What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🍕 Weekday Slices…                                                                          

Monday: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jason told Sonny that it was worse than they thought.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday:

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

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

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

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

Charlotte went to see Valentin and they hugged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Curtis made a fire and he and Jordan kissed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🧼 The Only Soap News Fit To Print…

Maximista is back.

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

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

Glad for Cameron, but wishing Drew would drop dead.

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

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

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

Because, Roger Howarth.

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

💉 A Dose Of Reality

Below Deck Down Under

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

Below Deck Down Under Season 4 Episode 2 Recap: Alesia’s White Flag

Summer House

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

Summer House Season 10 Episode 2 Recap: Communication Catastrophe

Vanderpump Rules

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

Vanderpump Rules Season 12 Episode 10 Recap: Audrey Friend Zoned Chris

Southern Charm

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

Southern Charm Season 11 Episode 11 Recap: Catch and Release

Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills

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

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 15 Episode 9 Recap: Amanda’s Party Manifests Bad Vibes

RHOBH Season 15 Midseason Trailer: Erika Jayne Goes To War With Dorit Kemsley

The Valley: Persian Style

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

The Valley: Persian Style Episode 7 Recap: Patching Things Up

Random Reality Items

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

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

Jill Zarin a ‘Total Mess’ and Taking ‘No Accountability’ After Firing — Insider

Now we’re talking.

The Real Housewives of London Season 2 Gets Huge Update

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

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

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

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

Perfect New, R-Rated Sci-Fi Thriller Is A Deep-Space Psychological Slaughter 

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

“The Blackening”: How black horror redefines who survives the night

The Blackening Review: Horror Comedy Slays

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

No spoilers here.

The Great Flood – Movie Review | Netflix (3/5)

All the spoilers.

The Great Flood Review: If Inception Was About Motherhood

Netflixable? Koreans face Doomsday — “The Great Flood”

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

REVIEW: ‘The ‘Burbs’ Is A Reboot That Does Everything Right

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

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

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

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

I think she’s done enough.

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

🏈 All About That Bowl…

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

The surprises.

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

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

The commercials.

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

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

The movie trailers.

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

The I-Can’t-Wait.

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

🪄 No Second Helping For You…

What Michelle Yeoh said.

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

🐶 It’s a Dog’s World…

🐾 It’s the Puppy Bowl for the win.

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

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

🥇 At least he went out a winner.

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

🧙 Brother from another mother… and world.

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

🦮 A different Bowl, yet the same.

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

🐕 I can just imagine the fluffy chaos.

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

👰🏻‍♀️ And Golden makes three.

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

Happy Valentine’s Day!

🦪 Quotes of the Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

❄️ Fire Of the Frost…

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