Tag Archives: Fredrik Eklund

December 8, 2022 – Two Surprises Arrive In Ireland, Horrendous House, Tiffany, Nominated, Novel Debut, His Thanks, Million Dollar News & Permanent

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Valentin opens the door, and Martin is standing there. Valentin says, you, and pulls him inside. He asks what Martin is doing here, and Martin says he knew one way or another, Valentin would lead him to Lucy’s killer.

Elizabeth says, sorry, but Finn says, there’s nothing to be sorry for. It felt good to have her in his arms. She says, it felt good to her too. He says he hasn’t seen much of her lately, and she says he got more than he bargained for when he came looking for Terry. He says he came looking for her.

Victor says, it’s wonderful to have Spencer here for the holidays, isn’t it? They should host a big family Christmas dinner; invite Alexis, Molly, Kristina, and maybe Samantha and her brood. Spencer suggests they not get ahead of themselves. Father hasn’t responded yet. Maybe his silence says it all. Victor says he’s sure that’s not the case. There’s no problem, is there? Nikolas says he’s just surprised to see Spencer, and Spencer says, he told Victor this was a horrible idea. His father doesn’t even want him here.

At the PC Grill, Rory asks if Trina is okay, and she says she hasn’t been out much in public lately. Her parents and Curtis have been on her case about the risk from The Hook killer. She guesses it’s gotten to her a little. He asks if she wants to leave, but she says, no; she’ll be fine. He promises she’s safe with him, and she says she knows. He says, plus, she looks way too beautiful to hide out at home. She says, he’s mentioned that a few times already, and he says, so he’s being repetitive. That doesn’t make it any less true. She says, for the record, he’s looking handsome himself, and he says he tried to step his game up, going to a fancy place with her on his arm. It’s their three month anniversary. She says she would have been just as happy celebrating at Charlie’s. He didn’t have to spend all this money. He tells her, don’t worry about it. She’s worth it.

Ryan is wheeled into the rec room, and Jordan says, per their agreement, she’s here to ask him a few questions. Does he know anything regarding the whereabouts of Esme Prince? She knows Esme was very insistent about working with him. Perhaps she confided in him? Ryan’s caregiver (who doesn’t seem to have a name) tells her that Ryan has something to say. He says, no deal. Ava comes in, apologizing for being late; traffic. Jordan says, they were just getting started. Mr. Chamberlain was hesitant to begin without her. Ava says, is that right? Well, I’m here now, so get blinkin’.

Elsewhere in Spring Ridge, a guard brings Sonny to a door, and says, this is the room. He’s afraid he’s going to have to lock Sonny in, since the patient is dangerous and considered high risk for escape, but Sonny says he’ll be fine. He asks how the guard’s dad is doing, and the guard says, fine, and thanks Sonny for getting him into Turning Woods. He’ll be right here, so when Sonny’s ready, just knock. Sonny says he won’t be too long and goes inside. The guard closes the door, and Sonny moves a chair, banging it on the floor. Heather sits up in bed, and says, Sonny Corinthos. He says, Heather Webber.

Ryan blinks, and the caregiver tells Ava, you’re beautiful. Ava says, their deal was that he answers the PCPD’s questions. That’s what gets her to stay; not compliments, cooperation. Jordan suggests they try this again. Did Esme tell him anything about herself? Any details of her past. The caregiver says, no; one blink is yes, two blinks is no. Jordan says, got it. Ryan was a patient at GH during March of this year, and Esme managed to sneak into his hospital room. Did she talk to him about anything in particular? The caregiver says, worried about me, and Jordan says, so Esme cared about him. Were they close? The caregiver says, yes, and Jordan asks if Ryan thinks Esme is capable of murder. He blinks, and Ava says, yes.

Nikolas says, of course (🍷) he wants Spencer here; this is his home. Victor says, exactly. It’s high time this family came together. Spencer says, it may be his home, but father doesn’t want him living here. Let him take a wild guess. Nikolas somehow convinced Ava to forgive him for sleeping with Esme, and now he doesn’t want Spencer back here to say or do anything that could jeopardize his horror show of a marriage. Does that sound about right? Because, despite everything they’ve been through together, Ava still comes first. He’s out of here. He starts to leave, and Nikolas says, Spencer thinks he has everything figured out, but he doesn’t. This isn’t about Ava. Victor says, of course (🍷) not. How could it be? Nikolas and Ava are getting divorced.

Anna tells Martin, she’s only going to say this once. She doesn’t know how much time she has, since her location has been breached. She didn’t kill Lucy. Valentin says he thought he got through to Martin that night at the docks, and Martin says, please. He’s willing to entertain the notion that Anna didn’t kill his Lucy. Anna says, she didn’t, which means she’s said it twice, and Martin says, which means she and Valentin are here looking for the real killer. Are they, or are they not? Valentin asks how he found them, and Martin says, it’s not rocket science, for God’s sake. He’s Valentin’s lawyer. He’s got access to Valentin’s bank accounts. When Anna went on the run, he started keeping track of Valentin’s travel plans. The minute Valentin bought a ticket to Ireland under an assumed name, he bought one too. Valentin says, Martin accessed his personal information? They’re going to deal with that when he gets home. Martin says, the point is, he’s here to help them track down whoever really took Lucy’s life. That is what they’re doing here, is it not? Hell, he’ll even represent Anna if she’s prosecuted for the jail break. Valentin says, they appreciate Martin being willing to help, but they’ve got this, and Anna says, they need to get out of here before Whitten finds them, and Martin needs to leave too, now, or he’ll be charged with aiding and abetting. Martin says he guesses he’ll have to represent himself, because he’s going with them. They’re not leaving without him.

Heather asks if Sonny is here to kill her, and he asks why she’d think that. She says, he shows up in her room in the middle of the night, and it’s a locked ward. How did he get in here? He says he goes wherever he wants; Port Charles is his town. She’d be wise to remember that. She says, okay… So what does he want? He says, she was in the transport prison van when it crashed, when Anna Devane escaped, and she says, yeah, but she didn’t try to run. She turned herself in. He says, and she went to Kelly’s and had a BLT, and she says, he would have done the same; the bacon melts in your mouth. He says, she offered to give a description to the cops of the guy who was driving the van, who they think helped Anna escape, and she says she offered to talk to the cops. She thought it might help her stay here a little longer. He pulls the chair closer to the bed, sits down, and says, he’d appreciate it if she talks to him first.

Finn says he saw Elizabeth’s dad leave. Terry told him that she’d spoken to him. Elizabeth says, for all the good it did, and he asks if Jeff is still pushing to be part of her life. She says, he’s not pushing anymore. He definitely wants to be a part of her life, but he claims this was his last effort, and he’s waiting for her to contact him now. He asks if she believes him, and she says she doesn’t know. But he’s flying back today, so at least he can’t ambush her again. He says he’s sorry Jeff is making this difficult for her, but maybe now she can process all the things she’s been feeling, and drop all this guilt. She asks if she’s supposed to feel better knowing she caused Reiko’s death, but Finn says, Reiko died from Blackwood’s. Elizabeth says, that Reiko got in the hospital recovering from the fall she caused. He says, she didn’t mean to, but she says she can’t talk with him about this. Doesn’t he understand? He says he does, but does that mean they can’t talk at all?

Rory asks Trina, how’s the exhibit the Chuck? It starts next weekend, right? She says, it opens next weekend, and wow. It’s so different from opening an exhibit at Ava’s gallery; from the concept development to watching the actual pieces being hung. And Beaufoy’s work is amazing. She was really struck by his seminal piece The Temple. He says he knows this. That’s the one with… the temple. They laugh, and she asks how he’s doing; keeping the peace, battling bad guys, and appreciating fine art. He says he has a great teacher, and she says, that’s sweet of him. She knows she has a tendency to get carried away. If she goes on and on, he can tell her to pause. He says, that’s not going to happen. He likes it when she gets passionate. He’s not working on Sunday. Maybe she could walk him through the exhibit. She says, like a vernissage? That’s a private preview of an exhibition. He says, sounds fancy. He’s not sure he rates. She says, he absolutely does, and she thought he had a pick-up game on Sunday. He says, at 4. They could go to the exhibit in the morning, and get lunch after. She says, sounds great, but she can see the paintings anytime. Is he sure he won’t be bored? He says, if he gets bored, he can look at his favorite work of art – her.

Spencer asks if that’s the truth; Nikolas and Ava are finally over? Nikolas says, Ava moved out before she was attacked, and she has no intention of ever coming back. Spencer says, they’ve split before though. Ava had to blackmail Nikolas into marrying her, and he forgave her for that. What’s stopping Ava from forgiving Nikolas? Victor says, because Nikolas knows he has no future with Ava, and Nikolas says, he made a horrible, stupid mistake, and he hurt Ava, and he hurt Spencer. Ava can walk out, but he and Spencer are family. Despite what Spencer thinks, Nikolas will always love him, and that will never change. That said, he’s afraid Spencer can’t stay here.

Heather asks why Sonny is interested in this fake driver, and Sonny says, Anna is a friend of his. If Heather gives the cops a legitimate description, they’re going to find her before he does, and he doesn’t want that. She says, if? Does he think she’s lying? He says, that’s been known to happen. How does he know she’s not making it up to stay out of D’Archam for as long as possible? Some fake description she can sell to the cops. She says, no way. She remembers that guy clear as day. He was five-tennish, blue eyes, nice build. She can’t remember his hair because he was wearing a hat, but he’s probably a blond, very cute. She’d recognize him immediately if she saw him again. Sonny says, that’s unfortunate.

Anna says she doesn’t want to hurt Martin. She doesn’t have time for this. Whitten has a lead on her whereabouts, and could be here any minute. Martin says, then they best get a move on, and both Anna and Valentin protest. Valentin says, he’ll slow them down, but Martin says he disagrees. He’s extremely motivated. He will not rest until Lucy’s killer is both captured and brought to justice. Anna says, oh for God’s sake. They have reason to believe Lucy is still alive. She has no time to explain, but the best chance he has of seeing Lucy alive again is to let them get out. Martin asks if they can at least tell him why they think she’s alive, but Anna says, no, and Valentin peeks out the window. He says, there’s a car coming up the driveway with no lights on, and she says, Whitten. He says, they have to go out the back, and Martin asks why they don’t pretend they’re not here. Anna says, the lights are on, and Valentin asks, where’s Martin’s car? Martin says, down the road, and Anna says, give her the keys. Martin hands them to her, when there’s a knock at the door. Whitten says, open up. US Marshall.

Outside, Whitten tells an agent to have his men search the grounds, but the agent asks if they don’t need a warrant. Whitten says he’ll take the heat, and bangs on the door again, saying, open up. Martin answers, and Whitten and the agent barge in. Martin asks, what’s going on? and Whitten says, where’s Anna Devane? Martin says he has no idea, and Whitten asks what he’s doing in Ireland. Martin says he could ask Whitten the same question. Wait. He did, and he’s still waiting for an answer. How dare they? He has nothing to hide. He’s here to grieve. He thought a manor house in the Irish countryside would be the perfect place to make peace with his Lucy’s passing. Whitten asks if Martin expects him to believe he’s here on vacation, and Martin says, more of an emotional retreat. Whitten tells the agent, search the house.

Spencer says he doesn’t know why he came here. Nikolas is the one who betrayed him. He should be begging Spencer’s forgiveness, and instead, he’s slamming the door in Spencer’s face. Victor says he’s sure that’s not what Nikolas meant, and Nikolas says he’s just being pragmatic. He and Spencer can’t be in the same room without Spencer going for his throat. Spencer says, so he’s to blame for Nikolas kicking him to the curb? and Nikolas tells him, he didn’t say that, but Spencer’s proving his point. He’s trying to salvage their relationship. Right now it’s too volatile, and too soon to cohabitate. Spencer asks if Nikolas hears himself, and Nikolas says, they have to maintain some distance. Victor says, but it’s Christmas, and Spencer’s early release is conditional. He had to assume full responsibility for Spencer until the end of his sentence, which means he has to keep Spencer close. Nikolas says, then he assumes Victor will have to leave too.

Heather asks what Sonny is saying exactly. He doesn’t want her to recognize this guard? He says he’ll explain it. The cops can’t find Anna, and he wants to keep it that way. If she says anything that can help them… Let him explain something to her. Prisons are very violent, even minimum security prisons. Things happen. She says she gets it. She hates to admit it, but she’s not really good with faces. She gets the guards mixed up all the time. As a matter-of-fact, the description she gave him, she’s pretty sure it was one of the nurses at GH; there were so many guys coming in and out of her room all the time. He smiles, and says, good. He’ll let her rest. She says she probably doesn’t have anything to offer the cops anyway. He tells her to take care of herself, since no one else will, and leaves.

Jordan says she understands Ryan has taken an active interest in the media coverage of The Hook attacks, including this letter. She takes it out of a folder, and asks if he thinks it’s genuine. Could Esme have written it? The caregiver says, yes and no, and Ava says, as much as she enjoys seeing Ryan trapped in that chair like a beetle pinned to a board, she has other things to do. Answer the Commissioner’s question; yes or no? Ryan blinks, and the caregiver says, both. Ava suggests they try another time; maybe Ryan will be more cooperative. The caregiver says, wait. He’s got a lot to say. Jordan and Ava step away, and Jordan says she appreciates Ava’s help with the questioning. She knows this is hard. Ava says, just looking at him makes her skin crawl. Of course (🍷) she’ll do whatever’s necessary to protect Trina. Jordan says, if the killer is Esme, so far she hasn’t made any direct moves on Trina. The Hook seems to be focused on tormenting Trina by targeting the people around her. Ava says, once all those people are dealt with, Trina will be left. The caregiver says, Mr. Chamberlain is finished, and they come back. He tells them, Ryan says, the killer wrote the letter, but Esme is not the killer. Look at the wording; me and mine. Esme has no one, feels completely alone. The caregiver looks at Ava, and says, Mr. Chamberlain had one last thing to say. Why are you still wearing your wedding ring when it’s obvious you and Nikolas are over? Come back to me.

Elizabeth says she can’t talk about Reiko with Finn. If it wasn’t for her, he wouldn’t have lost his wife. He says he can’t blame her for what happened, and she says, how could he not? How can he look at her and not see the person who killed his wife? He says, she didn’t kill Reiko. Reiko contracted a disease he couldn’t cure. She says, the facts don’t change how she feels. She feels responsible, and doesn’t feel they can get past this. He says he’d like to think they can, and she says she knows he’s very logical, but he says he doesn’t care about being logical. He just wants to do what he feels in his heart, and the only thing he feels if that he loves her.

The agent says, the grounds are already covered, and Whitten tells him to check for any signs of Devane upstairs, but Martin says, no you don’t. He may not be a practicing attorney in Ireland, but he’s pretty sure they need a court obtained warrant to burst in here and turn things upside down. Do they have one? Whitten asks if he’s the owner of this house, and Martin says, yes. Whitten says, interesting. He happens to know that Tiffany Hill, a known associate of Anna Devane, owns this property, and Martin says, let him finish. If Whitten had allowed him to continue, he would have clarified that he’s acting on behalf of the owner. Miss Hill is a client of his, and that’s how he found out about this house in the first place. Now may he see that warrant? He holds out his hand, and the agent says, they don’t have a warrant, but Whitten says, they can get one. Martin says, then he suggests they wait on the other side of the door until they do, because he didn’t give them permission to come in here. The agent says he has to call this in, and Whitten says, make it fast. The agent leaves, and Martin says, Whitten can close the door on his way out. Whitten puts his hand on his gun, and says, Martin doesn’t know him, so perhaps Martin doesn’t realize standing in his way is a bad move. He’ll give Martin one more chance. Tell him where Anna Devane is right now.

Ava says, her marriage is none of Ryan’s business. Where is he getting this stuff? Has the staff taken to gossiping with the inmates? The caregiver says, Mr. Chamberlain likes to keep up with the news, and some of the online sites mentioned that Ava didn’t go home after her hospital release. Ava tells him not to waste his time with that trash. Certainly don’t feed it to Ryan. Sonny comes in, and Jordan asks if Ava will be all right for a moment. Ava says, of course (🍷). What can Ryan do to her? Jordan goes over to Sonny, and asks, what brings him to Spring Ridge? Sonny says he met with the warden. He’s thinking of funding a continuing educational program. She says, isn’t he quite the philanthropist? and he says he always gives back. Ava says, don’t look so smug, and the caregiver says he’s just translating what Ryan is saying. She says, not him; Ryan. He’s enjoying this, isn’t he? But he’s wrong. She and Nikolas are just fine. Here’s a little nugget the gossip sites didn’t tell him. She leans closer, and says she loves Nikolas. She’s crazy about him, and she never cared for Ryan at all.

Finn says, right now the only thing knows for sure is, he loves Elizabeth, and she says she loves him too. He says, that’s a pretty good start, and she glances at the bottle of vitamins on Terry’s desk. She flashes back to telling Nikolas that he’s going to need a nurse when Esme gives birth, and says she doesn’t deserve Finn’s love. She’s done things… He says, she deserves everything. He knows she grew up thinking her parents abandoned her, so it’s easy to feel like she doesn’t deserve love. She says she was sure her parents gave up on her because there was something wrong with her, and he says, there’s nothing wrong with her. He’s sorry she ever had to feel that way, but at least now she knows it’s not true. Although her parents were misguided, their intentions were good. She says, intentions and actions are two totally different things. He’s also been betrayed in his past. His dad married Jackie, Hayden kept Violet from him, and now thanks to her, he knows Reiko cheated on him. Is he really willing to do this again?

Trina asks what Rory is doing on Christmas, and he says, working. She says, on Christmas day? and he says, rookie. It’s okay. His family is getting together on Christmas Eve. She says she loves that. She knows he has a big family. He says, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles. His youngest cousins usually wear him out playing tag. Somehow, he’s always It. She wonders how that happens, and he says, they’re maniacs, but they’re a lot of fun. It’s pretty casual. People come in the afternoon, lots of food… She says, it sounds like fun, and he says, it is. Would she like to come with him?

Spencer says, Nikolas is right. He’ll grab a suite at the MetroCourt. Nikolas says, his treat, but Victor says, that is ridiculous. He just moved out of the MetroCourt. He just settled in here. Spencer says, then Victor can stay here; he’ll go alone. Victor says, that won’t work either. Spencer is his responsibility until the end of his sentence. Spencer says he doesn’t care. He’ll go back to Pentenville if he has to, but he’s not staying where he’s not welcome. Victor suggests he take Spencer to the Port Charles Grill, and Spencer asks if they have rooms to rent above it like they do at Kelly’s. Victor says, no, but they do have dinner. After months of prison food, he’s sure Spencer would enjoy a lamp chop or two, and mashed potatoes made with actual potatoes. He asks Nikolas to join them, but Nikolas says, no, for the same reason he’s saying no to Spencer staying here. They’re not ready. He wants his son home, but only if Spencer wants to be here, and only if they can finally put the hostility aside, and come to some sort of common ground, and build back the relationship they used to have. Spencer says, okay then, and he and Victor leave. Nikolas says, damn you, Esme, and smashes a vase.

Martin asks if Whitten is threatening him, and Whitten says, tell him where Anna Devane is. Martin asks if Whitten seriously expects him to believe he’ll open fire here in the middle of the drawing room, and Whitten says he doesn’t have to kill Martin. A bullet to the knee is… Martin says, he’s not resisting anything, but Whitten says, it’s Martin’s word against his. Martin says, he knows nothing; he’s simply here to grieve. Valentin says, stop, and walks out with his hands up. He says, Martin’s right; he knows nothing. In fact, he’s an idiot. He followed Valentin to Ireland. Valentin came here looking for Anna, hoping she’d turn to Tiffany for help; he was wrong. Whitten asks if Valentin expects him to believe that, when Anna puts a gun in his back, and says, maybe he’ll believe this. Take his hand off the gun, and put his hands where she can see them. Whitten raises his hands, and says, there’s a squad of WSB agents outside. They’re not getting away. Valentin wonders why he doesn’t think Whitten brought a squad, but Whitten says he brought enough. They’re not going anywhere. Anna says she’ll have to disagree with him, and hits him with the butt of her gun, knocking him out. Martin says, that’s gonna leave a mark, and thanks them for the save. Anna thanks him for stalling. He’s not getting up for a bit. Valentin says, they have to deal with the agents outside, and Martin asks how they’re going to do that. Anna suggests they invite them in.

Trina says, Rory wants her to meet his folks? and he says he’s met hers. Why shouldn’t she meet his? It’s not like he’s bringing her over for an inspection. The house will be full of people coming and going, and they don’t have to stay long. It’s really not that big of a deal. People bring friends over all the time. He’ll let her win at tag. She asks how you win at tag, and he says, the way his maniac cousins play, the first kid to end up at the top of the heap after they all turn on It and take him down, is the winner. She says, now that she wants to see, and he asks if that means she’ll come. She says, count her in.

Finn tells Elizabeth, they’ve both been hurt, and been damaged. That’s why they need to hang on to the good things in their lives. She says she’s lied to him and kept things from him. How can he just forgive her? He says, because she’s worth it. Maybe she’s the reward for all the past pain. She says she’s far from perfect, but he says he doesn’t want perfect. He just wants someone to walk through this life with. He knows she’d make it better just by being there to experience it with him. She says she wants that so much, and he says, she can have it.

Jordan asks if everything is okay, and Ava says, they’re just shooting the breeze. Sonny says he doesn’t know how she can look at that piece of garbage, and Jordan says, Ava is also giving back. She tells the caregiver that they’re done for tonight, and to return Ryan to his room. Sonny says, buh-bye, as Ryan is wheeled away, and Ava tells him that she’s here to entice Ryan to cooperate with the police. Jordan says, they’re developing a profile on Esme Prince. She was an intern here, and developed an interest in Ryan, and he certainly knows how a killer’s mind works. Sonny says, no argument here, and Ava asks if Jordan thinks Ryan is right about the use of me and mine. Jordan tells Sonny, they showed Ryan the letter supposedly written by the killer, and Ava says, he doesn’t think Esme wrote it because of the phrase me and mine. He thinks Esme is too much of a loner to refer to anybody else in her life, and she thinks he has a point. She was always playing the lonely orphan for sympathy. Jordan says, it’s certainly worth considering, and Sonny says, so she doesn’t think Esme Prince is the killer?  

Martin yells for help, and the agents run in. He says, thank heaven they’re still here. Whitten just fell over. An agent asks, what happened? but Martin says he doesn’t know. He just collapsed. Maybe he had a stroke or a heart attack. He doesn’t know; he’s not a doctor. Whitten struggles to get up, saying, stop, but Martin pushes his head back to the floor, and says, stay down. He needs an ambulance.

Anna and Valentin sneak around outside. She tells him to wait for the agent to go, and he says, it looks like Marty did a good job of luring the agents into the house. She says, it’s the least he can do, since he led Whitten right to them. Valentin says, at least now they can do what she wanted to do; go after Victor. She says, together. Okay, let’s go. They run.

Whitten says, his head, and Martin says he’ll need a judge’s ruling on this one. Should he be moving? Whitten says, arrest this man.

Elizabeth says, so much has happened, and Finn says he wants to move forward with her. Not ignoring the past, but fighting for their future. Elizabeth’s phone rings, and he says, it might be Aiden or Jake, but she sees it’s Nikolas. She says she’ll deal with Nikolas later. She knows Finn and Nikolas don’t get along, but she and Nikolas have always been there for each other. He asks if she’s sure she can trust Nikolas, and she says, he’s one of her oldest friends. Finn says, he just got kind of a strange vibe from Nikolas when he saw him earlier. She says, he saw Nikolas? and he says he went to Spoon Island. She asks, why? and he says he was looking for Esme Prince.

Leaving a message for Elizabeth, Nikolas says, for now he dodged a bullet, but things are still complicated. Hopefully Spencer can convince Victor to take up residency at the MetroCourt, and leave him alone with his… guest. Call him.

Trina says, she and Rory will have to stop holding hands to dive into this delicious dessert. He says he’s glad she’s having a good time, and she says she is. This is so thoughtful of him. He makes her feel so special. He says, that’s because she is, and she says, so is he; incredibly so. He says he’s glad she thinks so because he loves her. She says, pardon? and he says he loves her, as Spencer walks in with Victor.

Ava tells Jordan that she’d wait before closing the file on Esme. Anything Ryan says is suspect. Jordan says she’s aware, but he picked up on something her people have been working on; that wording in the letter. Ava asks if Jordan thinks it wasn’t Esme who attacked her, but Jordan says, it’s too soon to focus on Esme exclusively. They’re working on another line of inquiry. They’ll be in touch if they need to speak with Ryan again. Good job tonight. Have a nice evening. She leaves, and Sonny asks if she’s done contributing to society, especially when it comes to Ryan, and she says, spending time with him was harder than she thought it would be. He says, don’t let that freak get in her head. Because when he walked in, she was a little jumpy and stuff, and maybe Ryan saw it too. She says, Ryan heard some gossip that she and Nikolas are having problems, and he says, it’s not just gossip. She and Nina are supposed to be living together. Isn’t that a done deal? Let him explain this to her. Nikolas Cassadine is bad news. She’s got to cut loose. He leaves.  

Ryan clenches and unclenches his fist, and says, Esme, where the hell are you? What have you gotten yourself into now? The door handle rattles, and Ryan goes back to his locked-in look. Someone wearing a bathrobe comes inside and closes the door. Heather says, hello… lover.

Tomorrow, Finn tells Elizabeth that he’s even more convinced he’s on the right track; Heather says, her and Ryan together again for the first time; Nina says she can take it if Josslyn can; and Sonny tells Dex, some mistakes are too big to make.

❄️ On the misery that is Winter House, Amanda felt that Carl didn’t have the whole truth about Lindsay, and Kyle bugged Austen about Carl needing the truth. In Ciara’s interview, she said, with Austen comes drama. Even the best cleaning lady couldn’t clean up his mess. Jason and Rachel – the only halfway sane ones in the house – snuggled at the bar. In Amanda’s interview, she said, all of them had the information, and everyone was talking about it, but Lindsay and Carl didn’t know. It was awkward. Not being able to help herself, Amada told Lindsay that she’d heard rumblings, and Lindsay asked what the rumor mill was grinding up. Amanda said, it wasn’t a rumor; it was coming from Austen. He said, on Amanda and Kyle’s wedding night, Lindsay tried to touch his d*ck, and then Lindsay texted him not to tell anyone. I can barely type that; it’s like something from a middle school cast party after the spring play. Lindsay said, that didn’t happen, and Amanda said she was just giving Lindsay the information. Lindsay said, Amanda’s delivery was kind of aggressive, and in Lindsay’s interview, she said she passed out with a bottle of red in one hand and McDonald’s in the other. She had no third hand to touch Austen’s d*ck. Talking with the other girls, Jess wondered if she had on goggles, or was Kory attractive? and Craig talked nonsense as usual. Lindsay confronted Austen, who quickly changed the particulars of the story to, Lindsay had made an advance for his d*ck. We saw the video rewind, and Austen clearly saying he had to move her hand off. Luke came right out and asked if Lindsay had tried to grab Austen’s d*ck, and she said, in the middle of eating McDonald’s? which seemed to be a query from nearly everyone. Apparently, McDonald’s is considered the anti-aphrodisiac. In Austen’s interview, he said, Lindsay not copping to it meant Carl didn’t know, and it sucked that it was brought up. It wasn’t brought up; he brought it up. Carl joined them, and Lindsay said, putting her hand on Austen’s leg had turned into her putting it on his d*ck. Kyle pointed out that a d*ck and a leg are two different things, and Carl said, it must have been a busy night. In Carl’s interview, he said Austen was sometimes still an immature f***boy. (Sometimes?) He wasn’t concerned with what happened before he and Lindsay were officially dating, and was secure where they were. It was old news. Lindsay said she had no recollection of an advance on Austen’s pee-pee, and in his interview, Austen said he wanted to go back in time and slap himself in the face. I’d slap his face at any moment in time.  

Jess wondered why Kory wasn’t making more of an effort, and he said he didn’t think 2 am while drunk was a good time to talk about the relationship. Amanda told Kyle she loved him, and he said he loved maple syrup. I am not kidding. One more example of why no one should watch this, me included. In Carl’s interview, he said he loved a winter get-together, and was excited to show everyone the new versions of him and Lindsay, but now he was ready to get out. In Lindsay’s interview, she said, it was a different experience than last year, and we flashed back to that mess. She had fun, and that’s all she cared about. Kory talked to some people about the gym he was opening in Charlotte, and said he was planning on moving in the early spring. Hmm… Just in time for the new season of Southern Charm? In Kyle’s interview, he explained that Gaper Day was an opportunity for people who knew how to ski to make fun of the people who didn’t. It was his favorite day on the mountain. No surprise, since he’s 14. They dressed in stupid costumes, and headed to the slopes. Talking to the girls, Rachel said she wasn’t sure if she and Jason would see each other after Vermont. She was in Brooklyn, and he was in Harlem; it was a long distance relationship on its own. Jess told Jason (why him, I have no clue) that she wanted to be exclusive with Kory, and in Jason’s interview, he said, all the signs were pointing to a fun time, but maybe not a long fun time. He suggested she take it slow and keep it light, but she said she didn’t want to. Kory discussed the same topic with Austen – another why; it’s not like he’s any relationship guru – and it sounded like he wasn’t interested in exclusivity just yet.  

At lunch, the girls discussed having kids, making me shudder at another generation of housemates. Rachel said she was going to die in the city (NYC to those not in the know), and Paige said she never saw having kids in the city or moving to the surrounding areas, but she didn’t know if she could adapt to Charleston. In her interview, she said, it was all florals, and a lot of smiling, and no one wears black. She never saw anyone in a black leather pant, and that was her whole personality. After they reconvened for the evening drinking, Austen told Ciara to drink her shot, she said, don’t tell her what to do, and Paige said, that was her cue to go. Jess whined to Kyle that people were trying to minimize what she and Kory had, and instead of telling her what Kory said, Kyle told her to trust her heart. Even if she got hurt, at least she put it out there. Takeout sushi arrived, and Amanda wanted to play a truth drinking game. This sounded like an awful idea, but it didn’t quite happen.

Austen asked, when was the last time everyone had sex? and when Ciara said, just before Vermont, he got all mad that he couldn’t bring his girl there, but Ciara got to bang whoever she wanted. In Ciara’s interview, she said she was confused. What was Austen yelling about? Did he think he was the last person she had sex with? Amanda said, it was a drinking game, not an argument, apparently forgetting what show she’s on. Austen said, there was hypocrisy in the house, like it was a British mystery, and in his interview, he said, if Ciara had brought someone,  he would have been polite, but him bringing Olivia was disrespectful to Ciara. This made no sense, since Ciara didn’t bring anyone, and that wasn’t her point. In her interview, Ciara said, if Austen didn’t act like an a-hole, Olivia could have come. Paige said, Austen let Lindsay get away with everything, and he hadn’t talked to Ciara in four months. In Paige’s interview, she said, the night of the dog wedding, Austen said he was done with Olivia. Since she was seeing other people, he was going to see other people, adding, he didn’t even like Olivia that much. He and Ciara slept together, and the next day, he ghosted Ciara, and went back to Olivia. Don’t come to the house and get mad at Ciara hooking up with someone. Ciara stormed off, and Amanda demanded Austen apologize. Hoping to get a pat on the head, Austen tried, but Ciara wasn’t having it. She said he was always coming at her, taking every opportunity. She told him to get the f*** out. All she did was defend him, and he made her look like an idiot. Then she called him a f***ing a-hole, slamming her bedroom door, and saying she was done with his apologies.

Everyone was pretty much done at that point, and headed for their rooms. Austen pouted, and said, everyone was lame; this night was a dud. Ciara told Paige that Austen had f***ing nerve, and Kyle told Amanda about what he’d discussed with Jess. Amanda said, Jess had been going back and forth, but she’d speak up if people were talking negatively about her and Kory. The next day, a bike skiing excursion was planned, but the girls weren’t interested. This included Craig, who was joined to Paige’s hip. Jess decided to stick with the boys, and in her interview, she said, it was hitting her that the trip was going to be over, so she wanted to spend as much time with Kory as possible. I never heard of bike skiing, but it was literally the front of a bike on skis, which looked easier than regular skiing, since there’s something to lean on. The girls and Craig went to a wine tasting, and Rachel said it was Jess’s birthday tomorrow. Amanda said Jess was upset that everyone wasn’t being supportive of her and Kory, especially Paige and Jason, which was news to Paige. Rachel told them, Jess had said she got all the guys because she was pretty, but girls like Rachel kept them, playing on Rachel’s insecurities. Craig said, Jess was L.A. catty.

Getting back together after their excursions, Kyle said blah-blah-blah, shredding the gnar, and Amanda asked what everyone would miss most. Craig said, the mini fridge, and Amanda said, Craig started off angry. We flashed back to that, and Craig said he just didn’t like to be told what to do. Amanda said he seemed like himself again – not that they didn’t like all sides of him. Ciara said, but they didn’t, and Craig said he came to understand he was an extension of Paige. Rachel said she liked riding downhill on Jason’s back, and because the attention was off of him, Craig asked how Paige felt about spending all that time with him. She said she liked going to bed and waking up with him, but didn’t account for the time in between, and Craig said he didn’t want to leave. He couldn’t figure out Austen, and everyone agreed Austen could get into a dark place and take it out on other people. Ciara said he was continuously doing it to her, and Craig said, it was unfair. Ciara said she was at the point where she didn’t need any kind of relationship with Austen, including friendship.

Next time, Kory isn’t sure about going from zero to dating in two weeks; Jess tells Kory that she’d like to be exclusive; Rachel tells everyone that said she couldn’t get guys because she has no t*ts or ass; and Ciara says, it’s not worth Austen coming at her – she’s done. And it’s the finale! Woohoo. Oh wait… Summer House.

👒 Elsie Mae Krumholtz To You…

In case you don’t know her, all about Tiffany.

🎭 For Her Direction…

Proving there’s life after GH.

✍🏼 A First…

Proving there’s life in addition to GH.

🙌🏼 Happy To Be Here…

It’s nice to be appreciated.

💰 Latest On Listing…

I’ll miss Fredrik, but I get it.

https://people.com/home/mdlla-tracy-tutor-reaction-fredrik-eklund-departure-season-14-exclusive/

The interest rates are up, but the prices aren’t down.

https://www.bravotv.com/million-dollar-listing-los-angeles/photos/listing-recap-so-many-demands-so-little-time#10567601

A little crossover never hurt anyone.

🎁 Not Shooting My Eye Out…

Tomorrow, join me for soap, tea, words deserving of attention, and a musical oeuvre. Until then, stay safe, stay being respectful of others’ beliefs and traditions, and stay hanging on to the good things in your life.

January 24, 2022 – Luke’s Past Comes Back To Haunt Laura, No Cooked Fish On Deck, Summer Highlights, Kwame’s 4-1-1, Memorial Guest, Million Dollar Goodbye & Thaw

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At The Savoy, Portia says, there he is. She stopped by to say hi, and no Curtis. Curtis gives her a kiss, and says he was at Luke’s memorial. It gave him some food for thought. She says, care to share? and he says he was thinking about Marshall’s cardiac incident, and what it would have meant if he had died. If Curtis had thrown away the only chance he got to know him.

Ned and Olivia are at the MetroCourt with Leo, and Ned says, now? She says, no time like the present, and Ned tells Leo, now that they’re done eating, he and Leo’s mother would like to talk to him about something. Leo asks if he’s in trouble, but Ned says, no, and Olivia asks why he would think that. He says, they’re wearing nice clothes, which means it’s an important day, and Ned says he’s right about that. They just wanted to tell him that they’re having a wedding ceremony at the house in a few days. Leo asks, why? and Olivia says, she and Ned are already married, but they want to have another wedding for their family and friends. Ned says, to show their commitment to their family, and there’s another very important reason. Olivia says, Ned would like to officially adopt Leo, so Ned can be his father. Leo says, but Ned’s not his real father.

At the bar, Austin leaves a voicemail for Maxie. He knows he’s said it before, but he’s saying it again; he’d do just about anything to get Louise back to her. To that end, could she give him a call, so they can coordinate their trip to Pawtuck tomorrow? That’d be great; thanks. Britt walks in, and sits next to Austin. She says she didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but oops, she guesses she did. She asks if he’d like to join her for a drink, and tell her about him and Maxie.

Brook tells Chase, Bailey finally went down. Fingers crossed that she sleeps the night. He says, if she does wake up, he’ll be happy to rock her back to sleep. Brook’s always telling him that Bailey like his singing. Brook says, she does. It’s really… She flashes back on Chase saying he could never be with her, and he asks if she was going to say it’s really a good idea. She says, no, she was going to say it’s unnecessary. She can handle Bailey fine on her own. The doorbell rings, and Brook opens the door to Maxie, who says she’s there for her daughter.

Valentin sees Victor at Charlie’s bar, and says he’s glad Victor has the time to meet with him. He sits down, and Victor says he was going to settle his tab, but he’s more than happy to stick around and spend some time with his son. What is Valentin drinking? Valentin tells the bartender, vodka on the rocks, and Victor orders the same, saying, Valentin does their Russian heritage proud, but Valentin says, he enjoyed vodka when he didn’t know he had a drop of Cassadine blood in him. Victor gives a toast in Russian, and they clink glasses. Valentin says he got an interesting phone call from Dr. Gatlin-Holt today. He said Victor stopped by his office. Victor says he went there to see Valentin. He’s glad to hear Valentin and the good doctor are working together to retaliate against Brook. Of course (🍷) that does make his offer of assistance a little redundant. Valentin says, he likes to keep his options open, and he does value Victor’s expertise. Victor laughs, and tells him, feel free to drop the act. He knows exactly why Valentin is spending time with him.

On the Haunted Star, Laura looks at Luke’s portrait, and says, goodbye, my love. She blows the portrait a kiss, when a woman, dressed entirely in black, including a veil, walks in. She stands in front of Laura, and removes her veil. Laura says, Jennifer Smith, and Jennifer says, fate has been so cruel to take Luke away from them, and even crueler in delaying her to say goodbye. She can’t even tell Laura how much she hated missing the memorial service of their dear ex-husband. Spencer asks if Jennifer was once married to Luke, and Laura says, for five minutes. What is she doing here? What does she want?

On deck, Carly looks up at the sky, and says, Luke, are you out there? Sonny puts his hand on hers, and says he knows they’re feeling a lot tonight. There’s a lot they need to say to each other, but he just wants her to know, the only thing that’s important… Come home.

Oliva says, Ned loves Leo very much, and Ned says, remember, they discussed this last year, that there are many different ways to parent. Some kids have a mom and a dad, some have two moms or two dads, some have stepparents, and sometimes, only one parent. Julian will always be Leo’s biological father. Does he know what that means? Leo nods, and Ned says, he’d like very much to be the father who raises Leo, who makes Leo a part of his family too.

Maxie says, if anyone asks, she had to give Brook some very important Deception research. Chase wonders why anyone would ask, and Maxie says, because Peter followed her to Texas, and then to Nixon Falls. She doesn’t care if he’s in jail awaiting trial; he could have a henchman following her. Brook says, if someone is following her, the last thing she wants is for them to see her leaving the house with Bailey, and Maxie says, she didn’t mean she was going to take Bailey; she just wants to see her. Is she upstairs? Brook says, Maxie doesn’t want to wake her. She’s been having trouble at bedtime, adjusting to a new place. Maxie says, don’t tell her what her daughter needs.

Jennifer says, and who is this handsome young man? and Spencer says, Spencer Cassadine. She says, ooh, a Cassadine, and he asks why she’s there bothering his grandmother. Jennifer says, that’s so lovely; he’s protecting Laura. She must be so proud. Laura says, she is, and Jennifer says, but clearly, she neglected to tell young Spencer about a very substantial part of her history. Laura says, here we go with the histrionics, and Spencer asks how Jennifer is part of Laura’s history. Laura says, Jennifer is Frank Smith’s daughter, and Jennifer says, before his death, her father – may he rest – was a major figure in organized crime. Major. Laura says, Luke worked for Frank Smith, and Frank ordered Luke to marry Jennifer, and on their wedding day, she and Luke ran off together. Jennifer says, please, let’s choose to remember the good times. Now why did no one tell her about the memorial service for her incredible Luke? Laura says, because she wasn’t invited. Now please, return to whatever rock she crawled out from under.

Carly says she and Sonny both know it’s not as simple as just coming home. He says he lost too much time with her already. He doesn’t want to waste another second, but she says, so much hasn’t been addressed. He admitted that he fell in love with Nina. She accepts that it was through no fault of his own. She gets it, but she’s so angry and hurt that he didn’t think she was strong enough to handle the truth after Jason died. He should have told her before. He says, but there was always a crisis, and he wanted things to settle. She says, the anger, the hurt, the betrayal, that’s all stuff she could get past and get over, but the difficult part, the part they’re not saying out loud, is that deep down, she knows he can’t just fall out of love with Nina. His head knows Nina lied to him and hurt his family, but his heart doesn’t. She doesn’t expect him to be able to turn off his feelings at the drop of a hat, but if he needs time to get over Nina, she can’t be around him. She can’t watch him nurse a broken heart for someone else. She was furious not getting the full story, but anger isn’t new to them. What’s impossible is her trying to share a bed with him while he’s trying to get over another woman. He says, it’s the same as her trying to get over falling in love with Jason, and she says, it’s not the same thing. She told him everything after a couple of days. It wasn’t weeks and it wasn’t months. Let’s talk about how she found out about him and Nina. At least when she didn’t tell Sonny, she was trying to protect him. Sonny says, he was trying to protect her, and she says, and Nina. He was trying to protect them both, and that’s heartbreaking because she’s his wife. She thinks they were so happy that he’d come home, they eased back in their old life, and maybe they shouldn’t have. He says he still loves her. Nothing has changed, unless it has for her.

Jennifer makes a drink behind the bar, and Laura says she’s sure Jennifer has heard about her half-brother Cyrus Renault, and his lucrative business in the northwest. It’s actually her territory, isn’t it? Jennifer says, the business was always her father’s domain, and Laura takes the drink from Jennifer, saying, excuse you. The last time they met, Jennifer kidnapped her son, so forgive her if she doesn’t take Jennifer at her word. She takes a sip of the drink, and Jennifer says, fine. She did not come all this way just to pay her respects to Luke. Laura is right. She did have an ulterior motive for coming to Port Charles.

Victor says, Valentin’s sudden enthusiasm for destroying Brook and spending time with him rather came out of the blue. Valentin asks if he’s been enthusiastic, and Victor says, Anna has been looking at him rather crossly lately; curious as to his future plans, no doubt. Since Valentin will do anything for her, Victor is sure Valentin would ingratiate himself to Victor on her behalf. Valentin says, Victor assumes everyone is as calculating as he is, but Victor says, not everyone. In fact, he finds most people reckless, random, and sloppy. All the more reason to appreciate Valentin’s considerable skills at strategy. Besides, Valentin needs to understand that Victor isn’t the least bit bothered by Valentin’s ulterior motives. He’s just happy to spend time with his son any way he can.

Maxie bends over the crib, and says, okay, Louise; mommy’s here. Louise/Bailey starts to cry, and Maxie tells her, don’t cry; it’s okay. Don’t be upset. She cries louder, and Brook comes in. Maxie tells Louise not to cry, and Brook tells Louise, it’s okay. Bailey’s here in her crib, her mobile is here, and her nightlight is here, and I’m here; she’s okay. Bailey/Louise quiets down, and Brook tells her that she’s okay to drift off to dreamland. That’s her girl. Maxie leaves the room.

Britt and Austin sit at a table, and he says, please, whatever ideas she has about him and Maxie, could she just let them go? His focus right now is helping Maxie get her baby back. Britt says, the baby he delivered. If she hadn’t been on the run with Jason, she would have been there to help Maxie. He says, she would have delivered Louise? and she says, Maxie was so worried about what would happen to Louise if Peter got his hands on her, she was prepared to give her baby up for adoption, and let Peter believe she was dead. But she wasn’t there to deliver the baby, and the rest is terrible history. Her brother and his crazy nurse had their own plans for the baby.

Marshall comes into The Savoy, and Portia asks if he shouldn’t be home resting. He says he’s glad he ran into her. He wanted to thank her for helping with his episode last night. She supposes he’s really there to see Curtis, and says, she knows it’s not her place to get involved, but it seems to her, the way Marshall goes about things could be perceived as forward. Curtis asked him for space. Curtis joins them, and tells her, it’s okay. He asked Marshall to stop by.

Olivia says, when Ned adopts Leo, Brook will officially be his sister, and Tracy will really be his grandmother. Leo says, and his name will be Quartermaine, like Olivia. She says, if that’s what he’d like, and Ned says, if Leo still wants him to be his father. Leo nods, and Ned tells Olivia that he’s going to give the lawyers a call, and make sure everything is all set. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too. He kisses the tops of both their heads, and leaves.

Victor says he could only protect Valentin from a distance when Helena was alive, and Mikkos. Now, finally, he can be a father to Valentin face-to-face. Valentin asks if this means Victor will be at his Little League games and parent/teacher conferences, and Victor says he won’t rest until their family is intact again. They’re going to need each other for what’s coming next. Valentin says, the details of which Victor doesn’t want to share with him, and Victor says, all in due time. Valentin says then he guesses they don’t have anything else to say to one another, but he will get the tab. He takes out his money, and there’s a piece of paper with it. Valentin looks at it, and Victor asks what it is.

Maxie says she feels like such an idiot, but Chase says she’s not, handing her a box of tissues. Maxie says her daughter is old enough to recognize her name, but her name is not Bailey; it’s Louise. And it’s not Maxie’s voice that’s comforting her or helping her fall asleep; it’s Brook’s. That’s how long she’s been away from her mother. Chase says, this is all going to be over soon. Peter will be found guilty of the crimes he’s committed, and be locked away for the rest of his life. Then Maxie’s baby can return home to her. Maxie asks, how soon is soon? A trial could take months. In the meantime, she’s missing every major milestone of Louise’s life. She doesn’t even know who Maxie is. He says, but she will know who Maxie is. Until then, Maxie’s just got to carry a piece of Louise in her heart. She says he has no idea how true that is.

Valentin tells Victor, he knows Bailey isn’t his daughter, but he can’t seem to let go of this. He unfolds the paper, and it’s Bailey/Louise’s sonogram.

Maxie says, ever since she had to give up her daughter, she’s carried Louise’s sonogram in her purse. She puts it on the table, and we see it next to Valentin’s copy.

Carly says, has her love for Sonny changed? How can he ask her that? The only thing she asked for is space and time, and he owes her that. He says, there’s no need. They’ve got to be together. They’ve got to go on an adventure. They’ve got to recommit. Whatever she wants, just say it. He’s going to tell her everyday that he loves her, and everything is going to be fine; it’s going to go back the way it was. She asks if he’s okay, and he says, he’s not okay. He just got back, and his wife isn’t home. He’s going to show her how much he loves her. He leaves, and she says, she only asked for time.

Jennifer tells Laura that she has something to say to her, and Laura says she’s listening. Jennifer says she’s sorry. She’s sorry for all the terrible things she did, and the pain she caused Laura and her family over the years. Laura asks where this is coming from, and Jennifer says she’s had a lot of time to look at herself over the last few years, and her obsession about Luke wasn’t even about Luke at all; it was about herself and her thinking she deserved everything she wanted. She treated Laura horribly because of her sense of entitlement. Sonny walks in, and Jennifer says, look what the cat dragged in. Hello, Sonny.

Valentin tells Victor, he carried this with him the whole time Brook was expecting, after Bailey was born, and he’s still carrying it. Victor says, may I? and looks at it, noting the patient ID on the back. Valentin says he probably should throw it away, but he can’t shake the feeling that one day, he and Bailey are going to have a relationship of some kind. When that day comes, he wants to have that, but if he doesn’t let it go, he doesn’t know how he’s supposed to heal. Victor suggests he hold onto it for Valentin.  

Brook says, Bailey is out like a light, and Maxie says she has to get going. She has to meet her mom. Her mom and Anna are insisting on getting a lead on Louise. They kept pushing her, so she finally agreed to go to Pawtuck with Austin to remember anything that happened when Louise – air quote – went missing – end air quote. She says she can cancel, but Chase says he doesn’t think that’s a good idea. It’ll raise more questions if she bails on her mom and Anna. Brook says, plus, if Austin goes alone, there’s the X factor. Maxie has to go and control the questions and spin the narrative. Maxie asks, what choice does she have, other than telling Austin the truth?

Austin asks if Maxie told Britt who she wanted to adopt Louise, but Ned approaches their table, and says, sorry to interrupt. He just wanted to give them an update on Leo. He’s seeing the specialist Austin recommended. Austin says, great; Olivia mentioned something about that. How does Leo feel about the sessions? Ned says, so far, so good, and Austin says, he thinks, in the long run Leo will be grateful for what they’re doing. Ned says he’s the one who’s grateful, and he wanted to thank Austin. Austin put Ned’s son first, knowing what it could cost him, and he knows his family didn’t do right by Austin. He’s hoping to rectify that.

Marshall says, by the look on Portia’s face, she’s as surprised as he is that Curtis asked him to come. Surprised and grateful. Curtis says he has to admit, he thought it would take a couple of days, given Marshall might need some time to recover. Either way, he’s glad Marshall is there. He’s been doing some thinking since Marshall was in the hospital, and confided to a friend what Marshall told him about being in hiding. Marshall says, he warned Curtis… but Curtis says he trusts them.  They got to talking, and his friend made him realize he was demanding answers from Marshall could put their family in jeopardy. Marshall says he can see why Curtis would think that, and Curtis says he doesn’t like it, but he’s willing not to push it, for now.

Jennifer says, she was hoping she and Sonny would reconnect when she was in town, and he says, they met once or twice, when he was working for her dad. That was a long time ago. She says, and look how far he’s come. The Five Families zabaglione are down to two. Laura asks Spencer to do her a favor; go out on the deck, and give Doc a call. Tell him they’ve been delayed, but they’ll be home soon. He starts to protest, but she says, from the deck. Now. He leaves, and Jennifer says, the Corinthos as Wu families now run the entire east coast. Her father would be so proud. Sonny says, her father’s dead, and she says, still, his empire could grow if that’s Sonny wanted. He says, what he wants is to take care of his family, not have this conversation, and she says she was just trying to be nice. She has an early flight in the morning, and it’s not like they’ll be able to catch up over breakfast. He says she can go back on his private jet because there’s no use for her here. He doesn’t need any distractions when he’s concentrating on Carly and his family. Laura suggests Jennifer get that drink she wanted, and Jennifer goes back to the bar. Sonny fiddles with his phone, and says, come on, and Laura asks if he’s okay. Sonny turns to look at her, and looks like Jack Nicolson in The Shining.

Carly finds Josslyn in her room, and they hug. Carly says, she’s so happy to see Josslyn, and Josslyn says, she dropped Donna and Avery off at Grandma Bobbie’s, and thought she’d come say hi. Carly says she’s glad, and Josslyn asks how Carly is doing. Grandma Bobbie told her that Sonny was at Luke’s memorial. Carly says, he was, and Josslyn asks if she wants to talk about it, but Carly says she doesn’t, because it’s not appropriate. Josslyn says, who cares? Talk to her about it anyway. Not talking isn’t going to make her any less upset about Sonny, and actually saying how she feels about Sonny out loud may be helpful. Carly says she’s sad, and she’s confused, and she keeps waiting for the Sonny she knows to show up. The one who would be furious that Nina kept Sonny from his family for months. The one who would want her to suffer the way they suffered. But this Sonny is just making excuses, saying he wants to protect Carly, when really, it’s Nina he’s protecting.

Marshall thanks Curtis for his understanding, and they shake hands. He’s going to leave them alone now. He doesn’t want to get in the way of their date night. Portia says, he wasn’t; she was actually just leaving. Curtis says, she was? and she suggests Curtis have a great night with his father. She tells them both, goodnight, gives Curtis a kiss, and leaves. Marshall looks at a bottle on the bar, and Curtis says, a tequila man, is he? Marshall says, yes, sir. He was just noticing the brand; top of the line. Curtis has good taste. Curtis gestures to a table, and Marshall sits down. Curtis brings the bottle over, and sits with him. He says he can’t tell Marshall how many times he was warned organized crime would try to muscle him out of his nightclub, and Marshall asks what he’s trying to say. Curtis tells him, he’s saying he knows there are a lot of grey areas about Marshall’s past. If Marshall got mixed up with some not-so-good people, Curtis knows it might not have been willingly. He’s not saying he gets it, but he’s trying to. Does that make sense? Marshall says, it does.

Laura says, Sonny seems out of sorts; is he okay? He says he’s fine, but starts breathing hard, and leaves. Jennifer says, Laura looks like she needs this more than she does, and hands her the drink. What has Sonny Corinthos so hot and bothered? Laura puts the drink down, and says she doesn’t know, but he’s right about one thing. Jennifer being there isn’t helping anyone; Jennifer least of all. Jennifer says, Luke was cruel to both of them. Laura at least got out from all of that. She needs to know how Laura did it. How did she get the catharsis she needed to reclaim her life? Laura says, don’t look for a catharsis. Life doesn’t always wrap itself up cleanly and neatly and completely; it just doesn’t.  The only way any of us gets any closure, is by closing a chapter and opening the next one. Jennifer thanks Laura, and says she’ll take it to heart. Take care. She leaves, and Laura takes a sip of the drink.

Josslyn says, Carly just wants Sonny to admit he messed up, not tell her all the reasons he kept quiet about his feelings for Nina. Carly says, but in Sonny’s mind, those reasons make sense. He didn’t want to inflict more pain after Jason died, or after Brando and Sasha had to take their baby off life support. Josslyn says, his intentions were good, so Carly’s not allowed to be mad? but Carly says, she’s mad, and she feels justified in her anger. Josslyn says, her too, and Carly says, but justifiable anger’s not going to fix things. Josslyn asks if Carly thinks there is any way to fix things.

Olivia tells Leo that she’s going to say something that may not make sense to him for a while. She had blinders on for a long time. She let her own fears and anxieties get in the way. She wasn’t seeing him for who he really is, every last beautiful side of him. But she sees him now; she really does, every bit. She wants him to know, she’ll never let her fears come first ever again. She loves her little man so much. They hug.

Ned tells Austin that he and Olivia are having a family gathering in a few days at the house, to renew their wedding vows. He’d like Austin to be there, but Austin says he has other plans. Ned says, okay. There will be other family occasions, and he’s hoping maybe Austin changes his mind, and joins them. He leaves, and Austin and Britt look at each other.

Chase and Brook both say, bad idea, and Maxie says, think about it first. Austin already thinks Brook is hiding something from him, even more than lying to Valentin about being Bailey’s father. And this way, they could keep him from asking any more inconvenient questions. Brook says, Maxie… and Maxie says, fine. Brook is right as usual. She’s got to get going. Her mom wants to go over details of their Pawtuck outing. Brook says she’s sorry about what happened before with Bailey; she was just cranky. Maxie says, it’s fine. It’s good for her to see her daughter is in good hands. Brook and Chase make a great team. She leaves, and Chase says he agrees with Maxie. He and Brook make a good team. She says, really? She gets the sense she’s just a burden to him.

Carly and Josslyn get in the bed with their coffee, and Carly says she does hope to put the pieces back together. Josslyn tells her not to stay with Sonny if it means she’s unhappy, and Carly says, in the end, that depends on Sonny. He needs to understand that she needs space, or they’ll never be able to make things right.  

Curtis and Marshall clink glasses, and Curtis says, to Marshall’s health. Marshall says, and Curtis’s, and the continued health of The Savoy. They drink, and Marshall says, that’s good. Curtis says, another? and pours Marshall another shot. Marshall says, Curtis is right on the money. Shady characters always try to muscle their way into venues like this. Speaking of the devil, Sonny walks over to the table, and Curtis asks, what’s up? Sonny says, he wants Curtis’s club.

In her car on the phone, Jennifer says, the memorial just ended… No. She did not get the closure she needed, but she did get them what they wanted. Sonny is in no rush to expand to the west coast, which gives them plenty of time to grow strong before they make their move one day… So are they finished here?

Spencer tells Laura that he left the message on Doc’s voicemail, and she thanks him. He asks why she wanted him to leave. It’s not like he doesn’t know his Uncle Sonny is a kingpin. She says, all the more reason for Spencer not to listen in on Sonny’s conversations, especially the ones with Jennifer Smith. He says, she was a lot, and Laura says, that’s one way of putting it. He asks if Laura is worried about Jennifer showing up, and Laura says, it’s a concern, but she has other things to focus on. He says, like running the city, but she says, no. Actually, she was thinking about her family. She knows she’s been hard on him recently, but hopes he knows that she’ll always love him. He says he loves her too, and they hug.

Victor suggests he hold on to the sonogram for Valentin. He can return it when Bailey’s absence from Valentin’s heart is a little less painful. Valentin thanks him, and tells him to take it. Someone has to pull the plug on his attachment to that kid. Like he said, he’s got the tab. Victor says, don’t you dare. Please allow him. It’s the least he can do for the chance of getting to know Valentin better. Valentin says, and him getting to know Victor, and finishes his drink. Valentin says something in French, and leaves, and Victor says, au bien teau, mon fils (good luck, my son).

Austin tells Britt, let’s celebrate. He’s on the A-list of Quartermaine invitees. It makes him want to dance with joy. She says, at least things worked out with Leo. Austin was willing to risk his career when he suspected Leo was on the autism spectrum. He says, that’s just him, Saint Austin, but she says she thinks it’s more than him just being a good doctor. Is there a reason why Leo’s case was so personal to him?

Chase says, Brook is a burden to him? Where’s this coming from? She tells him, forget she said anything; she’s tired. He says, it came from somewhere. Don’t shut him out. She says, she’s not; she swears. She’s going to check on Bailey one more time, and go to bed. She’ll see him in the morning.

Victor finishes his drink, and is about to leave, when he literally runs into Maxie. She drops her stuff, and he sees the sonogram with her patient ID on it.

Tomorrow, Trina asks if Spencer would care to make it interesting, Josslyn asks why Carly was the one to leave when Sonny messed up, Nina says it’s either her or Carly, and Sonny tells Curtis that he’s not leaving until he gets it.

Below Deck

Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts. Everyone is a bit hung over. In Eddie’s interview, he says, the season has been difficult. It kills him that Rayna didn’t think of him as a friend or supporter. He felt like he’d let someone down. He tells Rayna that the thing with Heather isn’t sitting well with him; both that it upset Rayna and that she didn’t feel he’d backed her up. That was the last thing he wanted, and wants to do what he can to support her. He asks if she wants him to grab Heather, so they can kill this, but Rayna says she’s tired of talking to Heather about it. He tells her that she doesn’t express it when she’s upset, and she agrees. He tells her to talk to him next time.

It’s time for the preference sheet meeting, and Captain Lee says the primaries are Jennifer, a real estate entrepreneur from Utah, and husband Darin, who want the charter of a lifetime with their friends. Jennifer has requested no cooked fish, and they want a white party with a curated meal, featuring their dishes from their favorite cuisines. They also want a jungle safari beach party, and a formal dinner party. The captain says, they’re leaving at 11. Until then, he’s leaving them to their own devices. As he walks away, he says, that’s a frightening thought in itself. In Eddie’s interview, he says, they’re all exhausted. One more push. Macho man Eddie is coming out. He tells the deckhands, let’s get her done. Captain Lee asks Eddie to take them out of the dock, and Eddie says he’d like Jake to be on watch. Provisions come in.

Captain Lee tells the crew, 30 minutes. It’s the last one, and he wants to hit it out of the park, because we can’t get through the season without a baseball reference. The guests come on board, and are given champagne. The captain says, Heather will give them the tour; then they’ll get this party started. Rachel says she’s in let’s kill it mode, and makes a charcuterie plate, while Heather shows the guests around. The marina manager yells at them to stop. Wes sees something in the water, and Eddie runs down. The captain says, that’s a big effing no-no. Leaving the engines running, and walking off from the wheelhouse is never acceptable.

Wes fishes garbage, and whatever else that fell, out of the water. Captain Lee tells Eddie, the number one rule; never leave the bridge unattended when everything is fired up. Eddie asks what the captain would have done (WWCLD?), and the captain says, shut everything down. You have no idea what could happen with the electronic controls. He learned the hard way. We flash back to 7 seasons ago, when the boat ripped a pilon off. Eddie gets the boat out into the water, and Captain Lee says, good job. Rayna drops anchor.

Island of Nevis. Kaylee says she’s banging the laundry out, and lunch is served. The guests inform Heather that Nevis is Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace, and express interest in visiting his old house. The slide is put up without incident, and Heather tells Kaylee, tonight is white chic, and puts her on balloon blowing. She gives Kaylee some pearls for the white party, and the guests want champagne for watching the sunset. The captain hears them wondering where someone is to serve the champagne. One suggests asking the captain, but Darin says he is not asking the captain for effing champagne. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, the guests are paying how much money? They’re not even close to the finish line. The crew needs to get their heads out of their asses, or he’ll eat their asses. He goes to the crew mess, where everyone seems to be, and says, at no time is he ever to see everybody sitting at this table at the same time. The guests are wandering around, looking for drinks. Heather jets, and the captain says, if he sees this again, there will be hell to pay.

Heather says, group champagne flute coming up, and I get a mental picture of a champagne bong. In Fraser’s interview, he says he doesn’t think they’re providing the highest quality of hospitality, but it’s not his job… yet. He puts white feathers on his epaulets. Rayna helps in the galley, and in her interview, she says Rachel is a dragon lady. Rachel’s like Shrek, and Rayna is the donkey. The guests rave about the décor, and the table does look beautiful; pearls and white doilies with tiny white trees on them. Heather serves the salsa and guacamole, but fails to take the bowl of chips. In Rachel’s interview, she says, it’s the last leg of the race. Everyone is tired, but they need to keep communication open. Fraser tells Kaylee to do the cabins, and Heather tells Rachel that the guests are loving the soup, but Rachel says, she’s too tired, and doesn’t give a f***. I’m wondering why on earth the guests would opt for Mexican food at a white party. That’s like asking for a laundry disaster. Lobster ravioli is served, and primary Jennifer says she put it a million times in bold letters on her preference sheet; no cooked fish. From what she’s mumbling, it sounds like she doesn’t like the texture. In Heather’s interview, she says, Rachel had completely forgotten. Clearly, they were all exhausted. She tells Rachel about the mistake, and Rachel says, bloody effing hell.

We flash back to the prior charters where Rachel neglected one guest’s aversion to cheese, and didn’t quite meet the needs of the guest whose jaw was wired shut. In her interview, Rachel says, she’s so tired, it becomes a compilation. She comes upstairs with the next course, and apologizes to Jennifer for the lobster, saying, she’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. Fraser and Jake chat as Fraser pops the balloons, and in Fraser’s interview, he says, he and Jake are different, but complete each other in weird, wonderful ways. They love each other. Jake calls pseudo-fiancé Paris, and says he’s taking an 8 day holiday after the season. She tells him that if there’s a strew position on the boat he’ll be on, she’ll come along, but the phone dies.

The next morning, Jennifer and Darin have coffee on the top deck. Heather says Rachel looks like she’s going to cry or kill someone. No surprise, Rachel opts for the latter. Fraser calls friend Kamille, and in his interview, he says, his aspiration is to be a chief stew. He tells Kamille that he’s too comfortable where he is, and couldn’t live a comfortable life. The guests are seated for breakfast, and I wonder why everyone isn’t clutching coffee cups. Mine doesn’t leave my hand in the morning until noon. Heather tells Fraser that she’s grumpy and over people being grumpy and over it. She’s effing exhausted. In her interview, she says, the boat sucks, and the best way to fix it is with imagination. They need a serious bounce back, and to take it to the next level. She tells Eddie that the guests love Hamilton. Maybe he could think of a cool way to incorporate it. Eddie says he thinks Heather already has an idea, and asks, what’s on her mind? She says, this is how we get $30K…

Heather tells Eddie that she’ll put him in a Hamilton outfit, and he can pull up in a boat. He suggests he ask directions to NYC, so he can better his education, and then leave. Heather produces a grey wig from who-knows-where, along with a bunch of costume pieces. In Eddie’s interview, he says he was into musical theater when he was younger. The first part he played was in The Wizard of Oz. He played Toto, and stole the show. He’s playing it cool, but can’t wait to get his Hamilton on. Heather tells Fraser that she’s going to set up on the beach, and she wants him to stay for the final packing. Rayna and Jake are already there, setting up the tents, and in Rayna’s interview, she says, she sees the light at the end of the tunnel, but she’s going to miss Jake. They love each other, but the boat is too small for their big personalities. Regardless, she loves him.

Captain Lee tells Heather, the wheelhouse looks like a costume shop. It’s got to go. Heather thinks the captain is tired and cranky too, and Rachel says, or just pissed because he wants to wear the wig. In Rachel’s interview, she says she’s glad the captain didn’t talk to her like that. She would have cried. Heather tells Kaylee that she’s getting it from all angles. It started with Rachel in the morning; then Rayna was giving her attitude. Now it was Captain Lee. In Kaylee’s interview, she said she and Heather were like sisters. They love each other, but they can also want to rip each other’s heads off. She feels it’s her responsibility to pick Heather back up, because that’s what sisters do. Kaylee fixes Heather’s hair in the crew mess, and the captain asks if Heather is chewing gum. Heather promises she’ll spit it out before she waits on the guests, and in her interview, she says, more knives, but she’s still standing. Fraser comes in, and asks Heather something about the dish he’s holding. She tells him to drop it off in the galley, then tend to the guests, but he keeps talking. Afterwards, she tells him that Captain Lee didn’t want to see all three stews in the galley, and when she told him to go, he did the opposite. He made it seem like her word didn’t stand. In Fraser’s interview, he says he’s sorry Heather’s not feeling great, but right now, it’s not cute. Chill the f*** out.

Rachel asks Wes to help put aluminum foil on the food trays going to the beach. In Rachel’s interview, she says, screwing up is not an option. She’s made it a la carte, so there’s an option for everyone. Heather and Kaylee go over to the beach, and in Heather’s interview, she says, the picnic has to be seamless. She needs to have her head in the game, and stop worrying about how everyone feels. The guests are brought over, and Kaylee and Wes go back to the boat. Cornhole is played, as it is at every jungle safari beach picnic. Heather takes a group photo of the guests, and Rachel grills. Heather calls Eddie to come with the ice cream, and Eddie gets into his costume.

Looking like an aging minuteman, Eddie tells us, I’m Alexander Hamilton, bitch. He approaches the beach, and upon landing, says he’s on his way to King’s College, but brought them ice cream. In his interview, he says, Lin Manuel, I’m available. Rachel tells Heather that Eddie wasn’t supposed to come until the very end of the meal, and in her interview, Rachel asks why this is happening. If it melts, she’ll look like a dumbass. She tells Heather that she wanted it when the guests were done eating. In Heather’s interview, she asks if she’s in the Twilight Zone. Don’t hate her. She was doing what Rachel wanted. She suggests putting it in the cooler, but Rachel says she doesn’t care anymore.

Next time, the finale, a duel on deck, Rachel tells Heather to STFU, and Heather begs for Rayna’s forgiveness on her knees. It’s a no.

🏖 On the God awful Summer House, the takeaway points were as follows. We found out newcomer Mya had once been engaged to Kwame from Top Chef. Danielle’s boyfriend was also a chef, and getting more successful, so he wasn’t around much, but she seemed okay with that. Ciara said, Austen wasn’t ready to date or be in a relationship, and Carl looked like an entrée. Really? Et tu, Ciara? Some woman cursed Andrea out and called him an a-hole for pushing her in the pool at a pool party. Paige asked the woman and her friend to leave the pool party, but they were like, you can’t fire me, I quit, and said they were on their way out anyway. Andrea got all dramatic about it, and took to his bed. Amanda did weird things with a floatie, and I have no idea why. No surprise, Andrea wanted what he could no longer have, which was Paige, and that confused her, but we know she’s with Craig now, so it really doesn’t matter. I finally looked it up. This cast is mostly between 30 and 40. I have no words.

👨🏾‍🍳 Crossing Over…

If things had worked out, would Kwame have been a Summer Chef?

👠 Blast From the Past…

All about Jennifer Smith’s return.

💰 It Was a Good Run…

He should have stayed in New York. I’ll bet we see him in a reality show down the road.

https://people.com/home/fredrik-eklund-is-leaving-the-million-dollar-listing-franchise/

🌬 Dreaming On…

Please feel free to join me tomorrow for soap and a VanderReunion where I’m sure sparks will be flying. Until then, stay safe, stay seeking answers, and stay not going to memorials you’re not invited to. No good can come of it.

December 9, 2021 – Sonny Asks a Favor Of Miss Wu, Elevated Pajamas On the Runway, Fredrik Does Monroe & Fun

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly video chats with Avery, and tells her that she’s going to hang on to Avery’s present for Liam right now; it’s getting a little crowded in his room. She says she’ll be home soon, and turns around to see Miss Wu (who now has a first name – Celina – so we’ll use that). Celina says, darling child, and Carly thanks her for the flowers. Celina says she was sorry to hear about Jason, but hopes he prevails. Carly says, he has a record of beating the odds, and Celina says she’s not a betting woman, but if she were, Jason is the safest bet there is. Carly asks if Celina is there to see Sonny, but Celina says her business isn’t with Carly’s husband. Give her best to the family. She leaves, and Carly ponders that.

Britt says it looks like Obrecht is almost ready to get out of there. Scotty sits next to Obrecht in her hospital bed, a box of chocolates on the tray, and Obrecht says she can’t believe he’s not a fan of nougat. He says he’s a fan of her nougat, and she says, naughty boy. They are so cute, I can’t stand it. He says, that’s what they tell him, and Britt says, although it might be another three weeks, give or take. Obrecht asks if caramel elicits the same response, and Scotty says, nectar of the gods, like her, booping her nose. She says, excellent, and Britt says, by the way, she’s pregnant. Surprise! Quintuplets. Can they believe it? Obrecht says, Britt finds public displays of affection unseemly, and Scotty wonders how she could have given birth to such a prude. This is what love looks like. Britt tells him, if he says so.

Maxie says she needs to talk to Sonny about Peter, and he says he just came from seeing that bastard. What’s on her mind? She says she wants to know what Sonny is going to do about him. She wants him dead. He tells her, listen to him. Peter has to live.

Ava sips some cognac, and Nikolas says, it’s getting late. She says she hadn’t noticed, and he says he has a fire going in their bedroom too. What does she say? Her, him, a bearskin rug? She says, maybe later, and he says, ouch. She says she’s a little preoccupied, that’s all. He asks, what about? and she says, rat killings. He says, that’s not the answer he was expecting, and she says, they remind her of his family. Tails all knotted up together, unable to break away, destined to die together, unless they do the painful thing, and chew their way free.

As she fills the tub, Laura talks to Doc on the phone. She says she misses him too, but the good news is, the FBI is getting close to finding the assassin Cyrus hired, so she doesn’t think this thing is going to go on much longer. She asks him to hang on while she turns off the water, and she hears thumping coming from the living room.

In the living room, Martin struggles with fake cleaning lady, who has a cord around his neck.

Scotty tells Britt that he’s sorry about Jason, and she thanks him, but says, they were long over. Obrecht says, pfft! and Britt says, what does that mean? Obrecht says, it’s not weak to admit she’s hurting, but Britt says she’s fine, and thanks them for their concern. Nina comes to the door, and Obrecht says if only she’d ended Peter’s misbegotten life when she had the chance. That schwein would be brisket, and none of this would have happened. Britt says Obrecht would be in prison, but Obrecht says, a small price to pay. Scotty says, bite your tongue, and Nina comes in. She says it’s nice of Obrecht to take the blame, but they all know who’s responsible for Peter’s latest reign of terror – i.e. her. Britt says she has some work to catch up on, so don’t stay up too late, and don’t pop any stitches. Scotty says he’ll do his best, and Britt leaves. Nina says, Britt seems to be doing okay, but Obrecht says, it’s a façade. Over or not, Jason was the closest thing Britt has come to true love. Any chance of rekindling that is now over. Peter robbed her of it. Nina says, he’s not alone. Jason’s death is her fault too.

Britt walks into her office, and Celina is sitting at her desk. Britt says she’s sorry; this is her private office. Celina says, she’s aware, and Britt says, all appointments have to go through her assistant. Celina says, better to keep this meeting off the books, and Britt asks if she knows Celina. Celina gets up, and says, no, but she knows Britt. Britt says, now she feels left out. Please introduce herself. Celina says who she is depends on Britt. She hopes they’ll be friends, but if not, she’s willing to settle for a more transactional relationship.

Nikolas says he takes it Ava has his Uncle Victor on his mind, and she says, doesn’t he? He says he’s thought of little else since Victor’s visit this afternoon. Ava says Nikolas never should have thrown in with him, and he says, he might not be alive if he hadn’t. She says she’s grateful for Victor saving Nikolas’s life, but Victor is a little too proactive for her taste. He says, to be clear, he didn’t ask Victor to take it that far with Hayden, and she says she knows. Victor took it upon himself. That’s what she means by proactive. God help the next poor soul who falls victim to Victor’s instinct for enterprise.

Martin pulls fake cleaning lady onto the couch, as he goes down to the floor, still struggling. Silva asks if everything is okay in there, and Martin slumps. Silva says he’s coming in, and fake cleaning lady says, be right there. Silva finds the door is locked, and fake cleaning lady gets something to hit him with, but Laura comes out behind her, and says, batter up, whacking her with a plunger. She sees Martin on the floor, and lets Silva in. She tells him, call 9-1-1. She doesn’t know if her brother is breathing. She runs to Martin, and he sits up coughing. He grabs the plunger, asks if there’s back up, and passes out.

Celina introduces herself to Britt, saying, she’s Brad Cooper’s aunt. Britt says, no way, and Celina says, way. Britt says, Brad never spoke much about his family. Is he okay? Celina says she’s surprised Britt has to ask. She was under the impression that Britt and her nephew were close. Britt says, they were… They are. She’s been away, and before that, there was a lot going on. It’s been hard to visit. Celina says she sees, and Britt wonders why she feels she’s being judged. Celina says, friendships are difficult to maintain, even under the best of circumstances. Her rather fluid commitment to Brad is not unexpected. Britt says he’s still her friend, and will continue to be. Celina doesn’t have to worry about her abandoning Brad. Celina says, that’s precisely what she wants.

Obrecht says, it’s Peter, along with the assistance of her reptilian ex Victor, who sealed Jason’s fate. Nina says, if she hadn’t called Obrecht when Peter showed up in Nixon Falls… and Obrecht asks, what else would she do? Nina says, call the police, and Obrecht says, that schwein was blackmailing Nina, using sweet adorable little James. Of course (🍷) Nina needed her. Scotty thinks this might be a good time to talk about Nina’s preliminary hearing. He wants to get the charges tossed out. Obrecht says, hearing? Charges? What is Nina accused of now?

Michael says, he thought Carly would have left by now, and Carly asks where Willow is. Michael says, she went home to be with Wiley. He thought he’d stick around and be with Liam, if Sasha and Brando want to take a break. She asks if he saw the baby, and he says, yeah. Take away the tubes and machines… She says, you’d never know anything was wrong; he’s perfect. She says she had placental abruption with him, and Michael says, Jason found her passed out on the floor, right? She says, he was living at Sonny’s old penthouse. Sonny was out of the country, and not expected to return, and she showed up on the doorstep. Of course (🍷) Jason let her in. She had this terrible pain, and the next thing she knew, Jason was there, and rushing her to the hospital, and she was rushed in to an emergency C-section. Of course (🍷)  she doesn’t remember any of that; she just remembers waking up in the ICU. Michael says, and of course (🍷) Jason was right by her side. She says, that’s when he told her Michael had surgery, and it was the scariest moment of her life. She remembers, right then and there, she promised herself that she would die before she ever caused Michael pain. He says he knows the feeling. He makes that promise every day. She takes his hand, and sighs, because someone has to now that Jason is gone.

Maxie tells Sonny to wait. He’s not seriously suggesting Peter deserves mercy? He says, not at all, but she wants her daughter back, right? She says, of course (🍷) she does, and he says, then getting rid of Peter is a bad idea. (Probably talking about it in the middle of the hospital is too. Just saying.) He set up the kidnapping, so if Peter dies, any information about where Louise is will die with him. She says, no; Peter doesn’t know where Louise is. He asks if she’s sure about that, and she says, why would he have blackmailed Nina if he did? and Sonny says, it’s a possibility. She says, here’s the deal; as long as Peter is breathing, Louise is in trouble. Forget about her, and she knows he doesn’t care about Franco, but what about Elizabeth and her sons, and Drew, and Jason? Is Sonny really going to let the man who killed his best friend get away with it?

Britt says, Celina wants her to abandon Brad? and Celina says she appreciates Britt looking after him now and then, but she’s no longer needed. Britt tells her, says the woman who had nothing to do with him his entire life? Celina says she doesn’t know of what she speaks, and Britt says, the hell she doesn’t. She would have heard of Celina if she’d meant anything to Brad. Celina says, the circumstances are favorable to Brad’s imminent parole, and Britt says, she had no idea. Celina says, naturally. If parole is granted, Britt is advised to remain at a distance, and Britt asks, why? That’s not what Brad would want. Celina says, it’s what she wants, and more important, it’s what he nephew needs. This is Brad’s chance to rehabilitate his character, to evolve it beyond its current limited scope, and his ability to do so will be constrained by harmful influences lingering from his old life. Britt says, harmful influences like her, and Celina’s phone dings. She looks at it, and thanks Britt for her time. Britt says she wasn’t given much of a choice, and Celina tells her, the best of luck in her endeavors. She sees no need to revisit this conversation, as long as Britt abides by her wishes.

Silva tells a handcuffed fake cleaning lady, congratulations. She’s going away for the rest of her life. Laura says, she doesn’t know about that. She thinks there’s a scenario where fake cleaning lady could spend a few of her golden years outside, provided she tells them who she’s working for. It’s Cyrus Renault, isn’t it? Fake cleaning lady says, lawyer, and Laura throws up her hands. Silva takes fake cleaning lady out, and Laura goes over to Martin, where an EMT is tending to him. Martin says he’ll be fine after a little laryngitis, and Laura thanks the EMT for getting there so quickly. Martin says she won’t be without his dulcet tones for long, and the EMT leaves. Laura tells Martin not to strain himself, and he says he doesn’t intend to, unless she used all the hot water. He needs to relax. He’s going to take a nice hot soak before their minders move them to the next location. She says, that’s one option, and he says, there’s another?

Michael asks if Carly wants a ride home, but she says she’s going to stick around and see if Brando and Sasha need anything. He says he checked; they’re out. Hopefully, they stay that way until morning. He gets the feeling she’s avoiding going home. She said everything was okay with her and dad; is it? Celina comes by, and says she can’t help but wonder if Michael plans to attend her nephew’s parole hearing. He says she wouldn’t miss it, and she says she assumes his position on Brad being in prison has remained unchanged. He says he believes Brad should remain in prison, and she says, Brad repents of his sin. He says he’s heard that one before. Recently, in fact, from the woman who kept his father away from his family. It sounded as hollow from her as it does from Celina. Celina says she’s sorry to hear that, and tells them to have a good evening.

Scotty says, if Nina is guilty of anything, it’s making this town a better place. She almost helped rid them of the worst menace that ever walked these streets. Obrecht says, this is an outrage. Peter is finally locked up, and they persecute her niece instead? For what? Attempting to thwart a madman? Nina says, her charges aren’t related to Peter, and Obrecht asks, against who else has she transgressed?

Sonny says, Maxie is grieving and angry; so is he, but bringing up Jason is not a way to get into his good graces. She says, this is no time for grace. Peter took Franco and Jason from their families. He took Louise from her. Does Sonny think he’s going to stop there? Sonny flashes back to Peter saying he recorded Sonny with Nina, and if Sonny kills him, he’ll be breathing life into that. Maxie says, taking is what Peter does, and he’s going to keep taking until he gets what he wants, and when he gets it, he’s going to want something new. God forbid you have what he’s set his sights on. She walks away, and Sonny takes out his phone.

Nikolas says he and Ava are on the same page. He wants nothing to do with what Victor is plotting. She says, what he wants is beside the point. She gets the feeling that Victor is using their past association as a  license to reduce Nikolas to his pawn. Does he disagree? He says, name one person who’s ever gotten the better of him besides her, and she says, this isn’t funny. He says he knows, and she says, they’re better together. He says he knows that too. He promises he learned his lesson. She says, has he? and he asks what she’s getting at. She says he didn’t fill her in about Victor until it was almost too late, and he says he made a mistake. She says, the mistake is done. If there’s anything left to tell her, the time is now.

Nina tells Obrecht, that’s it. Sonny returned home, and was reunited with his family. Scotty says, the rest will play out in court. Obrecht asks, what exactly are the charges? and he says, fraud, but they’re going to get them thrown out before the trial phase. Obrecht says, what Nina said about Jason… and Nina says, it’s true. Peter would have been in custody sooner if she’d called the police. Obrecht says, but she didn’t want the truth about Sonny to come out, and Nina says, she called Obrecht. Jason might still be alive if she’d made a different choice. Scotty says, if it’s any consolation, he calls Obrecht whenever he gets involved in shady business. Obrecht asks him to leave them, and he says, give him one of those caramels, and they’ll have lawyer/client privilege, but she says, some things can only be said to family.

Britt looks at a photo of her and Brad on her phone, when Maxie comes in. Britt says, it’s so good to see her; she has no idea. Maxie asks, what’s wrong? Or what’s not wrong is the more appropriate question. Britt says, it would make for a short conversation, and Maxie says, talk to her, but Britt says, no. Maxie doesn’t have the time. She has kids. She doesn’t have time to listen to Britt’s sob story. Maxie says her kids are at her parents; she has time. They sit, and Maxie says, she’s listening.

Carly tells Michael that she’s no fan of Brad’s; not after what he did to Michael and Lucas. Michael says, and Willow, and she says, it’s despicable on all fronts, and she definitely thinks Brad should be serving his full sentence. Michael says, but? and she says, but she thinks he should take a different tack when it comes to Brad’s aunt. He says, she asked him questions and he told the truth. Carly says she knows that, and he says, if he’d glossed over his feelings, Celina would have been surprised and angry when he went after Brad at the parole hearing. She says she just thinks he could be less confrontational about it; Celina is his dad’s ally. He says he knows, and he plans to honor their agreement. He’s not going to pull any strings to block Brad’s parole behind the scenes, but he has every intention of speaking at the hearing, which his dad understands. And Celina should know better than to trade on the alliance. Doesn’t Carly think dad would agree? She says she doesn’t feel comfortable speaking for his dad. They’re not exactly on the same page right now.

Sonny thanks Celina for coming by; he knows it’s late. She says she always has time for him, and he says he hopes she has some consideration for him. She says, meaning? and he shows her a photo, saying, this guy is at the PCPD, in custody; his arraignment is tomorrow. There won’t be a bail; they’re sending him back to Pentenville until the trial, but there’s not going to be a trial because he’s going to be dead before that. Celina says, and he wants her to make sure that occurs. He says he’d do it himself, but it’s public knowledge how Sonny feels about him, and Sonny would be the number one suspect. He laughs, and she says, and he requires more than the usual degree of plausible deniability? Sonny says, he is a danger to society. Can she do it? She looks at Peter’s picture, and says, it’s possible, but it will cost Sonny.

Sonny says, obviously, he’ll compensate her for her effort; parcel out any holdings he got from Novak. She says, that’s very generous, but she’d prefer payment in another form. He says, what form is that? and she says she was hoping they could revisit the subject of her nephew. He says, he’s not going to pressure board to refuse Brad’s parole, and she says, that’s all well and good, but she was hoping he’d undertake a more positive approach; use his sway to ensure a more favorable result? He wonders if she understands what she’s asking him to do. Because of Brad, his son couldn’t be a father and thought his son was dead, and she wants him to set Brad free. She says, there’s no more consequence to his family. Brad’s attachment to his grandson has been severed. He says, words are cheap, but she says, not hers. No one’s taking a life. Peter’s removal is of great value to Sonny? Sonny says, yes, and she says, then she asks him to give her something commensurate in return; a life for a life, as it were. He says, okay. He’ll tell his guy on the parole board to vote to release Brad, but she says, a single vote might not be enough to ensure her nephew’s freedom, especially with Sonny’s son on the warpath.

Michael asks, what’s going on with Carly and his dad? but she says she doesn’t want to put him in the middle. He says he gets that, but she obviously needs someone to talk to, and she says, but it can’t be him. It’s not that complicated. She and Sonny thought things would just go back to the way they used to be. He says, easier said than done? and she says, yeah. It’s hard with Jason, and… They’ll work things out. They always do. He says he knows, but hopefully he can help speed things along.

Nina says, let her have it, but Obrecht says, she’ll do no such thing. What is the point? To make Nina feel worse than Carly and Sonny already have? Nina says, it’s more painful when it comes from family, so here she is; go for it. Yell at her, dammit. Obrecht says, masochism doesn’t suit her, but Nina says, if she doesn’t suffer, how can she be redeemed? Obrecht says, first off, she makes amends with Britt. Nina has no idea what she’s taken from Britt. Nina says, she thought Jason and Britt only dated for a little while. Then he left to be with Carly. Obrecht flashes back to talking to Britt about Jason on Cassadine Island, and Britt saying that Jason accepts her as she is. She tells Nina, Jason was more than a fling to Britt. She gave him something most precious; her trust. Now he’s gone, and Obrecht is afraid. Nina says, of what? and Obrecht says, of Britt hiding her heart at a time she can least afford to. Nina says she’ll be there for Britt, always. She promises. Obrecht said, first off. What’s the second thing? Obrecht says, the path to redemption is resurrection. Nina is no saint, but neither are Carly and Sonny. If they don’t apologize, why should Nina? Remember who she is; sister, niece, friend, mother, grandmother, a force to be reckoned with. When she goes to court, don’t cower in the corner. Take up arms, and fight for her life.

Britt tells Maxie, nothing specific is going on. It was just nice to look up and see a friendly face. What brings her by? Maxie says she realized she hadn’t checked up on Britt or Obrecht since they got back. Britt says she’d give her mother another night, and Maxie says, she’s not well? but Britt says, she’s great. She’s cocooning with Scott. Maxie says, gross, and Britt says, yeah. Maxie says, but cute? and Britt says, totally. Maxie says, sounds like a better reunion than she had with Peter. She went to see him at the police station. Britt says, good. She had this vision of Peter escaping and showing up at Maxie’s apartment. Maxie says, it was all her doing, and Britt asks, why? Maxie says she wanted to prove to herself that she wasn’t scared of him anymore; that he didn’t have this hold on her. But leave it to Peter to find new ways to terrify and obsess over her. Britt says, at least she tried, and they put their hands on top of each other’s hands on the table. Britt says she’s proud of Maxie, and Maxie thanks her. She says, anyway, that’s it for Peter. Now it’s just a matter of time. Britt says, before what?

Martin and Laura argue, and Martin asks, what’s to prevent Cyrus from taking another shot? Literally. She says, the FBI told her that Cyrus hired a single assassin, and he says, she thinks that’s it? Just one and done? She says she believes so. He’s completely cut off from his funds, he has no allies, he has zero support. How’s he going to be able to sic anyone on them now? Martin says he doesn’t know. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. She says, not this time, and he says he fears she’s dangerously underestimating their brother, but she says she thinks Cyrus underestimated her – twice. Both times, to his regret. Martin says, thank God, but what if the third time’s the charm? She says her family and community need her, and she can’t be there to help them if she’s in hiding or on the run, always looking over her shoulder. Believe her, that’s no way to live. There is only one way to win here. You turn around and stand your ground, and you take on your enemy, face-to-face. He asks if she was some kind of cheerleader in high school, and she says, drum majorette.

Ava says, it’s a simple question. Either Nikolas trusts her and loves her, or he doesn’t. He says, of course (🍷) he loves her and trusts her, and she says, prove it. He says, she wants complete honesty? Even if it makes her an accessory after the fact? She says she’d rather that than being kept in the dark, and he says, Shawn didn’t shoot Hayden. Someone else did. She says she knows. Nikolas hired them.

Laura tells Martin to relax, and rest the vocal cords. She’s going to talk to Agent Silva, and start packing up their things. He says he hopes she knows what she’s doing, and she says, so does she. He says, funny, and she tells him, somehow, some way, she’ll take care of Cyrus, and will protect him in the process. Okay? He says, okay.

Nikolas says, Ava knows? How? When? She says, weeks ago. In the midst of his hand-wringing over Alexis and Shawn, it all became pretty clear. Then Victor essentially confirmed it this afternoon. He asks why she didn’t say something, and she says she knew he was trying to protect her. She was happy to let it lie. Why coerce him into confessing something that happened so long ago? It’s not like she’s an angel herself. Then Victor surfaced. He says, one secret too many, and she says, make no mistake. There can be no more secrets between them. So he needs to decide, is it all or is it nothing? He kisses her, and asks if that answered her question. They get busy as we see the fireplace. The fireplace is the new code for getting busy. It’s winter.

Scotty goes back to Obrecht’s room, and says, hey, blue eyes. Any chocolate left? She asks if he thinks he stands a chance at getting a judge to throw out the charges against Nina, but he says, not really. If it goes badly, they can taint the jury against her. She says, then why bother? and he says, because they have to see what the prosecution’s case looks like, not to mention the key witnesses and what they’re going to say. She says, key witnesses like Sonny. It’s not like him to deploy the court system against his adversaries. Scotty says, he didn’t; Michael did. She says, the avenging son, and he says he’s not so sure Sonny is too happy about that. She asks if Sonny has undertaken any retribution, but he says, no, and it’s not like him. He and Sonny have one thing in common; they hold grudges. There are no bygones. She asks, then why hasn’t he lifted a finger against Nina, the woman who kept him from his wife and children? He says, maybe Sonny still thinks he’s that country bumpkin bartender Mike. She asks if he said Mike, and Scotty says, why? Obrecht flashes back to Nina telling her that she’d met someone, and thought they were good for each other. His name is Mike. Obrecht tells Scotty, no reason, and he says he’s still a little confused as to why Sonny hasn’t gone off on Nina. He peruses the candy box, and says he has to get to the bottom of that. Nina’s whole future could hinge on it.

Britt says, Maxie’s planning something, but Maxie says, not anymore. Now it’s up to someone else to do the planning; at least she hopes. Britt asks what that means, and Maxie says, nothing. Britt says Maxie is freaking her out, and Maxie says, that’s the opposite of what she wants to do. Why doesn’t Britt come back to her place?. She has wine and actual wine glasses. They can get old school wasted. Nina comes to the door, and asks if she’s interrupting. Maxie says she was just bullying Britt into coming to her house and getting wine hammered. Nina asks if that’s a technical term, and Maxie says, it is now. Is she in? Nina says she doesn’t want to intrude, but Maxie says, the more the merrier. The two of them are the perfect people for Maxie to raise her glass with. Nina asks what they’re toasting to, and Maxie says, a Peter-free world. Coming soon.

Celina says, Sonny’s son plans to argue for her nephew’s continued imprisonment, but Sonny says, he’s not going to push Michael on this. Michael is going to vote his way, and Sonny is going to vote his; that’s it. He stands up, and she follows, holding out her hand. They shake. and he asks when he can expect this to happen. She says she’ll make the necessary arrangements immediately, before Brad’s parole hearing. He walks her to the door, and she says, for what it’s worth (🍷), she’s sorry for his trouble. She knows it puts him in an awkward position. She truly hopes Michael forgives him for this meeting

Michael says it’s obvious Nina is the reason Carly and Sonny are having issues. She’s about to get what she deserves. Carly says, if only, and plops down onto a bench. He says, she will, and sits next to her. Nina is going to go to prison, and when she’s gone, things are going to be better. She says she knows it, and pats his leg.

Sonny tells Celina that he’s prepared to accept the consequences for his actions. His family is best served with Peter taken care of. So see to it that it happens. She nods, and starts to leave, but he asks her to wait. He says, the details of their original agreement still stand. If Brad gets set free, and goes anywhere near his grandson, if he even utters his grandson’s name, there will be hell to pay.

Tomorrow, Brook tells Willow that she’s a whole different story, Anna says maybe there’s something she can do for Peter, Carly asks Sonny what bargain she walked in on, and Sasha tells Brando, today their baby is coming home.

Project Runway

Christian treated the designers to a 2020 fashion retrospective, which consisted of mostly sweats and robes. Christian said everyone had been living in awful couch clothes for over a year, but people felt at ease and comfortable in them. Designers were finding new ways to elevate casual clothing so it looked like effortless luxury. The challenge was a modern version of luxury; comfortable chic. They were to create a look fit for a day out on the town. It was to be luxurious and fabulous, but still comfortable enough to be on the couch. They had one day, and there was no more immunity. In their interviews, Octavio said he spent quarantine in slides and gym shorts; Bone said panties and drag had been his quarantine look, and he was sure his neighbors got enough; for Shantall, it was a sports bra, T-shirt, and leggings; and Prajje said he was naked, just him. What was the point in wasting clothes? The designers were given 30 minutes and a $400 budget at Mood. Christian said the fabric choices were everything. It had to be something that felt great on your body.

Prajje decided he wasn’t doing painting; he was still high from the last time. Octavio wanted to design an oversized sweatshirt dress, which was speaking my language. Shantall decided to use fabric she had created during quarantine. Chasity said she was known for bridal gowns, and had taken a financial hit, and Aaron said he went on food stamps. It had been humbling, but out of something bad came something good. He was going to shine brighter than the sun.

Christian brought the designers a special surprise, Cyndi Lauper, along with Geoffrey Mac, Project Runway’s Season 18 winner. Christian said Cyndi was an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner, which is pretty impressive. Geoffrey said when he’d won Cyndi’s challenge, it gave him more confidence for the big win. We flashed back to that, and Cyndi said she couldn’t tell them how to sew, but they were the future, and could make an impact. Geoffrey praised his CFDA mentorship, and in Octavio’s interview, he said he and Geoffrey had never met in person, but had DM’d, and styled some of the same people. Octavio said it was because of Geoffrey that he was on the show. At 42, he thought he was too old, but Geoffrey was in his 40s. In Prajje’s interview, he said he had a daughter in Haiti, and wanted her to join him, so she could have a better life.

The guest judge was Maria Cornejo, a designer of wearable chic for every woman, and a founder of the CFDA. Most of the outfits bordered on the same thing: wide pants, some flowing and some gathered; a crop top and/or bralette; and an oversized or long flowing jacket. Basically a lot of elevated pajama sets. Octavio did his hoodie sweatshirt dress, and the model revealed lingerie that he’d designed underneath it. She also wore pink, marabou feathered shoes that Christian had warned Octavio against. The dress had some crazy long sleeves that the model whipped out at the end of the runway, which seemed useless. Norma Kamali has done dresses like that, and I hate them. Brandon put it best when he asked,  just in case your arms are 6 feet? Bones had his model come out in big pink rollers, which was fun. Not understanding the assignment, Coral decided on a black sequin two-piece number, more clubwear than casual.

Shantall, Anna, and Bones were in. On the high end was Chasity, Nina saying her outfit was stylish, comfortable, and versatile. It had included three pieces, so there were many options for a look. Elaine liked the juxtaposition of girly and sporty. On the low end was Octavio, which surprised me. Brandon said he’d been waiting to be blown away, but it was anticlimactic, and the pink shoes were a no. If I’ve learned anything from this show, it’s listen to Christian, Also on the low end was Prajje, who maybe should have stuck to painting, and instead had picked out a print with nudes on it. Nina said the spirit was gone. It wasn’t comfortable or luxurious; it was just eh. Elaine said she’d been the dissenting voice, feeling it was effortlessly chic. Aaron was on the high end, with another three-piece PJ set that included a long mohair cardigan. Brandon said it was feminine, but comfortable and believable. Again Elaine was by herself, saying she thought it was frumpy. It was overly comfortable, and not enough chic. At the bottom was Coral, because no one was wearing sequins on the couch. Zayden was also a low scorer, the judges feeling his jumpsuit was ill-fitting. Kristina’s two-piece set got high marks, Maria saying that it was a hot hippie dress. Kristina demonstrated how the pants could be removed, and the top pulled down to make a dress that was quite cute. Elaine said it was thoughtfully executed, but Brandon was in disagreement that time, saying he felt it was borderline costumey. Chasity had immunity, so it didn’t really matter.

The judges deliberated, and Brandon said, clearly Coral had been at a different party. Elaine said Octavio’s outfit seemed less like getting out after quarantine, than something from when you were deep in quarantine, and confused as to what to wear. Regarding Prajje, Nina said, comfortable should never be dull.

Kristina was the winner, with a chic look that was comfortable and confident, and an innovation in style winner. In her interview, Kristina said winning was the best, especially after being at the bottom. Elaine told Coral that she was safe, but to pay attention to the challenge. Prajje was also safe. Elaine said that they were at that point where everyone was talented, which made it difficult. Octavio had overstyled, and lacked originality. Zayden’s execution of the fit was off. They were both out. Octavio thanked the judges for a great experience, and said it was just the beginning. Zayden was crying, and had a hard time getting words out. Elaine said it had been an honor getting to know him. In Zayden’s interview, he said he came in with his head high, and he was walking out the same. He woudn’t change anything. Elaine thanked Zayden for bringing who he is into his work, and he said it was for every Black kid like him, who struggled. He knew it wasn’t the end. Elaine said she wasn’t going to cry today. In his interview, Zayden said he was proud of how far he’d come. He’d been eliminated with Octavio, whose work he loved.

Christian told the designers that they had to come to this moment. They were all talented. There was a group hug, and in Octavio’s interview, he said it took him until age 42 to have the balls to come on the show. He not only showed his designs, but also showed himself in a vulnerable state. He was proud. Zayden was also proud of what he’d done, and hoped he’d proved who he was as a designer. It’s always a lesson never a failure.

Next time – executing a cocktail dress using anything found in a cocktail bar; the unconventional material challenge.

👠 I have no clue what’s going on with Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, but next week Fredrik dresses up like Marilyn Monroe. Might be worth a look-see.

🚗 Putting It In Park…

Tomorrow, the usual soap and free-for-all. Until then, stay safe, stay above-board, and stay standing your ground, and taking on your enemy, face-to-face. It’s the only way to win.

July 15, 2021 – Who Knew the MetroCourt Had a Pool, Moving In To Sell, For Only $15 Million & Cool

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis and Portia run into each other, making a move for the same lounge chair at the MetroCourt pool. (New set!)

New York City. Valentin brings coffee over to the table where he and Anna are sitting in a bar/restaurant. He tells her that he managed to locate the source of the singalong in the back room. Apparently there’s a woman leading them in a chorus of Danny Boy; she’s the owner. Anna is messing with her phone, but says, if there were any other circumstances, she’d join in. He says, no she wouldn’t, and she says he’s right. He asks if she’s heard from her aviation contact, and she says, she just got off the phone with her. Anna thinks David Hopkins is their key to finding Peter, and if the flight route is correct, he’s on his way to New York Methodist. Valentin points across the street, and says, that New York Methodist? That’s convenient.

In the New York Methodist emergency room, Phyllis says, this is ridiculous, but Lenny says his chest pains didn’t warrant a visit to the ER. (Good luck with that in NYC. Maybe they’ll see him in a month.) Sonny says Lenny has come a long way. He might as well see the doctor. The doctor comes out, and says they must be the Caulfields, but Sonny says he’s just a family friend. Phyllis thanks the doctor for seeing them, and says her husband is in a great deal of pain. The doctor says they’ll run some tests, and Lenny goes with her. Phyllis and Sonny hug.

Spinelli plays with the umbrella from his drink at the MetroCourt bar, when Jason approaches. Spinelli tells him, gracious greetings, and Jason asks if everything is okay. Spinelli says, the answer depends on which lens you’re looking through. He and Ellie are over.

Gladys and Brando go to the pool, and as Gladys sits in a lounge chair, she says she has to give it to the Widow Corinthos; she knows how to put on a scene. This place is hopping. It’s the perfect spot to show off her new look.  She takes her sun hat off, shaking her hair out, and we see she’s got highlights now. She says, risking her life to see that justice is served has given her a whole new perspective. He says, is that so? and she says she almost died. She has to embrace life after such a harrowing ordeal. Brighten things up a little; invest in herself. He says her hair does look good, and she says, Silas said it took ten years off her looks. She says fifteen, easy. He laughs and says, as long as she likes it. She sees a waiter, and asks how Brando thinks the bloody Mary’s work. On the house, like at the casino? He asks if this looks like a casino. If you want a drink, you pay for it. She says, too bad. She hopes she’s not cramping his style, and he asks what she means. She says he’s a young, good-looking guy. There are plenty of eligible young ladies here. He says he’s not trying to pick anyone up, and she says, so he and Sasha are a thing. It sounded like Sasha wasn’t too clear on where he stood with her, or his baby.

At the MetroCourt restaurant, Maxie thanks Sasha for doing this for her, especially on such short notice, and on her day off. Sasha says, of course (🍷). She was going to check out the pool anyway. What’s up? Maxie hands her some papers, and says, it’s research and press information that she’ll need to make another pitch to Labella. Sasha says she thought getting their products on the shelves was Maxie’s area of expertise, and Maxie says, it is. She’s taking a step back. Sasha says, from Deception? and Maxie says, from everything, but definitely from work. She talked to Lucy; she knows Maxie is taking a leave of absence. Sasha asks, for how long? and Maxie says, just for a few weeks. The kidnapping has been traumatizing – Sasha says, of course (🍷) it hasand being in Port Charles is making it worse. Sasha says she’s so sorry. She’s sure having a pregnant co-worker isn’t helping, but Maxie says, no. This doesn’t have anything to do with Sasha at all.

Brook comes into Nina’s apartment, wheeling Bailey in the carriage, and says, at ease, Yuri. She tells him that he can wait in the hallway, and Nina asks if he wants a bottle of water or something. Brook says, he’d prefer flat, and Nina goes to get it. Brook tells Yuri that it’s a secure building with vigilant doormen, so he can stand guard, but no accosting anyone. Nina comes back with the water, and he tells her (I assume) thank you in his native language. Nina says she doesn’t know what that was, but she’s got him. She closes the door, and Brook apologizes for the entourage. Nina says, Valentin? and Brook says, how’d she guess? Nina says she got there quickly, and Brook says there was some major drama at the house – what else is new? – so that was incentive to get there, but she also wants to prove herself to Nina and Deception. Nina thanks her for that, but says, this has nothing to do with work. Brook asks what it’s about, and Nina says she knows Brook’s secret.

Portia says she guesses she and Curtis had the same idea, and he says, he and TJ just wanted to get some sun. She says, it’s a perfect day for it, and tells him, enjoy. She starts to pick up her bag, and he asks what she’s doing. She says she thinks she’ll find somewhere else to sit. He says she was there first; they’ll find someplace else. She says, no, she will. TJ joins them and says, hello, and she says, hi, TJ. Wait. Dr. Ashford is what she should say, right? Congratulations. They’re all very proud of him. He thanks her, and says, he gives it a week before she and the senior staff are complaining about him like they do the other interns. She says she highly doubts it, and TJ asks if Curtis wants to swim. Curtis says he’ll be there in a minute, and TJ goes in the pool. Portia asks if it’s going to be awkward between them.

Nina says, Bailey’s not Brook’s, and Brook starts to protest, but Nina says, she belongs to Maxie and Peter. Brook asks how she found out, and Nina says, how does she think? Maxie. She’s losing her mind, understandably so. She needed someone to confide in. Brook says, she gets that, but she and Maxie agreed it was necessary to protect Louise from Peter. She must have told Nina that. Nina says she did, and Brook says, she didn’t believe Maxie? Nina says she did – she does believe her, that she’s trying to protect her daughter. The person she can’t figure out is Brook.

Maxie asks how Sasha’s pregnancy is going, and Sasha says, overwhelming. Maxie says, that’s pregnancy in a nutshell, especially when it’s your first time, and Sasha says, it’s a lot to take on alone. Maxie says, but she’s not alone. She has Brando to help out, right?

Brando tells Gladys, he has no reason to think Sasha doesn’t want him to be a part of her life, or the baby’s. Gladys smiles, and he says he doesn’t know; they haven’t talked about it. She says, exactly. Maybe Sasha is worried about him being a good provider. Brando says, the 1950s called. They want their sexism back. Sasha has her own company, and doesn’t need him to provide for anything. She says, so that’s it? He made his donation, now hit the road? He laughs, and says, my God, and she tells him, she’s just saying. Maybe it’s time for him to worry about his own career. He says, the garage is doing fine, but she says, fine isn’t good enough. Carly walks in, and Gladys says, now the <air quotes> Corinthos Coffee Company <end air quotes>, that’s where the money is. And there’s been a shake-up in management lately, to put it mildly. Brando needs to strike while the iron is hot. With Sonny gone, this is his time.

Spinelli tells Jason, he didn’t realize he and Ellie’s relationship was moving in a direction she’s not comfortable with. She said if she wanted to find a different life, she needed to act now. She’s not wrong. Jason says, no. She’s got to do what’s right for her, and Spinelli has to do what’s right for him. He doesn’t have to choose Jason and the business over Ellie. He can always walk away. Spinelli says, no, he can’t.

Portia says she meant every word she said the other day, and Curtis says, every word? She says, being together with him while he’s on the rebound… He says she’s not a rebound, and she says, it’s not worth the risk of losing him as a friend. She misses the way it used to be, just hanging out and having fun. He says he misses that too, and she suggests they just rewind. Go back to the way things were before she kissed him. He asks if she really thinks it’s that simple, and she says, probably not, but it’s worth a try. Tell TJ that she’ll speak with him later. She leaves, and Curtis watches her.

Spinelli says he misses Ellie, but the bulk of their relationship was during Jason’s absence. The person he was without Jason could fit into Ellie’s world perfectly; he let her take the lead. Jason says Spinelli can still be that person, but Spinelli says he doesn’t want to be. He likes working for Jason. It’s where he’s comfortable. It’s where he thrives. He wants to use his substantial skills, and wants to play for big stakes, take chances. He realized that, and it forced him to face the facts. Ellie’s life and career goals don’t match up with his anymore. Jason asks if Spinelli is okay with that, and Spinelli says he desperately wants her to stay, but that would be selfish. Holding on when he knows it’s wrong would be the wrong thing. Telling her that he’ll change when he knows he won’t. Jason says, to start a new life that he doesn’t believe in, and Spinelli says he knows he’s doing the right thing. Jason says, that doesn’t make it any easier, does it? and Spinelli says, no, it doesn’t. Jason pats him on the shoulder.

Carly tells Brando and Gladys, welcome, and Gladys asks if Carly’s ears were burning, or is she in the habit of sneaking up on all her guests? Carly asks if they’re enjoying themselves, and Gladys says, yes, but not as much as Carly is. She heard about Carly’s engagement to Jason, and Brando tells Carly, congratulations. He’s really happy for them. She thanks him, and Gladys says she’s sure her dearly departed cousin would agree. Carly suggests Brando get his mother a drink, and tell the bartender the tab is on her for the rest of the afternoon. Gladys says, so generous, and Brando leaves. Gladys says, Carly is finally deciding to treat them like family, and Carly says, Gladys is a lot of things, but family isn’t one of them.

Sasha says, Maxie is right; Brando definitely wants to be involved with the baby. Maxie says, but she doesn’t want him to be. Or maybe she doesn’t want to raise the baby at all. Sasha says, she does. It’s not exactly the timetable she envisioned, but she’s always wanted to be a mom. Maxie asks, what’s the problem? and Sasha says, it’s not a problem per se, it’s just that Brando’s such a great guy. He’s so excited about the pregnancy, and them being a family… Maxie says, but? and Sasha says, but he has close ties to Carly and Jason, and that whole life. It makes her a little nervous.

Phyllis tells Sonny, she’s trying so hard not to be one of those people asking constant questions while the doctors are still trying to figure things out. He says, she sees it all the time at the clinic, and she says she does, but she never realized until now how hard it is to just wait. Sonny says he’s glad they got in some sightseeing, and she says, her too. She and Lenny haven’t been to New York in so long, it brought back a lot of memories. She sits, and says, what about him? Does he think he’s ever been there before? He says, it did seem familiar for a second, but he thinks it’s just from TV and the movies. She says, so that’s where his mind was this morning. She noticed he was distracted. She figured he was thinking about his call with Nina the other day.

Brook tells Nina, she admits in the beginning it was all a manipulation. She wanted to redeem herself from the whole ELQ debacle. Nina says, in her father’s eyes, and Brook says, and in her own. When she initially reached out to Maxie with her proposal – Nina says, interesting word choice – Brook wanted to help her, but It was also serendipity. Maxie needed someone to hide a baby at the exact moment Brook needed a baby. It was a win-win, and it was at that time she learned what a psycho Peter really is. So that’s what it became for her, a way to protect this precious little girl, because Peter is way more dangerous than Nina knows. Nina says, Brook doesn’t have to tell her that, and Brook says she got so wrapped up in the Louise aspect, the whole stock thing just fell by the wayside. She had to play it out, since that was the original premise. Nina says, and if she lost interest, Valentin would get suspicious and might figure it out, and Brook says, exactly. Nina says this is where the plan loses her, because Valentin is nothing if not a great father. It’s his Achille’s heel. It’s where he goes from cold and calculating, to a goofy pile of mush. Brook says, true, and Nina says, so she also knows there would be no one in the world more willing to protect that baby from Peter than Valentin. So why not tell Valentin the truth?

Anna tells Valentin that she thinks they should wait for confirmation before they head over to the hospital. The longer they’re hanging out there, the more suspicious they appear. Valentin agrees, and says he can think of worse places to hang out. He asks if she knows what this place reminds him of. That pub in Dublin… She says, Mulligan’s, and he says, they were there celebrating their first field assignment from the Academy. Remember that? She says, vaguely, and he says, this from a women who remembered the name in two seconds flat. She says she doesn’t enjoy thinking about that time in her life, and frankly, neither should he. He asks if it’s their troubled past that’s got her in such a mood, but she says she’s not in a mood. This isn’t a mood. Yes, because what else would it be about? He says, us. Here and now.

Jason says Spinelli probably figured this out already, but he and Carly are… Spinelli says, getting married to present a united front to the outside world? Surprising, but at the same time, not surprising. Jason and Carly are soulmates. Perhaps not romantically, but in every other sense of the word. They support and love each other like no one else can. So it might be for optics, but he for one can imagine a more perfect union. He clinks his glass against Jason’s.

Brando sees TJ getting out of the pool, and says, what’s up? Cool spot, huh? TJ says he envisions himself spending a lot of time there. Brando tells him, have a good one, and starts to walk away, but TJ says, congratulations on the baby. He doesn’t think he said it when Brando told them Sasha was pregnant. Brando says TJ doesn’t have to do that, and TJ says, do what? Brando says, be the bigger person. TJ was the first real friend he had in this town, and he screwed it up by not telling him the truth. TJ says, Brando did, but he’s been thinking a lot lately about lost time, and was reminded that holding grudges doesn’t do them much good. So, seriously, best of luck to him. Brando says, thanks, and they bro shake.

Carly says she appreciates Glady’s assistance in ridding this town of Cyrus, but that is the end of their professional relationship. Gladys says, but it shouldn’t be for her son. Brando deserves a bigger piece of the pie. Carly says, what’s funny is, if there’s one thing that makes Jason not want Brando to be a part of the business, it’s because he’s attached to Gladys. Gladys says, it’s his birthright. He’s the only real Corinthos left. Or at least the only one old enough to want a piece of this. Joey Novak walks in, and Carly says, this conversation’s over. Gladys says, because Carly says so, and Carly says, yeah, pretty much. She walks over to Joey, and asks what he’s doing there.

Sasha tells Maxie, don’t get her wrong. She really likes the Corinthos family. When she was dating Michael, she got to know them pretty well, and she knows they’d put the safety of their loved ones above all else. Maxie says she can vouch for that, and Sasha says, but at the end of the day, there’s only so much they can do. She doesn’t want to raise her child like that. When every time they leave the house, she holds her breath, praying they make it home. Maxie says, FYI, she’s always going to feel that way as a mom. Mob life or no mob life. Sasha says, great, and Maxie says, of course (🍷) she completely understands. Sasha asks what she should do, and Maxie says she thinks Sasha needs to be realistic about Brando’s involvement in all of this. Like, how committed does he seem to this alleged organized crime thing? Sasha says, Brando only went to work for Cyrus as a favor to Sonny and Jason, and Maxie says she figured that. Brando seems like a really nice guy, and Cyrus definitely doesn’t. Sasha says she can’t really complain, since working for Cyrus put Brando in a position to save her life. Maxie says, fortunately, Cyrus was shipped off to federal prison where he belongs, and she knows from experience that Jason would never force someone to work for him who doesn’t want to. Brando’s kind of free to be the man he wants to be.

Sonny tells Phyllis that he talked to Nina, and it was nice, but it was kind of hard keeping this from her. She needs to know what’s going on with Lenny. Phyllis says, and she should, and she’s going to tell Nina once they have more information. Does he want anything from the vending machine? He says he’s good; he doesn’t want anything. She says, her neither, but she wants to get up and walk around. She tells him, don’t let Nina slip through the cracks. He’ll regret it if he does. She leaves.

Nina says, to keep Valentin believing, and loving, this baby as if it was his own child, it’s not fair. Brook says she doesn’t disagree necessarily, but it’s Maxie’s daughter; it’s her call. Nina says she knows, and she wouldn’t go against that. It just makes her sad. Brook says, all she can hope, is that when Valentin finds out, no matter how angry and disappointed he is, that he understands why she and Maxie felt the ends justified the means. Nina says, he will understand. The only thing up for debate is Valentin’s broken heart. He’s not going to stop protecting that baby. He’ll fight for that baby, and he will play his role to the hilt. They both know that. Come on. Brook says, okay, so what about Charlotte?

Valentin says, he and Anna aren’t children. He doesn’t know why they can’t discuss this like adults. She says because she’s way over it. He says he likes her. He has feelings for her, and she has feelings for him. She tells him, if he says so, and he tells her, he does say so, and so would she if she’d stop fighting it. She says, it was a kiss, a fleeting kiss, and he says, which had been building for years. There was nothing fleeting about that kiss. He’s felt this way about her his entire adult life. This is real. He can see it’s scaring her. She asks if she looks scared, and he says, no, but something’s happening here, and he’d like her to admit that. Her phone dings, and she looks at it. She says, Hopkins has returned to the hospital. It’s go time.

TJ joins Curtis on the chairs, and asks where Portia is. Curtis says, she found another spot. She said she’d see TJ around the hospital. TJ says he was hoping to get in good with her, but Curtis thinks he’s in good already. TJ asks if Curtis is ever going to talk to him about this. He knows there’s something going on between them. Curtis says maybe TJ should have spent more time being a P.I. instead of being a doctor. TJ says Curtis raced to Portia’s place when he thought she was in trouble, and Portia didn’t leave his bedside at GH. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon. Curtis says, one day, TJ could be one, and leans back in his chair.

Joey says, Mrs. Corinthos. He holds out his hand, and says, Joey Novak. She ignores his hand, and says, nice to meet him. What is he doing at her hotel? From a distance, Gladys and Brando watch. Joey says he thought Carly should know, her fiancé isn’t as secure as he thinks he is. She says, is that so? and he says, the Novaks are in a position to make things very unpleasant for her family, so please, give Jason this message. Jason got the jump on him once, but he’s not afraid of him. She says, it sounds like he wants to speak to her fiancé himself. Why don’t they call him down there? Brando walks up, and says, Mr. Novak. Brando’s heard a lot about him. It’s good to see him in Port Charles. Joey asks who Brando is, and Brando holds out his hand, saying, Brando Corbin. Sonny Corinthos is his cousin; was his cousin. Joey shakes his hand, and Brando says, if he can ever be of any assistance to Joey, his garage is over on Third Street. Any Novak vehicles in Port Charles, consider them taken care of.

Spinelli sees Maxie, and she says she’s glad she ran into him. She has a favor to ask him. Actually, he probably won’t think of it as a favor; he’ll want to say yes. She and James are going out of town for a few weeks. He asks where she’s going, and she says, to visit her family in Texas. Anna said she’d be as much in the loop there as here. Spinelli says, if anything comes up with Baby Louise, she’ll be the first to know. And the favor? She says she doesn’t want to intrude on their custody arrangement, but would he and Ellie be okay keeping Georgie while she and James are gone? He tells her that he’s not sure that would be the best idea.

Brook tells Nina to really think about it. If they tell Valentin the truth, she doesn’t think he’ll tell Charlotte? There’s no way he would allow her to continue falling in love with her little sister. Nina says, that’s already happening, but Brook says, except he doesn’t know, and Valentin is complicated. Like Nina said, he’s a really great father, and nothing’s more important to him than Charlotte. Nina says, and now Bailey, and Brook says, so why would they put him in that position? He either has to lie to Charlotte – which she’s not sure he would – or tell her the truth. Then they’re burdening this young girl… No, they can carry this. When this all comes crashing down, Valentin loses out big. And Brook hates that. So tell her. If Nina had to pick one person who she knew could handle this devastating loss, that she knew was strong enough to survive this, who would she pick? Nina says, Valentin.

The doctor comes out, and asks Sonny if Phyllis is there, but he says she stepped away. He’ll get her. The doctor says, that’s all right. Lenny has given her permission to bring him in on the conversation. Why doesn’t he follow her? She’ll let the staff know where to tell Phyllis to find them. Sonny goes into the examining room, just as Anna and Valentin walk into the waiting room.

TJ says, if Curtis doesn’t want to talk about this because of his mom, he gets it, but he’s not a kid. Curtis says, no, he’s not a kid, and TJ says, mom is mom. He’ll always want her to be happy, but Curtis is his family too. Curtis says the vibe TJ is picking up on between him and Portia was a slow burn, and it happened after he and TJ’s mother were separated. It doesn’t matter now, because he and Portia have decided to just be friends. TJ says, because it’s what Curtis thinks he should do, or because it’s what he wants to do? Maybe he should clear that up.

Sonny asks Lenny if they shouldn’t wait for Phyllis, but Lenny says, Dr. Kishore doesn’t want him to lose his place in line for a scan. They have to move quickly. Sonny says, sounds serious, but the doctor says, despite Lenny’s chest pains, there’s no immediate danger. She did see something in one of the tests that she wants to follow up on. It could be nothing. Sonny says they’re still going to do a scan, right? and Lenny tells Sonny, explain to Phyllis, so she doesn’t worry too much. Sonny tells Lenny to get checked out, and Dr. Kishore says, that’s the plan. She tells Sonny that he can wait there, but Sonny says he’s going to look for Phyllis. Lenny goes with the doctor, and in the hallway, Sonny sees a cap just like Mike’s smart cap, lying on the floor. He picks it up, and remembers telling Mike that he forgave him a long time ago, and wants him to go in peace and love. He goes back in the examining room, and ponders the cap.

Joey says he likes Brando’s attitude. Carly’s fiancé could learn a thing or two from this guy. Carly tells him, have a nice day, Mr. Novak, and Joey leaves. Gladys says she hopes Carly is properly grateful, and Brando says, mom. Gladys says, look what her boy did for Carly. Imagine the embarrassment if there had been a whole mob kerfuffle in Carly’s fancy pool and spa, which is supposedly separate from all of that.

Spinelli says, they’re separating, and Maxie says, no. He says, unfortunately yes, and she says she’s so sorry. He says it’s just that he doesn’t think it’s the best idea for Georgie to see Ellie right now. If Maxie doesn’t mind taking her to Texas, he’s sure she’d enjoy it. Maxie says, so will she. Ellie’s really leaving? Does Maxie need to talk some sense into her? Is she going crazy? Spinelli says, no, she’s made the right decision. She’s not comfortable sharing her life with someone who has dangerous associates. After Maxie’s experience with Peter, he’s sure she can relate.

Anna tells Valentin, she’s going to throw her badge around, and see if she can get anyone to tell them where David Hopkins is. Why doesn’t Valentin stay there in case he passes through? Valentin says he’s on it. Anna leaves, and Valentin walks over to where Sonny and Phyllis had been sitting. He literally runs into Phyllis, and she drops the sodas she’s carrying.

Curtis goes finds Portia, and asks if he can have a seat. She says, sure, and asks, what’s up? He says, as friends, he thinks they should get everything out in the open. She says, okay, and he says if she wants to explore this between them, he’d really like that, but if she doesn’t feel it’s a good idea for her, he gets that too. He still thinks she’s holding back because of his Aunt Stella and not because of herself. She asks, is that all? and he says, all right. He’s going to head off to the nightclub. She says, that’s right. Tonight is the official opening. He says, yeah. It’s a big night for him, but it could be a big night for them. If she changes her mind, she knows where to find him. Geez, you’d think he’d invite her as a friend.

Gladys says she’s proud of Brando, but he says, it’s no big deal. She says, it is. If he keeps stepping up like that, he’ll be Jason’s righthand man before he knows it. Sasha walks in and overhears. Gladys leaves, and Sasha makes a soap face like, I don’t know about this guy.

At the bar, Carly tells Jason that he just missed Joey Novak at the pool. Good times. He asks if there was a problem, and she says, there almost was. She was ready to go off on the guy, and Brando stepped in. She has to say, as much as she would hate to give Gladys what she wanted, Brando could be a real asset. He says he’ll keep it in mind, but in the meantime, don’t let Joey Novak provoke her. That’s what he wants. She says, that kid is a hothead, and he says, unlike her. Just take a deep breath. She says he’s right. She doesn’t want to escalate things. They’re trying to calm the waters; she gets it. He says that’s what they’re hoping their marriage will do.

Brook says so she and Nina are on the same page, for Maxie’s sake. Nina says, for Maxie’s sake, she won’t tell Valentin what she knows. Brook thanks her, and Brook’s phone rings. Brook says she has to take it, and asks Nina to watch Bailey/Louise for a second, jetting into the next room, and answering, ELQ, what’s up? Nina says hi to the baby, and tells her that she’s awfully cute. Look at her, all loved and cared for. Safe. That’s all that really matters, isn’t it? With all the secrets she’s keeping, who is she to judge?

Valentin hands Phyllis the soda cans, and apologizes, but Phyllis says she wasn’t looking where she was going. He says he hopes she wasn’t planning on opening them anytime soon, and she says, good tip. He asks if she’s waiting on word about someone, and she nods, saying, it’s not her best event. Him? He says, the same. He doesn’t think it’s anybody’s best event. She hands him one of the cans and says, it seems her friend has disappeared. He says he collided with her, the least he can do is keep her company until her friend shows up. They sit, and she thanks him, introducing herself. Phyllis Caulfield.

Sonny looks at the cap some more, while Anna is walking by in the hallway. Sonny turns the handle of the door to leave. Anna hears, and stops, looking at the door.

Tomorrow, Maxie says, this should be interesting; Dante tells Chase, it’s just like old times; Austin says Monica isn’t telling him what to do; and Sonny says, it’s bad, isn’t it?

Million Dollar Listing New York

Fredrik was back in NYC, and danced in the rain, which was the weather throughout the entire episode. In his interview, he said every cell in his body alive. He could hear the rumbling of the subway, and smell the garbage. He was home, and it was amazing. I actually understood this. When I would come back to NYC after visiting my homeland of Ohio, I’d be like, ahh, the smell of the subway stop, a combination of urine and garbage. He also had a lot of business to catch up on. He met developer Cliff at the 10th Street penthouse, which still wasn’t sold, along with the 8th floor apartment. To refresh your memory, the penthouse was nearly 5000 square feet, had a lot of marble, herringbone floors, 10 foot ceilings, 5 bedrooms and 5 baths, more marble, and 8 terraces. All this came at the asking price of $15 million. The 8th floor apartment was 1600 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, and a 725 square foot terrace, for the asking price of $6.5 million. Fredrik said these were crazy times, but thought they could get it done if Cliff gave him an extension on the listing. Cliff seemed hesitant, saying Fredrik hadn’t sold it in a year. Fredrik told Cliff to remove 7 months because of the pandemic, which seemed fair. Cliff said Fredrik had been doing well by him until he went to L.A., and Fredrik explained that he wanted to find buyers for NYC in L.A., and vice versa. Cliff said, at this point, he wasn’t looking at how much he was going to make, but how much he was losing. He wondered why he should keep Fredrik, and if he should bring in new blood. Fredrik said he’d build a social media campaign. While Instagram used to be a fun guilty pleasure, now it was a catalyst for real estate sales. In his interview, Fredrik thought it would drum up interest, and took a selfie with Cliff, telling people to swipe up to see the listing. He immediately had 9000 clicks on the listing, and Cliff agreed to the extension, provided Fredrik move in, live there, and promote the hell out of it. I didn’t believe for one second this wasn’t set up ahead of time.

Steve was working on selling Artemis Farm, which was more of undertaking that he’d thought. He had Dorinda Medley on board, telling us that she wasn’t just the Queen of the Berkshires, she’d been a successful realtor. She had a true knowledge of upstate New York, and knew her stuff. He spoke with Dorinda on the phone, and she thought the farm was absolutely incredible, having different components that could be used for different purposes. Steve said he’d thought the buyer he was looking for would want something that hadn’t been listed. That hadn’t worked, so in a pivot move, he’d decided to list it. Dorinda said it was hard to describe, and she thought people really needed to see it. Steve said it was about the experience, and in his interview, he said he couldn’t overstate the value of one celebrity mention when it came to real estate. He promised to find a cool neighbor for Dorinda.

Tyler took his OCD client Andrea to meet agent Talia in a new building in the East Village, where Tyler said developers were investing. It was a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath ground floor duplex, with Miele appliances, quartz counters, and 18 foot ceilings. In Tyler’s interview, he said the apartment had what Andrea was looking for; nobody had lived in it before, it was private, and had outdoor space. She also worked at NYU, which wasn’t far. Andrea wasn’t thrilled with a humongous window that made her feel like she was on display. I guess no one had told her about those things called shades and curtains. Tyler asked what was up with her not wanting a previously used apartment, and she said she was freaked out knowing there was residue in the corners from humans. They decided to check out the penthouse, also for sale, and Talia pointed out that dealing with the doors was totally touchless, and you used your phone. Of course my mind immediately went to, what if power went out, and there were zombies, and… The penthouse was 1880 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, 16 foot ceilings, and views of both the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. There was also a private roof deck, but the stairs to it were part of the buildings staircase, so therefore public. I didn’t blame Andrea for being concerned people would disregard the roof being private. She told Talia that made it feel less like it was part of the apartment. She also wasn’t sure that she wanted to be that far east.   

Steve wanted to get a celebrity to the farm, and thought his kid was a star, so he took the family there by helicopter. No surprise, Baby Rose was very cute with the animals. He said upstate was hotter than ever, and he called his broker contacts to invite them to an open house. A farmer’s market was set up for the brokers to enjoy, as well as support the local community. As Steve joined them, the helicopter took off, bringing Rose and her mom back home. Noticed by the guests, Steve said that someone had come to see the farm that morning, but he couldn’t say who it was. In Steve’s interview, he told us, nothing said buzz like a high-profile flyover. I had to admit to being impressed by his cleverness. He said I was all about seducing brokers with the local lifestyle, and picked up the tab for their market purchases. KJ arrived, and in her interview, she said her clients were interested in luxury properties. They had places in Manhattan, but wanted a place outside the city as well, and wanted a turnkey property that was move-in ready. They didn’t want to do massive renovations. She admitted to not being a large animal person, and seemed hesitant of the horses. In KJ’s interview, she said her grandfather had horses, and she’d tried riding a couple of times, but fell off. It wasn’t her thing. In Steve’s interview, he said he was about as comfortable on a farm as he was reading Ryan’s blog. He showed the brokers the main house, a 6000 square foot 1900s colonial, with 6 bedrooms and 5 baths, 5 fireplaces, and a closet literally bigger than my first apartment. In KJ’s interview, she said she wasn’t sure she agreed with Steve’s assessment that it was country chic. It was very country, but not so chic. In Steve’s interview, he said it wasn’t about bringing the city to the country. It was about escaping the city. KJ wasn’t getting it. KJ said Steve wasn’t going to get $4.2 million for it.

Fredrik said living in the space he was selling was weird. He didn’t like showing his own bathroom or clothes, but instead of having an open house for 30 brokers, by using social media, he was reaching 30 million people. In doing a private showing, he said everyone saw something different in the pattern of a marble fireplace. He saw a huge commission The broker did point out Fredrik’s unmade bed, which is a big no-no, and I was surprised at him. Even Fredrik thought the asking price was high, but worried that if it was lowered, buyers would come in really low. It was the big question in real estate; to lower or not. Tyler brought Andrea to see the 8th floor apartment, and in Tyler’s interview, he said he thought it was overpriced, and worth $4.5 to $5 million in today’s market. The last time he’d gone to Fredrik’s open house, he hadn’t been the friendliest to Tyler’s buyer. In the grand scheme of things, it was water under the bridge, but he hoped Fredrik was nicer this time. In Fredrik’s interview, he said everyone was a tiny bit of a germaphobe right now, but it wouldn’t be easy avoiding germs. He loved NYC, but germs were kind of a part of it. Tyler said Andrea’s budget was $5 million, and in his interview, Fredrik said, that was like 40% off. There was no covid discount of 40%. Anything below $5 million was a lowball. Fredrik mentioned the amount of sales he was doing to Tyler, and in his interview, Tyler said, the more bragging some did, the more insecure they were, and Fredrik was shining a light on that. I dunno. The numbers are the numbers. They squabbled over what was worth what, while Andrea took a walk around the terrace. In Tyler’s interview, he said he thought Fredrik’s pricing proved he’d spent so much time in L.A., he didn’t understand how affected NYC had been by covid. He’d lost his perspective and his damn mind if he thought he was getting $6.5 million.

Steve told us that his driver Will was more than just a driver and an agent. He had a lot of side hustles, and it was a little known fact that he was in Dorinda’s cooking show on YouTube. Steve wasn’t sure how he ended up there, but thought it was because he was friends with Greg, who was also in the show. We saw a clip of Dorinda cooking, and two guys wearing aprons with no shirts did some test tasting. Broker Rich called Steve while he was in the car. Rich had come to Steve’s open house for the farm, and had given Steve a lot of positive input. We saw a clip, where Rich said it was like a Norman Rockwell painting. Even though the event was a massive success, Steve had yet to receive an offer, and he was getting concerned. Rich said he had clients who were interested, but not completely sold on living in the woods. They wanted to know if the seller would rent. They were offering $12,500 a month, with 6 months upfront. In Steve’s interview, he said it wasn’t what he was hoping for; he’d been hoping Rich would bring him a great offer. It was upsetting since he’d put so much work into it, and wanted to do right by Cornelia. He told Rich that he’d have to present it to his client, but they were on the market to sell. Don’t hold his breath. Rich said they did have something else lined up, and rentals were in demand, so he needed an answer quickly. Steve called Cornelia in Texas, and said she’d be getting $75K upfront. She asked what if someone wanted to buy it, and he said they’d break the lease. He also thought $15K a month was more reasonable. Cornelia liked the idea of having some immediate money, and also being able to show it to people. Maybe the renters would have friends who were interested. Steve said they’d put a clause in the contract to be able to show the house. He called Rich back, and said a little more money would make it work for his client, but the tenants would also have to vacate for a showing. Rich asked if 24-hour notice was cool, and Steve said that was acceptable. In his interview, he said it was risky, but he had zero offers. Cornelia would get $90K up front, and Steve would get a $6750 commission. He’d put money in Cornelia’s pocket, and he was going to get it sold.

Fredrik met with team member Keith about East 10th Street, and flashed back to Kelly Bensimon taking a pass on the property. Keith had a client that was interested in renting with an option to buy at $22 million, and Fredrick said Kelly not coming through was a bummer, but he was optimistic the seller would consider rentals. The asking price for the property was $28 million, which would be breaking a record, but dropping it to $24 million would still do it. Fredrik asked who the decision maker was, and Keith said, the wife. Fredrik asked what she was like, and Keith said she had a strong personality, and liked the arts, gardening, and cooking. In Fredrik’s interview, he said people thought real estate was easy. The listing had been lingering for 18 months, which meant he’d had it pre and post-covid. It was stressful, but he’d gotten into real estate to set records. Taking over the process, Fredrik made the call. The wife argued the price, but Fredrik said it was no financial risk; it was an option. She asked how many options he had, and he reminded her that the owner didn’t want to rent, and this was out of the goodness of his heart. But the option would be in place, even if they decided months from now, when real estate prices were going up. She said she’d talk to her husband, and Fredrik deliberately walked by subway grates, saying, he couldn’t hear, so call him back. He said Keith wasn’t kidding; the woman was on fire. She was a power mama. Keith got a text, and said it was tough to understand, but Fredrik did something right. They’d agreed to an option of $24 million. In his interview, Fredrik said it felt amazing being back in NYC. He’d just finished the biggest deal ever. It felt good. He and Keith went out for Italian food.

Next time, Ryan plays tour guide for international clients, Kelly wants to work with Fredrik. KJ’s clients are insulted about an offer, and Ryan gets fired. Maybe.  

🌆 Living Where You Work…

The $15 million penthouse.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1287846/see-fredrik-eklund-move-into-a-stunning-s15-million-penthouse-on-mdlny

🛣 Hitting the Road…

See you tomorrow for rounding out the week with soap, tea, and whatever wise words I can dig up. Until then, stay safe, stay changing lanes – both literally and figuratively – with caution, and stay investing in yourself. Brighten things up a little.

May 13, 2021 – Sasha Reveals a Secret To Lucy, Pool Party In the Townhouse, a Friendship, a Taste, Road Trip, Returning, Dogs Of the House & On My Mind

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sasha is sitting at a table in the MetroCourt. A server walks by with a tray of coffee, and Sasha looks like she might be sick. Lucy comes in, and tells her that she looks awful. She asks if that’s why Sasha wanted to meet. Is she using again? Sasha says, no, absolutely not, and Lucy says, then what’s wrong? Sasha says she’s feeling a little off. Lucy says, that much is obvious. Is she sick? Sasha says, no. She’s pregnant.

Alexis asks Nikolas what he’s doing at the prison library, and he says, it’s a little complicated. Can they go somewhere more private to talk? Shawn says, no worries. He has work to do anyway. She asks if Nikolas remembers Shawn, and Nikolas says, of course (🍷). How is he? Shawn says he’s hanging in there, and Alexis says he’s been hanging in for years, for a crime he didn’t commit.

Nina walks into the Tan-O, wearing a short cocktail dress, and clears her throat to get Sonny’s attention. He says, wow, and she spins around. He says she looks too good for Eli, and she says, it’s for a worthy cause. After tonight, they’re going to know all of Elijah’s secrets.

Carly says, Jax doesn’t want their daughter to be anything like her? Wow. That says a lot. He says he doesn’t mean to be harsh, and she says, really? She gets that he’s worried about Josslyn, and she can’t deny that things are different right now, but taking cheap shots doesn’t help. He says he’s trying to get her to see it from his perspective. It was bad enough when she was married to the mob, with Jason and Sonny constantly in danger, but now they’re both gone, and she has a choice. But instead of taking the first off-ramp, and getting herself out of the crosshairs, she’s done the exact opposite. She says she knows that’s what it seems like, and he says, that’s what it is. She’s turned herself into Sonny. Can’t she see? She’s no longer collateral damage. She’s the target. (Maybe it’s the scotch.)

Britt asks how Sam found them, and Sam asks if Jason is okay. He says he is. He got shot, but Britt took care of it, and he’s okay. Sam says, thank God. When she saw the bloody bandages at the safe house… He asks if anybody knows she’s there. Could she have been followed? She says, no. She kept her eye out the whole time, but Dante is at the gas station two towns over. He says, Dante saw her? and she says he did, and he’s not going to be far behind.

Alexis asks if Shawn has any idea who did shoot Hayden, but he says, no clue. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was sure he was guilty until Hayden came and told him herself that it wasn’t him. (I don’t remember this, but why couldn’t Hayden have told that to the judge?) Alexis asks how Hayden knew, and he says she doesn’t know, but Sam backed her up. He never got any intel on who the real shooter was. He tells them that he’ll let them talk; it’s good to see Nikolas. Nikolas says good to see Shawn too. Shawn goes back to his table, and Alexis asks what Nikolas is doing there. She thought only the inmates and staff were allowed in. He says he can go wherever he wants, and she says, because of a favor he owes him-who-shall-not-be-named? He says he’s no longer working with Cyrus.

Britt says she still doesn’t understand how Sam found them, and Sam says, this is one of the Cassadine properties. She figured Britt would know about it from the time she spent with Nikolas. Jason asks if Dante knows she’s there, and Sam says, not yet. Dante is there because someone matching Britt’s description was at the gas station buying supplies. It didn’t take him long to put two and two together, but Dante is stalled for now. Jason asks, how? and she says she slashed his tires. Jason thanks her for doing that, and for coming there. She says, of course (🍷), and hands him a passport, saying, courtesy of Spinelli. They better get moving. She mapped out their route to Canada, and there’s a bus station near the border where they can drop Britt off.

Carly tells Jax, if what he’s saying is the case, that she she stepped in for Sonny, then she’s only doing what’s best for her family. He says, wow. All in the hypothetical. She’s got the slang down. She says she should after 20+ years. He says, it’s a repeating nightmare. Every time he thinks he’s gotten through to her how destructive this life can be, and that she’s better off away from it, he didn’t. Isn’t that what their entire marriage was about? They were in love and had an amazing family. They could have kept that going forever. She says, no, they couldn’t, and he says, of course (🍷) not. Sonny was this pit of quicksand, dragging her under. Now here she is, miraculously free from all of that, but she made a conscience choice to go back. Why? She says he know why, but he says, no; he honestly doesn’t. Think of the time she had with him, and compare it to the time she had with Sonny. Which is healthier? She says, stop… With him, but it’s not where they are right now. She needs him to hear her. This off-ramp that he thinks she has, she doesn’t. All Sonny’s death has done is made her position more dangerous.

Sonny says he doesn’t like Nina putting herself on the line, but she says she’s a big girl. He says, what if Elijah figures out the date is a ruse? and she says, he won’t. He asks if she’s sure, and she says she knows she seems sweet and innocent to him, but she knows how to play someone when she has to. If Eli is behind these robberies, they need to know. He says, Eli is involved. He saw Eli paying off his thug. What he wants to figure out, is why. What would Eli get out of ripping off a charity dance? She says, that’s what she plans to find out. She can handle this. The real question is, can he?

Lucy asks Sasha how it happened; was it planned? Sasha says she’s a single recovering substance abuser, and Lucy asks if she used birth control… Never mind. There’s a baby on board, and that’s all that matters. Sasha asks Lucy to lower her voice. She’s the first to know. Lucy says, really? and Sasha says she felt she owed it to Lucy. Lucy stood by her when she was using, and kept giving her every reason to bail. It meant everything. Now her circumstances have changed… Lucy asks if Sasha really thinks Deception would distance itself from a pregnant unwed woman? and Sasha says, not necessarily. Lucy says, it’s the 21st century, and Sasha says she thought she’d give Lucy an out because of everything. Lucy asks who the dad is. Michael? Sasha says, no, and Lucy says, Valentin? Sasha says, Cassadine? and Lucy says she’ll take that as a no. Jasper Jax? Sasha says, Jax used to be Michael’s stepfather, and Lucy says, okay. Someone corporate and dashing. Maybe not corporate, but very dashing. Chase? Sasha says, she’d never, and Lucy says, Finn? Sasha says, he’s Chase’s brother, and Lucy says, he’s a very successful doctor. Sasha says, not Finn, and Lucy asks, who is it? Brando comes by, and says he hopes Sasha is feeling better.  

Sasha tells Brando, much better, and thanks him. He says she had him worried the other day. She says she knows; sorry. He caught her at the wrong time. He says he’s glad she’s on the mend, and Gladys joins him. She says their table is ready, and Lucy says she bets they have so much to catch up on, as she and Sasha do. Please enjoy your meal. Ta! Gladys says, no need to give them the bum’s rush, and Brando says, take care. They leave, and Lucy asks, so who is the baby daddy? She wants to know. Does Sasha even know? Sasha says, yes, she knows, but he doesn’t, and she’s not ready for him to. Lucy says, fair enough, and Sasha says, so how does Lucy want to handle her pregnancy?

Sonny tells Nina, forget what he said about being jealous. He wasn’t talking about her… He was talking about her, but he was talking about how he doesn’t like Eli, so… She says, when she asked if he could handle it, she was really asking if he could handle his part in tonight’s plan. He says he can, and she asks if he has everything he needs. Did he learn anything about breaking and entering? He says he did a lot of reading. She wonders why that doesn’t fill her with reassurance, and he promises he’s not as dumb as he looks, but she says the last thing she thinks he is, is dumb. He asks, why does she always do that? She says, do what? and he says, always look at him like she knows him better than he knows himself. She says, it’s probably really annoying, but he says, no; he likes it. She says she should get going. She’ll see him afterwards. He tells her, be careful, and she says, him too, and leaves.

Carly tells Jax, it’s only a temporary situation. Jason will be exonerated, and come back and take over. He asks when that will be, and she says she doesn’t know. Soon. He asks if someone can’t take over for Jason, but she says, no. He says, why not? and she says, it’s not just about protecting her family, but protecting Port Charles. Think about it. If they weren’t in charge, this city would become the biggest drug port on the Eastern seaboard. Wholesalers would be slaughtering each other; the gangs would be at war, trying to take over the territory. The only reason this situation has been relatively stable is because Sonny has been in charge. Like it or not, he’s kept the peace.

Britt says it’s nice of Sam to make plans for her without asking her first, and Sam says, there’s no time for hurt feelings. Dante is back with the PCPD, and her guess is, he knows a lot more about Sonny’s organization than they think he does, including the safe houses. Jason says, Dante has no jurisdiction in Canada, and Sam says, those tires are only going to stop him for so long. If he finds them, they’re all screwed, so they need to get going. Jason says he appreciates her coming there, and the information about Dante was helpful, but she’s not going to Canada. She can go back to Port Charles now, and forget she saw them.  

Alexis asks Nikolas, what’s going on? and he says he hit a snag in his relationship with Cyrus. She says, define snag, and he says he started to worry that Cyrus wouldn’t keep his word to keep her safe, so he decided to take an action of his own. Say hello to the soon-to-be new owner of Pentenville.  

She says, he bought Pentenville? and he says, it’s not a done deal, but Cassadine Industries is in talks with the State to take it over privately. He should have thought of it before, but you know what they say about hindsight. She asks what he knows about running a prison, and he says, not much, but his HR department will find the best, most competent people for the job. She says she happens to know something about private ownership of prisons, and he says, some of them are hellholes. She says, once there’s a profit motive, inmates stop being people and become products. There’s an incentive to cut corners, and keep inmates there longer than they need to be. The violations of human rights are horrible. He asks if she really thinks he’d let whoever’s running it mistreat the prisoners? Has he sunk that low in her eyes?

Lucy says she’s proud of Sasha. She straightened out, and became a perfect representative of Deception. She’s relatable and reliable, and she did that emotional TV interview. She’s been wonderful. Motherhood is beautiful and natural, and guess what? Pregnant women wear makeup too, don’t they? Lucy starts getting excited, and says, so many celebrities are expecting. It should be the Year of the Mother, and if it’s not, they’ll make it that way. It’s wonderful news. Not just for Sasha, but for Deception too. Sasha says, really?

Gladys asks if Brando thinks Sasha is back on the hard stuff; she looks terrible. He says he didn’t ask Gladys to dinner so she could bad mouth Sasha, and she says she’s his mother. She’s worried about him. He says he’s worried about her too, and she says, that’s sweet, but she’s fine. He says, is she? and she asks, why wouldn’t she be? He says, two words – Cyrus Renault.

Carly tells Jax, Sonny is gone, and the rivals are circling. It’s more important than ever that she stay where she is until Jason can run things. He asks when that will be, and she says, not right now. He says he can tell she believes she’s keeping the peace, and she says she is. He says just because she believes it, doesn’t mean it’s true. She saasks him to tell her how he sees it, and he says she’s painting a bullseye on her back. She’s putting herself and their daughter in danger. She’s Josslyn’s mother, and one of the most important people in his life. She could wind up dead. Does she understand that? He’s terrified; for himself, Josslyn, Donna, and Avery. She doesn’t understand how much the kids need her; now more than ever. Of course (🍷) she has a reason for everything. She has this illusion of holding it together until Jason is back, and everything will be fine. That’s the kind of thinking that’s ill-advised any time. In this situation, it could get her killed.

Sonny packs bag. He puts in a gun, and a flashlight.

Eli says Nina looks fantastic. Did he already say that? She says he did. He looks great himself. He says. that’s big praise coming from the Editor-in-Chief of Crimson. He asks what that look is, and she says there’s nothing he doesn’t know about her career, but she’s in the dark about his. He says she knows he’s in commercial real estate, and she says, true. In a town that’s trending downward. He asks if her piece isn’t going to save the day, but she says, that won’t be published for a while. To be honest, she has the feeling she might be being hypocritical. The town is lovely, but violent. There was an armed robbery at the local dance, not to mention the other robberies. It’s a shame. Where does Eli think it’s coming from?

Sam says she hasn’t forgotten the decision she made for the safety of the kids, but this isn’t about her wanting to go on the run with Jason or getting dragged back into the life. It’s about getting Danny’s father out of the country. If she doesn’t, they’ll find him, and when they do, he’ll go back to prison, and guess what happens then? Cyrus will kill him. She’ll just get him across the border safely, and go home. He asks, what if she gets arrested? She’ll be an accessory, and violate her parole. She’ll go back to prison, and Danny and Scout will lose both of them. He’s a fugitive, and whether he digs himself out or not, that’s on him. He won’t let it spill onto her and the kids.

Nikolas tells Alexis, he’d convinced himself that he was doing the right thing, playing Cyrus’s game to protect her. Then he realized his mistake. She asks what Cyrus did, and he says, Cyrus was talking about Spencer like he knew him; dangling it like a threat. He swears, if Cyrus goes anywhere near Spencer… And Ava, Laura, and Avery’s safety is important. She says, this is his solution? and he asks if she can’t muster a little faith. She says she has so much faith in him, and prefers this to him being in league with Cyrus. He says, that’s the spirit, and she says, besides, while she’s in there, she can keep an eye on things, and keep him honest. He says, no doubt he’ll answer to her, and she says, damn straight. He says he has to see the warden; he’ll be right back. She tells him, good luck, and he leaves. Shawn says he remembers that look of determination, and she says he has a good memory. She’s not going to let up until she convinces him to fight for his exoneration.

Jason tells Sam, please. It wouldn’t be fair to her, and especially Danny and Scout. She says, he’s right. She can’t take that kind of risk. She’ll go. She hands Britt her passport, saying, Britt is taller than she is, but she thinks it will hold up. Britt thanks her, and she says, good luck. Sam tells Jason, please be careful, and he says he will. She tells Britt, on behalf of her kids, she thanks Britt for saving their father’s life. Britt says she’s welcome, and Sam leaves. Britt says, okay, super expert. She gets it. He’s right. They’ll never stay more than ten hours from now on. She’ll put a timer on her phone. He says, her part is done. This is where she cuts out.

Eli says he knows Nina doesn’t want to hear it, but the unpleasantness started taking place after Mike arrived. When Mike showed up on the scene, the tranquility was broken. She says she looked online, and the uptick in crime started happening way before Mike got there. He says they don’t actually know where Mike was before he showed up, and Mike doesn’t remember. Who’s to say he wasn’t there without them knowing it? She say, the way she understands it, Mike was in a bad place when he came to the clinic; he’d been exposed to the elements. He says, maybe Mike did it, or someone else did it to him on purpose. Maybe trouble follows Mike wherever he goes. The point is, they don’t know. Nina tells him, all she can say is, she doesn’t see the shadiness… at least not the kind he’s alluding to. He says she likes the guy, and she says she does. He says he can tell, and it got him wondering. Is Mike the reason she hesitated when he asked her out?

Sonny sneaks around, and starts to pick the lock on Eli’s office door.

Jax says he can’t believe how confident Carly is, and she asks why she shouldn’t be. He says her plan to break Jason out of the hospital went about as bad as it could go. It’s not hard to follow the timeline. He, Josslyn, and Trina were on their way back from Nixon Falls, when Jason went missing, and she was MIA. They know because they were desperately trying to get ahold of her. She asks if he’s guilt tripping her, but he says he’s just stating the facts. She thought it would go one way, and it went in the complete opposite. She’s convinced herself that if she just keeps the plates spinning until Jason comes back, everything will be right with the world. It won’t.

Shawn tells Alexis that he made peace with the situation. She doesn’t have to be his crusader. She says she’s not… Maybe she is crusading a little bit, but she just wants him to try. He says he can’t show remorse for a crime he didn’t commit. She says, if he had committed the crime, he’d have remorse. Think about that when he’s before the parole board. Just get out of here. He needs to be with TJ, and he needs to call Sam.  He needs to find who shot Hayden, and clear his name. If he can’t do it for himself, do it for his son. He asks if she’s playing dirty, and she says, is it working? He says, okay, but he’s not just doing it for TJ and himself. He’s doing it because if he doesn’t, she’ll never stop hounding him. She says, truer words, and Nikolas watches them.

Lucy tells Sasha, she just thought, they missed Mother’s Day, and it would have been perfect to bring in the Year of the Mother Deception campaign then. Sasha says she’s grateful she still has a job, but Lucy can’t make the announcement until she figures out what to do about the father. Lucy says she can go with that, but make it snappy; she’s excited. She tells Sasha, eat up. Her baby needs nutrition. She tries to get Sasha to smell the food, seabass with garlic and capers, saying, it smells so good, but Sasha says, nothing smells good these days. Lucy says, a touch of morning sickness?

Brando says, when Gladys lied about seeing Jason with the murder weapon, she got into bed with someone seriously dangerous, and she asks, who said she was lying? He wonders if she’s that hard up for cash, and she says, Cyrus has been so good to him. He says, because Cyrus is blackmailing him. She told Cyrus that he lied about Dev being his son, and Cyrus threatens him every day. However nice Cyrus is being, it’s just the carrot. The stick is coming. And pretty quickly, she’s going to hit the point where Cyrus thinks what he’s paying her isn’t worth it.

Nina asks if Eli is suggesting there’s something between her and Mike, but he tells her that he didn’t say that. He just thinks there’s interest there. She says, as friends; friends being the operative word. He says, there’s a familiarity. It almost feels like she knew Mike in a previous life. She says, Phyllis likes Mike, and her trusting Phyllis’s opinion goes a long way. He says, so she and Mike aren’t heading in that direction? and she says, not that she’s aware of. She wonders if her answer made Eli happy, and he says, very happy.   

Sonny continues to pick the lock. Is he out of practice?

Britt guesses she won’t need the passport, and Jason says she won’t. Spinelli will get her one of her own. She says, so they’re going along with Sam’s plan? He’s dropping her at a bus depot, and she’s going back to Port Charles? Why don’t they go over her options for when she gets there? She can lie, say he’s evil, and he dragged her off at gunpoint – which would be perjury – or she can tell the truth, which means they’ll slap her with aiding and abetting. It won’t make much difference, since whatever she picks, Cyrus is going to kill her. He says Cyrus isn’t going to kill her, and she asks how he can guarantee that. He says he’s going to kill Cyrus first, and she says it’s insane that she’s reassured, because she knows he actually means it. He says he does want to take her to the bus station, but she’s not going back to Port Charles. She’ll go to Queens Point, where Spinelli will pick her up. He’ll take her to one of Sonny’s safe houses, or even the island. She says, Sonny has an island? and he says, yeah, in Puerto Rico. She’ll be safe, and protected, and not a target like when she’s with him. She asks if he’s kidding, and he says she already went above and beyond. She says he wants her to leave him, with an unhealed  gunshot wound, while she’s off on some Puerto Rican vacation? She’s not going to do that. He says the chances he took were for himself. Does she know how stupid he was to leave the hospital; to break out? He knew it was the wrong strategy, but Carly was losing her mind, so he did it. He knew better, but he did it. The fallout is on him, and nobody else. She says she loves how he acts like this is some big revelation. She’s not a block of wood. She gets the dynamic between him and Carly, sort of. He was about as enthusiastic over Carly’s plan as he’d be for a root canal. It’s a tiny part of why she went along with him. He says, to stick it to him? and she tells him, she said a tiny part. Usually, there’s no arguing with him; what he says, goes. So it was fun to watch someone order him around for once. The bottom line is, she didn’t have to do any of this. When they got to the safe house, she could have called a Ride Share, and been done with it, but she operated on him because she wanted to; because she owed him. He says, she didn’t, but she says, he saved her life. And there’s a good chance she doesn’t have much of one left. She can be on the run with him to Canada, or watch herself deteriorate. It’s a tough call. She wipes away some tears, and Jason asks if she’s absolutely sure. She says she’s in this for the long haul, but she’s curious. What is the long haul? Does he have a plan or what?

Carly says she can keep the plates spinning for as long as she wants to. It turns out she’s good at it. All the years of watching Sonny and Jason, allowed her to take what worked for each of them and combine it. He says, finally, there it is, the truth. She actually likes it. It’s going to continue, and if Jason goes to prison, it will continue indefinitely. Is he getting that right? He can’t tell her what to do, but what he can do is take their daughter out of this house.  

Gladys tells Brando, now it’s her fault because high and mighty Carly put all her eggs in one basket? Everything is Jason this, and Jason that. Oops. He killed someone, and proved it by running away. That’s not her fault. She reported what she saw. It was her civic duty. Brand asks if she remembers who she’s talking to. If she could see further than her petty motives, she’d see who she was dealing with and steer clear. As soon as Cyrus has no more use for her, she’ll be done. She says she thought he was making up for him missing Mother’s day, but he obviously brought her there to browbeat her. No thank you. She gets up, and strides out.

Lucy shoves a lemon in Sasha’s face, and tells her to breathe it in. It really helped her when she was pregnant with Sirena. Sasha jets from the table, and Lucy gets on the phone. She says she has absolutely wonderful news. She can’t disclose it, but has a fabulous idea for a new ad campaign. The face of Deception is now the face of conception.   

Alexis asks Nikolas how it went, and he says he spoke with HR so he can vet new employees. He wants to make sure they’re right for his new version of Pentenville. She says she has good news too. Shawn has decided to fight for his freedom. Shawn says Nikolas’s aunt is relentless, and Nikolas says, it’s one of her best qualities. Shawn says he figured once he gets out, he can do right by Hayden. He’s going to nail the person who shot her and thinks they got away with it.

In the restroom, Sasha makes a call to the hospital. She says she’s a patient of Dr. Navarro’s, and wonders if she can prescribe something for morning sickness… That would be great. She’ll come by to pick it up. She puts some water on her face, and leaves. Gladys comes out of one of the stalls. Like no one saw that coming.

Jason tells Britt, they’ll cross the border to Canada, and she says, and go where? He says he knows a place, and she says, him being scarce on the details is shocking. He asks if there’s gas in the car, and she says she just filled it. He says they should be able to make it on one tank, and she wonders where the keys are. He has them, and says they’re not having this argument again. She says yes, they are; she’s driving. He says she’s a terrible driver. She’s aggressive, switches lanes too much, and goes too fast. She says, sorry. She thought they were on the run from the law. Her bad. He says they don’t need to call attention to themselves.   

😕 Unreal. There’s a special report – to tell us vaccinated Americans no longer need wear masks. This couldn’t wait two minutes? I find the rest from my secret sauce source.

Britt promises she’ll do better. She’ll drive in the middle lane and do the speed limit. Who has the critical gunshot wound? He says, not her, and she asks if he wants to get to Canada alive. That won’t happen if he passes out behind the wheel. Hand them over… Please. She really needs him to trust her. He hands her the keys, his hand lingering on hers for a few beats.

Jax tells Carly, he’s not allowing their daughter to be exposed to this anymore. She’s coming home with him. She tells him, because he says so? but he says, no, because it’s the smart thing to do. She asks if he’s talked to Josslyn, but he says, no. She says so he doesn’t know Josslyn’s thoughts on the matter, and he says, he knows she wants to live. She says their daughter is going to college soon, and will be living on her own. Their daughter is all grown up, so maybe this is something she should weigh in on. He says, fine, and she says, great. He says, they’ll leave it up to Josslyn then, and he leaves.

Eli says Nina has this all figured out, which means he can do something he’s wanted to for a while. He leans in to kiss her.

Sonny finally gets into the office. An alarm goes off.

Tomorrow, Cyrus was hoping he and Sasha could put past mistakes behind them, Brook asks if this is where Valentin tells her that their agreement is off, Phyllis knows what Sonny has been up to, and Carly wants her will revised.

Million Dollar Listing New York

Tyler said his party to show the luxury apartment was a bigger success than he thought it would be, but what wasn’t on the invite was someone else showing his clients the penthouse. In KJ’s interview, she asked, who lets their client walk around a party with a bunch of brokers? The penthouse was amazing, 3300 square feet, and KJ made some suggestions to Tyler’s clients for when they were prepared to show it. In her interview, she said it was a strategic decision to prove she had more knowledge, and could do a better job. Down the road, they would realize she was right, and call her. Broker Bonnie thought she had a client for Tyler’s apartment, but wanted to see it without the crowd. 

Fredrik announced, Freddy is back! and screeched that he loved New York. In his interview, he said being bi-coastal was exhausting, but he thought it was the best option for his family. He was showing a townhouse on St. Luke’s Place, which he called quintessential New York. He met his associate Keith there, having decided to hire Keith to help him to the $718,750 potential commission. He told Keith, no pressure, but wanted him to feel the pressure. Whatever that meant. In Fredrik’s interview, he said, co-listings for him could be challenging, but it was about putting in the right energy when it was needed. Fredrik did some private showings, doing what Freddy does best. As he said, no one wants to work with a boring broker. The townhouse, built in 1903, was five floors, had a wine cellar, and a 6-foot hot tub/plunge pool. I was majorly impressed with the basement and its 13-foot ceilings and brick archways. In his interview, Fredrik said it was a New York dream; Sarah Jessica Parker would be jealous.

Kelly Bensimon, who was an old friend of Fredrik’s, came by, along with her client, potential buyer Ron, who looked like an old-time movie star. Fredrik had recently learned Kelly got into real estate, and said she was a true New Yorker and well-connected. Ron seemed thrilled with the place, but not so thrilled with the $28.750 million price tag.

KJ – who, BTW, looks a lot like a young Lauren Hutton – got some acupuncture done, saying it kept her focused. She was taking, like, 15 different supplements a day, and the acupuncturist told her, sometimes less is more. Her assistant called in the middle of her session to ask about beverages for KJ’s upcoming open house where she was having an Aperitivo, which she described as an Italian happy hour. She was selling a townhouse that had been on the market for two years.   

Ryan was showing the ginormous townhouse that had commercial space on the bottom, and a wow on every floor. Going for $18 million, he focused on the idea that the owner could run a business on the  ground floor, and live above in the townhouse. Amelia had come up with the idea of a pop-up shop along with the open house, which Ryan thought was genius. Her friend Madeline had a swimwear line, which she displayed on the ground floor, and Ryan dressed as a lifeguard, complete with zinc on his nose, and one of those read things the Baywatch lifeguards carry. Ryan pointed out the fireplace that changed colors, as well as the red/blue hot/cold faucet water. There was a view of Hudson Yards, a hot tub, a massive shower that they crammed at least 12 people into, and of course, the pool, which had a current you could swim against. Steve showed up, and seeing Ryan’s attire, asked if the place had a pool. Ryan said, no; he just felt like dressing that way, and in his interview, said Steve had the nerve to question his outfit when he came there in a Steve Jobs costume. He said, it was funny how he and Steve were now talking about being dads, when it seemed like just yesterday Steve told him to stop crying, and drink some milk.

KJ said she was always anxious about events, and this one would have a lot of Italians coming, who were the most difficult clients ever. They questioned every single thing. She’d lived in Italy for three years, married an Italian, and often traveled there. She invited her whole Italian network.

Fredrik went back to L.A., where he and Derek had a tantric yoga session. In Fredrik’s interview, he said he thought yoga had helped him be calmer and more present. His phone also rang during the session, with bad news from Kelly, saying her client wasn’t buying the townhouse. He was between girlfriends, and wasn’t sure if he was going to end up with the uptown or downtown girl. In his interview, Fredrik said it had been tough. He’d had so many showings, and it was a tricky market, but it was going to be okay. He called Keith, and they agreed they needed to throw the most epic event ever.

Tyler called his life coach, who he said helped him block out the doubt and fear. He told her about the relaunch, and said broker Bonnie was coming back to look at it privately. She asked him what was harder; selling the unit, or losing 200 pounds? It was time for him to stand up and shine. Bonnie said her client had a family of five, and wanted a wow apartment. Once again, I had no idea what a chef’s kitchen meant. Isn’t every kitchen a chef’s kitchen? I have to google that one of these days. He showed her the 50-foot pool that was on the wraparound terrace, and in his interview, Tyler said, when showing a raw space (i.e. no furniture), he had to paint a picture. Bonnie got the picture, but thought 3000 square feet wasn’t going to be enough for her client. She said they’d thought about combining apartments, and Tyler told her there was a 2-bedroom up above that he just happened to have the keys to. In his interview, he said the biggest secret for brokers was to get to know the building’s staff. That’s how he got the keys to the penthouse. Bonnie thought it would work well, but knew her client would have questions, and expect an incentive.   

In KJ’s interview, she said she thought Italians would better understand the aesthetics of the building. Italian’s were sassy, funny, and high energy, but trusted no one, and were super critical. She thought the Aperitivo would resonate with them. She also made sure to dress well, since to Italians, the most important thing after the food was what you were wearing. A double kiss from an Italian woman, also meant a double look up-and-down. She spoke to the guests in Italian, telling them that this was the penthouse closest to her heart, since her husband had built the building. She pointed out how everything had been imported from Italy. Her team member Zach thought he had a buyer, which would be a double win, and in her interview, KJ said an Aperitivo was a bite, a taste; something to whet the appetite. Zach’s buyer could lead her to the main course.   

Tyler’s client gave him the go-ahead on combining the apartments, but Bonnie said her clients wanted an elevator installed, and only offered $11 million. Considering the larger apartment was $12 million, and the one upstairs was nearly $3 million, Tyler said it was like a BOGO deal. His client didn’t mind doing the construction, but wanted $12.5 million. Bonnie said she’d been authorized to give a final offer of $12 million, and Tyler thought it was a big ask, but told his client that it wasn’t a bad offer, and would be all cash. They had a deal, and a $360k commission. Tyler said it wasn’t so much about the money, but about proving himself. He’d just sold an apartment that the owners had tried to sell for a few years. He always second guessed himself, and thought he wasn’t good enough for the luxury world, but he didn’t have to wonder any more. He was good enough. He and Bonnie decided on getting a nice meal, and some nice clothes.

Next time, Marc Jacobs’s house, Tyler gets a listing by a firehouse (I once lived near one in NYC – you get used to it), and Ryan and KJ do a co-listing.

👫 Old Friends…

Fredrik talks Kelly.

https://www.bravotv.com/million-dollar-listing-new-york/style-living/fredrik-eklund-reacts-kelly-bensimon-real-estate-career

🍷 Whetting Your Appetite…

All about the Aperitivo.

https://www.eataly.com/us_en/magazine/culture/aperitivo/

🚌 Get Ready To Roll…

Pine Valley hits the road on June 10th.

🍻 Coming Back To Remember…

Felicia returns for Sean’s memorial.

🐕 Real Housedogs…

No doubt they have better personalities than some of the women.

https://woofrepublic.com/blog/the-real-housewives-new-jersey-dog

✔️ Another One Ends…

Join me tomorrow for tea, a little soap, and some wise words. Until the pour, stay safe, stay discriminating, and stay knowing that sometimes less is more.

March 30, 2021 – A Marriage of Necessity, Prank Fail, Jen Does Some Laundry, an Eerie Comparison, Marriage Meet Rocks, Delores’s Dynamic, Stuck In the Suez, Engagement Excitement, Orchestration, Too Loud, Possible Return, Sober Now, New Broker & March

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Continuing on with the way the week started, I missed the beginning, but here’s what happened. Laura stopped by the nightclub, where Curtis was fixing things up. She asked if he thought he’d made a good decision buying it, and he said he did. Jordan and Taggert went back to her apartment, and she said he could have the guestroom. At the hospital, Peter was angry because Finn had just told him to get lost, and left a voicemail for Cyrus. He wondered if Cyrus’s eyewitness had blabbed about him being Franco’s real killer, and said Cyrus’s witness should think smarter for their own safety. Finn saw Michael at the MetroCourt, and said he was on his way to Alexis’s hearing. He asked for Michael’s take on it, since Michael is Dante’s half-brother. Anna offered Carly some tea, and Carly said Jason had been framed; Peter had killed Franco. Alexis arrived at court, with Sam and Diane, who wanted her to change her plea to not guilty. Alexis said that wasn’t going to happen, and Valentin arrived to be supportive. By this time, I was at the keyboard, and…

Finn asks if Michael doesn’t think maybe Alexis will get what she deserves, and Michael says he’s also related to Kristina. They’re all worried about Alexis, and they all just want her to get the help she needs. Finn says, the same with Dante, and Michael says, Dante isn’t just the victim; he’s the only witness. He has to testify. Finn asks if Michael has any idea what Dante is going to say, and Michael says, the truth. Dante is a former police officer. He’s going to be honest and objective, but there’s no way he’s going to downplay what happened. Alexis was drunk and impaired, and grabbed a needle filled with lidocaine and tried to kill Franco. Instead, she injected Dante, and he almost died.

In the courtroom, Alexis admits she could use a drink, and Sam says she’s not going to have one, is she? Alexis says, no, and Sam hugs her, saying she’s so proud. Diane says, they all are. If Alexis is strong enough not to drink, she’s strong enough to let Diane fight for her. Valentin says, not if Alexis wants to face the consequences, and Sam asks why he’s encouraging Alexis to go to prison. He says he supports Alexis’s recovery, and if she wants to own up to what she did, and make amends, that’s entirely up to her. Sam says, if that means pleading guilty, she’ll be sending herself straight to prison, and Diane says, not guilty doesn’t mean innocent. It just means Alexis is using the judicial system the way it should be used. Valentin says Taggert pleaded not guilty, and Alexis says, he was accused of a Federal crime, and went before a Federal judge. Sam tells Alexis to please listen to Diane, and plead not guilty, but Alexis says, she was drunk and out of control, and almost killed Dante. She needs to face the consequences. Dante walks into the courtroom.    

Jordan tells Taggert, since he’ll be staying with her, she want to establish some rules. He promises to put the toilet seat down, and she says she was thinking about more than that. No self-pity parties. When they were on the task force together, they knew what the rules were, but a lot has changed. Taggert says, one thing that hasn’t is their desire for justice. How are they going to get Cyrus?  

Laura tells Curtis that she’s looking forward to his grand opening. She and Doc would love a place to go and unwind, and listen to good music. He says that’s exactly the atmosphere he wants to provide, and she says, expect to see a lot of them. They’ve promised to have more date nights. Curtis says, so things are good between her and Doc? and she says, never better. Why is he asking? He says he’s currently flying solo, and it makes him feel good if his friends are happy in their relationships. Laura says, they’re just terrific, but she wishes she could say the same for her other relationships. He asks if it’s Spencer again, and she says, for once, Spencer is staying out of trouble. She was referring to Martin, the brother she never knew she had. She decided to surprise him with a cake and candles on his birthday. He says, that was nice of her, but he guesses it didn’t go well. She says, Martin barely had a chance to make a wish, when her other brother showed up and ruined everything.

Jason says, Cyrus never had Florence when he was a child, and never will. Cyrus tells him not to misunderstand. He doesn’t mean any harm to Carly, her children, or the Corinthos empire Sonny left behind, but Jason scheduled a meeting with some well-respected family owned businesses, and he can’t attend. He knows patience is not their virtue. Jason says he’ll reschedule, and Cyrus says, that’s not necessary. He intends to fill the void left behind by Jason and Sonny. He’ll do his best to see that everyone’s interests are protected. The families drive a hard bargain, but Jason knows how reasonable Cyrus can be. Return his mother, or Jason will be tried and convicted for the murder of Franco Baldwin. It’s his choice.

Carly says Anna was told that Peter arranged for Drew’s plane to go down, and sent an assassin to kill Andre and Franco, but she wouldn’t listen. Anna says she was wrong, and Carly says, she was in denial. She wouldn’t see what was in front of her, and because of that, Peter was walking around free. Even as the body count was climbing, Anna told herself Peter was innocent and could be redeemed. Anna says she’ll carry the weight of that regret for the rest of her life. Why is Carly there? Carly says, Jason thinks they can work together. He trusts Anna. Anna says, Carly clearly doesn’t trust her, but Carly says she trusts Jason. He believes in Anna, and she’d better not prove him wrong.

Dante, who’s wearing a suit, tells Diane, he dressed the part, and she says she always advices her clients that their appearance affects how their testimony is received. He says he can wait outside, and Sam says he doesn’t have to be there, but Alexis asks him to stay. His presence reminds her of why she’s made the choice she’s made.

Peter comes out of the elevator at the MetroCourt, and sees Finn and Michael. He asks if Finn has heard from Anna; are they speaking? Finn says, even if he had the time to talk, he wouldn’t waste it on Peter. Peter laughs, and keeps walking. Michael says, Peter’s day is coming. Sooner than he thinks.

Carly says, Anna doesn’t look surprised, and Anna says Jason told her Peter killed Franco. Peter has gotten away with far too much for far too long, and a lot is on her. She wants him brought to justice just as much as she wants Jason exonerated. If Carly has any suggestions about how that can be accomplished, she’d like to hear them. Carly says, the eyewitness is Sonny’s cousin. She said she saw Jason ditch the weapon, and Carly thinks she was paid to lie. Her son works for Cyrus, so she has access to him, and she’s taken money from Cyrus before; she was paid to betray the family. Anna says, so she’s mercenary, and Carly says, Gladys knew Cyrus hated Jason, so when Jason was brought in, she reached out, and Cyrus told her to go to the police. Anna says, and she told them where to find the gun. When it was retrieved and there were no prints on it, it validated her story. Carly says, exactly, and Anna says, it makes sense, but why does Cyrus want to protect Peter?

Gladys tells Brando that his boss is an amazing man. Not only did Cyrus pay Brando’s medical bills, he’s been generous to her. Brando asks what’s in it for Cyrus, and she tells him, don’t be cynical. Obviously, Cyrus cares about Brando. He’s concerned about his own mother, and wanted to make sure they’re in good place. He says they went over this. He knows she told Cyrus that Dev wasn’t his son, and came into the country illegally. She gave Cyrus the information to hold over Sonny’s family, and him. She asks how he can say such a thing, and he says he knows her. Cyrus is a dangerous man, and if you disappoint or cross him, he’ll make sure you regret it. Peter comes by, and asks if Gladys has a moment. She preens at his attention.  

Cyrus tells Jason, by this time tomorrow, someone else could be sitting in his cell, and Cyrus can save him a place at the sit-down with the Five Families spaghetti sauce empire. He can pledge that Carly, and everyone near and dear to her, has their safety and security guaranteed. All Jason has to do is return a harmless little old lady who means nothing to Jason, but everything to him.

Laura tells Curtis that she thinks she wanted Martin to be the good brother partly to soften the other brother. Curtis says he never had much contact with Martin. They may have crossed paths socially, but he’s not a fan of lawyers, except Alexis. He will say this though, at his worst, Martin isn’t in Cyrus’s league… or is he wrong? What did Martin do? She says, Cyrus went out of his way to paint Martin as unscrupulous with a dark side, and Martin didn’t deny it. He says, she was hoping he would? and she says she thought she was past the point of being disillusioned by people. He says, it’s not a crime to want to see the best in people; it’s a good trait, especially with family. She says, except they’re too close. It obscures their vision, and they see people the way they want to, not how they are. He says he thinks that’s how he was seeing Jordan, and she says she realizes she was rushing into it because of the family connection. Maybe he’s doing the same thing.

Jordan says she and Taggert can order pick-up. She remembers him having a weakness for dumplings and prawns with garlic sauce. I immediately get hungry. He wants to look at Cyrus’s file, but she says, it’s a police file, and there’s strict access. They can’t do this the way they did it before. It has to be legit. He says they’re older and wiser, and he’s going to have to pass on the garlic sauce. He goes into the other room with his bag, and she takes out the PCPD file on Cyrus.

Dante asks Sam, what’s up? and she says she’s just checking on him. He says, because of his triggers? but she says, that’s not what she means. She doesn’t think he’s dangerous, she’s just checking to see how he’s doing. He’s been through a lot in the past few days, and almost killed Peter. He says he would have if Sam hadn’t talked him down, and she says she honestly wishes he would have. She went to the PCPD to see Jason, and he told her that Peter killed Franco. He asks if she’s got proof, but she says, not yet. They will though. He says, her and Jason? but she says, no. Her and Peter’s sister Britt.

Diane says she spoke to the bailiff, and the judge is running late. She still has time to mount a defense for Alexis. Alexis says, even if there’s time to argue mitigating circumstances, there’s more at stake than her freedom. Diane says, from a philosophical standpoint, Alexis is right, but the judge can give her a suspended sentence or send her to prison. Valentin says, it’s more than what this is about legally. If Alexis wants to be healthy and sober, she has to be rigorously honest with herself. Finn comes in, and tells him, says the guy who lies like breathing.    

**Carly tells Anna that Gladys told the police where to find the gun. Peter must realize that she knows it’s him, and his fate is in her hands. There’s only one person who can connect him to the murder. Anna says, he’ll want to eliminate her, and Carly says, she wants to explain that to Gladys, but she won’t listen. Anna says maybe she’ll have a go at Gladys, and Carly says, a stranger with a British accent? Anna says, maybe she can find someone else, and Carly says, Gladys might go to Cyrus for a bigger payout. They have to find another angle; a way to win Gladys’s trust. Anna asks Carly to tell her everything she knows about Gladys.

Peter starts to introduce himself, but Gladys says she knows who he is. He’s the publisher of The Invader. She never misses it, especially Page Five. She introduces herself, saying she’s the cousin of the late Sonny Corinthos. Her son Brando is a trusted employee of Cyrus Renault. Does Peter know Cyrus? Peter says, everybody knows Cyrus. Brando’s phone dings, and he says, it’s the garage; he’ll get it later. Gladys tells him to take it, since it’s work. Brando steps away, and Peter says he gets the distinct impression they’ve met before. Gladys says, it’s possible. Peter does have one of those faces. The kind you never forget.

Cyrus asks what Jason says. For Carly’s sake, is he ready to come around? Jason says Cyrus doesn’t have to worry about getting a Mother’s Day gift this year, and Cyrus says Jason had his chance; he won’t get another one. Cyrus leaves as Michael is coming in, and Michael asks Jason if it’s something he said. What was Cyrus doing there? Jason says, he delivered a message, and Michael says he guesses Cyrus didn’t like Jason’s answer.

Jason tells Michael that he knows Diane is working on bail, but a witness came forward, so it’s less likely to be granted. He’s not expecting to be released any time soon. Michael asks how Jason is doing, and Jason says he’s spent a lot of time in lock-up. He doesn’t love it, but he’s used to it. Michael says, this time, it’s different though. Sonny is gone, and that has to put pressure on Jason. Jason says, Michael hasn’t asked if he did it.

Carly explains to Anna that Gladys is an opportunist, and Anna says, so it’s about money. Carly says, partly, but Gladys is also chasing things money can’t buy. She always looked at Sonny as her super successful relative. He was rich, but also respected, even feared. Anna says, he had prestige and standing, and Carly says, Gladys has lived her life on the outside looking in, and resents it. She thinks these are things she deserves, but doesn’t want to lift a finger to get them. She thinks they’re owed to her. Anna says, interesting. She has an idea of how to handle Gladys.  

Alexis says she appreciates Finn’s support, but Valentin is there to do the same thing, and Diane says, if they can’t play nice, she’ll send them home. Finn says, any personal issues will take a back seat, and Valentin says he’ll reciprocate. Sam tells Alexis there’s time to change her plea, and Finn says, Alexis loves a big fight, but the bigger fight is the one they wage every day. Valentin’s phone dings, and Alexis says she can see from his face it’s important. He says he wants to be there for her, but she says he has been; she’ll take it from there. He leaves, and Diane says, so Alexis is changing her plea to not guilty? Alexis looks at Finn, and says, no. She’s pleading guilty. Diane says, it’s Alexis’s call. Just know she’ll fight like hell, whether Alexis wants her to or not.

Peter says he hopes Gladys didn’t get the wrong impression of him. His father was not a good man, and a lot of people mistakenly think he’s following in his father’s footsteps. She says, she’s an independent thinker, and he says he wishes more people would be. He’s been dealing with a woman named Liesl Obrecht, who’s accused him of killing Franco. Where in this twisted universe did she come up with something like that? Gladys says, search me, and he says, yet Obrecht didn’t claim she saw him; she heard the story from someone else. Gladys leans forward, and says, off the record, she saw the whole thing. She went to the police, and told them she saw Jason toss the gun. He says he applauds her. Most people would be afraid to come forward. She says, not her. She knew it was too important for her to stay silent. He says, she told him that she’s a big fan of The Invader. Would she like to see her name and photo in it? She’s come forward as an eyewitness, and deserves front page coverage. Cyrus comes by, and says, that’s a bad idea that has the potential to be catastrophic.

Laura tells Curtis that she didn’t know Martin at all, and wanted to believe he was the good brother because she wanted a brother, a sibling. It’s been so long since Amy died. She rushed into the family connection, and it blew up in her face. He asks if she’s just going to write Martin off, and she says she’s not. She’s just going to take it more slowly, and proceed with more caution; see Martin for who he really is. Curtis says, it doesn’t sound too different from his situation with Jordan. Maybe he needs to see the person who Jordan really is. She says Curtis is more invested. He and Jordan have time and history. Don’t give up on that. He says, TJ was there earlier, and said the same thing, and she says, he’s still not convinced? He says, there are no easy answers, but it’s hard to rebuild trust. She says she knows Jordan hasn’t always been honest, but doesn’t think it’s all on her. Curtis just created this wonderful new life for himself. Wouldn’t he like to invite Jordan into it? Or has he made the decision to move on already?

Taggert comes back out, and suggests they order Italian. Jordan hands him the folder, and he sits with her. She says they know Cyrus is using GH to reinvent himself as a pillar of society, and he says, to make himself respectable, so his sins are glossed over. She says, they have one advantage. They see past his veneer of respectability, and see him for who he is. And one day, in the near future, they’ll figure out a way to prove it.

Gladys says hi to Cyrus, and tells Peter that Cyrus has been wonderful to her son, and her. She loves her room. Peter says, Cyrus has been generous to many people; he counts himself among them. Cyrus says, allow him to advise Peter against putting Gladys on the front page. If Jason’s lawyer manages to get him released on bail, it’s going to put Gladys in his sights, and nobody wants that. Peter says, of course (🍷) Cyrus is right; nobody wants that. Brando joins them, and Cyrus suggests he treat his mother to dessert she can enjoy in her room. Gladys says she’d prefer to stay there, but Brando says, let’s go. She doesn’t want to overstay her welcome. He walks her to the elevator, and Cyrus asks Peter what the hell he was thinking. Peter says that it’s been speculated that someone other than Jason killed Franco, and Cyrus says, there are haters everywhere, but if Peter doesn’t let it go, enough people will start to believe he should be in a cell instead of Jason. That’s the last thing Cyrus wants, unless Peter fails to deliver his end of the bargain.

Michael says, if there was a chance Jason had killed Franco, there would be no trace. And he wouldn’t have done it because Franco was Jake’s stepfather, and Jake’s happiness means more to Jason than anything. Jason thanks Michael for knowing that, and Michael says, it means Gladys is lying. If she was a normal person, he’d say she was confused, but she’s done it out of spite, or greed, or both. Does Jason think she’s hoping someone will pay her to change her testimony? Jason says, someone else is already paying her, and Michael says, someone like Cyrus? Is that the message Cyrus just delivered?

Carly says, the only reason she’s going along with this is that there’s no better plan, and Anna says, it will work. Carly says, if Jason goes to trial, it could be months before Gladys is on the witness stand, and Anna says, that’s why they have to put the plan in action now. Carly says there’s a difference between how badly she and Anna want this. Anna wants Jason freed because she thinks it will be nice, but to her it’s everything. It’s crucial that Jason be free. Anna says she wants him to be free too, but more important, she wants Peter locked up. Then Maxie and the baby will be safe. The first step is to get Gladys to implicate Peter for Franco’s murder. Is Carly in? The doorbell rings, and Carly says, she’s in. Anna opens the door to Valentin, who says he got her message. It sounded urgent. She says they’ve been waiting for him, and brings him into the living room. He sees Carly, and looks at her quizzically.

Taggert says he’s impressed at Jordan’s extended research, and she thanks him. She says, they still have no way to bust him. Taggert says, they’re not talking about framing him again; he’s not going down that road. This time, he has more to lose than she does. He says he didn’t mean it that way, and she says she knows he wants to make Trina proud. There’s a knock at the door, and Jordan says, it’s going to be a long night. She hopes it’s the food. It’s Curtis, who comes in, saying, he knows he should have called first, but he has something to say that can’t wait. He sees Taggert sitting on the couch.

Sam says she wishes she could spare Alexis the ordeal, and Finn’s phone dings. Alexis says, first Valentin, now him, and Finn says, it’s the hospital, a patient. Alexis says she can handle it, and he says he knows she will. He has faith in her. They hug, and Finn leaves. The bailiff comes in, and says Judge Carson is on her way. He tells them to take their seats. They sit, and Alexis takes Diane’s hand.  

Michael says Jason took his dad’s place before, but he can’t run things from in there, and Cyrus will take over. Jason says, Cyrus isn’t a problem, and Michael says, of course (🍷) he is. He’ll target them unless someone steps in. Jason says, that’s not happening. Michaels says he knows Diane will do everything in her power to get Jason bail, but while Jason is out of commission, someone has to step in until he can take charge again. Jason says Sonny never wanted this life for Michael, and Michael says, Sonny isn’t here anymore. Cyrus won’t stop until he’s running the whole town. Someone needs to take him on, and there’s no other way. Jason says, that’s where Michael is wrong.

Peter tells Cyrus, Jason is in custody, and there’s no one standing between Cyrus and the Corinthos empire. Cyrus says, unless Jason makes bail, but Peter says Cyrus wouldn’t let that happen, would he? Cyrus says, it will take both of them to ensure that Jason stays behind bars for the rest of his life. 

Gladys looks at Cyrus and Peter, and tells Brando that she’d love to be a fly on the wall. He asks if she knows what happens to flies; they get swatted. She says she’s touched that he cares, and he says, then listen to him. Get in her car, and go home to Bridgeport. She says, is he kidding? And miss the excitement? No way. He says he’s warning her, Cyrus’s generosity comes at a price, and she says, everything in life that’s worth having comes at a price. She’s done without having the finer things in life long enough. It’s time to cash in. He can get in the elevator, but she’s sticking around.    

Valentin says, Anna and Carly are working together? and Carly says, it’s a marriage of necessity. Anna says, they have to stop Peter, and Valentin says they have his attention. Anna says, Jason was implicated by a witness who’s lying. The real killer is Peter. He asks what they’re going to do, and Anna says, they’re not doing anything. He is.

Tomorrow, Jordan tells Curtis that Taggert is staying with her, Alexis says she’s willing to accept punishment, Maxie tells Britt that she’s confident they can handle this, and Peter asks if Carly is sure she wants to pick a fight with him.

🍹 The guests on tonight’s Overserved were Lance Bass and husband Michael Turchin, and Vivica A. Fox. The theme was An Evening in Provence, and LVP greeted them with ponies Diamond and Rosé. Dancing with the Stars (which they’d all been on) was discussed, especially how physically grueling it is. Vivica told them that when she’d done Kill Bill [Vol 1], it was like training for the Olympics, and she went from a size 6/8 to a 2. Lance told a story about meeting Julia Roberts, and gushing over her films, only to realize it was Cindy Crawford. He said she must have thought he was Julia’s biggest fan. At LVP’s urging, a quite drunk David tried to play a practical joke on Lance by jumping out of the ponies’ shed wearing a horse’s head. But it went wrong, and David ended up with a bloody nose. Apparently it wasn’t his first accident, since he said he’d broken his nose four times. Vivica said she’d been nervous to meet LVP, but she had so much fun. As did we all. I love this show. Unfortunately, the second airing did not include a preview, so I have no clue who will be on next time, but I know it will be amusing.

🧺 Shahlaunder…

I wonder if they ever called my house. I never pick up those telemarketers, but it doesn’t stop them from trying. <sigh>

https://pagesix.com/2021/03/30/real-housewives-star-jen-shah-busted-for-alleged-fraud-money-laundering/

Premonition…

Cue the Twilight Zone music.

https://pagesix.com/2021/03/30/jen-shah-tweeted-comparison-to-teresa-giudice-before-arrest/

🥀 Say It Ain’t So…

Could Joe #2 be done?

https://pagesix.com/2021/03/30/joe-gorga-tells-melissa-hes-done-with-their-marriage-on-rhonj/

In Case You’re Confused…

Delores explains the amazingly perfect dynamic she has going on with Frank and David. I wouldn’t need a ring either.

https://pagesix.com/2021/03/17/rhonjs-dolores-catania-explains-dynamic-with-ex-boyfriend/

🛳 Six Degrees Of…

You don’t think these could be from Juicy Joe’s business, do you?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9415223/Ship-carrying-sex-toys-caught-Suez-Canal.html

💍 It’s About Time…

After dealing with Suckerfish Hoppy, Bethenny deserves a decent guy.

https://pagesix.com/2021/03/30/bethenny-frankel-very-excited-about-paul-bernon-engagement/

☯️ It’s All Symbiotic Anyway…

Isn’t publicity for one, publicity for both?

https://pagesix.com/2021/03/23/rhony-cast-not-surprised-bethenny-frankel-orchestrated-engagement-news-the-same-day-as-trailer-drop/

🌴 Remember Her…?

I don’t, but I still think The Real Housewives of Miami should get another season.

https://pagesix.com/2021/03/23/ex-housewife-lisa-hochstein-in-trouble-again-for-noisy-bash/

🧚🏼 She Knows She Wants To…

I love Tinsley. She’s like a broken fairy princess. I say, bring her back.

https://pagesix.com/2021/03/24/insiders-talk-tinsley-mortimers-possible-return-to-tv/

🍺 Who Knew…?

I would never have pegged the high-kicking Fredrik for being a high-functioning alcoholic. Seriously, I’m surprised.

https://pagesix.com/2021/03/26/fredrik-eklund-is-160-days-sober-was-a-high-functional-addict/

🗽 And While I’m On the Subject…

There’s a new broker in NYC.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/mdlny-season-9-premiere-date-details-new-female-broker

🏡 Bringing It On Home…

Tuesday? It’s only Tuesday? And Easter is this Sunday? Who moved that up? I thought it was the 11th. Whatever your state of confusion, stay safe, stay keeping calm in the storm, and stay away from playing pranks if you’ve been overserved.

October 10, 2019 – The Wedding Aftermath, Fredrik Considers Being Bi (Coastal), Questions On the Move & Will Dance For a Sale

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Jax sees Nina sleeping on the couch.

Holding a take-out container, Finn sees Hayden outside of Kelly’s. She says she keeps running into him, and he tells her, she said with disappointment. She says, no; she’s not complaining. He says he has to get to the hospital, and starts to leave. She tells him, have a grand day. He says, grand? and she tells him that she couldn’t decide between good and great, and grand came out instead. He says maybe she can make someone else’s day grand. He barely finished his lunch. She says she’s not really into eating other people’s leftovers, but he says, no. She can take it home to Honeybun. Her dog?

Jason comes into the station, and asks Sam how she is. She says, grateful for Spinelli. It’s finally over. Jordan says, not quite, and Jason wonders, what now? She says, paperwork. She needs everything in order for when Robert officially drops the charges. Just sit tight. Jason tells Sam that he had a talk with Peter and Maxie.

Maxie and Peter arrive at the Crimson office. Maxie says hopefully Shiloh’s accomplice can tell them who broke Shiloh out of jail, and this whole thing can be over with. He says, hopefully. She goes into Nina’s office, and says, Nina’s not here. Peter says, at work? and she says Nina tends to throw herself into work when there’s a problem. She’s getting worried since she hasn’t heard from Nina.

At Kelly’s, Charlotte sits with Lulu and Laura, and picks at her food. Lulu says she’s barely touched her lunch, and Laura suggests Charlotte get one of the cranberry scones, since they’re her favorite. Charlotte says, no thank you, and Lulu says she knows Charlotte is upset that Nina and her papa didn’t get married, but she promises everything will be all right. Charlotte asks how Lulu can be sure? Lulu hasn’t even told her why she ruined the wedding.

At a random coffee shop, Sasha says she’s getting a refill, and Michael asks if she really needs a third cup of coffee. She says she’ll switch to decaf, and he says he thinks she’s stalling to avoid going back. She asks if it’s that obvious, and he tells her to take as much time as she needs. She thanks him for bringing her there. She wasn’t ready to face anyone. She’s still not.

Back at Windymere, Valentin is on the phone. He asks if Nina will just please call him back. Just let him know where she is. He throws the phone as Obrecht is walking in, and she says, hey! He nearly hit her with that thing. He asks how he’d ever forgive himself. She looks at a table full of food, and says she guesses someone forgot to call the caterer. He says he was a little preoccupied. She says, apparently. He hasn’t slept, has he? He asks how he’s supposed to. Nina left the church before they were married, and he has no idea where she is.

Nina wakes up, and Jax is there with coffee. He tells her, good morning. Someone please tell me where I get one of those alarm clocks.

Jason tells Sam that Maxie confirmed Peter was carrying cash in the gym bag. He claims he was going to make an offer on an apartment. Sam says, you’d think he’d use a check or a bank transfer. Jason says, you’d think. She asks if he believes what Peter told him, and he says, Maxie does. Whatever lie Peter told him, he told Maxie first.

Maxie and Peter find Nina’s office empty. Peter asks if Maxie expected Nina to be there, but Maxie guesses she didn’t. He says it will take Nina some time to process all this, and Maxie says she still doesn’t know if Lulu did the right thing. Just because she overheard something, did she really have to out Sasha in the middle of the wedding, when Nina was so happy? On the other hand, a lie is a lie, and maybe it was better not to let Nina marry Valentin. Peter says, there is a silver lining; they were right about Sasha, but Maxie finds no comfort in that.

At Kelly’s, Lulu knows Charlotte feels confused, but Nina and her papa love her. That will never change, no matter what happens between them. Laura tells Charlotte that her mom is right. Right now, all of the adults are involved in a complicated situation, but none of it is her fault. Charlotte asks if Nina and her papa are never getting married, and Lulu says, well… Charlotte says she wants to see Nina now, but Lulu doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Charlotte thinks it will help her feel better. Laura thinks maybe it would, but Lulu doesn’t know where Nina slept. They can try her office. Curtis comes in, and Laura tells them to go ahead; she’ll settle up and catch them later. Laura says she loves them. She goes over to Curtis, and he smiles. Sort of.

Jax says he’s got coffee, and Nina asks what time it is. He says, a little after twelve, and Nina says he let her sleep past twelve? He says she obviously needed it, and she says she has to get going. He tells her, no rush. She thanks him for letting her stay. He wishes he could have given her more comfortable sleeping arrangements, but she says, anything is better than Windymere.

Obrecht is busy at the breakfast buffet, and Valentin asks if she knows where Nina might have gone. She says she loves capers, and Valentin is like, hey. She says she’s afraid she has no idea where Nina ran off to, but it’s safe to assume she got as far away from him as possible. She doesn’t blame Nina. She says she’s not one to say I told you so… Who is she kidding? She told him the truth would blow up in his face. He says she blurted out a closely guarded secret in a public restroom, and she asks how she was supposed to know Lulu was lurking in a stall? Valentin thinks it was part of her plan all along. She wanted Lulu to know. She tells him heartbreak has rendered him paranoid. She stands to lose as much as he does. Her relationships with Nina, Maxie, and James would be in jeopardy, but fear not. All hope not lost. Not yet at least.

Finn tells Hayden, it’s a turkey sandwich. She says, obviously, he’s never had a dog. Dogs don’t eat sandwiches unless it’s by accident. Honeybun is on a restricted diet. He says who thought she would be a good dog mom? She says someone is watching Honeybun while she gets settled, and he says he’s sure Honeybun will be joining her once she does. Maybe they can get Honeybun together with Roxie to frolic; a playdate. Hayden thinks it would be amusing, but she has to go. She goes into Kelly’s, and Chase walks up. He asks what that was about, and Finn says he thinks Hayden is lying. Chase asks, about what?

Nina tells Jax, that’s what she gets for insisting he come to the wedding. She wanted to show off  her great love. She tells him, just say it, and he says, say what? She says that she should have listened. He tried to warn her that Valentin was not a good guy. She doesn’t care if it was intentional. That he went along with Sasha’s lies, or it was his idea, she doesn’t know what to believe. Jax says all he knows is what she told him, that Sasha confessed to not being her daughter. Did she say Valentin was involved? Nina says, no, but that doesn’t mean he’s innocent. Jax says, it doesn’t mean he’s guilty either. He’s the last person who wants to defend Valentin, but she was about to marry him, and he thinks she deserves an explanation about who knew what about Sasha. Nina says her heart is broken. She can’t imagine being in the same room with Valentin, let alone hearing him make his case. Nina says, her phone, and he says she left it in the car. He charged it. Nina says he was in the hospitality business, wasn’t he? She thanks him, and looks at all the messages. She says her phone has had a busy night.

Peter tells Maxie that he feels horrible for Nina, but at least they know the truth about Sasha now. Maxie says the worst thing is, she sees traces of Obrecht in this. She denies it, but that doesn’t mean anything. She loves Obrecht, but she’ll lie to anyone, and it would explain the DNA tests. She wonders why Michael didn’t say anything when he found out. Charlotte and Lulu are at the door, and Charlotte says, what?! Lulu tells her, stay calm, but Charlotte wants to know what Maxie said about Sasha.

Michael tells Sasha the secret is gone; it’s got to feel freeing on some level. Sasha says, it’s been replaced by even more guilt. He says she can’t change what happened, but she can start healing and moving on. She asks, what about the case against Cassandra Pierce? Michael warned her that her testimony could be compromised if she was exposed as a liar. What if that demented woman goes free because of her? He says there’s still a laundry list of crimes Cassandra has committed, and she’ll still go to prison. She says, what about Nina? Her heart is broken. Charlotte loves Nina, and was so excited for the wedding. Now it’s trashed because of her. He says this isn’t solving anything. The only way out is through. The sooner she faces it, she can put it behind her. She doesn’t see the point in going back to Port Charles. She doesn’t have a life there anymore.

Valentin tells Obrecht, maybe it’s the lack of sleep, but he’s following her. She says, think about it. Sasha confessed to her lies and her role in the ruse. She never mentioned his involvement. Let her shoulder the blame, and they can escape culpability, if they play their cards right. Valentin says, Sasha has no loyalty and could give them up at any time. Obrecht says then they must make sure she never has the chance.

Chase asks if Finn doesn’t think lying about a finger painting is a little tame for Hayden. Finn says he overheard Hayden telling someone she loved them. Chase says, like a boyfriend? Finn says, she said it was her lab, Honeybun. A dog. From what he knows about Hayden, it sounds made up. Chase asks if Finn wants him to open an investigation. Dog ownership fraud is a serious crime. Does he think Honeybun made the painting? Finn says, forget he said anything. Chase says if Finn if thinks Hayden is lying about a dog to cover-up a new relationship, it has nothing to do with him. Hayden is his ex, and in the past. His present and future is with Anna. Finn says he and Anna are in a great place, but Chase says he doesn’t sound convincing. Everything is going well, right?

Hayden gets some coffee, and sits with Curtis and Laura. She apologizes for being late, and asks what she missed. Curtis says Laura was bringing him up to speed about what she found on Spoon Island. Laura says she saw a portrait of Helena. Hayden asks if she’s talking about the one Helena left Nikolas in her will? and Laura says, that’s the one. It used to hang in the trophy room, but Valentin took it down. Curtis asks, what’s special about this object of art? and Laura says all the things Helena left to people in her will, were really clues to something else. It was Helena’s way of getting them to jump through hoops from the grave. Curtis says, she sounds charming. Hayden says Nikolas was never able to figure it out. Does she think it has something to do with the codicil? Laura says Doc thinks so. He saw a pattern in the jewel work on Helena’s jacket that seems to confirm the location of the codicil being on Spoon Island.

Valentin asks Obrecht how they’re going to prevent Sasha from giving them up to Nina. Obrecht says, Sasha is the last person Nina wants to see, aside from him. She’s not going to listen to any excuses Sasha tries to offer. Valentin says she’ll want answers. Sasha has already thrown herself under the bus. What’s to prevent her from taking them with her? Obrecht says, they need to send Sasha packing for good. She must ever return to Port Charles.

Sasha thinks she should head for Chappaqua, and Michael asks if he’s not enough reason to stick around. She says, of course (🍷) he is, but if he was smart, he’d run for the hills. He says he knows what he’s getting into, and she asks if he’s a masochist. He says, no, but Sasha agreed to work with Valentin because her grandmother needed money for surgery. That’s why he’s standing by her. Once everyone hears the full story, he knows they will too. She says he wins. She’ll head back and face the music.

Maxie says she’s so sorry. She didn’t know Charlotte and Lulu were there. Lulu says they were looking for Nina, and Peter says she’s not there, and probably won’t be today. Charlotte wants to know what’s going on. Why did Maxie say Sasha isn’t Nina’s daughter? Maxie asks Peter to give them a second, and he says, of course (🍷). He leaves, and Charlotte asks, what’s going on? Lulu says, something bad happened at the wedding. She told Nina something that upset her. Charlotte asks, why? and Lulu says she wanted to tell Nina the truth, and let her decide how she wanted to deal with it. Charlotte asks Lulu to tell her what happened, and Lulu says, there’s been a mistake. Sasha isn’t really Nina’s daughter.

Jax sees the couch empty except for Nina’s veil. He finds her by the window, and asks if everything is okay. She says, given the circumstances. She thanks him, and says she should go. He says she doesn’t have to, but she says she can’t stay there. He asks, why not? He knows it’s light on furniture, but if she wants to lie low, no one will come looking for her there.

Henderson (new information) is brought out, and Jordan asks how he managed to interfere with Shiloh’s transfer. He says he wants his phone call. She asks if he thinks his lawyer can help him after the stunt he pulled. He repeats that he wants his phone call, and she says, fine. Set him up in the interrogation room, and make sure he gets his call. Sam hopes he reveals who helped Shiloh to escape.

Not a big shock, Peter’s phone rings. Henderson says, hey boss, and Peter asks what the hell he’s doing. Henderson says he needs to see Peter, but Peter says, absolutely not. Henderson tells him that he’d better hurry to the PCPD before they start questioning him. Peter says he’s not coming, and Henderson asks if he’s sure. He’s getting impatient, and if he were Peter, he wouldn’t keep him waiting.

Peter says Henderson doesn’t need him; he needs a lawyer. Henderson asks what Peter thinks a lawyer is going to advise him to do when he tells them who paid him to bust Shiloh loose. Let’s talk strategy. Peter says, if he comes there, he’ll expose their relationship. Henderson says Peter had better come up with something fast. He wasted his call on Peter, and the Commissioner is itching to question him. He doesn’t know how long he’ll be able to stall, and he’s getting tired. Peter says, here’s what they’re going to do. Listen carefully.

Jason asks if there will be a delay with the paperwork, but Jordan says, no. Chase will take Sam’s final statement later, but she’s free to go. Sam says she can’t wait. A dude strides in, and says, not so fast. He introduces himself as Edward Caldwell from the FBI, and asks if this is the woman who killed Shiloh. Jordan says they’ve confirmed it was self-defense. Edward says he appreciates the legwork, but it happened in international waters. It’s under their jurisdiction. It’s a federal matter.

Peter asks if Henderson understands what he needs to tell them. Henderson says he’ll take care of it, and Peter says see that he does. Peter jets out of the Crimson office.

Sasha and Michael go to Crimson. He tells her that he’ll be right there, and she thanks him. Charlotte tells Lulu, Sasha is Nina’s daughter. She said so over and over. Lulu says, it’s very complicated, and Charlotte says, everyone keeps telling her that. Even if Nina’s not Sasha’s mom, why didn’t Nina and her papa get married? Sasha comes in, and says Nina was too upset after she found out she lied.

Nina tells Jax it’s a very generous offer, but one night is enough. She can’t stay indefinitely. Jax says it’s not a problem, but she says she needs to face everyone. She has nothing to be ashamed of. She didn’t do anything wrong. She asks who she’s kidding; she’s mortified. He tells her to take her time to process it, but she says, no amount of time is going to fix this. She wanted a child so bad, she fell for Sasha’s lie hook, line, and sinker. Jax tells her not to blame herself. Sasha lied, and took advantage of her open heart. Nina wonders if she’s a victim, a fool, or both. He says, neither. She tells him  that he’s being supportive and generous again, but it’s her mess. She’ll have to learn how to deal with it. She needs to go back to Windymere, and find something else to wear. He says, even if Valentin is there? and she says, who cares if he is?

Finn says he and Anna are doing great. Chase is glad to hear it, but says Finn doesn’t seem glad. Chase doesn’t understand why Finn is so hung up on Hayden. Finn says he’s not. Chase says he gets it. Anna has been away for months (yeah, where is Finola Hughes already?). Meanwhile, his ex blows back into town. He tells Finn, be careful not to fill the void Anna left by bringing Hayden back in his life. Finn says, that’s not what’s happening, and Chase says he hopes not. Chases phone goes off, and he says he needs to get back. He tells Finn to keep his head on straight. Finn says Chase is giving him advice now? Chase says, maybe. Don’t lose track of his priorities. Anna will be back sooner or later.

Curtis hopes Laura has good luck following up on the portrait, and Hayden says they could use some luck. Curtis says, agreed. He tells her, Valentin needs to pay hard and fast for what he did to Nina. Hayden says, sounds like it’s not just a job to him anymore, and Curtis says, damn right. Valentin used him to manipulate Nina into believing a stranger was her daughter. He’s glad Nina kicked Valentin’s ass to the curb.

Valentin says Obrecht makes an interesting point. If Sasha avoids contact with Nina, they should be in the clear. Obrecht says then she’ll have to encourage Sasha’s departure immediately. The doorbell rings, and Obrecht says that wouldn’t be Nina. Perhaps it’s Sasha. Valentin opens the door to Laura, who hopes she’s not intruding. Valentin asks when that’s stopped her. Obrecht says she’ll give them some space, and tells Valentin they’ll continue this later.

Laura sees the food and says, no one called the caterers to tell them the wedding brunch was canceled? Valentin asks if she’s come to gloat… and she says, no, but she’s not going to pretend she’s not happy Nina left. It’s the least he deserved. He asks why she’s there, and she says she wants to inquire about the portrait of Helena that used to hang in the trophy room. He says, the one Charlotte can’t stand? She says she’d like to take it off his hands, but he says, sorry to tell her, he had it thrown it out this morning.

Laura asks what Valentin means, and he says, waste disposal. Is it a new concept? She says the painting wasn’t trash, and he knows it. He tells her, Charlotte was complaining that the animals in the trophy room thought it brought the mood down, so he got rid of it. She asks where it is, and he says, a landfill? She says he had no right, and he asks why she cares. She hated Helena. She says Helena left the painting to Nikolas, and now it belongs to Spencer, who should have had a say. He says Spencer had ample time for that, every time he broke in to kick Valentin’s shins. He doesn’t think she cares about the painting at all, and is just there to kick him when he’s down. She can do that on the other side of the water. He has no patience for this now. She promises he’ll regret this, and slams out.

Curtis says he’s so pissed at Valentin, he could flip the table, and Hayden thinks he’s getting ahead of himself. He doesn’t know for sure that Valentin was involved. Curtis says he orchestrated the DNA test to pretend Sasha was Nina’s daughter. Hayden is sure he’ll get his when the estate is returned to its rightful heirs. Curtis says, not to mention, she’ll get her cut. She says she has her reasons, and he tells her, share. She says Spencer is a great kid. They owe it to him to play it smart. They can’t let Valentin know they’re on to him, or he might find and destroy the codicil. Let him think he’s in the clear. It’s their best shot. Curtis thinks it makes sense, but he’s not satisfied. Hayden tells him, the hard part is, if the cops bring a case against Sasha for fraud, he has to convince Nina not to cooperate.

Charlotte says, Sasha lied to Nina? and Sasha says, it was a big mistake. She told a lie, and it hurt a lot of people. Charlotte says she’s not really Nina’s daughter? Sasha says, no, and Charlotte asks why she lied. Sasha says she heard Nina was searching for her daughter, and thought it would be nice to be part of their family. Charlotte says Nina is rich, but Sasha says she didn’t want Nina’s money. She liked Nina, and she liked Charlotte. She thought she wouldn’t be hurting anyone, but she was wrong. Her lie hurt a lot of people, especially Nina, and she hurt Charlotte too. She’s so sorry. Charlotte is still incredibly important to her. Charlotte turns her back to Sasha, saying she doesn’t believe her. How can she? Sasha is probably lying again.

Jordan says the charges have been dropped, and Sam was cleared, but Edward says, not by the FBI. He wants to review the evidence Jordan has, and she says she has no intention of stepping on their toes. She assumes they’ll come to the same conclusion, and sees no reason Sam should be there. Edward says, she can leavefor now. He tells Sam, don’t leave town until they’ve had a little chat. Chase comes out of the interrogation room, and says, the suspect in Shiloh’s escape case is ready to talk.

Charlotte says Sasha spoiled everything. Why did she lie? Sasha says she made a terrible mistake, but she’s not lying now. She loves Charlotte. Charlotte asks how she can believe Sasha when Sasha lied to her, Nina, and papa. She tells Lulu that she want to go. She doesn’t want to see Sasha now. They leave, and Michael holds Sasha.

Valentin picks up his phone. Nina walks in, with Jax behind her.

Curtis tells Hayden that he doesn’t want to involve Nina. Valentin has put her through too much already. Hayden says, all the more reason to keep her clear of a potential fraud case. The real justice for Valentin will be in losing the Cassadine estate. Curtis says he’ll think about, and she says that’s all she asks. He has to get going. Is there anything else she needs? She says she needs him to find her a dog.

Finn calls Anna, saying he just wants to hear her voice. Give him a call when she gets the chance. He loves her. He looks through Kelly’s window, and sees Hayden. She looks back, and half-smiles.

Sam tells Jason that she didn’t think she was coming home. Jason thinks it’s just a formality. The FBI will review the case, and that will be the end of it. Sam hopes so.

Jordan asks if Henderson is ready to talk. He nods, and she says, without a lawyer present? He says he doesn’t need one. He wants to tell them the truth about why he broke Shiloh out of custody.

Peter goes to the café. He looks at his phone. We see a headline in The Invader that says Media Mogul Murders, with Sam’s picture underneath.

Henderson says the guy was supposed to be a guru and a cult leader, but he’s not a follower or true believer. Helping Shiloh escape was just a job. Jordan asks who hired him, and he says, Samantha McCall.

Tomorrow, Julian tells Brad that he doesn’t take kindly to threats, Lucy tells Sasha that they’re going to make bajillions, Sonny hopes Nina cleans Valentin out, and Nina tells Valentin that she can’t believe anything he says.

🗽 Tonight, on Million Dollar Listing: New York, Ryan’s wife Emilia had a baby girl named Zena., who has tons of hair. Ryan described it as being all perfect, so I guess he can buy gifts now without fear of superstition. Ryan said the love for his family – which they were now – knew no bounds. Zena gave him a new meaning for his life, and everything he’d do going forward would be for her. He had taken a break, but now it was time to get back to work. He hosted a broker viewing party for his video promoting the ground floor Tribeca loft, and encouraged everyone to drink, saying the video would look better if they drank before they watched it. He explained that he did a lot of weird stuff to sell apartments because in a buyer’s market, you have to. He was still nervous, worried that instead of laughing with him, his audience would laugh at him. He didn’t need to worry, since the video was adorable and fun. You can check it out yourself below. Everyone loved it, and the owners – who had shown up, adding to Ryan’s stress – thought it was amazing. He said he’d put it up on YouTube where people are just mean to be mean, so if you watch it, don’t be mean.

Tyler didn’t have as good of a day. First was a listing meeting for an apartment at Columbus Circle, where, along with Central Park, the views never change. He said he researched his ass off, not just what sold, but what condition it was in. He’d promised his bosses to get a listing in the $5-10 million range. The sellers’ daughter, Sarah, showed him the apartment, but things quickly went downhill when she insisted they would want above market price. They’d sunk a million into the renovation, and she also thought the time and effort put into it should reflect in the price. <insert sound of incorrect answer in a game show here> Wrong. I’m not even a broker, and I know no buyer is going to care about that. She wouldn’t let Tyler talk directly to them, but said she’d float his pricing suggestion by her parents. Tyler said in today’s market, a seller needed someone who could be honest, but apparently Sarah and her parents didn’t give a rip about honesty, and went with one of the liars who claimed they could get more than it was worth. On the upside, Tyler met with Tommy, who was selling a two-bedroom in Chelsea near Chelsea Market. The place was covered in art, and Tommy said that’s why he and his partner had gotten it in the first place – wall space. Tyler thought there was a lot going on – he could hardly see the walls, and the furniture was outdated – but believed he could market it. He asked Tommy why he wanted to sell, and Tommy told Tyler that he had a house in New Jersey, but his partner had also passed away four years ago, and there was too much of him there. It was heartbreaking to hear about the restrictions in the 80s when they’d gotten together, and a little surprising. Apparently, Fire Island (now synonymous with gay summering) wasn’t very gay friendly at that time. Tommy said gay men always had a woman with them, because two men together on the dance floor was not allowed. That was also why line dancing was popular. New information! Tyler asked if Tommy was emotionally ready to sell, and Tommy recognized there would be reluctance on his part, but it was something he wanted and needed to do. Tyler was reminded of why he was in the business. It wasn’t just about the money, but helping people through this. I guess Tommy also recognized that Tyler was one of the good guys, agreed with him on a price point, and they shook hands on the deal.

Still in L.A., Fredrik met with his L.A. team, who he loves. He checked out his new corner office, in the same building where Josh Altman and Tracy Tutor-Maltas from MDLNY’s sister show, have offices. The broker said it seemed that Fredrik and Josh needed to do some fence mending, and told Fredrik that Josh thought L.A. was his turf. Fredrik also looked at a rental house with Derek. He wasn’t entirely sold on the idea of Derek and the kids moving west, and him being bi-coastal. He pointed out how quiet it was there, and wondered if it wasn’t boring without the background that NYC has, reminding me of Neil Diamond’s Beautiful Noise. He said NYC was in his blood, and wondered how you can turn your heartbeat off. The rent on the house was $40K a month, which he thought was a crazy number to throw away, but he wasn’t dropping $10 million on a house when a decision hadn’t been made yet. Derek thought the kids would have a better quality of life, but was amicable to waiting. Fredrik had an open house for the property he was relaunching, and although he’d invited Josh Altman, Josh seemed to be ghosting him. He was puzzled once again, since he and Derek often went out with Josh and wife Heather. The other white Josh, Josh Flagg, did show up, and told Fredrik not to take it personally, saying Altman had a big ego and was insecure. Fredrik offered the $160K sportscar sitting in the driveway to anyone who signed at the open house. While Altman didn’t show, Heather did, four weeks away from giving birth. He asked what was up with her husband, and she told him there was a friendship there, and Josh felt Fredrik holding onto information had been shady and slimy. What the info was, I have no clue, but I’m guessing we’ll hear more on that next week.

Steve told us that the first thing he does in the morning, besides get his coffee, is look new listings, because he needs to know the comps and the competition. It wasn’t Steve’s best morning, since he saw Corcoran Sunshine listed the penthouse below the one he was given to list – at a lower price per foot. In addition to messing up his comps, it meant he had to compete with the lower price. He said he couldn’t collaborate if they were going to compete with him behind his back. He met with developer Joel, who seemed to think Steve’s penthouse being on the top floor should be enough to justify the price difference. In Steve’s interview, he said the apartment would seem overpriced, and he’d look like a greedy broker. And I still didn’t understand how a penthouse wouldn’t be on the top floor. He told Joel that a buyer’s market is value driven, and apartments are almost never listed together, but released separately. They want to build momentum, and let a buyer feel that the property is exclusive. Joel wouldn’t budge, and in his interview, Steve said he felt used by Joel just to get publicity for the building. To top it off, when he went to the penthouse, Corcoran Sunshine had obviously been showing it. He said since they had the building, it was their prerogative, but it was unprofessional, messy, and there was garbage all over. They certainly didn’t leave it as they found it. He also wasn’t sure if they were putting his listing down behind his back, and making it seem inferior in order to sell their own. When some potential buyers showed up, he realized his show sheets were missing as well. It sounded to me like he was definitely being undermined. Now all of the potential buyers were asking about the other penthouse’s pricing. He ended up talking to Pam, head of Corcoran, and she agreed he had a right to be sensitive. His name is attached and he had no say, even though whatever happened would affect his brand. Although the whole thing was a huge surprise, Steve rallied well, and Pam promised to help him out.

Next time, psychological warfare, more on Josh’s animosity toward Fredrik, and Steve thinks about walking away from the penthouse listing.

🚕 While I’m not big on game shows, Bravo seems to have acquired Cash Cab, and so far, it’s fun. Kind of like Trivial Pursuit on wheels. In case you’re not familiar with the game, driver Ben Bailey picks up riders and asks them various questions until they get to their destination. If they get the answer right, they get cash, but if they get it wrong, it’s a strike, and they’re only allowed three. If they get three strikes, they’re dumped out wherever they are and get no winnings. I haven’t seen this happen yet, but it sounds like it has the potential for a brawl. If they reach their destination, they’re also allowed a double or nothing video question. There are other components involved, like the contestants being allowed help, but you get the idea. Since it’s Bravo, the occasional Bravolebrity is an added passenger. Tonight, it was Fredrik, who led his team to a double or nothing victory of over two grand.

📹 Ryan’s Masterpiece…

It speaks for itself.