was a rocky road filled with highs and lows, and Julian fighting demons until the day he died. He knew Julian loved him and he was grateful for that and Julian, so yes. He was glad Julian came back into his life.

Cody said he thought Brook was annoyed at him for running his mouth to Lulu. Now she was staying in the lounge with him. Brook said she’d told him that she wasn’t mad, and she meant it. She was mad and annoyed at Lulu for manipulating him and digging into something that was none of her business. He said he was sorry, but she said, don’t be. He was there when it counted. She was scared and didn’t know what she would have done without him that summer. He said he was glad to help, and she said she was there for him now and glad to help.

Brick said Dr. Abbott was the best cardiologist in the country, and Sonny said, whoever tried to kill him and hurt Michael was still out there. Brick said he’d find out who it was. He gave the order and got a security team together in case Sonny was under surveillance. He was going to check in now. Carly was in charge, so behave himself. Try to do what the lady says.

Dante told Kristina that he thought Sonny would be around forever. It made him realize he was taking the people he loved for granted and needed to tell those people how much they meant. Kristina said she needed to get better at it. Their dad was her anchor when she bottomed out and didn’t judge her. He just loved her. Dante said Sonny did the same for him after he lost Sam. Kristina told him, both Sam and their dad said they weren’t their mistakes. They did bad things, but were still worthy of love. Dante said, true, and Kristina was super loveable. Donna ran in and asked if Dante wanted to go to the park, but he said he had to pick up Rocco. Her big sister was there though, and she was a blast. Donna said, Kristina was the best, and he said she certainly was.

Marco said he could keep his work for his father siloed and had no problem representing Sonny or Jason, but Diane said, him representing them was highly unlikely. Marco said if a situation was a conflict of interest, he would recuse himself, and Alexis welcomed him aboard. She had to leave for a meeting with Kristina, and Diane would take it from here. Alexis left and Diane handed Marco a folder, saying the cases were still in the preliminary stages. He pulled some papers out and asked if she was sure she wanted him to work on this. He handed her the involuntary commitment papers for Kristina.  

Ric said Ava was his client and friend, but Molly said he wasn’t talking to a ten-year-old. She knew Ava was more than a friend. He said he and Ava had an understanding, and she said that scared her. Ava appealed to the worst parts of him. He said that wasn’t fair, but she said, Ava was never fair. Or she’d never seen it. While Ava wasn’t directly responsible for Irene’s death, she was responsible for a lot of bad. She wanted better for him and wanted him to be batter. He asked if having Ava in his life meant she wouldn’t be, but she said she wasn’t giving him an ultimatum. She just wanted him to think long and hard about being involved with Ava before she wrapped him up in something he’d regret.

Diane told Marco that the paperwork had obviously been misplaced. It was a private matter that she assumed he’d regard with discretion. He said he understood and was going to his office to work on the prelims. He left and Diane wrote Davis on a manila envelope and put the papers in it.

Donna and Kristina did some coloring, when Donna asked for a glass of water. When Kristina went to get it, Donna picked up Kristina’s phone and called Sonny. Sonny answered and when he saw it was Donna, he asked where her sister was. Kristina popped in and said she was there, but Donna shouldn’t take other people’s phones without asking. Donna said she wanted to call her daddy. Where was he and what was he wearing. Sonny said he was at the hospital for a check-up. Mommy was here with him. Carly said hi, and Kristina said they should let their father focus on his check-up. She had things under control despite what it seemed like. Sonny said he loved them. When the call was over, Sonny asked if Carly thought Donna was scared, but she said she thought Donna was more afraid he was getting a shot. Sonny said Kristina looked terrified even though she was trying to act like she wasn’t. Dr. Abbott came in and Sonny introduced Carly as his friend, and she said, friend and ex-wife. Sonny told the doctor that whatever he had to say, he could say in front of Carly. Let’s hear it.

Felicia brought Lucas to Cody and said he’d been kicked by a horse. Lucas asked if Cody could walk, and Cody said he could and left with him.

Rocco asked how Lulu’s interview went, and she said, fantastic. Lucas opened up about how it felt to be adopted. Rocco said that’s how he felt, like Danny, him, and Scout adopted each other when they moved in with Sam. She asked what it was like blending families and having new siblings, and he said, weird at first, but they figured it out. It was mostly bathroom schedules and what they liked to eat, but it didn’t take long. Lulu said when she and Dante agreed he’d live with her part-time, she thought it was important that they spend time together. They’d missed out on so much. She knew he had a real family who loved him – his dad, Danny, and Scout. She knew he had that with Sam too… Rocco said he’d spent years praying for this, to see and talk to her. He loved his family, all of them – dad, Danny, Scout, and Charlotte – but when he was here with her, it’s exactly where he wanted to be. They hugged.

Dr. Abbott said he was going to repair Sonny’s heart damage from the shrapnel. It sounded scary, but he’d survived a great deal, and the doctor expected him to heal well. Carly said he was a fighter and incredibly stubborn, and the doctor said that would help too.  

Donna asked if Kristina was mad at her, and Kristina said, of course (🍷) not. She could never be mad at Donna, but she shouldn’t take anyone’s phone without asking. Donna asked if their daddy was going to be okay, and Kristina said he’d be just fine and back before they knew it. She suggested they made Sonny a get-well card, but Donna said she couldn’t find her glitter. Kristina (who probably hid the glitter, as anyone whose made crafts with kids would) said she had the feeling it would be just perfect without glitter, and Donna said she was glad Kristina was here with her. Kristina said she was too.

Diane went to Ric’s hospital room, and he asked what brought her by. She said she was filing a request in family court. Sonny wanted to take Avery on a trip to the island this summer. She thought he should have a hard copy so there were no inconvenient delays. She dropped the folders she was carrying, knocking down Molly’s folders with them. She said she was sorry. She guessed it was one of those days. She and Molly picked everything up, and Molly said they all had those days. Ric earned some rest, so she was going to leave him to it. She left, and Ric said, about that trip out of the country with his client’s daughter…

Dante picked up Rocco, and said he was sorry he was running late, but Lulu said it gave her more time to work on her adoption piece. There was a chance it might reach a lot of people and hopefully change some lives.

Lucas came back and Brook asked how Cody was. Lucas said Cody was in radiology. He wanted to take some x-rays to be on the safe side. He should be fine, but he’d be sore for a bit. She said she was glad to see him, since they were told there was a change in schedule, and he said he had to step out for a quick interview. Brook said, tell her more. Was he being asked what it was like to be a sexy, single doctor? He said, sadly, no one asked that. Lulu was writing a piece for the Llanview Banner, her first piece for her freelance gig. Brook asked what it was about, and he said, adoption. She pitched the subject to the editor, and they gave her the green light. She was excited about it and it seemed like she was doing a really deep dive.

Jason said, either he was getting slower, or the pitch machine was faster, and Danny said he remembered when Jason first came back, his mom didn’t want him hanging out with Jason. He thought she was more worried that Jason wasn’t sticking around. She changed her mind when she figured out Jason could take care of him. Jason said he would, always, and Danny said it was cool to have people who cared. He was glad he had Jason and hoped his knew Jason had always been there and he hasn’t felt so alone. Jason said he bet she did and hugged Danny as he looked up.

Molly saw Cody and asked what he was doing at the hospital. He said he was kicked by a horse, and she said, the same one he rescued her on? Cody said it wasn’t the horse’s fault, but she said she knew it. She could see kicker in his eyes. Cody said it was a natural reaction to being startled. He was a good horse. He was waiting for his x-ray results. Brook was here, but she disappeared. Why was Molly here? Molly said she was visiting her dad and guessed she had work she could do here. He shouldn’t have to wait alone. She asked him to button his shirt, and they flirted a little. (I’m not really feeling these two.)

Diane said Ric was obviously bored and enjoyed squabbling, but she didn’t. If he wanted to contest the response, he could do it in family court. Until then, happy healing. Ric said he thought she was a proponent in calling a truce, and she said she was, but any interaction that had to do with Ava was inordinately exhausting. He said she was being overly dramatic, and she said, he might enjoy helping his financially strapped clients by doing pro bono, but she didn’t. On the day Avery turned 18 and was finally an adult (which, in soap years, should be about five years from now) there would be no one more excited to handle their client’s interests, through the proper channels. Truce or not, he needed to give Alexis a break. Ric asked, why?

Alexis asked why they were meeting in Sonny’s old Carly’s kitchen, and  Donna said they were making a get well card. She was going to get her markers that smelled like fruit. Kristina said that was exactly what the card needed, and Donna went upstairs. Kristina told Alexis that she was staying while Sonny was seeing a doctor in LA. Carly went with him so she was helping out. Alexis said all she wanted to know is if Kristina was okay, and Kristina said she’d been scared out of her mind. Donna was so sweet, she was glad she was there. It made her realize that she was glad Alexis was here too. Kristina had been so close to not being there.

Carly said she was thinking about the gunshot that almost killed Sonny. It was 25 years ago, but she remembered it like it was just yesterday. Sonny said, things like that got seared in your memory, and she said, he flatlined. They’d lost him. He said she wouldn’t let him go, and she said they made him keep fighting and he knew he was fighting. Do not give up. Not for anything. She didn’t care if St. Peter was waving him in at the Pearly Gates. Turn around and come back. He was going to make it through this. Sonny said he promised he would, and the nurse came to prep him for the OR. She said Carly would need to go outside, and Carly told Sonny that she meant what she said. He said he never doubted it and promised he would. She left.

In the waiting area, Carly told Brick that Sonny was gone, but he said he came back to see if she’d mind some company. She said she’d like some company, and he took her hand.  

The anesthesiologist asked Sonny if he was ready for a great nap. Think of good, positive things. Count back from ten. Sonny said, ten… nine… eight… seven… six… … five… He thought of making pancakes with Donna and Kristina saying he was the only one she could turn to. He remembered Dante saying he was going to keep his oath, and Sonny saying, even if Dante had to arrest him, he’d always love him, and them hugging. He thought of Donna asking him to show her his father’s picture and them looking at a picture of Mike. Donna asked if he missed Mike, and he said, every single day. The anesthesiologist said, he’s ready.

Marco found Lucas at the hospital and said he’d been officially hired by Miller and Davis. Lucas said, congratulations. He owed Marco dinner. Marco said he’d be happy to collect.

Danny asked Rocco how his new house was, and Rocco said cool. The boys went to do some batting, and Jason said he knew Rocco meant a lot to Danny. Dante said the same with Rocco. They were brothers. They had to make sure the boys didn’t lose their connection. Jason said, Sam would love seeing this, as the boys used their bats like light sabers.  

Lulu looked on her computer at a list of facts and questions about Brook’s pregnancy and the baby’s adoption. There was a knock at the door, and Lulu opened it to Brook who asked what the hell she was trying to pull.  

Ric asked for a reason he should take it easy on Alexis, and Diane said, aside from common decency? No. Their truce or lack thereof was none of her business. She was going to file the petition. Do as he will. She left and in the hallway, she banged herself in the head with her hand. In his room, Ric said, nice try. Alexis told you the truth.

Kristina told Alexis that she’d been a mess since the baby died. Losing Sam was hell and she’d been putting Alexis through hell since she was ten or so. She was so grateful, but more than that, she was grateful for her life and to see how much good she had waiting. Alexis said she’d wanted Kristina to let the past go. In knowing the good that was waiting, she was putting herself in a position to receive it. They hugged.

Molly looked through some papers and Cody suggested she get out more. She said paperwork was comforting. Sometimes she went to a restaurant, ordered a glass of wine, and worked for hours. It’s a world she understood and where she was in control unlike him and his devil horse. She took out the paperwork for the involuntary admission and said, oh my God.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

At the MetroCourt, Sidwell thanks Jordan for sitting in on his meeting with Congressman Cain. He knows she’s not his biggest fan. Jordan says, true, but as Sidwell pointed out, he’s a powerful ally. He hired her to make the right connections, so she’s going to grin and bear it. Sidwell says he appreciates that. He’s determined to make this fair city his home, especially since his son put down roots here too.

At the office, Alexis says she’s glad she caught Marco. She wanted to talk over some concerns she had about work he’d be doing for his dad. Marco says, as he promised when they hired him, all his services to his father’s company are completely above board. He wouldn’t involve the firm in anything illegal. She says she certainly hopes not, but this is about something entirely different. It’s about a deal he’s already made.

Molly looks at the commitment papers and says she can’t believe this, and Cody asks, what’s wrong? She says, according to these documents, their mom wants to have Kristina committed.

Kristina tells Donna, it’s the best get well card ever. Dad is going to love it. Donna says she thinks it needs more dino stickers, and Kristina says, of course (🍷) it does. Everything needs more dino stickers. Donna asks if daddy is really going to be okay, and Kristina says, yeah. He’s going to be just fine. He’ll be home before they know it.

Carly brings Brick some coffee and says she thought he could use the caffeine. She owes him big time for taking care of Sonny and getting him in to see Dr. Abbott. Brick says, Sonny is in great hands. Dr. Abbott is one of the best cardiologists in the country. She says, and he’s in LA, far away the people who want to take advantage of Sonny’s vulnerability. Brick says, even so, they can’t take their guard down. The person who firebombed Sonny’s apartment is still out there.

Lulu asks what Brook wants now, and Brook walks past her. Lulu says, please, by all means, come in. Would she like a tour or is Brook just going to start ripping into her? Brook says she’s so angry, and Lulu says, about what? Brook says she wants Lulu to stop using her baby to torture her, but Lulu says she hasn’t said a word to anyone about Brook’s baby. Brook says, stop playing dumb. She knows Lulu is writing an article on adoption. Lulu says, so? and Brook says, obviously, Lulu chose that particular topic because she had a child with Dante when she was a teenager and gave him up. It was her not so subtle way of letting Brook know that she could tell him about it anytime she wants. Lulu says she pitched three ideas to the editor, and they decided she should write about adoption, and Brook asks why she suggested it in the first place. Lulu says, it’s an important topic that a lot of people are interested in. Brook isn’t the only person whose given up a baby for adoption. Brook says she’s sick and tired of Lulu’s twisted little games. Fine. Tell Dante the truth if it means so much to her, but be ready for the consequences.

On the phone, Willow says she just got to the clinic. She’s a lot more nervous than she thought she’d be. Nina says, when she sees Michael, she’ll relax and they’ll both feel the old connection they had. Willow says, maybe… until she tells Michael that she and the kids are moving in with Drew, and Nina says, it will be hard for him to hear. They both know he may be angry at first, but stay calm and focus on the kids, and she’s sure they can work something out. Willow says she hopes Nina is right. She’ll call later and let her know how it went. Nina says, please do. Good luck. She’ll be thinking about her. Nina tells Portia, sorry. Where were they? Portia says, Nina was telling her about how they can hire a prostitute to solve their Drew problem.

Drew arrives at the MetroCourt, and tells Sidwell that he didn’t realize Jordan would be joining them. Sidwell says, Drew probably knows that Jordan recently resigned as Deputy Mayor, and Drew says he was lucky enough to have a front row seat for the fireworks. Sidwell says, the city’s loss is his gain. Jordan has agreed to join him as his COO. Drew says, wow. Congratulations. Jordan thanks him and says she’s excited for a fresh start. If she’s being honest, she was hoping they’d have one too.

Marco asks which deal Alexis is referring to, and she says, Sidwell’s contract with Deception. Marco asks, what’s the problem? and Alexis says, Lucy Coe. She’s known Lucy a long time and she’s a lovely woman, but just a little flighty. She may change her mind 15 times. Marco says, thanks for the warning, but the contract was already executed, and Alexis says, somehow, she doesn’t think that’s the end of it. Keep that in mind. Also, Tracy Quartermaine is shrewd and could pull a fast one. He needs to stay ten steps ahead of her. He says he’ll keep a close eye on Tracy, and Alexis says he’s got his work cut out for him. He says he got a sense of Tracy from his mother too. She went on an epic rant after Tracy fired her. Alexis says, Natalia was fired? and he says he didn’t realize she knew Natalia was his mother. She says his father told her in passing, and he says, after the way his mother treated Kristina, was sure Alexis wasn’t shedding any tears about it.

Cody asks if Molly is sure she’s reading it correctly, and she says she knows how to read the papers and they clearly state her mother’s intention to have her sister committed to a mental facility, even if it’s against Kristina’s will. He says, that’s extreme, and wonders where it came from, but Molly says she doesn’t even… Her and Diane’s files got mixed up and she must have picked it up by mistake. He says, Kristina has no idea? and Molly says she doesn’t know how she would. Just the other night, they all hung out and had a great time. They watched a movie and ordered food. Her mom wasn’t acting like somebody committing their daughter and Kristina wasn’t acting like somebody who needed to be committed. Cody says he feels bad for Kristina. He knows what it’s like to be held against your will in a mental facility and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. She say she wants to hear that story another time, but she needs to do something right now, and Cody gets up. She says, he shouldn’t do that, but he says, it’s just his ribs. Don’t worry. He’s been kicked before and bruised. What can he do?

Carly says, having Brick here makes it easier, and he says, it’s the least he can do. Sonny wants him to find the person responsible for hurting Michael. He promised he would, but so far, no luck with the electronics found in the man’s apartment. It’s driving him crazy. She says, if there’s anything to find, he will, and he says he appreciates that. What’s going on with Michael? How’s his progress going at the clinic? She says, as far as Michael and his doctors tell her, he’s doing great, but she can’t help worrying that he’s going to have some kind of setback. He says, she’s a mama and worry comes with the territory. Unless something else is in play to cause it. She says, there is. Apparently, his cheating wife is on her way to Germany to visit him right now.

Willow asks the reception nurse at the clinic if she speaks English, and the woman asks how she can help Willow. Willow says she’s Willow Corinthos and she’s here to see her husband Michael.  

Nina tells Portia, Willow is enthralled with all things Drew. She won’t be able to get Willow away from him until she sees him for the sleazy master manipulator he is. Portis says, so they’re going to hire a sex worker to seduce him, and Nina says she hates giving Drew the tiniest bit of credit, but she doesn’t think he’d cheat on Willow. Not this soon anyway. They have to frame him. Portia asks how that would work, and Nina says, that’s where Portia comes in. She’s counting on Portia to concoct something, just enough to knock Drew out. Portia says, a mickey, and Nina says, call it what she will, but when Drew is out, their friendly escort will climb into bed with him just in time for Willow to come home to her knight in shining armor with another woman. Portia says she can’t believe she’s saying this, but it’s not a bad plan. She only has one issue. She can see how it benefits Nina, but what about her?

Lulu asks if Brook is threatening her, but Brook says, not at all. She’s just pointing out that if Lulu reveals the truth, it won’t just hurt her. Lulu will be hurting everyone involved, first and foremost, Brook’s son. When he was born, her mom gave him to the nuns at St. Ignatius who found him a loving family. He may not know he’s adopted. Lulu says, Brook is worried that if Dante tracks him down, it will uproot his life. They’ve been over that. Brook says she thought about what would happen if he rejects Dante, or worse, hates Dante for telling him that the only parents he’s ever known have been lying to him his entire life. Dante just lost Sam and he’s still grieving. If she tells him, that could make it worse. Lulu says, Brook doesn’t know how it will play out. Maybe her son has known his entire life. Brook says, Lulu is taking a huge gamble with her own son. How will Rocco feel about finding out he has a new older brother? Lulu says, maybe he’ll love it, but Brook says, maybe he won’t. That’s her point. Lulu is just guessing at everything. Go ahead. Tell Dante the truth. She’ll take the fall for her gut-wrenching decision she made when she was a teenager, but she’s an adult now. Lulu will have to tell everybody why she so cavalierly blew up everyone’s lives. Lulu says she’s not being cavalier. If she was, she would have told Dante the day she found out. Brook said, it must be so fun to have something to hang over her head, but Lulu says, not enough to make up for her having to keep lying to those it directly effects – Dante and Rocco. Every time she sees them, she hates this thing. Brook asks, then why can’t she let it go? and Lulu says, because Brook decided it’s best it stay buried forever? She doesn’t necessarily agree. Dante walks in and asks, what’s going on in here?

Alexis says she has no ill will against Marco’s mother. She made amends to Kristina. That’s all that matters. Marco says, then maybe that means there’s still hope for his own relationship with her, and Alexis says she’s sorry. They’re not close? He says, not really. They had a falling out when he was in high school. They had different ideas of what his life should look like. She says, given Natalia’s relationship with Allie, she has an idea of what that means, and Marco says he’s sure. He’s sorry about all the problems she caused Kristina and her sister. Alexis says, no need to apologize. None of it was his fault. It wasn’t even entirely his mother’s fault. Kristina was going through some difficult things and got through it. She had a tough go of it. He says he’s glad she’s better now, when there’s a knock at the door. Ava asks if Alexis has a minute, and Alexis asks what she wants.

Kristina tells Donna, this is amazing. It’s the best get well card ever. Dad will love it. Donna thanks her for helping and says she’s the best sister ever, but Kristina says, that’s impossible since Donna is the best sister ever. There’s a knock at the door, and Kristina asks if Donna ordered ice cream again. Donna says, no, and Kristina asks if she’s sure. She opens the door to Molly and Cody, and Molly sees that Donna is there. Kristina asks, what’s going on? and Molly says she ran into Cody at the hospital, and he was telling her how he was teaching James… Cody says, how to tie knots, and Molly says she thought it sounded like so much fun, Donna might like to learn too. Cody asks what Donna thinks. Does it sound cool? Donna says, not really, and Cody laughs and says, okay. One of these – he shows her a lollipop – for every type of knot she learns to tie. Donna says, I’m in, and he says, let’s do it. They need to find some rope or cord… or shoelaces. Donna says she has those, and he says, all right. Let’s go. Donna leads him away as he grips his side with his other hand. Kristina says, okay, tell her what’s really going on, and Molly says there’s something she needs to see. She shows Kristina the papers and Kristina says, what the hell is this?

Kristina says, this can’t be real. Their mom is acting to have her committed? Did she ask Molly to file this? Molly says, no, and she wouldn’t have if their mom did. She doesn’t even know Molly has seen them. Kristina asks where Molly got them, and Molly says, Diane’s envelopes got mixed up with hers, and she came as soon as she saw them. She swears she didn’t even know their mom was thinking about this. Kristina says she’s an adult. Can their mom have her committed without her consent? Molly says, she can have Kristina held for observation, and Kristina says she doesn’t get why their mom would do this to her.

Alexis says she doesn’t believe Marco has met Ava, and he holds out his hand, saying, Marco Rios. Alexis says, he’s new to the firm, and Ava says, he’s a lucky man. Alexis is one hell of a lawyer. Every time she’s had the pleasure of working with Alexis, she always delivers. Alexis asks Marco, do you mind…? and Marco says, of course (🍷). Nice to meet Ava. He leaves, and Alexis asks why Ava is here. Ava says she needs to make a change in their payment schedule.

Nina tells Portia, when Willow kicks Drew to the curb, there will be nothing left to keep him in Port Charles. She guesses he’ll take Scout and move to DC permanently. Portia says, as nice as it would be not to run into him, it doesn’t solve her problem. He’ll still have leverage over her. Nina says, true, but what good is Portia to him in Washington DC? He’ll be so busy with his new life as congressman, he won’t even remember her. He’ll move on to terrorizing someone else. Portia says, what if he doesn’t? and Nina says, then they’ll arrange to have salacious pictures taken of Drew’s indiscretion. Portia says, now you’re talking.

Jordan says she regrets letting herself get dragged into the disagreement between Drew and Curtis. It was never any of her business. She’s just hoping they can put it behind them and get back to what they used to be. She’s missed their friendship. Drew says he appreciates her saying that and he’s certainly open to it, and she says she fought hard for him during his campaign because she believed in him. And no matter what’s happened between them, she still does. He thanks her and says, that means a lot. Sidwell says, isn’t that delightful? (I absolutely love him at this moment. He’s just such a happy guy.) Speaking of delightful things, can they all agree the McConkey esplanade should be moved to the piers currently owned by Sonny Corinthos? Jordan sort of nods, and Drew says, True. Yes. Sidwell says, in that case, Drew should double down on his opposition to Sonny. He was a very persuasive and powerful man and could sway the majority voters over to their side. Drew says, can do, but Jordan says, before he says yes, there’s something to consider.

Brick tells Carly, maybe seeing Michael face to face is a good thing. Maybe Willow will come to her senses, and they can agree on a reasonable compromise they can live with. Carly says, there’s nothing reasonable with Willow lately, and he says, it’s a lot easier to deal with a person when you don’t have to be face to face. Maybe when she sees Michael, he can convince her to do what’s in the best interest of the children. Carly says she’d like to believe that, but she’s lost all faith in Willow’s ability to do the right thing. She’s worried this trip to Germany is going to be one big disaster.

The reception nurse apologizes for taking so long, and Willow asks if Michael is having a good day. Can he have visitors? The nurse says, yes, and Willow asks if she can have his room number. The nurse says she doesn’t quite know how to say it, but Willow’s husband doesn’t want to see her.

Lulu wonders why Rocco isn’t with Dante, and he says, after the batting cages, Rocco and Danny went to see a movie. He could have gone, but didn’t know he was going to walk into World War III. Something is going on. What are they arguing about? Lulu asks if Brook wants to tell him, and Brook says she heard Lulu was writing an article on adoption and it’s a problem for her. Because the truth is, it hits way too close to home.

Alexis asks what change Ava needs, and Ava says, another transfer as soon as possible. Alexis says, how much? and Ava says, 150 thousand. Alexis says, she’s kidding. What does she need the money for? Ava says she has her reasons, just like Alexis has her reasons for giving Ava’s money to her. Alexis says she can’t just blatantly skim from the Cassadine trust and not get caught. And if she gets caught, they both go down. Ava says she’s sure Alexis can come up with a way to do it, and Alexis says, she’s being completely unreasonable. Ava says, that’s one of the downsides of being blackmailed, isn’t it? and Alexis says, just take more time between transfers or settle for an amount that’s smaller. Ava says, if it’s not something Alexis feels she can do, Kristina will be the one to pay the price.  

Molly says, maybe their mom wasn’t planning on filing, but had it drawn up just in case, and Kristina says, what case? In case she had some sort of mental breakdown? Molly says, Kristina had been going through a lot. Maybe their mom had them drawn up after the baby died. She did have post-partum, and they were all worried about her. Kristina says, no. She had them drawn up a couple days ago. The date is the same day they had their Davis girls night. She did this then and hung out with them like everything was completely fine. She asks if Molly remembers Alexis being nervous. She was planning on having Kristina committed. Molly says she’s so sorry. She can’t imagine how betrayed Kristina feels. Kristina says she feels betrayed, confused, and devastated, but grateful. She thanks Molly for bringing her the papers, and Molly says she wasn’t going to let her sister get ambushed. Kristina says she’s surprised, and Molly asks, why? Kristina says, usually her and their mom have the same perspective and it’s her against the two of them. Molly says she’s not a psychiatrist, but if a person came to her and said they’d decided they wanted take to take a break from life and work on themselves, she would support it 100%. But she doesn’t support going behind their back and taking the decision out of their hands, even if she agreed. She doesn’t want Kristina to feel ganged up on ever again. Kristina thanks her and says she’s grateful to hear Molly say that, and they hug.  

Jordan says, it’s fine if Drew comes out against Sonny, but she cautions him against attacking Mayor Collins, if that’s his plan. Drew says, Jordan quit her job, so why does she care if he went after her? and Jordan says she’s concerned about what Laura might do. She still has a high approval rating and people love what she’s done for Port Charles. The only thing badmouthing the mayor will do, is make him look bad. Drew says, for the record, despite their disagreement, he loves what Laura has done as mayor. Very much so. He also doesn’t feel she needs to defend Sonny. Sidwell says, that’s a wise stance at the moment, and Drew says, if anyone is going to attack Laura, it’s Councilman Boyle. Sidwell says, that’s perfect to keep the blowback far away from himself. He doesn’t know about them, but it’s clear to him that the three of them make a great team. With the congressman’s pull and resources, they can be assured Sonny loses control of the piers. Drew says, that’s good news for everyone.  

Willow tells the nurse, please. She has to let her speak with Michael. She flew here from New York. The nurse says she’s so sorry, but she has to respect the patient’s wishes. Willow says she understands, but it’s important. It’s about their kids. Just tell him that. Please. The nurse says, honestly, she doesn’t think it would make a difference. He made his feelings clear that he wants nothing to do with her. (Um… Doesn’t she still have his medical proxy?)

Brick tells Carly that he’s heard great things about the burn clinic in Baden-Baden. From what he understands, it’s pretty close to impossible to get into. How did she get Michael in? She says, John Brennan from the WSB pulled a few strings, and he asks if they’re friends. She says she’s seeing Jack Brennan, and he says, damn. Another one slips through his fingers. Jack is a lucky man. She asks if Brick knows him, and he says, a little, mostly by reputation. She says, what reputation? And he says, he’s very smart, a heavy hitter in intelligence communications, and apparently has great taste in women. Carly laughs, when the doctor comes out. Carly says she didn’t expect Sonny’s surgery to be over so soon… Is Sonny okay?  (Before a commercial, the doctor always looks grim no matter the outcome.)

Dante asks what the article has to do with Brook, and she says she and Chase are exploring the idea of adopting a child. Dante says he didn’t know. He thinks it’s great. Brook says, Chase hasn’t told anyone. They’re just at the beginning stage and feeling it out. She heard Lulu was going around interviewing people about adoption and the whole thing felt too coincidental. Lulu says she had no idea Brook and Chase were thinking about adoption, and Brook says, now she does. Can she think about another subject? Lulu says, why? If anything, maybe Brook will learn something. Brook says, or Lulu could use it to stick her nose in other people’s business under the guise that it’s work related. Dante says he doesn’t think Lulu would do that, and Lulu says she wouldn’t. Truly, she wishes Brook and Chase the best, but she’s also trying to get going as a journalist again. If the Llanview Banner wants her to write about adoption, that’s what she’s going to do. Brook says, great. Knock herself out. Brook leaves, and Dante says, that could have gone better, but he guesses they’ve had worse. It’s just them. Is there any truth to what Brook said?

Jacinda arrives at Nina’s office and Nina says, lovely to meet her. Have a seat. She thanks Jacinda for coming, and Jacinda says, arriving is the easy part. Let’s cut to the chase. As much as she’d like to believe she was going to be the next Crimson cover model, something tells her not to write home about it just yet. Nina say, she is a stunning woman, but she’s right. They have a slightly different job in mind that she guesses is more in line with Jacinda’s current profession. Jacinda says, Nina doesn’t need to beat around the bush. They’re all adults. She’s a sex worker and she’s proud of that. Portia says, in that case, she won’t be offended at their offer. Jacinda says she’s been doing this a long time. It’s not the first time two women have brought a proposition to her. Portia and Nina trip over themselves saying no, and Portia says, the job doesn’t involve sex at all. Nina says, but it does require pictures.  

Jordan says she’s going to make some calls to get the ball rolling on their agenda, and Sidwell says, that’s what he likes to hear. Drew says he’s glad they had a chance to talk, and Jordan says, her too, and leaves. Drew says, Jordan is very smart and motivated. Hiring her was a great move. Sidwell says, the key to making Port Charles his new home is having the right friends. Jordan has become one and he’s hoping Drew will become another. Drew says he believes they have a mutually beneficial relationship, considering Sonny is a thorn in both their sides, and Sidwell agrees. He says he looks forward to the day Mr. Corinthos is no longer a problem to anyone.

Carly asks if Sonny is okay, and Dr. Abbott says, he’s fine. (What I said.) They repaired his heart with no complications. Brick asks if that means he’ll have a full recovery, and the doctor says, he needs to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks, so his body can heal completely. Carly says she’ll make sure he follows the doctor’s instructions, whether he likes it or not. Can she see him? Dr. Abbott says, he’s still settling into his room. He’ll let them know when he’s done. Carly thanks him, and he says, of course (🍷), and leaves. Carly says, Sonny’s okay, and Brick says he never doubted it for a second. They hug.

Alexis tells Ava that they both knew she’s not going to expose Kristina, since she and Ric are milking this tragedy for millions of dollars. Ava says, Ric? and Alexis says she knows he’s part of her blackmail scheme. He couldn’t help throwing it in her face that he was getting a cut. Ava says, Kristina did almost kill him. It’s the least Alexis can do. Alexis says she’ll give in to this installment, but Ava is to stay the hell away from her office and her daughter. Ava says, Kristina is the one who has to stay away from her. As far as coming by, she’ll pop in when she sees fit. Alexis isn’t the one calling the shots. She is. Don’t forget that. She leaves.

Kristina tells Molly that she’s done things that she deeply regrets in her life, but she’s seeing a therapist. She’s getting help and their mom would do this after she’s getting help, and didn’t talk to her. It’s just wrong. Molly says, their mom would never intentionally hurt Kristina. As bad as it sounds, she thinks it was coming from a place of love. Their mom had never been able to find the balance between loving Kristina and controlling her. She watched it for years. Kristina says she thought their mom was finally out of that pattern and trusting her to make her own decisions. She guesses not. Molly asks what she’s going to do, and Kristina says, what choice does she have? She’s going to confront their mom – now. Molly says she’s going with Kristina. Cody can watch Donna. Kristina says she doesn’t need to. It’s not her fight. Molly says she wants to be there to support Kristina… unless Kristina doesn’t want her to, and Kristina says she does. It means a lot to her.

Dante says he thought Lulu agreed to go easy on Brook, and Lulu says she has been. She had no idea Brook and Chase were thinking about adoption. And Dante knows the editor chose the topic, not her. He says he knows. Obviously, she should tread carefully as adoption is a touchy subject with Brook. Lulu says, clearly.  

Jacinda asks if their telling her that her mark is a US congressman, and Portia says, trust her. He’s not a good guy. Jacinda says, that’s the problem. She’s seen that movie before and people like her who do things like this tend to end up dead. Nina says she’s not stealing state secrets or bomb codes, and Portia says, they promise she won’t be harmed. Jacinda says, they expect her to take their word. That’s a big ask. It’s going to cost more than her usual rate. Nina says, how much more? and Jacinda says, six thousand. They laugh and Nina asks if she didn’t hear them say they don’t want her to have sex. Nina’s phone rings, and she says she has to take it; it’s Willow.

Nina asks how it went, and Willow says, Michael wouldn’t even see her. Nina says, maybe he’s just not prepared and needs time to pull himself together before he sees her again, but Willow says, no. They have nothing left to say to each other. Obviously, he’s cutting her out of his life. That’s fine by her. She’s going to fly home tomorrow morning. Nina tells Willow to hold on a second and puts the call on hold. She tells Jacinda that they have a deal, then goes back to the call. She tells Willow that she’s so sorry, and Willow says she never should have come here, and she can’t wait to get home. Drew would never treat her this way. They communicate when there’s a problem. Michael shuts down on her. She’ll call Nina when she lands. Willow leaves and the nurse makes a call. Drew asks, is it done? and she says she did exactly as he asked. He says, she lied to Mrs. Corinthos, and she says she told Mrs. Corinthos that her husband refused to see her. He says, excellent. Her payment is on the way.  

Donna gives Cody a cup and tells him that her mom says it helps the medicine go down. He says, her mom is a smart lady. He takes his pill and says, she’s right. It did help. She says, Kristina was upset. Does he think her daddy is okay? He says, of course (🍷). Kristina just had to run an errand with Molly. They’re lucky. They get to stay here and tie knots. Show him her square knot. She asks if he has lollipops.

Alexis makes the transfer to Ava when Kristina and Molly walk in. Alexis says, a nice surprise. What’s going on? Kristina says, you tell me, mommy dearest.  

Brick says he’s sorry to hug and run, but he has to race to the airport. There’s a security issue in Dubai… Unless she needs him to stay. Carly says, no. Go. He’s done so much already. Brick tells her to keep him updated and they hug. She says, thank you so much. Safe travels. He leaves and she calls Jason. She says, Sonny is out of surgery. The doctor said it was a success. He’s going to be fine… She hasn’t seen him yet, but she’s so happy. There were no complications, and the doctor said he’d make a full recovery. There’s a nurse skulking around, listening, and Carly says she’s sure Sonny is going to be fine. The shifty nurse goes into Sonny’s room and turns off the monitor. She takes out a syringe, and Sonny opens his eyes.

On Monday, Brad tells Portia. this new arrangement sucks; Tracy tells Gio to think twice before supporting Sonny; Vaughn asks if this is Josslyn’s way of saying she can’t do it; and Carly goes into Sonny’s room and says, oh my God.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Here’s hoping she’s good at her assignment.

I want one too!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospitals-finola-hughes-is-a-real-doll

I want to start watching Will Trent. This gives me one more reason.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-alum-jophielle-love-reveals-her-new-gig

I don’t watch this, but kudos to them. His untimely death was so sad.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/how-suits-la-honored-billy-millers-character

If his last two projects are any indication, I can’t wait.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/nicolas-alexander-chavez-lands-a-prestigious-new-project

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

I’m not sure why these crews are always at odds. They’re busy AF and when they’re not working, they get to have fun in magnificent places, and spend big, fat tips.

The Valley

Jax finally recognized his coke problem that the rest of us have been talking about for years. Or has he?

Summer House

One of the most annoying things this group does is discuss another couple’s relationship on the side while watching the couple talk, analyzing every word and giving commentary. I did, however, learn that yellow flags are a thing. Unfortunately, so is Toegate. A lot of this episode was the Jesse/Lexi flirting-or-not thing. I’m already over it, but glad Lexi is starting to get a clue that this might not be her true love. There was another theme party, Snoozefest. No comment. Oh, and there was Schwartz.

He’s been at this rodeo before.

Random Reality Items

I haven’t kept up with this, but I might start now.

Maybe she’s desperate to meet Boy George.

A pleasant surprise. Their whole parting of the ways was just messy.

I’ll watch anything with this guy in it, especially when he’s being himself.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

2073. MAX. Well… This was an odd film and not exactly what I’d expected. It takes place in a grim future, but interspersed with what-got-us-here footage. Some of it real, some of it taken from other films about a grim future. I got the point about two seconds in, and let me say it this way, I could have read the plot and it would have been good enough.

Companion. HBO/MAX. I found this one endlessly amusing. I don’t want to give much away, since there are some fabulous twists and turns, but a non-spoiler is that Iris is a robot. She’s also a good time and Sophie Thatcher is wonderful in the role. I appreciated all of the unexpected moves in the plot and a few little tugs at the heartstrings didn’t hurt.

https://wrif.com/2025/02/05/companion-non-spoiler-movie-review/

https://www.cbr.com/jack-quaid-companion-hit-max/

Discuss among yourselves.

One of Them Days. Netflix. This was great. Pure escapism and fun, with a message about friendship wrapped in slapstick, capers, and characters you know are based on somebody’s auntie/uncle/cousin/the guy on the corner. A female buddy movie, two roommates and best friends have to make the rent in a few hours or be evicted, and hijinks ensue. The cast is excellent, and it will make you forget about your troubles. I loved the female friendship aspect.

https://www.purewow.com/news/netflix-one-of-them-days-movie

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/one-of-them-days-review

I also finished Black Mirror: Season 7, but it’s been one of them weeks, so coming soon.

🐾  Animal Hooligans…

🐶  Valerie has been captured! She is now living her almost best life in captivity again.

https://people.com/missing-wiener-dog-valerie-rescued-from-rugged-island-after-529-days-11722228

🐦 I know a cardinal who could give this woodpecker a run for its money. He peck at my gazing ball when he sees his reflection. I haven’t figured out if he’s trying to fight with the other bird or he’s gay and trying to spark a romance.

https://people.com/massachusetts-woodpecker-vandal-destroyed-25-car-mirrors-exclusive-11721462

🙉  Can you blame them? Sometimes you need a break from throwing poop at each other.

https://people.com/wild-chimps-filmed-bonding-over-alcoholic-fruit-11720149

🐘 Quotes of the Week

Don’t be afraid of missing opportunities. Behind every failure is an opportunity somebody wishes they had missed. – Lily Tomlin

If you are not where you want to be, do not quit. Instead reinvent yourself and change your habits.Eric Thomas

Thinking will not overcome fear but action will. – W. Clement Stone

The worst walls are never the ones you find in your way. The worst walls are the ones you put there. – Ursula K. Le Guin

I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be. – Ken Venturi

The good we do today becomes the happiness of tomorrow. – William James

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. – Vince Lombardi

Slow down just a kiss. I can’t understand you.Alec Baldwin, The Baldwins

If you’re covering up cracks, you missed a big one. – Samuel (Nyambi Nyambi) seeing Mike bent over while doing basement reconstruction, Mike & Molly

🤸‍♀️  A Little Madness In the Spring…

Until next week, stay safe; stay not planting before Mother’s Day (trust me); and stay keeping in mind that any good cover story works if there’s an element of truth.

April 4, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Ric Remembers an Important Detail, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watch, Impending Watch, Wild Surprises, A Half-Dozen Solid Quotes & Money

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

A rescue team arrived at the scene of the accident, and Kristina stopped down the road. Molly looked for Kristina at Charlie’s and ran into Cody. Drew was glad Kai was keeping an open mind about the surgery, and Kai said Drew had given him a lot to think about. Alexis showed up, but Drew had to take a call. In the hallway, Drew asked if it was done, but Boyle told him they had a situation. Drew told Boyle, fix it. He didn’t care how. Trina continued to film at the crypt, and Anna cuffed and arrested Emma. She told Boyle that he was on his own when it came to Tracy, and took Emma to the station. The sheriff tried to arrest Tracy, but she said, don’t touch me. Sonny asked Soliski who hired him, but Soliski insisted he didn’t know. Sonny said then they didn’t need him, and Soliski said, wait. The jaws of life were used at the accident, and Ric was taken out of the car as Kristina watched.

Ric was strapped to a gurney, when Lucky showed up. Kristina said, it was supposed to be Ava. Cody told Molly that Mac wanted to meet up at Charlie’s and he was hoping to see Lucky to apologize. Molly wondered how Cody convinced Ric to make peace with Alexis, and couldn’t thank him enough. The guy who pulled off that miracle didn’t seem like the drunken idiot she met at the PCPD. She thought maybe he was a good guy after all and gave him her card. She said she owed him one, when Mac arrived. Drew introduced Alexis to Kai, and said he was the face of the Pediatric Sports Initiative (🍷). Kai left and Drew told Alexis that he had great news. Yuri stood with Tracy, but Boyle said there was no getting out of this. Soliski said he didn’t have a name, but Sonny said he was tired of Soliski’s games. Soliski told him to open a drawer where he’d find the info, but when Sonny put his gun down, Soliski got the better of Jason. Jason sprang back, they struggled, and Soliski fell, hitting his head. Kristina told Lucky that it was Ava’s car. She checked before she cut the brake line. Lucky told her to jet to Charlie’s and say she’d been doing inventory all day. Lucky stayed and saw Elizabeth being taken from the car. He freaked and ran toward her, but an officer grabbed him and told him to calm down.

Anna gave Emma a lecture, and Emma said she wasn’t a little kid anymore. She was a college student who had the freedom to push the boundaries, break the rules, and make mistakes. She knew she was somebody that hated inequality and fairness and wanted to do good in the world and fight for what she believed. Anna said the Quartermaine crypt wasn’t her fight, and Emma asked if Anna wasn’t dedicated to helping people. What changed? Tracy talked to the good people of Port Charles, telling them about the crypt and who was buried there and how they’d helped Port Charles grow and thrive. For years, their vision and generosity had kept the doors of GH open. The crypt had nothing to do with righting a wrong, but everything to do with a corrupt politician. Cutthroat Cain was using his position for a personal vendetta with the shameful assistance of Councilman Boyle. Trina said it was about to go viral, but Boyle said no one was going to help Tracy. Tracy was about to be arrested, and the deputies carried her off the steps. Drew said Willow, Amelia, and Wiley were moving in with him and Scout, but Alexis said she thought it was a mistake. Jason said Soliski was dead, and they had to jet. He’d grab everything of use. Sonny said, the trail might not be cold just yet. Cody told Mac about talking to Ric when he was at the PCPD. He’d told Ric that Molly needed both of her parents. Kristina came out and told Molly she’d been doing inventory. Molly said organization was her happy place, but Kristina said they’d just gotten a new system. Molly asked if she could hang and Kristina said, sure. Ric and Elizabeth were brought to the hospital, and Isaiah told Lucky that he had to leave, but Lucky begged to stay. Lucas worked on Ric who would need emergency surgery once he stabilized.

Mac asked Molly to join them. He wanted to say thanks for getting Cody’s car situation straightened out. Molly asked Kristina to sit with them too, and Mac praised Molly’s skills as an ADA. Kristina flashed back to the accident aftermath, and Molly asked if she was okay. Molly’s phone rang and a nurse from GH told her about her father being in the ER. Cody offered to drive and Kristina said she’d come too. Anna said nothing had changed, but she worked within the law, but Emma said breaking the law was sometimes the only way to get someone’s attention. Anna said she’d been like Emma, but growing up, you realized the world was complicated and every action had its own set of consequences. Emma said growing up didn’t mean you abandoned your principles. She wasn’t sitting by and watching a corrupt politician abuse his power just because he could. Anna said experience broadened perspective and you couldn’t save everyone. Emma was putting her future at risk. Emma said Anna was being condescending and trivializing her intentions. She was there because of her mom. Tracy wailed that they were hurting her, when Diane showed up and said Trina’s recording would come in handy in court later. She had an official cease and desist order from Monica. Unhand her client. Alexis told Drew that Scout had been through enough upheaval and was dealing with the loss of her family as she knew it. She missed her brothers. Drew said it wasn’t his choice to leave, but Alexis said it was his choice not to add more change to Scout’s life. Scout needed normalcy, consistency, and stability to heal. Drew said he’d only told her out of courtesy. He wasn’t asking for permission. Isaiah insisted Lucky leave and Lucky said he’d be right outside.

Molly saw Lucky at the hospital, and he told her that Ric had been driving and Elizabeth was his passenger. Alexis said she wanted what was best for Scout and Drew said he did too. That’s why he chose to stay in Port Charles. Alexis said she hoped it went smoothly, when her phone rang. Kristina told her about Ric and Alexis said she’d be right there. Anna asked what Robin had to do with Emma helping the Quartermaines, and Emma said Robin had always told her the story about how she’d been sick when Edward was sick with the same thing, but he’d insisted she take the only dose of serum available. He was one of the people Tracy was trying to protect, and she wasn’t going to watch a man who made that kind of sacrifice for her have his final resting place torn down like trash. Anna said she’d always be grateful and understood. Emma said it wasn’t just Edward. Alan had told her mom she was HIV positive, and Robin’s world crumbled. HIV had been new and terrifying, and all people knew was that they should be afraid. Alan wasn’t and stood by Robin’s side when she had no one to count on. Anna said it was one of her biggest regrets not being there, and Emma said Alan was a huge reason Robin chose a career in medicine. Edward and Alan saved their lives and made their lives possible, and she couldn’t watch their final resting place be destroyed. Jason thought Soliski would have been more useful alive, but Sonny said he was going to die regardless. He wasn’t going to stop until he succeeded in killing Sonny. It was kind of like self-defense. Also, a warning to whoever hired him. Jason said they’d hire someone else, and Sonny had to be ready for the next attack.

 Alexis asked Molly how Ric was, but Molly didn’t know. Ava showed up and asked if there was word on Ric’s condition. At the crypt, Boyle said the order was legitimate. How did Monica secure it? Diane said Monica had struck a deal with the Port Charles Land Trust. She’d admitted a mistake was made and negotiated a deal. The crypt would stay as long as the Quartermaines gave them a piece of land on the lakefront. Tracy suggested he take his bulldozer, cheap suit, and really ugly tie and get off her property. He said it wasn’t over, but Diane said it was. Diane said Monica told her to tell Tracy, the next time, why not just come to her first? Tracy said, a win is a win, and Diane said, enjoy it. Gio asked about Emma, and Tracy said Emma was a friend and ally and she’d respond in kind, starting with getting her released. She thanked Trina for recording everything. She was an excellent tenant. Tracy left with Gio, when Kai arrived and said he’d seen Trina’s livestream. Anna said she had no way of knowing Emma’s reasons and had misjudged her and the situation. She was sorry. The arrest still stood, but she thought Emma would just get a slap on the wrist. Mac came in and asked to speak with Anna and in the hallway, Anna said she understood Emma’s reason for the protest. She was trouble, but good trouble. Mac said he wasn’t sure she’d feel the same after seeing this, and handed her a folder. Molly said no one was telling her anything and Isaiah asked to speak to Lucky in private. He told Lucky that Elizabeth was lucky. She had a broken leg that would need surgery, but they wanted her to regain consciousness first. Ava said she and Ric cared about each other and Alexis said she was here for her daughters who got upset seeing Ava. Be a decent human being for once and worry about Ric someplace else. Lucas came out and had news about Ric’s prognosis.

On the plane, Sonny said Ric would go through Soliski’s devices until he found something. In the meantime, they couldn’t show any weaknesses. Jason said Sonny delaying the surgery any longer was dangerous. If he died, he’d do the enemy’s work for them. Sonny said he’d give Ric time to get a name and then schedule the surgery. Until then, it would be business as usual. He wasn’t letting anyone hurt his family again. Drew asked what Tracy’s face was like when she was arrested and the crypt was demolished, and Boyle told him that his dreams of being a Quartermaine were over. He was legally obligated to use the name Drew Cain. Drew wondered how Tracy managed it, and Boyle said, Tracy didn’t; Monica did. Anna said her respect for Emma was short-lived, when Tracy came in. She said Emma’s sacrifice wasn’t in vain. They won and the crypt would stay where it was. They high-fived, and Tracy said she wanted to secure Emma’s release, pay all legal fees, and celebrate with dinner. Anna said Emma was going in a jail cell until she could see a judge in the morning. She would have gotten a slap on the wrist were it not for a number of prior offenses. Lucas said Ric had severe head trauma and internal bleeding. He was stabilized and going to the OR for surgery. Lucky sat by Elizabeth’s bedside and said she had to be okay. He’d been wanting to say something since he got back, but didn’t have the courage. She had to know that he loved her. He fell in love with her the first day they met and he was going to love her forever. She opened her eyes.

Tuesday:

Laura thanked Sonny for coming to the hospital and said he always showed up when it counted. Alexis thanked Curtis for encouraging her to go to a meeting. She liked the one at the hospital because it was safe and familiar. He said he was starting to feel the same way. Carly was there with Donna and Donna wanted to say hi to grandma’s photo. Felicia joined them and said the hospital had been born today. It was 62 years young. Lucy knocked at Windymere and Sidwell said she’d sounded mysterious on the phone. He was intrigued by her proposal, and she said she had four words that would blow his mind – General Hospital Nurses Ball. Laura said they were unveiling the new cardiac center and asked if Sonny wanted get coffee. Tracy arrived and said she had some unfortunate news.

Lucy told Sidwell about the first Nurses Ball in 1994. The whole town of Port Charles was there. Terry talked to Portia about the anniversary of GH, while Anna filled Robin in on the new cardiac center and told Mac that GH looked pretty good for her age. Tracy said Monica had a respiratory issue and couldn’t be around many people. Laura said she was the heart and soul of GH and had brought the hospital into the 21st century. Her mother and Monica had their moments, but her mother held Monica in high esteem professionally, and Laura had always been grateful for how Monica treated her when Lulu had her transplant.

Lucy said the Nurses Ball was a fundraiser, but there were other highlights, including, but not limited to, the clothes. We flashed back to the many gowns Lucy has worn for the Ball. Carly and Felicia took Donna to the memorial wall, and Donna told Bobbie that she missed her. Felicia said nursing was Bobbie’s calling and Carly said the hospital was a part of Bobbie. Felicia said Bobbie was her best friend and she thought of her every time she came to work. Carly said her mom would be proud. Maxie gave Deanna and Amy giftbags for the nurses, who she said were the heart and soul of the hospital, and asked for help handing them out. Tracy went to the memorial wall to see her parents and Alan. Stella joined her and said she spent a lot of time in places where she could honor her loved ones. Tracy said she liked the quiet and opposed to at home, her loved ones couldn’t talk back. She was concerned about Monica, who kept having setbacks. She didn’t think the hospital would be standing without her.

Terry and Portia checked out the new space, and Portia said Monica deserved it. Terry said Monica inspired her to be better and not just as a doctor. Lucy talked up the hospital staff to Sidwell and said everyone gave it their all for the most worthy of causes. Sidwell asked what the cause was, and she said she was glad he asked. Laura saw Curtis who stayed for the unveiling, and she said people would get care there they couldn’t get anywhere else. Curtis said Aurora Media was covering it. Laura said Doc was at a seminar, even though we all know he’s running a casino on the side. (Joke for Beyond the Gates watchers.) Curtis said he’d heard there was an anonymous donor, and Laura said if she had to guess, it was somebody that had a contentious relationship with Monica, but still respected her. She didn’t think it was a mystery for Monica, but it was a relief that their names wouldn’t be attached. Curtis said, being attached to the wrong people often hurts as much as it helps, but Laura said the hospital brought out the best in everyone. Alexis found Sonny at the memorial wall where he was counting his blessings. Blessings are always there, but sometimes you have to dig to find them. She said the atrium was stunning, and she knew he was the anonymous donor because she’d seen the paperwork. He said Monica hated him, but he’d always respected her.

Laura told Alexis that Monica wasn’t up to coming, but even Monica wouldn’t want them to postpone the unveiling. Laura asked, how you thank someone for giving your child their life back and fill the void of such a loss? She said she was sorry and cried. She didn’t know how to adequately convey her gratitude. Alexis said it wasn’t an exchange. One thing had nothing to do with the other. Sam had chosen to donate her organ, and it had been successful. What happened was beyond their control and they should focus on her bravery and her children and the gift to Lulu made her a hero on earth. All the love she gave to everyone was what mattered. They hugged and Laura said that’s how they’d honor Sam going forward. Amy gushed over how expensive the Deception products in the giftbags were, but Maxie said they weren’t worth as much as the nurses. She thanked them for taking care of her family and they said that was the idea. Curtis apologized to Laura for giving her a hard time about the donor, and she said she was nervous about giving her speech now that she knew Monica wasn’t going to be there. Curtis said he’d make sure Monica got a copy of the film, and Laura said it was also the 62nd anniversary of the hospital. Curtis said he’d still be in the wheelchair were it not for the doctors and nurses, but Laura said his strength and courage were a big part of his recovery. He said they’d made him feel like he mattered, and she said he did. Ned found Tracy and wondered if she was sharing an inside joke with her brother. They’d loved each other in their own distinctly unique way. Tracy asked if he meant the Quartermaine way. She said their father would pit them together, but didn’t count on Alan’s ultimate betrayal of becoming a doctor. She was jealous. Right or wrong Alan followed his dreams. She was wrong to give him grief for his choices in wives. So much of what existed at GH did so because of Alan and Monica’s legacy. Ned said they should tell Monica that, but Tracy said she was doing nothing of the kind. He told her, never change. Lucy told Sidwell about the conception of the Nurses Ball and how it was created to fight HIV/AIDS when it was the darkest days of the crisis, and they saw no hope of a cure. She told him about Stone’s death and Robin being diagnosed, but still being with them. Her co-chair John Hanley had also passed, but she couldn’t count how many people she’d lost. That was why she put her heart and soul into making the Ball a success.

Donna lit a candle in the chapel for Michael, when Sonny joined her and Carly. Sonny said Michael was getting better every day, and Donna went to say a prayer. He asked if Carly was okay, and she said she was thinking about how many times she’d been at the hospital. Sonny said he’d made a lot of bargains with God in the chapel, and she said she didn’t associate the hospital with pain. She sees her mom at the nurses’ station, she had her babies there, Sonny walked again, and they gave Michael a fighting chance. Sonny said it was because of Carly, but she said it was because of them. Sidwell said it was a beautiful, moving cause and Lucy asked if he’d like to contribute. She thought it would be good for him to be an underwriter. It would change people’s perception of him. He said he was in, but had one condition. She said, of course (🍷) he did, and he said he wanted to be the sole underwriter for the entire Nurses Ball. Those were his terms. Take them or leave them. Laura told Portia that Monica wasn’t coming.

Anna told Sonny that she’d spoken to Robin who wished she could be there. Sonny said they could remember Stone together. He’d changed Sonny’s life. So did Robin. Anna said the hospital had given Robin her career, her life, and her family, and Sonny said Robin had been beautiful and brave, stating she was the face of HIV/AIDS at the Nurses Ball. Anna said she wished she’d been there for her at that time, and he said Robin had been taken care of. Anna said, in large part by him. Despite their differences, she’d always be grateful. He said, with all his heart, it was his pleasure, and she said she was supposed to give him something from Robin. She kissed his cheek and thanked him.

Terry thanked everyone for being there for the official unveiling of the Dr. Monica Quartermaine Cardiac Care Center and Atrium. Portia said Monica couldn’t be there in person, but was there in spirit. She was the hospital. Terry said Monica was the ultimate example of what a Chief of Staff should be, and she and Portia often asked themselves, WWMD? What would Monica do? Portia said she was their guiding light. She was their constant reminder to move forward and not bet on the future not on the past. Terry said that’s what the new center was about. Helping future patients meet their medical needs and saving lives. Portia introduced Laura, who stepped up to the podium. Laura said she was honored to be there to open the enter and commemorate the hospital’s anniversary. She thought it was a place where people from all walks of life came together to receive care. It was also a place where they put their differences aside and focused on what was important supporting each other as family, friends, neighbors, and a community. With its amazing staff and volunteers, she believed it represented them at their best. It was a place where you could start of as a somewhat mediocre Candy Striper and wind up the mayor of the town. Everyone applauded and she said, for so many of them, General Hospital felt like home, the people in it their family. Embrace that. Cherish that. And with the opening of the new center, they would honor that. The covering was dropped and everyone applauded. Lucy dragged Sidwell out and said she had a great big announcement. Jenz Sidwell had agreed to be the sole underwriter for the 2025 Nurses Ball. There was applause, but not by everyone. She said volunteers knew where to find her, and happy 62nd anniversary General Hospital. The applause was more enthusiastic, and we saw Monica’s photo plaque.

Wednesday:

Jason went to the hospital to talk to Lucas about Carly and said, this thing with Brennan has to end. Carly woke up with Jack. Gio went to the courtroom and found Emma, and asked why she did it when she had a record. Anna talked to ADA Turner, hoping they could take the extenuating circumstances into account, but Turner said, Emma had been in defiance of the court order. Anna said she thought Turner was after her granddaughter because of her. The Deception team met at the Quartermaine solarium, and Lucy said they needed zincite and Sidwell was offering them a good deal, but Brook wondered what was in it for him. Plus, he’d kidnapped Sasha. Maxie said Sasha claimed she’d been overreacting and Tracy wondered why Sasha would say it if it wasn’t true. Sasha went to Windymere, and Sidwell thanked her for talking to Maxie. The Deception team was coming over to sign the contract. Sasha said she wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to screw them over. She would tell them who and what he was, and the deal would be off. He asked if she wouldn’t miss her payday, but she said there were limits to what she’d do for money. Sonny met Laura for lunch at the MetroCourt and Boyle came over to their table. He wanted to know how the public felt about Laura breaking bread with an alleged crime boss.

Sasha said if Sidwell was getting Deception into something questionable or illegal, the deal was off, but he said he was doing them a favor and she’d earned a tidy sum. She said the moment she suspected he was up to something shady, she knew someone who could keep him in line. Lucy said Sonny’s involvement with Deception had turned out fine and if Erica Kane got her product out first, they’d never catch up. Maxie said Lucy was right and Lucy asked for a yay or nay on a long-term contract. Jason said he never should have told Carly what to do. It only made her dig in deeper. Lucas said he’d done the same thing. Carly and Jack were obviously into each other. Jason said she wasn’t allowing herself to see Brennan for who he really was. Carly suggested she and Jack spend the day in bed, but his schedule wasn’t light. He said whenever the WSB allowed, he was all hers. Laura asked Boyle, what kind of a crime boss? and Boyle said, alleged. Sonny asked if he wanted to be rude, and Boyle asked if Laura had heard of the appearance of impropriety. The people wouldn’t like this. (Those invisible people again.) She said her approval rating was twice as high as his and this was a private lunch. Boyle said she could do more good if she wasn’t wasting time with Sonny, and left. Laura said Boyle was a jerk and Sonny said he agreed, but Boyle wasn’t wrong.

Marco went to Diane’s office for an interview, and she said his resumé was impressive, but why did he want to move? Marco said they had an excellent record in criminal defense, and he liked a place where winter was winter. His client, JS Associates, was also based there now. If it worked out, he’d bring them along, as well as a few others. He showed her a list and she said, very impressive. Sonny said they both knew Laura was putting her reputation on the line being seen with him, but she said she wasn’t going to hide her friendship with him. He said he didn’t think they should be seen together, but she said they had no business affiliation, and she never had and never would put pressure on the police not to look in his direction. He said if they did, he would get lonely, and she said she wasn’t hiding their friendship because she was mayor. Natalia abstained from voting, Brook was tentative, and Maxie and Lucy were a yes. Tracy also abstained so she wouldn’t be held responsible for the consequences. Emma told Gio that she didn’t want to talk about California, but the crypt was a cause worth fighting for. He said had he known about her priors, he would have done it, and she said he would have lost his spot in the music program. Everyone already thought she was trouble, so it had to be her. Anna said their differences had nothing to do with Emma, and Turner wondered if she’d looked into Emma’s prior arrests. Anna said, Emma had a party that got out of hand, and she got expelled, but Turner said Emma had been part of an activist group protesting a lab and everyone had been arrested. For what, she didn’t know. When she requested the report, she was sent to the university legal department. They must have struck deal because Emma was charged with breaking and entering and she was expelled, but the record was sealed. Anna said it was because it was serious enough that the university didn’t want the story to get out, and Turner said Anna had no idea who she was really dealing with. Neither did she.

At Windymere, Brook asked why Sidwell wanted to do business with them when he had offers from Enchanted and Melador. Sidwell said neither one was in Port Charles, and he didn’t want to be based in Pine Valley or Llanview. Port Charles had everything he needed and more – access, ease, and beauty. Brook’s family had done well, and all he wanted was to do the same. Diane said Marco seemed like a good fit, but before she made an offer, he’d have to meet with her partner. She’d be in be in touch. Marco asked who was in the photograph on Alexis’s desk, and Diane said it was Alexis’s late daughter Samantha and Sam’s brother Lucas. Lucas told Jason that Carly thought because she and Jack weren’t committed, it meant she was safe, but anyone could see they were invested in each other. Carly hadn’t come home last night, but there was nothing he could say that would change her mind. Jason said, she was almost killed, and Lucas said if that wasn’t enough to convince her, he didn’t know what was. Laura asked if Sonny had seen his brother, but Sonny said he avoided that whenever possible. She said Ric had been in a car accident and Elizabeth was with him. They were both in the hospital. He asked how Elizabeth was, and she said, awake. There was no damage to her spine, but she had a fractured leg that would need surgery. Ric hadn’t woken up yet. Sonny hoped for his daughter’s sake, Ric pulled through, when Carly and Jack walked in. Maxie had to leave because of an appointment at GH she couldn’t reschedule, and Sidwell said her health came first. She left, and Brook asked to talk to Lucy, and they stepped aside. Brook said, they didn’t know Sidwell, and Sidwell said he’d already expedited their first order at his cost. Anything to help Deception. Brook said he had himself a deal. The judge came in and said the charges against Emma were obstruction of governmental administration, and Emma pleaded not guilty. Turner said, given Emma’s priors and significant flight risk, the people requested she be held without bail.

Marco texted Lucas that he was in town and to join him at the MetroCourt. Tracy said Emma was charged with a class-A misdemeanor and they were treating her like she’d robbed a bank. Turner said, given her record, that could be next, and the judge told Turner to sit and asked Tracy to let Emma’s lawyer handle it. Tracy said there was nothing to be handled. The sheriff and councilman had been misinformed, and the entire matter had been previously settled. The judge asked if that was true, and Turner admitted an agreement had been reached between Monica and the Port Charles Land Trust. Tracy passed out copies of the agreement and said there was no reason for the sheriff and councilman to be anywhere near the crypt. There had been no crime, so there was no reason to punish Emma. The people had no case and were wasting the taxpayers’ money. She suggested they stop wasting the court’s time and dismiss the charges. Sidwell toasted to the beginning of a long and lucrative relationship, and they drank champagne. Natalia said she and Sidwell had to work out a few details, and Lucy left with Brook. Sidwell asked what the mysterious details were, and Natalia said they weren’t going to sign when they knew what she did. Jason went to see Diane who said she’d always make time for him even when no crime was involved. Was there a crime involved? He said he needed to meet with her before he saw Sasha to amend his will and provide for her baby. Michael and Sasha were in agreement that she’d raise the baby by herself before everyone assumed he was the father. Diane said she’d see that Sasha’s baby was well-provided for, but she needed to know the scope of Michael’s exposure. Who else knew? Sonny? Jason said Sonny was staying out of it. He considered telling Carly, but now that she was with Brennan, he wanted to hold off. Sonny wondered what Carly was doing with Brennan. She nearly died and now he had to pretend she wasn’t batting her eyes at the man who nearly got her killed. Jack’s phone dinged and he looked at Sonny. He told Carly that he’d be back and went over to Sonny’s table. He asked for a word with Sonny, and they left for a private area. Jack said, the WSB informed him that a contract killer by the name of Soliski had been found dead in his Toronto home. He did some digging and found out Soliski was inclined to use incendiary devices much like the one that nearly killed Michael.

Turner said the people agreed the sheriff was there in error. However, that didn’t change Emma’s refusal to obey law enforcement’s order. The charges stood. The judge said he was inclined to agree, but they weren’t going to trial. They were going to work it out here. Emma asked if she could speak, and the judge said, at this point, why not? Emma suggested she do community service and Turner agreed. Emma changed her plea to guilty and the judge said the hours would be determined later. Anna told her, just say thank you, and Emma did. Jason said, regardless of Brennan, there was no way Carly could keep her grandchild a secret even if she didn’t say anything. He couldn’t trust her with this. Diane told him that she’d never heard him say he didn’t trust Carly, and he said, when she was with Sonny, he could protect her. He knew Sonny’s world and understood the players. Jack was with the WSB, and he didn’t know their code and didn’t know Jack’s agenda. He didn’t know the players and couldn’t provide the same level of protection. Jack said Soliski had been based Africa, but also South America, the Balkans, and the Middle East. He asked if Sonny knew anything about Soliski’s death, but Sonny said, no. Jack said he had to ask and told Sonny to have a pleasant evening. Sonny went back to his table, and Jack took out his phone. Sonny told Laura that Jack was asking about a guy in Toronto he didn’t know. He was sorry, but had to cut their lunch short. She asked if he was sure nothing was wrong, but he said everything was fine and left. Sidwell asked what Natalia thought she knew, and she said she knew Deception was the perfect cover for him to smuggle in whatever he was smuggling now. He said it was sad that life had made her bitter and mistrustful. She said they’d been good to her and all she needed to do was warn them, but Sidwell said her position would be compromised. They didn’t know she was his ex. She said she’d tell them that too, but he said it was a little late. Why would they ever trust her again when she’d left out a pertinent piece of information? If she knew what was good for her, she’d keep her mouth shut.

Marco was about to leave when Lucas arrived. Anna said she hopes she and Turner could make peace, and Turner said Emma had dodged a bullet. She was in more trouble than she was letting on. Whatever crime she committed was serious and whatever she did in California would come back to haunt her. Emma thanked Tracy and Gio, and Tracy called her courageous for putting herself in the line of fire. Gio suggested they go to dinner, but Anna came in and said that would have to wait. Gio and Tracy left, and Anna said they had to talk about Emma’s priors. Emma had to tell her what she’d done. Emma said she couldn’t, and Anna said it was news to her parents too. Emma said she couldn’t tell anyone because she signed an NDA. It was that or go to jail. Sasha found Jason in the solarium, and he asked if everything was okay with the baby. Jack said, it was WSB business, and Carly said, with Sonny? The WSB had never been interested in Sonny before. Was he sure Sonny wasn’t warning him to stay away from her? He said, sorry to disappoint her, but the conversation had nothing to do with her. Sidwell asked why Natalia cared. When they divorced, she said she wanted nothing to do with him. She said, yet here he was, back in her life uninvited, and he said let him be clear. She would never be in a position to tell him what to do ever again. Not after the spectacular way she wrecked their family. There was a knock at the door and Sidwell opened it to Sonny.

Thursday:

Jason said he got Sasha’s voicemail and asked if there was a problem with the baby, but she said the baby was fine. The problem was with him. Kai went to see Curtis to ask for his advice about the offer from Drew. Drew barged into Portia’s office saying she didn’t hold up her end of the bargain. Curtis undermined him by calling him Congressman Cain. She’d better get him under control, or he’d blow her life out of the water. Trina met with ADA Turner at the ADA’s request. She needed Trina’s help. Lucas asked why Marco was in Port Charles, and Marco said it was fate. Josslyn went to a coffee bar and saw Vaughn talking to a woman. She asked if she was interrupting. Carly said she didn’t believe Sonny didn’t tell Jack to stay away from her, and thought he’d lied. Sidwell told Natalia that she’d never be in a position to tell him what to do again – ever. Not after spectacular way she’d wrecked their family. There was a knock at door and Sidwell opened it to Sonny. Sonny said it was time they met and walked in.

Kai explained about the operation to Curtis, and said Drew would make the arrangements on his behalf and offered to cover the cost. Curtis said Kai had to live with the outcome and what mattered was if he was okay with it. Kai said he thought it would give him a chance to play football again, but it was risky. He didn’t have time to decide because the percentage of success was higher closer to the injury. He asked what Curtis thought he should do. Portia told Drew that she had nothing to do with Monica and Tracy’s decision and had no idea what Curtis had planned. Drew told her to make it her job to find out Curtis’s plans if they affected him, but Portia worried Curtis would know. Drew said to make sure he didn’t, or Curtis would know stuff she wished he didn’t. He left and Brad came in. Marco told Lucas about his job interview and how he’d seen Lucas’s photo on Alexis’s desk. He still had to meet Alexis, but thought it went well. Lucas said he had a confession to make. Vaughn asked if Josslyn wanted to join him, and the woman asked if Vaughn could spare some sugar. He gave it to her, and she left. Josslyn said the woman had been hitting on him. Her class had been canceled, and she had the day off, so she was exploring the area. She’d seen the logo on his to-go cups and figured the coffee was good. He said she was observant and shaping up to be a halfway decent agent. Jack asked why Carly was sure Sonny had threatened him, and she said, it had happened before. Because they had kids together, Sonny felt like he had a say in her life. Jack said Sonny didn’t bring up her name once. It was WSB business. There were certain subjects he couldn’t discuss for her own safety. Was that something she could live with? Sonny and Sidwell went to the living room, but Natalia had disappeared. Sidwell said the ladies from Deception had been there since they were going into business together. Since Sonny was an investor, they were in business together as well. Sonny said he was there on other business. Somebody had firebombed his penthouse, and his son had been badly injured. It was around the time Sidwell showed up in Port Charles. Sidwell said he hoped Sonny didn’t think he was involved, and Sonny said he hadn’t, but news had come to light that forced him to reconsider the possibility.

Sasha said Felicia had been asking questions, and Jason might need to take a more active role in the baby’s life. Felicia asked if he was going to participate in birth plan, was he supplying his medical information, and if his name would be on the birth certificate. Jason said he was fine with all of it, and she said it was more complicated than she thought. It would have been easier if she’d left town, but Michael wanted her to stay. If Willow found out the baby was Michael’s, she’d use it to get full custody. Jason said that’s why they were pretending, but she wondered for how long. Turner said she had questions about Emma and what happened on the Quartermaine estate, and knew Trina told the truth. Trina said she’d livestreamed the whole thing. Why was Turner interested in Emma when the charges were dropped? Turner said, while processing the arrest, some troubling things came up, and asked if Trina knew why Emma had been expelled. Trina wondered why an ADA in Port Charles was so concerned about what Emma did in California. Lucas told Marco that what happened wasn’t him. He didn’t get drunk and pick up guys. Random hookups weren’t his thing. On the flipside, he wasn’t ready for commitment. Marco said, before Lucas embarrassed himself, he was surprised and pleased to find Lucas lived there. He found Lucas attractive, but wasn’t plotting to get him in bed or make Lucas his husband. He just wanted to get to know Lucas better, especially if he got the job. Lucas said he was embarrassed about what happened and Marco had been so kind. He wanted a chance to get to know Marco better. Marco said, now was his chance. Portia asked what Brad wanted, and Brad said, a promotion and a four-day work week. She told him to get out. The things she thought Brad had taken care of had wound up in Drew’s possession. How much money did he get from Drew? Brad said, nothing. It must have been his Aunt Selina. Portia said he kept evidence that he was supposed to destroy and gave it to his mobbed-up aunt. At least their arrangement was now null and void. She just had to iron out his severance pay. Curtis told Kai that Drew wasn’t a doctor, so before he got his hopes up, he should get the procedure medically vetted. Portia would give him an honest assessment, and if it was legit, he had a tough choice to make. Josslyn told Vaughn that the coffee was great, and she assumed the croissants were too, since the past four customers ordered them. Vaughn said she was off the clock, but she said, never. They discussed volleyball, and Vaughn said he’d been a setter for his college team, but had to stop because he was too competitive. She said she’d heard that before from Trina and Michael, and he said she must miss them. She said she did, but not enough to quit. Carly said she didn’t want Jack to use his career as an excuse to deceive her when it suited him, and he said he’d never manipulate her, use her, or intentionally hurt her. He promised not to take advantage of her trust. He was breaking a cardinal rule of the WSB – never form emotional attachments. She said they’d gotten themselves in a mess, and he asked what she wanted to do about it. Sidwell asked what information Sonny had discovered, and Sonny said the person who placed the device was a hired hitter and he had been informed they’d expired. His name was Soliski. Did it ring any bells? Sidwell said, not a one, and Sonny said Soliski had worked all over the world, including Africa where Sidwell based his operation. Sidwell said Africa was a big continent with a large population. The odds he’d done business with a specific person doing business there were low. Sonny said he didn’t like coincidences, and Sidwell said Sonny seemed to think he wanted to get rid of him, but it was exactly the opposite.

Turner said she was concerned Emma had a legal problem, and if her grandmother was using her influence as a shield, it merited investigation. Trina said it sounded like Turner had an issue with Anna, not Emma. She had no connection with Anna and couldn’t help. Turner thanked her and Trina left. Marco told Lucas that he’d worked for a big law firm in Manhattan, but the hours were long, and his tennis game and love life went to hell. Lucas asked if he was ever married, and Marco said, no. He asked how things were with Lucas and his ex. Brad said Portia couldn’t fire him, but she said she owed him no favors. He begged for another chance, when there was a knock at the door. Kai came in and Portia told Brad, bye. Don’t go far. They had a lot to discuss. Brad said he’d be in the lab doing work that saved lives and left. Kai told Portia that he’d been offered a chance to have experimental surgery that would possibly allow him to play football again. He wanted a second opinion and Curtis suggested he talk to her. She said she’d be happy to help. Sasha told Jason that she wanted to give the baby the best life possible. But how could she when she was starting off by lying? She loved her family. Jason said, one step at a time, especially while Michael wasn’t there. He was getting better, and they had to stay the course until he got back. If it got to be too much, he’d help. Sasha said he was the greatest uncle ever, and he said he promised Michael that he’d be there and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for Michael. For the foreseeable future, they were in this together. Sidwell said, in his experience, if someone wanted to operate out of a port, they needed a stable ecosystem. A criminal element would always be there, but it was fine as long as it was contained and there was peace. He was told that Sonny was good at maintaining peace, so Sonny’s continued presence was crucial to his success. Sonny asked if he was expected to believe Sidwell was doing legitimate business, and Sidwell said he didn’t see Sonny as a rival, but someone to maintain the status quo, so his business would thrive. He understood Sonny’s reluctance to trust him, so as a gesture of good faith, he could aid Sonny in finding justice for his son. He also had a son, so he knew what Sonny was going through. He could use his resources to find the culprit. Sonny said he’d handle it himself, and Sidwell said, if there was anything Sonny needed, let him know. Sonny told Sidwell, good luck with his business dealings, as long as they didn’t interfere with his. Sonny left. Carly said she could live not knowing what Jack couldn’t tell her, and Jack said he’d risk his well-being for any chance of a future with her. She said he’d be doing the smart thing, and they kissed. He said as much as he’d like to continue in his room, he had to be somewhere, and he left. Vaughn went to the counter to get croissants and literally ran into the woman who needed sugar. He dropped a croissant and as she helped him, she passed him something while handing him the plate.

Vaughn told Josslyn that it was the last one and gave her the remaining croissant. She said he wasn’t usually a klutz, and he said they all had their moments. Drew went to Curtis’s office and asked, what was so urgent? Curtis said, leave Kai alone. He was vulnerable and didn’t need to get his hopes up for something that may not happen. Football had been ripped away from him and he was trying to put his life and sense of self back together. Now Drew was swooping in, giving him a chance that was impossible. Drew said the success rate was high, and Curtis said, what if it didn’t work out? There were no guarantees and if Kai ended up out of football for good, was the benevolent godfather act going to disappear? Portia told Kai that it wasn’t her area of expertise, but she’d look into it and do some research. Did he hear about it from his coach or physical therapist? Kai said, Congressman Quartermaine. He offered to pay, since Kai’s insurance wouldn’t cover it. Portia said he’d have to talk it over with his parents. They need to know. He said he wanted to wait until he knew it was legitimately possible, and she said she’d let him know what she found out. He thanked her and left. Lucas said he’d been avoiding Brad since he’d gotten back, and Marco said, they work together. Lucas said he knew they were going to run into each other eventually, but in the meantime, he had to clean up a big mess Brad made. He’d manipulated his way into the symposium and crossed the line. Lucas had to make things right with the person wronged. Marco asked why it was his responsibility, and Lucas said, guilt. Once he took care of it, he could put Brad behind him. He wanted to hear about Marco, but Marco said, another time. He had a meeting. He’d be in town for a few days and asked if Lucas would like to see him again. Lucas said he’d like it a lot and they shook hands. They laughed and Marco left. Vaughn told Josslyn that he had to get back to work and enjoy the rest of her day off.

Carly went over to Lucas and said, what was that? He was cute. Lucas said, forget about Marco. Someone didn’t come home last night. She said, Donna was with Sonny, and she thought Lucas was old enough to be okay at home without her. He said she could have given him some common courtesy and let him know she had plans. He was worried. She said it slipped her mind, but he said she didn’t want him to know she was with Jack. Carly said, everyone and their cat had lectured her about Jack, and he said he saw she’d decided not to listen. She said, after careful consideration, she’d decided to let things play out, and Lucas said Jason had said he was worried, and Jason didn’t panic easily. Please take his concern seriously. She said she was sick of everyone’s concern. She wasn’t changing her mind, so don’t fight her. He said he wouldn’t, but had a feeling Jason wasn’t going to back down so easily. Natalia wondered what game Sidwell was playing. Sonny was smart and dangerous. He didn’t want Sonny as an enemy. She hoped he meant it when he said he had no designs on Sonny’s territory and strongly encouraged him to reconsider. Sidwell asked if it was for his safety or hers, and she said she and Sonny were friends. He laughed and asked why she scurried off. Sonny must not know he’s her ex-husband any more than her cohorts at Deception did. She’d already betrayed everyone and now threatened to out him. She’d end up hurting herself. She said, it might be worth it. Sonny and the women didn’t know how dangerous he was. Sidwell said it wouldn’t be good for her health.  Sonny met Turner and she said she was surprised he’d accepted her invitation. He said he was looking for Lucy and she wasn’t in her office, so here he was. She said he must not have told Diane, and he said Turner worked hard to get Ava convicted. Turner said she was sorry she didn’t get justice. She did her due diligence and noticed something interesting. Despite him being the subject of multiple investigations, trials, and some convictions, he did well. He closely aligned himself with prominent leaders like the mayor and the Police Commissioner. Sonny said people liked him, and she said, even when he hurt their careers? He said, true friendship rises above rumors and innuendos. If she was fishing for something, she should cut bait. Josslyn went back to the WSB, surprising Vaughn. She said there was something she wanted to ask him, when Jack walked in. He asked for an update on Josslyn, and Vaught said he thought she was ready to graduate. And he was ready to go back to the field. He didn’t sign up to be a trainer. Jack said, ever since Romania, Vaughn was going to spend a long time not doing anything but training recruits.

Brad begged Portia not to send him back to his Aunt Selina, and she said she’d let him stay. She might need his help in the future. He said he loved helping, and she said he’d better come through, whatever she wanted whenever she wanted it. From now on, she owned his ass. Drew said he was just helping Kai, and Curtis said he was trying to protect Kai from being used. Drew said he wasn’t the problem. Curtis was. Kai went to see Trina and said, it was a long shot, but there may be a way for him to play football again. Turner told Sonny that she wasn’t fishing. She thought she’d get to know Sonny better. He said he didn’t think her boss would like it, but she said no one told her what to do. They had that in common. Sonny got up and said he hoped he’d satisfied her curiosity, but she said she still had questions. He said he was out of answers and left. Sasha felt the baby kick and said Jason had been there the first time the baby moved. Did he want in on the action. Jason backed away, but she put his hand on her bump. He said, that was a strong kick. Natalia asked if Sidwell was threatening her, when there was a knock at the door. It was Marco, who said he was sorry he was late. He saw Natalia and asked what his mom was doing there. Jack asked if he and Vaughn had an understanding, and Vaughn said they did. He asked Josslyn to give them some privacy to discuss the next steps, but Josslyn said, wait. There was something Jack should know. Earlier, she saw Vaughn receive a suspicious drop-off. She thought it was part of a mission sanctioned by the WSB, but now she wasn’t so sure. (I’m thinking it’s a test.)

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Trina asks what Kai is talking about that he might play football again, and he says, it’s not a guarantee, just a chance, but wouldn’t it be amazing if he could get back on the field? She says, of course (🍷). She knows how much he loves the game, but also knows how his doctors say if he gets hit again, he may be paralyzed for the rest of his life. He says, they did, but it turns out that may not be true.  

Curtis asks in what universe is Drew living, and Drew says, in deference to their former friendship, he cut Curtis some slack. Now Curtis is using his grudge to potentially deny Kai a career he’s dreamed of his whole life. Curtis says he’s not, but he’s not buying Drew’s savior act. He’s making the young man promises he can’t keep. Drew says he’s not promising anything. All he’s doing is introducing Kai to a doctor who’s had great success with athletes who have suffered similar injuries. It’s wrong to stand in his way. If Curtis cared, he’d encourage Kai to grab the opportunity before it’s too late for it to be beneficial. Curtis says, Kai mentioned that time was a factor, and Drew says, it is. The less time between the injury and the procedure, the greater the chance of success. Curtis says, if Drew really cared, he’d have encouraged Kai to look into it and be careful to do his research. That’s what he did. Drew says, that’s what he did too. If Curtis wants to come at him, fine, but leave Kai out of it.

Josslyn tells Jack that earlier, she saw Vaughn receive a suspicious drop-off. At first, she figured he was on a mission sanctioned by the WSB, but now she’s not so sure. Jack asks what she’s talking about, but Vaughn says he has no idea. He did bump into Josslyn at a coffee shop, but she was following him, wasn’t she? Josslyn says, no, and he says, she just happened to be there. She says, yes. She saw Vaughn talking to a woman. Vaughn says, what woman? This is ridiculous. Jack says, these are serious charges she’s leveling against a senior agent, ones that could end his career. Which means if she’s wrong, it could end hers.

There’s a knock at the door in Sonny’s old kitchen and we see our old friend, the moss bowl (🎍)! Jason comes in with an envelope, and Carly asks, what’s that? He says, it’s from Diane. Documents from when he signed the MetroCourt back over to her. She thanks him and says she’s sure he’s in a hurry. He says he can’t stand this.

Lucy finds Jordan at the hospital and says she’s been looking all over for her. Jordan asks if Lucy tried her office, and Lucy says, thank God Jordan is helping this year with the Nurses Ball. There’s so much to do and it’s right around corner… She didn’t know? About the 10th time she called Laura’s office, Laura kindly volunteered Jordan as city liaison. Welcome aboard. She shakes Jordan’s hand.

Ava looks at Ric through his hospital room window.

Deanna walks into Elizabeth’s room with a pillow, and Elizabeth asks Deanna to tell her that she’s here to smother her with it. Deanna says, she’s not covered for that, but it is triple fudge brownie day in the cafeteria. Maybe that will help. Elizabeth makes a face, and Deanna asks how she’s feeling. Elizabeth says, not too bad for someone with three new pins in her leg. She’s fine. She appreciates Deanna, but don’t worry about her. Deanna says, it’s literally her job. If she slacks off, her boss might find out. Elizabeth says, she’s the worst. She’s worried about Ric and wonders if Deanna has an update. Deanna says, sorry, but there’s been no change. Lucky comes in with a duffel bag and says, these are the things Elizabeth asked for. Deanna says she’ll leave them to it, and leaves. Lucky asks, what’s the matter? Is she okay? Elizabeth says she realized recovery is going to be a lot more difficult than she thought, and Lucky asks if she’s in pain. She says, no. Just completely helpless.

Alone in the chapel, Kristina says she knows she did a bad thing. She did a dumb, bad thing. She knows she did and just… Please. She knows she asks a lot, but please, just don’t let Molly’s dad die. Alexis and Molly walk in.

Elizabeth tells Lucky that she hates asking people to do things for her. She can’t imagine sitting around like this for three months. Lucky asks if they didn’t say three to six months, and she says she’s a nurse, so she’s saying three months. He says, wow. He thought doctors made the worst patients. She says she’s an excellent patient, and he says, true. He’s never seen a better one. He takes out a sweater and asks if she wants it, but she asks him to fold it and put it on the chair. He says he knows she hates it when she can’t do things for herself, especially when the people trying to help don’t do it the way she would. He tries folding the sweater and looks like me trying to fold a fitted sheet. She says, he makes her sound like a control freak, which she’s not… Just don’t fold it like that. Give it to her. He does and she refolds it.

Kai says he was at Drew’s office, and Trina asks if he means Congressman Cain. He says, the congressman said to call him Drew, and she says, right. He says, they were talking about the Pediatric Sports Initiative (🍷) and Drew asked what he wanted out of life. He told Drew that he was still trying to figure that out now that football wasn’t part of it. She asks what Drew said, and he says, Drew told him about a doctor who’s made huge strides in vertebrae repair. Drew said he could get him in to see the doctor. She says, so Drew happened to know somebody who can offer him what he wants, and he says, Drew is a congressman, so he probably knows a lot of people. Anyway, Drew thought he was a candidate for the procedure and is willing to pay for it. Isn’t that incredible? She says, it just seems hard to believe.

Curtis says he’s not standing in Kai’s way. Kai came to him for advice, and he gave it. Frankly, the idea of Kai in a wheelchair, paralyzed, was enough for him to advise caution. The possibility doesn’t seem as important to Drew. Drew says, Kai is aware of all the possibilities. He gave Kai all the information and he’s making his own decision. He’s just in a position to help Kai accomplish everything he’s worked so hard for. Just like he did for Curtis. Curtis says, excuse me? and Drew asks how Curtis thinks he ended up CEO of Aurora. He wouldn’t be in this office in the first place if Drew hadn’t put him here.

Jordan says, that’s quite the list, and Lucy says, that’s just Jordan’s half of the list. She wants as many people in the community to take part as humanly possible. All Jordan has to do is call each and every person and confirm they’re performing. Jordan asks what Curtis is going to do, and Lucy tells her, he hasn’t said yes yet. Jordan says, so when Lucy tells her to confirm, what she really means is… Lucy says, convince. That means everyone and do not take no for an answer.

Alexis says she didn’t know Kristina was at the hospital, and Kristina says she came to check on Molly’s dad and wanted to say a quick prayer first. Molly said she heard. She knows her dad was not always Kristina’s favorite guy, but she thanks her. She’s been an amazing sister through this. They hug.

Vaughn asks where this is coming from, and Josslyn says she’s just reporting what she saw. He says, she has no idea what she saw, and Jack says, walk him through what happened. Josslyn says she ran into Vaughn at the coffee shop. When she arrived, he was talking to a woman. We flash back as she talks, and she says, later, Vaughn stood up to go to the coffee counter and zipped up his hoodie, which could have been some sort of signal. On the way back, he bumped into the woman and dropped the plate. The woman crouched down to help and passed him a small package. It looked like a pack of gum. Then Vaughn came back, and the woman left right after. She didn’t think much about it at the time, but then she heard Jack say he’s not cleared for field work. Vaughn says, that’s not what happened. Does she honestly think trying to discredit him will impress the chief?

Carly says she hates fighting with Jason. She hates that her situation with Jack came between them, but she can’t live her life by his rules any more than he wants to live by hers. And he’s never policed her life and relationships the way she’s done with him. Jason says, she wouldn’t have listened if he’d tried, and she says, probably not. She understands how hurt he must have been with her back seat driving his relationships. She hates having an ultimatum between them because it’s awful. She doesn’t want to choose between him and Jack. He asks if Jack means that much to her, but she thinks it has nothing to do with Jack. They could be over in a month, but she doesn’t want to give anyone up just because someone tells her to. Even if the someone is him.

Kristina asks if there’s any news about Molly’s dad, and Molly says, Dr. Gannon is examining him now. Alexis says, he’s out of surgery and there’s no permanent damage, and Kristina says, thank God. It’s amazing. Anything she can do to support Molly through this, she’s here. She’s sorry she let her anger and grief get between them. She shouldn’t have done that. Molly says she’s sorry too. They’re sisters and that stuff is behind them now. The Davis girls have got to stick together. Alexis says, forever.

Ava asks Isaiah how Ric is, but he says he can’t discuss Ric’s medical condition unless it’s a family member on the list. Ava says, the list she’s on isn’t that one. His family hates her. He says he’s afraid he can’t, and she says she and Ric are seeing each other. They were together the day of the accident. She’s hoping the last conversation they had isn’t the last conversation they’ll ever have. He says he’s sorry and suggests she try talking to Molly. Ava says, no thank you… Nobody is in there now. Isaiah says, if his family catches her… She says, she’ll be most respectful and leave immediately. He nods and she thanks him. She goes to Ric’s room and sits by his bed. She says, please wake up. She doesn’t want their last words to have been spoken in anger.

Curtis says, Drew gave him the position and he repaid Drew by doing an outstanding job. Drew repaid him by stabbing him in the back. Drew says, Curtis is doing fine. Curtis outmaneuvered him, but the argument still stands. Curtis says, intentions matter. Drew likes to gloss over his betrayals by saying, everything worked out in the end. Willow cares about him. Never mind that he went after his nephew’s wife. The hell with Michael. Drew says he doesn’t think… Curtis says he thinks Drew got everything he wanted in the end. Michael was just collateral damage. He doesn’t want that to happen to Kai.

Kai tells Trina that the procedure is brand new, and the doctor is the only surgeon on the continent who does it. His insurance won’t cover it. Maybe that’s why nobody considered it an option. She says, maybe it’s too new, and he says he’s going to meet with the doctor. Drew got him a consultation. She asks if Drew is going to pay the six-figure tab, and Kai tells her, that’s what he said. She says, he barely knows Kai. Why would he do that?

Josslyn says she’s telling the truth. If Agent Vaughn can explain, great. If he can’t… Jack asks what Vaughn has to say for himself, and Vaughn says, yes. He spoke to a woman in the café. She asked if she could have his sugar, and he gave it to her. He did zip up his hoodie because he was cold. On his way back, he bumped into the woman, but he dropped a croissant. She offered to help, but didn’t lean down and pick anything up. The only thing on the floor was the croissant. Josslyn says, no. She passed him something and then left after her job was done. Vaughn says, or left because she was done with her coffee. Jack asks if Josslyn stands by her accusation, because he finds Vaughn’s version credible. As for her, maybe her mind is playing tricks. So does she stand by her version of the events?

Lucky asks if Elizabeth is in pain. Does she need something? She says she needs to go home, and he says, she just had surgery. She says she can lay around at home like she’s doing here, but he says, can she? She can’t do stairs or stand up to cook. She says, Aiden will help her, but he says, Aiden has school. He has homework and other important things to do. She asks if Lucky can help, and he says he’ll be here waiting until she comes to her senses. She says, they did mention a rehab facility, but she just wants to go home. He says he knows she hates this. He doesn’t blame her, but she needs to let herself heal, okay? Try to be grateful she’s not recovering from something worse. God knows he is. She says she knows she got off easy, and he tells her that he’s not saying it’s easy. Just better than it could have been. She says, Deanna told her that Ric still hasn’t woken up. She’s sorry to hear that. She keeps replaying the moment the car went off the road. It was terrifying. They could have been killed. He says, don’t remind him.

Drew says, all he wants to do is help Kai, and Curtis tells him not to set Kai up for a fall. He’s noticed that about Drew. He likes to pick people up and when they can’t help him anymore, he drops them. He hopes Kai realizes that before it’s too late. Jordan comes to the door and says she can come back later, or do they need a referee? Drew says he was just leaving, but she says, wait. This concerns them both.

Jason says he knows he has no right to tell Carly what to do, but he can’t change how he feels. Brennan is dangerous to be so close to. She says she was close to Sonny, but he says he understands Sonny’s world. He can anticipate things and recognize Sonny’s enemies in that world. But in Brennan’s world, he doesn’t know the enemies. He can’t see around those corners and can’t anticipate anything. He can’t protect her. After Sam’s death, he can’t take the risk of losing her. He figured the people he loves would outlive him. Now after losing Sam, he’s supposed to trust Brennan to protect Carly? He can’t, because her life isn’t as important to Brennan as it is to him. It could never be. He’d take a bullet for her and will always protect her. He can’t trust that Brennan will. He doesn’t trust a word that guy says. She says she knows he doesn’t, but she hasn’t felt this alive in a really long time. He can trust her judgement when she tells him that Jack is not a threat to her.

Vaughn says, Josslyn is making a mistake. She might be embarrassed, but it’s not too late to admit it. Jack asks if she’s saying Agent Vaughn is lying, and she says she saw him put the package in his right pocket – that pocket. Jack tells Vaughn to empty his pockets, and Vaughn says, he can’t be serious. Jack says, do it, and Vaughn takes out the packet and hands it to Jack. Jack undoes it and takes out a computer chip out of the gum pack. He says, well, what have we here?

Alexis says, seeing Molly and Kristina together after everything that’s happened gives her hope, and Kristina says she thinks everything will be all right. Does Molly? Molly says she doesn’t know. She’s scared about her dad, but she has to believe he’ll be okay. It’s easier to do when she’s with them. Alexis says, that’s the way it’s always going to be, and suggests they check on Molly’s dad.

Ava says she’ll make Ric a deal. Wake up now and she’ll let him bill her for a whole hour… He sits up. It was worth a shot. If he won’t wake up for her after the things she said, she wouldn’t blame him, but wake up for Molly. His daughter loves him. So many people need him. She needs him. Remember, he promised to take her to the winery when the weather was nicer, so he can’t leave her hanging on that. She thinks she should go. She doesn’t want to abuse her visitation privileges, but she’ll be back again. She gets up, and Ric mumbles, Elizabeth. Ava says, she’s fine. He’s the one everybody is worried about. He was in a car accident. He asks if someone hit them, but she says, he lost control of the car and went off the road. He was driving Elizabeth home. He says he remembers. They were arguing and he lost control of the car. And the brakes… they failed.  

Ava tells Isaiah that Ric is awake, and Isaiah runs into the room. Alexis, Molly, and Kristina come out of the elevator, and Ava says, Molly’s father is awake. The doctor is with him. Molly runs into Ric’s room, and he says, hey. She says she was scared, but he says, don’t worry. She’s never going to lose him. (Kind of a big promise.) In the hallway, Kristina says she needs some air and leaves. Alexis says she told Ava to stay away. Does she need to get a restraining order? Ava says she was worried about Ric, but Alexis says she’s worried about her girls. Molly needs her sister and the last thing Kristina needs is to see Ava. Ava says she left out of compassion, but GH is a public place. She’s not going to let Kristina’s questionable mental state keep her from seeing someone she cares about. Lucy comes by and says, how lucky she is to find them together. She needs both of them to confirm their performances for the Nurses Ball. Alexis says, never have, never will, and leaves. Ava says she’ll get back to Lucy. There’s something she needs to take care of. She leaves.

Trina says, paying Kai’s medical bills is extremely generous offer, especially for someone he just met. Kai says he thought the same thing, so he asked, and Drew said he thinks Kai has potential. Trina says, obviously he does. Even so… He says, it’s just a consultation, and she asks if he’s going to do it. He says, it depends on her mom. He gave her the information and she agreed to look into it. He trusts her judgement and she did help find a procedure that helped Trina’s dad walk again. She says, it just feels like it’s moving really fast, and she doesn’t want him to be disappointed if it doesn’t work out. Even if it does, she’s afraid if he’s hit wrong, he’ll be paralyzed. He says, they’re on the same page and not just about the playing. He was part of a team. Even if he’s able to get back on, it will be tough. They’ve already replaced him at PCU and there are no guarantees he’ll be able to play college or pro ball. But at least he’ll have a chance. That’s because of her.

Carly says she’s driven everyone away her whole life except for the moss bowl (🎍), and Jason is the only person who never walked away. He says he never will, and she says she was thinking about the time they hit their first breaking point – when she slept with Sonny. He says, it was more complicated than that, and she says, their relationship changed, but it didn’t end. She doesn’t want it to end now. He says, neither does he. So he’s going to stay out of her relationship with Brennan. She asks if he means that, and he says, it’s not worth losing their friendship. If she’s right, he’ll be happy. She says, what if he’s right? and he says, they’ll survive whatever danger Brennan brings their way together.

Jack says, what they do now is quite simple. Congratulations, Agent Jax. You just passed your first phase of training. Josslyn says, wait. What? This was all a test? Vaughn says, and she passed. She can celebrate with the pack of gum. Josslyn asks what they were testing, if she noticed the hand-off? Jack says, partly, but it was mostly loyalty. She didn’t let her feelings for a colleague supersede her loyalty to the WSB. Vaughn says, she trusted her judgement even when he gave a plausible explanation, and Jack says, her training is on-going, but right now she’s needed in the field for an assignment she’s well-suited for. Unless of course (🍷) she doesn’t think she’s ready. Josslyn says, no. She’s ready. Where is she going?

Elizabeth says she’s rethinking staying, and Lucky says she would have gotten there eventually. He knows how independent she is, probably because she’s been left to handle everything on her own way too often. She says she’s always taken care of herself, and he says, true, but there’s something she needs to understand. A lot of people love her and want to take care of her. Please just let them help. She says he’ll have to bear with her, learning to ask for help, and he says he can do that. He can even get her one of those little bells. She says, don’t push it, and he says he hates that she’s going through this, but he’s going to see her through it. Deanna says, sorry to interrupt, but she thought Elizabeth would want to know that Ric is awake, and Elizabeth thanks her. She says she knows what Lucky is thinking, and he says, that he needs to hurry up and get her that bell? She says, he blames Ric for the crash. Please don’t. Sometimes accidents just happen.

Jordan says, thanks to Laura, she’s now working with Lucy as city liaison for the Nurses Ball. As such, she’s been given a list of potential acts and both Curtis and Drew are on it. Curtis says, the Nurses Ball is a worthy cause, and he’ll gladly make a donation, and Drew says, as will he. Jordan says, that’s great and all, but Jenz Sidwell is actually sponsoring the entire thing this year. Drew says, what? and Curtis says, his buddy didn’t tell him, did he? Drew says, Jordan is recruiting them to perform? and she says, yes, but he says, the performers are talented. He doesn’t know what he’d do. She says, not to worry. Lucy insisted – and she means insisted – that she will discover everyone’s hidden talents. Curtis says, okay, he’ll think about it, but Jordan says, May will be here before they know it. So what do they say, yes or no?

Molly says, the whole time she kept thinking she might not get another chance to tell Ric how much she loves him, and he says, she thinks he doesn’t know? She says she thinks she doesn’t say it enough, but he tells her that she says it all the time. He loves her. He kisses her hand and she says she loves him too. He says, she’s the most important thing in his life. He’s very proud of the woman she’s become. She says, even though she’s a prosecutor? and he says, they’ll work on that.

Trina says, Kai is giving her way too much credit, but he says, she made him look at possibilities instead of dwelling on the disappointments. She tells him that she could say the same about him. After Spencer died, she was in a dark place. Then he came along and jeopardized her class project and brought color back into her life. He says, that’s high praise from an art lover, and she says, the highest. He says he can’t wait to see where the future takes them, and she says, what a coincidence. Her too. They kiss.

Carly says, Jason’s always been her rock. He gave her the confidence to live life on her own terms, but she knew she could face the consequences, good or bad, because he was in her corner. That’s why the last few days were really difficult because she thought she’d finally driven him away and that terrifies her. He says he guesses he’s glad she didn’t listen this one time, and she says, why? He says, because if she hadn’t and given in and done what he asked, she would have resented him. She says she thinks that’s one reason she didn’t give in. He’s the most important person in her life, and if she gave in, she knew deep down it would destroy them.

Ava goes to a garage and says she’s here about her car. It was in a single vehicle crash on Route 32 by Oakview Road. Has anybody looked at it yet? The mechanic says, there’s not much to see. It was totaled and he sent it to compacting. She says, that’s what she was afraid of. She needs to file an insurance claim asap. She might want to sue the manufacturer. Does he think he could do her a favor and take a look at it? See if he can find a mechanical reason her car lost control?

Deanna tells Elizabeth, time for her meds, and Lucky asks if she brought enough for everybody. Elizabeth says, ignore him, but Deanna wonders if that’s possible. She also needs to take Elizabeth’s vitals. Lucky says he’ll get out of the way. He’s got something he needs to deal with. If she needs anything, call. Elizabeth promises she will, and Lucky leaves. In the hallway, he gets a text from Kristina: Need to see you. Now.

Trina and Kai are on the sofa kissing, when there’s a knock at the door. Lucy says, yoohoo! Anybody home? Kai says, if they’re quiet, maybe she’ll go away, but Trina says she knows that voice and it will never happen. She lets Lucy in, and Lucy says, oh my goodness! This is the cutest little place. She loves it. She sees Kai and says she knows him. He was at the Pediatric Sports Initiative (🍷) press conference. He’s Kai Taylor. Kai says, that’s him, and she says, Lucy Coe, founder and CEO of Deception Cosmetics. Trina says, it’s not a good time, but Lucy says, it won’t take long. She’s also chairperson of the General Hospital Nurses Ball. Trina asks if they can’t discuss it later, but Lucy says, no need. She’ll put them both down to perform at the Ball.

Drew says he would be happy to be part of the Nurses Ball. He always has time for a worthy cause. Jordan thanks him and he leaves. She asks if Curtis is in, and Curtis says, of course (🍷). Hang on. Did she ask him and Drew at the same time because she knew he’d have to say yes in front of Drew since he wouldn’t be able do less than Drew? She says, welcome to politics.

Jason says, Carly will never lose him, and she says, even if he thinks she’s making the biggest mistake of her whole life? He says, even then, and they hug. Josslyn comes in and says she’s home.

Vaughn asks Jack if he thinks Josslyn is ready, and Jack says, she has to be. The assignment is time sensitive. Vaughn says, that’s not an ideal answer, and Jack says, far from it. That’s why Vaughn is going as Josslyn’s backup.

Molly asks if Ric has any idea what made him veer off the road, and he says he’s trying to piece it together, but it’s hard to concentrate. She says, he has a head injury, so just rest. Maybe it will come back. She tells him that Elizabeth is okay. It’s a miracle the ambulance got there as fast as it did. He flashes back to looking through the windshield after the accident and seeing Kristina.

Lucky meets Kristina and she asks, what’s going on? Does anyone know what caused… He says, not yet, and she says, he’s not telling anyone, is he? He says, first, she needs to tell him how she almost killed Elizabeth.

Ava asks what the mechanic thinks. Did he find anything? He says, yeah and it’s not good. She says her car crashed. So what is it? He says, the brake lines in the car were cut.  

On Monday, Elizabeth wonders why Ava is asking her all these questions; Josslyn finds out that Jason has been to Easter Island; Lucky says Kristina went too far this time and has to pay for it; and Ric remembers something about the accident.

🧼  All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Ezra is the new guy I love to hate. His reactions to things are too funny.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/celebrate-with-soap-hopper-daniel-cosgrove

When he’s ready to come back? Freudian slip or wishful thinking?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/chad-duell-opens-up-been-on-a-real-journey-lately

Reeling in the GH years.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/abc/gh-general-hospital-cast-through-years-photos-108305

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-stars-pick-their-most-memorable-moments-from-the-past-year

Welcome to the Nurses Ball.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/the-general-hospital-nurses-ball-returns-2

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

I’m surprised the captain doesn’t live on digestives.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

The dresses were just phenomenal. These women looked like they were going to the Met. The color scheme was gold and white, and everyone got the memo. Kyle had a bunch of crystals on the table between her and Andy, and my first thought was, all the crystals, lucky charms, four-leaf clovers – hell, even actual leprechauns – in the world won’t make a difference. I also forgot there was that whole thing over PK drinking. Maybe that’s why Dorit is so hellbent on calling Sutton an alcoholic. Dorit is apparently also a smoker (absolutely zero judgement) and Andy asked if PK sent Kyle a meme about it. HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! A twin of Erika’s coffee table was on set, and I didn’t think it was odd that she said it was where her mind went. Mine would too, and I don’t care what we were talking about, I’d definitely bring it up. Dorit was nasty and clueless, so no surprise there. Her slow move to come to the truth that PK is done with her is like watching Shep realize Sienna’s not his soulmate. Boz lost her house in the Malibu fires, which is tragic. While I wasn’t happy to hear she was fighting with insurance companies, I was glad that at least rich people don’t have it easier there. Having been through a flood, I could sympathize with her. Cleaning up was easier than the two years of paperwork afterward.

About that exit.

Denise Richards & Her Wild Things

In this week’s episode, Denise and daughter Lola had lunch with Charlie. If he has one more facelift, his ass is going to be on his neck. Once again, I watched in wonder at how Denise holds no grudges. She’s the first to say he’s an a-hole, but she’s not mad at the hell he put her through. I need lessons from this woman.

Summer House

I actually think Carl’s idea of Soft Bar – a bar that doesn’t serve alcohol – is a good one. As he mentioned, it’s not just for alcoholics. Pregnant women and those wanting to make lifestyle changes would also enjoy the social atmosphere without the alcohol. Jesse’s idea that he will be monogamous wasn’t so good, and his claim that he wasn’t flirting with Ciara was ridiculous. Lexi said he’d left out the toe sucking in his narrative and that he lied about it made her feel icky. Never mind him lying about it, the actual act made me feel icky. It also made him seem extra stupid for not telling her right off the bat. Did he not know the other girls would?

Southern Charm

Venita brought out receipts! Proof! Timelines! F***ing everything!

I could go on about the JT/Venita thing, but the best all-encompassing thing I can say is, it’s just so messy. JT is wrong on so many levels, but WTF Venita? She should have backed away from this immediately. She said she was interested in staying friends, but not if his girlfriend was in the picture. In other words, when he’s free to date her, she’ll be there. Ugh. I’m always picking on the guys, but what annoys me about the girls is how they want to figure out everyone’s timelines all the time. There was discussion on Craig being a liar storyteller embellisher and Patricia made an appearance. We saw clips of several casting tapes (see below) from 12 years ago. Patricia said she thought it wouldn’t last. Who would be interested in watching this cast of reprobates and their misdeeds?  Who indeed?

 Sally smack talking Taylor’s Gaston was a topic, and it seemed that most of the group agreed that since Sally came into Taylor’s friend group, she should have kept her opinions to herself. Taylor hadn’t even had a chance to introduce him to the group yet, and Sally tried to influence their opinion. Andy circled back to Craig, this time to inspect his relationship with Paige. That hindsight is 20/20 says it all. Love is blind is also applicable. Apparently, Paige cut him completely off, but that doesn’t make her a bad person. Just because the Charm cast loves to stay in each other’s pockets lives doesn’t mean everyone feels that way about an ex. I’m not a fan of staying friends, although my high school boyfriend is a very close friend. And no, not with benefits.

Random Reality Items

Upcoming twists on the new season of RHOM.

Nothing much to see here, but because it is LVP.

Well, roll me up and call me curly. The first Deck baby.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Happy Face. Paramount+. In a series about the Happy Face Killer’s daughter, her remembrances from growing up are interspersed with what’s going on today. Supposedly she outed herself on Dr. Phil, but I don’t remember ever seeing that one. The acting is great, especially Dennis Quaid as the killer. It did make me wonder what it must be like to suddenly discover such a horrible thing about your father.

https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/happy-face-true-story-keith-hunter-jesperson-daughter-melissa-moore-rcna197120

https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/a64254606/happy-face-show-true-story-accuracy

Holland. Amazon Prime. I’m not sure how I felt about this film. I love Nicole Kidman, despite her lapse of judgement in marrying Tom Cruise. Chalking that up to youthful stupidity. A favorite sub-genre of mine is the perfect town that’s not so perfect underneath, but I think this movie bypassed some good opportunities. It’s still a fun watch, but the end kinda sorta leaves you hanging.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/holland-movie-review-2025

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/holland/

Adolescence. Netflix. This 4 part series is focused on a 13 year old boy who’s arrested for the murder of a female classmate. I’m guessing perhaps the laws are somewhat different in the UK where it’s placed, because I spent a lot of the beginning wondering why this kid was so unprotected legally. The underlying topic though, is the influence of the internet – in particular those like Andrew Tate – on young boys. Some articles have taken offense at the supposition they could be influenced so easily, but they’re kids and they are. The part of the brain that understands actions result in consequences isn’t fully developed until age 25, and the internet can be a persuasive place. Be forewarned. This cautionary tale is pretty depressing.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/18/entertainment/adolescence-netflix-limited-series/index.html

https://ew.com/adolescence-creator-responds-to-claims-that-series-race-swapped-storyline-11706011

American Apocalypse aka Refuge. Amazon Prime. There wasn’t a lot on this rather unmemorable film. There’s a small plot blurb and some viewer reviews, but the best part of any review ever: If you need a reason to live, This movie is not it. I didn’t think it was that awful, but it wasn’t very unique or memorable either.

https://letterboxd.com/film/american-apocalypse/

Happiness. Netflix. This K-Drama is a slightly different take on the zombie genre. People have become zombies from taking a failed covid drug that’s on the black market, but they’re not zombie’s 24/7. They have sort of zombie seizures where they attack and eat people, who in turn become zombies if they don’t die from the attack. Protagonist Sae-bom is immune to the bites and is put on an investigative team to find out just what the hell is going on. She also marries a childhood friend in order to get an apartment, and there’s a lot of underlying elements of the haves and have nots, often prevalent in Korean entertainment.

https://en.prothomalo.com/entertainment/happiness-with-zombie-like-mad-person-disease

Outside. Netflix. I didn’t hate this, but I could have cut a good 40 minutes out of it. The exciting – i.e. zombie – parts were great, but there were long stretches of soap opera dialogue and I started to feel like I was actually in the middle of nowhere during an apocalypse in real time.

https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/outside-release-date-news

https://decider.com/2024/10/18/outside-movie-netflix-review-2024

🔮 Future Watching…

I bailed during the first season, but I’d really like to give it another go. So much to watch, so little time, but it does look good. Although I am a little bitter about the nixing of the Jon Snow spin-off. I wanted to see more of the forbidden places beyond the Wall and what creatures might dwell there.

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-ryan-condal-responds-george-r-r-martin-blog-season-3-new-casting-exclusive-11704545

Korean dramas worth your while. I’ve seen a lot of these and haven’t been disappointed yet.

https://collider.com/k-dramas-anime-fan-must-watch-ranked/

https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/top-10-k-dramas-to-watch-if-you-liked-gyeongseong-creature-season-2-sweet-home-happiness-and-more-1350717

🐦‍🔥 Wild In the Kingdom…

🐢 Makes you glad not to be a tortoise.

https://people.com/97-year-old-reptile-becomes-oldest-first-time-mom-of-species-11708613

🐧 Nature, always full of surprises.

https://people.com/rare-all-white-penguin-found-australia-first-we-have-seen-rescuers-11707610

🐋 I had a Golden who was literally afraid of his own shadow. He would have had a doggy heart attack.

https://people.com/barking-golden-retriever-meets-giant-humpback-whale-video-11707795

🐣 Quotes of the Week

Quitting can be a hard choice to make, but often it’s a brave one, as well.Susan David

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. – B. B. King (They can’t take integrity away from you either.)

Often any decision, even the wrong decision, is better than no decision. – Ben Horowitz

The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and in a thousand things well. – Horace Walpole

A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble. – Mahatma Gandhi

If we hadn’t forced her to go to the wedding, she never would have touched that gun. – Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie), Beyond the Gates

💸 Rendering Unto Caesar…

Until next week, stay safe; stay getting your taxes in before 11:59 pm on April 15th; and stay looking at possibilities instead of dwelling on disappointments.