What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…                                                                        

Monday:

Isaiah went to Portia’s office and said he had an overnight bag, a full tank of gas, and pastries for the morning. She said she couldn’t wait to see his cabin, and he said he couldn’t wait to see her in his bed.

Jordan flashed back on asking Portia if she was pregnant, when there was a knock at her door. She opened it to Curtis holding an envelope.

At Bobbie’s, Emma asked Gio how it went with Lois, and he said he was glad he went. Lois said some things he needed to hear.

Lulu said, Rocco had dinner with Liesl and Britt? Nathan said, and him, and Lulu said she hadn’t known and didn’t think Dante did either. Nathan asked, what’s the big deal?

Drew told Danny and Rocco that he’d have them arrested and thrown in jail, like Danny’s dad and Rocco’s Uncle Lucky, when Laura walked in. She said she believed Drew was out of his depth. Now he had a much bigger problem than her grandson and his brother. He had her. He was threatening teenagers? Really? When had he become so petty and vindictive? Drew said she didn’t hear the whole conversation, and Laura said she’d like to hear it from the boys. Ronnie said Drew told the boys that they couldn’t see their sister.

At the MetroCourt, Sonny told Marco, good job getting Nina off the hook. Miller and Davis was the best law firm in town. Don’t let his daddy mess it up. Sonny left, when Sidwell came in. He asked Marco what was wrong, and Marco asked if Sonny would ever pay for his mother’s death. Sidwell said, yes, very soon, and he’d be gone for good.

Portia and Isaiah kissed, and she said she had work to do before she could leave. She didn’t want to hold him up. Trina came in and asked if she was interrupting.

Jordan said she would have picked up the report, but Curtis said he was in the neighborhood. She said her Noodle Buddha order was in the lobby. Did he want to join her?  

Gio said Lois made it easier for him to believe Brook was right in making sure he had a good life, and Emma asked if he thought he and Brook might get closer, but he said, not at all. He wasn’t sure what he wanted, but knew she could never take Camilla’s place.

Sitting with Sidwell and Marco, Martin said the polls were too close to call. He couldn’t ignore Mayor Collins’ opposition, or it could tank the whole thing. Sidwell said he needed the piers, but Sonny wasn’t incentivized to sell.

Kristina told Sonny that her mom agreed to defend Willow, and he said Willow had the right to a defense, but don’t tell him she was going to pin the shooting on Michael.

Lulu said she and Obrecht had an agreement about the amount of time she spent with Rocco… unless the dinner was Britt’s idea, but Nathan said, Britt didn’t know about it. He invited her, but no one told him about any agreement. Lulu said the bigger problem was Rocco taking advantage and going behind her back. She had reason not to trust Britt or Obrecht. Nathan said he knew she disliked his sister, which was fair, but they weren’t sneaking dinner. It was at the MetroCourt. Obrecht probably thought Rocco had cleared it with her and Rocco had said she was picking him up. Lulu said Rocco lied to all of them.

Laura said she was aware of the restraining orders and thought it was completely unbelievable, but the boys were taking it seriously, and Rocco said the restraining orders were gone, except for Danny’s. Danny said it was unfair and stupid. Drew was getting back at his dad and hurting him and Scout to do it. Laura asked what was wrong with Drew, but Drew said she didn’t need to involve herself. Laura said she’d like a word alone with Drew, and the boys left. She said she’d appreciate it if Drew would stop characterizing Danny as a bad influence and keeping him from seeing his own sister. It was only natural he’d be upset. Drew said she was being compassionate, but he was Scout’s father, and it was his job to protect her. Laura said he didn’t need to protect her from Danny. He was her big brother and he and Rocco had been raised as brothers. He said Rocco was lucky Danny wasn’t his real brother. Danny was a bad seed like his dad. Ronnie asked what he meant. He seemed to be the one intent on causing trouble.

Curtis said Jordan ordered everything he loved. She didn’t need to have him do an inspection report. Next time, just ask. She said she didn’t set it up, and he said he was messing with her. He knew things had been awkward between them for a while now. He’d decided to get a divorce, but she wasn’t the reason his marriage was over.  

Isaiah thanked Portia for the consult and left. Trina said Portia was working late and she thought Portia might be hungry. Portia said she knew the divorce was a lot and asked if Trina was okay. Trina said, yeah. It was just hard. She loved their family and was sad to see it change. Portia said she was too, and Trina said she hoped they’d be the kind of exes that could be in the same room or same family event. Portia said she thought they could. Curtis was a good man. Now that the strain would be gone, maybe she could go back to seeing him that way and maybe he could go back to seeing her the same way.

Emma said nobody was trying to take Camilla’s place, and Gio said he knew, but when he was with Brook and Dante, he could feel how much they wanted to be his parents. It was too late for Dante to be his father – he wasn’t a child – but talking to Lois, he thought maybe he could have some kind of relationship with them. Lois being Lois, she had something to say about him dropping out of school and walking away from music. She’d made him see that he cut off something he loved. Emma asked if that meant he was going to start playing the violin again.  

Kristina told Sonny that she thought Michael would be okay. Her mom was just going to muddy the waters and create reasonable doubt to get Willow off. He said, Drew would love nothing more than Michael being found guilty, but she said, Michael didn’t do it. And it wasn’t like there wasn’t enough evidence to go around. He knew Michael was innocent, right? He said, after everything Drew had done to Michael, he would understand if Michael took a shot at him.

Drew said Ronnie didn’t know Danny. He was wild and reckless. He was Jason’s son and just like him. He did what he wanted regardless of the consequences. Laura said he was a teenage boy, not a hardened criminal, but Drew said Danny snuck Scout out of camp and brought her back there on his bike with no helmet. Ronnie said when she was growing up, nobody wore a helmet. Yet somehow an entire generation survived. (Preach!) Drew said, they could have been hit by a car, and Ronnie said, it seemed like he just made up his mind about Danny and was looking for an excuse to keep him from his sister. It was cruel and dishonored his mother’s memory. She didn’t think a man like him deserved a house like this.

Gio told Emma that he learned from his mom that music was passion, translating feeling into sound. Since he’d smashed his violin, he had no passion anymore. Without it, what was the point of studying music? Emma said maybe there was a way to find his passion again. Passion wasn’t convenient or rational. That’s how she felt about animals. Animals in cages being experimented on was too much. Dalton had to be stopped and she wasn’t resting until she did. Gio suggested they stop talking and do it, and Emma said she’d get photos, proof it was illegal, and shut it and him down. Gio asked what she needed to make it happen.

Drew said his relationship with his brother was complicated and they were all trying to do their best for Scout, but Laura said he was letting his animosity for Jason cloud his judgement. Scout and Danny had lost their mother. He was being heartless with his own nephew and had no sympathy at all for him, or Scout for that matter. Ronnie agreed and said, when they were little, she and Monica were a team and she could always count on her sister. Then they were separated and put into foster care system. Their lives went in different directions and their childhood bond was broken by callous adults and she lost her sister. Drew said the circumstances were different, and Ronnie said they were, but the pain and loss were exactly the same. He said Monica sounded like she was caring and protective. Danny was wild and reckless. Because of him, Rocco almost died. Laura said, it wasn’t Danny’s fault, but Drew said, it was his idea to go to the party. Laura said Danny didn’t talk Rocco into drinking. She thought Ronnie was right. He was using it as an excuse to justify his own behavior. She wouldn’t let him use Rocco against Danny.

Curtis told Jordan that he loved Portia and they tried hard, but ultimately realized they were fundamentally too different to keep trying to build a life. They had no plans of making it public yet, but they would. She said she knew he took his vows seriously and had a daughter with Portia. She didn’t want to play a part in their break-up. He said Trina was the reason he’d tried, but she wasn’t a child anymore and staying together wouldn’t benefit anyone. Two unhappy parents didn’t make a happy home.

Martin said he’d speak to the congressman about Sidwell’s suggestion, and left. Marco said he didn’t understand why Sidwell was worried about the election when there was an easier way to deal with Sonny. Sidwell said killing Sonny had its appeal, and laughed. Marco said, Sonny even had the audacity to warn him about working with Sidwell, and Sidwell said, well, then he should have a word with Sonny.

Sidwell and Marco approached Sonny’s table, and Sonny asked what Sidwell wanted. Sidwell said they wanted the same thing. He wanted to protect his family, yet Sonny abducted his son. Kristina escaped a fire that Sonny believed he set, and his son rescued her. The real question was, could they talk about what they could do to make sure that misunderstanding never happened again? Sonny said, there was no misunderstanding. He knew what Sidwell did and knew what he wanted.

Trina said Kai asked her to dinner, and Portia said Trina should go. Trina said it could wait, but Portia said she’d take a raincheck. They hugged and Trina left.

At Bobbie’s, Charlotte wondered where Rocco and Danny had been, and Rocco said they were there earlier, but Scout was there, so they had to leave. Danny said everyone was allowed to see her except him, and Rocco asked Charlotte how seeing her father went. Charlotte said, the goodbye was the worst. He was in leg irons and didn’t look like himself. She was sorry about Scout. Did Rocco tell Danny what her dad said about Britt? Rocco said, Charlotte’s father said he shouldn’t trust Britt, and Charlotte said, if her dad said it, then he should do it.

Lulu said Rocco needed boundaries, and Nathan said, as a parent, she had the right to set them, but be careful not to overreact. She didn’t want to shut him out more. Lulu said, what if he was testing her to see if she cared enough to push back? and Nathan said he had no parenting experience. Maxie would have all the answers. Lulu said, even if she didn’t have a clue, she’d still have the answers, and he said Rocco was a great kid. He was thoughtful, intelligent, and had a quiet sense of humor. He saw a lot of her in him. Lulu said that was the nicest thing he could say to her, and he said he bet if she gave Rocco some space, he’d come clean about dinner, but she said what if he kept seeing Britt?

Drew said Laura hated him because he was her political opponent (he’s running for mayor? She’s running for Congress?), and she said she wasn’t the one who couldn’t separate her personal interest from her politics. He abused his political power. He said, Sonny was her biggest backer and Rocco’s grandfather, and Ronnie said she’d heard enough. Just go. Drew said she was making a mistake, and she said it wasn’t the first or last, but one she wouldn’t make was selling the house to him. He said he’d hired Alexis to exonerate Willow and he was going to bring her and Scout home to the Quartermaine mansion. Name her price. Ronnie said, goodnight, and he said agendas were at play that she didn’t know about. She said she might not know agendas, but she knew people. She didn’t like him. Laura gave her a thumbs up, and Drew said the offer was still on the table. When Ronnie realized what was going on, he’d be happy to hear from her, but he would not apologize for protecting his daughter. He left, and Laura applauded. She said, as mayor, she’d like to be the first to officially welcome Ronnie to Port Charles, and they shook hands.

Sidwell said, surely there was room for two businessmen in Port Charles, and Sonny said, if Sidwell stayed out of his way and their children were left out of the conflict. His daughter’s place of business had been torched and he couldn’t let it go unanswered. Sidwell said the arsonists were Selina Wu’s men, and Sonny said he knew who they worked for. If Sidwell wanted to come after him, go ahead, just be a man about it.

Nathan said, maybe he was biased, but maybe Britt wasn’t as bad as Lulu thought. She said she thought it best they stopped talking about Britt, but Nathan said he’d seen a side of Britt she hadn’t seen. Lulu said she liked him, but hated Britt. God knew what Britt was saying to Rocco. Nathan said he thought Rocco would shut it down if Britt talked against her. He got the impression Rocco was just curious about Britt and her family – his family. If Rocco continued to see Britt and his mom, he would be there and promised to keep an eye on things. Give Rocco  a chance to come clean on his own.  

Gio said it would take more than the two of them, and Emma said she knew just who to ask. They went over to Danny and Rocco, and Rocco asked what was going on. She asked if they remembered the conversation about Professor Dalton at the pool. Dalton was doing illegal testing on animals and she needed help proving it. Danny said Dalton needed to go down, and Rocco said he skipped on tips. Charlotte said she hated animal testing. She was in.

At the bar, Drew told Martin that he’d lost his last chance to buy the Quartermaine estate, and Martin said Ronnie seemed reasonable. Drew said that was his first impression, but Danny and Rocco showed up and it went downhill. Then Laura laid into him… Obviously, the Quartermaines had turned Ronnie against him. The house was a Quartermaine monument to status and influence. No outsiders allowed. Tracy kicked him out, so he was going to take it from her, from all of them. He wouldn’t be satisfied until they could drive past and know he was inside and they weren’t. Martin said he liked the sound of that, and Drew said he was so close to getting Ronnie to look at him the same way Monica used to, but it fell apart and he was shut out again.

Ronnie told Laura that she tried to make a good impression, but Tracy totally sandbagged her. She took pleasure throwing Tracy out. Laura said Ronnie wasn’t the first person to say that and it wasn’t the worst the house had seen. Her first tea party, she was working for Edward and he loaned her out to Lila to help. She was so nervous. She wanted every detail perfect. The hospital board, key staff members, and her mother Lesley were there. Everything was fine, then Monica and Alan arrived mid-argument. Her mother didn’t get along with Monica, but decided to get into it with her and the argument didn’t end until Monica threw a teacup at Alan’s head. Ronnie laughed and said she loved it. She finally got to see a bit of the real Monica instead of the whitewashed version. Monica never backed down from a fight. Laura said, she didn’t. The Quartermaines argued for sport and Monica was Edward’s favorite. She couldn’t help feeling that Monica left the house to Ronnie because she wanted Ronnie to be part of the family she found.

Sidwell and Marco went back to their table, and Kristina said she knew Sonny hated Sidwell, but Marco wasn’t his dad. He was a good lawyer and her mom liked him. He was nothing like his father. Sonny said he wouldn’t be too sure.

Curtis told Jordan that he had no ill will toward Portia. They’d always be connected through Trina, but he couldn’t build a life with her. He was beginning to feel more like he could with Jordan. Something was still there. Jordan said she felt the pull when they were together. That’s why she kept her distance. He said that convinced him even more that they’d ended their marriage too soon.

Isaiah started to blow out the dinner candles, when there was a knock at the door. He opened it to Portis and said he thought she’d changed her mind. She said she almost did, but couldn’t stay away. They kissed.

Curtis said he could see now that when he ended things with Jordan, he was holding her to a standard of absolute truth that no one could live up to. He regretted ending things between them and somehow this felt right. They could be honest with each other and he was ready to try again if she was. She said she really wanted to, but she couldn’t.

Lulu thanked Nathan for talking her down. He always brought out the best in Liesl. Maybe he could work his magic on Britt. He said he’d try and asked if she’d give Rocco space. She said she didn’t like waiting, but yeah, and he said she and Maxie liked fixing things. Rocco was curious about Britt, but it wasn’t something she needed to fix. She said she had to trust he’d make good choices until he came to her.

Outside Bobbie’s, Rocco said Danny knew how to pick a lock, but Emma said his job was to check the security guard. Nothing more. Gio said they weren’t doing anything illegal. Got it? Emma said they needed access to Dalton’s keycard, and Danny said, say the word, and they were there. Rocco said it was worth the risk.

Kristina said Marco was a good guy, but Sonny said he got the feeling the rescue was too convenient. Kristina asked if he thought Sidwell sent Marco to pull her out. He could have been killed. Sorry, but he was wrong. Marco just wanted peace. Sonny said Sidwell wasn’t someone to make peace with. He couldn’t shake the feeling Marco was more involved in his father’s business than he was letting on. He knew Sidwell was up to something, but whatever it was, he was ready for it.

Sidwell said he needed the piers for the final project. Dalton was dragging his heels, and he thought Dalton might need replacing. Marco asked, with who? Dr. Westbourne? Sidwell said she was ideal, but unfortunately, she needed motivation to return to work. His partner was reluctant to incentivize her and needed convincing.

Ronnie told Laura that she came to pay respect to her sister and hopefully find out about the woman she’d become. Now she had an estate and Tracy to boot. Laura said she thought Ronnie would be fine. She was just glad Ronnie didn’t sell the house to Drew. For one, she wanted to see Ronnie stay in Port Charles for a little while. Knowing the family the way she did, she thought it might be just what the Quartermaines needed.

Martin said, before Drew gave up, let him draw up a formal agreement. He thought he may have a way to get through to Ronnie Bard. It was worth the old college try.

Tuesday:

Jordan told Curtis that she’d love to give their relationship another chance more than anything. She’d wanted it for so long. Curtis asked what was stopping her.

Portia said Isaiah had a nice, romantic set-up, and Isaiah said, there’s more. He broke out his best wine for her.

Jack went to Anna’s office and told her that her request to visit Valentin had been denied.

Jason saw Carly at the MetroCourt and asked why she was doing everything in her power to avoid him.

In Nina’s office, she told Ava that she tried to explain why she took the plea deal, but Willow wouldn’t listen and said she hated her. Ava said it wasn’t the first time Willow said that, and Nina said Willow thought she’d recanted to save her own skin. Ava said, Nina had no choice. The police had proof and it would have made Willow look guiltier. Nina said Willow didn’t see it that way. She needed to get her daughter exonerated.

In the lobby of Crimson, Jacinda said she was having second thoughts about working there, and Michael asked, why? She had an eye for fashion, and it was a perfect fit. She said it would be, but the Editor in Chief was the person who’d paid her to drug Drew.

Tracy met Ned at the MetroCourt and said Olivia made it clear she wasn’t wanted there and wouldn’t like it. Olivia joined them and said, actually, it was her idea.

Ronnie opened the door to Martin, who said he was there on behalf of his client. Ronnie said she told Drew that the house wasn’t for sale, and he said he was fairly confident he could change her mind.

Carly said she wasn’t avoiding Jason, and he said he had to find her through her assistant. She said she’d been busy. Make it quick. She was meeting Jack for dinner. Jason wondered why she hadn’t confronted Jack about Josslyn yet, and she said he’d told her not to. He said, since when did she listen to him? What was she up to?

Jack said he’d made it clear that his conversation with Valentin was classified and didn’t appreciate Anna going around him. Anna suggested they work together, and Jack said that sounded swell, but he didn’t trust her. She let her personal feelings creep into her work. She said she knew he didn’t want it to be true, but he needed her. Whatever he was involved in had something to do with Faison. Nobody knew that madmen better than she did. Let her help him. He said Valentin knew more than he was letting on, and she said let her talk to him. She’d get him to tell Jack everything.

Portia told Isaiah that the cabin felt cozy and safe. A place where they could run away from the world and be together. They kissed.

Jordan said the reason their marriage ended was because she’d kept a secret, but Curtis said he’d judged her too harshly. She said she refused to make the same mistake again and there was something he should know. Portia was pregnant.

Curtis said it couldn’t be. They’d only been together… one time. Jordan said, that’s all it took, and he said he couldn’t imagine Portia confiding in her. She said the truth was, she didn’t know for sure. At the Quartermaines’ party, she noticed something was off. Portia made a point of asking for herbal tea, and one bite of a mushroom cap sent her running out. All the signs pointed to pregnancy, and she confronted Portia. He asked what Portia said, and she told him, it’s what she didn’t say. She gave Portia the chance to deny it and she didn’t. She got evasive and stormed out. Jordan was nearly certain she was right.

Ava said she understood that Nina needed to save Willow, but be careful how she went about it. Nina said she needed to do something, but Ava said maybe she shouldn’t. If anybody could win the case, Alexis could. Maybe the best way to help was to let Alexis do her job and don’t do anything that made things worse. There was a knock at the door, and Michael said he was sorry to interrupt, but he heard Madison quit and he hired a new assistant for Nina. She was smart and knew fashion. The best part was, Nina knew her. Jacinda came in and said, hello, and Nina said over her dead body. Michael said, fine by him.

Carly told Jason that she didn’t want to risk alienating Josslyn by confronting her. Josslyn would just shut down. Jason asked why she hadn’t kicked Jack to the curb, and she said she hated him, but she couldn’t afford to break up. Not yet. Jack cared about her and as long as they were together, Jack had a strong incentive to keep Josslyn safe.

Anna wondered if Jack didn’t want her help because of his ego. She’d let him run the show. She’d get information from Valentin and he could use it however he wanted. Jack said his ego wasn’t the issue. It was Anna’s loyalty to her ex-lover. He hadn’t forgotten she let Valentin get away. Anna said she was trying to help him with whatever impending crisis was about to explode on the global stage, and he said she had to earn his trust. She asked, how? and he said, to be determined. In the meantime, Faison was mixed up in this somehow, and one thing Valentin said was that there was a connection between Faison and Jenz Sidwell. That was all the information he was giving her. He left.

Ned said hear him out, and Tracy said he had 30 seconds. Olivia said her family argued too, but they waited until tempers died down before looking for a road to peace. She could help them do that. Tracy said she wasn’t making peace with Ronnie, and Ned said she’d made a huge tactical error. Her grandfather would be ashamed.

Ronnie led Martin to the living room, and he closed the door. She asked what the hell he was doing here. He’d said they shouldn’t be seen together. He said he had a legitimate reason to be there and no one would ever figure out they were working together.

As they basked in the afterglow, Portia said this was what she’d needed, and Isaiah said it was his pleasure to see that her needs were always met. His phone rang and he saw it was the hospital. He said, Dr. Gannon… Okay. He was on his way.

Jordan said she wanted Curtis to have all the facts. A baby obviously changed everything. Curtis said he supposed it did, and she said whatever decision he made, she understood.

Jason asked if Carly thought she could fake a relationship with Jack, and she said, for her daughter’s sake. Until she made sure Josslyn was safe and out of the WSB, she had to stay close. Jason said it could blow up in her face, and she said she had to make sure it didn’t. Jack arrived and said he didn’t know Jason was joining them. Carly said Jason was just keeping her company, and Jason left. Carly said Jason gave her an earful about him, and he asked what Jason was saying.

Ava said she’d let them talk business, but Nina told her it wouldn’t take long. She refused to work with Jacinda. Michael said he understood that the last time they collaborated, it was a big success, and Nina said Jacinda tried double-crossing her. Jacinda apologized and said she’d been out of line, but Nina said it was still a no. She didn’t trust Jacinda. She was lying to protect Michael, providing an alibi for the night of Drew’s shooting. Michael said, Nina was the one who gave a false alibi, but Nina said she was protecting her daughter, who was only in a mess because of him. He shot Drew and then framed Willow.

Tracy asked why her grandfather would be ashamed, and Ned said she was playing this all wrong. Possession was nine-tenths of the law. Ronnie kicked her out and she’d surrendered too much ground and rendered herself powerless. She needed to pretend to make peace. Olivia said she thought they were making real peace, but Ned said it didn’t matter. Tracy had given Ronnie the perfect excuse to get rid of her and she took it. Stop playing her game, get back in the house, and start playing her own game. To increase her chances, they’d go with her. Tracy said, if the queen prostrated herself in front of them, Ronnie would have no choice, and Ned said, exactly. Tracy said it was genius, and Olivia said that wasn’t remotely what she had in mind.

Ronnie said it was too risky for Martin to be there, but he said if he hadn’t reached out to her, she’d still be waiting tables in Durham. She said she was perfectly happy working in the diner, and he said she couldn’t tell him that she wasn’t starting to enjoy the comfort of being a Quartermaine. She said, for better or worse, money changed everything, and he said, if not for him, the house and her newfound fortune wouldn’t be hers. Because as they both knew, Monica didn’t write Ronnie into her will. He did.

Michael said he knew Nina was worried about Willow, but shouldn’t make baseless accusations, and Nina said the Port Charles Press strongly implied it was him. He said none of that affected Jacinda’s employment and she had no reason not to trust Jacinda. Nina said Jacinda was an escort, and he said Nina just provided a false statement, but Aurora Media would be more than happy to stand behind her. If she couldn’t provide the same grace to Jacinda… Ava said she didn’t see why Nina would object. She was a big believer in second chances and was swamped. A new assistant was just what she needed. Right? Nina said, that’s right. If Jacinda wanted to be her assistant, she’d try to make it work. Michael and Ava left, and Jacinda said she forgot to aske Michael. Does the job come with dental? (I like her priorities.)

Jason went to Anna’s office and said he needed her help. She asked if they were speaking again, and he said he didn’t like the way she manipulated him into going to the Five Poppies. He thought they had a better friendship. Anna said Jack had her in a corner. If she’d told him about the WSB op in Croatia, it would be treason. He said he would have never given her up, and she said she should have trusted him. She apologized and asked what he needed help with, and he said he needed to find a way to get Josslyn out of the WSB.

Isaiah told Portia that a patient was brain dead after a car accident. They were an organ donor and he was needed. She said saving lives outweighed their need to hide out, and offered to go with him, but he told her to stay and enjoy dinner. With any luck, he’d be back later tonight. If not… He gave her a key and she asked if it was for her. He said, of course (🍷). It was their special getaway. They kissed and he left.

Jordan said the first priority was the baby and she’d wait until Curtis figured things out. He said that proved what an amazing woman she was, and thanked her for her honesty. He wondered how long Portia knew, and she said maybe Portia wanted to wait until after her first trimester. He said, or maybe never. It wouldn’t be the first time. Jordan said Portia couldn’t hide her pregnancy forever, and he said, given they’d just decided to divorce, maybe she didn’t intend to have the baby. He had to find her. He was sorry. Jordan said, that’s okay, go, and he left.

Olivia said she was confused. She thought Ned liked Ronnie. He said he did. That didn’t necessarily mean he trusted her. She seemed too good to be true. Tracy wondered why he hadn’t said that sooner, and Olivia said they were mean. She thought Ronnie Bard was good people. Tracy said Olivia had a big heart and was hopelessly naïve, but Olivia thought she was the perfect amount of naïve. Michael joined them, apologizing for being late, and Tracy said it was a bigger ambush that she thought., but her son made her see the light.

Martin said if he hadn’t forged the will, Ronnie would have been waiting tables for the rest of her life. The only thing her sister actually left her was the locket. Ronnie said she would have been perfectly satisfied. She didn’t need the house or the money. He said she made that clear when he first pitched the idea and she shot him down. He didn’t think anything would change her mind until she met Tracy. Ronnie said, Tracy treated her like dirt. She was rude, obnoxious, selfish, and condescending. He said Tracy lived to hurt people. She felt she could just reach out and take something she didn’t deserved. Ronnie said she’d agree if it was just about Tracy, but the rest of the family had been kind and wonderful. He said they’d be fine. They didn’t need money. She said that wasn’t the point. The house shouldn’t be hers. He said it wasn’t going to be for long because she was going to sell it to Drew Cain.

Carly said ever since Jason came back, he’d been telling her not to trust Jack, and Jack asked if he said why. She said, no, but she thought Britt had rubbed off on him. She loved to cause trouble and was good at it. He said that was a shame. He’d hoped Jason would learn to accept them together. She said her too. She hated fighting with Jason and kept telling him that Jack was a good man. He’d done so much for her family. Lulu was telling her how much Charlote enjoyed her visit with her father, but she doubted Lulu was going to let Charlotte visit again. Jack asked, why?

Anna said she hated that Josslyn was in the WSB, but thought she and Jason agreed she was an adult and could make her own decisions. Jason said he wanted to respect Josslyn’s choice, but she almost died. He couldn’t let that happen. She said they couldn’t extricate Josslyn – leaving had to be her choice – but they could try getting her out from Jack’s supervision. He was notorious for choosing the most dangerous assignments. Maybe her next assignment would be safer. Jason said, if that was all they could do right now, he’d take it. How did they make it happen?

Ronnie told Martin, no. Monica would never want the house to be sold to anyone, much less Drew Cain. She wasn’t selling it out from under the family. Martin said they could easily afford their own places and it would probably be healthier, but she said, Monica loved this house and loved having her whole family there with her. She wasn’t going against Monica’s wishes. He said, except for the part where she swiped it for herself, and she asked why he was doing this. Why was it important that she sell to Drew? He was a pompous ass. Martin said, that pompous ass was his client and when the house went to Drew Cain, it would drive Tracy absolutely nuts, which was a special bonus and a good reason Ronnie should want to do it too. Ronnie said she couldn’t stand Tracy, but Martin really had it in for her, and he said Tracy nearly destroyed his life for fun. She had him arrested and jailed for a month. Then she took it upon herself to unite his ex-wives who took him for everything he had. It didn’t stop until Tracy lost everything she had. When Ronnie tossed her out, it was just the beginning. Ronnie said he was at the tea party for a while. How could she have been such an idiot? Tracy didn’t spike her drink – he did. He set the whole thing up.

Tracy asked if Michael agreed something was off about Ronnie, but he said the jury was out. He did think Tracy should apologize to Ronnie. Whether she meant it or not, it was a good idea. She belonged in the house. Ronnie needed to be watched, but not undermined. It would help them see who she was, not who she appeared to be. Ned said it sounded like a plan. They needed to head over and put it in action. Tracy said they hadn’t had dinner yet, but he told her that she needed to save room for some humble pie.

Ronnie said Martin knew she’d blame Tracy, and Martin said when he heard Tracy was attending, he was convinced she was softening toward Ronnie. He couldn’t take that chance. He’d do anything and everything to get revenge on Tracy. Ronnie said as much as she despised Tracy, he’d gone too far. This charade couldn’t continue. He said she couldn’t breathe a word to anyone. Up to this point, his hands were clean. Nothing could be traced back to him. If she pulled the plug, she’d basically be admitting to fraud. In the best case, they’d never speak to her again, but in the worst case, she’d go to prison. Not only would she keep her mouth shut, she was going to sell the house to Drew Cain. He handed her some paperwork and said, if she didn’t, he’d take away everything she had, including her freedom.

Jordan opened her fortune cookie and it said, an unexpected delivery will change everything. She said, no kidding.

At the hospital, Curtis told Isaiah that he was looking for his wife. Where was she?

Portia called Ava, and asked where she was. Ava said she was at the MetroCourt restaurant. Why? Portia said she needed to see her. It was important.

Anna told Jason that they’d figure out the details and make sure it was brought to a swift, successful conclusion. The sooner it was over, the sooner Josslyn was safe. Jason said they knew Britt was involved in what was going on at the Five Poppies, and Anna said she also knew something else. Jack just informed her that somehow Faison was involved and so was Jenz Sidwell.

Carly said Charlotte loved her visit, but Lulu didn’t think it was feasible to fly Switzerland. It was too disruptive to Charlotte’s life in Port Charles. Jack said unfortunately, he didn’t get everything he needed from Valentin. He knew if he could arrange more visits, Valentin would be cooperative. She asked if there were any WSB prisons in the US, and he said there were. Why? (Is he dense?) She said she was thinking, for him to get what he wanted from Valentin, all he had to do was move Valentin closer to home.

Nina told Jacinda to be there at 6:45 sharp, and Jacinda asked if there was anything else. Nina said, yes, actually. How much was Michael paying her to be his alibi? Jacinda said he wasn’t paying her anything, and Nina said she hoped Jacinda wasn’t lying for free, but Jacinda said the truth was, she and Michael were together the night Drew was shot. Since then, they’d developed a promising relationship. Nina said Jacinda was good. Whatever Michael was paying her, it wasn’t enough, but she could remedy that. She was a very wealthy woman and her innocent daughter was facing prison time. No price was too high to exonerate her.

Alone, Ronnie looked at the locket, when Tracy came in with Ned, Olivia, and Michael. Ronnie asked what she was doing there, and Ned said his mother had something to say to her. Ronnie asked what it was, and Tracy said, for the good of the family, she’d like to bury the hatchet and start over. Ronnie said she agreed with that. She thought they could all use a fresh start. Which was why she’d decided to sell the house.

On the phone at the hospital, Britt asked what the holdup was. If she doesn’t get approval, she’s happy to go elsewhere. They’re not the only dealership. Elizabeth asks if she’s using hospital time to clean up the mess that’s her life.

Dante saw all the boxes at Lulu’s house and Lulu said it was a smaller storage unit than Tracy was used to. He asked what was going on with Rocco, and she asked if he knew Rocco had dinner with Nathan, Liesl, and Britt when she took Charlotte to Switzerland. He said he was working late, and Rocco was supposed to be at the Quartermaines’ with his mother. Lulu said Rocco lied to them about dinner and she wanted to know what he was hiding.

Curtis asked Isaiah where his wife was, and Isaiah said he wasn’t Dr. Robinson’s keeper, but if he saw her, he’d pass along the message that Curtis was looking for her. He asked what it was about, and Curtis said it was about their family.

Portia met Ava at the MetroCourt bar, and Ava said she was so cryptic on the phone. Poris said there had been a development that profoundly affected Trina and she was trusting Ava with it. Ava said she’d do anything for Trina. What was going on?

Nina handed a check to Jacinda and said there was nothing more important than her daughter’s freedom, and she was willing to pay generously for it. Jacinda said it was a lot of zeroes, and Nina said, a woman in Jacinda’s position could probably benefit from all those zeroes. Drew walked in and asked if Nina was paying Jacinda to drug someone else, but Nina said, no. She was paying Jacinda to save her daughter’s life.

 Tracy asked Ronnie to repeat herself, and Ronnie said she was selling the house. Tracy said, over her dead body.

Britt said she as making a personal phone call, but she’d completed her assigned tasks, and Elizabeth said that was impressive. Britt said she was the former Co-Chief and would oversee administrative tasks in her sleep if Elizabeth wanted tips. Elizabeth said Britt needed to call the maintenance team and confirm their schedule. She missed that one.

Dante said Rocco lying was unacceptable. They needed to set boundaries. Did she want to be the good cop or bad cop? Lulu said, how about no cop? and Dante said they couldn’t allow Rocco to lie. She said she agreed, but they had to be really careful.

Curtis said he didn’t need a messenger, and Isaiah said, good luck tracking down his wife. Laura came out of the elevator, and said it had been a long time since she’d seen Curtis. He said, too long. Was everything okay? She said she was picking up a prescription for Ace, but they should schedule a lunch to catch up. Curtis said, if she had a minute, he could use a friend.

Portia said she and Curtis were getting a divorce, and Ava said she’d thought something happened to Trina. Portia said it concerned Trina’s emotional well-being, but the divorce was  the least of her worries. She was pregnant. Ava said that did complicate things, and Portia said it did, especially since she didn’t know who the father was. Ava said she needed another drink.

Jacinda said she’d leave Drew and Nina to talk shop or whatever was happening here, and left. Nina said Willow thought she’d betrayed her, but she was helping, and Drew said it looked like Nina helped herself. Nina said she realized the alibi wouldn’t hold up in court. The police had disproved it with video evidence of her in her apartment building. Drew said, if she’d stuck with it, they could have a case for her and Willow conspiring, but Nina said the police would have railroaded Willow. Willow didn’t see it like that, but she’d ask Willow’s forgiveness when she was free. Jacinda was the key to that. She wasn’t Michael’s alibi anymore.

Olivia suggested everyone keep cool. She was sure Ronnie didn’t mean she was selling the house out from under them. Ronnie said, Monica left her the house and it was hers to do with as she saw fit. It was more house than she could handle and she wasn’t used to living with so many people. Tracy said that was the point. It was a family home and there were several generations of Quartermaines living under the roof… and a few strays. Olivia said, hey, and Ned said, that’s enough. It was Ronnie’s decision, but all hoped she wouldn’t sell. It wasn’t just a house, but a memory cherished by the family, including her sister. Olivia said so many people called it home. She knew it was chaotic, but it was also a refuge. Maybe Ronnie hadn’t been there long enough to feel it, but this could be her family home. Tracy said Ronnie should sell it to Michael.

Elizabeth told Britt to focus on doing her job, and Britt said she was in a good mood. She had an amazing steam, put Carly in her place, was getting a gorgeous new car courtesy of Jason, and had a wonderful dinner with the child she’d brought into the world. She knew he wasn’t her son, but she was on cloud nine. Nobody could ruin her mood, not even Elizabeth. Nathan came in and said they had a problem. It was Rocco.

Dante asked how Lulu wanted to handle it, and she said they needed to create a safe environment where Rocco felt safe to come to them. If Rocco was meeting Obrecht and Britt in secret, her message wasn’t landing. He wasn’t sneaking around and lying just to get away with it. He didn’t want to hurt her. Rocco wasn’t the problem. She was the one who needed to make adjustments. Charlotte and Rocco came downstairs, and Dante said, the other night when Rocco’s mom and sister were in Switzerland and he was working late, where was he?

Curtis said he and Portia were getting a divorce, and Laura said she was so sorry. She had no idea they were struggling. He said they kept their struggles private. Divorces were complicated and messy, and Portia might be pregnant. His wife’s lies were a big part of why their marriage was ending and he thought she was lying again.

Portia told Ava that she and Curtis had loved each other, but he never got past the pain and betrayal of her lying to him about Trina. They couldn’t build a lasting trust. Ava said, Drew’s blackmail didn’t help, and Portia agreed. Ava said she was sorry. Lies and secrets had a way of dividing the strongest of couples. Portia said, Jordan always managed to be around as an ear or shoulder for Curtis. What about the lies and manipulation she did? It got erased. Ava wondered if someone else had caught Portia’s attention, and Portia said, while Curtis was being entertained by Jordan, she found someone who saw her and the pain she was in, and showed up to comfort her. Ava said, dare she ask? and Portia said it was the last person she should be with – Dr. Isaiah Gannon.

Drew said Nina seemed confident that Jacinda would throw Michael under the bus, and Nina said Jacinda was incentivized. Drew said, maybe Michael shot him, maybe he didn’t, but he knew Michael framed Willow. He planted the gun. Nina said Michael wanted to take Willow’s children away from her permanently, and Drew said he was wasting his time. No one believed Willow shot him, so Michael just put a bigger bullseye on his back. Michael had the motive, means, and opportunity. All he had to do was apply the right pressure to make Michael undone. Nina asked what he had in mind, and he said, among other things, he was buying the Quartermaine estate. Michael was going to hate it and lash out like he always did and prove to everybody that he was reckless enough to try and kill him.

Tracy suggested Michael part with the money everybody said he had and pay the vulture off so they could be rid of her once and for all, and Michael said he could more than match the offer. The important thing was that his grandmother’s home should stay in the family. Ronnie said she was sorry, but she’d already accepted an offer from another buyer, and Olivia said the house wasn’t even listed. Ned asked, who bought it? when Michael’s phone rang. He stepped into the foyer to answer it, and said, what’s going on?… He’d be right there.

Britt asked if Rocco was okay, and Nathan said he was fine. The issue was with the dinner they’d had. britt asked if it could wait until later, but Elizabeth told her to go ahead. It was a mystery to her how kind and thoughtful Nathan was and he ended up with a sister like her. Elizabeth left.

Dante said he felt terrible having to work with Rocco’s mom and sister away, but Rocco said it wasn’t a big deal. Charlotte said she hadn’t even told him about Switzerland. It was great seeing her dad. Did Lulu talk to Agent Brennan about doing it again? Lulu said, not yet, and Dante said he was happy she had a great visit, but he can’t get past the other night. Rocco was supposed to go to the Quartermaines’ and was a no-show. So where was he?

Laura asked if Curtis thought Portia was lying about being pregnant, but Curtis said, no. She hadn’t told him. Laura asked if it was a lie of omission, and Curtis said they’d decided to get a divorce together and told Trina together. Not once did Portia mention she was pregnant. Luara asked how he knew, and he said, Jordan. She said, Portia confided in Jordan? but he said Jordan was at the Quartermaines’ tea party and observed what she described as obvious signs and confronted Portia. Laura asked if Portia confirmed it, and he said, by default, not honesty. She and Jordan clashed more often than not. Laura said their clashes were due in large part to him.

Portia said not only was Isaiah her colleague, he was her subordinate, and Ava said she could see how it complicated things. Was she leaning toward who the father was? Portia said, with the timing, it could be either one, but she didn’t regret sleeping with Isaiah. Her marriage was over. Ava asked if Trina would see it that way, and Portia said she doubted it. Trina loved her father and technically, they’re not divorced. If Trina found out she could be pregnant by another man, what if Trina never forgave her?

Michael met Jacinda at the MetroCourt and asked, what happened? She said, Nina, and slid the check over. He asked if Nina was paying her to disappear, and she said Nina didn’t want her working there, but what she wanted more was for Michael’s alibi to go up in smoke. He said he’d pay her double to stay in town, but thought it was about more than money now.

Olivia wondered if it was Tracy, but Tracy said she wasn’t the buyer. Olivia said, no, the reason. Ronnie would rather unload the house than deal with her. Ned said his mother had been kicked out many times before. Ronnie didn’t need to sell the house not to deal with her. Tracy said his loyalty was overwhelming, and Ronnie said, as Tracy abundantly made clear, Monica gave her the house, but it wasn’t her home. She received a good offer and was compelled to sell it. Tracy said, by whom? and Drew said, that would be him.

Britt asked what the problem was, and Nathan said, Lulu. Apparently Rocco wasn’t supposed to see them. She said, that sounded like a Lulu problem. It wasn’t their fault she couldn’t keep track of her own child. He said she took Charlotte to visit Valentin, and Britt said, so she was halfway around the world with her other child and it was a problem for Rocco to have dinner with them. He said Rocco wasn’t supposed to have dinner with all of them, but he and their mom ran into her at the MetroCourt. She said, so the problem wasn’t Rocco dining with him or their mother. The problem was her.

Charlotte said Rocco was helping Cody at the stable and asked if she could run Hades soon. He was her favorite. Dante said, of course (🍷), and he’d get in touch with Cody. Rocco should be compensated. Rocco said it was fine. He liked helping Cody and Outback was with him. Charlotte said they forgot to organize Tracy’s boxes on the front porch, and Rocco said they’d better take care of that. They left, and Lulu asked, what part of her wanting Rocco to come to them was unclear?

Curtis said he and Portia tried hard, but in the end found no common ground to communicate honestly, and Laura said, what about the Jordan part? He said she knew their history. He felt an undeniable pull between them, but they hadn’t acted on it. She said she was sure Portia noticed the attraction and it could have played a part in their communication breakdown, but he said he couldn’t change what happened now. She said she was sorry, and he said all he could do was move forward with honesty. If Portia was pregnant, they couldn’t afford not to. She asked if he meant the two of them going forward.

Portia said she had a plan, and Ava said, tell her and she’d tell Portia if it was any good. Portia said she wasn’t saying anything until after her first trimester. Then she’d take a paternity test and find out who the father was and take it from there. Ava said it sounded simple, and Portia said it would be. Jordan suspected and was probably telling Curtis right now. Ava said if Jordan was circling Curtis, the last thing she’d do was tell him so he’d go running back into Portia’s arms, and Portia said she couldn’t think about Jordan right now. Once she found out who the father was, if it was Curtis, she’d see what that meant for them as a family. Ava said, what if it was Isaiah? and Portia said she didn’t know if Isaiah wanted to be a father, but she did know the news would devastate Trina. That was why she needed Ava.

Jacinda asked if this was the part where Michael told her that money didn’t buy happiness, and he said it could come close, but he didn’t think she was for sale. She told him that her website said otherwise, but he said that wasn’t her whole story. The first woman he’d loved was an escort. She told him not to make assumptions about who she was based on what she did. Jacinda said she sounded like a wise woman, and he said, she was. Jacinda said, was? and he said it was part of his story. He and Nina could go back and forth upping the ante, but he didn’t think Jacinda could be bought. If she could, she couldn’t give him what he needed. He needed her trust. They had to want to help each other. He may have all the money, but she had all the power. What did she want to do?

Tracy said it couldn’t be true, and Drew said, at least it was staying in the family. The bad news was, they had to move out. Olivia said, whatever Drew was selling, don’t buy it. He’s nobody’s family. Ned said Drew’s only loyalty was to himself. They could turn this around. Drew said it was a done deal. This was his house. Ned asked why Ronnie was doing this. She heard about the destruction Drew left in his wake and the harm he’d done to the family. Drew said he just told her his side of the story and she listened because he was open and kind, unlike some people. They were outsiders and bonded. In the end, she accepted his very generous offer to buy his mother’s home. Isn’t that right?

Nathan said Lulu had a right to be angry. Britt stole and implanted an embryo. Britt said, it was a million years ago, and Nathan said Lulu was a loving mom protecting her son. Britt said, Rocco didn’t need protecting from her. She had no ulterior motive except to get to know him better. He said he knew that, but Lulu might not. He didn’t want conflict between their families. If she wanted what was best for Rocco, don’t undermine his mother.

Lulu said she thought they’d agreed on her way, but Dante said he didn’t and he was a detective. It was his job to get information out of suspects and Rocco was about to crack. He knew Charlotte knew about the dinner. It wasn’t run of the mill teenage stuff. It was more dangerous than Rocco knew. Lulu asked what Britt had done.

Curtis told Laura that he didn’t know what it meant for him and Portia, but knew he wanted the baby. If she was pregnant, he didn’t want her to terminate. Laura said his feelings were completely valid, but ultimately it was her decision, and he said he’d do everything in his power to persuade her to go through with the pregnancy. She asked if he was saying he was willing to reconcile for the sake of an unborn child.

Ava asked how she could help, and Portia said Trina would be hurt and she needed Ava to be there. Ava loved Trina and Trina would need her support. Ava said she’d always be there for Portia’s daughter and for Portia. However it shook out, she wasn’t alone. Portia left, and Ava saw Michael with Jacinda. She called Nina and asked if she fancied a drink upstairs, but Nina said she was working. Ava said she was missing some interesting people watching.

Ronnie said she never wanted to be part of any of this. She didn’t want to be part of their petty squabbles and power plays. She was selling the house to Drew. Tracy said, in other words, she was abdicating the responsibility and honor bestowed on her by her sister. What a surprise.

Laura said she understood Curtis’s desire to give the child a family unit, but encouraged him to check out all the options. Families came in all shapes and sizes. Look at hers. He said her family was lucky to have her, and she said she was lucky to have them. Staying married when it wasn’t working wouldn’t be fair to anybody, least of all a little baby. He needed to search his soul to be clear about what he wanted. He said, what if what he wanted was impossible? and she said, which was? He said, in a perfect world, he’d want the baby, but have Jordan too.

Isaiah went back to the cabin and saw that Portia was gone.

Britt said Nathan never raised a child, but he said he was learning. He knew how Lulu felt. Spinelli was a great guy, but he wasn’t James’s father. He was. It was important their relationship not be interfered with. Britt asked how it served Rocco for them to manage his mother’s insecurities. Clearly, Rocco wanted to get to know her and they’d only had pleasant interactions. He said she had ties to dangerous people and should cut Lulu some slack, and she said, if Rocco reached out, was she supposed to turn him away? Nathan said, yes.

Dante said Rocco’s primary danger had been emotional, but now it could be physical. Anna thought Britt and Nathan resurfacing in tandem wasn’t a coincident given their connection to Faison. She asked if Anna thought Faison was responsible for Nathan being missing and Britt faking her own death, but he said he didn’t know. Nathan didn’t want anything to do with Faison, but the first time Britt left Port Charles, she took off with her dad.

Charlotte told Rocco that they needed to change their tactic. He should admit to being at dinner. He said his parents would freak, but she said they knew he was lying. They had to deflect the attention, since he really didn’t want them to know what this was about.

Jacinda said she was playing the long game. Nina had been fair, but she was a commodity to her. Michael treated her like a person and was considering what was best for both of them. His plan made sense and she was sticking with him. Nina came in as they clinked glasses.

Isaiah called Portia and said he just got back to the cabin. He thought she’d still be there. She said she came in to finish some paperwork, but then she’d head back. He said he had a box of Eckerd’s pastries with her name on it, and she said she couldn’t wait to get back. He’d see her soon. Curtis came in and Portia asked what was going on. He said, you tell me. Are you pregnant?

Tracy said Monica entrusted Ronnie with her home and Ronnie betrayed that trust, selling it to that soulless weasel. What she’d said was true. Ronnie had no character and no integrity, and most of all, no connection to Monica. Monica kept the house in the family, come hell or high water, and in mere weeks Ronnie had done the one thing Monica would never allow. She gave it up. She dishonored Monica and everything she stood for. Shame on her. Tracy walked out.

Thursday:

Britt saw Jason at the hospital and was sure the dealership wouldn’t let her have her new car. Her day had been hard enough and she was wearing scrubs because a child barfed on her. The only thing getting her through was knowing her new car would be waiting at the diner she now lives at. Don’t tell her. It wasn’t going to happen. He said, okay, and asked if she needed a ride, showing her the keys.

Curtis asked if Portia was pregnant or not, and she said he’d been talking to Jordan. When and where did Jordan decide to share her suspicions on Portia’s personal life. In bed?

Jordan met Turner at the MetroCourt, and Turner asked what Jordan had learned about their dapper don during her tenure.

Sonny and Laura sat at a nearby table, and Laura said, Drew was looking for a fight and they were his most likely targets.

Molly went to the Quartermaines’, and Cody said, glad she could make it. What did she know about real estate law?

At the Brown Dog Bar, Lulu toasted, to Monica Quartermaine and her wonderful home, and Tracy said, their house no longer. Drew and Martin came in and Drew asked if Tracy was here to drown her sorrows.

Britt squealed, and Jason said he thought she’d want to celebrate at the Brown Dog, and she suggested getting out on the open road. He said he didn’t want her to crash. He was driving.

Cody told Molly that Ronnie was looking to sell and he had to figure out how to stop it from happening. The family had the house for generations and the Quartermaines couldn’t lose out on all that. He didn’t understand. One second, Ronnie was giving him her recipe for cinnamon rolls, and the next, she was handing out eviction notices. It couldn’t be legal. Molly said if she was the legal owner, she had the right to sell, and he said there had to be a loophole. Did she think she could look into it?

Tracy wondered what Drew would do with a house that big. The only people who could stand him were his lawyer and his girlfriend, who was in Pentenville for shooting him. Lulu suggested they just go now, and as they moved on, Drew said they got what they deserved and this was just the beginning.

Laura told Sonny that she’d stopped at the Quartermaines’ to introduce herself to Ronnie, and walked in on Drew threatening Danny and Rocco. She shut it down, but Drew kept escalating it, being overly aggressive with the boys. It was like he knew he was untouchable and she didn’t get it. Sonny said he did.

Jordan said, when she was Commissioner, and they tried to bring Sonny to justice, they got nowhere. Sonny was smart and received a great deal of goodwill from powerful players in the city, the mayor among them. Turner said then they agreed Laura was protecting him.

Curtis told Portia that he’d been at Jordan’s apartment having dinner, and she said, yes. She was pregnant.

Jordan told Turner that Sonny and Laura had a strong relationship, but she wouldn’t say Laura was protecting him. She had too much integrity. Turner suggested it was a conflict of interest, and Jordan said, maybe part of it stemmed from Sonny’s charitable work with the city. He was no ordinary criminal and done a lot of good for the city of Port Charles. Because of that, people in high places had his back. Turner said they were dealing with a man who made no mistakes and no one was willing to turn on and not because of fear. Jordan said, because they liked him, and Turner said Sonny expected people to like him. That kind of over confidence could end up being his weakness.

Curtis asked how far along Portia was, and she said, about 10 weeks. He asked how long she’d known, and she said, maybe three. He asked why she didn’t tell him, and she said, for one thing, they were falling apart and she didn’t know what she wanted. He asked if she considered terminating the pregnancy, but she said she never considered it as an option. He said they’d just decided to get a divorce, but he was the father and she couldn’t cut him out.

Molly said, Cody wanted the DA’s office to look into a private real estate deal? They focused on criminal matters. Cody said, it could be. It happened too fast. Maybe she could look into freezing the sale while it was investigated. She said her guess was that Ronnie wanted to go home and get on with her life. She was sorry, but she couldn’t stop it. He said something about the deal was shady. Why else would she sell to Drew?

Drew said, seeing the look of sheer devastation on Tracy’s face made it worth every penny, and Martin said one thing he didn’t count on was Lulu picking up the pieces. Drew wondered how Martin got through to Ronnie, and Martin said he told her that the easiest way to get back at Tracy was to sell to him.

Lulu said between Valentin and Drew, Martin had quite a client list, and Tracy said they were both corrupt bottom feeders. Lulu said, speaking of, Rocco went to dinner with Britt, Liesl, and Nathan. Nathan wasn’t corrupt, but the only reason she found out was because he mentioned it. He thought she knew and Rocco told him that they’d okayed it. He was supposed to be honest. Tracy told her to talk to him. He was basically honest and decent, qualities that were hard to come by. Lulu said she didn’t know how, but Drew would get what was coming to him. However, when it came to dealing with men like Drew, you had to choose you battles, and in some cases, your battlefield. Tracy had to wait, and when he wasn’t looking, then get him. Tracy said, if only she’d followed that advice in the first place. Ronnie sold their home to the family’s worst possible enemy and she drove her to it.

Laura said, no doubt Drew would remember Michael had shot him, and Sonny said Drew would do anything to hurt her campaign. He’d kill two birds with one stone. She said Drew wasn’t prosecuting the case. He didn’t bring the charges and he can’t drop them. Sonny said he had something to take care of, and she said, of course (🍷).

Jordan said the best way to get Sonny would be if he slipped up and incriminated himself, but he wouldn’t let that happen, and Turner said, if he thought he was untouchable, maybe he’d get too comfortable around the wrong people. Jordan told Turner about how Dante went undercover in Sonny’s organization and was shot by Sonny. Dante was only alive because Sonny found out Dante was his son. Turner’s phone chimed and she looked at Sonny.

Portia said it was still early, and given her age, miscarriages weren’t uncommon, and Curtis asked if she was okay. She said everything seemed to be progressing as it should, but she’d like to get past her first trimester before any decisions or telling anyone, including Trina. He asked if she was sure she wanted to do this alone, but she said she’d be fine. She didn’t want to get Trina’s hopes up if it all might just go away.

Molly asked if Ronnie didn’t know Drew was a sleazebag, but Cody said he told her himself. And she had a front row seat when Drew showed up and bullied Danny and Rocco. He knew things with Tracy weren’t great, but Ronnie got along with everybody else. Something didn’t add up. She agreed it seemed odd, but it wasn’t illegal, and he said it was the kids’ home. She asked what would happen to him, and he said he’d be so fired, but he’d probably quit first. Before then, he had to make sure to find the horses a new stable. He’d be all right. Most of his life he’d been by himself. He was going to miss this place. It was a great gig and the Quartermaines were better people. She asked what he was going to do next, but he said he didn’t know. Maybe another run on the stunt circuit or he and Outback would see where the open road took them. She said he couldn’t leave his family, but he said he had to make a living. He’d keep in touch. She said, don’t do that.

Tracy told Lulu, over the years, she’d questioned her brother’s decision, but came to see the wisdom. Monica was definitely the anchor of the family. Drew came by and said he hoped they enjoyed the rest of their evening. He was going to give his purchase one last look to check out the furniture. He didn’t share their taste and would need to offload everything, except the dining table, and maybe he’d keep Edward’s chair. Lulu suggested they let the lawyers handle it, and Tracy said there was no way she’d let him have the furniture, but he said it wasn’t up to her. She said he’d never sit in her father’s chair as head of the family at the dining table, and he said she was right. Maybe he’d set a huge bonfire and burn it all. Jason came in with Britt and tripped Drew, who fell to the floor. Tracy laughed her head off (along with me).

Drew asked what the hell was wrong with Jason, and Jason grabbed him. Drew said he was walking out, and Tracy told him not to forget Martin. Drew and Martin left, and Lulu said, great timing. Tracy said she appreciated the gesture. Too bad it was too little too late.

Sonny met Turner in a private area and said he’d been thinking about their last conversation. He wanted to make it right.

Laura sat with Jordan and said she was checking in to see if Jordan had any news about Sidwell, but Jordan said, nothing at the moment. To be honest, she’d been distracted recently. Her personal life had imploded and things were complicated with Curtis. Laura said she’d seen Curtis earlier, and Jordan said she guessed Curtis told her that she suspected Portia was pregnant.

Curtis said they’d hold off and not tell anyone until Portia felt comfortable, but it wasn’t the only matter they had to discuss. They needed to talk about what it meant to them as a family. She said they hardly qualified as a family. He’d been spending time with Jordan and it was obvious he wasn’t interested in her or their marriage.

Molly told Cody that she wasn’t saying he couldn’t go back. She was saying he shouldn’t. It was a young man’s game and took its toll on the body. He said she was right, but this body was a Ferrari, a used Ferrari. He had bad knees and a slipped disk and when it rained, he needed ibuprofen… Maybe she had a point. She said he had other options in Port Charles. Windymere had stables. He said he could figure it out, but he wasn’t sure the Quartermaines would, and she said they’d land on their feet. Curtis said they’d land in houses far apart and they needed each other. They didn’t deserve to be kicked out of their own home. She said she could see how much they meant to him, and he said he was as surprised as she was. He came to town with no family, and now he had two – the Scorpios and the Q’s. He just wanted to help.

Tracy told Lulu that she was responsible for alienating Ronnie. Jason welcomed Ronnie with open arms the minute the will was read. Yet when they needed him most, Jason was nowhere to be found. Lulu suggested they go home. Tracy said, good idea. Or rather the place she was temporarily residing. They left.

Sonny said Michael was his son and he’d do absolutely anything for him, and Turner said he’d made that abundantly clear. He said he’d been thinking it over, and he’d been overprotective, especially since Michael was no longer a suspect. She asked if he was saying he crossed line, and told her that he was saying it wasn’t his job to tell her how to do hers. He messed up and he was sorry. He wanted to make it up to her. She asked how he proposed to do that, and he said that depended on her. Was she willing to take a risk?

Laura said Curtis mentioned Jordan’s suspicions about Portia, and Jordan said, sorry. She should have never asked Laura to betray a confidence. Laura said Curtis was a good friend, but they were friends too. Whatever Jordan said stayed between them. Jordan said she didn’t want to keep secrets from Curtis anymore. Her feelings for him were stronger than they’d ever been, She thought she could keep them in check when she thought he and Portia were happy. Now everything had changed. He told her that he had feelings for her too, but if she was right and Portia was pregnant, her feelings and his feelings wouldn’t matter. He’d put them aside, step up, and do right by his child.

Curtis said, to be clear, Jordan had no bearing on what they decided to do. He didn’t want to be an off again, on again presence in his child’s life. He wanted to be a father to the child. He didn’t get the chance to raise Trina and wouldn’t let that happen again. He wanted to be there when the child woke up and to tuck them in at night. Portia said, and the simplest way was for them to stay together.

Britt told Jason that she couldn’t taste the alcohol and those kind of drinks were sneaky. She couldn’t have a repeat of the Croatian donkey affair. (Ha-ha-ha!) He said it was lemonade, and she said, the hard kind, but he said, no. She said she thought they were celebrating, and he said, sorry. He needed her sober because he had questions about the Five Poppies and Faison. She said, how about giving her five hours where she didn’t hear that name? She had questions about the Quartermaines losing their house and Tracy blaming it on him. He said, deal, and they clinked glasses.

Lulu and Tracy walked in to tons of boxes, and Tracy opened one to find her father’s letter opener. Another had her favorite pillowcases, then she saw the box with Alan’s things.

Britt asked why Jason let Tracy walk on him, and he said he didn’t push back because deep down he knew she was right. He probably would have won if he fought back. It wasn’t because he didn’t care about the family. His mom wanted Ronnie to have the house and for just once, he thought he should do what his mom wanted.

Cody told Molly that before he connected with the Scorpios, he was used to being on his own, but the Tracy changed all that. She made him feel like part of the family. They both loved horses and she’d come to the stable to check on Hades and they’d talk. Sometime he had a beer and she had wine and they’d solve the world’s problems or figure out new ones to make up. Then they were friends. Molly said she wasn’t surprised. Cody had a big heart and wanted to help people. She’d talk to Turner and see if they could figure out a possible criminal pretext for the case. It was a long shot, but she’d try. Cody said she showed up and that was something, and she said she was glad he called. He said she was smart and passionate and always did the right thing. She was the first and only call he made. They were about to kiss, when the doorbell rang. Cody answered it, and asked what Drew was doing there. Drew walked in and said he didn’t need a reason. This was his house.

Turner reminded Sonny that she was a public official and couldn’t accept gifts, but he said he’d do something that her morals and ethics could get on board with. She said he was a good cook and she wouldn’t say no to homemade pizza. It wasn’t bad. He said, don’t lie, and she said, it may have been the best she’s had. He said, so dinner, but she said she wanted to avoid being seen at his home. He said he’d see what he could do, but how did he know she’d show up? She said he didn’t.

Portia said, baby or no baby, their reasons for a divorce were valid, but Curtis said he didn’t know if it was the best thing for them. They had to consider the life they wanted, not just for the baby, but for themselves. He left.

Britt said Jason had nothing to be sorry for. There was no way he could have known what Ronnie would do or how low Drew would sink. He made his choice to honor Monica’s wishes and that was noble. Enough moping. They’d both had a rough day and it was time for a real drink. He said he had a better idea and slid the keys over to her. Take him for a drive.

Tracy found Alan’s diploma from medical school and told Lulu that he’d graduated with the highest honors. He was a good doctor, just stupid with his personal life. She was going to keep it to the end and then take it with her. She started to cry, and Lulu suggested they call it a night. Tomorrow, she’d go through every one of the boxes with Tracy. Tonight, Tracy needed to get some sleep. Tracy thanked her and they hugged.

Cody said it wasn’t Drew’s house yet, but Drew said it would be soon enough. Molly said, legally speaking, that’s not right now, and Drew said if she wanted Scout to be available, she needed to change her tone. She said she was just stating the laws. The house wasn’t in escrow yet and he had no right to be there. He said it was a cash deal. As soon as he signed, he’d take possession. The family once tried to kick him out, and now he was about to own the entire estate, and Tracy, Michael, and the rest of them would be gone. He’d be there and everything would be his.

Tracy sat in the dark and we saw an open box. Inside it was Monica’s last will and testament.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Full disclosure. A few bites have been taken out because, Halloween.

Martin goes to Laura’s office and she complains about not seeing him enough. He tells her that he’s working with Jenz Sidwell on behalf of Drew on Measure C. He asked them to leave her and her relationship with Sonny out of it. Laura says she thought he quit, and he says he did, but he unquit. She asks him, why?

Drew meets Nina at the MetroCourt and asks what she wants. She says she doesn’t like it any more than he does, and wouldn’t have asked him to meet if she wasn’t desperate. Did Martin make any progress on Willow’s bail? He says, not yet, and she says, Willow can’t stay in that horrible place much longer. What are they going to do? Drew sees Michael come in and says he’s going to tell the police that he remembered Michael shot him.

Michael sat down with Sonny, who says he thought they could catch up, but Michael says he gets the feeling that there’s more on Sonny’s mind. Sony says, can’t it be both? He’d like to talk about Willow’s trial. He assumes Michael has seen the media coverage. Michael says, Lulu’s article suggested he was the person who shot Drew, and Sonny says Michael is wrong not to be worried. He should definitely be all over this. Willow has a new lawyer who’s damn good at her job. Michael asks, who is it? and Sonny says, Alexis.

Dalton goes into his office, where Sidwell is waiting, and he asks what he can help Sidwell with. Sidwell says, nothing. That’s the issue. Dalton’s been no help at all, so he’s undertaking a reorganization and Dalton is being replaced. Dalton says, Sidwell can’t do that. He’s been working on the project for years and knows it inside and out. No one knows it like him. Sidwell says, someone does, and Britt walks in. She says, so this is the genius who turned her father’s work into a full-blown dumpster fire.

Emma sits at the counter in Bobbie’s, and Gio says, earth to Emma, putting a plate in front of her. She says, sorry. What’s this? He says, pumpkin, her favorite, a bribe so she keeps coming back. She says she thinks the cook is cute, and he asks where she went. She seemed like she was a million miles away. She says, Dalton’s window of opportunity was opening up. It was time to expose him and his unethical practices.

Lulu says, good morning and happy Halloween, and Tracy says, don’t remind her. Her life is a nightmare enough. Lulu says they can’t keep living like this. It’s time to get real. Tracy says, more real than her back pain? Lulu should send her couch to the PCPD. The confessions will come pouring out. Lulu says she loves her stepmonster, and Tracy is welcome to stay as long as she needs to, but the boxes have got to go. Tracy says, love me, love my boxes, but Lulu says her place isn’t big enough for them both to live there. She should donate some of it. Tracy says the boxes are filled with precious Quartermaine heirlooms. Absolutely not. There’s a knock at the door, and Lulu says, come in. Lucy walks in and says, this is a lot of stuff. It looks like someone needs help with an estate sale.

Ronnie goes into Bobbie’s and sees Jack. She says, Joey? (Omg, the best nod ever to OLTL. I love when they do stuff like that.)

Jack says, no. Sorry. His name isn’t Joey. Ronnie apologizes and says she thought he was someone she used to know. He says, maybe they did know each other, in another life. Either way, they know each other now. He’s Jack Brennan. Ronnie says, Ronnie Bard, and he says, nice to meet you. Carly joins them, and asks, who’s his friend? He introduces Ronnie and says, they just met. Carly says, yeah. Her son has told her all about Ronnie.

Lulu says she’s got to go, and Tracy says she wishes Lulu wouldn’t, but Lulu leaves. Lucy sits next to Tracy on the couch and says she was thinking mid-century modern. What about new construction? Tracy says, how about a flaming moat? and Lucy says, extreme Victorian, through and through. She knows just the place. She shows Tracy her tablet.

Emma tells Gio that she’s stopping by Dalton’s office to see if he needs help. She needs to use the time she has left as his assistant to gain access to the lab. Once she’s inside, she’ll find evidence of him doing illegal testing. Gio says, when his shift is over, he’ll come with her and run interference if things get dicey, and she says she appreciates it, but thinks it’s better if she goes alone. He asks, why? and she says she may need to appeal to Dalton’s giant ego and flirt with him to gain access. Gio can’t step in and rescue her. He has a protective streak, which makes him impressive, but she can’t afford not to get inside. She needs to find professor’s key. She can’t get in because he has a new electronic lock and she needs a key fob to get in. He says he knows how to handle himself and Dalton. Please text him and let him know where she is and what she’d doing. Emma says she will. She should go. He tells her, be safe, and she starts to leave, but turns back. She says she actually forgot something, and kisses him.

Sidwell says, Dalton has a hundred excuses tied to why he’s a failure at progress. Dr. Westbourne has sufficient motivation to expedite his labors. Dalton says he doesn’t like to work with somebody he doesn’t know, and Britt says, suck it up, buttercup. She doesn’t like to work with anyone. She does her best work alone. Sidwell says, enough. It’s not a democracy and they’ll both do as they’re told. Dalton won’t be working with Dr. Westbourne; he’ll be working for Dr. Westbourne. Britt says, got it, and Sidwell says, she’s been highly incentivized to fix Dalton’s work and bring the project to its worthy conclusion. They’ll be handsomely rewarded and shouldn’t need more to bring the project to its swift and successful end, but if they do, he’ll be happy to provide it.

Nina says, Drew remembers Michael shooting him? and Drew says, not exactly. The first shot hit him in the back and after that it’s a blank. Nina says, he’s not telling the police that, and he says, it’s brilliant, She says, Willow is being held without bail and is on trial for his shooting. There’s no way he suddenly come forward with a memory that just so happens to exonerate the woman he loves and condemns a man he hates. He tells her, that’s what Martin said, and she says, Martin was right. He’d be laughed out of the PCPD. It would be a huge mistake to lie and a bigger one if the lie backfires. Willow will rot in prison and never see her children again.

Michael says, it’s a curve ball, but it’s not over, and Sonny says, he needs to listen. He’ll give it to him straight. Willow’s been through a lot and Alexis is going to use all of it. The fact that she was Shiloh’s victim, her lost child, how hard she fought to beat cancer. She’s going to turn that around and compare to Michael’s life of privilege and wealth and the Quartermaines’ inherent connection to him. It will be all in Willow’s favor and draw the wrong attention to him. Michael says he had a pretty good idea of people’s view of him and his ex-wife, but he didn’t think his father was one of them.  

Martin says, Drew is the worst of the worst, but legally, nothing requires him to like his clients, and Laura says she guesses he’s right. She guesses they all work with people every day they wouldn’t eat lunch with if they didn’t have to. Don’t break any laws. He says he won’t, and she says, no matter how it goes, she doesn’t care anymore. She just wants it to be over. Lulu comes in and Martin says, his beautiful niece. What a wonderful surprise. However, he’s got to get going. He’ll leave them to it and see Laura at home… maybe. He leaves, and Laura and Lulu hug. Laura asks if she’s forgotten they have plans, and Lulu says, no. She needs advice and she trusts Laura the most to be honest with her. Rocco and Charlotte have been lying to her.

Sonny says, no matter what Willow’s done, her struggles with mental health were tough, and Michael says, sympathy for the woman who slept with her husband’s uncle, exploited his hospitalization, took his child across state lines without his permission, and targeted Daisy. Sonny says, he doesn’t know that, and Michael says he can’t prove it, but can prove everything else. Sonny says, what he’s talking about is Michael’s anger, the intensity coming through in his voice. If Alexis puts him on the stand and he talks like that, a jury will know he could have shot someone, and he’s talking about Drew.

Ronnie says she doesn’t mean to be rude, but she doesn’t know Carly’s son, and Carly says, Michael. He’s Monica’s grandson. Ronnie says, such a lovely guy, and Carly says, he is. Too bad she’s kicking him out. Jack asks if Michael is being forced to leave the Quartermaine estate, and Ronnie says, it’s not personal. She’s selling the house. Carly says she could have sold it to Michael. His kids grew up there and he badly wanted to buy the house and honor his grandmother. Instead, she sold it to Drew and who knows what he’ll do with it. Ronnie says she’s truly sorry if her decision caused Michael or any of the Quartermaines pain, but she came here say goodbye to her sister. Monica leaving her the house was completely unexpected. She needs to let it go and move on. Carly says, she may want to let the house go, but she knows the Quartermaines don’t. Ronnie suggests they just move on and goes to the counter. Gio asks if he heard right. Is she selling the Quartermaine estate?

Lucy says she knows it’s very hard for Tracy. There will never ever be another house like the Quartermaine mansion. Tracy loves the house. She gets it. Actually, she loves the house too. When Alan kicked her out, she thought, I’ll miss this house and I’ll miss the gorgeous staircase. Tracy says Lucy was married to her brother all of five minutes. And unlike her, Lucy deserved to be kicked out. She was nothing but an opportunist gold-digger, just like Ronnie Bard. Lucy asks why Tracy does that all the time. Dwell on the worst moments, and you don’t see the good moments sometimes. She has good memories of Alan. Their wedding day, working on the Nurses Ball together, and toward the end they got to a goodish place. Which brings her to this topic – Monica’s funeral. Tracy said at the funeral, with Monica gone, it was going to be hard not to have anybody to talk to and share memories about Alan, Edward, and Lila, and it hurt her. Tracy says, she seems fine, and Lucy says she  thinks about Alan. She misses Alan, but even more, she really misses Edward and Lila. She was so fond of them and she and Tracy could talk and share memories. She’d be happy to talk anytime Tracy wants. She can’t keep doing this. She knows Tracy is hurting and keeps pushing it away. If she keeps living her grief, she’s not going to get better. She doesn’t have to face all this alone.

Lulu says she found out from Nathan that Rocco had dinner with him, Britt, and Obrecht, and Laura says she guesses Rocco didn’t tell her. Lulu says, nope. And when she confronted him, he lied to her face and Charlotte backed him up and gave him cover. Laura says, lying is not a good thing, no, but it sounds like the kids are trying to protect each other. They have a strong bond and it sounds like they’re also trying to protect Lulu, and that’s a good thing, isn’t it? Lulu says, it’s less about them protecting her, than walking on eggshells. Rocco wants to keep the secret, and she suspects Charlotte isn’t being honest about missing Valentin and upset about not seeing him more often. She feels like neither of the kids are comfortable being honest around her and it hurts. Laura says, it’s got to be hard, but that may not be the case. Try to remember that before she jumps to conclusions, especially such a painful conclusion. Lulu says she needs to be honest with herself so she can deal with this. Charlotte is drawn to Valentin and Rocco is drawn to Britt, and she can’t deny both hold major parts in her children’s lives. Laura says she’s sorry, and Lulu says, everyone thinks she’s so strong. She’d like to think she is, but this is tearing her apart. She told the kids that she loves them and they can trust her unconditionally, but she can feel them both slipping away. Laura says, my sweet girl, and hugs her.

Drew says, even if he doesn’t go to the police, he’ll find another way to help Willow, but Nina won’t be a part of it. She’d already done enough damage recanting their alibi. Nina says, he’s the last person who should lecture her on betrayal. She’s tired of hearing about what hero he is, as his endless plans to save Willow don’t pan out. His savior act is wearing thin. He says, if she has any hope of getting back in Willow’s life, that can only happen if she gets behind him and shows more gratitude. He leaves.

Drew goes to Sonny’s table and says, a father/son breakfast. How nice. Sonny asks what he wants, and Drew asks if Michael is aware that in a few short hours, he’s going to sign a paper giving him ownership of the estate. Michael says he’s aware, and Drew says, good. He thought Michael might want to be there. He’d love not to have to imagine the look on Michael’s face when he realizes it’s all officially his, He guesses this means Michael is thinking about it. Enjoy their breakfast. He leaves, and Sonny says, Drew baited Michael pretty hard, but he didn’t react. That’s a good thing. Michael says, it will be a lot harder watching Drew take the house. He doesn’t want to, but he owes it to his grandmother to bear witness.

Ronnie says, yes, she’s selling the Quartermaine estate, and Gio asks, why? The last he heard, she was trying to make it work with the Quartermaines. She says, that was her intention, but she received an all cash offer. For someone in her position, it was too much to turn down. He asked if she’d please rethink it. It was a family home and meant a lot to them. He knew it was a lot at once, but when she got used to the Quartermaines, she’d see they were all good people, even Tracy. She says, technically, she is keeping the house in the family, but Gio says, no. Drew isn’t one of them. Not really. Her sister banned him from the estate and he tried to bulldoze the family crypt. Did he sound like someone who would care about a family house? She says she really is sorry. She realizes it’s hard on everybody, but the sale is already in motion and she can’t stop it. He says, both the home and Monica deserve better.

Tracy says she knows Lucy has fondness for her parents and had her own unique kind of love for Alan. They were so much more than all this stuff. Lucy says she’ll deny that she said this and hopes Tracy doesn’t repeat it. It’s career suicide for a real estate agent. But in the end, a house is just a house. All the wonderful memories, those are outside those four walls and in her heart. Tracy takes out a knickknack and Lucy says, it’s amazing. She bets it was Lila’s. Tracy says, it was, and takes it out of her hand. Lucy says, Edward’s Bible, and Tracy snatches it away. She says, it meant so much to her father. It was his prize possession. Their family tree is written inside of it. She and Monica updated it after he died. Lucy says she’s sure they did, and touches the box with Alan’s train in it. She says, this right here has got to have fond memories. Tracy says, it does. Alan used to set it up every Christmas and say it was for the children. What he meant was that he would allow the children to watch while he played with it. He said it made him feel like a kid. Lucy says, hmm… and Tracy says, what? Lucy says, nothing. Just for a minute, looking at Tracy, she could see Tracy seeing herself and Alan around the Christmas tree. Maybe it didn’t feel like a good minute, but a little minute, a precious moment. She feels better that Tracy had that moment and knows Alan would too. Okay. She won’t take credit for any of that.

Laura says, Lulu’s children aren’t slipping away from her. They’re trying to juggle something important to them without hurting the person they love the most in the world. Lulu says, maybe, and Laura says, she should be more proactive. Extend an invitation to Britt and Valentin. Be present with them for a meeting. If she does that, they’ll be no room for secrets or lies. Lulu says, it’s just that Britt and Valentin stole so much time with her children that she won’t get back. It’s not a pleasant conversation and easier said than done. Laura says, the important things usually are. But remember, this time, it’s on her to be the bigger person. Being close to her kids will close the emotional gap. Lulu says she hates being the bigger person, and Laura says her too. Lulu asks if she ever gets tired of being right, and Laura says, not yet.

Jack says he was under the impression there was no love lost between Carly and Michael’s extended family, and she says her relationship with the Quartermaines has always been complicated. She wanted Michael out of that house, so in that sense, she’s getting what she wanted, but Michael loves that house. Now it’s going to Drew. It feels like another loss and he’s already had so many. Jack says, be careful what you wish for, and she says, exactly. She asked the universe for it just like she asked the universe to send her a good man she could trust completely. And the universe sent him to her. He takes her hands.

Tracy tells Lucy that she knows she likes to complain about all the people living in the Quartermaine mansion, but it’s not that bad. There’s always someone to have a cup of tea with, or a fight, or driving each other crazy. That’s what families do. Lucy says, especially theirs, and Tracy says, theirs is special. Lucy says, if she wants that chaos again, she can have it, just not in that house. She can make another home and get everyone together. Imagine fresh walls that haven’t heard true yelling in a family argument. Tracy says she likes that. Lucy is right.  Show her more houses. She needs to go through the boxes privately and decide what to do. It won’t be easy, but she has to.

Ronnie comes into the mansion and sees Michael in the foyer. He says he hopes it’s okay that he’s here. He came to grab a few things and say goodbye to the house. He knows Drew is coming and they’re making the sale today. Ronnie says he’s right. They are. He says, whatever Drew is paying her, he’ll pay more. Name her price. Please don’t do this. She says, what’s done is done, and he says, something else is going on here. If it was just money, she’d be happy hearing a competing offer. She says she has so much to do, and he says, she told them that she wanted to learn more about her sister. He knew his grandmother really well and this is not what she would have wanted. The house was her sanctuary. Before she got sick, she’d walk the grounds every morning and see the sun on the lake. She said it soothed her soul. When she got sick, she’d watch the sunrise from her bedroom just to watch the sun dance across the water. Most of time, Jason was with her; sometimes he was. Ronnie wanted to know more about Monica and he has to believe she has. Given what she knows now, does she think Monica would want to sell to someone who she didn’t even allow inside of it? Starting to cry as Michael is speaking, Ronnie turns to him and says she’s so sorry. There is something else going on, but she’s in too far over her head not to sell to Drew.

Lulu goes into Bobbie’s and tells Carly and Jack, happy Halloween. Carly says, same to her, and Jack says he’s glad she’s here. He has some potential information that might interest her concerning her daughter.

Sidwell says he knows Dalton and Britt have a lot to talk about, so he’ll leave them to it. He leaves, and Dalton says he apologizes if he seemed harsh. His problem isn’t with her. It’s with Sidwell. She says, whatever it is, leave her out next time, but he says he actually has a better idea. How about leaving Sidwell out of it?  

At the MetroCourt, Nina asks if she can talk to Sonny, and he says, with everything going on with Michael and Willow, he doesn’t think it’s a good idea. She says she understands his concern, but there might be a way to protect them both. He says, make it quick, and she says they both know besides Willow and Michael being the obvious suspects, someone else could have done it. Someone else has a reason that no one else knows about, but maybe it’s time someone did.

Michael says, please tell him what’s going on. He promises he can help. Drew comes in with Martin and says he had his doubts Michael would show up. He’s so happy Michale is here to witness him sign the paper that hands the house over to him. And he gets to witness Michael walk off the grounds never to return. It must tear Michael apart knowing he’s going to make his home in Michael’s old house with Willow and Michael’s kids. Ronnie says, that’s enough. Drew got what he wanted. Don’t rub it in his face. Martin suggests they take a deep breath and get the paperwork signed, and Michael asks Ronnie to think of Monica and how much the house meant to her. Is this what she really wants to do? Ronnie says she’s sorry. The house has to go to Drew.

Jack says, Valentin wants another visit, but Lulu says, absolutely not. Charlotte isn’t flying to Switzerland again. She has a life here and needs stability, not to be dragged into whatever games he and Valentin are playing. He asks if she’d feel differently if Valentin was stateside.

Dalton says the research he and Britt are doing has the potential to recalibrate the entire energy landscape and there are people who would pay obscene amounts of money for it. Now that they’re aware of the financial upside, they must ask the question. Why do all the hard work on Sidwell’s project and not reap the proceeds? It’s not fair that their genius powers his entire enterprise. All they have to do to circumvent Sidwell is take it to a third party, secure a payout, and they’ll both be set for life. Emma walks in and says, The Britch. What the hell is she doing with Professor Dalton?

Sidwell walks into Laura’s office and says, very lovely to see her. Laura asks if he always just bursts into people’s offices, and he says, not always. Her assistant was away and she wasn’t returning his calls, so he decided to come in. She says she needs to step into a meeting. He has exactly two minutes. What can she do for him? He says, they’re going to work together to save Port Charles.

Nina says she’s sure by now, Carly has told Sonny that she was the one who set up Drew that night at the Savoy, and Sonny says, the ketamine escort body shots night, yeah. He heard something about that. She says she’s not proud of it, but would do anything to save her daughter. She wasn’t alone. Portia Robinson was helping her. Drew was blackmailing Portia. She doesn’t know what with, but what she does know is Portia was desperate and would do absolutely anything to get out from under Drew’s thumb. He says, interesting, and she says, Portia is a wonderful woman and she’s not accusing her of shooting Drew, but nobody realizes that Portia has a motive, a very good one. Another potential suspect thrown in the mix could cause even more doubt. He says, the more people who could have done it, the more reasonable doubt, and she says, right. She can’t use the information herself because she and Portia are friends, but he can.

Drew smirks at Michael.

Tracy begins going through the boxes.

Drew signs the papers and passes them to Ronnie. He holds out the pen. He says, sign it and the sale will be complete, and she takes the pen. She looks at Michael.

Tracy takes down a box and lifts out a folder. She says, the Last Will and Testament of Monica Quartermaine.

On Monday, Sonny tell Alexis that he can point her to another suspect that’s not Michael; Sidwell tells Laura, everyone has their price, even you; and Tracy says, buckle up, Ronnie, I’m comin’ for ya.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print….

Going back to Bensonhurst… for now.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-rena-sofer-breaks-her-silence-on-exit-as-lois-im-eternally-grateful-excl/

The latest in Charlottes.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-charlotte-cassadine-recast-bluesy-burke-dishes-about-life-in-port-charles-exclusive/

Farewell to a legend.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-alum-june-lockhart-star-of-lassie-and-lost-in-space-dies-at-100/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Mediterranean

Christian got the boot, and Eyebrows Joe was the replacement, bringing much joy to Aesha and Nathan. We flashed back to Joe’s boatmance dalliances, and Aesha said she could see V easily getting swept up in Joe’s charm. It didn’t take long before it looked like he’d be involved in another love triangle including Kizzy. Storms were coming, so they couldn’t leave the dock, and Aesha planned an excursion to Barcelona for the guests. Aesha is too adorable. Even if she’s only feigning excitement over every single thing, it’s absolutely believable. The primary was vegan and a real PITA . When he told Chef Josh that he needed greens other than salads because they contained minerals, it bordered on beratement, and it wasn’t long before the chef walked off the boat.

Below Deck Mediterranean Season 10 Episode 5 Recap: The Return of Joe Bradley

Wife Swap

So far, this show is two for two in the I’m loving it department. This time Melissa from RHONJ swapped with wife Michele, whose household made joy and fun a priority, even if it meant not doing the dishes. The family was also vegan – no meat or dairy – and owned a Double Dutch Aerobics studio, so there was a lot of jumping rope going on. Melissa was anal with her housekeeping because of her childhood and not cleaning her home was her nightmare. When Melissa arrived, the family had been on a juice cleanse for 10 days, which would be my nightmare. After a day or two of the swap, Melissa’s daughter Antonia said her mom would have a stroke if she saw the kitchen. I have to admit, I would too. I’m not one to leave dishes in the sink overnight.

Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition Episode 2 Recap: Melissa Gets Messy

Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City

It was the mash-up of RHOSLC with Below Deck Down Under with familiar faces like Captain Jason, Daisy, Joao, and Chef Ben (my favorite chef). Apparently, Heather and the captain knew each other, but in what capacity was murky. Angie got seasick and in her interview, she said she couldn’t suck it in and she was in a goddam bikini. Priorities. She ended up in her cabin for most of the trip, along with Mary who kept her company. Captain Jason continually checked up on her, which was cute. Lisa was called out about spreading information on the others during dinner (no surprise there), and a screaming match ensued. While Angie couldn’t eat (most likely being the only person ever who lost weight on a cruise), but Mary enjoyed dinner in Angie’s room. Hearing the squabble, she said she didn’t think any of the others appreciated this food up there.  Heather said she thought Meredith was the source of all the dirt and the Grand Poohbah. Mary said they were literally killing each other, as they argued while being served. Meredith got in Heather’s face with her finger, and Lisa called John, weeping. Heather followed her, while the crew made fun of the group in the crew mess. When Lisa brushed her off, Heather brought the dirt to Mary and Angie.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 Episode 7 Recap: Heather Leads a Mutiny Against Lisa

Below Deck Med’s Captain Sandy Calls Out RHOSLC’s Lisa Barlow

Real Housewives Of Orange County

Fancy Pants Heather, Gina, and Shannon took shrooms and went to an indoor maze, where Shannon heard Real Housewives theme music, but no one else did. The others went on this rooftop swing that was a million miles up, and even I couldn’t look down. Seriously, I felt my stomach lurch as they swung out over the street and took that off my list of things to do in Amsterdam. Then Tamra and Gretchers made up, which lasted about a minute, but more important, what’s with Gretchen and all the bows? I don’t hate a bow and no judgement, but she’s got some odd get-ups for an adult. Maybe not in the 1950s, but it is 2025. Things ended with a brouhaha over Gretchen supposedly liking some homophobic social media posts. She claimed she had no idea WTF they even were, but the others refused to listen, immediately shunning her and making her ride back in a separate car. But wait, there was more. Later, an anonymous source claimed Tamra was out to ruin Gretchen and was also leaking info about the show. I can’t say I don’t believe it.

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 19 Episode 17 Recap: A Shocking Reveal Rocks the Cast

Random Reality Items

It’s not confirmed, but seems likely.

Brooke Shields’ Daughter Rowan Henchy Joins Next Gen NYC Season 2 Filming

Andy just says no.

Andy Cohen Reveals if He Has Hooked up With a Bravo Star

His kind of dirt lies in the Pine Barrens.

Bo Dietl Slams Luis Ruelas After RHONJ ‘Nonsense’

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Weapons. HBO/MAX. I did my best not to read too much about this film, and I was glad, since I would never have figured it out in a million years. A classroom of children disappears in in the wee hours, all except one. Their teacher is suspect and repeatedly hounded by everyone from parents to reporters. Even her car is vandalized. Eventually, one of the parents teams up with her to find the answers. The story was original, the acting was excellent, and the cinematography was definitely atmospheric. I’d like to see this one again after knowing the cause, to see if there are hints I missed.

https://decider.com/2025/10/24/weapons-2025-stream-it-or-skip-it

https://www.slashfilm.com/2009054/best-2025-horror-movie-weapons-hbo-max-top-streaming-charts/

The Lobster. HBO/MAX. The reviews were kind of fabulous, but I wasn’t all that thrilled. In a dystopian society, being single is penalized by being turned into the animal of your choice. This may or may not be a bad thing, depending on how your present relationship, or lack thereof, is going. Main character David has just been dumped by his wife and is looking for a replacement, and he’s in a time crunch to do it. If it doesn’t happen in 45 days, he’s chosen to be a lobster, hence the title. It wasn’t that I thought it was a bad film, it just wasn’t what I expected, and not in a good way. I’d looked forward to something more Dr. Moreau, but got something more esoteric, satiric, and a little depressing. If you’re expecting to see people turning into animals, forget it.

https://thegatewayonline.ca/2016/11/the-lobster-movie-review/

A lot of spoilers here.

https://www.rogerebert.com/mzs/30-minutes-on-the-lobster

It: Welcome to Derry. HBO/MAX. I’ve really been looking forward to this one. I loved IT, both the book and all the movies, so I fully expected to love this too. And I wasn’t wrong. In a town where strange things happen, and clown Pennywise lurks in the background, a young boy disappears. A group of his friends are determined to find him and put themselves in all kinds of supernatural danger to do it. There were times I thought it dragged a bit, but the gory/clever as hell Stephen King of it all made it worth it. It’s shows like this that make me wish I’d just waited so I could binge it all at once, but I don’t have that kind of discipline.

https://decider.com/2025/10/26/it-welcome-to-derry-hbo-review

‘It: Welcome to Derry’ Review – Pennywise Prequel Brings Familiar Freakshow Back to Town

Big fat spoiler.

https://ew.com/it-welcome-to-derry-premiere-shocking-cliffhanger-our-red-wedding-11836484

🎃 Halloween Watching…

Haunted houses aren’t high on my horror genre list, but that could be because I get way too involved in looking at the actual house, which is often an old Victorian.

https://ew.com/ranking-best-haunted-house-movies-11834798

I don’t know if I’d consider all of these kid-friendly, but it’s a nice list.

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g2661/halloween-movies/

I love Nightmare Before Christmas, especially Zero.

https://ew.com/best-halloween-animated-movies-streaming-11834428

If you like a scare.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/ravenishak/scariest-movies-to-watch

https://ew.com/13-new-horror-movies-to-watch-halloween-2024-8723828

For fans of horror off the beaten path.

The Top 11 Best Independent Horror Movies of 2025 So Far

https://horrorfam.com/2024-indie-horror-films/

A list of the greats.

https://scariesthings.com/2022/07/10/dead-list-a-chronology-of-great-american-independent-horror-movies/

🧙‍♀️ Traditional Watch…

Can’t let Halloween go by without it.

https://ew.com/hocus-pocus-behind-the-scenes-photos-video-exclusive-11831125

👻 That’s One Way To Celebrate…

Celebrities, they’re just like us, except with a lot more money to spend on costumes.

https://ew.com/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes-2025-11837259

This Halloween is for the birds.

https://nypost.com/2025/10/29/us-news/nyc-halloween-display-has-godzilla-sized-momma-pigeon-perched-in-west-village-walkup/

Halloween for charity.

https://www.stjude.org/inspire/series/selfless/decoration-skelebration-for-st-jude-2025.html

Take a drive in my neck of the woods.

Clinton Road: A Dark Ride

Vintage Halloween Costumes – the stuff of nightmares

🐾 Come Over To the Bark Side…

🐕  Dogs in creative costumes.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/pets-animals/dog/2025/10/29/dogs-across-us-celebrate-halloween-creative-costumes/86881970007/

🐶 Dogs in amusing costumes.

https://www.valleycentral.com/community/halloween-2025/the-most-hilarious-dog-halloween-costumes-of-the-season/

🐩 Dogs in the best costumes. (As usual, a matter of perspective.)

https://www.buzzfeed.com/dannicaramirez/best-pets-halloween-costumes

🗽 Dogs of New York in costume.

Dogs Win Hearts and Treats at Washington Square Park Dog Halloween Parade and Costume Contest

🦮 And of course, pet safety.

https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/halloween-pet-safety-tips/

🦇 Quotes of the Week

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things could fall together. – Marilyn Monroe

Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. – Franz Kafka

The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us. – Voltaire

Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently. – Marie Forleo

We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be. – Kurt Vonnegut

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. – John F. Kennedy

I didn’t need a reason to drink tonight, but it’s nice to know I’ve got one. – Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

Halloween is not only about putting on a costume, but it’s about finding the imagination and costume within ourselves. – Elvis Duran

🦑 Creep It Real…

Until next week, stay safe; stay having a happy – and safe – Halloween (that includes no drinking and driving); and stay remembering the important things are usually easier said than done.