Tag Archives: Project Runway

Jul14

July 13, 2023 – Michael Brings Paris To Willow, About Jack, First One, Coming Soon, Andy Talk, Cracking Up, VanderSituation, Rad Runway, How To Shark & Burning

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase tells Sasha that she’s under arrest, and she asks if it’s a joke. He says, it’s not, and suggests they step outside, but she says she’s not going anywhere without an explanation. Michael says, that seems fair, and asks Chase, what’s going on? Chase says, Sasha left the store with this blouse and several other items she didn’t pay for.

Gladys admires herself in a faux fur coat in the dressing room mirror. Scout wanders in, and touches the coat. She says, this is pretty, and Gladys tells her, hey kid, it’s couture. Keep her hands to herself. Sam comes in and says, Gladys has a way with children, doesn’t she?

Cody says he can explain, but Selina says, he was marking cards. No explanation necessary. Cody says he swears he’ll pay her back, and she says, that’s a given. But by losing so dramatically, he damaged the reputation of her game. There’s a rhythm; you can’t win them all, nor can you lose them all. He guesses she’s never played with his cousin Barry, and she cracks him across the face. She says, he’s making jokes, and tells Li that she guesses it’s time Cody learned how humorless they are. Li grabs Cody.

At Kelly’s, Kristina looks at the Invader headline: Blood in the Water: Shots Fired at the MetroCourt. Alexis joins her, and asks if she’s talked to Molly. Kristina says she’s going to the hospital after this, and Alexis says, with everything they’re going through, now Curtis gets shot. TJ must be going out of his mind. Kristina says, it makes her want to help them even more. She’d really make the perfect surrogate for them. Alexis says she really appreciates how open and willing Kristina’s being… Kristina says, but she needs to wait to be asked first, and Alexis says, please. If Molly and TJ actually asked her to be their surrogate, would she say yes? Kristina says, yes, and Alexis asks if she’s sure. Is she really ready to have a baby? Kristina says, it’s not just a baby; it’s Molly’s baby. Molly’s her sister, and Kristina would do anything for her.

Marshall asks if Molly’s heard anything, and she says, if TJ could give them an update, he would. Stella wonders why it’s taking so long, and Portia says, this type of surgery could take hours. Stella says, all night? and Portia asks if Trina is cold. Trina says, a little, and Portia says she’ll get Trina a sweater from her office. Marshall says he can go, but Portia says she could use to stretch her legs. She leaves, and Marshall says, Portia might have the right idea. Molly asks if he wants to take a walk, and he tells her, lead the way. Stella sits with Trina, and says, she’s so strong, but Trina says she’s not feeling very strong right now, and Stella holds her.

Nina and Sonny arrive at the hospital, and Nina says she assumed Curtis would be out of surgery by now, but she guesses he’s not. Sonny tells her not to jump to conclusions. He’s going to ask the nurse for an update. He sees Molly, hugs her, and asks how she’s holding up. Marshall says he has to admit, he’s surprised to see Sonny here.

Portia picks up the sweater, then sits down in her empty office. She flashes back to Curtis asking her not to give up on them when they’re so close to finding their way back to each other, and her saying she wishes it was that simple, then leaving. She says, please Curtis, give us a chance to make it right.

We see Curtis in surgery, while TJ watches from the sidelines.

Sasha says she’s allowed to take those clothes, and Chase says, without paying for them? She says, yes. Deception has an agreement with Logan’s. It’s basically free advertising for the store. He says, the manager didn’t know about it, so why doesn’t she just come down to the station, and if what she’s saying is true – she says, it is – then it will just take a few minutes to sort out. Besides, they should probably let Willow get some rest. Sasha says, fine, for Willow’s sake. Let’s get this over with. She leaves, and Chase follows her out. Willow says, call Gladys, but Michael says he’s already on it.

Gladys tells Scout that she’s sorry if she was snippy. It’s just that it’s a very expensive coat. Scout says she knows, and Sam asks, how? Scout says she saw the price tag, when a call comes in on Glady’s phone from Sonny’s Kid. Gladys says, mother/daughter shopping trip? and Sam says, they’re picking out a dress for Scout for swim camp. Gladys says, don’t tell her that they swim in dresses now, but Sam says, it’s for a dance the kids put on. What about her? Special occasion? Gladys says, no. She just thought she’d treat herself. Sam says she’s glad they ran into each other. She’s been meaning to ask Gladys something. She tells Scout to try the clothes on in the dressing room, and Scout leaves. Gladys wonders what Sam wanted to ask her, and Sam says, how is her new BFF Selina Wu?

Li smushes Cody’s head against the bar, and Selina says, it’s not only that he cheated. To a certain extent, she expects that. He’s done it before, so they’ve been keeping an eye on him. He mumbles that he’s impressed, and she says, white ink? Child’s play. What she didn’t expect and what she won’t tolerate is that he lied to her, and even worse, that he thought she wouldn’t notice. He says, confession time? and she says, better late than never. He says he made sure the house lost so she’d think he was no longer valuable to her operation, and she asks, why? He says, honestly? He just wants to move on from the game. It’s nothing personal. He’s no good at doing anything for too long. He gets restless. She says she has news for him. Her employees do not come and go as they please. Once you’re in, you’re in. Is she making herself clear? He gives her an okay sign.

Sonny asks how Marshall is, shaking his hand, and Marshall says he’s been better. Nina asks if they’ve heard from TJ, and Molly says, not yet, but TJ has always said Curtis’s surgeon is the best in the country. Marshall says, thank God for that, and Sonny says, if his family needs anything, they’re here. Marshall says, first and foremost, for Curtis to pull through. Then some answers would be nice. Who would do this to his son?

Trina tells Stella that she just hates that she was holding Curtis at arm’s length. She was angry and confused… Stella says, and rightly so. She still has time. Trina says, Stella doesn’t know that, but Stella says she does. She knows Curtis, and she knows her nephew will fight to get back to Trina. Just like he’s fighting to get back to Portia. Portia stands behind her holding the sweater.

In the OR, the surgeon says, that’s the last of the bullet fragments, putting them into a bowl. Vertebrae looks good, but he doesn’t like that heartrate. Close him up before it climbs up any higher. Curtis suddenly flatlines, and the doctor says, they have to turn him on his back.

Curtis wakes up on a blanket in the grass, and a woman’s voice says, Curtis Ashford, did you eat all the potato salad? Again? Next time, she’s going to put a padlock on the container. He sees a woman sitting next to him, who looks like an older Jennifer Hudson, and says, mom?

Marshall tells Sonny that he’s sorry. Whoever shot his son last night isn’t Sonny’s responsibility. He shouldn’t have laid that at Sonny’s feet. Sonny says, don’t worry about it. He doesn’t know who the shooter is yet, but he’s not going to rest until he finds out.

Stella helps put the sweater around Trina’s shoulders, and Portia asks if Trina wants to talk about it at all, but she says she’s fine. Portia says, really? Because she’s not. Stella says, me neither. This waiting is fraying on her nerves. Trina says she was just so worried that she wasted all that time; that she didn’t resolve things before. Portia says she knows, and holds Trina, as Nina and Molly join them.

Alexis says she really appreciates Kristina’s willingness to help her sister out, and Kristina says, but… Alexis says, not only does surrogacy a huge deal, so is getting pregnant. Kristina’s never been pregnant before. does she have any idea what it’s like having a baby? Kristina says she’ll figure it out. She’s young and healthy and single, and don’t Molly and TJ deserve to be parents? Alexis says, of course (🍷) they do, and Kristina says, so if they decide to move forward with surrogacy, then isn’t it best if they go with someone who’s already prepared and ready to go? Alexis says she doesn’t know that anyone is truly prepared to be a surrogate. It’s not just a physical thing, it’s an emotional… Maxie comes up to their table and says she’s sorry to interrupt. She heard Alexis was trying to reach her. Alexis says she was. The Invader would like to do a feature on The Deceptor. Maxie says, great. What’s the angle? Alexis says, it’s in the leisure section. It’s an interest in the design process. Maxie says, then she’ll probably want to talk to a product manager or someone in marketing, and Alexis says she’ll have her assistant call Maxie’s office. Maxie thanks her, and starts to leave, but Kristina says she has a couple of questions. Maxie says, about The Deceptor? but Kristina says, no, about surrogacy. Wow. That whole conversation for no reason other than to get to Kristina’s question.

Gladys says, Selina Wu’s not her BFF, and tells Sam to get her facts straight. Sam says, that’s pretty interesting, because according to Spinelli, she and Selina were seen at the MetroCourt all cozied up… Wait, no. It was actually Gladys, Selina, and Cody Bell. That’s an interesting trio, doesn’t she think? Since Gladys did accuse him of larceny. (Who uses that word?) Gladys says, a misunderstanding, and Sam says, they put him in handcuffs. Gladys says, then isn’t he lucky to have a friend like her to bail him out? Sam says, Gladys hasn’t answered her question. How does she know Selina? Gladys says she’s bumped into Selina at The Savoy a time or two. Should she get the red one or the black one? She compares coats, and Sam says, and what about Cody? What is his relationship with Selina? Gladys says, Sam will have to ask Cody, and Sam laughs. She says, either Gladys can tell her what’s going on with the three of them, or she’s going to figure it out for herself. There’s obviously something. One word from Selina, and Gladys changes her story about Cody stealing her bracelet? What does that woman have on her?

Nina asks if there are any updates on Curtis, but Stella says, nothing yet. Portia says, Curtis would be so glad to know Nina is here, and Trina hopes he feels their support. Molly says, and all the strength and love they’re sending his way. Nina says, he’s very, very lucky to have such a close family, and Stella says, it’s at these moments they realize how truly important family is.

They do chest compression and use the defibrillator on Curtis.

Curtis says he doesn’t understand, and Irene asks if he’s still hungry. She made biscuits, and there’s blueberry pie for dessert. There’s a whole picnic set-up on the blanket now, and he says he remembers this blanket. Does it still have the… She says, the hole that he burned in it when he was playing with matches? Sure does. He says, it was Tommy’s idea, and she says, blaming his brother, just like always. He heaves a tearful sigh, and she asks if he’s all right. Does he feel sick? She feels his forehead, and he says, just fine. A tear rolls down his cheek, and she asks if he’s sure. He takes her hand and says, mom, is this really happening? Are you really with me right now? She says, where else would she be? and he kisses her hand. It reminds me a little of that scene in Our Town when Emily gets to relive her 12th birthday.

Irene says, it’s a beautiful day, and Curtis says, it’s just magical. She says, when they’re done here, would he mind taking a look at her car? He asks, what’s wrong with her car? and she says, the check engine light’s on again. He says he doesn’t understand why she won’t take her car to the garage, and she says, what does she need with a garage when she’s got two strapping sons? Tommy’s working on it now, but she thinks he needs a little help. He says, Tommy’s here? and she says, in the parking lot. Go help his brother. He gets up, and the doctor says, we’re losing him. TJ says, stay with us, Uncle Curtis, and Curtis asks if Irene heard that. She says, hear what?

Stella tells Nina, whatever Tommy did, Curtis had to do it too. It continued when they were older. When Tommy learned to ride a bike, Curtis was determined to learn too. Tommy made Varsity; there was Curtis on JV. Portia says she didn’t realize Curtis was that competitive, and Stella says, that was part of it, but he was also very protective. He didn’t want to be far away in case his brother needed him. She thinks he was like that with all of them. All they had to do was call, and Curtis would come running. Trina says, he’s still like that today, and Portia says, he certainly is.

Sasha bounces around the interrogation room, and outside on the phone, Chase leaves a message for someone to call him back as soon as possible. It’s about Sasha.

Gladys asks if Sam is implying she’s done something wrong, and Sam says, she must have. There was no way she was going to let Cody off the hook; she was out for blood. So the only reason she can think of that Gladys backed off was to save her own skin. Scout asks what Sam thinks of the dresses, while Gladys sees she has two missed calls; one from Sonny’s Kid and one from Unknown. Sam tells Scout to try them on, and they’ll decide together. After listening to a voicemail, Gladys tells Sam, as much as she’s enjoyed being accosted, she has to run. Family emergency. Sam says she hopes everyone’s okay, and Gladys says, so does she. She stops at the door, and tells Sam to have her kid pick the white one. Pink’s not her color.

Maxie says, it’s not every day she gets asked about her surrogacy, and Kristina says, it was such a selfless thing Maxie did. She’d love to hear more about it. Alexis says, please don’t feel like she has to divulge anything personal, but Maxie says, there’s nothing not personal when it comes to surrogacy. Let her wrap her head around this first. Kristina says, of course (🍷), and Maxie says she’ll call Alexis and leaves. Kristina says, what?

Maxie’s phone rings, and she asks Chase, what’s up?… Sasha did what?… Okay, she’s on her way.

Kristina says, Alexis told her that she could never know what surrogacy was like, so isn’t asking someone who’s actually done it the next best thing? Alexis says, it was just a little insensitive, but Kristina tells her, Maxie said she’s fine with it. Alexis says, okay, and Kristina says she has to go to the hospital. She’ll see Alexis later. She leaves, and Alexis texts Sonny: Got a second? It’s about Kristina.

On the phone, Sonny thanks Brick, and says, keep him posted. Nina asks if Brick found out anything new about the shooting, when Sonny’s phone dings. He says, ugh, and Nina asks, what’s wrong? He says, Alexis wants him to come by. It’s about Kristina. She says, go, and he says he feels kind of weird… but she says she’ll stay here and call him if there’s any updates. She kisses him goodbye, and he leaves.

Sasha asks how long Chase is going to keep her here, and he says, Maxie’s on her way. He tried to track down Gladys, but he’s having trouble reaching her. He holds out his phone and says, she’s allowed one phone call. She should really contact a lawyer. She says, lawyers are for guilty people, and he tells her, be reasonable. She says, why, when something completely unreasonable is happening to her? She needs someone in her corner. Someone who understands what a colossal mess this is.

As Selina plays solitaire and Li roughs up Cody. Cody’s phone rings, and Cody says, mind if he gets that? Selina says she doesn’t, but Li would find it quite rude. Well, she must be going. Enjoy their afternoon. She thinks he’ll find Li is both creative and resourceful. Li takes a bar tool and starts to stab Cody’s hand with it, and Cody yells, wait! Selina says, he came into her game with his own agenda. There must be consequences. Cody says he has a proposition, and she asks what he could possibly have to offer. Li spins Cody around to face her, and he says, plenty, but she says, no one crosses her. Goodbye, Mr. Bell. Li drags Cody off.

Irene says, it’s probably Tommy swearing at the car. Curtis knows how his voice travels. TJ says, Uncle Curtis, you have to come back, and Curtis wonders if somebody just said his name. Irene says, it’s Tommy. He’s calling for Curtis. He needs Curtis’s help. Curtis says, it didn’t sound like Tommy. It’s like he recognizes the voice; he just can’t make it out. She puts her hand on his shoulder and says, come. Just be here. They’ll go see Tommy together. She takes his hand, and TJ says, come on, Uncle Curtis. Fight. Do it for Trina.

Nina says, Portia can tell her to buzz off if she wants to be alone, but is she doing okay? Portia says she just needed a minute. Everyone’s so scared, and they’re desperate for answers. Nina says, and she’s not? but Portia says she’s terrified. But the fortunate, or unfortunate, thing about it is, she knows the answers to some of those questions, and the surgery’s taking way too long. The longer they have him open, the longer the recovery… if there is a recovery. Nina says, there will be a recovery, and Portia says, it’s a bullet to the spine. The damage could not only be significant, it could be life-altering. Nina tells Portia that she wishes there was something she could do or say, and Portia thanks her but says, the only thing they can do is… wait.

Sasha says, that manager is trying to embarrass her, and Chase says, there’s something she needs to see. Gladys walks in, and runs to Sasha, hugging her. Sasha says, they’re accusing her of shoplifting, and Gladys asks, who is? Sasha says, Logan’s. It’s just like Home & Heart. They’re out to get her. Chase asks if he can show them something, and tells them, take a seat. He takes out a tablet, and says, this is the security footage from Logan’s. Sasha says, finally, something to prove she’s innocent, and they see a video of Sasha putting the garments to her face and smiling, then shoving them in her bag. Sasha says she doesn’t remember doing that. Why would she? It’s not like she can’t afford the clothes. Something is wrong here. Gladys says, she may not remember it, but she did it. That is Sasha, isn’t it?

Willow says, any word? but Michael says, Gladys didn’t answer. But Sasha’s with Chase. He’s sure Chase is taking good care of her. Willow says she thought Sasha was acting strangely, and he says, Sasha’s been through a lot. She says, understatement, and he says, she’s been doing good lately, but there’s bound to be setbacks. Willow says she knows, but… shoplifting? and he says, maybe she didn’t realize she had clothes in her hands and walked out the door. He takes Willow’s hands and says, it’s going to be okay. She tells him, if you say so, and he tells her that he says so. She asks why he’s looking at her like that, and he says he still can’t believe she’s home. She says, there’s no place she’d rather be, and he says, uh-oh. He and Wiley have been planning a little trip. She says, rude, considering she can’t go anywhere yet, but he says, au contraire, mon cheri. If mademoiselle wouldn’t mind looking out the window… She looks out and sees Wiley wearing a moustache and dressed in a French outfit, including a beret. He holds up a sign that says, bonjour madame, and she asks Michael what they’re up to. He says, bienvenue à Paris.

Sam says, both dresses look absolutely beautiful on Scout, but hurry up and choose. She has to take her to swim class. Scout says she doesn’t really want to go, and Sam says she thought Scout loved going to swim class. Is this because daddy is the one who normally takes her? Scout says, and he picks her up, and Sam asks, what else does daddy do? Scout says, he asks how many laps she swam and how long she held her breath under water, and Sam says, that’s not fair. She wants to know those things too. She leads Scout to a chair, and they sit down. She says she knows Scout’s sad because daddy is gone, and it’s hard for both of them, but guess what? Daddy’s going to want to know how many laps she swam. So they’re going to write everything down. This way, when she goes to see daddy, she can tell him all about it. Sound good? Scout nods, and goes back to the dresses. She asks, which one? and Sam says she thinks Scout deserves both of them.

As Li hustles him toward the door, Cody says he can make Selina rich. She says, is that so? and he says he’s coming into some money. Actually, it’s a lot of money. She asked why he wanted out of the game. Really it’s to tie up some loose ends before he retires to the Cayman Islands. She says, so he lied, and he says he stayed quiet because he didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but now that he’s thinking about it, he feels he owes her a debt of gratitude. She asks where this money is coming from, and he says, the WSB. Li twists his arm, and Cody says he’s not an informant. The WSB took something from him, and they’re willing to pay through the nose to make it right. She says, took what? and he says, a family heirloom. The WSB is willing to cough up ten mill to make up for his pain and suffering. Would she like a cut?

Michael says, obviously, they’ll plan a real trip when she’s ready, but for now, he and Wiley decided to bring Paris to Willow. She thanks him, and he says, don’t thank him; her son was the mastermind. Look at him. Wiley holds a toy accordion, and lowering her voice, she says, please tell her that thing doesn’t actually make noise. Michael says, well… and Wiley pulls and pushes the accordion, making a dreadful sound. Michael tells her to picture it. Her and him, walking hand in hand on the Champs-Élysées. She laughs and says she can’t wait. She loves him too much. He says, too much? There’s no such thing.

Cody says, some of it can be hers, and Selina says, define some. He says, 50/50 split, and she says, 60/40. He says he has to pay some… Li twists his arm again… his attorney. She says, he’ll have plenty left over, and tells Li to let him go. Li releases him, and she says, they must also discuss how Cody will pay his debt from last night’s fiasco. Cody says he expected as much, and she says something to Li which I interpret as, come on, and they walk to the other side of the room. Cody picks up his phone, and listens to the voicemail from Sasha. He asks if he’s free to go, and Selina says, something wrong? He says, possibly, but it has nothing to do with her or her operation. She says, of course (🍷) he’s free to go. Because wherever that is, Li will always find him.

Gladys says she’s sure Maxie will take care of everything, when Maxie walks in. Sasha says she swears she didn’t do anything, and Maxie says she spoke to the store manager at Logan’s. She explained everything, and they’ve agreed to drop the charges. Sasha says, thank God, and Maxie says, they should be calling the station now. Chase leaves, and Sasha says she can’t thank Maxie enough. She honestly doesn’t know what happened. Maxie says, it’s okay, everything’s fine, and Sasha asks how she convinced them. Maxie says, as Sasha knows, they’re doing a cross-promotional event with The Deceptor… and Sasha says she’s sorry. Maxie says, it’s all right. It ended up working out well for the brand. Sasha says she’ll help out wherever she can, and Maxie says, actually, Logan’s would prefer if she and Lucy handled it. She hopes Sasha understands. Sasha says, of course (🍷). It makes sense. Gladys says, Sasha has been working so hard. She thinks Sasha’s earned a break, doesn’t she?

Sonny meets Alexis at Kelly’s and asks, what’s up with Kristina? Alexis says she was just wondering what his involvement is with Kristina’s foundation, and he says he’s been hands-off because he figured that’s what Kristina needs. Unless Alexis thinks otherwise. Alexis says, not that she would admit to this, but she thinks Kristina is a little overwhelmed, and he says he’s here for whatever Kristina needs. She says she was hoping he’d say that.

Kristina runs into the waiting area, and hugs Molly. She asks, how’s Curtis? and Molly says, they’re still waiting for news. She’s so glad Kristina is here.

Nina and Portia walk down the hall, and Portia says, things were already so complicated between them. And now… What if she doesn’t get the chance to tell him that she loves him. She cries, and Nina holds her.

Curtis says, Trina, and starts to walk toward the voice. Irene asks, who’s Trina? and he says, she’s his daughter. She says, he has a daughter? How wonderful. TJ says, Trina needs you, Uncle Curtis. So does Portia. Irene says, once he and Tommy fix the car, they’ll go home. She’ll make dinner. TJ says, you’re stronger than anyone I know. Fight. Irene says, then they can go for a walk through the neighborhood. They’ve missed him so much. He says he’s missed her too; more than she’ll ever know. She says, now they don’t have to. The family’s back together again. Come. They’ll go see Tommy together. She pulls on his hand, but he doesn’t move. He says he wants to, but why does he have the feeling if he leaves this park, he’ll never see Trina or Portia again?

Michael says, hungry? and Willow says, famished. Michael signals to Wiley and says, garçon. Wiley drapes a towel over his arm like a fancy waiter. Michael, now also wearing a beret, comes out with a tray, and says, we have ze… He’s not even going to attempt a French accent. They have quiche Lorraine and a lovely green salad, a crispy baguette, and the Frenchiest butter they could find. She says, c’est parfait, and he asks if that’s good. She says, very, and they kiss. Wiley is still too young to be horrified at seeing his parents kiss yet.

Alexis tells Sonny that Kristina has the passion and energy to make this shelter happen. She just thinks Kristina needs a little guidance. And for better or worse, she listens to him. He thanks her, and she says she’s thinking Kristina might actually receive some constructive feedback from him. He asks how come he feels there’s a lot more going on here, and she says, he probably feels that way because there is.

Gladys says, everyone makes mistakes. And one day in the not too far future, no one will remember this even happened. Maxie says, Gladys is right. Clean slate. Chase comes back and says, Maxie worked her magic. Logan’s is happy to drop the charges. Sasha thanks Maxie, who says, anytime. Hopefully, this is the only time. Gladys asks if Sasha is ready to go home, and Sasha says, yes. She’s exhausted. They file out, Maxie at the end, and Chase says, hey, keep an eye on her. Maxie says she was going to do that anyway.

Outside, Cody leaves a voicemail, saying, he’s sorry he missed Sasha’s call. Is she okay? Call him back when she gets this. Selina says, he forgot something, and holds up the bottle of ink. She hands it to him, and asks, is everything all right? He says, a friend needs his help, and she says, and we always take care of our friends, don’t we? brushing his face with her hand.

Someone is taking pictures. That someone is Sam. A hand comes down on her shoulder.

Irene says, Curtis isn’t going to stay with them, is he? He says he can’t. There’s too many people waiting for him. But he doesn’t want to say goodbye. She says, then don’t. Say until we meet again. He cries and says, until we meet again, and she says she’s so proud of him. Maybe if she’d been as strong as he is, maybe she would have met Trina. It’s time for him to go back. He hugs her and says, I love you mama, and she says she loves him too. It’s time. She lets go of his hands, steps back, and disappears.

TJ and the doctor come out, and everyone gets up. Portia asks, did Curtis make it through surgery?

Tomorrow, Dante says, it might not be as much of a dead end as Anna thinks; Sasha says she screwed up; and Sonny asks Alexis, what kind of trouble Kristina is headed for.

⚖️ You Don’t Know Jack…

Just in case you don’t know Erica Kane’s 10th husband.

Who Is Jackson Montgomery on GENERAL HOSPITAL?

I didn’t know he wouldn’t be sticking around. I feel ripped off.

Walt Willey’s Special Message to GENERAL HOSPITAL Fans

🏥 Dipping In the Vault…

I can’t believe I don’t remember this. Although the house might have still been under reconstruction after Hurricane Sandy. I was pretty busy.

Ronnie Marmo Looks Back at His First Episode of GENERAL HOSPITAL

🗽 Newest New York…

Premiering July 16th, here’s the basics. I want to like it, and the beginning of the trailer looks promising. But then it seems to go middle school, so my jury is out.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/rhony-season-14-premiere-date-teaser-video

You have to remember, we are in our 50s, so the world that we navigated was a very different world, said Dorinda. Women today have financial power, they have children, they have devices! Alrighty then.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/what-original-new-york-housewives-say-about-new-rhony-reboot

📺 More RHONY Than Rules…

Andy gets misty-eyed over his Bravo children.

https://extratv.com/2023/07/12/andy-cohen-on-new-rhony-pump-rules-season-11/

🍊 Calling Out Fancy As Fake…

While I think Fancy Pants Heather just makes things worse, Gina makes her own spectacle about her issues and problems.

https://pagesix.com/2023/07/12/rhoc-recap-gina-kirschenheiter-blasts-calculated-heather-dubrow-as-friendship-begins-to-crack/

🍸 What a Tease…

Well, I doubt they can top last season, which pains me to say, since it’s someone’s real life problem that boosted the ratings.

https://extratv.com/2023/07/12/lisa-vanderpump-teases-another-situation-as-pump-rules-films-season-11-exclusive/

👗 Today’s 1990s…

This week’s Project Runway was all about the 90s, with Jennie Garth as guest judge. It was fly.

‘Project Runway’ 20 episode 6 recap: ‘Like Totally ’90s’ was a blast from the past – as if! [LIVE BLOG]

🦈 How To Doo-Doo Doo-Doo-Doo-Doo…

In case you needed instruction.

https://people.com/how-to-watch-shark-week-2023-with-jason-momoa-7559270

🥐 Storming the Bastille…

Come on by tomorrow for soap, a spot of tea, a dose of wisdom (or not), and a song befitting the day. Until then, stay safe, stay speaking up if others are disrespectful or inappropriate, and stay not saying goodbye, but saying, until we meet again.

Jul7

July 6, 2023 – Tracy Asks Martin For a Favor, Can’t Be There, News On Jersey, Over, Vander11, Runway Red, Dead Coming Up, Cuteness & Town

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Finn sits in the locker room eating a sandwich, and reading Parasites and Worms in Humans. Elizabeth comes in and says, hi.

At a nail salon, Sam asks if Kristina was as surprised as she was to get a text from Molly, and Alexis says, she’s not prone to spontaneity. Kristina says, could be she’s out of her funk, and Sam says, or it could be her latest coping mechanism. You can only distract yourself with work for so long. Alexis says, whatever it is, she’s entitled to some fun. Whatever her mood, they’re going to support her. Molly walks in with a bottle of champagne and says, yay! We’re all here. Look out. The Davis girls are on the loose.

Marshall tells Curtis that he should be heading home, and asks if he’s going to see Curtis at home tonight. Curtis says, maybe. Things could get crazy busy here, so he’ll probably just crash in the back. Marshall says, Curtis and Portia are never going to fix things if he refuses to be in the same room, when TJ comes in. Curtis asks if TJ is okay, and Marshalls says, he looks like he just lost his best friend. TJ asks, what if he has?

Lucy asks if Maxie gave anyone the password, and Maxie says, of course (🍷) not. Lucy says, what about that assistant that just quit? but Maxie insists she didn’t give it to anyone. Brook starts to slip out of the room, as Lucy says, what about this? Maybe Maxie wrote it down accidently and left it lying around. Maxie asks what kind of loser Lucy thinks she is, and Lucy says she doesn’t think Maxie wants her to answer that right now. She’s just saying that Maxie has been a teeny bit distracted lately. Maxie says she’s sure. Because she’s been handling the extra workload with zero help from Lucy. Brook stands at the door, watching.

Martin asks what proposition Tracy is talking about and Tracy says, as entertaining as he finds Lucy Coe, a man of his standing needs more to occupy him. She’s prepared to offer him a challenge if he’s up for it.

Lucy says she’s been busting her behind to get The Deceptor off the ground, and Maxie says, sure she has, until Martin calls, and then off Lucy goes, leaving her holding the bag. Lucy says, excuse her for having a personal life. She thinks it would do Maxie good to have one. Maxie says, that would be great. Then no one would work here. Lucy says she gives everything to Deception, and Maxie says she used to think so, but lately, not so much. Lucy says, Maxie’s gone low, and they start to bicker, when Brook says, that’s enough. It was her.

Curtis asks, what’s going on? and TJ says he can’t stay long. Molly is out with her mom and sisters, and they’re going to end up here. Curtis says, that means he has to go? and TJ says he just doesn’t want to be in the way. Marshall asks, since when has he been in Molly’s way? and Curtis asks if something happened. TJ nods, and Curtis says he knows TJ and Molly will figure it out, but TJ says, this time, he’s not so sure. Marshall says, lay it on them, and TJ asks if they remember how he told them that he and Molly were trying to have a baby. Marshall says, that’s not something you easily forget, and Curtis apologizes for not having checked in since he got back from Greenland. TJ tells him, that’s okay. He hasn’t had the chance to talk to anyone since they found out Molly can’t get pregnant.

Alexis asks what they’re celebrating, and Molly asks what she means. Alexis says, Molly is so festive… and the champagne and the nails and the dancing. Any news? Molly says, if she’s asking about the doctor’s appointment, don’t.

Maxie says, Brook snuck onto her computer after she left? What the hell? Brook says she’s sorry. She didn’t realize it was such a big deal. Lucy says, in what universe is this not a big deal? and Brook says she was trying to prove herself. Ever since she came back to work, everything’s been so busy and The Deceptor is blowing up. She just wanted to prove she’s an asset to the company. She wanted to familiarize herself with the products so she could create a social media campaign to solidify The Deceptor as the must have item of the summer. Lucy asks, why all the secrecy? and Brook says, it wasn’t a secret per se. Maxie was swamped when she was called away from her desk, and Brook was trying to be proactive. So she used Maxie’s computer to download the files. Lucy says, files on a shared drive that Brook had absolutely no access to, but Brook says she didn’t put two and two together, that the information was under lock and key. Lucy asks if she knows the words trade secret. Does she know what would happen if their competitors got ahold of this information? They could kiss their cash cow bye-bye.

Martin says, with all due respect, whatever Tracy’s opinion may be, he’s in love with Lucy Coe. So in regard to her rather forward offer, he’s going to say, thanks, but no thanks. She laughs and says she’s offering him a business challenge, not a romantic one. She gestures to a chair and he sits. She tells him, ELQ is a dumpster fire with no one to put it out. With Valentin galivanting off somewhere, and her son MIA… He asks why she cares. He was of the understanding that she’d completely divested herself of any interest in that company. She says she has no interest in taking a leadership position, but it’s her family’s company, and the situation is precarious at best. He says, disastrous at worst, and she says, so with the CEO and second in command out of commission, it occurs to her that the next obvious choice to run ELQ is Martin.

Finn looks at Elizabeth’s soiled uniform, and says, rough day? She says she could use a new top, and he says he’ll relocate, but she says, no, he’s good. Why is she not surprised to find him eating in here? He says, nothing worse than breakroom small talk, and she says she thinks that book would scare people away. Worms and food, quite the mix. He says, this book’s on a lot of hot seller reading lists, and she says she’ll take his word for it. He asks, how’s it going, head nurse? and she says, it’s going… Epiphany made it seem so easy. He says, so will she, and she says, ya think? He says he knows, and she says, about last night… He thanks her for staying and helping with Violet, and she says she loves that little girl; she’d do anything for Violet. Finn says, including going along with her pretend date? He’s so sorry about that. She says, his daughter knows an awful lot about romance, and he says, that’s not unsettling at all. She says, Violet was very sweet with her. It’s been a minute since someone gave her flowers. He flashes back to their hands touching when he handed her the flowers to take home, and he says he had a talk with Violet. She understands she can’t be playing matchmaker like that, so Elizabeth can rest easy. They’ll be no more romantic evenings for them in the future.

Molly says she doesn’t want to talk about all that right now. She wants to talk about Drew. She heard he reported to prison. Sam says, speaking of fun… and Molly says she’s sorry. That was a terrible segue, but she’s thinking about Scout; how’s she doing? Sam says, not good. She’s taking it really bad. Molly suggests taking her to the movies this weekend; some Aunt Molly time? Sam says, that’s sweet of her, but she has so much going on. Maybe another time. Kristina tells Molly that she has a lot on her plate, and Alexis says, more than most. Molly says, that’s when she usually neglects her personal life. She’s not doing this anymore. She wants to focus on the things that matter again.

Marshall tells TJ that he’s so sorry, and Curtis says, him too. TJ says, Molly feels like her body has betrayed her, and he gets that, or he’s really trying to. But now, when they need to lean on each other the most… Curtis says, she keeps shutting him out, and TJ says, it scares the hell out of him. He and Molly cannot go on like this.

Lucy tells Brook, the last thing they need is any of their numerous rivals… If they were to duplicate Deception’s design and poach their sales… Does Brook get how serious this is? This is a horrible offense. Maxie says she thinks they just need to calm down, but Lucy says, calm down? Maxie says, Brook was just trying to do her job. She started just before they launched The Deceptor, and what a whirlwind, right? It was so successful, she’s sure none of them took the time to tell Brook how proprietary it was. She certainly didn’t. Lucy says, okay, fine. Neither did she, but this is still a great big problem. Does Brook understand? Brook says she’s really sorry. If she knew what they were dealing with, she obviously would have asked for permission. Lucy says she can’t stress enough the value of this product. That is why their lawyer said, do not share this; just keep it between the executives. Only them. They have access. Maxie says, and the information needs to stay in the office, and Brook says, copy that. It will not happen again. Lucy says, yay. Hand it over. Brook says, what? and Lucy says, the files. Where are they? Brook says, they’re on a flashdrive. She took them home. Lucy yells, go get them now! and Brook says, right now, and jets. Lucy tells Maxie that she’s going to get gummies. She needs her gummies. She wants gummies. I totally understand this.

Martin says he thinks Tracy’s forgetting he’s only an attorney, and she says, in Valentin’s absence, Martin has his power of attorney; that makes him Valentin’s mouthpiece. Martin supposes that’s true, and Tracy says, therefore, Martin is the perfect person to fill in for him to ensure the company’s stability until he returns, or God willing, her son snaps out of his delusion. Think of it as protecting his client’s interests. He says, when she puts it like that… She asks if she made him an offer he can’t refuse, and he says he accepts. They shake hands, and she says, welcome to the Board. And now for the first order of business. She has something she wants him to do for her.

Elizabeth asks how she can trust a guy who doesn’t even put child locks on his phone, and Finn tells her, Violet said she got the message, but she knows his daughter. She says, strong willed? and he says, to put it mildly. He can’t promise she won’t try to do the same thing again. Elizabeth says, it won’t be the worst thing. They’ve been totally negligent about getting them all together. Aiden and Jake have been kind of at a loss since Cameron moved out. It might do them some good to get together with their cousin. He says, Violet would love that, and she suggests they plan a family night… for the kids. He says, for the kids, and maybe if Violet’s distracted enough, she’ll let up on her campaign to get them back together. Elizabeth says, because that’s what they want, right?

Finn says he doesn’t know about Elizabeth, but what he wants is a little more complicated, and she says, they should probably talk about the other night. Terry walks in, and says, if it isn’t her favorite head nurse and infectious disease specialist. Finn says he has a patient to see, and Terry tells him, that’s what they all say. He says, and he has to meet Violet at the MetroCourt for a tea party, and Elizabeth tells him, have fun. He says, they’ll plan a family party real soon, and she says, good. He leaves, and Terry says she’s so sorry. She obviously interrupted something. Elizabeth says, it’s no big deal, but Terry says she knows Elizabeth for longer than either of them cares to admit. Does she want to talk about it? Elizabeth says, she and Finn had a date.

Kristina asks Alexis how long they’re going to ignore that there’s something blatantly wrong with Molly, and Alexis says she hasn’t decided yet. Kristina says, bottling things up is never healthy, and Molly asks what they’re whispering about; they’re giving her a complex. Kristina asks why Molly wanted to go out tonight, and Molly says, because it’s lady’s night at The Savoy, and she thought it would be fun. Kristina says, except that’s never her idea of fun, and Molly says, Kristina is the one always telling her to loosen up. Kristina says, but she doesn’t listen, and Molly says she’s listening now. Kristina asks, why now? and Molly says, does it matter? Sam says, no, it doesn’t, but Kristina says she disagrees. Under normal circumstances, she’d be all for this – champagne, nails, dancing – but obviously Molly is avoiding something, and she thinks they all know what that something is. Molly says, like Kristina has never avoided the realities of her life? and Kristina says, more times than she can count, but it never works out the way she wanted it to. In fact, it makes things worse. They’re her family. They care about her. Let them in.

Curtis says, maybe he was wrong. Maybe Molly isn’t shutting TJ out. Maybe she just needs time to process. Marshall says, just because their future doesn’t look like they thought it would, doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful, and TJ says he told Molly that; that they have options. Curtis says, she just might not be ready to hear that right now, and Marshall says, but she will be. TJ says he thinks the hardest part is that she’s not acting like herself. She passed off one of her big cases to a colleague, and then this morning, she decided she didn’t want to go to work, so she called out. Curtis says, people do that, but TJ says, people do; not Molly. Marshall says, they’re both grieving, and grief can do a number on us all, but it’s fleeting. Curtis asks if TJ’s heard the saying, time heals all wounds. It’s true. TJ says he’d never tell Molly how to deal with her grief, or that he thinks she should be done with that. He’s worried it’s more that that, and ultimately it’s going to tear them apart.

Back with her gummies, Lucy says, who does that? A person taking home confidential files to their house. Who hired Brook back? Maxie says, Lucy did, but Lucy says she knows she didn’t. Maxie says, the important thing is they know who downloaded the files. It was Brook, and she’s really sorry, and the files are being retrieved as they speak, so the crisis has been averted. Now, if Lucy will excuse her, she’s going home to relieve her mom and Mac. Felicia shows up, and Maxie says, she’s supposed to be with James. What’s wrong?

Martin says he’s stepping in for Valentin. Normally, he doesn’t answer to Tracy, which begs the question, why would he? She says, what part of her family’s company is tripping him up? and he says he understands the concept. She asks if he understands that the annual corporate GH fundraiser is next week, and he says, the picnic. She says, that’s the one, and if he’s going to be running the company, it would behoove them to bolster their professional relationship. And all of this to say she’d love it if he’ll attend as her honored guest. He says, that’s the favor? and she says, yes, when Brook walks in, but stops at the doorway. Tracy asks if he’ll come, and he says he has to check his calendar of course (🍷). She says, it’s the social event of the year. It will give them an opportunity to get to know each other better, and he can bring his flame Lucy… if they haven’t flamed out by then. He says, if that’s the case, then he’ll be delighted to attend her little soiree, and she says, a pleasure doing business with him. He leaves, and Brook takes his seat. She says she’s been looking all over for Tracy. They have a problem.

Felicia says, Mac is watching James, and Maxie says, Felicia couldn’t have texted that before she came in and gave her a heart attack? Felicia says she’s sorry. She guesses she wasn’t thinking. She just came by to talk to Lucy about something. Maxie says, it must be important. What’s going on? Lucy says she’s looking to get a gift for Martin, and Maxie says, and Felicia thought this was a good reason to abandon her grandson? Felicia says, Maxie is acting like she left James at the nearest fire station; he’s with his grandfather. And it’s a very special gift. Lucy says, it’s so special. In fact, it’s a gift of a personal nature… erotic in nature. If Maxie wants to stay and help them pick it out… Maxie says she’s good, and tells them to have fun. She leaves, and Felicia says, erotic? Lucy says, it’s the best she could come up with on the fly. She doesn’t want her business partners to know she has concerns about Martin. He really, truly is acting squirrely every time she mentions The Deceptor. Felicia says, Lucy doesn’t want to alarm them unnecessarily, and Lucy says, exactly. And who knows? Maybe there’s a perfectly logical explanation for his behavior. Felicia says, there could be, but she doesn’t think that’s the case.

Tracy says, please tell her this isn’t about Brook’s father, but Brook says, Deception. Tracy says, she wants to discuss that here? and Brook says, why not? Tracy says, exhibit A and B, as Violet and Finn walk in. Violet runs over to Brook, hugging her, and asks if Uncle Chase is with her. Brook says, she wishes. She’s stuck with this one. Tracy says, charming. Does Violet remember her? Violet says, of course (🍷). Auntie Tracy. Finn says, she came up with that all on her own, and Violet says, daddy said she had to ask before giving Tracy a hug. Tracy says, of course (🍷), and she appreciates Violet asking permission. Finn says he promised Violet a proper Shirley Temple, and Violet says, with an umbrella in it. Brook tells Violet, get over there. She’s seen Violet rule this bar. Violet says, daddy won’t let her be on his phone after what happened with Aunt Elizabeth, and Tracy suggests Brook do the Shirley Temple honors. Brook says she’d be delighted, and leaves with Violet. Finn sits down and asks, how’s Ned? Tracy says, he’s fully committed to his rock star persona, and refusing to acknowledge his family, and he says he’s sorry. She says, her too. What was that face? He says, what face? and she says, the face he made when Violet brought up Aunt Elizabeth. Call her crazy, but she thinks there’s a story there.

Elizabeth tells Terry that she and Finn went along with it because they didn’t want to hurt Violet’s feelings, and he explained to her afterwards that they were never going to happen. Terry says, because they’re over each other? and Elizabeth says, they’re great as friends. They had a really nice night. They talked, they took care of Violet together… Terry says, it almost sounds like nothing’s changed, and Elizabeth says, except everything’s changed. Terry says, not really. She and Finn were friends first, then developed feelings for each other. Who says the same thing can’t happen again? Elizabeth says, there was this one moment… and Terry says she knew it. Elizabeth says, but it didn’t mean anything; probably not to him. Terry asks if he said that, and Elizabeth says, not outright, but it was implied. Terry says, like nothing’s ever been lost in translation before. She’s just saying, instead of jumping to conclusions, why not ask Finn for the truth? Elizabeth says she can’t.

TJ says he understands that they each need their space sometimes, and Marshall asks if this is different. TJ says, Molly is pulling away from him emotionally and physically. If they don’t face this challenge together, how does their partnership survive? Curtis says he’s not going to pretend they’re not in a tough spot. Infertility can be devastating to a lot of relationships, and some separate because of it. Marshall says, but they’re not just any relationship. He sees how good they are together. How loving and patient and kind. Curtis says, and TJ needs to lean into that patience. Molly will come around, and when she does, TJ will be there waiting for her. TJ says he hopes Curtis is right.

Kristina asks Molly to tell them what happened, but Sam says, only if she wants to. Kristina says she’s guessing this has something to do with the doctor’s appointment Molly mentioned earlier, and Molly asks if she can’t be given one night off from talking about her fertility issues. All it’s been is endometriosis and eggs and babies, and she’s sick of it. Sam says, they don’t have to talk about it, and Kristina says, the last thing she wants to do is upset Molly, so if she really doesn’t want to talk about it, they don’t have to. They love her, and in Kristina’s experience, keeping things in doesn’t help, but they can. Molly says her eggs aren’t viable. She can never have a biological child. TJ can, but she can’t. Is Kristina satisfied? Kristina says, no, and she’s so sorry. Molly says she needs a minute, and leaves. Alexis looks at Kristina, and says, really?

Lucy asks what Felicia found, and Felicia says, a quarterly bank statement. It was shredded and she pieced it together. Every month of the last quarter, Martin has been receiving deposits of $50,000. Lucy wonders if he’s receiving that from Valentin, but Felicia says, not likely, since the deposits come from a bank in Pine Valley. Lucy says, Martin doesn’t have a license to practice law in Pennsylvania, but Felicia says, maybe he does and just never mentioned it. Lucy says, no. Martin likes to take only local cases, and Valentin is his bread and butter. It’s got to be something else. Something illegal? Felicia shrugs, and says, based on her experience, under the table transactions rarely show up on bank statements. Lucy says, right. Based on her experience, which is rather extensive as Felicia knows, deposits like that every month scream affairs, but Marty is devoted to her. Wouldn’t it be kind of weird that he’s the one getting payments? No, no, no. This has got to be something else. So what could it be?

Violet sips her Shirley Temple, and Brook asks, how is it? Violet says, delicious, when Brook sees Martin and tells Violet not to move a muscle. She’ll be right back. She goes over to Martin and says she saw him earlier with her grandmother. He says, suddenly, Tracy’s expressing an interest in having him help out with ELQ. Temporarily anyway. Even invited him to her family’s picnic; him and Lucy. Brook says she didn’t realize he and her grandmother were so close, but he says, they’re not. Definitely more like acquaintances. He has to hand it to her though. That woman is nothing if not sharp. She has a shrewd business sense. Brook tells him, just be careful, okay? and he says, meaning? She says she loves her grandmother, but she can be opportunistic. Just stay sharp around her. He says, duly noted, and Brook goes back to Violet.

Finn says, gossip isn’t usually Tracy’s thing, and she says she read something about Elizabeth and Nikolas trapping a pregnant girl in a tower? He says, good times, and she says she was surprised Elizabeth was involved. He says, it surprised him too, and Tracy says, there it is, pointing to his face. He says, Elizabeth was going through a rough patch, and she says, a rough patch their relationship couldn’t withstand. He says, it wasn’t just on her, and she says, some people are just not compatible? He says, they’re still friends. It’s a concept Violet’s having a hard time wrapping her head around. Tracy says, maybe she likes having a mother figure around – Finn says, yeah – or his oh so perceptive daughter can tell he still has feelings for her aunt?

Terry asks Elizabeth what she means, she can’t? Of course (🍷) she can. It’s easy. Finn, how did you feel about our date? Elizabet says, fake date, and Terry says, whatever. Elizabeth says she has no right to ask him for the truth after she destroyed the trust between them. Terry says, Finn understands why she had to lie to him about that pregnancy, and Elizabeth says, don’t forget all the months she was trying to figure out what was going on with her parents. Terry says, Finn was understanding about that too, but Elizabeth says, understanding and trusting are two different things. She doesn’t think he’ll ever open himself up to her like that again. Terry says, Elizabeth doesn’t know that, so isn’t it time she got out of her own way and found out?

Marshall tells TJ, hang in there, and Curtis says he’ll see Marshall at home. They hug, and Marshall says he’s going to look for Curtis. TJ and Curtis sit back down, and Curtis says he wishes he had an easy answer for TJ, but he will say they’re here to support him. TJ says, believe him, that means everything, and Curtis says, family. It is a bond that can’t be broken. TJ says he was really looking forward to adding to that family, and Curtis says he knows, but like TJ said, he and Molly still have options. TJ says, but he’s not sure Molly wants kids anymore.

Alexis says, Molly just needs some space, when Molly comes back and apologizes for storming off. Kristina says, no, she’s sorry. She shouldn’t have tried to make Molly talk about what’s happening. Molly says, this whole situation is just… Sam says, horrible? and Alexis says, it’s gut-wrenching. Kristina says, it’s impossible to navigate, and Molly says, all of the above. Sam says, they can change the subject, but Molly says, there’s no use in tiptoeing around it now. Sam says, maybe the good thing is, she can start making other plans, like looking into surrogacy or adoption. Molly says she can’t even begin to think about that right now. Because if she does, it feels like she’s going to break. Alexis hugs her and says, if she breaks, they’ll put her back together. Molly says, promise? and Alexis says she promises.

Alexis says, they can go to her house and watch a movie and have ice cream, but Molly says, she and TJ can revisit having a family, but tonight she needs to get out and remind herself of everything she loves. Kristina asks if that includes all of them, and Molly says, it definitely includes Kristina. Kristina says she hears The Savoy calling them, and this time, the Davis girls are causing some trouble.

Curtis says, so Molly’s given up on starting a family altogether? and TJ says, Molly wants to take a break from the planning. Curtis says, it makes sense after everything they’ve been through, and TJ says he doesn’t disagree, but Molly’s lack of communication is so foreign, he doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do. He doesn’t know where her head is at. Curtis says, TJ still wants to have a baby, no matter what that looks like? and TJ says, yeah, but what if Molly doesn’t? What if she becomes so overwhelmed, she decides having kids isn’t worth it anymore? Curtis says, those are very big what ifs, and TJ says, it’s all he can think about. Curtis suggests they game this out, and says, worst case scenario, Molly doesn’t want to have kids, but TJ does, and they can’t get on the same page. What does that feel like for TJ, and what does it mean for him and Molly?  

Finn says he’d be lying if he said he hasn’t thought about Elizabeth, and Tracy says, her take? He says, sure, why not? and she says, whatever residual feelings he has for Elizabeth, he should squash them now. Things got messy once before, and he knows what they say about history repeating itself. Does he want to risk Violet losing her aunt again? She’s already lost her mother. Violet and Brook come back, and Finn asks, where’s the Shirley Temple? Violet says she drank it, and he says, that was so fast. It must be a record. He thanks Brook, and she says, anytime. She asks if she can borrow Tracy, and Tracy says, if she must. They leave, and Finn asks if Violet is ready for dinner. She says, and dessert, but he says, dinner first. She asks if they can see Aunt Elizabeth soon, and he says he’ll check the calendar. She bounces up and down, and smiles.

Terry says, if the issue with Finn was lack of honesty, the solution isn’t to make the same mistake again. How can Elizabeth regain his trust if they’re still keeping things from each other? Elizabeth says, they’re finally in a good place, and Terry says, as friends. Elizabeth says she doesn’t want to jeopardize that, and Terry says, even though she wants to be more? Terry’s phone dings, and she says, patient. Elizabeth says, saved by the bell, and Terry says, for now. She knows it seems complicated to Elizabeth, but from an outsider’s perspective, it couldn’t be more simple. Tell Finn how she feels.

Felicia asks if Lucy and Martin are happy, and Lucy says, blissfully. Felicia says, then if he’s not doing anything illegal, and he’s not having an affair, is it really worth it for her to turn over this rock? It could cost her the relationship. Lucy says she doesn’t know if she can just ignore it. Her intuition is never wrong, and whatever Martin is involved with, she feels like she’s got to know. Felicia says, she’s sure? and Lucy says, no… yes. Just turn over whatever little pebble and spin it, or throw the rock, or do something with that rock now. Felicia says, then the next step is for her to go to Pine Valley and find out who’s sending those payments. Lucy’s phone rings, and she whispers, it’s him. Felicia asks why she’s whispering, and Lucy whispers that she doesn’t know. It rings again, and Felicia says, answer it. Lucy answers, saying, hey you, and Martin says he just had a nice conversation with Tracy Quartermaine. Lucy says, that’s weird; nice and Tracy in the same sentence. He says, she’s invited them to the family picnic, and Lucy asks when it is. He says, next week, and she says, that’s nice of Tracy, but she’s not sure if she can make it back. He asks where she’s going, and she says, something came up; a little business trip out of state. He says, what for? and she says, what else – she looks at Felicia – Deception.

Brook says she needs that flashdrive back, and Tracy asks if it’s necessary. Brook says, Lucy knows she has it, she asked for it, so she thinks it’s really necessary. If she doesn’t bring it, they’re going to get suspicious, and where does that leave Tracy? Tracy takes it out of her bag and gives it to Brook, but they don’t notice Sasha watching.

Tomorrow, Sonny says he called Dante for dinner under false pretenses; Curtis thinks it’s time he takes his own advice; and Kristina thinks she can pull this off.

💔 She’s Sorry…

Apparently, Elizabeth has been replaced by Trina at a GH event due to a family emergency.

Rebecca Herbst Shares Bad News With Fans

👠 What Happens In Jersey…

Looks like they’re all coming back.

https://people.com/teresa-giudice-melissa-gorga-returning-rhonj-season-14-exclusive-7557748

Not all that interesting, but I wanted to include a little Luis smack talk.

https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/8529734/rhonj-margaret-josephs-not-safe-taping-teresa-husband-luis-ruelas/

🪅 Pumping No More…

With everything on her plate, LVP probably won’t even notice it’s gone.

Work Crews Tear Down Lisa Vanderpump’s Restaurant Before Closing Date
Lisa Vanderpump Marks ‘End of an Era’ at Pump Restaurant

🍸 (Not Much) More On Season 11…

There are a whole two pictures.

‘Vanderpump Rules’: First Look At Season 11 As Bravo Series Starts Filming

💃🏽 Seeing Red…

I wasn’t crazy about this challenge, but it was interesting to see what everyone did with the same damn bolt of fabric.

‘Project Runway’ 20 episode 5 recap: The latest challenge has the designers ‘Seeing Red’ [LIVE BLOG]

⚰️ That Dead Couple…

The latest on Rick and Michonne.

https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a44433025/walking-dead-rick-michonne-spinoff-title-logo/

🦛 For Your Squee-ing Pleasure…

I’ve always wanted an axolotl and a capybara.

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/cute-animals

🃏 Cards Off the Table…

Join me tomorrow for soap, teatime, quotes, and a song. Until then, stay safe, stay respecting the rules of events, and stay not jumping to conclusions, but asking for the truth.

Jul1

June 30, 2023 – Curtis Confronts Jordan, Returning, New Gig, Copy Cannoli, Shams Now, Runway, Vander This, Real Bonkers, Midyear Roll Call, Pick a Trailer, Winning, Mixed Quotes, Pet (!) Safety & Carry On

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Spencer leaves a message for Trina to call him, when Esme walks in with an ice pack. He screams at her to get out.

Finn says he’s sorry, and Elizabeth asks what he’s apologizing for. He says he’s not sure, but he thought he should, and she says, he has nothing to be sorry for. Tonight was really… Violet runs in, calling, daddy! and Finn asks, what’s wrong? She says, Aunt Elizabeth can’t leave; not yet.

Sonny thanks Sasha for coming by, and she says, of course (🍷). She always loves spending time with him. He asks if he can get her anything, but she says she’s good. She’s curious as to what he wanted to talk about, and he says, her future.

In Portia’s office, Trina hears Spencer yell at Esme to get out, and he says, sorry. He’ll call her later. Portia comes in and apologizes for keeping her waiting; she wanted to talk to Trina. Trina says she wanted to talk to Portia too, and Portia says, about Spencer? Trina says, no, about Curtis. She knows what he did.

Zeke calls Jordan and says he knows it’s late notice, but is she free for dinner tonight? She says she’s free, but she has no interest in spending time with him, and he asks if she doesn’t think they should clear the air. She says, as far as she’s concerned, the air is crystal clear; they’re done. There’s a knock at her office door, and she tells Zeke to hold on. She says, yes? and Curtis walks in.

Austin kisses Ava, and she pushes him away. But then she changes her mind and kisses him. Suddenly, they’re in the bedroom getting busy. Alrighty then.

Elizabeth asks if Violet had a bad dream, and Violet nods. Finn asks if it was the shadow again, and she says, it was. It was scary. She tried to find Finn, but she couldn’t. Aunt Elizabeth was gone too. He says, they’re both right here for her, and Elizabeth says, her dad has been here the whole time. They’ve both been here. Violet says, what if she falls asleep again? What if the shadow comes back, and she can’t find either of them again? Finn kisses the top of her head and tells her, it’s okay.

Sasha says, that wasn’t at all what she expected Sonny to say, and he tells her that he and Gladys were talking. She told him that Sasha was ready to end the guardianship. Sasha says, that is true. She’ll forever be grateful to Gladys for everything she’s done, but she doesn’t want to be a burden on her anymore. Sonny says, she’s not a burden to anyone. They just care about her and want to see her get on her own two feet. She says, that means a lot, but her decision is just partly about Gladys. She just thinks it’s time. He says, what if he told her that Gladys thinks she’s not ready, and she asks if Gladys came to see him about her. Sonny says, Gladys thinks she’s rushing things and she’s worried, and Sasha says, so is she.

Spencer says he told Esme that he was fine; now go. She says she’s not going anywhere. He could have a broken rib or internal bleeding. He says he has neither, and she says, because of all the medical expertise he has? What happened to him anyway? Did someone attack him? He says, we just got in a little fight, and she asks, who is we? Someone he knows or did he get in a fight with a complete stranger? He asks if it would matter. What does she care? She throws the ice bag, hitting him, and he yells, ow! She asks if he thought about what it would mean if he got hurt or arrested. Did he even stop and think what it would mean? He says, it happened kind of fast, and she says, then they answer is no. He didn’t think.  

Jordan tells Zeke that she’s sorry, but she can’t talk right now, and hangs up. She says she can guess what Curtis is here about, and he says, it’s not to get in an argument if that’s what she’s thinking. She says, good. He shouldn’t be angry. Not at her anyway. He says he just can’t understand why she’d tell Portia about their kiss when they agreed that it was best they keep it to themselves. If she changed her mind, why didn’t she talk to him first? She says she tried to warn him, and he says, right. Then she decided she knew what was best, and telling Portia couldn’t wait. She says she didn’t say a thing to Portia about their kiss. She never wanted Portia to find out at all. He says, if she didn’t tell Portia, who did?

Portia tells Trina, obviously, she’s very hurt. She and Curtis both made mistakes. Trina asks why Portia wants to let him off the hook that easy, but Portia says she’s not letting him off the hook. This is complicated. Trina says, he kissed another woman – his ex-wife. Why isn’t she angry at him? Portia asks why Trinia is getting all riled up about this? And Trina says, it was wrong. Is Portia really going to roll over and let him treat her like this? Portia says, this has nothing to do with Trina.

Like the Burger King employee who starts cleaning around your table while you’re still eating, Ava makes the bed around Austin. He asks if she’s really making the bed now; he’s still in it. She picks up his clothes, and wonders where his other sock is, and he says, on the sconce. She retrieves it, and he says, this is weird. Is this her thing? Is this like a post-coital clean-up thing? He’s okay with it, but it’s a little neurotic. She says she’s not neurotic, and he says, she’s orderly? She’s neat? She’s tidy, right? Is she coming back to bed? She looks at him, and he says, all right. Not too long ago, they were almost yelling at each other and were at each other’s throats, and they decided to do something else. Is that something they need to talk about? Ava says, they’re done talking, and she’s not coming back to bed. He’s leaving – she tosses his clothes at him – now.

Finn says he’ll be here if Violet needs him for anything, and she asks if Aunt Elizabeth can come in with him. He says, Aunt Elizabeth has to go home to her kids, but he promises she’ll come in and say goodnight before she leaves. She says she likes it when Aunt Elizabeth is here. Doesn’t he?

Jordan says she’s not getting in the middle of this. This is between Curtis and Portia. He asks if she’s respecting boundaries after the damage is already done, and she says, he can believe her or not. He says, she obviously knew it was coming. Otherwise, why would she try to warn him? If she didn’t tell Portia, who did? N’neka? She was at the club that night. Jordan asks if he really thinks N’neka saw them kissing and then went running to tell Portia, and he asks what he’s supposed to think. Who else could it have been? She says, it was his brother-in-law. Zeke is the one who told Portia.

Trina asks why Portia is trying to protect her. She’s not a child anymore. Portia says, Trina is always going to be her child. And she’s not protecting Trina in the way Trina thinks. Trust her. This is her attempt at being fair. She’s a grown woman and needs to figure out her relationship with Curtis on her own. Trina says, why? She’s right here. Portia can tell her anything. Portia says she appreciates Trina for saying that, but she doesn’t want Trina involved in any issues that she has, with Curtis or with her marriage. She doesn’t want Trina to have to think about that. She doesn’t want her to have baggage when she’s dealing with Curtis. Trina shouldn’t have to be taking sides or keeping secrets or any of that. She doesn’t want Trina to worry about any of this. Trina’s phone rings, and Trina looks at it and puts it back down, saying, it’s just Spencer. Portia says, she usually can’t pick up the phone fast enough for Spencer. Is she feeling okay? Did they have a fight? Trina says, no, they didn’t, but Spencer did.

Esme comes back into Spencer’s room, reading from her phone that rib fractures can have short term consequences, such as severe pain while breathing, pneumonia, or death. He says he thought she didn’t want to be around him, and she says, long term consequences are also possible, such as, decreased lung function and chronic pain. How is he going to yell at people if his lungs are damaged. Did he ever think of that? He says he didn’t realize she cared so much, and she says she’s calling a doctor, but he says, don’t do that. He doesn’t have a broken rib. She says, he might not know that until symptoms develop later, and he says, if they do, he’ll contact a doctor at that time. Please stop worrying about him. She tells him, who says she’s worried? She just doesn’t want to have to take him to the emergency room in the middle of the night. It would throw off Ace’s whole sleep schedule. He says, his mistake. It’s not about him, which makes sense, because in her eyes, he’s not worth worrying about. To her, he’s always going to be his father’s son.

Ava tries to toss Austin his keys, but misses, and they end up on the floor. She says, take a hint, will you? and he says, she’s throwing him out. She says, nothing gets by him, and he says, except his keys. They laugh, and she says, they both know this was a mistake, but they’re adults and can skillfully pretend it didn’t happen. Now get a move on. His shoes are next, and she’ll have much better aim. He says, she doesn’t need to do that. He doesn’t want to stay somewhere he’s not wanted. But just so she knows, he feels what went on here wasn’t a mistake. She says, if it weren’t for Nikolas’s accidental death, they wouldn’t even be here. They would hardly know each other. He says, but they do know each other, and they are here. And he thinks there are actual literal scratches on his back that let him know she thinks there are worse ways to spend an evening.

Finn says, yes, he likes when Elizabeth is here, but doesn’t Violet think her cousins would miss Elizabeth if she was here all the time? She says, they could come too, or she and Finn could go there, and he says, oh boy. Elizabeth comes out of the kitchen, and asks how Violet would like some of her special sleepy time magic milk. Finn asks how she knew about that, and she says, all the moms know. Violet asks if she put in the secret ingredient, and Elizabeth says, of course (🍷). It wouldn’t be magic without it. Violet takes a sip, and says, it tastes different than when daddy makes it. Aunt Elizabeth’s is better… but his is good too.

Sasha says she thinks she’s doing the right thing by ending her guardianship, but she wishes she was sure, and Sonny asks what doubts she’s having. She says, some days she feels strong and confident and healthy, and other days are just so-so; everything feels off. It feels like she’s just pretending to hold it together. Those don’t bother her so much. She’s used to those. He says, they all have so-so days, and she says, those aren’t the days that scare her. The days that terrify her are the bad days; the days when the darkness just comes back, because it will happen for no reason at all. She’ll be putting sugar in her coffee, then suddenly she’ll remember when she was pregnant and couldn’t have caffeine. It was the worst, but it was totally worth it. She loved her baby so much, and couldn’t wait to meet him. Then she’s remembering her baby is gone, and the sadness just takes over, and it just feels like a weight pressing down on her heart, and it scares her. She doesn’t know, was that a memory or was it just a delusion? Did she somehow think she was pregnant again? He says, they both know what grief does. It plays tricks on your mind, and messes with your sense of time. Sasha says, that’s what she thinks too. The next day might be so-so again, and the day after that might be good. So does it scare her thinking about being on her own again and making her own decisions? Yes, but something inside of her is telling her that she’s ready, and she thinks it’s time she starts listening to that voice. Maybe she’s making a mistake. What does he think? Does he think she’s doing the wrong thing in trusting herself?

Austin says he can see that Ava doesn’t want to discuss their relationship, and she says, they don’t even have a relationship. They’re being blackmailed together; that’s it. He says he does enjoy her company, and she says, they were yelling at each other just a while ago. He says, almost. They were trying to release some of the pressure, and clearly some tension… She says, he’s really sure of himself, but he says, not at all. It’s just really difficult for him to let people in. He doesn’t want to speak for her, but it’s hard to make a human connection. He’s just saying, let’s be honest, and admit to one another they just had a profound physical connection. She says, he lied to her. He kidnapped her daughter, and how he’s saying she owes him honesty? He says he can see where she’s going with this. Under certain terms… She says, a little advice for him. Don’t ever pull a stunt like that again. Because if he does, the next body she dumps in the stables is going to be his.

Esme tells Spencer that she doesn’t know much about Nikolas, except he kept her locked in a tower because he wanted to keep her baby away from her. She knows if given the chance, Spencer would do the same. Spencer flashes back to looking at the fake evidence and saying, just in case. He says he just wants to take care of his brother, and she says, that’s the difference between him and Nikolas. At least he’s here. Nikolas isn’t, and since they moved into Spencer’s grandmother’s, he’s been pretty reliable. Up until now. What happened tonight? He says he got into a fight with Josslyn’s new boyfriend. She says, why? and he says, because he was angry. Because he doesn’t like him. He doesn’t like what he did. Josslyn was dating Cameron when she met Dex, and she was still seeing him when Josslyn and Dex got together for the first time. She asks why he’s mad at Dex. Isn’t it Josslyn… He says, she wouldn’t understand; there’s more to it than that. He doesn’t understand why they’re talking about this, because she’s literally the last person he wants to confide in. She says, well, that’s dumb. Because she might be the only person who actually understands. He says, why is that? and she says, because she does it too. She gets angry. She lashes out. She makes choices she regrets. She makes mistakes, and the worst part is that when she does, everyone is just looking around judging her, like, oh look, here she goes again to her old lying ways. I knew she couldn’t be trusted. He says, and you’ve confirmed all of their worst suspicions about you, and she says, and they have no idea the entire time you were just trying to do the right thing.

Trina says, last night, she went to the Highsider, and Portia says, the biker bar where Oz Haggerty worked? Trina says, they were looking for evidence to prove Esme is guilty, and Portia says, let her guess. This little excursion was Spencer’s idea? Trina says, not exactly, and Portia says she doesn’t even care whose idea it was. She doesn’t like Trina going to that place. Trina says she wasn’t going to that place. Anyway, Joss had the same idea. She brought Dex, and Spencer picked a fight again. Portia says, so it looks like Spencer is back to his old ways, and Trina says, yes. She doesn’t even recognize him anymore. Portia says, really? Because she can. To her, he will always be the boy who lied to her daughter and put her in harm’s way.

Curtis asks how Zeke knew what happened between him and Jordan, and she says she told him. Curtis asks why she did that, and she says she didn’t know who he was. She just found out Curtis was moving back in with Portia, and needed someone to talk to. Zeke was just a friendly stranger with a sympathetic ear. They met at the MetroCourt, and she started venting. She didn’t use any names. She just told him that she’d kissed her ex, but it wasn’t going anywhere. He says, if she didn’t use any names, how did he figure it out? and she says, Portia introduced them. It didn’t take Zeke long to put two and two together. She told him to keep it to himself, but he said he had to tell her. Curtis doesn’t understand how she could tell a perfect stranger something so personal about them. It’s just not like her. She says she needed someone to confide in. He had Portia, and she was all alone. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, now that he knows, she doesn’t see what else there is to talk about. She opens the door, and Zeke is there. No surprise.

Jordan says, she didn’t have time to talk to Zeke on the phone. What made him think she had time for him to come by her office. He says he didn’t know Curtis was going to be here. Didn’t Curtis tell his sister that it was over between him and Jordan? Curtis says, that’s none of his business. Doesn’t he think he’s caused enough problems between him and Portia? Zeke says he wouldn’t have gotten involved if Curtis had just been honest with Portia from the beginning, and Curtis says he bets Zeke just can’t wait to run back to Portia and tell her that he was here. Zeke says, after what Curtis put his sister through, what does he expect? and Curtis says he expects Zeke to keep his damn mouth shut, or he and Curtis are going to have a problem.

Trina says she remembers how Spencer treated her, but he’s changed, and Portia says, has he though? Because the fight Trina’s describing makes her think he’s still working on it. Trina says, Portia thinks she’s being naïve, but Portia tells her that she didn’t say that. Portia tells Trina that she sees what Trina’s saying with Spencer. He has made significant strides in growing up since Trina’s met him. Largely because of Trina. Trina says, yes, he has, and Portia says, he’s more mature now, asking for help when he needs it… and he seems like he’s really taking the responsibility of Ace seriously with Esme. And Esme’s even seriously open to taking a parenting class with Spencer, which goes to show his responsibility, right? That’s a good sign. But by the look on Trina’s face, maybe it’s not a good sign? Trina says she’s glad Spencer is being responsible toward Ace, and Portia says, but what? Trina says, it’s nothing, but Portia says she’s Trina’s mom; she knows Trina. Trina can talk to her. Trina says she doesn’t care about the class. She can’t stand the thought of Spencer spending even one extra second with Esme.

Spencer says, sounds like they’re both trying to be better people, and Esme says, he’s just now figuring that out? Yes. Obviously, she’s been trying to be better. She takes the ice, and puts it on his side, and he holds it there. He says, it’s possible he hasn’t been giving her much of a chance, but she says, it’s not a big deal. She sits on the bed, and says she actually gets why it might be hard for him. He says, for him, why? and she says, he actually remembers the terrible person he was. She has to be told about herself over and over. He says, that’s hard, and she says, constantly hearing what a terrible person you are from everyone. He’s the only one who never talks about their history. They dated in boarding school, right? He sits on the other end of the bed, and says, for like a year. He doesn’t like to remember that time. She says, understandable. But tell her, were they really these awful people, destroying everything they touched? He laughs and says, no, not always. He was very unhappy when they met. He was estranged from his father and had a big chip on his shoulder because of that. He didn’t have any friends; just people who wanted to get close to him because he had money. So he was a bit of a jerk because of that. She says, him? A jerk? No way. He says he met her, and she really listened to him, and she took an interest in his life and didn’t just tell him what he wanted to hear because he’s a Cassadine. He started to depend on her, more than he thinks she knew, but none of it was real. She was manipulating him the entire time. She was his first love, and she was just using him.

Elizabeth asks how Violet is, and Finn says, finally asleep. Apparently, her milk is more magical than his. She says, cinnamon, and he says he can’t thank her enough. She’s really good with Violet. Elizabeth says she’s glad he feels that way. She was hoping she wasn’t overstepping with her magic milk. He says, not at all, and she says her boys are growing up. With Cameron all the way in California, she’s just been feeling it lately. He says, they’ll always need her, and she says she knows, but not in the same way. She guesses she has to let them grow up at some point; at least she’s been told. He says, Violet’s always here if her momage gets too strong. Violet always loves seeing her. She says, be careful. She’ll be over here every night making magic milk… She’s kidding. He says he knows, and they both get up and start talking at the same time. He says, she needs to get home to the boys, and she says she should. Even though they won’t be nearly as happy to see her as Violet was. He says, Violet, and him.

Sonny tells Sasha, know what he thinks? She didn’t tell him that she’s fine, she doesn’t need anybody, and she’s all better. She says she only wishes she were that confident, but he says, that’s a good thing. If she would have said that, he’d say she needed to spend a few more months with Gladys. In his experience, people who say everything’s great all the time usually aren’t. You can’t be great all the time, especially after what she’s gone through. She can handle a lot more than she thinks. That’s why he thinks it’s time for her to be on her own.

Zeke tells Curtis not to get mad at him because he kissed Jordan. He had to tell Portia. Curtis would have done the same thing if he’d been in Zeke’s position. Curtis says, that’s not what he’s talking about. Zeke told Trina – right after he found out Trina was his daughter – to steer clear of him? Zeke says he didn’t even get into any specifics with Curtis’s daughter, and Curtis says, that’s even worse, because he let her imagination run wild. She was just beginning to trust him. Zeke says, maybe she shouldn’t, and Jordan says, neither one of them should be trusted. Curtis asks her to remind him just how she and Zeke met in the first place.

Esme says she’s starting to see why Spencer’s so angry with her, but he says he’s angrier with himself for letting himself be manipulated by her. Esme tells him, sure, the old Esme was calculating, but she seriously doubts someone could fake a relationship for a whole year. He asks who she’s trying to make feel better, him or her? and she says, maybe both? She gets up, and says she thinks the old Esme must have really liked him… just a little. He says, it’s doubtful… Although… No. She says, what? and he says, there was this one time, he was trying to figure out what to get her for her birthday, so he was asking around. He asked the same friends who were leeching off him for money, and they told him that he should get her jewelry. Something expensive, which makes sense. So he did – she says, generous – but then there was this snow globe he got when he was a kid, and he’d taken it with him to school. It was so cheesy; two skiers on top of a mountain with a log cabin and fir trees. It was hideous. He doesn’t know why she liked it, but she did. She played with it every single time she came into his room. He couldn’t for the life of him figure out why. So at the last minute, he grabbed that as well. She says, instead of the jewelry? but he says he gave her both, just to be safe. Don’t get him wrong; she loved the jewelry. But her face when she saw the snow globe, the expression was pure joy. He’d never seen anything like it. He still can’t figure out why someone would have liked a regifted snow globe so much. She laughs and says she can. The old Esme really liked him.

Trina tells Portia, it wouldn’t bother her so much if it was anyone other than Esme. After what Esme did to her, Joss, and Cam, the thought of Esme being with Spencer makes her sick. Portia says, Esme needs to pay for her crimes, and hopefully, the evidence can be found to bring her to justice, but the PCPD have been down this road already, and they came up empty. Maybe they’ll never find anything. Hold on. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t they have evidence, and a collective decision was made to hold off on that? Trina says, then what? Esme will just be in her life forever? Portia says, no one can predict the future, but if Spencer’s in Trina’s life and Ace is in his, then Esme will be in hers.

Esme says, if Spencer wants to get some rest, she can take the night shift with Ace, and he says, that would be great, thanking her. She walks to the door, and says, oh. Would he be willing to take a parenting class with her at the hospital? She wouldn’t ask, but Dr. Robinson thought it would be helpful… He says, it’s for Ace, right? and she says, exactly. He says, just let him know, and she thanks him, telling him to keep the ice on for another ten minutes. She leaves, and in the hallway, she smiles.

Trina says she can’t accept that Esme is going to be in her life. She wants to be with Spencer… At least she thought she did. Just not like this, spending all of his time with Esme, or raising a child on his own. Portia says, that’s what she’s been trying to get Trina to see. She has to have her own life. She’s smart and beautiful, and has so many opportunities. She has this whole big world she hasn’t tapped into yet. Please don’t make it smaller. Not when she doesn’t have to.

Curtis says he sees what’s going on here, and Zeke tells him, back off. It’s none of his business. Jordan says she can handle her own ex-husband, thank you. But Zeke’s right. Stay out of it. Curtis says, what happens between Jordan and Zeke is none of his business, but what happens with his daughter is. Zeke better think twice before he interferes again. Curtis walks out, and Zeke says, that was awkward. Now that he’s gone, they should talk. She says, there’s nothing to discuss. He knows the way out. He leaves.

Sasha says she’s glad they had this talk. She wasn’t sure she was making the right decision. He says, you never know if it’s the right decision, but she’s on the right track. She’s on her own, but he’s always here to back her, and he thinks Gladys is too. They hug, and he tells her to get out of here and live her life. She thanks him.

Elizabeth says she had a good time too, and Finn says, what she got was an eight-year-old’s version of the perfect date. He can’t thank her enough for letting Violet do that. She says, it was fun, and he says he’d drive her home, but… She says, his baby’s asleep, and she drove herself here. They say goodnight, and she leaves.

Austin says, if he leaves now he has to wake the boat launching guy. Wouldn’t it be better if he spent the night? She says, he could swim, as she hustles him out the door, but he says he’s exhausted, and he thinks she knows why. In fact, he’s willing to bet she’s going to sleep pretty soundly tonight. She closes the door in his face, and smiles.

Tomorrow, Sasha asks when Gladys is going to admit the truth; Mac tells Dante that something interesting crossed his desk; Sonny tells Drew to keep his eyes open and his chin up; and Cyrus says, Drew’s place is with them.

💣 Bible Thumping Bad Guy…

The second I heard Pentenville, I knew it.

Jeff Kober Returns to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

💰 A Little Typecasting…

Except this time, he’ll be playing a real-life entitled brat.

GH’s Nicholas Chavez Lands an Exciting New Role!

👩🏻‍🍳 Anything But the Cannoli…

Everyone involved has too much time on their hands.

RHONJ Star Teresa Giudice is Accused of Copying Kathy Wakile’s Cannoli Recipe, See Her Video as Fans React

💳 Gone But Not Forgotten…

I loved this show, although the fight between MJ and Reza was brutal.

Mercedes ‘MJ’ Javid and Tommy Feight Share a Family Update

👗 Ruling the Runway…

This week’s Project Runway. This site’s recaps are the best. It’s odd I would like this show so much, since I can’t sew worth a damn. In the same vein, there are endless cooking shows I also enjoy. I guess those who can’t do, watch other people doing.

‘Project Runway’ 20 episode 4 recap: On ‘Coronation Day,’ who was the most regal and who got royally screwed? [LIVE BLOG]

🍸 VanderStuff…

The fans aren’t having it.

Fans React to Vanderpump Rules Spinoff News

I have no doubt the producers pump (no pun intended) up the drama, although I find the editing tactics more off-putting. Especially the thing about the galaxy lights. This site and I don’t see eye to eye on who the bad guys are on several shows either.

Pump Rules Producers Accused of Instigating Drama With Raquel Leviss

Heaven forbid this should ever happen, but they’re spot-on with their choices.

Our Dream Casting for a Scandoval Movie

🐻 Out There…

I don’t remember most of these, and didn’t watch much of the ones I remember. It’s probably just as well.

The Most Bonkers Reality TV Shows of All Time

🥀 So Far This Year…

Only six months in, and it’s already an unbelievably long list. I was sad to hear Alan Arkin passed today. If you’ve never seen The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, you’re missing a classic and an amazing performance by him.

https://ew.com/celebrity/stars-we-lost-in-2023-celebrity-deaths/

📽 Trailer Yourself…

You know I love the Barbie one.

https://ew.com/movies/best-movie-trailers-2023-golden-trailer-awards/

🐕 So Ugly They’re Cute…

There are no ugly dogs, but if there were, these would win. Please note there was a Pekingese finalist this year.

https://people.com/photos-2023-ugliest-dog-contest-winners-7553615

🐡 Quotes of the Week

The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term, is the indispensable prerequisite for success. – Brian Tracy

Never stop just because you feel defeated. The journey to the other side is attainable only after great suffering. – Santosh Kalwar

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love – then make that day count! – Steve Maraboli

I’m a dirt person. I trust the dirt. I don’t trust diamonds and gold. – Eartha Kitt

The best revenge is to be unlike those who performed the injury. – Marcus Aurelius

Having a cat is exactly like not having a cat except sometimes you see a cat. – @uberjnet, Twitter

No man is great enough or wise enough for any of us to surrender our destiny to. The only way in which anyone can lead us is to restore to us the belief in our own guidance. – Henry Miller

The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for. – Bob Marley

They’re filming this, Kevin. Shut up. – a hoarder to her husband on Hoarding: Buried Alive

That’s the trouble with your whole MTV, microwave dinner generation. You want it all now. You think you deserve it just because you want it? It doesn’t work like that. You have to earn it, you have to take it, you have to make it yours. but before you do that, Guy, you need to decide what it is you really want. – Buddy Ackerman (Kevin Spacey), Swimming with Sharks

🎆 Declaring My Independence…

There’s no soap or Deck on Monday, and I have no clue about Tuesday, since that’s the actual 4th, so see you whenever the soap falls next. Until then, stay safe, stay enjoying your 4th of July weekend, and stay not saying you’re great all the time if you really aren’t.

Jun16

June 15, 2023 – Zeke Finds Out Who Jordan Is, Down But Not Out, What a Guy, Clueless On the Runway & Dancer

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Spencer brings a birthday gift to Curtis at the pool. He hopes it’s okay he’s here. At one of the tables, Stella says she’ll give Trina’s young man this; he doesn’t shrink from a challenge. Trina says, he puts up a good front. He believes in never letting them see you sweat, and by now, she’s guessing he’s sweating.

Portia asks Zeke what he means that Taggert didn’t seem well, but Zeke says, he had someone to help him; he’s not alone. Portia asks, who was with him, as Jordan comes out of the elevator, and Zeke says, there she is right now. He calls over to her, and tells Portia that Jordan will let them now how Taggert is doing.

At the stables, Cody (who I forgot was on this show) asks Leo what he’s doing. Leo shows him Joel Sartore’s book, Photo Ark Insects, and says, he takes all the good pictures. Leo got to meet him once. It was at a show of all Joel’s animal pictures. His mom and dad took him. His dad got hurt. He’s in the hospital.

Gladys gets out of the hospital elevator, and her phone dings. It’s a text from Selina: Returning to PC soon. Let’s have lunch and discuss settling up.

Carly says, either Ned recovers, and gets the SEC to drop the charges, or they’ll fight it out in court, but Drew says, they’d both be putting their freedom on the line. They don’t have to do that. They don’t have to both go down for this; only one of them does. She says she’s the one who invested heavily in Aurora after he and Michael told her not to. Her mistake, her consequences.

Sonny tells Nina that he just got a call from the church. It looks like they could have an opening in the fall. He hands her coffee, and she thanks him. He says, fall? The wedding? She says, right, the wedding. She’s sorry. She’s been trying to busy herself with Crimson work, but it seems all she can think about is Ned. Sonny says, he just hit his head; he’s going to make a full recovery. She says, probably, and he says, and then maybe he’ll start telling everybody the truth.

Carly says, it’s not up to Drew, and he says he’s all for taking accountability for mistakes, but just think about it for a second. What about Donna? What about her grandkids, and Joss, and Michael, and Willow, who’s still in recovery? And her mom? They all need her. She’s the heart, the center of this family. She says, putting them through a long trial wouldn’t be right, and he says, then let him help her. She asks, how? and he says, by offering himself up. He’s going to plead guilty.

Sonny tells Nina, nothing like a brush with death to shift your priorities. You never know. Maybe Ned will wake up and say he tipped off the SEC, or maybe it wasn’t him. She says, he’s doubting Ned tipped off the SEC now? and Sonny says, Ned gave him an impassioned plea, saying he didn’t do it, so he’s thinking maybe somebody else wanted leverage against him. But they shouldn’t worry about this right now; they have a church to book. She still wants to do this, right? She says, more than anything. If she marries him, she’ll be the luckiest woman alive. He tells her, she just said if. Is there a question?

Cody says he heard Leo’s dad got in an accident. Leo must be pretty worried. Leo says, his mom told him that that’ll get to visit, and Cody says, that’s a good thing, right? but Leo says, his dad won’t even know he’s there. She said he’s unconscious. That’s like a sleep where you can’t wake up. Cody says, fair point, but his mom would like to see his dad. Leo says he doesn’t want to go, and Cody says he gets that. He gets over things he’s scared to do by talking it out with his friends. They’re buddies, right? So why doesn’t Leo tell him why he doesn’t want to go? Leo says he doesn’t want to see his dad like that. What if he doesn’t wake up?

Portia says, Zeke’s met Jordan? and he says, Portia knows her too? Jordan comes over, and Zeke says he was going to introduce her to his sister, but it seems they’re already acquainted. Jordan says, of course (🍷), and asks how Portia is. Portia says she’s good. How is Jordan? Jordan smiles and nods, and Zeke says, he was just telling Portia how Jordan helped Taggert onto the elevator. He seemed a bit unsteady. Portia asks if he’s okay, and Jordan says, he’s fine. There’s nothing to worry about. Portia thanks her for talking to Taggert for her, and asks if Jordan wants to join them.

Curtis holds up a frame, and Spencer says, it’s called Kim at the Savoy. It seemed appropriate. Curtis says, it’s not just a print, and Trina says, signed by the artist? Spencer says, limited edition, and Stella says, it’s a gorgeous piece. Marshall says, some of the greatest acts in the world played at The Savoy in Harlem, and Curtis thanks Spencer, and says, he’d better believe it will have a permanent spot at The Savoy… in Port Charles. Spencer says he should be thanking Curtis for saving him and his brother in Greenland, but Curtis says, no thank you necessary. He had reasons for being there, and Trina was at the top of the list. But he does know how important Spencer is to Trina. Spencer says, Trina’s very important to him too, but he doesn’t think Curtis believes that. He leaves with Trina, and Stella says, isn’t Curtis the diplomat. Marshall says, he was very kind, and Curtis says he just wants his daughter to be happy. That doesn’t mean he’s not keeping his eye on Spencer.

Trina says, since Spencer is into making folks so happy, she has a request, and he says he’s awaiting instructions. She says she’s wondering if he can switch the playlist for her.

Sonny wonders if it should be when, and Nina says, of course (🍷); when they get married. There’s a knock at the door, and Frank lets Ava in. She asks if Avery is ready, and Nina says, she and Donna have been playing with wedding fabrics all morning, so Ava will have to pry them away. Sonny says, out like a light. They collapsed on a mountain of chiffon. Nina says, it’s organza, but Sonny says, it doesn’t matter. Nina could put burlap on, and she’d still be the most beautiful bride in the world. Sonny’s phone rings, and it’s Dante. Sonny asks, what’s going on?… and tells Nina, they’re waking Ned up now.

Ava says, can Nina believe Sonny rushing off to the hospital? Sonny doesn’t even like Ned. Nina says, Dante called, and Sonny offered support. She thinks Sonny feels guilty for accusing Ned, because all of a sudden, he’s not convinced Ned made the call to the SEC. Ava says, still, Sonny has no reason to suspect Nina. Nina just needs to keep cool and keep quiet. Luckily, she’s the only one who knows the truth. Nina says, Ava, her attorney Martin Grey, and now Ned Quartermaine knows the truth too.

Gladys replies to Selina: Need more time to pay you back. Sonny asks, what’s cookin’? and Gladys drops the phone. Luckily, it lands face down, and Sonny picks it up, handing it back to her.

Cody tells Leo that he knows it’s scary when someone you love is sick or hurt, but his adoptive mom always told him that love is the most powerful medicine, and Leo’s dad loves him so much. Cody is sure he’s trying his best to get better for Leo. Leo says, his biological dad loves him, but it didn’t help him; he’s dead. Cody says he’s sorry. He bets Leo misses him a lot. Leo says, no. He barely remembers him. Tracy walks in, and Cody says, Ned has the best doctors taking care of him, and he won’t be alone. He’ll have Leo’s mom, his stepsister, his granny, all his friends. Leo says, like him? and Cody says, you bet. He’s not going anywhere. Leo hugs Cody, and Tracy says, they’ve been looking everywhere for Leo. It’s time to visit his dad. Let’s go. Leo goes over to her, and she says, he smells like horses. Leo says he likes the smell, and she tells him, go clean up. Cody says, he wants to look nice for his dad, right? and Leo says he guesses. Cody says, besides, Leo needs to put his book back in his room. He hands the book to Leo, saying, he doesn’t want it to get all dirty and messed up in here. Leo says he wants to keep it safe, and runs off. Cody says he’s found Leo responds better to general suggestions, and Tracy says, now he’s telling her about her grandson.

Zeke tells Portia that he met Jordan last night at the pool. After Portia blew him off, he had to make alternate plans. Portia says, if Jordan met Zeke, he probably pinned her down for hours (ha-ha! their faces). He’s quite gregarious. When he came home from school, his report card always said he talked too much. He would go on and on and on, and just keep talking. Jordan probably found that out, huh? Jordan says, he’s certainly good company, when Spencer joins them. Portia says she doesn’t know if Spencer met her baby brother, Ezekiel Robinson, and Spencer says, of course (🍷) he has, at Portia’s wedding. It’s good to see him again. They shake hands, and Zeke says, him too. Spencer excuses himself, and says he’ll see them all outside. He leaves, and Portia says, of course (🍷) Trina invited Spencer to the party; of course (🍷) she did. Jordan says, the party? and Portia says, it’s a party for Curtis actually. Jordan says, that’s right, it’s his birthday, and Portia says, Stella reserved some spots for them at the pool. Jordan is more than welcome to join them. Portia excuses herself and leaves to oversee the cake, and Zeke asks if there’s something Jordan wants to tell him.

Stella asks how it feels, and Curtis says, he’s still wrapping his brain around everything, but it feels good. She says, to know that he doesn’t just have a child, but that child. She’s a remarkable young woman, and Stella thought so even before she had an inkling that she was Curtis’s daughter. Curtis says, they haven’t discussed labels yet. For now, he’s still Curtis, but he’s cool with that. He’s just going to follow her lead. Marshall says, Curtis called him by his first name when they met, but it didn’t change how he felt about Curtis or being part of the family. Curtis says, family; he likes the sound of that. Spencer joins Trina, telling her that it was an accomplishment. Portia comes over to them, and says she reintroduced Spencer to Trina’s Uncle Zeke. Trina says, cool, and Spencer says, he seems like a good guy. Portia says, he is. She’s happy Spencer could make it. Spencer says he’s happy to be included, and she says, he’s just in time for the cake. He says he had to drop off Esme and Ace at Esme’s new job; Ace is in daycare there. Portia says, co-parenting a baby is a lot of responsibility for a young man. So many moving parts you have to juggle.

Jordan says she’s the Police Commissioner, and Zeke says, good thing he doesn’t have any unpaid parking tickets. It’s such a familiar surname. Is she related to…? She says, yes, she is. She’s Curtis’s ex-wife.

Trina tells Portia, Spencer is doing such a good job at balancing his responsibilities. She’s really proud of him. Portia says she’s just acknowledging that caring for a baby is all consuming, and Spencer says, she’s absolutely right. If someone had told him a year ago he’d know how to comfort a colicky child, he’d have laughed in their face. It’s certainly a big challenge, and his father wasn’t up to it, so he’s assumed the responsibility, but she’s correct; it’s a big commitment. Trina says, which makes it all the more impressive that Spencer is stepping up, and Portia says, absolutely. What he’s doing is admirable. But do her a favor and enjoy his youth while he can. Balancing friends and activities while caring for a little one can be exhausting, no matter what your intentions are. Spencer says he’ll do his best, but one thing he’ll always do is make time for Trina.

Stella asks why Curtis refuses to let her put candles on his cake, and he says, because Trix candles are for kids. Besides, everything he would wish for is already coming true. Marshall says, not everything, and looks over at Spencer and Trina.

Zeke asks if Jordan knew who he was when they met, but she says, would she have confessed so much if she had? How was she supposed to know he was related to Portia? He says, so the ex she kissed who went back to his wife… She says she realizes this is an awkward position they’re in, and he says, awkward for her, but it’s excruciating for him. His sister’s finally hopeful again, and now he’s sitting on information that could ruin everything? She says, nothing has to be ruined. Portia never has to know. He asks if she’s suggesting he keep it from her, and she says, that kiss happened in a moment in time, and that time is over, so let it go. She has.

Cody suggests he and Tracy start over. He holds out his hand, and says, I’m Cody, but she doesn’t take it. She says she knows who he is. The question is, does he know who she is? She’s Tracy Quartermaine. She may not always be physically present, but she’s like the wind; she’s everywhere. She knows absolutely everything that’s going on with her family, and definitely doesn’t need to be brought up to speed by the hired help. And just to put him on notice, she will be counting the silverware. He says, that won’t be necessary, and she says, why her family has a jewel thief in its employ is beyond her. He would have been gone the minute he got arrested. Normally, she’d blame Monica, but she understands the only reason he’s still here is because he’s got Mama Q wrapped around his little finger? And Tracy’s son adores Olivia, but that won’t help him with her. Brook comes in, and says, leave him alone, granny.

Sonny says, Gladys is welcome. Nice to see her too. She says she’s sorry. She wanted to make sure the screen wasn’t cracked. She’s such a butterfingers these days. He asks why she’s so jumpy, and she says, Sasha is meeting with a court appointed shrink. He says he thought Doc was treating her, and she says, yeah, but in order to hear her petition, the judge had to send her to an impartial medical practitioner. He asks what petition she’s talking about, and she says, Sasha wants to sever the guardianship. He says, that’s great news, right? and she says, is it?

Drew says he’s instructed his lawyer to make a deal, and Carly won’t get out unscathed, but she’ll stay out of prison. She says, call it off, but he says, it’s too late. He’s already proposed the deal. She asks if the SEC accepted it, and he says, not yet, but his lawyer is confident they will. Carly’s going to have to pay a very big fine. She says she doesn’t care about the money. He’s telling her that he’s going to prison instead of her. He says, it’s very likely he’ll spend some time behind bars, and she says she knows he’s doing this for her and her family, but she’s not the only one with children. Scout has spent enough time away from him. He says he hates the idea of being away from Scout again, but he knows Scout is in a stable, loving home with Sam and Dante, a man he likes and respects. If Carly goes away, Donna is with Sonny. She says, and Nina.

Ava says she can’t believe it; Ned overheard Nina with Martin. Nina says, the second Ned wakes up, he’s going to spill everything, but Ava says, she doesn’t know that. Nina says she talked to Ned before he had his accident. He was determined to clear his name, and Ned isn’t the only exposure she’s had. The so-called anonymous source isn’t so anonymous. Martin told her that the Feds can uncover her identity. Once Sonny finds out she’s the cause of Carly’s trouble, goodbye wedding, goodbye marriage, goodbye love. And Willow. Drew saved Willow’s life, and Carly… She was going to say, Carly is like her second mother, but Carly is Willow’s mother by choice. So when Willow finds out she’s the one who turned in Carly and Drew, any chance she had of forming a relationship is gone. Ava tells her to take a breath, and Nina says she just wanted more time. She just wanted to be happy with him and be his fiancé a little bit more. Ned is waking up, and that means her time and her luck is running out. Ava says, maybe, but maybe not, and Nina says she doesn’t want any more tricks, but Ava says, what she’s proposing is more radical than any trick. If there’s a hope of salvaging things with Sonny, there’s only one thing to do. Nina has to go to him and tell him the truth – now.

Zeke says, Jordan didn’t seem surprised when she found out he was Portia’s brother, and she says she found out last night. She overheard Portia introducing him. That’s why she texted him to meet up today. He says, so it wasn’t because she liked him and his sparkling conversation? and she says she does like him, but this is too messy. Last night shouldn’t have happened. He says, so she regrets sleeping with him? but she says she thinks he knows otherwise. But this situation is regrettable, and she’s pretty sure he feels his first loyalty is to Portia. He says, which brings them back to Jordan’s suggestion that he lie to her, and she says, Portia wants her marriage to work, and he just said she was feeling hopeful again. Why hurt what she and Curtis are trying to rebuild?

Marshall says, the best birthday gift he can give Curtis is space. He’s moving out. Curtis says, he doesn’t have to, and Marshall says he knows, but he wants to. Better now while he’s confident. He has a little nest egg saved, so he can afford his own place. Curtis starts to object, but Stella tells him to let his father finish. He says, clearly, Aunt Stella is on Marshall’s side, but Marshall says, there ain’t no side. The best thing Curtis can do is focus on his marriage, and his daughter.

Portia tells Spencer that she’s trying to be more forthright these days, so she’s going to tell him something. She knows he has the best intentions where his baby brother is concerned, but she also knows he’s not the primary caregiver. What if the charges against Esme are reinstated, and all that responsibility falls on him? Trina flashes back to Spencer saying the evidence in Victor’s safety deposit box was probably falsified. Spencer’s phone rings, and he says, it’s probably about Ace. He steps away to take the call, and Trina tells Portia that she doesn’t have to say it. She knows Portia disapproves. Portia says she’s just trying to do what’s best for Trina, and Trina says she knows.

Tracy wonders if this whole family lost their minds while she was absent, and Brook says, after Cody was charged with stealing the bracelet, her dad wanted to fire him, but she convinced him not to. Tracy says, so the singing detective wasn’t enough. Brook wanted the cowboy as back-up, but Brook says, it wasn’t that way. He’s good with Leo. Tracy says, all the more reason to get rid of the criminal, but Cody says, accused criminal. Nothing’s been proven yet. Brook says, ever since Leo was diagnosed with being on the spectrum, it’s important he have people who accept him and understand him. Tracy says, that’s what family’s for, but Brook says, Leo also needs constituency and routine. She’d put money on dad being in the hospital really messing with Leo’s head. If Tracy fires Cody, she’s just going to upend Leo even more. Does Tracy really want dad to clean up the mess she made? Tracy says, Brook’s walking on thin ice, and Brook says, so be it. She’d do anything for Leo. Tracy says, all right. Going to her deep and abiding love for this family, she’ll table the discussion for now, but while Ned is recovering, they’ll slowly and gently change Leo’s routine. She tells Cody, take the time to find other employment, because the minute Ned is better, you’re gone, ponyboy. She leaves, and Brook says, so that’s her grandmother. Cody says he never had a grandma, but after meeting hers, he’s damn glad he didn’t.

Nina says she and Ava have talked about this. If she tells Sonny the truth, it’s over; he’ll never forgive her. Ava says, he might, if she gets out in front of it. There’s a chance Sonny could forgive her… Maybe not right away, but he’ll definitely appreciate her coming clean. But she has to get to the hospital before Ned wakes up. If she doesn’t, she can kiss her life with Sonny goodbye. Nina gets up and puts her engagement ring on the mantel. Ava says, that’s it, huh? Just giving up? Nina says she has the feeling today will be the end of her engagement, so she’s going to make it easy for Sonny and leave the ring there. It’s time for her to start letting go. Will Ava stay with the girls? Ava says, Nina doesn’t even have to ask, and Nina leaves.

Sonny tells Gladys, Sasha’s doing better, she’s feeling better, the end of the guardianship is a good thing. Gladys says, in theory, and Sonny asks if there’s something she isn’t telling him right now. Because if there is, she needs to spit it out. Gladys says she doesn’t think Sasha is ready, but Sonny says, that is for Sasha and the judge to decide, not her. She says, it’s too soon. What if Sasha has a relapse? What would happen to her business? Her reputation? If she does this right now, it could ruin her life. They have to protect Sasha. He can’t let this happen. He says, of course (🍷) he wants to protect Sasha, but Gladys hasn’t given him a good reason to think she can’t handle her own life. She did well under pressure, didn’t she? Gladys says, they got lucky. He knows how it is with those mental health struggles. Are those struggles ever really over? He says, they’re two different people with two different circumstances. Yes, they’ve overcome a lot, and they’ve gotten help. Sasha’s handled the guardianship with dignity. She’s going to be okay. Gladys says she wants her daughter-in-law to be healthy and independent someday. She just doesn’t want to make a hasty decision. He says, it is up to the judge, but she says, Sasha respects him. She’ll listen to him. Will he talk with her? Convince her to give this arrangement a little more time.

Stella says she’s going to leave Curtis and Marshall to settle this, but for her part, Marshall’s making good sense. She leaves, and Curtis says, he and Portia told him that he’d always have a home with them. Marshall says, and that won’t change, will it? This is addition by subtraction. With his absence, he’s creating more room for Curtis and Portia to live their lives. Trina’s out of school now, and she’s eventually going to want to come home. Curtis says he sure hopes so. Marshall says, take this time and be with his family. This father in the family is all right. They’re good. Marshall grabs Curtis’s hand and shakes it.

Trina asks if everything is okay, but Spencer says, no. Esme called. The daycare provider is ill. They’re shutting down for the day as a precaution, so he’s picking Ace up. Trina says, she can’t do it? but he says, she’s at work. The same with Doc and his grandmother. He hates this, but… She says, he’s got to go.

Jordan tells Zeke, Portia’s been through so much, she hopes he considers sparing her more pain. As for her, she thanks him for being a true gentleman. She walks to the elevator, as he watches. She turns to give him a last look, and dammit, I want him to follow her. She gets in and they smile at each other. Portia comes around the corner, and says, she doesn’t know which Spencer she finds more infuriating, the entitled brat, or the new version, the responsible aspiring parent. Whichever one shows up, it doesn’t matter. She doesn’t see how he can make Trina a priority. Zeke asks, what’s this about Spencer being an aspiring parent? and Portia says, he wants to get custody of his baby brother, the brother whose mother, also Spencer’s ex-girlfriend, tried to frame Trina. Messy, right? He says, there’s a lot going on, and she says she doesn’t want Trina involved with any of that stuff. Even though she believes Spencer really does care about Trina, she doesn’t think he can give Trina the attention she deserves. No one can be a devoted partner when their focus is so split.

Brook says, unfortunately, Cody met her grandmother on a bad day, and he asks if this is the part where she tells him that her bark is worse than her bite. She says, they’re both bad, but that’s Tracy. She’ll take the screws to ya and come through for ya in equal measure. He says, translation, she’s a Quartermaine, and Brook says, he’s learning. He’s really sorry about Ned. He’s been praying for her and her family, and if there’s anything he can do, let him know. She says, just keep supporting Leo, and he says, Leo’s taking it pretty hard. He caught Leo with his nose in a book earlier; some pictures of insects. She says, a Joel Sartore photo book; he loves those. (Me too!) Cody says, Leo said his mom and dad took him to meet the photographer. He got pretty shaky talking about Ned’s accident. He knows Ned is unconscious. He’s pretty worried. Brook thanks him for telling her. She’s glad Leo has a friend he can count on. He says, it won’t do Leo much good if he goes to jail. It looks like his days are numbered.

Carly tells Drew, let’s just wait it out. She read somewhere that the statute of limitations for the SEC is five years. He asks if she can make it that long with a hold on her finances, and she says, him taking the rap for her can’t be their only option. He says, it’s his choice. He doesn’t want her feeling guilty about it. She says, it’s not guilt; it’s heartbreak. She can’t stand the thought of losing him. He holds her.

Stella thanks Spencer for coming, and he thanks her for having him. Trina thanks him for coming, and says, he scored points with the gift. He says he likes her family; they’re good people. He’s not going anywhere. He kisses her forehead and leaves, and she says, except for daycare.

Curtis says he appreciates Marshall’s offer to move out, and Marshall says he’s not talking about far away. Those days are over. But Curtis and Portia bought that home for their shared future, and from where he stands, that future looks like it’s possible again.

Zeke tells Portia, Trina’s sharp. She realizes Spencer’s life is complicated. Portia says, she should see the pattern. She shouldn’t have to compromise. She shouldn’t have to come in second place in her boyfriend’s life. He says, both she and Trina deserve better, and she tells him not to blame Curtis for how he behaved on their wedding night. There was a lot going on. He says, his issue with Curtis is how he’s behaved since the wedding.

Sonny tells Gladys that he’ll talk to Sasha, but he’s not going to convince her of anything. She’ll do what she thinks is best. Gladys says, and if she doesn’t know what that is? but he says he trusts Sasha. She should too. She rolls her eyes and walks away.

As Gladys goes into the elevator, Nina comes out, and Sonny asks what she’s doing here. Are the girls okay? She says, Ava’s with the girls. She had to see him. He asks, what’s wrong? and she just gives him a pained look. He holds her hand and notices her ring finger is bare. He asks, where’s her ring?

On the phone, Ava says, Nina’s gone, and the girls are asleep. She has this apartment to herself until Sonny gets here, which could be any moment, so she has to be quick. If you were incriminating information that Mason wants, where would you hide?

Cody says, Gladys is still claiming he stole that bracelet, and Brook tells him, hang in there. He has the full support of her entire family, granny aside. They’d hate to lose him. He says, she means, Leo would, but she says, they’d all miss him, Leo especially. She’ll work on her grandmother, but he’ll always have a home here. Tracy yells, is Brook coming or what? and Brook says, that’s her cue. Leo tells Cody, goodbye, and Cody says, he’s got this, hugging him. They do a high-five and then a fancy fist bump/handshake. They leave, Tracy giving Cody a last glare.

Drew says, Carly’s not going to lose him. No matter what, no matter where. If he’s in prison or anywhere, he’s still hers, but he wants her to know that he understands if she doesn’t want to wait for him. She says, that’s not going to happen because none of this is going to happen. They’re not doing this. He says he has to do this for her, but she says she doesn’t want him to do this for her. He says he’s doing this for them.

Tomorrow, Cody asks if someone believes him; Diane says, all’s well that ends well; Elizabeth tells Finn, there are other ways; and Sam says, some things can’t be forgiven.

💣 Just On Pause…

I have the feeling she’ll be just fine.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/finola-hughes-opens-up-about-anna-being-canceled-on-gh

💛 Mob Boss With a Heart Of Gold…

This was so very nice of him.

Maurice Benard Helps a GENERAL HOSPITAL Fan’s Dream Come True

👗 Redeemed Or Not…

I feel the same way about Project Runway that I do about the many cooking shows I love; those who can’t do, watch. I can barely hem pants, but I love watching what the designers come up with using only a Hefty bag, a row of sequins, and a funnel. This season (number 20!) features contestants from seasons past, their first challenge to create a Redemption Look, a new riff on the outfit that got them ousted. Alicia Silverstone was the guest judge.

‘Project Runway’ 20 premiere recap: Who made a strong 1st impression for the 2nd time in ‘Project Redemption’? [UPDATING LIVE BLOG]

📉 Wrong Side Of the Day…

Let’s just say my love/hate relationship with technology is leaning heavily on the latter side today, so I’m calling it a night. But be prepared tomorrow for soap, tea, quotes and music. Until then, stay safe, stay knowing there will always be another sale and the lowest prices of the season probably aren’t, and stay never being too old for candles on your birthday cake.

Jun15

June 14, 2023 – TJ Gives Olivia an Update On Ned, More VanderMess Revealed, New Old OC, They’d Better Work & Turn

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis gets out of the pool, and says, Zeke should give it a try. Zeke says he’d like to, but he has to meet with a client. Curtis says he appreciates Zeke dropping by, and Zeke says, of course (🍷). He had to wish happy birthday to his brother-in-law. Stella tells Zeke to hurry back; they’re having cake later. Zeke says he’ll so be there, and leaves. Curtis asks Portia if everything is okay, and she says she was just kind of hoping maybe… She turns to see Trina holding a gift, and Trina says, happy birthday, Curtis.

Jordan walks into the MetroCourt, and sends a text to Zeke: Zeke, it’s me from the other night… Do you have a minute to meet up? I’m at the MC.

Drew calls Michael, and thanks him for holding down the fort at Aurora… No, he hasn’t been to GH yet. Things got a little crazy last night. He’ll get there soon. He has to take care of a little business first… Let’s just say he’s taking the future into his own hands.

Gladys finds Sasha at the hospital, and is surprised she’s there already, but Sasha says she didn’t want to be late. Gladys says, they have time to take a breath, and Sasha says she knows where this is going. Please don’t start. Gladys says, there’s no reason to be terminating the guardianship, but Sasha says, they’ve been over this several times. Gladys says she just wants Sasha to think about it a little bit longer. It was just a few days ago when she went on the Home & Heart shopping channel, and almost had another break. Sasha says she was being manipulated by those sleazy producers. She wasn’t hearing a baby crying in her head. They were playing that noise in her earpiece. Gladys says, still, the worst could have happened, and Sasha says, but the worst didn’t happen. She was able to hold it together, and the producers backed off, thanks to Cody. Sam and Dante walk in, and Sam says, even Gladys has to admit it; Cody stepped up and saved the day.

Olivia prays the rosary outside Ned’s room, and Brook asks if she’s okay. Olivia says, she remembers growing up in Bensonhurst, how the mamas and great aunts would pull out their rosaries in a time of crisis. She swore she’d never be that old fashioned old lady. Then she got old, and realized how scary life can be, and she’s so grateful for her rosaries and her prayer, and for her faith. It comforts her. Brook asks why she stopped praying, and Olivia says she’s been praying all night, and doesn’t think God is listening. Not to mention, Brook interrupted her. Brook says, if God listens to anyone, it’s Olivia, and Olivia asks, then why they don’t have any news about Brook’s dad? Just give her a sign… something. Carly approaches with some coffee, and says, Drew told her what happened to Ned, and she wanted to be here for Olivia and her family. Brook says, Carly is an angel, taking the coffee, and Carly says, if she’s the last person Olivia wants to see, she can just go. TJ comes out of Ned’s room, and says, he has some news about Olivia’s husband.

Trina hands Curtis the gift, and he thanks her, adding, he’s really glad she came. Portia says, it’s nice to see Trina, hugging her, and Trina says she couldn’t miss Curtis’s birthday. Stella gives Trina a hug, and Marshall says, his turn. Stella wonders what’s keeping Thomas Jr., and Curtis says, TJ called to wish him a happy birthday, and apologized that he can’t be with them. He’s shadowing the head of neurology at GH, and couldn’t get the day off. Stella says, what a shame. She was hoping to get the whole family together, now that it’s all official.

Zeke sees Jordan at the bar, and says, here he thought she forgot about him. She says she actually has something to talk to him about. Does he have time for coffee? He says he can’t stay; he has to meet a client. She tells him that he’s going to have to come up with another excuse. That one is getting old. He says he doesn’t live in Port Charles, so when he’s in town, he’s kind of at the mercy of his clients. However, now that she’s called him, he has her digits, so… Is she free for lunch? She says she’ll see what she can do, and he says, if she can’t, he’ll call her and they’ll make other plans. Drew comes in, and Zeke excuses himself. Jordan heads for the elevator, and sees Taggert coming out. He asks if she won’t join him for a drink, but it looks like he’s already started.

Sasha says she’s come around about Cody. He seems like he’s one of the good guys. Gladys asks if she’s the only one who remembers that Cody stole an expensive bracelet from her, but Sam says, that’s yet to be proven. Gladys asks Dante if that’s true, but he says he’s not going to comment on that. Sasha asks if they’re here to see Willow, but Dante says, Ned, actually. He was in an accident. Sasha says she’s so sorry. As if his family hasn’t been going through enough. She’ll pray for them all. Dante thanks her, and his phone rings. He says, it’s the station, and steps away to take the call. Sam says she assumes they’re here to see Willow, and Sasha says, she is… after her appointment. She’s here to see a psychiatrist to talk about ending her guardianship. Sam congratulates her, and says, that’s great news, but Gladys says, just to be clear, it’s not a done deal. It’s just an initial consultation. Sam says, Gladys isn’t against Sasha regaining control of her life, is she?

TJ wants to give them an update about Ned, but Carly says she doesn’t want to intrude, and starts to leave. Olivia tells her, wait. Will she stay… please? Carly says, of course (🍷). Of course (🍷) she’ll stay with Olivia. Olivia tells TJ that they’re ready, and he says, last night, they put Ned under twilight sedation for his brain swelling. Carly says she’s sorry, but Olivia says, TJ explained that the swelling was moderate enough, they may be able to bring it down using a medication with diuretics. TJ says, they’re keeping Ned in a twilight state to manage his pain while the swelling goes down. Unfortunately, they’re not seeing as much improvement as they’d like. Olivia asks what that means, and TJ says, they’ll continue to monitor him for now, but if the swelling persists, they’ll have to bring him in for surgery. (Bring him in where? He’s already in the hospital.)

Taggert puts his arm around Jordan as they walk to the bar, and he asks, when was the last time they had a drink together? She says, it’s only 11 am, and he’s already had a few. Is he okay? He asks why he wouldn’t be okay, and Jordan flashes back to Portia asking if she’s spoken to Taggert recently; he might need a friend. Jordan tells her, the DNA test results came in. Curtis is Trina’s father. Jordan tells Taggert, what he needs isn’t found in a bottle, and he tells her, says you. She says, let’s get you back to your room.

Zeke says he’s on his way to the conference room to meet with the SEC attorneys to work out the plea deal, but it’s his job to look out for Drew’s best interests. So once again, Zeke is advising him not to do this. Drew says he hears Zeke – again. He’s not changing his mind. I can actually see this, since prison there is probably a cakewalk compared to Greece. Zeke says, but Drew wants him to hold off on finalizing the deal because of the ace up his sleeve? Correct? Drew says, right. He’s still holding on to hope. Zeke sees Jordan helping Taggert into the elevator, and Drew asks if he’s okay. Zeke says he’s not sure. He thinks he just saw his ex-brother-in-law.

Marshall wants to make a toast, but Curtis says, it’s not necessary. Marshall says he knows he doesn’t have to, but he’s going to anyway. He remembers when Curtis was born. He held Curtis in his arms, and couldn’t believe how blessed he was to be the father of another perfect son. He wanted to teach Curtis things that his father taught him. His father wanted to make sure he knew that it was just as valuable to play a musical instrument as it was to throw a ball around. He wanted to make sure Marshall was open to new experiences; explore the world. That’s what he wanted to teach Curtis, but as they all know, sadly, life turned out differently. I feel sorry for Stella who’s holding her drink the way you raise it for a toast, as Marshall keeps going. He says, but in spite of that, his son loves music anyway, and he got to cook Curtis his world famous gumbo yaya. So he guesses, how the saying goes, better late than never. Standing here today with his son on his birthday, he feels just as blessed as he did years ago. To Curtis. Everyone is like, thank God, we can drink now, and says, to Curtis. But no. Stella (of all people) says, before everyone drinks, she has something to add. The only thing that gives her more joy than being with her nephew on his birthday, is that this year they’re joined by his daughter. Welcome to the family, Trina. Curtis says, it’s quite a birthday gift, and they clink glasses. Stella says she needs to get their first family picture, and Trina excuses herself to use the restroom. Stella wonders if it’s something she said.

Gladys says, of course (🍷) she wants Sasha to heal, and not need her as a guardian anymore; that was always the goal. Sam wonders if it was everyone’s goal, and Gladys says, yes, it was. Dante comes back, and asks if everything’s all right. Sam says, of course (🍷), and tells Sasha, good luck. Sasha says, thanks, she’ll take it, and they leave. Gladys glowers, and Sasha tells her, please stop worrying. She’s ready. It’s time she took her life back.

TJ says he’ll keep them posted, and leaves. Olivia says she’s got to tell Tracy. She’s bringing Leo. He won’t stop asking about Ned. He must be so worried. She didn’t go home last night; he was alone with Tracy. Brook says she’ll go home and act as a buffer, and leaves. Carly tells Olivia, It’s going to be okay; Ned is strong. Olivia says she’s just glad Drew was there. If he hadn’t been there and acted so quickly… Carly says, there isn’t anyone Drew wouldn’t help, and Olivia asks, what the hell did you just say? Carly says she must have misspoke. She didn’t mean… Olivia tells her, just say it. It’s ironic that Drew saved Ned’s life, when she thinks Ned is trying to destroy Drew’s. Carly tells Olivia that she didn’t say any of that, but Olivia says, it’s what she’s thinking. Even though Ned saw it, he wasn’t the one who told the SEC about their insider trading. Carly says, it doesn’t matter; she’s here for Olivia. Olivia says, Ned only needs people here who are rooting for him; not people who are against him. Carly says she doesn’t wish Ned any harm. Neither does Drew. Olivia says, Ned swore to her that he’s innocent, and she believed him. So if Carly is going to be here and sit in judgement of her husband while he’s fighting for his life, just go. She doesn’t need Carly here. This is hard enough for her already. Carly says, that’s fair, when Sam and Dante join them. Carly says she was just leaving, and Dante asks if there’s bad news about Ned, but Carly says, it’s her. She’s sorry. The last thing she wanted to do was upset Olivia. She’ll be praying for Olivia, Ned, and their whole family. She leaves, and Dante asks if Olivia is okay. Olivia shakes her head, and he holds her as she cries.

Gladys sits next to Sasha, and says she hopes Sasha didn’t listen to what Sam suggested. She’s just concerned about Sasha, that’s all. Sasha says she understands, and knows Gladys feels she has to do right by Sasha out of obligation to Brando, but it’s starting to feel like Gladys can’t see how far she’s come. Like at the last Home & Heart taping. The producers were literally messing with her head, hoping she’d melt down so they could get a pathetic boost for their ratings. But she didn’t freak out. She held it together. And Gladys was the one who was against her making that appearance in the first place. She’s starting to feel like Gladys doesn’t believe in her. Gladys says, no, that’s not it, and Sasha says, then what is it?

Marshall says he knows Stella is excited about having Trina in the family. She’s a great aunt now. He’s a grandfather; he’s excited too. But they have to give Trina space. Ease up. She says, he’s right; she’s pushing too hard. She just wanted to have the family come together, and get over all this hurt between everyone. He says he understands, but the situation is still damaged. They have to give Trina time to want to be with them. Stella says she sees so much of her sister’s spirit in Trina. He does too, doesn’t he? He says, oh yeah, and she says, it just kills her that Trina will never get a chance to know Irene.

Portia says she’s worried about Trina, but Curtis says, she probably just needs a minute. And maybe they should chill on this instant family kumbaya stuff. She says she’s with him on that, but Trina’s on summer break and living with Carly. How much more space could she possibly need? He says, she’s not choosing to live with Carly over Portia. She’s already Josslyn’s roommate. She’s just extending the arrangement over the summer. They’ve got to give her that. She tells him that what he’s saying makes sense, but it’s still difficult, and he says he knows. It’s going to take some getting used to for everyone. Maybe she could explain that to Aunt Stella, but he thinks his dad’s already taken care of that. Portia says, maybe that gives them a chance to talk about them. Where do they really stand?

Jordan dumps Taggert on the couch, and he says, this is better. He looks at his phone and suggests they order room service. Does she want a Bloody Mary or a mimosa? She says, the only thing he’s drinking is water, handing him a bottle. Being an alcoholic isn’t going to solve his problems. He asks what she knows about his problems, and she says, Portia told her about the DNA test. He says, so she knows a lot, but she doesn’t know what it feels like. She didn’t have to wake up knowing TJ wasn’t her son. She says she didn’t, and he says, one minute he has a daughter, the next minute, he doesn’t, and there’s no way for him to get her back.

Drew and Carly walk out to the terrace holding hands, and he says, what happened at GH with Ned? She says, he’s not good. If they can’t get the swelling in his brain to go down, they’ll have to operate. He says, that can be a really dangerous surgery, and she says she knows. Olivia is taking it so hard. Drew bets she was glad to have Carly there, but Carly says she doesn’t know about that. She thinks she made everything worse. She said something that came out wrong. She said that Drew would risk everything to save anyone, and Olivia interpreted that to mean she didn’t want Ned to get better and deserves what’s happening to him. She doesn’t; that’s not true. Wow. Does anyone listen to anyone? He says, Olivia is just frantic with worry. She needed a place to vent, and Carly was it. They’re way to close not to figure this out. Carly says, these insider trading charges are looming over everything. And if Ned stays in the hospital, their one plan to get these SEC charges dropped isn’t going to happen. He says he’s not counting them out just yet, and she asks if he found something. He says, on Tracy.

Gladys says she made a promise to take care of Sasha. Brando was gone and she needed help. She wants to do right by her son. Sasha says she has, and so much more. She wouldn’t be doing this if she didn’t feel ready to take control of her life again. Gladys says she hopes Sasha’s right. The doctor comes out and introduces himself as Damon Montague. He’s here to discuss terminating her guardianship. Sasha says, it’s nice to meet him, and introduces Gladys. He says, nice to meet Gladys. Follow him. Gladys says she has a whole list of questions for him, but he says he’s afraid this visit is just between him and Sasha. Gladys says, she’s Sasha’s guardian, and he says, they’ll be time for that later. Today it’s just about him getting to know Sasha. Sasha follows him into his office.

Olivia tells Dante, TJ explained they’re going to try and bring down the swelling in Ned’s brain with diuretics, but if it doesn’t come down fast enough, he’s going to need surgery. Dante says, it sounds like they’re doing everything they can to avoid that route. Sam gets a call, and steps away to take it. Dante asks if Olivia wants to talk about Carly, but she says, the only thing that matters right now is Ned coming back to them. Even if he doesn’t need surgery, there could be brain damage. He tells her, stop. He knows it’s hard right now. In moments of uncertainty, she lets her mind go wild, but try to stay with him in the here and now. She says she was so upset with Ned about the stupid SEC thing, but Dante says, she already told Ned that she knew he wasn’t responsible for the anonymous tip. Don’t do this to herself. She says she was just thanking God for that. It’s the only thing making this even slightly tolerable. She can’t help thinking about the time they lost that they might never get back.

Jordan says she’s sure it was hard to hear that Trina isn’t Taggert’s biological daughter, but she isn’t gone. He’s still the man who raised her. She’s seen how much Trina loves him. That DNA test didn’t change any of that for her. He says, that’s what he told himself; nothing could break their bond. He thinks he actually convinced himself that he was prepared for the possibility she might not be his daughter. But deep down he was holding on to the hope she was really his daughter. When it was the opposite, he was crushed. She says, of course (🍷) he was. Anyone would feel the same. It will take some time to process, but the shock will wear off eventually, and he and Trina will pick right back up where they left off. He says he’s keeping a brave face up for Trina. He doesn’t want her to worry about him. She isn’t just related to Curtis. She’s related to Marshall, Stella, TJ… Wow. If Trina wants to get to know her real family, he doesn’t want to get in the way. She says, he’s Trina’s real family too. They all know that. Why won’t he let himself see it?

Curtis says, they’re figuring things out, and Portia says, but they’re not. They’re dancing around the issue; they’re not really talking about it. Now they know Trina is his biological daughter, and he missed out on her childhood. He must resent her. He says he’s not going to lie. He would have loved to see Trina grow up, but what’s done is done. He’s not going to let it hold him back, because he has every moment from here on out to connect with his daughter. And if she’ll have him, he’s here for it. She says she’ll never forgive herself for staying silent as long as she did, but he says, at some point, you have to just forgive and move on. She says, a few weeks ago, she would have never imagined they’d all be here together. Is there still hope for them to become a real family? He says, there is.

Marshall tells Stella that Trina is going to want to know all about Irene. She just has to give Trina some time.  She says, he sounds so sure, and he says, because he is. She just has to stop pushing. It’s new, but once the newness wears off, Trina’s going to want to get to know this side of the family. She says she doesn’t know. That girl really loves Marcus Taggert. He says, they have to encourage all of that. He’s gotten to know Trina, and believes she wants to be a part of them. They’ll be able to tell her all about the family she didn’t get to be with; the family she has now. Stella prays he’s right, and says she’ll wait patiently for that day to come. He says, her? Patient? She says she’s been overrun with boys in this family, and now that they finally have a girl, she’s not going to push her away.

Trina comes back out, and says, sorry about that, but Curtis says, it’s all right. It’s all new for them too. So they’ll just take it one day at a time. How’s Taggert? Trina says she saw him last night; he’s doing well. Portia says, that’s really good to hear, and excuses herself to check on the cake for later. Trina picks up her gift, and asks Curtis if he could open it when it’s just them. He says, sure, and opens the gift. He smiles.

Taggert tells Jordan that Trina was just talking to him about her plans for summer like it was normal… and he started to notice her features that he always thought came from him… When she laughed, he thought of his sister Gia, and when she was serious, she seemed like his mom and dad. Then he realized none of it was from him, or his blood. Everything that he thought made up his daughter came from someone else.

Sasha asks Dr. Montague if it’s wrong to say she’s nervous. Of course (🍷) she wants to be independent again, and she thinks she’s ready, but actually being here is daunting. The doctor says, it’s his job is to relieve some of that pressure. He gives his opinion to the court, so they can decide if she’s really ready for this. He read her file. She experienced two traumatic losses, all while living in the pubic eye. It must have been incredibly difficult. She says, it was definitely a struggle, and he asks how she characterizes her relationship with her guardian. She says she’s grateful to Gladys. When her husband Brando died, she was shattered to lose him so soon after losing Liam. She couldn’t get out of bed. Gladys really stepped up for her. They’ve butted heads a few times but she always knows Gladys has her best interests at heart. He asks her to tell him more about them butting heads.

Drew tells Carly that he was confronting Tracy about telling Ned to go to the SEC in exchange for keeping her secret. That’s when Ned came charging into the pool area. He tripped and fell, and naturally Tracy tried to pin it on him, and say he pushed Ned, but the security cameras covered him. She says, thank God she insisted on putting those cameras around the pool. That’s what happens when she runs the place. Her phone rings, and she says, hey, Diane… Really? Drew is here with her now. She tells Drew that the US Attorney called Diane. They want to meet her and Diane in their office. Back on the phone, she says, okay, so this is where they make the offer for her to go against Sonny in exchange for them dropping the charges against her and Drew, right?… She tells Drew, probably. She wants Diane to tell them that she’s not going to turn against someone she cares about to get out of this. Make sure she tells them that… Thank you. Drew says, that was very brave, but he’s got to ask her, now what?

Sam comes back, and tells Dante, it was Scout; she’s fine. She asks if Olivia needs anything. Is she hungry? Olivia shakes her head, but says she appreciates it. TJ comes out, and, ever the optimist, Olivia says, he’s going to need surgery, isn’t he? but TJ says, no. He was going over Ned’s latest test results, and he turned a corner. He won’t need surgery. Olivia jumps on TJ, hugging him.

Sasha walks out with the doctor, and Gladys asks, how’d it go? Sasha says, it was a good start, and Dr. Montague says, he’ll see Sasha soon. Sasha leaves, and Gladys says, excuse me. Damon? He says he had no idea Sasha was her daughter-in-law. It’s surprising to run into her this way. She says, definitely unexpected. Will he need to recuse himself from Sasha’s case, since they know each other? He says, why invite questions? His private life has no bearing on his work. He hasn’t seen her at The Savoy for a while. Will she be rejoining Miss Wu’s game any time soon? She shakes her head, and says, Sasha isn’t the only one trying to turn over a new leaf.

Taggert cries as he talks, and tells Jordan that he’s made a lot of mistakes in his life. He’s jealous. He chose his job over his marriage. He compromised himself in the pursuit of justice. Through all of that, he told himself that he got one thing perfect… his daughter. None of that was true. She says, he’s wrong. He made Trina who she is. no one can ever take that away from him. He says, that’s just it. They already have.

Curtis takes a frame decorated with macaroni – the kind like you make in Girl Scouts – out of the box, and Trina says, he never got any of her homemade gifts as a kid. He says, it’s perfect, and thanks her. She says, maybe one day, he’ll be able to put a picture of them in it. He says he thinks they can do something about that now, and takes a selfie of them.

Jordan looks at her phone, and says, come on, Zeke. We’ve got to sort this out before you talk to your sister.

Jordan sees Zeke walking through the restaurant, and asks if he’s ready to join them at the party. What’s that look about? He says he thought he just saw Taggert. They didn’t talk, but he didn’t see Taggert for long. He was just glad someone was there to help him.

TJ says, now that the swelling has reduced, they’ll prepare to bring Ned out of the twilight state. First they’ll make sure his vitals are stable; then they’ll bring him out of the anesthesia. Olivia says, then he just wakes up and he’s okay? but TJ says, as with any head injury, there are a lot of unknowns. Once Ned wakes up, they’ll be able to better assess the extent of his injuries, but they’re cautiously optimistic. He leaves, and Dante says he told Olivia it was going to be okay. She says, thank God, blessing herself. It’s about time this family got some good news.

Carly tells Drew, either Ned recovers, and gets the SEC to drop the charges, or they fight like hell in court. He says, but they’d both be putting their freedom on the line. They don’t have to do that. They both don’t have to go down. Only one of them does.

Tomorrow, Curtis says, everything he’s wished for is coming true; Trina tells Spencer that she has a request; and Sonny asks if Nina has a question.

Vanderpump Rules – Season 10 – Secrets Revealed

I’m not sure how this is going to go, since it’s basically unseen footage. Lisa tells us the fallout wouldn’t fit into one episode. They had no alternative but to carry on with the story. I think it’s more like they scrambled through cut footage to get more mileage out of it. Once again, I’ll be using Raquel’s given name of Rachel. Because she thinks it’s disrespectful and I have zero respect for her.

A producer asks if Lisa ever expected something like this to happen, and Lisa says she never expected to still be sitting here eleven years ago. Soon it will be Vanderpump Drools.

Our first stop is Katie and Schwartz still living together post-divorce. And still calling each other Bub, which bothers me to no end. In Katie’s interview, she says, it’s not ideal, but they’re listing their house and it’s better than cold turkey. Schwartz says, Stassi told him, as divorcees they’re f***ing gold. He asks if she’s dated, and she says, yeah, then he’s sorry he asked. In his interview, he says he had to physically walk away when Katie said she wanted a divorce. They had their dream home and were talking about having kids. He doesn’t know how to handle it. In Katie’s interview, she says she couldn’t keep waiting for him to grow up. She’ll always love him, but she’s been defending the relationship for years.

Lisa says, this season was a lot of out with the old, and in with the new, including Sandoval’s apartment. If Sandoval’s old walls could talk, he probably wouldn’t get his deposit back. In Sandoval’s interview, he says Ariana’s brother has been living there. Now her brother is moving out, and he has to say goodbye to the place he’s lived the longest in. Schwartz comes by, and they reminisce about the days when Jax lived there. I congratulate Sandoval again on replacing Jax as Worst Human Being On Earth. Sandoval says, the times he went through in that apartment made him who he is today. We flash back over his and Ariana’s time there, and Sandoval says, it will always be a part of him. They find a beer bong from Hawaii, and Schwartz drinks some out of it.🤮He says, it’s the end of an era.

The producer asks about a funnier scene that didn’t make it, and Lisa says, when Rachel broke up with Peter, he was so drunk, he had to ask her to do it again. We see Peter at See You Next Tuesday, and James swears he didn’t run to Lisa about anything. We flash back to Lisa telling James that Rachel and Peter aren’t dating. James tells Peter that Rachel said she wasn’t him, but he has his own girlfriend and doesn’t care about Peter’s middle-aged sh*t. Peter asks Rachel to talk, and tells her that he doesn’t remember anything from their conversation. We flash back to her saying she sees no future between them. She literally has to repeat to Peter that she came to the conclusion they’re not going anywhere. Peter says, James told him that Rachel was never into him and was afraid breaking his heart. No offense, but that’s not going to happen. Rachel says she’s glad they’re on the same page. I can’t exactly read him, so I’m not sure about that.

Lisa thinks it’s a shame Scheana and Katie aren’t friends. Scheana instigated the Schwartz make out, but why is Rachel at the table when she offered to make out with Schwartz? It’s a girls night at SUR, and Katie’s not there yet. Scheana says she thinks she’s apologized enough, but Katie’s not changing her opinion. Katie’s telling Schwartz that he can’t make out with her. We see Scheana asking Schwartz about making out at Coachella on her podcast, and him saying he wasn’t even at Coachella. She asks if he’d like to make the rumor true. Rachel says she was prepared to be uninvited to Vegas, and Scheana says, they’ll have to reconfigurate [sic] the seating arrangement. They shuffle around before Katie arrives, and Charli sits with them. Katie invites Charli to come on the Vegas/Havasu trip, and Charli says, Havasu is white trash. Maybe. Didn’t former RHOC’s Vicki vacation there? In Scheana’s interview she says, it’s so rude for Katie to invite Charli in front of her, and she tells Katie that she wants to stay in a good place. Katie says, if she didn’t think that was possible, she wouldn’t be here, and in Katie’s interview, she says, if Scheana would own what she’s done and apologize, after dying of shock, she could move forward, but that’s not what’s happening.

Lisa says she never would have suspected Sandoval would cheat on Ariana with Rachel. Now they know why Sandoval stuck up for her so much; he was in more than her corner. Tom tells Ariana that he missed her, and plays it up that Rachel crashed guys night and it was a big drag. Rachel and Charli arrive, and we see a clip captioned, Saddle Ranch 10 hours earlier, with Sandoval and Rachel looking cozy. Charli says, they were sad Ariana had to leave the trip, and Rachel tells them about meeting Oliver. She told Lala that she thought he was cute too, and Lala said she was giving her the green light. The next thing she knew, she and Olivier were making out on the dance floor. We see Tom’s face, and he looks stoic, but you know he must be boiling under the surface; his eyes are daggers. Rachel tells them, afterward Lala said she wouldn’t feel comfortable with Rachel around her man, so she said, good thing Lala doesn’t have one. Charli says she thinks Lala was embarrassed. She f***ed the wrong guy for money. Methinks Charli better duck and run the next time she sees Lala.

A producer asks how pissed Lisa would be if she were in Ariana’s position, being taken out on a date when Sandoval was stepping out on her with one of her friends. She says she’d have Sandoval’s balls crystalized and wear them for earrings. Alrighty then. Sandoval and Ariana go roller skating, and in her interview, she says, she and Sandoval started as friends, so it allows them to rebuild the fun, romantic times. She wants him to succeed, but misses them being together. He falls. I laugh. He tells her that she does a lovely dance of hot and cute, and she says she told the girls that she invited everyone to the pool party. Katie and Rachel aren’t in a great spot, and Katie and Lala are in lockstep on it. She told Katie that she’d have to work hard for her not to love Rachel. They have this beautiful friendship family. Sandoval says, they have this transparent love, and Ariana says she hopes she never hears about it again after the pool party.🤮

Schwartz waits for a date, and in his interview, he says, it’s been 12 years since he’s been on a date someone other than Katie. He met Kendall on Hinge. They matched and decided to take it to the next level. He tells her that he’s never met someone online, and she says, it’s weird. In his interview, Schwartz says, his neurosis dissipated when she walked in. Kendall says she lives in Brentwood, and he says, she might as well live in Minnesota. Oh, I see. It’s like telling a dude living in Manhattan that you live in Queens. Schwartz says he’s slowly getting his life back together, and asks Kendall’s take on a hypothetical situation. John goes to a dear friend’s wedding in Mexico. He’s been divorced seven months, and makes out with this girl, and his ex-wife defriends him. He didn’t do it with spite. Yeah, he left out the part where she was in John and the ex-wife’s friend group. Kendall thinks John’s human, and they agree they’re having fun. In Schwartz’s interview, he says he thinks the date was a success. Kendall was super charming, and they had a connection. She’ll always be his first date after the divorce. She suggests they go for a stroll.

In Lisa’s interview, she says she wasn’t suspicious. She’d put it to bed, but others in the group were suspicious. Kristina, Katie, and Lala go to dinner at SUR. They order appetizers, and I wonder, what the hell is street corn? Lisa joins them, and the server brings her some fries to try. She says she can’t try the whole menu. It could take weeks, or years in some people’s case. We see a clip of the Schwartz & Sandy’s debacle. She says, they can talk smack indulge in this kind of conversation because none of them work for her, and Kristina says, they’re just girls having dinner. Katie recalls Ken spilling the tea about Sandoval and Rachel in the kitchen, and we flash back to that. Katie says she asked Ariana about it, and Ariana said, Rachel was friends with both of them. Lala says, the day Ariana’s grandmother died, Sandoval was with Rachel. Ariana was calling him, and she was furious. He said he was on his way, but he didn’t leave for two hours. In Lala’s interview, she says, something is going on with Sandoval and Rachel, and she tells the girls, when you get that close with someone, and you’re drinking, sometimes things happen.

Scheana and Rachel go to a resin jewelry workshop to make a necklace and earrings. Scheana asks why Rachel was late to work, and Rachel says she and the Toms carpooled. When they got back, they went in the jacuzzi – she had her bathing suit with her. They drank a little bit, and she went to the social media room and passed out. Sandoval told her to crash in the guest room. In Rachel’s interview, she says she didn’t make a move on Schwartz, and nothing happened with her and Sandoval either. It was just a fun night as friends, and she overslept. Scheana says, both Toms said she didn’t stay over, and we flash back to Brock asking, and Sandoval saying no. Scheana says, if they lie, it looks like something is going on, but Rachel says, what’s weird is everyone making it weird. Scheana says, like Rachel would act like a friend, and secretly do something with one of their guys when they’re not there.😐Rachel says, they want to paint the picture that she’s a homewrecking whore; it’s so farfetched. We go back to the final interview where Rachel is bawling her eyes out, and saying, Tom wanted to lie about it because it’s a really bad look to hook up with someone’s boyfriend in their own house when they’ve gone out of town, especially to a funeral of all things. Scheana tells Rachel that she was the OG homewrecker, then came Lala, now here Rachel is, and they laugh.

In her interview, Lisa says, she and Ariana connected over their love of horseback riding. Then Lisa sustained an injury so devastating, she didn’t think she could ride again, but Ariana encouraged her to get back in saddle. Lisa meets Ariana at the stables, and digs in her bag for loose carrots (as we all do) to feed Prince Tardon. They sit, and Lisa says she came to ride, and when she got on, Tardon was frisky. He settled down, but he tripped. She flew over him, then he jumped over her. In her interview, she says she knew her leg was broken, but it turned out to be broken in four places and shattered. She tells Ariana that she doesn’t know what to do. She feels like such a failure. She’s always been that person to say get back on the horse, now here she is. She’s strong when comes to life, but wonders, can she risk it? In Lisa’s interview, she says she hasn’t been riding, and feels like a coward. She shows Ariana where she was when it happened, and Ariana offers to do something stupid to make a different memory. She does a cartwheel, twerks, and flips the spot off. She tells Lisa, now when she thinks of the spot, Lisa will think of her. In her interview, Lisa says, when they captured the huge fallout that happened because of the affair, there was so much going on. A lot of people would let it die, but it’s their responsibility to tell the true story.

March 9th 2023. James tells Ally that Sandoval apologized a bunch of times, but didn’t really apologize to Ariana. And 1000%, Rachel didn’t write her apology herself. Not that she has the brain capacity, but she doesn’t talk like that. They can have each other; they deserve each other. They get a drink, and James says, f*** Rachel. The most traumatic thing is Graham’s life. He guesses Sandoval is his daddy now. Ally says, he’s been a fake friend, and, mixing his metaphors a little, James says, it’s like Judas stabbed him in the back. It’s betrayal. In James’s interview, he says, Sandoval is 42 and washed up. He threw away his amazing girlfriend for an airhead bimbo, who’s using Sandoval like she used him. He tells Ally that Schwartz plays dumb, but Graham knows more tricks than Schwartz.

Ally meets Lala and Katie, who’s hung over from a girls night the night before. Lala says she’d hoped the shots would bond Katie and Scheana, and Katie says she doesn’t want to kill Scheana now. So much has happened; Rachel with the restraining orders and posting pictures of her scrape. She asks what James said, and Ally tells her that he’s hurt. He said Sandoval’s not a friend; never was and never will be. Lala can’t believe someone could look you in the eye and know they’re sleeping with your ex-fiancé. Ally says, Sandoval was texting James after Ariana found out, and James had no idea. Katie says, Ariana is pretending to be cool. The most diabolical thing is them covering it up and being deceptive for so long. In Ally’s interview, she says she’s surprised they kept it a secret for so long. She doesn’t trust anyone. Lala tells Ally that she’d wanted to make sure James had gotten over Rachel.  They’d been planning a life together. They were going to get married and have babies. The whole thing happened very quickly when Ally came into the picture. She shouldn’t have to deal with things that happened with James before she was in the picture. Ally says, James felt everyone sided with Rachel, and he had no friends. He felt a deeply about his relationships, and he’d been friends with Sandoval for so long. He hasn’t talked to Sandoval yet, but he feels he was disposable. Lala says, it’s heartbreaking that Scheana and Ariana were riding hard for Rachel. You expect betrayal from a dude, but you expect to lean on your girlfriends. Ally says, it’s a bigger betrayal. That’s some deep sh*t.

The End?

🍊 Same Old Orange…

While I’m sort of watching Real Housewives of Orange County, it just looks like more of the same. I’d actually started liking it better after Tamra left, now it’s, same sh*t, different season. Tonight, they went out on a lovely day cruise, and Tamra proceeded to get drunk and screech, you’re a liar at Shannon over and over, and call her an alcoholic. 😐 And this was after they’d met for lunch and agreed to be copacetic and move forward. Tamra is such an asshat. I can’t help but think of the very first season, when I said, this is the future of TV. Seriously, I said those words, and I was right, but it’s time to retire these Wives. The only one of the franchise I still liked was RHONY, and those are the only ones Bravo replaced, despite their lame attempt at correcting that mistake with spin-offs. From what I’ve seen of the previews, the new cast looks like a potential clone of the rest of these sociopathic screamers.

https://pagesix.com/2023/06/14/rhoc-recap-tamra-judge-slams-alcoholic-shannon-beador-during-explosive-fight/

👗 On the Catwalk…

The new season of Project Runway has commenced.

‘Project Runway’ season 20 cast: Meet the 14 All-Stars competing on Bravo

🧹 Dusting Myself Off…

Join me tomorrow for soap and whatever I can pull out of the teapot. Until then, stay safe, stay being kind to those in the service industry, and stay knowing it’s never too late to make a macaroni frame for a loved one.

Mar26

March 25, 2022 – Jordan Follows Up On a Tip, Their Song, Hold Up, New Start, a Fight, a Spin-Off, a Crossover, Two Firsts, Teresa Tales, Nasty, Apology, On the Range, Legacy, New Award, The 12 Of Quotes & Spice

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny asks what kind of favor Curtis is talking about, and Curtis says he knows Sonny has access to certain kinds of information. Sonny asks if he can be more specific, and Curtis says he has to get his hands on a certain police file.

Nikolas says, perhaps it’s time Victor told them exactly what he’s been planning since before he got back in town, and Victor says, maybe Nikolas is right. Nikolas says, he’s got their attention; what’s the big plan? Victor says he’s afraid the information is for family only, and Nikolas says, they are family. Victor says, some more so than others, and looks at Ava.

At the MetroCourt, Taggert tells Portia, stop worrying; Trina is only ten minutes late. And frankly, it’s giving him some time to wrap his head around this Joss and Cam sex tape. Whaat? Portia says she doesn’t think you can actually call it a sex tape when the people involved don’t know they’re being taped, and he says, that would be considered revenge porn, and that is against the law in the state of New York. She says she just thinks it’s disgusting that anyone would target Trina’s friends in that way. To her, too much of their kids’ lives are already on the internet for everyone to see, but to exploit someone’s private moments like that, that’s disgusting. He asks, what about Spencer Cassadine’s girlfriend? Really? Accusing Trina of posting this video? Portia just hopes this makes Trina realize that Esme and Spencer are bad news all around for her. He says, look who it is, and nuTrina walks over. They hug her, and Taggert says he’s so glad she could make it. He’ll tell the hostess they’re ready. Trina says she can’t stay; she has class in thirty minutes. Unless they want her to blow off class. Portia says, perish the thought, and Taggert says he’s amazed at Trina’s schedule; full time student at PCU, along with her new job at the gallery. Trina says she knows what they’re doing, and Portia says, trying to spend time with their precious girl? but Trina says, they’re trying to see if she’s surviving all this craziness. Taggert says, since she brought it up, how is she handling this Joss and Cam thing? Trina says, it’s horrible, but it’s made her realize she needs to be more careful about who she spends her time with.

Stating the obvious, Spencer says, this is a pregnancy test, and Esme snatches it out of his hand. She says, what it is, is none of his business. He wants her out of here? Fine. She’ll go. He says, wait, and she asks what else he can say, because he’s already broken her heart.

At the station, Dante asks if he can talk to Jordan, and she asks, what’s up? He says he was talking to ADA Rodriguez about possible charges against whoever put that video of Joss and Cameron out on the internet… and she says she’s stopping him there.

Cameron and Josslyn walk into an empty classroom, and Cameron asks if they’re really that late. Josslyn says, that’s weird. She thought Professor Kahn would still be there, so at least they could explain the situation. He asks if she thinks they’re the first to use still talking to the police as an excuse for missing class, but she says she thinks Professor Kahn has heard every excuse in the book. He says, Josslyn was quiet on the ride over, and she says she was thinking about her interview with Detective Lopez, going over her statement in her head, making sure she covered everything. Why don’t they check and see if the professor is in her office? He says, they don’t have to leave just yet; they can spend a few more minutes here. She asks, why? What’s wrong? He says he just thinks things are a little chaotic out there. They can spend a sec in here, while everyone is getting situated in their classes. She says, so there’s fewer people watching them walk down the hall? and he says she’s got him. She asks if he really cares what random people think, and he says he doesn’t want to care, but it’s their first day back since the video came out. It’s obvious people are talking about us. She says, about us? It’s mostly about her.

Sonny says he knows Curtis had a big part in taking down Cyrus Renault when he was living in Nixon Falls, and he kind behaved badly at The Savoy a couple months ago… Curtis says, don’t even worry about it. He knows Sonny was going through a lot. He was trying to save his marriage. Curtis’s marriage with Jordan blew up over a year ago, and he knows exactly how difficult that is. Sonny says he appreciates that. So Curtis wants him to get a sealed arrest record? Before he goes any further, who’s it for? Curtis says, it’s for his presumed dead, but very much alive, father.

Portia says, tell her more about who Trina is going to allow in her life, and most important, who she’s not. Trina says she visited Spencer at Spring Ridge, and made it very clear she can’t be friends with him as long as he’s involved with Esme. And Spencer stayed with Esme, which definitely clarifies things, and frees her from any impulse to worry about him. Portia says she’s proud of Trina, and Taggert says, good for her for standing up for herself. Trina says, but it’s hard, because she still thinks he’s a good person deep down. Taggert says he doesn’t know about that. He remembers way back when, when Nikolas was a few years older than Spencer. He was dating Taggert’s sister Gia, and he doesn’t think the Cassadines strike him as particularly deep. Portia asks what class Trina is off to, and Trina says, Social History Through Art. Portia asks if Joss and Cam are in that class too, and Trina says, no, but even if Joss was, she wouldn’t be there. She hasn’t been in any of her classes since… Taggert says he knows about the video. Her mother told him all about it. So how is Joss handling all this? Trina says she’s not sure. She’s been staying at her mom’s rather than the dorm. It’s like Joss needs to hide out for a while, which she totally understands, so she’s trying to give Joss her space. Portia says, if she were in Josslyn’s position she wouldn’t want space; she’d want her best friend. Trina says, Joss hasn’t texted her in a while. She figures if Joss wants to hear from her, Joss will let her know.

Cameron says, us, you, it’s doesn’t matter; we’re in this together. Josslyn says, they’re both in the video together, and both had a private moment stolen from them, but the fallout is different. It shouldn’t be, but it is, because she’s being slut-shamed all over the place. People are making fun of her, they’re critiquing her body, they’re judging her for even having sex at all, and Cameron tapped that. She’s just some tramp who gave it away. He says he’s sorry, and she says, it’s nothing that he did. It’s just the way things are. She knows the only way out is through, and she just has to face it down, and keep moving forward. Trust her, that’s what she’s going to do, but she hates that she has to deal with something that’s so ugly, sexist, and blatantly unfair. He says he’s sorry, and he knows it’s unfair. He saw the way she reacted when they thought people were whispering, and she says she thought she handled it pretty well. He says, no one else would have noticed, but he knows her. He knows when she’s confident, and when she’s only pretending to be. She says she loves how he knows her, and kisses him, but then pulls away, saying, she hates how this bothers her so much because it shouldn’t. They didn’t do anything wrong. He says, this is why he didn’t want to do the Invader article, but she says, they needed to go on record. They needed to state they didn’t record that or post it themselves. And it’s also important for people to know how invasive this entire experience was, and they can help other victims of revenge porn. He says he agrees with everything she’s saying. He just can’t bear to see her get hurt. She says, he doesn’t have to protect her; it’s not his job. She didn’t ask for any of this, but here they are, and she’s not going to hide. He tells her, he didn’t say they have to hide, but they don’t have to be in the spotlight either. She asks why he didn’t say this before, and he says he did. She asks him, then what is he saying? This is her fault now?

Nikolas says, as far as he’s concerned, Ava is more his family than Victor. Anything Victor has to say, he can say to both of them. Victor says he’s sorry, but no, and Ava says, that’s okay, and gets up. It’s sort of a compliment really. Nikolas can tell her later; she’ll be at the bar.

Spencer says, Esme knows he’d never intentionally hurt her, and she says, like he knows she’s not the one responsible for that disgusting video. He says, they’re not talking about the video. Why does she have a pregnancy test? She asks why he thinks? They made love that night before he went to Spring Ridge. He says, she’s pregnant?

Dante says, revenge porn is a crime in the state of New York; what’s the problem? Jordan says she’s aware of that. An investigation into the video of Josslyn and Cameron has been opened. He can provide back-up support as needed, but that’s it. Josslyn is his stepsister. She can’t risk the defense casting doubt on any information he receives. He says, who his father married shouldn’t disqualify him as an investigator, and she says, he needs to take a step back from this one. And any evidence he does uncover, he needs to take to Detective Lopez immediately. He says, by the book; got it. She says she understands his frustration, but take it from her, nothing good comes from breaking the rules. Been there, done that, and it didn’t end well.

Curtis tells Sonny, his dad who he thought was dead, suddenly shows up in Port Charles a few months ago. You would think he’d be ready to answer some questions, but instead, he’s been extra cagey about where and when he’s been. He says he wants to start over. Curtis had Drew do a deep dive into his background, which prompted Marshall to admit to Curtis that he has a criminal record, and it’s been sealed. Sonny says, with all due respect, why is it Curtis’s business? and Curtis says, normally, it isn’t. They all have a past they’re not proud of, including him. Sonny says, but Curtis wants him to get sealed information on his father, and Curtis says he has reason. Marshall’s been lying to him.

Victor says, he’s spent too many years preparing for this to have it all fall apart now, and Nikolas says he still has no idea what Victor is talking about. Victor says, Time was, the Cassadines were among the most powerful families on this planet, and Nikolas asks if that’s not a little exaggerated, but Victor disagrees. Heads of state would routinely line up to do business with them. They were true power players on the international stage, and it’s high time they reclaimed that influence.

Ava goes over to Portia and Taggert’s table, and says, good evening. She asks if Trina will be joining them, but Portia says, she’s already come and gone; she had to get to class. Taggert says, they were lucky to get ten minutes with her. It amazes him how that girl races through life. Ava says, ah, the energy of youth, when Taggert’s phone rings. He steps away to take the call, and Portia invites Ava to join her. Ava says, just for a minute. She’s actually here for a family celebration. She sits down, and Portia asks, what’s the celebration? Ava says, Spencer’s release from Spring Ridge, and Portia says, forgive her if she doesn’t find that a reason to celebrate. Ava says she agrees with Portia, but for Nikolas’s sake, she’s playing nice. Portia says, better Ava than her, and Ava says, make no mistake though, it’s going to be difficult, especially when Spencer starts work at the gallery for restitution. It helps that he won’t be answering to her directly; Trina will be supervising him. Portia says, that’s not going to happen.

Spencer says, Esme is pregnant? Why didn’t she say anything? She asks when she was supposed to tell him, before or after he called her a monster? For the record, she hasn’t taken the test yet, but she is late. She kept waiting to get her period, but after ten days, she finally chalked up the nerve to get the test. He says, she thought she might be pregnant for over a week, and didn’t say anything? and she says, it was his last week in prison. She thought he had enough to worry about without the possibility of being a father. He says, well, let’s find out. She needs to take that test – right now.

Cameron says he doesn’t want to fight, and Josslyn says, neither does she. He says they have to remember they’re in this together, and she says, yes, they are, and there’s no reason to hide in here, so let’s go. Trina walks in, and says, hi. It’s been a few days since they’ve seen each other. Cameron says, which is pretty weird, right? and Trina says, right. How are they doing? Josslyn says, hanging in there, and Cameron says, class is over. Why is Trina here? Trina says she was looking for Professor Kahn, but Cameron says, she already left. Trina says she’s got to get to her next class, but Josslyn says, wait. This is crazy. Trina says, it is. She missed them so much. Josslyn says, they missed her too, and they have a three-way hug.

Sonny asks how Curtis knows his father was lying, and Curtis says he had Drew go along with the background check. He found some information that made Curtis question Marshall’s account of where he’s been all these years. He’s all for a person’s right to privacy, but when they start lying to him, he needs to know why. Sonny flashes back to picking Marshall’s prescription bottle off the floor and giving it back to him, and says he can’t help Curtis.

Portia says she thinks Spencer’s a bad influence on Trina, and she knows Ava cares about Trina, which is why she’s asking Ava to reconsider making Trina Spencer’s supervisor. Can’t someone else do it? Ava says, when she spoke to Trina about it, she seemed fine working with Spencer, but Portia says, things change. She suggests Ava check in with Trina, and see how she’s currently feeling about Spencer.

Jordan tells Dante, don’t get her wrong. She’s done questionable things in the past when her family was involved. She learned her lesson the hard way, and it’s because of that experience that she refuses to bend the rules again. It’s a very slippery slope. He says he knows, and he doesn’t want to compromise the case, but he’s concerned about Joss and Cameron and what they’re going through, and wants to help. She says she feels the same, but Josslyn and Cameron are doing okey. Detective Lopez said their statements were clear and very helpful. He says he doesn’t want it slipping through the cracks, and she says, it won’t. Josslyn and Cameron are victims of a crime, and the perpetrator’s not getting away with it.

Trina says, it was good of Cameron to leave them alone, and Josslyn says, Trina knows Cam. He’s super considerate, and she’s in desperate need of some girl time. Trina says, her too. Did Josslyn get her text? Josslyn says, no. When did she send it? Trina says, when the video came out. She wanted Josslyn to know she was thinking about her. Josslyn says, she got so many pervy messages that day, she started deleting them without looking. She must have accidently deleted Trina’s too. Did Trina get her text? Trina says, she did, but all it said was that Josslyn was staying at her mom’s house, and then she didn’t hear anything else. Josslyn says she didn’t hear anything else from Trina either. Why didn’t she text again? Trina says, when Josslyn didn’t respond to her first text, she figured Josslyn needed space. Josslyn says, space from the world, absolutely, but space from Trina, never. Trina should know that. Trina says, how? Josslyn didn’t come to the dorms; she didn’t respond back to Trina’s text. Josslyn says, she explained that, and Trina says she gets that now, but then, she thought Josslyn didn’t want to hear from her. Josslyn asks why she wouldn’t want to hear from Trina, and Trina says, Josslyn knows how her brain works. When she doesn’t get information, her brain makes up crazy scenarios, and the longer the silence was, the crazier they got. Josslyn says, like what? and Trina says she thought Esme got to Josslyn, and she believed Trina was behind the video.

Esme says she’s not taking this test now, and Spencer asks, why not? She says, because she needs to get out of here. She can’t stand to look at him one more minute. If Laura hadn’t kept her here, she would have been long gone. He says, without telling him that she might be pregnant, and she tells him, stop making this about him. It’s her body. He agrees it is, but if she’s pregnant, it’s his baby too. She asks if he’s going to grow out of his clothes. Is he going to have morning sickness? Is he going to grow a person inside of him for nine months? He says, they’re getting way ahead of themselves. They don’t even know if she’s pregnant. They used protection. She says, which isn’t 100% effective; no one likes to talk about that, but it’s the truth. What is she going to do with a baby? She can’t even take care of a dog. He says, they don’t know there is a baby, which is why she needs to take the test. There’s a knock at the door, and he tells her to ignore it, but she opens it. Cameron says, he’s sorry. Is this a bad time? Esme says, no. She was just leaving. Spencer says, no, they need to talk, but she says, her body, her choice, and leaves. Cameron asks, did just say… and Spencer says, there’s a chance Esme could be pregnant. Outside, Esme leans on the door a moment. It’s hard to tell what she’s feeling, since she makes a bunch of faces, then she leaves.

Curtis asks if Sonny can’t help him or won’t, and Sonny says, Curtis should know the truth, and he could help, but he chooses not to. To him, it’s a family matter between Curtis and his father. He doesn’t want to get involved. Curtis says he needs to know the truth, and Sonny agrees. Curtis should know the truth, but he should get it through Marshall himself. Hear him out. Marshall’s not a fan of his, and if he gets involved, it’s going to make it worse.

Nikolas says, that’s it? All of these mentions of a momentous plan, and Victor has just been referring to a business merger? Victor says, this is no simple business merger. He can assure Nikolas, the resources they’ll gain from Bronze Hills Holdings (I think – sounds like) will be a significant step in this family regaining its former power. Nikolas tells Victor, he’s not saying it won’t be a financial benefit, because he knows it will be. He just expected more. Victor says, like what? and Nikolas says, Victor made it sound like something… Victor says, sinister? Like world domination? He’s not quite as out there as Nikolas’s grandfather Mikkos was. Nikolas tells him, he was going to say criminal. They’ve both crossed that line in the past. Victor says, true. He’s not one to arcane laws and petty bureaucracy get in his way. However, right now he’s focused on building a power base. The question is, does he have Nikolas’s support?

Cameron tells Spencer, hold on. Can they back up? Esme had her bags packed and they were obviously fighting. Does he want to know what it was about? Spencer says he accused Esme of recording Cam and Josslyn and posting it. Cameron asks what she said, and Spencer says, she denied it of course (🍷). Then she tried to blame Trina, which is absurd. Cameron says, completely, and Spencer says, he defended Trina, which made Esme furious, and they broke up. They just had the same argument at Spring Ridge, and she stormed out, but he didn’t know it was over. Esme decided they were, and she was almost out the door before he saw she had a home pregnancy test. Can Cameron believe she wasn’t even going to tell him? Cameron says, that’s a lot, and Spencer says, if Esme is pregnant, he’s going to be a father. Cameron asks what Spencer is going to do, but Spencer says he honestly has no idea, and goes upstairs with his bag.

Josslyn says, she and Trina both know it was Esme who posted that video, after she found a way to record her and Cam without their knowledge. It was her. It was all her from the jump. How could Trina think Josslyn could blame her for this? Trina says, it’s just that things got so weird that night at the cabin. The hot toddy hit her so hard, she still can’t remember everything that happened, and since that was the night the video was made… Josslyn says, please. It was Esme. Esme has hated Josslyn from the second Esme laid eyes on her. Why? Because Josslyn could tell she was psycho. It was Nelle 2.0 waiting to happen. And that’s why Josslyn got so frustrated when Esme presented Trina that phony apology at Kelly’s, and Trina went along with it. Trina takes Josslyn’s hands, and says she owes Josslyn a major apology. Esme was all upset because Spencer gave her that art book, and Trina didn’t want Esme to feel like she was taking her boyfriend. Not because of Esme, but Trina didn’t want to feel like that kind of person. She also didn’t know how she felt about Spencer. But Josslyn’s right about all of it. Esme is a whack job, and Spencer’s just… blind. She should be thanking Josslyn for calling Esme out, instead of being offended. Josslyn says, it’s okay, but Trina says, don’t tell her it’s okay. Josslyn is going through hell, and Esme is trying to blame Trina for it. She’s hateful and horrible, and Trina should have never tried to compromise with her. Josslyn says, they came to it from two very different experiences. Trina believes in compromise, and most of the time, compromise is a good thing, but not when it comes to Esme. She sees that, and takes it as a sign of weakness, and that gives her an opportunity, an opening. That’s why Josslyn shouldn’t have even gone on the ski trip in the first place, because Esme pushed so hard for it. She should have realized Esme had an agenda. Trina asks if Josslyn thinks Esme always meant to tape her and Cam, and Josslyn says she thinks Esme always meant to hurt them. Not her and Cam, but her and Trina.

Officer Perez hands Jordan an envelope, saying, this file was just delivered. Detective Lopez sent it over. It’s information on that PCU sex video from the anonymous tip line. She thanks him, and since Dante has nothing better to do than lurk around, he appears at Jordan’s shoulder and asks, what kind of information? She looks at it, and says, the damning kind. An eyewitness account, naming the perp.

Sonny says Curtis’s father has some kind of problem with him because he saw Sonny at the hospital with TJ, and he didn’t like it one bit. Curtis says, so his long lost dad doesn’t like Sonny; that’s why Sonny is protecting him? Sonny tell Curtis, he’s not saying no for Marshall’s sake. He’s saying no for Curtis. He knows what it’s like to be in a difficult relationship with a father. He didn’t speak to his dad for years. Everybody tried to intervene; everybody tried to fix it. But there was only going to be two people who could salvage the relationship – him and his dad. So if Curtis wants to know what’s in that sealed criminal record, he has to go to Marshall. Marshall walks in, sees them, and does not look happy.

Taggert says he’s so glad he and Portia decided to stay for dinner. It’s nice. What is this Trina is telling him about her and Curtis shacking up? She says, shacking up? Really? They’re buying a home together. It’s out by Queen’s Point, it’s right on the water; it’s so beautiful. He asks if they’ve moved yet, and she says, they’re in the process. He says he’s happy things are so going so well with her and Curtis, and she thanks him, adding, it means a lot, considering their history. He says, the past is long gone. The only thing is to move forward. She says, and now that Spencer’s in the rearview, things are looking up everywhere. He says, Trina and Josslyn still need to get beyond that speedbump in their relationship, and she says she thinks they will. They’ve been friends forever. It’s almost like they’re sisters. He says, he and his sister had some vicious fights back in the day, and she says, but at the end of the day, he and Gia always loved each other. The same goes for Trina and Joss.

Josslyn says, Cam’s a guy. He tried to accept Esme for Spencer’s sake, but Esme always saw both of them as a threat for different reasons. She was always going to try and take them down. Trina says, it’s so good to hear her say this. To see through that hateful… Josslyn says, bitch? Trina says she loves the way Josslyn hates, and Josslyn says, it’s a true talent. Trina says she just wishes she’d known what Josslyn was thinking, but Josslyn says she should have reached out. Trina asks why she didn’t, and Josslyn says, this whole situation was completely overwhelming. It’s total public humiliation. Everyone on social media has an opinion on it. She can’t tell Trina how many people she doesn’t even know called her some variation of a slut or a whore. But it gets even grosser. She’ll also see messages and posts calling her hot, and asking if she and Cam are exclusive. Trina says, that’s so inappropriate, and Josslyn says, yeah, but they’re of legal age now. Does Trina remember how excited and happy they were when they were turning 18 and got to vote? Trina says, yeah, it felt so grown up, and Josslyn wonders, is this the other side of adulthood? What happened to common decency? It feels like it’s been open season on her. Trina says, it’s beyond awful, and Josslyn says, it’s horrible, and when she didn’t hear from Trina, she thought Trina was embarrassed to be her friend. Trina hugs her, and says, never in a million years.

Spencer says, the more he thinks of it, Cameron had the right idea. Cameron asks what he means, and Spencer says, staying a virgin for life. Cameron says, Spencer and the whole world know he’s not a virgin, but Spencer says he seriously doubts that Cameron’s little video has been seen by the whole world. Cameron says Spencer is a poor excuse for a friend, and Spencer says, possible father here. That’s way bigger than a temporary embarrassment. Cameron says, maybe for him, but for Joss, it’s so much worse. They’re being absolutely savage to her online. He’s getting virtual high-fives, while they’re calling her a slut. It’s not fair. Spencer says, it’s awful. He’s really sorry Josslyn is going through that. Cameron says, now Spencer believes Esme is behind the video? but Spencer says he doesn’t want to believe it. Esme’s been so good to him. Cameron says, that works out nice for Spencer, but what about the rest of the planet? Spencer says he knows, just because Esme is good to him doesn’t mean she’s necessarily good to everyone else. Cameron says, Spencer has to face it. She’s sneaky and vindictive. Spencer says, and possibly the mother of his child.

On the phone, Ava asks Avery how her arm is. It hurts? She’s on her way; she’s coming right home. She tells Nikolas and Victor, sorry fellas. She hopes they had a nice chat. Avery needs her, so she’s going home. Victor says, seeing as Spencer is a no show, he’ll leave with her. Nikolas says he’s going to wait for his mother, and Ava says she’ll see him at home. Victor says, no hard feelings, and Ava says, of course (🍷) not. Nikolas sits back down, and Esme sees him from the doorway. She watches Ava and Victor get in the elevator, and goes over to the table. She asks if Nikolas will help her.

Dante says, she wouldn’t do something like that, let alone to Cam and Joss, and Jordan says, that’s what she thought too, but every possible tip needs to be checked out. He says he’ll take care of it, but she says she’ll handle this one personally, and leaves the station.

Sonny tells Curtis that he’s got to go. Think about what he said. Good luck. He leaves, and Marshall asks why Curtis was talking to Sonny Corinthos. Curtis says, Sonny was telling him about a run-in he and Marshall had. Care to explain? I’m honestly surprised Curtis didn’t ask Marshall where he got off telling him who to talk to. Especially since he’s been so cranky lately.

Cameron says, he and Josslyn gave separate statements to a detective, and Spencer says he’s glad the cops are taking this seriously. Cameron says, so is he. Detective Lopez says, whoever did this is looking at up to a year in prison. Spencer asks if Cameron knows what that means. That means his baby could be born in prison. Cameron says, way to keep it real, and Spencer says, it could happen. Cameron says, maybe Spencer should find out if Esme is actually pregnant before he starts shopping for jail baby clothes. Spencer says, Cameron is right, but he doesn’t even know where Esme went. He really hopes Esme’s not pregnant, because if she is, and she wants to have the baby, he’ll be tied to her for life.

Esme sits down, and tells Nikolas, she was going to stay at the MetroCourt for the night, so she had a place to get her thoughts together. She thought she had enough money to cover it, but her credit card was declined. He asks if she’s sure she and Spencer can’t work things out, but she says, Spencer said horrible things to her. If that’s really what he thinks of her, she can never be with him again. But what is she going to do? He’s the only guy she’s ever loved, and what if it turns out she’s… Nikolas says he remembers being her age. Every argument felt like the end of the world, but he’s sure with a good night’s sleep, things will be clear in the morning. She says she has nowhere else to go. Is there any way she can stay with him? I have an idea. Pay for her hotel room, but for Pete’s sake, don’t take her home.

Taggert asks Portia if that’s the notorious Esme Prince who Trina keeps talking about, and she glances behind her. She says, oh, he’s never seen Esme before, and he says, no, first time. She seems pretty upset. He wonders what the drama is this time, and Portia says, just be glad they’re not involved. They both look over at Esme, and Portia says she’ll bet him anything Esme is the one behind the video of Joss and Cam. She’s so relieved Trina is finally out of Esme’s orbit.

Josslyn says, it feels so good for things to be back to normal, and Trina agrees. She says she knows Josslyn wants distance from the video, but don’t tune her out. Josslyn can talk to her about anything. Josslyn says she knows and she will. It’s so nice to hear that. They’re a team, and always will be. Trina says, count on it, when Jordan walks in. Josslyn asks if there’s a lead in her case, but Jordan says she’s actually here to see Trina. Trina says she’s sorry, but she’s already late for her next class, but Jordan says, this can’t wait. She needs Trina to come down to the station, and answer some questions.

On Monday, Harmony says, it’s under consideration; Jordan asks if Trina minds answering some questions; Josslyn says, the person Dante should be talking to is Spencer’s psycho girlfriend; and Scotty asks why Nina doesn’t want to go down the legal road.

📻 Not An Oldie…

All about the song that Sonny and Nina danced to yesterday. Normally, I try to look that stuff up, but was pressed for time. Apparently, inquiring minds wanted to know.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/sonny-and-ninas-song-on-general-hospital-better-days

👗 Reunion Runway Fail…

Apparently, Shannon had to get something off-the-rack. Oh, horrors. I do wonder what the blip was up with Bones though.

https://people.com/style/project-runway-bones-jones-talks-shannon-beadors-reunion-dress-outfit-botched/

https://www.distractify.com/p/shannon-beador-rhoc-reunion-dress-drama

You decide what held things up.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county/style-living/andy-cohen-reveals-what-held-up-filming-during

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/21/rhoc-reunion-held-up-after-project-runway-star-botches-dress/

🍊 Freshly Squeezed Start…

The only question for me would be, is there enough room for Mr. Puppers to live his best life?

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/21/dr-jen-armstrong-selling-6m-home-for-fresh-start-with-husband/

🥊 In This Corner…

Another showdown between the east and west coast. Maybe they can have a rap battle.

https://screenrant.com/rhugt-dorinda-medley-vicki-gunvalson-covid-vaccine-fight/

🗽 NYC Spin…

Twice the Housewives fun.

Real Housewives of New York Reboot in the Works With Diverse New Cast; Original Cast Members Getting Spinoff

🍹 Conover Crossover Continues…

So will Paige be showing up on Southern Charm? Speaking of which, will Southern Charm be showing up?

https://people.com/tv/craig-conover-talked-about-kids-spending-life-with-girlfriend-paige-desorbo/

🎂 Never Too Early…

Oh why not?

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/22/lala-kent-buys-louis-vuitton-bag-for-1-year-old-daughters-birthday/

🍍 In Teresa News…

The latest on Luis.

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/22/teresa-giudices-fiance-luis-ruelas-sued-in-string-of-lawsuits/

I wonder what procedure she had. Then I think it’s pretty sad that I’m wondering about that.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1324490/teresa-giudice-thanks-fans-for-prayers-and-well-wishes-after-hospitalization

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/25/teresa-giudice-home-from-the-hospital-following-surgery/

👇 Bar Set Even Lower…

I think Kelly might have outdone herself this time. Not only does she sh*t all over people who can’t afford as much as she can, she thinks material goods reflect good parenting. What they reflect is a future on a shrink’s couch.

RHOC’s Kelly Dodd Says She “Feels Sorry” for Gina’s Kids After Gina Disses Her on WWHL, Shades Skin Care Line, and Agrees She’s “Desperate” to Stay on Show

🙏 New Apologizer…

Pretty soon, Ramona is going to have some competition. And she was thisclose to saying the old, I’m a work in progress. Ugh.

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/23/luann-de-lesseps-on-why-she-apologized-for-drunken-behavior/

🐎 Josh On the Outs…

This looks good, and I love me some Josh Brolin. I think he’s one of our most underrated actors.

https://ew.com/tv/outer-range-trailer-josh-brolin-amazon-prime-video/

📽 Hurts So Good…

No Kiss of the Spiderwoman? No Eyewitness?? No Altered States??? I thought those were pretty memorable.

https://ew.com/movies/william-hurt-most-memorable-roles/

He will be missed.

https://ew.com/movies/william-hurt-death-reactions/

🏆 The People’s Oscar…

Looks like the Academy Awards are sliding into the MTV Movie Awards territory. Fine with me. That’s the only interesting awards show.

Oscars Fan Favorites: Who Are the Contenders?

🌬 Quotes of the Week

We don’t have a choice in the matter. We must go where history takes us. – Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon), The Gilded Age

A person’s life purpose is nothing more than to rediscover, through the detours of art or love or passionate work, those one or two images in the presence of which [their] heart first opened. – Albert Camus

I’d bet on rabbits if you could get them organized. – Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons. – Confucius

The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality. – Elizabeth Cady Stanton

You can’t cry on a first date. – Veronica Rodriguez, Pillow Talk: The Single Life

For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know. – The Wiseman (Scott Glenn), Sucker Punch

When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. – Wayne Dyer

Everything in moderation, including moderation. – Oscar Wilde

Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. – Desmond Tutu

The great Western disease is, ‘I’ll be happy when… When I get the money. When I get a BMW. When I get this job.’ Well, the reality is, you never get to when. The only way to find happiness is to understand that happiness is not out there. It’s in here. And happiness is not next week. It’s now. – Marshall Goldsmith, American author (And adding my personal favorite, when I lose weight…)

What a day. What a goddam day. – Warlord Ian (Michael Biehn), The Walking Dead

🙂 Don’t Worry, Be Happy…

It’s time again for us to part company until the Dead Walk. In the meantime, stay safe, stay fighting against double standards, and stay knowing the only way out is through. You have to face it down and keep moving forward.

Feb4

February 3, 2022 – Peter Is Transferred to Pentenville, Fashion Week Winner On the Runway, Slipping In For Sam & Let’s Go

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny walks into Charlie’s, sees Phyllis, and says, there she is. She says, someone’s in a good mood, and he says he’s a man who doesn’t see the glass half empty. They hug, and Phyllis says she likes his optimism. Care to share what inspired it? He asks her to give him a minute, and goes over to Britt at the bar. He says he wants to thank her for her discretion, but she says, just doing her job. Confidentiality is a big part of that. He seems to be doing better. He says he’s good, and last night is almost forgotten, when Drew walks in.

Victor asks if Esme is worried Spencer abandoned her, and she says, he would never, but there isn’t much time before he has to report to Spring Ridge. She wonders what’s keeping him, and Victor says, a word to the wise, we Cassadines live by our own set of rules, and our own timetable. Laura comes in with Doc, and strides over to the table. She hands Esme her purse and says, Esme doesn’t mind if she borrows Victor, does she? She sits in Esme’s seat, and Victor asks what he can do for her. She says, he can start by telling her what the hell he’s up to.

Maxie tells Anna, she’s confused. How could Valentin find out something Anna, her mom, and the police couldn’t? Anna says, that’s a very good question. She imagines Valentin just kept digging until he found something, because ever since he was told Bailey wasn’t his child, he’s been even more determined to reunite Maxie with her daughter. Austin flashes back to seeing Maxie and Brook together, Maxie telling him to steer clear of Gladys, and Maxie insisting she and Brook aren’t friends. Austin says, my God, and Maxie asks, what is it?

Substitute Sam (see below) knocks on Maxie’s door, and Spinelli, who’s been playing video games, answers. He says, gracious gravy, and lets her in. He says he’s babysitting; Georgie and James are asleep. Maxie is at the Quartermaines for Ned and Olivia’s nuptials renewal. She says she actually came to see him, and he asks what gave him the honor? She hesitates, and he says, let him guess. He knows Peter is being taken back to prison tonight, and Dante is his escort. Is she worried for his safety? She says she’s not worried about Dante; it’s her.

At the hospital on the phone, Mac says, they’re readying the prisoner for transport now. He’ll let them know when they’re on their way down. Felicia says, there’s her favorite man in uniform, but he says he doesn’t wear a uniform, and she says, that’s okay. She likes him better out of it anyway. She kisses and hugs him, and he says he can guess why she’s here, and it’s not to see him. She asks if he thinks she’d miss a chance to wish Peter bon voyage when he’s on his way back to Pentenville. She needs to make sure that the man who caused them so much grief is finally out of their lives.

Peter tells Dante, these cuffs are a bit too tight, and Dante says, are they? If Peter doesn’t like shackles, he probably shouldn’t go on a crime spree. For now, why doesn’t he face saying his final goodbyes to freedom. Peter says, he hates goodbyes. How about, until we meet again?

Sonny and Drew address each other, and Phyllis steers Sonny away. He asks what she’s doing. She doesn’t have to run interference; Drew’s not a problem. They sit, and she says, he could have fooled her. Anyway, she wanted to tell him, she and Nina have been playing phone tag. Nina won’t tell her what’s going on in her messages, and Phyllis is assuming Nina is concerned about him. He says, she’s probably worried about his medication. Phyllis asks, why? and he says, because he stopped taking them.

Drew orders a beer, and Britt asks what he did to get on Sonny’s bad side. He asks if she wants the short answer. He’s not his brother.

Ava says, she thought Spencer would be spending the evening saying goodbye to his family, and Spencer says, he was, but this is more important. She tells him, now isn’t the time to toy with Trina’s happiness, but Trina says, it’s fine; she’ll lock up. Ava says she’s just a text away, and leaves, and Spencer thanks Trina for not tossing him out. She says, the night is young; there’s still time. He says he deserved that, and she says, that’s why she said it. He says he’s been trying to reach her ever since he left the cabin, and she says, she ignored his texts, then deleted them. He says, there’s so much he has to say. There’s so much he has to tell her before he has to say goodbye.

Victor tells Laura, he’s there to say farewell and good luck to Spencer. Unfortunately, their young prince seems to have slipped away. Doc comes up behind Esme, and asks what they’re saying. She says she doesn’t know. She was just wondering what might be keeping Spence. Any theories? Doc tells her, he said he had something to do. He’s sure Spencer will be back.

Laura says she doesn’t want Victor there when her grandson returns, and he says, were it not for his intervention, young Spencer might be headed to Pentenville right now, instead of a soft landing at Spring Ridge. Nikolas approaches the table, and says, if Victor really cares about Spencer, he’ll heed Laura, and go. Victor gets up, saying, it’s not in his nature to cause a scene, but please remind his nephew that he’s always on his side. He leaves, and Laura says she’s glad Nikolas is here. He says, Spencer might not feel the same way.

Esme asks Doc if something’s wrong, and Doc says, is it him, or did Victor seem a little too excited to have a reason to leave? Laura comes over, and says, she noticed the same thing. It was like he had somewhere to go; something important to do.

Outside on the phone, Victor asks if everything is in place, and Yohan says, they’re right on schedule. Victor says, let him know when the package arrives.

Austin tells Maxie that he’s seeing the whole picture, and she says, he’s seeing what, exactly? He says, how much it means to Maxie… and to everyone else in Port Charles that Peter’s going back to prison tonight. Maxie says, her safety, her sanity, her whole future depends on Peter being locked away for good, and Austin says, from what he understands, Anna has a personal interest in what happens with Peter as well. Anna says he’s her nephew, but any familial bonds have long since gone, and he says he thinks Maxie would feel a lot better if Anna were there when the transport took place. Anna asks if he’s trying to get rid of her.

Mac tells Felicia that Peter’s transfer has been planned down to the last detail, but he can’t let her observe him being put in the transport. She asks if she can at least watch him take Peter away; Maxie deserves a witness. He says he can live with that, and she says she wants him to promise to call her as soon as Peter is processed into Pentenville. That way, she can let Maxie know the danger is over, and Peter is gone for good.

Dante says, the next time he sees Peter will be at Peter’s trial, where he’ll be convicted. Peter says he thinks Dante is taking this much too personally; very unprofessional. Dante says, Peter left a trail of blood and carnage from here to Cassadine Island, hurting people Dante knows and loves. He’s damn right Dante takes it personally. If he wasn’t wearing this damn badge… Peter says, but he is, and even though he’s Sonny Corinthos’s son, he’s still going to enforce the law, so when it comes down to it, Dante is the last person on earth Peter needs to fear. Dante says, Peter knows nothing about him. He wants Peter to live a long life behind those walls. Waking up every day, constantly worrying that someone is going to have a shiv to stick in his back or a wire to wrap around his neck. He wants Peter to grow old and grey, and realize everyone forgot about him. Peter says, there’s one thing he’s quite certain about. No one here will ever forget him.

Spinelli says he thought things were good with Sam and Dante, and she says, they’re great. They love the same movies, and love the same pizza toppings. Spinelli asks if he can pose a theory, and she says, that’s why she’s here. He says, Dante’s a cop, a noble profession, but it does come with inherent risk. Jason also had risks in his profession, and she ended that relationship to get a different life for her and her kids, a more stable life. Not unlike the one she had, albeit briefly, with Drew. She says, so? and he says, so Drew is back.

Drew tells Britt, he made the mistake of trying to referee a disagreement between Sonny and Curtis, and that’s when Sonny reminded him that he’s no Jason. She says, there’s only one Jason. Just like there’s only one Drew. He says, so what she’s telling him is that he’s unique and special – they finish together – just like everybody else. He says she really knows how to make a guy feel better, and she says she’s a doctor; that’s her job. Britt says maybe he should cut Sonny some slack. He’s had a rough year. Drew says he knows the feeling. He definitely doesn’t fault Sonny for missing Jason, that’s for sure. She says, a lot of people do, and he says he’s sorry. She probably came here to forget. She says, actually, she didn’t. She came here to meet her mother, the matchmaker.

Phyllis asks why Sonny stopped taking his meds, and he says he got careless. He forgot to get the refill, and he got angry and confused. He wanted to make it right with Carly, and worked hard to make it happen. She says, maybe too hard? Where does Nina come into all of this? He says, things got heated at The Savoy with Drew. Nina intervened, and drove him home. Phyllis says, whose home? and he says, his home. She didn’t want to leave until he got help, so she stayed the whole night. Phyllis puts her head in her hands, and he says, nothing happened. The next morning, they went to GH, and everything’s good now; he’s doing good. She says, in that case, she takes it his wife knows what happened, and how Nina got him through it.

Nikolas asks if Laura thinks he can just shake hands with his son, and forget how Spencer treated his wife, with a little help from his friends? Esme says, she apologized. She should have seen Spence was taking things too far, and reigned him in. Laura says, this is not the time for recrimination, and Doc says, agreed. They need to pull together as a family. Esme says, if only Spencer was here, when Ava comes in. She tells Esme not to worry. Spencer’s in very good hands. He’s at the gallery… with Trina.

Trina says, if she was ignoring Spencer’s calls, it’s because she didn’t want to talk to him. He says, fine, but this is his last chance to tell her that he realizes Esme turned what should have been a fun weekend into an excuse to dredge up old news about Trina and Cameron. Trina says, let’s make one thing clear. Everything Esme does, from the way she eats to the way she laughs, to the way she pours her coffee is a red flag. He says he’s not excusing her. His world turned upside down when he learned his father was still alive and married to Ava. Esme made him feel like he wasn’t alone; like he mattered. She says, please. Of course (🍷) he matters. He doesn’t need Esme to tell him.

Anna hugs Maxie, and says, this nightmare is almost over. Once Peter is safely and permanently put away, they’ll be able to concentrate all their efforts into finding Louise and bringing her home. She leaves, and Maxie says, so about that kiss… Austin says, about that kiss. He’d hoped she kissed him because he’s charming, irresistible, and wildly attractive, but he suspects she kissed him to distract him so he wouldn’t figure it out. She says, figure out what? and he says he knows what happened in the woods, and what happened to her daughter.

Sonny says he didn’t reach out to Carly for a good reason, and Phyllis asks if Carly will see it that way. He says he doesn’t want Carly to help him because she feels obligated to help him, but Phyllis says, she is his wife; in sickness and in health, remember? He says he doesn’t want her to come back because he’s off his medication and she feels she needs to. He wants her to come back to him because she wants to come back to him. That’s what tonight is all about. She says, maybe Carly would be all in if he was more forthcoming about how his brain chemistry affected his behavior.

Drew says, Obrecht is now playing Cupid? and Britt says, this isn’t funny. He says, it’s funny, and she says, her mother is so in love with Scotty, she’s determined to find Mr. Right for her. So far, she’s avoided the insanely high priced matchmaking service, but Obrecht is meeting her here in five minutes, and is expecting a full report with names and faces. He says, and here he thought he had it bad, but she says, the worst is over for him. From now on, he controls his own life. There’s no one with a claim to his heart… or is there?

Spinelli and Sam play a video game, and he tells her, video games have rules and strategies. Real life doesn’t always come with such clarity in circumstance, especially when someone you’d thought you’d lost forever is suddenly alive and well. They look at the screen, and he says, it appears her starship has vaporized.

Drew tells Britt, no claims on this heart. Being held captive, held far away from everyone you know will do that to you. She says, and if Sam wasn’t with Dante? He says, she is with Dante, and Britt says she sees; he doesn’t poach. Which is probably for the best, since Sonny is Dante’s father. He’s already on Sonny’s bad side; no need to make it worse. The bartender puts a drink in front of Drew, and he says he didn’t order this. The bartender says, courtesy of Mr. Corinthos. Drew looks at Sonny, who raises his glass.

Esme says, it’s just like Spence to think of Trina at a time like this. The poor thing was taken ill at the cabin, and put a real damper on what was supposed to be Spence’s goodbye party. Ava says, Esme’s concern is noble. She’s sure Esme was devastated. Esme says she’s going to make sure Trina knows all her friends support her. Then she’s going to give Spence a proper send-off. Doc says, doesn’t she think they should all… but she’s gone. Doc wonders if they should go to the gallery, but Ava says, trust her. Trina can take care of herself. Laura says, but Spencer is there too. Who’s going to take care of him? Nikolas says Spencer doesn’t want his help, especially when he has Victor and his connections to lean on. Laura says, that’s exactly when Nikolas should show up. They all know Victor’s connections come with a heavy price.

Anna and Felicia hug, and Anna says, she just left Maxie. Felicia asks, how is she? and Anna says, she’s counting every second until this is over, but luckily, she’s with someone. Felicia says, it wouldn’t be the good doctor, would it? and Anna says, it would. Felicia says, so Anna noticed, and Anna says, it’s hard not to. Austin tried to get rid of her so he could spend more time with Maxie alone. It was sweet. Felicia says, she appreciates the distraction while they make sure Peter becomes ancient… Peter is led out, and he says, Anna Devane. It’s so good to have family around at a time like this. Anna says she’s there to see he’s remanded to prison, where he’ll be kept from Maxie and her daughter for the rest of his life. He tells Felicia to give Maxie his love, and Felicia says, why, when he doesn’t know what the word means? He says, on second thought, never mind. He’d rather tell her himself. Mac says, let’s go, and Peter is brought into the elevator. He gives them a super creepy smile.  

Maxie says, whatever Austin thinks he heard in the woods… He says, he knows what he heard. He heard her and Brook, and heard Maxie tell Brook that it was her idea to pass her baby off as Brook’s, and from that moment, Louise was Bailey. Maxie says, he’s right. Brook’s baby is her Louise. It’s been such a burden keeping the truth from everyone, but now he knows, and he understands. He says he doesn’t understand. Why would she do something like that?

Drew asks Britt to wish him luck, and she says, he’s going to need it. Drew goes over to Sonny’s table with the drink, and Sonny asks if Drew is going to throw it in his face. Drew says he was thinking about it, but it would be a waste of good bourbon. Phyllis asks if Sonny is okay, and Sonny says, yeah. She leaves, and Sonny tells Drew, have a seat. Drew sits, and Sonny says, about the other night at The Savoy… Drew says, apology accepted, but Sonny says he didn’t apologize yet. Drew says, then what’s with the bourbon? Sonny says, let him get this out. He wasn’t himself the other night, and knows Drew probably talked to Carly and knows he’s dealing with some stuff. They’re going through some things, and he took it out on Drew, and for that, he apologizes.  

Britt says, Sonny is full of surprises, and Phyllis says, he is. So was Mike.

Ava thinks they’ve given Esme enough of a head start, and asks if they should head over to the gallery. Doc’s phone rings, and he steps away to take it. Nikolas says, what if Spencer is on his way back, and they miss him? and Ava gives him a look. He says, right. Spencer is caught between Esme and Trina; he’s not going anywhere. Doc says, he’s on his way, and tells Laura that he’s sorry. He really wanted to be with her when she took Spencer to Spring Ridge. She says, patient emergency, and he says he’s afraid so. She tells him, go. She’s perfectly capable of getting Spencer to Spring Ridge on her own. Doc asks her to tell Spencer that he’s confident Spencer can handle this, and she says she’ll pass the message along. They should get going. Spencer can’t turn himself in late. Nikolas says, he’s sure Uncle Victor would smooth it out, since he’s well connected at Spring Ridge. Laura says, that’s what worries her. Victor didn’t come back to make nice with his family. Let’s not forget, a few months ago, he was working with Peter August. Ava says, Victor turned on Peter, and Laura says, after Peter turned on him. Ava says, they’re enemies then, right? and Laura says, unless one of them needs something from the other. Nikolas says, Peter is going to be in Pentenville. He can’t do anything for Victor in there, but Laura says, maybe Victor can do something for Peter.

Trina tells Spencer, people are disappointed in him because they see him both for who he is, and for who he could become. He says, but who is that? and she says, obviously someone amazing, or they wouldn’t all be so disappointed. He says, that might be the most Trina thing she’s ever said to him, and she tells him, all she’s trying to say is, it’s never too late to start believing in yourself. He says, we can’t all be Trina Robinson, and she says, and no one else is Spencer Cassadine. He says, maybe that’s a good thing, and she says, oh, boo-hoo. He says, who knows? Maybe thirty days in Spring Ridge won’t be a  total waste. It brought him here. She says, it did; lucky her. Ava said he needed to speak with his family, so he’d better go. He says, not yet, and takes her hands. He says, Doc told him that he should say goodbye to the people who matter most to him, so that’s what he’s doing. He leans in to kiss her, when Esme shows up.

Maxie asks how Austin can not understand? He’s met Peter, and knows how dangerous and psychotic he is. He says he understands why she wants to keep Louise away from Peter. It’s the other stuff he doesn’t understand. It’s a lot. She says she didn’t have a choice, but he says she did. There were other people besides Brook she could have trusted; she should have trusted. She says, the more people who knew, the greater chance Peter would come after Louise. She didn’t even tell her parents. He asks, what happened to Brook’s child? but she says, Brook was never pregnant; she just pretended to be. He says, of course (🍷) she did. She wanted to get her hands on Valentin’s ELQ shares. Maxie says, part of it was about the shares, but Brook really cares for Louise. She’s taken care of Louise all these months, and somehow they’ve become friends through this. He asks where Chase figures in to all of this, and she says, when Gladys blabbed to Valentin, Chase stepped in and told him… He says, another lie? and she says, given what’s at stake, she can live with the decisions she’s made. If he doesn’t understand that, she’s sorry. She starts to leave, but he says, wait.

Anna looks at her phone, and Felicia says, she knows Mac is being extra cautious, but is she expecting updates already? Anna says, no. She’s sure the transport is going smoothly. She’s more concerned about Valentin. She didn’t tell Felicia this, but he left her a message that he had a lead on Louise, and she hasn’t heard from him since. Felicia says she’s sure he’s fine, as long as Peter doesn’t know what he found. That’s all that counts.

In the van, Peter says he’s so sorry for preventing Dante from spending the evening with Sam. Then again, it’s nice having Drew back in her life, isn’t it? Dante smiles, and says, that’s not going to work. Nothing Peter says matters. Peter is going away, and he can’t wait to see those Pentenville gates closing behind him. Peter says Dante should enjoy the journey. You know what they say; getting there is half the fun. Mac asks if the driver sees the sign, and the driver says, icy conditions ahead. He stops short, and Dante says, what the hell? He asks Mac what’s going on, and Mac says, a car must have hit some black ice and skidded off the road; there might be casualties. Dante asks if they’re stopping to help, but Mac says, they’re not taking any chances. He’ll call it into the state police and let them handle it. Dante thinks it’s a wise choice, given the current circumstances, and tells Peter, nice try. Peter says, a car going off the road? He hopes he’d think of something more interesting than that.

Drew tells Sonny that he does know one thing; he’s no Jason. But just to  be clear, he doesn’t want to be. Sonny says, Drew is a good friend and a good man, but most important, a good father. They both know what it’s like to lose people they love; great people that can’t be replaced. Drew says, they do, and Sonny says, Oscar was one of a kind. Drew says, so was Jason.

Britt tells Phyllis, wow. They reached detente in like, two minutes. Is that how Mike was, a kinder gentler Sonny? Phyllis says, if Britt knows about Mike, she must be friends with Nina. Britt says, one of the few, and proud, and Phyllis says, her Lenny was a Marine; he’d do anything for a buddy. Britt says, if she’s drawing comparisons, she and Nina aren’t that close, but they did share a brother. Phyllis asks if that was Jay, and Britt says, Nina was the only one who called him that. Everybody else knew him as Nathan. She and Nina aren’t not that close, but they share things that bond people for life. Phyllis says she’s glad Nina has a friend, and a sister. Kind of. Britt says, in a way. The thing is, with Nina, what’s the right thing to do? Does she fight for Sonny, or does she sound the retreat?

Esme acts like she just came in, and calls to Spencer. She says, there he is. It looks like she showed up just in time. If he checks into Spring Ridge late, it could add to his sentence. She’s sure Trina wouldn’t want that on her conscience, especially after how things ended at the cabin. Spencer says, that wasn’t Trina’s fault, but Esme tells him, she didn’t say it was. Anyway, she’s glad Trina isn’t showing any ill effects after drinking too much alcohol, and Trina says, it wasn’t the hot toddy. Esme says, that’s right. It was their little game that upset her, but let’s put all that aside, for Spence. Trina says, she can if Esme can, and Laura comes in. She says, sorry to interrupt, but they really need to get going. Spencer says, he’s ready. He’s said goodbye everybody that matters. He looks at Trina, and Nikolas and Ava come in. Nikolas says, not everybody.

Austin tells Maxie, he’s sorry. He’s a little confused, and his feelings are a little hurt that she didn’t trust him, but he understands. Brook says Maxie is the bravest person she knows, and he feels the same way. Maxie says, really? Because she feels like she’s terrified all the time. He says, that’s what makes her so brave. He was there when she brought Louise into the world, and he cares about her. He cares about that little life. He gets it. Nobody would ever blame her for keeping her little girl safe from Peter. She thanks him for forgiving her. She should have told him the truth… He says, really? She should have? She says, first she was wrong for not telling him, now she’s right? Pick a lane. He says she didn’t know him. He was some stranger in the woods with a headlamp. She says, that was then, this is now. He’s not a stranger anymore.

Peter asks, what time is it? and Dante says, why does he care? Where he’s going, he’ll have all the time in the world. Mac tells the driver, the roads look clear. Let’s step on the gas, and make up for lost time. The driver floors it, and the car starts to jerk around.   

Phyllis tells Sonny, that didn’t seem to go badly, and he says, if Drew can put the past behind them, he’s hoping Carly can. Starting tonight.

Britt says, that looked like the beginning of a friendship, but Drew says he wouldn’t go that far. She says, since her mother is late… He says, she’s late? She’s Swiss and German. Britt says, it shouldn’t be possible, but it means while she’s been waiting to talk about her dream man, her mother has been with hers. Even the world’s greatest clockmakers lose track of time when they’re in love. He says he vaguely remembers what that’s like, but she says, forget the vague; it just stirs up memories. Since he’s no longer on Sonny’s bad side, and things with Sam and Dante are still new, why not see where he stands with Sam? He tells her, she said it herself, he doesn’t poach. Besides, it was never about that. She says, then what’s it about? and he says, Sam and what she wants. She says, what about what he wants? and leaves.

Sam tells Spinelli that she’s beyond grateful Drew is back. It’s been wonderful for Scout to have her father back, and as for Danny, losing Jason has been very hard, but having his uncle to lean on has been very helpful. He says, how about her? and she says, this game is too difficult for adults. She puts down the controller, and he says, perhaps, but perhaps her concentration is divided. She says, fine. She’s crazy about Dante. They’re great together. It’s just that, when she’s with Drew… He says, she doesn’t have the history with Dante that she has with Drew, and she says, she’s reminded of all the things they planned. He says, then Jason came back, and things ended with Drew, and she says, exactly. He says, now she has the chance to see where things with Drew might have led… If that’s what she wants.

Nikolas tells Spencer, thirty days is going to feel like forever, but remember, he’s not alone. Esme says, his father is trying. Can’t Spencer meet him halfway? Spencer thanks Nikolas for being here, and says, maybe when he gets out they can… Nikolas says he hopes so. Spencer tells Trina, see her in a month, and she says, not if she sees him first. Esme says she’s going to miss him so much, but she’ll be interning at Spring Ridge, so she’ll  never be far away. Laura says, time to go, and Spencer leaves with her.

Outside Kelly’s, Victor’s phone rings. Yohan says, the package is right on time.

Felicia says, Valentin can take care of himself, and Anna says she knows. Felicia says, look on the bright side. Peter is going to be locked away for good, and now, God willing, they can find Louise, and bring her home to Maxie.

Austin says, Maxie’s secret is safe with him, and she says she knows that. Now she knows a lot of things she didn’t know before. She kisses him.

Dante and Mac stand outside the van, and Mac asks if there’s any sign as to why the driver lost control. He and Dante look around with flashlights. Inside, a guard tells Peter, the driver must have hit an icy patch, and skidded off the road. Mac and Dante look at the tires, which are flat, and Dante says, all four tires were punctured. They didn’t hit ice. They see headlights coming toward them, and draw their guns.

Tomorrow, Austin wonders if Maxie’s kiss is another diversion, Obrecht says she did Nina a favor, and Sonny wants everything to be perfect.

Project Runway

We flashed back a little, then went to three months before Fashion Week.

Christian’s first stop was Miami, where he visited Shantall. He said it was exciting to work with women who had so much passion and were from different cultures and countries. Shantall was happy, excited, nervous, and filled with anxiety. She said she needed Christian to calm her down. She explained her fabric/texture concept to him, reinventing a snake with feathers that was cultural, and making it kind of art deco. Christian wasn’t keen on the yellow pieces in her collection, saying one piece was reminiscent of his mom’s 80s Easter outfit. In Shantall’s interview, she said she’d have to start from scratch. Being a businesswoman and a mom was hard, but with the possibility of son Franco having autism, she’d wanted to be with him. Christian had dinner with Shantall and her family, and said her aesthetic was great. If she got the changes done, her collection was going to be insane.

Visiting Chasity in Houston was next. In Chasity’s interview, she said, personally, she need a kick in the butt, but was she ready for it? No. Christian said she needed to figure out a story. Every brand had a vision. Chasity said she’d felt like the black sheep of the family, and Christian said maybe that’s what it was. In her interview, she said if she wanted a chance at winning she had to lock down the story and let go. Her oldest daughter told Christian that she was proud of her mother. She never quit when she was frustrated, and kept going. Chasity said, she couldn’t put into words how blessed she was that her mom, sister, and fiancé rallied around the girls, while she chased her dream in order to give them a better life.

Christian then went to Los Angeles to see Coral. He wanted to check out how much macramé Coral had around the house. It was a lot. In Coral’s interview, she said she’d gone to Mexico City, and it made her proud to see where she came from. With the collection, she wanted to celebrate indigenous makers. Christian said it was amazing to come from a heritage that celebrated crafts and color. He came from Maryland, and wondered what he got. Blue crabs? He told Coral that her work was insane. Having something signature was important, and not a lot of brands had this. He suggested she use her macramé skills in a weird, unexpected way. He thought her work was distinct and powerful, but needed more shape and ideas. He asked Coral to give him a class, and Coral’s son joined them. In her interview, Coral said, she wanted to show her son not to give up on his dreams. She’d never won a challenge, so it was important for her to win. She wanted to show him that he could do it too. Christian said she could be the winner, but go more abstract than beautiful and perfect. Her silhouettes were too classic.

Christian’s last trip was to Queens, New York to meet with Kristina, who he thought was a true artist. Kristina showed him the prints she’d been working on, and how they’d evolved, and he mistook a celery print for weed. He told her, focusing on a print could overpower everything to the point of losing the clothes. He also pointed out that everything was completely covered up in her outfits, and thought she should make at least one silhouette that was different than anything she’d made. In Kristina’s interview, she said it was all about how they pushed themselves, and who could think bigger.

We jumped ahead three months to Fashion Week when the designers would spend two days finishing their collections before the show. Chasity said it felt like she had arrived. She was in it to win it, and ready for the runway. Kristina said it was a dream come true, and an amazing platform, and Shantall said she’d been waiting for this moment since she began. It was important for her as an artist. Coral thought it was amazing the doors that could be open with winning the competition. It was better than a dream. The women met in the workroom, and were all super excited. As they opened their collections, Shantall said it felt like Christmas. Chasity had worked out her designer’s block once she figured out her story; how it felt to be the black sheep.

Christian did his walk of the room, and Coral said she tried to be bolder in using color. He suggested she do the unexpected, and create weird, asymmetrical detail with the macramé. Kristina said she hadn’t changed how she wanted things, but did go for more feminine and sexy. Shantall had taken out the yellow and added grey, but didn’t know if her collection was going to be on time, since she still had a lot to finish. Christian said they would be having the show at The Shed at Hudson Yards, the city’s newest art and culture destination.

They decided on models, and Kristina said it was about the whole aesthetic. She wanted her final model to be on a hoverboard, and Christian said she’d have to work that out in casting. Chasity wanted strong Black models, Shantall was about diversity, and Coral wanted warriors. They met with the models, and did the casting, Kristina saying, the models were the ones selling the clothes. Chasity said she had powerful women to help tell her story, and saw her reflection in them. The chosen models came in, and Kristina checked out the hoverboard herself. She said it was ideal for her vision, but thought it was dangerous. One model wanted to try it, and was pretty good for a first timer. Five of the models stayed for fittings, and the other five would come the next day.  

Shantall’s models were all wearing these enormous black square enamel earrings that I loved, but I’m sure can’t afford. In Coral’s interview, she said, growing up, she’d never seen herself in fashion magazines, and wanted everyone to have representation. Christian told Chasity that her beading was stunning, but wondered if there was anything she didn’t need, which I think was his way of saying it was too busy. In Chasity’s interview, she said she needed to be further along for sure. Christian told Kristina, if the hoverboard went bad on the runway, it would be over. He checked out her first piece, which was a totally see-through caftan, and said, there was sexy and there was a little vulgar. The one person she’d have to convince would be Nina. In Kristina’s interview, she said she didn’t think it was vulgar, but Christian made her think. The designers discussed makeup with the Maybelline people, and then went to a hotel with an amazing view of the city.

The second day, Kristina said she was just focusing on finishing; her mind was in shambles. She wanted her first look to be light, fresh, and sexy, but Christian had convinced her to cover more. Seeing the garment on a half-naked model, Christian said she couldn’t do it. Kristina said she’d use nipple covers, and Christian said they were stupid. He asked how the model felt, and she said she was French, and he said, it didn’t count then. The designers and models consulted with the TRESseme hair people, and Shantall said her second fitting wasn’t going as well. She couldn’t figure out who should wear what. Christian came by and told her to sex it up; her designs had no sex appeal. He went through Coral’s outfit order, and suggested she open with the only dude in the show. She thought it was a great idea, since the audience would assume she was doing menswear. Kristina showed Christian the basis for a bra she was going to make for the sheer caftan, and he said it was the smallest bra in the history of the world. Apparently, he hadn’t seen all the bras in the history of the world, because I can assure him, there are some that are smaller. All the women helped each other and were supportive of one another, which I really appreciated. Christian came back at the end of the day, and told them to go in feeling confident. A lot of work, heart, and culture, where they came from, had gone into their designs. He wanted them to know, you are design, and there was a group hug.

In Chasity’s interview, she said she had learned she was good enough for the world to see. She wanted to build an empire, and hand her kids the keys. In Shantall’s interview, she said she thought she’d achieved what the judges wanted. It is what it is. She still couldn’t find the right model for a grey dress she wanted to include, and decided to wear it herself. The show started.

Christian acted as MC, introducing the judges, and he said he was loving the energy. Elaine wasn’t able to be there, so as guest judge, they had the face of American fashion, icon in the fashion industry, Tommy Hilfiger.

Kristina was first, her parents watching virtually. She said the collection embodied the spirit of renaissance and her life. She was so excited, it almost made me cry. In her interview, she said, how the fabric was moving, the hair and makeup, everything worked. Each look was a story, and one wasn’t complete without the other. There was a lot of pink, flowers, and flowy material, and I’d describe the collection as romantic. The hoverboard worked, and the model looked like a being out of the future.

Shantall said her collection was all about her heritage. In her interview, she said she was scared the judges might think it was too much, but she loved what she’d done. It was the best moment of her life. I thought it was amazing how she revamped all this stuff in a few hours, with cut outs and rearranging things. My personal favorite was a short red dress with gigantic buttons. Shantall thought the texture and shape was magical, and her family gave her flowers.

Chasity explained that she often hadn’t fit in; with society, her family, and the design community. Her collection was about the black sheep that blossomed, and she dedicated it to her younger self. In her interview, she said she’d struggled with who she was, and had to overcome thinking she wasn’t good enough. She now felt the industry needed her voice, and saw herself as confident. She was needed in the industry, and would make it, no matter what. The journey was long and difficult, but worth it.

Coral said she called her collection My Beautiful Mexico. In her interview, she said it was edgy with the warrior vibe she’d wanted. She had to fight from the beginning, and showing where you came from was meaningful. She wanted to be a good example to her son; showing that she was a fearless a warrior, willing to fight. It was just the beginning. Her friends and family gave her a standing ovation, along with some other audience members.

They interviewed a bunch of attendees, and Fern Willis, one of the creators of New York Fashion Week, was impressed. Gina Kirschenheiter (RHOC) was there, and said she loved Shantall’s collection, and would wear several of the pieces. Model Coco Rocha said she loved Chasity’s collection. Chasity’s oldest daughter said they were proud of her for believing in herself.

The judges talked to the designers, sans audience. Nina congratulated them, and said she was moved and proud. They were all powerful women who had come into their own. Brandon said, on behalf Elaine, he congratulated them, and thanked Tommy, who was impressed. The models were brought out, and Nina said Kristina’s presentation was great, but more abstract than usual. Kristina said she’d wanted it to be more conceptual, and Nina said she thought the hoverboard was a great idea, but Brandon said he didn’t need it. He said each look had its own print, and there was a lot of softness and beauty. Kristina had an eye for detail that was inherent. Tommy said some of her pieces looked couture, like they could be on a Paris runway. He thought they would sell, and the basis of commerciality was what would keep a designer in business for years. Brandon mentioned Coral’s standing ovation, and said it was a surprise how she opened with a man. She said her son was her muse, and he said he thought it was a good idea. Her pieces were laced with soul, and that was a rare gift. Tommy said she had two style types – tailored with zippers, and macramé. Coral said the macramé came from her roots, and Nina said, the pieces with color took her breath away. Brandon asked how Chasity felt, and she said she felt accomplished and like she had arrived. He said her brand was modular and transitional, but could also be sparkly eveningwear. Tommy asked her the dreaded interview question, where did she see herself in five years? and she said she saw her brand going worldwide, and also helping the next generation. He wondered if she’d considered making costumes for stars, and told her if top performers saw her pieces, she’d get orders. Nina said, Chasity did terrific work, but it didn’t have to be all beads and ruffles. However, being in a niche, she did well. Brandon said Shantall’s snake pattern was definitely a signature, and Nina was amazed at how she’d manipulated the fabric into a shape and print. Tommy said it looked couture, and didn’t know how she was even able to sew it. Brandon said it was very her, and Tommy said they were all oozing with talent. He was sure they’d all be successful.

The designers gone, Nina said she wished they could give all of them the win, and Tommy agreed they were deserving. Nina said they were all uniquely different, and Brandon said they’d surprised him; he could see their growth. He felt Kristina’s collection was evocative of what they’d already seen, and Tommy said, it was relevant for today, but would it be tomorrow? A print was just for a season. Tommy said Coral could go either way – macramé or zippers – and Brandon said it was surprising that she’d never won a challenge, yet she was there tonight. She had a strong point-of-view. Tommy said Shantall could commercialize, and Nina said, her details looked impeccable; her pieces had elegance. Tommy said, while prints were just for one season, Shantall’s snake cut-outs could change with the seasons. Brandon said it wasn’t the most modern design, but Tommy said fashion was cyclical, and it felt right. Brandon said the earrings I loved were so wrong, they were right, and Tommy had a point. Tommy thought it came down to who had the biggest potential for a global business. Chasity could be a designer to the stars, but there was still a marketplace for her clothing. Young women would want to look like those stars. She had a vision.

They came back to the audience runway for the win announcement. Nina said she wished she could give all of them the win. They’d all shown tenacity, creativity, and talent. Tommy said they had an amazing amount of talent, and he was totally impressed. Brandon told them, no matter what, know they made it here, and made it through a lot; what most people couldn’t. Remember that on their hardest day, and they’d be a success. They were very proud. Nina said the winner had what it took to be a household name, and had a brand that could carry on.

Shantall was announced as the winner, and in her interview, she said she’d dreamed of this moment for so long. It wasn’t just about her winning. It was about her family winning. She cried, and said, so many doors had been closed. She’d wanted to be seen and recognized, and was proud of herself. She was proud of all of them. Dreams could really come true. It was a struggle, but worth it. She was sure she was going to get here, and she did.

🖨 Temp Work…

She’s been Sam before, so she knows the ropes.

GH’s Sam Temporarily Recast With Lindsay Hartley Again

📖 Gotta Book…

Come on down tomorrow for soap, a cuppa tea, and words from the wise. Until then, stay safe, stay unruffled, and stay knowing that you’re unique and special – just like everybody else.

Jan28

January 27, 2022 – Victor Tells Peter That Bailey Is Louise, Future Of Fashion On the Runway & Shoveling

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly says, it’s inevitable that she and Nina are going to run into each other, but they have no more business between them. So if she passes Nina on the street, be glad Carly treats her like she doesn’t exist. Nina says, it’s not going to be that easy, and Carly says, goodbye, but Nina says, wait. She came for class. She didn’t deliberately seek Carly out, but since they’re both here, Carly needs to hear her out. Carly says she doesn’t need to do anything for Nina, but Nina says, this isn’t about her. It’s about Sonny.

Deanna takes the blood pressure cuff off Sonny, and he asks if he’s going to live. She tells him, Dr. Sullivan is on his way, and will see Sonny as soon as he gets here. Sonny says she didn’t answer his question, but she says, it’s above her pay grade, and leaves. Sonny obviously has too much energy, and paces, rolling up his sleeves and unrolling them again. He finally grabs his coat and leaves. He punches the elevator button a bunch of times, when Monica sees him. She asks if he’s okay.

Esme says she made hot toddies for everyone, and Spencer offers to help her, but she says she’s got it. Keep talking amongst themselves. Cameron says he was thinking of trying some snowboarding tomorrow, and asks what Josslyn thinks. Josslyn says, she’s down. She and Trina have gone snowboarding a couple of times, and it’s actually safer than skiing. Spencer says maybe he’ll give it a try, and Trina asks if he’s crossing over to the dark side. Esme puts the drugs into one of the toddies, and Cameron says he’s starting to think Spencer flunked Skiing 101 at his fancy boarding school. Josslyn asks if Spencer really broke his legs, or it was just an excuse for his terrible skiing? Spencer calls for Esme to help defend him, and Esme brings the tray of toddies over, saying, maybe these will mellow everyone out. She warns them, she did not skimp on the whiskey. She hands one to each of them.

Martin says, so Brook lied about her child’s paternity a second time, and Valentin says, why not? She’s a proven liar. Detective Chase has a reputation for being a stand-up guy. Why would he go along with it? Martin says, that would be a relevant question, considering initially, she kept him in the dark about being her daughter’s father. One would expect him to be more protective of his legal rights. Valentin says, that’s not what he means. Chase and Brook are close. Brook is a liar, Chase has a reputation of being a stand-up guy. Why would he go along with her lie? Martin says, because he’s her friend, and defines friendship differently than Valentin does. Valentin says, speaking of friends, Maxie is another upstanding citizen who’s awfully supportive of Brook. Martin says, now Valentin is spinning. First Chase, now Maxie? It’s one thing to have friends; it’s another for a whole herd of people to be aiding and abetting a friend’s lie. Valentin says, Maxie and Chase. Something does not fit.

Maxie says, Austin has it mixed up. She knows he wants to help, but he’s remembering things that didn’t happen. She wasn’t talking to anyone that night. She was too weak after giving birth and being overpowered by that nurse that Peter hired to kidnap her. He says he heard her voice. Please stop lying to him.

Peter asks, how is it Victor intends to hold up his end of the bargain? and Victor says, if he finds Louise for Peter, Peter will give him the information he needs on Drew Cain? Peter says, and Maxie will come back to him, and Peter, Maxie, and Louise will be the family they were meant to be. Is Victor saying he found Peter’s daughter? Victor says, she’s been here in plain sight the entire time, living with the Quartermaines under the name of Bailey.

Sonny tells Monica that he’s fine; the elevator is just slow. She says she knows things haven’t been easy since they lost Jason, and he says he’s so, so sorry that he didn’t reach out to her, but she says, no, don’t be. They’ve both been grieving. She thinks it’s just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other, and he says he’s trying. She tells him, please don’t take this the wrong way, but when someone is grieving, they often self-medicate. He says, that’s not what’s going on, but he appreciates her concern. She says, okay, and tells him to take it easy. She moves on, and Brando comes out of the elevator. Sonny asks him, what’s going on? and Brando says he needs help.

Carly tells Nina, she thinks they said everything they had to the last time they spoke. Remember? When Nina told Carly that Sonny would have slept with her if she hadn’t said no? Then, if he came back to her she wouldn’t send him away? Nina says, Carly… but Carly says she doesn’t need to hear anything else from Nina, and walks away. Nina flashes back to when she wanted to call Carly, but Sonny told her not to, saying he’d  caused Carly too much trouble already. Nina follows Carly, and says, look, she’s not going to apologize for being honest, but she shouldn’t have been so blunt. All she wants is what’s best for Sonny. Carly is his wife; she’s what’s best for him. Carly says, now Nina thinks she’s what’s best for him. She’s so done arguing with Nina, and rehashing the past. Wherever she and Sonny go from here, it will not involve Nina. Sasha comes in, and she and Carly hug.

Spencer toasts, to friends, and an unforgettable weekend. Everyone says, cheers, and lifts their cups. Esme suggests they play a drinking game. They used to do it all the time in boarding school. Spencer says, Never Have I Ever, and Esme says, it’s a good way for them to get to know each other better. Josslyn says she loves it. She can’t wait for all of them to get to know Esme better. Spencer asks Esme to give them the rules, and Esme says, you say an experience you haven’t done before, and anyone who’s had that experience takes a drink. For example, she could say, never have I ever worked in an art gallery, and Trina has to drink. Trina takes a sip, and they laugh.

Martin asks why Valentin even cares if Brook is scheming again. He’s no longer her baby’s father. Shouldn’t he just be grateful that Brook’s affairs are none of his concern? Valentin says, Charlotte fell in love with Bailey; she thought Bailey was her sister. He was the one who had to tell her that wasn’t the case, and had to pick up the pieces. Brook broke his daughter’s heart, and that’s a debt that will be paid. Martin says, if Valentin is thinking of doing harm to a Quartermaine, let him warn Valentin, attorney/client privilege only goes so far. Valentin says, relax. He’s not talking about hurting Brook. But knowledge is power. Martin says, and if Valentin learns something, it gives him leverage over Brook. Valentin says, so much the better, but first he needs to exactly what she’s up to.

Peter says, Victor really expects him to believe Valentin’s daughter is his Louise? and Victor says, Peter’s been out of the loop for too long. Bailey isn’t Valentin’s daughter; Brook lied to get her shares of ELQ back from him. Peter says, so some other poor sucker is Brook’s baby daddy, and Victor says, Maxie and Brook have been thick as thieves for a while, despite previously being sworn enemies. Peter says, that doesn’t prove anything, and Victor says, then try this on for size. Valentin gave him Bailey’s sonogram for safekeeping. The patient ID number on the back belongs to Maxie Jones. Peter says, perhaps there was a mix-up at the hospital, and Brook was given the wrong sonogram. Victor says he wondered the same thing, so he checked every hospital within twenty miles of Port Charles. There’s no record of Brook receiving prenatal care in any of those hospitals. In fact, the only hospital she visited was General Hospital in Port Charles. She had a sonogram in the cubicle right next to where Maxie was having a sonogram of her baby. Peter asks if Victor is telling him that Brook stole Maxie’s sonogram, and Victor says, or Maxie gave it to her. Peter says, because Brook was never pregnant, and Victor says, because Maxie conspired with Brook to pass Louise off as her and Valentin’s child, so Peter would be convinced his child was kidnapped, and disappeared into thin air.

Maxie asks if Austin is calling her a liar, and calls him Mr. Fuzzy Memory. Forgive her if she doesn’t believe he actually heard her voice. He tells her that she said, this was your idea. Why? Does it have something to do with her plan with Britt? She says, what plan with Britt? and he says, Britt told him that she’d planned to deliver Louise, and then put her up for adoption so Peter would think she was dead. Maxie says, what was Britt thinking? No one was supposed to know that. Austin tells her, don’t be mad at Britt. She didn’t mean any harm, and obviously, the plan never materialized. She can tell him if that’s what she was talking about. She says, okay. She’ll tell him what really happened.

Spencer says, never have I ever thrown up in the middle of a dance floor, and Esme pokes him, saying, it was only one time. He says, one is one more than zero, so drink up, baby. Josslyn says, this sounds like a very fun story. Please share the details. Spencer says, there was this guy at school; great parties, really strong drinks. Cameron says, sounds like somebody wasn’t smart enough to avoid that, and Esme says, it was only once. Sam’s parties were where she and Spence really connected. Spencer says, she was the most beautiful girl in the room, and Cameron asks if that was before or after she threw up on the dance floor. Esme asks if that’s not how it was for Cameron and Josslyn, and Cameron says, he and Josslyn were friends long before they got together. Josslyn says, which makes their relationship so much better than if they hadn’t known each other before. Esme says, they’re so cute, but now she knows what she’s using for her next turn; never have I ever dated my best friend. Cameron and Josslyn drink, and so does Trina. Josslyn asks what friend Trina dated, and how she missed it. Trina says, right. We drink if we did it, and they didn’t date. Esme asks who Trina is thinking of; Cameron?

Valentin tells Martin, Brook and Maxie have become suspiciously close, which is interesting, considering historically, Maxie’s never had any use for Brook. Martin says, historically, Maxie wasn’t an angel either. Maybe her history of bad acts incites sympathy for Brook. Valentin says, if some bad act has brought them together, then what is it, and why now? Martin asks if Valentin believes someone like Maxie would go along with the hypothetical lie that Chase is Bailey’s father, and Valentin says, it’s clearly possible. They’re close, they work together, Maxie’s always at the mansion. He can’t tell Martin how many times Maxie has visited the house with some excuse to see Bailey. Martin says, being party to something that could damage so many lives, doesn’t jive with who Maxie is now. All he can say is, if he had a friend who was involved in that kind of dirty dealing, he’d steer clear of them, unless he was invested in some kind of outcome. Valentin says, Martin, you beautiful bastard. That’s it.

Maxie says she wants to tell Austin the truth, and he says, great. She says, when fake Chloe got the better of her, she passed out. It was probably her subconscious trying to protect Louise somehow. He says, she was hallucinating? She was having an imaginary conversation with Britt? She says, all she cared about was keeping her baby safe from Peter. It’s all she thought about for months, especially after she found out Peter was a monster. It’s not just that Peter lied to her every minute of their relationship; it’s that she insisted on defending him. People she loves and respects warned her over and over about him, but she refused to listen. And when she was finally forced to face the truth, she was already pregnant. He has no idea what it’s like to feel terrified for the safety of your unborn child. She carried that burden alone for a very long time. He says he’s sorry. He wishes he’d known her then. He would have tried to protect her. She thanks him, and says, eventually, she confided in Britt. He says, just Britt? Did she talk to Brook? He knows they’re close… She says, Brook had nothing to do with this, and he says, it’s just a simple question. He doesn’t know why it has her so upset.

Peter says, Louise was in Port Charles this entire time, and Victor says, Louise is alive and well, and living a very nice life with the Quartermaines. Peter says, all those months he traveled the globe, searching for her, haunted by the fear she was alone, scared, hungry, or hurt. He thanks Victor for finding his Louise, and Victor says he’s happy to oblige. But as they discussed, his skills and contacts come at a price. Peter says, his daughter’s alive, and now she’s going to be his.

Valentin asks Martin, what does Brook stand to gain? She’s told the lie twice, and how does Maxie benefit from that lie? Martin says, she doesn’t. Initially, Brook was using Bailey to regain control of her ELQ shares. He assumes if she’s willing to do it again, it’s to benefit the family’s company. Valentin says, Maxie doesn’t have a stake in it, and Martin says, what about Deception? Maxie cares about her own company. It’s going to go public, and she wouldn’t want to screw that up. It’s going to be a huge financial for her. Valentin asks how Bailey’s identity affects Deception, and Martin says he doesn’t know. How can Valentin be sure, Bailey’s real father – whoever he may be – knows the truth? Valentin says, exactly. All they know is, Brook told the same lie twice. Why would Maxie go along with it? Martin says, there’s no reason for Maxie to be invested in the lie. Why would she even care about Brook’s baby? Valentin says, because Brook isn’t Bailey’s mother.  

Victor tells Peter, you really have to admire the elegance of her plan. Brook fakes her pregnancy. Maxie has her baby in secret, and passes it off to Brook, sending the whole world, Peter included, on a wild goose chase for a missing child who isn’t missing at all. Peter says, Maxie betrayed him in the worst way possible. Is Victor certain she planned and orchestrated this entire lie? Victor says, it’s his conjecture that Maxie didn’t count on Peter evading law enforcement for as long as he did. She probably thought it would only be a matter of weeks before he was shipped off to super max or ended up dead. Peter asks if that hick doctor is in on it too; Austin Gatlin-Holt? Victor says he doesn’t think so. It seems Maxie and Brook contained their secret pretty well. Peter says, seems. Maxie was quite diligent in planning the disappearance of their daughter. She played him for a fool. Even that nurse he hired didn’t stop her. He didn’t know Maxie was capable of such deviousness, such cruelty. He thought she loved him. Victor says, the people we love often hurt us the most, and Peter says, he thought if he found their daughter and brought her to Maxie, she’d remember the man she fell in love with. Maxie is lost to him. She made him suffer, and made him believe a terrible fate had befallen their child. Now Maxie must pay for her betrayal. I have to admit, I thought Peter was going to say, now that he knew what she was capable of, he loved Maxie even more. Faison would have.

Josslyn asks why Esme would say Trina was thinking of Cameron, and Esme says, Cameron told her that he and Trina got close before he and Josslyn got together. They were getting closer, and considered dating. Trina says, Cameron had feelings for both her and Josslyn. It was confusing to her, so she backed off. Cameron says, it was a mutual decision that they were better off as friends, and Josslyn says, and that was a while ago. Trina says, like last year, and Esme says, it doesn’t seem like a while ago to her, but Josslyn says, they told Esme, they moved on. Esme asks why she’s so defensive. It’s not like Cameron did anything wrong. Josslyn asks, what’s that supposed to mean? and Spencer suggests they get back to the game. Josslyn says, Esme clearly has something to say; say it. Esme says, never have I ever moved in on my best friend’s crush. Drink up, Joss.

Brando and Sonny sit on a bench, and Brando says, he ran into TJ the other day. They had a good talk about Liam, and TJ thought it might help if Brando talked to someone. Sonny says, let him guess. Brando’s anxious and not sleeping; is he right? Brando says he is. The brain fog is the worst. A customer came in for an oil change, and he replaced their battery instead. Sonny says, there’s nothing worse for a parent then losing a child. They’re supposed to outlive us, not the other way around. Brando says he shouldn’t be dumping on Sonny. He heard about Carly. Sonny says, don’t worry about him. What he and Carly are going through doesn’t compare to what Brando and Sasha went through. Brando says, the truth is, he doesn’t know what he’s going to get out of talking to a shrink, and Sonny asks if he’s never talked to a therapist about his PTSD. Brando says, he has, but this feels different. What is he supposed to say about a child he never got to know? Sonny pats his heart, and says, this is where he goes. His hopes and dreams, the way he imagined life was going to be. Brando says, none of that ever happened. He needs to move forward, like Sasha. What’s wrong with him that he can’t do that?

Carly asks how Sasha is. She knows Sasha is probably still having a rough time. Sasha says, she’s great. Deception is going public, so work is so busy. Carly says, how is she? and Sasha says she’s fine, really. Nina says she’s so glad Deception is going great, but is Sasha taking time for herself? She and Carly both know what it’s like to grieve for a child. Carly asks if she can have a minute with Sasha, and Nina goes in the back. Sasha says she knows what Carly is going to say, and don’t. Liam is always in her heart. She’s accepted his passing, and she’s ready to live her life. Carly says, grief is a treacherous emotion. Sometimes denial disguises itself as acceptance. You think you’re doing good and moved past the hard part, and you’re ready to move on. Then grief just overwhelms you. And if you don’t take time to deal with it, grief can destroy you.

Maxie says, Austin’s question about Brook didn’t upset her. Being here is really overwhelming. She keeps having memories about that night, and the months leading up to it when she was terrified things would go wrong. And things went even more wrong than she could have expected. That’s because Peter did even worse things than she thought he would do. He says, right, but he heard her voice. Then he heard a second voice. She said the nurse had run off, so whose voice was it? She says, no way he heard another voice. Being here is mixing things up for him, and they’re not any closer to finding Louise, so what’s the point? He says he’s sorry. He doesn’t want her to feel the way she’s feeling, but he is glad they came here because he thinks they’re really on to something. She grabs his face, and kisses him. She says, sorry, but he says, don’t be. That was really nice. He hopes she thinks that it was nice. Felicia says they’re still out here. She was getting worried. She went to the cabin, and Maxie wasn’t there. Maxie says she and Austin were just talking, and Felicia says, seems like it was something important. Want to fill her in?

Josslyn says, she and Trina had a pact that no guy would ever come between them, and they stuck to it. She reminded Trina of that pact when she and Cameron started to go out. Trina said she was happy for them. Trina asks, what was she supposed to say? and Josslyn asks if Trina was upset when they started dating. Trina says, no, she wasn’t upset. She doesn’t think so. She doesn’t know. It’s just always Josslyn and Cam, and she’s just… there. When they got together, it was like, where does that leave her? She just missed what they had. Esme asks if Trina means what she and Cam had, but Cameron says, he and Trina never had anything. Trina says, she just missed the three of them. She tells them that she doesn’t feel so good, and runs out of the room.

Sasha thanks Carly for looking out for her, but honestly, she doesn’t have to worry. Everyone grieves differently. Brando, for instance, wants to talk about it in excruciating detail, but that’s just not her. Carly asks why Sasha doesn’t listen to Brando, and see where it leads, and Sasha says, she respects Carly, and appreciates she’s trying to help, but she feels like Carly is judging her, and she doesn’t need that. She knows herself. Reliving everything that happened after Liam was born will not help her. Carly asks how she knows if she doesn’t try.

Sonny tells Brando, living the emotions makes you stronger. It’s easy bury things, but when you face things that hurt you, it gives you strength. He knows Sasha is probably not moving forward. Has he talked to her? Brando says, no. Sasha’s not doing much talking these days. She’s been concentrating on work, and throwing herself into Deception’s IPO. Sonny says, Brando and Sasha are Liam’s parents, and know what they’re going through; they’re the only ones,. Brando says he guesses he’s just embarrassed that he’s not able to bounce back like Sasha has, but Sonny says he’s proud of Brando; that he realized he needs help, and had the courage to do something about it. Brando asks how Sonny stays in control no matter what’s going on, and Sonny says, family, friends. Sometimes that’s not enough, so he has to get professional help. Why don’t they do this? Brando nods, and says, all he knows is that he misses his boy.

Valentin tells Martin, the night Bailey was born, Brook ditched Yuri. She claimed she was headed to Bensonhurst to visit a friend. She went into labor, pulled into the nearest hotel, and gave birth alone. There were no witnesses, except for some mystery doula who has never been identified. Martin says, suspicious, but still circumstantial, and Valentin says, Bailey was born the same night Maxie gave birth to her daughter. Maxie claimed her daughter was kidnapped. Maybe Maxie is invested in Brook’s lies because Bailey is Louise. Maxie is the mother. That means Peter August is the baby’s biological father. Martin says, and any mother would do whatever she could to protect her baby from Peter August, including giving her to Brook to claim as her own. Valentin says, Peter has no idea he’s been searching in all the wrong places. Is Martin going to go to his other client with this information? Martin says, he sees. Just because he’s an attorney, he doesn’t care about the safety of an innocent child. Thank you very much. Besides, without a DNA test, Valentin has no proof Bailey belongs to Maxie. Valentin says he’s trusting Martin; don’t cross him. Martin is still on the payroll, and this is confidential. Valentin messes with his phone, and Martin asks what he’s doing. He says, he’s texting Yuri to see if Yuri can give him any proof. He doesn’t work for Brook anymore, but he still keeps tabs on her. Maybe Yuri can give him some information that will lead to the truth. Martin says, if he does, what exactly is Valentin going to do with it?

Trina sits on the bedroom floor, leaning against the door, and Josslyn knocks, asking if she’s okay. Trina says she’s fine; go back to the party. Josslyn says, talk to her, but Trina says she doesn’t want to talk. She doesn’t feel so hot. Josslyn says Trina’s her best friend. If she did anything to hurt Trina, she’s so sorry. Please, just let her help. Trina says, please leave her alone, and Josslyn says, Esme did this on purpose, and she’s not letting Esme get away with it.

Austin tells Felicia, he thought he heard a second voice that night that wasn’t Maxie’s, but he’s not really sure he’s remembering it right. they were both attacked that night, and he thinks being there is bringing up some really bad memories. Felicia says, they’re both so brave to come back here and face what happened. She knew Maxie was strong enough, and it looks like she found a match in Austin. She gets the feeling something else is going on here. What happened before she came back?

Valentin strides into the hospital, and sees Monica with Yuri. He thanks her for meeting with him, but she says, she’s doing this as a personal favor for Yuri. Yuri says something to her in Russian, and Valentin asks for an update on Bailey. How’s she doing since he left the mansion? He hopes she understands, he’d really rather not face Brook, Monica says she hasn’t seen much of Bailey since Brook moved to Jax’s beach house, and Yuri has seen even less, since he’s no longer her bodyguard. Yuri says, when he worked for Brook, she took Bailey to work. Maxie helped with Bailey at work, and sometimes they’d meet with Chase. Valentin asks Monica, how is it having Maxie around? He knew she didn’t appreciate Maxie’s frequent visits when Bailey was first born. Monica says, it wasn’t the frequency she minded, it was the interaction with Bailey, and Valentin asks, how so? Monica says, she was very maternal. She knows Maxie is suffering the loss of losing a child, but Monica was worried she’d have a break with reality. He says, as if she saw Bailey as her own? and she says, at times, yes, but it could be Bailey. It’s hard not to fall in love with that girl. Speaking of that, she hopes he’s found some peace of mind where she’s concerned. He says he’s  still searching for what he needs, but he’s pretty confident he’s going to find it.

Victor says, no doubt betrayal is causing Peter considerable pain, but before he runs off to plan his revenge, there is one thing they need to discuss. He gave Peter what he wanted; now it’s Peter’s turn to return the favor. Peter says he doesn’t think so, but Victor says, they had a deal. Peter says, that deal included Maxie. Obviously, that’s not happening now, so they have to revise the plan. He needs Victor to do one more thing. Victor says he found Peter’s daughter when no one else could, and Peter says, what good will the information do him when he’s cuffed to this bed? He needs Victor to get him out of here. Victor says Peter is under 24 hour watch, and Peter says, a man with Victor’s skillset should come up with a quick workaround. Victor says, planning Peter’s escape from this place will take a while. In the meantime, he’ll be shipped back to Pentenville. Peter says, then Victor had better act quickly. If Victor discovered Maxie gave Louise to Brook, it’s only a matter of time before others make the same discovery; others who won’t hesitate to keep Louise from him, as far away as possible. Victor says, not his problem, and Peter asks how badly he wants the information on Drew Cain. It will stay locked up with him until he’s reunited with his daughter.

Esme asks how Trina is, and Josslyn tells her, drop it. Esme has been playing all of them, Spencer included, ever since she got to town. The only reason Josslyn held back is because Spencer thinks he loves her. Esme says, all she wanted was to be Josslyn’s friend, and Josslyn hated her for no reason, but Josslyn says she has plenty of reasons; starting with Esme’s threat. Minding my own business is free, but minding yours will cost me. Remember? She’s threatened Esme from the beginning because she can see right through Esme. All the simpering sweetness, and how she leads Spencer by his pants. Josslyn knows Esme for what she is, a manipulative little bitch.

Maxie tells Felicia, today was a lot. She’d just like to go home, and hug James and Georgie. Felicia says, let’s go, and they leave, Austin following.

Sasha tells Carly that it was good to see her, and leaves. Nina flashes back to Sonny telling her that he felt badly about her wrist, and thanking her for caring. She tells Carly, please wait. She says, Sonny loves Carly, and what he feels for her isn’t real. He wants to be with Carly; he needs her. Carly says she’s not going to argue with Nina on the subject of her marriage. She has nothing left to say, and she leaves.

Brando says, grown men aren’t supposed to cry, but Sonny says he cried like a baby when his dad died. He guesses he’s not much of a grown man. Brando says, Sonny is the best man he knows, and thanks Sonny for listening to him. Sonny says, anytime, and Brando says, he hopes Sonny knows, it goes both ways. He hopes Sonny is okay. Sonny says, yeah. Let’s get checked in.

Monica goes into Peter’s room, and he says, his complaints must have finally reached her. She tells him to save it for someone who cares. He has a clean bill of health, and she can’t wait until he’s out of the hospital. He asks why she’s here, and she says she wanted to look him in the eye during his last free moments, and know he’ll finally face justice for what he did to Drew and Jason. The only thing that gives her comfort is knowing he’s going to spend the rest of his life in Pentenville. Peter smiles.   

Victor sees Valentin going to the reception desk, and gets big ears. Valentin says, he’s here for Bailey Quartermaine’s medical records. He’s her father, and wants to be sure exactly what’s going on with her.

Tomorrow, Josslyn asks if Spencer finally sees Esme for who she really is, Laura asks Martin if he has any idea what he’s in for, Valentin tells Victor that turnabout is fair play, and Dante wonders what makes Peter think he can find Louise when no one else has.

Project Runway

Kristina told her mom about being close to getting the boot. She said she’d had a tough day. She’d decided to get creative, and got shot down. We flashed back to the critique on Kristina’s oversized pantsuit from last week, and she said she couldn’t deliver clearly her design message and point-of-view. On the winning side, in Shantall’s interview, she said she was having a unique moment, and it had been hard getting here. An invite from Christian was delivered, asking the designers to meet him at the Rockefeller Center rooftop garden. You won’t believe it. Christian told them that you could really feel the city from up there, and Shantall thought it was magical. He said they’d been through 12 challenges, and outlasted their competitors, as well as winning 10 of the challenges. Nina said it was the first time ever that Project Runway had an all-female finale. Their work had exploded with creativity since day one. She said, the city was always changing, just like fashion; with the culture and the times. Christian said, they had a sky high perspective, and the challenge was to show the judges how their brand was relevant and part of the conversation in fashion. Nina told them to give them something to make the judges want to send them to Fashion Week. They’d made it this far for a reason. They were the future of fashion. Christian told them that it was one day, plus time on runway day, but they’d each have a seamstress to help. The designers did some sketching on the rooftop, using the city as inspiration.

For their last trip to Mood, the designers were given 30 minutes and $750. Kristina had been inspired by the American flag waving in the wind, and went for some red, white, and blue gingham. Christian tried to talk Chasity out of black, but she said it gave a message of strength. Shantall wanted to do something gender fluid in white, and Christian was frustrated that no one was using color. When the 30 minutes were up, he said he was exhausted, and hadn’t even done anything.

In the workroom, Sara Kozlowski from the CDFA and publicist Tenique Bernard (Brandon is one of her clients) stopped by to talk about their brands. Sara said, how to tell a story, and having a voice was critical. Tenique said consistency was important. It helped people identify connect with them as designers, and solidify their brand identity. It also helped drive sales. Sara and Tenique were also going to meet them individually on the runway.

Coral was first, and was also met by her entire collection of designs from this season. In Coral’s interview, she said she felt lucky. It had been more than a competition. Her mom had discouraged her going to fashion school, but bragged about her to other people. Tenique said Coral’s point-of-view was strong, and translated best with color. Sara said, from a business perspective, color sells. Kristina was next, and Sara said she had an unconventional drape and shape to her clothing. Tenique said she liked that Kristina gave the unexpected using different materials. In Kristina’s interview, she said, seeing all her pieces together, she could see how innovative she was. It was Chasity’s turn, and in her interview, she said she was proud of how she’d grown. Sara said Chasity had a great eye for movement, and told her to think of building community relationship. In Chasity’s interview, she said she was here to grow her business, and that was what was pushing her forward. Shantall was last, and Sara said, the market was looking for authenticity and a unique point-of-view. She suggested Shantall narrow down her ideas, and pick the strongest ones. 

Christian said, it was his last walk through, and it made him sad. In Coral’s interview, she said she’d never won a challenge, and she knew how difficult it was going to be. She wanted to show her son that if you work for something, if you’re persistent, you’re going to get it. Christian told her to make the most gorgeous dress she’s ever made. In Chasity’s interview, she said, in making it to the final four, she’d had a lot of help from Christian, and she was grateful. She was going to miss stressing him out. We flashed back to that, and Christian encouraged her to roll with what she was doing. It felt different from what they’d seen from her before. He warned her to be careful in finishing the hems and such though; it got cliché when it was too done. Kristina was doing a pair of blue jeans as part of her outfit, being inspired by the blue sky to make sky blue jeans. Christian told her that her fabric was very Americana, and reminded her that the judges wanted something new and different; what was next. In Kristina’s interview, she said it was the last important challenge, and she had to be smart. Christian shook his head at Shantall having chosen something technically difficult, but in her interview, she said, part of the challenge was showing the future of fashion. She wanted them to see what she was capable of. The designers worked with their models and the seamstresses. Christian said it was the night before runway pressure and anxiety. They’d have 2½ more hours to work on runway day. Shantall said she had nothing, and was nervous.

In the morning, Coral said she was excited, but sad. She was so close, yet so far at the same time. Christian reminded them of the stakes; a quarter million dollars, and some other stuff. I always stop listening after the quarter million. Christian said he was emotional, and the models arrived. In Shantall’s interview, she thought she might have tried to tackle too ambitious of a project. Christian told them to work with their Maybelline (plug-plug-plug) makeup artists, because makeup could make or break a moment. He bugged Chasity about whether or not her model could walk in the gown, but Chasity said she couldn’t do this right now.

Karlie Kloss was the guest judge, and Nina said the stakes couldn’t be higher. They’d asked a lot, and had no doubt the designers had delivered. Coral’s design was a lot of macramé on top, including a neckpiece, and a sheer skirt, both nude in color. She said she’d wanted it to represent the ethnic part of her. Kristina had a three-piece Americana pantsuit, with a palazzo pant, bandeau top, and a versatile jacket, all in picnic-y gingham. To accessorize, she made a paper bag style clutch. Shantall’s white pantsuit had cutouts in the fitted jacket, and slits in the not-so-fitted pants. Chasity’s black gown had a flowing skirt, with mesh cutouts and sequins on top. Karlie was impressed with the runway show.  

Nina said, three would be moving on to the finale, and one would be out. Kristina was up first, and said she’d been inspired by the American flags flying everywhere. In no other culture did they fly their flags like that. It was also important for her to make smart clothes that could be versatile; streetwear turning into eveningwear. (Like Fashion Transformers.) She said, the world was changing fast, and they needed to answer to that as designers. She explained that the bandeau and bag were reversable, and Karlie said Kristina’s intention translated. Her outfit was conceptual, yet practical. Nina said it was refreshing to see a day look from Kristina, Versatility was the crux of what she did, and it was the superpower for today’s busy woman. Elaine loved the pant, but said it wasn’t for everybody because it was too complicated. It was also reminiscent of what Kristina had done before. Brandon said modular dressing was her signature, and very identifiable.

Coral said she’d been inspired by the old architecture beside new buildings. Her macramé displayed her ethnicity, and was monochromatic on one side, and more artistic on the other. Karlie said Coral’s design was strong, yet beautiful, and the future of fashion. Elaine said Coral had clearly translated her story. Her design was both delicate and edgy, soft yest hard. It was artisanal, and Coral had quietly and smartly given her craft as her signature. It was the mark of a great designer.

Chasity said she felt black represented power and strength, and she’d used St. Patrick’s Cathedral as inspiration for the design; she’d envisioned a strong woman storming out of the pandemic. Elaine said Chasity’s gown was an elegant staple of a classic gown, but she’d given it an update with the cutouts. Karlie said she immediately thought it had couture quality, and Elaine asked if Chasity thought she’d be in the finals. Chasity said, no, and started crying, but tried to keep her composure. Brandon said she’d held so much in, it was the end; have at it. Chasity said she’d been very depressed in 2020. Her business was bridal and prom dresses, and she had no money coming in. Her children were looking to her for answers, and she didn’t have any. She had to search herself to find the light. Nina said Chasity’s light was her work, and Brandon said, the reality was, it had been awful in the world. Chasity came there, she wanted it, and put everything into it.

Shantall said she’d wanted to do a gender fluid piece, and Brandon said it was ambitious to do a patterned garment in 13 hours. He was excited for what she’d do if she had more time. He did think modernity was lacking with the peplum, but Karlie loved it. Elaine said that Shantall had centered the non-binary body, and Nina said she showed maturity and confidence in her design.

The judges talked right there in front of the designers, Brandon walking down the line, and whispering to all of them. The consensus was, they were all going to Fashion Week, and there were lots of hugs and squeals. Elaine said they saw something special in each of them that was so unique, they couldn’t send any of them home. Their task was to make a ten-piece collection for Fashion Week. They had a budget of $10,000 and five months, and Nina told them to expect a visit from Christian. He was going to check in on them while they were working. Karlie told them, be whoever the hell you are.

Backstage, Christian brought champagne, and said, we did it. He was exhausted. Kristina said she was thankful, grateful, and honored. She wanted to surprise everyone. Christian toasted to their really hard work, and said they were four strong women. Now the real work would begin. He’d see them in two months. In Coral’s interview, she said it was even better than her dream. Maybe her mom would tell her that she’s proud to her face. Chasity said she’d be bringing the heat to Fashion Week.

Next time, Fashion Week – the winner needs to have everything it takes to be a household name.

🎍 Not Gathering Moss…

Join me tomorrow for that variety show of days, where there’s always soap, a variety of tea, words to heed, and a flip-of-the-coin tune. Until then, stay safe, stay bringing out the best in others, and stay not playing Never Have I Ever. It never ever seems to go well.

Jan21

January 20, 2022 – Finn Tells Chase a Secret, Photos On the Runway, Have a Ball, Farewell To a Fashion Legend & You Better Work

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Elizabeth comes downstairs in her robe to answer the door. It’s Dante, who says, he’s sorry to bother her so early. Something terrible happened last night, and he thought she should know about it. She invites him in, and asks, what happened? He says, there was a fire in Franco’s art studio; it’s gone. She says, oh my God, the building burned down? but he says, not the building; just the studio. She asks if anyone was hurt, and he says, no. She says, thank God. How did the fire start? He says, it was arson.

At Kelly’s, Valentin tells Anna that she really is beautiful. He was thinking about New Year’s Eve. She flashes back to them kissing, and says she thinks about it too. Quite a bit actually. Things went a little crazy, and they haven’t been able to revisit… He says, no rush. He’s not going anywhere.

Austin gets something from the vending machine, when Felicia calls to him. She says, Amy told her that she could find him there, because it’s the only vending machine that has trail mix. He says, she’s Maxie’s mom. It’s so nice to meet her. Why is she looking for him? It’s not a medical issue, is it? She says, it’s purely about Maxie.

Brook tells Maxie that she thought she was being brave confronting a burglar, but it turned out to be Cameron. He and Josslyn had no idea about the arrangement she and Jax have, and came there looking for a little sexy time. Maxie says, oh. Oh. Brook didn’t see them… Brook says, no, thank God, but she did clock Cameron over the head with a vase, and practically gave the poor kid a concussion. Chase joins them, and says, Cam called his mom. She and Finn came by, and no concussion. He tells Brook, Bailey’s still sleeping, and Brook says, thank goodness. She’s been having a hard time at bedtime, adjusting to the new place. She’ll give Cam a call later and see how he’s doing. Chase says, that’s nice of her, and Maxie says she’s glad that worked out, but they still haven’t told her why they’re here. Why did Brook leave the Quartermaines? Brook says, as she feared, Granny Tracy figured out that Bailey is really Maxie’s daughter.

Felicia asks if Austin wants to move someplace more private, and he says, sure. She turns to see Finn walking down the hall, and Peter being pushed in a wheelchair behind him. Peter calls to Finn, and Finn asks the guard if they’re finally transferring Peter to Pentenville. The guard says, not yet; he’s complaining of back pain. Felicia walks over and says, good; he should be suffering. Peter says he just had an MRI, and lying still like that has him in agony. In fact, he wanted to consult with Finn. Finn tells him to waste someone else’s time. Pain isn’t his specialty. Peter says he thinks Finn might have some insight into this particular pain. It feels like someone threw him down an entire flight of stairs.

Elizabeth asks if Dante is saying someone intentionally set fire to Franco’s studio, and he says, the investigation’s ongoing, but all the signs are there. Cameron comes downstairs, and asks why Dante is here. Elizabeth says, there was a fire in Franco’s studio, and Cameron says, what? How did this happen? Dante says, according to the arson team they found traces of accelerant that was used. They had to force down the door, and they don’t know if somebody broke in initially. Who has keys to the studio? Elizabeth says, her and the building superintendent, and he asks if she’ll check and see if they’re missing. She goes to look, and he asks, when was the last time she was in the studio? She says, it’s been months. She left everything of Franco’s pretty much untouched. She pulls out some keys and says, they’re right where they should be. Dante asks Cameron, what about him? When was the last time he was in Franco’s studio?

Finn closes Peter’s room door, and says, Peter’s got his attention. Why did Peter want to see him? Peter says he thinks all this talk of transferring him is a bit premature. He’s still recovering from being poisoned, and now has back pain he’s dealing with. He thinks he needs a doctor to say he’s not medically ready to be transferred to Pentenville. Finn says, take it up with his primary, or better yet, his sister; she’s Co-Chief. Peter says he doesn’t care that Finn’s not his doctor. Just get it done, or he’ll start talking about how Finn pushed him down a flight of stairs, dragged his unconscious body to a freezer, stuffed it in there, and left him for dead. Remember that? Finn says, it’s funny. That’s not how he remembers it. There’s no evidence he was there that night, and it’s really Peter’s word against his, and killers don’t make the most reliable witnesses. Peter says, it might not be enough for criminal charges, but can GH really afford to keep a doctor on staff with such accusations hanging over them?

Maxie says she’s starting to feel like things are unraveling. First Chase figures it out; now Tracy? How long before it’s Peter? He cannot find out Bailey is really Louise. Brook says, he won’t. Her granny only figured it out because she knew Brook was faking her pregnancy, and Brook called her when she was initially looking for a baby. It wasn’t a huge leap when she saw Maxie pining over Bailey. Chase only put it together because he’s a super smart detective. Chase says, wow, thanks, and Brook says, they just have to hold it together for a little while longer. Once Peter is locked away for Franco’s murder, Bailey can finally come home to Maxie. Maxie asks, how long before he’s locked away for good? Peter has money and connections, and until he’s behind bars, he will try to get out of this.

Anna says she has a favor to ask Valentin, and he says, anything. Name it. She asks if he doesn’t want to know what it is first, and he says, all right. She says, because it concerns Victor, and he says, she wants him to get close to Victor to exploit their relationship for information to learn the real reason he’s in Port Charles? She says she does, and he says, great minds think alike. Anna and Laura. He and Laura had coffee the other day. They discussed Charlotte, among other things, and she asked if he wouldn’t mind connecting with Victor. Her concern is that he might be a bad influence on Spencer, and probably Charlotte, and he doesn’t disagree with that. Victor has expressed interest in getting the Cassadines together for some mysterious reason, and he’s already demonstrated a willingness to work with Peter August. So Valentin thinks it’s probably best they deal with him sooner rather than later. She says, so he’ll do it? and he says, he’s already started.

Austin and Felicia sit on a bench, and he asks if she’s all right. She says, every time she sees Peter, it makes her blood boil. Because of him, her daughter is suffering. He asks if there’s any news about Louise, but she says, that’s the problem. Louise has been missing for months. Her husband has been working night and day with law enforcement around the country, and has come up with no leads, only dead ends. It’s as though Louise just disappeared into thin air. It’s tearing them up inside, and she can only imagine what it’s doing to Maxie. He says, she’s a very strong woman, and Felicia says, yes, she’s strong, but this is her baby, her child. She knows Maxie can put on a brave front, but she’s suffering. He says he feels like there might be something he could do to help, and she says, she and Anna are looking into Louise’s case personally. He was there the night Louise was born. He says he was, and if she’d like him to go over it in minute detail, he will. She asks if he’d go back to Pawtuck, and he says, absolutely. She says, that would be great, and he has to convince Maxie to come with them, but he says that’s not something he wants to do.

Maxie says she hasn’t even talked to Robert or Mac about Peter’s case, because she’s been avoiding them. She’s worried she’s going to spill the beans. Now on top of that, she’s worried with Peter’s money and his father’s connections, he’s somehow going to wriggle his way out of this, when everybody knows he’s guilty. He was seen with the murder weapon. Brook says she’s right; everyone knows Peter murdered Franco. Chase says, unfortunately, Gladys Corbin was the one who ID’d him. After she initially lied, and accused Jason Morgan, she retracted her statement and accused Peter. It’s going to raise some doubts about her credibility. Maxie says, of course (🍷) it will, and Brook says she’s sure the prosecution will come up with some other proof. The doorbell rings, and Chase opens it to Ned, who says, Brook’s been ignoring his calls. Brook says she was going to call him, but her phone died, and she couldn’t find her charger… Maxie says she’ll talk to Brook about this later, and Brook tells her to wait, but she says, it’s fine, and jets. Ned tells Chase that he’d like to speak to his daughter in private, and Chase asks if Brook wants him to stay, but she says she’ll be fine. Chase says he’ll be back soon, and leaves. Brook tells Ned that he could be a little nicer to Chase, and Ned asks why Brook’s grandmother thinks she’s in trouble.

Finn assumes it works most of the time; the veiled threats, the cryptic tone. Peter’s dad used to do that too, if Finn recalls. It must have been some fun dinnertime conversation they had. Peter says Finn is pushing his luck, and Finn says, Peter just came up empty. There’s no way he’s fabricating a medical excuse to keep him here. Peter is going to be transferred as planned. Good luck in prison. He starts to leave, and Peter says Finn is taking a dangerous turn. Finn says he appreciates the concern, but don’t worry about him. After all, he’s the one who can walk out of here; Peter, not so much. He walks out.

Cameron says he hasn’t been anywhere near Franco’s studio since after he died. Dante doesn’t think he’d start a fire… Elizabeth says, Cameron was home; he ended up with a head injury. Chase was there. Dante can ask him. She also woke Cameron up several times last night, to make sure he didn’t have a concussion. Dante says he’s not accusing either one of them of anything. He’s just trying to determine the last time anyone was in Franco’s studio. Elizabeth says she hasn’t been able to face that space since the night Franco was killed. She knows she needs to give up the lease, but that would involve moving Franco’s things out. Dante says he’s sorry. He knows Elizabeth is going through a lot and doesn’t want to add to it. Cameron asks if Dante has questioned Peter, and Elizabeth says, what? Cameron says, his trial for killing Franco is coming up. Franco’s studio was the scene of the crime. Maybe Peter set the fire to destroy any evidence.

Felicia says she thought Austin wanted to help, and Austin says he does, but the fact that she’s looking to him to convince Maxie to do something, makes him think Felicia already knows Maxie is opposed. And if Maxie is sensitive to going back to Pawtuck, she experienced real trauma there, so he thinks it’s valid. Felicia says, okay, but they just agreed Maxie is strong. She thinks Maxie would be willing to face her fears if she knew it would bring her daughter home. He says he still agrees. He thinks Maxie is super gutsy. She’s amazing, but it’s got to be her decision whether or not she’s strong enough to go back there. He’s happy to go if Felicia wants, but he’s not going to convince Maxie to do anything she doesn’t want to do. Felicia says, you know what? She likes him.

Valentin tells Anna, Victor conveniently ran into him at the MetroCourt. His first impulse was to shut Victor out, but he thought better of it. Ever since, they’ve been getting along famously. She says, and Valentin doesn’t think he suspects anything? He says, there’s definitely a game being played. He’s not certain if it’s chess or poker, but they’re maneuvering around one another, looking for flaws in each other’s strategy. He’s giving Victor enough of an opening to keep him interested, but not so much that he suspects a trap. She says, it’s always so much harder to investigate someone you know, especially a family member, and he says, she doesn’t suppose it’s just a father’s love for his son, does she? She says she doesn’t doubt Victor wants to get to know Valentin better, and he says, other than their mutual love of vodka, there’s really only one connection. She asks, what’s that? and he says, their mutual desire to make Brook sorry she crossed a Cassadine. She says, he and Victor are plotting against Brook? and he says, it was Victor’s idea, but teaching Brook a lesson is not without its appeal. She says she understands he’s hurt, but is revenge really necessary? He says, Brook lied to him. She did hurt him, and worse, she hurt his daughter. He’s not going to forget that.

Brook asks Ned what granny said, and he says, she did more insinuating than actual explaining. The gist was that something is going on with his granddaughter, but when he cornered her, he wasn’t exactly satisfied with her explanation. Is Bailey all right? Brook says, she can honestly tell him that Bailey’s all right. He says, then why did she move out of the house so suddenly? and she says, so Chase can have 24 hour access to Bailey. She didn’t want him to have to move back into Monica’s house, and honestly, she wanted a little privacy. Live-in help is nice, but tripping over family all the time is stressful. She’s used to it, but Chase isn’t. He says, maybe her grandmother is right about one thing after all, and she says, what now? He asks if she’s falling for Chase.

Chase knocks at Finn’s office door, and asks, what’s going on? He closes the door behind him, and says, it looks like Finn’s thinking deep thoughts. Finn says, that’s what they pay him for, thinking deep doctor thoughts. Are they all moved in? Chase says, astonishingly, all of Brook’s clothes and accessories found a home. How did Finn’s date wind up with Elizabeth? Finn says, despite getting cut short, he had a good time, and they’re going to do it again… minus the hospital visit and the emergency call. Chase says he’s glad to hear it. What else is going on? Finn says, nothing, and Chase says, really? He got the sense Finn was pondering more than medical mysteries. Talk to him. Finn says he doesn’t want to get Chase involved, and Chase tells him, that was the wrong thing to say. Now he’s not going anywhere until Finn tells him everything.

Elizabeth says she doesn’t want Cameron to worry about Peter. He’s handcuffed to a bed at GH, under guard. Cameron says, he probably didn’t do it himself, but he could have hired someone to do it for him. Dante says, they’re investigating all possibilities, but Cameron says, he killed Franco. Who else could possibly have had that motive? Elizabeth says, Cameron told Dante his story. Now they just have to let the police do their jobs. Cameron says, what if this fire hurts the case against Peter August? and Dante says, if somehow, Peter August isn’t convicted for murdering Franco, he’s got so many charges hanging over him, he will never be walking a free man again.

Finn says he doesn’t have time for this, but Chase says, he does. He has all day. He’s suspended, remember? But his cop instincts aren’t. What is Finn not telling him? Finn says, in the spirit of getting Chase off his back, he saw Peter earlier. Peter was running his mouth, and it got under his skin. Chase says, that’s because that’s what he does. It’s part of the reason he hasn’t seen Peter yet. He can’t help but relish the fact Peter was poisoned, after Peter poisoned him for weeks and weeks. Not to mention essentially blowing up his life. Finn says, they were so close to losing Chase. He still has nightmares about it. He flashes back to being on the roof with Peter, and tells Chase, he was out of his mind. Chase says, he understands. He can’t imagine what Finn went through. He would have lost it. Finn flashes back to Peter throwing the vial off the roof, and says, he did. When Peter threw the antidote off the roof – he flashes back to throwing Peter down the stairs – he just… Chase asks him what the hell he’s talking about.

Peter asks where Martin has been, and Martin says, Peter’s not his only client. And even if he were, he’s an attorney, not a nurse. It’s not his job to sit by Peter’s bedside. Peter says, they’re trying to transfer him back to Pentenville. Martin has to stop them. Martin asks how Peter suggests he do that. Peter has been charged with a capital crime. They have no grounds to oppose this transfer. Unless of course (🍷), Peter has some pressing medical reason. Peter says, he tried that already. He complained of excruciating back pain, but they took an MRI and it didn’t show anything. He tried to get a doctor to vouch for him, but he refused to help. Which reminds him. He wants Finn arrested, and charged with attempted murder

Austin tells Felicia that he’s happy he made such a good first impression, but he won’t be pressuring Maxie to anywhere, especially Pawtuck. She says she likes that he respects Maxie’s wishes. She’s just worried Maxie doesn’t know what she wants. Initially, when Anna brought up going back to Pawtuck, Maxie agreed, but when Felicia brought it up later, Maxie didn’t want to do it. He says, People are entitled to change their minds; it happens all the time. She says, sometimes Maxie underestimates herself and needs a little encouragement, but he says, he’s not so sure he’s the one who should be encouraging her; they’re just getting to know each other. She says she can tell Maxie trusts him. They seem to have a real connection. She can tell her daughter is comfortable with him. Maxie says, she is. What she’s not comfortable with is the two of them talking about her behind her back.

Brook tells Ned, she’s not falling for Chase, and even if she was, why is that a problem? Ned says, it’s a problem if Chase doesn’t feel the same way. She says, wow. He doesn’t think Chase could have feelings for her? She’s not good enough? He says he’s not saying that, and she asks, what is he saying? Chase is a great guy; he has no idea. He says, a great guy, who until recently, was married and in love with Willow, and who could very well be on the rebound. And let’s not forget, Brook kept his daughter away from him. Some men don’t get over that. She says, they all know what happened and how it played out. The reality is, they’re here now, they’re good, they’re co-parenting Bailey, and they’re good. He tells her that she said that already, and she says, because it’s true. She and Chase already got past all the lying stuff, and they’re friends. He’s not the kind of guy to hold a grudge, and they’re getting to know each other better. Ned asks, how much better? and Brook says, they’re both committed to giving Bailey the best life possible. Nothing more.

Finn says he has work to do, and Chase says, he thought Finn was speaking generally about Peter withholding the antidote until he mentioned a roof. What exactly did he mean? Finn says Chase doesn’t have to worry about it, but Chase says he thinks he does. Clearly this is affecting Finn in a big way. Let him in. Maybe he can help. If Peter used Finn… Finn says, it’s not like that… It wasn’t like that. He never wanted to pull Chase into this, but it’s bound to come out sooner or later. It’s better Chase hear it from him. Chase says, hear what? and Finn sits down. He says, the night Peter disappeared from GH, he found Peter on the roof. He begged Peter to give him the medicine Chase needed; the antidote. He refused, and when he threw it off the roof, Finn lost it. Peter started to leave, and he rushed at Peter and pushed him down the stairs. He flashes back to Elizabeth finding him with Peter, and says he thought he killed Peter. Even then, he only cared because he thought Peter’s death meant he killed Chase too.

Peter tells Martin, that’s exactly how it happened. Finn tried to kill him, and walked away leaving him in the freezer in the basement. Martin says, that’s an interesting story. Does he have any proof, like security camera footage? Peter says, no. The cameras were disabled. Martin says, so it’s the word of a suspected murderer, wanted for capital offenses in multiple time zones, against the word of a respected physician. Peter says, the accusations should be enough to tarnish the reputation of the good doctor. Let him hash it out in court, with his own time and money. He might exonerate himself, but will this hospital or any other want to keep an accused killer on staff? He can’t wait to tell the world what Finn did to him. Martin says, Peter’s definitely not going to do that.

Cameron says he doesn’t care about the other charges. He wants Peter to pay for killing Franco. Elizabeth says, even when Peter’s in prison, it’s not going to bring Franco back. Cameron says, it will make him feel a hell of a lot better. He walks off, and Elizabeth asks Dante if she can go in the studio and see if any of Franco’s work is salvageable, but Dante says, he’s sorry. Not until the investigation is concluded, and even then, between the fire, the water, and the chemicals used to put out the fire, he doubts much survived. They’re going to find out who did this. It’s his promise to her. She thanks him, and he leaves. Elizabeth takes her ring out of her pocket, but hears Cameron, and puts it back. Cameron asks if she can believe this, and she says, she’s kicking herself for not bringing some of Franco’s paintings home. He says, when he was missing Franco, he’d imagine Franco was across town in his studio, painting. She says, her too. There was so much of him in that studio. Cameron says, now it’s all gone. He feels like he’s losing Franco all over again, and they hug. 

Valentin tells Anna that he found Charlotte’s copy of The Wind in the Willows in the trash. Anna says, she thought Charlotte loved that book, and he says, she does. He asked, and she said she was reading it Bailey, and she’s not interested in reading it without her. Anna says she’s sorry Charlotte’s going through that; him too. There’s nothing worse than seeing your child in pain. But how does revenge on Brook help Charlotte? He says, it sends a message. You go against me and mine, you pay a price. He’s not to be trifled with. She asks if it’s so important that the world fear him, and he says, yes. She says, that’s not who they are anymore, but he says, that’s exactly who he is. He thought she knew that.

Cameron brings Elizabeth some coffee, and says, if Peter August didn’t set the fire, it’s weird, isn’t it? She asks what he means, and he says, the timing. First, she found her ring in her locker at work, and now the fire. She says, those are two different things, but he says, they both have to do with Franco. It strikes him as unusual, weird. She says, or it’s an indication he’s been listening to too many paranormal podcasts, and he says, maybe. He tells her that he forgot the sugar, and goes to the kitchen. She takes the ring out and looks at it.

Chase says, Finn got to the basement, and… Finn says, he left Peter in the freezer; he thought he’d killed Peter. A few months later, the police searched the basement, and found the freezer empty. He’s not the hero Chase thought he was. Chase says he’s so sorry Finn went through all that on his own, and Finn says, he should have kept it that way, but now he got Chase involved. Chase says he’s glad he knows. Finn can’t keep carrying this on his own. Going back to his encounter with Peter, did he threaten to go to the authorities? Finn says, he was vague, but nothing’s off the table. Chase says, we’ll deal with that later, and Finn says, we? No. We’re not dealing with anything. Chase says, Peter used his condition to control Finn. He’s the reason this happened. Finn says, the only reason Chase got poisoned was because of him. He was the target; Chase drank the wrong drink. Chase says, they’re lucky it happened that way, but Finn says, there’s nothing lucky about it. Chase says, what would have happened if Finn had been poisoned? He couldn’t have come up with a cure like Finn did. Finn cured him because that’s what he does. He saves lives, and Chase is very grateful Finn saved his.

Valentin tells Anna, maybe his veneer of respectability is thinner than she’s comfortable with, but make no mistake, he is what he is, and he’s fine with that. It worked for her when they were hunting for Peter. She says she’s well-aware the world isn’t just black and white, and he says, his is grey, as is hers. She’s never frowned on bending the rules as she goes. She says, that’s true, but she’s at this point in her life where she’s making a sincere effort to respect the rules. He says, why? For propriety? It’s overrated. You do what you have to do. Anna says, if necessary. Brook is no threat to him or Victor. Is it really necessary to go after her? He says, if he tells her yes, do they still get to be friends? Dante comes in, and asks for a word with Anna, and Valentin says he has a phone call to make. Valentin leaves, and Dante sits down. He asks if he interrupted something.

Peter says, Hamilton Finn tried to kill him, and Martin says, after Peter poisoned his brother, a law enforcement officer. Is the world supposed to forget that? On top of that, Peter withheld the medication necessary to save Detective Chase, which is in itself, attempted murder. The last thing Peter needs is more charges against him. Peter protests, and Martin says, no. No ifs, no ands, or buts. Peter is thisclose. His only defense is the PCPD unfairly targeted him. If he doesn’t blow everything up by intentionally muddying the waters he might just beat this murder charge.

Maxie asks what Felicia is doing, and Felicia says, talking behind Maxie’s back. Austin says, that’s not actually what they were doing, but Felicia says he doesn’t have to cover for her. She asked Austin to convince Maxie to go back to Pawtuck. She figured if the two of them were together, it would give Maxie the strength to relive the night Louise was born. Maxie says, this is not about strength. She does nothing but relive it. She’s been through that night with the police over and over again. There are nights she doesn’t sleep because she’s replaying it in her head, wondering if there’s anything she could have done differently to prevent this from happening. There’s nothing else to remember. Austin tells Felicia, she seems pretty clear about that, and Maxie says she is. Felicia says, never mind, and Maxie thanks her. Austin says Maxie doesn’t need to worry. He can go to Pawtuck without her. She says, without her? and he says he doesn’t mind. He’s a little fuzzy about what happened that night, but maybe he’ll remember something that will help them find Louise.

Anna tells Dante, everything’s fine; what about him? He says, Franco’s art studio was torched last night. No one was hurt, but he’s thinking maybe Peter was involved; that’s where he killed Franco. She says, it sounds like something Peter would do. How can she help? He asks if she can put a list together; associates, contacts, people Peter might hire to do the job. She says she’ll have it for him by the end of the day, and asks if he checked the hospital. See if Peter had any unauthorized contact with the outside. He says he’s going to do all that. He knows she can take care of herself… She laughs and says, she doesn’t really like sentences that start like that, and he says, neither does he. He heard about her and Valentin at The Savoy on New Year’s Eve. She says, which is, of course (🍷), none of his business, and he says, 100%, but as her friend, he doesn’t want to see her get hurt. So if she’s getting involved with Valentin, just be careful. Valentin comes back, and Dante leaves. Valentin says, Dante has concerns? and Anna says, everyone’s entitled to their opinion. She makes up her own mind in the end. He takes her hand, and says, if Victor’s plan goes too far, he’ll stop it. She says, define too far, and he says she’ll have to trust him to make that call. Does she trust him? She says she’s not sure.

Finn says he let Peter get the best of him, and it could have cost Chase his life. Chase says, here’s the good news – good news is a relative term – Peter’s still alive. He can’t prove Finn pushed him. So legally, Finn’s hands are clean. Forget about the roof. Don’t let Peter mess with his head; don’t give the bastard the satisfaction. Focus on his triumph instead. Finn says, what triumph? and Chase says, Finn did the impossible. Finn cured him. One moment of anger doesn’t change that. And he doesn’t care what Finn says. Finn is still a hero in his book

Ned tells Brook, he’s sorry for rushing over and overreacting. Her grandmother’s concern for her is real, and after what happened with Leo, he wanted to make sure everything was okay with her and Bailey. She promises him that they’re fine. Now he has to promise to stop glaring at Chase. He says, he’ll try, especially now that Chase is his quasi son-in-law. She says, she told him, there’s nothing going on. Can he imagine that? The two of them, like that could ever happen. He says, it could happen, and she says, ya think? He can see them as a couple? He says, of course (🍷). They share a child. They’ll always have that bond.

Austin asks Felicia when they head to Pawtuck, and Maxie says, so he’s determined to do this? He says, yeah, and she says, fine; she’ll go with him. He asks if she’s sure, and she says she is. Felicia says, excellent. She knows this will be difficult, but she’ll be right there with Maxie. Austin says, hopefully one of them will remember something that will bring Louise back home to them. She says, if he remembers something, she definitely wants to be there.

Martin says, he’s read all the evidence the state has against Peter, and the case is dead. There’s no proof tying Peter to the scene of the crime, and one very unreliable witness. Which means, with a little bit of luck, he might be able to convince the jury that Peter is the victim of his estranged aunt. The Anna Devane vendetta, a woman who was also the Chief of Police, as well as the ex-wife of District Attorney Robert Scorpio. All Peter has to do is sit in that courtroom, and look penitent. So do himself a favor and cooperate, and leave the rest to him. Peter says, fine. Whatever it takes to get him free. Peter says, he does have another ace up his sleeve, just in case things don’t go as smoothly as they could. Martin says, God help him; what ace is that? Peter says, an accomplice, and Martin says, Peter never mentioned Finn had an accomplice. Peter says, not Finn’s – his. Would he gain any good will by naming the person who helped him to escape GH last June?

Tomorrow, Scotty says he’s crashing Robert’s invite, Ava asks Nikolas and Spencer to set aside their differences, Sonny says he’s not wasting any more time, and Carly says it’s a deal breaker for her.

Project Runway

In Chasity’s interview, she said there was a lot of emotional sh*t going on. They couldn’t be happy because someone was going home, then it was time for the next challenge. They were about to sip some wine, when producer Dunia producer came in, and said, Christian asked that they come join him in the warehouse across the street. When they got there, they saw supermodel and entrepreneur Coco Rocha being photographed by William Richards. Christian introduced Coco, saying she was one of the best editorial models, even when she was pregnant in a couture gown in his pool. (We saw a photo of that.) Fashion wasn’t just about the runway. They needed to showcase their fashion and creativity in a single image. The challenge was an editorial look for a photo shoot with Coco. Coco told them to think high fashion, something made to inspire, and to think outside the box. It didn’t have to be practical or functional, and she loved a prop. It helped tell the story, and bring the vision to life. Christian told the designers that they could pick one prop. There would be no runway show this week. In Bones’s interview, he said, everyone using the same model would even the playing field.

Kristina wanted to bring a memory from each challenge to her piece, and Chasity wanted to do something striking and daring. She wanted to  turn Coco into her own villain. At Mood, Christian told them that fabric was huge to an editorial look, bringing volume and movement. They had a budget of $800, and the usual 30 minutes to shop. In her interview, Chasity said, they were going to see the beast unleashed. She was planning on winning.

Christian said, since Chasity was last week’s winner, she would get first choice of props, then pick the next person to choose. The prop should enhance the garment. Chasity chose a wooden pallet; Bones’s choice was poi balls (see below); Kristina’s pick was a blue container (like a small dumpster); and Coral picked a giant electric fan. Last to choose was Shantall, who opted for a ladder. In her interview, she said she was doing well; she didn’t need an advantage. Bones wanted to create a tornado effect with a brocade fur dress that narrowed at the bottom. He also had thoughts of a denim jacket to go with it.

When Christian paid a visit to the workroom, everyone just started laughing, since Christian always brought the doubts, and it was nerve-wracking enough. He told Coral that she was getting in her own head again, and in her interview, she said she was at the bottom last week, and it had made her doubt herself. She’d made a dress using a fabric of yellow cut-out flowers, and Christian suggested she not make it so feminine and romantic; it wasn’t what she did. Bones told Christian that he wanted to create a fashion tornado, but I thought it looked more like a snake. When he told Christian about the jacket idea, Christian said Bones had good at ideas, but sometimes his ideas didn’t come together at the end. He suggested Bones make it clean and perfect. Shantall was making a red gown, and told Christian that her concept was passion, but he was concerned with the amount of work she was going to have to complete. He told them that he was exhausted and there were only five of them. Bones thought he’d bring the jacket to a place where it could be fitted, and then decide later. Shantall called home, and son Franco, who had a speech delay, called her mama for the first time. She said she wanted to teach him to live his life with passion every day.

The designers seemed laser focused, and it was time for the Coco fitting. Coco knew everything about photos, and had terrific suggestions, including suggesting Bones lose the jacket. Since he couldn’t help himself, he said he’d make a matching do-rag instead. In Shantall’s interview, she said, the stakes were high, and this was her only chance to perfect her garment. Coco wanted more understanding of Chasity’s dress, although she was into the villain idea. In Chasity’s interview, she said Coco’s advice was different from other model’s advice. Being further along would have helped, but she needed every minute to fully execute her vision. Christian said the designers had to be ready to go and finished by the end of the day, and explained that they would be going one at a time for their shoots, and wouldn’t be watching each other. Chasity told herself not to look up until she was done; she was a nervous wreck. Coral finished early, and helped Chasity, and in Shantall’s interview, she said, no one asked if she needed help. It had opened her eyes. She came into the competition alone, and hopefully, would be leaving alone as the winner. She didn’t feel like part of the group, but couldn’t let the situation affect her, even though she cared. In Chasity’s interview, she said, doing still photos was good and bad. They got to pick the perfect photo, but the judges couldn’t see it in motion. Coco conferred with makeup and hair, knowing the look had to be for everybody.

After struggling with the zipper, Shantall’s red gown was the first to be photographed. In her interview, she said it was an amazing photographer and an amazing model, who she didn’t know. She was trying to use the same approach that she did with her husband; using humor and making herself clear about what she wanted. She wanted passion, like an angel on fire.

Coral asked Coco to sign her model card, which was kind of sweet, even if a little inappropriate. In Coral’s interview, she said she couldn’t believe she’d created this dress, and that Coco was wearing it. It was a dream come true. She took Christian’s advice to heart, and had designed a flamenco style dress with a high/low ruffled hem. She wanted the photos to show Coco in positions of power. The judges were on the sidelines, and Nina said Coral had covered all the bases.

Chasity said she was drawing from the dark vibe villains give off for her princess/villain dress. She wanted to make sure she was clear in her vision, and then let the professionals do their thing. She was living in this moment. Everyone got a laugh when she shushed Christian during the shoot, and rightfully so.

Bones admitted his tornado gown was limiting, but it was conceptual, and he wanted it to stand out. Coco had written the book of 1001 poses (I wasn’t sure if he meant that figuratively or literally), but in his experience as a photo assistant, it was his job to give tips on how to nail the photo. His head was in the game, and he was taking the critiques he’d been given, and narrowing down his ideas.

Kristina wanted her green and blue oversized pantsuit to reflect the experiences she’d had in the competition, but she didn’t want it to be serious. She wanted it to bring joy. In experimenting with the garment, she decided she liked the shoot more than the runway. She felt she was being innovative and progressive, and bringing something new, and hoped the judges would see that.

The judges scored the designs, but were also taking the photo into consideration. They all met at the runway, and each photo chosen by the designers was shown. Shantall said she wanted to show passion and fire, through a texture that was beautiful and rough. Coco said Shantall had a good balance, and she liked how they helped each other, but still stayed in their lanes. Elaine said the ladder was elongating, and a good choice. Brandon asked how she decided on the photo, and she said, the passion. He told her that made sense, and Nina said, a great editorial photo was also art, and had the power to move you.

Elaine pointed out that Coral was the quietest person, and had chosen the loudest color; it filled the space like sunshine. Nina thought some of Coral’s stillness was cultural, and said, as Latinas, they learned to be polite, but there was nothing quiet about Coral’s work. It was sexy, bold, and daring.

Chasity, whose red gown was very structured with sharp angles, explained that she believed Disney villains had been princesses who were misunderstood. Brandon said he was certain his mom had this dress, which was good and bad. It was like an 80s costume, but the photo looked great. Nina said she got more of a rebel/rock and roll vibe than evil, and Elaine thought Chasity was leaning too heavy on theatrical inspiration.

Bones told the judges about his certification to use poi balls that were lit on fire. I’d actually like to see that. Coco said Bones was literally giving every note, and it was frustrating to the team. He should let them know what he wanted, then made sure to give others the space to perform their best. In other words, he micromanaged. Nina said, it was the most streamlined, sophisticated, and conservative look they’d seen from him, but it was hard to photograph. In terms of photography, he’d missed the point. Bones said his communication wasn’t received the right way, which sure sounded like an excuse, especially when Coco said he communicated too much.

Nina said Kristina’s creation was like a compilation of her greatest hits. It was the most modern thing she’d done, and she was the only one who’d designed pants and used contrasting colors. She wasn’t as successful choosing the bin for a prop; it seemed bizarre. Coco said they’d thought it would either be cool or weird, and Nina said she’d thought there were better frames. Kristina said she’d wanted it to be joyful, and Brandon said her fabric choice was intelligent. Elaine said, the fabric saved the shot. On the runway, it wouldn’t be her favorite, but in the photo, she loved it. Brandon said, no matter what happened, everyone did a great job.

The judges discussed amongst themselves, and it was pretty quiet where the designers waited. Shantall and Coral were the favorites, Brandon saying that Shantall had a steady hand and clarity of vision. Nina said her design translated well in the photo, and Coco said she understood Shantall’s vibe. Elaine thought her construction was flawless, and Shantall raised the bar. Brandon said they’d seen another layer with Coral, and Nina said Coral had been bold, both in the details, and her choice of color. Coco said it hadn’t been her favorite look, but in the photo, it was. Elaine said it confirmed Coral was a true artist. Brandon said it came down to ketchup and mustard, which was his attempt at a joke, since the dresses were red and yellow. They moved on to the least favorites, and Coco said Chasity was her favorite designer to work with. Elaine said she didn’t think the design lived up to the challenge, and Nina said Chasity was inconsistent with her work. Brandon wondered what was happening with Bones’s look, and Elaine said his vision wasn’t refined. Coco said there was too much going on, which has been an ongoing criticism about him. She said she was left wondering if he got it. Brandon said Kristina chose an odd prop, but Nina said, hers was the only look that wasn’t a gown. Kristina had the most potential, but did the least amount.

The designers were brought back, and Nina said the winner had fully realized their story, had clarity of vision with the editorial design and photo. Shantall was the big winner, and Nina said that made four; Shantall was on a roll. Shantall said it was a very special piece, and Nina said it was special to them as well. She and Coral had made the top four. Shantall and Coral jumped around backstage, and in Shantall’s interview, she said she couldn’t believe it was the fourth time. It had been her most important piece, like the making of a portrait of all the effort and passion from this year. Everything in one dress. Nina said, Bones, Kristina, and Chasity had missed the mark in different ways. The judges had conflicting views, but were in agreement on who was going home. Bones was out. Chasity teared up, but Bones said, none of that. Brandon said Bones’s dress had been constricting, and that affected the final editorial image. Nina thanked Bones, and said, it was wonderful to have him. Bones said it was a lonely runway when it was just you, but he appreciated the moment. Brandon told him to lean in to who he is, because who he is, is pretty great. Nina told him not to lose thinking out of the box, and Elaine said they were going to miss him. In Bones’s interview, he said he wished he could have achieved what he wanted in the photos. He was disappointed, but it was his time, and he accepted it. Chasity asked him to be an honorary bridesmaid at her wedding, and Christian came in, and told Bones, it had been a wild ride. Bones said he had the perfect do-rag for Christian, and Christian said he’d put it on for Bones. Bones came back with a shiny, rainbow do-rag, and tied it on Christian’s head. Christian didn’t think it was his look, but I thought it wasn’t awful. He told Bones, good luck. He was creative and talented, and made Christian proud. In his interview, Bones said, every garment reflected his capability of what he could do as an artist and as a person. He didn’t know what was next, but he was just getting started.

Next time, the designers are challenged to prove how their brands can be relevant, and part of the conversation; and the guest judge is Karlie Kloss.

🤹🏾 Oh Poi…

All about those balls.

What are Poi balls? An introductory guide to Poi spinning

👘 Fashion’s Loss…

A lot of his life was sad, but he was a pioneer, and certainly left a lot of people mourning him.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/stars-react-andre-leon-talley-passing/

🤸🏽‍♀️ Going My Own Way…

Join me tomorrow for soap, whatever tea I can brew, and words wiser than mine. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping your promises, and stay never pressuring someone to do what they don’t want to do.

Jan14

January 13, 2022 – Brad Makes a Confession To Britt, Black Girl Magic On the Runway & Boston Ice

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone, Brook tells Tracy that she said she do it herself. Do not say anything to her dad. Chase comes in, and says, there she is. Did she forget about Bailey’s appointment? They waited as long as they could, but eventually had to leave without her. She says, something came up, and asks how Bailey did, and he says, amazing; 95th percentile, across the board. Something came up as in… She says, her grandmother, and he says, she can tell him anything. What’s going on? She says, Tracy figured it out. She knows Bailey is Maxie’s daughter.

Anna and Maxie are seated at a MetroCourt table, and Anna says she’s glad they were able to reschedule. Maxie says, her too, and Anna says she can tell. Maxie’s enthusiasm is underwhelming. Maxie says she’s not looking forward to another grilling session about Louise. She assumes that’s why they’re here.

Brad sits with Britt at the table in her office, and says he got her favorite. She says, they’re cold, and he says, so? You know how much he would have killed to eat cold crab cakes when he was in Pentenville, especially from the MetroCourt? She says, it would just be nice to eat them there, and he tells her, he thought it would be nice to catch up in a more intimate setting. She says, he knows as well as she does, it’s not brunch without bottomless mimosas and people watching. So why the sad, hidden away meal?

Felicia gives Peter’s guard, Officer Baird, a coffee, and says she knows how long and boring guard duty can be. Maybe this will help perk things up. (Is that supposed to be a Perks joke?) He thanks her, and says he appreciates it, and she says she’ll be sure to tell her husband how diligent he is. He asks if he can help her with something, and she says she was hoping to have a quick word with the prisoner, but she was told visitation was limited. He says, not for the acting Commissioner’s wife, and opens the door. She goes in and closes it, and Peter asks what she’s doing here. She says she wanted to see him face-to-face, and he asks if she’s looking for something particular. She says, his soul.

The MetroCourt bartender asks if he can get Drew something, but Drew says he’s just waiting for someone. The bartender says, is this him? and Victor says, Drew Cain. Fancy meeting him here. Shall they break bread? Drew says, him and Victor break bread? He doesn’t think so. Bones maybe. Victor says Drew has been through quite an ordeal. His hostility’s to be expected. Drew says his brother is dead because of Victor, and Victor says, it’s his understanding that Jason died trying to save, Drew, Britt, and Obrecht from Peter August. Drew says, who was Victor’s ally; they were working together. Victor says, allegedly. Careful with the insinuations. Drew gets up, and says, he’s not the one who needs to be careful, when Sam runs in. She tells Drew, don’t, and suggests they get a table, but Drew says, just a minute. He has a few things to clear up with Victor.

Maxie asks if Anna thinks she should intervene in whatever that is, but Anna says, it looks like Drew’s got it. Maxie says, so now they’re back to the grilling portion of their visit? but Anna says she’s not grilling Maxie. She reserves that for suspects, not victims. She and Maxie’s mother are very worried about her, that’s all. Maxie says, Anna is worried? She wakes up every morning facing another day without her daughter, hoping Louise manages to stay safe, because if Peter finds her… Anna says, he won’t, but Maxie says Anna doesn’t know that. So forgive her if she’s not overly concerned that Anna and her mom are worried. Anna says, duly noted, but Maxie loves Louise, and they love Maxie, and the way she’s handling this… Maxie says, is wrong? but Anna says, is admirable. She’s putting one foot in front of the other for the sake of her children. Honestly, Anna doesn’t know how Maxie is doing this, but what they want her to know is that she doesn’t have to do it alone. Let them help her. Maxie says, they’ve already helped. She doesn’t know what else there is Anna could do; the trail has run cold. Anna says she knows. Her suggestion is that they look at it all again with fresh eyes. Is there anything else Maxie can remember? Maxie says she told the police everything she knows, and Anna says, really? Everything?

Brook asks why Chase isn’t freaking out, and he says, he is, just internally. She says, join her externally, would he? He says, try not to react, and she asks if he’s met her grandmother. He says, on a scale of one to ten, how screwed are they? She says, the good news is, her granny will do anything for family, and he says, even her? She says, hey, and he says, sorry. He knows she and Tracy haven’t always had the best relationship. She says, no one has with Tracy, but when push comes to shove, she knows Tracy will have her back. He says, what about him? He’s here to protect Bailey. Tracy knows that’s the reason he’s here, right? Brook says, she does, but she doesn’t think it’s enough. She’s not wrong, because if Peter has proven anything, it’s that being confined does not render him powerless. He asks, what’s the alternative? and she says, her grandmother thinks the best way to keep Bailey safe is to put distance between her and Peter. He asks, how much distance? and she says, an ocean’s worth.

Austin walks in his office, saying, sorry to keep you waiting. He sees the office is empty, and says, or not, since you didn’t wait. He calls Valentin, and says, they should have this conversation about Brook. She can’t just destroy people’s lives anymore, and he thinks they should plot their retaliation… Okay, that’s a little extreme, even for Valentin. He was just thinking paternity fraud, since she falsified Bailey’s birth certificate saying he was the father, not Chase… Okay, that’s too bad. Can he go after her civilly?… All right, well maybe this would be a more productive conversation if they could have it face-to-face when Valentin’s not doing other things. He’s pretty sure, as they speak, Brook is concocting more schemes on other unsuspecting marks, and they need to figure out how Brook is vulnerable, and take her down.

Sam says, Drew just got his freedom back. Don’t lose it because of this piece of garbage. Victor tells him to listen to his ex, aside from the piece of garbage bit of course (🍷). Sam says she actually thinks she was spot-on, and Victor tells Drew, don’t squander his second chance at life. Drew says, maybe it was Peter who held him captive, but Victor provided the facility, and provided the guards. Those years he lost are at Victor’s door just as much as Peter’s. Victor says, of course (🍷) he regrets any dealings he had with Peter; it was a terrible lapse in judgement. As for Drew’s captivity, he seems to be fully recovered. Drew says, Victor may have gotten a pass from the WSB, but Victor will never get a pass from him. If he even twitches in the wrong way, Drew will make him wish he’d stayed dead.

Brad tells Britt, fine. He doesn’t want to be seen in Carly’s hotel, all right? It’s awkward to say the least. She says, that, she gets, but the MetroCourt isn’t the only game in town; there are other restaurants, with much better ambience than the office. He says, add a little mood lighting, maybe some artwork, she could have a destination on her hands. She asks if this has anything to do with his Aunt Selena telling her to stay away from him, but he says, no. He makes his own decisions. He’s with her right now. She says, in hiding basically, and he says, besides, his aunt’s out of town. She says, all right then, be straight with her. What’s going on?

Chase says, Tracy wants Brook and Bailey to move to Amsterdam? Brook can’t be considering this. Brook says, her granny can be very persuasive, and without Valentin’s considerable resources, including Yuri, this house isn’t as safe as it used to be. He says, then they’ll hire security, and she says, how suspicious would that look? Valentin leaves, takes his bodyguard with him, and all of a sudden, weeks later, they have security 24/7? He says, so he’ll move back in, but she says, that’s a terrible idea. He asks, why? and she says, three words for him; Michael and Willow. He says they’re fine now, and she says, fine is a far cry from shacking up together. Is he sure he wants to do that to himself? He says he would for her… and Bailey. She says that means a lot to her, but she doesn’t think it would be a good idea. He asks if she’s talked to Maxie about this. Brook can’t just take Maxie’s daughter halfway across the globe. She says, that’s why they’re having this conversation. They have to come up with an alternative stat, because her grandmother is right about one thing, Peter will only grow more dangerous as his prison time approaches. And if he figures it out like Tracy did, everyone in this house could be at risk.

Peter asks if Felicia sees a soul in there, and she says, she’s coming up empty, but if he still has a heart, he’ll let her know where her granddaughter is. He says, come on. She’s a P.I. Can’t she find her herself? She says, this is a joke to him, isn’t it? All the lives he’s taken, the families he’s destroyed… He says, his family was destroyed. Who answers for that? She says, hopefully him. My God, doesn’t he take responsibility for anything? It was his lies that drove Maxie away. And what did he do; try to change? No, he doubled down, had Maxie kidnapped, and hired a deranged nurse to induce Maxie’s labor. Who does that? He says he loves Maxie. All he wanted was for them to be together. She says he believes that, doesn’t he? That this is all coming from a good place. He says, because it was. If all of them hadn’t poisoned Maxie against him, he woudn’t have had to go to such extremes. She says, at least he admits it was extreme. You know what the sad thing is? There were people who really cared about him, people who believed in him. Anna, Valentin, Maxie, James, and instead of living up to that love, he let them down. He says, you certainly wouldn’t know about letting people down, would you… princess?

Anna writes as Maxie says, then the ambulance took her and Austin back to GH, and Anna knows the rest. Anna says, and Austin doesn’t remember anything after he was knocked unconscious? and Maxie says, not as far as she knows. Anna says she doesn’t know what she’s missing. Peter swears he’s looking for Louise so they can all be a family again. Who else would take Louise, and why? Maxie asks if Peter didn’t say he had information on where Louise is, but Anna says, he’s lying. He’s just trying to trade information he says he has, for getting out of a long prison sentence. Maxie says, or he’s using Louise as a bargaining chip, and Anna says, she supposes anything’s possible, but forensics went through those woods with a fine toothed comb. There’s no outside witnesses, there’s no other evidence. If Peter had an accomplice, they’re a magician. She doesn’t mean to be flip, but all of it always leads her back to the people who saw Louise last; Maxie and Austin.

At the MetroCourt, Sam says, before she forgets – she hands Drew a paper – it’s for him; Scout drew it. It’s him. He says he totally sees the resemblance. This is awesome. He thanks her, and says, it’s getting prime real estate on the fridge. Sam wonders if Cook will allow that, and he says, she has no choice… Yeah, there’ll be lots of begging. She tells him, good luck with that, and he says he’s sorry he almost lost it out there. She asks if he’s kidding. She was impressed that she didn’t walk in on him strangling Victor. He says, him too. Restraint has never been his forte. She says, a new and improved Drew, and he says, new? Yes. Improved? We’ll see. He wanted to meet because he ran into Valentin. She asks what Valentin wants, and he says, it seems he already got what he wanted. Drew’s ELQ shares.   

Maxie says, every time someone asks her about that day, she feels like she did something wrong, but Anna says, no one’s blaming her. She was kidnapped, and forced to give birth in the middle of the woods. She’s sorry. She’s just trying to process things out loud. Maxie says, she needs a minute, and leaves, when Victor comes by. He asks if that was Maxie, and Anna asks if that was an altercation with Drew. Victor says, more a misunderstanding, and she says she’s sure he’s misunderstood. He says, finally someone who gets him, and she says she’s not in the mood; what does he want? He says he would have thought, as his shadow, she’d already know, or was she too busy discomfiting Maxie? She says, Maxie is no business of his, and he says, a damsel in distress is always the business of a man of chivalry. She says, it may come as a surprise to him, but they’ve all moved on from the 50s. He asks what Maxie was upset about, and she tells him, like she said, it’s none of his business. Victor flashes back to Peter saying, he’ll exchange the key to Drew’s control for Maxie and his daughter. He tells Anna, it’s called compassion. It’s dreadful what happened to Maxie’s baby, isn’t it? Maxie comes back, and asks, what the hell does he know about her baby?

Chase asks if they’re agreed on no Amsterdam, and Brook says, no Amsterdam, but she and Bailey still have to go somewhere. He asks what she’s thinking, and she says, maybe the MetroCourt? The hotel has security. He says, too many people, too few questions. It doesn’t scream safe to him. She says she could talk to Uncle Sonny, and Chase says, just tell him the whole story? She says, good point. They have to come up with something. She promised Maxie that she’d keep Bailey safe; she can’t fail now. He says he has an idea. A place that has 24 hour security provided by a trained officer of the law. She says, he doesn’t mean… and he says, move in with him.

Sam says, she was going to tell Drew about the shares once he was settled in. He’s had a lot to deal with. He thanks her, and says, he’s never been super involved with ELQ, but now he’s at Monica’s. She says, now his family is probably all over him, and he says, pretty much. He can only use the excuse that he was being held captive for so long. He laughs, but she says, not that funny, huh? He says he really wanted to get caught up to speed, and thought she’d be the right person to fill him in. How did Valentin, of all people, end up with his shares? She says, Scout’s shares were in a trust. Then things with Shiloh came to a head and Sam went to prison. He says he heard about that; he’s so sorry. She says, it was really tough on the kids, and he says he can imagine. She was eventually paroled, right? She nods, and says, it came with a condition. She couldn’t have contact with anyone who had a criminal record. He says, meaning she wasn’t allowed to see Jason.

Brad asks Britt if they can put it up to re-acclamation. He just got out of prison. It might be some time before he’s on again. She says, he was plenty on when she visited him in said prison. Now that he’s a free man, it’s all doom and gloom? She doesn’t buy it. He asks her to cut him some slack. Life on the outside is not exactly one big party for him. He doesn’t have a husband, Lucas’s family is furious with him, which makes half this town off limits, and it turns out labs aren’t keen on hiring baby-napping ex-cons. Shocker. So it turns out his career is just as done as his marriage. She says she’s sorry; she didn’t mean to be insensitive. He’s right. Coming back to this new reality is a lot. She’s here to talk or scream, or whatever he needs her to do. He thanks her, and she says, at least they have each other, right? She missed him. He says he missed her too. He’s just still processing. She says, no pressure, but could he maybe process a little faster? She went out with this new wingman the other night, and he could stand to learn a lesson from the OG.

Victor tells Maxie to sit down; it’s lovely to see her again. She says, the feeling is definitely not mutual, and he asks if it’s something he said. She says, it’s more like things he’s done, especially teaming up with Peter. What exactly does he know about her daughter? He says, Peter was anguished about her disappearance, and desperate to get her back. Anna asks if Victor doesn’t think he was putting on a show, but Victor says, God no. His only aim was to reunite his family. Anna tells Maxie, Peter is looking for Louise also, and Maxie says, Peter will never get his hands on Louise. Does Victor hear her? Never. Victor says, Maxie certainly is formidable, and Maxie says she’ll do anything to protect her child. He says he sincerely hopes Maxie gets her back, when his phone dings. He looks at it, and says, his son can’t make lunch; he’s been held up. He tells them, it’s been a pleasure, and leaves. Maxie says she wishes she could say the same.

Felicia tells Peter, don’t call her princess, but he says, it’s true, isn’t it? After all, she is royalty, and like most royalty, she just can’t escape the mundane bored her. Being a wife and a mother? Dullsville, right? (Dullsville? Victor’s not the only one still in the 50s.) He says, she had to seek adventure, travel the world, and while she was doing all that, her daughters were growing up without her. She says, he’s a nasty piece of work, and he says he can be. See how easy it is to admit who you truly are? Give it a try. She says she’s made mistakes, and he asks if that’s what she calls being MIA while her child is murdered. She can come at him all she wants, but he knows what this is truly about; her pathetic attempt to make up for her failure as a parent. He’d never fail his daughter that way. She says, they’ll never know, will they? Because of him, Louise may be lost forever. He says, what if Louise isn’t lost? What if he can lead Felicia straight to her?

Chase tells Brook, he’s Bailey’s father. The two of them coming to live with him is brilliant. She tells him, if he does say so himself, and he says it would help sell the idea of them co-parenting. She says, no, and he says, that’s it? Just no? She tells him, what would people say? He has a one-bedroom apartment. He says, with a very comfy couch, which she’s already acquainted with, and she says, it’s not practical, but he says he’s kidding. She can have the bed this time. She says she did, and still does, appreciate him letting her crash, but they weren’t the best of roommates, and this time, they have another human with them. He says, Bailey would need her own space, and she says, ideally, yes. He says, then let’s get something bigger, and she asks if he means rent a place together. It’s actually not a terrible idea. He thanks her, and she says, she bets Lucy could help them find a temporary rental. He says, it would keep Tracy at bay, give Maxie more time with her daughter, and make Bailey that much harder for Peter to find. She says he’s a genius, and hugs him.

Victor goes to Austin’s office, and says he’s not sure if Austin remembers him. Austin says, Victor Cassadine. He remembers Victor. He was the first person Peter asked to speak to when he woke up. Victor apologizes for the intrusion, but a nurse told him that he might find his son in here. She was clearly mistaken. Austin says, Valentin split a half hour ago. If Victor wants to step outside, he can text him. Victor asks if Austin has a moment, and Austin says, not really, but Victor says he’s curious as to what first made Austin suspect Brook was lying about her baby’s paternity?

Maxie tells Anna, each Cassadine is worse than the last. Valentin is excluded, obvi. Anna says, he’s certainly had his moments, but he’s come a long way. Victor has given them a reason to rule Peter out; he doesn’t have Louise. Maxie asks what they do now, and Anna says she has an idea, but she’s going to need Maxie’s help.

Austin says, even if he did pose the idea to Valentin that Brook was lying, why would it be any of Victor’s business? Victor says, it’s pretty straightforward really, and sits down. Valentin is his son, and little Bailey was passed off as his granddaughter. Valentin is neither naïve nor particularly trusting, yet he was thoroughly convinced. Austin was the one who opened Valentin’s eyes to the unfortunate truth. Austin asks how he knows all this, and Victor says, he makes it his business to know things, especially where his family is concerned. Austin asks why he doesn’t just talk to Valentin about this, and Victor says, he was hesitant to reopen an old, painful wound that’s only just beginning to heal over. (Old? Didn’t this just happen?) Personally, he thinks Valentin is letting Brook off too easily. He asked Valentin to retaliate. Austin says, and here he thought that was his big idea, and Victor asks if Valentin is going to move against Brook. Austin says, they were discussing options, and Victor says, which brings him back to his original question. What made Austin suspect Brook was lying? Austin laughs, and says, because she’s a manipulative… scheming person. And she only thinks about herself, the Quartermaines, and ELQ stock. She nearly cost him his position here on staff, and definitely cost him his rightful claim to his father’s inheritance. Victor says he’s sorry Austin had so much trouble, but at least it gives him the advantage of knowing clearly who Brook is. Austin says, yes, he knows clearly. He knows more than Valentin; Maxie too. Victor asks, did he say Maxie?   

Chase says he should be a genius more often, and Brook tells him not to let it go to his head. He says he’ll talk to the nanny, and get Bailey’s things ready, and she says, she’ll text Lucy for some listings. She sits down, and says, ugh. He says, what? and she says, there’s one problem they didn’t consider. He says, just one? and she wonders what her dad is going to say. He wasn’t exactly happy the first time she crashed with Chase when he kicked her out. Chase says, they’re on way less shaky ground now; don’t worry. He’ll help her come up with a believable reason for their move. Under one condition. She springs for housecleaning.

Sam says, after they lost Drew, Valentin made her an offer, and he holds the voting proxy for Danny and Scout until each of them turns 21. He says, in exchange, Valentin cleared the way for her to see Jason, and she says, it was never meant to be permanent. He says he gets it. She was prioritizing getting her family back together, and she says, exactly. Isn’t it ironic, all those lengths she went through to keep her family together, and it all fell apart. He says, if she doesn’t mind him asking, what happened? She guesses the simplest way to put it is, she changed and Jason couldn’t. He was committed to Sonny and his business, and she needed security for herself and her family. He says, like what they had when they started Aurora, and she says, exactly. He says, and like what she has now with Dante, and she says, with Dante, there’s a balance, and there’s a sense of adventure she still has without putting herself or her kids at risk. He says, a win-win, and she says, yeah. Anyway, her deal with Valentin was contingent on Drew’s death, and he’s very much alive. If he wants his shares back, she’s sure there are grounds for that. He says, his family would be happy, but she says, what matters is if he’s happy. He says, when he figures out what makes him happy, he’ll let her know.

Britt asks if Brad hears what she said, and he says, she’s replacing him with a new wingman. She says, no, but she might have to if he doesn’t tell her what’s wrong. He says he just did, but she says, what else is wrong? This is more than reentry, and they both know that. He says he’s afraid of his aunt, and she says, that’s ridiculous; she can’t dictate his life. He says, actually, she can, and Britt says, because she’s letting him stay with her? He can stay with Britt. He says she’s forgetting who his aunt is, and she laughs. She says, she’s a product of Cesar Faison and Liesl Obrecht. She’s not easily intimidated. He says, maybe she should be, and she asks what he’s not saying. He says, his aunt is very skilled at getting people to do her bidding, and she says, people like him? He says, she made him do something horrible, and he doesn’t want anyone associated with him to pay the price.

Felicia says she doesn’t believe Peter, but he says, even if there’s a chance he’s telling the truth, shouldn’t Felicia do everything in her power to make sure Maxie can hold her child again? Or is she just going to let Maxie fend for herself, like always? She says, truth or not, how does she fit in? and he says, being the wife of the Police Commissioner, she’s in a unique position to make sure he’s treated fairly. She says, if by treated fairly, he means exonerated, she’d rather see him executed first. He says, then she’d be discarding all hope of seeing her granddaughter, but she says she doesn’t believe him. He’s a liar just like his father. But guess what? She stood up to Faison, and faced down Ryan Chamberlain, and she can’t wait to see him end just as pathetically as they did. She starts to leave, and he says, when Maxie was pregnant with Louise, they used to stay up at night. They’d lie there, and talk about their future. Maxie said, the key to raising a happy, healthy child was to remember how Felicia mothered her, and do the opposite. She says, his soul isn’t lost, and he says, oh no? She says, clearly, she was looking for something that never existed, and leaves. He tugs at his bonds.

Anna says, they’ll get Maxie back to Pawtuck. She knows this is going to be hard, but they’ll get Maxie into the woods, and maybe she can relive the night she gave birth to Louise. If she’s comfortable with that; it might help jog her memory. Maxie says, if Anna thinks it will help, and Anna says, she does. So she’ll make arrangements for both of them as soon as possible. Maxie asks, who else is coming? and Anna says, Austin. She thinks it will be helpful to tap into his memory as well.

Victor tells Austin, he just saw Maxie; it’s so tragic her child going missing like that. He’s in awe of that woman’s strength and courage, and Austin says, Maxie is an incredible person. Brook is just going to be Brook, and take advantage of her. Austin opens the door, and Victor says, so Maxie is another one of Brook’s victims. Austin says, he doesn’t  know if Maxie would put it quite like that. Maxie insists they’re friends, which makes zero sense. Maxie also admitted to him that not that long ago, they couldn’t stand each other. Victor wonders what changed, and Austin says, Maxie has a huge gaping hole in her heart, and Brook is allowing her to spend time with the baby. Victor asks if Austin is saying Brook used Bailey to take advantage of Maxie, the way she did with Valentin, but Austin says he doesn’t think Maxie would put it exactly like that. He thinks if the circumstances were better, Maxie would see Brook more clearly for who she is. Losing Louise was hard, and spending time with Bailey eases that pain. It works out well for Brook, because most people don’t trust Brook as far as they could throw her. Having Maxie as a friend and defender, people are more likely to give Brook a second chance. Victor says, what he’s hearing is, Maxie’s friendship is an asset Brook’s not willing to give up. Which means Maxie may well be the key to getting back at Brook.

Brook says she thinks she found the perfect listing, and shows Chase, but he says, it’s a little out of his price range. She says, please. Granny said she was committed to Brook’s safety, so let her put her money where her mouth is. Besides, it’s cheaper than moving her across the globe; Tracy should be thanking her. He says, okay; let’s do it. First, they have to talk about boundaries. Brook flashes back to Chase losing his towel in the steam room, and Chase says, ground rule number one; she puts her socks away this time. And he’s not watching The Bachelorette. She says, he will and he’ll love it, and he says, just don’t tell anyone. She says, let’s talk about his protein powder that gets everywhere. He says he loves that stuff, and she says, try not making a mess. He says, she’s talking to him about a mess? and she says, she’s a woman; she has a lot of things. He says, too many, if you ask him, and she says, she didn’t.

Sam says she’s going to check on Dante, and Drew says to tell Dante he said hello. She says, good luck, and he thanks her for coming. She says, always. She knows she already said it, and she’ll probably say it a hundred more times, but she’s really glad he’s back. And she’s happy they were able to maintain this relationship He says, some things are unbreakable. Their bond is one of them.

Britt says Brad is legitimately shaken up about this. Whatever it is, it can’t be that bad. He says, it is, and she says, try her. He says he’s an ex con, and she says, so is she. Big whoop. He says his previous crimes are nothing compared to this. It’s going to come back to haunt him; he just knows it is. In a way, it already has. She says he’s starting to scare her. What did he do, and what does it have to do with his aunt? He says he can’t tell her, and she says, he’s going to hint at this horrible thing, imply that association with him will put her in danger, and then not tell her about it? He says, just leave it alone. Please? She says she thought they were best friends, and he says, they are. She says, then let her help him. He says, he poisoned Peter August.

Tomorrow, Dante tells Britt that he has information about Peter, Doc asks how much time Esme is spending with Ryan, Laura asks if Nikolas can reconcile with Spencer before he goes to prison, and Carly says she owes Drew an apology.

Project Runway

In Shantall’s interview, she said it was hard to enjoy things at this point. She wasn’t sleeping, thinking about getting into the final two. In Kristina’s interview, she said she was exhausted and emotional. She had to find the strength to leave the emotions inside her. The designers were barely off last week’s runway before Christian surprised them with a new challenge. He asked them to follow him back to the runway, where Elaine said they’d be working with up and coming hairstylists, courtesy of TRESemmé. It was a one-day challenge, where they were to collaborate with the hairstylist, and create a runway look inspired by the hairstyle of their model. Elaine told them to stick to the spirit of the foundational hairstyle, and create a head to toe look that showcased both talents. The styles were, creative ponytail, Bantu knots, chic and sleek, creative buns, long braids, and twists. In Chasity’s interview, she said, Black women have had to tame down their hair, which was a form of expression, and she was excited about the challenge. Christian said that the hairstylists would return on runway day to help.

They went to hair/makeup room to confer with the hairstylists. Chasity had twists, and said her idea was to take it back to the motherland with an animal or tribal print. Kristina had chic and sleek, and wanted to go with a modern Great Gatsby. In Aaron’s interview, he said his motto was, with something bad comes something good, and he wanted to do a rain jacket. It also happened to be Aaron’s 40th birthday, and back at the townhouse, the other designers had a pile of donuts with candles in them and balloons waiting for him. In his interview, he said he was living his best life, and that was amazing.

At Mood, Christian reminded the designers that it was a collaboration. They had a $500 budget, and 30 minutes to shop. Bones was thinking, Met Gala, and Shantall was thinking, MTV Awards or the Grammys. Shantall went for white leather, and Christian said it was probably not the time to try new things, but she didn’t care. In Aaron’s interview, he said he stepped out of the box, and the perfectionist in him was screaming loudly. Kristina was feeling the tension.

Also using leather, Coral wanted to do more, but was nervous. She said, using that material didn’t make construction easy. The designers conferred with the hairstylists via their tablets. Bones’s father was still recovering from heart surgery, and Bones wanted to pay tribute to him, since he’d been an inspiration. Bones liked to incorporate abstract painting into his clothing, and wanted to create a heart with his gown. Chasity used horsehair to make her gown more 3D, and also compliment the hair crown she’d discussed with the stylist. Christian found out it was Aaron’s birthday, and handed him a pearl handbag from another designer’s table as a gift. He also gave Aaron some tips, and Aaron said Christian had never failed him. Christian told Aaron not to blame him if it didn’t work out.

Aaron’s concentration had been on the coat, which was transparent, and he said if he didn’t start the jumpsuit, he’d be sending a half-naked model down the runway. The leather literally cracked at the waistband when Shantall was working on the pants part of her pantsuit. Chasity’s concern was that she wanted to tiger print dress and the hair to complement each other, not fight for attention. At the end of the day, everyone was stressed and worried the wouldn’t finish. At the townhouse, there was a donut piñata that Aaron knocked down right away, but it didn’t break. Then Coral took out her frustration by beating on it, but it was pretty hardy, and the designers finally ripped it apart.

It was runway day, and Chasity had a video chat with her daughters. In her interview, she said they were her motivation. She’d had an emotional journey, and in 2020 had depressing feelings that developed into suicidal thoughts. She reached a mental low, but knew she had more for her daughters in the future, and now here she was. The hairstylists worked with the TRESemmé stylists. Aaron was still trying to put a jumpsuit together for underneath the trench coat, and even I said, oh my God, when he put it on his model. He said he’d made a disaster, and a mess could be cleaned up with a mop, but this jumpsuit needs FEMA. Coral thought the several ponytail hairstyle was too complicated for her outfit, but I liked it. In Chasity’s interview, she said this was Black Girl Magic. They were putting the dream down the runway, and it was time for the world to see more of them. She didn’t dim the light on any other race, but made sure her daughters knew the beauty of theirs. I thought that was a perfect viewpoint.

The guest judge was model Precious Lee, who was also an activist for race and size diversity. Precious said her father had been doing hair for over 50 years, and she’d grown up in the salon. The show started, Bones’s design going first. He’d gotten creative buns, and made a red gown with a removable long skirt, that revealed a shorter skirt underneath. Coral had the creative ponytail, and had designed a black skirt and jacket set. I actually thought the problem wasn’t the hair working against the outfit, but the skirt working against the jacket; the weight of the fabric seemed unbalanced. Shantall had Bantu knots, and added a silver halter top to her white leather pantsuit. Chasity paired her tiger print gown with hair twists done like a crown, and the look was quite fabulous. Aaron had long braids to go with his raincoat over the jumpsuit disaster – a Superman blue piece with I don’t know what going on up top, a mishmash of colorful and sparkly bands. Kristina paired the chic and sleek hairstyle with a black and white, mixed print, three-piece outfit; a long skirt, crop top, and one-sleeved kimono cover-up. Elaine said the whole thing was impressive for one day. I’d think it was impressive if it took them a year. I can make a halter top though.  

It was critique time, and Nina said Kristina’s one-sleeve kimono look was one of her favorites. She liked the mix of prints, and Elaine thought the kimono was innovative. Coral said she’d been going for a feminine silhouette in a hard material, and Brandon said it was impressive for the amount of time she’d been given, but he felt the hair and look were separate. Nina said the challenge was to help them understand how important hair and makeup was to a total look, and Precious said she loved the pieces, but separately, and separate from the hair. Bones explained his heart concept, and showed that the underskirt could be changed to different lengths. Elaine said it was a work of art, but also an unfinished idea. Nina said she felt like he was trying hard, and Bones said he was trying hard to finish. Precious said she loved a Met reveal, and Brandon said he had clarity of his idea. Then they got to Aaron, and Elaine said the coat was great, but what was underneath was tragic. Ouch.

The judges wanted to see the mess under the raincoat, and Brandon said it looked like it was designed by the president of the doing-too-damn-much club. Aaron said he couldn’t let her go naked, and Elaine said she would have been better off. If he’d put her in underwear, he would have sold the jacket. Nina said she was confused as to whether the model was a gymnast or a superhero. I was like, yes! I thought superhero too. She added that he shouldn’t be too hard on himself, and Precious said she was into a trench, and thought his would sell out. Moving on to Chasity, Chasity said Black women’s hair defied gravity because it grew upward. Brandon said he came out wanting a runway moment, and she gave him one. Nina said it was the most impressive outfit she’d seen from Chasity to date. She’d embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, and it was Black Girl Magic. Elaine felt the design was competing with the hair, but she wasn’t a fan of the tiger print. Finishing with Shantall, Nina said she thought the pants were terrific, but wasn’t a huge fan of the jacket. Precious thought Shantall had made the outfit look elevated, but it was stronger without the jacket. Elaine said it was a successful marriage of the hair and outfit.

The judges discussed, and Brandon said Bones and Shantall had middled out and were safe. He thought Chasity had delivered a runway look, and Precious said, with Black girls, it was often all about the hair, and the rest followed. I could totally understand that. The hair is like an accessory unto itself. Elaine thought Kristina’s outfit was cohesive, and Nina said she masculine/feminine merge. On the sad end, was Aaron, who Nina said made a mistake. Brandon said when it rained, it poured, and it rained on Aaron. Elaine said the jacket was cool, but what lies beneath was anything but cool. Brandon said Aaron had an epically bad day, and they moved to Coral. Precious said she had too much going on, and she got confused. Elaine said, it felt like a mess, and Brandon said it was chaotic. He thought she didn’t understand the challenge.

The designers were brought back out, and Elaine said their favorite looks met the challenge, and perfectly complemented the hair. Chasity was the winner, which was no surprise, since it was glorious, and Precious said she was proud of her. Chasity said her youngest hadn’t accepted her dark skin and natural hair, and dedicated this look to her girls. In her interview, she said she wanted to show the judges that she deserved to go to Fashion Week. The judges told Shantall and Bones that they were in, and moved on to the low scorers, Aaron and Coral. Brandon said Coral’s look was disconnected, and failed to meet the challenge, and correspond with the hair. Aaron’s jacket had potential, but the jumpsuit was a tragic mix up. Aaron was out, which was a surprise, at least to me. I guess at this point, even if you’ve done stellar work, if you make a rookie mistake, you’re out. Coral went back with the others, and said she was in, but it hurt because Aaron was so good. Aaron said he was grateful for the wonderful opportunity, and would never forget it. He’d spent his 40th birthday there. Nina said he was still a winner, and Brandon said he was talented, but also had a great heart and attitude, which would carry him farther. In Aaron’s interview, he said he became an adult at 40 on Project Runway because he’d owned his mess. He was proud of it. He’d spent his life worrying if he was good enough, but everyone had bad days. Tomorrow, he would wake up and know he was good enough. Christian said Aaron had learned and grew from day one. He came there to be him, and he was – exactly, and uniquely, him.  

Next time, an editorial look, and a photo shoot with model Coco Rocha.

🤹 Never Can Say Goodbye…

Join me tomorrow for soap, a spot of tea, quotes, and a catchy tune. Until then, stay safe, stay being the bigger person, and stay knowing everyone has bad days, and you’re good enough.