Tag Archives: Ryan Paevey

September 19, 2025 – GH Weekdays, The News Of Monica’s Death Is Not Premature, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, The Emmy Went To, Happenings In the Wild, Quotes Of Three Squared & Song

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Drew thanked Martin for coming to see him. Drew said he needed a lawyer, and it had to be Martin.

Chase told Anna that he didn’t know if anything had been taken from Drew’s safe, but he noticed something pertaining to a completely different crime.

While Sidwell and Marco waited for the launch, Marco asked if Sidwell had killed Judge Haran. Sidwell said he didn’t, but Marco did.

Jason went to Sonny’s office, and Brick said, long time, no see. Sonny told him, welcome back, and Carly said it was about time he showed up.

Josslyn wondered about getting information from Colette, and Jack said she hadn’t caved, but there might be a workaround. He told Josslyn and Vaughn that their getaway was against regulations, and Josslyn asked, since when did he care about regulations? Jack said he’d earned the right, and their little stunt was going to cost them both.

Nina said it had been an emotional evening. She was sure Obrecht didn’t mean to slap Britt, but Britt said it was the mother she’d always known. Shoot first. Obrecht was about to  react, when Nina said, stop. They were family, like or not. They’d all grieved when they lost Nathan, and she and Obrecht grieved when they thought they lost Britt, but she was back with them. It was like a miracle. Could they focus on that and could Obrecht say she was sorry… please? Britt asked if Obrecht was sorry, and Obrecht said she was. Sorry she’d wasted a second of time grieving for Britt.

Jack said personal relationships were strictly forbidden, and Vaughn said it wasn’t Josslyn’s fault. Jack said it mad agents emotionally compromised, which affected their judgment, and they became vulnerable and made bad judgements as a result. Like Jason needing to rescue them. Vaughn said he wouldn’t have needed to if there hadn’t been a double agent working under Jack’s nose for months, and Jack asked if he’d made his point clear. He should send them to opposite hemispheres, so they never worked together again, but it would be inconvenient for him. He needed them both close to home. So regardless of their bad judgement… He told Vaughn, congratulations. You’ve been promoted.

Carly asked where Jason was, and Sonny asked if he found Britt. Jason said he did.

Obrecht said she’d just spent the last two years reliving Britt’s death, holding Britt in her arms, sensing her slip away, and exactly the moment she was gone. She would imagine what would have happened if Britt had lived. Now she found out Britt’s death was a lie, and she was living it up. She could never imagine Britt could be this cruel. She was selfish, just like her father. Britt said she was exactly like Obrecht.

Marco said he had nothing to do with Judge Haran’s death, and Sidwell said Marco killed her when he went behind his back and told Drew about the payoff. She had to be silenced. There were other factors, but he couldn’t risk her folding under pressure. She’d called, telling him that a detective was asking questions about the Corinthos custody case. If she was worried over something minor, imagine if real pressure was applied. Even though Marco’s actions caused her demise earlier than planned, she dealt her fate the moment she took the bribe.

Martin said, if Drew remembered, he’d quit, but Drew said he was pretty sure he fired Martin. Martin said, six of one, and Drew said Martin couldn’t afford not to take the job. Martin said there were some things more important than money, and why would Drew want him to be his counsel? Drew said they’d known each other a long time (I thought, aww, a nod to AMC) and despite their differences, Martin had a certain flexibility that he appreciated. Martin said he’d never work for Drew again, and Drew said, even if it meant saving Stella Henry?

Martin asked what exactly Drew was offering, and Drew said he could make the whole investigation go away. He could get the charges dropped and get Stella reinstated at GH like nothing happened. In return, he’d have access to Martin’s unprecedented legal services, and he’d give Martin a raise. But he needed to know right now what it was going to be. Martin said he’d start right after Drew got off the phone with the Insurance Fraud Division.

Anna said it put a new spin on things, and Chase said it could be a set-up to implicate Drew in the judge’s death. Anna called Turner and asked her to come to the office. She thought Turner should see something that was brought to her attention. It had to do with Judge Haran’s murder.

Vaughn wasn’t sure how anything Jack said led to him being promoted, and Jack said he wasn’t happy about it, but Colette was at the Hague being charged with treason, he needed a second in command, and Vaughn knew the players. His undercover days were over. Josslyn asked if she’d finally get to tell her friends and family that she was an agent, but Jack said, not yet. He had a different assignment for her.

Carly asked if Britt was alive, and Jason said she was. He thanked Brick for his intel on the Five Poppies, and Brick said there was a rumbling in Dalmatia. Was that him? Carly asked where he was, and Jason asked if she remembered that he’d seen Britt at the airport in Paris. She said she thought he let that go, but Jason said he tracked her to a resort in Dalmatia, the Five Poppies. Brick said Jason had reached out and he gave Jason a rundown on the place. There were rumors it was more than it seemed. Carly said she guessed Sonny must have known and wondered why they didn’t let her know. Jason said he’d asked Sonny not to say anything because someone went to a lot of trouble to fake Britt’s death. If she didn’t want to be found, he was going to respect that and leave her alone. Sonny said, Britt could have been forced, like Jason was with Jagger and the FBI. Carly said, so Jason found her. Did he leave her there? Jason said, no. He brought her back to Port Charles.

Britt said Nina bought Obrecht’s act, but she knew the real her, the one who thought birthday presents made a child soft. Obrecht said, apparently, she was right, and Britt said, Obrecht was never satisfied, and she was always an afterthought, merely to be endured, especially when Obrecht was running around with Cesar. She was sickeningly desperate for that man’s attention. Britt learned who was important and it wasn’t her. Obrecht said she was tough on Britt to make her strong, to help her survive, and Britt said, then Obrecht should understand why she made a life when she still had one. She couldn’t watch Obrecht be sad and waste more of the little time she had left to make Obrecht feel better about her diagnosis. Obrecht said, that was a monstrous thing to say, and Britt said she was the monster Obrecht raised her to be.

Marco said he didn’t want murder to happen, and Sidwell said he didn’t make the decision lightly. If she’d taken the money, maintained her composure, and kept her mouth shut, everything would be fine. Cracks eventually spread. What was done, was done, and Marco should think of the bigger picture. Think about his mother and how Sonny made her suffer.

On the phone, Drew said he appreciated it. So they’d call HR at General Hospital and get Stella Henry reinstated… Wonderful. Thank you. He asked if Martin was happy now, and Martin said, ecstatic. Stella should never have been persecuted for sticking up for patients, but he appreciated Drew getting involved. Drew said, close enough. He needed an injunction. He didn’t want the PCPD going through the contents of his safe. Martin asked what he was afraid they’d find, reminding Drew that he now had attorney/client privilege. Drew said his safe contained evidence that Dr. Portia Robinson tampered with test results. It could cost her medical license, and she could even be sent to prison. Martin said blackmail was a bad look and asked if Drew realized it could be considered a crime, and Drew said, make sure the police never see the evidence.

Obrecht said Britt pretended to die a hero’s death, then ran like a coward, and Britt said she needed a break from Obrecht making everything about herself. If she was having such a wonderful life, why would she come back? Obrecht said, something went awry, and Britt said, the WSB got wind of her research and stuck their nose in. Silly her. She thought she was happy. Obrecht thought for a moment, then laughed. She asked if Britt was broke, and Britt said she didn’t need or want their money. Nina said if the WSB was poking around, Britt was in trouble, and Britt said, no. She just had to leave Dalmatia quickly. She’d appreciate it if Nina could float her a short-term loan. Obrecht said, there it is. When the WSB shut down her research, they blocked her funds. Nina told Britt, of course (🍷), and Obrecht said, don’t you dare. Nina gave her a look.

Jack said Josslyn was going back to school, but Josslyn said she left so abruptly, she doubted Dalton would let her in the lab. Jack told her not to worry about Dalton. He wanted her in place in PCU. Vaughn asked what they should tell people, and Josslyn said her mom would have a lot to say about her dating an agent. Jack said he assumed Carly knew, thanks to Jason, but Josslyn said she didn’t think so. She’d asked Jason not to say anything and he’d respect that. Even though her mom and Jason were close, he made it a point to stay out of other people’s business, and he knew it wasn’t his secret to tell. It was hers.

Jason said, the WSB arrived, and Britt wanted out, so he brought her back. Brick said, nicely done. He liked how Jason kept things interesting. Carly said she hoped Britt was grateful, and Jason said, she was Britt. Carly said, a lot happened when he was gone. Did he hear someone tried to kill Drew? Jason asked if they knew who did it, and she said, not yet, but they were looking at Michael. He asked if Michael had an alibi.

Anna told Turner that they’d found a wire transfer to a Swiss bank, Judge Haran’s personal in Drew’s safe. Turner said, on its own, it was shaky, and Anna said, it was dated a day before the judge granted Michael custody and denied the mother visitation, which was highly irregular. Turner said she agreed, but why pay the judge to go against his fiancé? Wouldn’t he pay to ensure she won? Chase said Drew didn’t care what Willow wanted. He was manipulating her because he wanted to have her all to himself. Anna said, Willow agreed to marry him only after she’d lost custody, and Chase said, she was desperate. Turner said, if the bribe was exposed… and Anna said, Drew would be highly motivated to stop Haran from implicating him.

Jack said if Jason kept their secret, Josslyn would be in the clear. If he told Carly, he’d have to inform her of the State Secrets Act. Josslyn can’t tell anyone she’s WSB. Josslyn said she highly doubted that would be Carly’s first concern, but she’d throw herself over that bridge when the time came. If she was needed at PCU, she’d be at PCU. Jack said, good. There would be a setback for whoever Pascal, Britt, and Dalton were working for, but they were still a long way from solving the problem. They’d Dalton was at the end of the pipeline, so Vaughn would focus on him. Vaughn said he thought they’d decided Dalton was a small player, but Jack said he was still their best lead. It was no coincidence that Britt was back in Port Charles. Dalton’s research was in cold fusion, which could be dangerous if the application was misused. They ran the risk of a catastrophic error. Vaughn had to establish a connection and do it fast.  

Britt said she didn’t expect anything. They could keep their pride and their money. She could earn a living as a doctor. Obrecht said, without her license? and Britt said she thought Obrecht liked her better when she was dead. Then she could imagine Britt the way she wanted her to be instead of dealing with the person she actually was. Obrecht said Britt was right. As far as she was concerned both of her children were dead. At least Nathan deserved her tears. Nina said, don’t do this, but Britt said, no, it was good they both knew the truth now, and walked out.

Sonny said the cops didn’t have much at the moment. He had an appointment to see them. Diane was representing Alexis. Before Drew was shot, he served Alexis, Kristina, and Molly with restraining orders to stay away from Scout. Carly said he also served Rocco, and now that Jason was back in town, he’d probably get served. Brick said he’d take Drew down himself if he had the chance, and Carly said she already gave Anna an alibi. She was with Jack. She said she needed to get home and hugged Brick. Jason asked if she was okay, and she said she was still mad that he and Sonny left her out, but she was glad he was home. They hugged and she left.

Sidwell asked about the suspects in Drew’s shooting, and Marco said Alexis was one and Diane was representing her. He was representing Michael. Michael had reservations, but agreed to have him at the initial questioning. Sidwell asked if he said anything of interest, and Marco said Michael’s alibi was that he was with an escort. He doubted it would hold up under scrutiny. Brook called him during that time, and it proved Michael wasn’t home. Sidwell said the Judge Haran subject was closed, and Marco agreed. Sidwell said, very good. Never betray him again.

On the phone, Turner said, when? and told Anna, two minutes ago, the PCPD was barred from examining the contents of Drew’s safe. It would be an illegal search. Anna said, it was open and in plain sight, but Turner said, everything would be inadmissible. Anna said they couldn’t use it, and Turner said it seemed Drew’s lawyer wasn’t aware it had been inventoried. She was going to interview Drew before a judge said she couldn’t. Anna thanked her and Turner left. Chase said the document would incriminate Drew, but Anna said, forget him. He’s Turner’s problem now. They had another one – him.

Jason asked what they were doing about Michael’s cover, and Brick said he had an idea. Sonny asked if Jason had checked in with his son. Did Danny tell him that he and Rocco had found a dead body. They weren’t in danger, and they called him. It was Judge Haran, and he didn’t think it was a coincidence that her body was found near his piers. Jason said, Sidwell, and Sonny said, right. Jason said he had to get going.

Josslyn said she wasn’t sure how significant Jason and Britt’s connection was, but Jason was the only reason Britt came back. Jason got her out of a bad situation that had nothing to do with what was going on at the Five Poppies. Jack said, she might know about the work going on there. She’d have to be debriefed or taken into custody. Josslyn said they were alive because of Britt. She told Jason where to find them. Vaughn said, Pascal was ready to kill them and considered Britt a traitor, and Jack said, good. More incentive for her to cooperate.

Britt sat on a bench at Pier 54 and flashed back to several tender moments with her mutter. Britt said Obrecht was right. She was dead.

Turner went to see Drew, and he said she’s the woman who could have prevented this nightmare. She should have arrested Michael after the assault. Now Michael tried to kill him. Turner said the PCPD was investigating the shooting. She was here to discuss the contents of his safe. He said he was filing an injunction and wasn’t answering any questions, but she said his lawyer must not know the injunction was too late.

Anna said Chase’s conduct confirmed her concerns. He was too emotionally invested in taking down Drew. Chase said, Willow had been through hell. She had a breakdown and went to the hospital. She had to know that Drew was the one who had her kids taken away. Anna said, maybe she already did. If Willow knew Drew was responsible for the judge ruling against her, that could give her a motive to shoot him. Chase said, she’d never do that, and Anna said, there was his bias. He said he thought Willow had a right to know how far Drew was willing to go, and she said if Willow even sensed Drew was involved to the point he’d bribe the judge, it would be a motive to kill him. He said, anyone who knew Drew had a motive to kill him, and she told him that she was only going to say this once. Do not tell anyone.

Turner said they found an interesting document, and Drew said she knew they couldn’t act on what they found if they obtained it during an illegal search. She said she’d be challenging that. The injunction remained to be decided. If he didn’t do anything wrong, it was in his best interest to clear up any misperception. He asked what document she was referring to, and she said, a receipt for a wire transfer of one million dollars to Judge Eve Haran. Why would he have it unless it was his money? It looked like a bribe that came from him.

Brick said he had to get going. He had business in LA. Sonny asked if his business had to do with the beautiful model he heard Brick was hanging with, but Brick said, hearsay. Sonny said he appreciated everything Brick did, and Brick said, don’t worry. He planted evidence that would hold up. Sonny said if he heard the cops were focusing on Michael, Brick was going to hear from him again, and Brick said he’d do what he had to so it would stop. Sonny had his word.

Jack asked if they were both clear on their assignments, and Vaughn said he was returning to Port Charles an official WSB agent. Josslyn said she’d stay there and resume her normal life, and Jack said, that didn’t include them dating. He was headed to the airport. Vaughn said he’d grab his things, but Jack said he wasn’t coming. Personal relationships were a violation and would cease to exist the moment they left. that’s why he’s giving them 24 more hours together. Enjoy it. It was never going to happen again. He left.

Obrecht said Britt would come crawling back for money. Nina would and must say no. Britt deserved nothing. Nina said she knew Obrecht was hurting. Obrecht was a mother like her, and she got it. Britt deceiving her was terrible, but she knew Obrecht still loved her daughter. Obrecht said she did love Britt. She always would, but she would never forgive her.

Britt said it was an epic fail. Only her mother could make her miss Pascal. She tried her phone, but there was no connection. Jason joined her and asked if she was okay. She said, no. It was a mistake coming back here at all.

Tuesday:

Gio asked the Brown Dog bartender to put up a flyer about Outback, then sat down with Emma. He suggested there was one other thing they could do.

Elizabeth met Molly at the bar and Molly asked if she’d heard from Ric.

Kristina told Ava that Elizabeth responded Ric’s email. She said she understood why he was away, but what if she went looking? Ava said Elizabeth didn’t have the time or income, and once she talked to Willow, Elizabeth wouldn’t want anything to do with Ric.

Willow went to see Nina and said there was an issue with lawyer. Nina was the only one who could help her.

Brook went to Maxie’s to take her turn looking after the kids, and Lulu said, James insisted on seeing Cody and was at the stables. Brook had no idea what their truce was costing her. The Britch was back.

Britt asked why Jason was at the piers. Was he stalking her? He said no, and she said, good. She wanted him to stay away from her.

Felicia said Cody was the only person James wanted to see, and James said he dreamed he was looking for his mom. It was his fault his mom wasn’t waking up.

Brook asked if Lulu saw Britt, and Lulu said she had. Brook asked if Rocco had seen her, and Lulu said no, but he would. She was still angry, but Brook was right and had just moved up the inevitable. Now Rocco was even more curious about Britt.

Britt said, so of all the piers in all of Port Charles, Jason just happened to walk onto hers. Admit it. He was keeping tabs. Jason said his son found a dead body in the water two days ago, and Britt asked, how? Jason said, Danny and Rocco were taking his boat out, and Britt said Rocco was a stupid name. He’d always be Ben to her.

Ava told Kristina that she’d bcc’d Willow on Ric’s invoice. He told everyone that he was representing Willow pro bono, but Nina was footing the bill. Willow was going to be furious and would go to Elizabeth, who wouldn’t look for him after that. Kristina said it was genius, and Ava said, as an added bonus, Willow would fire Ric. Kristina said, but wasn’t Nina Ava’s friend?

Willow told Nina about Ric’s email and confronted her about hiring Ric.

Gio suggested a cash reward, and Emma thought they could get Tracy to do it, but he said he’d ask his grandfather, Sonny. Tracy was honest and he’d considered her a friend, but now that she was his great-grandmother, she’d totally changed.

Elizabeth told Molly that she’d been concerned, but after reading Ric’s email, it made sense. She was starting to think it would do him some good. Molly said Ric never made it a secret that he cared about Elizabeth, and she was good for him, better than Ava. Elizabeth said, before Ric left, he’d said things were over with Ava, and Molly said it was because of Kristina.

Ava told Kristina that she didn’t feel good about outing Nina, but if it kept Ric on ice and got them what they needed, sometimes you had to make a deal with the devil. Kristina agreed, but said they had to make sure no one found Ric, get their money back, and not be discovered. Lucas came in and was surprised to see Ava and Kristina together.

Willow asked if Nina was paying Ric, and Nina said, yes. Willow explained how she found out, and Nina said she wasn’t going to let Willow lose her children. Willow could be angry, but all Ric was doing was trying to get her children back. Willow wondered if Ric’s legal advice for her to stay away from Drew was from him or Nina.

Felicia said James had nothing to do with his mother being sick, and Cody asked where he got the idea. James said, when he broke his arm, his mom said he nearly gave her heart failure, but Cody said, that’s not how it worked. Felicia agreed and said they didn’t know the reason, but James had nothing to do with it. His mother always loved that he was up for an adventure. Cody said she would want James to keep adventuring, and he could tell her about it when she woke up.

Jason said Dante and Sam had been raising Rocco and Danny together and they considered themselves brothers, and Britt asked if he spent time with Rocco. He said, a fair amount, and Britt asked what he was like. Jason said, Rocco was thoughtful, perceptive, kind, and asked deep questions. He loved baseball and was pretty responsible. He tried to do the right thing. Britt said he was nothing like her, and laughed.

Kristina said she was just going and thanked Ava for letting her take Avery to dance class. She left, and Lucas said, no bullets or bloodshed. What was going on? Ava said they were making baby steps to peace, and he asked, why? She said it was better for Avery, and he said it seemed like a giant leap. She asked if he’d had a tough day, and he said, a dead woman walked into the ER.

Cody said James had to plan his next adventure. He suggested arranging for James to ride Comet, and Felicia said she thought it was a marvelous idea. Cody said he, James, and Comet this Friday, and he and James spit shook on it. Felicia asked if James was ready for a good night’s sleep, and James said he was going to dream of riding Comet for practice.  

Gio told Emma, before the truth came out, he’d earned Tracy’s respect, but now he could feel how much she wanted him to be her great-grandson. Sonny always treated him like family and he could always go to Sonny for help. Emma said Sonny chose Gio before he knew Gio was family, while Tracy did afterwards. Emma’s phone rang, and she said, they had information about her dog? They were on their way.

Brook asked if Lulu told Rocco that Britt was alive, and she said she wand Dante told Rocco what they knew. Brook asked how he reacted, and lulu said he wanted to meet Britt and see what she was like. Brook asked what she was like, and Lulu said, she was the same. The nightmare part was she hoped Britt was her same awful self and Rocco would want nothing to do with her. But what if Rocco opened up like he did with Obrecht and Britt rejected him? What if he got hurt?

Britt told Jason that Rocco wasn’t really her son. She didn’t even raise him. She was just his surrogate, or thief if she was honest. Was he a good kid? Jason said he was a thinker and planner. Danny was a risk taker. She said, they balanced each other out, and he said they were good for each other. Britt said, if Danny was like his father, she knew he was good for Rocco. Jason asked what she was doing there in the middle of the night. He wasn’t leaving her out there alone. Where was she staying?

Nina told Willow that Michael said he’d never let her see her kids as long as Drew was in the picture, so she instructed Ric to advise her to keep her distance. She needed to stay away. Willow asked why she should take advice from Nina. All Nina had done was lie to her. Nina said she didn’t know how to tell Willow because she didn’t want to hurt her, and Willow said Nina always had good reasons, but the real reason was that Nina wanted to control her. Nina said the only person calling the shots was Drew because Willow kept letting him.

Lucas told Ava that he’d been stitching up Rocco when Elizabeth ran in going on about a non-existent protocol. He picked up on her stall, and afterward, she told him that Britt was alive and well. Ava asked why Britt’s resurrection interested him, and he said she had a bigger part in his life than he wanted thanks to Brad.

Molly told Elizabeth about Kristina hiring Cody to seduce Ava and said Kristina was hoping Ric would into Elizabeth’s arms. Elizabeth said she cared about Ric, but they were better as friends, and Molly promised not to be like her sister. Even if they weren’t together, Elizabeth was still a good influence.

Kristina found Cody at the stables, and he asked if she was there to ream him out for telling Ava about her plan. Kristina said she didn’t love that, and he said, sorry for killing her plan. She said, apology accepted. It still worked out, but that wasn’t why she was here. She was here about Molly.

Lucas told Ava that Brad and Britt were literal partners in crime. They schemed and brought out each other’s worst impulses. Ava said, maybe Brad felt he could be honest with Britt ways he couldn’t be with Lucas, and Lucas said probably, but they both contributed to their relationship failing. After Britt supposedly died, Brad grief dialed him, but after the conversation Brad would ask to meet up and he would say he couldn’t. If Brad knew Britt was alive the whole time, what if Brad was using his sympathy for fake grief to get him back?

Lulu told Brook that Britt was self-centered and didn’t give a damn about Rocco. The only reason she’d stolen the embryo was to trap Patrick Drake. Brook said it was beyond a violation, and Lulu said, now that she was back, it was bringing that back up again. Brook said, on the bright side, Rocco knew how much Lulu and Dante loved him and wanted what was best for him, and Lulu said if she tried to keep them apart, in Rocco’s eyes, she was the bad guy. It would just make him more curious than before.

Britt said she didn’t want Jason to take her anywhere, but he said since she was on the pier in the middle of the night, he was guessing she had no place to go. She said maybe she wanted to look at the skyline and the water, and he asked why she wasn’t at Nina’s or her mother’s. She said her mother wasn’t happy to see her. She didn’t have a long friend list, but Brad would be happy to take her in. He said Brad didn’t live there anymore, and she said, fine. She was resourceful and would figure it out. He said, stop. She may not think so, but she still had a friend in Port Charles.

Kristina said Cody agreed to help Molly, so she knew he still cared. Tell her how they left things. Cody said Molly was cordial, and Kristina said, cordial Molly was the worst. He said she asked him not to call unless it was an emergency, and Kristina said nothing scared Molly more than feelings. That’s how she knew Molly cared about him. He said Molly made it clear she didn’t want to hear from him, and he was leaving her alone. He left to check on the horses, and Kristina said, the cowboy protests too much.

Emma said she should have gotten Outback chipped, and Gio said, the person who called found her collar. He’d talk to his grandfather about the reward. Emma was worried Outback was taken to a kill shelter. All Outback wanted was love, and she screwed that up like she screwed up everything. What if Outback was lost or hurt? Gio sat next to Emma and put his arm around her.

Nina said Willow refused to see what was right in front of her face, that she threw her life away for a terrible man. She wasn’t the first and wouldn’t be the last. Willow said it wouldn’t have happened if Nina told the truth, but Nina said she used to believe it would have made a difference, but all anyone heard over and over from Willow was that Drew was a good man.  Willow continued to blame her and everyone else for her own failure to see what was in front of her. Drew’s daughter ran away from camp twice to see her family. Willow said she didn’t agree with that decision, and Nina asked if she told that to Drew… That’s what she thought. Willow said Drew was Scout’s father, and Nina said she was still making excuses for him. She could find a freezer full of heads in Drew’s basement and still go on about him being a good man. Willow said that was true once, but she saw who he was, and Nina asked why she let him control her. Willow said he’d promised to get her children back, but Nina said he used her children to get Willow to do what he wanted. Willow said he had power and influence, and Nina said, over Willow. Willow said, if Nina was right and she’d given up control of her life to Drew, Nina was the one who stood by and watched him do it. (Wow. Zero accountability.)

Brook said, Britt might hurt Rocco, but whatever happened, he’d be fine with Lulu and Dante backing him. It sounded like Rocco needed his mom.

Gio wiped Emma’s tears as they sat side by side. He said he didn’t buy that she’d given up. She didn’t do that. She said he was right and she damn sure wasn’t going to start now. Grab a flyer. They were going to find Outback.

Cody came back with a sandwich and said Kristina didn’t know what she was talking about. He got a beer from the cooler, and when he turned around, his sandwich was gone. He looked around and laughed when he saw Outback eating it.  

Lucas told Ava that it was possible Brad knew Britt was alive and might have helped, but how could he know for sure? If Brad denied it, he couldn’t believe him, but if he admitted it, he couldn’t believe him. Ava asked why Brad would lie about helping Britt, and Lucas said because in Brad’s mind, if he told the truth, he could push Lucas away to protect him. She said she got it, and he said Brad was in the past and he was moving on with Marco. She said if Britt’s best friend was in town, how long did Lucas think he’d stay away?

Britt told Jason, of course (🍷) she wasn’t friendless. She had options and enough for a room at the Pinecone Hotel. He said it was condemned last year – black mold – and she said, then it was free, but he said he wouldn’t take no for an answer. She said, fine, but just for one night.

Molly said her dad would never try to change, but Elizabeth said she thought Molly was selling him short. He’d made some terrible choices, but since he’d been back, he was trying to make better ones. Molly said, for example… and Elizabeth said he was fighting hard for Willow. She knew it was his job, but he was doing it pro bono, and she thought it spoke well of him.

Nina said Willow still blamed her for her own terrible decisions. People said she only cared about what she wanted and never took responsibility for her own actions. Like mother, like daughter, she guessed. Willow said she was nothing like Nina. She could try to blame Drew, but Nina was the one responsible. Nina said they were back where they started. Drew sleeping with her and destroying Willow’s family and marriage and committing adultery. Willow ignored the warnings of everyone about what a bad man Drew was, but it was still her fault. Willow said Nina and her secrets and lies had taken everything from her. Maybe someone should do that to Nina. She left.

Wednesday:

Cody read the headline in The Invader about the judge’s murder. Outback barked and he told her if Tracy found her, there would another murder – him.

Britt woke up in Jason’s room wondering where the hell she was. When she realized, she said, it wasn’t just a nightmare.

Jason met Carly at Bobbie’s, and she told him that Drew was going to blame Michael for his shooting. She needed him to find a way to protect her son. There was chance he may be guilty.

In Australia, Josslyn and Vaughn came back from surfing and kissed.

Kai met Trina at the coffee shop and Trina asked what was going on with Drew.

Dante found Chase in the nook and asked about the Judge Haran investigation. Dante said they had proof Drew bribed her. Maybe he killed her to cover his tracks.

It was Wiley’s first day of school, and Tracy said he’d set a new standard for style, brains, and character. Minds were going to be blown. The doorbell rang and Willow was there with Scout. Wiley hugged her.

Britt complained to herself and said the place didn’t even have a bathroom. She got her towel and headed out.

Jason asked if Carly thought Michael shot Drew, and she told him about Michael punching Drew at the MetroCourt and no one corroborated Drew’s story and the charges were dropped. She asked him to see if he could get Michael to come clean. He owed her. He’d kept the secret about Sasha’s baby, but if he found out something else about her kids, he had to tell her. No more secrets.

Vaughn demanded a rematch on neutral ground, but Josslyn said she’d still beat him. He said she might, but they’d never find out. It was the end of the line for them.

Dante told Chase that they didn’t know for sure. The wire was to a Swiss bank account, but the receipt was in Drew’s safe, and the money was deposited one day before her ruling. They couldn’t do anything because of Drew’s lawyer’s injunction. Chase said it sounded counterintuitive, but Drew would want Willow all alone.

Willow said she thought she’d bring Scout to see Monica on her first day of school, and Scout said it was a tradition. Monica wished her luck, and they had a hug swap. Willow asked if she could take both of the kids to see Monica.

Cody told Outback that he wasn’t always a rule follower, but they were both screwed if she was found there. He’d be forced to take her to the pound. She jumped on him, and he said it wasn’t going to work… Okay. She could stay, but just for a little while. If anyone found her, she didn’t know him. She barked in acknowledgement.

Kai told Trina that he thought Drew bought his loyal intern act. If he hadn’t, he didn’t think Drew would have asked him to clean out the safe and bring him the contents. Trina said, he didn’t, did he? and he said he wanted no part of where Drew was going in his head. When he said he didn’t feel comfortable with it – plus, it was a literal crime scene – Drew backed off. She asked why he didn’t tell her last night, and he said he thought he might be a suspect. The police knew he had access to Drew’s house and he thought it was better to limit contact with her. He didn’t think they should meet up anymore.

Josslyn said, way to kill a mood, and Vaughn said their 24 hours was almost up. She said she was happy for him. He deserved it. He said he wished they could be together, and she said, at least they were in the same city. He said, unless she was exposed, but she said, Jason promised not to say anything. He said, what about Britt?

Britt came back to Jason’s room in a towel, with a towel around her hair. She found the door locked and yelled, why do you hate me? She stomped off, and we saw there was a camera in the hallway.  

Jason said, if Michael did it, he’d make sure Michael didn’t go down for it, and Carly said Michael couldn’t go back to prison. She wished he’d been there to be the voice of reason instead of on the other side of the world finding Britt. Why didn’t he tell her that Britt was alive? Britt came down in her towel and asked why Jason didn’t tell her that the door locked automatically.

Tracy told Willow, no way, and Brook said she had to ask Monica something anyway. She hustled the kids upstairs, and Tracy said, a word. She, Michael, and Willow went into the living room, and Tracy said what Willow did was unconscionable. She used Monica’s first day of school tradition as an excuse get in. Willow said, Scout wanted to see her grandmother. Judge Haran was gone, and a new judge was likely to sympathize with her. It was Michael’s chance to make nice and for his sake, she hoped he took it.

Carly said she heard Britt was alive and here she was, in the flesh. Britt said no one told her that she needed a key, and Jason told Carly that his room was empty, and he let Britt use the room to crash. Britt said it was a dumpy room above a greasy spoon, and Carly said the dumpy room in the greasy spoon was hers. She owned it.

Josslyn said the one person who could convince Britt to keep her secret was Jason, but Vaughn said it seemed like Britt did what she wanted. Josslyn said, if she was exposed, did he think Brennan would relocate her? and he said part of her value was that she looked like a college student. If people found out, her value was gone, and Jack would think she was better off in a different town. She said she didn’t want to leave. They may never see each other again. He said, that might be for the best.

Trina said Kai had no motive. Drew thought he was amazing, and he’d proven his loyalty. He was the last person they’d suspect. Kai said that would change fast if the police knew they’d been there, but she said they hadn’t figured it out yet and there was no reason to think they would. He said he didn’t want her to get in trouble, and Trina said they broke in because of her family and they had a legit reason to hang out, but he said people knew they broke up. She said maybe they were trying to work things out, but he said he didn’t want her to have to lie. She said, maybe it wasn’t a lie.

Dante said if Drew got Willow’s children back, he’d be her hero, but Chase said he wanted to isolate her, leaving her nothing but him, completely dependent, while Michael was the bad guy. Willow only agreed to marry him after she lost the kids. Dante said it was risky. She could find out and not forgive him. Chase said it gave him motive to take the judge out, and Dante said, if Willow found out, it gave her a motive to shoot Drew.

Tracy said Willow had nerve using Monica’s granddaughter… Michael said he’d make his argument in court. Until then, Judge Haran’s ruling stood. He’d felt bad for Willow for a while after the ruling. Now he wouldn’t change it if could because she was an unfit mother. Willow said Drew told her that he thought Michael shot him. When the police proved it, he’d go to prison, she’d get custody, and she’d make sure he never laid his eyes on Wiley and Amelia again.

Vaughn told Josslyn that it was against the rules for good reason. It made it easier for an enemy to force an agent to do what they wanted. She learned firsthand when Pascal threatened to torture him. For the sake of the WSB and their careers, they had to find a way to sever their feelings. Josslyn said a different city wouldn’t make it easier. She couldn’t think of anything that would.

Michael said that was pure fantasy and Willow was the only one living in it. He didn’t shoot Drew and wasn’t going anywhere. Brook came back with the kids and said, Monica was thrilled. Scout said she loved being there and seeing Grandma Monica, and Willow said she was glad she could make Scout’s day special. Wiley asked if they were going to school together, and Willow said, no, but it wouldn’t be long before they could spend time together.

Dante knocked at the stable door, and Cody said, the law. Quick, hide! Outback ran to the back and Cody said he didn’t think that would work. Dante came in and asked Cody to do him a favor. Stop him from doing something stupid to Jason.

Britt said she wasn’t surprised Carly owned the place, and Carly asked how long she was staying. Jason said there was a time Carly had no place to go and stayed there. It was a great place to crash. Britt was surprised Carly wasn’t more welcoming, since she saved her daughter’s life, and Carly said she was grateful, especially when she thought Britt had sacrifice herself, but it turned out she didn’t. Britt said as soon as she was on her feet, she’d be out, and Jason said Carly told him that he could do what he wanted with the room and Britt had no other options. She wasn’t going anywhere. His phone rang, and Tracy said he needed to come home now. She’d explain when he got there. Jason said he had to head home and asked Carly to handle the key situation.  

Chase flashed back to telling Willow about talking to the judge at Bobbie’s, and Willow saying she had already come up with a way get her kids back. Brook told Chase about Willow using Scout to see her own kids, and he asked if Brook could blame her. Brook said, kinda, and Chase said none of it would have happened if Drew hadn’t coerced Willow into making horrible decisions and Drew had done something Willow didn’t know about. Brook asked, what? but he said he couldn’t talk about it because the investigation was ongoing. But if Willow knew, she’d leave him for good. He couldn’t tell her because it would violate his duties as a cop.

Kai asked if Trina was sure they shouldn’t keep their distance, and she said she was. She was sorry she dragged him into this. He said he wanted to help, and she said, thanks to him, her mom was free of Drew, even if she didn’t know it. She was going to tell her, but her mom said she was no longer doing Drew’s bidding and if he outed her, she’d face the consequences. She’d taken back her power and wasn’t stressing, so Trina kept it to herself. They’d keep this between them. He said he hoped they covered their tracks, and she said she was worried they missed something.

Brook told Chase to consider that everyone tried to talk sense into Willow, so she’d see what Drew really was, but even when she found out he’d slept with her mother, she stayed with him. Why would he think this was different? Chase said it was different. Willow would never forgive Drew for this. She asked if he was willing to stake a career he loved and lose his job. If Willow stayed with Drew, he’d have done it for nothing, but whatever he decided, she was with him.

Cody asked if Dante had a new beef with Jason or was he back to the Danny/Rocco thing, and Dante said it was new. Britt Westbourne was back in Port Charles and Jason brought her there. Cody said she was dead, but Dante said, no, she was alive and living in Europe. They were with Rocco at the hospital, and she walked in. He was glad Rocco didn’t run into… Sorry. He forgot she and Cody had a thing. Cody said, it was short lived. He got why Dante wasn’t happy Britt was back. Dante rehashed the embryo story, and Cody said, it worked out. They got an amazing kid. Dante said it didn’t change what Britt did and he couldn’t forgive her, and Cody said, she knew she was wrong and was trying to turn her life around. Dante said Britt let her mother believe she was dead for two years and was still just as twisted and deceitful.

Carly said, funny how Jason rescued Britt when she was in trouble, and Britt said, unless Carly was in trouble. She was Jason’s top priority, which made Britt wonder why Carly thought she was threat. Carly said she’d never been threatened by Britt. She couldn’t hold a candle to her and Jason’s history and trust. Britt said, them and their unbreakable trust, and Carly asked what that was supposed to mean.

Jason asked what was going on, and Tracy said, while he was out of town, Drew was shot. He said he knew, and she said, what he didn’t know was, she saw Michael fleeing the scene of the crime. He was parked up the street and was pulling out when she arrived. She wasn’t planning on telling the police. She didn’t know if he was guilty, but couldn’t let him get convicted. Jason said he was on it already, and she said she’d managed to keep Monica from finding out, but it was just a matter of time before she did. She was thinking it was probably the best idea if Jason told her. He said he’d do it right now and break the news as gently as he could.

Willow snuck into the nook and remembered Michael saying she was an unfit mother. Chase asked what she was doing there, and she said Scout panicked because she’d left her favorite water bottle there. she said she’d find it and bring it to her. She was hoping not to run into anyone. There was drama earlier. He said Brook told him, and she asked if he had any new information on the judge’s murder, but he said, sorry, no.  

Trina said she and Kai heard Drew come in and hid. Drew went the safe and then back to the living room. Kai said, not long after, they heard two shots, and she said she felt like there was something else, something out of place at the time. He said, like a little kids’ song. Like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. She said, that was Scout’s ringtone. Scout must have been calling Drew. Kai said they went out the back door, closed it, then he decided to check on Drew, and Trina said he told her to stay, but she followed him anyway almost tripping over the baseball bat. He said, the bat. He left it and it had his fingerprints all over it.

Josslyn said she didn’t want to pretend like they never happened, but Vaughn said they had no choice. Brennan was clear. Their feelings had to stay in this room. She said they would, but not yet, and they got busy.

Britt said Carly and Jason made everyone painfully aware of how close they were, and she had zero desire to compete with their bond. As soon as she was on her feet, she was out. If she was lucky, she’d never cross paths with Carly or Jason ever again. But first, she needed to get back in the room. Carly said the rent was due on the first of the month, and Britt went upstairs.

Drew told Cody that it was like a knife to Lulu’s heart. He’d thought things were more civil with him and Jason, but Jason wasn’t thinking about the effect on the family. He just brought Britt back into their lives. It was thoughtless. He had to stay clear of this guy.

On the phone, Tracy asked how Willow made it onto the property… She made it clear that Willow was to be nowhere near the house unless she told them different. Understood?… Good. Jason came back, and she asked, how did Monica take it? Jason said he never had to tell her. She was already gone.

I was torn between feeling sad and thinking, thank God. Finally.

Thursday:

Britt tried to get Elizabeth to get her prescriptions cleared without being on the waiting list, but it was a no. Britt asked about Ben, and Elizabeth reminded her that his name was Rocco. Britt said he was still the boy she gave birth to.

Charlotte met Lulu at Bobbie’s after putting out flyers for Outback. Lulu said something had come up with Charlotte’s father.

Cody told Outback to get used to co-existing with the horses. Otherwise, someone from the main house would catch him and she’d be on her own again – or worse. Molly came in and fussed over Outback.

Gio went to Sonny’s house and Donna asked how her favorite nephew was. She said he looked sad, and Sonny invited him in.

Tracy refused to believe Monica was gone and told Jason that Monica said Wiley reminded her of him at Wiley’s age. He said, she wasn’t breathing and had no pulse. He took her hand, and she was cold. It probably happened in her sleep. He called 911 and said he needed to report a death… No. It wasn’t an emergency. He gave the address and said, unfortunately this was expected. He and Tracy hugged and cried.

Jason found Monica’s DNR and Tracy was grateful no one else was home. Everybody would take it bad and she was relieved it was only them. He said, Monica wouldn’t like a fuss, and Tracy said it was a battle she was going to lose. The ambulance came and brought a gurney upstairs.

Sonny said they were having a cookout and Donna said, Kristina, Molly, and Dante were coming. Sonny asked her to set up games with Pilar, and she left. Sonny asked what brought Gio by, and Gio said he needed $10,000.

Charlotte asked if something was wrong with her dad, but Lulu said her dad was fine. She was surprised Charlotte called him dad, but Charlotte said it felt babyish to call him papa. Lulu said she guessed he was fine, but he’d be better once he saw her, and Charlotte asked if they were going to video chat. Lulu asked how she felt about a visit in person.

Molly asked what the dog’s name was, but Cody said he hadn’t figured it out. She said the kids would love to give him suggestions, but he said he didn’t loop the main house in. Technically, he wasn’t allowed pets and didn’t want to risk it. She said his secret was safe with her and she owed him an apology.  

Elizabeth put Britt’s name on a list and said a doctor would see her as soon as one was available. Britt argued and wanted to speak to the head nurse, but Elizabeht said she was the head nurse. Britt said, of course (🍷), and wanted to talk to Terry. Elizabeth said that Terry would tell her the same thing, and Britt sat down to wait.

Elizabeth told Lucas to brace himself, and pointed at Britt. He said there had to be another doctor, but she said she just told Britt that no one got special treatment, and he took an oath. He asked what he could help Britt with. If she preferred someone else, she could go back on the list. Elizabeth said nine more patients had checked in, and Britt said, let’s get it over with.

Lulu asked if Charlotte remembered when she met with Agent Brennan, and Charlotte asked if that’s why he’d been there. Lulu said, yes, and Charlotte was surprised she’d said okay. Lulu said she didn’t at first, but she realized it was Charlotte’s decision to make. Charlotte wondered what Brennan got out of this, and Lulu said, from them, nothing, but from Charlotte’s father, she didn’t know. No one was forcing her to do it, but if Charlotte decided to go, Lulu would be with her the whole time.

Gio told Sonny about Outback, and Sonny said the money was his. He’d also have his have guys look out for her too. Gio said he’d find way return favor, and Sonny said Gio could do him a favor by sticking around. He wasn’t pressuring Gio and would give him the money, but he wanted Gio to think about it. He didn’t expect Gio to make up with Dante – it would take time – but they were family and had to spend time together. Kristina came in with Dante.

Lucas said he couldn’t prescribe anything without examining Britt, and she said she had Huntington’s and was taking an experimental drug to keep it in check. She no longer had access to the drug and had been off of it for three days. She needed it asap to keep her symptoms at bay. Lucas suggested Britt cooperate. No gown, no meds.

Tracy gave one of the EMTs the contact at the funeral home, when the doorbell rang. Jason said it was probably the sheriff. The dispatcher said he needed to be present. Tracy said she’d talk to him since Jason was allergic to law enforcement, and went to the door. The sheriff said he’d been notified of an at home death, and Tracy said it was her sister-in-law, Dr. Monica Quartermaine. He said he was sorry for her loss, and she took him upstairs. Jason looked around the living room and picked up a photo of Monica.

Lucas said, before he gave Britt a prescription, he was obligated to tell her that she had no symptoms, and she said, give it time. He said he’d phone it in to the pharmacy, but there was one hiccup. He wasn’t sure the undead had insurance plans. Britt said she’d find a way to cover it, and he said he hoped so. These meds cost a pretty penny.

Cody asked what Molly had done for him to warrant an apology, and she said she talked about his private business behind his back. She needed to vent and told Elizabeth about Kristina paying him to break up Ava and her dad. It spilled out and she was sorry. Did he accept her apology?

At the desk, Elizabeth asked Britt if there was something else, and Britt asked if Dr. Randolph and Dr. Robinson were there.

The sheriff told Tracy that Monica was a wonderful person and a figure in the community. She would be missed. Tracy agreed and thanked him. He left, and Jason said he’d never known this place without her. Tracy said, of course (🍷) he hadn’t. It was Monica’s house. She touched his face. (I was conflicted, feeling sad about something I’d felt sad about almost a year ago.)

Terry said it was hard to believe Britt was there and they were talking to her now, but Britt said, believe it. She was alive and it was good to be back at GH. She’d save them the time and hassle of asking. Of course (🍷) she’d come back to work.

Rocco joined Charlotte and Lulu, and Charlotte wondered if he’d had better luck, but he said he wished he had. He was mad at himself. Outback wouldn’t have gotten away if he hadn’t been distracted. Charlotte told him not blame himself, and Lulu said Outback was a stray and knew how to survive on her own. He couldn’t change what happened. All he could do was try to fix it and he was doing that. She was proud of them.

Sonny went with Donna to put dessert in the freezer, and Dante asked Gio how it was going. Gio said he’d been better, and Kristin asked, what’s up? Gio said Outback was missing, and Kristina said she was sure they’d find her. Donna came in and hugged Kristina. She asked if Kristina brought the buns with seeds, and Kristina said she did, enough for seconds, thirds, and fourths. Donna said, then Gio had to stay.

Terry said they were thrilled Britt was alive and back safe and sound, but she’d been gone over two years. Dr. Robinson had taken over for her. Britt said she wasn’t after Portia’s job. She’d be happy to go back to her regular job and specialty as an OB/GYN. Terry said they couldn’t just hire her back. Serious medical fraud had been committed. She’d been declared dead and someone was responsible for carrying on that charade. Portia said they needed more information about what really happened.

Tracy said, it’s Monica’s house. It was the stupidest stunt her brother ever pulled. No community property. No joint ownership. It belonged to Monica and Monica alone and she never let anyone forget it. Jason said, especially her, and Tracy said especially her. Every time they’d clash, Monica would hold it over her, acting like she was doing her a favor allowing her to live in her family home. Jason said it wasn’t her home. It was Monica’s. Tracy said, because her moronic brother gave it to Monica. We flashed back to Monica and Tracy fighting over how things should be decorated for Christmas, and Tracy said, on a good day, they could barely stand one another. On a bad day, they’d practically come to blows. But through it all, and maybe because of it – she didn’t know – her respect for Monica just kept growing.

Britt said she wished she could tell them everything about the last project she was working on, but it was considered top secret. Her employer insisted on total discretion. Terry said, they insisted she fake medical records and  commit fraud? and Britt said, yeah, pretty much. Technicaaly, she didn’t do that. Terry said they still couldn’t have her back, and Portia said there would be a lot of sensitivity about her showing up again. Terry said Britt was a good doctor. If she worked hard to get her medical license back, she could apply at Mercy. Britt said she knew she and Terry had their problems, but admit it – she crushed it, especially when Monica made them Co-Chiefs. She wanted to be at General Hospital. It meant something to her, and she believed in this place. She wanted back in. Terry said Britt did change a lot of lives, but she couldn’t get past the fact Britt falsified records. Portia said it was a serious matter, but she thought they all understood that life put them in difficult situations. She thought she and Terry should have sidebar and see if they could find something for her.

Cody said Molly thought he was a money grubbing himbo, so she could talk trash about him, and Molly protested. He laughed, and she said he was evil. She genuinely felt awful. He said, why? She wasn’t lying. She said she gossiped and it wasn’t cool, but he said if Elizabeth hadn’t heard it from her, she would have heard it from Ava. Remember this moment for the next time he screwed up. She asked if they were good, and he said they were. She won’t tell anyone about the dog? She said, no, but he should.

Sonny said he’d love to have Gio stay, and Donna said, please. (No one, even me, could possibly resist this child.) Gio said he’d stay for a minute, and Donna told Sonny, fire up the grill. She, Gio, and Sonny went to the backyard, and Kristina asked if Dante could be any stiffer. He said, probably, but he thought he was doing okay. Gio was sticking around for Donna. Who cares? Kristina said, baby steps. It was a chance to spend time with his son. He should find something they had in common, like movies, sports, baseball. Dante said they had serious stuff to unpack, and she said, baby steps. They had to start spending time together, share some mustard. There would be time to unpack the serious stuff later.

Tracy said they knew Jason moved back in for Danny, but she couldn’t tell him how happy it made Monica. It meant the world to her. He said, it meant a lot to him too, and she said, they had a special relationship. He said, not always. He had a hard time after his accident, but Monica wanted him to be something he wasn’t. It took him a long time to figure out that she loved him no matter what. Tracy said, she did, and we flashed back to that time, when Jason was practically a baby and Monica wasn’t far ahead. He said he never cared about what he couldn’t remember, and Tracy asked if that changed. With tears in his eyes, he said, yes. He wished he had the memories of growing up with Monica. He should have asked her. Tracy said he could ask her. Monica told her practically everything.

Britt watched everyone bustling around, when Terry said they were ready for her. She went back into the office and said, so, what’s the verdict? Terry said she had to consult the board, but the agreed to give her a chance. There was a position available, but she’d be on probation for a year. Britt said she’d take it. They wouldn’t regret it. She’d be the best doctor. Portia said it wasn’t for a physician. It was for an intake supervisor. Terry said, in the ER, and Britt said that was practically entry level and insulting. Terry said it was a major step to getting her medical license restored, and Portia said if she really wanted to be there, it was the only option and hers if she wanted it. Britt said she did want to be there. Okay. She’d take it. Terry said, welcome back to General Hospital.

On the patio, Donna said she learned the back stroke and wanted to teach Outback, but Kristina said she wasn’t so sure dogs could do that. Dante said, unfortunately, Outback was missing, but Gio said they’d definitely find her. Her dad put up a reward. Dante said, the PCPD was keeping a look out. Rocco appreciated everything everyone was doing to help. Gio said they’d find her, and Dante said, yeah, they would.

Rocco said he was going to put up flyers, and Charlotte said she’d help. Lulu said, text her when they finished and she’d pick them up. She hugged them, and Charlotte said Lulu was the best.

Molly said the Quartermaines obviously loved Cody. There was a good chance if he told them, it would be totally fine. Cody said, or force him to get rid of her, but Molly said, if that happened, she was sure they’d give him time to find her a good home. The only person making it hard right now was him.

Tracy told Jason that it took her and Monica decades to become figures in each other’s lives. Since she came back, they’d had tea almost every evening. They talked about anything and everything. A lot of the time, they talked about him. Jason asked, why him? and she said, Monica was hurt deeply by Alan’s affair with Susan Moore and even deeper when the affair resulted in a pregnancy. When Jason was born, Monica wanted nothing to do with him. She wouldn’t even let him live in the house. He lived at the gatehouse with Susan and Scott Baldwin. But one night, he got sick, and Monica was called in to take care of him. We flashed back to Monica picking up Baby Jason, and Tracy said, when Monica walked into the gatehouse, she saw the child her husband had with another woman, but when Monica left, she said – and she quotes – you are my son. Jason thanked her, and Tracy said, Monica loved him very much. He said he knew, and Monica loved Tracy too. Tracy said she knew, and hugged him.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

There’s been a car accident and Lulu asks the driver is okay. Can he hear her? She calls 911 and said she needs help. She’s on route 415 and just passed exit 21B. There’s been an accident. Single vehicle, one person inside, and he’s unresponsive. Hurry.

At the hospital, Lucas asks, is the coast clear? and Elizabeth says, sorry. Not only is Britt still here, she’s in a meeting with Dr. Robinson and Dr. Randolph. One guess what that could mean.

Cody tells Outback, you’re such a good girl. Yeah. You’re probably one of the only females in my life who can stand being around me cuz you’re not a judger, no. Molly comes in and says, hi, and he says, back so soon? She says she did a search for missing dogs when she got in her car. Look – she shows him her phone – I found her. I found the owners.

Laura thanks Anna for squeezing her in, and Anna says, no, not at all. She hopes Laura doesn’t mind, but she asked Detective Falconari to join them. Laura says, of course (🍷) not. It’s nice to see him. Dante says, it’s nice to see her too, and Laura says she thought Mac taking the lead in the Judge Haran murder case, but they just told her it was transferred to Anna. Anna says, yes, correct, and Laura says, that’s good. She needs to be briefed. She needs to know what progress the PCPD has made in solving her murder. Anna says, right. Okay. So they have new evidence that’s come to light that suggests Judge Haran’s murder and Drew Cain’s shooting may be related.

Danny walks into Drew’s hospital room and Drew asks if he really thinks it’s a good idea for him to be here.

Jason walks into a dark gatehouse and we hear Tracy’s voice say, you were living at the gatehouse with Susan and Scott Baldwin, but one night you got sick, and Monica was called in to take care of you. She walked into the gatehouse, and you were the child her husband had with another woman, but when she left – and I quote – you were my son, she said. Jason sighed, when Michael walked in and said he’d seen Jason heading down here. When did he get back? Jason says, late last night, and Michael asks if he’s okay. Jason says he got some upsetting news.

Brook asks Ned if there’s any chance he got a text from granny too, and he says he was summoned with a rather enigmatic message. She says, any idea what it’s about? and Ned says, no, but it seemed important, so he got here as soon as he could. She says, her too. She had a meeting at Deception. She hopes everything’s okay. Tracy comes in, and Ned asks if she’s all right. What is it? What happened? Tracy says, Monica died, and starts to cry.

Molly tells Cody, the post has the lost dog’s name on it. Are you Outback? Outback makes dog mumbles, and Molly says, she knows her name. Cody says he didn’t hear anything, and Molly says, oh my God. She totally did. She got all excited. This is definitely her. Same ears, same nose… Cody says, a lot of dogs look alike, and she says, yeah, alike, but these two are identical. There’s no name for the owner, but she’ll call and tell them that they found her. He says, no, no, no. Don’t.

Anna says, obviously, it’s imperative we find Judge Haran’s murderer as soon as possible, but she thinks the location where the body was found is also a problem. She was found in the water off of Pier 55. Laura says, Sonny’s piers. As they know, the Measure C people, one of their talking points is that Sonny’s piers are a magnet for criminal activity and for violence. So finding the body, wouldn’t she say, sort of plays into that narrative? Anna says, yeah, it might, and Laura says, so she wonders of the location of Judge Haran’s body was an intentional choice. And Drew is one of the biggest supporters of Measure C. Dante says they can’t rule it out, and Drew says, speaking of Drew, Anna said Drew’s shooting and the judge’s murder might be connected somehow. What evidence does she have to suggest that? Anna says, Drew had a very strong motive to kill Judge Haran.

Danny says he’s here because of Scout, and Drew says, that much he figured. Danny says, Carly told him that Drew wouldn’t change his mind about the restraining order, and Drew tells him that he rarely says this, but Carly is right. They’re all staying in place, especially now. Danny says, the thing is, his dad’s been out of town and he’s a minor, so his order has to go to his dad. He hasn’t been served yet, so technically he’s not breaking any rules if he went to see Scout. Drew says, look at you, finding ways to circumvent the law. You are your father’s son. Danny says he doesn’t want to break the law or use some loophole. That’s why he came to talk to Drew. Scout is scared. She still misses her mom and now he’s in the hospital and she’s not at home or with her family, which is what she needs more than anything right now. He just wants to help her and doesn’t want to sneak behind Drew’s back to do it. So doesn’t him coming to talk face to face mean something? Can he just see his little sister?

Lucas says, let him guess. Britt wants her job back. Elizabeth says, if she had to guess, she would say, yeah, and he says, of course (🍷) she does. This is so like Britt. She thinks she can play dead for two years and just waltz right back in here and have everything be just the same like the world revolves just around her. Eliabeth stares at the computer screen, and he says, what is it? She says, Monica Quartermaine died.

Ned says he was just visiting with Monica yesterday. She asked about Leo. She was so happy he’s doing so well in school. She gave him a hard time about not finishing the Sunday crossword puzzle faster than she did. They’ve had a friendly competition about that for years. Tracy says, sounds like Monica. Did he ever beat her? He says, no, and she says, sounds like Monica too. Brook asks, what happened? She just saw Monica this morning with Wiley and Scout. She was joking with them and slipped them money and winked at her. She seemed a little tired, but otherwise okay. Tracy says she’s so grateful that Monica’s last moments were spent with her granddaughter and great-grandson and they were filled with laughter.

Michael tells Jason, so yeah, someone did shoot Drew, and the PCPD has been scrutinizing his every move from the night it happened, but there’s nothing to worry about. It’s not his first round with the PCPD. Everything is under control. Jason says, it’s not that, and Michael says, then what is it? Jason says, it’s Monica. Monica died.

A paramedic says, still unresponsive, and Chase asks if Lulu is okay. Does she need to sit down, or does she need water? She says, no. She’s okay. It just really isn’t something she wanted to see. He says he was in the area, and the dispatcher sent him to the scene. Is she the one who called it in? She says, yes, and he asks her to walk him through what happened.

Rocco and Charlotte find Emma at Bobbie’s and Emma says, please tell her that they found Outback, but Rocco says, sorry. Emma wonders, where could she be? but he says he doesn’t know. He really thought they would have found her by now. Emma says, yeah, her too. She must be scared all alone. Charlotte says, if they didn’t have to meet their mom here now, she and Rocco would have kept looking, and Emma thanks them for not giving up. She’ll search all night if she has to. She came to get caffeine first, but Gio is already out there investigating a lead, so hopefully it all pans out.

Cody tells Molly that the dog is all settled in. She has food, water, and her favorite pillow. Molly says, now tell her why she shouldn’t contact the owner, and he says, she told him it had no name, just a phone number. That’s weird. Maybe it’s a scam. Maybe they want her for some kind of underground dog fighting ring. Molly says, that darling dog? She doesn’t think so. He says, there’s got to be a reason she ran away, and Molly says, maybe she just accidently got out, and he says, and stayed out. She went on the run because her owners are not very nice to her. Molly says, or maybe because she’s a dog and that’s what dogs do, and he says, her owners obviously don’t care about her. She isn’t chipped, she doesn’t have a collar, and why wasn’t she on a leash? He goes in the back, and Molly follows. She says she knows the dog is cute and he’s taken to her, but she’s not his dog. Pets get loose for all kinds of reasons. And he said it himself, he can’t have a dog in the stables. He sits down dejectedly, and she joins him. She says she knows he and the dog have developed a rapport, but she’s healthy, well fed, and taken care of, signs someone loves her. Someone who’s probably really missing her right now. Does he really want to be responsible for keeping that sweet dog from her owner? Gio comes in and says he didn’t mean to interrupt, but Cody says, trust him. It’s no problem. He’s probably looking for one of the Quartermaines. They’re in the main house. Gio says, that’s okay. He’s here to see Cody.

Michael tells Jason, Wiley just saw Monica this morning before his first day of school. He was so excited when he left. Monica said she was going to help him with his spelling words, like last year. He loved it. Jason says he’s sure she loved it too, and Michael says, he was wearing this outfit that he picked out himself. Monica said he looked handsome and the compliment meant a lot. It made him a foot taller today. She sounded just like herself. Jason says, she was, according to Tracy, but you know… Michael says he should have been there. He should have taken Wiley and Scout to see her so he could too, but Willow showed up and he had to deal with that. Jason says, that’s understandable, but Michael says, no , it’s not. He talked to Monica every morning before work. He never skipped a day. He’d bring her fresh juice and tell her that he loved her. He’d ask if he needed anything and would kiss her goodbye. Why didn’t he do that today? He should told his grandmother that he loved her today. Jason says, she knew, and puts his hand on Michael’s shoulder. He says, Michael showed her all the time in a million different ways. Trust him. She knew.

Ned asks why Tracy didn’t call right away. They would have come over to help and she wouldn’t have had to deal with this all alone. As Tracy speaks, she periodically cries, then composes herself. Tracy says she wasn’t alone. Jason was with her. He was actually the one who found her. She’d asked if he would go up and tell her about Drew. Then he came down and told her that Monica was gone. She went up to see Monica… Oh my God. She was so still. She told Monica that she didn’t have to worry. She was going to take care of everybody Monica loved, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So many people that I have loved are gone. Daddy, mother, Alan, my Luke, and now Monica. What am I going to do without Monica? Brook and Ned surround her in a hug.

Dante tells Laura that one million dollars was deposited into the judge’s bank account the night before she granted full custody to Michael Corinthos, and Laura says, that’s a lot of money and the timing can’t be ignored. Dante says, no, it can’t, and not a lot of people can afford to give away that kind of money. Anna says, the most obvious suspects are Sonny and Michael, and Laura asks if there’s any evidence to support that. Anna says, no, and Laura asks, who then? Dante says, when they inventoried Drew’s safe after he was shot, in the paperwork, they found evidence of a wire transfer of one million dollars to Judge Haran.

Drew says, yeah, he doesn’t think so. He can’t let Danny anywhere near Scout. Danny says he knows Drew is hurting him as a way to get back at his dad, but the only person he’s hurting is Scout, and Drew says he doesn’t see it that way. Danny says, then look again. Scout is hurting a lot. She’s the one who called him and Charlotte to pick her up from camp – two separate times. She just wants to be with them. Drew says, the thing is, Scout is a little girl and doesn’t know what’s best for her. As her father, that’s his job to know. He knows at Danny’s core he’s not a bad kid and he knows Danny loves Scout. Really, none of this is his fault. It’s his father’s.

Emma says, Gio texted her that Sonny is offering a reward for Outback’s return, and Rocco says, that’s really cool of grandpa. Charlotte, asks, how much is the reward? and Emma says, 10 thousand dollars. Can they believe it? Rocco says, no… yes. He knew his grandpa was a generous guy, but that’s way above and beyond, even for him. He should update the online post, and the flyers he’s been handing out are out of date. They should print new ones. Emma says she’ll pick up printer toner on her way home, and Charlotte says she doesn’t know. If they put that there’s a reward on the flyer, she doesn’t think they should say how much. They don’t know what kind of scam someone might come up with to get their hands on that kind of money.

Cody asks, what’s up? and Gio says, Rocco’s dog Outback is missing. They’ve been looking all evening for her and he got a tip that a dog that looks like her was seen down the road from the Quartermaines. Cody spends more time walking around the grounds than anyone in the family. Can he keep an eye out and maybe tell the Q’s, Yuri, and the groundskeeper too? He’d really appreciate that. He hands Cody a flyer, and Cody asks how the dog got lost. Gio says, Rocco was untangling her leash when a car backfired and startled her, and she took off. Molly gives Cody a side-eye, and Gio says, Rocco is crushed. They all are. Outback is the sweetest dog ever. Hopefully, they’ll find her soon and Cody can see how great she is for himself.

Lucas tells Elizabeth that he doesn’t get it. How can Monica Quartermaine just be gone? Elizabeth tells him, it says she died earlier today in her home, and he says he heard she had health issues. Still… She says she knows. This place will not be same without her. Even though she’s not walking the halls, you could still feel her presence, especially with the new atrium. He says, and she was Jake’s grandmother. He’s so sorry for her loss and for Jake’s. She thanks him and says, when Monica first found out about Jake, she couldn’t have been more welcoming to her. And she was so encouraging of Jake and his dream to be an artist. Did Lucas know she was his first paying customer? Lucas says he didn’t know, and she says, Monica commissioned Jake’s first piece of art and insisted on paying for it. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. He says, that sounds like Dr. Quartermaine. She was incredibly generous with her time and money. Elizabeth says, and her heart. She was really an inspiration. He says, as a cardiologist, she was a total legend and her surgical skills were just brilliant. He couldn’t begin counting all the lives she saved. It’s a huge loss for General Hospital and Port Charles. Elizabeth says, yeah. There will never be another Monica Quartermaine.

Ned says, mother… but Tracy says, it’s not necessary. He says, no. She needs to hear this. He loves her. He always has and always will. He needs her to know that. None of them know how much time they have in this life. Every second is precious and he’s so grateful that she is his mother. He knows their journey is not always easy, but it’s always cherished. They don’t express affection enough in this family and always think there’s time in the future for that, but as they know, that’s not always the case. So just the same way she knows the sun always rises in the east and knows that gravity exists, know that he loves her. She says, thank you. She loves him. She loves both of them tremendously. Brook says she loves them both too, and takes their hands. Every day, she’s so grateful to be part of this family. Tracy laughs.

Michael asks, what happened? Was anyone with her when she passed away? Jason says, no, and Michael says he hates that. He hates thinking of her being all alone. Jason says, yeah. He thinks she just fell asleep and didn’t wake up. She’d been sick for so long and was a lot more frail than any of them wanted to admit. Michael asks if Jason thinks Drew getting shot played a part, but Jason says, no. Brook and Tracy made sure she didn’t hear about it, but Tracy knew it couldn’t be kept quiet forever. She insisted he be the one to tell Monica. Michael says, she must have been upset, and Jason says, but he never got the chance. When he walked into the room, the air felt different, like her energy and spirit were just… gone. He checked her pulse, but deep down, he knew… He checked her breathing, but… he just took her hand and sat with her for a while. She looked at peace.

Gio says he can’t believe it. We’ve been looking everywhere for you, Outback. Hey baby. Cody says, she didn’t have a chip or collar or anything. He didn’t know who to call. Gio says, this is amazing. He doesn’t even know how to thank Cody… Maybe he does. Does Cody know there’s a reward for finding her? 10 thousand dollars. Cody says, seriously? He had no idea there was a finder’s fee. Gio says he didn’t have a chance to update anything yet, but his grandfather, Sonny, will be very happy pay. Cody says, it wouldn’t feel right to take it, and Molly says, really? Gio says, Cody should take it. He definitely deserves it. Cody says, nope. Technically he didn’t even return her. Outback came to him. Why not take the reward and donate it to an animal shelter?

Tracy says, the sheriff and paramedics got here quickly. Monica had advanced directive, and all of her paperwork was in order. So she just stayed with Monica until they left to make sure she was well taken care of. Brook says, Tracy’s been so strong for every second through this. Tracy doesn’t have to do this alone anymore. She can make some calls, so Tracy doesn’t have to keep repeating herself. She can help write the obituary. Tracy thanks her and says, the next step is dealing with the funeral home. Monica will rest in the family crypt of course (🍷), but there are other arrangements to be made. She’s sure Monica’s paperwork indicted whether she has to find an urn or casket for her, but whatever she chose, she… Oh God. She wants to be the one to make the final selection. However, Brook’s company would be greatly appreciated. Brok says, of course (🍷). Nobody knows what Monica would want better than Tracy.

Jason tells Michael that it took him a long time to understand Monica, but in all fairness, he didn’t make it easy for her at all. After his accident, he pulled away and stayed away. Michael says, it was all so long ago now, and Jason says he knows, but he and Carly worked so hard to make sure the Quartermaines couldn’t control Michael like they tried to control him. He didn’t even invite them to the christening, but of course (🍷), they just showed up. Michael says he heard that story once or twice, and Jason says, when he looks back… he just has a lot of regrets, the biggest one is keeping Michael from the Quartermaines. Michael says he may have not grown up with his grandmother, but he came to know her as a teenager and that was special. They had a really strong bond and talked all the time. She loved to text. They used a lot of emojis and that made her really happy. She loved having Jason and Danny under the same roof as her, so no matter what happened in the past, know that Monica had nothing but love for him.

Drew says, it’s unfair that Danny’s father has rubbed off on him like this. The truth is, Danny does a lot of reckless things. Danny says he doesn’t agree with that, but let’s say Drew was right. What about Rocco and the Quartermaines? They’re Scout’s family. She loves being at their house. She loves the horses. That’s why she asked them to bring her there. Drew says he understands, but Monica barred him from the estate, so he’s not going to let his daughter go someplace that he can’t go. He’s sorry, but it’s got to be this way. Danny says, fine, and starts to leave, but turns around. He says his mom wanted nothing more than him, Rocco, and Scout stay together. She would hate that Drew was doing this. It would break her heart. He hopes Drew can live with that. He leaves.

Laura asks if they’re certain the wire transfer originates with Drew, and Anna says, the only thing they’re certain of is that Judge Haran’s bank account did receive that money. The Swiss banking laws are such that they’re prevented from identifying the owner of the paying account. Dante says, so they don’t know that Drew actually sent the money. He might have just gotten proof of the transfer. Laura says, then why wouldn’t he report it? and Anna says they don’t know. Honestly, this evidence of a bribe has just given them more questions than answers because it casts suspicion for Drew’s shooting on anyone who cares about Wiley and Amelia’s custody. Dante says, so until they know who paid her off, they won’t have a viable suspect in Judge Haran’s murder, and Laura asks if Drew has been brought in for questioning about the wire transfer. (Um… He’s been in the hospital.) Anna says, ADA Turner interviewed him, but she would like to talk to him directly just to see what he has to say. She doesn’t expect him to tell the truth. Laura says, but he might reveal something while he’s lying, and Anna laughs. Laura says, okay. Please keep her in the loop about everything. Drew is their congressman for God’s sake. If it turns out that he was actually involved in something like this, it could have a huge impact on the future of Port Charles.

Michael says, they’re gathering together up at the house. Does Jason want to come? Jason says, no. He’s good. He’s just going to stay here a while longer. Tracy told him a story about… He guesses he lived here with his biological mother when this was a cottage. One night, he was sick, and Monica took care of him, so he thought being here might make him feel closer to her. Michael says, Jason knows where he’ll be, and leaves. Jason sits down and says, I’ll miss you, mom… I love you.

On the phone, Gio asks if Emma can meet him at the Quartermaine stables. There’s something he wants to show her. She says, first, tell her what happened with the lead, but he says, it’s a long story. He’ll explain when she gets there. She says she’s on her way.  She tells Rocco and Charlotte that she’s got to meet Gio. Text her with any updates. She leaves, and Rocco asks if Charlotte thinks they should have told Emma that Britt is alive. Her dad dated Britt for a while, and Emma was the first person he went to when he was asking about Britt. Charlotte says, Emma is dealing with enough right now. Remember when they talked about Britt and her dad? She’s thought about it and doesn’t think he should be afraid to talk to their mom. Their mom told her that she wouldn’t stand in the way of her seeing her dad. Their mom is okay with her having a relationship with him, so she might support Rocco meeting Britt too. Rocco says, maybe, but he’s not sure that’s what he wants.

Lulu tells Chase that she was on her way to pick up her kids and saw the car. She didn’t see the accident, but when she saw the car, she pulled over. Chase says, then what happened? And she says she checked to make sure it was only the driver inside. Then she tried to see if he was conscious or responsive, but he wasn’t answering, and she couldn’t see his face. Chase asks if she has any idea how long vehicle had been there, and she says, no but it was still smoking when she pulled over. He asks if she saw any other cars or people around, but she says, no. No other vehicles and no one fleeing from the scene. She just tried to keep talking to him. She wishes there was something more she could have done, but she wouldn’t have moved him in case of a head or spinal injury. Chase says, smart, and she says, oh, and the airbag had been deployed. He says, right. Look, she did everything she could. Now he’s on his way to the hospital. All they can do is hope for the best.

On the phone, Elizabeth tells Jake, it’s mom. How is he?… Nice. It sounds like he’s having fun… She’s calling because she has some bad news. Grandma Monica passed away. Danny is there and says, what?

Ned asks how Tracy is holding up. Honestly, he thinks he’s still in shock. She says, that’s not surprising. He and Monica had a complicated relationship. He tells her, you could say that. Monica was just so resilient. He assumed she would recover from her latest struggles because she always did. Her breast cancer, losing Emily, AJ, Alan. She always came through stronger than before. She says, this time was different, and he says he just can’t wrap his head around it. Brook says, her either. Monica welcomed her when walked through the door and every minute thereafter She was their rock and it’s hard to imagine this family without her. Michael walks in.

Michael thanks Tracy, and she says, for what? He says, for everything she did for his grandmother, how she took care of her. He knows she probably didn’t say it, but Tracy was her best friend. She loved her. Tracy says, they never talked about things like that. They developed a mutual appreciation over the years. She truthfully never thought Monica was worthy of the Quartermaine name, but she was wrong. Monica was the foundation of this family, and he was her pride and joy, which was why it was fitting this should all be his now.

Elizabeth asks how Drew is feeling, and he says his nephew was just here. She says she just saw Danny, and he says, Danny wants to see his sister. The thing is, the Quartermaines used to be such a safe place for all of them to be there, but Jason and Michael just ruined all of it. They’ve got Monica wrapped around their finger. Elizabeth says, please just stop. She’s here because she has something to tell him. Monica passed away.

Jason cries, when Danny comes in and sits next to him. Jason puts his hand on Danny’s knee, and Danny puts his arm around Jason’s shoulders.

Molly says she knows it was hard, but Cody did the right thing telling Gio the truth about Outback. Cody says, if he didn’t, she would have, and she says, sorry, no. He did it because it was the right thing to do. He might not know that about himself, but she does. She leaves and Emma arrives. She asks if he’s seen Gio, and Cody says, yeah. He’s inside. She goes in and says, he found her? She runs over to Outback and says, hi, puppy. She’s so happy to see her. They missed her. She can’t believe Gio found her. He says him neither, and kisses her.

Chase tells Lulu, great. That’s all he needs. He thanks her for calling it in and waiting for the first responders. Does she think she can give them a statement? She says, of course (🍷). She just hopes whoever it is, is going to be okay. Does he think it would be okay if she goes now since he has everything he needs? She’s supposed to be picking up her kids at Bobbie’s and she’s late.

Charlotte says she thought for sure Rocco would want to meet Britt. He wanted to know more about her ever since he found out she gave birth to him. He even got in touch with her mom. Now if he wants to know something, he can go directly to Britt. Rocco says, asking questions when she wasn’t around felt safe, but now that she’s alive and in Port Charles, it changes everything. That makes it feel a lot more real.

Anna tells the nurse at the desk that she and Dante are here to see Drew Cain. Is he still in the same room? The nurse says, he’s still up on 10, and Anna thanks her. As they head for the elevator, a gurney is brought in. Lucas says, what do we have? and the paramedic says, male, single vehicle crash, unresponsive on the scene. Possible head injury, 15 liters a minute right now, facial lacerations, responsive to pain. Anna looks at Dante who looks at a shocked Lucas. The car accident victim is Nathan.

On Monday, Molly thinks she has feelings for Cody; Anna tells Dante that they have to keep this completely quiet until they know what’s going on; and Lulu says she and Britt have to make peace for Rocco’s sake.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

I smell a Daytime Emmy coming up.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-rory-gibson-previews-powerful-performance-by-steve-burton-over-monicas-death-excl/

All the Q goodbyes.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/general-hospitals-quartermaines-how-the-show-said-goodbye-to-alan-edward-and-more-beloved-characters/

Almost the whole gang is here.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/when-does-ryan-paevey-return-to-general-hospital-his-first-airdate-revealed/

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-ryan-paevey-promises-to-stir-the-pot-with-his-return-to-port-charles/

Star of the show. I wish I could get mine to be so well-behaved.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-josh-kelly-on-his-adorable-new-co-star-outback-the-dog-exclusive/

I didn’t know she was on OLTL. Good for Erika sticking up for her. She is a true OG.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-nancy-lee-grahn-dishes-about-her-reunion-with-erika-slezak-a-true-joy/

This would be awesome. I loved when they watched the Nurses Ball together on TV.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/is-general-hospitals-brad-returning-kelly-thiebaud-and-head-writers-tease-a-comeback-excl/

Brava and Bravo.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-jane-elliot-dayss-james-reynolds-among-honorees-at-2025-daytime-emmys/

Another legend leaves us.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/soap-alum-patricia-crowley-dies-at-91-actress-starred-on-dynasty-and-port-charles/

💉 A Dose of Reality…

Below Deck

Chef Anthony managed to finish the season without spiraling to the point of no return. Fraser felt like he’d been chased by a feral dog with rabies, but they’d pulled it off. In Rainbeau’s interview, she said Solene was the worst person she’d ever worked with. I’m not sure if she’s the worst of all the Below Deck crews, since there’s a lot of competition, but yeah, she was definitely up there. The tip was a fat $28K, and Captain Kerry said they’d made $195,490 for the whole season. In Fraser’s interview, he made a chart for the boatmances like a detective board with strings all over the place, many of which led back to Solene. I wasn’t sad to see this season over with. Captain Kerry and Fraser are fine – although, sorry not sorry, they can’t hold a candle to Captain Lee and Kate – but I just couldn’t get into the focus on the crew’s interpersonal relationships. It was hard to keep track of and got old quickly.

Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City

For whatever insane reason, the group decided to go camping and took an RV to get there. They began the trip with the RV being surrounded by a SWAT team looking for Whitney. No surprise, it was a prank by Whitney, and they were strippers. Like Angie, I thought they looked kind of young, and in Mary’s interview, she wondered, where were the muscles? In Whitney’s interview, she said it had been harder than she thought to find male strippers in Utah. And no judgement, but Whitney’s face is looking a little plastic. We found out Bronwyn was a germophobe, which surprised me. Once they got rolling, the women did shots, but I dunno if I’d want to do shots in a moving vehicle. Lisa passed on the trip, saying she had to work, but we saw a clip of her telling Angie that she couldn’t stand Bronwyn. Of course she was talked about since she wasn’t there, but Bronwyn had a point in saying Lisa had a lot to say about their lives, but never shared her own messiness. When they hit the campgrounds, Heather reminded them of a local legend, Molly Sorensen, who punished young sinners. In her interview, Mary said, if something was really coming for them, in scary movies, the Black person always got killed first. (Absolutely true in the older films, not so much anymore.) Everyone got camcorders, and it looks like we’re headed for their take on The Blair Witch Project. Maybe The Salt Lake Bitch Project? It actually looks to be a good season. Plus there’s the Below Deck crossover.

I don’t think Molly Sorensen is a real thing, since all I get is an actress and singer when I google it. And don’t bother adding legend. I tried.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/meredith-marks-reveals-shocking-unaired-rv-trip-moment-exclusive

Real Housewives Of Orange County

Heather had a fancy pants sleepover with Emily and Gretchen, complete with a butler and canopied beds adorned with fairy lights. In Emily’s interview, she said she liked fun, drunk Gretchers best. I thought if Emily called Gretchen Gretchers one more time, I was going to go out of my mind. Meanwhile, Gina, Shannon, and Tamra went swimming and smoked a joint, except for Shannon whose had a cough for over a decade. What? Go to the doctor and not Dr. Moon. Did Katie leave? Did Tamra eat her? Stay tuned.


Real Housewives Of Miami

I was busy with something else, but I did get three takeaway points. 1) Lisa was smart to take the art when she got divorced. I was once told if you were going to invest in anything, invest in art, and sure enough, when the stock market tanked, the only stocks that didn’t were in art. 2) Adriana needs a dictionary because ratchet is not synonymous with racist. 3) And shame on Kiki. Adriana had made it loud and clear how much she wanted to ignore her age. There was no way it wasn’t age-shaming to put it on the cake. Although Julia did have a point in saying, what goes around, comes around aka karma.

Random Reality Items

This looks like a maybe.

Jill didn’t say a million was not what she asked for.

The Housewife who never sleeps.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

aka Charlie Sheen. Netflix. This documentary was endlessly enlightening. Charlie grew up with Sean Penn, who had a good deal of interview time. They grew up in Malibu, and I was surprised to see from home movies that it was basically rural/blue collar, no mansions, and not much different from where I grew up in Ohio. As Penn described it, Huckleberry Finn on the water. Denise Richards again proved why I like her when she asked why Charlie’s hookers shouldn’t get a share of her white trash, turkey sandwiches. They had to eat too. Although I wondered what was white trash about a turkey sandwich. Heidi Fliess was a bit of a surprise, very real and very smart. Charlie’s father told him, your word in this business will take you further than any big movie. Charlie must have been quite the disappointment, although there seems to be hope for him yet. Sober Charlie comes off as a self-depreciating, honest, and decent human being.

https://deadline.com/2025/09/aka-charlie-sheen-director-explains-documentary-revelations-1236530783/

https://people.com/charlie-sheen-ex-wife-brooke-mueller-addiction-netflix-documentary-11811473

Tales from the Apocalypse. Amazon Prime. An anthology of five stories. Mostly in outer space. I was bored. I kept hoping the next segment would be better, but that didn’t happen. If you like a space opera, you might enjoy it.

The Amaranth. Amazon Prime. I always appreciate a tale of a Shangri-La that isn’t what it seems to be. A man and his wife move to a retirement resort where life is nothing but rainbows and unicorns. He’s into it, but she’s much younger and bored and wondering what exactly is going o behind the scenes. A case of be careful what you wish for. I wanted to like this more than I did, but it wasn’t a total waste of time.

https://nofilmschool.com/2018/10/amaranth-interview

🏆 Roll Out the Carpet…

The Emmy winners.

https://ew.com/emmys-2025-winners-list-11806047

The best and worst moments.

https://ew.com/emmys-2025-best-and-worst-moments-11807003

The red carpet fashion.

https://ew.com/emmys-2025-red-carpet-photos-11809563

I’m personally offended by them leaving out Tony Todd.

https://ew.com/emmys-in-memoriam-leaves-out-hulk-hogan-jerry-adler-danielle-spencer-11808661

🫏 Breaking the Status Quo…

🐻 Hibernation is in the air along with rotund bears.

https://people.com/fat-beat-week-2025-everything-you-need-to-know-11813934

🪽 More confused than you.

https://people.com/rare-bird-spotted-texas-first-time-64-years-11813219

🦤 Along with purse charms, they’re coming back.

https://people.com/colossal-biosciences-makes-breakthrough-in-dodo-bird-de-extinction-exclusive-11811466

🫗 Quotes of the Week

Sometimes I lie awake at night and I ask, Is life a multiple choice test or is it a true or false test? …Then a voice comes to me out of the dark and says, We hate to tell you this but life is a thousand word essay. Charles M. Schulz

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. – Marie Curie

Thinking is a habit, and like any other habit, it can be changed; it just takes effort and repetition. – John Eliot

You’re only as young as the last time you changed your mind. – Timothy Leary

Originality is the fine art of remembering what you hear but forgetting where you heard it. – Laurence J. Peter

Words are the clothes thoughts wear. – Samuel Beckett

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dream. – Eleanor Roosevelt

She buys makeup and keeps buying makeup, and gets more makeup. – Aaron Phypers talking about Denise Richards (His point?)

Fondant doesn’t float on air. – one culinary artist to another on Halloween Wars

🤸‍♂️ Collapsing Into Fall…

Until next week, stay safe; stay keeping some of those warm weather clothes out (I learned the hard way the first time it went to 80* in October); and stay saying what you need to say to whomever you need to say it. None of us knows how much time we have in this life.

August 22, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Josslyn Sees Jason, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Wishful Watch, Farewell To an Icon, Animal Assortment, Five Quotes Two Times & Dance

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Portia and Curtis basked in the afterglow. Curtis said there was no looking back, only moving forward, and Portia said, together.

Agent #1 said that there were discrepancies in the patient referrals and authorizations, and Felicia asked if she could help, but he said their questions were limited to Stella. Jordan and Isaiah tried to intervene, and Felicia suggested calling a lawyer, but Stella said there was no reason.

Brook went to Home & Heart where Flora apologized for what she’d gone through. It wasn’t the forum Lucy should have chosen for a mother/daughter reunion. Brook said there wasn’t going to be one, and Flora said she spoke with Lois and had a better understanding of the situation. She got the impression Brook giving away her son was heartbreaking for all involved. Brook asked if Flora thought she was being unfair.

Martin met Maxie backstage, and she wondered if she could be kicked out of Deception if she went against her partners.

Sidwell showed Lucy the view from the turret after dinner, and she said she had to get to the studio for a product launch with Maxie. Sidwell said he’d be watching, but she said he could see her anytime. He said he couldn’t get enough of the beautiful and talented Lucy Coe.

Drew said he had witnesses and unless Sonny agreed to his terms, Michael would go straight to prison. Turner listened in.

Jason and Britt locked eyes, and Britt said Pascal needed to come with her now.

Josslyn shot at the assassin struggling with Vaughn, and the assassin dropped. She asked who he was, and Vaughn checked the assassin’s pockets as he struggled to breathe.

Portia said she was committed to putting their marriage first, and Curtis said what they had was worth fighting for. It was over. He’d seen the formidable woman he’d fallen in love with when she’d refused to bend to Drew’s demands, and it reminded him of how good they were together. Her phone rang and it was Jordan.

Flora said Lois was suffering, and Brook said she hated it too, but couldn’t get over Lois lying to her. Flora said she could see both sides. but Lois’s mama was the one really steering the ship. Brook said she could understand why Gloria wanted to keep the baby in the family, but her mom had misgivings and said nothing. Flora said Lois was stuck between the, but Brook said Lois should have been honest with her. Then it could have been her decision when and how to approach Gio. She could have spared him the pain and betrayal. None of this would have happened and they might have had a relationship. Now her son wanted nothing to do with her.

Maxie asked if she could be forced out, and Martin said there were whistleblower laws that would prevent that, but she had personal relationships that might not survive.

Lucy said only Deception could lure her away from Sidwell, and he said he was pleased they hadn’t gone to the police about Sonny. He kissed her goodbye for luck, when Marco came in. She left, and Sidwell told Marco about Home & Heart and how he was looking forward to watching Lucy’s company. Marco asked if he was getting serious about Lucy.

Drew said Michael assaulted him in the MetroCourt. Even Diane couldn’t change Michael’s criminal past, including bludgeoning a woman to death when he was 17. It made a conviction more likely, and Willow would get her kids back. He wanted Sonny to get Willow generous visitation, sell his piers to Sidwell, and take an extended vacation anywhere but there.

Vaughn asked, who sent him? as the assassin gasped for air. Vaughn put a pillow over the assassin’s face.

On the side, Britt said she needed Pascal, and he told Jason have a drink, compliments of the hotel. Britt told Pascal that the AC wasn’t working. If the computers overheated, they’d crash. She’d have to start from scratch, and he wouldn’t like it. She’d be in her room until he was done. Pascal apologized to Jason.

Flora said she’d overstepped, but Brook said if Flora had insights, she’d listen. Flora said Lois hadn’t been truthful and Brook felt like if Lois had handled it differently, she’d have a relationship with her son, but it was pure conjecture. She had no way of knowing what would have happened. Aside from this issue, there had always been trust. Brook had to figure out if it could be repaired or if it was damaged beyond repair. A producer told Flora it was time, and Brook thanked her.

Jordan told Portia that Curtis’s phone was off and asked to speak to him. She was at GH. Portia gave him the phone, and Jordan said two state investigators from the Insurance Fraud Division had shown up and wanted to talk to Stella. Stella was with them now and she thought he should know. He said he was on his way, and he told Portia, Aunt Stella might be in trouble. Portia said she’d come with him.

Drew said Michael lost it and all it took was him talking to Wiley, and Sonny said Drew had used his grandson to get to him. Drew said he might want to remind Michael that 50% was better than nothing, what he’d get in prison, and Sonny said all Drew cared about was him being the one to get Willow’s kids back, but his hero ship had sailed. Willow knew what a loser he was. His desperation was showing, and even if he got everything he wanted, he’d never get Willow back.

Vaughn said their cover was blown and they had to go, but Josslyn said, what if they made Britt tell them who Dalton was working for? Vaughn scoffed at Britt telling them what they wanted to know, but Josslyn said Britt might tell her.

Pascal said Jason’s excursion had been booked and suggested he make a trip to the bar where there was live music. Jason said, lead the way, and followed Pascal.

Britt went to her room.

Drew asked if Sonny was letting his son go back to prison, but Sonny told him that he didn’t say that. Drew asked if Sonny was giving him what he wanted, but Sonny told Drew, he didn’t say that either. Drew’s head exploded said, whatever happened next was on Sonny, and he left. Turner came out, and said, that was the legal definition of extortion. She didn’t think Drew was capable of it. Sonny said she’d gotten a chance to meet the real Drew Cain.

Maxie told Martin that she couldn’t have anything hanging over Deception and needed to exonerate the company of any wrongdoing. She wondered if she could schedule a meeting with the DA and didn’t know if she should warn the others, but Martin said, absolutely not. Lucy came in and told Maxie, whatever Martin was advising, do the opposite. She’d just come from having a wonderful, romantic evening with Sidwell. Martin left and Brook arrived. She asked why he’d been there, and Lucy asked what he and Maxie were talking about.

Curtis and Portia arrived at the hospital, and Jordan said Stella was still being questioned. Portia said she’d see what she could find out, and Curtis said he’d put a stop to it. Isaiah said that wasn’t a good idea.

Vaughn said Britt was Cesar Faison’s daughter, but Josslyn said Britt was more than her father’s daughter. Britt risked her life to save her. They could get real intel. Seeing Josslyn looking at the dead assassin, Vaughn asked if she was good, and she said this had to count for something. He said they could buy themselves 24 hours if no one knew the assassin had tried and failed. They could make him disappear. Their bungalow was close to the cliffs. If he killed the lights on the path, no one would see them throw him off the cliff. It was that or bail. Josslyn said they’d get rid of the body, and Vaughn left.  

Lucy went to get her makeup touched up, and Brook told Maxie that she was passing on the camera stuff. Maxie said she didn’t want Brook to do something that made her uncomfortable, and Brook said Maxie was the best. Maxie said she hoped Brook always thought so. Brook asked, why? and Maxie said she was just nervous about being on camera.

Isaiah said Stella agreed to the questions and thought she could clear things up, but Curtis said, she shouldn’t be in there alone. Martin arrived and said he couldn’t agree more. He thanked Felicia for calling him and said he’d handle it.

Martin walked in, and Agent #1 said they were in the middle of questioning Stella, but Martin said it was illegal for them to question his client. He introduced himself as Stella’s attorney, but Agent #1 said he couldn’t represent her. Martin said she was allowed representation, and Agent #2 said, Martin specifically couldn’t represent her. He was a person of interest, and they had questions for him too.

Marco asked if Sidwell was serious about Lucy, since he’d gotten the impression she was serious about him. Sidwell said he wasn’t sure. He found her charming and beautiful, and she possessed a demonstrably good heart. She was a woman worth cultivating. He asked, how was Lucas? and Marco said Lucas was a good man who had no illusions about his sister’s ex-husband. Drew came in and said he had good news. He just strengthened Sidwell’s position with Sonny.

Back in the room, Josslyn said the assassin was heavier than he looked, and Vaughn said it was good that the tide was going out. Josslyn looked at the blood on her hand, and he told her to clean herself up. He’d get the room. He owed it to her for saving his life. He’d tell Brennan that they hit an obstacle, but were carrying on.

Lucy and Maxie joined Flora, who said it was Maxie’s first appearance. Maxie said she was excited about Deception’s newest product. Their Youth Truth serum had been so successful, they created an entire line. Lucy said people were looking younger in the blink of an eye. They were dedicated to helping people feel and look their best.

Drew told Sidwell that he’d accused Michael of lying to the kids, Michael lost it, and clocked him in front of witnesses. He’d assaulted a member of congress, which was a federal offense. Michael’s prison record would increase his chances of being found guilty. Marco said, not necessarily, and Drew said, when Sonny was preoccupied with Michael, his piers would be seized by Eminent Domain, but Sidwell said they’d get better use of them as a threat of leverage. Drew said he thought so at first, but then realized the best way to get Willow’s kids back was sending their father to prison. She’d get full custody and Michael would get nothing. Sidwell said annihilating Michael would be counter productive. It would remove Sonny’s incentive for cooperating, and if Drew took out his son, Sonny was going to retaliate. It would not be good for any of them.

Vaughn saw a text from Brennan saying, enjoy the beach. He heard the shower running.

Turner said Drew had bragged about goading Sonny’s son into hitting him and while extortion was difficult to prove, she was a credible source. Sonny said she wouldn’t be if anyone found out she’d had dinner with him and his daughter. They’d come for her and kill her career. She’d be accused of corruption. Drew would say he bribed her. She said Sonny was right. Neither of them could do anything. Sonny couldn’t retaliate.  

Stella came back and asked what Martin was doing there. Jordan said she’d called him, and Stella said they were reviewing the claims she’d submitted since January, but the patients had all deserved the compensation. Martin asked if she’d ever had this scrutiny before, and she said, no. He wondered, why now? and the agents came out. Portia introduced herself and said their legal department had known nothing about the investigation. What right did they have to talk in and questions her staff without proper protocol? Agent #1 said it was coming from higher up and she’d have to talk to their supervisor.

Turner told Sonny to promise not to take the law into his own hands and asked if this is what it was like. The op-eds said he was a menace, but he was being menaced. He said life wasn’t black and white, and she said knowledge was power. She was glad she was there and saw Drew in action. She’d be watching and when he did something else – which she was sure he would – she’d be ready. She promised she’d have Congressman Cain brought to justice. He said, if anybody could do it, he knew she could, and she left.  

Drew told Sidwell that he’d have to deal with Sonny in some other way. Everybody blamed him for Willow losing her children and he was going to be the guy to give them back. He’d be in touch. He left and Marco said, it appeared Congressman Cain’s interest was diverging from their own. He wouldn’t be of use for much longer. Sidwell said Drew was a bit of a loose cannon. He may become a liability.

On the air, Lucy said she knew what busy was like and went on about being in charge of the Nurses Ball. She continued talking about herself until Maxie interrupted, saying, as women, they were always busy, so they’d created a product that worked while you were sleeping – Youth Truth night mask. They’d added nutrients that nourished and rejuvenated while you were sleeping. Flora asked if you washed it off in the morning, Lucy said, exactly, and Maxie keeled over.

Josslyn sat in the shower with her clothes on. She remembered shooting the assassin and Vaughn putting a pillow over the assassin’s face. Vaughn asked if she was okay, and when he got no answer, he said he was coming in. She looked up at him, and he got in the shower, fully clothed. He sat next to her, and she leaned close to him. He put his arm around her and put her hand to his lips.

In bed, Britt heard something. She sat up and saw Jason in her room.

Tuesday:

Maxie passed out after doing a Deception promo on Home & Heart, and Flora said, someone call an ambulance.

Carly told Lulu that Obrecht seemed to have Rocco’s best interests at heart, but Lulu wasn’t buying it. Carly said it was about Rocco, and sometimes supporting your kids meant making a compromise you wouldn’t otherwise. She saw Nina and said, and some people you never compromise with.

Michael went to Sonny’s and Diane was there. She asked for details about his assault on Drew.

At the hospital, Drew wanted to see a doctor to document his injury, but Elizabeth said he’d have to wait since it wasn’t an emergency. He said he wasn’t here just for his own sake, but for Willow too.

Anna called Jack about his radio silence and left a message for him to call her back. Turner came by and asked her to open an investigation into Congressman Drew Cain.

Josslyn and Vaughn kissed in the shower.

Britt was in bed when Jason came into her room. She asked what he was doing there. (I love how her first words weren’t, hey, you’re dead.)

The EMT said Maxie seemed to be having a heart attack, and Brook called Spinelli. Lucy told them that Maxie had a heart transplant a long time ago.

Carly told Nina to stay out of the hotel except for her office. Nina had watched Willow ruin everyone’s life while she was sleeping with Drew. She didn’t have the decency to tell Willow the truth and so much could have been avoided if she’d just done the right thing.

Elizabeth said HIPPA prevented her from sharing Drew’s visit with Willow, and she wasn’t working, but Drew said it would be solid evidence that Michael was violent, and Willow would get custody. Elizabeth said she’d get someone to document it.

Michael asked how they knew about him slugging Drew, and Sonny said Drew had stopped by. Diane wanted all the details. Details could keep him out of prison instead of bending to Drew.

Turner told Anna that Drew was as dirty as they came and she wanted to prove it. She wasn’t at liberty to share the details. Anna said she had to have something legal or legitimate. If Drew got wind of it, she could lose her job, and she needed more to go on. Turner said, despite Drew’s position against organized crime, he was running roughshod against others’ rights. Anna asked if she was backing off Sonny, and Turner said Sonny needed to go down, but so did Congressman Cain.

Jason said he was here for her, but Britt said she didn’t recall asking him to come. How had he found her? He told her about seeing her in Paris and tracking her. He’d wanted to respect her decision, but when he found out her mother had no idea she was alive, he wondered if being dead was her choice. She said, what if it wasn’t? Was he going to rescue her? He could go. He said she could come home, but she said she was never going back to Port Charles. And now she could no longer go to Paris, or she’d run the risk of someone recognizing her. He asked why she was concerned about Paris. What was going on? Was she in danger?

Vaughn and Josslyn made their way to the bed and got busy. There was a song part.

Nina said Carly didn’t give a damn about Willow, and Carly said she did until Drew twisted Willow into someone she couldn’t trust. Nina said Willow loved her kids, and Carly said, until Drew showed up. Nina had been too busy covering her own ass, and everything Willow lost and everything Willow was today, was on her.

Gio wondered if he should step in, but Lulu said, definitely not. Her phone rang, and Brook said Maxie was in trouble.

Jason said he was here help if Britt wanted him to, but she said he’d helped her when she was on the run. He’d helped her when she’d confided her greatest fear, and again when that fear came true and she tested positive for Huntington’s. She’d been terrified, but felt like she wasn’t going through it alone. Then he left her to marry Carly. Sonny reappeared and he came crawling back, but when her mother needed rescuing from Victor, she’d crawled back to ask for his help. He said he’d always help her, but she said, not always. But he did save her and her mother and died in the process. She’d felt grief and guilt, but he was fine and very much alive. He said, so was she. How did she survive Heather’s attack?

Michael told Diane about how Drew had approached Wiley. Drew had crossed all the lines. Diane asked if he hit Drew in front of Wiley, but he said he had Tracy take Wiley to the pool. She said it spoke to Michael’s conscientiousness as a parent, but suggested premeditation. Now, it might cost him.

Felicia’s phone rang, but she turned it off and gave Drew his paperwork. He left, and Elizabeth said he was trying to redeem himself in Willow’s eyes by goading Michael to punch him in the face. Felicia said she didn’t think Willow should be separated from her kids and hoped she had enough sense not to fall for Drew’s games. Lucas asked, who gave Drew the shiner? when Maxie was wheeled in. Lucas and Felicia ran to the gurney.

Josslyn got out of bed and got dressed, and Vaughn asked if she was having second thoughts. She asked if he’d given Brennan all the details about what happened, but he said, only that they’d hit a snag. If he knew how compromised they were, he’d abort the mission. She said, if they left now, the operation would go underground. They had one chance to find out what was really going on.

Anna said she was wondering how Turner came up with the notion that Drew abused his power of office, but Turner told her that she couldn’t say. Not yet. Anna said if she was going to investigate a member of the House of Representatives, she’d need more than assurances, when Drew came in. He said seeing Turner there was convenient. He’d been the victim of a crime perpetrated by Michael Corinthos.

Michael asked what they should do, and Diane said, gather evidence that proved Drew approached Michael’s son without his consent and said inflammatory things that did actual harm to his son’s mental well-being. It could get them a plea deal. Sonny said Drew wanted him to sell his piers and leave town. He also wanted him to go to Michael and get visitation for Willow. He’d use the situation as leverage. Michael said that wasn’t going to happen, and Diane said Michael could petition the court to allow Willow visitation. There was no guarantee it would be granted. Michael said it would be on record that he approved and he didn’t. Diane said Drew was out of Willow’s life and the kids missed their mother, and Michael said he hated it, but didn’t trust Willow to raise their kids anymore. Sonny asked what was going on, and Michael said Willow was out of control. He thought she was responsible for the incidents involving Daisy.

Elizabeth and Lucas worked on Maxie. Lucas said she was in VFib, along with more medical stuff. He used the chest paddles as Felicia watched through the window. Lucy gave Felicia a hug, and told her that Maxie was giving a demonstration, got quiet, and collapsed. Felicia said Maxie appeared to have had a heart attack, and Lucy said Maxie had the strongest heart she knew because of Felicia. She would be a fighter. Spinelli ran in and asked, where was Maxie?

Britt told Jason, go first. How did he survive? He said the cave collapsed, but he found a way out. When he got out, he was picked up by the FBI. One of the agents had evidence of RICO violations, so he made a deal to be an informant. She said he’d never agree to that to save his own skin. He might for Sonny, but he did it for Carly, didn’t he? He said, yeah, and she said, all roads lead back to Carly. He asked how Britt survived, but she said he didn’t deserve to know a damn thing. She’d grieved him. She’d stood by his grave and forgave him, but she was taking it all back. He was a selfish son of a bitch, and she didn’t forgive him for anything. (To be fair, he did think she was dead. How would he have told her?)

Carly said Willow cheated on the husband who loved her, and Nina said, he had a baby with another woman. Carly said, he took responsibility for his choices. Nina helped Drew. Nina said she’d hired the escort, but Carly said all she needed to do was tell Willow the truth. Nina said she couldn’t do that without losing Willow. Willow needed her mother. Carly said Nina wanted Willow to need her, and Nina said that Carly and Michael had denied her the opportunity of being a mother, but Carly said she had months to get this right. Any real mother would have told the truth and handled the fallout, but Nina only cared about herself. Nina said, shut up, and moved toward Carly, who pushed her in the pool.

Vaughn said, Britt could have made Josslyn, but Josslyn said Britt didn’t know she was WSB. Britt had saved her life before. Why would Britt do something to get her killed now? Vaughn said somebody might not have liked him talking to Britt. The manager wasn’t happy. Maybe he was worried she said too much to a civilian. She said, Britt was their best lead and might open up about what she knew, and he said they had a slim window before another assassin was sent or they disappeared. She said she’d go get Britt.

Britt said she’d wasted enough of her grief, time, and life on Jason. She wasn’t wasting another second. He said she let her family think she was dead, and she said she made a choice not to let them watch her deteriorate. She took an opportunity and ended up here. She lived in a five-star resort in Europe. Despite Paris, she still got to explore the rest of the continent and her Huntington’s was in remission. He said he thought there was no treatment, but she said he’d lost the right to ask questions. He could go now. That’s what he was good at. He said something big was going on there. The WSB had the resort flagged and she was in danger.

Lulu hugged Spinelli and asked if he’d told the kids. He said, no. He’d told them something important came up and Georgie was watching them. He thought she was too young for that and wondered if he was a bad father. Lulu said she’d call Emma and see if she could watch them.  

Brook came into the hospital with Flora, who wanted to offer support. Brook went over to Spinelli, and he thanked her for calling. Felicia thanked Brook and said she wished she’d picked up. Brook asked if there was any word on Maxie, and Spinelli said they were working on her now. He cried and said he loved Maxie so much. He couldn’t imagine life without her. Brook said he wouldn’t have to. Maxie would get through this.

Lucas used the paddles again and said, charge them to 300.

Britt said working for Sonny had made Jason paranoid. Her only danger was staying in the jacuzzi too long. He said he could tell she was covering and couldn’t fake her own death without help. Did whoever helped her give her a choice? He could get her out tonight. She said, put away his cape. She didn’t need saving and if she did, she’d do it her own damn self. Go before she called security. He asked, what happened if she did?

Vaughn said Josslyn couldn’t wander around at night, and she said they’d maintain their cover. He said it was risky. The only way for it not to go south was to make contact safely. They’d use their window of opportunity to find Britt. He guessed there was nothing left to do except go to bed. They looked at the messed up bed.

Drew told Anna and Turner that Michael having Wiley taken to the pool showed premeditation. After that, Michael sucker punched him, which was how he sustained his injury. Anna said, so he was a decorated Navy SEAL, who was viciously attacked by his nephew, and he said, unprovoked, in public. Anna asked if he had any injuries of substance, but Turner said, assault was assault. She’d want his statement along with any other evidence. Anna said Drew was trying to manipulate the law to get on top of a family squabble, but Turner said it was a potential misdemeanor. Because of Michael’s record of violent crime, it could easily rise to a felony assault.

Sonny asked if Michael thought Willow was capable of messing with someone else’s kid, and Michael said, Sasha not only gave birth before the custody determination, but Willow delivered the baby. Diane said, if he thought Willow had targeted him, why not go to the police? but he said he had no evidence. He wasn’t 100% certain. It was just a suspicion. Diane said that didn’t help with Drew, and Sonny said they couldn’t let Drew use this to take Michael’s kids away. How could they fix it? Diane asked, who saw Drew talking to Wiley? and Michael said, him, Tracy, Stella Henry, and Martin, who was with Drew. Diane said they had nothing. Tracy’s hatred of Drew was a matter of public record and Michael worked closely with Stella’s nephew Curtis. Martin would just parrot everything Drew said. What about the patrons? Michael said he didn’t think any of them saw what was going on, and she asked, how many noticed the punch? He said he didn’t think the staff saw anything, and she said they had to find someone objective who saw Drew talking to Wiley or they were going in unarmed.

Elizabeth said there was no change, and Lucas used the paddles again. Maxie flatlined.

Lulu said Emma was with the kids, and Spinelli said Maxie had to be okay. Lulu said, she always is. He trusted Maxie and had to trust she was coming back to them now,

Flora said she was sure Brook wanted to be with her loved ones, but Brook said they were Maxie’s loved ones and Spinelli needed Lulu. Flora said Maxie seemed important to Brook, and Brook said they’d hated each other’s guts, but now Maxie was the best friend she’d ever had.

Elizabeth did chest compression, and Lucas said he needed Maxie to plan his wedding. Maxie’s heartbeat started and Elizabeth said, and she’s back. (The magic words, plan and wedding.)

Lucas told everyone that Maxie was stable. She’d been having a heart attack, and her heart did stop, but they were able to restart it. Spinelli asked if she was awake, but Lucas said, not yet. He could sit with her though. Lulu said Maxie would be okay. The crisis had passed, and they’d wait until she woke up. Spinelli hugged Felicia, and Brook asked to talk to Lucas. She asked if he had any idea what brought it on, but he said, not yet. Did she eat or drink anything unusual or inhale something? Did the cream give her an allergic reaction? Lucy joined them and said, no. Maxie had used the product a thousand times. They all had when they did the initial product testing. Lucas said, as far as he knew, Maxie was in perfect health. (I think someone put something in the product. The camera lingered on it too long after Maxie collapsed.)

Nina got out of the pool and Gio gave her a towel. She said she could have broken her neck, and Carly said Nina was the one who kept coming at her. Do it again and she’d drip dry in jail. Nina said Carly had done enough, but Carly said Nina had. Both she and Drew had made Willow a disaster, and neither one of them was getting near her grandchildren ever again. Nina left.  

Michael said, obviously, Drew thought he’d be Willow’s hero by sending him to prison and getting her kids back, and Diane said, regardless, he had a case. Sonny said Drew wasn’t going to let it go.

Drew thanked Turner, but she said he had no case yet. All she had was his statement. He said he had documentation of his injury, and Anna said Michael would have his own take and statement.

Diane said, the best way to bolster their case was to prove Drew deliberately provoked Michael by approaching Wiley. Ultimately, it came down to witnesses.

Turner told Drew, ultimately, it came down to witnesses.

Diane asked if there was anyone else willing to contradict Drew’s account.

Drew said Michael assaulted him in a restaurant full of people, including his lawyer. Martin saw everything.

Vaughn told Josslyn that they’d sleep in shifts in case they had another visitor. He’d take the first watch. She got in bed, while he sat facing the door, gun in hand.

Jason asked, what if Britt called security? and she said, go. She opened the door and said, now was good. He left and she made a call. She said they had a problem and needed to put a stop to it immediately.

Wednesday:

Alexis met with Curtis, who told her about Stella being questioned and said, something is off. Portia spoke with the legal department. They were unaware of the investigation and only Stella’s claims were being investigated. Stella came in, saw Alexis, and said, this is not happening.

Elizabeth said Maxie’s vitals were good, and Lucas hoped the tests showed what caused the heart attack. Maxie should be awake by now.

In the hallway, Lulu asked if there was any change, but Spinelli shook his head. They hugged.

Cody told Mac and Felicia that the kids were fine and with Emma. Mac said he didn’t understand why Maxie’s heart would suddenly fail out of nowhere.

Drew saw Gio at the pool and said, life without the Quartermaines agreed with him. It was good he cut ties. Gio said it was none of Drew’s business, but Drew said they had a lot in common. Their family let them down. Gio said he didn’t know what was going on with Drew and the Quartermaines, but Drew had tried to have the family crypt bulldozed, slept with Nina, and was after Sonny. Martin said he sounded like Tracy, and she was wrong about a lot. Gio said, not about them, and walked away. Drew said Gio was just as arrogant as the rest of the Quartermaines, but he’d sing a different tune when Sonny was gone, and Michael was in prison. Martin asked how he intended to accomplish that.

Turner was surprised to see Sonny and Michael at the station, and Sonny said it was her lucky day. Two for the price of one. He wanted to have a word with Turner before they started, and they went into the interrogation room. Diane asked if Michael had any idea what Sonny was up to, and he said, none whatsoever, but Sonny could handle Turner. Diane hoped he could handle his temper. She couldn’t represent both of them today.

Sonny said Drew’s allegations of assault were bogus. He provoked Michael and was blowing it out of proportion. They both knew Michael was innocent. Turner said, actually, she didn’t.

Lucas told Spinelli and Lulu that Maxie’s test were clean. There was no sign of blockage or scarring, and her preliminary blood panel was good. There was no indication she was rejecting the heart and her vitals were strong. They didn’t know the cause yet, but there were no ongoing issues. Spinelli said, all Maxie had to do was wake up and come back to them.

Cody said Lucas saved Maxie’s life, and Felicia said she was getting the best medical care possible. Cody said she’d be fine, and Mac said she had to be. Anything else was unimaginable.

Alexis said Stella was family once and she wanted to help, and Curtis said he wanted the best for her and that was Alexis. Stella said this was a huge overreaction to a paperwork issue, but Curtis said it was a fraud investigation from high up and was only focused on Stella. Stella said hiring a lawyer would make it look like she had something to hide, but Alexis said Stella was too smart not know better. She could end up unemployed, or worse, face criminal charges.

Drew said he’d told Anna and Turner that Michael needed to be arrested and prosecuted for assaulting a public official, which came with a nice long prison sentence. Martin asked what assault Drew was talking about, and Drew pointed to his face. Martin said, he called that assault?

Stella said she hadn’t done anything criminal, but Curtis said the investigators weren’t pencil pushers. This wasn’t standard procedure. Alexis said they could look Stella’s claims over and move on, but if it turned out to be more than that, she wanted to make sure Stella’s rights were respected. Get a lawyer. It didn’t have to be her. Stella said if it gave them peace of mind, Alexis could be her lawyer. Tell her what she was being accused of.

Drew said Martin was right there when Michael attacked him out of nowhere, but Martin said he saw Drew approach Wiley and say something that upset him. Then he accused Michael of lying to his son. It was hardly an unprovoked attack. Drew said, Michael hit a sitting member of congress. He couldn’t be father of the year in Pentenville and it would increase Willow’s chances of getting her kids back. Martin said the whole thing was strategic, an attempt to get Willow to forgive him, and Drew said he lost Willow because she lost her kids. If he got them back, she’d realize everything he did, he did out of love for her. Martin said, including sleeping with her mother?

Martin asked Diane to promise to block Willow getting custody. She wasn’t stable. She said she’d do her best, but he had no actual proof. He said he was working on it, and she said if he wanted to protect his children, don’t get charged with assault. He knew the rule. He said, volunteer nothing, and she asked why he and Sonny insisted on making her life difficult.

Turner said, Michael punched a sitting member of congress in a restaurant full of witnesses, and Sonny told her that she couldn’t say Drew didn’t have it coming. Slow down and take her time. She said she couldn’t abuse her power. It would make her no better than Drew. He asked if she was going after his son, but she said he knew damn well that she couldn’t.

Lucas went to update Mac and Felicia, and Spinelli told Lulu that he was being selfish. He had to tell the kids, but couldn’t bring himself to do it. Lulu said she’d talk to the kids. He should be the first person Maxie saw when she woke up. Spinelli went into Maxie’s room and said, fear not. I’m here… always.

Lulu told Emma that Maxie was stable, but still unresponsive. They were clinging to anything positive. Emma asked if Lulu knew what she was going to tell the kids, but Lulu said, not yet. Emma said if they needed her, just call, and Lulu thanked her. Emma left and Lulu sat down, putting her head in her hands.

Stella told Alexis that there were two main reasons insurance companies denied a claim – a preexisting condition before the date of coverage and the claim not being filed in a timely manner. As if that was a reason to bankrupt a patient with medical bills. Curtis asked if she sometimes intervened, make adjustments to make sure they were approved, and Alexis said a lot rested on specific wordage. A lot rested on choosing your words carefully. Did she change the facts? Stella said she’d think it over and find out if it wasn’t an arcane reason, and Alexis said, then she’d step in? Stella said, it was lifesaving care, and Alexis asked if she altered the dates. Stella said, yes. Rarely, but she’d done it. Alexis said, by the insurance company’s definition, that was fraud. (I’m glad they’re tackling this issue. I’m on Stella’s side. Something similar was done for me once, and God bless those people.)

Drew told Martin that he and Nina were a mistake even before he and Willow fell in love. No judge would look favorably on a guy who’d been convicted of bludgeoning a woman to death and then attacked a congressman. Martin said it might not go as easily as Drew thought. Michael was already a sympathetic figure, and he had controlling interest in Aurora Media. If he and Curtis put their heads together, they could make Michael look like a saint. Drew said, don’t worry. Curtis would be busy defending Stella about insurance fraud. Martin asked how Drew knew about the investigation, and Drew said he was a congressman. He heard things. When he reported the assault, he told the Police Commissioner and the ADA that Martin was a witness. Martin just had to confirm the statement was accurate. Martin asked if Drew included the fact that he approached Wiley and upset him. If it didn’t, it was inaccurate, and he couldn’t sign it. Drew said Martin was looking at it all wrong. He was a congressman and Martin’s biggest client. Martin couldn’t afford to alienate him.

Sonny asked if Turner wasn’t charging Michael, but Turner said there was a strong enough case for him to be charged, but she couldn’t prosecute him herself. She couldn’t disclose she’d been at Sonny’s house and overheard Drew. She didn’t want to be the reason for a mistrial. The PCPD was investigating Drew’s claim, and her investigator just arrived.

In the squad room, Chase said he interviewed everyone present. All but one. Drew asked how many witnesses there were, and Chase said, nine.

There was a knock at Maxie’s door, and Lulu opened it to Obrecht.

Lucas told Elizabeth that inside, he was panicked that Maxie hadn’t woken up. He didn’t know why and kept thinking about how long she was in VFib. He was focused on not losing her like he did Sam. He thought he saved someone he loved, but now he wasn’t so sure.

Spinelli talked to Maxie about James’s swim meet and said she’d promised to do back school shopping with Georgie. It terrified him to do it. He would be a terrible substitute on his best day. She had to wake up because she is irreplaceable in so many ways. He’d been remiss that he didn’t do it sooner, but as soon as she opened her eyes, he was going to ask her to marry him. Please, open your eyes.

Anna asked how Felicia was, and Felicia said, barely holding it together. Anna said, Lucas was encouraging. There were no signs of heart issues. Felicia wondered why Maxie wouldn’t wake up and said she had to stay positive and be strong for Spinelli, Mac, and Cody. Anna said, not here. Here she could feel the way she wanted. Felicia said she kept remembering Maxie when she was six. She got a miracle, but what if the miracle had run its course?

Emma was sitting with her feet in the water, when Gio popped up from the pool. He asked where she was last night. She and Anna were gone. Emma said she was babysitting, and he said, the whole night? What was going on? She said Maxie was in the hospital. It’s really bad.

Elizabeth told Lucas that sometimes the body needed time to heal, and they were on Maxie time. Maxie wasn’t a textbook anything and they’d have to wait for her to come back to them. Lucas said Elizabeth was a good nurse and his mom would be so proud. She said he ran all the tests and looked at everything. Now it was up to Maxie.

Mac watched Spinelli with Maxie through the window, and Cody asked if he wanted to go in, but he said he wanted to give Spinelli more time. Cody said Mac really was a good man, and Mac said, if he was, he had Robin, Maxie, and her sister Georgie to thank. Raising the girls was the greatest privilege of his life. Cody said Maxie told him that she’d driven Mac crazy, and Mac said a lot of his grey hairs had her name on them. Why look when you can just leap? But he couldn’t stay mad at her. Cody said, back when he was lying about being Mac’s son and afraid to face him when Mac knew the truth, Maxie was the one who stopped him from leaving town. She’d always treated him like a member of the family. She believed in him when he couldn’t. He’d convinced himself that he didn’t need family, and Maxie made him want to be part of hers. Mac said he was part of her family, and Cody said because she never gave up on him.

Obrecht told Lulu that she came to check on her grandson. She didn’t want trouble. Lulu said, please come in. James would be happy to see his grandmother. Obrecht asked what Lulu told the kinder about their mother, and Lulu said she was just gearing up to tell them. Georgie chased James into the living room, and said their mom was in the hospital and he was acting like a brat. James said, what?

Felicia told Anna, Barbara Jean’s heart gave Maxie her life. She’d had three beautiful children. She found love with Nathan and her heart was broken when she lost him. She found love again with Spinelli. Her heart had done so much. What if it was tired and starting to wear out? Transplants lasted decades. Maxie had been young, and it had been decades. Anna said she didn’t think miracles had expiration dates. Maxie loved life and her kids. She loved Felicia, Mac, her friends, and Spinelli, and they loved her back. Love was powerful and she believed Maxie wanted to stay with them. Felicia asked why she didn’t wake up then, and Anna said the doctors would figure it out and Maxie would hang around until they did. Maxie was strong like her mother.

Alexis asked how many times Stella altered dates, and Stella said, seven in the past five years. She went over her cases in her mind. She’d worked in social services for over thirty years and knew the intricacies to get insurance claims covered. Alexis said, there were just seven she couldn’t get to concede about denied coverage? and Stella said, it was critical care, but they didn’t care if the patients lost their houses. So she altered a date or two. Curtis asked if it could work in Stella’s favor that it wasn’t for personal gain, and Alexis said she’d make that case if necessary. Stella said they paid their premiums month after month, year after year (preach!), and she agreed they should be covered. Even Martin didn’t know his insurance had lapsed. Curtis said, Martin?

Chase said he spoke to everyone, when Martin and Drew came in. Drew asked why Michael wasn’t in handcuffs, and Michael said he’d come in voluntarily to answer questions. Drew said, Michael assaulted him. This was proof. He pointed to his eye, and Martin said, and the medical report. Drew said his statement and the eyewitnesses should be enough to arrest Michael, and Chase said he spoke to the bartender, the waitstaff, Tracy – who only saw him approach Wiley – Stella, and two other people. No one remembers Michael hitting him.

Obrecht said that James’s sister wasn’t lying, and Lulu said she wasn’t. She came to tell them that their mom went to the hospital. Spinelli was with her. James said, why? and Obrecht said his mom got sick at the Home & Heart studio and was taken to the hospital. James asked if she was okay. What was wrong? Lulu said the doctors were still figuring it out. Obrecht said humans were complicated and medicine wasn’t simple. Sometimes it took a while to figure things out. Lifesaving was like a mystery. They looked at all the clues. But she did know that his mother was strong and in excellent health.

Emma told Gio what happened and said James was still oblivious. Gio said it was awful. He remembered being scared when his mom went in the hospital. He wanted to know, but didn’t if the news was bad. Emma said her grandmother’s job as a grandmother was to make things better, be strong and calm. She was at first, but Emma saw how worried she was later. She remembered seeing her worried a few times, but she’d never seen her truly scared until today. She was scared too. Gio put his arm around her.

Stella said Martin was one of the patients she helped, and Alexis asked if his claim was being questioned. Stella said they told her that he couldn’t represent her because they had questions for him, and Alexis asked if she’d altered the dates on his claim. Stella said she did, and Curtis said Martin’s biggest client was Drew.

Diane asked if they were done, and Drew said it was impossible. Turner said the witnesses denied there was an altercation, and Chase said, no physical contact was mentioned. Drew said they were lying, or Chase was. Why did she send him? Obviously, he was covering. He lived with the Quartermaines and it was a conflict of interest. Chase asked if Drew was accusing him of witness tampering, and Drew said, what about Carly? She owned the hotel. Her employees wouldn’t say anything bad about Michael. Sonny said, what about Tracy and Stella? and Drew said Sonny paid them off. Sonny said that was a false accusation, harassment, and Diane said, noted. Turner said she’d have the statements typed up, but she wouldn’t have Drew impugn the character of Detective Chase. His personal animosity for Michael Corinthos was public knowledge. It was a false claim that no one else observed. Drew said, Martin was there and saw the whole thing.

The kids left and Lulu thanked Obrecht, and Obrecht said she tried to use language the kids would understand without being unduly alarmed. Lulu said she hoped they diagnosed Maxie quickly, and Obrecht said her too. Lulu asked what Obrecht wasn’t saying, and Obrecht said it may be difficult to hear, but the longer Maxie didn’t respond, the more likely she was to slip into a coma.

Emma said she was sorry to bring up bad memories, but Gio said they were friends and she’d helped him. Even when it was hard to be around, he’d still be there. He took her hand.

Lucas said Maxie’s tox screen came back and there was an anomaly in her blood. There was an unidentified enzyme that was possibly what was keeping her from waking up. He was running another test. They needed to figure out what it was and where it was coming from. When they did, it would help decide the best course of treatment. Felicia asked if she could see Maxie, and he said, of course (🍷). She left, and Anna followed Lucas to the desk. Cody told Mac it was the first step to getting Maxie back.

Anna said, Lucas had no idea what the enzyme was? and Lucas said he’d never seen anything like it. She asked if there was any chance Maxie had been poisoned. (Told ya. Me and Anna 🤞)

Alexis asked if it was possible that Martin told Drew, but Stella said she told Martin to keep it to himself. He wouldn’t hurt her like that. He was too grateful. Curtis said, the other day at the pool, they saw Drew speaking to Martin, and Stella reminded him about a form. What if Martin innocently mentioned something to Drew? The orders were from higher up and what’s higher than a sitting congressman? (Probably a lot of things, but okay.) Drew did this. He set up the investigation. Drew was targeting someone he loved dearly to get to him.

Turner read the statement and asked Drew if the account was true. Drew said it was, and signed it. She said Martin was cited as a witness. Does the account accurately reflect what he saw? If so, sign here. Drew held out the pen to Martin.

Thursday:

Ava and Nina had lunch at the pool. Ava saw Ric walk in with Elizabeth.

Elizabeth said lunch was on her. It was the least she could do after he took on Willow’s case pro bono.

Curtis said Drew was now targeting his auntie, and Alexis said, nothing Drew did surprised her. Curtis said it was unacceptable. Drew was abusing his power, and he was going to expose him through Aurora Media. Alexis said if he did, there would be consequences, and Stella said, absolutely not. He needed to let this go. This time, Drew won.

Drew told Martin to put his John Hancock right there, and Turner said only sign it if he believed it was true. Drew said every word was true and Martin saw it all happen. Martin threw the pen down and said, I think not.

On her laptop in Bobbie’s, Molly fantasized about the western romance she was writing as we saw it unfold. Her heroine Delilah was in the arms of Clint Buchanan, but Cody pulled her away and told her to run for it. Molly snapped out of her daydream when Cody’s name was called for take-out.

Brook went to the stables and found Tracy, who asked what was wrong.

Obrecht apologized for mentioning the coma diagnosis, but Lulu said it didn’t mean Maxie would be in one like she was for four years. Her family couldn’t suffer the way Lulu’s did. Maxie had to come back to them.

Molly asked Cody, how would a horse react if they were separated from their trusted companion? and he told her, google it. He got his order and left.

Brook said there was no change with Maxie, and Tracy asked why she didn’t stay. Was it Lulu? Brook said she loved Maxie, but they became friends as adults. Maxie and Lulu were raised like family and she felt it was Lulu’s turf. Lulu belonged, not her. Tracy said Brook couldn’t be more wrong.

Lulu told Obrecht that when she woke up, she wasn’t sure how much time had passed. Then she saw Rocco, and it hit her hard. It felt surreal. Obrecht said she wouldn’t wish it on her worst enemy, and Lulu said that’s why she was so protective and why she reacted the way she did when Rocco reached out to Obrecht. Now she wondered if her reaction was unfair.  

Nina said she warned Ava that Ric was a terrible person. Worse, he was a good lawyer, which was why she hired him to represent Willow. Ava said she was glad Nina and Willow were talking again, but Nina said Willow didn’t want anything to do with her, so Ric told Willow that he was representing her pro bono. Ava said, so he didn’t do it out of the goodness of his cold black heart like Elizabeth must be thinking.

Ric told Elizabeth that Molly benefitted from both parents being in her life, and Willow’s children deserved the same. There was some ego and pride involved, since he’d exposed Michael’s affair, but she still lost the custody case. Elizabeth said Drew did so much damage, it was hard to undo.

Curtis said Stella should want to expose Drew’s abuse of power, but Stella said it didn’t change the fact she was guilty. She still believed the people needed help, but she believed if you did something wrong, you apologized and accepted the consequences. She didn’t think she was committing a crime, but she did what she did. She would accept the punishment that came her way even if meant saying goodbye to a job she loved. Alexis said that was noble, but it was still fraud, and she could end up sentenced to prison.

In the stairwell, Drew asked what the hell Martin thought he was doing, and Martin said he was Drew’s lawyer, not his whipping boy. Drew said he was sorry, but Martin needed to tell the truth. Michael attacked him. Martin said Drew had no other evidence except his hazy memory. He was crystal clear that he’d confided in Drew and Drew stabbed his friend in the back and set the dogs on Stella. He’d make Drew a deal. Call them off and stop the investigation and he’d sign the statement.

Molly kept starting to write, then deleting it. Kristina came in and asked if everything was okay. Molly said she’d been in the zone, working on her… brief, but she lost the groove. It was Cody’s fault. He came in to pick up food and blew her off. Kristina said she knew she’d warned Molly about Cody, but maybe she should go easier on him. He spent all night at the hospital. During a live segment on Home & Heart, Maxie collapsed.

Cody asked if there was an update, but Felicia said they still didn’t know what the enzyme in Maxie’s blood was. They were hopeful they’d find out soon. He said they were the best, and she agreed. Lucas said she should talk to Maxie, and it would help her find a way back to them. He said, you never know, it might help her, and they hugged.

Tracy said hiding wasn’t doing Maxie any good, and Brook said she wasn’t only guilty about leaving. She’d also said some awful things to Maxie about Lulu since Lulu came back. What if she had no chance to tell Maxie that she was sorry? Tracy said she would. She knew how much Brook loved Maxie – as she did – and how much Maxie loved Lulu – as she did. Maxie could see the good in both of them. Brook and Lulu were more alike than Brook cared to admit.  

Obrecht thanked Lulu and said she never meant harm to Rocco. Lulu said she wanted to believe that. She’d never acknowledged that Rocco looked for Obrecht; she didn’t seek him out. Obrecht said she should have told Lulu and Dante that Rocco reached out. She got swept up in the moment. Lulu said she did too. She came out swinging and regretted it. She didn’t want Obrecht to share something that she couldn’t from that time in his life. Obrecht said, it must have been devastating to miss that, and Lulu said it still was. She thought about what she’d missed when she hadn’t even realized Rocco existed. Even if they could come to an understanding, Obrecht’s daughter was the reason she missed out on that time and she couldn’t forgive that.

Drew asked if Martin was turning on him because of Stella, and Martin said, damn right. She never did anything but help him. So what was it going to be? Drew said nothing, and Martin said he didn’t think so. It was good old-fashioned revenge, not justice. Drew said, consider himself fired. Good luck paying his ex-wives. Martin said, there is that, and they went back to the squad room. Martin said he owed Turner an apology. He wasn’t signing. He didn’t remember seeing anything and regretted wasting her time. He left, and Diane said Sonny wasn’t answering any questions. Turner told Drew, sorry. There were no witnesses or footage. The case was closed.  

Lulu said she’d be happy to stay with the kids happy while Obrecht visited Maxie, and Obrecht thanked her. She said Maxie would get a kick out of them not being in the same room, but at each other’s throats, and Lulu said she was right. Be sure to tell her. Obrecht left.

Brook said she and Lulu were nothing alike, but Tracy said they both made colossal mistakes and refused to be defined by them. They were fiercely loyal to the people they loved and were two sides of the same coin. Brook said she saw Tracy’s point, and Tracy said her concern for Maxie should outweigh her discord with Lulu. They could keep hating each other after Maxie was out of the woods. Be there for the family or she’d never forgive herself. Brook said she hated when Tracy was right, and Tracy said she loved it. Now she had to feed the horses and Hades was already in a mood. Brook left, and outside, her phone rang.

Elizabeth said she had to get back to work and thanked Ric for helping Willow. He said he was happy to, and Elizabeth left.

Ava said Elizabeth thought Ric had changed and wasn’t going to be happy to find out he was the same liar, but Nina told her not to say anything. Willow couldn’t know she hired Ric. She might reject the help. Ava said she’d have to come up with another way to sabotage Ric, and Nina said Ric was giving her updates on Willow. Drew did nothing but leave a trail of destruction and she wished there was a way to get him out of Willow’s life for good.

Stella said she could face criminal charges? and Alexis said, yes. Curtis said they wouldn’t let that happen. It was only a handful of cases, and it would take time for them to come up with something concrete. Alexis said, if they did, they’d handle it and give her the strongest defense possible. Martin came in and said he had important news. He knew who was behind the insurance investigation. Stella said they already knew it was Drew, and Martin said he thought he was to blame because he mentioned she was helping him. He hoped she realized he’d never knowingly put her in harm’s way. Curtis asked why he still worked for Drew, but Martin said he didn’t. He tried to get Drew to call the investigation off, and Drew fired him. He was going to quit anyway and now Drew made an enemy of him.

Drew said Turner would never fill Robert Scorpio’s shoes. He’d never botch a case. Unless she was on Sonny’s payroll. She said she didn’t appreciate the accusation. Without a witness, she had no further options and suggested he go back to serving his constituents. She left, and Drew said congratulations were in order. Michael got away with assault. Michael said, stay the hell away from his kids, but Drew said, no chance. Willow would get back her kids one way or another no matter what he had to do or who he had to take down to do it. He left.

Molly told Kristina that she should have realized something was wrong. She misjudged Cody again. There was more to him than people thought. He’d shown up for her and she wished she’d shown up for him.

Cody arrived at the stables and Tracy said the horses were fed and she finished the other chores. He thanked her and she said she enjoyed it. The horses were the only creatures on the property that didn’t argue with her. She was sorry about Maxie. How was the family holding up? He said, not great. He spent all night with them and brought them food, but it wasn’t enough. She said he was being a son to Mac and a brother to Maxie, and he said he was thinking about the time he’d wasted. The months they could have spent as a family. Instead, he was living a lie. What if that was all the time they got?

Felicia told Maxie, the last time she was this scared, the last time she talked to Maxie like this, Maxie was a little girl fighting for her life. She was so small and sick. Felicia never left her side and wouldn’t now. She bargained with God to take her, not Maxie. Maxie’s babies needed their mama, and she needed her daughter. Mac and Spinelli needed her. She was the center of the family, the one who brought them all together. She couldn’t lose Maxie. Come back to her. Come back to them. She kissed Maxie’s hand.  

Brook asked Lulu, how were the kids? and Lulu said they were worried about Maxie of course (🍷), but hanging in there. She thanked Brook for answering her call, and Brook said she was going to call Lulu. They both started talking at once, and Lulu asked if she could go first. A few months ago, Maxie tricked them into coming there because she wanted them to come to a truce. She wasn’t ready then, but she was today if Brook was.

Tracy told Cody that she was well-acquainted with regret, and it was a complete waste of time. What’s done, is done. The only choice was how to proceed, and the only question was, what was he going to learn from this experience? Cody said, no more lies, no more scams, and she said it was a good place to start, and she left.

Ava told Ric that she’d tried to withdraw money, and the account was locked down. He said he locked them for a couple days to prevent suspect purchases. She said it was her money, but he said it was their money. Just a couple days. She’d have access soon. She left and he called Alexis.

Alexis stepped into the hallway and asked what Ric wanted. He told her, get to the MetroCourt pool. She’d want to hear this.

Turner told Michael to consider himself fortunate and suggested he be on his best behavior. Michael thanked her and left. Sonny said he wanted another minute with Turner, and Diane advised against it, but he said he’d be fine. Diane said she’d wait outside, and Turner said, this should be good.

Drew approached Willow at the hospital, and she said it would help if he’d leave her alone, especially at work. He said, something important happened that she needed to hear. Michael assaulted him at the MetroCourt in front of a lot of people because he told Wiley that she missed him. He understood things were over between them, but he wasn’t going to stop helping her. Seeing Michael’s family take advantage of the legal system was enlightening and he was afraid she’d never see Wiley and Amelia again.

At the hospital, Nina asked if Elizabeth had seen Willow. She knew Willow needed space, but wanted to make sure she was okay. Elizabeth told her, try the breakroom, and Nina left.

Willow said she didn’t know if she could trust Drew, and he said he wanted to tell her the truth, but Nina begged him not to. She’d threatened him and said she’d bribe her political connections. He knew she loved her mother, and they’d come so far, but she deserved to know the truth. He had no right to ask, but could she please try to believe him?

Lulu said all that mattered was that they both loved Maxie. She was fighting for her life. Felicia, Mac, Spinelli, and the kids needed them. She noticed Brook had left early. Was it because of her? Brook said Lulu might have something to do with it, and Lulu said Maxie needed all of her people. Brook said she felt guilty, and Lulu said they didn’t have to be friends. They needed to show up together for the Scorpios. Brook said she felt the same and that’s what they’d do.

Obrecht brought flowers to Maxie’s room and told Felicia that she’d just drop them off and be on her way. She knew Maxie loved them. Felicia said, don’t be silly. She was family and always welcome.

Alexis met Ric and asked what he wanted. He said he had good news, and she said his good was always her bad news, but he said, not this time. He and Ava were souring. She said she was so sorry, and he said, one more payment and they were done. No more blackmail. Alexis flashed back to Ava telling her to open an account only she could access, and told Ric that for once, he was right. This is good news.

Molly looked at her laptop and flashed back to being with Cody on the horse and at the Nurses Ball. She picked up her stuff and left, running into Michael at the door. He asked if she was okay, and she said she wasn’t. She thought she had feelings for Cody.

Ava went to the stables, but Cody said it wasn’t a good time. She said she heard about Maxie. She was so sorry. How was she? He said he’d rather not get into it right now, and she said she understood. Would he like some company? She’d like to cash in her raincheck. He said he was just thinking about her, and Ava asked if he missed her. He said he was sorry. He knew she thought he was a good guy, but she was wrong about him.

Sonny thanked Turner, but she said she was just doing her job. Overhearing the congressman at his house was eye opening. He was using his power to blackmail. She believed in the justice system and wouldn’t see it twisted by men like that. He asked if she understood that she made an enemy. That crack about her being on his payroll wasn’t the last she’d hear. She said she wasn’t afraid of Drew Cain. She’d faced men far worse and come out standing. She had nothing to hide. Now he knew why she turned down his gifts. He said, if he sent them, and she said, yes, if it was him. He left and she smiled.

Outside, Diane said she knew what Sonny was doing, and he said, what’s that? She said, cultivating the acting DA. One question. Was he working Turner or was she working him?

Stella told Martin to stop beating himself up. It wasn’t his fault. It was hers. Curtis said there was only one person to blame – Drew. He targeted everyone in Curtis’s family and Curtis had enough. Drew had to be stopped.

Willow told Drew that she just wanted to get her children back. It was a complete nightmare. He said he’d do what he had to in order to fix it for her if she’d let him. He promised he’d get her kids back and held her. Nina came to the door and saw them through the window.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Dubrovnik, Croatia. Britt sees Jason sitting near the pool, and he sees Greta. He says, there she is, and Greta says she’s sorry she’s late, but he says she was worth waiting for.

In their room at the resort Josslyn says, this isn’t working, and Vaughn says he knows. She says they’ve checked the pool, the spa, the restaurants, the courts. They’ve got to look somewhere else for Britt. He says, they can’t. They’re out of time.

Molly asks if they can just pretend she didn’t just say to Michael, and anyone else who walked by, that she has feelings for Cody, but he says, it’s too late. She doesn’t have to be embarrassed in front of him he’s the master of inconvenient feelings. She says, there’s no way that’s true. He’s always so in control. He says, it’s funny she should say that to him today, and she says, dare she ask? He says he was just at the PCPD because he may or may not have taken a swing at Drew and given him a black eye. But right now, he wants to hear about her feelings. That way he can give her the full benefit of his expertise in matters of the awkward heart. Spill it. How bad does she have it for Cody?

Ava asks, in what way is she wrong? and Cody says he wasn’t being a good guy when he returned her sunglasses. He didn’t come to discuss art either. She tells him, you don’t say, and he says, that obvious, huh? He’s not just not a good guy. He’s also not a smooth one. She says she’s sorry to disappoint, but if they’re making confessions, she really should tell him that she had ulterior when she encouraged him.

In the kitchen at Bobbie’s, Carly says, thank God, Jack is here, and he says he wishes more people would say that when he walked into a room. He got here as fast as he could. He didn’t even stop to say hi to Michael and Molly, who are right outside. She says, they don’t care. Don’t worry about them. Did he bring it? He puts his briefcase on the counter, opens it, and takes out a wrench. He says, never leave home without it.

Nina sees Willow at the nurses’ station and sighs. Ric sees Elizabeth and says, long time no see. She thanks him again for lunch. It was fun. He says, yes, it was. Maybe they could try for dinner next time. Elizabeth watches as Nina approaches the desk and says, that can’t be good. Nina tells Willow that she’s just here to sit with Maxie’s family. The last thing she wants is to bother her. But she wants Willow to know that if she ever needs anything, she’s always here for her. As she walks away, Willow says, wait.

Lulu is vacuuming when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Laura and invites her in. Laura says she thought stop by to see how everything is going, and Lulu says, it’s going okay. She’s just trying to keep everything as normal as possible for the kids while Maxie is at GH and Spinelli is at her bedside. Laura says she’s sure Spinelli and the kids are very grateful. Tell her how everybody is doing. Lulu says, Brook took James to baseball practice, Georgie is doing her homework, and she actually got BJ down for a nap. So all things considered, she’d say everyone is hanging in there. Laura says she’s glad to hear that, but what about Lulu? and Lulu says she’s so scared. Laura holds her.

Lulu says she’s trying to stay positive, but she’s so afraid the doctors will say Maxie slipped into a coma. Laura says, it’s so understandable, especially since Lulu, more than anyone, knows what Maxie is experiencing right now. Lulu says, maybe, maybe not. She remembers being incredibly disoriented, and very impressed by how great her nails looked. Laura says, that was Maxie. She did Lulu’s nails every week. She wanted Lulu to know the moment she woke up that she was cared for and never forgotten. Lulu says, it worked. What if she doesn’t get the chance to hold Maxie’s hand the same way Maxie held hers?

Willow tells Nina, sorry about Maxie. It’s kind of her to be here to comfort the family. But she thought she made herself perfectly clear – stay away from her. Nina leaves, sees Ric and Elizabeth, and keeps on walking. Elizabeth tells Ric, it could have gone worse, and he says, Willow seemed to keep her composure, which is a good sign. Excuse him for a minute. She says, sure, and he says he’s going to follow up on that dinner. He walks over to Willow and asks how she’s doing over here after that lovely visit from her mother. She seemed to handle herself well from his vantage point. She says, it wasn’t easy, but she has to be on her best behavior after that incident with Lucas. He asks if she’s heard from HR on that, and she says, no, nothing. She knows how lucky that makes her. He says he hopes her luck holds, and she says, it might be. Dr. Park agreed to be a character reference for her. He says, that’s helpful, but in a perfect world, they want someone from her family who knows her and has seen with the children. Someone who can vouch for what a good mother she is. His phone dings and he says, sorry. He’s got to take this, but keep working on that character reference. No more colleagues. Family is key.  

Cody says, wait a minute. When he tried to kiss Ava in her gallery, she slapped him. That may be encouraging to some, but not to him. Ava says, come on. There are slaps and there are slaps. She gave him more of a forceful caress. He says, is that what the kids are calling it now? and she says, after which she asked him to stay at the gallery and finish the work. He says, so she encouraged him so he could hang the art on a wall, but she says, not exactly. At first, she just enjoyed having him around. Then she saw that it made Ric jealous. It also made him more attentive. Cody says he saw the tension between her and Ric, so he did the best he could to make it really bad, and she says she knows. She found it gratifying. He doesn’t have to feel bad or apologize. She had more fun with him than with Ric, and frankly, she has only one reason to stay with Ric. Cody says, why is he feeling scared? and she says, the only reason she stays with Ric is to drive Alexis and her darling daughters completely insane.

Molly tells Michael, Cody is funny and charming, in a weird way, and annoying. So annoying. Michael asks, how? and she says, he’s always going on about how uptight and controlling she is. Michael says, the two of them definitely have different styles, and she says she doesn’t know, but it’s something surprising. Cody can be a standup guy. He’s come to her rescue a few times, but then other times, he makes her life a nightmare. Like that time he locked her on the roof of the hospital in the freezing cold. Michael says, sorry? He locked her on the roof? She says, no… Well, yes, technically, but it wasn’t actually his fault. Then eventually, he got them off the roof by taking off his pants… (Ha-ha! Michael’s face.) No. It was sweet. I guess you had to be there. Michael says, if she thinks what she just described is charming, he hates to be the one to break it to her, but she definitely does have feelings for Cody. She says she’s afraid to say it, but it doesn’t have to be bad. She thinks, in fact, it could be good. The real question is, what does she want to do about it?

Carly says she wants to go on record that she knows it’s totally inappropriate to ask a WSB Bureau Chief to fix a garbage disposal. But her regular guy isn’t available until tomorrow and she has a wedding at the MetroCourt. Then tomorrow she has a post-wedding brunch at the MetroCourt and she doesn’t have Josslyn because she’s in Australia. Jack keeps trying to interrupt, and finally says, he’s happy to do it, especially if it takes something off her very full plate. There’s one condition. She says, anything, and he says, she cannot disclose his plumbing parties not currently in this room. She says she’ll consider it confidential, and they kiss.

Vaughn tells Josslyn that they shouldn’t stay in the room too long. They should have notified Brennan about the assassin. Josslyn says, no. They agreed they had a window of time to find Britt before anyone found out about it. He says, that window is closing, if it’s not shut already. They combed every inch of the resort and can’t find Britt anywhere. Josslyn says, no, they haven’t. Not every inch. He says, staying any longer is too risky. They made an attempt and came up empty. Now it’s time to cut their losses and inform the WSB. She says, they can’t leave without a lead. By the time the WSB sends anybody else, whatever is going on – Britt Westbourne or not – would been covered up or gone.

Jason suggests he and Greta have a seat and says he’s so glad she agreed to have dinner with him. She asks if he’d be interested in having a glass of champagne out here in the garden before they go in, and he says he’d like that. He calls the server over, and asks if he can get two glasses of champagne, please. Britt listens in, and Greta says, when they were talking on the beach earlier, he never said what brought him to Croatia. He says, vacation, and she asks, from what?… Or perhaps, who? He says he’s a contractor for ELQ. He manages large scale construction projects. Actually, he just finished this incredible project in Montenegro and decided he needed a break. One of his colleagues stayed at the Five Poppies and he recommended it. What about her? She says, there’s not much to tell. She travels a great deal for business and needed to take a breath and stay in one spot. Pascal sees Britt eavesdropping and asks what she thinks she’s doing.

Ric asks what hell Nina was doing approaching Willow like that. Didn’t she know if Willow has one more public meltdown, it will hurt her case? Does she want that on her conscience? Nina says, add it to her list. They have a much bigger problem to deal with. He says, what now? and she says, he needs to tell Willow that if she wants Wiley and Amelia back, she cannot speak to Drew Cain again.

Kristina  tells Elizabeth that she has flowers for Maxie, but doesn’t want to intrude on the family. Would she mind bringing them in? Elizabeth says she’ll make sure Maxie gets them and takes the flowers. Willow asks if Kristina has a second, but Kristina says, no. Willow says she wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.

Molly tells Michael, what does she want to do about her feelings for Cody? Nothing, right? Kristina already told her that he was a con man and a hustler. She’d be a fool to go anywhere near a guy like that, right? Michael says, it’s true Cody has a colorful past, but he’s been working at the Quartermaines for over a year. He’s super reliable and the kids love him. Tracy considers him a friend, like a real one. She says, he has his moments, and Michael says, does she mean like the night of the fire at Charlie’s? She got the call and wanted to make sure Kristina was okay. He offered to drive her. She says, he did more than that. She was completely freaking out and he said all the right things. He talked her down. Michael says he didn’t know anyone could do that, and she says, but isn’t that a skill a conman would have? They make you feel safe… Michael says he was there. He saw it for himself. Cody’s only concern was helping her.

Cody asks if driving people crazy is really a good reason to stay in a relationship, and Ava says, it’s an entertaining one. Why not? Ric is using her. Why shouldn’t she use him? Cody says he doesn’t have a good answer for that, and she says, all those Davis women. They’re all so sanctimonious, one worse than the other. Alexis is smug and self-righteous. Kristina has the gall to judge her after everything she’s done, and whenever Kristina is going to face any type of consequences, Alexis swoops in and cleans up her mess. To be honest, it’s a disturbing display of co-dependency.  He says, Alexis can be pompous, and Kristina is like a handful for sure, but Molly is nice, like honest, good person nice for real. She says, high and mighty Molly. Come on. Please tell her he’s not taken in by Molly’s act. She’s just as bad as her mother and sister. She may even be worse.

Vaughn tells Josslyn, fine. They’ll keep looking for Britt, but he’s informing Brennan. She says, he’ll just order them to come home, and Vaughn says, if he does, then that’s what they’ll do. They’re out on a limb. This is the job. She says she knows and opens the door. He asks where she’s going. They just agreed to call Brennan. She says, he’s calling Brennan. And while Brennan is yelling at him, she’s going to do one last sweep of the grounds. She’s not giving up on finding Britt until she has to. She leaves.

Jack looks at his phone and says he sees. Carly asks if everything is okay, and Jack sends a text to Vaughn saying he needs an update asap. He tells Carly, it’s just work.

Britt tells Pascal that she’s been working in the lab all day and no matter what maintenance is telling him, the air conditioning is still not working. She processed all the data and what does she find here in the garden? A courier hitting on a guest. Pascal says, what exactly does she propose he do about it? and she says, peel Greta off that guy and send her back to Port Charles. He says, Greta is still on the clock. He asked her to get to know Mr. Moore. Britt asks, why? What does Pascal think he’s up to? He says, perhaps nothing, but he needs to be sure. It seems the WSB has infiltrated the Five Poppies. She asks how he knows that, and he says he has sources everywhere. She says she guesses so, and he says, it’s nothing for her to worry about. It’s handled. He’s having the staff run a security review of the guests just to be on the safe side. Jason and Greta clink glasses.

Jack tells Carly that he’s glad to switch gears from Bureau business to an actual emergency for a change, but please tell her staff to stop put potato scraps in the garbage disposal. The starch gets caught in the blade and disaster is ensured. She says she would if it was their fault, and points to herself. She says she should have known better. Her friend Maxie is in the hospital, and she’s been a bit distracted. He says, Maxie Jones? What happened? She says, they don’t know. She collapsed and hasn’t woken up. They don’t know what’s wrong and it’s all she can think about.  

Laura says she thinks Lulu is right where Maxie would want her to be, in her home taking care of her children, and Lulu says, they are always Maxie’s first priority. Laura says, she’s right, and the thing is, it’s still early on. They weren’t given any definitive information about her condition, and things really could change at any moment. She might wake up later today. Lulu says, she better. She can’t shake the image of Maxie in her hospital bed. The thought of Maxie losing years of her life in a coma like she did is unbearable. Laura says, here’s the thing. Maxie has the same strong will and determination Lulu has. She believes it’s that quality that brought Lulu back to her and thinks it will be the same with Maxie. Lulu says she wishes there was something more she could do, and Laura says she’s doing it. Maxie never gave up on her, so she knows Lulu will never give up on Maxie.

Michael says he doesn’t think Cody could fake the level of concern he showed for Molly the night of the fire at Charlie’s, and she says, it did seem genuine. Is he saying he thinks Cody has feelings for her? He says he doesn’t know Cody well enough to know and if he did, it wouldn’t be his place to tell her. It seemed like all he wanted to do was right by her. Molly says, maybe he’ll laugh. This is silly, but she thinks she actually needs to get over whatever it is she’s feeling for Cody and just forget it. Forget him and move on. Michael says, don’t take him the wrong way, but does she think she can just get over Cody? If she could, wouldn’t she have done it by now?

Ava tells Cody, Molly hides behind a very carefully crafted front, but she has the worst qualities of both parents. Molly is as disingenuous as Ric, and as judgmental as Alexis. And she’s going to teach every single one of them not to mess with her. She’s stayed with Ric as long as she could. She just wants to watch them squirm, especially Molly. He says, it sounds like a lot of work. He can think of better ways for her to spend her time and better people to spend it with.

Ric asks why Nina wants him to tell Willow to stay away from Drew. It’s not like the court will hold who Willow associates with against her. (Does he know anything about the custody hearing?) Nina says, because she’s paying him and he’ll do what she wants him to do. He says, so she wants him to lie, and she says, that’s correct. She wants him to lie. However will he manage?

Willow says, Kristina knows how much she loves her children and knows she’s a good mother. She needs Kristina to be willing to say that in court. Kristina says, why her, of all people? and Willow says she has colleagues who are willing to testify on her behalf, but according to Ric, she also needs a family member. All she has to do is tell the truth. Kristina says she’s sorry. Michael is her brother. She thinks Willow should find someone else. Willow says Kristina’s brother is keeping her children from her. Can she not see how painful that is? Kristina was almost a mother herself. Kristina said she still is and always will be. So for Willow to suggest otherwise… Willow says she’s sorry, so sorry. That was… Kristina says, Willow doesn’t want her to testify. She should be glad, because if she did, she’d tell the judge that Willow should never see her children again. Willow says Kristina was the only one who treated her with any decency when Michael got hurt, and Kristina says, what choice did she have? Willow was withholding treatment. She pretended for his sake. She didn’t trust Willow, and she was right. When Michael was in Germany, she had to arrange for the calls so the children could speak with their father because Willow was too busy with Drew. Willow says she told Kristina that she was being kept out of the loop. She admits to making a mistake. Kristina says, a mistake that she was more than willing to continue making until she found out Drew was sleeping with her mother. Then she showed up at Carly’s house, a complete mess, screaming and crying. She knew the children were there. She knew Wiley could see her like that. Does she have any idea how much she upset him? Willow says because Michael is turning the kids against her. That’s why. He’s been keeping them from her. Kristina says, no. Michael hasn’t been keeping the kids from her. The judge is and for good reason. She’s a terrible mother. Willow walks away and Elizabeth asks Kristina to come with her.

Jason tells Greta, that’s crazy because he was thinking about renting a motorcycle and taking it for a ride along the coastline, and she says, the views are incredible, but the roads can be treacherous. He says he can handle that. He’s got some experience. What about her? He doesn’t meet many women who ride. She says she’s not many women, and he says he can see that. Josslyn almost walks out, but sees Jason and backs up quickly. Jason and Greta leave and Josslyn jets.

Cody tells Ava not to waste her time with Ric. She’s moved on to something better. She says she certainly hopes so, and he says when he first got here, he was feeling blue, but not anymore. She says, he makes her smile and she’s happy to return the favor, and he says there has to be something he can do to thank her. They kiss and he says, she’s not going to give him another forceful caress? She says she has something much better in mind.

Molly tells Michael that she misspoke when she said she needed to get over Cody. That’s not the right word. It’s not like she’s head over heels or something. Michael tells her that he didn’t say that she was, but Cody did seem to be living rent free in her head. He and Molly are a lot alike. They think before they act and think of every possible outcome and prepare accordingly. That’s a huge asset in their professional lives, but a little paralyzing when it came to their personal lives. Molly says, that’s probably true, but it’s not something she can change. It’s not something she wants to change. That methodical, logical thinking has made her who she is. He tells her that he’s not saying she should change. He’s just saying maybe she should look at the situation with the same keen eye she uses on others. She says, keep talking, and he says, right now, she’s living in the land of hypotheticals. She’s thinking of every possible way things could go wrong with Cody. What if she spent some time with him in real life instead and see how she feels?

Kristina says, Willow has some nerve asking her to be a character reference, and Elizabeth says, she’s desperate. She’s terrified she’s going to lose her children because of bad decisions she made. Kristina says, terrible decisions, and Elizabeth says, decisions that she made without thinking, in the heat of the moment. She thought Kristina would know something about that. Kristina says she would never throw her family away for someone like Drew, and Elizabeth says, maybe not, but she would make the rash decision to cut someone’s brake lines for her family. She would have thought Kristina would have a little empathy. Willow is fighting to get her life back. Kristina would have been in the same exact position facing legal consequences, but she didn’t because some people showed empathy and didn’t go to the police. Kristina asks if Elizabeth is saying, if she doesn’t testify for Willow, she’ll turn her in.  

Michael suggests a coffee date, and Molly says she hasn’t done this as an adult. She and TJ got together when they were young. Then they were together a long time, so she thinks she’s just going to get big signal and… Michael says, it’s just coffee. It’s one cup and then he has the feeling she’ll know what she wants to do. She says, okay. She can do that. She thanks him, and he says, one more thing. He knows they’re the risk adverse type, but he doesn’t regret any chances he took for love. It helped him land the best thing in his life, his kids. After a long day, all he wants to do is come get an iced tea and go home to see them. And now, he doesn’t even care about the iced tea part. Good luck. He leaves.

Carly tells Jack that she and Maxie have a very complex emotional connection. Her mom had a daughter named BJ. She was killed in a school bus accident when she was little. At the same time, Maxie needed a heart transplant. BJ’s heart saved Maxie’s life. Jack says, that’s an incredible story. Is Maxie having trouble with her heart? Carly tells him that they said she had a heart attack, but now her heart was working perfectly. So something else has to be going on. He says he can see why she’s so worried. Losing a child? He can’t imagine it. It must have been terrible for her mom. She says she didn’t know her mom until after she lost BJ. Her mom grieved her daughter, but moved on in spite of the pain. She didn’t let that loss steal the joy that made her who she was, right? She had no idea how hard it must have been for her mom until she lost Morgan. He says, her resilience is nothing short of astonishing, and she says she has a lot to live for. Michael, Josslyn, and Donna. That’s why she’ll always be grateful to him. He says, all he did was fix her sink, but she says, he got Michael into the clinic. He gave Michael his life back, which means he gave her her life back. There’s nothing more important to her than her kids. He says he was happy to help. Anyone can see how she lights up when she talks about her kids. She says she’s spoken to Michael and squeezed the stuffing out of Donna. Now she just wants to wrap her arms around Josslyn.

As they fold laundry, Lulu says she can’t imagine what it’s been like for Laura. All those years. Four years of visiting her and never giving up hope. She doesn’t understand how Laura did it. Laura said she wanted to see Lulu. She wanted sit with her. She wanted hold Lulu’s hand and talk to her. She wanted Lulu to know how much her family loved her. Lulu says she did. She has no conscious memory of it, but she thinks she could feel Laura. Laura, Maxie, Dante, Rocco, and Charlotte, they were a beacon that helped her find her way home. Laura says that’s exactly what she’d always hoped for because she always believed Lulu was going to wake up and come back to them. If Lulu could just believe that now for Maxie, it might help her find her way back too. Lulu says she’ll try, and Laura says, good. She knows it won’t be easy, but it will be worth doing. Lulu says she doesn’t think she fully understood how hard a time it was for Laura until now. All those years at her bedside and not giving up. She only hopes she has half the strength Laura does.

Elizabeth says, this isn’t blackmail. She’s just asking Kristina to consider Willow’s request. Kristina says Elizabeth is asking her to testify against her own brother, but Elizabeth says she doesn’t really see it that way. It isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about doing what’s best for the kids. Kristina says, what’s best for the kids is for Michael to have full custody. End of story. Elizabeth says, Willow is the kids’ mother, and she thinks Willow deserves a second chance. She knows Willow has demonstrated terrible judgment. She’s made mistakes, just like Kristina. The only difference is that Kristina was shown some grace. All she’s asking is for Kristina to pay it forward.

Laura tells Lulu, look at all the things she’s been through, and she’s always come through with flying colors. Lulu asks if Laura is looking at her through mom-colored glasses, and Laura says, maybe a little bit, but she thinks her point still stands. It was hard to see her beautiful daughter lying in a hospital bed, but not so hard that she didn’t want to come back and visit again. And it certainly never made her give up hope. Lulu says, why not? and Laura says because she loves Lulu. If Maxie needs Lulu to hold her hand and be a beacon, she’ll be able to do it because she loves Maxie. Lulu asks how Laura is so wise, and Laura says, that is one of the universe’s great mysteries.

On the phone, Willow tells Drew that she needs him to help get her kids back, and Elizabeth overhears.

Molly walks into the stables and calls for Cody. She goes in the back and finds Cody and Ava getting busy. She says, sorry, and runs out.

Kristina goes back home and flashes back to her altercation with Ava in the hotel room before her fall. She paces then sits down, and remembers cutting the brake lines on Ric’s car, thinking it was Ava’s. There’s a knock at the door and it’s Ric.

Carly tells Jack that she knows Josslyn is fine, even though she’s one the other side of the world. She knows how lucky that makes her. Felicia is just sitting next to her daughter, unable to reach her. She can’t imagine what that feels like. Jack says he thinks she probably can, and Carly says, Felicia already lost a daughter. She lost Georgie. She knows from experience, a mother can survive losing one child, barely. If she lost another, that would be the end of her. She couldn’t go on. She wouldn’t want to go on. He says, she’ll never have to find out. That’s never going to happen. He holds her.

Josslyn goes back to the room and calls Vaughn’s name, but he’s not there. She turns to find Pascal in the doorway holding a gun. He says if she’s looking for her husband, otherwise known as Agent Vaughn, he’ll be more than happy to facilitate her reunion.

Jason is about to make a call in his room when there’s a knock at the door. He tosses the phone on the bed and opens the door to Britt.

Ha-ha-ha – Agent Vaughn! I’m pretty sure he has a last name. It sounded like he was a pediatrician or a youth minister.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

My guess is that Maxie will encounter Nathan while she’s unconscious.

https://ew.com/ryan-paevey-is-returning-to-general-hospital-after-seven-years-11792848

If you didn’t watch then or need a refresher course.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-rewind-remembering-b-j-s-death-30-years-later/

Tony’s tribute. Great photos!

https://ew.com/general-hospital-star-anthony-geary-mourns-tristan-rogers-11794887

I just wish they’d get on with honoring Monica already.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/its-only-my-opinion-why-gh-days-and-other-soaps-should-honor-beloved-stars-when-they-die/

Interesting cross over. I’m a big fan of Beyond the Gates, but only watched Y&R for a brief time when Marc Singer was guest starring, but Kristoff St. John was on one of my favorite kickboxing fitness videos, Kick Butt. He was gone all too soon.

https://ew.com/bryton-james-tribute-young-and-the-restless-dad-kristoff-st-john-11789053

This sounds like a good time. It starts on Halloween.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/get-tickets-for-the-2025-general-hospital-fan-celebration-at-graceland/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

The boat needed a part – from Miami – which was taking its time getting there, and the guests decided it was a good excuse not to tip. One of them told Captain Kerry that a lack of tip wasn’t a reflection of their group and while he did it in the nicest of ways, the captain shamed him, saying it wasn’t the staff’s fault. Truth. If I was with someone who tried to pull that, we’d be done. Chef Anthony pitched a fit when asked what time lunch was, but after Captain Kerry divvied up the pittance of a tip, $19K, the chef successfully completed the task.

The Real Housewives Of Miami

Larsa unfollowed Marcus. According to Guerdy, pigs flew. No surprise, there was an argument in public at dinner, this time between Adriana and Kiki, who called Adriana old. In Marysol’s interview, she said karma had come to roost on Adriana, and we flashed back to Adriana calling Marysol an old whore. From the preview of next week, it looks like they’ll move onto the next leg of their journey and no doubt the next argument.

The Real Housewives Of Orange County

Shannon was late to some alligator tour which caused Gina to have a meltdown over having too many things. Shannon said she’d had an anxiety attack. Tamra said she was gone, but not really. We were forced to watch her therapy session where she said she was afraid of not being liked. Then she met Fancy Pants for lunch and bitched about Gretchen. Emily freaked out over her son’s eating disorder and as usual, her husband thought she was overreacting. And at this point, I wish they’d just let go of the whole Katie/blogger/Gretchen thing. Gretchen seems to have a memory like Swiss cheese and really, who cares?

Random Reality Items

This dude has become the definition of ingrate. What a shame.

I miss this show… sniff…

Boy, bye.

Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser. Netflix. Three-part documentary. I’m pretty sure I watched some of this show at the beginning, but lost interest. Or possibly I couldn’t stand the humiliation, the whole reason I refuse to watch things like The Bachelor. I’ve been at my fighting weight for a while, but like many women have always fought the battle with my weight. I can tell you this, 800 calories a day and working out 6-8 hours a day is not a sustainable plan. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the challenges were nothing but embarrassing, with contestants running around with donuts in their mouths they were forbidden to eat. While the embarrassment is real for the over-the-norm weight, I’m pretty sure no one would have to meet such a challenge in real life. There was too much purely for entertainment and too little of real education. No surprise, nearly all the contestants gained the weight back and then some afterward. Fascinating and sickening at the same time.

https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/fit-for-tv-documentary-release-date-news

https://www.slashfilm.com/1945855/netflix-the-biggest-loser-doc-fit-for-tv-exposes-evil-show/

47 Meters Down. Netflix. Truth be told, I love sharks IRL and think they get bad press, but they’re still high on my list of horror film sub-genres I love to see. In the deep sea, there are more terrors that lurk than the aquatic residents, like running out of oxygen. While there was definitely a shark to be feared, probably the biggest scares came from other sources. It was good, but I have to admit, I kind of felt like my father when we saw one of the Jaws sequels – bring on the music and the shark already.

The Phoenician Scheme. Peacock. Another thing my father used to say was, if someone wasn’t killed in the first ten minutes, he was leaving the theater. He was joking, since Sound of Music was staple in our household, but he would have loved this film. An industrialist has decided to make his estranged nun daughter his heir, hiring a tutor to help her make her way through new territory. Many cameos, fun weapons, and dry hilarity ensue. It took me a minute to get to this one, but it wasn’t a waste of time and it’s definitely something different.

https://theconversation.com/the-phoenician-scheme-a-fun-watch-even-though-its-the-same-journey-in-a-different-vehicle-257658

🪄 Upon Another Time…

I loved this show, but I’m torn as to whether a return would be the best idea.

https://ew.com/lana-parrilla-open-returning-to-once-upon-a-time-exclusive-11792004

👠 We Call Her Bernie…

I was sad to hear Terence Stamp passed away. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is one of my all-time favorite films and a tradition for me to watch on New Year’s Eve if I’m celebrating at home. He was my favorite character, and I’m disappointed that the future sequel (still on the drawing board) won’t include him, but I assume it will begin with Bernadette’s funeral, like the original began with Trumpet’s. It’s only fitting.

https://ew.com/terence-stamp-dead-superman-and-the-limey-star-was-87-11792425

🐾 Promotion, Parents, and Persuasion…

🐕 Hmm… Pet Island perhaps?

https://people.com/ariana-madix-joins-aspca-to-promote-pet-adoption-11795710

🪸 As it should be.

https://people.com/photographer-captures-rare-moment-female-seahorses-pass-eggs-to-their-mates-to-carry-11794551

🐈 I still think it’s hilarious that he told the kids cats were poisonous.

https://people.com/taylor-swift-says-it-was-great-challenge-introducing-jason-kelce-s-kids-to-her-cats-11790902

https://people.com/kylie-kelce-taylor-swift-might-help-convince-jason-kelce-to-get-a-cat-11790770

✒️ Quotes of the Week

We do not remember days, we remember moments. The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten.Cesare Pavese

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.William Feather

In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story. – Walter Cronkite

There is only one way to avoid criticism. Do nothing. Be nothing. Say nothing.Aristotle

When I don’t make a catch, it doesn’t bother me. It’s not part of my metrics for my self-worth. – Taylor Swift

If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes. – Andrew Carnegie

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. – Oscar Wilde

I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday. – Eleanor Roosevelt

You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strengthMarcus Aurelius

On every reality show, people say lame things that we can never say. No fist bumping, no high fives. You can’t tell me to bring it, shut it down, or put our cupcake business on the map. You can’t tell me to go, girl or bring my A game, and we don’t got this. Cool? – Max Black (Kat Dennings), 2 Broke Girls

🏄‍♀️ Drinking In the Wild Air…

Until next week, stay safe; stay never swimming where they’ve planted red flags on the beach – seriously, don’t do it no matter how strong a swimmer you are; and stay being a beacon wherever you can be.

July 21, 2024 –Carly Hears the Audio File, On Returning, No Social, Almost Brandy, OC Drama, Coming Deck, VanderJunk, Expectations, Reunion, Animal Tales, Jesting, More Than 8 Quotes & Love

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Carly says she’s sorry to keep Sam waiting, and Sam says, crisis averted? Carly says, more like crisis handled for now. Sam says, good, because she’s going to need Carly’s undivided attention. She only wants to do this once. Carly says, do what? and Sam says she knows why Jason let them think he was dead.

Anna tells Jason that she’s having dinner at Valentin’s house tomorrow. She’ll find the opportunity to search. Then she’ll get the evidence that he’s running Pikeman. Jason says his way is simpler, and she says, if by his way he means he’s going to break in, search, and if he doesn’t find anything, he’ll beat the truth out of Valentin, that’s not going to work. He says, her way will? and she says, yes, because she’s Valentin’s blind spot. She can take him unawares. Jason just has to be patient. Jason says he sacrificed over two and a half years to protect Carly. He will not let this go to waste. He needs to prove to the FBI that Valentin is their guy.

Chase says, Brook really went all out for dinner, and she says, it’s their first homecooked meal as a married couple. It’s a big milestone. It doesn’t matter that she’s cooked a ton for him in the past. This was the first official one. He says, then he officially declares it delicious, and she asks how he’d rate it. He says, five stars. And the food was pretty good too. He kisses her.

Maxie says, Bailey Lou has had her second bath and is in bed, and James asks her to tell Georgie that he didn’t throw food as a baby. Maxie asks Violet if they’re still fighting about this. Who’s winning? Violet says she thinks it’s a tie, and James says, that means he won. Georgie says, no, it doesn’t, and Maxie says, they’re all winners. Why doesn’t Violet get her stuff and she’ll take her home. Georgie says, they really don’t want Violet to go home. Can she please sleep over? Spinelli comes in and says, hello, family, and the lovely Violet. He’s sorry he missed dinner. Maxie says, he also missed clean-up. How was work? He says he’ll fill her in after dinner, and James asks if Violet can’t stay. Maxie says, maybe next time. Violet’s dad really wants her home. Violet says, it’s okay. She had a lot of fun today, but she hasn’t to go home now. Her dad gets really sad and lonely when she’s not there.

Finn lies on the couch, his phone playing morose music alongside an open bottle of tequila. (Why? Why is it always tequila?) He wakes with a start, sits up, and holds his head. He picks up the bottle and takes a swig. (Ugh. It’s bad if you’re drinking straight from the bottle, and Michael Easton is so good, he’s making me feel ill.) He notices a smear of blood and some glass on the table, and looks at his hand, realizing he has a piece of glass imbedded in his palm. He pulls out the glass, takes another swig, and pours some tequila on the wound, which is obviously painful. He tries to get up, but falls on the floor and stays there.

Sam puts her phone on Carly’s desk and says, what she’s about to hear isn’t all about her, even though she knows Carly is going to make it that way. Sam’s life and her children have been affected. Elizabeth and Jake, and anyone who’s ever loved Jason and mourned his death.  Carly asks where she got this and how she knows it wasn’t altered, and Sam says, it’s real. Spinelli got it from the FBI’s evidentiary database. And of course (🍷) Carly will be able to confirm its authenticity. Sam hits play, and Carly’s voice says, as you all know, my husband is dead, but his organization isn’t. It’s still strong and stable. The only thing that’s changed is the person who sits in Sonny’s seat, and from now on, that will be me.

John comes into the warehouse and asks, where is she? Jason says, where’s who? and John tells him not to play games. He knows Anna was here. Jason says, and now she’s not. John asks what they talked about, and says, Jason had better have been smart enough to record it. Jason says he never records conversations, and John says, then they have a problem. Unless he’s figured out another way to prove Anna is the one running Pikeman. Jason says, John’s not going to find anything on Anna because there’s nothing there. Or does proving it not even matter anymore?

Anna says, sorry she’s late, but Valentin says, don’t worry about it. He’s just glad she wasn’t canceling. She says she did think about it, but she wanted to see him. He says he’s glad, and she says, whatever he’s cooking smells delicious. He says, coq au vin, and she says, the classics. They never get old. She’s always loved how he decorated this place. He says, that makes him happy because it’s all for her. He bought this house hoping they would share it. Does she know what goes well with coq au vin? A Bordeaux he brought back from his travels. Would she like a glass? She asks how she could say no, and he says, she can’t. He’ll be right back. He goes into the kitchen, and she says, take your time. When he’s gone, she starts snooping around.

Violet thanks doorman Carl for walking her up and he says, anytime. Tell her dad he said hi. She closes the door and sees Finn on the floor. She says, dad? and runs to him. She shakes him and says, she’s home. Wake up. She sees the blood on his hand and takes his phone off the table. She sees he missed a call from Tracy, and she hits the number to call back.

Tracy picks up and says, it’s about time. She’s left him three messages. She was beginning to think he was avoiding her. Violet says, her dad needs help, and Tracy asks, what’s wrong? Violet says she thinks he’s dead, and Tracy says she’ll be right there. She calls 911 and says she needs to report an emergency. 347 Portside Road, apartment 9.

Spinelli kisses Maxie, and says, it seems as though she may be somewhere else. Is something wrong? She says, no. She’s just worried about Violet. He asks if something happened when she dropped Violet off, but she says, it was a completely normal drive. She just really heard what Violet was saying while she was here. How she needed to get home and be with her dad because she was worried about him. It kind of sounded like she was raising Finn, not the other way around. Spinelli says, she does seem responsible for her father, but what if that’s just their normal relationship? After all, in the dictionary, under the word precocious, there’s a picture of Violet. Maxie says, even so, it’s possible for a child to be too sensitive. She feels like there might be something going on at home.

Tracy runs into Finn’s apartment, and Violet says, he won’t wake up. Tracy says she called an ambulance, and asks Violet to wait by the door until they get here. She checks Finn, and the paramedics come. Violet tells them, he’s over there, and they go over to him. Tracy says, his daughter found him like this when she came home. Luckily, Violet had the good sense to call her. She tells Violet that she thinks her dad is just sleeping, and Violet says, on the floor? Did he fall? Tracy says, maybe, probably, and Violet asks why there’s blood on him. Tracy says she thinks he cut his hand when he fell. The paramedics will take care of it and they need to give them room. She’ll talk to them. She tells Violet to stay where she is, and asks one of the paramedics how bad Finn is hurt. The paramedic says, the cut? and Tracy asks if they checked his airways and his heart. The paramedic says she’s sorry to put it this way, but drunk is not an emergency. Tracy says she knows that, they know that, but Violet doesn’t know that. She has to get her out of here, so she’ll be back. She tells Violet that the paramedics want a little time to help her dad. Grab her bag. She thinks they should visit her Uncle Chase. Violet says she’s already been gone too long today, and Tracy says, her dad didn’t hurt himself because she was gone. She knows how happy it will make her Uncle Chase to see her, and she’ll come right back here and make sure her dad is as good as new. Violet says she doesn’t want to go, and Tracy says she understands, but she would say her dad needs to rest, wouldn’t she? Violet says, what if he doesn’t wake up like grandpa? but Tracy says, it isn’t the same thing. Her grandfather was really, really sick. Does she remember all the doctor’s appointments and the special things he needed to walk and to breathe? Her dad just needs a little time to feel like himself again. Violet asks if she’s sure, and Tracy says she is. Violet asks if she can give him a kiss before they go, and Tracy says she wishes Violet could, but they need to give them room to work. Violet says, okay, picks up her bag, and leaves with Tracy.

Carly says she can’t believe this, and Sam says, she didn’t know the FBI had evidence against her? Carly says, no. All Jason told her was that he was an informant. She assumed they had evidence against him. It never occurred to her… Sam says, that it was her, and Carly says she can’t believe this recording even exists. It took place over three years ago with the heads of all the families under incredibly tight security. Sam says, obviously not tight enough, because the FBI was able to record the whole meeting, including Carly’s declaration that she was taking over for Sonny as head of his organization. Carly asks why Sam even went looking for it, and Sam says, because she wanted to know what the FBI was using to force Jason to cooperate. So she was able to borrow and copy Agent Cates’s credentials, and Spinelli was able to hack into the evidentiary database. Their plan was to get rid of the evidence once they had it, but Cates’s access did not allow for him to alter or delete the file. So all Spinelli could do was make a recording of the audio file. Carly says she can’t believe Jason was protecting her. Everything he’s been through… Poor Jason. Sam says, he’s not the victim here. Jason abandoned his children and let anyone who ever loved him think he was dead.

Anna rifles through Valentin’s desk, listens for him coming, then looks on the shelves. He comes back with two glasses of wine and says, sorry to keep her waiting. He hands her a glass and she says, some things are worth the wait. He asks if she found what she was looking for.

Chase opens the door to Tracy and Violet, and Tracy says, sorry to come by unannounced, but she told Violet how happy they’d be to see her. Chase says, of course (🍷) they are. He can always use some more Violet time. He invites them in, and Brook says, they were just talking about how much they miss her and want to hang out with her, and here she is. Perfect timing. She just made dessert – apple pie – and they were about to dig in. She’s sure Violet wants a piece. Violet says, that’s okay. She’s not hungry. Chase asks if she wants some hot cocoa. She can put all the marshmallows she wants in it. (All I can think is, Chase, it’s 90 out today.) Violet says she’s fine, except she was in the pool all day and put her wet swimsuit in her bag. It gets all gross if she leaves it in there. Brook says, come with her, and they’ll hang it up. She and Violet leave, and Chase asks Tracy, why is Violet with her and what’s going on?

Anna says, Valentin caught her. She was just looking at all the titles on his books; they’re so interesting. He knows how she’s always pretending she’s going to read at night instead of going to sleep as soon as her head hits the pillow. He says he always loved the untouched stack of books on her bedside table. She’d never let him move them because she said she was going to get to them. She says she promises she will one day… when she retires, and he says, it sounds like her work is very busy. She says, the Commissioner’s job is never done, and he tells her to try the Bordeaux. She takes a sip and says, that’s delicious. Yum. He says he’s glad she likes it because there’s plenty more where that came from for them to share in the future. She says, that’s a bit presumptuous of him, and he says, hope springs eternal, darling. She says she did actually find out an interesting piece of information in her work about Jack Brennan, and he says, he’s ancient history, but she says, he’s not so ancient. He was injured recently in Pentenville. He was taken to GH for treatment. He got caught in a knife fight. He says, that’s unfortunate. Still, you can count on Jack to make enemies of those he’s stuck with behind bars. She says she was alerted when he was taken in for treatment. Jurisdictional courtesy and all that. She went to see him. Valentin says, and? and she says, he knows Jack. You can never get a straight answer out of him. But he did strongly imply that he did stab himself in the hopes he’d get a visit from Carly of all people. He says, hopefully, he’ll recover. He’s really not interested in discussing Jack. He’d really rather discuss her. She says, he’s so good at deflecting, and he says he learned from the best. He suggests they adjourn to the patio and have dinner.

John tells Jason, the good people of Port Charles may have been fooled into seeing Anna as a dedicated public servant, but you don’t have to dig very deep into her background, especially her time at the WSB, to uncover evidence that proves Anna is the head of Pikeman. Jason says, the evidence can be interpreted any way he wants, and he wants Anna to be guilty. John says he won’t be lectured by a man who spent years working for Sonny Corinthos, and Jason says, John is also derailing his investigation by targeting the wrong person. John says he’s following the evidence, and if Jason won’t or can’t find him what he needs to shut down Pikeman and close this case, he won’t go back to Quantico empty handed. He will take Carly Spencer with him. He walks out.

Carly closes the door and says, Sam knows Jason didn’t want to leave Danny and Jake or anyone else he loved. He was doing it to protect her. Sam says, yes, because he loves Carly more than he loves his own kids, and Carly says, it isn’t Jason’s fault. If Sam wants to blame someone… Sam says, blame her? Don’t worry. She does. She thinks Carly is just as responsible for this as Jason. She showed up at a mob meeting. She claimed to be running Sonny’s organization. She incriminated herself. And instead of paying for her actions like the adult she is, Jason abandoned his children and abandoned his life to cover for her. Carly says, Jason was doing what he thought was right, and Sam says, how convenient for her. She doesn’t ever have to pay for her mistakes. Carly says, why doesn’t Sam direct some of this anger toward Agent Cates? He’s the one who started all this, not Jason. Sam says, Carly will always stick up for Jason like Jason sticks up for her. What about everyone else? What about the people who believed in Jason? What about the people he left behind… for you? Sam walks out.

Tracy tells Chase, Violet just walked in on her father, passed out, drunk, and bleeding on the floor, and Chase says, bleeding? She says, he cut his hand. It wasn’t serious, but it was messy. Violet didn’t know it wasn’t serious. She actually thought he might have died while she was having fun on a playdate. She blamed herself because she left him alone all day. He asks how she found Violet, and she says, Violet saw missed calls from her on Finn’s phone and called her back. Violet told her that her father needed help. He says, poor Violet, and Tracy says, he should have seen the look on Violet’s face when she walked in there. She was terrified. He says, Tracy wanted to get her out of there, so she brought Violet here, and she says, Violet adores him and she thought maybe he could distract her from what she just saw. He asks, where’s Finn now? and she says, he’s at home with the paramedics. She called 911 and hopefully, they got him bandaged and sobered up by now. She will soon see. He says he’s coming with her, but she says, no, he’s not. He says, of course (🍷) he is. Why wouldn’t he? She says, because when Finn wakes up, he’s going to want to see Violet and he just can’t. Not like this. So she wants him and Brook to take Violet back to her house. He asks, why? and she says, he doesn’t have the room here for Violet to stay here, and what if Finn decides to come and get her back? Does he really want Finn pounding on his front door, putting her through that after everything else she’s been through tonight? He says, God no, and she says she can handle Finn. He needs to comfort his niece. She needs her Uncle Chase to make her feel safe. He says, okay. He’ll do it here way, but she has to keep him posted on Finn’s condition. She says she will. She has Violet’s keys so she can let herself back in. He thanks her for all of this, and she says, he knows she loves Finn. He’s her friend. And she also knows this is what his father would want, and she’s grateful she can help his son any way she can. He says he can’t believe Finn would let Violet see him like this. The pain he must be in to let this happen. He wants to be here for his niece, but he feels like he’s failing Finn if he doesn’t go with her. She says, he’s done everything he can to help his brother, and truthfully, she can say things to Finn that he can’t. And what she’s going to say to him, he really needs to hear. She leaves.

Spinelli and Maxie snuggle on the sofa, when there’s a knock at the door. Maxie asks if Spinelli is expecting anyone, and he says, no. She says, great, and gets up to answer it. She opens the door to Sam, who says she’s sorry she didn’t call. She has to discuss something with Spinelli. Maxie says she owes the kids some butterfly kisses, and leaves. Spinelli says, Sam left him earlier quite expeditiously. Dare he ask where she was going? She says she went to see Carly, and he says he thought she’d go see Jason. He should have anticipated her need to confront Carly. She says she wanted to see what Carly knew about Jason and the FBI, and he says, she played the recording for Carly? She says, Carly can lie like a pro, but her reaction was genuine. Tonight was the first time she knew that Jason spent the past two years under the control of the FBI so she didn’t have to face charges of racketeering.

There’s a knock at Carly’s office door, and she says, come in. John asks if she’s got a few minutes, but she says she’s a little busy. He says he’ll make it worth her while, and holds up a bottle of champagne. Full disclosure, even though she owns half the hotel and could get this bottle for free, he charged it to his suite. She says, he didn’t expense it to the FBI? and he asks who she thinks pays for his suite. He just never thanked her properly for coming to his rescue that night in the alley or spending the night nursing him in his suite (WOTD). Things could have gotten a lot worse had she not been there, and he appreciates her help. She says, he’s welcome, and he says he’s also grateful that she didn’t tell anybody about it like he asked. She says, and that deserves an expensive bottle of champagne? and he says he just thought he should celebrate. His investigation is almost finished. A little more time wrapping things up and he’ll be heading back to Quantico. She says she’ll be sorry to see him leave Port Charles, and he says he won’t miss much about Port Charles, but he will miss her.

As they walk back inside, Anna tells Valentin that his coq au vin is perfect, and he says he’s glad she liked it. But he can’t take full credit. It’s not his recipe. She says she appreciates honesty. It’s so rare these days. He says, and all the more precious because of it. In the spirit of honesty, he has an armagnac that makes the perfect digestif. He pours them each a glass, and asks, what should they drink to? She says, their lovely conversation under the stars, and he says, that is cause for celebration. Anna says, or they can talk about something they haven’t touched on yet. Like his success at ELQ. He seems to be jetting around all over the place lately. What exactly is he up to these days? He says, most of his trips to Europe are just excuses to pop in and see Charlotte. It’s one of the perks of having access to a corporate jet. She says she wouldn’t know. And the rest of the time? He says he’d bore her to tears with all that corporate stuff. He thinks her work is far more interesting. What case is she working on now? What mysteries is she solving at the moment? She says, everything she’s working on is classified, and he makes a pouty face. She says, which reminds her, she has a very big day tomorrow. This is really lovely. Thank you, but I have to go. He takes her hand and says, no. Please don’t. There’s something he has to tell her.

She says, sounds serious. Should she be concerned? He says, it is serious. They’ve been dancing around this for a long time. A long time ago, the trust between the two of them was damaged. She says she expects that’s true for both of them, and he says he really only believes 30% of what she tells him. She says, that’s interesting. Her percentage for him is actually a lot lower. He says he supposes he deserved that. If he hasn’t completely drained the trust tank, he’d like to say something to her, and he thinks she’s going to understand it’s completely honest. She says, and that is? and he says he loves her. He always has. It’s in his DNA; it’s like the color of his eyes. Being apart from her is the hardest thing he’s ever done, and he keeps wishing that this hopeless feeling of loving someone he can’t have will fade away. But it doesn’t. He doesn’t think it ever will.

Carly says, since John is opening up a bottle of fancy champagne and celebrating heading home, does that mean he’s rounded up all the bad guys and put them in prison? He says, wouldn’t that be nice? and she asks if that means he hasn’t. He says, investigations are rarely cut and dried. One thing about bad guys, there’s always one more out there. She asks if this one more is really dangerous, and he says he’s not sure what they’re capable of, but this person has done some very bad things. She says, interesting choice of words – this person. Does that mean the bad guy is really a woman?

Spinelli asks if Carly is worried about the information on her that the FBI is holding over Jason’s head, but Sam says, they really didn’t talk about it. She was more concerned about what Jason was up to. He says, perhaps when she has time to process, she’ll realize the great jeopardy. The recording incriminates her for possible RICO violations… Sam asks why he’s worried about Carly being charged. That’s never going to happen. Jason made his choice. He turned his back on everyone to keep Carly safe. Now he’s going to have to live with those consequences.

Chase says he knows Violet is scared and worried about her dad, but he promises her dad is going to be okay. She asks how he knows that, and he says, sometimes, grown-ups just know things. Brook says, he’s not lying to her. Her Uncle Chase is a cop. He’s telling her the truth. Violet asks if Chase knows how to cook, and he says he sure does. She asks if he thinks he could teach her how to make stuff besides sandwiches. Maybe her dad won’t look so tired or be so sad if she can make him some good things to eat when he comes home from work. Chase says he knows she wants to help her dad, but it’s not… Brook shakes her head, and he says, it’s not that hard to – Brook nods – to make something special. How about this? They’re going to go and spend the night at the Quartermaines, and in the morning, he’ll make some French toast. Sasha can cook for everybody else, but he, Violet, and Brook will have their own thing. It’ll be his special recipe with cinnamon. Violet says, with whipped cream on top? and he says, of course (🍷). It’s no good any other way. He puts his arm around her and hugs her to him.

Finn half sits/half lies in a chair, his hand bandaged. Tracy comes in and says, hello? She looks around and says, they just left him like that. She kicks one of Finn’s feet, but he barely stirs. She kicks him again, but nothing. She sighs and gets her phone out of her bag. As she fights back tears, she takes pictures of Finn, the broken glass, and the nearly empty bottle, with the blood smear next to it. She gathers her composure and takes another photo of Finn. (Reality check. It’s highly doubtful the paramedics would have left Finn alone and passed out. If something had gone sideways, like him dying from alcohol poisoning, they could be sued.)

As he opens the bottle, John says, if he didn’t know any better, he’d say Carly was trying to worm confidential information out of him. She says, he’s the one who showed up here with champagne trying to lower her defenses. He says, maybe he just wants to celebrate the beginning of the end, and she says, by all means. He pours the champagne and says, as for the gender of the bad guy, a good agent never tells. He hands her a glass, and she asks if he’s a good agent. He says, the best, and she says she’ll drink to that, and they clink glasses.

Anna says, as much as she tried to fight it, she’s still very much drawn to him. And like him, she wishes she didn’t feel it. It’s late. She really should go. She’s had such a lovely evening. She takes his hand, and he thanks her. He kisses her hand and says he loved it too. He just wishes it didn’t have to end. She says, maybe it doesn’t, and he kisses her. They continue to kiss, as Jason lurks around the front of the house. He sees them through the window. He looks… I don’t know. It’s Jason. He never looks any kind of way but Jason.

Violet says, spending the night at the Quartermaines will be fun, but she didn’t bring her PJs. Brook tells her not to worry about that. Scout has a bunch at the house she can borrow. Violet says, all right, but she still has to call her dad and ask if she can come. He cut his hand, and it was bleeding. He might need her help tonight. Brook suggests she give Violet’s dad a call and make sure it’s okay. She thinks she left her phone in the kitchen and asks if Violet wouldn’t mind grabbing it for her. Violet says, sure, and goes to the kitchen. As soon as she’s gone, Brook says, all she wants to do is take care of Finn. It’s breaking her heart. Chase says he knows. Him too. She says she didn’t think she could love him any more than she does, but watching him be such a great uncle to that little girl… He says, is she kidding him? He’d do anything for that girl. He hates lying to her. It feels wrong. Brook says, no, it’s not wrong. There are certain things children need to be protected from. What Finn is going through right now is one of them. Violet is too young to understand the truth of what’s going on. It will only scare her. They’re keeping Violet safe. So any time he starts to feel guilty, remind himself of that, okay? Brook calls to Violet that she found her phone. She called dad and he said it was okay for her to spend the night at the Quartermaines.

Tracy walks into the living room with Finn’s medical bag. She fishes around in it and comes out with a capsule of what (I think) they used to call smelling salts. She pops it open under his nose, and he sits up, coughs, then groans. He says, what the…? What happened? Tracy says, you tell me, and Finn looks at her for a moment, then says, where’s Violet? Where’s his daughter? Tracy says, she’s gone. She’s not coming back.

Tomorrow, Carly says she has to fix this and make this right; Kristina asks if Ava wants to do the honors, or should she; Violet asks Brook, what if he thinks she doesn’t love him anymore; and Finn tells Tracy, if anyone tries to stop him, he’s calling the police.

🧼 After His Break…

It’s great how GH gives actors wiggle room and also fosters their other talents.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/dominic-zamprogna-opens-up-about-his-break-from-gh

🔌Ryan Unplugged…

Can’t say I blame him.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ryan-paevey-explains-why-hes-retreating-from-social-media

🥂 Valentin’s Digestif…

I’d never heard of this before. The more you know…

https://www.liquor.com/articles/brandy-armagnac/

🍊 That Boy Is a Monster…

Looks like someone has been on Ozempic. Maybe everyone. Most of this is just sad. I don’t remember a lot about Alexis, but I’m guessing she’s not super bright. Rhyming door with Beador isn’t exactly poetic genius.

🛟 Preview On Deck…

What’s coming up on the next Med.

🍸 Perception Of the Rules…

The VanderQueen herself.

This season’s MVanderP.

On the VanderOutskirts.

⚰️ Setting the Bar…

Wake me when September starts.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/norman-reedus-sets-high-expectations-of-daryl-dixon-the-book-of-carol-01j08qn5shvk

🎸 Together As a Hole…

I loved this band. Whatever else you think of Courtney, she’s a brilliant musician.

https://people.com/hole-courtney-love-melissa-auf-der-maur-reunite-in-studio-8666898

🃏 A Joke…

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables when a voice in the dark said, Jesus knows you’re here. He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off, and froze. When he heard nothing more, after a bit, he shook his head and continued.

Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard a voice say, Jesus is watching you. Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot.

Did you say that? he hissed at the parrot. Yep, the parrot confessed, then squawked, I’m just trying to warn you that he is watching you. The burglar relaxed. Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?

 I’m Moses, replied the bird.

Moses? the burglar laughed. What kind of people would name a bird Moses?

The same kind of people that would name their Rottweiler Jesus.

🦄 It’s Okay To Be Different…

Kind of like that eagle in Strays.

https://people.com/intersex-tortoiseshell-kitten-found-in-oregon-8661653

Who knew he was a farmer at heart? Or is he hoping to hatch a dinosaur egg?

https://people.com/chris-pratt-chickens-washington-state-ranch-8665857

The donkey has found his people… er, elk.

https://people.com/pet-donkey-missing-5-years-found-living-with-wild-elk-8667442

🐓 Quotes of the Week

Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased.John Steinbeck

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

Behind her back, like a lady and a professional. – Kate Chastain (Below Deck) on how one should gossip

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 (Or my favorite, when I lose weight.)

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. – John Burroughs

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same. – Colin R.Davis

Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. – Rita Mae Brown

Sometimes when you have a lot of bars and a lot of people, people make bad choices. – law enforcement officer, Drugs Inc.: The Fix

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

🤽‍♀️ Coming Up For Air…

Enjoy the first weekend of official summer, or the A/C if it’s too hot where you are, and join me on Monday for soap and what’s on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay always using sunscreen, stay saying the things a friend needs to hear, especially if others can’t. 

April 10, 2024 – Sonny Meets Jason At the Warehouse, There Goes the Sun, Nathan’s Lane, VanderViews, He’s Toxic, This Week In Chefs, No Snow, Animal Reaction & Paris

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Getting up from the floor and gathering her clothes, Nina says, Drew has been planning something like this all along, but he asks if he needs to refresh her memory. He wasn’t the one who started all this. She says she knows, but she thinks he had this on his mental backburner since he took her magazine away and gave it to Carly. They all know how that worked out. Drew says, the only thing he’s been fantasizing about Nina is her losing all her money, losing her looks, and getting convicted of a nameless crime that gets her sent to prison, like she sent him. (Wow. Most of us would just say, was it good for you too?)

Carly puts some ice in a towel on John’s head and says he looks like he was mugged by a small army. Is he sure it was only two people? He says, yeah. Those guys might not have killed him, but this ice might. She says, it’s not that cold, and he says, it’s ice. By definition, it’s cold. He takes the ice from her and sits down, holding it himself. She says, the ice machine on this floor was broken, which is appalling, and he says, that’s what she finds appalling? A broken ice machine? She says she had to go down a floor to get the ice and it was melting by the time she got it to the towel. He says, yet, when placed against the human body, it’s still plenty cold, and she wonders if the FBI knows the only thing it takes for an agent to spill his guts is a couple of ice cubes. He says he likes to keep some things to himself, and she tells him, all she’s saying is when she ran the MetroCourt, that ice machine would have been maintained. She hands him some water, and he says he’s grateful for the medical expertise. She shakes some ibuprofen out of the bottle, gives it to him, and says she went to nursing school. She didn’t graduate, but the training was really good. When you have kids, you have little reaction time. then you have to keep it together before you get to an actual doctor. Speaking of which, please let her take him to the hospital. Or at least let her call the house doctor here. He says he’s quite happy with the care he’s received so far. He wouldn’t change a thing.

Laura tells Doc that she doesn’t want to jinx it, but she thinks Ace finally fell asleep. She told him a story, did a little singing… Maybe she’s getting the hang of his bedtime routine. Or maybe he’s just getting used to falling asleep without Esme and Spencer. She looks over at Doc, who’s concentrating on his tablet, and she says, or maybe she’s just telling herself a story.

Blaze and Kristina watch TV, Kristina’s head in Blaze’s lap. Blaze asks if Kristina is sure she’s okay with it, and Kristina says, yeah, but if Blaze isn’t into it, just change it. It’s just a movie. Blaze says, the movie is fine. She wasn’t really paying attention. Kristina asks, what’s going on? and Blaze says she keeps thinking about the whole Face of Deception thing. Is Kristina sure she’s okay with her being the Face? (Sounds like a Batman villain.) Kristina says, yeah. Blaze already shares her music with the world. Why not share her beautiful face too? Blaze says, because her mom inserted a clause keeping her private life private in every contract. And if anyone pushes against that point, she made it very clear it’s a deal breaker. Kristina says, Blaze is her public persona and Blaze is not out, but Allie, her girlfriend, is. Blaze says she’ll never get tired of hearing Kristina call her that, and Kristina says, she and her girlfriend are out to their families, to their closest friends, and the people who really matter. That’s all she really cares about. So locking down her private life is the deal Blaze made with her mom and everyone else, but as long as it doesn’t impact them and their relationship, she doesn’t see a problem with it. Blaze says, right, and Kristina says, unless the person who has a problem with it is her.

Curtis walks a little unsteadily into the bedroom, and Portia calls to him, asking where he is. He says, why doesn’t she come upstairs and find out? and she walks into the bedroom. She sees him without his cane, and says, oh my God. He says, one small step for man… Actually, it was a bunch of little steps, but one giant leap for yours truly. She says, this is huge. It’s so great not to see his cane anywhere. He says, no cane. Just him and his two legs. He sits on the bed, and she says, he’s amazing, but he says, no. She’s amazing. If it weren’t for her, he would still be stuck in some hospital bed. Or in his wheelchair still. Mad at the world, feeling sorry for himself, some version of that. That’s how his story would have ended. Because of her, he has nothing but new chapters to write. And he can’t wait – he stands up and she squeals – he can’t wait to write them with her. He takes her hands and says, thank you, my love. They kiss and she says, anytime.

Ava tosses and turns in bed. She sits up, takes her sleep mask off, and says, this is pointless. She gets up.

Jason says he owns half this warehouse, and Sonny asks if he’s taking it back. Jason says he never gave it up, but Sonny says, he deserted it. He was gone for more than two years. He lost the right to take it back. He doesn’t want to see Jason’s face. Didn’t he make that clear? Jason says, that’s why he had Diane speak to Sonny on his behalf. He still owns 50% of Corinthos Coffee. Sonny says, don’t quote his own lawyer… Jason says, their lawyer. They both trust her and what she says. Why not trust her judgement on this? Sonny says, forget Diane. Jason came to his warehouse to get an answer from him. He got his wish. This is his business, and he doesn’t want Jason anywhere near it.

Portia says she’s so proud of Curtis, and not because he made it up the stairs, but because he didn’t give in to despair. He didn’t quit. He says, truth be told, he thought about it. There were times he thought about it, and each time he thought, what would he say to Trina? She got hit with something terrible when Spencer died and it’s okay to call it quits, just curl up in a ball? It’s not him. She says, it’s not. Those words sound like a foreign language coming out of his mouth. She loves it. He says he’s a father now; he’s a son. It’s not just about him anymore. She says he did forget one thing out of that list, and he says, what’s that? She says, lover, and he says, is that so? She says she’d be a fool to let all the effort he took getting up those stairs and into their beautiful bedroom go to waste. And she’s no fool. They kiss.

John thanks Carly for the ice. He thinks it helped. Or else the bitter cold destroyed all the nerve endings in his body, so win-win. She says, he needs to keep this on his head, directing his hand back, and he says, she needs to go home to that adorable daughter of hers. Carly says, she’s great. She’s happy with her nanny. What Carly is concerned about is him having a concussion. He says he’s fine. Trust him. It will take more than a couple of shots to this hard head to do any damage. She says she doesn’t know about that. If he does have a concussion, someone needs to check on him every couple of hours to see if he’s having a hard time waking up. If he is, that means his concussion is getting worse. He says he’ll be fine, but she says, please, just let her take him to the hospital. Just think. If he’s right, he gets to say I told you so. He says he does like that, but come on. All they’re going to do is admit him and wake him up all night long. He’d rather stay here. She says, okay. She can wake people up with the best of them. She takes the pillow off a chair, sits down, and puts her feet on the coffee table. He asks what she’s doing, and she says, getting comfortable. She has to conserve her energy. She has to shake him away in a couple hours, then a couple hours after that. He says he really appreciates… She says, he’s wasting his time. She’s staying right here and she’s going to save him from himself.

Nina asks if Drew is saying he regrets this as much as she does, and he says, two people consumed by mutual, passionate hatred with no acceptable outlet? It’s better than poisoning. She says she doesn’t see a big difference, and he says, think of it like a screwed up spontaneous combustion. She says she’s going to think of it this way, as a downpayment, and he asks, what’s on layaway? She says, appoint her to the board, and he says, of Aurora? What possible sense would it make for him to appoint her to the board of Aurora? She edits Crimson. That’s her entire value to them. She says, and she makes the magazine a success. Okay. Maybe not that, but he’s close to Michael and he’s close to Willow. Find a pathway for her to get back in her daughter’s good graces. He asks if she thinks 45 minutes on his office floor commits him to dragging her out of the wreckage she made of her life. It’s going to take more than a couple of rug burns for him to lift a finger for her.

Nina says she tried to treat Michael and Willow to a surprise anniversary dinner, and they turned her down, which was humiliating. Drew says, surprise dinner, huh? Translation. Regardless of what Michael and Willow wanted, she pushed whatever she wanted on them, which is so on brand for her. She says she doesn’t care how he describes it. It felt like she was punched in the heart. Forgive her if she had to come down here and pull herself together and get a breath. Instead of sympathizing with her… He says he never will sympathize with her, and she says she knows she has a little part in this, but she thinks he took advantage of her emotional, vulnerable state. He says, she’s projecting. Taking advantage of people is her stock and trade. She tells him, shut up, and he says, let him just be clear. Her offer of an anniversary dinner when she can’t stand Michael and wishes Willow hadn’t married him, was it really just for Willow? Or was she hoping maybe they’d tell Sonny how generous she is? Does Sonny know she’s still pining for him? She goes to slap him, but he grabs her hand and says he’ll take that as a yes.

John asks, what time is it? and Carly says, almost midnight. He says, that late? She should really go home. She says, if he insists, she’ll drop him off at GH on her way, but he says, that’s not necessary. She says, it probably is, but he’d probably just be trading one problem for another, huh? He asks what she’s talking about, and she says, if he went to the hospital, the nurses would start asking him questions – she puts a blanket on him – and they’d have to call the PCPD. Then the PCPD would want to know what the heck he was doing wandering around the waterfront at that time of night. He says he wasn’t wandering around. He took a walk. She goes back to the chair, using her coat as a blanket, and says, in the most dangerous part of town at night. He says, Port Charles is a safe place, and she laughs. She says, make sure he mentions that safe part when he talks to the police because they love that kind of feedback. He says he got mugged. It’s a terrible thing, but it happens. This time it happened to him. She says, he should stick with that story. But she wants him to know that she knows he was tracking Jason.

Jason says, if Sonny doesn’t want him in his organization, he understands, but Sonny says, no. Jason doesn’t understand. He trusted Jason more than anyone and now he can’t trust him. Jason says he never gave the Feds anything on Sonny, and Sonny asks why he should believe that. Jason says, because if he had, they would have arrested Sonny. He’s been protecting Sonny this whole time. Sonny says he’s not a child. He doesn’t need protection. He needs Jason to get away from him. Otherwise, he will have to remove Jason.

Laura tells Doc that she’s concerned about how small Ace’s family is going to be. There are no siblings. He may never know Lulu and Lucky. She knows there’s Elizabeth’s boys, but they’re quite a bit older and they have their own lives. It’s really just her, him, and Ace. Doc says, and Heather, and Laura says she knows Heather likes to call herself Ace’s grandmother. He says, technically, she is Ace’s grandmother. They may not like it, but Esme was her daughter. He asks about the transfer to California, and Laura says she forgot to tell him. The DA cancelled the transfer because of her medical condition. So she’s in Pentenville for the foreseeable future. He says, unless something else occurs, and shows her the tablet. She reads: chemically induced abnormal behavior. This is really what he thinks happened to Heather, isn’t it? Does he think they would ever reopen Heather’s case after all the things that she did?

Nina says, if Drew breathes a word of this to Sonny… He says, having sex with her on his office floor isn’t something he’s going to be bragging about. He wouldn’t worry about Sonny. Sonny is a little preoccupied right now with Jason’s surprise return. She says, he can think about more than one thing at a time, and Drew says, and somehow, he isn’t thinking about her at all. She has to face it. She’s not even on Sonny’s radar right now. He doesn’t care who she’s mixing it up with. Maybe because he’s got a new roommate.

Ava calls to Sonny and asks if he’s home. She pours herself a drink, then sets it down and goes to Sonny’s bedroom. She wonders what he has that would make a person sleep. She checks in a box by his bed, but only finds an OTC pain reliever. She says, he’s got to do better than that, and goes into his bathroom. She wonders where he keeps the good stuff and looks in the vanity drawers. She finds a prescription bottle labeled Lorphenadine, and says, may cause drowsiness.

Jason tells Sonny, it doesn’t have to be this way. He’s not a threat. He’ll stay out of Sonny’s organization. All he wants is his half of the coffee business. Sonny says, and all he wants is the truth. If Jason didn’t inform on him, what was he doing with the Feds? Jason says he told Sonny everything he could, but Sonny says, Jason told him nothing. He thought it was because Ava was right there, but Ava’s not here now; it’s just them. If Jason wants Sonny to trust him, if he wants half of the business back, he’s going to have to trust Sonny. What happened to him?

Jason says, the FBI picked him up on Cassadine Island. They flew him back to Quantico. They offered him a deal. Become an informant and no charges will be filed. He took that deal because it was his best option. They didn’t want him to inform on Sonny because they knew he would never do it and it would never work. So they sent him after somebody else. Sonny asks, who? but Jason says he can’t tell Sonny. Sonny says, why? Does Jason think he’s going to go tell these people he’s a traitor? Jason says he can’t tell Sonny because it’s part of the deal. If he talks, that violates the terms of the agreement, and the charges get filed. Sonny says, was part of the deal to take a shot at him? How many times did Jason try to kil him? Jason says he never tried to kill Sonny, and Sonny says, and he’s going to believe that? Because Jason is loyal, because Jason’s his friend, his brother? Jason says, because if he tried to kill Sonny, he wouldn’t have missed.

Ava tells herself that she can’t self-medicate with somebody else’s prescription. It does cause drowsiness though, and if Sonny can handle it… She pops the top off the bottle so easily that it’s probably the most unbelievable thing ever seen on GH. She takes a pill, then says, who is she kidding? and takes another one.

Blaze tells Kristina that she wants to be fair. Having a control freak for a mom can be really helpful when it comes to her career. Kristina says, what about the rest of her life? Her real life. Blaze says, her mom tells her that she knows her better than she knows herself, and Kristina says she hates when parents say that. Blaze says, her too, but she thinks her mom says it because when she was Blaze’s age, she crossed the line a few times. And then she became a mom. Kristina says, becoming a mom certainly changes your perspective on everything, but she’s only an aunt, so… Blaze says, Kristina’s not only an anything. She thinks because her mom didn’t want her making the same mistakes she did, she became super strict. Kristina says, it kind of worked. Look at her. She’s smart and disciplined and built an incredible career for herself. It’s amazing. Blaze says, a lot of that is because she paid attention to everything her mom said when she was growing up. Her mom should be able to look at her life and know that and trust her enough to live her own life. Kristina’s parents do. Kristina doesn’t respond, and Blaze says she must have missed something. Is there a problem with her parents?

Curtis is sitting up in the bed, and Portia asks if this is the folder he wanted. He says, yes. He probably could have gotten it himself, but it would have been 2 in the morning before he got himself down the stairs and back up. She says, with the progress he’s making, he’ll be up and down those stairs in no time, and he says, the miracles of modern medicine. You doctors can fix anything. He asks if everything is okay, and she says, yeah. She’s fine. He says he sort of lost her there for a second. He wondered where she went. He thought maybe she was thinking about these bills. She says, no. Those bills are all his. He says he doesn’t know if she saw this note from Brook Lynn Quartermaine. She’s pushing him to have an invitation only event at The Savoy to showcase Blaze’s new single. He’s probably going to say yes, but he thinks he’ll let her sweat a little bit. She says, it has nothing to do with that, and he says, talk to him. She says she was at the hospital and overheard Doc and Alexis saying something about how they could use a preexisting condition to overturn a conviction. Heather Webber was diagnosed with metallosis. Basically, her artificial hip is poisoning her. And one of the symptoms of metallosis is a shift in personality. He asks if anyone is arguing that Heather Webber isn’t responsible for all those lives she took, and Portia says, that’s exactly what she’s afraid of. Someone is going to use her condition as grounds to reopen Heather’s case, and possibly set that woman free.

John says, Carly thinks he was tracking Jason. She’s getting warmer. She says, hide and seek. Really? Is that how the FBI conducts its business now? He says, his supervisors would definitely not approve of this situation, but they’re not here. So does she want to guess again? She says, okay. If he wasn’t tracking Jason, he was tracking… his lawyer. Diane Miller? He says, give the lady a cigar, and she says she doesn’t want a cigar, but she will take a very expensive glass of wine at a date to be determined. He says, deal, and she says, getting mugged isn’t generally a mood lifter, but it’s made him fun. He thanks her and says he is fun. She just doesn’t know him well enough to see it yet.

Curtis says he gets the legal argument that Heather’s condition – Portia says, metallosis – has contributed to her mental state, but she committed multiple homicides. There’s no way she should be allowed to go free. (Pointing out that we’ve been here before with Franco.) She says she prays he’s right, because Trina’s been through enough. It’s enough, this whole family. He says, but they made it through and they’re stronger than ever. She says, they are, aren’t they? They made it through together as a family. He says, she better believe it, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make her feel safe and secure and loved. She says, he just told her that he’d do whatever it takes? and he says he sure did. She says she thinks she’s going to need him to prove that.

Doc tells Laura that he couldn’t stop thinking about his conversation with Alexis about Heather and the hypotheticals that could set her free. So he did a deep dive into a database about toxicology and abnormal behavior. At first, you would think the chances of Heather’s murder conviction being overturned are inconceivable. Laura says, but then with further investigation… He says, it’s not without medical and legal precedent. She says, wow. She can’t imagine what the reaction would be to Heather going free. They know Portia Robinson, Sasha Gilmore, Dr. Obrecht, all those people are going to be outraged. As would most of the citizens of Port Charles she thinks. He says, understandably, and she says, unless it can be proven that Heather herself was victimized. And if that were the case, she thinks it would be wrong not to give her a second chance. He says, selfishly, there’s a side of him that would like to see Heather redeemed. Not released, but rehabilitated into someone functional. Someone stable that Ace could know, even have a relationship with. And if he’s being honest, he’d like to think some good could come of the harm he’s caused. She says, none of this is his fault, but he says he made one decision about his brother, and it resulted in a series of devastating events. If Ryan hadn’t gotten loose, then Heather would still be institutionalized, and her victims would still be alive. So would Spencer and Esme. They never would have even met Esme. She says she thinks he’s forgetting one thing. Ace wouldn’t be here either.

Kristina tells Blaze that she doesn’t have a problem with anyone in her family right now. Actually, it might be the first time she’s been able to say that. Her mom’s good; she’s supportive of their relationship and the surrogacy. Blaze says, what about her dad? and Kristina says, her dad’s good. He loves her unconditionally. He of course (🍷) has a dark side, but he’s loving and generous and more sensitive than people think, and he can get hurt too. She’s a little worried about her dad right now. Blaze asks if that’s because he and Nina broke up, and Kristina says, Nina’s not perfect, but he was happy with her. And since Ava moved in… Blaze says, wait. She moved in? She thought Ava was just staying there temporarily. Kristina says, so did she.

Nina says, Ava is staying with Sonny for security reasons, and Drew says, keep telling herself that. She finishes getting dressed and says, let her worry about Ava. Just figure out a way to get her closer to her daughter. And if it’s not appointing her to the board, then come up with something else. He says, even if he were to help her, Michael will never see her as anything other than a threat to his family. She lied to him about his father’s death, then sued him to get access to his child. But Willow’s got a softer heart, and he’s still friends with her. Nina says, he’ll help her plead her case to her then, and he says, maybe, but after his near-death beating he took in prison because of her, she’s going to have to make it so worth his while. (I used to find Drew kind of boring. Now he just creeps me out.)

Jason tells Sonny that Port Charles is still his home. This warehouse is still half his. He’s going to be here every day, importing coffee, totally legit. So whatever business Sonny wants to do, do it away from the warehouse, so he doesn’t have to be witness to it. Sonny asks if Jason thinks he won’t do it. He thinks Sonny won’t get rid of him? He could do it in a heartbeat. All he’s got to do is say the word, and Jason is gone. Jason says, come on. If anything happens to him, Sonny knows the cops are going to look at him first. Sonny says, don’t tell him what he knows. Know what he knows? Jason can’t be trusted and he’s going to have to get protection. From Jason. Because Jason is a traitor. Jason says, stop, and asks if Sonny is taking his meds.

Nina says, Drew will be her ally, and he says he thinks ally is a strong word for what he’ll be, but she’s a creative person. She can put her thinking cap on and come up with something that will be worth his time and effort. He picks up his shirt and says he likes this shirt. She can start by sewing the buttons back on it. He tosses the shirt to her, but she says, do his own mending, slinging it back, and she walks out.

Carly tells John that they need to order all new ice machines for this hotel. But she doesn’t need to keep going on and on about how this hotel is not great anymore. He says, it’s a nice hotel, and she says, it was, but she’s not going to bore him with all her complaints about the hotel. She puts new ice in a towel and says, what about him? Are there any other circumstances, besides being beaten up – she laughs – where he’s fun? He says he must be concussed or at least punchy. He’s said way too much already. She says she has a lot of experiences where she’s listening to things she doesn’t repeat or remember. She looks over at him and he’s asleep. She says, that’s a way to end a conversation, and turns down the lights. She gets back in the chair and says, sleep well, Agent Cates. I’ll wake you up in a couple of hours.

Portia comes out dressed in fabulous lingerie and says she guesses Curtis is still working on the bills. So she guesses she’ll just… He says, no, no, no. Not looking as good as she is. Come here. She sits on the bed next to him, and he says, in case she doesn’t remember, they never had an official honeymoon. He thinks they should do something about that as soon as possible. She kisses him and I assume they get busy, since the camera pans to the ceiling.

Laura shows Doc her phone and says, viola. You can see Ace in real  time. He’s still sleeping. Doc says, that’s amazing. She makes the same face when she sleeps. She says, maybe it runs in the family, and they sit on the sofa. He says, the picture and the sound is so pristine. Here he thought the baby monitor was the pinnacle of technological advancement. She says, it was… twenty years ago, and he laughs. He says, and when he hears people say twenty years, he thinks, oh, they’re talking about the 80s. Then he realizes… no, they’re not. She says she knows them raising a baby at this point in their lives wasn’t part of his bucket list, and he says, was it on hers? She says, no, and he says, it’s not like they’re ready to retire and they’re not exactly people who back away from life. She says, and she thinks Ace has given them so much more life, and he says, Ace has, and he loves it. And he loves her. She says she loves him too, and kisses him. He says, they took an awful lot of wrong turns and detours before they found each other, but they did. And he thinks Ace is just another unexpected… Laura says, responsibility? but he says, miracle. She says, wow. He’s really something. He says he’s a lucky man, and she says she’s a lucky woman. She puts her head on his shoulder and he puts his arm around her. Aww.

Kristina tells Blaze that she knows there’s still a security reason for Ava to be staying at Sonny’s place, but it’s just that something doesn’t feel right about it. It’s weird. Even Dante noticed, and he’s on pain meds. Blaze asks if she said or did anything, but Kristina says, no. It’s just little things. She can’t see the whole picture yet, but one thing she does know is, Ava is a Jerome. And the Jeromes love power. It’s like a drug. Blaze says, Kristina thinks she’s going to what? Make a move on Sonny’s business? Kristina says, not a move move. She’d never come at something straight on; she’s too smart for that. She’d slither in from the side or something. And she’s making herself indispensable to Kristina’s dad. She’s running interference, she’s making him drinks… Blaze says, her dad doesn’t see what she’s doing? and Kristina says, worse. He likes it. A lot.

Ava lies awake and says, may cause drowsiness, and sits up. She says, Sonny must like the taste of those. She feels absolutely nothing. Nada. They don’t help you sleep. They don’t help anything else. What do those stupid pills do? (Got it.)

Sonny tells Jason that he takes his medication every day, every dosage, like clockwork. He’s not having a breakdown. He just has to face the truth. Jason’s not who he thought. Or maybe he never was. Jason says he’s not Sonny’s enemy, and he doesn’t want any trouble. And he accepts that Sonny doesn’t trust him. Sonny doesn’t have to trust him. He’ll stay out of Sonny’s way. Sonny says, he’d better. Sonny pauses a moment and says, go ahead, take the warehouse. He can sit in it until he rots. He starts to leave, but stops and says, if you double-cross me again or I suspect you’re interfering with my business or my life… I will end you. He walks out and Jason looks concerned.

Tomorrow, Brook asks, what if they ruined Lila’s dress for nothing; Curtis asks Drew what he’s doing here; Anna asks for Valentin’s help with a case; and Alexis says, what if she just quits?

🌞 Since They Had the Day Off…

Celebrities – they’re just like us. Except for the paycheck. And the fame.

💔 Hallmark’s Loss…

As a general rule, I don’t watch romances, but I can’t imagine him not pulling in viewers.

🍸 Rehashing the Rules…

The Reunion is probably going to be a doozie, but anything would be mild compared to last year. I think.

🍼 Kentucky Shade…

I’m still trying to figure out why she settled for him in the first place.

🔪 Tonight’s Top…

Those who can’t do, watch stuff like this.

https://people.com/top-chef-recap-episode-4-buddha-lo-guest-judge-two-cheftestants-eliminated-8624517

🦣 He Shows Nothing…

Oh well. I would have liked to see a few more mammoths, giants, and such.

https://ew.com/jon-snow-game-of-thrones-sequel-shelved-kit-harington-says-8629070

🦁 An Eclipse For Everyone…

They must have thought it was a short day and an even shorter night. This is basically just a clip of zoo animals getting ready for bed, but the guy who’s being interviewed is pretty excited about it. According to him, every question is a great question. My pets couldn’t have cared less.

https://people.com/texas-zoo-animals-caught-reacting-darkness-during-eclipse-8628890

🤸‍♀️ Bringing It Off…

Join me tomorrow for soap and smack talk about the awful people on Summer House. Until then, stay safe, stay listening with all your senses, and stay never self-medicating with somebody else’s prescription.

October 20, 2023 – Alexis Blindsides Judge Kim, Mr. Christmas, Salt Shaking, Villainous, VanderSecrets, About Fear, Mary Deleted, Reasons Why, All Dressed Up, Seven Quotes Plus a Tagline & Everybody

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna tells her bodyguard that she’s not used to having one, and she really appreciates everything he’s doing. He says, not a problem, Miss Devane, and she asks him to call her Anna. She asks if he saw anything suspicious when she was with her friends, but he says, there was nothing out of the ordinary. She says, nobody paid special attention to her or… He says he watched the surrounding area the whole time and saw nothing that was a threat to her.

As they approach the house, Charlotte asks why Valentin insisted on picking her up early from school. He says, because he has a surprise for her, and opens the door. Laura is there and Charlotte runs to her, hugging her, and saying she missed Laura so much.

Esme brings Ace into the hospital and Spencer runs up to him, saying, Ace has a doctor’s appointment today. That’s so cool. He asks why Esme didn’t tell him that Ace had a doctor’s appointment today.

Robert sees Diane at the fitness studio and says, it’s Killer Miller. What’s she doing here at this time of day? Hold on. Does her infamous client Mr. Corinthos know she’s here doing yoga, and not sitting around clutching her cellphone, waiting for his beck and call?

Elizabeth goes into Drew’s room, and he says, she’s not his regular nurse. She says, he’s not her regular patient. She asks how he’s feeling, and he says, good. Maybe a little too good.

Gregory says he’s read Judge Kim’s opinions, and he considers himself an originalist. Correct? The judge says, yes. He believes the meaning of our Constitution doesn’t change over time. Alexis says she was just reading an article about Ascher Alexander, and he shares that view. Gregory asks if that isn’t the millionaire investment banker? and Alexis says, mm-hmm. Kim says he’s certainly heard of him, but he wouldn’t know if Alexander would agree with any of his judicial opinions. He’s never met the man. Alexis says, really. Interesting. So he flew to St. Thomas on this man’s private jet to go deep sea fishing, and yet he’s never met him? Visibly uncomfortable, Kim says, with all due respect to her sources, he believes she’s been misinformed, but Alexis says, on the contrary. She can provide dates, records, flight manifests, or anything else she needs to prove he did fly to the Caribbean with Ascher Alexander. It seems to be a major conflict of interest. Would he care to comment?

Meeting Dante at the Bistro, Cody asks what he’s got there, and Dante says, just some paperwork he has to file for administrative leave. Cody says, Sam told him about that. Does this mean he gets to just hang around the house in his PJs and still get paid? Dante says, no, not quite. The PCPD is going to do an investigation to see if his reasons for shooting the perp were justified. Cody says, he’s a great cop. Just doing his job, right? Nothing’s simple. Everything’s so damn complicated. It’s pretty frustrating. Dante asks what he’s talking about, and Cody says, it seems like you do the right thing and get the wrong outcome.

Elizabeth says, once Drew’s made a full recovery and is cleared by the doctors, he’ll be sent back to Pentenville. It’s got to be tough. Drew says, in the meantime, he gets the pleasure of her company, and she says, nice deflection. He says, she’s got to fill him in on the boys; how’s Cameron doing? She takes his blood pressure and says, the boys are actually really well. Cameron is loving being at Stanford. Academically, he’s doing well, and as for soccer, he’s not a starter yet – he hasn’t played enough games – but he’s proven himself to be a very valuable player. Drew says, that’s fantastic. What about Aiden? She says, he’s still baking. He made a pie the other day; it was so delicious. Drew says, when she talks about Aiden’s baking, his mouth starts watering, and she says, he’s very talented, and he’s determined. He plans on going to the most prestigious pastry academy in Paris. And he wants to pay for it himself. Drew says, wow. How’s he going to manage that? She says, he started his own little business. He has a website and everything. He’s selling fancy cupcakes. He ships them out or delivers them if they’re local. She keeps telling him to talk to Carly and see if she can sell them at Kelly’s. Drew says, that’s a good idea. He’ll put in a good word for him with Carly. She says, he would love that, and he asks, how’s Jake? She says, Jake has a girlfriend.

Alexis says, since Judge Kim is claiming not to know Ascher Alexander, she’s assuming he neglected to report this deep-sea fishing trip on his tax filings or any other gifts or accommodations he received from this very influential friend. Is she right in that assumption? The judge gets up and says he agreed to be interviewed on his judicial philosophy, not to answer questions about where or with whom he chooses to vacation. Although he shouldn’t be surprised by this blatant ambush. He remembers her reputation as an attorney. That is, when she could still practice law. Cheap tricks and judicial violations. No wonder she was disbarred. Gregory says, so far, they haven’t heard a denial.

Diane says, for Robert’s information, she’s often here at this time of day. It’s the only time the studio offers this particular class. And might she remind him, she works for herself, unlike him. So no matter how demanding her clients are, her life is her own to schedule. But him, a public servant taking a three-hour lunch break to pump some iron? She wonders what The Invader would have to say about that.

Doc joins Esme, and Spencer says, it just that the first he heard about Ace’s appointment with his pediatrician was this morning when he got a confirmation text from the doctor’s office, so a heads up would have been nice. Esme says, it’s really not a big deal. The pediatrician had a cancellation this morning and offered the spot to Ace, so she took it. Doc was nice enough to offer them a ride to the hospital. Spencer says he appreciates Doc doing that; he’s sorry that Doc had to. Doc says, it was no trouble, and Spencer says he would have taken them himself had he known. Esme says, it’s just as well. Spencer was with Trina, and she didn’t want to interrupt that. Spencer says, they’ve talked about this multiple times, including in that parenting class she suggested they take with one another. He wants to be at all of Ace’s medical appointments, even the small ones. She says, and what for? and he says he’s Ace’s older brother. She tells him, and she’s his mother and she’s perfectly capable of looking after her own son.

Charlotte says she’s missed Laura so much, and Laura says she missed Charlotte too. And she’s sorry she was away so long. Charlotte asks if she found Uncle Nikolas, and Laura says she didn’t actually see Uncle Nikolas. Charlotte says, that’s too bad, but Laura says, that’s okay. She does know he’s all right. She thinks he’s traveling right now. He needs a little time to himself. Charlotte asks if she knows when he’ll be back in Port Charles, and Laura says she’s not sure, but she didn’t want to wait to see Charlotte any longer. She wants to hear everything about Charlotte’s life. She wants to hear about school and her friends and her classes. Valentin says, this third wheel is going to let them catch up. He has some errands to run. He’ll be back later. He kisses the top of Charlotte’s head and leaves. Charlotte watches him go, and Laura asks if she’s worried about her father.

Gregory tells Judge Kim, with all due respect, a simple denial of this fishing trip would clear up any misunderstanding. He denies he took the trip; he denies he was a passenger on Alexander’s jet? Kim says, this interview is over, but Alexis says, he agreed to this interview on the record, which means she’s free to publish anything and everything that was said here today, which in the end, could prove very embarrassing to him. It might also stall his rise to the Federal Circuit. Kim says, she lured him here under false pretenses, and she says, all he has to do is commute the sentence, the unfair, harsh sentence he imposed on Drew Cain, to time served and set him free. Then this interview will never see the light of day. Kim says, so that’s what this is all about. Blackmail? She belongs in a prison cell next to Drew Cain. He walks out. Um… That didn’t go well. Maybe she played that hand too quickly.

Robert asks if Diane is questioning his work ethic, and she says, he’s questioning hers. He says he’s just happy to see her, and she says, that’s how he shows it? He says, yeah, and she laughs. She says she thinks they’re so used to sparring with each other in court, that’s become their default M.O. He says he’s thinking maybe they should change that, and she says, then what would they do for fun?

Dante tells Cody, Sasha went through a pretty big ordeal. Maybe her leaving town isn’t a bad idea. Cody says, it’s a terrible idea and he told her so. Sasha wouldn’t listen to him. Dante asks what he said to her, and Cody says, he told her, moving to Austin without a job or friends or family would be a mistake. Dante says, and? and Cody says, and what? Dante asks what else he said to her, and Cody says, nothing. Dante says, he didn’t tell Sasha that he wanted her to stay? and Cody says, no. Dante asks, why not?

A nurse tells Esme that the doctor is ready to see Ace now, and Spencer picks up the diaper bag, but Esme says she’s got it, taking it from him. She says she’d prefer to speak to the pediatrician alone, and follows the nurse. Spencer says, what the hell was that about? and Doc says, that was Esme exerting her parental rights, which Spencer does not share.

Charlotte say she thinks papa is worried about her, and Laura says, most parents do worry about their kids. Is there something specific she thinks her dad’s worried about? Charlotte says, he’s never pulled her out of school early to see Laura. She knows Laura was gone, but she could have just seen her tonight, so why did he pick her up early from school? Laura says she thinks she can solve this mystery. She requested this special meeting because Charlotte is her number one priority ahead of everything else, and she wanted to have this time together before she had to go back and assume her mayoral duties. Charlotte says, now that Laura’s back, she doesn’t feel so alone now, and they hug.

Valentin asks if Anna has been sitting alone in the dining room since her meeting with Jordan, and she says she has. He asks, why? and kisses her. He could have just as easily met her in her room. She says she doesn’t like being alone in her suite, but he says, she’s not alone, is she? She has Sonny’s bodyguard watching over her. She says she just feels trapped… vulnerable, and isolated from the rest of the world. Like a sitting duck, waiting for whoever’s after her to strike again.

Cody tells Dante that he didn’t let Sasha know he wanted her to stay in Port Charles because he did what he always does; he made it about himself. Dante asks, how so? and Cody says he doesn’t even know how it happened. He started talking about people making mistakes and how everyone does it, and the next thing he knows, he’s confessing to her that Mac Scorpio is his biological father and he lied to Mac about it. Dante asks what he was thinking, and Cody says he wasn’t. Dante says, he really did make it all about himself, and Cody says he knows. He was desperate. He really doesn’t want her to go.

Valentin says, Anna doesn’t have to stay here alone if she doesn’t feel safe. She has other alternatives. She says she’s not staying with him, because he has Charlotte to consider, and she’s not about to bring whatever danger is after her down on Charlotte. He says she’s right. He’s going to have to get along with his daughter right now and it’s not a good time, but he did buy that house for the two of them. She says, regardless of what she just said, she is fine here, but he says he disagrees. She doesn’t have to stay here alone. She has plenty of friends In Port Charles she can turn to.

Robert says, you want to have fun with moi? and Diane says, if it hasn’t been made clear, she does. She enjoys spending time with him. What she doesn’t enjoy is being made to think she’s an afterthought or a default friend. He says, wait a minute. He’d like them not to be just friends, and she says, meaning? He says, why don’t they pick up where they left off? She says, absolutely not.

Alexis tells Gregory, what difference does it make? She just let that guy leave with the upper hand. What was she thinking? That she was going to hammer him so hard, he would admit he’s corrupt in taking gifts from special interests? Gregory says, she doesn’t know what he was thinking when he left, and she says, that guy is scum, but he has an excellent legal mind, and he did what he should have done. He walked out. And her? She’s left with half an interview where he didn’t admit to doing anything wrong and zero leverage to help Drew.

Drew asks, who’s the lucky girl? and Elizabeth says, Charlotte Cassadine. He says, good for them. He loves hearing all this good news. She says, Charlotte wasn’t her favorite person when she was little, but she’s grown up a lot. She thinks Charlotte might actually be good for Jake. He says, in what ways? and she says, her boy is so shy and reserved, and Charlotte is very confident, and it seems to be rubbing off on him. It’s the first time since Franco’s death that Jake doesn’t seem down all the time. He says he’s really glad to hear that, and she says, and Charlotte is the most popular girl in the class, so dating her has really boosted his self-esteem. He says, that’s great. He loves Jake like Jake was his own son. She says she knows. Jake loves Drew too. Drew means a lot to all of them. A guard comes in and says, the transfer paperwork’s been approved. He’ll be taking Drew to Pentenville.

Laura says she knows Charlotte doesn’t know very much about her or her childhood, but to tell her the truth, she was very alone as a kid. And it was really painful. She guesses she just wanted Charlotte to know that she’s not alone because Charlotte has her, and she also has her dad. Charlotte says, Laura is right. She does have her and papa, but that’s it. She doesn’t have any friends at school. Laura says she’s so sorry and asks if Charlotte is having trouble making friends. Charlotte says, yes and no. She thinks she’s just been away from Port Charles for too long. All her old friends are into different things now. They just keep their distance from her. (I’m confused. Didn’t Elizabeth just say she was the most popular girl in class?) Laura says, Elizabeth told her that Charlotte and Jake have become friends. Sometimes all you need is one good friend. Charlotte says she and Jake are friends, and he’s really nice, but he’s a boy. That’s a lot different when you don’t have another girl to talk about things with. Laura says, Charlotte’s got her, and Charlotte says, yeah, but Laura’s her grandma. It’s not the same. She just doesn’t have someone to hang out with. And papa’s never around; he’s always busy. Laura says, yeah. He spends an awful lot of time with Anna, doesn’t he?

Anna tells Valentin that she’s not going to impose herself on Jordan like that. Or Mac and Felicia. That’s just too much to ask. He says he doesn’t think any of them would feel like it was an imposition. Mac and Jordan have law enforcement training, so if whoever’s targeting her is… She says, the solution is not for her to hole up with her friends and bring danger to their door. The solution is for her to go after whoever’s trying to dismantle her life and shut them down.

Spencer tells Doc, there’s really no need for people to keep reminding him that he’s not Ace’s father. He gets that. But Ace’s father, who is also his father, is missing in action because he doesn’t care that he has  two sons. Doc says, Spencer doesn’t know what’s going on in Nikolas’s head any more than he does. Benefit of the doubt is always the healthiest approach until you know the facts. (Not according to Dr. Phil.) Spencer says, his grandmother, who is the kindest, sweetest, most determined person on the planet, has finally had to admit to herself that his father isn’t coming back. And someone needs to fill that void. Someone needs to be there for him. Someone who’s not Esme. To be honest, Spencer doesn’t much care what the official title is, be it father or brother, he’s going to step up and take care of his baby brother. He’s going to do it. Doc says, he should care. His love and commitment to Ace is commendable, but he doesn’t have any actual parental rights where Ace is concerned. He understands that, yeah? Spencer says he understands that, and he’d really like to stop hearing that from people like Doc and everybody else. Doc says, he’s heard this before? and Spencer says, yes. He gets it. From a legal standpoint, Esme has the final say. Doc says, that’s right, and Spencer says, fortunately, with the exception of this… he guesses they’ll chalk it up to a miscommunication, he and Esme have been able to work together to take care of Ace, and he’s not expecting that’s going to change any time soon.

Robert tells Diane that he’s a little confused. He thinks he’s getting mixed signals. She says, nope. She doesn’t send mixed signals. Picking up where they left off would leave such a bad taste in her mouth. It would just remind her of how she was used for Holly’s agenda and how she was treated when Holly was around. He says he’s sorry, and she thanks him, but asks him to let her finish. She’s been back and forth in her head about him. The moment she starts to think, even for a second, about what a great guy he is – funny, charming – she’s blindsided again by yet another revelation about something, anything in his past. So he wants to know where she is right now with this? He says, definitely, and she says, good. She’ll tell him.

Cody says he’s been going on and on about his troubles when Dante, his best friend, is under investigation at work for shooting someone. Dante says, it’s nothing. This is just police procedure. It’s easier than doing math homework with Rocco. Dante sucks at math. Cody thanks him, and Dante says, for what? Cody says, for everything he’s done. Not just for him since he got here to Port Charles, but for Sasha too. He doesn’t know if they could have pulled this off without Dante and Sam. He’s a good friend. So is Sam. Dante says, she came around, huh? and Cody says he knew that was going to happen; he’s irresistible. Dante says he doesn’t know if Sasha thinks so. He’s sorry all this stuff is happening with Sasha. He knows she’s come to mean a lot to Cody.

Laura says, when Charlotte first got back from camp, she went to live with Dante and Sam, and her dad lived with Anna. What did she think about that? Charlotte says, that was just temporary while papa was buying this house for them, so she didn’t try to think about it. She asks what Laura thinks about the house papa bought for her, and Laura says her opinion isn’t as important as Charlotte’s is, so what does she think about the house? Charlotte flashes back to Valentin telling Anna that he bought the house for them, so they could move in with Charlotte and start a life together. She tells Laura, it’s all she wanted, and Laura says, a house like this? but Charlotte says, a home for her and papa. All to themselves.

Valentin says he’s sorry this is happening to Anna. She doesn’t deserve this at all. Anna says she disagrees, because they both know she brought this down on herself. She was a double agent. She betrayed the WSB and betrayed her country. And she has to accept the fallout from that. She wipes some tears away, and he says, no. Nothing could be further from the truth. She’s being targeted. She’s having her entire life dismantled by someone’s twisted idea of vengeance. She asks why he’d say that. Why does he think it’s revenge instead of justice?

Cody says he’s just being selfish, and Dante asks, how so? Cody says, wanting Sasha to stay here in Port Charles, but Dante says he doesn’t think it’s selfish. Cody likes her and wants what’s best for her. Cody says, if he does, maybe he needs to realize this is going to be really hard for her. These reminders of Brando and Liam, and that nightmare Gladys. Dante says, they’re never going to have to worry about Gladys again. She’s not going to show up in Port Charles. Cody says, Sam told him that Dante’s dad made sure of that, and Dante says, Sonny can be persuasive. Cody laughs and says he bets.

Robert asks why he feels he’s about to get hit by the infamous Killer Miller atom bomb, and Diane says, buck up, soldier. She has the feeling Robert Scorpio can handle what she’s about to say. Besides, this a golden opportunity for someone, who shall remain nameless, but who is him, to become a better human being. He says, okay. Lay it on him. She says, no. They’re not going to pick up where they left off. There’s too much hurt and confusion and betrayal and dishonesty down that road. He asks what she’s suggesting, and she says, they wipe the slate clean. They clear the chessboard as it were. And this is great. He gets to put his paw in anywhere he wants to, because he’s starting at square one.

Alexis tells Gregory, that might have been their only chance to get Drew released and she fumbled it. He says, she didn’t fumble it. She got to him. She says she should have approached this like in negotiations where each party gets what they want. A subtle warning to Judge Kim about a potentially embarrassing career decision and then he gets a chance to clean it up before the dam breaks, and then an early, quiet release for Drew. Nothing said overtly, only implied. This is how deals are done every day, but she had to go for the jugular. She had to grandstand. Does he know why she did that? He says he thinks she’s about to tell him, and she says, because that’s what lawyers do and she’s a lawyer. Or she wants to be one and she misses it. She wanted to win and she lost big; not for her, but for Drew.

Elizabeth tells Drew, maybe they can delay this. Dr. Ashford is on duty. She could speak to him, and he could say there are more tests that need to be done tomorrow, and he can stay here an extra night. Drew says, there’s not point in delaying the inevitable. Honestly, it would probably make it more torturous. They both know he’s going to end up in prison eventually. She says, then let her call Carly for him, but he says, no. She says, why not? and he says, because he doesn’t want her to see him literally hauled out of here in chains. It would be better if she just finds out about it once he’s gone.

Dante gets up, and Cody says, he’s leaving? He thought Dante could sit around all day and listen to him sulk. Dante says, that sounds like a lot of fun, but he has to get this stuff to Mac. Seeing that Cody’s told Sasha that Mac is his father, doesn’t Cody think he should tell Mac the truth too? He thinks Mac deserves to know he’s got a son. Cody says, no way. He lied to Mac’s face about being his son. There’s no way he could look at Mac’s face and see the disappointment and hurt when he found out. Dante says he’s not going to push it, but think about what he’s keeping from Mac. This isn’t a minor thing. Cody not telling Mac that he’s his son, makes his life a lot more complicated. Dante leaves.

Robert says, as an ex-spy, he’s strategic and an excellent chess player, and Diane asks what he’s saying. He says he accepts the challenge and the conditions, and she says, excellent. She’s just going to give him a warning. He says, wait a minute. A warning. A strategic advantage to him. She says, sometimes a warning is just a warning. This is a game between her and him. If he invites anyone else to play, or even watch, then she’s going to take her queen and go home. He says, just her and him. and she says, those are her terms. He says he’s liking how this sounds already. Just them; Robert and Diane. She says, more like Diane and Robert, but here’s one more thing. Not only will she take her queen and go home, she will take the entire chessboard, and there won’t be a rematch. She leaves, and he half-smiles.

Doc says he gets it. Ace is Spencer’s little brother, and Spencer wants only the best for him. But he really doesn’t help Ace if he denies the reality of the situation. Spencer says, the reality is that he’s going to do what he can for Ace, but Doc says, the reality is, Spencer and Esme no longer have anything in common except Ace. And as their lives diverge, and they will, Spencer may have to accept a reduced role in Ace’s life. Spencer says, no. He doesn’t accept that. Esme comes back with Ace, and Spencer asks, how’d it go? Esme says, Ace is once again in the 99 percentile, and Spencer tells Ace, way to go. That’s what he’s talking about. This calls for a celebration. Why don’t they go to Kelly’s and celebrate? He thanks Doc for his help, and says he appreciates it. He’ll take it from here. He leaves with Esme, who tells Ace, a cup of hot cocoa from Kelly’s does sound good, doesn’t it?

Laura say she knows how close Charlotte is with her father, but as much as he loves her, he was never a teenage girl. But Laura was and she remembers what it felt like. And it was really, really hard sometimes, just to be yourself. She felt like no one understood her. She never knew how she fit in, in her family. She didn’t feel like she fit in at school at all, or with her friends. And she had two really successful doctor parents and that was kind of hard. She didn’t always believe everything they told her. Did she take the advice they gave her? No, she didn’t. It was a very hard time. Painful. Confusing. Can Charlotte keep a secret? Charlotte says, sure, and Laura says, when she was Charlotte’s age, she made some really big mistakes. Charlotte says, really? and Laura says, yes, she did. She takes Charlotte’s hand and says, and it was Charlotte’s great-grandmother Leslie who saved her really. She was like Laura’s rock, and Laura wants to be there for Charlotte now, the way Leslie was there for her. She wants that more than anything and wouldn’t have it any other way. So if there’s something Charlotte needs to say to someone, something that maybe she needs to share, she’s here to listen to Charlotte. Charlotte says, grandma… Laura says, yes, dear? and Charlotte says she’s really glad Laura is back. She missed her. Laura says she missed Charlotte too, and they hug.  

Valentin says, this all started at the reading of Victor’s will and Anna’s WSB file being released to the press. She says, his father’s final act of revenge on her, and he says, no doubt. He thinks there’s someone else targeting her on Victor’s behalf.

Gregory asks if Alexis has always been this hard on herself, and she says, yes, especially when she screws up like she did today, and the screw up affects somebody she cares about. He says he’s sorry. He doesn’t see it that way. He was here, and saw and heard her in action. She was great. And if anything significant happened today, it was that she made a sacrifice. She says, what sacrifice? and he says, every instinct she had was, is still, screaming to publish an exposé on Kim’s corruption, barbecue him in The Invader. But she pulled back for Drew’s sake and offered him a deal. Alexis says she came on too strong, but Gregory says, there’s no guarantee that a softer approach would have been any more effective. She says, the point is, she went after Judge Kim because she wanted to, and it was stupid and unprofessional. Alexis’s phone rings, and she thanks them for letting her know. Keep her posted. She tells Gregory, that was a friend of hers from the Federal building. She said that Judge Kim asked his clerk to pull Drew Cain’s file. Gregory says, and? and she says, apparently, he may be reconsidering Drew’s sentence. Gregory says, see? Nice work, counselor.

Elizabeth watches as Drew is wheeled out wearing leg irons, since he might make a sprint from the wheelchair. They lock eyes for a moment, and she watches as he’s wheeled into the elevator. She stands in front of the elevator, and they look at each other with sad faces as the elevator doors close.

On Monday, Brook asks, since when does granny’s opinion hold any weight with Lois; Cody says he had his chance and threw it away; and Sonny tells someone, the next thing they say could have lasting repercussions.

🎄 Nathan Rushes the Season…

I swear this guy is in every other holiday movie.

🧂 Salting the Lake…

This week’s shenanigans.

It says something about you when your own son wants to hide his marriage.

https://people.com/rhoslc-recap-mary-cosby-son-robert-jr-was-secretly-married-for-a-year-8362974

🗽 Gorgeous Is Gonna Devour Cute…

Tiffany is awful, but I like her, and God help me, I might have to take Jax off the awful list. I’m surprised at how good this show is.

https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/tiffany-pollard-a-hero-in-the-villain-house

🍸 SURish Secrets…

It’s not really all that interesting, mostly about Bravo being cheap, but keeping the Pump rolling until the new season begins.

⚰️ One Fear Coming Up…

Sunday, October 22nd, 9 pm EST. Be dead or be there. Of course the finale is in two parts. It’s a thing now.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-series-finale/

https://screenrant.com/fear-walking-dead-season-8-two-part-finale/

🧹 Extra Extra…

Wow. It’s all pretty tame by today’s standards.

https://ew.com/movies/hocus-pocus-deleted-scene-grocery-store-mary-steals-child/

🎃 Today’s Lesson…

More Halloween lore.

https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a40250/heres-why-we-really-celebrate-halloween/

🐶 Will Do a Trick a Treat…

I love this dog.

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/pug-latte-costume

Come on. You know you want to dress your dogs up. You probably want to dress up your cats too, but we all know how that can go.

https://people.com/best-dog-halloween-costumes-8362521

https://www.etonline.com/the-best-last-minute-dog-halloween-costume-ideas-to-put-a-spell-on-everyone-hocus-pocus-baby-yoda

🐝 Quotes of the Week

Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.Susan L. Taylor

The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away. – David Viscott

One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain’t nothin’ can beat teamwork.Edward Abbey

Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty.Thomas S. Monson

To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to change often. – Winston Churchill

Once you start recognizing the truth of your story, finish the story. It happened but you’re still here, you’re still capable, powerful, you’re not your circumstance. It happened and you made it through. You’re still fully equipped with every single tool you need to fulfill your purpose. – Steve Maraboli (Or as Sweet Pea said in Sucker Punch: You’ve got your weapons. Now fight.)

For better or worse, Beanies were like crack. – Rich Kelley, The Beanie Bubble

🫦 My Real Housewives tagline: Sometimes going commando really does mean you’re carrying a machine gun. Holla!

🕸 Being Altogether Ooky…

Meet me here on Sunday for a Fear quickie. Until then, stay safe, stay bringing the appropriate hostess gift to a Halloween party – you know, like a coffin – and stay remembering, sometimes all you need is one good friend.

November 11, 2022 – Laura Visits With Two Inmates, Mostly Cut, Possible Pair, Soap Son, Days Return, Ho-Ho-Ho, Too Long, More Wives, VanderNew, Daryl’s Spin, CMAs, 11 Quotes For 11/11 & Balloons

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna kisses Valentin, and he asks if she slept well. She says, you’d think the adrenaline rush would have kept her awake, but no. How about him? There’s a knock at the door, and Valentin answers. It’s Sonny, who says, helluva night, right?

On the phone, Josslyn tells Carly that she was with friends, and got in late, but they walked her back to her room.. Yes, she’s being careful… No she won’t be alone. We see Dex sleeping in Josslyn’s dorm room, which has one fantastic view, and looks like no dorm room in the real world.

Trina goes into Kelly’s, where Cameron is looking at his phone. She says she’d like to speak to the manager. He’s supposed to be serving, not surfing. He says he is the manager, and he’s been trying to reach Joss all morning. She asks if he’s worried, and he says, kind of. She hasn’t responded to his texts. Has Trina seen her on campus? She says, today’s her late class, but she’s sure Josslyn’s fine. Does he want her to try? He says, he’s probably overreacting. He’s just a little on edge with all the attacks that have been going on. She says, they all are, especially given the latest news. He says, so she heard Esme’s back in town? and she says, not until now.

Laura hugs Spencer, and says she’s been waiting months to do this. She can’t believe he let her get away with it. He says, she is the mayor, and sits down with her. She says, he’s looking thin, but he says, it’s probably the ill-fitting clothes. She asks if he’s doing okay, and he says, things could be worse. He’s being looked after. She says, that’s good. Who’s doing the looking after?

Austin calls Spinelli, and leaves a message, saying, maybe Spinelli could give him a call, and let him know about the favor he asked Spinelli to do for him. At the vending machine, Britt drops her change, and says, dammit. Austin says, let him, and picks it up for her. She says, that’ll teach her to polish off a bottle of Beaujolais on a school night, and he says, the French government doesn’t release the new Beaujolais until the third week in November, so technically, it’s probably a bottle of old Beaujolais. He puts the change in the machine, and asks what she’d like. She says, club soda, and he gets it for her. She thanks him, and says she didn’t know he was a wine aficionado. He says, not at all; he dated a girl in college who was. She takes a sip, and coughs. She tells him, don’t worry, she’s okay, and he says, she could have fooled him.

On the phone, Jordan tells someone to come to her office. She needs to see them right away. A guy walks right in, followed by Officer Clark, and the officer says he tried to stop him. Jordan asks who the guy is, and he shows his badge, saying, Agent Whitten with the US Marshal Service. She thanks Officer Clark, and asks him to shut the door. He leaves, and Whitten says, he’s here to talk to her… She says, let’s get something straight. She doesn’t give a damn if he’s a marshal, CIA, or one of the Avengers. Don’t barge into her office like that. Now what does he want? He says, everything she has on the Anna Devane case. He’s assuming control of the investigation.

Trina asks Cameron, where? Do the cops know? He says, they know. His mom spotted her on the pier. When she was trying to dial 9-1-1, Esme tried to grab the phone, and his mom fell and hit her head. She asks if his mom is all right, and he says, thankfully, but Esme got away, and they don’t know where she is. She’s still out there. Trina says, Esme’s graduated from torching cars and making revenge porn, to trying to kill that bartender. She’s seriously unhinged. He says, they have no idea what she’s capable of, and Trina asks if Josslyn told him Commissioner Ashford’s theory. He says, about The Hook targeting people closely related to Trina and the trial; yes. She says, Esme as the maniac? She can’t wrap her head around it. He tells her, please watch her back, and she says, him too. Does Spencer know? He says, they didn’t tell Spencer because they didn’t know Esme was back in town. They also didn’t know about The Hook’s connection to her. She says, and they were busy telling him other things? He says, Trina’s name did come up, and she says, Joss told her, especially how Spencer’s feelings were hurt when he found out she knew he’d believed in her all along, and never acknowledged it to him. Cameron asks why she didn’t, and she says she tried before he was taken to Pentenville, but by the time she reached the PCPD, he was gone. Cameron says, she knows where to find him, and he wonders what’s holding her back.

Laura says she guesses it’s his Uncle Victor pulling the strings, and Spencer says he’s had support from all of his uncles; each are useful in their own way. She says, Sonny is usually great, and he says, Uncle Martin tried like hell to get his sentence reduced. She says, he told her. He said Spencer refused to give him the name of the accomplice who helped him get an unauthorized pass from Spring Ridge. He says, she disapproves, and she says she understands him wanting to visit his mother’s grave, and she guesses he’s taken full responsibility and accepted the consequences, but whoever helped him should also face some consequences, because what they did was wrong too. He says, it seems unfair to penalize others for his decision, and asks how his great-grandmother Lesley is doing. Laura says, she’s recovering. She’s doing well, but it was so sad. They lost everything. Bit by bit, their new place on Lake Como is starting to feel like home. He says he’s glad. It’s good she’s back. It’s nice to see her. She says, him too, but he says, she shouldn’t have come here though.

Jordan says, to the best of her knowledge, Anna hasn’t crossed state lines, which puts this case under the jurisdiction of the PCPD, but Whitten says, not any longer. The mayor’s office called him in. She says, Mayor Collins called him? but he says, no. Mayor Collins is out of the country. Deputy Mayor Ashby contacted his office. Jordan says, on what grounds? and he says, the Deputy Mayor feels that city and state resources are stretched too thin. She says, what law enforcement department isn’t? She has this under control. He says, not from what he sees. A failed prisoner transport – the second in less than a year – and now she has a potential serial killer on the loose. It appears her resources are severely overtaxed. She says she’ll need confirmation confirming his jurisdiction, and he hands her some paperwork, saying, he’s not here to step on her toes; he’s here to help. From his understanding, in addition to being a WSB agent, the fugitive was also once Police Commissioner? She says, his understanding is correct, and he says, look at it this way. Relinquishing control of this investigation will avoid any appearance of impropriety for both her and her department.

Sonny asks, what happened out there? and Anna asks if Dex didn’t tell him. He says, no, and she says, Heather Webber happened. She was added to the transport at the last minute, and Dex tried to change the route so they’d go to D’Archam first and drop her, then Pentenville. She guesses the guard got suspicious, there was a struggle up front, Dex lost control of the vehicle, and crashed. After that, she doesn’t remember. Sonny says he hears the guard is still alive, so he can give them a description, and Valentin asks where Dex would go if he wanted to keep a low profile. Sonny says he doesn’t know. Dex doesn’t have many connections, and without him, Dex could be anywhere.

Dex struggles to sit up, and Josslyn says, let her help. He asks if he’s in her dorm room, and she says, good guess. He popped a stitch, then she found him not far from the house. He wasn’t completely unconscious, so she was able to get him in her car. She couldn’t take him to a hospital, so she brought him back here. He says, that was risky, but she says, not really. He looked like a drunk frat guy. He says he can’t believe she did all this for him, and she says, neither can she.

Austin and Britt go to an exam room, and she asks if he’s forgotten who’s the Chief of Staff. She gives the orders. It was nothing; she swallowed too fast. He asks her to put her hand out, and not be a difficult patient. She does, and her hand is shaking slightly. He says, they need to run some tests, but she says, no need. Too much caffeine. He says, what about the dysphasia? A first year med student can see it’s hard for her to swallow. How long has it been going on? She doesn’t say anything, and he says, it’s probably nothing, but they’ll just run a scan. He doesn’t need to tell her, the symptoms she’s exhibiting might be part of a larger neurological muscular disorder. She says she doesn’t need a test because she knows what’s going on. She has Huntington’s Disease.

Sonny says, everyone at GH is being questioned, and Anna says, what about Heather? He says, she’s been apprehended, and Anna asks where they found her. He says, Kelly’s, of all places. His phone chirps, and he says, voicemail. It didn’t even ring. Valentin says, they’re pretty remote, and Anna says, there’s no reception here. Sonny steps away, and Anna says she feels terrible about Dex. That kid out there hiding; she just wanted this to be a clean operation. He says, extractions can get complicated. Sonny’s guy knew the risks going in. She says, now he’s paying the price because of her, but Valentin says, because of Victor. Victor made her take the fall for what he did to Lucy. Dear old dad. Sonny comes back, and says, Jordan wants to talk to him at the precinct. Anna says, she suspects he helped her, and Sonny says, could be, but she can’t prove it, so this will be the last time they can have any kind of contact. He and Anna hug, and he tells her to take care of herself. She thanks him, and he says, prove her innocence, and leaves.

Spencer says, Laura is wasting her time here. There’s too much happening in Port Charles right now. She says, it’s never a waste of her time to see him. Nothing is more important to her. She has some news for him. Apparently, Esme has been spotted again in Port Charles. He asks if she’s been arrested, and Laura says, no, but the authorities are looking out for her. He says he hopes they deploy dogs, and she says, he has every right to feel betrayed, but holding on to his rage and resentment will ultimately only hurt him. He says, this isn’t just about Esme, is it? and she says, his dad told her there had been another rift between them. He won’t be in here much longer. Does he think they can all work this out together? Maybe Sundays at her house? He says, obviously, his father didn’t tell her why they’re estranged, an she says, no, but he can. What happened? He tells her, ask her son, or when they find her, ask Esme.

Josslyn tells Dex, she used her keycard to nab some medical supplies from the gym, and the locker room had most of what she needed to clean and rebandage his wound. He asks if she has a roommate, but she says, it’s taken care of. He asks, who else has a key? but she says, nobody is going to come in here. He’s fine. He says he can’t stay here, and rolls out of bed. She tells him, don’t get up, and he nearly falls over on her. She helps him back to bed, and says, he’s heavier than he looks. He says, all muscle, and she looks at the bandage. She says, no blood, so that’s good. He could have popped another stitch pulling that stunt. She hopes it’s worth working for Sonny. How much is Sonny paying Dex to get shot for him? She doesn’t see Sonny risking his life. Dex says, no comment, and she says, he needs food and hydration. If she gets something from the dining hall, does he promise to be good and stay put? He says he doesn’t want her involved, but she says, it’s too late. Besides, he has nowhere else to go. He says he does. Grab his phone, and he’ll make arrangements. She says, he didn’t have a phone, and he asks if he can borrow hers, but she says, not if he’s going to use it to call Sonny.

Whitten asks if Jordan has any leads on the individual who commandeered the van, and she says, not at the scene. He says, did the security footage from the General Hospital parking garage turn up anything? but she says, their mystery man was shy with the cameras. One of her officers did make contact during transfer. He says he’ll need to talk to that officer, and she says, he was focused on the transfer, and never even saw the driver’s face. Should he remember any details, she’ll have him meet with their sketch artist and have a composite drawn. He says, jar that memory. An ID on that driver will lead them to whoever aided Anna Devane’s escape. She says, okay, Captain Obvious. There’s a knock at the door, and Jordan says, come in. Sonny walks in, and Whitten says, Mr. Corinthos. You just saved me a trip.

Trina tells Cameron, the last time she talked to Spencer, she told him that she didn’t want to be friends. She’s not sure she can take that back. She’s not sure she wants to. Cameron says he guesses that’s up to her. If she’s moved on, more power to her. He thinks ultimately, Spencer just wants her to be happy, even if it’s with Rory. The same goes for him. She thanks him, and says, Rory is a great guy. Cameron says, they seem at ease with one another, like him and Joss. She says, he and Joss have gone through a lot in the past few months, and they’re still together. He says he thinks it’s their friendship that keeps them grounded. Because of that bond, it’s easier to find their way back to one another. Trina says, she and Rory are friends too; he’s so supportive. Cameron says he’s glad. Maybe it’s for the best Spencer never gave her that letter.

Laura says, ask Esme? What does she have to do with the rift between Spencer and his dad? Spencer tells her, that’s not for him to say, and the guard says, time’s up. Spencer says, it’s great to see her, and she asks if there’s anything he needs. He says, she came to see him. He couldn’t ask for more. Before she left, he made her a promise, and he’s sorry he let her down. She says, he didn’t let her down. What he did for Trina is the epitome of protecting the people you love. She couldn’t be more proud of him. He thanks her, and she says she’ll see him soon. He leaves, and the guard tells Laura, before she goes, there’s someone else who would like to talk to her. She asks, who? and Cyrus says, her big brother. Hello, Laura.  

Josslyn says she can’t stop Dex from asking Sonny for help, but he’s not doing it from her phone. He says he gets that she hates the guy… and she says she’ll never shake the sight of Dex hanging from a meat hook. His face all bruised, shivering with cold, all these knives laid out in front of him. And this is the man he wants to go to for help. Is she supposed to be grateful while Sonny acts all concerned and protective? No. He says he can’t stay here forever, and his options are limited. She tells him, he can send Sonny an email, but he can’t do it from her account. He says, not exactly the most expedient form of communication. (Remember when it used to be?) Just give it to him please. She brings over her laptop, and says she’s going to grab some stuff. Stay here and be good. She’ll be back soon. She leaves, and he opens the laptop.

Trina asks if Cameron is talking about the letter Spencer almost gave her at the party, and her phone rings. It’s Josslyn, and Trina asks if everything is okay. Josslyn says, everything is totally fine, but Trina says she sounds weird. Josslyn says she doesn’t want to freak Trina out, but is she planning on swinging by the room today? Trina says she’s not sure. What’s up? Josslyn says, apparently, they’re spraying for bedbugs, and Trina says, gross. She tells Cameron, they’re spraying the room for bedbugs, and Josslyn asks if she’s with Cam. Trina asks if Josslyn wants to talk to him. He’s been trying to get ahold of her. Josslyn says, tell him she’ll call him back later. She has to clear some stuff out of the room so they can spray. Trina asks if she needs help, but Josslyn says, no; she’s got it covered. Trina says, keep her posted, and Cameron asks if Josslyn didn’t want to talk to him. Trina says, it sounded like she had a lot going on.

In Josslyn’s room, Dex sends an email. In the hallway, Adam asks Josslyn if they have bedbugs, and she says, that’s the rumor. Check his mattress. He says he woudn’t know the signs. Can she show him what to look for?

Cyrus says, it’s good to see Laura. Please sit with him. She says she can’t stay. She’s still the mayor, and has some important things to attend to; no thanks to him and those Friends of Port Charles. He says, she’s still angry about the recall effort, but he has no desire to hurt her, despite her belief to the contrary. She says she does know now it wasn’t him who was behind the attempt on her and Martin’s life at the safe house last June, and he says, good. He told her. She says he did. Forgive her if she doesn’t always take him at his word. He says he forgives her. Does she know who’s behind the attack? She says, if she told him, what would he do? and he says, just send a message. She says, ahh. So much for his conversion, but he says, safeguarding his family is in line with biblical principles. It’s good to see her; she’s looking well. She tells him that she doesn’t know how to say this without sounding mean, but she didn’t come here to talk to him. He says he knows, but maybe that can change. Maybe she and Martin could visit him together. He’d love to see his brother. How is he? Laura says, Cyrus should ask him, and he says he’d like to, but she’s here and he’s not. Has something happened? She doesn’t say anything, and he says, she’s afraid he’ll use personal information to hurt Martin. She has to believe him. He’s doing everything he can to make things right with his family. Starting with his  great-nephew Spencer.

Valentin says, if Deputy Mayor Ashby is on Victor’s payroll, who knows who else could be? and Anna says, but Ashby needs definitive proof to tie her to Victor. Valentin says, it’s time we stop focusing on Victor’s guilt, and focus on proving your innocence, and she says, we? He says, of course (🍷), but she says he has to go. He says, in due time, but she says, now, today. If they get caught, he’ll go to prison too. He asks if she thinks he doesn’t know that. She’s a survivor, but how is she going to hide out here, and conduct an investigation by herself? She says, carefully. He has to go. He asks if she has any idea how much she means to him, and they touch foreheads.

Britt tells Austin, her father had Huntington’s. When she found out, she chose not to get tested. She started having hand tremors, and it turned out it was just repetitive motions disorder, but she realized it wasn’t doing her any good to hide. The fear that she might have Huntington’s was ruining her life. So she talked it through with someone she respected, and decided she needed to know one way or the other. Now she knows. He says he’s sorry, and she says, there’s no wrist brace to stave off this disease. She lives every day knowing symptoms can present at any time. He asks what kind of timeline her treating physician gave her, but she says she doesn’t have one, and he says, doctor, you need a doctor. He’s no expert, but from what he remembers about this horrible disease, she’s in the early stages, and there are protocols that can help her manage her symptoms. She says she knows her disease progresses in stages. She knows it may be able to carry on with activities for years. There are meds that can help her deal with symptoms without assistance, yada-yada. He says, it’s not yada-yada. All of those things should comfort her. She says, cut the crap. Let’s be real. There’s a bomb in her brain, and the countdown has begun.

Whitten says he’s surprised to see Sonny Corinthos easily saunter into the Police Commissioner’s office, and Jordan says, at least he knocked. <snort> She’d requested his presence before Whitten barged in. Sonny says, Whitten seems to know him, but he doesn’t know Whitten, and Whitten says, Agent Whitten with the US Marshal’s Service. Sonny asks if he should have his lawyer present, but Whitten says, no; it’s just a friendly conversation. Sonny says, no such thing from the Feds, and Whitten says he’s been going through Anna Devane’s file, and it appears she and Sonny go way back. Sonny says, so what? and Whitten says, Miss Devane is a high value fugitive. The government is anxious to sit down with her. Jordan says, he’s hoping to make a deal, and Sonny says, maybe a trade in classified information. Whitten says, Sonny would be making a friend at the Attorney General’s office if he helps them, but Sonny says he doesn’t need a friend. And if Whitten thinks he’s going to coerce Anna into giving them state secrets, he doesn’t know her at all. Whitten says, Sonny does. Just let his friend know they can offer her safe haven… if Sonny is in contact with her. Sonny says he’s not, and Whitten says, that’s a shame. His bosses say, if they can’t bring her in bring, they have to bring her down. Jordan says, no need to get combative, but Whitten says he doesn’t see the need to waste time or mince words. She says, Anna Devane is no danger to the public at large, but he says, they don’t know that. He’ll take the file with him, and have any files related to this case uploaded to his office this afternoon. He gives Sonny his card, and says, in case there’s anything he needs to know. He leaves, and Jordan says she didn’t know he’d be here when she called Sonny. Sonny rips up the card, and says, he gathered. Ambushes aren’t her style. She says, that wasn’t a bluff, was it? and Sonny says, when he told them he’d take down Anna if he couldn’t bring her in? He thinks Whitten meant every damn word.

Anna says, the best thing Valentin could do for both of them is leave. Because she would feel devastated if something happened to him. He says, why doesn’t he stick around a few more days? and she says, because if Victor realizes they’re both missing… Valentin says he’s sure Victor knows by now. He’s sure Victor knows he helped with her escape. She says, but what if Victor takes advantage of his absence, and seizes Charlotte again? and he says, she’s safe with Laura. Anna says, he just got her back. He was in hell without her. He needs to be there for her. He has to keep her safe. She’s a big girl; she can manage. He says, okay, and takes off his ring. He says, this ring has a lot of complicated feelings for him. She says, the Cassadine ring, sure, and he says, and every time he tries to get rid of it, it finds its way back to him. Will she hold on to it until they’re together again? He puts the ring in her hand, closes her fingers around it, and kisses them.  

Britt tells Austin, obviously, she covers all the bases with her patients, but she reserves the right not to waste her own precious time. Maybe she’ll get her affairs in order instead. Austin says, okay, but he thinks the way it goes is, there are horses, and then there’s a cart. She says she’s had her fill of horse idioms, and he says, how’s Cody? Does he know? She says, only her mother and Scotty know. She hasn’t told anyone else who matters. They laugh, and he says he’s just kidding. She doesn’t have to manage his feelings. She says, the irony. It’s the first time in a long time things have started to go well. He says he’s sorry, but he doesn’t see it as the end of the line for her. She says she thinks that’s something he’d say to a patient, and he says he knows she’s not his patient, but they’re both physicians, so they know there are advancements in medicine every day. And they caught this early, so maybe they can take advantage of one of them. For what it’s worth (🍷), if he had to wager between her and Huntington’s, he’s all in on her.

Josslyn tells Adan, just google bedbugs. She thinks they’re tiny dark spots on your sheets and pillowcases. He says, don’t you have to throw everything out? He’ll check just in case. He’s glad Trina is back at PCU, and they can all move on from what happened. She says she appreciates that, and he says, she deserves a drama free year. He leaves, and she says, that’s not gonna happen.

Trina says, before Joss called, Cameron was going to say something about Spencer’s letter. Does he know what Spencer wrote? Cameron says, he just said he confessed everything; why he did what he did. Not that it matters now though, right? She says, what’s done is done, and he says he has to go back to work in the kitchen. Promise him she’ll stay vigilant. They all have to watch their backs now that Esme’s around. She says, 100%. One more thing. Was Spencer confessing to playing Esme, or something else? Cameron says, for that, she’ll have to ask Spencer herself.  

Laura asks why Cyrus is bringing up Spencer, and he says, they got acquainted here. He sees great things in Spencer; a lot of her energy. She says, no. Stay away from Spencer. Cyrus shouts that he’s been protecting Spencer… and she tells him not to raise his voice. Sit down. Cyrus says, ever since he became a ward of the state. In case she didn’t notice, it’s a little dangerous in here. She tells him, sit down, and they both sit. He says, ask Spencer. Did Spencer seem okay to her? She says, he did, and Cyrus says, he’s going to make sure Spencer stays that way. He can’t promise the same for her friend Anna Devane. If she’s captured, perhaps as mayor, Laura can pull strings to make sure she doesn’t come to Pentenville. Laura asks, why? What does he know? He asks if the name Olivia Jerome means anything to her, and Laura asks if Olivia has said something. He says, only that she can’t wait to roll out the Pentenville red carpet for Anna Devane. He knows Laura doesn’t trust him, but trust this. If Anna is on the run, it’s best she stays that way.

Jordan says, if Sonny know where Anna is, let them bring her in. It’s safer that way. He asks if she thinks Anna would really be safer in Pentenville within Victor’s reach. He’s the one who set her up. Anna is lucky she has friends, them included. She says, Anna is a dear friend, but she can’t break the law outright for her. Sonny says he gets it, but she can’t turn Anna over to that hotshot agent either. She says, hell no. He only wants to impress his bosses. They can’t let that happen at the expense of Anna. He says, so they’re on the same page here. Anna is safer on her own.

On the phone, Whitten says, they find the person most likely to have helped Anna escape. Then they lean on him until he breaks. He opens a folder, and looks at Valentin’s picture. Um… When I think of Valentin, I don’t think of someone who cracks easily.

Anna says, when Valentin is back in Port Charles, he’ll be able to keep an eye on his father, and he says, if she leaves here, how will he find her? She says she’ll find him, and he tells her, be careful. She tells him to be careful too, and they kiss. He says, je t’aime, and she says, à bientôt. He leaves, and she looks at the ring and cries.

Britt tells Austin, here’s a positive. She can blame her britchiness on Huntington’s. He says, there’s the indominable spirit that everyone around here respects so much, and she asks if he missed the part where she said britch. She’s not Miss Popularity. Austin says he doesn’t think people see her the way they used to, and she asks how he knows. He says he works here. She knows how doctors and nurses are; they all talk. She’s respected. For her deep, deep compassion, even though she tries every way she can to convince everyone she doesn’t have any. She’s got a lot in her life. She’s got Brad. She’s got her mom. Maxie and her kids. Britt says, thank God James and Bailey don’t have the marker, and he says, if they did, she’d be there to support them, right? She says, of course (🍷), and he says, so maybe let everybody support her now. There’s nothing you can’t share with someone that you love.

Kiley, Josslyn’s RA, bangs on her dorm room door. She asks if Josslyn is in there. She needs to talk to her; it’s important. The door handle rattles, and Dex quietly freaks out.

The guard leads Spencer to the visitor’s room, and Spencer says he thought his time with this grandmother was up. The guard lets him in, and Spencer sees Trina. He smooths back his hair, and they kind of smile at one another.

On Monday, Josslyn says she’s not hiding anything; Ava says, this particular matter can’t wait; and Carly blocks Elizabeth from closing her door, and says, she needs to make the time.

✂️ Better Than a Poke In the Eye…

At least he has an audience to share his pain and outtakes with. For the average Joe who got cut, no one cares except his family. Maybe.

Look for GH’s Michael Blake Kruse in ‘Wakanda Forever!’

⚖️ Strange Moment…

Yeah, what was that about in the elevator? It’s kind of out of the blue.

Diane and Robert on GH? — Carolyn Hennesy Speaks Out!

🧼 Next Soap Generation…

A soap torch being passed.

Joshua Benard Returns to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

🏕 Switching Camps…

Sonny’s right hand man has a new gig.

https://people.com/tv/steve-burton-returns-to-days-of-our-lives-reprising-harris-michaels-role/

🎄 It’s Beginning To Look…

Upcoming Christmas joy from handsome guys.

Join Ryan Paevey for a Special Christmas Event!

Cameron Mathison Stars in a Romantic New Holiday Movie!

💸 Sadly, No Surprise…

I figured they’d been at it a while. Apparently, all those complaints went in the circular file. Bureaucracy at its best.

✈️ Worldly Wives…

This is old news, but I’d never heard of them. It’s kind of sad that this junk I admittedly watch has infiltrated other countries.

🍸 New Rules…

The forgot to mention, LVP’s many pets.

⚰️ Vive le Mort…

This sounds pretty interesting, even if they stole the nightclub idea from Z Nation. (Checking… yes, still bitter about it’s cancelation.)

🐎 Take Me Home…

The CMA winners.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/09/entertainment/cma-awards-winners-list

And more important, the CMA fashion.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/35290/cma-awards-2022-red-carpet-fashion

👩🏽‍💻 Quotes of the Week

Short term decisions have long term consequences. – Judge Star Jones, Divorce Court

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. – Anais Nin

We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same. – Carlos Castaneda

We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in. – Arianna Huffington

Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. – Gloria Steinem

Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. – John Adams

I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. – Michael Jordan

If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.Michele Ruiz

Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity. – W. Clement Stone

If I can’t eat it, bang it, or bet on it, it’s not in my phone. – Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

🌻 Pursuing Happiness…

Wrapping it up for now, but I’ll be back when the Dead are Walking. Until then, stay safe, stay thanking every veteran you meet, and stay letting people who love you support you in a crisis. There’s nothing you can’t share with someone that you love.

June 17, 2022 – Drew Celebrates With Carly, Suits, Finished, RomaDrama, Wife Block, Unconcerned, One More, Spinning Thrones, Juneteenth, 10 Quotes For Dads & Vibe

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly sees someone swimming in the pool, and says, the pool’s closed. Drew gets out, and sexy music plays while she stares at him. Erm… He says he was hoping the owner could bend the rules a little for him.

Nina asks if everything’s all right, and Sonny says, it’s just business. It wasn’t anything urgent. He thanks her for waiting, and she says, it would have been rude, not to mention immature, if she’d just walked away in a huff (or a minute and a huff. sorry). He asks if she was tempted, and she says, a little bit. A part of her doesn’t want to hear his answer about the kiss he gave her, but then there’s another part of her that really needs to know, because it means something to her. Did he kiss her because he got into a fight with his ex-wife?

At a drive-in (!), Anna asks if Valentin has ever been here before, but he says he hasn’t had the pleasure. Her? She says, no. All the drive-in theaters she’s seen have been in movies she’s watched. He says, she wanted him to surprise her, and she says, he did. He’s kind of like this movie. He says, old or notorious? and she says, he seems to be black and white, but in reality, he’s a complex balance of shadows. She got that out of a book on Hitchcock. He says he likes it; it makes him sound classic, yet timeless. She says, this is the part where Ingrid Bergman realizes she’s been poisoned, and he says, like the old days, huh? She says, only if your nostalgic about someone being drugged in an undercover operation, and he says he thinks it’s part of their charm tonight.

Trina tells Josslyn that they have to get out of the bar before the cops check their IDs. The instigator, aka tall bald guy, is taken away, and the cops talk to bar guy. Josslyn says, now’s their chance, but as they start to leave, Rory comes in, and asks what they’re doing here.

Selina walks into The Savoy, and asks why Brad called her back here. He says, there’s a problem with the game. Linc comes out of the back and goes to the bar, while Brook stares daggers at him. He asks for a double vodka on the rocks, and Brook starts to stomp over to him, but Chase intercepts her and asks if she’s going somewhere. Brad tells Selina, Judge Abbott canceled at the last minute, so he let another player come in. She says, without vetting him first? Linc tells N’neka to put it on his tab, when Britt comes up to the bar. She says she was here earlier, and realized she can’t find her phone. Did someone turn it in? N’neka says she’ll check, and leaves. Linc says he hopes she finds Britt’s phone. He hates to see a lady in distress.

In the hallway, Brad tells Selina, when he saw the guy’s bankroll, he figured it would be okay. He knew the password. She says, just spit it out; what happened? and Cody comes out, counting a load of cash.

Sonny says, when he kissed Nina, he wasn’t thinking about Carly, and she says, but he did fight with Carly. He says, yeah. Carly and Michael think he turned his back on his family. She says, that’s ridiculous. His family is everything to him. He says, right, and when he went on the stand, it wasn’t against Michael; he was just there to tell the truth. She says, and he was gracious enough to forgive her, and doesn’t hold her responsible anymore for keeping his identity a secret. He says, the thing is, he always believed and still believes Wiley needs to have her in his life. She thanks him, and says, Carly considers that a betrayal. He says, in Carly’s mind, the biggest betrayal was, when Baldwin was going after Michael, he stood by Nina. Nina says she has to be honest. When he did that, she was surprised too.

Drew tells Carly that he just needed a quick swim. It was a crazy day at Aurora, and he didn’t get a chance to work out. She asks, how quick? and he says, only a mile. Navy SEAL. He hopes she isn’t going to revoke his membership, but she says, he’s exactly the distraction she needed after the day she’s had. He says, bad? and she says, beyond. Frustrating… heartbreaking… deeply disappointing, but also the best.

Trina tells Rory that she and Josslyn were tracking down proof Esme framed her, and he says, in a bar known for criminal activity? Trina says, just the place Esme would go to for an unregistered phone, and Josslyn promises they’ll explain everything later, but right now, they need to get out of here. An officer calls Rory over, and asks if he has ID on Josslyn and Trina.

Chase asks, what happened to their hanging out by the pool? and Brook says she’s sorry, but this was too good of a chance to pass up. Linc had a card from The Savoy, with what was obviously a password written on the back. He says, a strong indicator that something shady was going on, and she says, yes, Mr. Sarcasm. This is her chance to catch Linc in the act, and blackmail him into signing the rights to her songs back over to her. He says, there’s so much illegal in what she just said to him, he doesn’t know where to start.

Linc says he knows Britt. She’s the woman in the GIF that’s gone viral; soaking wet… climbing out of the pool. She says, yes, that’s her, and he says, she has a rockin’ bod. It’s like the beauty from the Black Lagoon. They might be able to recreate that in one of his artist’s videos. She says, excuse me? and he says, oh, did he not mention he’s a music producer?

Selina asks, is this the last minute player? and Cody says, they meet again. All the players raved about her in there. She says, did they? and he says, Brad here was kind enough to let him sit in on the game. Texas Hold ‘Em high stakes is exactly how he likes to play. It’s a shame the game ended so early. She says, isn’t it, and he says, thanks for the hospitality. Goodnight. He starts to leave, and she says, Li! A big guy comes in, and she says she’d like a word with this man – outside.

Anna says she loves this movie, and Valentin says he’s never known anyone so thrilled with this film. She says, come on. Cary Grant rescues Ingrid Bergman. The Nazis are thwarted, and the moment he goes back inside, Claude Reins is a dead man. What’s not to love? It’s so good. He says, if she likes this film, she’s going to love the second feature, and she says, he’s not going to tell her what it is? He says she wanted to be surprised. There’s a concession stand that sells bon-bons. A little pedestrian for such a momentous occasion. She says, a drive-in’s momentous? but he says, not the drive-in; us. Her agreeing to an official first date. She says, that is momentous, and he says, so – he brings out a basket from the backseat – he brought charcuterie, and caviar. She says, it’s lovely… and he says, what? She tells him, she loves popcorn at the movies, and he reaches in the back, this time pulling out a bag of popcorn, saying, it’s a good thing he brought some. This is from Japan, salted with umami, and out of this world. She says, popcorn needs to have butter, and he says he’s usually much better at this. She says, bullseye on the movie, and remembering she loves Hitchcock; that’s all perfect. He says, the master of suspense. He never got more romantic than Notorious. She says, yeah, a libeled lady and a charismatic rogue on a spy mission, longing for each other. He says, what’s not to love?

Brook says, of course (🍷) blackmailing Linc is illegal; that’s why she kept him out of it. He says, she ditched him, and she says, for his own good. He’s so close to being reinstated. He says, she asked for his help, and as soon as he agreed, she bailed on him, so she could do it on her own. Not that she got anywhere. She says she begs to differ. Something went way, way wrong. Linc came out of the back room fuming, and when he gets mad, he gets stupid. And when Linc gets stupid, which is most of the time, Linc makes mistakes, and that’s when they’ve got him.

Linc tells Britt, he manages some of the best talent in the business, and she says, he’s rolling in it? He says, private planes, yachts… and she says, he has more than one? He says, that depends where he’s heading, and she pretends to be excited, saying, which she imagines is all over the world. He says, baby, you would not believe the life I’ve lived, and she says she bets he’s seen some things. He says he’s nothing like the guys she’s used to, and she says, so true.

Li tosses Cody into an alleyway, and Cody says, what’s there to talk about? He bought into the game. He played well, he won, fair and square. Selina asks, what’s his definition of fair? What’s indisputable is, he cleaned out all of her other players in eight hands. Cody says, that’s just how the cards fell, and Selina says, when the game goes on all night, the players’ inhibitions wear down, and the stakes go up. If they lose, they ask for credit. Cody says, which she’s more than happy to extend at a far interest rate, and she says, he cut into her profits, she’ll need to recoup her losses, which will come out of his winnings. He says, now who’s not playing fair? and she says something in Mandarin. Li punches Cody in the stomach, and Cody falls to the ground, doubled over.

Nina says, she and Sonny haven’t addressed what Scotty did to Michael on the stand, and he asks if she knew what Scotty was going to do, but she says she didn’t. Scotty told her that he was going to bring up Claudia Zaccara’s death, but she had no idea about the details of how Claudia died. All she knows is, Scotty said he was going to hit Michael with his criminal record. Sonny says, so it sounds like she didn’t know how bad Scotty was going to get with Michael, and she says she didn’t, but she’s not going to get any medals either. Kidnapping Avery, and again, keeping his existence in Nixon Falls a secret. He says, let him guess. Scotty told her, in order to secure visitation with Wiley, she was going to have to level the playing field. She says, make Michael look so bad, she’d look better by comparison, and he says, listen. He just wants her to know, Michael had no intention of killing Claudia. He was just a teenager, and he was defending his little sister. She says she knows that now, and watching Scotty go after him on the stand made her stomach sink. In part because of what she set in motion, and in part because she was sure she’d lose him over it.

Drew says, it’s kind of nice having the place to themselves, and Carly says, one of the perks of co-owning the MetroCourt. He says, she knows he’s only hanging out for the perks, right? and she says she’s under no illusion. They sit, and he says he thinks he knows what she meant when she said, bad, but for the best. It’s when something crappy happens to you, but you needed it. It gives you a wake-up call and shifts your whole perspective. She says, that’s exactly what happened to her today. She hadn’t talked to Sonny since Nina’s visitation hearing. She won’t go into the gory details, but Nina and her lawyer accused Michael of being violent towards women. Can he believe that? He says he heard that, and he’s so incredibly sorry. She says, it was awful, but what was truly indefensible was Sonny. He was in the court room; he heard everything. And when it was over, he comforted Nina. Drew says, she must have felt so betrayed, and she says, yeah, and furious, and devastated. And now, weirdly grateful.

Nina says, when Scotty got done with Michael, and the judge called for a recess because she wanted to talk to Scotty and Diane in chambers, she stood up and felt so alone. She turned around, and there Sonny was, on her side. He looked so stoic, and she had no idea what he was feeling. She thought he was going to tear into her. He says, there was a lot of stuff happening. He was angry with Scotty for going after Michael, and he was disappointed in Michael for going after her. It was a lot. She says she wanted to play fair. She wanted to let everyone just cool down until Michael and Willow would allow her to see Wiley, but Michael and Willow didn’t play fair. He says, even before the five-part feature in The Invader? and she says, they were never going to cool down. Wiley would have been an adult before she was allowed to see him, and by that time, he’d be so brainwashed, he’d never want to see her. Sonny says, she had every right to go for the petition for visitation, and she says she’s made a lot of mistakes, but so has Michael. Nobody is perfect here. He takes her hand, and says, when he saw her in court, she was hurting a lot. All he could think about was making her feel better. She says she just wanted to explain to him what happened. She felt like her skin was ripped off; all her faults were exposed… and there he was. He touched her cheek – she starts to cry, and he gives her his hanky – and that small act of compassion meant more to her than he’ll ever know.

Drew says, Carly is grateful Sonny sided with Nina? and she says, the Sonny she knew would have defended his son, and the fact that he didn’t, brought it all home to her in a way nothing else could. The man she married, the Sonny she loved, the father of her kids, is gone. For as long as she’s known Sonny, he could make her angrier than anyone, and what surprised her today was the anger she didn’t feel. That’s when she realized… He says, her wake-up call, and she says, what Sonny did in that courtroom severed the last tie. They’re Donna’s parents, and will always co-exist for her sake, but they live separate lives. She’s been saying she’s free for a while, but today, she feels free. He tells her, congratulations, and she thanks him. He says, they should celebrate.

Rory says he needs to see their IDs, and Trina says, which one? The real one that says she’s underage, or the fake one that says she’s 23 and her name is Jane? Josslyn says, look, Trina can’t get arrested, even if it’s a misdemeanor. The Title IX investigation came back against her. He says he’s sorry to hear that, and Trina says, thanks, but it turns out it’s the least of her worries. Josslyn tells him, coming here was entirely her idea; she dragged Trina along. Please, just bust her and let Trina go. She hands him her fake ID.

Li kicks Cody’s ass some more, and Selina says, enough. The money. Li reaches in Cody’s pocket, and Cody says, they can’t take his buy-in money; he brought it to the table. She says he cost her far more than she recouped tonight. He’s still in her dept. He says, she can’t leave him with nothing, and she says she’s not completely heartless, and pulls out a bill, tossing it toward him. She tells Li, let’s go, and they leave. Brad tells Cody, sorry, Selina calls to him, and he goes.  

Linc says he doesn’t want to intimidate Britt or anything. He is rich and famous, but deep down, he’s just a regular guy. She says, regular just doesn’t do it for her; neither does rich and famous. She’s into a very particular type. He asks her to enlighten him, and she says, the kind who keeps his head when literal bullets are flying, who’s not overly fussy in the rule of law, and who doesn’t give a damn about pop culture. The kind of guy who can take a punch, and laugh about it. N’neka brings out a phone, and asks if it’s Britt’s, and Britt thanks her, taking it. She tells Linc, by the way, he’s a loser, even if he’s rich and famous, and walks away.

Chase says, if Britt does something illegal, and Linc can prove it, she’ll be in a far worse position than when she started. She says, look at Linc’s expression. Britt blew him off and he is livid. Now’s her chance. She heads for the bar.

Coming out of the club, Britt sees Cody in the alley.

Carly says she’s up for celebrating; what does Drew suggest? He says, how about a night swim? but she says she didn’t bring her suit. He says, they could skinny dip, but she says she owns the hotel. People could come, so… He says he doesn’t think anyone is around, and the pool’s closed. He won’t tell. She says, raincheck? and he says, absolutely. He says, at least put her feet in the water? and sits at the edge of the pool. He holds out his hand, and she says, she can do that, taking it.

Sonny tells Nina, Carly saw him in the courtroom, and that’s what they were fighting about. He guesses she felt that gesture of comfort meant he was okay with Scotty going after Michael. She says she’s so sorry she put him in that position, but he says, he doesn’t regret it. He was just doing what he felt he should do in the moment. She says, Carly can’t forgive him, but he says, she’s done, which is ironic because the divorce has been finalized for a while now. He guesses she doesn’t… She’s cutting the cord, except for Donna. He gets to see Donna as much as he wants. Nina says, no matter what Carly’s issues are, she’s first and foremost a mother. She’s never going to use Donna as a pawn. He says he never thought this would happen. He always thought he’d be connected to Carly, at least from the past and the kids… He flashes back to Carly saying he consoled the woman who initiated an attack on Michael, and she doesn’t know him anymore. He tells Nina, Carly said she doesn’t know who he is anymore, and he’s thinking, of course (🍷) she doesn’t. A lot has changed since Nixon Falls. He’s not the same person; he’s changed. And it seems like the only one who understands him in his life is Nina.

Rory says he’ll need Trina’s too, and the other officer tells Rory, the bouncer checks out. They step aside, and the officer says, his partner is waiting for him; they got a perp violating parole who needs processing at the station. Clear the scene; send everyone home. He leaves, and Rory goes back to Josslyn and Trina. Josslyn asks, what happens now? Is he going to arrest them? He says, technically, it’s not illegal to purchase a fake ID in the state of New York. Using one is more of a grey area; it’s up to the officer’s discretion whether or not he wants to file charges. Trina asks what his discretion is telling him, and he puts the fake ID’s in his pocket, saying, he’ll let them off with a warning, this time.

Cody coughs and groans. Britt picks up the bill, and says, did he lose something?

Brook tells Linc, what a coincidence. Long time, no see. He tells her, get lost. He’s expecting a call from Korea. She says, and there’s a bridge for sale in Brooklyn, and he says he should know better than to visit Port Charles. First, some cowboy took all his cash in a card game; then some woman doesn’t even have the sense to appreciate what he’s offering. His phone rings, and he says, this is it. He says, min-ho; ban nalYes, absolutely. All I Want is still available. Brook says, that’s her song, and Linc says, they will do a phenomenal interpretation, and he’s listened to plenty of boy bands. Might he say, theirs is the best in the K-Pop biz… Yeah, they can change the lyrics from him to her. They can change whatever they want; he owns the song. Brook grabs the phone, and he says, what the hell. She says, the song in question is no longer available. It’s caught up in a copyright lawsuit that could drag on for years. Bye. She hangs up, and Linc says, does she realize what she just did? She says she saved her song. He says he wants his phone back, and grabs her arm. Chase flies between them, separating them, and Linc says, if Chase doesn’t realize she’s using him, he’s dumber than he looks. He holds out his hand, and says, phone. Or he will sell her entire catalog to a porn producer he knows who’ll use it for soundtracks, She says, what a surprise; he knows a porn producer. Linc says, come to think of it, that’s a market she should explore. She can’t sing anymore, but there are other ways to perform, like lying on your back. Chase punches him in the face.

Anna’s phone dings, and she tells Valentin, sorry. She usually remembers to switch these things off. He asks if it’s important, but she says, it’s just work; it’ll keep. He asks if it’s anything to do with the Jennifer Smith case, and she wonders why he’s asking. He says, just curious. He offered his assistance, and she was strangely quiet. She says, it’s not likely she would need it. The WSB thinks the case is airtight. He says, she doesn’t agree? and she says, no. Jennifer insisted she had this French naval captain up in her room. He says, played by Gary Cooper? and she says she wishes. Anyway, they haven’t been able to locate him or confirm his identity. Valentin flashes back to pretending to be the captain, and says, he thinks he can still be of some use.  

Nina tells Sonny, she’s sorry; she didn’t mean to get so emotional. He says he didn’t call her here for consolation, and she says, she knows. She can tell he’s hurting. Why doesn’t he talk to her? He says he’s tired of hurting. He’s tired of being angry and being sorry. This is who he is. Love him or hate him, with her, it seems to be enough. She says she’s tired of hurting too. She’s tired of the loss and regret. He makes her happy, and she wants to embrace that happiness. He asks how they start, and she kisses his hand, and says, slowly.

Carly and Drew eat ice cream cones, as they dangle their feet in the water. Carly says, this is perfect, and he says she doesn’t think his idea of a celebration is kind of lame? She says, sometimes the simplest things are the best. She’s hanging out with him on this gorgeous night, and her feet are in the swimming pool that she co-owns, and she’s got chunk of stock in a media company that’s soaring by the day. He says, a bigger chunk than she expected, but she says she knows a good thing when she sees it.

Britt sits Cody up, and asks what he did to deserve this. He says, this is how it goes when he’s on a winning streak, and she says, he gets beat up and left in an alley with $50? He says, his luck turns harder and faster than a bucking bronco, and she says, there he was, picturing the hot car he was going to buy, that place in Malibu. He says, a 200 acre spread in Wyoming. Nice place; has she ever been? He was going to buy some horses. She says, purebred? but he says, no, the price is too pricey. He was going to get some workhorses to take care of and ride… He closes his eyes, and she says, he may have a concussion, so stay with her. He says he’s not sleeping; he’s just resting his eyes. She says, then she’ll leave him to it. She starts to walk away, and says, damn Hippocratic Oath. First do no harm. She goes back to him, and says she’s a doctor, so first, she’s going to check his injuries. She’s warning him now; this is going to hurt. She moves his head and he groans. She checks his eyes.

Rory says, Trina and Josslyn were looking for a lead on Esme; did they find one? Trina says, yes and no, and Josslyn says, Esme framed Trina by planting the phone in Trina’s bag. Trina says, the phone she used to record the sex tape, and then send it out in an email blast. Josslyn says, they think they found the guy who sold her the phone, and Rory asks, who is he? Trina says, he was tending the bar when they got there; they don’t know his name. Josslyn says, he was about to ID Esme, but the fight broke out, and he slipped away. Trina says, but he works here, which means he’ll be back. Next time they’ll… Rory says, next time, they won’t be anywhere near here, and Josslyn says, they need to find the guy. Rory says, he’ll ask about the bartender. He’ll get a name and description, and he’ll run it. Rory’s phone beeps, and he says he’s got another call; disturbance in progress. How are they getting home? Josslyn says, a Ride Share; they’ll be here in ten minutes. He tells then, be sure not to miss it, and leaves.

Carly thanks Drew for the ice cream, and says, it was a great suggestion. He starts unbuttoning his shirt, and she asks what he’s doing. He says, what does she think he’s doing? He’s working off the ice cream. The mile he swam isn’t going to cut it. He gets in the pool, and she thanks him for the celebration. He tells her, who says it’s over? As far as he’s concerned, it’s just getting started.

Sonny says, he and Nina have been dancing around each other for a year at least, not to mention their time in Nixon Falls. How much slower can they go? She says she wants nothing more than to dive head first into a relationship with him, and he asks, what’s stopping her? She says, herself. The feeling she had in that courtroom when she stood up and saw him. They’re hot and heavy for each other now, but what happens to her when it fizzles out? She takes his hand, and says, he’s unlike any man she’s ever known, and she wants them to build something real between them. He says he appreciates it, but she’s not the only one who’s feeling alone. Carly and Michael cut him out of their life; he can’t rely on them. There is this connection they have, but if she wants to take it slow, he’s okay with that. She says, okay, and picks up her bag. He asks if she’s going home already, and she says she is, handing him back his hanky. He tells her to keep it to remember him, and she laughs, saying, okay. If she doesn’t leave now, she never will. She’ll call him. He says he’s looking forward to it, and she leaves.

Cody asks, will I live? and Britt says, his ribs are bruised, and maybe some are cracked. She recommends an x-ray. He says he’ll get right on that, as soon as he figures out how to stand up, and she says, for pity’s sake, lean on her. She helps him up, and he grunts and groans. She says he’s such a big baby. Is he the same guy who fell from the sky and into the MetroCourt pool without a bump? He says, she cushioned his fall, and she says, she’s parked over there; she’ll drive him to GH. He says, hospitals are pricey, and he’s down to his last fifty, but she says, she’s not going to leave him in the alley. He needs help. He says he knows who can help him, and they owe him.

Anna says, familiar with a lot of French captains, are we? and Valentin says, profiling 101. First of all, how do they know Jennifer didn’t just invent this gallant seafarer? She says, they know he exists because the hotel bartender saw him, and Valentin says, okay. This is where he suggests the captain’s involvement is incidental. Miss Smith is just implicating him as a red herring. She says, no more Hitchcock for him, but he says, it’s Occam’s Razor; the simplest explanation is usually the right one. She doesn’t want to admit her guilt, so she’s claiming innocence, and pointing the finger at some poor sap she met at the hotel bar. Anna says, perhaps, and he asks what she thinks happened, but she says she’s not sharing her theories with a civilian. He asks who she’s calling a civilian. They’ve worked together on plenty of her cases. She asks what he’s doing, and he says he’s trying to help her, but she says, he’s not. She thought this was too good to be true; is this really a date? Or is this whole drive-in, Hitchcock, charcuterie just a tactic to get information out of her?

Josslyn and Trina get in the car, and Josslyn says, how crazy was that? Trina says, the bar fight? The lead on Esme? Josslyn says, the cops showing up? Trina says, they were so close to getting the bartender to ID Esme, and Josslyn says, things could be worse. We could be in the back of a squad car, charged with misdemeanor use of a fake ID… Jane. Trina says, you’re right… Kara. Rory did us a solid tonight. Josslyn says, us? That had nothing to do with her. Rory did it for Trina. He likes her. Trina says she thinks he does.

At The Savoy, Rory asks, what happened here? and Linc says, he was attacked, assault and battery, and he’s pressing charges. Take statements from all the witnesses. Rory asks if N’neka saw the incident, and she says she’s afraid she did. He asks, who did what to whom?

Brook tells Chase, it’s all her fault; she feels awful. He says, he’s the one who lost his cool, and she says, he had every right to. Linc is such a slimeball. They’ll sneak out the back door, hole up at the mansion, and call the ELQ lawyers. They’ll get them out of this. She starts to leave, and asks if he isn’t coming. He says, it will only make things worse if he leaves the scene. He’ll be labeled a fugitive with an APB on his back.

Linc tells Rory, he was the victim of a brutal and unprovoked attack, but Rory says, according to Linc’s witness here – he indicates N’neka – Detective Chase threw the first and only punch. N’neka says, Linc collapsed like wet cardboard, and laughs. Linc says, exactly. Call an ambulance. Chase broke his jaw. Rory says, excuse him, and goes over to Chase. He says, Chase was on suspension when he joined the force, but he’s heard the stories. Chase says he bets. Rory’s heard the witness, and the victim who clearly wants to press charges. He turns around, putting his hands behind his back, and Brook says, no, no. no. He was provoked. Linc had it coming. Please don’t do this. Chase says, Brook… and Rory read Chase his rights, handcuffing him.  

On Monday (which was supposed to be today), Trina tells Portia that she thinks things are going in her favor; Valentin says he’ll do anything Anna wants; Laura tells Martin, she’s narrowed the suspects down to one; and Spencer tells Victor that he has good reason to keep Esme close.

👃 Smelled This Coming…

I have to admit, I always wonder if people who use their religion to opt out are like vegetarians who wear leather shoes.

🦸🏻‍♂️ Wrapping It Up…

Valentin finishes up his side hustle.

💖 Come On Down…

If you happen to be in the neighborhood and enjoy a little romance and/or soap stars, here’s an event for you.

👉🏻 It’s Fancy Pants’ Fault…

Another one who thinks someone is making it personal, when they’re really just vial and unlikeable, and no one likes them.

⛵️ Reaping What He Sowed…

When will Gary get little Gary under control? Does he want to go the way of Jean Luc?

https://www.eonline.com/news/1334521/below-deck-sailing-yachts-gary-king-responds-to-concerns-over-ashley-marti-incident

👰🏼 Not Sure We Care…

But to round out the excuses of why <fill in Vanderpump Rules cast member> wasn’t at Stassi’s wedding, here you go.

🐉 Thrones For the Spin…

A show about Flea Bottom sounds pretty interesting.

https://ew.com/tv/game-of-thrones-every-spinoff-in-development/

💃🏾 Because It’s June…

What Juneteenth is about.

https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth

And what to watch.

🎺 Quotes of the Week

Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice. – Charles Kettering

The strongest, toughest men all have compassion. They’re not heartless and cold. You have to be man enough to have compassion — to care about people and about your children. – Denzel Washington

A 2-year-old is kind of like having a blender, but you don’t have a top for it.Jerry Seinfeld

A father carries pictures where his money used to be. – Steve Martin

The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams, and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family.Reed Markham

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, ‘You’re tearing up the grass.’ ‘We’re not raising grass,’ Dad would reply. ‘We’re raising boys.‘ – Harmon Killebrew

Just taught my kids about taxes by eating 38% of their ice cream. – Conan O’Brien

By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong. – Charles Wadsworth

The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get. – Tim Russert (Although I question who this is attributed to, since I remember my father saying it before Russert’s time.)

The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature. – Abbé Prévost

👔 Happy Father’s Day…

To all the father’s out there, be they biological, father figures, or pet dads – enjoy your day! And then get back to work. See you on Monday for soap and Sailing. Until then, stay safe, stay unregretful about the path not taken, and stay remembering, when something crappy happens to you, it could be a wake-up call and for the best.

November 17, 2020 – A Big Truth Is Revealed Twice, Lucas Elect, Two Good Ones, an Exit, a Dream, What’s Cooking, Country Wins, Your Choices, Something Strange & the Temp You Want

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Portia says she has an update for Britt. Britt asks if it’s about the guy who looks like a linebacker, and Portia says it is. They weren’t able to save his life. They did what they could, but couldn’t bring him back. He died a few minutes ago. He was a year older than Portia’s daughter, and now she has to face his family, and let them know his life is over. It’s all so pointless. Britt thanks her, and when Portia is gone, she bangs the desk with her hand. Jason watches.  

Ava and Nikolas are in the elevator, and Ava says they have to pick up Avery. She doesn’t want to give Carly any excuse to complain that she’s late. Nikolas says he’s been careful not to bring up Ryan, and Ava appreciates his tact. Ryan is an unpleasant subject, who’s fortunately out of her life forever. He says, it would seem so. It’s amazing how Ryan was attacked just before he was about to tell Sonny something important. She says she guesses they’ll never know what it was Ryan was going to say.

Julian says Cyrus said he has something for him; what? Cyrus says, a deal of sorts. He arranged for protection per Julian’s request. Now it’s time to settle accounts.

Cameron comes in to find a grim-looking Elizabeth and Franco, and asks, who died? and Elizabeth says, nobody died. Cameron says he knows. That’s why it’s a joke, but nobody is laughing. They look stressed. What’s going on? Franco says, nothing. Some stuff is going on, but it’s nothing that can’t wait until after the SATs. Cameron asks, what kind of stuff? He’s already distracted. If it’s a money problem… Elizabeth says, it’s not that, and Cameron says they’re kind of freaking him out. Somebody tell him what’s going on. Franco says he had bad news from the hospital. He has another brain tumor.

Trina and Josslyn are studying on the terrace, when Dev shows up. He says he’s good at cramming. He knew everything about Bridgeport in a week. Trina says they’re all set, and Josslyn says they’ve got it covered. He says he’s studying for the SATs too. The least he can do is help out. Josslyn asks if he means after the horrible things he said.

Carly tells Sonny, the clasp is loose on the necklace, and she told Avery that she’d get it fixed. Sonny says that’s nice of her, and asks if Ava has been there yet. Carly says, she’s late again, and Sonny says, good. They need to talk. He wants to talk to Michael, and she says, what about? He says he was at the hospital, and Sasha had a heart attack; they say she OD’d. Carly asks if Michael knows, and he says, Michael is with her now. She asks, what happened? Was it cocaine? He asks how she knows, and she says when they were at Nina’s the other night, she could tell Sasha was on something, and she thought it was coke. He says he’ll give her three guesses who Sasha got it from.

Michael looks at Sasha through the room window, and Willow tells him that Sasha is still in love with him. He says, it’s complicated. They were good friends, all of them. They cared about each other. That’s why it was so devastating when the friendship had to…  No one knew except Sasha, but he thinks it was more than a broken heart. The Deception launch was too much stress for her, and she had no one to talk to about it. Willow goes to get coffee.

Jason sees Britt sitting on a bench with her head down. He says, everything okay? and she says, yeah. He asks if it’s about the news Portia gave her, and she says, he heard that? Life is so unfair. He was a PCU freshman. At first, she assumed he was a party animal frat boy jock, until she met his girlfriend. It turns out he’s a poetry major, and he OD’d. He didn’t make it. She thought he would, and maybe it would be a wake-up call. He had his whole life ahead of him. It’s the one thing in Port Charles that changed. She doesn’t remember having drug related cases, and they’re up to several a day now. He asks what she’s seeing. Coke? Opioids? She says, both. He asks what caused Sasha to OD. He needs to know about the drugs in her system.

Portia looks at a chart. Taggert, disguised in surgical garb, including a mask, stands nearby, giving her the side-eye.  

Julian says he promised Cyrus loyalty, but Cyrus says if he wanted loyalty, he’d get a dog. Julian knows how this works. Loyalty is fleeting, but debt is forever. Julian says, it’s clear they’re not friends. What does Cyrus want? Cyrus says there’s no reason they can’t be civil given their new relationship. Julian says he’s not afraid of Cyrus, but Cyrus says he should be. Cyrus takes some papers out of his breast pocket, and says, Ryan may no longer be a threat, but the secrets he kept are.

Jason tells Britt, the theory is, it’s coke, but she’d have to ingest a lot of it to go into cardiac arrest. Britt says, it could be the fillers it’s cut with, and Jason says he needs to know what was in her system. Britt asks if his boss wants to cover his tracks. He says, people are dying from drugs. Doesn’t she care what’s happening? She tells him that he and Sonny should start caring about the city, and stop bringing illegal contraband across the border.  He says she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.

Cameron says Franco’s tumor was removed, but Franco says he has another one. Elizabeth tells Cameron, they didn’t want to say anything until he had more information. Cameron says, so he’ll just have surgery, but Franco says, it’s inoperable. There are a lot of people who will see the irony in that. Cameron says he doesn’t care what other people think. He needs Franco to live.

Dev says he knows he said some stupid things, and crossed the line, but in all fairness, so did Trina. Josslyn says he crossed all kinds of lines, and now he wants to blame Trina? He was talking trash about Cameron, and Trina did nothing. Trina says he’s clearly not sorry, but Dev says he is, and apologizes to both of them.

Ava and Nikolas arrive at Sonny’s, and Sonny says, Avery is upstairs, getting her books ready. Ava says she’s sure Avery will bring more than she can possibly read. Nikolas’s phone rings, and he says, it’s Spencer. Sonny points the way to the study, and Nikolas leaves to take the call. Sonny tells Ava, she knows he’s not a fan of Nikolas or their relationship, but Avery seems to like him. Ava says, she does, and Nikolas likes Avery too – a lot. Nikolas has been supportive lately. It’s nice to see that side of him, especially with what happened with Ryan. Sonny says, it’s a lot to handle, and Ava says, any time Ryan pops up in her life, it’s draining. He says he understands, and also understands how it would be tempting to want to make sure Ryan can’t pop up any time soon.

Julian asks if that’s what he thinks it is, and Cyrus says, that depends. It could be the letter Nelle sent or a contract. He sees it as a contract. Julian wanted a certain outcome, and he delivered it. Julian’s life was in his hands then, just as it is now. Either Julian cooperates, or the letter ends up in Sonny’s possession. Any questions? Julian asks, what exactly does Cyrus need him to do?

Franco asks Cameron to sit and listen for one second. Franco says, Cameron’s mom, Cameron, and the boys mean everything to him. He’s the happiest he’s ever been, and wants to do everything he can to stick around. Cameron says Franco has to fight. He can’t just give up. Now he knows what Josslyn felt about Oscar. It’s always a brain tumor. Okay, that was kind of funny – a little nod to a soap staple. Oscar’s tumor was inoperable, but he did radiation and chemo. Elizabeth says they have to make an appointment with Terry, and Cameron says, okay. She and Franco have a lot to talk about, and he’s late. Elizabeth says they want to talk to him, but he says Trina and Josslyn are waiting, and he’s got to go, and he jets.

Chase sees Willow sitting on a bench, and says he hates being the bearer of bad news, but the cafeteria is still on the first floor. She says she needed a moment, and he asks if she wants to talk. She says, that’s kind of him, and she appreciates it, but doesn’t he think it would be awkward with everything that’s happened? He says, there is no unfinished business with them. She has every right to move on with her life. All he’s wanted is for her to be happy. She says she is, but despite what he did, she never wants him to suffer like Sasha is, and prays that he won’t.

Michael is still looking at Sasha, when Carly arrives. She says Sonny told her what happened. How’s he holding up? He says, they think Sasha OD’d on coke. Why would she do that to herself? How did she fall so far so fast? He cut her out of his life, and couldn’t have known what she was going through. He’s been cold to her, but despite everything, Willow seems to think Sasha is still in love with him.

Dev says he’s sorry for not being a good friend, and Josslyn says, that’s an understatement. Maybe there are a few words on their flash cards that are appropriate. Josslyn looks through them, and says, misogyny, egotistical, vindictive… Trina says, entitled; ohh, supercilious. Josslyn says, it means lordly, superior; someone who does and says whatever they want.   

Ava wonders if Sonny is trying to ask if she killed Ryan. He was there in the room with her. He says, not personally, but she could make arrangements. She says she was just as shocked as he was, although she didn’t shed a tear. Sonny says, it was all over her face. He can’t shake the feeling something is off about this.

Jason says Britt needs to use her knowledge of the past and the city when it comes to Sonny. She says she realizes he contributed to the Nurses Ball, but Jason says the wing Sonny funded was in memory of Stone Cates. He was living on the street when Sonny found him. Britt says she was involved with Patrick; she knows the story, chapter and verse. Jason says, then she knows Stone got AIDS because he slept with a girl who was a drug user. Stone was like a brother to Sonny. To this day, it kills him. She asks, then why is Sonny trafficking drugs? but Jason says, he’s trying to keep drugs out of Port Charles. She says, that’s quite a story, and Jason says, it’s the truth. She just said it before. She doesn’t remember drugs being a problem, and they haven’t been. Until now.   

Cyrus tells Julian, the Corinthos organization is working to block him. Sonny acts with impunity as long as Jason fulfills his wishes. He’s of the opinion that the truth would be more effective if Sonny was deprived of his right hand. Julian wonders if Cyrus is asking him to kill Jason, and Cyrus says, Jason needs to be taken off the gameboard. Julian asks how Cyrus suggests he go about doing that, but Cyrus says he’s not making any suggestions. Accidents happen though. Like the accident that almost took the life of Julian’s son, and his then-husband, who’s now in jail for keeping Wiley away from his father. Julian has so much to hide, it would be in his best interest to be helpful. All he’s asking is for Julian to make a delivery.

Taggert runs from the elevator into an office, and Epiphany follows. She asks what the hell he thinks he’s doing.

Chase tells Willow, it’s not her job to shield him and Sasha from pain. Not after the pain they put her and Michael through. She says, when she said Sasha was still in love with Michael, it wasn’t a theory. Sasha all but admitted it when they had a glass of wine together at Charlie’s. She could have told Michael then, but she didn’t. She told herself it wasn’t her place to get involved. Now she wonders if it was more than that. He asks if she was worried it might interfere with her relationship with Michael, and she says, maybe. Maybe some part of her didn’t want Sasha and Michael to get a happy ending if she and Chase couldn’t.

Michael tells Carly, the last time she was in the hospital, Sasha had Nina at her bedside. Now she has no one. He knows before Carly says it, he has a right to be angry, but if he’d handled things differently, would Sasha have spiraled out of control? She says he can’t keep doing this to himself, and he says he wants Sasha to pull through, and be better. They hug, and Carly says, she does too. She truly does.

Josslyn tells Dev, she never intended to give him mixed signals. Her feelings changed. She was being honest. Trina says, what Dev is mad about is that he didn’t get who he wanted when he wanted. Life is full of disappointments. That doesn’t justify talking trash, and saying hateful things. So don’t be surprised… Cameron joins them, and says, what’s going on? Lay off him.

Ava tells Sonny, Ryan killed more than one cellmate. He wasn’t Mr. Popularity at Pentenville, and he had no shortage of enemies on the outside. Sonny agrees, but it was the timing. Ryan was about to tell him something of great interest to his family. She says he fell for Ryan’s mind games, and he asks why Ryan would play games with him, especially out of the blue?  

Epiphany locks the door, and asks Taggert what he’s doing there. She didn’t risk her life helping to make everyone think he’s dead, and patch him up after he was shot, for him to do something stupid. He says, as grateful as he is, he didn’t ask her to do any of it. He doesn’t understand why she did it. She says, then they’re even. She doesn’t get why he’s there in a two-bit disguise, just asking to be caught. She grabs his ID, and asks what his name is, and what his specialty is. That’s what she thought. What is he doing in the hospital where his ex works? He says someone else knows he’s still alive. Supposedly they’re staying quiet, but it’s just a matter of time. He’s trailing Portia and Trina, to make sure they’re safe.

Julian says, delivery, huh? and Cyrus says, a package will arrive shortly. Hold onto it. Don’t open it. Julian will receive instructions on where Cyrus wants it dropped off. When and where depends on where Jason ends up going. It’s a shame there are so many historic local buildings in disrepair. Faulty wiring, gas leaks; it’s a wonder why one of them hasn’t… He makes an explosion sound.

Jason says Britt told him the number of ODs is increasing. Is it the same at Mercy? She says she was just on a call with the Chief of Staff, and it’s affecting them more than the rest of the country. If drugs are coming into the waterfront, how are they getting into the city? He says, they’re coming through GH.

Julian says, he’s delivering a bomb? and Cyrus says, he asked Julian to deliver a package, nothing more. Julian says, what if an innocent party wanders through, or an innocent person gets killed when it goes off? Cyrus says, due diligence will be done. Like Jason did when he blew up Cyrus’s warehouse. Julian says he doesn’t want blood on his hands; either theirs or his. Cyrus says it’s the only choice Julian has. Julian flashes back to telling Sonny that he saw Taggert, and he looked healthy for a dead guy. Julian says he can offer Cyrus something else.   

Ava tells Sonny, who’s to say what goes on in Ryan’s twisted mind? Sonny says Ryan reached out her and him. He doesn’t think it’s a coincidence Ryan was attacked, and doesn’t think it was a coincidence that Ryan was about to tell him something important, but was taken out before he could. She says if he wants to ask her something, just come out and ask. He says, if she lies to him, just know there are consequences. Nikolas returns, and tells Sonny, enough. Back off.

Trina tells Cameron, no disrespect, but he doesn’t know what’s going on. Josslyn says Dev did something they didn’t appreciate. Cameron asks if it’s really that bad they can’t be friends, and Josslyn supposes not, but they have a right to be pissed for a while. Trina says they need a minute, and Cameron says, that’s valid, but don’t take too long. You never know what could happen, and can’t take anything for granted. Trina asks if everything is okay, and he says, they’re seniors. They’ll be going their separate ways soon. Why waste time being mad? Josslyn thinks they should split up, and get together tomorrow when they’ve cooled down. She and Trina leave, and Dev thanks Cameron for having his back. Cameron says, for sure. He doesn’t know what that was, but at the end of the day, they’re friends. It can’t be that serious. Dev flashes back to creating a fake journal in Josslyn’s handwriting, and says, yeah, friends.    

Epiphany says she can’t fault Taggert for wanting to look after his family. Trina is a sweet girl, and Portia is an amazing doctor and a great person. They talk about him a lot, and think the world of him. He says, both of them? Portia too? Epiphany says, Portia married him, didn’t she? He says, and divorced him. It didn’t end well, but he wants to do everything he can to make sure they stay safe. Trina is his world, and he can’t have her exposed to mob violence. She says she hears that. Her son got caught up in that world about a decade ago. He didn’t make it out alive. Taggert says he’s sorry, and she says, that’s a wound that never heals. You try to make it the best world you can every day. That’s the main reason she agreed to help him. She doesn’t want Trina to end up like her Stan.

Portia comes out of the elevator, and Michael says he knows she’s not supposed to discuss Sasha with him. She says she can, since he’s still listed as next of kin. Michael says, Sasha has no family in Port Charles, or any family left at all really. He asks if she’ll be okay, and Portia says, she’s stabilized. She can confirm Sasha had a mild cardio infarction; a heart attack. The next few days will be critical to her recovery, and depending on how long she was using, she may experience withdrawal. He asks if he can see her, and Portia says he can, but let her sleep. He goes into Sasha’s room, Carly following him. He sits next to Sasha’s bed, and tells her that he’s there.

Willow says, Chase and Michael feel they could have done more, but it was up to her. Things might have been different had she spoken up, and told Michael how Sasha felt about him. Chase says Willow bears zero blame. Sasha made her own choice. Willow wonders if Sasha would have made the same choice if she’d known how Michael felt. Maybe they would have patched things up, or at least worked toward it, and she wouldn’t have started this downward spiral. He says, it might not have made a difference, but Willow says he can’t possibly know that. Chase says, he can.

Elizabeth tells Franco that Terry can squeeze them in for tests tonight. Franco says Terry is a good friend to her, and Elizabeth says, to both of them. He says, getting the tests sooner is probably better than later. He didn’t tell her because he didn’t want to see the look on her face, or the one on Cameron’s face. He has no idea how he’s going to face Jake and Aiden. She says she doesn’t know what the boys would do if they lost him. She doesn’t know what she would do if she lost him.

Jason tells Britt, Cyrus isn’t the philanthropist he claims to be. He’s been using the hospital to run drugs without raising suspicion. She asks, is he telling her that she wouldn’t know drugs were being smuggled in right under her nose, or does he think she’s secretly allied with a drug cartel? He says, is she? and she says he took a big chance telling her his theory. How does he know she won’t run to the man who hired her? Does he think she won’t turn him over to Cyrus? He says he guesses he’ll find out.

Cyrus says, whatever Julian has can’t be worth more than the assignment. Julian says, information has been kept from Cyrus, but Cyrus says he has people everywhere. There’s little that can be kept from him for long. Julian says, it’s about Taggert.

Epiphany tells Taggert, sorry. All this Cyrus stuff is pulling in demons from her past. He says, no need to apologize. She’s an amazing woman. If he wasn’t clear earlier, thanks for saving his life – twice. She says if he really wants to thank her, get his butt out of the hospital before he’s spotted. Better yet, get out of Port Charles altogether. The longer he’s there, the greater the odds he’ll be exposed.

Cyrus says, what about Taggert? and Julian says he finally got Cyrus’s attention. New deal. He’ll tell Cyrus what he knows, and Cyrus gives him the letter. Cyrus says he doesn’t like playing games. Tell him what he knows about Taggert. Julian says, Taggert is alive. He knows it for a fact.  

Sonny says Nikolas just walked in on a private conversation. Nikolas says, no disrespect, but Sonny has it all wrong. Ava had nothing do with the attack on Ryan. Sonny asks if Nikolas knows who did, and Nikolas says he ordered the hit on Ryan.

Michael says Sasha probably can’t hear him right now, but he wants her to know he regrets what he said in anger. He was in pain, and knows she was too. He had no idea she was struggling like this, and that she felt so alone. Carly flashes back to talking with Sasha in Nina’s bathroom, saying, if Michael knew what Sasha and Chase had done. What they’d sacrificed… and Sasha saying, he won’t. Michael finally has Wiley, and Wiley has him, and they both have Willow. They’re a family now, and she can’t take that away from them. Neither should Carly. Michael tells Sasha that he should have never turned his back on her. People were judging her and taking sides, and he should have stopped it. That’s on him, and he’s so sorry. Carly tells him, stop. He doesn’t know what happened or why.   

Chase says Sasha would have never gotten back with Michael, even if he forgave her. That was never the point. Willow says, what wasn’t the point? and Chase remembers Sasha tearfully telling him, before Wiley’s third birthday, or maybe sooner, Willow will be madly in love with Michael, and be the happiest woman on the face of the earth. Willow asks Chase to tell her what’s going on.

Carly wrestles with her conscience for a moment, and tells Michael, Sasha didn’t sleep with Chase.

Chase tells Willow, it was a set-up. It was a lie. He never cheated on her.

Tomorrow, Jason thinks Britt will do the right thing when the time comes, Willow asks Chase how they could do something so awful, and Cyrus tells Julian that he has no one to blame but himself.

🔧 Like Pulling Teeth…

Here’s a little more information on the new face of Lucas, but not much.

📺 A little FYI. The premiere of new show Big Sky gets a big thumbs up from me. It wasn’t as weird as I thought it was going to be from the commercials, but there’s still a lot of the unexpected. I did not see the ending of the first episode coming, and they totally surprised me, which is saying a lot. I don’t surprise easily. On the second season side, His Dark Materials looks to be off to a good start. But I still hate the monkey.

🙋🏻‍♀️ No More Harmony In Port Charles…

Inga Cadranel is moving on. I’m sorry to hear this. Her part might have been somewhat thankless, but she has great screen presence.

🛫 A Guy Can Dream…

GH’s one-time Nathan has a co-star in mind.

https://extratv.com/videos/ryan-paevey-reveals-his-dream-co-star/

🔪 Virtually Obrecht…

You too, can cook with Kathleen Gati.

🏆 For the Win…

The CMA Awards winners list.

https://people.com/country/cma-awards-2020-complete-winners-list/

And the fashion.

🥇 The People Have Chosen…

The People’s Choice winners list.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1204775/peoples-choice-awards-2020-winners-the-complete-list

And the fashion. Seriously, it’s really the only reason to watch awards shows. A year from now, no one remembers who won, but they’ll remember a meat dress.

🍗 And In Weird Product News…

I’m not sure why you’d want a fire log that smells like fried chicken, but apparently, the internet does have everything.

https://www.syracuse.com/living/2020/10/kfc-fried-chicken-scented-fire-log-yes-its-real-and-heres-where-to-get-one.html

🎁 Wrapping It Up…

Tomorrow, it’s double the Wives. I’m still not sure if Salt Lake will prove to be much different, but Mary is certainly interesting. It’s not every day you meet someone who married their step-grandfather, and who loves Valentino so much. Even though some restrictions have been amped up, continue to look forward to a better year ahead. But just to be on the safe side, never say, it can’t get worse, out loud. Also continue to stay safe, stay focused on what you can do, and stay not being supercilious.