Tag Archives: Bethenny Frankel

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

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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.

November 19, 2024 – Sam’s Funeral, His Star, Get Well Soon, Returning Wives, New York Minute, Reboot Reproach, Canine Cruise & Serenade

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays, but the rest of the week, who knows?)

General Hospital

Ava sees Lucas at the cemetery. They’re both visiting Julian’s grave.

The minister concludes the funeral ceremony and invites everyone to talk about Sam. Nina gripes about Jason being there, and Molly gets up. She thanks everyone for being here to honor Sam.

Molly talks about them being the Davis girls turning Davis women, a force to be reckoned with, especially together. Sam was patient, open, and the best listener. She listened with no interruptions and never had any judgement. She commanded a room, and her advice was spot on, but she only gave it if asked. Growing up, Sam needed to find her own way, and Molly can’t put into words how much she misses her sister. There will now only be three sets of arms for a Davis girls hug, but Sam is still with them, holding, supporting, and loving them, and always will be. They’ll always be Davis women, no matter what.

Kristina says, when came to support, Sam offered it to everyone, and no one needed it more than her. She has a special knack for getting herself in trouble and Sam was always there to ride to her rescue and get her back on her feet. Sam would tell her that she was strong and capable, but she’d be there in case Kristina needed her, her own personal safety net. The special thing about Sam was, she never judged. She believed in second chances and taught Kristina, no matter how big you mess up, you could always pick yourself up and keep going. You could do better and be better anytime you wanted. You’re not your mistakes. She was the ultimate big sister and protector. Kristina says she’ll love and miss Sam forever.

Josslyn wonders where Lucas is, but Carly says she doesn’t know.

Ava tells Lucas that Julian was not always a good man. He made terrible, life altering mistakes, but he loved his children. She wishes she could go to his daughter’s funeral, but out of respect for the family, she chose to stay away. Why is he here?

Spinelli says, Sam was one of the first people to befriend him, and through Sam, he met Jason. When he was younger, he related to fantasy and computers better than people. Back then, tech nerds were at the bottom of the pecking order of life, while cool chicks like Sam were at the top. She never used that status. He’s not certain she knew she had it. Sam took people as they were. She took him as he was. We flash back to Spinelli telling Sam that he likes Maxie, and Sam telling him to put himself in her hands. He says, Sam offered genuine friendship and respect, and he treasured that. She gave him the confidence to fall in love with the woman of his dreams, and he hopes when Sam saw them together, she knew. He looks at her picture and says, fair Samantha, what a dear friend. You will forever be missed.

Carly says, Sam was strong and a fighter. She could pack a punch… figuratively speaking, of course (🍷). We flash back to Carly telling Sam to hit the road and Sam saying, no problem. But before she goes… She slugs Carly. Carly says, when life knocked Sam down, she came up swinging. She admired that. They had a complicated relationship. It took them a while to be friends, but she’d always respected Sam. What impressed her most, was that Sam loved with her whole heart – her sisters, her mom, her partner, and most importantly, her children. She looks at Danny, Scout, and Rocco and says, their mom was amazing and strong. So are they. Carry the strength she gave them and she’ll always be with them.

Lucas tells Ava that he was at the church before the service. Danny came in and when Danny saw him, he got upset. Danny thinks it’s Lucas’s fault that his mom is dead. Ava says, is it?

Elizabeth says, like Carly, she and Sam had highs and lows. Back in the day, mostly lows. We flash back to Elizabeth telling Sam that Jason knows she’s trash, and Sam saying, it’s a fair trade. Elizabth got Jason’s kid, and she got Elizabeth’s husband. Elizabeth says, they clashed, but she doesn’t regret it because it made the place they got to that much sweeter. Sam taught her the lesson that if you’re not getting along with someone for whatever reason, maybe you don’t understand them and need to look deeper. Ultimately, they ended up respecting each other. They went from bitter rivals to co-parents to friends. She hopes Sam knows that she’s grateful for where they landed. She looks at Sam’s picture and thanks her.

Lucky says he’s known Sam for a long time. They were always good friends. Sam called like it like it was, and he liked that. You were never unsure of where you stood with her. She was fun and fearless, but he didn’t know how heroic she was. His sister Lulu was dying and only a liver transplant could save her. He and his brother hoped they could help, but it didn’t work out. Lulu was running out of time, and they needed a miracle. Enter Sam. When she found out she could give Lulu a fighting chance, she didn’t hesitate and agreed to donate. Sam saved Lulu’s life, and he hates that in the process, she lost hers. He can’t tell them why Sam was taken from them, but his family will forever be in her debt. Alexis cries.

Dante says he hit a rough patch. It was a dark time in his life, and he couldn’t see his way out of it. Then Sam showed up and stepped in. She saw him struggling and wanted to help. She said he could rebuild his life, but he couldn’t take the bad things and use them to give up. He needed to take that stuff and use it to propel himself forward and keep going. He doesn’t know when they changed from being friends to something more, but ultimately, they began to fall in love. We flash back to Sam saying, they need to control their own fate, and them deciding to move in together. Dante says, they threw their beautiful kids together, a mashup of a family, a home. She was the best mom and the most incredibly supportive partner, but also a badass, hardnose, in your face outfielder. She gave them the best and was always honest and fair. Kristina said she was big on second chances, and she was his. He wanted her to be his third, fourth, and fifth chance. He knows she’d tell him to be grateful for what they had. He became a better man, loving and being loved by her, so he’s going to do what she told him and take what happened and keep going. She’ll always have his heart, and he loves her.

Lucas says, it could be, but they won’t know until the autopsy is in, and Ava says, even if he thinks differently, he’ll still carry the guilt. He says, he’ll always wonder if he could have done more for Danny, Scout, Alexis, Dante, and anyone who loved Sam. He performed the surgery, and he takes the hit. Ava says she knows about guilt, and he says, it runs in the family. She says, maybe he should change his name.

Rocco says, Sam was his stepmom, but she was always Sam to him. Also, a mom who understands, leads, is annoyed when you leave towels on the floor, and gives you popsicles when your throat hurts. She didn’t treat him differently because they had the same DNA, but because she thought he was special. They had their own handshake. He hopes she doesn’t mind, but he’s going to teach Danny and Scout before he forgets. He doesn’t want to forget anything. She gave him a lot, but the best thing was a brother and sister. They got a family when they needed it. They never got to make it official, but that’s what they’ll always be – a family.

Jason says, Sam knew better than anyone he’s not big on public speaking, but he admired her so much, he’s up here, one of those who loved her. He’s grateful for the years they spent together and grateful for their son, who they both love. He’s grateful for Sam. She taught him a lot about life and was one of the bravest, toughest people he’s known. He’s up here because he wants her kids to know how special she was. She mattered to so many people, including him. He tells Danny, there was no one like his mom – no one – and they hug.

Danny says he wasn’t going to speak. He thought it was too hard, but it’s important they know who Sam was and what she meant to him. He asked his dad what to say and he said to just talk about the things she loved. His mom loved to go fast, no matter what she was driving. She loved leather jackets, black obviously. She said, a good one lasts a lifetime. They’re going to keep hers for Scout to wear when she’s older. She loved Chinese food, especially from Noodle Buddha. She made them read their fortune cookies when they went out to dinner. He thought it was lame, but he did it because it made her happy. He loved to see her happy. Most of all, she loved them – him, Scout, and Rocco. He’s going to miss hearing her say it, but he knows it and that’s what counts. Jason hugs him.

Ava says she’s been where Lucas is. She’s there now. He says, it’s not the same, and she agrees, it’s not. His stay is temporary, but today, in this moment, he’s feeling isolated and misunderstood. Know he’s not alone. She’s here for him like her brother would want her to be.

Alexis says, usually, she doesn’t need notes, but these are not normal times. She was worried she’d forget because she’s so sad, and she doesn’t want to forget anything. Her exceptional daughter deserves that. They weren’t always in each other’s lives. They didn’t meet until Sam was an adult. She was shaped by heavy, serious circumstances, and transcended into fierce self-determination and strength and kind heartedness. She regrets missing Sam’s childhood. She wishes she’d been there to raise her. Her two greatest joys are them finding each other, and then choosing each other. They say you can’t choose your family, but they did. 

Ava tells Lucas that her brother met his end too soon, but in one way, he was a lucky man. He died before his daughter did. To bury a child is a pain she would not wish on anybody. Lucas says, by the time he came back, Julian was of no use to him. He’d made toxic decisions and burned too many bridges. He was grateful for Sam though. Julian gave him one hell of a sister. She says, he has one hell of an aunt too, and he says he knows. She kisses her fingertips and places them on the gravestone.

Alexis says she and Sam had a dicey beginning, but mother/daughter relationships are complex under the best of circumstances. We flash back to Alexis wanting Sam to induce labor (not sure what that was about), and Sam screeching that she will, then doubling over in pain.  Alexis says, they hung in there, walked through it, and got to the other side. She didn’t just love Sam. She really liked her. Not just as a daughter, but as a friend. She knew Sam would have her back at any given time. She doesn’t know if she could have raised Molly and Kristina without her. Sam was their anchor. There were times she was completely unmoored and Sam grounded her. Sam put her arms around her and held on until she steadied herself. Sam’s love for her love was unflappable, unshakable. She doesn’t know if Sam understood how powerful it was. Having an adrenaline junkie for a daughter is scary, but after every exploit, she was impressed with Sam. She was so proud. She was proud to be Sam’s mother and decided the only way to honor her beautiful, brave girl is to be brave like she was. She’s decided not to grieve long or get lost in sorrow. She will hold Sam in her heart and move on, cheering Sam on to her next great adventure, which no doubt, will be the best one ever. She looks at Sam’s picture, and says, thank you for choosing me, my angel.

The minister says, as they prepare to leave, ask for the Lord’s comfort and let the memories of Sam that surround them sustain them in the days ahead. Let God’s presence be felt in their hearts as they grieve. Gio plays his violin as everyone leaves, and Alexis sits alone. Molly and Kristina walk back in, and Molly says, it’s time. Alexis says, one more minute. Sit with her. She wants one last moment with all her girls. Molly and Kristina lean their heads on Alexis’s shoulders, and Alexis tells them, they say love and grief are forever intertwined. She knows that’s true because her heart feels like it’s breaking and bursting. We flash back to Sam with Sonny, Alexis, and Jason. Sam and Jason in an explosion, Sam with Maxie, and with Carly, who realizes they’re having a girlfriend moment. Dante rolling his tire into her apartment and asking if it looks familiar. With Elizabeth, with Carly and Olivia at the hatchet range, and officiating at Maxie and Spinelli’s wedding. We see the Davis girls together, and hear Alexis’s voice says, sometimes we have to fight for every scrap of joy, so we need to cherish every moment. To the Davis family, past, present, and future. We flashback to Sam with Dante and their new family.

Lulu opens her eyes and rubs them.

Tomorrow, Elizabeth tells Lucky that he has to make a decision; Portia says, the results of the autopsy are in; Jason tells Danny that what happened between him and Drew stays between him and Drew; and Cyrus tells Lulu that he’s going to take care of her.  

⭐️ Receiving His Due…

I’ve never heard of this, but he seems excited and honored, so kudos!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/tristan-rogers-receives-a-star-on-the-palm-springs-walk-of-stars

❤️‍🩹 You Gotta Have Heart…

Gives a whole other meaning to having a big heart.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/marcus-coloma-is-recovering-from-heart-surgery

💎 Bitches Are Back…

In a nutshell. PK became sober and asked Dorit for a separation. Coincidence or can he now actually hear her talking non-stop? Love new Housewife Bozoma aka Boz, a very accomplished and beautiful woman who seems like she’ll give the others a run for their money. Jennifer Tilly is also now a Housewife Friend, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about that, since I’ve loved her forever. Sutton had a Surrealism party inspired by Salvador Dali. While most people are familiar with his paintings, I also remember him from Art History class because he and his wife lived in separate castles. When he wanted to visit her, he had to send a note first. That’s the secret to a long lasting marriage, my friends. No surprise, the party was fabulous and there was no end of things to look at, including the guests’ costumes. Dorit and Kyle were on the outs, and it ended with Dorit saying she wasn’t going to put up with Kyle’s sh*t anymore. Alrighty then.

🗽 Start Spreading the News…

Much of the episode was focused on reactions to last week’s prank, otherwise known as Erin’s test for leaky pigeons. For whatever reason, Brynn claimed to have been in on it, but Erin said after they’d had a drink – which she wasn’t doing ever again with Brynn – Brynn asked her if Rebecca really slept with other guys, and she gestured, I don’t know… no. I’m not sure how you decipher that from a gesture, but that’s what Erin said. Several of the others deemed the prank f***ed up, but I think more f***ed up was Brynn’s eagerness to go the extra mile, calling around to see if she could get more dirt on Rebecca. Last week at the dodgeball game, Brynn had beaned Jenna, and Jenna said she thought Brynn was a little bit of a bitch. I was like, a little bit? And she’s just realizing this now? Speaking of Brynn, she approached ex-fiancé Gabriel about fertilizing one of her eggs on ice and he thought it was a great idea, which surprised the hell out of me.

https://people.com/rhony-recap-housewives-accuse-erin-lichy-gaslighting-rebecca-minkoff-pregnancy-prank-goes-wrong-8748404

And I don’t get this at all. I thought it’s been the best episode all season. I get that a couple of the Wives have fertility issues, but does that mean everyone needs to walk on eggshells. (No pun intended.) It was brilliant and showed how many in the group were willing to spread a story or even just listen to it.

What’s to come this season.

https://people.com/rhony-season-15-midseason-trailer-new-accusations-are-thrown-nudes-exchanged-8747574

🚽 Trash Talk…

Wow. I’m not crazy about these girls, but even I think this is harsh. I agree with her that the OGs should be brought back, but in a separate, parallel show. Bethenny also said she’d never seen the reboot, so calling it a piece of trash is a little unfair.

https://pagesix.com/2024/11/17/entertainment/bethenny-frankel-slams-piece-of-trash-rhony-reboot/

🐕 Ahoy Puppy…

This looks fantastic. I’d be afraid to take one of my dogs on a cruise though. There would be no living with them when it was back to, here’s some Fresh Pet, after having a butler waiting on them.

https://people.com/margaritaville-at-sea-first-dog-friendly-specialty-cruise-8747081

🍂 Falling Into Autumn Like…

Stop by tomorrow for soap and who knows? Until then, stay safe, stay waiting for everyone to be served before you eat, and stay not using the bad things to give up, but using them to propel yourself forward and keep going.

July 12, 2024 – Sasha Tells Cody What She Saw, NYC OG Reunion, Fired, New Knight, Real Darkness, Those Brats, 1½ Weeks To Go, Red Carpet Ugly, Quotes Numbering Nine & Summertime

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Maxie tells Cody that they’re just about to have dinner. He should join them. Felicia says, great idea, and Cody says he appreciates what they’re trying to facilitate here. Their hearts are in the right place, but Mac knows where to find him if he wants to talk. Maxie says, sorry… not sorry. She knows this wasn’t the best way to get the two of them in the same room, but she and her mom thought he and Mac needed to talk face to face. Then they can all have a conversation as a family. He says, that’s just it. We’re not a family; you guys are. He’s just the guy who gives her son riding lessons. Maybe it’s better they keep it that way. He leaves, and Mac says, care to explain the point to that humiliating exercise?

Michael meets Sasha in the stable doorway, and she says she was just on her way to the gatehouse. She hands him a picnic basket, and he says he didn’t expect her to be his delivery service when he put out the SOS, but she says, no problem. She was bringing a basket to Cody anyway. There’s fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans with garlic inside. He thanks her and says he didn’t know he’d have the kids for the evening. She says, there’s enough for Willow too. Where is she tonight? He says, she’s working late with Drew.

Doc says, one book, and Ace was out. He asks if Laura is reading that article, and she says, yeah. He asks what she thinks, and she thanks him for sending it to her. She’s not sure if it’s a good comparison to Heather’s case, because this guy got cobalt poisoning from industrial exposure. He says, true, but he suffered from extreme neurological disorders, dementia, and uncontrollable rage. She says, that’s exactly how they would have described Heather not too long ago. She wonders if this article could help people understand how Heather could have changed.

Curtis comes home to find Trina there, and asks, who is this stranger in his house? Kind of looks familiar. Kind of like someone who used to live here. She asks what he’s doing home already. Mom said they’d both be working late and Marshall’s at the club. He sees a beautifully set table, and says, so she thought she could have a romantic dinner at the house? Is there something he should know? She says, it’s actually a surprise dinner for him and mom. It was from the MetroCourt and the sommelier said he recommended the wine, which he didn’t sell her. It was a gift from the hotel owner. He says, she’s adorable, but she didn’t have to do this. She says, it’s an occasion that needs to be marked on the calendar. It’s been a year. He says, since he was shot and almost lost everything, and she says, it’s been a year since his family rallied around him and he found everything. And look at him now.

Jason lets Anna into his apartment, and she says she doesn’t have a lot of time. She’s on her way to Valentin’s right now. She’s going to drop by unannounced and walk out with the satellite phone he uses to communicate with Pikeman. Jason says, assuming it’s still there, and she asks why he’d move it. He doesn’t know she found it. It’s the best way they have to prove that Pikeman is trafficking illegal arms, and that Valentin is in charge of them. So where is she going to find Jason once she’s secured the evidence? He says he’ll be parked two cars down from Valentin’s house, but she says, no. She’s going it alone this time.

Doc says, the patient in the article was restored to baseline behavior. No more decrease in mental functions and no more rage. That’s a good indicator for recovery and it seems to be what’s happened with Heather. Laura says, ironically, the best argument for Heather’s transformed state of mind is that she doesn’t want her case reopened, and he says, based on what he’s learned from a medical and legal standpoint, a strong argument could be had that there was a rush to judgement and the case should be opened. If that were to happen, Heather could even get a new trial. Laura says, maybe she could, but that’s not what Heather wants.

Curtis says he thought he was the only one that kept track of his shooting at the MetroCourt, but Trina says, no. The whole family’s aware. She asked Aunt Stella if she should mention it to him or not, and she said, the heck with mentioning, we should celebrate. So, ta-da! She’s celebrating not only him being alive and well, but standing and walking. He hugs her and says, thank you, baby. Being able to walk again means everything, but what he’s most grateful for is spending time with his family. But he noticed there are only two place settings. She’s not joining them? She says, nope. She just wants her mom and dad to celebrate privately. The way they just pulled together was inspiring, so they deserve this. He says, it’s very thoughtful of her, but they are putting a dinner or cookout on the schedule, so it doesn’t matter how busy she is. She says, he had her at cookout.

Michael tells Sasha, the meeting came up suddenly, but it’s for the New Tomorrow Institute, so Willow could hardly say no. Sasha says, for sure. So how’s it been for him with Willow’s new job? He says he’s happy as long as Willow’s happy. He knows she was pretty conflicted with the long hours she was working at GH and not having the valuable time to spend with the kids, but luckily, Drew came up with a solution. He pitched Willow as spokesperson for the New Tomorrow Institute and got her on board. So Willow can now spend time with the kids and still do work she can be proud of. She says, a win-win, and he says, the kids sure think so. So does Willow. She does seem happier, doesn’t Sasha think? She says, no question, and he says he should get this to the troops. Thanks for dinner and have a good evening.

Jason says, the last time Anna went to Valentin’s alone, she came out empty handed, and she says she was searching the place. Now she knows where the evidence is. He asks if she meant to spend the night last time, but she says, it just happened. It’s none of his business and it won’t happen again. He says he’s not trying to call her out, but he is a little concerned. He knows how complicated this is. She says, noted. She still doesn’t want him there. Valentin has security cameras. He’ll notice if the same car with the same diver is parked outside each time she visit, so no. This is a solo operation. She’ll meet him back here once she’s acquired the phone. He gives her the key to his place, and she says she’s on her way then. She’ll be back when she has the phone. She leaves and Jason loads his gun.

There’s a knock at Jason’s door, and he opens it to Elizabeth. She says, sorry for just dropping by, but he says, it’s okay. Is everything okay with Jake? She hands him an envelope and says, see for himself. He starts reading something in Spanish and asks if it’s Barcelona Academy of Arts. He takes out a letter and says, his Spanish is not good, but is this an acceptance letter? She says, Jake has been accepted into the drawing and painting program.

Valentin opens the door, and Anna asks if he’s surprised. He says he is, but it’s his favorite kind of surprise. He invites her in and she presents him with some wine. He asks if she’d like to stay for dinner, and she says she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t hoping he’d ask. He’s a wonderful cook and she’s just a lowly small town Police Commissioner in need of a hot meal and some good conversation. He says, then she’s come to the right place, because he’d never want her to waste away or be bored.

Sasha is unpacking a picnic basket, when Cody walks in. She says, he didn’t come up to pester her about dinner, so she figured he might be busy and brought it to him. Has he eaten? He says, no and thanks, but he really doesn’t have an appetite right now. She says, that’s impossible to believe. What’s going on? He says, nothing he wants to get into right now, but he’s glad she’s here. He could use the distraction. She says, there’s a lot of that going around, and he says, so keeping him fed isn’t what drove her out of the kitchen and down here. She says, of course (🍷) she’ll always care for his nourishment, but no, and he asks, what’s going on? She says, if she tells him, she has to swear him to secrecy. This has to stay between them.

Felicia says she’s not going to apologize for scheming to bring Mac and Cody face to face. She was hoping Mac would let reason take hold in that stubborn brain of his, and maybe, just maybe, he and his son could actually talk with each other. Maxie says she thinks stubbornness is an inherited trait, because Cody’s really digging in now, and Felicia says she doesn’t get it. Mac and Cody liked each other just fine before Cody told him the truth. Cody is the one who had to live with the secret and now it’s out in the open. He came to Mac of his own volition. Nobody forced him to do that. No one was twisting his arm. Why can’t Mac let it bring them closer together instead of driving them apart? Mac says, maybe he liked the liar better, but she says, don’t you do that. Don’t play this off like you don’t care. What you like better is your own pride. And Maxie’s right. Cody is just like him. Too proud to beg to be accepted as his son, and maybe deep down, Mac wants him to as penance for lying, until Mac can forgive him. He says, Cody jerked all of them around with his lies. He’s not letting anyone do that to his family. Not a relative, not anyone. Maxie says, funny. Now he’s the one that’s lying.

On the phone, Doc says, send her up, when Laura comes in and says, bad dream. Ace is down, then she stayed a while to watch him sleep. It’s just so beautiful, like an angel. Then she realized that Heather is never going to see that unless she takes a photo of it, and she will. She’s made a decision. She’s going to honor Heather’s request and let this go. It just feels like such a shame though. Now they’ll never know whether or not she could have gotten a reduced sentence. There’s a knock at the door, and he says, the doorman called. Trina is here to see her. Laura opens the door, and Trina says she’s sorry to just show up, but it’s important.

Portia comes home and sees the table. Curtis puts on some music, and she asks if he did this, but he says he can’t take credit. This is 100% their beautiful daughter’s idea. When he got home, she was putting on the finishing touches. The food, this amazing bottle of wine, it’s all from the MetroCourt. Trina thought that after the year they’ve had, they needed some time with each other. Portia says, she is so incredibly sweet. She has to call Trina right now and thank her. He says, she can call Trina tomorrow. Tonight is about them. She says, that’s perfect, because she’s been thinking about him all day. How happy she is that he’s here and that they’re still together. She was so afraid of losing him. He says, why don’t they celebrate what’s ahead, and they can leave all the pain and fear behind. She says, the pain maybe, but she’s having a hard time leaving the fear behind. She hates to admit this, but it’s hard for her to celebrate when she’s worried about the safety of her family.

Elizabeth tells Jason, it’s such a prestigious school, she didn’t want to discourage Jake, but she had no idea he’d actually get in. Not because she doesn’t recognize his talent. He’s amazing and his teacher references are glowing, but you never know if someone else is going to see your kid the way you see them. (Truth! Or your pets.) He asks if Jake is excited, and she says, he’s trying to be lowkey about it, but she can tell he’s over the moon. She actually made a point of not talking about it after he applied because she didn’t want to get his hopes up, but she guesses she worried for nothing because they think he’s the real deal. Jason says, that’s great, but he’s going to have to take her word for it. Does Jake even speak Spanish? She says, he’s had six years. Two years in middle school, then all through high school. This is a dream come true for him. Their son is going to study art in Spain. He thanks her for letting him know and asks if she thinks Jake would mind if he reached out to him about this. She says, that’s why she’s here. He might want to spend whatever time he can with Jake before he leaves. It’s sooner than he thinks. He says he’d like to do one more thing. Let him cover Jake’s tuition and expenses.

Laura says, Trina is always welcome, and invites her in. What’s going on? Trina takes a stuffed horse out of her bag and says, it’s an Ace emergency. She found this in her car. She was at her mom and dad’s house, trying to grab some clothes to take to her place, and this must have been there from the last time she babysat Ace. She hopes he hasn’t missed it too much. Laura thanks her and says, it’s so thoughtful. She’d have Trina give it to him herself, but he’s already gone down. Trina says, that’s okay, and Doc says, it’s good to see her, but he has some cases he still has to review tonight. He leaves, and Laura asks if Trina would like to sit down. She’d love the opportunity to catch up. She heard Trina moved onto the Quartermaine grounds. She thought maybe she would have seen Trina at the 4th of July. Trina says she’s been keeping a low profile. She thinks it’s important to vote and all, but she’s just not into the political scene these days. It’s just a little too chaotic and overwhelming. She knows what she’s for and what she’s against. She’s not saying she’s not interested in those issues, but she’ll make sure she’s up on them before she votes in November. Laura says she’s sure Trina will be. Her mother’s very invested. Trina says, yeah, because of Heather Webber. Has she said anything to Laura?

Portia tells Curtis that for years she lived in apprehension because Taggart was pursuing his career in law enforcement. She was so happy Curtis had left that job when they got together because she knew he would be safe. No risk of life or death every time he walked out the front door. Then this mad woman who was fixated on their daughter was finally captured and put in prison where she belongs. She thought she could actually have some peace and was doing real good for a while there, but now this mad woman might just be casually walking their streets again. He says he seriously doubts that will happen again, and she says she knows he thinks she’s being paranoid, but she thinks the lesson over the past few years is, maybe she hasn’t been paranoid enough. Because she didn’t listen to that scared inside voice; she tried to quiet it. And what happened? Trina almost died in France. Spencer did die. That’s why she’s sounding the alarm about Laura trying to reopen Heather Webber’s case. She just fears the worst… She knows it. The worst is yet to come. (This woman. There are so many layers as to why she’s overreacting. The first of which is, highly doubtful Heather would just be put back on the streets. At best, she’d be moved to Spring Ridge. It’s annoying how Portia is an intelligent doctor, yet doesn’t know basic facts. We’ve been here before.)

Valentin says, Anna is in luck. He just made a caprese salad and was about to sauté some filet of sole he picked up earlier. She asks why he enjoys cooking so much, and he says, it relaxes him. Charlotte’s gone now and he’s not used to cooking just for himself, so he almost always has too much. Open the wine and he’ll finish dinner. He’s really glad she’s here. She says, her too, and he kisses her. He says, one dinner for two coming up, and goes to the kitchen. She sets down the wine and goes to the bookcase behind the desk. He comes back with wine glasses and a corkscrew and asks if he can help her find something. She says, he found it, taking the corkscrew from him. He says he’s sorry, but he has to get back to the fish, and tells her to open the wine to let it breathe. She opens the wine, and he brings in their dinner.

Maxie says, nobody’s lied more to this family than her, but Mac says, that was different. She says, it was different because he forgave her. And when it was her turn, she wasn’t so quick to forgive. She remembers clinging to some sort of misguided pride and pushing her mother away, saying she didn’t want Felicia in her life. Even though it didn’t happen overnight, she realized her pride wasn’t nearly as comforting as her mother’s love. The moral of this story is, Mac never turned his back on her. Why can’t he do that for Cody? Mac says, they’ve been over this. He raised her. He always knew her intentions were good. Cody is a stranger who he happens to share biology with. He doesn’t know what she expects, that he suddenly forgives and forgets? Felicia says, they’re not suggesting that, but they’re also not letting him give up on his only child – his son.

Sasha says, Cody knows she and Michael dated, right? and he says, yeah, and they managed to be friends afterwards. She says, right. They’re better off actually. Now she’s stumbled into something that might blow up Michael’s life, not to mention his business with Aurora and ELQ. He says, sounds ominous, and she says, he promised to keep this between them, right? He says, yeah. What is it? She says, the other day, Nina confided in her that she was having an… affair isn’t really the right word. More like a situationship with Drew. He asks why that would bother Michael. Because they all work together? Oh, because him and Willow have bad blood with Nina. She asks if she’s telling this story, or does he already have it figured out? and he says, no, proceed. She says, during the fireworks on 4th of July, she walked into the solarium and saw Drew and Willow kiss, and Cody says, no, but she says, yes. He asks if she’s absolutely sure, and she says she wishes she wasn’t, but it was Drew and it was Willow, and they were lit up by the fireworks and they were too into the kiss to even notice she was there. He says, whoa. That’s a curveball. She says, right? She just had a conversation with Michael, and she was squirming the entire time. He clearly has no idea, and Drew and Willow are working together, and they’re out tonight at a meeting. She doesn’t know what to do.

Elizabeth says, it’s very generous of Jason, but she’s already looking into loan applications. He says, they’re going to forget the loans. Please just let him do this for Jake. It’s something he can do, and she’s been carrying the load for way too long. She says, okay, and thanks him. That’ll be a really big help. She’s still paying for Cameron, and she’s got Aiden coming up, and she’s looking at a lot of expenses for Jake with traveling. He’s got to go there for orientation and got to update his passport and get a student visa and the books and art supplies. He says, that’s fine. Does she think Jake will be okay with him helping? She says she guesses that will be up to Jake, but she got the impression that when they went to the game, things went well. He says he thought so.

Laura says, Heather inspires fear and rage in people and rightly so. If she were Trina’s mother, she would also be very protective of her. After all, Heather did target her. Trina says, but when she came to see Laura in the office, she was so great, and she understands why Laura feels the way she does. Laura says she appreciates that, but she has to tell Trina something. She just came from visiting Heather today, and Heather made it abundantly clear to her that she would like her to drop the whole thing. Trina asks if she’s going to, and Laura says, it’s Heather’s life. It’s her decision and she thinks she has to respect that. Trina says she’s glad to hear that, but Laura does raise an important question. If Heather wasn’t in her right mind and she wasn’t in control of her actions, should she be locked up for the rest of her life? Laura says she honestly doesn’t know what the right thing is here, but she does know she’s going to respect Heather’s wishes. She’s curious though. What does Trina think should have been done with Heather?

Portia says she needs to find out how many names she needs to have on a petition to have Laura recalled as mayor, but Curtis says, that’s been tried before. It didn’t work then, and he doubts it will work now. She says, then she’ll just have to make it an issue. She doesn’t think the public would take too kindly to their mayor’s attempts to try and overturn Heather’s conviction. He says he gets it. She’s fired up about this. She says, and he’s not. She gets that Laura’s his friend and hopefully, that woman will come to her senses, but she can’t afford to take that chance. And more importantly, Trina can’t. He says he hadn’t told her this before, but he went to Pentenville to visit with Heather. He had to see for himself. She says, so they’re just not telling each other things. Is that what’s happening now? He says he was still processing the whole thing and he didn’t know how to talk to her about it until he had. She says, why? Was it that bad? He says, it’s not that bad. After talking with Heather, he can see what Laura sees. From a legal standpoint, maybe Heather doesn’t deserve to be behind bars for the rest of her life.

Felicia says, when Mac thought Cody wasn’t his son, even afterwards he couldn’t let go of the connection he felt with him. Don’t even deny that. Mac says he’s not denying he likes the guy, but Cody lied to him and kept up that lie, every interaction they had, every conversation. Every laugh they shared, Cody was lying to his face. How does she expect him to accept that? Maxie says, Cody grew up with people he wasn’t close to. They never treated him like a son. Is Mac going to continue that and not treat him like one either? He says, the two of them are ganging up on him, but Felicia takes his hand and says, no. (Yes.) They’re loving him. They know how difficult it is for him to welcome Cody with open arms. Because he’s angry, and for good reason. Cody lied to him. He cost them a year of their lives. But ask himself, how much time is he willing to let his anger cost him now?

Sasha says she doesn’t know what Willow is thinking. Michael loves her so much and she knows Willow loves him. They have two small children. He says, all she saw was a kiss, so maybe that’s all it was. They were probably drinking, fireworks were going off. Maybe they just got carried away. She says, so it was a one-time thing? and he says, she knows these people better than he does. Do Willow and Drew seem like people to sneak behind Michael’s back? She says, absolutely not, and he says, okay. His advice is that she forgets that she saw it. Unless she wants to blackmail. His recommendation would be, Drew’s got deeper pockets. She says she needs to go finish cleaning up. Forget she said anything. He says he’s sorry, and takes her hands. He was just joking. He was just trying to lighten things up for her in his own clueless way. She says, he really is clueless, isn’t he? and he says, about most things, but with this, he sees pretty clearly. She asks, how is that? and he says, people can be reckless and crazy. He totally includes himself in that, but that doesn’t really matter right now. One of the hazards of working in someone else’s home is that sometimes you’re going to find out things you wish you hadn’t (been there). And the fact that the Qs are stinking rich only magnifies that problem.

Portia says, no, but Curtis says, she’s still Heather, but not cruel or violent. Nothing like the maniac he remembers. She says, it just makes her crazy to sit here and think he was sitting across from someone who’s an absolute threat to their family. He says he had to see it for himself and he’s glad he did. Because if Laura makes some kind of effort to free Heather – and he’s not saying she has, because she hasn’t – but if she does, they don’t have to fight her. Portia asks why he’s even saying this, and he says, because Heather made it clear to him that she doesn’t even want her case reopened. She told him that she’s right where she belongs, and she would tell that to any judge or parole officer who reviewed her case. She says, Heather said that, so… He says, she did, and she was adamant about it. So no matter what Laura does, he’s 100% confident that Heather Webber will stay right there in that cell where she is for the rest of her days.

Elizabeth tells Jason that Cameron is loving California, and she would never deprive Jake of this opportunity. Does he remember when she wanted to be an artist? He says he does remember. She was good. She says, but she gave up on it. She kind of went back to it a little bit after she met Franco. She knows how Jason feels about him, but he did a lot for those boys and for her. He says, she gets the credit for the boys. She’s done an amazing job raising them. She thanks him and tells him, like she said, it’s going to be up to Jake if he allows Jason to pay for Barcelona. She does want to say that she sees he’s trying to make up for lost time with Jake and Jake sees it too. He’s making good on his word to be a better father. She appreciates that.

Sasha says, Cody is right. The best thing she can do is ignore that it ever happened. And whatever is going on between Willow and Drew will work itself out. Just don’t try to blackmail them. He asks what it’s worth to her and laughs.

Mac says, Cody wanted him to believe he wasn’t his son, and now Cody wants him to know that he’s his son. If the circumstances have changed, that’s on Cody, but he doesn’t have to automatically fall in line and neither does Maxie. Cody can go through whatever he’s going through, but that has nothing to do with them.

Laura says she has to tell Trina that to a degree, she has compassion for whatever Heather is going through right now. As she becomes more lucid, maybe she can get some counseling. Maybe she can arrange for Heather to have a psychiatrist see her in Pentenville, somebody who can help her deal with the things she’s done. Because she believes Heather is truly remorseful. Trina says she’s been thinking about this a lot. Is it fair that someone who’s mentally ill gets punished for something they have no control over? Should they be treated the same as someone who knew what they were doing? She doesn’t think so. Heather couldn’t help that she was sick. She didn’t choose it. Laura says, it’s easy for her to see why Spencer loved Trina so much. She has a very loving, compassionate heart. Trina says, Laura asked what she thinks should be done to Heather, and she thinks Heather should get justice according to the laws of this country, because that’s what she’d want anyone to get. Laura says, her too.

Portia says she wishes she could believe that Laura will do what Heather asks and just let this whole thing go, and Curtis says he still believes in Laura’s integrity. She will do the right thing. Portia says she thinks they’ve talked about Heather Webber enough for one night. She certainly doesn’t want Heather to derail this absolutely lovely celebration that their daughter planned for them. He says, before the first course – he puts on some music – may he have this dance? He holds out his hand and she takes it. She says, it would be her absolute pleasure, and they kiss as they dance.

Valentin asks if Anna has given any thought to his proposition, and she says, leaving Port Charles with him and going… He says, wherever they feel like, and she says she’s thought about how hard it would hit her if he were to disappear without her. He sets down his wine and says, then don’t let him. They kiss and it looks like they’ll be getting busy.

On Monday, Jack tells Carly that he doesn’t like those odds, but maybe they can improve them; Willow tells Nina that she did something terrible; and Elizabeth says, the only way to know is to make the offer.

🗽 Reunited and It’s Not So Good…

Oh for Pete’s sake, Countess. Put on your big girl panties and don’t be all uncool.

https://people.com/bethenny-frankel-luann-de-lesseps-reunite-hamptons-party-8674417

🚣‍♂️ Bound To Happen…

That’s probably why most of them have their own businesses. Would you want a perpetually hung over 35 going on 14-year-old working for you?

⚔️ Spinning Off the Throne…

The latest look at the latest GoT spin-off.

https://ew.com/game-of-thrones-a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-first-look-cast-confirmed-8665658

📺 Reality In the Dark…

The Vice channel’s Dark Side series is the best, and this sounds like it won’t disappoint.

https://www.ebosscanada.com/news/new-dark-side-series-from-vice-tv.html

Excellent article about reality TV.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/dype9v/is-reality-tv-too-scared-to-be-reality-tv

🍻 Back To the 80s…

If you’re a fan of the 80s youth quake in film, this documentary is for you. I watched this last weekend and loved it. I’m reading his book now.

https://people.com/andrew-mccarthy-hulu-brats-documentary-biggest-bombshells-8660143

🏊 Diving Into the Deadpool…

Just one more week and a half.

https://okmagazine.com/p/deadpool-and-wolverine-everything-to-know/

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/deadpool-wolverines-teaser-footage-ryan-reynolds-hugh-jackman-tva-cassandra-nova-mcu/

https://movieweb.com/the-history-of-deadpool-and-wolverines-relationship/

🐕 From Contest To Carpet…

I love this dog so much.

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/news/ugliest-dog-photo-contest-winner-stars-in-deadpool-and-wolverine-movie

https://ew.com/dogpool-gets-its-day-deadpool-and-wolverine-london-premiere-8677127

💡 Quotes of the Week

But instead of spending our lives running towards our dreams, we are often running away from a fear of failure or a fear of criticism. – Erina Wright

The only thing standing between you and outrageous success is continuous progress. – Dan Waldschmidt

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.T. S. Eliot

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.Steve Jobs

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. – George Bernard Shaw

Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance. – Will Durant

A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn. – Helen Keller

The man used to have to get naked to count to twenty-one. – Dorothy (Bea Arthur) when asked if her ex had a head for numbers, The Golden Girls

The bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep. – E. Cossman (Or sometimes a good stiff drink.)

🪺 Time Of the Season…

Try doing something you’ve never done before this weekend, then meet me on Monday for soap and misbehavior on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay planning your road trip route in advance to avoid unnecessary delays, and stay letting reason take hold over stubbornness.

May 31, 2024 – The Invader Causes Laura Grief, VanderReboot, Lee’s New Seas, Dead Stuff, Flix Picks, Incoming Sharks, In Fashion, Nearly 10 Quotes & Kiki

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Jason is working at his desk in the coffee warehouse when Sonny walks in. He asks if Jason is free, because he’d like to clear the air.

Chase finds Elizabeth at the hospital, and she asks how he is and hugs him. She says she’s so sorry about his dad, and she’s sorry he and Brook couldn’t go on their honeymoon. He says, that’s okay. There will be other opportunities to travel. He’s just glad they didn’t get on that plane. She says she didn’t know his dad for very long, but he really touched her life. And her boys were really fond of him. Cameron was sad to hear the news, but he sends his best. Chase says, he was fond of Elizabeth’s family, and he loved her, and she says, the feeling was mutual. If there’s anything she can do or any support she can offer, will he please just tell her? He says, in that case, his dad named him executor. Does she know who he can talk to about getting a couple of copies of his death certificate? He needs them for insurance, Social Security, and a couple other things. There’s so much red tape. She says, maybe the funeral home can get him a copy, and he says, right. He’s so scattered. He’s sorry to bother her. She says, actually, the hospital’s record department should have it. Wait here. Let’s figure this out. She gets on the phone.

We see a computer screen with The Invader headline, Mayor Makes Move To Free Hook Killer, and Laura tells Jordan, it’s just absurd. They’re acting like she’s leading the charge to have Heather’s conviction overturned and have her walk out of prison a free woman. All she has done is request copies of her records. Jordan says, they could have a problem here, and Laura says, and it was well within her purview to do it too. Not as the mayor, but as a citizen, because for better or worse, Heather gave her power of attorney. They’ve got to find out who got their hands on this information and leaked it to the press.

Curtis shows Portia his tablet and says he thought he should be the one to show her this. He’s glad she hasn’t seen it yet. She says, wait a minute, taking the tablet from him. She’s really going through with this. No. How could Laura even think of letting Heather Webber walk free after everything she’s done? He says the thought Jordan was overreacting when she spoke to Aunt Stella and Trina about revisiting Heather’s case. He’s just as shocked as she is to hear they’re moving forward. There’s got to be more to this story because the Laura he knows would never do this.

John flashes his badge to the guard, says, FBI, and walks into Jack’s room. He says, all right, Brennan, let’s go. Where’s his jumpsuit? Jack says, dry cleaners? and John says, let’s hope we can find you another one. What he’s got on is going to be a little drafty where he’s going. Jack says, and that is? and John says, back behind bars where he belongs. He’s a dangerous prisoner and a flight risk. And the sooner he’s back in Pentenville, the safer they’ll all be.

Molly sees Carly in the MetroCourt lobby and asks if she has a second to talk in private. Carly says she’s so busy right now. She’s so sorry. Molly says, please. It’s about what happened at Brook and Chase’s wedding reception. She needs to know what happened with Kristina.

Elizabeth says the records department will have Chase’s copies in twenty minutes, and Chase thanks her. He says, this helps a lot. He was dreading having to track this down. It’s one thing he can check off his list. If he’s being honest, it’s a pretty long list. She says, he’s got a lot going on, and he says, seems that way. Although maybe it’s because the reality of his dad’s death keeps hitting him in the face about every 30 seconds. It’s like he’s moving underwater. Everything is slower, because he’s slower. She says, it’s good he recognizes that. If he can stand a little advice, just accept that what he’s going through is a lot, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. He says he just did, and she came through. Can he talk to her about something else? She says, sure, and they sit on a bench. He says, it’s about Finn. Was he drinking when she showed up? She says, he was, and Chase says, in retrospect, he may have handled that all wrong. Finn wanted some time with Violet, so instead of going straight from the airport to Finn’s place, they went back to the Quartermaine’s first. He didn’t want Finn to be alone and he thought Violet could use some support, so he called her. Obviously, it blindsided Finn when she walked in. She says, he’d already been drinking by the time she got there. Yes, she surprised him, but his reaction was his own. It had nothing to do with the timing and it certainly wasn’t Chase’s fault for calling her. He says, Finn realizes he was out of line, and it proves it shook him up. Not just that he drank, but the way it made him feel acting the way he did toward her. But he’s doing all the right things. He’s going to the meetings. He’s doing the work. She says, Finn told her, and he says, Finn is going to be okay. He’s not going to keep turning to alcohol.

Carly tells Molly that she wasn’t at Brook and Chase’s wedding or their wedding reception. She was at home with her feet up, so she doesn’t really know what she can tell Molly. Molly says, she doesn’t know Sonny attacked Dex? Look, this isn’t an official inquiry. She isn’t here as the ADA. And Carly isn’t the first person she’s spoken to. She talked to Anna, off the record. Carly says she doesn’t know what else she can tell Molly, and Molly says, Carly is family. She was Kristina’s stepmother for years and her aunt by marriage, which shows her how convoluted their family ties are. But what she means is, Carly has known her for her whole life, and she’s asking Carly for help. Carly says she really doesn’t know what she can tell Molly, since she wasn’t there, and Molly says, but Jason was. Jason tells her everything, right? Kritina witnessed the altercation and had a physical response, and that could impact the baby Kristina is carrying for her and TJ. She would ask Kristina herself, but she can’t risk upsetting her right now; she’s too fragile. But she thinks she has a right as the mother of the baby Kristina is carrying to know what happened. Carly says, as long as Molly understands what she says stays between them. If Molly turns this into a statement for the DA, she’ll have no recollection of this conversation whatsoever. Molly says, understood.

Curtis says he still can’t imagine Laura taking this on, but Portia says she can. She is testing the waters on this, and this article is proof of that. This is another step on the road where Heather Webber gets released. He says, they’re not going to let that happen, and she tells him, that’s what she’s been trying to say, but realistically, what can they do? If Laura finds a lawyer who’s willing to take Heather’s case and a judge to reopen it, how are they going to fight the whole justice system? A nurse comes up to Portia and says she needs Portia to sign this patient’s outtake form, and Portia asks Curtis to give her a second, but he says he’s got to go. They’ll talk tonight. He leaves, and Portia looks at the form. She says, this isn’t right. Who ordered this?

Jack says, since when does the FBI supervise prisoner transfers? and John says, only when the prisoner was head of the WSB and arrested for violations of the National Security Act. And he hasn’t overlooked Jack’s involvement with Pikeman or how he funneled money between Pikeman and the Bureau. Jack is no garden variety criminal. He’s a trained intelligence agent. He’s dangerous by definition. He should be insulted if John didn’t show up to take him back to the pen. Jack says, it’s not unusual for the Feds to feel inferior to the WSB. Don’t play into it. Portia knocks at the door, and John tells her to say goodbye to her patient. He’s leaving immediately. Portia says she hates to disappoint John, but this patient isn’t going anywhere.

Jason says, it’s been a while since Sonny stopped by, and Sonny says he’s not going to stay long. He just wanted Jason to know that he reached an agreement with Dex. He’s done with Dex. He’s free to do whatever he wants to do. Dex wants to be a cop; it doesn’t matter to him. He’s not going to get in Dex’s way. Jason says, sounds like the right call, and Sonny says he wants to make the same deal with Jason. Jason asks how that would work, and Sonny says he wants Jason to go work for the FBI or whatever it is that he’s doing. He doesn’t want to have anything more to do with Jason.

Elizabeth tells Chase, Finn was apologetic and embarrassed about what happened, both for the drinking and his behavior. He said he was in shock after finding their dad, but that talking to Chase really helped. Chase says, Finn came back from dropping Violet off at school expecting to see their dad up and waiting for him. Instead, he found him dead. Finn is the one who had to call 911, who had to sign the paperwork, who had to watch their father… watch his body being taken away. If that bourbon wasn’t in the apartment, there’s no way he would have gone out to find a drink of alcohol. She says, he doesn’t have to defend his brother. She understands the sequence of events. What she didn’t understand was his reaction to her. He was argumentative and angry with her for suggesting he go to a meeting, which he refused. Chase says he knows Finn feels terrible about that, and she says, Violet was in the house. She feels terrible about that. He says he gets it. Finn made bad choices and he knows it. They’re all pretty raw right now. He knows he’s not at his best. All he’s saying is, his brother screwed up. Nobody’s questioning that. But doesn’t she think, given the situation, it merits a little understanding?

Carly tells Molly that the first she heard anything had happened was when Jason called her to tell her that Sonny went after Dex and Kristina witnessed it. Then Jason asked her to come to the MetroCourt for Sonny. She never saw Kristina, but she does know Sonny tracked her down first. Molly asks if she knows what happened, and Carly says she knows Sonny was upset. He didn’t go into detail, but from what she understands, when Jason was pulling Sonny off of Dex, they realized Kristina saw the whole thing. She ran off, Sonny took off after her, he found her in a ladies’ room right off the ballroom, and he tried to explain to her what happened, but Kristina was really upset. He said that she was hysterical and that she was afraid of him. Molly says, can Carly blame her? and Carly says, no. And she thinks Kristina was scared of Sonny because she saw him act in a way she’d never seen before. Kristina grew up hearing whispers about Sonny being a mobster. She’s sure Molly heard it too. Molly says, absolutely, and Carly says she thinks Kristina told herself that in Sonny’s case, being a mobster in this day and age is just somebody with some shady business practices. So witnessing the attack and hearing Sonny threaten to kill Jason and Dex, she’s sure that was devastating for Kristina. Molly says, for the first time, she realized what they all mean by mobster.

Jason says he and Sonny had this conversation months ago and his position hasn’t changed. The coffee business is half his and he’s not leaving. Sonny says, the offer to buy him out still stands. What’s his price? Jason says he’s not selling, and Sonny says, the FBI ordered Jason to stay here so he can keep tabs on him? Jason says he’s not selling because this is their business. They founded this company together and they’re equal partners. Sonny says, the partnership was based on trust. That trust has been broken. Jason broke it. So he’s offering Jason a way out. If he’s smart, he’ll take it. Jason says he’s not staying for himself. He’s staying for Sonny.

John says, with all due respect, this man’s a security risk, but Portia says, he’s handcuffed to the bed and he’s guarded around the clock. She doesn’t have to like the patients who find themselves in this hospital, but she does have to provide them with the best medical care possible. And his surgeon hasn’t cleared him to be released. John says he doesn’t think she realizes who this man is. He’s a former intelligence agent, a national security risk, and well-trained in the art of disinformation, making things look like what they’re not. She’s playing right into his hands. Portia asks if he thinks this is a game for her, because she’s certainly not playing it. Mr. Brennan was wounded severely and was bleeding excessively, and it required surgery. And he will not leave this bed until his surgeon says that he’s okay to be released. She’s not sending him back to prison so his wound can open up and bleed out. Her decision stands. This patient stays right here. She leaves, and Jack says, you were saying, Agent Cates?

On the phone, Laura says she has a favor to ask Donald. Jordan Ashford would like to come down and talk to him about a confidentiality concern they have… Thank you. She’ll be down later this afternoon. She tells Jordan that Donald Rollins will be waiting for her in the records room, and hands her a paper. Jordan says she’ll check it out, and Laura says she knows Jordan warned her this might happen, and she wants to thank her for not saying, I told you so. Jordan says she didn’t expect it to happen this fast, but she really thinks Laura should get ahead of this story – now. Issue a statement saying that she has no intention of reopening Heather Webber’s case and of trying to mitigate her sentence. Laura says she doesn’t want to paint herself into a corner making a promise she might not be able to keep, and Jordan says, she doesn’t advocate for freeing Heather, correct? Laura says, correct, and Jordan says, then draft a statement saying that. There’s a knock at the door, and Laura says, come in. Curtis walks in, and Laura asks what she can do for him. He says, does she mind if they talk for a minute?

Curtis says he’s sorry if he’s interrupting their meeting, but Jordan says, no worries. They were just wrapping up. Laura says, he looks wonderful. It’s so good to see him up and about. Curtis thanks her and says, it’s good to be up and about. Jordan says she’ll get going on that project they were just discussing. She’ll be in touch. Good to see Curtis. He says, likewise, and she leaves. Laura says, okay. She thinks she might know why he’s here. He says, a few months ago, around the time of Heather’s initial diagnosis, Portia was worried Laura was looking into getting Heather’s case reopened. He didn’t pay it too much concern at first because he didn’t think she would do that. Fast forward to today, and he reads an article in The Invader that says just that. She asks him to sit down and says, that article should never have gone to print. He says he agrees, if it’s a lie, but he doesn’t hear her saying it is. She says, the headline is a lie. She’s not looking to get Heather freed. He says, so she’s not examining the legal ramifications of her medical diagnosis? and she says she’s exploring whether or not there are any legal ramifications. Since she’s not a lawyer, she needs to consult one, and in order to do that, she needed to request copies of Heather’s records from the time of her arrest through her sentencing. She can’t predict how a judge will decide, but she can tell him that it’s her personal feeling, in light of Heather’s diagnosis, she deserves to have her case reopened.

Carly tells Molly that they are family. She’s seen the relationship between Kristina and her father, and she’s truly a daddy’s girl. And Sonny loves her so much. She was going to have to see Sonny more realistically at some point. Carly is sorry it happened now. Molly says she’s still trying to figure out how she feels about it all, and Carly says she bets. What is Molly going to do about it? Molly says, nothing. She thinks she’s just going to sit on it. She can’t tell TJ. He would just go straight to Kristina and confront her, which would only make things worse, so she’ll just sit on pins and needles, and send up a silent prayer that Kristina will be all right. That she’ll do the right thing, for herself and this baby. Everything else is out of her control. Carly says, wow. She already sounds like a mom. All those feelings she’s talking about, they’re always going to be there. She doesn’t mean to scare Molly, but she’s going to be afraid and she’s going to be worried. That’s never going to go away. She’s going to constantly be sending up those silent prayers, praying that your kids are happy and healthy, all the while knowing it’s all out of your control. Kristina’s made of good stuff. She has the feeling Kristina and the baby are going to be just fine. Molly thanks her and says she really appreciates Carly being honest with her. She and Carly touch hands, and Molly leaves.

Jason says he has to stay. Corinthos Coffee is Sonny’s only legitimate business. It’s his only shield left against RICO charges. Sonny asks if that’s what Jason’s handlers told him to say, just in case he tried to push Jason out. Who does he think was running the business when he was off doing whatever he was doing? Jason says, Sonny pays no attention to this place. It was barely operational when he came back. He increased the inventory, and he added some staff. He’s trying to build this business back up because it’s the best cover Sonny has. Sonny says, Jason isn’t protecting him. He’s spying on him. He wants Jason out of his business, out of his life. Jason moves closer to Sonny and says he’s Sonny’s friend. He’s Sonny’s friend for as long as he can remember, and he’s telling Sonny right now, he is in real trouble.

Elizabeth says she’s sympathetic to what Chase’s family is going through, and Chase says, maybe things will make more sense once the memorial is over. He keeps telling himself that he and Finn will feel closure. She says she hopes they both find that, and he says his dad wanted his ashes scattered. They’re planning a small gathering, those closest to him, just friends and family. He’d love it if she were there. She says, Finn already told her, and of course (🍷) she’ll be there. It’s been twenty minutes. His copies will be ready. She’ll go get them. He says he’s imposed enough, but she says she can bypass the line. She’ll be right back.

Jack says, as the good doctor pointed out, he’s still recovering from surgery and tires easily. Would John care to clear out and give him some rest? John says, since he can’t take Jack back to Pentenville (yeah, nice try, John) – he closes the door – he’ll just have to question Jack here. Jack says, John can ask all the questions he likes, but he has nothing more to say without his lawyers being present and they’re very busy people. John says, maybe it’s time to hire new lawyers. Isn’t it curious that Jack’s spent months behind bars without his case being brought to trial? What is he paying these people for? What’s the hold up? Jack says, he’d have to ask the Justice Department, and John says he has. It seems Jack’s lawyers are very busy asking for postponements and their justifications are flimsy at best. Almost as if they’d been given the directive to stall. Jack laughs, and John says, he’d better watch that legal bill. It’s gonna be a doozie. Jack says he told them to take their time because he wanted the full Pentenville experience. His stay just wouldn’t be complete until he’s stabbed in the showers. Maybe he’ll tell them that he’s ready to move things along now. John says, or maybe he’s waiting for something else to happen. Maybe he doesn’t want to leave until the time is right.

Molly meets TJ at the hospital, and he thanks her for stopping by. He just couldn’t get away. Here’s her phone. She says, and his, and they trade. She says she promises she’ll get a different colored case, and he says, it was bound to happen eventually. He’s just glad he wasn’t on call. She says, he didn’t miss anything important. His gym membership is about to expire. Did she get many calls? He says, not really. He kind of expected to see some calls from Kristina, but nothing. Molly says she saw Kristina at her mom’s, and he asks if she’s okay. She says, if he means Kristina, she seemed fine. If he means her mom, she’s pretty sure she’s going to lose her case. (I don’t know why. It didn’t look that way in the courtroom.) But she’s not that worried about it right now. Molly thinks Gregory Chase’s death really put things in perspective for her. He says he called her office a while ago. They said she was out. She says she’s been on the go. She was just wrapping up a meeting at the MetroCourt when he called and then she came straight here.

Curtis says, so the paper was right. Laura does want to set Heather free, but Laura says, no, she doesn’t. She’s advocating to have her case reopened, taking into consideration that she was suffering from an undiagnosed illness at the time she committed those crimes. He says, even if it results in a lesser sentence? and she says she knows how upset he is about this, but at this point, this is all just speculation. All she did was ask for some records. No action has been taken yet. He says, yet, and she says, if she decides to go forward with anything, she’ll let him know first. Trina’s family does deserve the truth. He says, we deserve justice, and she says she does understand that sentiment. He says, it’s not just a sentiment. Imagine if it was her child who watched her friends and her mentors being stalked, attacked, and killed. Now imagine if it was her child who was the real target all along, that the killer was just waiting for the right opportunity. Would she still be okay with mitigating the sentence, as the article put it? Or would she want that killer locked away in a supermax where they’ll never have the opportunity to hurt her child again?

Jason says, Sonny attacked a police cadet at a wedding. Sonny threatened to kill him and Dex not 200 feet from his closest friends, and Kristina saw the whole thing. She saw a side of Sonny that she never even knew existed. Sonny looks at him with that scary face he gets now, and Jason says, he’s making sloppy decisions. He’s not thinking clearly. He’s not thinking things through. He has to rein it in. Please, let me help you. Sonny says he’s trying to be friendly. Just for the record, Jason is turning him down. So he’s not going to be friendly anymore. If Jason doesn’t get out of his way, he’s done, he’s gone. Sonny walks out.

Jack says, his lawyers aren’t stalling. They’re trying to make sense of the charges. John says, they’re pretty straightforward actually. He’s been accused of, among other things, criminal conspiracy and attempted murder. Jack asks just who he tried to kill. Carly Spencer? Even she doesn’t believe it. John says, Anna Devane and Dante Falconari, and Jack says, when Anna and the detective showed up – with their guns drawn he might add – he wasn’t holding a weapon. He made no threatening moves whatsoever. Granted, there was a slight misunderstanding with Miss Spencer. He neglected to tell her that he was director of the WSB, and she mistakenly thought she had to defend herself. Now Anna, on the other hand, she knew exactly what she was doing when she came through that door. John says, that was a nice deflection. He was talking about the hit he put out on Anna and Dante at the pier. But let’s talk about Anna’s involvement in your takedown. Very convenient, wasn’t it? Jack says, that’s not how he felt when she had a gun trained on him at point blank range, and he happens to know from prior experience, she’s an expert shot. Now if this lackluster interrogation is over, he’s getting very tired. John says, you and Commissioner Devane were in the WSB together in the 80s, weren’t you? and Jack says, John knows they were. John says, so what are the odds that when Jack gets busted, his old friend crashes through the door at the perfect moment to take him down?

Molly says she’ll catch up with Kristina later, and TJ says, it just seems strange that she’d go radio silent. She’s in her final trimester, the baby’s due in August, and it just stands to reason they’d want to know how their baby is doing. Maybe they should go with her to her next doctor’s appointment. He’ll check with Dr. Navarro… Molly says she wouldn’t. He knows how Kristina feels about boundaries. He says he understands boundaries, but he also understands they are the baby’s parents. So… Portia says she’s so sorry to interrupt, but she really needs to speak with Molly as soon as she has a free moment. Molly says she’s free now. What’s up? Portia asks if TJ would mind giving them a moment, and he says he has rounds. He’ll see Molly at home. He leaves, and Molly asks what she can do for Portia. Portia asks if she’s seen The Invader today, but Molly says, no. She’s been pretty busy today. Why? Portia says she’s extremely concerned that Laura Collins is attempting to free Heather Webber. She would just like to know how the DA’s office would plan to fight this? (Wow. It’s like half the characters have turned into tyrants.)

Laura says she understands completely how Curtis feels. He wants to protect Trina and he has every right. He says, what about everybody else’s rights? Brando Corbin, Rory Cabrera, Britt Westbourne. Those young people had a right to live. Heather killed those people. What about the survivors, Ava Jerome and Diane Miller? Has she once asked them how they feel about her reopening Heather’s case? Laura says, Heather does not deny her crimes. But she is having a hard time locking this woman away for the rest of her life when she may not have possessed the mental capacity to tell the difference between right and wrong. He says, those people are dead still, either way, and she says she knows that. But the metallosis could have been the deciding factor there. She thinks that should go… it must go in the record. He says, and if it alters her sentence? and she says, that’s for the court to decide.

Molly says, what she can tell Portia is, no motion has been filed that she’s aware of. No hearing has been scheduled. Whatever’s in this article is pure speculation. Portia asks if Molly’s mother would maybe know more, but Molly says she doubts it. She’s been out of town the last few days and she only just got back. She’s probably going to be livid that this got published without her. It’s full of holes. Portia says, but if a motion is filed, how are they going to fight it? and Molly says, Heather’s attorney is probably going to argue that Heather is not guilty because she lacked the mens rea (Latin for guilty mind) to commit the crime. There was no way for Heather to be in control of her actions because the cobalt poisoning was controlling her behavior. Therefore, she is not responsible for what she did. If she’s no longer responsible and no longer a danger to others… Portia says, that woman is a danger to others, and don’t give her the technicality of the diagnosis of cobalt poisoning really allowing this woman to walk free. Isn’t it the DA office’s duty to see that justice is done to ensure this woman remains behind bars? They owe her victims that much.

Sonny strides through the MetroCourt lobby, and Carly jets after him. She asks him what he’s doing here. Where is he going? He says he has business to attend to, and she asks if he’s talked to Kristina. He says, not today. Today, he’s dealing with Jason.

At the warehouse, Jason does actual work, taking inventory or something. He stops for a moment, like he feels something, then goes back to it. Two gunmen slip into the warehouse, but I think he knows.

Elizabeth hands Chase an envelope, apologizing for how long it took. There are ten copies. He says he really appreciates her going through all the trouble, but she says she’s just glad she could help. He looks at the certificate, and she asks if he’s okay. He says, it’s just so official. So formal and real. This is all that’s left of his dad. She says, no. He is what’s left. Him and Finn and Violet. Gregory loved them. He’s always going to be with them.

Molly tells Portia that she hasn’t seen any motions to reopen Heather’s case, but she feels confident should that happen, the DA’s office can successfully argue against any mitigation of her sentence. Portia (who is already working my last nerve) says she wants to believe Molly, but she can’t just sit here and relax, and hope Molly takes it from here. She’s going to fight against any type of release. Because she’s learned the hard way that when it comes to Heather Webber, anything is possible.

Curtis tells Laura, this whole thing reeks of what happened to Heather’s daughter. Esme was never held accountable for her actions because of her supposed amnesia. His daughter Trina didn’t press charges against the new Esme because Esme wasn’t aware of what the old Esme had done. So look at what they have now. What if some legal loophole puts her back on the street? Does Laura want to open the door to that possibility? Laura says, it’s up to the court to decide. She still thinks it’s the fair thing to do. He says, life is not fair. It certainly wasn’t fair to those young people who were murdered by a poisoned hook. Laura knows he respects her and considers her a good friend, but she’s wrong on this one. She’s wrong and she’s leaving him and Portia no choice but to fight her on it. And they will. She can trust and believe they will with everything they’ve got. He walks out and Laura looks sad.

Jack says he’s not sure he understands why John brings his prior relationship with Anna into this, and John says, maybe he and Anna planned that bust. Jack says, that’s interesting. Why? John says, maybe he was too conspicuous as the head of both Pikeman and the WSB, and Jack says, but he’s not head of Pikeman. John says, maybe that bust was a handoff of power from Jack to Anna. What’s Jack’s role in Pikeman anyhow? Jack says, he’ll have to ask Anna about that, and John says, don’t worry, he will. Heal fast. John walks out, and tells the guard, he’s all yours.

Carly says, Sonny was dealing with Jason? What’s going on? Did they talk? Sonny says he offered to buy Jason out of the coffee business. He gave Jason a chance to walk away. He refused, so what happens next is on him.

Jason is flipping through the papers on his clipboard, and suddenly chucks it aside and ducks for cover. The gunmen start shooting at him and he shoots back. Nobody seems to be a very good shot.

On Monday, Kristina asks Blaze, how does someone say something by accident; Natalia tells Ava that she’s not of the same mind; Diane says, there’s no guarantee the police are going to believe someone; and Carly asks Sonny what he did.

🍸 Time For a VanderChange…

This might not be a bad idea. The downside is having to remember a bunch of new names. I’m just not good with those, phone numbers, and zip codes. I will remember what you were wearing though.

⚓️ Stud Of the Deadly Sea…

The latest on the best Boat Daddy ever.

This story was in his book. I bet it still wasn’t as bad as trips with some of the guests on Below Deck.

⚰️ The Latest In Dead…

Yippie. A whole 8 episodes this time.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/the-walking-dead-dead-city-in-production-promo-features-new-and-returning-characters-01hykjcyzd3r

And in a plot twist no one saw coming…

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/pollyanna-mcintosh-marries-bobcat-goldthwait-in-private-ceremony-in-nevada-01hy8n1h3kxd

💻 What Netflix Hath Birthed…

I love a good stalker story, and this did not disappoint.

https://ew.com/baby-reindeer-richard-gadd-jessica-gunning-series-success-real-people-8645751

I’m so glad they’ve expanded on the Korean imports. Loved Sweet Home, Hellbound, and All of Us Are Dead.

https://ew.com/best-korean-shows-on-netflix-8655646

🦈 Dun-Dun Dun-Dun Dun-Dun…

Shark Week is back beginning July 7th.

https://people.com/john-cena-host-shark-week-2024-shark-week-return-date-8655847

🐕 Don’t Call Them Accessories…

Who cares about the dress? This dog is unbelievably cute.

We wouldn’t expect any less.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/other/bethenny-frankel-coordinates-with-her-dogs-in-denim-outfits-and-matching-10k-chanel-purse/ar-AA1njU0X

🦪 Quotes of the Week

I can’t accept a bribe. And I certainly can’t make change for a bribe. – Karen (Vernee Watson), Two and a Half Men

Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Gardens, scholars say, are the first sign of commitment to a community. When people plant corn they are saying, let’s stay here. And by their connection to the land, they are connected to one another. – Anne Raver (It’s the land, Katie Scarlett!)

Rough diamonds may sometimes be mistaken for worthless pebbles. – Thomas Browne

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

I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles.Audrey Hepburn

I have accepted fear as part of life – specifically the fear of change. I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back. – Erica Jong

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

Bury me in cheese. – Garfield

🌊 Looking For Some Tasty Waves…

Enjoy the unofficial start of the summer and join me on Monday for soap and perhaps a peek on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay being respectful of others’ traditions and celebrations, and stay not freaking out over a headline in a tabloid.

⚠️ Warning: A cuppla bad words.

May 29, 2024 – Gregory’s Final Wishes Are Read, Tributes, New Gigs, Who’s On Top, Second One, Bad Chanel, Happily Empty, Pet (!) Tips & End

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Brook asks if Chase wants coffee or to go back to bed, and he says, coffee. He’s meeting his brother, and he doesn’t want to be late. As she pours, she says she’s sure he’ll understand, but Chase says, it’s not like that. He has to be supportive. He has to make sure Finn doesn’t feel guilty or alone or whatever he felt yesterday that had him reaching for a bottle. Brook says, Finn is grieving, okay? And he’s not just grieving the loss of their dad; he’s grieving the time he stayed away. He’s going to feel how he’s going to feel. Chase asks if he should just let him feel it, and she says, there’s no stopping it. He can reach out and offer his support. She knows Finn would really appreciate that.

Alexis opens the door to Finn, and they hug. She says she’s so sorry about his dad, and he says he knows Gregory meant a lot to her. They go inside, and he asks if she just got back. She says, ten minutes ago. She’s glad she got back before he got there because she made some coffee if he wants that. While they’re waiting, they could talk. He asks how things went in Albany, but she says she wants to talk about his dad. She tears up and says she’s so sad. She’s so sad that she missed the wedding. He says, it wasn’t perfect, but it was close. There was a moment when he didn’t think his dad was going to be able to finish the wedding, but Tracy and Violet got him back on track. He willed himself through the rest of the ceremony and it was beautiful. She says she knows how much that would have meant to him. She’s so glad his last day was beautiful. They hug again.

Josslyn meets Trina at the gallery, and Trina thanks her for coming. As soon as Ava gets to the gallery, they can head out and check out those apartment listings. Josslyn says, of course (🍷), but she thought Trina had the day off, and Trina says, all she knows is, Ava called her and wanted her to open up. She said there was an emergency meeting at Crimson.

In Nina’s office, she tells Maxie, these Deception ads are gorgeous, and Maxie says, the camera really loves Blaze. Nina says she can’t wait to run them, when Ava comes in. She tells Maxie, be careful. Integrity isn’t Nina’s strong suit. Not that that’s news. Nina calls to Madison, but Ava says, she’s not at her desk. Madison couldn’t stop her anyway. Nina says, note to self, buy Madison a taser. As Ava can see, they’re busy. So why doesn’t she go out there, make an appointment for the next millennium. She’ll be happy to see Ava then. Ava says, Nina will see her now. Nina broke their deal, and she wants to know why.

Willow opens the gatehouse door to Drew, says, hi, boss, and invites him in. He says he’s not here on business, so she can just call him Mr. Cain, and she says, sir, yes, sir. He laughs and asks if Michael is around. There’s something he wants to run by him. She says, so this isn’t entirely a social call, and he says, not entirely. She says, it was Michael’s turn to run Wiley to school, but he should be back soon if Drew would like to wait. Drew says, happy to, and she says, great. Coffee? He says, always (me too). He needs her opinion on something. She says, about what? and he says, there’s something he wants to run by her, but she’s got to promise not to tell the rest of the Quartermaines.

Josslyn says, for the apartments, location-wise, she’s thinking around PCU, but does that work for Trina? Trina says she doesn’t know. She’s not sure if she’s going back to PCU after her semester off. And if she does, she’s done with dorm life. It reminds her too much of Spencer. Josslyn says she hears Trina there. To be honest, she’s pretty tired of drunk people in their halls at all hours of the day and night, and the cafeteria food. Trina says she’s tired of smelling everybody’s take-out coming through their walls, and Josslyn says, and just the noise of everybody in general. Trina says she doesn’t think Josslyn is in a position to be complaining about other people’s noises when she makes her fair share of noise herself. Josslyn says she did not, and Trina says, right. Because she only made those noises at Dex’s house. Josslyn says, all right. It doesn’t even matter now. Trina asks, when was the last time she ran into Dex? and Josslyn says, at the wedding. Trina says, how was it? and Josslyn says, it was surprisingly good. Trina says her parents told her that it was really beautiful, and Josslyn says, it was. And so was the reception… right up until Sonny attacked Dex.

Nina says she’s not sure what deal Ava is referring to, but she’s more than welcome to forward a copy to her assistant. Ava says, Nina knows very well what deal. Nina promised that she’d devote two pages to the US debut of Harriet Nikia at the gallery. Nina says, now she recalls that discussion. The assistant editor that Ava lobbied, lobbied her, and she had every intention of including it. Ava says, then why isn’t it in here? and Nina says, space. Ava says, space? Does she see the size of this magazine? Nina says, of course (🍷) she sees it. She published it. Ava asks, then how is it possible there isn’t any space? and Nina says, as she told Ava, she had every intention of putting it in the magazine, but in this issue, she had to make space for something a little more timely. Ava says, like what? and Nina says, like an in-depth profile of an exciting new charity initiative that her daughter’s involved in. Ava says, Willow doesn’t even talk to Nina, and Nina says, since she and Ava aren’t friends anymore, how could Ava possibly know what’s going on between her and her daughter? Or a gentleman friend she may or may not be seeing. Ava says, let her guess. She wouldn’t know him, right? He lives in Canada. Nina laughs and says she’d love to stand here and dish with her bestie, but since Ava put a knife in her back, that’s not her. So how about if Ava leaves and reports back to Sonny? Ava says she thinks it’s really sad that Nina’s head trip as queen of Crimson is all she has left in her little life. (The 1960s called. They want head trip back.) She leaves, and Maxie says, that was nice. Nina says, right? She was way out of line. Maxie says, Ava was definitely out of line, but she was talking about Nina. Nina says, her? and Maxie asks why she’d antagonize Ava Jerome like that.

Drew tells Willow that he happens to know Congressman McConkey is not running for reelection next fall. He met with McConkey recently, and McConkey is urging him to run for his seat. Willow says she just wants to make sure she understands. Larry McConkey wants Drew to run for his seat in congress? Drew tells her, that’s what he said. He hasn’t fully wrapped his mind around this yet. She asks if he’s going to do it. He would be perfect.

Finn tells Alexis that he dropped Violet at school. When he got home, he found that his dad had passed in his sleep. He doesn’t think his dad felt any pain. Alexis says, at least that was a blessing, and he says he called 911 and it took forever. While he was waiting, he looked over and he saw this bottle of bourbon, this gift from the Cerullos that they gave to him at the rehearsal dinner, and he was going to give it away. Instead, he drank a third of it. She says, okay, and he says, she doesn’t seem entirely surprised. She says, it’s okay, and he says he keeps asking himself, would he have drunk yesterday if he hadn’t accidentally drunk that glass of champagne the night before? He’s 99% sure he wouldn’t have, but then there’s that 1% of him that isn’t so sure. That’s the part that’s winning. She says, he has to try and look at it objectively, and he says he’ll try. She says, regardless of him slipping the night before, he woke up the next morning and it was tragic; it was heartbreaking. So he has a pretty sympathetic reason to break his sobriety. He says, that doesn’t excuse it, and she takes his hands. She says, forget about excuses, because she’s learned nothing really excuses anything. There’s just explanation and forgiveness, and after everything he’s been through, it can certainly be explained. He says he’s not the only one who’s suffered a difficult loss here. How is she? She asks if he means does she want a drink? Yeah. They laugh, and he says, did she drink? She says, no, and she has no intention of it. He says, neither did he, but here they are, and she says she thinks maybe it’s a two a day meeting thing for a while. He says he was at a meeting this morning. That’s why he didn’t pick up when she called. She says, that’s a damn good reason, and he says he drank, but he’s never going to drink again. She says, for now, and he says, yeah, for now. She says, the thing to really remember is, they have each other, and he says, yeah.

Nina says, why is she antagonizing Ava? and Maxie says, yeah. Nina says, maybe it has something to do with Ava saying that she was going to go to bat for her with Sonny and help save her marriage. Then sandbagging her because she wanted to get her claws in Sonny herself. Maxie says, it was awful… and Nina says, Ava implied that if she sold the MetroCourt to Jason, that Sonny would approve of that, knowing full well that Sonny hates Jason now. Maxie asks if Nina regrets selling the MetroCourt, but Nina says, no, and Maxie asks if she regrets signing the divorce papers. Nina says she regrets having to sign them, but she and Sonny were broken beyond repair, and Maxie says, then why take the time to make Ava her enemy? Nina says, Ava becoming her enemy was Ava’s choice, and Maxie says, that woman has a history of murder and mayhem with a touch of poisoning. Nina says, please, who doesn’t? Come on. She doesn’t think she’s in any physical danger. Maxie says, maybe not today, but if Nina keeps this up… Nina asks if Maxie saw the scowl on Ava’s face. That was almost worth the arsenic.

Chase says he’s so sorry, and Brook says, what did she tell him about apologizing? He says, this is how they’re spending her dream honeymoon, and she says, honeymoons are two things. First of all, they’re a vacation. Italy’s not going anywhere. They’ll take that trip later and make up for all the lost time. He says he likes the way she thinks, and she says she knows. He says, what about the other honeymoon? and she says, the other honeymoon is this, everything else forever. She snuggles against him and says, this is her dream. He says, coffee and scones? and she says, being with him through good times and bad, and yes, the coffee and scones are a definite bonus. Is he sure he doesn’t want another one? He says, yes, and she says, if she hasn’t made herself clear, anything she can do for him, them, or their family – if that’s jumping in and helping, giving him time to grieve with Finn, or both – she’ll do it, okay? He says, she’s amazing, and she says she really is, and she loves him so much. He says, ditto.

Diane goes to Alexis’s place and asks how she is. Alexis says, not great. She’s since learned there are greater losses than her law license. Diane says she’s so sorry about Gregory. She knows how important he was to Alexis. Alexis says she called him last night and Chase answered the phone. That’s how she found out. Any word from the Court of Appeals? Diane says, the wheels of bureaucracy do not accelerate to steamroll over you, no matter how much it seems like they want to, and Alexis says, any new insights? Diane says, they stood a really good chance of at least having Alexis’s disbarment examined, if not completely vacated, and Alexis says, and now? Diane says, now it’s clear that her disbarment was motivated by personal animus, no vigilance toward the law, and that animus stemmed from two conspiring sources, Ava Jerome and Fergus Byrne. By the way, she’s going to filing a harassment complaint against Counselor Byrne later on today. Maybe more than one, depending on her mood. Alexis says, if she needs any ammo… Diane says, please, and Alexis says, they had a little run-in at a diner in Albany. Diane tells her, say more, and Alexis says she was just sitting there, minding her own business, drowning her sorrows in a salad, and the avenging angel strolled by. Diane asks what he said, and Alexis tells her, it’s not what he said. It’s what she thinks is true. It’s not about his vengeance. It’s about his guilt, because he was estranged from both his brothers when they died about some inheritance issue. Diane says, interesting. Maybe she can use that. Alexis says, go ahead. If she’s being blamed for destroying two of the Byrne brothers, might as well make it a trifecta. Diane laughs and say she likes the way Alexis thinks, and Alexis wonders why she’s getting all the flack for this anyway. It’s Harmony who killed Neil – in Alexis’s bed – and she shoved his brother Brendan off a cliff. So why is that idiot after her? Diane says, make sure to ask him at his disciplinary hearing. In the meantime, she’s off to General Hospital. She’s going to meet with Gregory’s sons for the reading of his will. Alexis says she’s glad he retained Diane, and Diane says, after she represented the plaintiffs suing his son? Even she was a little surprised. Alexis says, he knew she was just doing her job. And they both know the justice system works best when there’s capable attorneys on each side, and Diane is a capable attorney. Diane’s not as good as she is, but she’s a capable attorney. She’s really glad Gregory retained her. Diane says, Alexis is mentioned in this will. Does she want to attend?

Finn finds Elizabeth in the breakroom, and he tells her that Amy said she’d be in here. Is this okay? She sort of smiles, and he comes in, closing the door behind him. He says he wants to… He needs to apologize. He was wrong and she was right. He never should have spoken to her that way. He has no excuse. He was grieving his father, and he drank to numb the pain. Again, it’s not an excuse, but that’s what happened. But Chase got him through the worst part of it, and he’ll never drink again. He’s already been to one meeting this morning. He just wishes he had the words to explain how sorry he is to her. She thanks him for saying all of that. She knows he means it, and she’s glad he’s doing what he needs to take care of himself. But she hopes he understands that she wasn’t trying to take charge or tell him what to do. She was only thinking about Violet and how she just found out she’d lost her grandfather forever, and she needed to put Violet first. He says he understands, and she says, good. Because he didn’t seem to yesterday. (Um… didn’t he just explain all that?)

Brook says, it’s funny, she didn’t think this was a thing, but now that she and Chase are married, she feels different. Chase says, in what way? and she says, it’s kind of hard to explain. You know when you’ve been away for a while, and you finally come home and crash in your own bed? He says, oh yeah, and she says, it’s like that, but everything is better. Even the bed is better, and somehow, you love everything even more. It’s like your capacity to love has leveled up in a way you didn’t even know was possible. And here you are. Here we are. We’re home. We belong and we’ll always belong, because the person we belong with is always by our side. And it’s not like some huge, major revelation. It’s just like remembering something we always knew, but now we won’t forget. He says, because here we are, and she says, because here we are, and they kiss.

Trina asks Josslyn if Dex is okay. Is he going to press charges? How is she feeling? Josslyn says she’s pissed off. She’s been so angry with Sonny for so long, it’s like she’s permanently stuck like this. Trina says she hears Josslyn. So is Dex… Josslyn says she took him to the ER, and they had to wait there all night because he needed stitches. Trina says, Dex needed stitches? and Josslyn says, it could have been a lot worse had Jason not been there to pull Sonny off of him. Ava walks in and says, Josslyn more than anybody should know better than to spread gossip, but Josslyn says, it’s not gossip. She was there. Ava says, she saw Sonny hit Dex? and Josslyn says, no, but she saw Dex right after. Ava says, so she didn’t see anything, and yet… Josslyn says, and yet, Kristina saw everything, and she was very freaked out by it. Ava says, and how far along is Kristina? What they wouldn’t know is that, when you’re pregnant, sometimes the littlest thing can freak you out. (I don’t think total delusion is a symptom of pregnancy.) Josslyn says, this was not a little thing, and Ava says, what they do know by now is that, when men drink, they fight. And she’s sure this encounter between Dex and Sonny wouldn’t have escalated if Jason hadn’t insinuated himself… Trina says, this conversation isn’t going to get anywhere, so maybe they should just end it here. They have those apartments to go see. Josslyn says, Trina is so right, and she shouldn’t argue with Trina’s boss, who wasn’t actually at the reception – she can’t imagine why Ava wasn’t invited – and couldn’t possibly know what actually happened.

Alexis says she’s not going to go to the reading. She thinks that’s for Finn and Chase. Diane says she’s sure they’d welcome her, but Alexis says, besides, she has to pay a visit to a certain gallery owner. Diane says, give Ava hell, and Alexis says, anyway, she thinks she knows what Gregory would like her to do from his will. Diane says, Alexis can guess, but she can neither confirm nor deny until after the will is read, and Alexis says, he wants her to be literary executor and she’s proud and happy to do it. Diane laughs and says she had a feeling Alexis would be, and Alexis says she really wishes she could have gone to the wedding – they both tear up – and seen him in his proudest and finest moments. She just really never thought it would be his last.

Elizabeth says, Violet should be Finn’s first concern, but yesterday, he made it seem like Violet was something that belonged to him, that she shouldn’t take. Instead of a little girl who just lost her grandfather and probably needed reassurance. Not only has Elizabeth never seen that side of him before, she honestly didn’t think he was capable of it. He says, she’ll never see that side of him again, and he wants to thank her for looking out for his daughter. His phone dings and he says he’s sorry. Chase is here. She asks if Chase is okay, and Finn says, Diane Miller is coming by his office to read his father’s will.

Maxie says, there’s a subtle, but clear… Nina says, who does Ava think she is, telling her that she doesn’t have a life? She’s literally a trendsetter. Maxie says, the question is… Nina says, Ava hangs paintings on a wall. She dictates fashion. Maxie says, it’s more like how much space… Nina says, the woman doesn’t even have a place to live. She’s imposing on the father of her child, a man who will never ever love her. Maxie gets up and says, okay. Since they’re obviously never going to talk about the ads, which is the actual reason for this meeting… She opens the door and Nina asks what she’s doing. What was she saying? Maxie closes the door again and tells Nina that it’s too late for what she was saying. Nina really needs to get this out of her system. Who was the gentleman friend she mentioned to Ava? Nina says, Maxie knows, and Maxie says, yeah, but she was hoping she was wrong. Nina and Drew are still… whatever? Nina says, he’s no gentleman and he’s certainly not a friend, but they have a good thing going. Maxie says, he’s her boss, but Nina says, it doesn’t hurt business. Maxie says, and they don’t like each other? and Nina says, that definitely doesn’t hurt business. Maxie asks if the sex can really be that good.

Drew says, it’s a huge decision. It’s going to affect everybody he cares about. Willow says, but he wants to do it, right? He’s going to run for McConkey’s seat. He says he didn’t even take it seriously at first. He thought McConkey was kidding when he brought it up, but the more he thinks about it, he sees the upside. Willow seems to think it’s a good idea. She says, no. She thinks it’s a great idea. He says, but it’s crazy, right? It’s nuts. Would he even have a shot? She says, absolutely. The government needs people like him. He says, really? People with no previous government experience? Because that typically doesn’t work out very good. She says, it does when those people are unselfish and open-minded. When they get involved to try and make life better for people. He says, those people typically stay out of politics, and she says, that’s exactly why we need more of them in politics. And if he doesn’t mind her saying so, she thinks it would do him good. He says, how so? and she says, he was in a very dark place for a while. She knows he’s made it out the other side, but that darkness stays with him. He says, and she thinks him running for public office is going to cure whatever’s ailing him, and she says she thinks being in office, making a difference, won’t cure it, but it will help. It’s why she loved being a schoolteacher and why she’s going to love being a spokesperson for the New Tomorrow Institute. Raising awareness for the need for bone marrow donors will make a difference. It will help make people’s lives better, or it will help them live at all. And she’ll get to make that happen because he offered her the chance to. He says he’s very glad he did, and she says she promises she won’t say a word to anyone else about him possibly running for congress, but she really hopes he’ll do it.

Finn meets Chase outside his office, and they hug. They go inside, and Finn asks how Chase is this morning. Chase says he’s okay, all things considered. How is Finn? Finn says he didn’t sleep much. He ended up sitting in dad’s room half the night. He guesses trying to feel close to him. He didn’t drink again. In fact, he went to an AA meeting this morning. Chase says, good. He’s glad Finn is doing what he’s got to do. Just so Finn knows, Chase isn’t checking up on him. Finn says, why not? and Chase says, because he trusts Finn to take care of himself and Violet.

Alexis walks into the gallery, and Ava says, good morning. Is she shopping for herself or somebody else? Alexis says, no. She just got back from Albany. She met an old friend of Ava’s. Ava asks, how? She doesn’t know anybody in Albany. Alexis says, sure she does. Fergus Byrne. Ava thinks a moment and says, any relation to those other two Byrnes whose lives Alexis destroyed? Alexis says, actually, it was Harmony Miller who destroyed their lives, but yes. He’s their brother. Of course (🍷) Ava already knows that because she hired him to get Alexis disbarred. Ava says she remembers him now. How’s he doing? She imagines he’s having a very, very good day. Alexis says, what she’s really curious about is why Ava chose to be anonymous. She would think Ava would be thrilled at the thought of Alexis knowing she was responsible for the implosion of her career and her life. Ava says, no. Alexis is responsible for that, but she was more than happy to help. Will that be all?

Diane reads, I, Gregory Chase, being of sound mind and unsound body, etcetera, etcetera. Just so they know, in addition to the regular legalese, he actual wrote out etcetera, etcetera. The first order of business I suppose is to name my executor, and that would be my son, Harrison Chase. Chase says, wait. What? Diane says, he’s responsible for seeing his father’s wishes are followed, and Finn nods at Chase. Chase asks, what are his wishes? and Diane says, brief and clear. Just take a breath. Don’t worry. If he needs any advice, she’s always here to help. He thanks her and says he’ll take her up on that. She continues, while Harrison will be the executor of my estate, I also name Alexis Davis as my literary executor. As for my rather modest estate, it is to be divided equally between my two sons, Harrison and Hamilton, with the exception of my library, which I leave to my brilliant, imaginative granddaughter Violet, to enjoy when she is ready. Chase says, she’s going to love that, and Finn agrees. Diane reads, finally, I request that my body be cremated. Rather than a church ceremony and a burial, I want an open-air memorial with my family and closest friends gathered to witness the scattering of my ashes near my favorite tree in the park. Violet knows which one. Chase gets up as Diane continues, I want my family to focus on life, not death; the sky and the world around you, not a hole in the ground. In setting my body and spirit free in the air, I can happily return to the earth which has been so generous to me. Finn says, that’s what dad wanted, and Chase says, that’s what we’ll do.

Nina says she’s not talking about sex. That’s really not part of it anymore. Maxie says, oh no. Is Nina developing feelings for Drew? Nina says, what? God. No. Maxie tells her, you know what they say about protesting too much? She’s the literal illustration right now. Nina says, no. It’s just that somehow the frenemies with benefits really did have benefits. Because of Drew, she’s back on speaking terms with Willow. Maxie says, okay. What’s he getting out of it? Nina looks at her, and Maxie says, what else is he getting out of it? Nina says she got Drew a meeting with Congressman McConkey on this big urban renewal project Aurora is working on with the city. They’re actually like business partners sort of. Maxie says she still has to ask. What is Nina going to do if temptation arises again? Nina says, don’t worry. For her, Drew Cain is the opposite of irresistible. Maxie says, if that were the case, why does Nina not keep resisting him?

Alexis asks why Ava would go out of her way to destroy her career, and Ava says, it wasn’t out of her way at all. And as to why, Alexis knew Ava’s brother loved her very much and she used that against him over and over again, leading him on, drawing him in, only to cast him aside. It didn’t matter that he saved Alexis’s life, more than once. Or that he dragged her out after she ran him over with her car while out on a bender. Alexis says, actually, she was on a bender after being manipulated by Julian to defend Carlos Rivera, who he then murdered. Which Ava’s bestie, Fergus, described in glorious detail to the court. Ava says she wishes she could have seen that. So Alexis is still blaming Julian for all her failings. Alexis says, no. She’s blaming Ava for getting her disbarred. Ava says she sees. So here Alexis is, standing in her gallery, blaming her, even though Alexis committed perjury. Did Ava call the bar with her statement? Yeah. Did she tell them Alexis committed perjury? Yeah, which Alexis did. So don’t blame her. Blame herself.

Drew says, the more he thinks about the idea of public service, the more he likes it, but the campaign could get nasty. He was in prison not too long ago for insider trading. Willow says, which he owned up to. And now he’s seen firsthand what prisons are like, so he can campaign on reform. He’s paid his debt to society, which appeals to those who value accountability. He’s an ex-Navy SEAL, which appeals to the military minded. He’s already shown a commitment to the public good, which appeals to McConkey’s base. He says, wow. Will she be his campaign manager? She says she’s a little busy, and he says, really? She’s fired. They laugh, and she says she loves the sound of that – Congressman Cain. He tells her, McConkey had something to say about that too, and thanks her. This is way more than he could have hoped for. She says, he can thank her by agreeing to run.

Elizabeth knocks at Finn’s office door and says she thought he’d still be here, even though he’s not working today. He says he figured since he was here anyway, he’d catch up on some paperwork. Maybe it would keep his mind off… things. She asks if it’s working, and he says, nah. What’s she got there? Dropping off x-rays? Isn’t that beneath the head nurse’s paygrade? She says she’s never too busy to help the people she loves, and he thanks her for that. She asks how the reading of his dad’s will went, and Finn says, he left all his books to Violet. She says, sounds like him, and he says, instead of a funeral, he wants his ashes scattered in an open-air memorial. She says, that sounds beautiful. And if he doesn’t mind her asking… He says, ask him anything, and she says, when’s his next meeting? He says, in about an hour, and she asks if he wants her to pick up Violet from school. Is she even at school? He says, yeah. He didn’t want to disrupt her schedule and she insisted that’s what her grandpa would want. She’s probably right. Elizabeth says, consider it done, and he thanks her. He’s sure Violet will love that. She says she should get back to work, and he says, him too, and she leaves.

Brook asks, how’d the reading go? and Chase says, good. His dad made him executor. She says, what an honor, and he says he always thought it would go to Finn, since he’s the oldest, but it’s almost like his dad knew Finn would be struggling and shouldn’t be burdened. She says, or maybe his dad just thought he could be trusted to take care of things, and he says he guesses that’s a possibility, and she asks how he’s feeling with everything. He says, better. He’s glad that he has one more thing that he can do for his dad. Now he just has to not let him down, or anybody. She tells him to stop putting so much pressure on himself, and he says, not only does he have to carry out his father’s wishes, but he has to worry about Finn and Violet after they get done with this. Brook says, it’s so awful that he doesn’t have anybody by his side to help him through all this… Oh, wait. He says, there you are, and she says, here I am. Don’t you forget it. She kisses him.

Ava asks if Alexis even saw the affidavit she signed, and Alexis says, yes. Ava says, was there even anything in there that wasn’t true? and Alexis says, nope. Ava says, then what in God’s name is she objecting to? Alexis says she’s objecting to Ava’s cruelty. Ava has only two ways of dealing with adversity. Just two. She either deflects blame or she inflicts harm. Ava says, her brother would be alive today if he hadn’t been on the receiving end of what Alexis calls love. She’s got nothing to apologize for. Alexis says, she means nothing she’s been caught and prosecuted for… yet. Which makes her miss being able to practice law that much more. But license or not, Ava is going to regret making that complaint. Alexis walks out.

Tomorrow, Drew asks, what makes Willow think he can do this; Blaze says she owes someone an apology; Spinelli tells Maxie that he respectfully and regretfully declines; and Sam says she believes Kristina will do the right thing, even at a cost to Sonny.

🥀 What They Had To Say…

His family.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/johnny-wactors-family-speaks-out-about-his-tragic-death

And his many friends.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/stars-pay-tribute-to-johnny-wactor

🧼 In Happier Soap News…

Gregory Harrison has a new gig already.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/all-about-gregory-harrisons-tv-return

And this talented kid has a side gig. His co-stars are impressive too.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-easton-rocket-sweda-previews-his-new-movie-the-present

🔪 Who Packed Their Knives…

I love the recaps from this site. I didn’t so much love the elimination challenge where food wasn’t just plated at the table. It was plated on the table. To each his own, but I don’t want to eat off the table.

Another perspective.

https://people.com/top-chef-recap-episode-11-contestants-are-homesick-but-hungry-for-win-8655626

💎 More Than a Diamond…

Garcelle is on fire and doesn’t need a Housewives storyline to burn. Airing on July 20th.

👠 Check and Mate…

I have a friend whose sister went into Tiffany’s because she was meeting someone who worked there for dinner. The clerk asked if she could help her, and when she said, no, the clerk said – wait for it – I didn’t think so. Like rich people always dress rich. We’ve seen some of their outfits.

🎉 Worth Celebrating…

It would be nice to see this in more shelters.

https://people.com/after-months-of-overcrowding-florida-shelter-celebrates-completely-empty-cages-8654837

🐕 Summer Pet PSA…

Please never leave any pet in a hot car, even if you think you’ll just be a minute.

https://people.com/animal-experts-share-14-must-know-tips-for-a-pet-friendly-summer-8653253

🌞 Summer Is Ready For You…

Join me tomorrow for soap and Summer House smack talk or possible apathy. Until then, stay safe, stay not going into a phone vortex when at dinner, and stay forgetting about excuses, because nothing really excuses anything. There’s just explanation and forgiveness.

October 24, 2023 – Cyrus Gives Mason a Reprimand, A Doubly Awful House, Real Gripes, Deep Dig, That Movie, Furry Halloween & This

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt with Scotty, Lucy says she’s about to sign over 51% of her company to Tracy Quartermaine, and he says, sign it. Otherwise, things are only going to get worse. She says she really doesn’t know how they could get worse, when Laura comes in and says, Scott. Lucy says she didn’t know Laura was back in town, and they greet each other. Laura says she needs to talk to Scotty now, and marches out. He follows, and asks, how was her trip? She says, what was he thinking? but he says he’s not following. She says, what compelled him to help her brother get out of prison?

Cyrus is still lingering around the hospital, and Austin pulls him into a supply closet, holding a scalpel to Cyrus’s face. He says he knew Cyrus would come back here. He did everything Cyrus asked him to do. Cyrus is walking around a free man because of him, and still, he tries to kill Ava?

Portia walks in the door, and Curtis says he thought she was working late. Is everything okay?

Lois and Brook go into the solarium, and Yuri asks if there’s anything else he can get them, and Brook says, thanks, but they just had lunch. Lois says she’d love a plate of those little cookies and a pitcher of lemonade, and Yuri leaves to get it. Lois says, he’s cute (he is!). She can’t believe Monica lets him work here. Brook says, she’s the one who hired him. And what’s with the little cookies? Lois just said she was stuffed from lunch. Now she wants little cookies? Lois says, no, but maybe Chase does.

At the penthouse, Sonny kisses Nina, and she says she knows he’s super busy, but she wanted to show him this. She takes a frame out of a bag and says, she bought this frame and put in some pictures. Wiley from the wedding for Michael and Willow, and Donna for Carly. She thinks they’re going to love it. Right? He says, yeah, and she says, Carly too.

Michael listens to the recording of Martin outing Nina for turning Drew and Carly in to the SEC, and he says, time to let his father know exactly the kind of woman he married. Martin comes in and says, he’d think twice before doing that if he were Michael.

Scotty says, it’s not like he broke Cyrus out of Pentenville, and Laura says, he may as well have, because Cyrus is out walking the streets right now. Scotty says he knows. He just saw Cyrus in the dining room. He made it clear to Cyrus that he’s not on retainer; it was a one-shot deal. But Cyrus was very pleased with his work. She says she bets he was, and he says, believe him. He just got an earful from Mac Scorpio. She asks if he can blame Mac. He’s the Police Commissioner, and on top of everything else, he has to worry about Cyrus Renault being free. Scotty says, he’s Laura’s brother, and she says she knows that. She doesn’t need to be reminded. When Cyrus was in the hospital, he told Martin to give away all his money and Martin did, so tell her something. How did Scotty get paid?

Cyrus tells Austin that he’s very impressed. He never would have thought that little boy he watched grow up had this in him. Austin says, it’s no big deal really. It’s not difficult to overpower a man that’s – now he’s quoting – weak and incapable of hurting other people. Cyrus says, Austin got his moment, and he’s going to forgive this clumsy transgression, because it’s clear Austin has very strong feelings for Ava Jerome. First Austin will take his hands off him, and then Austin will find a way to get him into that room with his cousin Mason.

Mason jerks his arm, trying to get free of the handcuffs holding him to the bed, when TJ comes in. Mason says, what now? and TJ says he just wanted Mason to know that all his tests and bloodwork look good after his surgery. His vitals are stable. There’s no reason he shouldn’t make a full recovery. Mason says, whoopee, and TJ says he’s glad it makes Mason happy. Mason says he’s thrilled. He won’t be cuffed to this damn bed anymore. TJ says, no. He’ll likely be behind bars. Mason says, don’t count your chickens, doc. He’s gotten out of worse spots many times before. TJ leaves without another word.

Portia tells Curtis, everything’s fine. She just took a late lunch and decided she’d come home and spend it with her baby. It looks like he’s going over the books. He says he was, but it’s such a beautiful day outside, he wanted to take advantage of it. So he spent some time looking at the trees and the leaves. Then he spent some time looking at the pictures of Trina’s trip to New York, and there’s a lot of pictures of her with Spencer. She says, awesome. Let her see. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, of course (🍷) she’s sure. Let her look at the pictures. He hands her his phone, and she says, they really got around, huh? He says, she seems to be okay with that. Does she want to tell him what’s going on? She says, Trina cares about Spencer, and it seems Spencer genuinely cares about Trina. She’s old enough to make her own decisions without her mom possibly butting in.

Nina tells Sonny that she already wrapped one for Michael and Willow, and one for Carly, and he thanks her. She says she wishes she had one of Avery at the wedding, and he says, they’re going to make it up to her big time. She says she’s just glad Avery and Ava are okay, and he says he’s going to make sure they stay that way. Nina says, good, and he says he just can’t stop staring at Wiley. She says she’s thinking, and h asks if she’s thinking about the time she lied, and she says she plans on making that up. It’s nobody’s fault. He says, some of it was Carly’s.

Michael says, Martin has already done his part, but Martin tells him not to go patting himself on the back. If Michael thinks he’s surprised at the recording, he’s sadly mistaken. Even if that was admissible in a court of law, which it isn’t, this isn’t about court. It’s about Michael, trying to destroy Nina Reeves. Michael says, she’s done that herself, and Martin says, Michael sees it that way; Nina won’t. Michael says he doesn’t give a damn how she sees it. She destroyed his mom’s life and got Drew sent to prison. Now if Martin will excuse him, he has work to do. He goes to his desk, and Martin says he always makes it a point to do extensive research on the life of anybody who asks him to represent them. In his line of work, it’s kind of important. He knows he doesn’t have to remind Michael of the kind of things Nina has done in the past. Michael says he’s not concerned about her past. He’s concerned about what she’s done lately and the future. Martin says, that’s the rub, isn’t it? Because the future is exactly what Michael should be concerned about. Since he knows what kind of things she’s done, what she’s capable of, and the kind of things she will do when he takes away what matters to her.

Scotty says, Cyrus did mention some kind of a fund that helps prisoners reform… Laura says, that’s the fund? Leave it to Cyrus to find a way to use that money to help himself. Scotty says, he is pretty resourceful, and she says, he is nothing if not resourceful. Did Scotty ever believe her brother actually deserved to be released, or was it just a payday for him? He asks what kind of lawyer she thinks he is, and she says, does he want her to answer that? He says he knows Lee would probably be disappointed in him like she is, but it was a high-profile case and he’s trying to keep his practice going. Does she want him to be chasing ambulances for the rest of his life? She says she’s heard enough. She’s just asking him, when he was at the hearing and saw her brother there, did Scotty believe he deserved to be released? He says, he did seem like a different guy, and the doctor spoke on his behalf, and the warden. And eventually, the judge signed off for his release. When he saw Cyrus earlier, in his suede jacket and everything, he did look pretty healthy. She tells him, that’s exactly what she said when she saw him in the prison, and her phone dings. She looks at it and says she’s got to go.

Laura walks out, and Scotty goes back to the table. Lucy isn’t there, but he sees the contract and says, she didn’t sign.

Austin brings Cyrus to Mason’s room, and closes the door and blinds. Cyrus sits next to the bed and says, hello, Mason.

Lois says she thought they were coming back here and going over Brook’s plans for Blaze, and Chase might want to join them. It turns out he has a couple of hours off, and he said he’d love to spend time with them… With Brook, because he’s been working such long hours. Brook says, Lois is not going to do this, and Lois says, do what? Arrange for her daughter to spend time with her gorgeous boyfriend? Brook says she knows exactly how Lois thinks. She thinks she’s going to bring Chase over here, and Tracy’s offer is just going to happen to come up in the conversation, and he’s going to help Lois change her mind. Lois says, how dare Brook accuse her of such a thing? And if Tracy’s offer happened to come up in conversation, then maybe… Brook says she swears, if Tracy’s offer does come up, Lois will regret it. She’s going to put Lois in the same box she put Tracy, and she will never talk to Lois again. Does she understand? Yuri comes back with the little cookies and lemonade, and says, Mr. Chase is here to see them. Brook turns around smiling, and Lois waves her fingers at Chase.

Nina says, she and Carly both made a lot of mistakes, and Sonny says he supposes, but Carly and Drew are both paying big time for the one they made. She asks if Drew is back in Pentenville, and Sonny says, yeah. The doctor says he’s healthy enough to go back. He’s doing everything he can to keep Drew protected in there, and Carly is trying to get him out. She says she hopes Carly does, and he says, she amazes him. She says, the feeling is mutual, husband. She likes that word. He says he likes wifey too. She can’t get rid of him. They kiss, and Nina says, they both have a lot of work to do, so she’s going to go. She loves him. He says he loves her too, and thanks her for the photos. She says, he’s welcome, and leaves.

Michael says, let’s be honest. Martin is concerned about what Nina will do to him. She’s not going to be happy when she finds out Martin broke her confidence and told him that she’s the reason Drew’s in prison. Martin says, absolutely true. See how he’s scared to death of what Nina could do to him? And he’s not the only person with skin in this game, is he? He’s talking about the woman who induced Ava’s labor just so she could kidnap Michael’s baby sister. The same woman that made them all think Sonny was dead. Now she owns the MetroCourt and a very powerful intellectual magazine. Michael could be right. Given the circumstances and Nina’s feelings for Michael’s father, she might be a shrinking violet. She might just take her medicine and walk away. But Michael lets that genie out of the lamp, and she’s a wounded animal. She’s going to take that power and that influence, and she’s going to make it her mission to make Michael’s life hell, and the life of anybody he cares about. That is something to think about before he pulls the trigger. Just make sure he digs two graves. He walks out, and Michael goes to his desk to ponder this.

In the hallway on the phone, Scotty says, all right. That makes sense. He might make a lot of money off of this… No, he’s not getting too excited, so just calm down. He’ll call them back when he gets the chance. Goodbye. He gets to the table and sees that Lucy and all her belongings are gone. He says, she took my pen.

Lois says she’s so glad Chase could make it, and he says he’s kind of surprised they wanted to meet here. Brook says, Tracy is spending the day in New York City, and Lois says, speaking of Tracy… Brook stomps on her foot, and Lois yells, ow! Brook says she’s so sorry, and Lois says she knows Brook is, but accidents, they happen. Brook says, no, really. Does Lois understand just how sorry she is? Lois says she does, and she knows it will never happen again. Brook says, no, it won’t, and Lois tells Chase that Brook wanted to show her some of the music she picked out for Blaze. He says he’d love to see it, and Lois says, Brook told her that Chase and Blaze used to work together, and he might know best what would fit her voice. He says, Brook’s really the expert on that, but Brook says she doesn’t know… Lois says, Brook has musical genius running through her veins, thank you very much, but seeing a song on paper is totally different than hearing it out loud. Would Brook mind playing the song for them? Brook says, sure, and takes the sheet music to the piano. Lois asks if Chase would mind singing along with it, but Brook says, he doesn’t have to do that. He doesn’t sing anymore; he’s a detective. He says, yeah, but he’ll always sing for her.

On the patio, Curtis asks how Portia enjoyed her lunch, and she says, it was delicious. It was just what she needed. The new Co-Chief of Staff needs to keep her energy up. She flips her hair, and they laugh. Her phone dings, and he says he guesses she has to get back. She says, yeah, sorry, and he says, no problem. She says, but she’s glad they had this time together. She’ll be late tonight. He says he understands, and she hugs him from behind, kissing his cheek. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too.

Portia leaves, when Laura comes up on the porch. She thanks Portia, but Portia says, no, thank you. She knows Laura has been wanting to see Curtis, and she thinks now is a really good time. He’s right outside on the patio. Laura says, just in case Portia didn’t know already, her brother Cyrus is out of prison, and Portia says she did know that. Could Laura do her a favor and not mention it to Curtis just yet? He’s got a lot on his plate. Laura says, of course (🍷), and Portia says, he’s going to be really happy to see Laura. She leaves, and Laura goes inside. She sees Curtis on the patio, looking out to the trees, and she looks like she might cry.

Cyrus tells Mason, don’t try to move. Those handcuffs will dig into his wrists. How is he feeling? Mason says, pain, a lot of pain, and Cyrus says he can only imagine. Does Mason see his cousin Austin is with him? He arranged this visit. That was very nice of him, wasn’t it? Mason says, yeah, and Cyrus says, when he got here, Austin let it be known that he was extremely upset with him. Does Mason know why? It’s kind of amusing actually. Austin was under the impression he gave Mason the order to kill Ava Jerome, a woman he cares very deeply about. He made a deal with Austin. He gave Austin his word, so to speak, that if Austin helped him get out of prison, he would see to it Miss Jerome was brought home safely. As Mason can see, he is out of prison, and has Mason ever known him to go back on his word? Mason says, no, and Cyrus says, exactly, looking at Austin. Cyrus says, Mason has worked for him for a very long time, hasn’t he? and Mason says, yes. Cyrus says he wants Mason to tell his cousin precisely the exact words he said to Mason on the night he was with Ava. Mason says, take her home, and Cyrus says, and Mason disobeyed him, didn’t he?

Michael goes to Sonny’s office at Pozzulo’s, and Sonny is on the phone. He says, it’s got to be special, for the perfect woman… He laughs and says, yeah. He’s the happiest he’s ever been in his life. He thanks them and sends best wishes to them and their family. Michael walks in, and Sonny says he hasn’t seen Michael since the wedding. He just kind of lied to Sal. It was a kind of a white lie, because the best time he’s had was getting married to Nina and they were all there to watch it. Michael says, there’s something he needs to talk to Sonny about.

Brook plays piano, and Chase sings. Yuri peeks in, then leaves.

Portia says hi to TJ, but he walks past her. She tries to get his attention, and he says he’s sorry. What? She asks if everything’s fine, and he says, everything’s good. She says, something else is going on, so… He insists everything’s fine, but she says she knows him. It’s okay; he can talk to her. He says, there’s this patient. There’s just something about him. She says, okay, which patient? and he says, his name is Mason Gatlin. She says, the one who tried to kill Ava.

Cyrus says he asked Mason a simple question. He wants an answer. Mason says, he disobeyed Cyrus, and Cyrus laughs and says he’s so glad they cleared that up. He’s not happy at all that Mason disobeyed him, but Miss Jerome is safe at home, so he dodged a bullet there. At least he dodged a fatal one. And they’ve already established Mason thinks he’s a man of his word, yeah? Mason says, yes, and Cyrus says he gives Mason his word in front of Almighty God and Mason’s cousin, that the pain Mason felt when he was shot, any pain he’s felt during his entire life, will pale in comparison to the pain He will feel during his long, excruciating journey to death if Mason ever betrays him again. Does he understand and believe that? Mason hesitates, and Cyrus yells, say it! making Mason and Austin jump. Mason says he understands and believes it, and Cyrus says he thinks Mason does. He slams his hand down on Mason and says, Godspeed. He asks if he and Austin understand each other now? and Austin says, they do. Cyrus says, good, and Austin leaves. Cyrus stares at Mason. I love Cyrus even though he’s the worst. There’s no story without a good villain.

Laura tells Curtis, hello. She hopes it’s all right that she came. He says he’s so glad she did, and takes her hands.

Martin sees Scotty at the bar and says he’s supposed to meet Lucy here today. Has he seen her? Scotty says, she was here, but she left like a thief in the night. Now he’s got other fish to fry. Martin says he’s sure, and Scotty says, if Martin does see her, tell her to give him back his pen.

Sonny says, Michael seems upset. Are Willow and the kids okay? Michael says, they’re fine, and Sonny says, Carly? Michael says, yeah, and Sonny says, before they get into it, can he just show Michael one thing? Michael says, but dad… and Sonny says he knows Michael is going to like this a lot. He hands Michael the picture frame and says, Nina came by this morning, and he knows he’s spoiling the surprise, but she’s going to give the one of Wiley to him and Willow. Isn’t that great? Michael can’t have too many pictures of his son. He used to do the same thing with Michael and Morgan around that age. Nina has one of Donna that she’s going to give to Carly. Michael’s not going to say anything, right? Michael says he promises, handing the frame back, and Sonny says, it is very thoughtful, right? Michael says, yeah, and Sonny says he knows Michael knows what that means. He and Willow haven’t been married that long, but Michael knows what it’s like to love somebody so much that it hurts. Nina has changed his life. Nothing against Michael’s mother. She’s happy in her own way now with Drew, especially once he gets out of that hellhole. Michael says, that’s kind of what he came to talk to Sonny about.

Laura says she’s sorry she was away so long, but Curtis says he knows she was looking for her son. Any luck? She says, they just missed him. He doesn’t want to be found, but really it made her feel relieved to know he’s okay. Curtis says he’s sure. It’s kind of ironic. They were just in Greenland, dodging bullets, only for him to come back to good old Port Charles and be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Laura says she wants him to know that Mac and Dante are doing absolutely everything in their power to find the shooter. And she’s making sure they have all the resources to do so. She also knows that’s little solace to him now. He says he’s just trying to focus on the future. It’s quite possible he could be in this chair for the rest of his life. So if that’s the case, he’ll damn well make the best of it.

Chase finishes singing, and Lois says, that was absolutely perfect. Chase says he doesn’t know about that, but Brook says, for once her mom is right. It was perfect. He says, Blaze will sound great singing that song, and Lois says she wishes she could have heard the two of them singing together. She really likes this song too. Would he sing it as well? She hands Brook another piece of music, when Lucy storms in saying, where is she? with Yuri following her. She sees Brook and says, oh, you. Where is she? Where is the Wicked Witch of the West, the East, the North, and the South?

Martin leaves Lucy a message that he hopes she’ll be there soon. Nina comes in on the phone and says she doesn’t understand how this could have happened. If they would just let her… She hangs up and goes over to Martin. She says, Trish told her that he was here. What has he done?

Sonny asks if there’s any news on Drew’s appeal, but Michael says, no. He says, Sonny knows how happy Drew and his mom were, and Sonny says, yeah. Michael says, when Drew got sent to Pentenville, it destroyed his mom. She thought it was her fault. Sonny says, Carly always thinks it’s her fault. Drew doesn’t blame her, so he’s good for her. Michael says, he would be if he wasn’t in Pentenville, and Sonny says, then let’s get him out. Michael says, they might not be able to make that happen, but… Sonny says, wait, wait, wait. Nina made it a point when she was here to say she was happy for Carly and Drew. She wanted them to be happy, and that she wanted Drew out of Pentenville. Crimson is a very important magazine. She owns it. She can use the magazine to help. Michael says he doesn’t think… and Sonny says, Michael doesn’t understand. Nina can be strong, and she can put the heat on. He’s going to call her right now. Michael says, no, dad, wait.

Portia asks TJ if there’s something he sensed about this guy when he met him before, and TJ says, nothing specific, but it didn’t seem like Austin liked him coming around much. She says she thinks the best thing for TJ to do is just steer clear of him altogether, and he says, yeah. Mason probably just reminds him of some other creep. TJ goes back to work.

Cyrus comes out of the elevator and sees Portia. However, this time he has a clue, and doesn’t bother her. He walks out of the hospital.  

Laura says she thought about calling Curtis so many times, and he says he knows. Portia told him Laura reached out to her to check on him. She says, it’s just that she didn’t think she could adequately express on a phone call how much he means to her, and he says, they’ve been through some tough times, huh? She says, he’s a hero, but he says, no, and she says, just accept it. It’s not just because he’s saved so many lives, two of them being her grandsons, but she has a special place in her heart for him from a long time ago. He says, it’s funny how that works. Sometimes you just make a connection with someone; it’s unexplainable. She says, and it’s unbreakable, and he wheels closer. They join hands, and Laura says, and nothing will ever change that.

Lois says, hiya, Lucy, and Lucy waves to her and says, hi. Don’t change the subject. Where is she? Where’s Tracy? Brook says, she went to New York City for the day, and Lucy says, of course (🍷) she did. She went out of town because she didn’t want to be here for the dirty deed to get done. But Brook’s here, isn’t she? And she’s just as responsible for all of this as Tracy is. Chase says, now wait a minute, and Lois asks why Yuri didn’t stop Lucy. He says he doesn’t touch women… He means, like that, and Brook says, just let Lucy talk. Lucy says she has plenty to talk about Chase’s girlfriend and Lois’s daughter. How about her insincere camaraderie? How about her unending lying and the fact that she actually outright stole from them? Chase starts to move forward, but Brook stops him and says, she has every right to be furious. Lucy says she is furious. She’s so furious, but you know what? She really wanted Brook’s evil grandmother to be here to witness the spoils of her vicious attack. She looks for somewhere to sign the contract, and tells Yuri, come over here, big man. She turns him around and signs it, using his back as a desk. She throws it at them, and says, there. Are you happy? She hopes Brook is so satisfied, and please tell her grandmother she can kiss… Nope. She’s too much of a lady. She walks out. Yuri asks if he should lock the door, but Lois says, it’s a little late for that.

Martin says he’s so desperately sorry. Nina has to believe him. Nothing like this ever happened before. His clients are his first priority. That’s why he’s so ashamed of letting her down like that. He just hopes she can find it in her heart to… Nina says, it’s not the end of the world. It’s just, she wanted those contracts with Estron to be filed before they could change their mind and pull their ads. He says, Estron, and she says, he was supposed to file them by end of business yesterday. Martin says he knows, which is why he’s so utterly ashamed to have let her down like he has. He knows he can make it right. He has a great relationship with the CEO, so he promises no damage will come to Crimson. She says, see that there isn’t, and leaves. He knocks back his drink.

Sonny says he really believes Nina can help, and Michael says, that’s not a good idea. Sonny asks, why? What does he mean? Michael stammers and says, Sonny just got married. He should be celebrating. Don’t put this on her plate right now. Sonny says, he’s right. They did just get married. He doesn’t want to spring this on her, although he knows she’d probably be fine with it because that’s who she is. He’s so happy Michael got to be at the wedding. He fell for her and wants this to last forever, like Michael and Willow. Michael says, yeah. He should get to work. Sonny says he’s sorry. Michael had to tell him something? Michael says he realized it’s something he can handle on his own. He appreciates that, and thanks Sonny. Sonny says, Michael knows he can come to him for anything, right? He loves Michael; Michael is his son. Michael hugs Sonny, and says he loves him too. Michael leaves, looking pretty miserable. In the hallway, he takes out his phone and makes a call. He asks if Nina Reeves is in… No. No message. Are they expecting her back soon?… Good. He’ll speak to her when he sees her. He leaves Pozzulo’s.

Tomorrow, Dante says he doesn’t want Mac to find out Cody is his kid; Carly would like to speak to the warden; and Nina wonders where someone got something. I know that’s vague, but that’s what they gave me to work with.

☃️ Winter Trainwreck…

This season, there are even more awful people than ever before, with crossovers from Vanderpump Rules and Below Deck Med. And more examples of the wrong people having the money. Reality TV, where awful people get well-paying jobs.

Old news, but a refresher on what you’ll be up against.

https://people.com/winter-house-season-3-trailer-7969301

You know it’s bad when the already awful old cast members want to distance themselves.

https://people.com/winter-house-season-3-premire-danielle-olivera-doesnt-want-tom-schwartz-scandoval-drama-exclusive-8364821

What happened in the premiere.

When awful people nearly collide. Did they really expect it to be a happy reunion?

The one they wanted to get away.

👄 Forces Of Reality Nature…

It was bound to happen. Now that they’ve made their money, sour grapes arise.

👠 Investigation Housewife…

This might be worth reading. Vanity Fair isn’t a slouch when it comes to writing.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12651523/Vanity-Fair-release-investigation-Bravo-Housewives-stars.html

🎃 Spawning a Thousand Sequels…

A Halloween movie so definitive, it’s called Halloween.

https://halloweenmovies.com/

👻 Gone To the Dogs… and Cats…

Halloween movies with pets in them.

Halloween movies to watch with your dog.

🐺 Howling At the Moon…

Join me tomorrow for soap and whatever I can stomach of RHOBH. Until then, stay safe, stay out of the candy bowl until trick-or-treating is over (unless you are a trick-or-treater), and stay not stealing anyone’s pen.

July 25, 2023 – Brook Makes a Bet With Chase, Final Molly, NJ Share, VanderClose, Shady But Smart, Odd Pets (!) & Night

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Chase brings Brook out to the pool, and she asks what they’re doing here. He says, there’s nowhere to dance in the restaurant, and he wants to dance with her. He spins her around, sings to her, and they dance. He dips her, and looking up, says, they can’t be here. They’ve got to go.

Portia goes into Curtis’s room, and says, hello, you handsome man. She could have sworn she told him to stay off the cellphone. He says he found a new website; this one from Harvard. He thinks he might be on to something. She tells him, please stop, and takes the phone out of his hand. He asks what she’s doing, and she says, saving him from himself.

Finn’s table is ready, and he and Elizabeth are seated. He tells her that she looks stunning, and she thanks him. She says, it seems busy here tonight. It’s a beautiful night; everyone wants to be outside. He says he can ask if they can have a table outside, but she says, no. She didn’t mean… She’s good. They’re fine in here. She doesn’t know why she’s nervous. It’s not like they haven’t had dinner before. He says, if it makes her feel any better, he’s nervous too. Don’t tell him that they’re finally on the same page. She says, it’s a really nice way to start over again; to be on the same page.

Dex tries to rouse Gordon, and says, hey! He kicks Gordon’s leg, but there’s no response. He takes out his phone.

Ava says, Sonny’s not interrupting. She’d like him to meet Betty. She’s the potential nanny for Avery. Betty shakes his hand, and says, what a pleasure to meet him. He says, it’s good to meet her. There’s nothing more important than his daughter. She says, of course (🍷), and his phone rings. He sees it’s Dex, and asks them to excuse him for a second. He leaves, and Betty tells Ava, remember their deal. She either sells Betty to Avery’s dad that she’s the perfect nanny, or someone she loves dearly will pay the price.

In the foyer, Sonny says he’s in the middle of something. This better be important. Dex says, unfortunately it is, and Sonny asks, what’s going on? Dex says, they have a problem.

Betty says, as a reminder, she’s going to need full access to Sonny’s penthouse. She’s done her part and provided Ava with a flawless résumé. She even has references to vouch for Betty’s her work as a nanny. Ava just needs to convince Sonny that she’s the ideal candidate to take care of Avery. Because if Ava doesn’t sell her, that phone call to Delia will be the last time Ava ever hears her mom’s voice again.

Sonny says he hopes Dex is clear on how he’s going to handle this… Great. Call him with an update. Sonny goes back into the living room, and says, sorry about that. Now where were they? Betty says, he doesn’t have to apologize. She’s so appreciative of the opportunity to be interviewed by him. From everything Ava tells her, becoming Avery’s nanny sounds like the perfect fit for her. Don’t worry. She’s worked with non-married parents before. She’s used to making sure both mom and dad are always happy with her work. Sonny says he’d love to hear what they’ve already discussed about Avery and her needs, and Ava says, anything. It’s really one of the most memorable interviews she’s conducted. Sonny smiles.

The waiter asks if he can start Finn and Elizabeth off with cocktails. Perhaps a bottle of wine? Elizabeth says, a bottle won’t be necessary, but she’d love a glass of cabernet, and Finn says he’ll have the sparkling water. The waiter leaves, and Finn thanks Elizabeth for ordering what she wanted. Sometimes it’s awkward for a non-addict to be out with a recovering addict. They feel like they have to abstain. Like somehow ordering a glass of wine will be a temptation for him. He appreciates her not treating him that way, and also doesn’t want to spend the evening talking about him not drinking, which is exactly what he’s doing, isn’t it? She says, how about if tonight is just about them spending time together? She thinks that’s the point of what they’re trying to do. She’s missed spending time with him. He says he’s missed her.

Portia says, all the websites Curtis is trying to get information on, he doesn’t know if the information is true or not, and he says he didn’t want to just sit here helpless, wondering what comes next. She says, medical website after medical website. She thought he’d at least be checking the baseball game scores or something. It’s not healthy. He says, baseball scores don’t seem all that important at this point, and she says, he’s been glued to this phone almost 24 hours straight, and she knows it’s probably making him a little bit crazy. He says, what’s making him crazy is taking test after test for the last 24 hours, and not getting any news on the results, good or bad. Not a damn thing. He can’t move his legs, and yes, he’s finding the internet a little more helpful than his doctors. She says, his doctors don’t want to give him a premature diagnosis, and he says, some information is better than none. She says, but the information he’s getting online… Isn’t it better to talk a doctor with an actual medical degree? He says he feels like he’s being handled. Does she think that’s helping him? She says she understands what he’s saying. She doesn’t know how he feels, but she can imagine he’s feeling like his life is out of control. She knows him, and knows that has to be hard for him, but going on the internet and looking at these websites… Can’t he see that he’s torturing himself? He says, it’s his phone. It’s his injury. It’s his choice. He wants his phone back. She says she’ll give him his phone back under one condition.

Chase and Brook look at the Pool Area Closed sign, and Brook wonders why they closed the pool on such a beautiful night. He says he doesn’t know. He guesses he could go inside and see if there are any tables available. She says, or they could stay out here and pretend they didn’t see the sign, but he says he’s a police officer. She says, who’s off-duty, but he says he’s still a cop. It’s literally his job to enforce the rules. She says, yes, but she’s a Quartermaine, and they break the rules. Besides, her Uncle Sonny’s fiancé owns half the MetroCourt, and the other half is owned by her dad’s wife… even though her dad doesn’t currently know who he is or won’t admit it. He asks, how is the Eddie Maine situation? and she says, whether her dad knows who he is or not is not going to be solved tonight. Tonight is just about them. So in light of her special standing with the MetroCourt owners, will he please just break the rules with her just this once?

Ava tells Sonny that Betty has a degree in Early Childhood Development, and her references are excellent. And like Betty said, she has experience in working with kids who split their time within parents, so she understands the rules might be a little bit different in each home. He says, sounds good, and Ava says, Betty’s warm and friendly, and she’s confident Betty would be a very good fit for Avery. Sonny asks if Ava talked to her about Avery’s hobbies, and Ava says, of course (🍷). They talked about how Avery loves crafts, and Betty is a bit of a budding artist herself. And they talked about outings at children’s museums. Sonny says he knows Avery is going to miss Pilar, but this confidence Ava has in Betty goes a long way in persuading him.

Dante shows up in the alley, and says, so Dex is the one who called in a dead body. Dex says he’s not totally sure he’s dead. He didn’t want to touch the body, but he seems dead. Bennet joins them, and asks, where is it? Dex says, follow him, and takes them to Gordon. Dante puts on gloves and checks Gordon’s pulse, and says, yep, he’s a dead guy. He turns Gordon over, and there’s blood on the front of his shirt. Dante says, they’re going to need forensics down here, and Bennet says he’s on it. He leaves, and Dante asks what Dex thinks. Does Dex recognize him? Does Dex think he could be a known associate of Sonny’s?

Portia gives Curtis back his phone, giggles, and leaves.

Finn gets a text from the babysitter, and says he’ll ignore it, but Elizabeth insists he check his phone. He tells her the text said Violet went to bed on time, no problem. This is the time when she negotiates for staying up later or extra stories. Just like that, and not ask for anything? There’s something going on. She says, there are no problems with the boys either, and asks if he told Violet they were going out to dinner. He says he did. Did she tell the boys? She says, no, but she has the feeling Violet may have told them.

Chase and Brook come back to the pool with drinks, and Chase says he’s never had an old fashioned. Brook says, it’s one of her favorite summertime drinks, and he takes a sip, saying, it is good. They sit on chaise lounges, and she says, it’s nice having the pool all to themselves. He says, as long as they don’t get busted, and Brook says she’s going to ask Chase’s dad if he was always such a rule follower. Chase says, then he’s going to ask Ned if she was always such a rule breaker, and she says she bets he’d say she was. Now that she thinks about it, both of her parents encouraged her to break the rules, in their own ways. He says he actually went through a rebellious phase, and she says she’ll need to know more details. He says he can prove it. He had a motorcycle. He used to go skinny-dipping in the lake, and he’d spend all night at the casino. She says, him on a motorcycle, very hot. The gambling, she could take it or leave it, but the skinny-dipping? She doesn’t believe it. He says, Scout’s honor, and she says, prove it.

Betty leaves, and Sonny asks Ava, what’s going on? but she says, nothing is going on. He knows she hasn’t been happy with Pilar, and she’s trying to find a nanny they can agree on. He says, stop right there. Who’s that Betty woman, and what does she have on you?

Curtis reads, unfortunately, there’s no way to reverse damage to the spinal cord. Treatment can improve this person’s quality of life, but this condition can’t be cured. Portia comes back with a takeout shopping bag, and says she has their dinner. She knows it’s piping hot because she waited at the front door for the delivery guy to drop it off. She starts setting up the food, and says she’s sure they thought she was waiting for an ambulance with a patient in it. Curtis opens his container and takes a bite of spaghetti. He says, it’s good, and puts the container back down. He says, good call. Much better than hospital food. He feels better already.

Finn says, so Elizabeth thinks Violet told Jake and Aiden that they were on a date tonight? She says, look at this text from Jake, and he reads, enjoy dinner, mom. She says she didn’t tell him that she was having dinner. She just said she’d be home later. He says, so Violet texted Jake and Aiden, and said they were out to dinner. So be on their best behavior, so there wouldn’t be any reason to end the date early. She says, those boys would do anything for her, but to give them fair credit, ever since Cameron went away to college, they’ve gotten really good at taking care of themselves. He asks how much she misses Cam, and she says she tries not to focus on him being gone. It’s not like he was home much anyway; between soccer, and working at Kelly’s, and dating Josslyn. The good news is, he’s thriving at school, and every text she gets, he sounds incredibly happy. She thinks it’s fair to say he’s living his best life. He says he’s glad Cam’s having a good time, but she glossed over his question. She says she misses him so much, it physically hurts.

Forensics does their thing, and Dante asks Dex if the guy works for Sonny or not. Dex says, Dante will have to ask his dad himself. Bennet asks how Dex wound up in this alley, and Dex says he was leaving General Hospital and walking home. Bennet says, through an alley? but Dex says he wasn’t cutting through the alley. He went to throw his cup away in the dumpster and saw the guy’s feet sticking out. Bennet asks if that’s when he called the police, but Dex says, no. He decided he needed a few more details, so he moved closer to the man’s body and saw that he wasn’t moving. That’s when he called it in. Dante says, so tell him, what was he doing at General Hospital?

Sonny says, Ava is scared; he can tell. And it takes a lot to frighten her. She says she really thought she was covering it better than that, and he says, for most people, but not for him. He was just playing along, saying how perfect this nanny was. She says she’s glad he did, and he says, who are they threatening? She says her biological mother, Delia. She lives in Manhattan, and they said they would target her if Ava didn’t get this Betty in position with access to Sonny’s penthouse. He says, son of a bitch, and she says she’s sorry. She didn’t really have a choice. He says he needs more answers from her. Why are they making these threats against her? What do they have to do with him? And more important, if it involves his daughter, why is he hearing about this now?

Chase says, what does Brook mean, prove it? and she says, if he’s telling the truth and he’s so comfortable skinny-dipping, then he should have no problem getting in the pool and doing it right here. He says, what? and she laughs. She says she’s the only one here and she’s already seen it all. So go for it, bad boy. He says, okay. He’ll do it if she’ll join him. She says, this is his thing, and he says, chicken. She says she’s not chicken; she’s just being a lady. He says he has a better idea. How about a little friendly competition? Loser has to jump in the pool – buck naked. She says, he knows she loves a good challenge. What’s the bet?

Elizabeth tells Finn that she knows being in California is good for Cameron. Having his first love break his heart was so painful. He needs to start over. And now he’s on the soccer team. Finn says, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t miss him, and she says she’s already thinking it’s not that far away that Jake’s going to be in college. She can’t even imagine Aiden leaving her. They’re growing up. They’re becoming more independent by the day. He says, she did an amazing job raising him, and she thanks him. She says she’s really proud of them. It does make her sad that Cameron’s childhood is basically over, and soon Jake and Aiden’s will be too. She’s really grateful the Head Nurse position came around when it did. It’s going to keep her busy. He says, now she has less free time than anyone he knows, and she laughs. He says, can he ask her a question? Tell him all the things she’d do if she had all the time in the world.

Portia and Curtis finish dinner, and she says, it was good, wasn’t it? It makes her regret letting her cooking skills slide over the years. He says he didn’t realize how much she enjoyed cooking, and she says, especially when Trina was younger. She would arrange her work schedule so she’d be home in time to cook dinner. Then when Trina got home, she’d sit at the dining room table and do her homework while she cooked. It was kind of their time to connect and tell each other about their day. She says she’s sorry. She’s just realizing, he may not want to hear about Trina’s childhood, because he wasn’t there… He says he’s not feeling that way at all. He’s eager to learn about how Trina was growing up. It makes him happy to know they have such a special connection, and he wants to know all there is to know about his daughter. She says, good. She’ll be glad to let him know all there is to know about Trina’s past. Because Trina and Curtis are going to work out their future together. He says he knows that too.

Ava says, there’s a man, Mason Gatlin, and Sonny says, Gatlin as in Austin Gatlin-Holt? She says, apparently, he’s Austin’s cousin from Pautuck. He’s been pressuring – and by pressuring she means threatening – her to get information about Sonny and this company Pikeman. He says, there’s got to be more to the story than that, but she says she doesn’t know anything more. Mason is really just following orders of whoever’s pulling the strings. Mason told her to search Sonny’s penthouse. The only time she was left there alone, she tried, but of course (🍷) he keeps his home office locked. Then Pilar showed up so that put an end to any potential snooping. She told Mason that she couldn’t give him what he wanted, and he came up with the idea to replace Avery’s nanny with a nanny he could control. Sonny says, so this Mason is making threats against Ava to get information on him. Can she fill him in on one more thing? Where does her boyfriend Austin fit in to all this?

Chase tells Brook, they’re using this bowl of nuts as their competition. Whoever can throw and catch the most peanuts in their mouth, wins. The loser has to get in the pool, nekkid. She asks if he just said nekkid. He’s so immature. He says, they’re two grown adults making a bet about who’s going skinny-dipping in the pool of one of the nicest hotels. He thinks all of this is a little immature. She says, not to mention breaking the rules, and he says he already told her that he can break the rules. She’s says, okay, and he tells her to go first. She’s pretty good at this, and he asks if she practices at night. She finally misses one, and says, eight. He takes the bowl, and he’s not bad either. He tells her that he got nine in a row and it beats eight. She’s going in.

Bennet tells Dante that the dead guy’s license says his name is Gordon Stevens. They’re doing a record check to see if he has any prior arrests, and they’re still waiting on the official autopsy report. Dante tells Bennet to let him know when it comes back, and goes over to Dex, who asks if he’s free to go. Dante says, he’s not. He still hasn’t answered Dante’s question. What was he doing at GH? Dex says he was there checking on Curtis Ashford.

Ava tells Sonny, trust her. Masons been threatening and blackmailing Austin just like he’s been doing to her. Austin doesn’t want to have anything to do with his cousin, but so far, he hasn’t found a way to get out from under him. In fact, Austin’s been scrambling to help her. Sonny says, it was Austin who conveniently found Avery who was lost at the park, and Ava wasn’t just a concerned mother. She immediately insisted Avery was kidnapped. She says, Austin orchestrated the whole thing as a way for Sonny to lose faith in Pilar. She was no part of the plan; he did it on his own. She had no knowledge of it whatsoever. He says, so the goal was to get Pilar fired so she’d be replaced with a plant from Mason, is that right? Ava says, believe her. She was furious about it too, but please keep in mind Avery was never in any actual real danger. She wasn’t even frightened. She just ran off after a balloon. Sonny says, that’s why it makes sense that Pilar got that call from her grandma. Whatever differences he and Ava have had in the past, he knows she would never endanger their child. She says, of course (🍷) not, and he says, why did she not tell him about this the minute she heard they were planning on planting a nanny to take care of their daughter?

Portia tells Curtis that she doesn’t know if her pomodoro is as good as the restaurant’s, but hers was still good, if she does say so herself. Cooking for her loved ones always made her so happy. He says he can see that, and she says she thinks when Trina went off to college is when she stopped cooking. Her work schedule got so busy, and she relied more and more on take-out, and the food delivery apps are too convenient. But now that she’ll be cutting back on her hours at work, she’s going to make it a priority to be home in time to cook dinner. He asks, why exactly is she cutting back on work hours?

Brook says she thinks they should make it best two out of three, and Chase asks, why? He already won. Why would he mess with that? She asks if he’s saying he’s convinced he won’t beat her again, and he says, no. He’s saying he already won. Why would he gamble on a sure thing? Unless she’s saying she’s not willing to pay up on what they agreed on. She tells him, of course (🍷) she’s not saying that. A bet is a bet, and she never backs out of a bet. She starts to unbutton her dress, and says, what about the security cameras here? He says, she wasn’t concerned about security cameras when she thought he was the one who was going to be doing the striptease, and she says, he expects a strip show? He says, she’s damn right, and she says, in that case, she’ll need some inspiration. She kisses him, and he gets up and starts taking off his clothes. She asks what he’s doing; he won. He tells her, let’s just say, he’s willing to pay for her bet. Because that kiss was more than worth it. He gets nakey, and jumps in the pool.

Elizabeth tells Finn that she doesn’t think about it very often because there’s just not enough time, but every now and then she thinks about going back to painting. He says, she likes to paint? and she says she did it for years, then got back into it when she fell in love with Franco… Oh, that was weird. Was that weird? Sorry. He says, don’t apologize. That’s not weird at all. He knows it’s hard to believe, but he’s had past relationships too. She says she knows, and he says, sometimes it’s hard to shake those histories. She loved Franco; he loved her. Finn can see why. The host says, sorry to interrupt, but the kitchen is closing soon. Would they like to order dessert? Elizabeth says, oh my goodness. They’re the last people here. Finn says he’s sorry they kept the staff late, but the host says, not a problem. They can have the table as long as they want. Finn says, it’s up to her. Does she want dessert? She says she’d love that, and the host leaves. So does he guess?

Brook holds up a towel, and Chase gets out. He says he told her that he could prove it, and thanks her for the towel as he puts it around him. She thanks him for what he did, and the view was impressive. She wants to keep it to herself and doesn’t want the MetroCourt guests getting an eyeful. Not to mention, if he’d gotten caught skinny-dipping in the pool, the hotel would have called the cops – also known as his colleagues – and it would have been really embarrassing. He says, it’s just a misdemeanor, but now she knows that he’s willing to break the rules for her. They kiss.

Elizabeth and Finn share what looks like chocolate lava cake, and Elizabeth says, this is so decadent. Not like her at all. He asks if she’s talking about the dessert, and she says, the dessert, being the last people in the restaurant, keeping the waiter late… She asks if he doesn’t want anymore, and he says he wants more, and kisses her.

Portia says she’s cutting back on her hours at work so she can spend more time with Curtis at the hospital. She knows how eager he is to get home, but they both have to face the fact that his recovery is going to be a process. His prognosis hasn’t been determined yet, and they just don’t know so many things. They don’t know if he’s lost the use of his legs short-term or maybe longer, but either way, they’ll adapt. He says, she sounds like she has some very specific thoughts in mind, and she says, as much as she loves their beach house, there’s a lot of stairs in that house. Maybe it would better suit them to rent someplace that’s all one-level, so he doesn’t have to deal with any stairs at all. He says he doesn’t want them to give up their home, but she says she’s just trying to plan for their future. They can hire a contractor. A contractor can modify the house and make it more livable for Curtis. Curtis says, no. That’s not what they’re going to do. If he’s never going to walk again… She says, they don’t know that’s the case, and he says, but it’s a likely possibility. And if that is the case, she’s not going to remodel their home. What she’s going to do is let him go. Ugh. I hate when they play martyr.

Dex tells Dante that he and Josslyn were in the park with Trina the night Curtis got shot. They took Trina to the hospital. She’s been so worried about her father, and she’s Joss’s best friend. So that’s what they were doing. Dante says, wow. That’s nice of him. He was convinced Dex was doing something for Sonny at the hospital. Bennet tells Dante to come look at the records check on the victim, and Dante tells Dex, wait here. Dante comes back in a hot second, and tells Dex that he’s free to go. If they have any more questions, they’ll find him. Actually, this guy is from Pautuck and did time in Pentenville. Any of that ring a bell with him?

Sonny says, if this Mason character has been threatening Ava for months, especially if she knew it involved their daughter, why didn’t she come to him? She says she thought she could handle it herself… and Sonny yells, this Mason guy has something on her. He has leverage. What is it? What does Mason know that he doesn’t? What? She says, he knows that she killed Nikolas.

Tomorrow, Josslyn asks who Dex was expecting; Ava says she’ll do what she can to protect her; Sonny says he’s going to take care of everything; and Curtis says, there’s no way in hell that is happening.

🚪 Closing the Door…

Thank God they finally picked a lane.

👠 Not Who You Think…

How do you finesse going to prison into not hurting each other?

🗽 Six Degrees Of LVP…

I have to admit I’m surprised. She wasn’t too impressive on RHONY, and came off as an immature, spoiled brat.

🍸 Must Be In the Water…

More surprises. Why is she giving out the awful advice that Rachel/ Raquel/Rachel should milk the Scandoval cow?

On the other hand, can’t blame her here. Suckerfish Hoppy was quite the nightmare.

🦥 You Too Can Have Weird…

They’re still cute.

🚬 Dave’s Not Here…

Join me tomorrow for soap and kicking a few oranges around the OC. Until then, stay safe, stay exercising self-control, and stay not going for best two out of three if you’ve already won.

February 10, 2023 – Willow Wants Arrangements Made, Duke Dialog, Reaction, His Honor, For Shame, Halftime, Puppies (!), One More Than Ten Quotes & Groove

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Curtis comes downstairs in his tux. Marshall and Drew are there, and tell him how great he looks, but Curtis says, all eyes are going to be on his lovely bride. Drew asks if he has the jitters, but Curtis says, not one, and Marshall asks, what’s his secret? Curtis says, today, he gets to marry the woman he loves, and he’s never been more sure of anything in his life.

Jordan sees TJ at the hospital, and asks if he shouldn’t be with Curtis, getting ready for the big day, but TJ says he’s still a resident, and has to put in the hours. He’s just wrapping up. He wants to see if he can get Aunt Stella to come to the wedding, but she keeps insisting she’s not feeling well, and doesn’t want anyone to catch what she has. But they both know there’s more going on here, don’t they.

Portia flashes back to Jordan telling her, it might do her some good to unburden herself, when Josslyn knocks at the dressing room door. Portia asks where Trina is, and Josslyn says, she’s making a phone call.

On the phone, Spencer tells Trina that he almost crashed the rehearsal dinner, but realized it wasn’t about him. He didn’t want to pull the focus on the bride and groom. She says, he might be halfway decent at this father thing after all, and Portia overhears the end of the conversation.

Austin arrives at Windymere, and asks Ava, what’s so urgent? She says, they have to move her ex-husband.

Finn says, Nik is just gone? and Elizabeth says, after their argument, he must have realized she could confess to the police. Finn says, that changes everything.

Nina tells Sonny that she was going to attend Curtis’s wedding, but that was before they got the bad news about Willow. He says he’s sure Curtis will understand, but it would give them a few hours to get out of the hospital. He doesn’t think Willow’s condition is going to change tonight. She asks how she can leave her daughter’s side, even if Willow doesn’t want her near her.

Willow says, it’s time they have the talk, but Michael says he’s not giving up. She says she’s not giving up either, but they have to start thinking about his life without her. She says she needs him to face the truth; she’s going to die. I kind of don’t get this, since it’s not like he’ll have to fend for himself.

Laura comes to the church early, and Taggert says, it’s been ages since they’ve seen each other. He came early to double-check security, and she says, better safe than sorry. They can’t get the cop out of him, can they? He says, not when it comes to his daughter or her mom. Why is Laura hear earlier than everyone else? She says she’s officiating this wedding. Apparently, Stella wasn’t well enough to come.

TJ says, Aunt Stella might be feeling guilty, since she meddled with Portia and Curtis when they first got back together, but Jordan says, Stella gave all of Curtis’s girlfriends a hard time, including her. She eventually comes around. He says, they know Aunt Stella is the best at punishing herself; she’s probably overblowing an upset stomach. Jordan suggests Stella might be concerned about her own recent health scare. She just wants Curtis to be happy; they all do. He asks how she’s handling today. It must bring up a lot of emotions. She says she and Curtis weren’t meant to be; there were too many secrets between them. He asks if she thinks they’d still be together if things had been different, but she says, they couldn’t have been. The secrets she was keeping were because of her job. The only thing she could have changed is letting the truth come from her, instead of someone else. She tells him that he should go, and to wish Curtis well for her.

Curtis says he knows Drew has a lot on his plate with Willow, but Drew says he’s where he needs to be. Not that he has a lot to do. Curtis isn’t nervous, and didn’t even let Drew throw him a bachelor party. Curtis thinks they might be a little too old for that, and Marshall says, you always think you’re old until you get older. Then you realize how young you really were. Drew says, at least they’re going to have a toast, and goes to get the drinks. Curtis asks Marshall if everything is okay, and Marshall says he’s just a wee bit overwhelmed. All those years of not being there for Curtis, he never knew they’d have this relationship. They still have miles to go, but standing by Curtis’s side means everything to him. Curtis says, it means everything to him too.

Trina asks if Portia is ready to put on her dress, but Portia says, there’s plenty of time for that. Josslyn says she’s going to check in with Olivia, and make sure the MetroCourt ballroom is set up for the reception, and talk to Laura. She asks if Trina is sure she doesn’t want to talk to Laura, but Trina says, Josslyn is going to have to face Cam’s grandmother at some point. Josslyn leaves, and Portia says, with Stella under the weather, there’s going to be an extra seat at the main table if Trina wants to invite a friend.

Ava says, they have to move Nikolas to the Pine Barrens right away, and Austin asks, why? Nikolas’s body is safely tucked away in a tack room closet. Didn’t they agree to wait until the curiosity about his disappearance died down? She says, that was before she spoke to Elizabeth. Just as she feared, Elizabeth is feeling guilty about what she and Nikolas did to Esme. How long will it be after Elizabeth turns herself in, that the police will get here and discover her late husband’s body?

Finn asks if Elizabeth has reconsidered turning herself in, but she says she thought she made her position clear. He reminds her that she said she was going to sleep on it, and she says, she did. She woke up more convinced than ever of what’s right. She even had Scotty come over this morning. She didn’t get into particulars… He says, it’s good to get legal advice. He sort of spoke to a lawyer himself. He didn’t use any names and spoke in hypotheticals, but this lawyer said her best bet is to testify against Nik, and the prosecution will focus on the main culprit, but Nik took off. He’s probably long out of the range of the law. Doesn’t that change the calculus? She says, not for her.

Michael says, it’s a setback, a big one, but Willow can’t be certain she’s going to die. She says, they’re running out of time to make sure everything is in place, and he asks what she means. She says, what she wants for Wiley and Amelia, and for him. So she knows when she’s gone, arrangements will be made, and they’ll be okay. He doesn’t want to hear it, and gets up, but she says, if they don’t do this now, everything she’s done will have been for nothing. She risked her health and safety to make sure Amelia would have a fighting chance at life. She can live with those consequences, but if he doesn’t sit down and talk with her about arrangements for Amelia and Wiley, and what life she wants them to have, about who will help him take care of them, and what they’ll be told about her when she’s gone, she won’t be at peace. He sits back down, and she says she’s so scared about what’s going to happen to him. It would be easy for him to bury himself in work, but she doesn’t want he children raised by nannies. She needs to know he’ll keep going, and one day, the three of them will be happy again. She needs to know her family will be okay and someday move on. They’re both crying, and he says he doesn’t want to give up hope. She says she loves him so much for that, but right now she doesn’t need hope. She needs peace of mind. And he’s the only person who can give that to her. A nurse needs to check Willow’s vitals, Michael says, of course (🍷), and leaves.

Drew comes back with glasses and some scotch, and Curtis says, it’s a special occasion. He’s got the good stuff downstairs. He leaves, and Drew says he wants to apologize to Marshall for all the background check stuff that went down, but Marshall says, that’s all in the past. There is something Drew can do for him. His greatest fear is that he has some kind of episode today. He hasn’t had one in years, but given this big occasion, he’s afraid he might give in to the pressure. So if Drew gets any sense he’s going to cause a scene, promise he’ll get Marshall out of there without any disruption. Drew says, absolutely, and Marshall thanks him and says he doesn’t want to ruin Curtis and Portia’s big day.

Trina says, Josslyn is going to be there, so she’ll have a friend with her, and Portia asks if Trina is actually going to make her say it. Trina says, what? and Portia says, if Trina wants to invite Spencer, she’d be okay with that. She’s never going to say he’s her favorite person, but she’s noticed Trina getting closer to him. She wants her special day to be special for Trina too. Trina says she’ll think about it.

Austin says he’s confused. Last night and this morning, Ava was all out of sorts, and now she’s all business. She says she loved Nikolas. It was a dark and twisted kind of love, but it was love. He says he believes it, and she says she doesn’t know what his story is, or why he decided to help her, but they’re bound together now, and they’ve got to get going. Ava hears Spencer call her name, and he bursts into the sitting room. He says, sorry. He used his key and let himself in. She asks what she can do for him, and he says he wants to know what went down between her and his father last night. Spencer asks for some privacy, and Austin steps out of the room. Spencer asks what Austin is doing here, and Ava says, they became friendly after he treated her for her hook wound. Spencer says he played the blackmail video for his father, but he refused to sign over the rights to the baby. He got the definite impression Nikolas was going to come here to confront her. Since then, he hasn’t answered any of Spencer’s calls or texts. He just wants to know if Nikolas is going to fight him for custody. She says she doesn’t think Nikolas is going to be a problem for him anymore.

Elizabeth tells Finn that she can’t live with this hanging over her for the rest of her life, always wondering if Nikolas or Ava will change their mind, and throw her under the bus. Finn says, Nikolas can’t throw her under the bus without throwing himself too, and his answer was to skip town. She says she went along with the plan because she thought she was protecting her son and this entire town from Esme. Once they found out Esme wasn’t The Hook killer, she and Nikolas said nothing. They withheld the truth, and The Hook killed again, her colleague Britt Westbourne. Britt’s dead because of her.

TJ arrives at Curtis’s, and says he wanted to try and rally Aunt Stella into coming, but no luck. Curtis says, it would be nice to have his whole family there, and TJ says, how sick can she be? Curtis says, she’s probably just nervous about her recent health scare, and TJ says, that’s what his mom said; he ran into her at the hospital. Curtis says he hopes Jordan knows, despite everything that went down, he’d love to see her there tonight. TJ says, she knows that. Understandably, she’s a little in her head today, but wanted him to send her best, and tell him that she’s happy for him. All of them are.

Terry says, sorry she’s late; she got held up at the hospital. Portia says, with a family full of doctors, if anyone understands, it’s her. Trina, Josslyn, and Terry wait, and Portia comes out in her wedding dress. I suck at describing clothes, but it’s got long sleeves, which I appreciate, and is super low cut. It’s got tasteful cut-outs and sparkly adornments, and a train that she can attach to her hand – I love those. Trina says, she’s the most beautiful bride ever. She’s beyond gorgeous, but Trina thinks they’re forgetting something. Something old, blue, borrowed, new. Josslyn says, the dress is new, and Portia says, her brother Zeke gave her this brooch that belongs to her mom. We see it pinned to the bouquet, and Trina says, they have new and borrowed, so she’ll handle the old and blue. She opens a jewelry box to show a charm that has a doctor’s symbol on it, and says, remember the suffrage project she did in high school? Portia says, of course (🍷) she does, and Trina says, she read about a doctor named Priscilla Johnson and she had a charm like this one. She found this a while back and wanted Portia to have it. Portia asks, why? and Trina says, she was ahead of her time and it inspired her, the way Portia inspires her every day. Portia says she absolutely loves it, just like she loves Trina.

TJ says he knows the toast is the best man’s job, but asks Drew to indulge him. To his uncle, the man who spends so much time looking out for everyone else. It means so much that they get to stand up for him on the happiest day of his life. Drew tells them, he couldn’t have said it better himself, they clink glasses, and drink. Drew says, now they have to get the groom to the church. It’s time for him to get married.

The nurse says she’ll see Willow in an hour, and leaves. Nina slips in, and Willow asks what she wants. Nina says she understands that the stem cell transplant isn’t happening. She wanted to tell Willow that she’s really sorry, and she’s sorry she wasn’t a bone marrow match, and couldn’t save Willow’s life. Willow says, not everything is about Nina, and Nina says, she’s right. That’s actually why she came by. She takes off her half-heart necklace, and says she found this necklace with Madeline’s belongings. Willow asks if the story has a point, and Nina says, for years she convinced herself this was Madeline’s way of connecting her to her daughter. That’s how self-absorbed she is sometimes. She thought the necklace had to do with her, but it had nothing to do with her; the necklace was linking the sisters together. Her twin daughters Madeline separated from each other. She knows Willow wants nothing to do with her or her sister, but this necklace is Willow’s. Willow turns her back to Nina, and Nina stands there for a moment, then puts it on the nightstand and leaves, closing the door. I can’t stand Willow. There, I said it.

Elizabeth says, Britt was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Britt is dead because of the choices she made. Finn says, Elizabeth has been beating herself up for a while, but he can’t help feeling she’s transferring residual guilt she feels about Reiko onto Britt. Please don’t do this because she thinks she needs to pay some kind of penance, or thinks he’s holding a grudge against her; he’s not. She doesn’t need to be absolved by him or anyone else. She says, maybe she needs to be absolved by herself, and he says, even if the police knew where Esme was, it wouldn’t have prevented anyone from getting hurt. The prosecution will be out for blood, and with Nik gone, she’ll be left to pay the price. Is that justice? The guy responsible for this is out walking free, while she risks being taken away from her boys? She says she woudn’t be someone they’d be proud of if she didn’t do this.

Ava tells Spencer that Nikolas came to Windymere last night. He was livid that she’d given Spencer material to use against him in his custody battle. He said he couldn’t trust that Ava wouldn’t turn him in after Spencer got custody. She’s so sorry. His father left town, probably the country. She doesn’t think he’s coming back to Port Charles, not after all the bridges he’s burned. The only two people in his corner are his mother and his Uncle Victor. Spencer says, he left without saying goodbye? and she says she’s so sorry. His phone dings, he looks at it, and says he has to go. All he can say is, good riddance. He leaves, and Austin says, she’s really good. She says, no time for compliments. They have a body to move. He says, that’s not going to happen.

Elizabeth asks Finn how she’s any better than her parents. How can she expect her boys to be better when she’s setting a bad example? How can she ever find peace? She’ll always care about him, and Violet will always be her niece, but if she’s honest, their underlying issues were exacerbated by his need to be her hero; protecting her instead of trusting her to handle things. She knows it’s from a good place, but needed to handle her trauma in her own way, and she did just that. Now she wants him to let her handle this in the way she sees fit. For the sake of the family they’ll always share, she’s asking him not to fight her.

Austin says he’s not helping Ava with the body right now, and she asks if he didn’t hear her. Elizabeth is having a crisis of conscience. If she goes to the cops, the first thing they’re going to do is search the property, and look for where Esme was being held captive. He says, people get caught when they’re impulsive, and they should be smarter than that, methodical. It’s the middle of the day. Her super handsome stepson just waltzed right in here. What would have happened if he’d seen them putting his tarp-wrapped papa in a rowboat to get him off the island? That would have been really uncomfortable. They would have been screwed. She says, that’s a fair point. Does he have a plan? He says, no, but he knows enough not to do it in broad daylight. They should wait for the cover of darkness. Isn’t she supposed to be at a wedding? They don’t want people asking why she was a no-show, or worse, stopping by to find out if she’s okay. She says, fine. After the wedding, they’ll meet back here, and take care of the body. She starts to leave, then says, she knows why she has experience in these extreme situations. Remind her to ask why it comes so naturally to him.

Terry says, the guests should be arriving soon; they should mingle. She and Josslyn leave, and Portia tells Trina that she loves the charm, because it reminds her of the amazing young woman Trina is. She’s going to carry it with her always. Trina says she’s grateful for Portia every day. Portia makes her so proud to be her daughter. Portia says, Trina makes her proud every single day, and Trina says she knows she didn’t always make it easy, but Portia says, she’s an angel. Stress is part of the job of being a parent. Trina says she meant she didn’t always make it easy for Portia and Curtis at first, but Portia says, that time has long past. Every choice she’s made in her life, it’s been with Trina in mind. Just because she’s walking down the aisle, doesn’t mean that will change. Trina is the love of her life.

Laura says, Curtis looks fantastic, and he says he’s just keeping up with his bride. He knows she’ll look amazing. Laura says she needs to prep, and jets, when Taggert walks in. He says he thinks it’s time he and Curtis had a talk.

Michael comes back to Willow’s room. He asks about the necklace, but she says, it’s nothing that matters. He says he’s sorry if he made her feel unheard, but she says he doesn’t need to apologize. They’re in this situation because of decisions she made without giving him a say. She doesn’t get to dictate how he deals with this. He says he’ll never give up hope on her, but if it gives her peace of mind to make preparations for a future she might not be part of, he can do that. She thanks him, and he asks where they start. She says, finally an easy question. He can start by marrying her.

Sonny asks how it went with Willow, and Nina says she didn’t expect it to be easy, but she thought if Willow knew there was a mom looking for her, it would give her the strength that she needs. She asks if they can get out of here, and he says, home or to the wedding? but she says they don’t have time to get ready for the wedding. He says he had Frank bring her dress just in case, so it’s ready if she is. He’ll follow her lead. She thanks him.

Finn tells Elizabeth that he doesn’t like it, and disagrees with it, but it’s not his decision to make, and he respects her choice. If she likes, he’ll be there with her every step of the way. She thanks him, and he says, for the record, he wasn’t trying to be a hero; he was just trying to do right by her. Do him one small favor. Don’t go to the station tonight. Call Scotty in the morning, and have him coordinate everything with the police. She says, okay. She’ll try not to let the family know anything is wrong. He says, she doesn’t have to wait alone. There’s a little shindig they’re both supposed to be at, and he thinks Portia would appreciate her being there. And if she needs anything, there’s a guy across the aisle who cares about her.

There’s a knock at Portia’s bedroom door, and Terry says, the church is starting to fill up. Her phone dings, and she says, Elizabeth’s on her way. Trina says she’ll see Portia out there, and Portia tells Trina that she loves her. Trina says she loves Portia too, and leaves.

Ava comes out all dressed up, and Austin says she looks really nice. She says, thanks, let’s go, but he says he thought he’d hang out here until she got back. She tells him that she said this binds them together, not that she trusts him. Come on. He follows her out.

Josslyn says, if she had to come to a wedding without a date, she’s glad she’s with Trina. Trina says she hates to break it to Josslyn, but she has a date. Josslyn says, what? Who? Spencer walks in.

Taggert says, he and Curtis never really talked about how Curtis and Portia got together back then, but Curtis says, this isn’t the time. Taggert says, just hear him out. Whatever happened back then doesn’t matter. Today is about the future, and he sees how great Curtis is for Portia, and the sacrifices he’s made for Trina. He sees they’re going to have a bright future. Curtis says he certainly didn’t expect that, and thanks Taggert. Taggert says he knows this doesn’t make them family, but he’s glad Curtis is part of his daughter’s. He’s a good man. They shake hands, and Curtis says, Taggert is a good man too.

Portia checks herself out in the mirror, when there’s a knock at the door. She opens the door and sees Jordan. She asks what Jordan is doing here, and Jordan says, stopping Portia from making the biggest mistake of her life.

On Monday, Jordan asks if Portia can really walk down the aisle with this hanging over her; Michael says he needs Willow to do something for him in return; and Nina asks if Carly will be joining Drew.

🕶 Live and In Person…

On YouTube anyway, February 17th.

👛 More Than Two Cents…

Why shouldn’t Bethenny comment? She’s done her time. Brandi really needs to go directly to the unemployment line, no passing go, no collecting Bravo dollars.

👨‍⚖️ You Should Be Watching…

It was so long between seasons, I’d actually forgotten about Your Honor, but it’s back, and worth the watch. Great story and an amazing cast. My advice though, start from the beginning.

https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/2023/01/22/bryan-cranston-on-exploring-grief-and-depression-in-season-two-of-your-honor/

https://www.salon.com/2023/01/22/rosie-perez-your-honor/

🤬 Blood Officially Boiling…

What possessed this woman to make a comment like this? Not to mention, Melanie Lynskey is a superb actor, while she’s a model who married Christopher Knight, and did a bunch of reality shows.

🥁 Bowl, Wings and Chill…

Halftime. That’s what it’s really all about, isn’t it?

https://parade.com/entertainment/super-bowl-2023-halftime-show-rihanna

In related RiRi news…

https://parade.com/entertainment/super-bowl-2023-halftime-show-rihannahttps://pagesix.com/2023/02/10/rihanna-gets-met-gala-inspired-wax-figure-before-super-bowl-2023/ 

I admire the audacity to rank.

https://www.avclub.com/super-bowl-halftime-shows-ranked-1850091017

🐶 And Of Course…

What it’s really all about for me.

https://parade.com/tv/puppy-bowl-2023

You get a puppy! And you get a puppy!

https://ew.com/tv/puppy-bowl-2023-puppies-kittens-you-can-adopt/

👩🏽‍🏫 Quotes of the Week

The rule is to dress for the job you want. 🔸  I can’t come to work dressed like an astronaut. – Mandy (Molly McCook) and Kyle (Christoph Sanders) respectively, Last Man Standing

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

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

A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad. Theodore Roosevelt

As to wishing it had not happened, one can’t help momentary wishes: guilt begins only when one embraces them. You can’t help their knocking at the door, but one mustn’t ask them in to lunch.C.S. Lewis, from The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume III

Leaders who win the respect of others are the ones who deliver more than they promise, not the ones who promise more than they can deliver. – Mark A. Clement

No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has. – Henry Ward Beecher

Have no fear of perfection; you’ll never reach it. – Salvador Dalí

The opportunity of a lifetime is to pick yourself. Quit waiting to get picked; quit waiting for someone to give you permission; quit waiting for someone to say you are officially qualified… and pick yourself. – Seth Godin

That food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. – Ann Wigmore

What did Columbus discover? People were already here. It’s like crashing your car into Starbucks & saying you discovered coffee. – Jimmy Kimmel

🥙 Bowl Me Over…

Make a return trip on Monday really Tuesday for soap, the latest Deck, and my derogatory comments about the godawful Summer House coming back. Until then, stay safe, stay taking it a minute at a time if you have to, and stay never moving a body in broad daylight. Wait for the cover of darkness.

December 14, 2022 – Obrecht Opens Up To Nina, GH Daredevil, Podcast Feud, Bump On Deck, Nope, Hanukkah Pets (!) & If

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Jordan asks Rory about the Landry case, and says she heard he waited in the ER with the wife for two hours. He says he didn’t want to leave her before she was seen, but he was off the clock. She says he’s not in trouble; quite the opposite. Mrs. Landry came in today; she’s going to press charges against her husband. He says, the way she was talking, he wasn’t sure, but Jordan tells him, the wife said it was because of him. She said her husband never would have sat there for that long, unlike him, a complete stranger. She decided she deserves better. Nice work.

At Kelly’s, Dante thanks Cameron for the coffee, when Spencer walks in. Cameron hugs him, and says he had no idea Spencer was out. This is awesome. Dante says, welcome home, and Spencer thanks him. Cameron wonders if he got the dates mixed up, but Spencer says he got out a few weeks early. Dante says he hopes Spencer learned a thing or two, and Spencer says, not to get caught. He’s kidding. He has no intention of going back to prison, so from here on in, he’s going to play by the rules.

As they walk down the hall at the hospital, Britt tells Brad that she’s never hosted a party before, and she wants this to be epic. He says, it will be. The good people of Port Charles will be talking about it for years to come. She says, something to remember her by, and he says he did want to talk to her about the invitations. She says, he sent them out, right? and he says, they all got sent out. She asks, what’s the problem then? and he says, there’s no problem. He just noticed that a certain someone wasn’t on the guest list… Cody?

On the phone at the Bistro, Maxie tells her mom, that’s fine. They’ll get together another time… Nothing is wrong… She means it. They’ll talk another time. She sits rubbing her forehead, when Cody says he’s impressed. Listening to her, he’d believe she’s okay, but just one look… She asks if it’s that obvious, and he sits down. He asks if there’s anything he can do to help, and she says, he’s under no obligation. Now that they know Mac isn’t really his father, they’re not related, so… He says he’d like to think they’re friends, and she says, okay. He says, so lay it on him. What’s up?

At the gym, Nina asks if Sonny is ready to show her his moves, and he says he did that last night. She says, and then some. His boxing moves. They see Obrecht, punching the hell out of the heavy bag, and Sonny tells her, go. Nina goes over to Obrecht, and says, Aunt Liesl, but Obrecht continues to punch wildly. Nina tells her, stop. Get ahold of herself. Nina pulls her away, and sees she’s crying. Obrecht says she’s not ready. Dex comes in, meeting Sonny by the ring, and Sonny says, the meeting is set for tomorrow. Is Dex ready? Dex says, ready as he’ll ever be.

Brad says, not that he would blame Britt for excluding Cody after what he did. He still can’t believe Cody was supposed to be her perfect match. She says, he hasn’t heard? Society Set-Ups is a fraud. He says, is it ever, and she says, no, literally. That Zelda woman is a front for Spinelli. He says, so the company is just some dressed up dating app? and she says, yeah. He says he knew it, but she says, no he didn’t, and he admits he didn’t. But he should have after they found out Cody was only after that necklace. She says, joke’s on him. He lost the jewels and the girl. Brad says he really thought Cody was better than that, and she says, like he’s never gone after a guy for his bank account. He says, obviously, but rolling in dough isn’t what comes to mind when he thinks of her. All she does is work. She picks up an invitation and says, hello? Party? He says, it’s a good first step, but will it stick? She asks what he means, and he says, when will she start enjoying her life?

Maxie tells Cody, Austin blackmailed Spinelli. Can he believe that? Who does something like that? Cody asks if he had a good reason, and she says, a good reason for threatening someone? He says, that totally came out wrong. What exactly did Austin do? She says, it doesn’t matter, and he says, she seems to think it does. She says, he claimed he just wanted to make sure they were a good match for each other, but if what he really cared about was a relationship, why didn’t he just talk to her about it? Cody says, because sometimes that’s a really hard thing to do, and she asks why men are terrified of feelings. That wasn’t a rhetorical question. He says, so now he’s speaking for all men? and she tells him, he said he wanted to help her, so help her understand why men do stupid things. Why they take the arguably more difficult route, when they could just open up to the person they’re close to.

Nina tells Obrecht, look at your hands. Why would you do this? She says, stay here, and walks off.

Sonny says he’s not going to need Dex until tonight, so he can take the afternoon off, and Dex says he won’t argue with that. He’ll see Sonny tonight. He leaves, and Nina asks Sonny if there are ice packs in the back. Her Aunt Liesl’s knuckles are in pretty bad shape. He says, even with the gloves? and she says, the weird part is, it’s like she wants to be in pain. He asks if Nina is worried, and gives him a look. He says he’ll get some ice.

Rory thanks Jordan for telling him about Mrs. Landry. It means a lot. She says she knew it would. That’s what makes him a good cop; he goes above and beyond for his community. Keep it up. He says he plans to, and she asks if she’ll see him at the holiday party. He says, they can bring a guest, right? and she says she takes it things are going well with Miss Trina Robinson. He laughs, and she says, that well. He’s fortunate. Trina’s a very special person. He says, doesn’t he know it.

In the home of the hallowed moss bowl🎍, Trina says, Spencer’s Uncle Victor got him released early, and Josslyn says, typical. She’s so glad Spencer’s out of that place. Trina says, so is she, and Josslyn asks why they’re talking about Spencer. She asked Trina about Rory. Trina says, because Spencer and his uncle showed up at the PC Grill, and Josslyn asks if they ruined her night. Trina says, Rory loves her, and Josslyn says, as in, he acts that way, or he said those words. Trina tells her, he said those words; all three of them, and Josslyn asks why Trina didn’t tell her. Trina says she is telling her, and Josslyn asks what she said back. Trina says, nothing. She was so floored. She never expected it. It’s too soon, right? On their three-month anniversary. They haven’t even slept together yet. Josslyn says she guesses it’s a little quick, but is that the only reason Trina hesitated? Trina says, why else? and Josslyn asks how Trina felt when Rory told her he loved her, besides shocked, and Trina says, she felt scared. Josslyn says, that’s not a good sign, and Trina agrees. She likes Rory, and likes him more as she gets to know him. He’s sweet, considerate, and really makes her feel special. Josslyn says, but Trina’s not in love with him, and Trina say, not yet at least. Josslyn asks if Trina is sure it’s time holding her back, or is it her feelings for Spencer?

Spencer says he misses this place, and Dante bets Cameron could get him his old job back. Spencer says, let’s not go overboard. Luckily, he doesn’t need the paycheck anymore, now that Ava has kindly given him access to his own money. Dante says, good luck with whatever comes next, and Spencer thanks him. Dante leaves, and Cameron says he can’t believe Spencer didn’t text him that he was back, but Spencer says he’s been a little busy. Cameron asks, how’s reentry? and Spencer says, it’s interesting. He’s staying at Windymere. Not by choice. It’s a condition of his release to stay with his uncle, who’s unfortunately living with his father. The plan is to spend as little time there as possible. Cameron says, winter break just started, so he’ll have plenty of time to hang out; so will Joss. Has Spencer reached out to her that he’s back? Spencer says, Trina’s the only person he’s seen so far, and Cameron asks, how’d that go? Spencer says, not great.

Cody tells Maxie, trust him. He’s not the guy she wants to go to for relationship advice. She says, things not going so well with Britt? and he says, things aren’t going at all. She says, yikes, and he says he had a choice. It was the wrong one apparently. Britt doesn’t want anything to do with him. She says, that could change, and he says, doubtful. She says, he’s messed up before and Britt got over it. It could happen again. He says, what about her? Is she going to get over this issue with Austin? She asks if the whole point of this conversation isn’t that she doesn’t know, and he asks if she wants to forgive him. She says, isn’t that the same question? but he says, no. You can be mad and be done with someone, like Britt, or you can be mad, and still want to work things out. She says, or you can be mad, still want to work things out, but be terrified he’s not the person you thought he was.

Spencer asks how the rest of the fall semester went, and Cameron says, it was busy. He had a lot to do with soccer and school and work. He didn’t have much time to do anything else. He barely saw Joss. Spencer says, they’re good though, right? and Cameron says, they are. Spencer says, good. He couldn’t come back home to everything having changed. Cameron asks if Spencer watched the news in Pentenville, and Spencer asks if that’s code for, does he know his ex-girlfriend is running around town attacking people with a hook? Cameron says he’s glad he doesn’t have to tell Spencer, but they’re not sure it is Esme. Spencer says, she attacked his mother and he’s defending her, but Cameron says, no. He’s just saying, it’s one thing to push someone and cause them to fall, but it’s a totally different level to murder someone. Spencer says he has to hand it to Cameron. Some things never change; Cameron always sees the good in people. Cameron says, lucky for Spencer, and Spencer says he knows it. His friendships with Cameron and Joss are pretty much the only things that make sense right now. He’s trapped at Windymere for the rest of his sentence, and then, who knows? Cameron asks if Spencer is going to apply at PCU, but Spencer says, that doesn’t start until the fall. Maybe he’ll head to Stahl for some skiing. He always did like the après life. Cameron asks, what happened to being his own man, and not living off of someone else’s money? and Spencer says, easier said than done. Cameron says, so that’s it. Spencer is just going to leave and go back to Europe. Spencer says, why not? It’s not like anyone is keeping him here.

Trina says she’s not in love with Spencer, but the moss bowl🎍 is skeptical, and Josslyn asks if she said that. Trina says, it was strongly implied. How could she love someone that she can’t even trust? But every time she sees him, it’s like some part of her wakes up. Does that make sense? Josslyn flashes back to telling Dex, try being honest, and Dex kissing her. She says she gets it, and Trina says, it’s like she’s drawn to Spencer, even though she wishes she wasn’t, and she doesn’t have that same pull with Rory like she wishes she did. Josslyn asks if she’s going to break up with Rory, but Trina says, it’s tough. Rory makes her feel good about herself. They definitely have fun when they’re together, but is that enough? Is it even fair to keep dating him, knowing how he feels about her when she doesn’t feel the same way?

Nina asks if Obrecht wants her to call Scotty, but Obrecht says, he’s out of town on business. She’s fine, really. Just go. Nina says, Jay would never forgive her, and Obrecht says, her precious Nathan. Nina says, with Christmas coming, she’s been thinking about him a lot. Is that what’s wrong? Obrecht is missing Jay more than usual? Obrecht says, a mother should have more time with their child, and Nina says she wholeheartedly agrees with that, but they have James. And he’s looking more and more like his daddy every day. Jay lives on. Obrecht says, but Britta won’t.

Dante tells Jordan that he has an update on the Hook case, and Rory asks if he can stay since it has a connection to Trina. Jordan says, of course (🍷), and tells Dante to fill them in. Dante says, the lab was able to identify the venom found on the hook. It comes from a secret highly venomous semi-aquatic snake. He hands Jordan the report, and she asks where one would find such a snake. He says, according to the herpetologist at the PC Zoo, not around here; not in the wild anyway. They come from the South Asia Islands. She says, they’d have to smuggle it into the US, and he says he looked up arrests for smuggling exotic animals into the US. They’ve only had five in the Port Charles area in the last ten years. She asks if he can get on it as soon as possible, and Dante says, will do. Rory says, it’s been two months since Oz Haggerty was killed. Could this mean she’s done? Jordan says, it could, or it could mean she’s nice and rested, and ready for her next victim. She’d like to believe the attempts are over, but serial killers rarely stop on their own. Rory says, it’s the longest break so far, and Dante says, the wait up to Haggerty’s killing was two weeks; it’s a lot longer than that. Rory asks if that’s good news, and Jordan says, no one dying is good news, but it’s premature to think the killer is done. She could have been arrested for another crime, or left town for some reason. Dante says, whoever she is and wherever she is, she’s got to be stopped and brought to justice.

Britt asks if Brad can talk to the manager about how early they can get into the Haunted Star the day of the party, and he says, yes, ma’am. She says, and on her end, she needs to find amazing shoes that she can still dance in, set up a massage for that morning, talk to her lawyer… Brad says, a little extreme, no? He knows people will sue at the drop of a hat these days, but does she really need to see her lawyer? She says she didn’t mean to bring this up today, but since they’re here, she’s talking to her lawyer about her will. He says, she’s scaring him, but she says, don’t be scared. It’s just this whole mess with the necklace, not knowing who it belongs to, reminded her that it’s important to write things down. Besides, it’s the responsible thing to do. Does he have a will. He laughs, and says, all he has to leave to posterity is a fabulous wardrobe. She says, it is fabulous. Just so he knows, she’s leaving everything to him.

Trina tells Josslyn and the moss bowl🎍 that she agreed to meet Rory’s parents. Before the whole love thing, he invited her to his family’s Christmas Eve, and it sounds pretty casual; people coming and going all day. It seemed like the next step. Josslyn tells her, that was before he said what he said, and Spencer showed up, and Trina says, it was so much easier when Spencer was away. Is that horrible? Josslyn says, she’s just being honest, and Trina says, now that he’s home, she’ll probably be seeing him everywhere. Josslyn says, she can always avoid him, but Trina says, that’s not sustainable. And she’s supposed to be hanging out with Rory. What is she going to say? She doesn’t want to date Rory just because she can’t have Spencer. She doesn’t even want Spencer. Josslyn says, but she does, and Trina says, but I do.

Spencer asks how Trina is doing, and Cameron says he thought Spencer saw for himself last night. Spencer says, they didn’t exactly have a heart-to-heart. She said there’s no way for them to start over. Cameron says he’s sorry, but can Spencer blame her? and Spencer says, no. He just wanted to make sure her life was back on track after he completely derailed it. Cameron says, Trina is doing well, and Spencer says, good. She’s happy with Rory? Cameron says, seems like it. Rory’s a good guy. Spencer says, Trina deserves nothing less, when Dex walks in and goes to the counter. Spencer asks, who is that guy? He looks familiar. Cameron says, his name is Dex; he works for Sonny. Spencer says, right. Isn’t Cameron going to take his order? Cameron says, he can wait, and Spencer says, Cameron really doesn’t like him. Cameron says, Dex is a wannabe gangster. Joss was convinced Sonny wanted to hurt him. Spencer says, Cameron just told him Dex works for Sonny. Why would Sonny want to hurt him? Cameron says, remember how Ava was the first Hook victim, and Josslyn found her at the Quartermaines? Dex was there too. He helped Joss get Ava to the hospital. He was also at Charlie’s the night Brando got attacked, and he was at Brando’s garage when Diane Miller got attacked, so… Spencer says, seems like a pattern to him, and Cameron says, Sonny saw a pattern too. That’s why he had him… detained. Spencer says, detained how? and Cameron says he doesn’t have all the details, nor does he want them, but Sonny got Dex out of police custody and Dex just vanished. Josslyn figured Sonny was behind it, and went to Pozzulo’s to look for him. Spencer says, obviously she found him; he’s standing right there. Cameron says, it’s more complicated than that. The guy who was questioning Dex was not listening to Josslyn, and she had to call Michael for back-up. That’s when things got heated dangerous. Spencer says, that’s ridiculous. Sonny would never let any of his people hurt Josslyn. Cameron says, all he knows is that it was a major confrontation. If Joss wasn’t mad at Sonny before, it’s on a whole other level now. Spencer says, Joss is upset because her mom and Sonny split up, and now Sonny’s moved on to Nina, so he sympathizes, but Sonny’s always been more than decent to Josslyn. Cameron says, it’s not about that. Whatever happened at Pozzulo’s, whatever Sonny did to Dex, Josslyn hates him for that.

Nina tells Obrecht that she doesn’t understand. Did something happen to Britt? Obrecht says, she’ll never have children, but Nina says, she could change her mind about that. Obrecht says, when Britta’s gone, there’ll be nothing, and Nina asks why she keeps talking about Britt leaving. Obrecht says, it’s not her story to tell, and Nina says, that may be true, but it’s obviously tearing her up. She has to let it out. Obrecht says, nein. This is obviously a moment of weakness. She gets up, and says she can keep the secret. She will keep the secret. Nina says, Aunt Liesl, and Obrecht stops. Nina says she just reminded Obrecht that they’re family. Obrecht can tell her anything. She’s not going to tell anybody. Obrecht can trust her. Obrecht says, it’s too much, and Nina says, let her shoulder some of the burden. She won’t tell anyone. Trust her. Obrecht starts to cry, and says, Britta is sick. She has Huntington’s disease. Sitting on a nearby bench, Sonny overhears.

Brad says he’s a beneficiary of Britt’s will? and Britt says, sole beneficiary. Don’t look so shocked. Who else does she have to leave it to? He asks how much they’re talking about here? A vacay in Cabo, or… never mind. That’s so not the point. She says, the point is for him to be independent. She hopes he uses the money to get away from Aunt Selina and start fresh. He says, that’s depressing, and she says, which part? He says, the prospect of still running errands for his aunt decades from now. Not unless she plans on dying tomorrow. She says, that is not the plan, but it’s always good to be prepared.

Cameron tells Spencer, Josslyn told him that her family’s been covering for Sonny all her life. That he doesn’t deserve it; that he belongs in prison. Spencer says, speaking as someone who just got out of prison, that’s pretty harsh, and Cameron says, she means it. She says Sonny’s not who they think he is. She’s seen the truth, and wants nothing to do with him. He’s not saying whatever Sonny did to Dex was okay, but the guy went to work for him, and he’s still working for him. Spencer says, exactly. Josslyn has no idea what Dex did to get in trouble with Sonny, or how badly he may have screwed up. For all they know, Sonny is going easy on the guy. Cameron says, don’t tell Joss that, and Spencer says, obviously this Dex is manipulating her. If Joss is mad at Sonny, she’s going to jump on anything that makes him look bad, and Dex knows that. Dex asks if anyone works here, and Spencer says he thinks that’s Cameron’s cue. Cameron asks what he can get Dex, and Dex says, a cheeseburger to go, medium rare. Cameron says, coming right up, and goes in the back. Spencer says, Dex, right? and they shake hands. Dex says, and he is? Spencer says, Spencer Cassadine; he’s Sonny’s nephew. Dex works for Spencer’s uncle, right? Dex says he does, and Spencer says, which means Dex works for him.

Trina asks Josslyn if she’s really going to break up with Rory right before the holidays. Is she that person? Josslyn says, it’s never a good time to end a relationship, and Trina says, no, but there are very, very bad times. And say she and Rory break up, that’s no guarantee she and Spencer will have a future. He asked if they could start over, but she doesn’t think they can. Josslyn says she wishes she had the answers, and Trina says, Spencer has hurt her so many times, and now he’s going to cost her Rory too? It’s not fair. Josslyn says, it’s not, but Trina’s not the only one in this. Rory is involved too. So if she’s honest with him, not about wanting Spencer, but about not feeling the same way, it’s up to him to stay or not. Trina says, that’s true. Rory can decide for himself. It’s still going to be so awkward. Like, thanks for loving me, but I don’t feel same way? Maybe she’ll wait until after New Year’s. Josslyn says, no. She has to do this. Cam deserves to know the truth. Trina asks where that came from, and Josslyn says she meant Rory obviously. Trina says, Josslyn is right. If she wants something real with Rory, she has to be up front with him.

Jordan thanks Dante, and says she wishes she could send more detectives to the case, but they don’t have the manpower. He says, that’s okay. He’ll just work as efficiently as he possible can. She says she knows she will, and Rory asks if Dante wants him to drop the report on his desk; he’s heading out. Dante says, sure, and Jordan says, that’s actually perfect, since she wants to talk to Dante about something else. Rory thanks her for letting him sit in, and leaves. In the hallway, he looks inside the folder, and takes a photo of something with his phone.

Nina tells Obrecht she remembers how relieved they were when they found out Jay didn’t inherit the gene, but Britt did. Obrecht says, if only Cesar was here; she’d kill him herself. Nina asks if Britt is having symptoms, and Obrecht says, trouble swallowing, muscle spasms, and it’s only going to get worse. How does she do this? She cries, and says, the thought of sitting by helpless, watching her Britta waste away. She doesn’t have the strength. Sonny joins them, and says she’s going to find the strength because her daughter’s going to need her. Obrecht looks like she might kill him.

Maxie says, Austin lied to her, and Cody says, yeah. She says, excuse you? and he says, when you like someone, you want to show them the best version of yourself, so you massage the truth a little bit. Like saying you love to cook, when in reality, you only know how to make pasta. Or you talk about your love of exercise when you haven’t seen a gym in weeks. She says, he’s right. He’s terrible at giving relationship advice. And yes, people are on their best behavior for the first few dates, but if you want to go the distance with someone, you’re going to have to open up and show then who you really are. He shakes his head, and she says, that’s it, just no? He says, no one wants the real him, but she says, that’s a cop out and he knows it.

Brad tells Britt that he’s got his marching orders; time to go to work. He starts to leave, but turns around, and says he know acts aloof and above it all sometimes. She says, sometimes? And he says, but this will thing, it really means the world to him. She tells him, what can she say? He’s been there for her when no one else has. He knows her better than anyone. He’s her best friend in the whole world. He says, they’re more than a best friends; they’re family. They hug, and Britt says, cue the violins. She lets go of her phone, and Brad picks it up, asking, what was that? She rubs her arm, and says she was just at the gym too long this morning. So run along. The party’s not going to plan itself. He looks at her, and she says, what? He says he’s excited about the party, don’t get him wrong. He guesses he’s confused about the magnitude of it. She never celebrates her birthday; she never even mentions it. Why is this one such a big deal?

Dex says, if he works for Spencer, that’s news to him, and Spencer says, his uncle listens to him. So Dex would be wise to do as he says.

Cameron is sweeping outside, when Joss comes by with a bunch of toys in her arms. She him if Toys for Tots is still going on, and he says, yes, but… She asks him to get the door, and he opens it. She goes in, saying, she did not want to miss it. She sees Spencer telling Dex, stay away from Josslyn Jax. She says, excuse me?

Obrecht says, how dare Sonny eavesdrop on a private conversation? Is he happy to see her brought to her knees like this? He says he doesn’t want to see her in any pain, but she says, liar. Nina says, she has every right to be upset, but it’s not fair to take it out on Sonny. Sonny tells Nina that he’d like to say something, and Obrecht asks why she should listen to him. He says he went through something similar to what she’s facing with his own father. She says, he had Alzheimer’s, and Sonny says, when he found out, it was the worst moment of his life. He thought he’s already lost his father, but he was wrong. At the end of his father’s life, there were flashes of his old self. When his memory loss started setting in, and his defenses were going away, he saw another side to his father. They were so honest with each other; more honest than they’d ever been before he got sick. Alzheimer’s takes a lot… But at the end, those times they had… they were a gift. We all get teary-eyed. Nina says she’ll call Obrecht tonight, and Obrecht tells her to remember… Nina tells her, she won’t say a word to anyone. She promises. Obrecht takes Sonny’s hand, and thanks him for what he said. They hug, and she cries some more. Obrecht leaves, and Nina hugs Sonny, and cries. She tells him, Aunt Liesl has done horrible things to people Sonny loves, and he reached out to her. He says when he sees someone suffering like he did with his dad, he just helps, that’s all. She says, it’s not just that’s all. It’s everything.

Cody says, Maxie feels like she doesn’t know the real Austin, and Maxie says she thinks it’s become increasingly clear that she doesn’t. She asks if he thinks he’s seen the real Britt, and he says, glimpses, but yes. She asks if he likes her, and he says, very much. She says, then don’t give up on her, but he says he’s not sure he’s being given a chance. She says, trust her. Britt just needs time.

Brad asks, what’s so important about this party? and Britts says, the party’s just an excuse. He says, for…? and she says, she wants to be more than the woman who fell in the MetroCourt pool; the sucker taken in by Cody’s con. She wants people to see her in all her glory. Does that make sense? He says, it does. And that’s exactly what she’s going to get. She has his word. This party will be a once in a lifetime experience.

Josslyn says she heard Spencer was out, and he says, home for the holidays. Josslyn says, speaking of holidays, indicating the toys in her arms, and Dex starts to step forward, but Spencer says, let Cameron help her. Josslyn says, she can do it, and puts the toys in the box. Dex tells Cameron to cancel his order; he’ll go somewhere else. Since you can’t please him, Spencer says, no. Dex ordered, so he’s got to pay, but Cameron says, no, he doesn’t. Dex says, not a problem. He looks at Spencer, and says, Spencer’s uncle pays him well. He pulls out a stack of cash, and counts out some bills, when Spencer sucker punches him, surprising us all.  

Jordan opens her office door, and Trina is there. Trina asks if Jordan has seen Rory. She asked at the front desk, but no one can tell her where he is.

Rory walks down a hotel room hallway (not sure if it’s the MetroCourt), to room 82. He bangs on the door, and it opens. He says, PCPD. Anyone home? He goes inside, and the door slams shut.

Tomorrow, Curtis tells Alexis, they have to be careful with this information; Ava asks Nikolas to tell her what’s behind this; and Dante busts into the hotel room.

🦈 First Turkeys, Now This…

For a good time, call Bruce.

⚔️ Dueling Wives…

First World problems.

👶🏼 Baby On Boat…

I guess this means she’s permanently retired from yachting… sniff…

💍 On the Other Hand…

Although I’m not sure why you’d want to get engaged if you have no plans to wed.

🐈 Mazel…

Pets enjoying the holiday.

🏂 Off To Jingle Some Bells…

Join me tomorrow for soap, and an ending to the fiasco that is Winter House. Until then, stay safe, stay pacing yourself with holiday foods, and stay not taking the arguably more difficult route, when you can just open up to the person you’re close to.

August 19, 2022 – Austin’s Cousin Is In Town, Mason, Leaving, Wedding Aftershock, Shahnanigans, Cheshire Wives, Wedding Album, Dead Tales, Reviewing Dragons, Lucky Amount of Quotes & Time

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Cody says, Britt has questions about him? Good, because he has questions about her too. Which is why it’s good to have date number two. They can learn more about each other. Britt says, much more, and he says, for starters, how does she feel about anchovies on pizza? She says, he’s assuming she likes pizza, and he says, everybody likes pizza. She says, that’s the problem with assumptions. Everybody doesn’t parachute into a pool, then punch a mother’s boyfriend, and announce they’re the son of said boyfriend’s dead wife. He says, now she knows something about him, and she says, he asked about her father before. Why does Cody keep asking about him?

Outside Kelly’s, Alexis says, even though she provides headlines for The Invader, the only headlines she wants to know about right now are from her girls. She, Molly, Kristina, and Sam sit at an outside table, and she asks, who’s first? Molly says, Kristina; she’s got the best news. Alexis says, goodie. What’s up? Kristina says she was promoted to manager at Charlie’s, and Alexis says, congratulations. Well done. Kristina thanks her, and says she’s pretty happy about it. Alexis asks if she sees much of her dad, and Kristina says, he doesn’t own the pub anymore, but he comes in fairly often, so it’s good to spend time with him. Alexis says, even though he’s with Nina? and Kristina says, is she happy dad’s in a relationship with Nina? No, and she was clear about that. She also told him that she’s in no position to throw stones, and he appreciated that, so it doesn’t really effect their relationship. Alexis says, look at her adulting, and hugs Kristina, saying, her baby’s all grown up. Molly’s turn. How’s it going in the DA’s office? Molly says, as Alexis knows, ADA Arden maneuvered her off Trina Robinson’s case because she felt Molly was biased. Kristina says, which is untrue and unfair, but isn’t it a silver lining that Molly doesn’t have to try someone in TJ’s extended family? Molly says, definitely a silver lining, but she hates that no one gives the system a chance to work the way it actually should. As a prosecutor, it’s her job, or should have been her job, to make the strongest case against Trina, using the facts for support. Then Trina’s defense attorney – Diane in this case – makes the strongest defense, and the jury gets to decide. But Jennifer Arden wanted to prove a point. She followed the letter, but not the spirit with her case. At least it ended with the right verdict… this time. Kristina says, tell mom what she’s thinking, and Molly says, about following in Alexis’s footsteps and going over to criminal defense. Alexis says, whatever Molly does, Molly has her full support, and Molly thanks her. Alexis says, Sam’s turn. She’s awfully quiet, so is no news good news?

Dante walks in as Olivia is on the phone, asking if they remembered to order the special picnic dessert… Okay. Also, make absolutely sure that Leo’s donkey head is just what they discussed… Perfect. Thank you. She’ll be in touch. Dante asks what that was all about, and she says, the first annual Quartermaine picnic to support the GH Children’s wing is tomorrow, and her frozen desserts, the pièce de résistance. He says, with a donkey’s head thrown in? and she says, naturally. Leo’s summer theater camp is doing a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He’s playing Bottom. He says, the character that turns into a donkey. He must be so excited. He gets to play the donkey. He’s going to kill that. Does he need help with running lines? She says, he already has somebody helping him get into the role, and Dante says, let him guess; Chase? She says, Dante’s friend Cody.

Spinelli frets about management checking the chlorine level in the pool, and Maxie tells him, live dangerously. Take the plunge. He can start by forgetting about Britt, and finding someone who’s a better fit. He asks who she has in mind, and she says, no one specifically, but generally, she should be a match for his heart and his intelligence, have an appreciation for his unique perspective. A sense of humor couldn’t hurt, and it’s not absolutely necessary she be into sci/fi, but a basic knowledge of the Star Wars universe would help. So no, he’s not going to meet her at a business conference or whatever, but that’s what computer programs are for, right? She still doesn’t understand why he won’t try his own algorithm, and he says, there’s no need. His brief infatuation with Dr. Westbourne is already fading. He’s put her in the rearview mirror, so to speak. She asks if he’s been holding out on her. Who’s the lucky lady?

Finn tells Violet, she has her sunblock on, but it’s still not good to get too much sun, and she puts on her sunhat. Gregory says, translation: I know what I’m doing, dad, and Finn says, of course (🍷) she does. He situates Violet in her chaise, and gives her a book. She thanks him, and he tells Gregory that he can’t help it. He loves Violet. He told Elizabeth that he loves her. Gregory says, big step, and Finn says, that’s why he can’t look the other way, even if she hates him for it.

Elizabeth looks at the crushed tube in her bloody palm, when TJ walks in. He asks, what happened? She says she was examining Scotty’s nose… He asks how she cut her hand, but she says she doesn’t know. She clutched the tube, and it just seemed to shatter. TJ asks her to let him take a look, but she says, it’s nothing. He says, it’s a nasty cut, and there are glass shards embedded… She says she can take care of it. She’s sure he has patients to deal with. He says he does, and she’s the first one. Has this ever happened before? She asks what he means, and he says he knows she took some personal time for stress. Did Scotty say something to upset her?

Gregory asks if Elizabeth said she loved Finn back, and Finn says, she did. That’s before he blew it all to hell. Gregory asks how Finn managed that, and Finn says, there’s something going on with Elizabeth beyond the sleeping pills she was taking. Something that involves her parents, maybe her father. Gregory says, let him guess; she wasn’t forthcoming. Finn says, not in the slightest, and Gregory asks if that doesn’t tell him maybe he should drop the subject. Finn asks who he’s talking to. Isn’t Gregory the one who told him to analyze a problem from all sides, and come to a rational conclusion? Gregory says, not when it comes to the heart. There’s nothing rational about emotions. Finn says, now you tell me. There’s a million possibilities, but everything tells him that Elizabeth’s issue involves her family, especially since she keeps acting like they don’t exist. Violet asks if Aunt Elizabeth is seeing ghosts again.

Maxie says, if Spinelli doesn’t fess up, she’s going to throw him in the pool, but he asks what he has to confess. She says, if he’s over Britt, who is he pining for? and he says, a luminous creature; a beacon of warmth and intelligence… with a working knowledge of Star Wars. She asks if they know how he feels, but he says he’s only been worshipping her from afar. If things were different… Austen comes in, and Maxie says, oh my God, throwing her arms around him and kissing him.

Kristina says, they’re all concerned for Spencer, but why would Sam want to talk about him and not Dante? Molly says she kind of has the same feeling. Is everything okay with them? She just wants Sam and Dante to be as happy as she and TJ are. Sam says, she and Dante are very happy… They were happy, until… until he suggested they move in together.

Dante tells Olivia, last he checked, Cody wasn’t a drama coach. How’s he going to help Leo? She says she doesn’t know. He knows about horses and donkeys and stuff. Anyway, Dante should see Leo up on the stage, prancing around and braying. She’s never seen that kid more confident. He says he’s happy Leo and Cody have made fast friends, and he asks if she needs any help with this picnic. She says, he could find that embarrassing apron, and help her with the grill. Before she forgets, she saved seats in the front row for him and Sam for Leo’s play. He says, cool, sounds good, and she says, really? Because his face is telling a different story. He says, it’s fine, ma, and she says, now she’s really worried. He tells her, he said, everything is fine, but she says, Dante Angelo Falconari. From the time he was four years old, she knows when she hears him say, it’s fine, ma, in that tone of voice, she knows two things. A, it’s not fine, and B, he’s trying to hide something from her. Sometimes it’s something completely innocuous, like the time he broke Aunt Cia’s lamp. He says, that damn lamp again. It was hideous, and he was seven. She says, did the family offer up a silent prayer of gratitude for the lamp? Yes, but that’s not the point. The point is, she heard a crash, she asked, what happened? and he said, it’s fine, ma. Just like the time he got drunk for the first time, or the first time he got shot. He should just stop ducking and dodging the question, and tell her what’s really going on. He says he thinks he messed up with Sam.

Cody says, whoa there. He mentioned Britt’s father once, she shut him down, and he never mentioned him again. She says, he failed to mention their fathers knew one another, and he asks how she found out. She says, her mother, and he asks what Obrecht said exactly. Britt says, that Cesar Faison and Leopold Taub had – air quotes – dealings – end air quotes – with one another, and he says, isn’t it weird that their fathers knew each other? She says, weird doesn’t even begin to cover it. He could have told her that from the start. He says he barely knew her. Hell, he didn’t even know Leopold Taub was his father until a few months ago. At the same time he got poleaxed with the news that Dominique was his mother, and her mother’s schnitzel got a fortune that should have been his. She says, as he knows, that fortune belongs to a bunch of beluga whales thanks to Scotty’s daughter Serena. So he can kiss it goodbye. He says, that’s harsh, and she says, he wants harsh? Let’s talk about her family tree. Does he remember when she treated his cracked ribs after he received that beatdown outside of The Savoy? He says he’s probably not going to forget that, and she says, then does he also remember asking her about her parents? He was particularly interested in her father, and – what did he call it? – his legacy. He says, her point? and she says, her point is, why didn’t he tell her then that his father and her father not only knew each other, they did business together. What else is he keeping from her? He asks if she’s proud being Cesar Faison’s daughter, because he looked up Leopold Taub, and he’s not proud either. That whole cartel thing he had going on, and yeah, Cesar Faison was listed as one of his members. So when Dante told him that she was Faison’s daughter… She says, he smelled an opportunity, but he says, no; he smelled trouble. His first instinct was to run as far away from her as possible, and never look back. She asks, what stopped him? and he says, gratitude, for her scraping him up in that alley, giving him his 50 back, driving him all the way to Dante’s… Plus, he liked the smell of her perfume. Gardenias, right? She says, camellias, and he says, close. He liked her crooked smile, and the way she always sees the glass as half full – of strychnine. She asks if that’s a compliment or a cheap shot, and he says he just liked her. But if that’s not good enough, he’ll stick to horses. She can go back to Society Set-Ups and see if Zelda can do better next time. He brings a box into the stables, and when he comes back out, she’s still there. He asks if something is keeping her, and she says, her mother said the matchmaker may be more accurate than she thought.

Olivia says, she thought Dante and Sam were in a good place, and he says, they are. He should have left it there. She says, as opposed to… and he says, as opposed to asking Sam to move in with him. She says, it makes sense, all the time they spend together, and he says, that’s what he was thinking. They spend all this time together, they like each other, they have fun, and when the kids are together, it’s like the most perfect thing in the world. Sam thinks he’s rushing it; that he has to work through some stuff. She asks, what kind of stuff? and he says, like feelings. She says, like his feelings for Sam, or…? He says, for Lulu, and she says, he knows she loves Lulu. She prays everyday that Lulu will come out of that coma, but he’s moved on with his life. Lulu moved on with her life before the explosion. She was going to marry that teacher, wasn’t she? He says, she was. Dustin handed him the ring to give to her before he passed away. She says, Sam’s got to be aware of that, that Lulu was moving on with someone else. He says, it’s not Lulu’s feelings Sam’s talking about. She thinks he’s papered over his feelings. She says, has he? and he says, there’s a big part of him that thinks he should have been able to save her. Olivia hugs him, and says, her wonderful sweet boy. He didn’t put Lulu in that coma. That was Cyrus Renault’s fault. Even if he could go back in time, it’s still Cyrus Renault’s fault, with Julian Jerome doing his dirty work. He says, if he had just gotten there earlier, but she says, don’t do that. If he’d gotten to The Floating Rib earlier, she would have lost him too. No. They’re living in the here and now; that’s what matters. What matters are his feelings for Sam.  

Molly says, so Sam and Dante are moving in together, but Sam says, she and Dante are not moving in together. Kristina says, why not? and Sam says, like she told Spinelli, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Kristina says, moving in together doesn’t fix a bad relationship, it makes a good one better. Molly says, she and TJ had their doubts about sharing everything, even the rent… but Alexis says, let her alone. Kristina says, they’re not pressuring Sam. She’s in a committed relationship with a loving, supportive partner; not everyone gets that lucky. Sam says she knows she hit the jackpot, and Molly asks, what’s the problem? Sam asks if they can not talk about this, and Alexis says, absolutely. Now tell her what’s going on.

Maxie says she thought Austin was going to be gone for days, but he says he got through his business quickly. He tells Spinelli, in fact, he got through his business at warp speed. He came back to be with Maxie, and she says, he did? He says she sounds surprised, and she says, she thought all that talk about family… He says, what talk about family? and she glances at Spinelli, and says, never mind. The important thing is, he’s back. He says, he is. Back for good. Spinelli rolls his eyes.

Finn asks what makes Violet think Aunt Elizabeth is seeing ghosts, and she tells him, he just said,  they don’t exist. Gregory says, her daddy was just talking about her grandpa and step-grandma and how she never sees them. Violet says, okay, and goes back to her book. Finn thanks Gregory, and says, he has to get back to GH. Does Gregory mind? Gregory says, no, and Finn says, everything he needs is right there. Gregory says he’s getting kind of hungry; is Violet? She says she’s so hungry, and Finn tell her to be good for grandpa. He’ll see her back home. They exchange I love yous, and he says, eskimo? They rub noses and he leaves.  

TJ says, he’s let Epiphany know he’s sending Elizabeth home after the x-ray. She should not hold a steering wheel. He’ll call Finn. She says, don’t bother him; she’ll call a Ride Share. They leave the exam room, and in the hallway, he says he’s calling radiation to make sure they get the x-ray right away. She says, he’s very thorough, and he says he thinks the word she’s avoiding is annoying, maybe even obnoxious. She says she’s the one who should apologize for being less than cooperative, and he says he gets it. For a lot of people, it’s an automatic reflex; you’re fine, keep going. He thinks on some level, it’s a survival mechanism, because we’re afraid if we slow down and admit we’re hurt, we won’t get started again. She says she appreciates the we, and he says he’s definitely been through it, and will again, but if he goes too far, hopefully there will be someone to pull him back. He picks up the phone, and says he needs to order an x-ray for a GH staff person… As he talks, Elizabeth looks at the door to the stairs. She goes to it, opens, it, and stands on the landing. She looks down the stairs, and falls forward. It’s all in her head, and TJ asks if she’s okay. She says, absolutely, and he says, radiology can take her now. They leave, and she gives the door one last look.

Cody says, he had quite the interaction with Britt’s mother, and Britt says, when she twisted Cody’s arm behind his back for punching Scotty? He says he can see her mother’s no pushover. He bets Cesar Faison met his match with Liesl Obrecht. She says, no. Don’t let her black belt in karate fool him. Deep down, her mother is a born romantic. She’s actually the one who signed Britt up with Society Set-Ups. He says, remind him to thank her, and Britt says, he punched her boyfriend in the nose. She doubts her mother is interested in a thanks from him. She did suggest they have something in common. He says, really? Tell him something. Did her dad ever mention his?

Austin thanks Spinelli for keeping an eye on Maxie while he was gone. He hates thinking of her alone. Spinelli says, that makes them even. He hates thinking of her with the wrong people. Maxie says, Austin’s timing is perfect. Tomorrow is the first annual Quartermaine picnic for the Children’s wing at GH. Spinelli says, given Austin’s resentment of the Quartermaines, he may choose to skip the picnic, in which case he offers himself as escort to Maxinista. Austin says, that’s very kind of him, but he can handle the Quartermaines if Maxinista can. She says, how about if both of them escort her to the picnic? Mason suddenly bounds in, and asks where Austin’s manners are. Isn’t Austin going to introduce him to his friends?

Sam asks how she can move in with Dante when Lulu is still so much a presence in that house. She doesn’t go there often, but when she does, all she sees are her kitchen, her books, her furniture, or at least the furniture they picked out together. Alexis says, maybe he’s leaving those things around for Rocco’s sake; for Rocco’s comfort. Sam says, fair enough, and it all makes sense, but it’s still really awkward for her. Alexis says, she gets it. For what it’s worth (🍷), she hasn’t seen Sam this happy in a long time. Whatever Dante’s doing, he’s bringing out a peacefulness in Sam that no one else has managed to. And Sam brings joy to Dante’s life, because no one’s seen him this joyful since he came back to Port Charles. She’s pretty certain he’s not seeing Lulu when he sees Sam. Sam’s phone dings, and she says she’s got to go. She tells Alexis that she loves her, and Alexis says she loves Sam more. Sam leaves, passing Gregory and Violet on their way in. Violet says, that’s the lady in the park who grandpa hit with the frisbee, and Alexis says, that’s her.  

Finn asks, what happened to Elizabeth’s hand? and she says, it’s just a cut. TJ says, according to the x-ray, they got all the shards, and she tells Finn, she was just holding an empty collection tube, and it shattered. TJ says he has to check on a patient, and asks if Finn minds waiting until Elizabeth’s Ride Share comes. Finn says, sure, and TJ tells Elizabeth, go home and rest. She says she will, and he leaves. Finn says, forget about the Ride Share; he’ll drive her home himself. She says, what about his patients? and he says he’ll get someone to cover. It just shattered in her hand? She says, it wasn’t an accident. He deserves to know the truth. They go into an exam room, and she says she wasn’t watching what she was doing. He asks, what was distracting her? and she says, for one thing, walking in on him and Terry talking behind her back. He says, that’s his fault, not Terry’s, and they didn’t mean to upset her. She says, he upset her. He doesn’t think she’s capable of  taking care of herself. Why doesn’t he trust her? He says, he’d trust her with his life, but he’s not exactly clear on how just mentioning her family is a violation of that trust. He means no disrespect by that, but he wants to know how to fix things between them. She says, there’s nothing to fix, and he says, if that was true, she’d tell him what really caused her to cut her hand.

Kristina asks Gregory and Violet to join them. She and Molly would love to her all about the frisbee. Violet says, it was an accident, and Gregory thanks them, but says, he and Violet will find another table. Alexis says, don’t be silly. She always enjoys Violet’s company. He tells her, Finn told him that she said he was pestering her, and she asks if she actually used the word pester. He says, according to Finn. He vigorously denied it of course (🍷), but if that’s how she feels, he’ll pester her no longer. Alexis says, don’t go, and tells him to pull up chairs for him and Violet. After all, it’s not every day you get to have lunch with the Davis girls.

Dante tells Olivia, when he asked Sam to move in with him, in retrospect, it probably did catch her off-guard. They were at the Hatchet Ranch… She says, that’s romantic, and he says, it was just one of those things. He’d been thinking about it so much, and he thought Sam had to be on the same page, or at least thinking about it too. When she didn’t say yes immediately, he was thrown off. He backed off. He didn’t want to pressure her. Olivia says she thinks she knows where this is going, and Dante says, they talked it out; at least he thinks they did. He told her that he loved her, and he’d wait as long as she wanted to wait to move in together. He thought they were good. She says, but then the question of whether to move in with each other or not grows from this small manageable thing to this giant elephant that’s taken up permanent residence, not just in the room, but in his psyche. Probably Sam’s psyche too. He says, he doesn’t want to mess this up. He feels like he did, and doesn’t know what to do next. She asks if he’s open to a suggestion, and he says, please. She tells him, stick to basics. What does he want to happen with Sam? He says he wants them to have a life to together with their kids. They don’t need to live in the same place; it doesn’t matter to him. Olivia pats his chest, and says, stick with the feelings; it’s all about the feelings. The living arrangements, all that can wait. It’s all about the feelings. He says he loves her. He wants to trust her and support her, and try to make her as happy as she’s made him. Sam comes in.

Austin says, this is his cousin Mason, and Mason says, country cousin from Pautuck. Maxie says, Austin didn’t tell her that he had a cousin coming into town, but Mason says, don’t blame Austin. He’s a hot-shot doctor. Sometimes he forgets where he’s from, even though the family’s so proud of him. Spinelli asks, what brings him to their fair city? and Mason says, family, while Austin says, business. Mason says, family business. They were hoping Cousin Austin would have stayed longer. Austin says, he did what he had to do when he was there. Now he’s here in his home, Port Charles.

Britt says, whatever unholy alliance her father made with Cody’s ended before they were born. Unless there’s something else he’s not telling her. He says, their fathers knowing each other is just a random coincidence; something they have in common. But isn’t she the least bit curious about what Leopold Taub and Cesar Faison were up to? She says, he never knew his father. Unfortunately, she knew hers, and she’s been trying to live him down ever since. So if he wants to go digging for skeletons in that closet, he can do it alone. She starts to leave, but he grabs her hand, and says, she’s right. Whatever their fathers did, died with them. He’s card player… She says, not a very good one, and he says, it depends on the players, and the game. He lets her hand go, and says, his point is, he always factors the odds and figures them out. What are the odds that on that day, he would parachute into that pool… She says, and almost drown her, but he says, she got a little wet. And if he didn’t say it then, he’s saying it now – she looked gorgeous. She says, now he’s trying to flatter her, and he says, he thinks she looks good soaking wet; so sue him. She says she considered it, and he tells her, just keep in mind, he can’t afford a lawyer, so there’s no way he could pay for the damages. She says, don’t worry. She’s not going to drag him to court, and he says he knew she couldn’t be that hard-hearted. They laugh, and she says, that GIF of her climbing out of the pool is just now coming down everyone’s feed. She doesn’t need to draw more attention to it. He says, so he’s being saved by her self-interest, and she says, bingo, but he says he doesn’t buy it.

Olivia says she has Quartermaine picnic stuff to see to, and tells Dante that she’ll see him later. She tells Sam that it’s nice to see her, and leaves. Sam says, so the Quartermaine picnic fundraiser is tomorrow? and Dante says, his mom’s been going crazy with that. Plus she has Leo’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; he’s playing Bottom. He’s pretty excited about that. She says, and him? He says, that depends on whether or not she’s going with him. I have to mention that A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a pretty ambitious play for a summer theater camp in Leo’s age group.

Alexis says, that was delicious. Anyone for desserts? Violet says, ice cream sundaes for all of us, and Alexis says she likes Violet’s style. She liked it the minute they met. Violet says, as much as Alexis likes her grandpa? and Gregory apologizes for his granddaughter; she apparently has no filter. Alexis says, don’t apologize at all. And to answer Violet’s question, Alexis likes her grandpa… ‘s writing. She doesn’t always agree with it, but it’s never boring. Violet says, never. Alexis should hear one of his bedtime stories.

Spinelli asks how long Mason is in town, and Mason say, it depends on his cousin. Austin tells him, he thinks they said all they needed to say back in Pautuck, but Mason says, not quite. He can’t leave until Austin understands how much he means to his family back home. Austin knows how much they expect from him. Besides, he was hoping Austin would show him the sights in Port Charles. Although he doesn’t have to look much further than this lovely lady. Spinelli says, this lovely lady’s not on the tour, and not reading the room at all, Maxie says she has an idea. Why doesn’t Mason come to the Quartermaine picnic tomorrow? Austin says he’s sure Mason has better things to do, but Mason says he can’t think of one. He hears the Quartermaines are practically royalty. Too bad cuz here missed out on the family jewels.

Elizabeth says, Finn is right; it wasn’t just an accident. He asks, what happened? and she says she was thinking about all the time he’s wasted worrying about her; time they’ll never get back. She just got so angry, she crushed the tube without realizing it. He says he knows what it’s like to keep that kind of anger inside. Is there any chance that’s only part of it? Could the anger be about something else, something in her past, something she barely remembers? She tells him, stick to infectious diseases, and leave the psychiatry to Doc.

Austin says he’s made peace with his father’s family, and Mason says, that’s their Austin. Some folks say money buys happiness, but Austin was raised right. Austin says, thanks, and suggests he and Maxie get out of here. Spinelli tells Maxie, Georgie, James, and Bailey Lou are with her parents, but Mac and Felicia aren’t going to want to babysit all night. Can they talk childcare before she leaves? Maxie tells Austin, one second, and they’ll go, and steps away with Spinelli. Austin tells Mason, there’s no way he’s going to that picnic, but Mason says, watch me.

Alexis says, who knew the eminent Professor Chase was capable of blushing? but he says he doesn’t blush. Violet says, yes he does. He blushed when daddy saw his name in The Invader, and said he was famous. Alexis says, he was famous already academically; he now has a wider audience. Gregory says he wasn’t looking for fame, just for fairness in journalism, and Alexis says, it’s okay to enjoy some attention. Everyone likes attention. He says, he’s not everyone, and she says, that’s for sure.  

Elizabeth asks how many times she has to tell Finn; she’s fine. Now she has to meet her Ride Share. She tells him, let’s not fight anymore. She really hates it. She kisses him, and he says he hates it too. She leaves, and Finn flashes back to Gregory saying, if he disregards Elizabeth’s wishes, it could cost him the relationship; and him saying, he could stand losing her if he knew she would be okay in the end. He makes a call, and says, this is Dr. Finn for Dr. Webber. Is she available?… Yes. Tell her Hamilton Finn called. He needs a consult with Dr. Webber about someone they have in common.

Sam says, of course (🍷) she’ll go to Leo’s play, and Dante says, cool. His mom said she’d get them good seats. She says, Olivia is going to worry about seats after everything she’s got to do tomorrow? and he says, speaking of tomorrow… and she says, she told him, of course (🍷) she’ll go to the picnic. They both start talking, and she says, him first. He says, they don’t have to rush through this. They can just take it slow. They’ll know when the time is right, and just take it slow like she wanted to. She says, yeah, and hugs him.

Cody says, Britt wants to come off as selfish and uncaring, but it’s just not true. She says, yes it is, and he asks, then why did she help him out in that alley behind The Savoy? Why didn’t she just pick up his last 50 and walk off? She says she wishes she did, and he says, really? She says, no, but he was pathetic, crawling on his hands and knees, all bruised and broken. He says he never got to thank her properly for that rescue, so let him do it now. She says, how? and he says he’d like to invite her to the Quartermaine picnic tomorrow. There will be so many people there, it’s not like a date. She says, when he words it like that… She accepts. He says, shall they shake on it? They do, and he says, see her tomorrow. She says, tomorrow, and leaves. Outside, she smiles.  

On Monday, Brook says she would never use Chase; Jordan asks why she gets the sense TJ is trying to get rid of her; Ava says she has truths that will lay Spencer to waste; and Willow won’t accept that.

🍃 Leaf From the Family Tree…

A little bit about the cousin we never knew Austin had.

https://soapdirt.com/general-hospital-comings-goings-austin-holt-shady-cousin-says-fan-fave-returns/

🩺 Nooo…

Kudos to her for prime time and all, but I hope she comes back. I like Britt.

More in depth than In Depth.

https://www.thelist.com/969983/the-real-reason-kelly-thiebaud-is-leaving-britt-and-general-hospital-behind/

🛀 Love Bubble Suds…

Teresa being her usual horrible self.

I wonder if her hair has its own IG.

🧂 Shah’s Got Guts…

No doubt it will be the highlight of the season.

https://people.com/tv/jen-shah-real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city-costar-meredith-marks-calls-her-gutsy-amid-legal-situation/

✈️ Wives From Where…?

What the hell is this? How is it on Season 15 and I had no clue? And what the hell are those streaming services that carry it? Not that I need another bunch of horrible people to watch.

https://tvdeets.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-real-housewives-of-cheshire-season-15/

👰🏽 All the Weddings…

Better than attending them.

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-wedding-album/

⚰️ Telling Tales…

I watched the first episode, and thought it was promising. Maybe a spoiler, but the dog got it a few minutes in, and I was not pleased with them leading with it. Or including it at all. That being said, I thought it improved as the episode went on. I’m just glad to be out of Georgia.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/tales-of-the-walking-dead-terry-crews-olivia-munn-parker-posey-jillian-bell-1235198520/

🐉 About That Dragon…

I actually haven’t seen this yet.

https://ew.com/tv/tv-reviews/house-of-the-dragon-review-game-of-thrones/

🐓 Quotes of the Week

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. – Theodore Roosevelt

After a while you learn that privacy is something you can sell, but you can’t buy it back. – Bob Dylan

If you fuel your journey on the opinions of others, you are going to run out of gas. – Steve Maraboli

Dance above the surface of the world. Let your thoughts lift you into creativity that is not hampered by opinion. – Red Haircrow

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. – Buddha

Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith. – Gordon B. Hinckley

We got a whole lot of money, but we still pay rent, cuz you can’t buy a house in heaven. – Lady Gaga, You & I

💋 Come On, Barbie, Let’s Go Party…

Before you know it, it will be hoodie weather, so take a break, whether you call it the weekend or not. Soak up some sun, walk in the park, or if you’re allergic to nature, take in a movie at the theater. I hear they’re back. See you on Monday for soap and yachting on the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay sassy, and stay not letting any giant elephants take up permanent residence in your psyche. Or the room.