What I Watched Today

(Nada enchilada summer – condensed because life is short & summer should be fun)

General Hospital

Monday:

Emma found Gio with Phoebe outside the boathouse.

Cody and Molly were going for a hike, and Alexis asked if she could talk to them, but it had to wait until Molly’s father got there.

Laura met Lulu at the MetroCourt Gardens, and Lulu put her phone on record. She asked about Sidwell, and Laura said she was grateful that his intended victim survived and looked forward to him being brought to justice, but Lulu said, that was a very political answer. She turned off the recorder, and Laura said she hated Sidwell and was glad people were seeing him for the thug he was. Nathan watched from another table, when Nina joined him. She asked when he’d last heard from their mother.

Valentin and Carly came back to Sonny’s old kitchen after taking a boat around Spoon Island. Valentin said it was it was teeming with agents, but Carly said she didn’t care. She had to get her daughter out of there.

Brook and Michael came in to find Yuri tending to Willow, and Yuri told them that Tracy had been arrested.

At the station, Dante asked what Tracy had done now, but Tracy said she was the victim. He said Chase had accused her of assaulting Congresswoman Cain, when Turner came in and asked what Tracy was doing there. Chase said she’d accosted Willow, but Tracy said Willow had thrown herself into the lake and this fool (i.e. Chase) fell for it.

Gio told Emma that he’d wanted to spend time with his baby sister and was babysitting. She was going to be hungry, but he’d forgotten to bring a bottle. He asked Emma to watch her, handed Phoebe off, and left.

Tracy asked why Willow was Chase’s blind spot, and Dante suggested they go into the interrogation room to wait for her lawyer. Turner said she wanted a word with Chase.

Dante took off the handcuffs, and Tracy said if Willow thought she’d let her get away with this, Willow was sadly mistaken.

Turner asked what Chase was thinking, and he said Willow was in the water and injured. He’d helped her and she’d stated that Tracy pushed her. She asked if he’d witnessed it, and he said, no, but he’d heard Willow saying Tracy was hurting her. Why would she do that if she wasn’t in distress? Turner asked if he’d been on duty, and he said, no. He’d been headed there to swim. She said he’d made a nuisance arrest and left them open to a lawsuit.

Willow said she knew Tracy didn’t like her, but hadn’t expected this, and Michael said Tracy did have a temper. Brook said Tracy wouldn’t shove someone unless she was provoked, but Willow said Tracy has set up the entire thing by texting her from Wiley’s phone. Michael asked, who called the cops? and Willow said luckily, Chase was there to help her.

Nathan told Nina that he and their mother had breakfast a couple days ago, the day Rocco had disappeared. Nina said Obrecht wasn’t returning her calls or texts and all of her stuff was still at her room in the MetroCourt. Nothing had been touched and the manager told her that the housekeeper said Obrecht’s bed hadn’t been slept in. Nathan thought it was clear that their mother had gone after Britt.

Laura asked how Lulu was holding, and Lulu said she was keeping busy with work. Britt had exploited Rocco’s curiosity about her, so he trusted her enough to run away with her. Laura said nothing was worse than not knowing where your child was, especially after Lulu’s experience with Charlotte. She asked how Dante was handling it, and Lulu said Dante was also throwing himself into work. They were on the same page and working together to find Rocco, but she didn’t think Dante would ever forgive her about the passports, or that she could forgive herself.

Carly said the ring was definitely Josslyn’s, but Valentin said they didn’t know for sure that she was at Windymere. Carly insisted she was, and he said, if they got caught, Cullum would take Josslyn elsewhere or decide she wasn’t worth keeping. She said, then she needed to go to Sonny.

Alexis promised it was nothing bad, when Ric arrived. Molly said, start talking, and Ric said he and her mother were throwing her a book launch party.

Willow said she was lucky Chase had been there to rescue her, and Brook asked if she was wearing Chase’s jacket. Willow said, the water was freezing, and Brook said she had to get to the station. She left, and Michael asked if Willow wanted some tea to warm her up. Willow said she’d love one, and Yuri said he’d find the tea Olivia used on stressful days, and left. Willow said Michael clearly wanted to talk alone, and he said he was glad she wasn’t seriously hurt. Had she thought about her next steps? She said she was going to give her statement to the police and bring charges against Tracy.

Dante said, Willow threw herself into the lake? and Tracy said he should have seen her performance. Chase bought every word. Meryl Streep needed to watch her back. Dante said people had gone to prison for less.

Turner said Chase was walking a thin line. Willow was his ex-wife and he’d lost his badge defending her. He’d been accused of tampering with evidence and it wasn’t a good look. Chase said he’d been following the law. Congresswoman Cain had been assaulted. Maybe Turner should consider her own bias and recuse herself from the case. She told him he’d better hurry and write his report.

Nina said she knew Obrecht was upset about Britt leaving, but why not tell them? Nathan could have helped and she had resources as well. Nathan said he didn’t think their mother wanted to put him in that position since Britt had run off with a minor. The more scrutiny Britt received, the more likely it was to go sideways for her and Rocco, and he thought that’s why their mom left under the radar.

Laura asked where Lulu got the passports… Wait. It was best she didn’t know. Lulu made the best possible choice for her son and had no idea what would happen. Lulu said she should have told Dante. She was desperate to protect Rocco and now saw her actions had made Rocco feel like only Britt could save him.

Valentin said involving Sonny was a bad idea, but Carly said Sonny had resources to help go up against Cullum. She wanted him to cause a distraction so they could slip into the tunnels. Valentin said, that would be a mistake. Things could get violent, spiral, and Josslyn could get hurt. With tears in her eyes, Carly asked him what to do, and he took her hand. He said, don’t use Sonny. Use me.

Emma wheeled a crying Phoebe around in a carriage, then sang to her, but she continued to cry. Gio returned, and she said Phoebe started screaming out of nowhere. She gave Phoebe a pacifier, but she spit it out. Gio said it was all good, and Emma said she thought the carriage would make Phoebe more secure, but it just made her more mad.

Alexis said they were proud of Molly’s accomplishments and wanted to celebrate with their family and friends. Cody said Molly deserved it and he’d help in any way he could. Ric said he’d skipped a few scenes, but loved the book, and Molly told Alexis not to go to any trouble. Alexis said it had been Ric’s idea, and Ric said he wanted to celebrate Molly’s big moment. Molly said, Ric wanted to throw a party with Alexis? And Ric said he wanted to celebrate Molly’s big moment, but make sure Alexis had a say.

Nathan told Nina that their mother always landed on her feet, when hotel manager Mira came by. Nina said no one had heard from her mom for some time and she wanted to look at the security footage, but Mira said she couldn’t share it without permission from Olivia or Carly. Nina introduced Nathan as her detective brother, but Mira said he’d still need a warrant. Nathan said Mira was right, and Nina said there was no time, but she may have a short cut, and she dashed out.

Laura said Rocco knew Lulu loved him and he loved her too. That’s why he sent the video. Lulu said if she had the chance, she’d do things differently, when Nathan approached their table. He said he was sorry to interrupt, but it was important.

Brook arrived at the station, and Chase said he could explain. He’d had no choice. Tracy had physically assaulted Willow by grabbing her arm and shoving her into the lake. Tracy was entitled to her argument, but she’d clearly stated that she’d intended to harm Willow. Brook said she needed to talk to Tracy and went into the interrogation room.

Tracy said Willow was lying and trying to frame her, and Dante said he was going to talk to the ADA. He asked Brook to try and get Tracy to make peace, and left. Tracy said she didn’t deserve Brook’s stink eye, and Brook asked if Tracy didn’t lure Willow to the boathouse.  

Dante said he knew Turner didn’t like Chase, but Willow was a sitting congresswoman and they couldn’t let it slide. Turner said there were no witnesses and it would blow up in their faces, and he said, if Willow was telling the truth, they had a problem. She told him that Tracy always found a way out, but she wanted no part of it, and she left.  

Willow told Michael that she knew how inconvenient it was for Quartermaines to face consequences, but Tracy needed to be held accountable. She assaulted a US congresswoman. He said she was right. He wasn’t right not trying dissuade her, but was she really sure she was the right person to go up against Tracy?

Emma was worried that Phoebe was scarred for life, but Gio said she was fine. Emma said she wasn’t good with babies, and he said he was surprised, since she was good with animals. She said, puppies weren’t like babies. They were sturdy and you could train them. He said, a baby trains you, and she said, exactly. She liked watching him with Phoebe. He was good with her. He said he grew up in a big Italian family and had a little bit of experience, but he didn’t think it would feel so different with his own baby sister.

Valentin told Carly that he was the perfect distraction. He was a wanted fugitive. The WSB had wanted to recapture him for months, and he knew he could distract them while she snuck in and searched the tunnels. She said if Cullum caught Valentin, he’d kill him, and he told her to be quick about it. She’d been trusting him for months and he hadn’t disappointed her. There was a knock at the door and Valentin hid. Nina peeked in.  

Laura left to check in at her office, and Nathan told Lulu that he didn’t mean to scare her off. He just wanted to apologize. It never occurred to him that Rocco would run off with Britt. Lulu said that wasn’t on him. She’d been unfair to him and taken her fear out on him.

Brook said, Tracy sent Willow a text from Wiley’s phone? and Tracy told her, all it said was that Wiley was at the boathouse with Chase. She wanted to prove Willow was after Chase and she was right. She did it for Brook.

Dante said he was backing Chase up on the arrest, and Chase said he appreciated it and had no doubt he did the right thing. Dante said he didn’t disagree, but Chase had the opportunity to fix it now. If Tracy did assault Willow, he’d arrest her and she’d stand trial. If it was just a Quartermaine squabble that got out of hand, for the benefit of everyone, let cooler heads prevail.

Yuri brought Willow’s tea and left, and Michael said a trial would just bring up them being accused of shooting Drew. The kids didn’t deserve that. Tracy would fight tooth and nail, bring in an impressive squad of lawyers, and they’d both be attacked in the press. Willow said it was the last thing she wanted, and he said the kids loved Tracy and spent more time with her now that Monica was gone. Wiley needed stability and if Willow pressed charges, she would upend that. Willow said she had a lot to think about. Her kids were her priority. What kind of message would she send if Tracy got away with attacking their mother? She left.

Emma said she thought Phoebe was lucky to have Gio as an older brother. Every girl wanted an older to protect and defend them. To show them cool music to listen to and give them rides to friend houses. That was essential. He asked if she did that for her younger brother, and she said when her parents made her. She loved Noah, but he was the worst. He’d sprayed grape soda on her and her high school boyfriend while they were watching a horror movie. She was furious, but he still thought it was funny. Gio said she never mentioned a high school boyfriend. Who was this jerk?

Molly thought the MetroCourt pool was perfect, and Cody agreed, asking if she wanted to skydive in. Ric said he’d prefer staying on the ground, but he was thinking big and spectacular. Alexis said, and of course (🍷) tasteful, and Ric suggested a western theme, but Alexis said it wasn’t Molly’s 8^th birthday party.

Nina told Carly, Valentin, and the moss bowl🎍that Obrecht was missing and she’d like to see the security footage from the hotel. She’d like to find out if Obrecht left the hotel on her own. Nathan thought she went after Britt, but needed evidence. If she couldn’t find Obrecht, she’d start believing the worst – that she’d been taken by someone.

Brook said Tracy’s plan backfired. She knew Willow was after Chase and was handling it in her own way. Focus on getting the charges dropped. Tracy said she could take care of herself. Brook said she and Chase were trying to adopt and didn’t need extra scrutiny. Apologize to Willow whether she pushed her or not. Dante came in and said someone wanted to speak to Tracy. Willow and Chase stood behind him.

As Ric and Alexis argued over taquitos versus vegetable crudités, Molly and Cody slipped outside. Cody said it was nice of them, and Molly said it was shocking. She never thought they could agree on anything, let alone organize a big event. Cody wondered if they were rekindling their old flame, but she said, they’d better not be.

Emma told Gio, it was a long time ago. It didn’t work out and he broke her heart. Gio said that made no sense, but she said she was glad it didn’t work out. He wasn’t the guy for her. She thought it was good to go through the love and heartbreak thing, so you knew when the real thing came along. Gio agreed, and they kissed.

Lulu told Nathan that maybe Rocco would have been better off if she’d sent him away, but Nathan said he didn’t know. He did know that not telling Rocco everything was one of his biggest regrets. Lulu said all they could do now was pray that Rocco was okay and Britt took care of him, and he said he knew Lulu wasn’t a fan, but Rocco meant a lot to Britt She’d make sure he was safe, and so would he. Laura came back, and Nathan had to leave. Lulu said Nathan felt bad about Rocco and would do what he could to help. What they needed was a lead on Britt and Rocco’s location. When she had it, she and Dante would be the only ones to find their so.

Michael thanked Yuri for helping, and Yuri said he hoped he wasn’t overstepping, but it was better for Wiley and Amelia when Michael and Willow weren’t fighting. Michael said Yuri was right. He was trying to be more strategic. Fighting got him nothing.

Tracy said she had something… and Willow said she’d make it easier. She wasn’t pressing charges. She regretted that their disagreement got out of control and Tracy felt the need to resort to physical violence, but this was best for the children. They were also Quartermaines and this was necessary to keep the peace. Chase thanked her for being the bigger person.

On the phone, Carly thanked Mira and told Nina that they were pulling the footage. She wanted Nina to find her aunt. She knew how devastating it was when a family member was missing. (Ooh, a reference to Nina keeping Sonny in Nixon Falls perhaps?) Nina said she felt like something bad was going to happen, thanked Carly, and left. Valentin said they’d found their scientist. They were out of time. He was going to do what Jack asked and turn himself into the WSB.

Tuesday:

Carly said the WSB wasn’t an option. Let her go on his behalf. Spinelli could create a false ID. He said they’d only believe what they heard in person from a trusted source. She said he was a fugitive and had a target on his back.

Jacinda found Michael at the boathouse, and they kissed. She asked why she was there, and he said celebrating that he convinced Willow not to press charges against Tracy.

Back home, Tracy said she wanted to wipe that smug smile of Willow’s off her face. It was like she was bestowing a royal pardon. She was a viper. Chase started to say something, and she told him not to defend Willow. Brook said they should be glad there would be no tabloid coverage, and Chase said Tracy had shoved a sitting congresswoman into the lake and she’d been injured. Tracy said, Willow got a booboo on her knee, but he said it was still assault. She said, and Willow was still his ex-wife preying on him, and he said Tracy had used Wiley’s phone to send a phony text to her. She said, it was a test and Willow failed. And he was on the way to failing his.

Jack was moving his arm, when Willow came in. She said they had a serious problem. Sidwell was a fugitive.

Fitzpatrick said he’d had no luck with the passport, and Dante said they’d had no luck with Britt’s room search. He asked if the information on the prints had come back, but Fitzpatrick said, not yet. Nathan joined them and asked if there had been any word on Rocco.

Cullum told Agent Harker (random new guy) that Sidwell jeopardized everything when he allowed Dr. Jones and the PCPD to set him up. Proving again that grief makes you stupid. Harker said Sidwell wasn’t using resources that the WSB was aware of, and Cullum said that Carly hid a lot from him, especially her involvement with Valentin.  

Valentin told Carly that he’d be taken alive. He knew Geneva and could bypass security and get to Z directly. She said, then what? Steinmauer for the rest of his life? She wasn’t letting him sacrifice himself like that.  

Chase said, what test? Who was Tracy to test him? She said if he didn’t know the answer, it didn’t bode well, and it wasn’t a good look to a judge. He said he was an officer of the law and had no choice, but she said he could have chosen not to buy Willow’s victim act – again. He asked Brook to tell him that she saw what Tracy did wrong, and Brook said she wished Tracy hadn’t sent the text, but Tracy told her, all it said was that Chase and Wiley were fishing. Willow took it upon herself to get dressed up for a hoedown, the operative word… Chase said Willow came to see her son, and Tracy said she had no time to deprogram him. She didn’t push Willow. Willow saw him coming and jumped in the water. Chase said that was ridiculous. History spoke for itself. He asked Brook who was more likely to lie – Tracy or Willow?  

Fitzpatrick said they were waiting on the lab results, and Nathan said Britt was his sister, but Dante said Fitzpatrick was the one who needed information. He was going to talk to Turner. Turner came in and said, Nathan and Dante were just who she was looking for. She wanted Nathan to explain how Sidwell managed to escape on his watch, and Dante to tell her what the PCPD was doing to find him.

Willow told Jack that Sidwell was gone and he was the source of the paralytic drug she was using on Drew. The first thing Drew would do when he recovered was send her and Nina to prison. Nina joined them and told Willow that her Aunt Liesl had vanished.

Cullum told Harker that Ava said she’d run into Valentin at Windymere in January, and he’d told her that Sidwell was letting him hide there. She suspected Sidwell was unaware of his presence, but admitted she could be wrong. If Valentin was telling the truth, that meant Sidwell had been working with him all along. Harker said Valentin had contacted Charlotte since his escape, but he thought Valentin had moved on. Cullum said he bet Valentin was still in Port Charles.  

Carly said she didn’t trust the WSB, and Valentin said he didn’t either. Cullum and Sidwell had been working on the project for decades, and were thisclose to bringing it online. He thought Britt ran to stop their progress, but now they had Liesl and Josslyn. They were out of time. Carly asked what happened if they finished with the cold fusion thing, and he said he didn’t know. No one really knew, but he expected it was dangerous. But if they’d made a miscalculation and couldn’t contain the cold fusion reaction, then it was worse. He had to do anything he could to stop Cullum from taking the device online.

Dante said he and Nathan were going over Nathan’s statement, and Turner said, then her timing was perfect. She was all ears. Nathan said he’d been transporting Sidwell, when an unmarked black SUV cut him off. Three armed men got out and demanded his weapon. He grabbed one, but another overpowered him and he was pistol whipped and knocked out. When he came to, they were all gone along with the car. Dante said it sounded like a professional extraction, and Turner said it sounded like Nathan didn’t put up much of a fight.

Valentin told Carly that it wasn’t just what the weapon could do, but what it could force others to do if it was in the wrong hands, and she asked how they stopped it if he was in Geneva. He said he’d only talk to the highest ranking person. If he talked to anyone else, Cullum could hear about it, intercept him, and cover things up. She asked why he had to go in person, and he said, AI and deepfakes ran rampant. She suggested they send Jack, since he was still Chief, and he said Jack would be perfect, but was laid up. She suggested they go over to Windymere and handle it themselves, and he said they were a great team, but Cullum held all the cards. He had control of Spoon Island, which was swarming with WSB agents who were loyal to him. And he had resources they didn’t have. They needed the WSB. She asked, what happened when he turned himself in to the same people who were hunting him?  

Dante told Nathan that he’d like to have a word with the acting DA, and Nathan left. Fitzpatrick said he could use Nathan’s input. They found a used syringe in his sister’s room. Was she on any meds? Nathan said none that he was aware of, and Fitzpatrick said Nathan had mentioned she had Huntington’s. Could it be related?

Dante asked, what the hell was that? It sounded like Turner was accusing Nathan of letting Sidwell go. Turner said all eyes were on them and it was a huge screw up, and Dante agreed, but said she’d also come down hard on Chase. She said, for good reason, but Dante said it felt like she had a problem with Sonny being his father. If she did, come after him, not his department.  

Nina told Willow that the security footage at the MetroCourt showed an image of their Aunt Liesl on June 5^th, the same day she’d asked if they’d helped Britt disappear, and Willow said Obrecht was probably looking for Britt. Nina gave her a change of dry clothes and asked, what happened? Willow said Tracy Quartermaine tried to intimidate her and it blew up in Tracy’s face.

Michael told Jacinda about Willow and Tracy’s altercation, and Jacinda wondered if Willow saw Chase coming and jumped in to frame Tracy. He said he didn’t see Tracy physically endangering Wiley and Amelia’s mother, but he’d only heard Willow’s side, and she said he did convince Willow to drop the charges. Michael said public conflicts with the family weren’t good for the kids, and she asked if Chase saw Willow as the wronged party and the benevolent angel of mercy. He said Chase saw her as all tragedy and no flaws. He saw what he wanted to see and it brought him and Willow closer.

Chase asked Brook why Willow would jump in the water. Tracy must have pushed her. Tracy asked what Brook thought, and Brook said she thought Chase was right to take Willow at her word. Tracy said, unbelievable, but Brook said Tracy went too far. She should be grateful, but she was still trying to slander Willow. Tracy told her that if anybody else had said that, she’d evict them, but she refused to lose her granddaughter and hoped she came to her senses.

Willow told Nina what had happened, and Nina said, Wiley and Chase fishing didn’t sound like an invitation. Willow said she didn’t want to miss visiting Wiley and Chase didn’t mind. Wiley loved living at the Quartermaines’, but knew she wasn’t welcome. She wanted to ease his mind, but instead, Tracy accused her of trying to seduce Chase.  

Michael said Brook would be better off in the long run, and Jacinda said she knew he believed that, but Brook didn’t. Don’t expect her to thank him. He said it took him too long to realize he and Willow weren’t working out. He was so invested in who he thought she was and who he wanted her to be, when she turned out to be a different person, everything crumbled. Now the kids stuck them together forever in a toxic relationship. He wanted to spare Brook the pain. Better it happened now. Brook could adopt Phoebe as a single mother. He hated that she’d be hurt, but the sooner she embraced the inevitable, the better off she’d be.  

Brook said, family was Tracy’s Achilles’ heel, and Chase said he was sorry she got dragged into it. When Tracy was stuck on something, nobody could move her. She didn’t consider him a real Quartermaine and had been angry with him since he’d accused Michael of setting up Willow. It was all in her head and he’d thought he set her straight when she caught him and Willow in the boathouse. But the next thing he knew, she used Wiley to bring Willow to the boathouse under false pretenses. It was fraud and harassment and he couldn’t let it continue. Please tell him that she understood why he had to arrest Tracy.  

Nathan said there was no cure for Huntington’s, but Fitzpatrick said, the symptoms could be managed. Nathan said Britt was very private about her illness.

Turner said none of this had to do with Dante’s father. She was convinced Offer Chase had sabotaged Willow’s case, but it wasn’t her call to keep him on the force. Dante said, IA cleared Chase, and she said she trusted and respected Danta. He’d inherited the department and was still making it his own. He wondered if she had a problem with Anna, and she said she thought Anna let her personal feelings get in the way when she reinstated Nathan. He had a seven year gap and ties to Faison. Dante said, Faison shot him. That was the only time Nathan dealt with his father and his track record since was nearly perfect. She said she knew Nathan had problems, but Dante said they were personal, not professional.

Carly said their idea had been to frame Jack. He’d be in prison and Valentin would be a free man. Valentin said he didn’t have anything to put Jack away. Now he needed Jack to back him up, so they couldn’t discredit him. She asked what his chances were of walking away a free man if he went to Geneva, and he said, less than 1000 to one.

Dante told Turner that Nathan’s statement lined up with what they knew about Sidwell. He’d had security trained in combat for his illegal operation in East Africa. It made sense to have people here should he be taken into custody. Turner said, Sidwell didn’t need Nathan’s help to escape. It would have been good for them to anticipate that. Dante said now she was blaming him, and she said, if it was an isolated incident, she’d let it go, but if Detective West turned out to be like the Chase situation… Dante said she had no proof, and she said they both knew lack of proof didn’t equal innocence. Chase was a bad cop. Dante said he’d prove her wrong, and she said she hoped so, but wasn’t betting on it. She admired his loyalty to people. He’d stuck his neck out for Chase, but if Detective West was also a problem, it would reflect poorly on him. She left.

Jack said, Willow saw Chase coming and jumped in the water to frame Tracy, and Nina said, she did no such thing, but Willow said she had to do something. She knew Chase would believe her over Tracy. Nina said the press would be all over this, but Willow said it never occurred to her that Chase would take it that far. He lived in the Quartermaine house and Tracy was his wife’s grandmother. She wasn’t pressing charges. Jack said she got credit for graciously letting Tracy off the hook, and Willow said, all they saw, was her as a generous, forgiving person, and Tracy being the bully everyone knew she was. Jack said, well played.

Tracy interrupted Jacinda and Michael and asked if Jacinda would mind if she had a moment alone with Michael. Jacinda said, of course (🍷), and left. Michael said Yuri told him that she’d been arrested, but she wasn’t in jail, and she said, Saint Willow decided not to press charges. Chase was convinced Willow was only goodness and light. He asked if Tracy pushed her, but she said she did not. Willow threw herself in and lied to Chase. He asked why she sent the text. He thought they’d agreed to let Brook figure it out for herself. She said they had, but Chase was too thick to see the truth. She thought she could scare Willow off. It was a tactical error and she played into Willow’s hands. When she heard Brook tell Chase that she believed Willow, she knew it had to end.  

Carly asked if she was supposed to sit there while her daughter was stuck at Windymere, and Valentin said he knew how Cullum thought and Josslyn was worth more alive than dead. She said, what if that changed? and he said, everything changed if the device went online. The WSB could stop it and save Josslyn. If she had a choice between him going to prison or Josslyn dying, which one would she choose?  

Michael asked if Brook bought Willow’s story, and Tracy said, she told Chase that she did. Michael said Brook was telling Chase what he wanted to hear, and Tracy said she was afraid Brook believed the only way to make her marriage work was by lying, but when the lying started, it didn’t stop.

Brook said, of course (🍷), she understood. Chase was just doing his duty as a cop. She was sorry that Tracy was suspicious and put him in this awkward position. He said, her too. And of course (🍷), Willow.

Willow went to change, and Nina said she didn’t want Willow encouraged to play chicken with the Quartermaines, especially Tracy, but Jack said, it was smart. Nina said Willow needed to stay away from the Quartermaines and focus on being a congresswoman, when Willow returned. Nina asked why she’d wanted to meet, and Willow said she was running out of the paralytic drug and needed to know her options. Jack said he thought Cullum provided the drug, but Willow didn’t know if Sidwell told Cullum about their arrangement. Jack said approaching Cullum would be an admission of guilt, and she said he could send her to prison. Nina said their only option was to accept the fact Drew was going to recover. Jack said he had proof of Drew’s misappropriation of funds and they needed to get their hands on it right now.

Dante said, one more screw up, and it would go to IA, and Nathan said he understood. He knew not telling Dante that Rocco shot Cullum wrecked their friendship and wanted Dante to know that he regretted it. Clearly, they didn’t agree on a plan, but he’d had the best intentions. His only goal was to protect Dante’s son.

Cullum asked Harker for the latest on Britt and Rocco, and Harker said they were still monitoring Lulu and Dante, but their son hadn’t made contact. Cullum said he wanted to have it reclassified as a kidnapping and told Harker to call legal. In the meantime, discreetly encourage the FBI to get involved. They’d find the trail that led him to Britt and Rocco’s door and he’d kill them both. Harker said he’d speak to legal and let him know how to proceed, and Cullum said their only other threat was Anna. He asked if there had been any development with her, and Harker said, she was still being contained. Cullum said, someone claiming to be Dr. Collins called to check on Anna. It could have been Valentin. It had been traced back to Port Charles. Find out the exact location. Harker left.

Carly said she didn’t want to let Valentin go, and he said he knew, but she had to.  

Tracy said she didn’t understand why Chase couldn’t see that Brook was lying, and Michael said Chase was convinced he was right and Brook was a compelling liar. She said, as they all were. It was a Quartermaine trait. He said Chase would never understand or appreciate the real Brook. He should love her because of who she was, not in spite of it. Tracy said Brook would be better off without him.  

Brook asked Chase not to be hard on Tracy. She’d been taught to be cynical about life, love, and marriage. Luke couldn’t fully heal her and her grandmother couldn’t understand the kind of love and commitment they had. She never had any doubts about him. They kissed, and she said she loved him and knew they were going to get through this. What they had was precious, and she’d do anything to protect it.

Nathan told Dante that the Rocco situation was complicated and escalated quickly. Dante said Nathan overstepped, but he was also grateful that Nathan was on the pier with Rocco that night, and he thanked him for that.  

On the phone, Fitzpatrick said he wanted the contents of the syringe found in Britt’s room analyzed. He needed to know exactly what drugs she was taking.

Jack told Nina and Willow that he was the only one who could access the proof. It was the private safe in his office. Their only recourse was to get him on his feet faster, before Drew exposed them and blew their lives apart.

Carly said she hated it, and Valentin said he did too. She said she hated the idea of him going to prison. What if they did to him what they’d done to Jason? She understood that it was what he had to do to save her daughter and thanked him. He said she could do something for him, and she said, anything. He asked her to bring Charlotte there to say goodbye, and she said, of course (🍷). She’d call now. He said, wait, and pulled her to him. He said, one more thing, and they kissed.

Harker gave Cullum to results of the trace, and Cullum said the call was routed through ten different cities, but it was from a cell on Shoreline Road. He’d been on that road when he’d paid a visit to Carly Spencer. She was Jack’s girlfriend then, but it was time for him to look at her in a whole new light.

Carly went to change and Valentin lit candles in the bedroom. She came in wearing lingerie and he poured two glasses of wine. They clinked glasses, and got busy.

Wednesday:

Dante found Chase at the boathouse and asked, what the hell was he thinking arresting Tracy?

Tracy said Brook had taken Willow’s side for Chase’s benefit.

Willow brought Drew to the hospital for a check-up, and Elizabeth wondered what had his attention. She turned around and Danny was there with Scout.

Danny put ice on Scout’s ankle, when Molly came into the hospital.  

Harker told Cullum that his guests were on their way, and Cullum said he should have made Carly a suspect sooner. She’d been jumpy when he’d visited her, she’d turned up at Windymere claiming it was for her brother, and he’d caught her with Valentin’s daughter. There were too many coincidences.

As they spooned in bed, Carly asked what Valentin was thinking, and he said he wanted to remember everything about this moment. She said she didn’t see this particular journey happening, and he said he didn’t want it to be their last night. It had been surprisingly great, incredible, and special. They kissed.

Brook said what Tracy did was indefensible, but Tracy said, it was a complete fabrication. Brook said Tracy admitted luring Willow there, but Tracy said, it was information, not an invitation. Willow seized the opportunity on her own to spend time with Chase. Brook said it was entrapment, and Tracy said Brook needed to open her eyes. She’d caught them together a couple nights ago. Brook said she trusted her husband and this wasn’t about Chase. Tracy said she was right. It was about Brook. She was subjugating herself for her husband, which was not a good sign.

Dante asked if Chase hadn’t learned from past mistakes with Willow and the law, but Chase said he was on the side of justice. Dante said what happened was child’s play for the Quartermaines and he didn’t need to arrest Tracy. Chase said, Willow had an injury, but Dante said, it was a scrape. He wasn’t saying Tracy was right, but was it what the law required or what Willow wanted him to do?

In the exam room, Danny told Molly that Scout fell out of a tree, and Molly wondered why she was climbing a tree at night. Scout said she snuck out the window. She thought it would be funny to ring the doorbell and prank Danny. Don’t tell grandma. Molly said she got a pass for now, and Elizabeth said it might just be a bad twist or sprain, but they’d get x-rays to confirm. Willow joined them, wheeling Drew in ahead of her.

Cullum told Harker that he wanted a warrant to search Carly’s home, when another agent popped in and said his guests had arrived. Lulu came in and said when she’d gotten his invitation, as a journalist, she was curious. Ethan followed her in, and Cullum said he didn’t ask to see her brother, but Ethan said there was security in numbers. There had been more than one visitor there who was never seen again and that wasn’t going to happen to his sister.

Valentin told Carly to keep her fingers crossed that he wasn’t shot on sight. He had the information they wanted and a better than even chance. They had no other option. The WSB would dispense a team to Port Charles, find Cullum and Sidwell, and Josslyn would be safe and sound. Carly said she’d make sure he got to say goodbye to his daughter.

Scout told Drew and Willow that she was good, and Elizabeth asked if they’d like to share an elevator.  They left, and Danny told Molly, this is bad, isn’t it?

Chase said he couldn’t believe Dante was siding with Turner, but Dante said they were talking about options. A good cop didn’t throw his authority around. It was about de-escalating the situation. Chase said, Tracy assaulted Willow, and Dante said, technically, Chase was right, but the worst cop was the kind who weaponized his badge because he was offended personally. When Chase was first at the PCPD, he never wavered in his honesty. Chase asked if Dante didn’t think he was honest now, and Dante said he felt like Chase didn’t do right by everyone, his wife in particular.

Brook told Tracy that Chase would never see the bad in Willow. It bothered her, but she didn’t want to keep trying to change his mind. She wasn’t insane and it was exhausting. She kept the peace. Tracy said she shouldn’t keep the peace at the expense of those were stifling what made her her. She’d never fit in the mold of Chase’s perfect wife. Strong, independent women were her legacy. They’d never produced a woman who made herself small to keep a man. Don’t be the first.

Cullum said he couldn’t speak for the way Sidwell conducted things, but Lulu and Ethan were safe. The agents left, and Cullum smiled, which was creepier than him not smiling since he never smiles. He told Lulu that he’d like to talk about Rocco.

Carly brought Charlotte back to Sonny’s old kitchen, where Valentin was wearing a suit. Charlotte asked why he didn’t tell her that they were leaving. She didn’t have her bag. He said she wasn’t leaving. He was.  

Cullum said Rocco was impressive. They’d crossed paths at the hospital and Rocco was a natural. Lulu said Rocco was considering becoming a doctor, and Cullum said, the world needed more people saving it. He hadn’t seen Rocco around and would love to thank him personally. Where had he been?

Charlotte said she was going with Valentin. She was older now and wouldn’t slow him down or contact Rocco. Valentin said he wasn’t running. He was going to the WSB headquarters. He needed to tell them about Cullum and Sidwell’s project. She did the right thing coming forward and he was going to follow her lead. She asked why he was giving himself up, and he said, if he didn’t, they might not take him seriously. Cullum was too high up. She said it would work in his favor. He’d be saving the world and they’d be grateful and not lock him up again. He said that wasn’t how the WSB operated. He didn’t know if they’d see each other again.

Willow told Felicia about Scout, while they had coffee overlooking the first floor of the hospital. She said she thought Drew was frustrated because he couldn’t talk, and Felicia said she knew how hard this was from seeing patients watch the people they loved struggle and not be able to communicate. She’d made arrangements for Drew to start.

Chase asked if Dante was suggesting he was a bad husband. He was never not thinking about Brook and what she needed. Willow was instrumental in securing their adoption. Dante said he was reaching out to them as friends. He’d known Brook since they were kids. He’d watched them fall in love, and Chase was his son’s stepfather. Chase was family. He wasn’t talking as the acting Commissioner, but as someone who cared. Chase had hurt his wife and her family. Chase said, Tracy hurt someone first, and Dante said one of them had to budge and it couldn’t always be Chase’s wife.

Brook said Tracy made her sound weak and pathetic. She’d never questioned Tracy’s judgement or decisions, but always believed Tracy knew what was best for her own life. Couldn’t Tracy extend the same courtesy? She was raised to fight for what mattered and that’s what she was doing. Tracy told her, stop performing. Did she believe Willow or her? Brook said she believed in herself, and Tracy said she was sorry. She loved Brook and shouldn’t have inserted herself in Brook’s marriage. Could Brook forgive her? Brook said it was okay, and Tracy said she was there if Brook needed her for anything. Just promise that she’d stay true to herself and do whatever that required. Tracy left, and Brook said she planned on it.

Carly stepped out to give Charlotte and Valentin privacy, and Charlotte asked, what’s the real plan? Valentin said he told her the truth. There was no other way. She said, what if she and Danny told them everything? It was the same information. He said he didn’t want her involved any further now. It would only work if the information was received from him. He had a history there and his willingness to turn himself in was his currency. She said, if he loved her, forget the plan and go on the run. It was them against the world. He said he loved her more than anything, but running wasn’t the answer this time. They hugged.

Lulu said Rocco was out of town, and Cullum said, a summer trip. She said Rocco was visiting family, but she’d be sure to pass along his kind words, and Ethan said they should get going. Lulu said, it was a pleasure, and she and Cullum shook hands, but he held on a little too long. Lulu and Ethan left, and gave each other a look outside the door.

Elizabeth confirmed it was just a sprain, and told Molly that with elevation and rest, Scout would be good as new. Molly said she was sorry she’d been short with Danny, but Elizabeth said she was raising three boys and she’d heard better. Danny knew Molly loved him. Molly said she would have told Willow and Drew, but seeing Danny and Scout in the ER, Drew must have imagined the worst. The restraining order hadn’t officially been lifted, but Willow didn’t enforce it. What if she reconsidered?

Felicia said she knew how busy Willow was, so she took care of it for her, and Willow said it was so kind. Felicia said it was her way of saying thank you for all the strings Willow pulled for Anna, and Willow said she was happy to do it. Felicia said she was happy to reach out to someone who specialized in communication services. There was a short wait list, but the time would fly by. Willow said she was appreciative, and parked down below, Drew stared at Willow.

Scout said she was sorry she got Danny in trouble, but Danny said it wasn’t her. He should have set a better example. As a big brother, he was supposed to look out for her. She said he did. So did Rocco. She hated when they couldn’t see each other wand wouldn’t let it happen again. They hugged.

Willow and Felicia went downstairs, and Willow asked the nurse how it went. The nurse said, great, and she’d be in touch with the results. Felicia told Drew that he’d have the resources to communicate soon, and he’d be able to say more than yes and no. Wasn’t that great news? Drew blinked once.

At the hospital, Ethan hugged Elizabeth and she said, good to see him. He was her next appointment, so she’d help settle him in a room. He flashed back to stealing an evidence bag.

Chase came home, and Brook said she told granny to mind her own business and stay out of their marriage. Chase said he’d been receiving some advice of his own from Dante. He had a lot to say, mainly about how he should have de-escalated the situation with Tracy. Brook said, instead, he arrested Tracy.

Scout asked how her dad was, and Willow said, great. He was in PT now. How was her ankle? Molly said, luckily, it was just a twist, and asked Danny to help her track down Scout’s discharge papers. At the desk, Danny said, not so subtle, and Molly said she wanted to apologize. She shouldn’t have snapped at him. He said she should have, but she said, he didn’t tell Scout to climb out the window. She may have gotten the idea from him, but she did it on her own. He said, Drew kept him away from Scout for no reason. Now he had a reason. She said she’d been thinking the same thing, and he said Willow was probably making sure Scout would go home with her and Drew.

Lulu told Dante about Cullum’s invite to Windymere and why she’d brought Nathan, and he said, it wasn’t a bad call. What did Cullum want? She said, what she was afraid of. He knew about Rocco.  

Valentin told Charlotte that what was happening at Windymere could hurt a lot of people, but he could do something about it. If he didn’t, it would be selfish and cowardly, not the father she deserved. She said she understood, and he said she was extraordinary. Keep living an amazing life. He was proud of her and the woman she’d grow into. Keep doing the things she loved. Be true to love, stay and curious. Promise. She said she promised, and he said he didn’t always get it right, but she said she wouldn’t change anything. He said he was sorry, but he had to go. He hugged her and said she’d forever be his petite. She said he’d forever be her papa, when Carly came back.

Lulu said that was pretty much the whole reason she was there, and Dante asked if Cullum knew Rocco was with Britt. She said he had no clue where they were. They needed to have Brick find them. Dante said they had no direct leads and wondered why Cullum would want information from her. He thanked her for being upfront, but next time tell him before something happened. They were together in this… for Rocco. She said she could do that.

Cullum, Harker, and some other agents snuck around outside Carly’s house, then walked in, startling the moss bowl🎍. Carly asked what the hell he thought he was doing, and Cullum said he had reason to believe Valentin was on the premises. A call to France for Anna had pinged off a tower nearby. Agents had surrounded the house. If there was a trace of Valentin there, they’d find it.

In the exam room, Elizabeth swabbed the inside of Ethan’s mouth, then put the swab in a plastic bag. A nurse told Elizabeth that Dr. Stevenson needed to see her, and she said she’d be right back. When she left, Ethan swapped out the swab for the one he’d stolen from the evidence room.  

Chase said Brook’s grandmother was wrong on every level, but Dante said the arrest was unnecessary and he should have calmed everyone down. Willow stepped in and dropped the charges. They were lucky she’d done that and that she was helping with the adoption. Brook said, the luckiest, and he said they were about to have the family of their dreams. She said, and she’d do anything to protect it, and they hugged.

Willow asked if Scout was in pain, but Scout said it was better now. Willow said, what about everything else? Scout could talk to her about anything. Was she scared she got Danny in trouble? Scout said she was excited about the sleepover at grandma’s and hoped she didn’t ruin it, but Willow said when life felt hard, one good thing was Scout and Danny together with her aunts and grandmother. Scout said she loved being with them, and Willow said she felt safe and happy. She thought Danny was a huge part of that. Scout said her dad… and Willow said he had concerns, but the most important thing was that Scout be surrounded by love. That was all that mattered.

Molly said Willow being grateful to her mom might affect how she responded, and Danny said he hoped so. She said it was important that he model good behavior, and he said he’d never do something like that again. They hugged.

Cullum said, nothing. No trace of Valentin. Carly said, of course (🍷) not. Why would he be there? Cullum told Charlotte, good to see her again, and left. Charlotte asked if it was over, and Carly said she wished, but she guessed it wasn’t even close.   

Thursday:

Elizabeth found Lucas and asked him to explain why he put himself in a situation where he got shot. Was he okay? He said he was fine, but being an action hero wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Dante came by and suggested he come over to the PCPD.

Sonny asked to join Laura at the MetroCourt Gardens, and she said, of course (🍷). He asked if Sidwell had been found, and she said, no, but part of her just wanted him to be gone and let him be the WSB’s problem.

Nina told Jacinda to pick up a bunch of Cartullo stuff at the office, when Nathan came by. Nina told Jacinda to also follow up with her contacts in New Zealand where Obrecht had attended a medical conference, and Nathan asked if she was still looking for his mother.

Charlotte was about to burn her passport near the boathouse, when Danny came along. She told him that her dad had left her.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Britt and Rocco walked into a room, carrying bags of mangos. Britt said he needed his vitamin C.

Elizabeth said, sorry, but Dante couldn’t have Lucas. Dante asked if they’d seen Fitzpatrick who’d been in an ambulance with a suspect, and Elizabeth pointed him in the right direction. Lucas asked if there was an update on Sidwell, and Dante said, no, but he’d update Lucas if there was news.

Sonny told Laura that he was confident Sidwell would be handled, but saw Ric and said they’d talk later. Jordan joined Laura and said she’d heard Laura and Sonny set up a sting operation to get Sidwell. Laura said it had been a last resort, but she wanted to hear about Jordan. Jordan said going out in public had been difficult, but she was optimistic her face would heal in time. She refused to be a hermit. Laura said Jordan put herself on the line working for Sidwell and she owed Jordan an apology for not being transparent. The truth was, Sidwell was blackmailing her.

Nina said she wanted to see if any of Aunt Liesl’s colleagues had heard from her, and Jacinda left. Nina said she was sure Nathan was right that Obrecht went after Britt, but she wanted to cover all their bases. She was sure Lulu was in the same position wondering about Rocco and wondered if Lulu had confided in him about the situation.

Britt said Rocco must miss his family and he said he did. What about her? She said, not like him, but he said he had no regrets. She said she thought maybe the situation would be easier on him if he could check on his loved ones.

Laden with bags, Jacinda strode through the Gardens, when she ran into Boyle. He tried to engage her, but she said duty called, and kept going. He sat down at Laura’s table and asked if they were celebrating getting out from under Sidwell’s thumb without him.

Sonny told Ric that Brick managed to track down Britt and Rocco on a flight to San Juan, but was still trying to figure out where they ended up after taking a ferry off the island. Ric was concerned about him and Sonny because of Sonny leaving him out of the loop when it came to Sidwell.

Danny said Charlotte was going to attract the attention of the Quartermaines, but she said she could handle his family. Her dad was gone. He asked if Valentin had taken off without her, but she said, way worse. He was turning himself in to the WSB.

Nina said she was guessing Nathan was trying to be there for Lulu, but he said they didn’t really talk anymore. He thought they couldn’t see eye to eye on some important stuff and being with him was something she regretted.

Britt said she had installed a VPN on her table, so online activity couldn’t be tracked and she’d also gotten a burner phone. Must-haves for any girl who wants to be prepared while on the run. He could get news from Port Charles and updates from his friends’ social media. Just don’t like or comment or log into his account or post anything. The peace of mind it would give him outweighed the risk.

Boyle asked what the 411 was on Jordan’s plans, suggesting Laura would love to have her back as Deputy Mayor. He got a text from Jacinda asking him to meet in a hotel room to catch up and told them that an urgent matter had come up. He dashed out, and Laura apologized. Jordan said Boyle was something, and Laura agreed, but she just didn’t know what. Jordan asked what Sidwell had on Laura, and Laura said, nothing, of course (🍷). It had been a set-up, but would have been damning had the PCPD gotten ahold of it. Jordan asked if Sonny was involved, but Laura said, it was through no fault of his own. The good news was, they were able to neutralize Sidwell and reclaim the false evidence. Jordan asked why she didn’t reach out, but Laura said Jordan had helped by being willing to try getting dirt on Sidwell.

Sonny said it had come together quickly and Lucas took all the risks, and Ric said Lucas wanted nothing to do with him. Sonny said Lucas may not trust Ric, but he did. He had to accept that there were situations Sonny couldn’t involve him in and trust when he said no. Ric said he’d keep it in mind, but they had a huge problem on their hands. Sidwell was running around loose. Sonny wondered why it was a problem.

Fitzpatrick told Dante that the suspect was being treated, but was on a list of Sidwell’s known associates and not thrilled. He doubted Sidwell left a forwarding address, but Dante said maybe the guy would slip and start bragging about how they’d freed Sidwell. Fitzpatrick thought Sidwell must have had someone at the scene of the shooting, but Dante said he could pretty much account for everyone who was there. Fitzpatrick said maybe Sidwell had someone on the inside.

Nina said Nathan and Lulu were up against a lot of history, but he was a wonderful man. He said, not always. She saw a better version of him from a long time ago. He was more than capable of making mistakes. Just ask Lulu or Britt. She asked what mistakes he’d made with Britt, and he said maybe he could have kept her from running off with Rocco.

Rocco told Britt that maybe he could find out how his parents were. He was sure they were worried about him. Britt said she was sure they were invested in his safety and bringing Cullum down. When that happened, it would be safe for him to go home. And he should. She wanted him to. He said they didn’t know when that would be and didn’t know how long she could last. She said now that she was off her meds, she didn’t know how long before her symptoms started. That’s why they should make the most of their time in paradise. Rocco looked at the tablet and said Sidwell had shot Lucas, when Britt noticed her hand shaking.

Charlotte filled Danny in on Valentin’s plan to turn himself in and said he had to speak to the head of the WSB alone, face to face. Danny said her dad would be a hero. Maybe his dad would go free too.

Nina told Nathan that Britt must have been more involved than they knew and she always did what she wanted to do when she wanted to do it. She wanted to leave with Rocco and for all they knew, he wanted to leave with her. Nathan said, Rocco was hurting and confused. What if he was setting James up to feel the exact same way?

Fitzpatrick asked how soon he could talk to the suspect, and Lucas said that depended on how much he had to do with the suspect’s injuries.

Elizabeth asked if there was any word on Rocco, and Dante said his father’s associate had tracked him and Britt to the Virgin Islands. He was going to pinpoint the location. She said he must be relieved, and he said he was, but realized he couldn’t just hop on a plane to get him. If he and Lulu went down there, Cullum would follow them and they had to get him out of Cullum’s reach as soon as possible.

Freshly showered and in a robe, Boyle got champagne ready and unlocked the door.

Britt told Rocco, Lucas was okay, but it looked like Sidwell escaped on the way to the PCPD. Sidwell and Cullum must be desperate, which was why it was good they were there. Why didn’t he get ready to go to the beach and they could talk about place to go for pre-lunch, lunch, and post lunch snacks? He left the room, and Britt felt her forehead and said, oh no.

Boyle heard the door open and said it was the best text he’d gotten in a long time. He couldn’t tell her how much he missed her. He turned around with two glasses of champagne, and Sidwell said, not as much as he’d missed Boyle.

Laura said she and Sonny came out relatively unscathed, but Jordan had given up a lot. Jordan said she didn’t feel that way. She’d invested her exorbitant salary wisely. She’d developed new skills and expanded her network domestically and internationally. Now she could devote her time and energy to healing and figuring out what she wanted to tackle next. It was time for a fresh start. She just had to figure out what it was. Laura said she was excited about Jordan starting her next chapter, and Jordan said she wished she could believe Laura was ready to put her chapter with Sidwell behind her too.

Ric asked if Sonny wasn’t concerned about Sidwell, but Sonny said he had people protecting his family. He had all the power. Sidwell didn’t know who killed his son, but he did. He was going to use that information to get Sidwell out of hiding and bring him to his knees.

Boyle asked what Sidwell did with Jacinda, but Sidwell told him, no need to stress. When it came out during Willow’s trial that Boyle was fond of Jacinda, he took the precaution of mirroring her phone. She was absolutely okay. Boyle had his word. Boyle said he could have reached out, but Sidwell said Boyle would have wasted time ignoring his calls. He knew Boyle wouldn’t pass on a message from Jacinda. He took one of the glasses of champagne from Boyle’s hand and said he wanted to make sure he inspired as much loyalty as Jacinda did. There was the chance Boyle had been coopted by the mayor or felt struck by the desire to turn him in to the PCPD, which would be very unwise.

Nina said Nathan was an amazing father to James, but he said James already had an amazing father in Spinelli and Cody. He finally had his mother back and didn’t need him. He felt like he’d only made James’s life worse, but Nina said James adored him. He said he felt like he was setting James up for disappointment like he had Lulu and Britt, and she said one of the happiest moments of her life was when she got to see him again. She couldn’t believe it could possibly be him, but it was. Sometimes miracles happened and he was living proof. He said when he saw her sitting there, he knew he was home, and they hugged.

Charlotte told Danny that the WSB wouldn’t feel like they owed her father anything. That wasn’t how they worked. He asked how they worked, and she said, by exerting their power over people. Her dad was only useful if they could control him, which was easier if they threw him in a supermax prison. He knows he’s never getting out of Steinmauer again.

Rocco came back to find Britt unconscious on the floor, and when she came to, she asked what happened. He said she’d passed out and they needed to get her to a doctor, but she said, just take her to the couch, and he helped her up.

Elizabeth said it was a good thing that Dante and Lulu were on the same page, and he said their animosity was probably a big reason why he took off with Britt in the first place. They’d been at each other’s throats and he was pretty sure Rocco heard them arguing. He left town with the woman who stole him when he was a baby just to get away from them. Elizabeth said he had a right to be upset. Lulu kept a big secret from him. He wondered how they were going to trust each other after this. Even right now, he was confiding in her.

Fitzpatrick told Lucas that the suspect ran when he was questioning him. He tried to pull a gun, lost his footing, and fell face first down a flight of stairs. Any injuries the suspect sustained were from the fall. He did nothing wrong. Lucas said it was standard procedure to ask and what Fitzpatrick told him aligned with the injuries the patient sustained. He’d be able to question him shortly. Fitzpatrick apologized and said he thought Lucas was questioning him because Lucas didn’t like the way he’d handled the Marco Rios case. Lucas said Fitzpatrick and the PCPD did what they could with Pascal and Sidwell, and Fitzpatrick said, now they were both missing. That’s why he was anxious to question the suspect. He was one of the guys who helped Sidwell escape. Lucas said he hoped Fitzpatrick got his answers, and Fitzpatrick said he had one more question for Lucas. Lucas said, about Sidwell? but Fitzpatrick said, about saline.

Rocco said he’d get Britt water, and she told him to remember she was a brilliant doctor and knew what to do. He left, and she looked miserable.

Nina suggested that Nathan was being hard on himself because he hated the idea of something that he did negatively affecting others. Sometimes romance didn’t work out and it was no one’s fault. It sounded like he and Lulu could still be friends, so no damage done. As far as James went, he was his son’s hero and always would be. Jacinda came back and said the only thing left to do was call New Zealand, but Nina said they’d take care of that when they got to the office. She thought Nathan was the best brother in the entire world and loved him so much. She left with Jacinda and he said he loved her too.

Jordan told Laura that the smart thing for Sidwell to do was disappear, but he didn’t like losing and would do anything to win. Please don’t lower her guard. He wasn’t done with her or Lucas, and especially Sonny.

Sonny told Ric that he respected Laura. That’s why he said he’d do it her way with the PCPD. They screwed up and now Sidwell was gone. Ric said, so now Sonny was going to do things his way, and Sonny said Sidwell didn’t realize he was safest in custody. All bets were off. His hands weren’t tied anymore. He was going to find Sidwell and he was going to kill him. How was that for trust?

Boyle said Sidwell shot a man point blank in front of the police. No amount of charitable giving would make that go away. He thought Sidwell’s best bet was to get out of Dodge and go somewhere with nice beaches and no extradition treaty. He couldn’t help him. Sidwell told him not to sell himself short. Of course (🍷) Boyle could help him, and he had enough leverage to incentivize him. He’d risked everything for the project and lost his son in the process. He wouldn’t leave empty handed. He had scores to settle – Sonny Corinthos, Lucas Jones, Mayor Collins, Director Cullum, the WSB – and Boyle would help him do that.

Elizabeth told Dante that anything not about Rocco should take a backseat, including his co-parenting relationship with Lulu. He asked if they taught her that in nursing school, reassuring patients and getting them to think it was going to be okay. She said he wasn’t her patient, just someone she cared about. She’d always be honest with him.

Lucas asked why Fitzpatrick wanted to know about saline, and Fitzpatrick said it was part of an ongoing investigation. He found a used syringe in a suspect’s home and forensics said there was nothing but saline residue in it. Was there a medical reason someone would inject themselves with it? Lucas said saline was used for rehydration and fluid replacement, and to help deliver medication, but on its own, it wouldn’t do anything.

Charlotte told Danny that she and her dad should have gone on the run again. Why was Cullum and stopping this stupid project more important than her? Danny said he didn’t know, but her dad loved her. If he left her, it had to be because he thought it was what was best for her. She said neither one of them knew if they’d ever see their dads again, but they were just supposed to accept the choices their dads made for them before they left? Screw that. She was done doing what she was told. Her dad was wrong. He wasn’t the only one who could stop Cullum. They could too. Her phone rang and she said she didn’t recognize the number, but it could be her dad. She answered, and Rocco said he needed her help.

🌞 Summer Friday…

Curtis went to see Portia and asked where she put his favorite chair. She said she donated it to charity and asked why he was there. He said, to talk about Trina. The fight they’d had upset her and they had to do something about the antagonism between them for Trina’s sake.

Trina went to the gallery, and Ava said Trina must be exhausted from the shower. She’d won two of the party games. It seemed like everybody had a great time. Trina said, at first, but once Ava left, all hell just broke loose.

Carly woke Jack and told him that Valentin did as he asked and went to meet with the head of the WSB. He said, finally. Why? She said it seemed Cullum recruited Obrecht to finish the prototype which could be up and running any day.

Felicia dropped by Nina’s, and Nathan answered the door. He asked if James was okay, and she said James was fine. The person she was worried about was him.

Ethan ate chips while Lulu worked on an article about Sidwell’s escape from police custody. There was a knock at the door and Ethan opened it to Dante. Dante said it was about Rocco.

Charlotte put Rocco on speaker, and Danny asked if he was okay. Rocco said he was fine, but Britt was really sick. They had to help him save her. Charlotte asked what he needed them to do, and Rocco said he thought Britt’s Huntington’s was getting worse. She’d been taking a special medication she could only get in Port Charles and didn’t have any more. Danny asked where they could get it, and Rocco said, find her brother. He may be able to get her some more if they told him what was happening. Charlotte asked if Rocco had an address. He had to tell them where he was.

Lulu asked if Rocco was okay, and Dante asked if they could speak alone, but Lulu said he could tell her in front of her brother. Dante said Rocco was their son, not Ethan’s, and he preferred it be kept between them, and Ethan wondered if Dante had beef with him. Dante said he knew Ethan was the one who’d gotten Lulu and Rocco the fake passports. If it wasn’t for him, Rocco wouldn’t have been able to disappear so easily. So yeah, he was holding onto a grudge. Lulu said it had been her idea, so be mad at her, but Dante said she couldn’t have done it without Ethan’s resources. He’d enabled her. Lulu said he did her a favor, and Ethan said he was sure he could handle what Dante had to say. But for the record, he didn’t think she did anything wrong. Dante said, of course (🍷) he didn’t, because he wasn’t a father and wouldn’t understand, but Ethan said Lulu was Rocco’s mother and had the right to do what she thought was best for him.

Jack said Nina said her aunt was searching for Britt, and Carly supposed that was possible, but the time of her departure was suspicious. It wasn’t like her not to tell Nina where she was going. He said Cullum using Obrecht made sense. She was one of the very few who could finish Britt’s work. Valentin did good going to Geneva. Carly asked how long it would take the WSB to shut down Cullum and his entire operation, but Jack didn’t know. He said, Z may not see him, and she said Valentin had important information and now he was telling her the great and powerful Oz was too busy too see him? He said Z didn’t know what Valentin had and Valentin could only tell Z, and she said, because they didn’t know who was working for Cullum. Did he really think Cullum had a mole in every corner of the agency? Jack said he knew Cullum did, and she asked if Z wouldn’t be curious as to why a high-profile fugitive turned himself in. He said there were no guarantees, and she said she didn’t understand. Valentin had been the WSB’s main mission for months and now he was telling her the head of the WSB didn’t care or have time? He said Valentin wasn’t the Bureau’s only priority or only fugitive, and she said they had to stop Cullum before he made her daughter disappear. He said they didn’t know for sure if Josslyn was there, but she said she had proof.

Nathan invited Felicia in and said she didn’t have to worry about him getting knocked out. Hard head. She said she was glad he’d recovered, but that wasn’t why she was concerned. She’d noticed he hadn’t been spending as much time with James lately. He said work had been chaotic and she said she knew a lot was going on and that long days and nights came with the territory, but she wanted to make sure there wasn’t another reason. Had she screwed up his relationship with Maxie? He said she had nothing to do with that. If anyone messed it up, it was him dating her best friend. She said she’d taken the news very poorly and was worried an unintended consequence was him taking a step back from his son, but he said it wasn’t that at all. He’d taken a slight step back, mostly because of work, but had come to realize James’s real home was with Maxie and Spinelli.

Charlotte said, got it, and Rocco asked her not to give the address to anyone else. Danny told him not to worry. They’d tell Nathan and that was it. Rocco thanked them and asked them to hurry. It’s bad. Danny said they were on it, and Charlotte asked if they could reach him at this number, but Rocco said they couldn’t call him. Britt didn’t know about it and he needed to keep it that way. He had to go. He’d be in touch.

Rocco asked how Britt was feeling and she said, not great. She was going to need his help.

Lulu appreciated Ethan defending her, but said she realized she’d made a mistake. Rocco wasn’t just her kid, he was Dante’s. She should have consulted him first. Ethan said, agree to disagree, but he got it and would step out. Dante said he appreciated it, and Ethan left. Dante told Lulu that Brick had a lead on Rocco.

Felicia said she was grateful that Nathan hadn’t insisted on custody of James while Maxie was… away (sounds like she was in prison), but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be a part of James’s life. Nathan said James already had a wonderful family with Maxie, Spinelli, and his sisters, not to mention her and Mac and Cody. He didn’t want to intrude or steal their time and that’s what he felt like he was doing. She said he wasn’t intruding, but he said he was taking James away from the people who cared about him the most just so he could feel important in James’s life. It wasn’t right or fair to them. She said it didn’t have to be either/or. It could be both. James admired him so much. He said, that may not always be the case, but she said, regardless, he’d always be James’s father and nothing would ever change that.

Trina told Ava that her mom told her dad that she was glad she’d kept him from raising her. She could tell he was hurt and angry, but all that came out was anger, and he let her mom have it. She started to argue back, then Isaiah jumped in to defend her, which led to her dad threatening to hit him again. Thankfully, Jordan stepped in to talk him down before anything could escalate. The only thing she kept thinking about was, don’t rush, baby. Stay where you are for as long as you can. Ava asked how things ended, and Trina said she didn’t know. She couldn’t take any more, so she just left. The whole argument was awful, but her parents made it worse by putting her in the middle – again. Like she was a handy tool they could use to hurt each other even more. Ava said, first rule of divorce, do not put the children in the middle, but Trina said, it was good in a weird way. She finally saw what Kai had been talking about for months. That her relationship with her parents was unhealthy.

Curtis asked if Portia had heard from Trina, but Portia said, no. She’d left messages, but Trina hadn’t responded. He said, same here. It seemed their daughter was giving them the silent treatment. Portia said she couldn’t blame Trina, and he said, she should have never seen her parents like that. Portia said, her parents should have never behaved like that, especially when it was supposed to be such a joyous event that Trina worked so hard to make perfect for them. He said, Aunt Stella was right. They let their animosity toward each other take precedence over Trina and the baby. That had to change. She said, the problem was, they fundamentally disagreed about Jordan’s accident. He was convinced Isaiah was involved, while she knew otherwise. And since Curtis attacked him, potentially ruining his career because of his injury, there was no compromise. Curtis agreed and asked how the hell they co-parented their baby while keeping the peace around Trina.

Trina said she was devastated after Spencer died, and Ava said, she’d survived a nightmare that turned into a tragedy. Trina said she wouldn’t have gotten through it without her parents. They got so close and she found comfort in that. Ava said Trina’s parents loved her and helping her brought out the best in them, but Trina said, somewhere along the way, things got so dysfunctional. She started taking on her parents’ problems as if they were her own. Ava said the term for that was an enmeshed family, when the child and parents’ roles got mixed up and the child lost autonomy. She was so sorry. She knew it had been tough for Trina playing peacemaker for her parents. Trina said, things got so much worse when her mom had to admit in court that she’d had an affair with Isaiah. Since then, she’d been in the middle of all of it. She’d put so much energy into trying to fix things, she had no time to focus on her own life. Now she had to just walk away.

Portia said they were beyond mending fences, but thought there was a way they could strive for civility, and Curtis wondered if it was even possible. She said she had her doubts, but thought they had to try for Trina and the baby. He said they’d heard from Trina and the baby would pick up on the tension between them, and she said they had to make sure they didn’t fight in front of them. They had to be on their best behavior so they could be good parents to their children. He asked if that’s what she really wanted. She’d made it clear she was glad he didn’t raise Trina. Did she still feel that way?

Nathan said he just wanted to do what was best for James, and Felicia said James needed him and loved him so much. He said he loved James too and couldn’t imagine his life without him. He had no idea they’d make such a strong bond in such a short amount of time. Felicia said that’s because Nathan was so good with him, but he said it was all James. He didn’t know how to be a father, but it came easy with James. He was loveable and excitable, this little ball of energy. She said James was a special little boy, and Nathan agreed. James made him want to be a better man, the man that James thought he was. She said, don’t shy away from him. Be his dad. Build a lifetime of wonderful memories with his son. Maybe when the time came he fell short of James’s image of him, James would look back and remember how much Nathan loved him. He asked if she thought James would have time to go to the batting cages next week, and she said she thought James would love it. How about Tuesday? He said, Tuesday would be great, and she said he was a good dad and her grandson’s father. They’d always be connected. They hugged.

Jack asked if Carly was sure it was Josslyn’s ring, and she said she was. She didn’t give it away that she knew. Cullum didn’t notice she recognized the ring and didn’t seem to know it was Josslyn’s. He said Josslyn was smart and dropped it on purpose, and she said the maid had found it recently, which meant Josslyn was alive and at Windymere. It took everything for her not to search the whole place. He said, too many agents? and she said, yes, so many. The WSB was everywhere. He said, Cullum loyalists. She did the right thing. She said she knew, but it was so hard knowing her daughter was right across the harbor and in danger. She could come up with another excuse to go see her. Jack said, no. Too suspicious. She said, especially now that Cullum suspected she’d been working with Valentin, and he said, what?

Britt told Rocco that she needed ibuprofen for the muscle aches and fever. Dimenhydrinate for nausea. Some electrolyte powder. He should be able to get all that at the bodega down the street. He said, but what she really needed were her injections, and she said there was no way to get them. She knew that when they left Port Charles. She was just hoping her symptoms wouldn’t be an issue this soon. He asked if they were going to get worse, but she said she didn’t even know if they were related to Huntington’s. Even if they were, the over-the-counter drugs should get her back on her feet. He said he’d be back as soon as he could, she promised not to move until he got back, and he left.

Dante told Lulu, according to Brick, Rocco and Britt took a flight to San Juan. From Puerto Rico, they took a ferry to the British Virgin Islands, but he wasn’t aware of their final destination. He’s still working on getting an exact location, but there are four large islands, main islands, and over 50 smaller ones. It was going to take some time. She asked what they were waiting for.

Trina told Ava that her parents thought she was distancing herself to punish them, but it wasn’t that. She loved her mom and dad, but needed to create a space for herself or she’d never have a life built on her own choices. Ava said she understood. Her Kiki did the same thing. In the beginning, she thought Kiki was just trying to hurt her, then realized that Kiki was responding to choices that she’d made that deeply wounded her. Looking back, she could see Kiki was justified in setting those boundaries. Maybe it would help Trina’s parents if she didn’t just completely cut them off. Stick to her decision, but let them know why she was making it.

Portia said she let her temper get the best of her and wished she would have handled things differently, and Curtis told her, yet she wasn’t taking back what she said. She said she couldn’t honestly do that, but was hoping that it had been their rock bottom. They couldn’t always be this angry with each other. It was no way to live. Curtis agreed and said he hated that it had gotten to this point because they’d worked hard at not being the type of exes that couldn’t stand being in the same room together. She said it seemed they’d failed on that front, but she had some ideas on how they could try to do better.

Carly told Jack that Cullum showed up at her house last night with a WSB warrant. He said he was looking for Valentin, or traces of Valentin. Jack asked why he would think to look there, and she said, on two separate occasions, Valentin called Anna’s clinic in France to check on her. The first time, pretending to be family; the second, her psychiatrist Dr. Kevin Collins. Jack said Valentin was obsessed with Anna. Always has been, always will be. Carly disagreed, and he said she was great and all, but Anna was it for Valentin. His actions proved it.

Lulu said she’d book them seats on the next flight to the Virgin Islands, but Dante thought they should wait. Based on her conversation with Cullum, he thought it was safe to assume Cullum knew that Rocco was the one who shot him. She said that’s why they had to find Rocco quickly. As long as he was on the run with Britt, they couldn’t protect him. He said they had to play this smart though. They didn’t want to lead Cullum to their son. He thought they should stay put and wait for Brick to come back with the exact location. It seemed like the safest option. She said she guessed they couldn’t blindly canvas 54 islands. It would take time and Cullum could get to Rocco first. He said, so they were agreed? and she said, for now. She was just worried if they waited too long, Britt and Rocco could disappear again.

On the phone, Nathan set up a time with the batting cages, when the doorbell rang. He opened the door to Charlotte and Danny, and he asked if they were looking for Nina, but Charlotte said they came to see him. He asked what was wrong, and Charlotte asked if anyone else was there, but he said, no. Why? Danny said, Rocco called them and Britt needed his help.

Portia said it was also important that they didn’t badmouth each other in front of Trina, and Curtis said their issues had nothing to do with Trina, but he wouldn’t do that just on principle. She said, not directly, but when he ran down Isaiah to Trina, it affected her. Like when he said Isaiah left him and Jordan to die on the side of the road. Trina came straight to her, trying to broker peace between them. They needed to be careful what they said around her and neither one of them should try to sway her to their side. He said their problems were theirs and they couldn’t keep involving Trina. It wasn’t fair to her. Portia said she also thought they needed to stop trying to blend their families. For now. No more painting nurseries, no more parties. It was a noble idea, but far too hard. He said good, because he couldn’t stand the idea of being in the same room as Isaiah anyway, and she said she didn’t want to put either one of them in that position. And she was expecting the same courtesy when it came to Jordan. He said, okay. When they had to be together, significant others weren’t included. She thanked him and said she wished it didn’t have to be this way, and he said him too, but it was the way it had to be.

Dante said he knew they were taking a risk by waiting, but they just had to hope Brick got back to them as soon as possible with the exact location. Lulu said, assuming this all panned out, had he thought about what they were going to do when they actually found their son? They couldn’t just bring him home. They’d be delivering him right into Cullum’s hands. He said they’d go with the original plan and the three of them would go into hiding. If she was still up for that. She said, if it kept Rocco safe, she’d hide under a literal rock. She’d talk to her mom about looking after Charlotte while she was gone. Charlotte understood more than anyone about the need to run and hide. She had more experience than the two of them combined. He said that was on Valentin. They were coming back. She said he was right. Charlotte would be upset, but would want them to do whatever it took to protect Rocco. He said, as for Britt, they’d make sure she faced charges for taking off with their son, and she said, even if Rocco claimed he went willingly? but he said it didn’t matter. Britt left the country with a minor without getting his parents’ permission. She said she was hoping he’d feel the same way about that. It was going to take every ounce of her self-control not to throttle that woman.

Rocco came back and handed Britt the stuff from the store. He said it should be everything on her list, and she thanked him. He said he also made a second stop at a sketchy looking pharmacy and convinced the guy to sell him some muscle relaxers. He figured she could use them. She asked how he got them without a prescription, and he said he suggested the guy add on a no prescription surcharge. She said, bribery. Nice. She was impressed with his resourcefulness. He said he came from a resourceful family and he’d do anything to help. He wanted her to be okay. She said she was so sorry to do this to him. He shouldn’t have to take care of her. He said they were taking care of each other.

Nathan asked where Britt and Rocco were, and Charlotte said she had their address and the number to Rocco’s burner phone. She air dropped it to him, and he asked if Rocco said anything about Britt’s condition. Charlotte said, just that it was bad, and Danny said Britt needed some special medication and Rocco said Nathan might be able to get it for her. Nathan said he’d do his best. Did they tell anybody about this? Danny said, no. They came straight to him. Nathan said, except they didn’t come to see him. They came to see Nina. If anybody asked, Charlotte was delivering something to her boss for work. Her boss wasn’t there, so she left it with him. He knew it seemed like he was being overly cautious, but Britt running off with Rocco was technically kidnapping and he didn’t want them involved. They promised not to say anything, and Nathan said, and do not, under any circumstances, call Rocco. Leave this to him.

Jack said, the WSB traced Valentin’s calls to Anna, and Carly told him, that’s what Cullum said. She guessed Valentin’s phone pinged off one of the towers in the vicinity of her house. He asked what they found, and she said, absolutely nothing. Valentin had already left for Geneva. There was no trace left behind. Except Charlotte was at her house when they showed up and Cullum definitely took notice. Jack said, of course (🍷) he did. Cullum makes connections no one else will. She was in the same danger as Valentin now.

Portia said she had an ultrasound appointment on Wednesday and would text Curtis the details. He thanked her and was about to leave, but Trina was on the porch. She said she didn’t expect to find Curtis there. Curtis started to say something, but she said she didn’t need an explanation. What she needed was for both of them to listen to her. Things couldn’t keep going this way and she was making a change – starting now.

Ethan went to the gallery, and Ava said, if it isn’t the baby daddy. He said she agreed to keep quiet about that, but she said, relax. There was no one else there. But if he came by to renegotiate the terms of their agreement, he was wasting his time. He said he was actually there to give her a ride. They were going to pay a visit to her baby daddy. Sonny needed to see her right away.

Carly said Cullum had no proof she’d been working with Valentin, but Jack said, the WSB and Cullum didn’t need proof. Think of Jason. She said she guessed they could snatch her up anytime anywhere, but they hadn’t yet. She was baking cookies with Charlotte and the moss bowl 🎍in Sonny’s old kitchen, when Cullum blew in with his warrant. Did he really think that put her in danger? He said, yes. Leave Port Charles. Go on a vacation. Just until Cullum is neutralized. She said, what about Josslyn? And Charlotte? She was devastated when her father left. He said Carly wouldn’t be any good to them if she was dead.

Back at the boathouse, Charlotte wondered if they did the right thing, and Danny said they did what Rocco wanted. She said she knew, but her mom and Dante were worried about him. She felt bad not telling them where he was. Danny said Rocco asked them not to. They’d already let him down before. They couldn’t do it again. Her phone rang, and she said it was Rocco. Rocco asked if they’d talked to Nathan, and she said, yes. He said he’d take care of it. He thanked them and said he appreciated it, when Britt called to him. He said he had to go, put the phone in his pocket, and went back inside. He asked if Britt was okay, and she asked him to get her a blanket from the bedroom. She would go, but she was still feeling a little dizzy. He said, no problem, and she said she heard him talking to someone outside. Who was it? He said, the lady next door, the one with the Jack Russell Terrier, and Britt told him to try and avoid her if he could. They couldn’t afford for anyone to find them.

Nathan went to Lulu’s place and said he was glad both she and Dante were there. He had information about Britt and Rocco. He knew where they were. Dante said, where?

On Monday, Chase tells Brook, this is where she gets to say, I told you so; Trina says she would like a lot less attention from both of them; Ava says she has no intention of cooperating with Ethan unless he makes it worth her while; and Nathan tells Lulu and Dante that they have to make a decision now.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

They’ve dropped breadcrumbs before and I’ve wondered a few times if she really had Huntington’s.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-does-britt-really-have-huntingtons-disease

I’m surprised Drew hasn’t unlocked yet since it didn’t take Jack very long.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-katelyn-macmullen-on-willows-race-against-the-clock-to-silence-drew-excl

Q: How many Scouts does it take to screw in a lightbulb? A: None. Danny will do it for her.   

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-comings-goings-another-temporary-recast-steps-in

It’s about time Jason and Anna got back to Port Charles. Spring break over. Anna will be back on the canvas June 24^th.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-anna-devane-returns-finola-hughes-first-airdate-revealed

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-summer-preview-jason-returns-secrets-explode-and-new-romances-ignite-exclusive

I was watching Gates and just kept thinking I knew her from somewhere. I finally googled her and I was like, oh yeah. Kristina’s first unrequited love. I was pissed off about that one too.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/beyond-the-gates-ashley-jones-debuts-in-surprising-new-role

I watch this over the weekend and will sometimes skip episodes, but this whole thing was too good to miss.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-and-beyond-the-gates-stars-preview-the-big-crossover-event

I would have liked a little more of Victor though. He did this grandiose helicopter entrance, and then just disappeared from the party/tragedy without a word. I’d also like to know how the hell he got back to Genoa City during the aftermath of a tornado.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/young-and-the-restless-and-beyond-the-gates-crossover-kicks-off-june-8-with-tornado-chaos

And to round it out.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-eric-braeden-on-victors-suspicions-of-nikki-and-jack-beyond-the-gates-crossover

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Mediterranean

Nathan wanted to choose Luke over Eyebrows Joe as lead deckhand, but Captain Sandy asked him to wait until after the next charter. Aesha was happy with her interior team and said she felt like Seabiscuit, but she wasn’t thrilled with Gen acting like she was in charge. In Kat’s interview, she said Gen was giving mean girl energy. There was a beach excursion and a showgirl themed dinner where the guests wore costumes complete with headdresses. After Luke crashed the tender, in Nathan’s interview, he said Luke couldn’t drive the tender and Cooper was Cooper, so he was left with Joe. In the captain’s interview, she said the docking was going to be difficult, since the crosswind at the marina pushed the boat starboard. She wanted Aesha on deck for the docking after the previous week’s hit. Nathan felt that Joe was judgmental, and in Joe’s interview, he wondered if Nathan was fit for the bosun position. Oh yeah, here’s just the guy who should be judging anyone. The tip was $25K, or $1900 each. Gael paid a visit to the yacht, bringing along Baby Kayden. No surprise, everyone fussed over the baby and was happy to see Gael, except for Joe who seemed to think they just shouldn’t exist in his world. Joe’s mom called to tell him that she had breast cancer, which I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but I had hopes it would give Joe some perspective. Not to mention, Captain Sandy put Joe’s mom in contact with an oncologist friend who was pretty high level. The captain knows everyone, and one of the things I love about her is that she truly wants to help her crew, both professionally and personally. My hopes for Joe’s renaissance were dashed when it didn’t take long for him to talk smack about Gael to Nathan, who told him to keep Gael’s name out of his f***ing mouth.

Below Deck Mediterranean Season 11 Episode 2 Recap: Water Over the Bridge

The Valley

The gang took a trip to Mexico where they’d be celebrating Schwartz, Zack, and Danny’s birthdays. Schwartz shared a room with Zack and Benji, and in his interview, he said if he wanted to be a third wheel, he wanted it to be with them. His plan was to stage a Schwartzapalooza, which was Coachella adjacent. Brittany was ready to find boys, and Kristen said her job was to regulate her baby’s nervous system. Brittany couldn’t believe she’d left her kids at home only to be surrounded by several babies. It literally rained on Schwartz’s parade, and the party had to be taken indoors. Since she’d just had Baby Kaia, Kristen was having emotional difficulties, and fluctuated between taking it out on Luke and herself. Luke said he was losing his mind, since he clearly had no concept of postpartum, and whined that he couldn’t do it forever. In Brittany’s interview, she said it wouldn’t be a forever thing. It was just what Kristen’s body was going through right now. She tried to explain it to him, but he was all up in his man feelings.  

The Valley Season 3 Episode 12 Recap: Luke Questions His Relationship With Kristen

Summer House – The Aftermath

In the extra episode that no one asked for or needed, Amanda met with Lindsay, West met with Kyle, and Ciara met with Meija. Since none of it was actually in the Hamptons, I don’t know why they didn’t just incorporate it with In the City, but who knows what goes into the machinations of that man behind the Bravo curtain. Lindsay said she didn’t excuse going after the guy who broke Ciara’s heart – multiple times. Amanda and West were both saying the other one started the pursuit. Lindsay pointed out that Amanda got her self-worth from men, which I always find a shame, and said that Amanda blew up her own life when she was winning. West and Kyle talked a bunch of bullsh*t about friendship, and West babbled about there being so many layers. He said he got why his word was discredited and said he wanted to have an honest conversation. Right away, he lowkey threw Amanda under the bus, by claiming he’d asked repeatedly if she shouldn’t be single for a while. Meija and Ciara commiserated about West, and West admitted to Kyle that he hadn’t been faithful to Meija even though she’d thought they were exclusive. Kyle said it was everything he’d wanted to hear at the Reunion. If a scandal can be made boring, they did it.

Summer House Season 10 Episode 20 Recap: The Aftermath

I guess this guy confused being on the D- list with being an actual celebrity. Apparently, he’d also broached the suggestion that everyone be let go except for him and Amanda, and they hire a bunch of his friends to round out the cast. Oops.

West Wilson ‘Tried To Threaten’ Lindsay Hubbard’s Career, Summer House Star Claims

In the City

Another reason they shouldn’t have made an additional Summer House episode was that it was confusing, seeing that first, and then seeing Kyle and Amanda supposedly working on their relationship here. Kyle said he and Amanda were more like roommates who annoyed each other and this was a last ditch effort. But instead of fixing things, he dug a ditch for himself, staying out late on their last night together in their shared apartment before Amanda moved to her own place. Supposedly, the plan was for them to work on things, but Amanda also accused him of bringing a stranger home while she was sleeping. It was cryptic and I would have liked to get the whole story there. Kyle rented a trolley in another last ditch effort – to save Loverboy. I actually had a can of this once and it was pretty good. I’m guessing it’s not the product that’s the problem. The group showed up to be supportive, and in Amanda’s interview, she said she was doing her usual half-assed, but present method of support. There was a big discussion about the timeline od Danielle and her boyfriend Eoin and whether they’d started dating when he was still with his wife. At present, they were still legally married, but separated. Danielle said everyone was picking on her, and Amanda asked if the homewrecker allegations were true. Danielle said she was done. New guy Ken also tracked down his biological father, which was kind of interesting. I always forget this guy is even on the show.  

In The City Episode 5 Recap: All Aboard the Loverbus

Real Housewives Of Rhode Island

Once again, I admit defeat in chasing this show around, since Sunday night isn’t ideal. I didn’t personally watch it this week, but I got a few takeaways from the recap. Billy reproposed to Alicia, since apparently, it hadn’t gone well the first time. Rulla continued to ignore Brian being one big red flag and still refused to watch the video when Jo-Ellen tried to show it to her. But then in a major plot twist, Brian was arrested for domestic violence because he’d put a tracker on Rulla’s car. His mistress paid his bail and picked him up. If like me, you went, domestic violence, WTF? see below.

https://www.realitytea.com/2026/06/14/real-housewives-of-rhode-island-rhori-ep isode-12-recap-the-ferry-tale-is-over

I have never heard of this before and it doesn’t seem very practical, especially if it’s not related to domestic couples.

Why Rulla Nehme Pontarelli’s Husband Brian Was Arrested and Charged With Domestic Violence

Random Reality Items

Hopefully, less toxic doesn’t mean boring, but the jury is out until it airs. Interesting how Melissa and Teresa spontaneously made up. I know someone who knows Melissa and I’ll have to see if she has any intel.

RHONJ Season 15 Is Reportedly Less Toxic After Bravo’s Cast Shakeup

Their split made me sad, but then again, they’re kind of young for a forever relationship.

Ariana Biermann Teases Hudson McLeroy Split Details in Next Gen NYC Season 2: ‘I’m Very Much of an Over-Sharer’

And while we’re on the subject…

Kim Zolciak at Center of Shocking Psychic Spending Allegations

I have to admit, I didn’t really miss her last season.

Southern Charm Star Returns To Filming Year After Shock Exit

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Apex aka Apex Predator. Shudder. In a futuristic world, a company called the Apex Corporation sets up a hunting excursion for the very wealthy, except they’ll be hunting a human being. An ex-cop is offered his freedom for being their game. All he has to do is survive the hunt. The reviews weren’t great, but I didn’t hate it, especially since the main characters were played by Neal McDonough (a hunter) and Bruce Willis (the hunted), two of my favorites. The reviewer from Nerdly isn’t wrong when he says, It’s just a bunch of unlikable assholes scheming and killing each other, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. While the plot wasn’t exactly original, I found this film entertaining and kind of fun, especially when the hunters turned on each other. Hey, everything can’t be Squid Game.

APEX aka APEX PREDATOR Reviews of Bruce Willis sci-fi thriller

‘Apex Predator’ Review

They Will Kill You. HBO/Max. Much like Sucker Punch, this film opens with two sisters running from an abusive father. In protecting her sibling, the older sister tries to kill their father, but instead ends up in prison while her sister is returned to the abuser. After her prison stint, older sister Asia takes a job as a housekeeper for a community for the wealthy housed in a New York City building. However, things are not all they seem – not with the community, who are actually a demonic cult, or Asia, who can kick ass like a superhero. The action sequences are superb, the special effects are inspired, there’s a satisfying amount of gore, and it’s actually pretty funny.

‘They Will Kill You’ to Unleash Blood-Drenched Action Chaos on HBO Max Next Week

https://www.polygon.com/they-will-kill-you-hbo-streaming

https://movieweb.com/they-will-kill-you-hbo-max-stream-release-date

HAPPY JUNETEENTH!

🐦‍🔥 Fur, Fins, Very Tiny Ears, and… Beans…

🐕 I was hesitant about this film, but after reading this, I’m definitely here for it.

https://people.com/krypto-the-superdog-supergirl-sneak-peek-exclusive-12003175

🐶 Pets, the great equalizer, since they don’t care what you do, how much you have, or who you are. They will still make weewee on your floor.  

https://people.com/photographers-share-hundreds-of-celebrities-posing-with-pets-photos-12002002

🦈 Beginning July 26^th with K-Pop Shark Heroes. Sounds K-intriguing.

https://people.com/shark-week-returns-for-summer-2026-on-discovery-12001531

🦛 Life is just better with a pygmy hippo.

https://people.com/baby-pygmy-hippo-named-after-a-bread-roll-at-berlin-zoo-12000812

🫘 If it weren’t for hamburgers and sushi, I could totally be a vegetarian.

https://people.com/kevin-bacon-becomes-kevin-bean-for-humane-world-for-animals-beansday-11996409

🦪 Quotes of the Week

The road to success is always under construction. – Lily Tomlin

In life, as in chess, forethought wins. – Charles Buxton

Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another. – John C. Maxwell

Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. – Annette Funicello

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. – Ralph Waldo Emerson (Uh-oh.)

Take one clear step; momentum will carry you to the next. – Marcus Hale

Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you. – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Judge each day not by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant. – Robert Louis Stevenson

Excellence is not a skill. It’s an attitude. – Ralph Marston

Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. – Oscar Wilde

Every time I drink, my brain has another plan for me. – Catie Norboe, 90 Day Fiancé

🌱 The Best Of What Might Be…

Until next time, stay safe; stay monitoring your volume and respecting others’ personal space in public forums; and stay never making yourself small to keep a significant other.

Video > Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club (Official Music Video)