What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Finn sees Anna and says, that’s not the face of a woman who wants to be planning a wedding. She says she’s enjoying planning the wedding, but they have to discuss her. He asks if it has something to do with Jackie being in town. She says she’s interested in learning more about Jackie, but it’s about her sister. Apparently, Alex tried to have her killed.

In the doctor’s office, Peter says Maxie is quiet. She says he is too, and he asks if he’s less of a man for being worried as to why Dr. Navarro summoned them there to discuss the genetic testing. She says he’s more of a man for admitting it. She’s worried too. What if something is wrong? He tells her, they can’t think like that, but she says they are thinking like that. He suggests they think about how excited she is about Deception’s big pitch meeting today. She says she’s sure Lucy is excited to handle it on her own. She has a lot to prove, since she was the one who opened the door to Cyrus taking over the hospital. Britt comes in, and says, poor Mr. Renault. Everyone is always so down on him. But if he hadn’t taken over, she wouldn’t be there to cook the little bun in Maxie’s oven.

Chase meets Jackie at The Floating Rib. He apologizes for being late, and says it’s on him. She says she already slipped the bartender her credit card; mother’s prerogative. Since it’s on her, she gets to ask all the questions, starting with when does she get to meet Chase’s girlfriend?

Sasha looks like hell when she shows up for the pitch meeting. Lucy says she’s so late, but it doesn’t matter. The place looks gorgeous, and they’re going to knock this baby out of the park. She takes a good look at Sasha and asks, what happened? She looks like roadkill.

Brook sees Amy at the MetroCourt, and asks what she’s doing there. Amy says she wants to see the reaction when Brook plays their tracks. Brook says they’re her tracks, but Amy says they’re her vocals. Brook says, that’s right, which means Amy can’t be seen, only heard. Valentin pokes his head in and asks if Brook is ready.

Nina is sitting at Charlie’s, when Jax shows up. She asks if he’s stalking her and he says he is. Her receptionist said he could find her there. She says she’s doing more research on Phyllis Caulfield. He asks if she found anything, and she says she did. Out of the surprising number of Phyllis Caulfields out there, none of them are her Phyllis. You mean she can’t spring for a P.I. or even one of those online searches? He says they’ll keep on looking. Unless she’s giving up. She says, of course (🍷) not. Aside from going back to work at Crimson, she’s been thinking a lot about Nelle. She’s one of the reasons Nelle lost custody of Wiley.

Nikolas goes to the bar, and asks Julian what he hell is going on with Ava, and how does he keep her away from Ryan? Julian says he’s asking the wrong question, and Nikolas says, what’s the right one? Julian says, how Nikolas stops caring for his sister.

Ava goes to see Ryan. He looks unkempt, and asks what took her so long? He’s been waiting all morning. She says, filing for divorce doesn’t happen overnight, and he asks if she’s agreed to his terms. Is she divorcing Nikolas? She says she’s not divorcing Nikolas just because Ryan wants her to; she’s divorcing him because Ryan swore he’d give her the letter that incriminates her brother in the Wiley baby switcheroo. He says she’ll get it as soon as her marriage is null and void. Who’s her attorney? She says she has something better than a divorce. A counter offer she thinks he’ll find appealing.

Chase tells Jackie, Willow is busy, but she says she thought Willow wasn’t a teacher anymore and has a job at the hospital part-time. He says she’s doing it again; treating him like an interview subject. She says it’s a hard habit to kick, but she senses he’s hiding something. He says she’s right. He hasn’t told her everything. He and Willow broke up. She says she’s sorry. The way he talked about her, she sounded great. He says, she was; she is. That’s why he didn’t want to tell her they ended things. She says her and his dad don’t care who he’s with or if he’s with anyone, as long as he’s happy. He says he was happy, and she asks, what happened? He says he cheated on her.

Brook motions Amy away, and tells Valentin that he shouldn’t sneak up on people like that. He says he didn’t realize he was sneaking up on anybody. He asks if she’s ready for the big meeting, and she says, of course (🍷). He asks how the recording session went, and she says, why? Did someone tell him it didn’t go well? He says he’s just asking out of concern. He thought after her unfortunate confrontation with Nelle, work might be difficult. She says, confrontation? That bitch slashed her throat. But everything is fine.

Lucy fixes Sasha’s makeup, and says it’s the best she can do. Sasha says they can always postpone until she feels better, and Lucy says she doesn’t want to know what happened, but she does know there’s no postponing. The buyer is coming all the way from Ohio, and she’s sure they won’t be willing to plan a second trip. Sasha says, if anyone can persuade her, it’s Maxie. Where is she? Lucy says, she had a pressing appointment about her pregnancy. Sasha asks if Maxie is okay, and Lucy is sure it’s just routine. Somehow, babies come before cosmetics. Go figure. She promised Maxie the team wouldn’t let her down, right? Sasha says, right, and Brook and Valentin walk in. Lucy says, there’s her star, and asks what Valentin is doing there. He says he’s insuring a profitable return on his investment, and she tells him, then stay out of the way. She asks if Brook has the demo, and Brook hands it to Lucy, saying she thinks Lucy will be happy. Lucy is sure she’ll love it, but what’s important is that the buyer loves it. She asks if they’re ready to make the deal of a lifetime, and Brook says she forgot her pom poms, but she’s ready. A woman comes in, and asks if one of them is Miss Coe. Lucy says, that would be her. Lucy realizes she’s the buyer, Miss Madigan, and says she’s lovely and welcome and please call her Lucy. She introduces Brook and her co-investor spokesmodel Sasha. She asks if the woman is ready to experience Deception.

Nina tells Jax, there’s that look. The look that says he hates that she brought up Nelle again. He says he thought he was using his poker face, and she asks if he wins much. He says, good one, He knows Nelle got under her skin when she worked for Nina, which was her intention, but she was a pathological manipulator. Nina says the Nelle that she knew, also felt lost, sad, and unloved. So forgive her for having empathy.

Nikolas tells Julian, stop caring about Ava? That’s pretty callous, especially coming from her brother. Julian says he told her not to see Ryan, but she didn’t listen to him. Know why? Nikolas says, no, but he’s sure Julian will fill him in. Julian says because it matters to Nikolas, and Nikolas says he told her that he didn’t want her to get hurt, and it caused her to run straight to Pentenville. Julian says, give the man a prize. If Ava thinks it matters to Nikolas, she’ll self-destruct. Any relationship she’s gotten into, she’s gotten hurt. She won’t allow herself to get close to anyone again. It’s better if their marriage remains a business transaction. Ava feels safer that way.

Ryan says, good. She wants to play a game. They’ll set the stakes; winner take all. She says the truth is, she blackmailed Nikolas into marrying her. She wanted the money and what goes with being a Cassadine. He says, and they both lived happily ever after, but she says, no. The marriage is loveless and celibate. She’s sure he appreciates her desire for revenge. He says she knows he does. It sounds well and good for her, but what’s in it for him? She says, a cut of the money, of course (🍷), and he says clearly he has no use for it. She asks if making her happy still means something to him.

Finn asks Anna why he’s just hearing about this now. She says she just found out. She was supposed to meet Alex in Berlin, but Valentin sent someone in her place. It was an ambush. If she had gone, she would have been killed. Finn says he’s sorry, and she says, over the years, Alex has been creative in ways of taking her off the chess board, but she’s never been so brazen as to try to kill her. He asks what’s changed? and she says if she had to guess, it has something to do with the one thing that still connects them. He says, Peter.

Maxie says, Britt isn’t Dr. Navarro, and Britt says, she’s not? looking at her nametag. Peter says he heard she was back in town, and Britt says she’s not the hugging type, but he’s her brother, so… They hug, and he says he heard she had a new job. She says his sister is the big cheese at the hospital, and Maxie says she’s sure Britt has a million things to do. It’s fine if she has to go. Britt says, and leave her niece or nephew in the hands of a stranger? Maxie says because she made an effort with James? and Britt says circumstances prevented that, but she’s there to connect with him now. Just like she’s there to give this baby the family treatment. She says they’re there for genetic counseling, and Peter says he had some concerns. Britt says she bets he does, given their father’s background. Maxie asks what the test says. Is Peter carrying anything that could affect their child?

Jackie says, Chase cheated on Willow? Chase says he can’t begin to tell her how hard it is to tell her. She says she admits she’s… He says, disappointed? Ashamed? She says, surprised. He said he was happy. He says he was, but then things started going wrong. He wasn’t sure they were headed in the right direction, or that he could give Willow what she needed. He knows that’s no excuse, but one day something happened. He messed up big time, and when Willow found out, she wanted nothing to do with him. She asks if there’s no way he can go back and make it right, but he says he doesn’t think so. She says, why not? and he says she’s interviewing him again. She says, and he’s not answering. If she won’t forgive him, that’s that, but if there’s hope… He says, she’s moved on with someone else. Sort of. It’s complicated. She says he can work with that, but he says she’s not listening. He hurt Willow, more than he imagined he could. He said things he knew would cause her pain, things he wishes he could take back, but he can’t. She says, no one can take back words; take it from an expert. Words are weapons. They scar unless they heal, but they can heal if the person who said them apologizes. He did wrong, but if he shows up, and backs up his words with actions, maybe Willow will grant him the second chance he so clearly wants. He says she’s being real understanding to a guy who just admitted he’s a dirtbag. She says he’s her baby boy. She’ll always love him, even if he’s a dirtbag, but he’s not a dirtbag. He’s a person, and people make mistakes. He’s looking at the queen of them.

Finn says he knows Anna doesn’t care if Alex is Peter’s mother, and she says it doesn’t make her love him any less. But with Alex being armed with information she doesn’t have, Alex can hurt Peter. She suggested to Valentin that they play Alex’s game, but on their terms, and lure her to Port Charles. If they have her on their turf, they’ll have the advantage. They can bring her to justice, and get the answers she wants. He says, but in the meantime, she puts everyone in danger, including Violet. She says she knows it’s a risk, but she feels she’s better able to protect him if she knows when Alex is coming. He says he doesn’t need protecting, but she says it’s the only move she has. He suggests she break the hold Alex has on her by telling Peter the truth. That she doesn’t know for certain if she or Alex is his mother.

Britt says they can do an amnio and they’ll know more, but if Maxie and Peter are concerned the baby will inherit a disorder from them, there’s nothing in the report to suggest that. Maxie tells Peter, there’s nothing to worry about, and Britt says he was looking for something specific, wasn’t he? Huntington’s? He says she knew Faison had it? and she says, it probably played a big role in his decision to go looking for Nathan. He was running out time. Peter says he knows he doesn’t have the gene, and she says then there’s no possibility of the baby inheriting it from Faison. Peter says he’s worried about other possible complication. She says the testing indicated he has the markers for rheumatoid arthritis. He might want to discuss it with his primary physician. Maxie asks if that’s going to be Britt too, and Britt laughs, saying, that would be ridiculous. Maxie says she’s glad it’s over. The baby is making her hungry. Maybe they can grab a bite before she talks with Lucy and Sasha. Britt says she’d love that, and Maxie says she was talking to Peter. He says he doesn’t know if he can do this.

Sasha stumbles through describing the lipsticks, and can barely apply some. She says, sorry, and Miss Madigan asks if she’s all right. Lucy thinks it’s time they take a teeny weeny break. She has herbal tea and vegan desserts she made herself. Sasha excuses herself. Valentin introduces himself to Miss Madigan, and says he’s a major investor in Deception. He welcomes her, and thanks her for flying all this way to look at their product line. She asks what he wants to say, and he says he wouldn’t invest in the team if they weren’t bringing something fresh and new to the cosmetics market. She says, he’s a Cassadine. He can afford to dabble. As a buyer for one of the top cosmetic chains in the country, she doesn’t need to waste her time on an inferior presentation. He says his ex-wife shops at her store almost exclusively, and she says then he understands why she has to be choosy in what she buys. To satisfy his ex-wife and the millions of women like her. Brook asks Sasha what the hell is wrong with her, and Sasha says she asked Lucy if they could postpone, and Brook says, that couldn’t happen. This isn’t just a job; it’s an investment, a career, her future. And not just Sasha’s. Maxie and Lucy have an investment in it, so she cannot tank this deal.

Jax asks Nina to forgive him for not having empathy. She says, Nelle had a terrible childhood, and he asks if that’s Nelle’s defense. Her father didn’t love her and used her? Lots of people who have that same story turned out fine. The only thing Nelle cared about is revenge, and if she was still alive, it’s still all she’d care about. She says it sounds like he’s happy Nelle is dead, and he says he didn’t wish her dead, but he’s not going to pretend he’s unhappy that she’s gone.

Nikolas asks Julian if he’s got this straight. An imprisoned serial killer calls his wife and asks her to visit, and he’s supposed to pretend like he doesn’t care? Julian says, exactly. Ava won’t keep talking to Ryan if it doesn’t attract his attention. Martin comes in, and orders bourbon neat. He wonders if he can talk to Julian for a moment in private. Julian says whatever he has to say, he can say in front of Nikolas, his brother-in-law. Martin says, as he wishes. He’s not sure if Julian is aware, but Nelle’s body was released from the morgue today. Julian says, he cares because… Martin says, legally, he’s her next of kin, and responsible for the burial arrangements. How does he intend to handle her remains? Julian says he’ll give her the burial she deserves, an unmarked grave in Potter’s Field. The sooner she’s out of his life, the better.

Ryan tells Ava that he knows what he saw, and he saw a spark there. Ava says, of anger. She’s trying to get Nikolas to cheat on her. She wants him to be so driven by his sexual frustration that he’ll go elsewhere to have his needs met. When he does, the post-nup kicks in, and she gets it all. He says, sorry. Her plan’s not working. Because based on what he saw, Nikolas only has eyes for her. That doesn’t work for him.

Chase tells Jackie, he messed up Willow’s life so much, he would rather not have her in his life than risk hurting her again. Jackie says he didn’t stand a chance. He gets the martyr complex from his father’s side of the family. Don’t listen to his mother, who has decades of hard won experience and wisdom. He says, and modesty. She says she never claimed to be perfect. He says if she’s interested in putting that wisdom and experience to work, he has a job for her. She says she’s listening, and he asks if she can help him fix things between his dad and Finn.    

Anna says she’s not telling Peter about Alex, and Finn asks, why not? She says Peter is happy with Maxie and James, and about to be a father. She’s not going to turn his world upside down. Finn asks if she doesn’t think the stability he’s gained will moderate his reaction to learning about Alex? She says, what if it doesn’t? Peter believes she’s his mother, and that belief has helped him move past his identity as a bad person. If she suddenly says Alex could be his mother, it leaves him susceptible to Alex’s manipulations, and she can’t have that, especially now that Alex is proving herself as twisted and lethal as Faison ever was.

Peter tells Maxie, he doesn’t know how to live without the fear of his father looming over them. Maxie says Faison isn’t in his life anymore. He hugs her, and thanks her for loving him and believing in him. She says she doesn’t love him as a favor. She loves him because when her life was shattering into a million pieces, he never left her side. He was patient and kind, and it gave her the room she needed to mourn Nathan’s death. He says he lied to her about Nathan and his father, and she says she punished him for that. She pushed him away and tried to hate him, but he never left. He never wanted her to be someone she wasn’t or feel something she didn’t feel. He helped mend the part of her that was broken after Nathan died. He was her friend and safe harbor; her lover, then her partner. He’s an uncle, then a father to James. She can’t imagine life without him. He says she doesn’t have to, as long as she’ll have him, he’ll be by her side. She says then marry her. Marry her, and they’ll have each other forever.

Peter asks if she just proposed to him. She says they talked about getting married, or talked around it. He says, call him crazy, but he imagined there would be flowers and candlelight, and someone, preferably him, getting down on one knee. She says she didn’t plan for him to deliver James, but it was an incredible, amazing day because her son was born. He asks if she wouldn’t have preferred something more normal or traditional, but she says picture perfect doesn’t make her happy either, but the thought of spending the rest of her life with him does. Britt sniffles, and grabs some tissues. She says, pretend she’s not there.

Sasha tells Miss Madigan that she’s sorry for what happened. If she’ll give her and Deception another chance, Sasha promises they’ll impress her. Brook says Sasha was nervous; who wouldn’t be? Lucy says, they’re so aware they’re competing with products from France and Italy, and the best all over America. Sasha says their team cares about their products. They work with the best chemists, and if they’re excited, they believe other women will be too. Brook says Lucy and Sasha have put their heart and soul into every lipstick and eyeshadow because they want their products to be perfect. Sasha says what Brook is kind enough not to say is she’s not the only person in the world to screw up, but Deception makes this imperfect woman look perfect. What they want to bring to women who shop at her stores is, perfection in an imperfect world. They all want a second chance, just like her.

Martin says if Julian just puts his signature on the documents, he’ll have Nelle’s body released from the morgue and delivered to the Potter’s Field. Will he be requesting a service; words spoken at the gravesite. Julian suggests Martin save him some time, and say the words for him – good riddance. Nina approaches, and says, even Nelle deserves better, but Julian says, not from him. She says she’ll do it. Release the body to her, and she’ll make sure Nelle gets a decent burial. Julian says Martin heard the lady. Martin suggests they speak away from the bar.  

Ava says Ryan took her daughter from her. How can he say he loves her if he’s willing to take her brother too. He says he doesn’t want to take Julian from her. Her happiness is a point of pride with him. He’ll go to great extremes to secure it, but he’ll also go to great extremes to make sure she doesn’t find happiness with anyone else. She says she’s not happy with Nikolas. She just wants his money. She needs to be sure her brother is safe, so give her the letter. He says when he gets the signed divorce papers, she’ll get it. It’s been great playing with her. Always fun. He hangs up the phone, and leaves.   

Miss Madigan says she has the feeling that pitch was unrehearsed, and Sasha says, it was, and that’s a good thing, because it came from the heart. Miss Madigan says it’s different from other meetings she’s attended. Lucy asks if a little novice bravado is that bad, and Miss Madigan says, unprofessional perhaps, but not without charm. She asks if Brook isn’t the singer, and Lucy says, she’s an amazing recording artist. She’s the powerful voice of Deception marketing. Miss Madigan asks if she has to wait, or can she hear Brook now? Lucy says, of course (🍷) she can. Brook made a special recording for her. Take a seat. Lucy wants to explain the whole idea because it’s like a synergy. You take the music and link it to their cosmetics. So you hear the song, and buy the product. Amy watches from around the corner, and smiles.    

Nina thanks Martin for taking care of things, and he thanks her, saying he’ll be in touch. He leaves, and Jax says, clearly, Nina doesn’t think Nelle should be in an unmarked grave, but did she have to get all the bells and whistles? She says she doesn’t condone Nelle’s behavior. She left a wide swath of destruction, but she felt unloved and motherless. The least she can do is give Nelle a proper burial. He says, why her? and she says, why not her? No one else is going to do it. She can’t help but wonder if all the wrong Nelle did, didn’t come from an inner emptiness. He says, because she wasn’t loved? and Nina says, because she was desperate. And if she can understand anything, it’s desperation.   

Britt tells Peter, don’t leave them waiting; answer the woman. Peter gets down on one knee, and tells Maxie, nothing in this world would make him happier than spending the rest of his life with her. Yes, with his whole heart, which he gives to her now, he’ll marry her. They kiss, and Britt dabs at her eyes.

Jackie tells Chase, he sure doesn’t know how to pick his battles. He says he tried to patch things up, but Finn won’t budge. He can’t get over the fact his dad… She says, married her. He says, it was a long time ago, and she says, he just lost his mother. He says, Finn wasn’t a child, and she says, neither is he. Wouldn’t he still be upset if something happened to her? Finn must have been so uncomfortable. His father married so quickly, and to someone basically his own age. Chase says, it’s past time Finn got over it. Violet wants to meet her grandfather and… She says, don’t say it, and he says, her grandmother. She says lunch is on him. He tells her, he’s just saying, the only thing keeping the family apart is Finn. They go way back. Can’t she help broker the peace? She says she can’t, and if he knew what was good for him, he’d stay out of it.

Lucy can’t get the recording to play, and says she doesn’t understand; this always works. Miss Madigan says, she’s sorry, but she’s spent as much time as she’s needed to. It was certainly a unique pitch. Perhaps they can revisit putting Deception in their stores at a later time. Lucy says, what was she thinking? She has the voice of Deception right there, and they can have a live performance. Who needs a recording when they have the artist in person? Valentin says, that’s an excellent idea.

Jax says he understand that Nina sees a bit of her own desperation in Nelle’s actions. He said it before; she and Nelle are nothing alike. He hopes when the burial is behind her, she can get Nelle out of her thoughts. Ava comes in, and asks what Nikolas is still doing there. He says he likes Julian’s whiskey selection. He tells her he’s on his way out, and she asks if she won’t see him later. He says he doesn’t know, and leaves. She asks Julian, what was that? and Julian says, hell if he knows. He’s her husband, at least for now. Did she make a deal with Ryan or not? She asks if he means did she get the letter from Ryan, and he says he has no desire to be murdered by Sonny. She says she’s figured out a way to get what they want without divorcing Nikolas.   

Chase tells Jackie, that’s a hard pass. She was just selling him on lost causes when it comes to Willow. She says, there are lost causes and lost causes. Finn and his father’s beef is so old, it’s taken on a life of its own. It defies logic. He says that doesn’t mean she can’t help raise the white flag, and she says he can’t get involved in this war. If he does, he’s liable to take friendly fire.

Finn tells Anna that he has an emergency at the hospital; he’s sorry to run. She asks if they can talk later, and he says, sure. He says, nobody doubts her love for Peter, but she might want to ask herself if keeping this secret is in his best interest.

Britt thanks Peter and Maxie for letting her share their joyful moment. Congratulations. She says she’ll take a hint, and give them some privacy. She tells Peter, good job, and leaves. Peter guesses Maxie never expected an audience when they got engaged, but she says they had one when he found out he was a father, so… She says she never thought she’d be this happy again, and he says he never thought he’d be this happy ever. What do they do now? She says, plan the rest of their lives together.

Anna calls Peter, and leaves a message asking to see him. There’s something he needs to know.

Tomorrow, Sasha says message received, Maxie tells Mac about getting married, Portia says she’ll never be able to repay Peter, and Cyrus asks Jordan if she has what he asked for.

The Haves and The Have Nots

Derrick pulls into the Cryer driveway, and Benny meets the car. Derrick says, hey, and Benny says, don’t hey him. He has one question. He tells Derrick, get out of the truck, and Derrick does, asking, what’s up? Benny puts his hand on Derrick’s shoulder and asks, did Derrick rape his mother? Derrick says, Benny… and Benny says don’t say his damn name; answer the question. Derrick asks if Hanna told Benny that. He just wants Benny to know the whole truth. He was a drug addict then. He was robbing and stealing at Benny’s age. He’s not that man now. Benny asks if Derrick raped his mother, and Derrick says, he’s different now. Benny says he’s asking one more mf time, and Derrick says he wishes he could take it all back, and Benny says, so he did. Derrick says, Benny… and Benny says, don’t say his name. Did Derrick rape his mother? Derrick says, yes, and Benny punches him, knocking him down.

Benny says, you SOB, get up. Derrick gets up, but says he’s not going to fight Benny. Benny says Derrick did that to a helpless woman? Derrick says he wishes he could take it back, and Benny says what he can take is an ass whoopin’. Derrick tells him, do what he wants, and Benny asks, how could he do that? Derrick says he’s sorry. He’s not that man anymore. Benny says he’s a bitch ass coward, and Derrick says he was. He says he’s not going to fight Benny, and Benny tells him, get the hell out, and don’t let him catch Derrick around there again. Derrick says he works there, and Benny says he just got fired. Derrick says he’s got to make a living, and Benny asks if Derrick is trying to make him kill him. Get his ass out. Derrick wishes Hanna would just let him make it up to her, and Benny asks how he can make up rape? He’s an idiot; get out now. Benny opens the car door, and shoves Derrick in. Derrick asks Benny to tell his mother that he’s sorry, and Benny says, get TF out of here. Derrick backs out. Benny paces and gives Derrick the finger with both hands.   

Jeffrey, Madison, and Colby have some laughs at a restaurant. Madison says he has to get back to work, but Colby says he has another 30 minutes. Madison says Colby has had his visit; it’s time to go. Colby says he’s taking Jeffrey out for drinks, but Madison says, that’s not happening. Colby asks what Jeffrey thinks, and Jeffrey says, as long as Madison is there. Colby says Madison has him trained. Why can’t he find a Jeffrey? Madison says because he’s been trying to find a bunch of Jeffreys at once. Colby asks if that’s a read, and says Madison finds this guy, and suddenly he’s a saint. Did he tell Jeffrey about his go-go dancing? Jeffrey says, no, he didn’t, and Colby says he’s not surprised. In college, Madison danced on the bar at a club. Madison says when Colby was slinging hash, he was making beaucoup bucks. Jeffrey says, he was a stripper? and Madison says, not stripper. Go-go dancer; there’s a difference. Colby says, it’s the same thing, and Jeffrey says, Madison was a cliché stripper – go-go dancer – paying his way through school. Madison says, it worked, and Colby asks how many guys he picked up. Madison says Colby is evil; he’s got to go. Colby says, dinner tonight? and Madison says it’s on him. Jeffrey tells Madison that he’ll see him later, and Colby says, ciao, bitch. Madison leaves, and Colby says he knows Madison really likes Jeffrey. He can tell. He’s seen Madison around people, and he likes Jeffrey. Don’t be afraid; he’s a good guy. He loves from his heart. Jeffrey says, is that right? and Colby asks if Jeffrey is scared. Jeffrey says, no. It’s just all new. Colby says Jeffrey should take Madison out to dinner; just them alone. Ask him about a few things. Jeffrey asks what else Colby talked to Madison about, and Colby says, just that he’s glad he walked in on Jeffrey naked. Madison hasn’t told him a lot about Jeffrey, but he did say everything changed when Jeffrey saw him naked. Madison tells him a lot, but not everything. He thinks Jeffrey should tell Madison how he feels. Do it tonight. Jeffrey asks, why? and Colby says, now do a lady a favor, and pay the bill. Jeffrey asks why he should pay, and Colby says Madison told him Jeffrey was rich. Jeffrey says, no; his dad is rich. Colby says, bill it to his dad then. Better yet, bill his mother. Jeffrey says, what? and Colby says he heard about her. He also heard Jeffrey got so drunk, he wanted to skinny-dip in her pool. Jeffrey says, just to piss her off. Colby says he hates homophobic a-holes like Jeffrey’s mother. He can’t stand that bitch for him. What’s her address? Jeffrey says he’s not thinking of going over there? and Colby says he is. Jeffrey says, the hell he is, but Colby says he’s going over there and getting in the pool buck-ass naked. He’s serious. He has friends who would go right now. Give him the bitch’s address. He’ll introduce her to some of the real gays. Jeffrey says, she’ll call the police, and Colby says, so? Some of the finest men are in jail. Let’s do it. He’ll call some of his wild side buddies, and go over there. Jeffrey says he doesn’t think… Colby says, drink, baby, and they clink glasses.   

Samuel is outside Veronica’s house when Laura comes back. He says the outfit looks good on her, and she says the house looks good on them. She asks what he’s doing, and he says he was fixing the camera. He knows they need this money, but Derrick said they can’t trust Veronica; she’s trouble. Laura says they need this, and Veronica is nice to her; she’s mean to other people. He says he’s heading home after he fixes this. He says he loves her, and she says she loves him too. They kiss, and Veronica comes out. Laura says, sorry, and Veronica says, no. She loves love. Laura says Samuel is something special, and Veronica bets he is. Laura says she got it all done, and Veronica tells her, come in. She looks at Samuel as she closes the door.

Benny bangs on the Cryer’s door, and Hanna asks what he’s doing there; she told him to get away. He says he needs to talk to her, but she says she’s not talking to him. He says he saw Derrick. He was on his way there. Hanna says, what? What did Benny do? Benny says he killed Derrick’s ass, and threw him in the back of the truck. He’s kidding, but he beat Derrick’s bitch-ass down. Don’t act like she didn’t want him to do it. She says she didn’t, and Benny says Derrick rapes her, and she just wants to let it go? She says, it was a long time ago. Now stay out of her business. He asks why Derrick is still coming around, and she says, he works there for now. It’s not her house. He says, this is crazy. She needs to tell him something. She says she don’t need tell him nothing else. Stay out of it. He asks if she’s talking to this dude, and she says he knows she’s not. He says, then what’s she doing? She says, the man said he changed, and if God says someone can change, who is she not to believe him? She’s done with this. He says she should know he told Derrick, don’t bring his ass around there. She asks him, where’s Jim’s money? and he says, here we go with that. She tells him, go now, and he does.

A man comes to the door, and Hanna says he must be Al. He says she must be Hanna, and she lets him in. He says she has a beautiful house, and she thanks him, but says, it’s not hers. It belongs to the lady who made her executor. He says, the entire estate; she must trust Hanna. Hanna says she does, and shows him the documents. She says she’s been going over everything, and he asks to take a look, but she says she can’t let him. She doesn’t know him like that. He says if she doesn’t show him, how can he help. She tells him, make himself comfortable. She has a meeting tonight, and she wrote down some questions. She shows her list to him, and says she’s written definitions, but she can’t figure out things like marketing margins and trade analysis. He tells her, they’ll start with capital gains tax. It’s tax earned on gain. She writes that down, and he reminds her that she promised him coffee. As she pours him a cup, he explains, if he sells a house or stocks, the profit is called capital gain.   

Oliver goes to Landon’s office, and Landon notices he’s happy. He asks, what’s going on? and Oliver asks if he’s not allowed to be happy? Landon makes a phone call to Amy, and thanks her, saying, it’s working great. He asks if she can get him on the morning shows and a prime time special. Oliver says he shouldn’t be doing this, and Landon tells Amy, it’s for him; it’s about Candace. He knows. Just get it booked, and he’ll get her there. He swears he will. Will she try? It’s not that difficult. She’s on the front page of every newspaper right now. He promises he’ll get her an interview with him for sure, but make it happen first. He hangs up, and Oliver says, this is going to blow up in his face. Landon says Oliver doesn’t get love and passion. Oliver asks what he’s talking about, and Landon says, how he feels about her. Oliver says, she’s a whore, and Landon says, who he loves. Oliver insists he doesn’t, but Landon insists he does. He asks if Olivier just hates the idea of her, and Oliver says he thinks Charles should be with Gretchen; she’s a nice girl. Landon says, another one born with a silver spoon in their mouth, like Oliver. Oliver says, it’s getting old; punishing him for being born with rich parents. Landon says Charles likes danger. He’s the President now, but he’s also human, and not allowed to be himself. Oliver asks if he’s going to let his kids get raised by a whore, and Landon says it doesn’t concern him. Oliver says, the American people concern him, but Landon says Oliver just wants Charles to look perfect.. Oliver says he wants him to look like the President, and Landon says, he should look like a man who’s happy. Oliver stammers, seeing Charles in the doorway, and Charles tells Oliver to finish. Landon says he doesn’t think Oliver meant… but Charles thinks he did. Oliver says, with all due respect, he thinks Charles could do better. Charles says he can do better. With someone else in Oliver’s job. If he ever hears Oliver speak about her, or him, in that manner again, he’s fired. Charles leaves, and Oliver says, you son of a bitch. Landon set him up. He knew Charles was there. Landon says Oliver should have quit while he was ahead. He’s lucky Charles didn’t fire his ass. Oliver says, keep it up, and Landon says he intends to.

Landon finds Charles in the living room, and says he’s so sorry. Charles asks who Oliver thinks he is, and Landon says, he’s got issues. His parents have a lot of money. Charles says, it will only get him so far. Does Landon think Oliver has a point? Landon says, Oliver has an opinion. Let him have it. Charles thanks Landon for what he said about him being happy, and Landon says he gets it. He’ll always have Charles’s back. Charles says he appreciates. He thinks he’ll take the kids for a walk, and Landon says he’ll let the nanny and the Secret Service know. It would make a great photo op. Charles says, not with the kids, but Landon says, just one; they’re so cute. He won’t even know the photographer is there, and it will go a long way with the press. Charles says, just get his kids.   

Back at Madison’s apartment, Colby says, she did what? His mother? Jeffrey says, yes, and there’s a knock at the door. Colby says, hold that thought. He opens the door, and says, entrée bitches. He introduces Trevor and Terry, who says, Madison always something to drink. Colby gets some liquor, and Terry asks where Madison is. Colby says, at work, per usual. Terry says, Jeffrey is cute. He told Trevor that Madison was holed up. Trevor says, Madison does that when he has a new beau. He asks Jeffrey to them about himself, every detail. Colby says Jeffrey was telling him about his mother, and the way she treated him when he came out. Terry says, the world is changing, and Trevor says, not fast enough. He hates bitches like Jeffrey’s mother. Colby smacks Trevor’s knee, saying, that’s his mother. Didn’t Jeffrey tell him that he got mad and wanted to skinny-dip in her pool? Jeffrey says, that’s not a good idea, and Colby says, shots. Terry asks, how crazy is that bitch? and Colby says, insane. They need to piss in her pool. Jeffrey asks if he’s serious. They don’t know her. He was drinking when he said it. Colby tells him, then drink some more. Jeffrey says, it’s the worst idea, but Colby says he’s going through with it for real. Terry says Jeffrey doesn’t know Maddy’s friends. They’ll do it. Colby says, they’re here to make the evil bitch more evil, and Jeffrey says he appreciates their concern, but he doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Colby says, they’re doing it; drink. Terry says, look how sweet Jeffrey is, and Trevor says, Maddy did good with him. They leave, and Jeffrey drinks his shot down, and follows them.   

At the Iron Bone, Vinny asks Sandy what he’s going to do. His girl is seeing another guy. Sandy says he didn’t hear that, and Vinny asks if he’s stupid. Sandy asks how Vinny knows what she’s doing, and Vinny says he’s got her covered. Sandy can be soft. Sandy says, enough with that. Vinny saying that about him is kind of funny. Vinny asks what he means, and Sandy says, the Cryer kid. Nothing happened to him. Vinny asks if Sandy is being disrespectful, and Sandy says, of course not. Vinny says, don’t forget about the money, and Sandy says Vinny reminds him every day. Vinny says, just so Sandy knows, he’s going to take care of Wyatt. Sandy says Wyatt is in the basement; go do it. Vinny says he’s talking crazy. Is he daring Vinny to do something? Sandy says he’s joking, and Vinny knocks him off his bar stool. He says the only joke in the family is Sandy. Sandy says he’s sorry, but Vinny says, get out.

Landon meets with a Secret Service agent, and asks what he’s got. The guy gives Landon a folder, and says, he’s from New Zealand, a mercenary who was a marine. Now he works with 12 guys out of Mexico. It was low-key and no one suspected what was going on. He’s keeping an eye on this woman. Landon looks at a picture of Veronica, and says, oh sh*t. The agent says, does he know her? and Landon says, everybody knows the devil. The agent says he’s watching her night and day. He was hired by Jim Cryer. Landon asks what this has to do with Oliver, and the guy says, he also runs cocaine. Landon’s boy has had a little problem since college. Landon says, this is getting good, and the guys says Oliver’s dad tried to keep it off the radar, but he found the records. Landon says, that little snotty nosed bastard. The agent says he can get more, but Landon says, this is fine. He has questions though. He looks at some pictures, and asks why Oliver is talking to him. The agent says, aside from the coke, he doesn’t know. Landon asks where the pictures were taken, and the agent says, a private airport. It’s Oliver’s dad’s plane, one of them. Oliver gets coke, and pays extremely well. Landon wonders why they’re on his dad’s plane, and the agent says he doesn’t know. Maybe daddy is doing anything to keep Oliver happy. Landon thanks him, and says he’s been very helpful. The agent asks what Landon is going to do, and Landon says, lay a slow trap and wait to pounce. The agent leaves, and Landon says, that little bastard  I got you now. This is going to be fun.

The boys go to Veronica’s pool, and Colby says, they’re doing this. Jeffrey doesn’t know, and Colby wonders how many times a day Jeffrey says that. Jeffrey says they don’t know her, but Colby says he’s not scared. Jeffrey says, that’s because he doesn’t know who he’s about to meet. Colby tells him to take his damn clothes off, and go skinny-dipping. Jeffrey doesn’t think it’s a good idea, but Colby says Jeffrey thought of it. Jeffrey says, he was drunk, and Colby says, they’re doing this, and takes his pants off. He asks what the others are waiting for, and Terry and Trevor get naked. Colby says if Jeffrey doesn’t get in, and confront his mom, they will. Inside, Veronica comes downstairs and has a drink. She remembers her wedding, and takes a trip down David Memory lane, flashing back to everything; his affair with Maggie, her retaliating with Benny, and them trying to kill each other a few times.

Colby tells Jeffrey, take his clothes off. Samuel comes out, and wraps up the hose. Colby asks, who is that? The hell with her, Colby wants to meet him. He tells Samuel, hi, and asks who he is. Samuel says he works for the homeowner, and Colby asks if he’s afraid to look at a naked man. Samuel says, no, and Colby says, look at him. Samuel asks, why? and Colby says if he has to answer, Samuel is too straight. Samuel says, he is, and Colby says he’s missing out. Samuel tells him, have a nice night, and Colby asks if he’s sure he doesn’t want to join the party. Samuel wonder whose party it is, and Colby says, her son. Tell the old bitch they’re in her pool. Samuel says, sure, and puts the hose aside. He knocks on the patio door, and them goes in. Colby says, come on, bitches, and they jump in, except for Jeffrey, who’s still fully clothed. Colby says they have to show a bitch some time.

Samuel tells Veronica, he finished the door, and had to fix a wire. There are also naked guys in her pool. She says, what? and goes outside. She asks, what’s going on? and Colby says, hey, bitch, welcome to the real world party. Her son is gay, they’re gay, there are gay people in the world; get used to it. She says she doesn’t give a damn about gay people in the world, but she does in her pool. Get out. Colby says, look at these men; the things they do to each other. Veronica says, stay there, and goes inside. Jeffrey tells them, get the hell out, and Veronica gets her gun.    

Next time, Veronica kisses Samuel, Vinny tells his guys to make it look like an accident, Veronica wants to know what Samuel and Laura are up to, Wyatt begs Vinny not to do it, and Al suggests Hanna put all the money in her name.

🍵 Tea You Tomorrow…

Tuesdays are always tough, but at least they’re over with early in the week. I’ll see you for OC and tea tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, stay centered, and stay out of Veronica’s pool.