Tag Archives: Stephen A. Smith

May 9, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Sidwell Makes Sonny an Offer, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watch, Dandy At the Met, Fashionable Pets (!), Sextolet Quotes & Coming Home

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

(Trying to streamline a bit…)

Monday:

Lulu said the last thing she expected was for Dante to say he loved her too, and then he told her that he was also still in love with Sam.

Lois asked how Tracy found out about the baby, and Tracy asked if the decision had been Brook’s or Lois’s.

Willow asked why Carly was at Nina’s, and Carly said she was just checking up on the kids. Willow said to check with her first next time and not just show up.

Mac asked, what was the last thing Drew remembered? and Drew flashed back to talking to Tracy. He told Mac that he remembered nothing after getting to the Port Charles Grill. As soon as he knew anything, Mac would too.

Emma asked if Josslyn knew Vaughn, and she said, no, but she’d seen him around campus. Emma couldn’t find her thumb drive and freaked out. Meanwhile, Danny found Rocco passed out on the beach by the rocks.

Marco went to GH to pick up some client’s files and used it as an excuse to see Lucas.

Mac suggested pulling footage from the PC Grill, but Drew insisted his memory would come back. When that happened, he’d see that justice was served.

Brad told Portia that he wanted a big promotion. He had new leverage over her after putting two and two together about the ketamine and Drew. Portia said she wasn’t behind Drew being drugged; Brad was.

Carly asked how Michael was doing, but Willow said he’d refused to see her. She insisted Drew had been drugged and nothing had happened between him and that woman. It was the only explanation that made sense. Carly said it was the only explanation Willow could live with, and left. Willow asked Nina if she agreed with Carly. Was she an idiot for believing Drew?

Lois told Tracy that the decision had been Brook’s. She’d supported Brook and Brook had sworn her to secrecy. Tracy would have done the same for Ned. Tracy said Lois had avoided the family, and by keeping it from them, Lois and Gloria didn’t have to include their input. Lois said the only thing she did was convince Brook that she wasn’t a terrible person for getting pregnant. She did the best she could, and it had weighed on her. Tracy said Brook didn’t know where her son was, but Lois did.

Rocco woke up and told Danny that he’d been playing a drinking game with some frat guys. He just wanted to go back to sleep.

Gio asked if Emma had another copy of the drive, but Emma said her new data hadn’t been included on the back-up. Josslyn pretended to find the drive in the sand and gave Emma the corrupted one. Emma hugged her, thinking it was the one she needed for Dalton.

Lulu told Dante, you didn’t stop loving someone because they’re gone. That’s why she didn’t want to say anything, and Maxie had no right to share what Lulu didn’t choose to share. She wondered, why would Dante tell her how he felt if he had no intention of acting on it? and he said he couldn’t pretend that nothing was there, but she was using it to take out her frustrations on Brook. Brook didn’t deserve it. Lulu said he wouldn’t say that if he knew, and Dante said, knew what?

Danny found Gio and said he needed Gio’s help.

Lulu said Brook had done things… stuff. She wasn’t an innocent. Dante said Lulu had been given a second chance at life, but instead of mending relationships, she was tearing them apart. Dante wanted to know what Brook had done, when Carly walked in.

Marco admired and respected that Lucas loved what he did, and Lucas said he thought their date had been a success. He thanked Marco for opening up, and Marco was excited to see what their next date looked like.

Danny brought Gio to Rocco, and Rocco recognized Gio, which Gio said was a good sign. Gio wanted to get Rocco home, but Danny wanted to do it without Dante knowing. They heard Emma coming and Gio ran interference. He told Emma that he had to get back to the boathouse but would be back. Rocco conked back out and Danny and Gio helped him off the beach.

Lois said, the adoption was closed, and Tracy wondered why the Quartermaines had known nothing. They had the means to give the child every possible advantage. Lois said, in spite of all their money – and with them, the money was what it was always about – money didn’t make every decision easy. Brook hadn’t been ready to be a mother, and Lois had supported her. Tracy said, then the baby should have been there until she was ready, and Lois said, like Tracy dumped Dillon on Ned and Lila and Edward? Lois married into this family and knew how they operated, and her grandson deserved better. Tracy said that’s why Lois gave the baby up, and Lois said it wasn’t her motivation, but it was a hell of a bonus.

Nina asked, what changed? and Willow said she’d gotten caught up in the noise. When she’d had time to think, none of it made sense. She and Drew didn’t keep secrets. Nina asked if it was possible that Willow didn’t want to face the fact Drew wasn’t the man she’d believed he was because it was an indictment on her choices.

Deanna gave Drew an IV to replace his fluids and told him things would come back as the drug wore off. She asked if he’d checked his phone’s GPS. It would tell him where he was last night. He remembered shaking hands with Tracy again and saw he’d been at the hospital. He remembered talking to Portia.

Portia said she’d heard Brad had gotten his hands on some ketamine and Brad said she’d asked him to. She wondered who would be believed, an ex-con or a Chief of Staff. Blow his whistle and see what happened. She knew he’d want to use it to blackmail her and if he didn’t leave her and her family alone, she’d make sure he went down for drugging the congressman.

When Dante left, Lulu told Carly that Dante thought the only reason she had problems with Brook was because she was still in love with him. He thought she was jealous because he and Brook had a past, but the problems were mostly about the proof of the baby. Carly suggested she not tell Dante.

Josslyn told Vaughn that Emma had the corrupted version of the thumb drive, and she told the others that she’d seen him around campus. If he wanted to sell the story, he should spend more time there. He asked if she was homesick yet.

Gio and Danny brought Rocco to the boathouse. Danny said he’d stay the night and tell everyone they went camping. Gio said he’d stick around just in case, and Danny said he’d go to the house for supplies. He left and Gio looked for Rocco’s phone, when Cody came in.

Tracy suggested Lois leave if she found dealing with the family so insufferable. She’d help Lois pack. Lois said sorry to disappoint her, but she would be staying close to Brook. Tracy said she couldn’t wait for the day she rid the house of Lois and had the feeling that day was fast approaching.

Carly reminded Lulu that she, Jason, and Michael were a happy family and when Robin told AJ that Michael was his son, it changed their lives forever. Lulu said, AJ had a right to know, but Carly said, it wasn’t Robin’s place to tell him. Lulu said, Dante wasn’t Jason, and Carly said it still wasn’t Lulu’s right. Lulu asked if Jason was in Dante’s position, wouldn’t Carly tell him? and Carly said if Lulu exposed the secret, she’d regret it for the rest of her life.

Josslyn said it would be strange to feel homesick when she was home, and Vaughn said this used to be her life, but now she was pretending it was. Josslyn said it was surreal. She was there to sabotage someone’s chances at getting a job. He said, not just someone, a childhood friend, and she said Emma didn’t know what was at stake. He asked if she missed her old life, and she said, parts of it, but those parts were gone already when she joined the WSB.

Brad couldn’t believe Portia had learned from him and he watched Lucas with Marco though the window, also imagining them together at home. Lucas suggested he and Marco go to honky-tonk night, and Marco said he was going to love this town. Lucas said the town would love having Marco, and they clinked hash browns. Brad was uber jealous.

Cody said he’d seen the lights on and came to check it out. Gio told him what happened, and Cody said they did good getting Rocco home safe. He covered Rocco with a blanket, but then said Rocco’s breathing was off. They had to get him to the hospital now.

Carly said Brook’s child might not know he was adopted, but Lulu said that didn’t mean Dante shouldn’t know. Carly said it was Brook’s call since she’d carried the child, and Lulu whined some more. Carly told Lulu to make sure she wasn’t doing it because she hated Brook and wanted to be the one to tell Dante instead.

Gio and Cody talked to the doctor who thought Rocco had alcohol poisoning.

Dante looked for Brook, but Lois said she hadn’t seen her. He said the thing going on between her and Lulu was driving him nuts and he was tired of being in the middle. He tried to explain to Lulu that he and Brook were friends, but she couldn’t hear it. Lois said, sometimes strong women don’t get along, and he asked if he should stop trying to help. Lois suggested he stay out of it. His phone rang, and Cody told him that Rocco was in the hospital and to get there as soon as possible. Lois said she’d go with him

Emma couldn’t believe Josslyn didn’t play volleyball anymore, but Josslyn said she had too much going on and was still trying to catch up in Dalton’s class. She was a different person now, but still busy. Emma offered to share her notes and thanked Josslyn again for finding the drive.

Willow wondered how much of this was her refusing to accept being wrong about Drew, but in her heart, she didn’t think that was it. Nina said she’d never do anything to hurt Willow, but Drew wasn’t being honest. He’d been unfaithful. A mother knows. He wasn’t the man Willow thought he was. He pursued her when she was married to his nephew, and a decent man wouldn’t do that. She begged Willow to think long and hard before forgiving him. Willow said they’d found ketamine in his system and Nina suggested he was experimenting, but Willow insisted he’d been drugged. They both knew who did it.

Brad went into Drew’s room and said he had the name of the person behind Drew’s body shot party.

Emma and Josslyn remembered the old days with Spencer and Cameron. Emma said, Spencer could be your best friend one second and the next, stab you in the back, but she didn’t think hurting people necessarily made you a bad person. Josslyn told Emma not to freak if she didn’t get the research position, but Emma said she’d worked hard for it and it had to be hers. Vaughn watched from a distance.

Brad said he’d tell Drew who did it when he knew how much it was worth to Drew.

Nina said, Drew was ashamed of what he’d done and needed someone else to blame, but Willow asked if it was more likely Drew would do drugs with a call girl or that something else happened. She thought the escort gave it to him, but it hadn’t been her idea. She thought someone hired the call girl to set Drew up.

Dante and Lois got the hospital along with Lulu. Cody said the doctor thought it was alcohol poisoning and they were pumping Rocco’s stomach. Gio said he’d been at a PCU party. He didn’t go with Rocco, but had seen him there. Dante told him to start talking.  

Tuesday:

Dante interrogated Gio about Rocco like it was Gio’s fault Rocco got drunk. Gio said he didn’t realize how bad off Rocco was and thought water and sleep would set him right. Dante said if something happened to Rocco, it was on Gio. (Um… maybe he should have been watching his own kid?)

Brad said he knew who hired Jacinda, and for the right price, he’d tell Drew everything. Drew said he’d make sure Brad was handsomely rewarded.

Trina fretted over Kai who was sleeping after his surgery. Portia was proud of her for standing by him. Kai woke up and said he felt like the hard part was over and nothing could stop him now.

Lucky met Kristina at Charlie’s and told him that her mother was trying to have her committed.

Alexis left a million messages for Kristina and looked at the dagger. Diane came by and wondered why Alexis was brandishing a weapon.

Lois tried to talk Dante down, but Gio said he was right. Cody said it took him a while to figure it out too.

Portia said everything looked great, but Kai needed to rest. She left to update Dr. Mohinder, and Kai said he couldn’t thank Trina enough for her encouragement.

Ava picked Ric up from the hospital and he asked how it was going with Alexis. Ava said the next payment had arrived, and Ric said he’d be getting his cut directly, but Ava said she’d thought they were a team. He said he set up a shell corporation and bitched about Alexis’s psycho daughter trying to kill him.

Kristina told Lucky that the papers had been drawn up, but Alexis had changed her mind. He asked how she found out, and Kristina said Molly found out after her papers got mixed up with Diane’s. Lucky asked what Alexis’s reasoning was, and Kristina said she’d had a rough year and Alexis thought she could use some help. Lucky wondered if Alexis wasn’t completely wrong.

Diane asked Alexis to talk to her, and Alexis said Molly and Kristina were no longer speaking to her because they’d found the commitment papers when Diane’s stuff got mixed up with Molly’s. Diane apologized profusely and offered to make things right, but Alexis said what was done was done. It was on her to fix it.

Brad wondered how handsome handsomely was, and Drew asked how half a million sounded. Brad said it sounded like the truth and told Drew that Portia had set him up. He hoped Drew would blow her out of the water.

Dante continued to be unreasonable, when the doctor came out with an update on Rocco.

Alexis said she thought the girls may not forgive her, and Diane wondered how Kristina was blindsided. Alexis said she hadn’t been completely transparent. Kristina didn’t know Alexis was aware that she tried to kill Ava.

Ava told Ric not to forget she was the intended target, but Ric said he was the injured party. Ava said they were in this together regardless and it seemed like he’d decided to go rogue. He said he’d set up the shell corporation for both of them and let her take the lead on the blackmail since she despised Alexis. He knew Alexis’s priorities and extra money wouldn’t be a problem. Ava said they deserved to have some fun.

Dante and Lulu went in to see Rocco and the doctor said he was stable and would be fine. The alcohol content had been at a life-threatening level, and he was going to be okay, but Cody likely saved his life. He could have ended up in a coma, but would make a full recovery.

Diane wondered how Alexis found out about Ava’s brake lines being cut, and Alexis said it was a long story that Diane didn’t want to touch with a ten-foot pole. Kristina had been shocked and felt betrayed. Diane said they were just trying to protect her, and Alexis said Kristina couldn’t know that she knew about the accident.

Lucky said Alexis wasn’t wrong and it was okay to need help, but Kristina said she’d been talking to someone. Lucky said his mom sought treatment for a lot of years, and Kristina said she went into therapy when she lost the baby, but she thought Alexis was being extreme. Lucky suggested Kristina extend a little grace to Alexis.

Danny called Gio wondering where everyone was, and Gio told him what happened. Rocco was okay but they’d had to pump his stomach. Danny said it was his fault, but Gio said it was all on him. Carly asked to talk to Danny and told him to stay at the boathouse. She was coming there. Lois hugged Gio and told him not to let what Dante said get him down, but Gio said Dante had a point. Lois said no one could have predicted what happened and Gio was a good kid. Gio said Dante didn’t think so.

Rocco woke up and said he was sorry. Dante said they’d discuss it later and asked if he remembered anything. Rocco said some guys asked if he wanted to play a drinking game and he’d felt lame saying no, so he went along with it. Next thing he knew, he was in the boathouse. Dante said they loved him, and he didn’t know what he would have done had he lost Danny too.

Brad said Portia made him pull Drew’s medical records, then asked him to get ketamine, but there was no actual evidence. He asked what Drew was going to do about it now that he knew.

Kai was all grateful to Drew for giving him football back, and Trina said anything good that came out of it for either Kai or Drew was due to Kai. Kai said nothing could hold him back now. He knew Trina and her mom had been worried about the possible paralysis and wiggled his toes, saying, the worst-case scenario was off the table.

Carly told Danny that Rocco would be okay, but they needed to talk. He had no business going to that party. Danny agreed it was stupid. He’d just wanted to have some fun, but before he knew it, things were out of control. He convinced Rocco to go with him and went to play volleyball. He wasn’t gone long and wasn’t sure how Rocco got so wasted. Carly said he shouldn’t have left Rocco to his own devices and Danny said he felt terrible. Carly suggested he take responsibility. He had to promise he’d never do something like this again and sincerely apologize to Lulu and Dante. Jason gave him a lot of space, but he had to earn the trust. He needed to prove it to her that he could handle the responsibility.

Dante left and Rocco told Lulu that he thought Dante was angry with him, but Lulu said he was just scared, and it came out as anger. Dante was relieved to know he was fine. Rocco said he was sorry, and she said the Falconari boys knew how to keep things interesting.

Dante said Rocco would be okay and asked to talk to Gio. Lois went with them.

Kristina wondered, why now? and Lucky asked if she’d told Alexis about the car, but she said of course (🍷) not. He was the only one who knew. Alexis had seen she was anxious and was misinterpreting it. Lucky said it sounded like Kristina had a chance to keep her promise to learn from the accident and focus on bringing her family together.

Ric and Ava showed up at Alexis’s house and barged their way in. They gave Alexis the paperwork for the shell company, so she could put money in and make it look like investments. Ric said what she’d been paying wasn’t enough and he wanted separate transactions for his and Ava’s payments.

Carly told Danny to remember how he felt and how lucky he was and pay it forward. He said she sounded like his mom.

Cody went to see Rocco and told Lulu that he talked with Gio. She thought she should see how it was going and left Cody with Rocco. Rocco thanked Cody for saving his life, and Cody said Dante was his best friend. Rocco thought Dante was angry with him, but Cody said he was mad that it happened not mad at Rocco. Rocco said he wasn’t going to drink for a long time if ever again. Cody said getting in trouble was part of growing up and hopefully you did better the next time. Dante would come around. He was one helluva father and Rocco was lucky.

Dante asked if Gio took Rocco to the party, but Gio said, no. Lois tried to intervene, but Dante said it was between him and Rocco. Gio said he was there with other friends when Danny asked for help. He hadn’t known they were there. He got them home and made sure Rocco had a bucket and water. Dante asked why he didn’t call and Gio said he realized he should have. Dante started squawking about how giving alcohol to a minor was a crime and he could have Gio arrested, and Gio said he didn’t even see Rocco drinking. Dante asked how he knew Gio wasn’t just covering his ass by saying that, and Lois said Gio didn’t lie. Dante jumped all over her too and said her covering for Gio wasn’t going to work this time.

Trina and Portia accompanied Kai in his wheelchair, and Portia said the doctor wanted to try to get Kai on his feet, but don’t be upset if he had to try more than once. He got up holding Trina’s hands and took a step. She said she thought he could do just about anything and hugged him, but he looked a little worried.

Drew said he had to think about this, but Brad told him to just go and ruin Portia’s life. Drew said he’d double the money if Brad would do one more thing for him.

Alexis said it wasn’t a game. Doubling the money was a problem and it was enough money that someone would see it. She wasn’t a magician and if their greed raised enough red flags and she got arrested, she’d take them down with her. Ric said Kristina would go down as well, when speak of the devil walked in and asked what was going on.

Danny promised to apologize and tell Jason what happened. Carly said he’d dodged a bullet and should think about almost losing someone he loved before he picked up his next drink.

Dante said other people had always made decisions for Gio and it was time he grew up and made his own decisions. If Cody hadn’t shown up, Rocco could be dead just because Gio was afraid to get Rocco in trouble. Lois told him to stop it. He didn’t know what he was saying. He didn’t know who Gio really was. Lulu overheard.

Wednesday:

Chase and Brook were at the Brown Dog Bar to get time away from the family. Chase said, pretty soon, nights like these would be a thing of the past. After they had a baby, they’d be sleep deprived. Brook couldn’t wait.

Emma said Josslyn was different from the girl she remembered growing up, and Josslyn said Dex’s death had changed her.

Vaughn told Jack about Dalton being with Anna at The Savoy.

Kristina went to Alexis’s and found Ric and Ava there. Ric said they were there to see Molly, but she was running late at work. Ava said an apartment opened in her building and Ric thought Molly would like a place of her own. Kristina seemed skeptical about the late hour, and Ric said he was actually there about his car accident.

Laura went to visit Rocco and met Cody, who said Lulu asked him to keep an eye on Rocco while she tracked down Dante. Laura thanked him for getting Rocco to the hospital in time, and Rocco woke up.

Dante continued to act like a moron, going on and on and on, screeching at Gio, as Lulu listened in from around the corner. Lois said he didn’t know what he was talking about or who Gio really was, and Dante said he’d watched Gio grow up, but please enlighten him.

Vaughn said Josslyn couldn’t hear them, but it was possible Anna and Dalton weren’t talking about anything of interest to them. Josslyn’s biggest competition for Dalton’s assistant was Emma, and Anna might have been talking her up. Josslyn had also seen Dalton going into a lab at GH, but didn’t know why he was there. Jack told him to hold off on breaking in and asked how close Josslyn was to getting intel from Dalton.

Josslyn told Emma that Dex’s life hadn’t been great, but he became a better person because of it. Now they’d never know the man he would have become or what he would have achieved. It made her feel like she had to make her life matter in any way she could. That’s why she tried so hard to excel in class. Emma said that’s what brought her to PCU and asked if Josslyn could keep a secret. She was on a mission.

Brook told Chase that she’d been honest with Tracy about giving up her baby. Tracy had asked why Brook was threatened by Lulu and kept pushing. She didn’t tell Tracy that Dante was the father, not wanting to burden her with the truth.

Dante kept going, accusing Lois of shielding Gio from the consequences of his actions. He said Gio’s carelessness could have cost Rocco’s life. Gio said Dante was right, but he hadn’t given Danny or Rocco alcohol. He hadn’t even known anything happened until Danny came to get him. Dante gave kudos to Danny for knowing when he was in over his head, then blamed Gio some more. Lois said Rocco would be fine and she had enough of Dante beating up on Gio. Dante said if she didn’t like it, she could leave, and if he found out Gio gave booze to Rocco, Gio would face charges. Rocco could have ended up in a coma or at the morgue. Lulu came out and said, but he didn’t, and told Dante to stop. Dante said their son could have died tonight.

Laura thanked Cody again and Cody left. Rocco said he was sorry, and Laura said the most important thing was that he was all right. Rocco said he’d done something really stupid.

Kristina asked why Ric had to talk to Alexis about his car crash, and Ric said he’d taken a hard look his own life and wanted to build on getting along with Alexis. Alexis said she’d always do what was best for her daughters, and Ric fake hugged her. Kristina said, before they left, they should get something straight about the car crash.

Emma told Josslyn that Dalton engaged in certain unethical and illegal practices in his research at her other school. He’d been testing on mammals, and they’d decided to get proof by breaking in. Before they could, they got caught and expelled and Emma had to sign an NDA. Anna was the only other one who knew. She told Josslyn not to fall for Dalton’s good guy Aussie thing, and Josslyn asked why Dalton hadn’t been exposed by the school, but Emma didn’t know. She thought maybe it was embarrassing and incriminating and that he was doing the same thing at PCU, which was why she wanted to be his assistant. She needed to be the one to prove it.

Kristina said Ric’s accident helped her understand how important he was to Molly, and she had to honor that. Ric said Kristina was important to Molly too, and Kristina said she had to let go of her anger at both Ric and Ava. The anger had been eating at her, and she couldn’t live her life that way. She wanted to make peace. Ric thanked her and Ava said Ric’s accident had turned into an unexpected gift that kept on giving.

Chase said he was glad Brook told him about the baby, but it was hard for him to make Dante see how out of line he was about Lulu when he couldn’t tell him why. Still, he agreed with Tracy that it was Brook’s choice to tell who she wanted. Brook said it was a relief not to carry the secret by herself anymore. Cody came by and told them about Rocco being in the hospital.

Rocco told Laura that he and Danny thought it would be fun to crash a college party, but it was just weird. He didn’t know anyone or know what to say. He didn’t want to ditch Danny even though he wanted to leave. He was drinking a spiked punch, and some guys asked him to play a drinking game with them. He didn’t want to look more pathetic than he already did, so he played and lost track of what he was drinking. Laura said she remembered what it was like to be young and find yourself in a situation where you were over your head. She’d made mistakes and angered her parents, but they always forgave her – eventually. He was lucky to have parents like she had.

Dante screamed some more at Lois, and she said he was blaming Gio for something that wasn’t his fault. Fully gaslighted, Gio said it was all on him and he was sorry. He took off, and Dante insulted the parenting Gio had been given. Lois said, at least Gio was there. Where was Dante when his son needed him?

Kristina wanted to talk to Alexis, when Molly came home. Alexis said she didn’t think the Drew thing was going to blow over soon and asked if the girls could put their anger at her aside for Scout’s sake.

Vaughn was worried that Josslyn lacked the discipline to put the mission first, but Jack said Vaughn’s job was to support her.

Emma wondered, why the NDA? and Josslyn said it was suspicious. Dalton had to know people were on to him, so maybe he was legit at PCU. Emma thought he’d picked up where he left off, when Josslyn got a text and had to leave. She said someone would stop Dalton, and Emma said, damn right she would.

Chase thanked Cody for helping and Cody left him and Brook to their date night.

Lois said Dante was taking his guilt out on Gio. Most college kids would have left Rocco to sleep it off on the beach. Gio may have made a mistake, but he tried. Dante said all they had was Gio’s word that he didn’t know Rocco was drinking, and Lois asked if he had evidence or witnesses. Gio wasn’t like that, and Dante should know. Dante had a good heart, so how could he not recognize the same good heart in Gio? She said, shame on you, and left. Dante asked if Lulu thought he was being unfair, and she said she thought he was terrified, but had gone too far.

Ric and Ava went to the Brown Dog, where Ava produced her black card. Cody ordered at the bar and asked to start a tab, giving the bartender his regular, measly card.

Alexis said, Drew was completely out of control, and Molly asked if she thought he needed to be committed. (Ouch!)

Josslyn went to Jack’s office and found Vaughn there. She said she thought the mission went well, and he said the objective had been achieved. She said she wished she would have gotten the flash drive back quicker, but she still accomplished the goal. He said he’d seen her talking to Emma afterward and wondered if she was assuaging her conscience, but she said she didn’t bail on the job and never would. She was glad she’d talked to Emma who knew more than she’d thought.

Gio found Emma at the beach, and he told her about Rocco. He said Cody had realized Rocco needed to go to the hospital and now Dante thought he was the one who gave Rocco alcohol. Emma joked that everything about Gio screamed bad influence. Dante should know better. Gio blamed himself again.

On the phone, Lois told Gloria about Dante screeching at Gio and said, if he only knew.

Dante told Lulu that Lois and Gloria had always intervened, and Gio never learned responsibility. Lulu sarcastically said, being a classical musician took no discipline, and Dante said, Gio had lost his mom when he was 12 and never knew his father. He was never called on anything because Lois and Gloria would swoop in when they thought the others were being too hard on him. Lulu asked if Brook swooped in too, and Dante said, Brook was a softie with all the kids.

Alexis wished Molly and Kristina would understand why she did what she did, and Kristina said she wanted to move forward. They’d already lost so much, she couldn’t lose Alexis. Alexis was her mother and Kristina loved her, but what she did wasn’t okay. Alexis said she was just concerned, and Kristina wondered why Alexis didn’t ask her about it. Alexis said she’d made a mistake and was sorry, and Kristina said she understood and appreciated the apology. Molly suggested they have breakfast together in the morning for Scout’s sake.

Vaughn said Dalton was working on something he wasn’t disclosing at PCU, and Josslyn said, illegal animal testing. Jack came back and said, another reason he wanted Josslyn to get the assistant position was because he didn’t want Anna near Dalton. She couldn’t know anything, or she’d get in the way. Vaughn said Josslyn needed to focus on getting the job, and she asked what Jack wanted her to do when she got it.

Gio told Emma that he blamed himself for not calling 911. Dante refused to believe he didn’t give Rocco alcohol because that was the kind of person Dante thought he was.

Laura told Rocco that kids died from alcohol poisoning, and she expected there would be consequences. He said it couldn’t be worse than how he felt right now. He was never going to drink again. Laura said they all made promises like that after their first hangover (yep), but she’d settle for him waiting until he was 21. He said he’d still be grounded by then, his parents were so mad, and she said it was because they loved him. So did she. He said, even when he was an idiot? when Lulu walked in and said, even then. Dante followed her in, and Rocco said he was sorry he’d scared them.

Jack said they had reason to believe Dalton was working on a new technology with global implications, and Josslyn wondered if it was a biological weapon. Jack said she could let them know when she got in the lab. They might not be the only interested party, so look out for Dalton talking to or partnering with someone else. Josslyn wondered why they didn’t just arrest him, but Jack said they wanted him to finish his research. The WSB wanted his technology, not just his theories. Vaughn would still be on as her handler and was getting a job in the facilities department. Josslyn laughed and said he’d be a janitor, but Jack said his job was to help her. It was her op. Don’t screw it up. And if she saw Dalton talking to Anna again, he needed to know asap.

Molly said it would take Kristina time to forgive Alexis, and it would take her time too. She went upstairs and Alexis looked at the paperwork from Ric and Ava.

The bartender gave Cody Ava’s black card by mistake, and Cody said it wasn’t his. He’d never seen a card like that. The bartender said they didn’t get many around there. It had a very high limit. Cody watched as he returned it to Ava. Lois came in and Brook said that Cody told them Rocco would be fine. She asked why Lois was a mess and Lois said Dante had been tearing into Gio, blaming him, and accusing him of giving Rocco the booze. He’d said, if Cody hadn’t come by, Gio would have let Rocco die. Chase said Dante was overreacting, but he was Rocco’s father, and he couldn’t blame him. Lois said she could absolutely blame him. Gio took it to heart, defended Dante, and blamed himself. Brook said he’d get over it and wondered why it was upsetting Lois so much.

Emma said Dante was just wrong. Gio had helped her when he didn’t even like her. He’d never let anything bad happen to anyone. She thought Dante would apologize when he calmed down, but Gio said he thought Dante finally told him what he really thought of him. Now he knew Dante didn’t respect him at all.

Lulu walked Laura out to the hallway and wondered if this was payback for all her bad choices. Laura said Rocco would be fine, and Lulu said, but he was still grounded. Laura said, spoken like a true mother.

Rocco said he knew what he did was stupid and would be mad too if he was Dante. Dante said he was angry, but mostly glad Rocco was okay. He promised his love for Rocco would always be stronger than any anger he had. Rocco was his son, and he loved him. He’d never turn his back on him. Lulu watched through the window, then told her phone that she needed to find out where Lois was when Gio was born.

Thursday:

Nina sat at the MetroCourt bar, when Portia called and told her to look at the news. Drew was holding a press conference where he pretended to be an upstanding guy who was set up.

Jordan saw Curtis at the MetroCourt, and they talked about Drew. Curtis wasn’t sure how Drew was going to bounce back. Meanwhile, Drew said he’d stop at nothing to clear his name, along with his bestest pal Willow at his side. Nina sighed.

Lucas walked with Elizabeth down the hospital hallway, when they saw Brad wearing fancy new duds.

Sasha asked Danny to help her clean up the kitchen, and he asked if she was going to pretend that she didn’t know what he’d done to Rocco.

Making a house call, Isaiah was pleased with Sonny’s progress. He told Sonny to stay on his meds, avoid stress, and he’d be good as new in no time. Dante came by and immediately got annoyed with Jason, saying that Jason’s son almost got Rocco killed last night. He told Jason that Danny left Rocco at the PCU party and Rocco ended up in a situation that could have killed him. Jason didn’t supervise Danny enough and he blamed Jason more than Danny. Isaiah reminded Dante not to stress out Sonny. (Good luck with that. Dante is on an idiot roll.)

Sasha said she’d heard about what happened, and Danny said he could handle everyone being mad, but not the disappointment. Gio wound up getting involved and he felt like a jerk. Sasha said if he didn’t, he’d really be one. We had to hold ourselves accountable when we did something wrong, but we all made mistakes. If someone said they didn’t, they were lying or a psychopath. Making a mistake didn’t make you a bad person.

Brad said he was making some changes and, Lucas said his outfit made a statement. Brad said he was headed to HR because he was leaving town. He left and Lucas wondered, what the hell just happened?

Curtis joined Nina and she asked if he’d seen the press conference. Willow was right there supporting her man. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

Jordan, Tracy, Sidwell, and Marco sat at a nearby table, and Sidwell introduced Marco to Tracy. Tracy wondered how much Drew’s PR faceplant had hurt their collective effort to get rid of Sonny.

Isaiah left, and Sonny asked if Dante was going to be okay. Dante said he’d never been that scared in all his life.

Sasha told Danny, based on her mistake experience, when you made a mistake it wasn’t about the apology. An apology was a big part of taking accountability, but what mattered was what you did going forward. Danny said nothing like this would ever happen again, and she said it couldn’t. You had to own your mistakes, take accountability, do better, and be better. Unless you went for the other option; believe you dodged a bullet and pretend like nothing happened.

Brad went to see Portia, who told him to get lost. He handed in his resignation, saying there was nothing left for him there and he was starting fresh. She’d have to find someone else to do her dirty work.

Nina told Curtis that Willow was supposed to know better and have more self-respect. Not blindly follow a man who paraded a prostitute around town and ended the night doing body shots off her. Willow found them in bed together, but still insisted on believing Drew.

Sidwell acted like it was no big deal, and Jordan said the general public would shortly move on to the next scandal. She wanted to discuss the location of the esplanade, but Tracy wanted to discuss getting rid of Sonny. Marco said that wouldn’t happen until they got serious

Sonny wondered how Rocco and Danny were at a college party, and Dante said he canceled plans for the Woodchucks game on them. He should have been supervising them. Sonny said Dante couldn’t predict everything, and Dante said Danny was a great kid, but reckless at heart. Sam had to set boundaries to keep him safe, but Jason didn’t. It was on him, and he had to make sure Rocco didn’t hang out with Danny anymore. Their relationship wasn’t worth it if his son died. Gio was untrustworthy and making things worse.

Danny said he cared about Rocco and would never pretend like nothing happened. Sasha asked what would happen the next time something seemed fun, but also dangerous and stupid, and Danny said he’d have to think about it differently. Sasha said it was a challenge to make better choices, but that’s how you made amends. Jason listened in, and Sasha said she thought Danny would learn from this. She hoped Danny was around to teach her baby the things he’d learned.

Portia said if Brad quit, he was done and not to think about blackmailing her again. Brad said blackmail was no longer in his future, but something told him it was still in hers.

Willow found Elizabeth sitting in the waiting area, and said they missed her. Portia texted Willow wanting to see her and she left. Isaiah came out of the elevator and Elizabeth wondered where he’d been hiding.

Curtis told Nina that Drew released the test results and ketamine had been in his system. Nina said he wouldn’t be the first to indulge, but Curtis said he’d never seen Drew use drugs or drink in excess. Drew had a lot of enemies, and he wouldn’t be surprised if Drew had been set up.

Tracy said she was deadly serious, but Marco said he saw an uncoordinated social media effort that hadn’t broken through to voters. They needed to get better organized. Sonny was loved by the common man and a philanthropist. Tracy said he was a crime lord, but Marco said the race was closer than she thought. Drew joined them all pleased with himself.

Jason said he got Danny’s text and Sasha made herself scarce. Danny said he took Rocco to a PCU party, and it was all his fault Rocco almost died from alcohol poisoning.

Elizabeth said Isaiah had flaked on dinner three times, but he was forgiven. She and Lucky thought he was spending time with a mystery woman. He said, hypothetically, if he was seeing someone, they’d chosen their job over him, and she said, hypothetically, maybe he shouldn’t give up on them just yet.

Portia asked how Willow was doing, and Willow said it was all a big misunderstanding. Portia asked if the police found any other evidence, and Willow said Drew was set up and he was going to prove it.

Drew told Tracy that he was the victim of a crime and the woman he was with was a person of interest. Tracy said, apparently, the drink Drew had with her was the first of many. She didn’t know it was a prelude to a bender that would tank their efforts. Drew said he’d been targeted and the person behind it would be brought to justice.

Nina wondered what the meeting was all about, and Curtis said they had one thing in common. Nina said, to take down Sonny.

Dante told Sonny that Gio had been at the party and got Rocco back to the Quartermaines, leaving him in the boathouse with a bucket. If Cody hadn’t shown up, Rocco could have died. Danny was the one who wanted to go to the party, but Gio had made a bad decision. Sonny suggested Dante put himself back when he was Gio’s age. Maybe Gio thought Rocco just needed to sleep it off. Dante said Sonny sounded like Lois.

Portia wanted to speak to Willow as a friend. She could understand Willow’s loyalty to Drew, but thought it might shade how she perceived things. Willow said she was fine with her choices, and Portia asked her to look at everything with her eyes wide open.

Drew said nothing had changed, and Tracy laughed, saying he’d been publicly disgraced. Drew said he’d be exonerated and have the person he loved by his side. He left and Tracy said he had a lot of hubris, but Jordan said that might be exactly what they needed.

Willow expected Isaiah to tell her that she was crazy for sticking by Drew like everyone else had, and he said he thought she was stressed, not crazy. He’d seen the news, but had no opinion. Willow said Drew was innocent, and Isaiah said, good for her in trusting her own gut.

Jason said Rocco would be okay, and Danny was relieved. Danny said he’d gotten distracted and caught up in the party, and Jason said brothers looked out for each other. Danny said Rocco only went because of him, but if he’d known Rocco was drinking, he would have stopped him. Jason said allowing the situation to get out of control could never happen again, and Danny promised it wouldn’t. He had to take responsibility and make things right with his brother. Jason believed Danny could make good choices, but he was still responsible for Danny and took it seriously. They would check in with each other at 9 pm every night from now on. He believed in and trusted Danny, and knew he could do better.

Curtis told Nina that it had been a mistake putting the referendum on the ballot. Sidwell was trying to take over the piers and Tracy had hated Sonny for years. Nina said Drew hated Sonny and Jason, but despite everything she was still Team Sonny. She noticed Curtis left out Jordan and wondered where he stood with his ex and Sonny.

Jordan said the public loved a comeback story and it might be the key in taking down Sonny. Sidwell said, to be continued, as he and Jordan had another stop to make.

Dante told Sonny that Lois defended Gio non-stop. He knew Gio was a good kid, but needed to be held accountable. He should have called. Sonny said Dante was looking for somebody to blame. The kids had made mistakes because they were kids. Olivia said Dante screwed up all the time as a kid. With kids, you couldn’t protect them 100% of the time and had to accept that. Dante said his son almost died and he didn’t know what he’d do if he’d lost his son. He couldn’t take it.

Brad met with Drew and asked if Drew didn’t just want to take Portia down, and Drew said he was going to, but on his time. There would be plenty of destruction to go around.

Curtis said he believed Jordan chose the wrong side, and Nina wondered where it left Sonny. Curtis said he was going to give Drew the opposite of what he wanted, and Aurora would support Laura, endorse her as mayor, and encourage voters to oppose Measure C. They were backing Sonny by default in opposing Drew.

Drew went to Portia’s office and said she was supposed to keep him in the loop about anything that Curtis printed that would negatively affect him. She said Drew had generated the headlines and she didn’t have the power to tell Curtis what to print. Drew said maybe she thought he’d disappear, but he wasn’t done with her. She had to get Curtis to give him more favorable coverage. He still had evidence that would cost her medical license and her marriage. He wanted Curtis to endorse Ezra Boyle for mayor and voting yes on Measure C. Her husband was going to help him take down Sonny.

Willow told Isaiah she’d had her doubts about Drew, but went with him to have his blood tested. He had ketamine in his system, and she believed him that he’d been drugged. Now she needed a judge to believe it too. If Drew couldn’t exonerate himself and prove he was drugged, it would be bad for her divorce and custody fight. She could lose her kids.

Lucas said, whatever blackmail Brad had over Portia was over, and Elizabeth wondered if they should keep pursuing it. Lucas said a handsome stranger had sidelined him, and she said their main concern had been Portia being vulnerable to Brad. He said, whatever Brad had on her was leaving with him, and noticed Brad at the elevator. He went over and asked if Brad was really leaving. Brad said he figured it was time to move on since he had no reason to stay, and Lucas said a fresh start would be good for both of them. Brad said the whole world was open to whatever he wanted, and Lucas told him, good luck. Brad said, him too, and the elevator doors closed.

Jason told Danny that his Uncle AJ wasn’t much older when he started drinking heavily. It cost AJ, it cost Jason, and it cost his family so much. He didn’t want that for Danny and told him to be careful. He screwed up, but Rocco was okay. Danny should learn from it and don’t do it again. Danny said he wouldn’t, when Dante came in. (I heaved a huge Jason-like sigh.) Danny told Dante that he was sorry for everything, and Jason asked for minute with Dante. Danny left, and Jason said he understood Danny made a huge mistake, but it wouldn’t happen again. Dante said Rocco had nearly been killed, and Jason said he’d talked to Danny and Danny got it. Dante said, when Sam had caught him drinking in the park, she’d talked to him, but maybe talking wasn’t enough. Rocco almost died and Danny could be charged with accessory to manslaughter. (Maybe I’m wrong, but I think Rocco would have to be dead for that.)

Tracy asked where Marco’s dad was going, but Marco said he didn’t know. His dad let him know when there was something he should be aware of. She said she’d been resistant to doing business with Sidwell, and her reservation still stood. She asked Marco to give his father a message. If he helped her get rid of Sonny, all of Port Charles would be open to him, and she’d personally make sure he got the key.

Sonny’s guard told him that he had visitors, and Jordan and Sidwell came in. Jordan asked if they could have a moment of Sonny’s time, and Sidwell said he was quite certain they could make it worth Sonny’s while.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Outside Miller and Davis, Brook says she’s feeling really nervous. What about Chase? He says he’s nervous, but just accepting it, and she says she feels like she’s going to crawl out of her skin. Suzanne tells them that Alexis is ready to see them and asks if they need anything. Water or coffee? Brook asks if they have herbal tea, and Suzanne says she can run out and get some, but Brook says, never mind. Suzanne says, it’s fine. Who needs a lunch hour? She tells Alexis that Mr. and Mrs. Chase are here (I get confused for a moment, forgetting that Chase is actually Chase’s last name), and Alexis thanks her. Suzanne leaves, and Alexis says she was surprised to see them on her calendar. What can she do for them? Brook says, they want to adopt a child.

On the phone, Lulu said she’s looking for the history of L&B Records and their clients. They represented Miguel Morez… They’re kidding. Is there any chance he was touring on the dates she asked about?… She hears the door and says, sorry. She has to go. She’ll call back. She goes to the door and finds Danny, who asks if Rocco is here. He really needs to talk to him. Lulu says, he’s upstairs, but first they need get some things straight before he sees her son.

Jason asks if Dante is threatening to charge Danny with manslaughter, but Dante says, no. (And I’m still wondering how manslaughter can be charged when no one died, but okay.) He’s trying to get Jason to understand that what happened last night could have ruined Danny’s life, all because Jason wasn’t paying enough attention to him.

Willow goes into an exam room and says she needs to take Sasha’s vitals before Sasha sees the doctor. Sasha says, no offense, but she’d prefer another nurse, and Willow says she’s the mother of Michael’s children and Sasha is about to be the mother of Jason’s child. That makes them family. They can continue to hate each other or accept that they’re going to be in each other’s lives whether they like it or not.

Curtis finds Tracy at the MetroCourt and asks if she has a minute. She says, actually, she has two, starting now. Curtis sits down and says he couldn’t help but notice her meeting with Sidwell, Drew, and Jordan. She says, he was was wondering why she was working with someone she loathes, and he says he guesses they were talking about taking down Sonny, but why does she want to help take Laura down too?

Portia says, Curtis will never turn his back on Mayor Collins, but Drew says she’s got to find a way. He’s been incredibly patient so far, and so far his patience has gotten him very little. She says she’s done everything he’s asked her to do. She supported him when he announced his Pediatric Sports Initiative (🍷) campaign and Aurora gave him positive coverage, but there’s a limit. If Curtis is pushed too hard, he’ll get suspicious. He says, then she’ll have to step up her game. He doesn’t care how. He needs to find a way drive Sonny Corinthos out of Port Charles.

Sonny says, whatever Sidwell is selling, he’s not buying, but Sidwell says, actually, it’s the other way around. Sonny says he’s not selling the piers, but Jordan says she thinks he needs to hear them out.

Dante tells Jason that he’s tried to understand both sides. He gets why Sam was worried about him spending time with Danny. He wants to be Danny’s friend, and he gets that Jason did that when Sam was here. But they’ve all got to be aware… they should be aware – Lois walks in – that Danny’s got enough friends and doesn’t need Jason to be his friend. He needs Jason to be his father. Lois asks, what’s going on? and Jason says he guesses Dante is letting him know what he thinks of him as a father. Dante says, which isn’t much, and leaves.

Lulu says, Danny needs to tell her everything that happened last night at the party, and Danny says, going to the party was his idea. He convinced Rocco to go. He thought it would be fun. They got there and they met people. Lulu says, and they were both drinking? and Danny says, yeah. He was playing volleyball and lost track of Rocco. He didn’t realize how much Rocco had to drink. It was all his fault, not Rocco’s. He should have paid closer attention. He was really a bad brother, and it will never happen again. She says, they were incredibly lucky it turned out the way it did and wants Danny to remember that. Danny says he will, and she says, good. She calls for Rocco to come downstairs, and Rocco comes down carrying a bucket and rags. Danny says he’s so sorry for what happened at the party, and Lulu asks, how sorry? Rocco is cleaning the entire house and could really use some help.

Sasha asks if Willow is trying to use her child to smooth things over with her, but Willow says, not at all. She’d like to start over and bury the hatchet. Sasha says, because they’re family. For that to be true, Willow would have to act like Wiley and Amelia are Michael’s kids. Willow says she was always clear that Michael was their dad, and Sasha asks, when was the last time Michael laid eyes on his kids? Willow says, Kristina… but Sasha says, not Kristina – you. What is Willow doing to keep their dad in their lives while he’s recovering from nearly being burned to death? Willow says she flew to Germany for the kids’ sake, but Michael refused to see her.

Tracy says, Laura is a capable, smart woman and can take care of herself, and Curtis agrees, but he’s concerned about his friend. Ned comes to the table and says he’s meeting someone and he’s early, and Tracy says, by all means, join them. Ned says he’d love to, and sits down. She says she was telling Curtis why she’s chosen to support Drew on one issue and one issue only – Sonny Corinthos, and Ned says, here we go. Tracy says, Sonny has been a blight on this town and their family, as every Quartermaine can attest, and Ned says, yes, Sonny’s done terrible things to their family. No one would disagree, yet he’s not sure teaming up with another blight – Drew – is the answer. Curtis says, or Jenz Sidwell. They know little about him, and evidence suggests he did questionable things in Africa. If she opens the door to Sidwell, who knows what kind of things he’d do to their family.   

Sonny says he respects the former Commissioner enough to listen to her, but Jordan says he may not like her answers. Sidwell says, consideration is all they’re asking, and Sonny says he thought Jordan would keep better company. Jordan says she joined Sidwell’s company as COO and she’s excited about it. He’s a very efficient businessman with an amazing vision for Port Charles. Sonny says he’s not interested in Sidwell’s vision, and Sidwell says, even if what he’s planning is to Sonny’s advantage? Sonny says, Sidwell wants to make a deal? and Sidwell says, yes, to their mutual advantage. Sonny says, tell him exactly why he should want to help Sidwell.

Lois tells Jason that Dante is coming from a place of pain and not to let it get to him. Jason says, Dante told him that he was terrible father, and she says she knows, but she was with Dante when he got the call from Cody to come to the hospital. It was like watching a building fall on someone. Jason is a dad and knows what that kind of phone call would be like. Rocco will be fine, but Dante knows they could have lost him and he’s throwing blame everywhere. He attacked Gio, even though he knows Gio isn’t at fault. Jason says, attack seems to be Dante’s default position, and she says, it is now, but Dante knows he can’t go after Danny, so he’s coming after Jason. Jason says he can handle it. He’s just not sure Dante is wrong about him. Lois asks what he means, and he says he missed a lot of Danny’s childhood for all kinds of reasons, not all of them his fault. The bottom line is, he wasn’t there, and Dante was. She says, everyone knows he loves Danny, and he says, very much. But Danny was able to sneak out because he was off with Sonny. Dante was right. He let his son down.

Portia says, Drew doesn’t understand what he’s asking, but Drew says he actually does. He wants the best for Port Charles and thinks they both agree the city would be safer without Sonny Corinthos. Her own daughter was hurt because of Sonny’s violence. If there was no Sonny, there would have been no Cyrus (not sure how he figures that), and she and Trina wouldn’t have had to deal with that nightmare. He’s sure Trina still has scars from it. She says, he’s not using her daughter to manipulate her, but he says he’s telling her what she already knows. Once Curtis stops trying to tear him down, they can concentrate on what they both know is the right thing for Port Charles.

Lulu tells Rocco and Danny, don’t forget the gutters. The last owner never cleaned them, so they’re going be pretty special. She goes inside, and Rocco says, sorry Danny got stuck, but Danny says, it’s the least he can do. He’s really sorry about the party. Rocco says, it’s not his fault. Danny didn’t make him drink the punch or do shots. That’s all on him. Danny says he’s the one who got them both in trouble. They went to the party together, even though he knew Rocco felt weird. He should have made sure they stayed together. Rocco says, Danny came looking for him and helped him make it home. He can do better and from now on he will. Lulu comes out and says she has an appointment to get to. Can she trust the two of them to stay alone and not get into trouble? Rocco says, absolutely, and she says she expects the front and back porch to be so clean you can eat off of them, including the windows. The kitchen also needs cleaning. Can they handle that, or does she need to stick around and supervise? Rocco says she can trust them, and she says, because if they screw up, it’s back to square one with the trust thing. Understand? They both say, yes, and she says, good. She gives Rocco a kiss and leaves. Danny says, the back porch too?

Willow tells Sasha that everyone thinks she’s a terrible mom. Meanwhile, she flies all the way to Baden-Baden and Michael couldn’t be bothered to talk to her about a custody arrangement. But that doesn’t matter. She’s still the bad guy. Sasha says, Willow paid Michael back. She’s sure he saw Drew’s ridiculous press conference and saw her standing there holding hands with that sleaze after the photos of him doing body shots with some woman. What’s wrong with her? She should have more self-respect. Willow says, Drew was drugged, but Sasha says, only Willow believes that, and she believes it because she has to. Willow says, no one tells her what to believe, but Sasha says, people have, and Willow fell right in line when they did. Willow tore her life apart for Drew and if she had to admit she did the wrong thing for the wrong guy, she’d fall into a thousand pieces. She’s sorry, but Drew is the wrong guy. Willow says she tried to salvage their relationship for the kids, but obviously it was a mistake. She’ll send in another nurse. She leaves.

Sidwell says, their meeting was supposed to be about building the esplanade, but thanks to Ezra Boyle and Drew Cain, it became a referendum on Sonny. Sonny says, so he heard. He’s trying not to get his feelings hurt. Sidwell says, a fight would be time consuming and costly and Sonny could still lose the property to eminent domain. Jordan says, and it will still cause more negative publicity to fall on Mayor Collins. Considering how close she and Sonny are, is that something he wants to do? Sonny asks, so what are they proposing? and Sidwell says, Sonny can circumvent the democratic process and make a fortune while he’s at it. Sell the piers to him.

Curtis says, Tracy doesn’t have to take his word for it, but he doesn’t trust Sidwell. And he feels Ezra Boyle would be a terrible thing for Port Charles. Sonny is a known entity and what you see is what you get. Tracy agrees Boyle is a bottom feeder and would be terrible for Port Charles, and Ned says, in his own way, Sonny is – Tracy says, a criminalcivic minded. Curtis says he has his own issues with Sonny as well, but they need to think long and hard about joining forces with Sidwell. He has to go. It was nice seeing them both. He leaves, and Tracy says, good God. If one more person tells her that Sonny Corinthos is good for Port Charles, she’s going to lose her mind. Don’t start. Ned says he wouldn’t dream of defending Sonny. Besides, there are so many better things to talk about, like Brook and Chase having a meeting with Alexis today. They’re discussing adopting a child. Tracy says, Alexis? Isn’t that a little claustrophobic? Ned says, who better to help his daughter? and she says, to each his own. So how does he feel about becoming a grandfather? He says he’s still wrapping his brain around it. How did she feel about becoming a grandmother? She says she was sure she’d hate it and she really does.  

Brook says they wanted to talk to a lawyer. They need an expert to go through the options and make sure nothing goes wrong from a legal perspective. Alexis says, to be honest, adoption is quite complicated. There are a lot of factors involved. Brook says, before they get their hopes up, can they discuss the things that would disqualify people from becoming adoptive parents? Alexis says, like what? and Brook says, like if she had a baby in the past and gave it up.

Brook tells Alexis that she gave her baby up for adoption. The adoption was sealed and she never made an effort to find her child, who’s a legal adult by now and who never made an effort to find her either. Alexis asks if she’s worried that her previous pregnancy could be held against her, and Brook says she’s terrified it will disqualify them. Alexis says, it’s no secret that she, too, was pregnant as a teenager and gave up her daughter Sam for adoption. Everyone’s circumstances are special to them, but she wants Brook to know she’s pretty sure she knows how Brook feels. She’s also happy to tell them that agencies typically focus on the adoptive parents’ current situation, not the past. Chase says, great. They want to start a family and they’re ready to be parents. If he’s half the dad his dad was, he’ll be happy. Alexis says, Gregory would be happy to hear him say that, and Brook says she feels the same way. Her childhood was untraditional, but filled with the kind of love she wants to give their child.

Ned asks what Tracy means, she hates being a grandmother. She loves it. She’s finally the undisputed boss. Tracy says she’s always been the boss. She just worked behind the scenes. Now she’s out in front, trying to protect the family and her efforts are completely unappreciated. Ned asks what she’s talking about, and she says she heard him railing around about her helping to oust Sonny. He says he’s on her side, but she says, if that was true, he’d stand up to Lois, Brook, and Olivia when they gather to worship at the altar of Sonny Corinthos. He says he learned a long time ago, when it comes to Sonny, he and Lois agree to disagree. And with Olivia, he knew he’d get himself involved in a parental relationship, but no one has asked him to ignore the fact that Sonny is a mobster. Tracy says she’s asking him, her beloved firstborn, to help her campaign. Yes on Measure C and no on Sonny Corinthos. He says, she’s already bankrolling it. Why does she need his help? She says, money’s not the only thing that talks. Sonny has the current mayor on his side, and she has him. A former mayor’s endorsement means something to people. He says, her phone is on vibrate, and she says, it’s Lucy Coe. Lucy’s sole motivation in life is annoying her. She has to take it, but he has a decision to make – mom or the mob. She leaves.

Lois says, if Jason is talking about spending more time with his son, she’s all for it, but if he’s doing it because of what Dante said, don’t. Dante is too close to the situation to put what happened in perspective. Jason says he understands how Dante feels, and she says, they all do. What happened was serious and they all need to put the fear of God into Danny and Rocco and make sure it never happens again. Jason agrees and says, they’re way too young to be drinking. Lois says, Rocco also looks up to Danny and Danny needs to realize he can’t lead Rocco around by the nose. Jason says he didn’t know that was happening. He guesses he should have. She says, he gives Danny a lot of latitude. Danny knows he can count on Jason. He’s really a great dad. Jason thanks her for saying that, but Danny needs him, and in order for that to happen, he has to make changes.  

Rocco says, even after all this, his parents are going to be watching every move they make, when Dante comes in. He says he sees Lulu put them to work and asks where she is. Rocco says, she had an appointment and said if they weren’t done with the cleaning when she got back, it would be bad. Dante asks if they need help, and Rocco says, really? Dante says, they missed a spot. Does that help? Rocco says they need more soap, and Danny leaves to get it. Rocco tells Dante that he knows he shouldn’t be asking for any favors, but please don’t unload on Danny when he comes back. It will make Rocco feel even guiltier because Dante is blaming everyone but him. He’s not a kid. No one poured the alcohol down his throat. He did it himself. Danny comes back, and Dante says, both of them know they messed up. He knows they’re kids and that’s what kids do. That’s what he did, but when he was a kid, he was an only child. When he messed up, it was only him. They’re brothers, so when they do stupid stuff, brothers suffer the consequences with their brothers. Remember going forward that whatever happens, good or bad, they’ll always have each other. (Aww! I’m glad Dante is done with his tirade now.)

Portia says, there’s no way she can convince Curtis to do what Drew wants. He’s not going to change his position on the mayor, Measure C, or Drew. Drew tells her not to sell herself short. He’s seen what a skillful operator she can be, and they had a deal. He would not expose her if she helped him, but she’s just been stringing him along. She says, that’s not true, and he says, she made nice with the documentary team and stood next to him up there, but she’s done nothing substantial. Don’t think he hasn’t noticed. She says she’s doing the best she can, but he says she’s barely scratched the surface of what she can do. He believes in her. He leaves.

Sidwell says he’s willing to pay a premium price for the docks, significant enough to get even Sonny’s attention, and Sonny says, what about Measure C? Sidwell could buy them only to lose them to eminent domain. He won’t be able to recoup his losses unless he uses his new COO and her city hall connections to make sure he holds onto the piers. Jordan says, the mayor put Measure C on the ballot for a reason. She wants the people to decide on the future of the waterfront. The only person who can remove it from the ballot is Mayor Collins herself and she’s not going to do that. Sonny clutches and Sidwell asks if he’s all right. Sonny says he’s just bored. When he gets bored, he gets agita. Let’s wrap this up. Sidwell says he’s a gambling man. He always has been and he’s willing to bet once the piers aren’t owned by Sonny, the referendum will be purely about the esplanade and not what some people term Sonny’s unsavory business ventures. The good people of Port Charles will agree and vote to keep the esplanade built at the original location. Sonny says, it’s a risky bet, and Sidwell agrees it’s risky, but the risk is all his. For Sonny, it’s a win-win. He’ll get paid substantially more than market value for the piers and escape the whole political mess. Jordan says, and his name will no longer be associated with Mayor Collins.  

Sasha finds Jason and says she’s glad he’s here. They need to talk. He asks if everything is okay with the baby, and she says, everything is good. The doctor said the baby’s heart is good and there’s movement. Although she didn’t need the doctor to tell her that. This little thing is doing backflips. That’s not what they need to talk about. It’s Michael. Does Jason know Willow went to visit him in Germany? Jason says he told her to go. He thought they should have a face-to-face conversation about the custody situation. Sasha says, it didn’t happen, and he says he’s not surprised Willow backed out, but she says, Willow went. She flew all the way to Germany, but Michael refused to see her.  

Ned meets Lulu at the MetroCourt and says he’s curious as to why Lulu wanted to see him. Lulu says she’s reaching out on her mom’s behalf. She doesn’t know Lulu is doing it. Drew and Boyle’s campaign is gaining ground thanks to his mother. Because of her involvement, Lulu’s mom is going to lose her chances for reelection and her mom is a damn good mayor. Losing her would be a tragedy. He says, Boyle is a bum, and he thinks her mom is doing a terrific job, and she says, as a former mayor who still has influence with the voters, would he consider endorsing her mother? He says, of course (🍷). He plans on voting a split ticket – yes for her mother and no for Sonny. She thanks him and says she appreciates it. Anything she can do for him, ask. He says, actually, there is one thing. Could she break the news to his mother?

Willow sees Curtis at the hospital and says she wants to thank him. When that horrible story was published in The Herald, it was picked up by The Invader and spread on social media, but not by Aurora. He says, Aurora did cover it, and she says, they covered the facts. They didn’t publish those awful photos and that disgusting video. He says, they’re not a tabloid, and she says, they were completely fair to Drew. She can’t tell him how much that means. He says, objectivity is good for business, and they don’t want to seem bias, and she says, that’s what journalism is supposed to be. Drew was drugged. Are they going to publish an article about that? Curtis says they’re going to print a statement, but not take a position, and she asks what he means. He says, ketamine is a party drug. Whatever anyone thinks privately, they only have Drew’s word that he didn’t take it voluntarily. She says, Drew would never take ketamine on purpose, and he says he’s aware of her position on the matter and will keep it in mind, but Aurora will report unbiased and objectively. He asks her to excuse him and leaves.

Lois goes to Lulu’s house and says, the boys did an amazing job. Rocco says he knows she drove his dad to the hospital and thanks her for being there. Danny says they’re sorry for what happened, and she says she’s sure they are. Just don’t scare them like that again. They love them both too much. Rocco says he’d do anything to take back what happened, but since he can’t, he wants to make up for it. Danny says him too. Is there any more cleaning that needs to be done? Dante says, they’ve done enough. Take a break. Go, before he changes his mind. They leave, and Dante says, listen… He was out of line. Lois tells him that she shouldn’t have said anything.

Lulu says she guesses she could tell Tracy, but Ned says, as much as he’d love to farm out that particular conversation, he has to do it himself. She says, good, and he says, nothing is better at creating family friction than a political discussion. She says, when he was mayor, she bets he wished he was still on the road with The Idle Rich, and he says, all the time. Those were the days. She says she bets and asks when he stopped touring. He says, years ago, and she asks if Lois continued to manage him. He says, she did, but Miguel Morez was her main focus. He was the big money maker. She says, he was huge back then, and he says, Lois was on the road with him all the time. She saw the world with Miguel. Lulu says, it sounds amazing, but how did Brook handle being away from her mom so much? He says, obviously, Brook missed her, but he thinks she loved staying with Carmine and Gloria. When Brook got older, Lois took her out of high school to go on tour with her.

Alexis says, most prospective parents work with an agency or possibly a private adoption. An adoption can be opened or closed. These days, birth parents have a choice. Brook says she didn’t know that, and Alexis says, things have evolved. Some parents want no contact after they’ve given up a baby for adoption and some want to leave the door open for a possible relationship in the future. Either way, both are protected by a legal adoption and the adoptive parents always have full custody. Brook says they’d prefer a closed adoption. They’re definitely planning on telling their child later, but feel a relationship with the birth parents could be confusing. Alexis says she thinks it’s a good idea to set boundaries before they start, and Brook asks how soon they’ll be able to adopt. Alexis says, it’s hard to say. She knows some good private adoption attorneys and will reach out to them and see if they have any pregnant clients who want to give their child up for adoption. But she warns them, the process takes a while. It’s unpredictable and they’ll feel like they’re not in much control over anything. Prepare to be patient and know the process takes a long time.

Drew finds Willow at the hospital and she says she didn’t expect to see him here. He asks if she’ll get into trouble since she’s on the clock, but she says she wouldn’t care if she did. She’s glad to see him. It’s been a tough day. He says he’s sorry to hear that and they hug. Something in his coat pocket pokes her and she says, ow!

Curtis tells Portia, despite everything, Willow is still standing by Drew. It’s crazy. One of his editors is doing a write-up on ketamine and its popularity as a recreational party drug, noting Drew did nothing to prove he didn’t take it himself. Another black mark on the man’s character. Portia says, what if Drew is telling the truth? So far, Aurora hasn’t commented on the scandal. Maybe it should stay that way. Curtis says, it almost sounds like she wants him to back off Drew.

Drew hands Willow a vial and says, open it. She says, what is it? and he says his doctor gave it to him. It’s a vitamin infusion to help get his immune system back on track. That’s why he came to the hospital.

Dante tells Lois that he was scared about Rocco, got angry, and lashed out. He’s sorry. Lois says she never should have stuck her nose where it didn’t belong. She said a couple of things she shouldn’t have. He’s a great father to Rocco. He thanks her and says he knows Gio did what he felt was right given the information he had at the time. Lois says, Gio would never hurt anyone on purpose. He would have taken Rocco to the hospital if he’d known that’s what he was supposed to do. That’s the kind of good kid he is. Dante says, he’s never going to lack defenders with her and Gloria around.

Lulu says, going on tour must have been exciting, and Ned says, Brook loved it. Lois went on a huge international tour and Brook tagged along on the North American leg. She says, Brook must have been gone a long time, and he says, she missed five months of her senior year. His phone rings, and he steps away to take it. Tracy approaches the table and asks what Lulu is up to.  

Suzanne comes back with the herbal tea, but Brook and Chase are gone. She tells Alexis, Mr. Sidwell is outside. He doesn’t have an appointment. Alexis says, he never does. Send him in. Sidwell comes in and Alexis says she told him that she didn’t want the dagger, but he says, it’s hers. Dispose of it as she sees fit. He’s here because he needs her to draw up a contract. He’s about to make a very large real estate purchase.

Jason walks into Sonny’s and says, Paul told him that Sidwell was here with Jordan Ashford. Sonny says, Sidwell wants to buy the piers. He’s going to deal with all the riffraff. Jason says, Sonny’s not going to do it, is he? but Sonny says, maybe he is.

On Monday, Emma says, something is really wrong here; Curtis asks why Portia is defending Drew, and she says, because she has to; Jordan thinks Laura is in big trouble; and Sonny says, for their family’s sake, he’s not passing it up.

All the Soap News Fit To Print…

I loved that scene too.

https://people.com/stephen-a-smith-reacts-to-going-viral-for-general-hospital-scene-exclusive-11731374

First Monica, now Lesley. Are we going to pretend she’s not dead too?

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

Admittedly, I paid zero attention to this show this week.

The Valley

Jax rage texted everyone from rehab, begging the question, why do they allow phones? The Valleyites are another group who give offside commentary when two friends or a couple are trying to discuss something privately, like they do on Summer House. I get a debrief afterward, but sideline analysis is just weird. And intrusive. Kristen organized a healing/gratitude ceremony (ha-ha-ha!), and Brittany suggested passing a joint would be more productive. I concurred. When they went around the circle describing a beautiful moment in their lives, Jesse said he’d pass as he sniffled. Dude is such a drama queen.

Summer House

Since I never totally pay attention, I never noticed this one headboard made out of a huge piece of driftwood. All the others are the standard quilted thing, and this is like a piece of art. Since I’m sure something like that costs a fortune, I’m thinking about a DIY, but it will probably never get past the thought stage. Jesse and Lexi were back together again, and Ciara was over the both of them. Bye, boy, and Felicia. Kyle wondered who ate muffins, then marveled at his eating a whole one, but I asked, who eats less than a whole muffin?

Random Reality Items

Housewives updates – the vague, the doubtful, and the new.

The next season in the south, sans JT.

Now here’s something I can get behind. I’ve missed the Shahs and their mountains of wonderful Persian-ness.

👀 Weekend Watch…

Another Simple Favor. Amazon Prime. Silly, fun, and enjoyable, if not a little complex. The characters of Emily and Stephanie return for mayhem in Capri, along with the usual filling in the blanks with flashbacks necessary for a sequel. While I thought it was a fun sort of female buddy movie with more twists and turns than a ride at Disneyworld, I have to agree it doesn’t compare with A Simple Favor. The original was a smartly comical whodunit, while this was plain outlandish, throwing everything against the wall to see if it sticks. I didn’t hate that, and magnificent fashion never makes me mad. While it perhaps went too far at times, if another favor is needed, I’ll watch that one too.

https://screenanarchy.com/2025/05/another-simple-favor-review.html

That hat was crazy big.

https://people.com/about-blake-lively-sunhat-another-simple-favor-11725260

Don’t Blink aka Last Stop (2014). Amazon Prime. A group of friends vacationing at a lodge arrives to find nobody home and it looks like they left in a hurry. Not having enough gas to get back to town, the group has to stay, and one by one begin disappearing. It’s got a good cast and wasn’t awful, but I wasn’t thrilled with the ending. It also felt reminiscent of a TV movie, albeit a high quality one. A better choice in a similar vein would be the unfortunately named Reeker, one of my favorites.

Peninsula. Netflix. Set four years after Train to Busan, this is a sort of sequel, but not really. Even though it’s during the same zombie apocalypse, it’s a standalone story with different characters. This time, a soldier has taken the job of helping to get a truck of money (why money would be important in this world is beyond me) behind enemy lines. Once again, the point is, the enemy is us. While there’s nothing new about that, the zombie action scenes kicked ass and I wasn’t sorry I watched it.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/train-to-busan-presents-peninsula-2020

Dead City. AMC/AMC+. Don’t watch this back to back with The Last of Us or you will get confused.

https://collider.com/the-walking-dead-dead-city-season-2-premiere-recap/

Does anyone really go by these scores anyway?

https://www.cbr.com/the-walking-dead-dead-city-score-rotten-tomatoes-season-2/

🎩 Tailored to Perfection…

Fashion at the Met Gala.

https://ew.com/met-gala-2025-red-carpet-photos-11727880

https://ew.com/met-gala-best-and-worst-theme-looks-11727174

https://extratv.com/photos/image_jpg_20250506_19cf109c1f044b86a204e8eddaca8b61/

🐩 The Better Gala…

Recreating the look.

https://nypost.com/2025/05/03/us-news/nyc-dogs-are-recreating-celebs-met-gala-looks-at-this-years-pet-gala/

https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/pet-gala-nyc-2025

Puppy on the red carpet.

It’s not a party without Pilaf.

https://pagesix.com/2025/05/07/style/demi-moores-dog-pilaf-wears-adorable-matching-met-gala-2025-look/

🐄 Quotes of the Week

I’m convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they’re stones that don’t matter. As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good. – Maya Angelou

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. – Arthur Ashe

I believe that one of life’s greatest risks is never daring to risk.Oprah Winfrey

Decisions are made by those who show up. – President Jed Bartlett

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

He looks big in his little shorts. – Paige Desorbo referring to Kyle Cooke, Summer House

🪟 The Music Of Open Windows…

Until next time, stay safe; stay not disturbing springtime wildlife nests; and stay cleaning your gutters before they become special.

And a Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, mother figures, and pet moms!

May 25, 2023 – Curtis Picks a Lane, Backstory, Are They On, The Usual, VanderTalk, Future Fear, Shark Host, Pets (!) Celebrate & Dream

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Donna runs into Sonny’s old kitchen – the moss bowl🎍 displayed prominently – and hugs him. She asks if he’s going to have breakfast with her and mommy, but he says, that depends on what’s on the menu. Carly says, what else? Something from a box. Sonny tells Donna to get dressed and they’ll figure something else out. Donna runs out, and Sonny says he should have asked Carly if it was all right first, but she says, it’s fine. He says he has news, and she says, let her guess; he’s getting married. He says, she heard, but she says she saw. She was at the MetroCourt last night. She guesses congratulations are in order.

Nina tells Ava that she has no choice. She has one option. It’s time for the gloves to come off. She can’t continue to let Carly come between her and her family. Ava says, which is why Nina stupidly and compulsively sicced the SEC on her when it could definitely backfire, and tank not only her relationship with Sonny, but any potential relationship with her daughter. Nina says she knows. She has to make sure the charges against Carly stick, and that she goes away for a good, long time.

TJ leaves another message for Molly, and says he won’t keep blowing up her phone. He just didn’t remember if he said he was sorry in that last message, but he is, and he loves her. Just call him back, or even better, come home. There’s a knock at the door, and he opens it to Stella. He says, this is a surprise, and she says, and by the look on his face, not a welcome one. He says, just the opposite. She’s exactly who he needs. They hug.

TempMolly into Alexis’s house, and hugs her, crying. Sam asks, what’s wrong? and Molly says, everything’s falling apart.

TJ says he’s always happy to see Stella, and she says, something’s weighing on him. She can tell. What is it?

Jordan says, Portia is giving her way too much credit, but Portia says she’s actually not giving Jordan enough. Jordan tells her, stop. She’s not the person Portia thinks she is. Portia says, that’s dramatic, and Jordan says she just means she doesn’t deserve all this praise, especially considering what she’s done. Portia asks, why? What has she done? Curtis comes out of the elevator.

Sam says she thought Alexis said everything was fine. Alexis says, it’s not life-threatening. Everything is going to be fine. Molly hugs her again, when Kristina comes out, and asks, what’s wrong? Molly says she’s been diagnosed with endometriosis, and Alexis says, so the biopsy confirmed it. Kristina asks, how bad is it? and Molly says, it’s not good. It’s not going to kill her or anything, but it’s when the tissue from the uterus grows outside the uterus. Sam says she’s heard of it. It’s really painful, isn’t it? Molly says, it can be. It comes and goes. Sam says she’s so sorry, and Kristina says, me too. Alexis says, me three, and Sam asks what they can do for her. Molly says, that’s just it; there’s nothing to do. Kristina says, the doctors can give her something for the pain, right? and Molly says, the pain is manageable. It’s the rest. She and TJ may never be able to have a baby.

TJ says, he and Molly have been trying to get pregnant, and Stella says, that’s wonderful… but she’s guessing they’re having a hard time. He says, they just found out because of medical challenges, it might not happen for them, and she says she’s so sorry. She can see he’s heartbroken, and she imagines Molly is too. He says, and he didn’t know.

Portia tells Curtis that she was just thanking Jordan for all she did for Trina, but of course (🍷) she’s too humble to accept it. Curtis says he does appreciate Jordan running interference while they were on the island, and Jordan says, and while she was safe in Port Charles, he was the one in harm’s way. Portia says she thanks them both. Because of their team work, Trina’s home. A nurse approaches them, and says she has a question for Portia about a patient. Portia says, of course (🍷), and leaves with her. Curtis asks what he walked in on. It looked like Jordan was about to say something to Portia. Jordan says, about their kiss? She considered it. He asks her to promise him she won’t do that, and she says, why? Because he’s still not sure what it meant? Or because he decided it didn’t matter? Anna joins them, and after saying hello to her, Curtis says he should get going. He leaves, and Anna says, the air’s a bit charged in here.

Curtis walks over to Portia, and she asks if he needs her. He says, that’s exactly what he’s been trying to figure out.

Nina tells Ava that she’s been assured by Martin that no one will find out she was behind the anonymous tip; she’d be protected. Ava says, from the government finding out maybe, but there are people in Port Charles can put two and two together. Nina says she gets that. That’s why she needs Carly gone. Without Carly looming over everything, she has a clear path to be with Sonny, and try to forge a relationship with her daughter. Ava says, she’s dreaming big, and Nina says, why not? Doesn’t she get to be happy? To be with the man she loves and try to get to know her daughter? Why does Carly get the storybook ending while the rest of us are left with nothing?

Sonny says he knows Nina’s not Carly’s first choice, and Carly says, it’s not her choice. It’s Sonny’s life and he’s got to live it. He says, that’s the plan, and she asks why he came by, to fill her in? He says he wanted to tell Donna and the moss bowl🎍, but he didn’t know if Carly wanted him to do it alone or if they should do it together. She asks, what’s the rush? Did he and Nina set a date? He says, nothing like that. It’s just that Avery saw Nina’s engagement ring. She says, they all know how Avery likes to spread the good news, and he says he’s going to tell all his kids, obviously, but he didn’t want to tell Donna without talking to her first. She says she’ll follow his lead, and he says, she’s refolding towels she already folded. She tells him that she’s really distracted right now, and he asks if she wants to tell him why.

Carly says, Sonny just missed Diane. Diane was here discussing the SEC’s case against her. He says he asked Josslyn about that, and she asks where he saw Josslyn. He asks if Diane has a good defense teed up, and she says, unfortunately, the case against her is very strong, so even a lawyer as skilled as Diane has an uphill battle ahead. He says, there’s a chance the SEC was pointed at her to get to him.

TJ tells Stella, they were both blindsided. They went from this vague idea of wanting to start family in the future, to realizing they want a child now, to finding out they can’t – at least not the conventional way. She says, it’s a delicate subject matter for sure, even for partners like him and Molly who have been together forever. He says he keeps sticking his foot in his mouth, and she says, here’s the thing. Yes, this is happening to both of them, but right now, Molly can’t see that. This is agony for her. The sensible woman he’s used to is still there, but this could take her a while to find her way. He says, so what does he do? and she says, nothing but pray.

Molly says, as to the severity of her condition, the chances of conceiving are incredibly low, but Kristina says, not impossible though, right? Molly tells them, it wasn’t actually said, but strongly implied, and Sam says she’s sorry. Alexis asks what they can do, but Kristina says, nothing, right Molly? Molly is the one who always has everything figured out. Molly says, not this time, and Kristina says she’s sure the doctor gave Molly and TJ other options, like adoption and IVF… Alexis makes a cutting motion, and says, not at this time, but Kristina says, it’s Molly they’re talking about. She identifies the problem, then boom… Molly tells Kristina, just stop, and walks out. Kristina wonders what she said.

Anna asks if Jordan wants to talk about it, but Jordan says she doesn’t want to keep Anna from whatever she came here to do. Anna says she’s finished with her phlebotomy, and has a little time before her next debrief with the WSB, and Jordan asks how she’s feeling. Anna was still recuperating in the hospital when she charged off to Greenland. Anna says she feels like a million bucks, but Jordan doesn’t look so good after whatever that thing was with Curtis. Jordan says she’s tried to move on; to get over Curtis and put the whole marriage in the rearview. Anna asks how that’s working for her, and Jordan says she guesses what they say is accurate; objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear.

Portia asks why everyone is talking in riddles today, and Curtis asks what she means. She says, Jordan alluded to doing something wrong, and when she asked what it was, Jordan wouldn’t say. He says, she knows how by-the-book Jordan tries to be. She had to bend a lot of professional rules to help Trina. Portia says, maybe. Is he going to leave her hanging too? He says, no. He wants to talk about him and her.

Alexis goes outside, and Kristina asks Sam to tell her what she did wrong, since she’s become so skilled at it. Sam says she’s sorry. Kristina is really excited about her project, and she… Kristina says, completely rained on her parade, and Sam says, yes. Kristina says, Sam made some decent points, and Sam says she knows, but it was the wrong time and place. She actually learned something from mom, that sometimes encouragement is better than a fix. Kristina says, which is exactly the mistake she just made with Molly.

Alexis tells Molly, she meant well. Her execution left a little to be desired, that’s all. Molly says she knows. Krissy isn’t the problem. She’s just feeling a little overwhelmed right now in the most unfamiliar way. She hates it. Alexis says, because she feels not in control, but Molly says, because she feels like a failure.

Stella brings TJ coffee, and says, it’s one of those situations where it’s all you can do. No actions to take; certainly no one to blame. He says, but Molly’s blaming herself, and Stella says, right now she is. Right now, she’s up, she’s down, she’s all over the place. She’s mourning a dream. He is too, and she’s not trying to minimize that, but as a woman… He says, it’s different, and she says, yes. The best advice she can give him is to know that. Molly is going through something really difficult that he can’t fully understand, but he can love her. Keep reminding her of that. Just be there. He says, that, he can do.

Jordan wonders if Anna remembers when she asked for advice last summer, and Anna says, Jordan asked if she’d ever come clean to an ex about something that would impact his relationship. She’s assuming by whatever’s going on with Curtis and Portia, that information came out. Jordan says, Anna suggested she question her motivation for revealing the truth, and yes, she wanted to protect Curtis, but that wasn’t the only reason. So ultimately, she didn’t tell him. Anna says, but someone did. Is that why things are tense between the two of them? He’s angry with her because she stayed silent? Jordan says, Curtis is far from angry, and now there’s a new secret weighing on her conscience.

Curtis asks if Portia has time to talk, and she says, he’s her husband. If she doesn’t have time, she’ll make time. He says his experience in Greenland got him to thinking, and she says she was afraid she was never going to see him again. He says, same here. He doesn’t want to leave anything between them unsaid.

Ava tells Nina, Carly may be on her way to prison for insider trading. She hardly calls that a storybook ending. Nina says, Carly needs to do some serious time. Let’s not forget, she’s going to prison for something she actually did. Ava says, and she’ll be conveniently out of Nina’s way, and Nina says, finally Carly won’t be swooping in every time she tries to have a conversation with Willow. Ava says, she doesn’t have an issue with Carly going away; her issue is with Nina blowing up her own life to make that happen.

Sonny tells Carly that he has business dealings with a group of people who have very powerful enemies. In government, he thinks, and they’ve targeted him at least once that he knows of. Now he thinks they’re coming after Carly to get to him. Carly asks how that would work, and Sonny says, the SEC only started coming after her after he started dealing with these people. Carly says, that explains the timing. Why months after the failed merger, the SEC started asking her questions. He says, somebody’s playing the long game. They’re threatening her so she’ll flip on him. Once he’s out of the picture, it compromises the people he’s working with. She says she gets it, except for Ned. Sometimes the simplest solution is the truth. Ned threatened to turn her and Drew in to the SEC, and he did it. Sonny says, at some point, the justice system is going to figure out that by her being in trouble is the easiest way to get to him. She tells him, Diane says that’s already happening, and he says, based on what? She says, on confirmed intel here in the DA’s office, and Sonny says, they’re talking on a federal level, right? Carly tells him that the US Attorney may cut a deal if she turns state’s evidence against him, and he says, do it. He can get through this. He’ll be in court, he’ll fight the charges. She says, he doesn’t know that. He can’t control the narrative. He says he has Diane. She’s fantastic. She’ll get him through it. Carly says, no. She appreciates his nobility, but no. He says, this has nothing to do with being noble, but she says, yes, it’s noble. She appreciates him stepping up for her, especially given their recent history, but no. It’s a hard no.

Sonny says, Carly’s not thinking this through, and she says, it’s all she’s been thinking about. He says, it’s too late to roll the dice, but she says she’s not. He asks what he’s supposed to do. Just let the mother of his children go to prison? She says, it’s not like she’s going to Pentenville. Even if she goes down for insider trading, it’ll be a minimum security situation for a couple of years. It won’t be fun. She’ll hate it. She’ll hate being away from her kids, but hell, she’s been through worse. He says, so it’s either/or. Unless Diane pulls a rabbit out of her hat, Carly is either going to have to turn him into the Feds or do time. She says, there’s another option. Turn on Drew.

Ava asks if Nina is really willing to risk the possible consequences just to get revenge, and Nina says, it’s not about revenge… Okay, maybe when it all first started, it was about revenge, but it’s not anymore. It’s such a mess, and she’s just trying to hold on to her relationship and trying to build a foundation with her daughter. Unless Ava doesn’t want that for her. Ava says, stop it. Of course (🍷) she does. She’s on Nina’s side. She’s made some hasty and regrettable decisions; decisions that have had real ramifications. She just wants to make sure Nina is considering what hers might be. Nina says, she knows. If the end result is for her daughter to not turn to Carly, and God willing, turn to her, any ramifications are worth it.

Kristina says she feels terrible, but Sam says, don’t. Kristina was just trying to encourage Molly. She gets it, and she’s sure Molly will too. Kristina says she’s never seen Molly like that, and Sam says, she knows, but fertility issues are a whole different beast. It’s like being dropped down into the most barren and inhospitable place, and you’re thinking it’s your fault you’re there. Kristina says she forgets sometimes that Sam struggled to get pregnant, and Sam says, that’s something she’ll never forget, but I still can’t remember it. Kristina says, this is crazy. She can’t possibly think it’s her fault. Sam says, she does. Kristina’s right, she shouldn’t, but she does. Her body is betraying her. it’s the worst, most isolating feeling ever. So their rational, level-headed Molly isn’t going to be so rational about this. It’s not possible.

Alexis says, it’s not her fault, and Molly says she knows that intellectually. Alexis says, feeling it’s another thing, and Molly says, what if she’d gone to the doctor sooner? What if she’d taken charge of her health the way she’s taken charge of everything else in her life? Maybe this wouldn’t be happening. Alexis says, maybes aren’t going to help anything right now, because the truth is, she’ll never know. So the important thing is to just stay in the here and now. Molly says she despises the here and now, and Alexis asks how TJ is handling it. Molly says, just another area where she screwed up, and Alexis says, there’s no sure way to navigate this. Molly says, TJ is worried about her. He’s surprised she suffered in silence for so long, which is when she got super defensive, and then came here. Alexis says, this is raw. It’s going to take some time, and Molly has to give it some time. She knows Molly and TJ will figure it out. Molly says, you know something strange? A few months ago, it wasn’t even something she was sure she wanted. Alexis says, to be pregnant? and Molly says, they’d talked about having kids, but it was way down the list. So why is she so devastated?

Stella asks what she can do for TJ, and he says, she can distract him. What brought her back to town? She says, family of course (🍷). How’s Curtis? TJ says, she hasn’t been to see him yet? and she says, this was her first stop. He says, getting the lay of the land, and she asks if she’s that obvious. He says, only to him, and she says she felt badly about the conversation she had with Trina the night of the wedding. the whole reason she skipped the ceremony was so she wouldn’t complicate things, and she ended up complicating them anyway. He says, it’s not her fault; the truth was bound to come out. She says she’s sorry she ran off, and at the worst possible time. First, all the upheaval with the family, then the craziness with Trina getting kidnapped? He says, inadvertently, but yeah, and she says, when she read about what happened on that ship, she had to come back. He says, thank God everyone’s in one piece, except for Victor Cassadine. She says, good riddance. So did the ordeal bring everyone closer together? He says, Trina’s back at home. Things seem to be fine between her and Portia. Stella says, what about Curtis and Portia? and he says, that’s another story.

Anna says, you guys kissed? and Jordan says, it would have gone even further if she hadn’t stopped it. Anna says, wow. What does she think this means? Jordan says, that’s the problem; she doesn’t know. What’s worse is, she doesn’t think Curtis knows either.

Curtis and Portia go to her office, and Curtis says, he and Portia have been in limbo for a while now, and he doesn’t want it to go on any longer. She asks what that means. That he’s decided to forgive her, or is he saying he’s officially ending things?

Ava says, it sounds like Nina’s mind is made up, and Nina says, it is. Ava asks, what’s the plan? How is she going to make things worse for Carly than she’s already made them? Nina says she’s still figuring things out. Ava is going to think she’s callous, but from what she understands, Diane is only Carly’s attorney. Ava says, so Drew has separate representation, and Nina says, right. So it’s going to be tough to present a united front when you’re being advised by different attorneys. She thinks that’s fertile ground for miscommunication and mistrust to grow. Ava says, Nina wants to break up Drew and Carly, but Nina says, it’s bigger than that. She wants Drew to believe Carly will turn on him, so he turns on her first.

Carly says, Sonny is definitely the biggest get, but the CEO of a big company and a Quartermaine; Drew has a target on his back too. Sonny says, too bad she won’t consider it either, but she says, no, not for a second. She’s guilty. He says, that’s never mattered before, and she says she did it. She got insider information, and she acted on it. Despite Michael and Drew telling her not to. He says, probably because they told her not to, and she says she’s not going to let someone else pay for her mistakes. He asks where that leaves her. When it comes to prison, it doesn’t matter the level of security, it’s not an option.

Kristina hates that she made Molly feel worse, but Sam says, she didn’t mean to. Kristina says, maybe not consciously, but if she’s being honest, she’s still licking her wounds from their previous conversation. Molly would never do something like this. She would never try to execute a half-baked plan like this, and she’s envious of that. Sam says, they’re all envious of how big Kristina dreams. She and Molly wish their imaginations stretched as far. Kristina says, they’re envious of how strong Sam is. She’s the most resilient Davis… Sam says she doesn’t know about that, and Kristina says, at least Sam and Molly aren’t the ones keeping mom up at night. Sam says she can assure Kristina, as a mother, you worry about all your kids all the time. It’s part of the job. Kristina says, what if Molly never gets to do that job? and Sam says, then they’re going to have her back, like they always do. She puts her arm around Kristina.

Alexis says, if she could take the pain away from Molly, she would, but she can’t. She’s Molly’s mother, but she was a lawyer. Molly says, that’s relevant how? and Alexis says, as Molly’s mother, she can console her, but as a coach, she can help Molly game this out. So tell her, who does  she need more right now? Molly falls into Alexis’s arms, and cries. Alexis says, mommy it is.

Stella asks if TJ thinks Portia and Curtis are over, but he says he doesn’t know. All he knows is, Curtis still hasn’t moved back home. She says she was afraid of that. Curtis has always placed a premium on transparency. TJ says, that’s basically why Curtis and his mom got divorced, and she says, speaking of Jordan. Was Curtis upset to find out she knew about Trina? He says, Curtis was hurt, but he also understood it wasn’t his mom’s story to tell, and she says, it sounds like Curtis is on better terms with his ex-wife than his current wife.

Jordan tells Anna, Curtis was so insistent that he not tell Portia about their kiss. It’s like she’s gone from being his ex-wife to being his dirty little secret. Anna says she sees how that would sting, but her instinct is telling her that this whole situation is confusing for everyone involved, and that Curtis is trying to navigate it without hurting anyone. Jordan says, it’s impossible. Whether he decides to give their relationship another chance, or chooses to go back with Portia, one of them is going to get hurt. Deeply.

Portia tells Curtis that she knows she made a monumental mistake, but she won’t accept the end of their marriage. Marcus told her that she should fight for what she wants, and what she wants is him. She wants to fight for him, for them, for what they’ve built together. Please don’t throw it away. He says he doesn’t intend to. There’s a lot to sort through. He can’t guarantee there’s a way forward for them, but they’ll never know unless they try. She asks what that looks like. Dating? Therapy? He says, let’s start with me moving back home.

Molly comes back inside with Alexis, and Kristina says she’s sorry. What she should have said is, she loves Molly and she’s here for anything Molly needs. Sam says, they all are, and Alexis says, always. Molly thanks them, and says she’s sorry for being so on edge. Sam tells her not to apologize. What she’s going through is real and heavy, and she gets to feel all the feelings. Molly says, some more pleasant than others, and Sam says, they’re in her corner, putting her arm around Molly. Kristina says, Davis girls unite, and they put their hands together. Alexis joins them, and Molly says she prays she and TJ have a family, but even if it never happens, she’s so grateful for the family she already has.

TJ hugs Stella, and says he’s so happy she’s back. She says, here’s hoping his uncle feels the same way, and TJ says, of course (🍷) he will. She says she’s not so sure, but she does know this. Whether it’s TJ and Molly, Curtis and Portia, or this family that needs mending, love is always worth fighting for. She kisses him on the cheek, and leaves.

Portia says, Curtis is coming back home? and he says, unless she has any objections. She says, objections? No. She’s been hoping and praying for this. He says, then he’ll move his things in right away. He’ll be staying in the guest room. She says, if that’s what he thinks is best, and he says he does, but if that’s not enough for her… She says, it’s plenty. She just wants him back home, and will do whatever it takes to make it happen. It’s not about pride for her. He says, it’s not going to happen overnight, and she says she can be patient. Because she knows it’s just the first step to them becoming a family again.

Jordan thanks Anna for listening, and Anna says, of course (🍷). Anytime. Jordan says she didn’t mean to make Anna late for her meeting, and Anna says, Jordan makes it sound so civil. And mutual, as if she has a choice in the matter. Jordan asks if she’s worried, and Anna says she’s skated this line with the WSB before. She’s thinking an association that’s gone on this long isn’t easily broken. Jordan says, so she’s realizing, and Anna asks what she’s going to do. Jordan says she has two choices. She can either bow out, or she can go after what she wants, but does she even have the right to do that if it means destroying the life of another woman?

Ava says, Nina has her work cut out for her. Does she really see a stand-up guy like Drew Cain flipping on his girlfriend? Sending her to prison, no matter how much she deserves it; no matter how guilty she is? Nina says she can, under the right circumstances, and Ava says, which are? Nina says, first, they need Drew to know he didn’t do anything wrong. They don’t even know if he was the one who gave Carly the information about the merger; it could have been Michael. Nina bets Drew didn’t even want her to invest in Aurora, but Carly probably did what she always does. She barged in, she went after what she wants. She doesn’t think about anyone else’s feelings… Ava says, stop. She’s getting off track here now. She’s not trying to rain on Nina’s parade, she’s just wondering how realistic it is to expect Drew to give up Carly. Nina says, it’s not unrealistic to expect Carly to give him up, and Ava says, if it was Sonny or Jason, she’d say absolutely not, but with Drew, there is room for doubt. The relationship is relatively new. Maybe threatened with serious prison time, Carly would give him up, but it’s not certain. Nina says, it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if Carly would turn Drew in. The only thing that matters is that Drew believes that she would. They need Drew to get this information from somebody he trusts; that Carly is planning on turning state’s evidence against him. Ava says, neither of them fits that description, and Nina says, no, but she can think of someone who does.

Carly says, Drew has a plan, and Sonny asks if it’s a good one. Carly says, it’s a long shot, and she still may lose everything. Donna runs in, and Carly says she loves Donna’s outfit. Sonny says, she looks sharp, and Donna asks if they can make pancakes. Sonny says, if she’s serious, because he’ll need her help, and Carly says, those chocolate chips aren’t going to make it there on their own. Donna says, they can count on her, and Carly says she knows they can, because she’s such a big girl. And because of that, she and Donna’s daddy need to talk to her about some changes coming up. Donna says, fun changes? and Sonny says, everything’s going to work out. Carly tells her, what daddy said, but she looks pretty worried.

Tomorrow, Tracy asks when she’s ever denied Brook anything; Robert tells Anna, something has happened, and it’s all his fault; Drew says, there’s a way out of it, and they’ll find it; and Sonny wants to know what someone knows and he doesn’t.

🕶 Before He Was Brick…

Very cool story.

🧼 Memorial Day Soap…

ABC will be airing a GH will rerun with both Rory and Epiphany.

🥱 No Surprises Here…

Teresa storms off.

Bo Dietl isn’t having Louie’s lies.

🍸 If Yesterday Wasn’t Enough…

Ariana has more revelations.

Ariana claps back and more.

Charli might be questionable as far as truth goes, but she has surprising insight on the former prom beauty queen.

A replay of the action.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1375356/vanderpump-rules-reunion-part-one-every-bombshell-from-the-explosive-scandoval-showdown

⚰️ Fear Coming Up…

Theories on PADRE.

https://screenrant.com/fear-walking-dead-season-8-troy-return-theory-padre/?newsletter_popup=1

Another reunion.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-season-8-episode-3-odessa-clip-reunites-madison-clark-june-dorie/

🦈 Doo-Doo, Doo-Doo, Doo, Doo…

Aquaman knows what he’s talking about.

https://ew.com/tv/jason-momoa-shark-week/

🐕 Pups At Parties…

Don’t give me any ideas.

https://people.com/pets/new-york-dog-wedding-by-high-low-hostess-amanada-orso/

At one time, I had 8 little dogs, and I don’t think I have one picture of all of them together. Major kudos.

https://people.com/photo-30-posed-dogs-birthday-party-wins-nextdoor-contest-7503586

🚶🏽‍♀️ Walking On the Tame Side…

Take a break tomorrow for soap, tea for all, interesting things people have said, and music befitting the month. Until then, stay safe, stay listening like you mean it, and stay recognizing when encouragement is better than a fix.

January 19, 2023 – Sonny Questions Carly’s Motives, a Memoir, Holy Cannoli, Overrated Kyle, It’s a No For Andy, Spike Gets the Record & Bizarre

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Portia says, they’ve officially finished the seating chart for their wedding and Curtis says, it only took three hours, twelve minutes, and sixteen seconds. But who’s counting? She tells him, tease all he wants to, but checking things off their to-do list makes her feel like their wedding is coming up faster than she thought. He says, and the honeymoon, and she says, Florence, Verona… She can’t wait to walk those ancient streets hand-in-hand with her husband. He says, and he can’t wait to celebrate beautiful her as his wife all day. He kisses her hand, and they both say, and all night. They kiss.

Sonny starts to walk into the chapel, and sees Carly. He says he didn’t know anybody was here, and starts to leave, but she tells him, stay. They’re both here for the same thing; praying that Willow is going to be okay. He says, which she will be if Nina’s a match. Which they would have known a long time ago if Carly hadn’t let her hatred for Nina blind her.

Nina waits in the exam room, and flashes back on Carly telling her that she’s Willow’s mother, and that she’s known since Harmony died – last year. Austin comes in, and says he’s so sorry. He thought this room was empty. He asks if she’s okay. Is she waiting for someone? She says she’s just waiting for her blood test results. She’s surprised he hasn’t heard already. She’s a potential bone marrow match for Willow Tate. He says, that’s a very generous gesture for somebody who, until recently, she was fighting in court. She says she didn’t have a choice. Willow’s her daughter.

Cameron runs into Kelly’s, where Spencer is getting some coffee. Spencer says, late night, and Cameron says he forgot he picked up this extra shift, and just left class. Spencer says, Cameron’s been doing that a lot lately, picking up extra shifts. His psyche professor would say he has an avoiding detachment disorder. Cameron says, and what would his psyche professor say he’s avoiding? and Spencer says, what about a break-up? Cameron says he’s so mad at Joss for ending things with him, but he misses her so much. He just wishes he could go one day without thinking about her. Josslyn walks in.

Dex comes out of the hospital elevator, as Michael goes to the reception desk. The nurse asks if she can help Michael, and he asks for another blanket and some water for Willow. The nurse says, of course (🍷), and leaves. Michael goes over to Dex, and asks what Dex is doing here.

Curtis asks how many more items they have to check off the list, and Portia says, just a few. Maybe they can do it later. They start to kiss, when Marshall walks in, and says, don’t mind him. He’s going up to his room, and trying to stay out of the almost newlyweds hair. Curtis asks if he has a minute. They’d like his help with the ceremony.

Michael and Dex go out to the stairwell, and Michael asks what Dex is doing at GH. Dex says, looking for Sonny. He texted that something was going on with his family, and to meet him at GH. Michael asks what Sonny wanted, but Dex says he doesn’t know. He couldn’t find Sonny, so he thought he’d check the third floor. He heard about Willow’s diagnosis. Michael asks if Sonny told him, but Dex says, no. He overheard Sonny tell Josslyn. Is Willow okay? Michael says, not really, and Dex says he’s sorry. Dex asks if there’s anything he can do to help, and Michael tells him, just stay on top of the plan to bring his father down. Dex says, on it, and Michael says, as long as Dex is here, Dex had called him and said there was a problem. What is it? Dex flashes back to Josslyn getting dressed, and saying she’s going to Sonny’s office to tell him she can see who she wants to, and it’s none of his damn business. Dex tells Michael, it’s nothing to worry about, and Michael asks if Dex is sure it isn’t something he needs to know.

Josslyn says she’s sorry about Britt, and Spencer says, thanks. She says, it’s nice to see Cameron, and Cameron says, is it? She says, of course (🍷), and Spencer asks what she’s doing here. She says she came to get Willow her favorite slice of pie. She didn’t know Cam would be working today. Spencer says, he’s always working, but Cameron says, that’s not true. He has a life. Josslyn says, if this is awkward for Cameron… but Cameron says, whatever. He just has to clock in. He goes in the back, and Spencer asks, what’s Josslyn’s problem? She says, her problem? and he says, the guy is heartbroken. It might be a good idea to steer clear of this place and Cameron for a while.

Austin asks when Nina found out Willow was her daughter, and Nina says, yesterday. He asks why she’s hiding out in here. Shouldn’t she be with Willow? She says she wishes she could be, and he says he would think they’d have a lot to talk about, but she says she thinks she and Willow have said everything they need to say to each other. The only thing she can do now is try to save Willow’s life. She won’t accept anything else from Nina. She’s sorry, but it’s been a very long day… He asks if there’s anything he can do to help, but she doesn’t say anything. He tells her to feel free to give a shout if she needs anything, and leaves. In the hallway, he makes a call, and says, Nina needs you.

Carly asks if Sonny thinks she kept the truth from Willow because she hates Nina more than she loves Willow, and he asks if she didn’t. She says she’s not even going to dignify that with an answer, and he says, she’s been aching to get revenge on Nina ever since she found out Nina knew he was in Nixon Falls. Not to mention everything else. Carly says, Nina deserves to pay for everything she’s done, but she’s washed her hands of that, and Sonny asks why she didn’t tell Nina that Willow was her daughter. She says she doesn’t owe him an explanation, but he says, she owes Nina, and she says, the hell she does. Nina’s own choices have led directly to this. The only ones she owes anything to are Michael and Willow. He says, what about the baby and Wiley? She doesn’t think she owes them an explanation if their mother dies because of the secret she kept?

Obrecht asks Austin where Nina is, and he tells her. She thanks him for calling her, and he says, no problem. It’s part of his Hippocratic Oath. She says he helped more than he knows. First her Britta, now Nina. He asks if she’s doing okay, and she tells him, one day at a time. Isn’t that what you Americans say? She heads for the exam room.

Obrecht comes in, and asks how Nina is doing, hugging her. Nina asks what she’s doing here, and Obrecht says, Austin called and said Nina needed her. Is she sick? Hurt? Nina says, physically, she’s fine, and Obrecht asks why she’s here. Nina says, there was a miracle. She found out she has another daughter. Obrecht asks how this is possible, and Nina says she’s sorry. This is probably the last thing Obrecht wants to be talking about. Obrecht says she’d never begrudge Nina discovering she has a child. Why is she upset? This is good news. Nina says, it is, but there’s complications, and Obrecht says, like what? Nina says, Carly.

Carly says, that was a low blow, and Sonny asks if he said anything untrue. She says she didn’t know Willow had leukemia, and he says, if Carly hadn’t withheld the information, Willow wouldn’t be up there now, fighting for her life. She says, he can’t possibly think she’d keep this secret if she knew Willow was sick. Michael and Willow didn’t tell anyone. She had to make a decision based on the information she had. He says, that wasn’t her decision to make. On Willow’s behalf and Nina’s behalf. Nina deserved to know she had a daughter. It meant so much to her. Can Carly imagine? Thinking your daughter was stolen and you could never raise her? That does a lot of damage. But Carly still decided to punish her. Carly says, this was never about Nina. She did this for Willow because she knew the pain it would cause if she knew the truth. Nina pushed Willow so far, Willow didn’t even want to find her biological family. She did this for Willow. He says, a lot of good that did, didn’t it? and she says, he has a lot of nerve going around with all this concern for Willow now, because he sure as hell didn’t have any when Nina was harassing and torturing Willow in court.

Dex tells Michael not to worry about the call. He has enough to deal with. Besides, it’s been handled. Michael says, tell him anyway, and Dex says he hasn’t heard anything more about the Pikeman deal. Sonny took him to the meeting, so he assumed he’d have access, but if Sonny is still negotiating or they set a date for the first shipment, he doesn’t know about it. And unless Sonny tells Dex himself, he has no way to find out. He’s never in the room when Sonny and Brick have a call. Pikeman isn’t going to pull out of the deal, and Sonny’s already taken their cash, so he can’t either. When the shipments start, that’s when Sonny will need him, and that’s when he’ll know. He just got a little jumpy. The sooner this is over, the better for him. Michael says, him too, and Dex says, sorry about the false alarm. He won’t keep Michael from Willow. Just give him a minute before he comes out. Michael says, with everything going on with his family, it’s nice to know he can trust Dex.

Josslyn asks if Spencer doesn’t think it’s a good idea to mind his own business, and he asks if she really wants to run into Cameron just to get coffee and pie. Josslyn says, her grandma owns Kelly’s. She’s not going to avoid the place just to avoid Cam, and she didn’t know he was working here today. They don’t talk much since they broke up. Spencer asks why they did break up. He got Cameron’s explanation, but never got hers. She says she doesn’t have the bandwidth to deal with him today. Her life is crazy enough, and like she said, it’s none of his business. He says, Cam is his friend, so it is a little bit his business, and she says, Spencer’s supposed to be her friend too. She’s known him since they were five years old. She’s seen him make more mistakes than she can count, but she’s still here talking to him. He says, and he’s still her talking to her. What’s her point? She says she’d never make him choose sides, but clearly he has. So he’s saying that she’s completely lost his friendship. He tells her that he never said that, but that doesn’t mean he gets it. Cam is the sweetest kid on the planet. She says she knows. That’s what makes this so hard. She’s known Cam her whole life. Does Spencer think just because they broke up she doesn’t care about his feelings anymore? Cameron comes back, and she says she’ll go somewhere else, but Cameron says, wait. She leaves, and Cameron tells Spencer, what the hell, dude? He thought he told Spencer to stop fighting his battles for him.

Curtis tells Marshall that he and Portia feel very strongly that their wedding isn’t just about them. It’s about this whole blended family they’ve created with their wonderful relationship. Portia says, Marshall, Stella, and TJ have been so welcoming to her, and she’s proud to call them her in-laws. Marshall says he likes the sound of that, calling her future daughter-in-law. Curtis says he got to thinking the last time he got married, Marshall wasn’t a part of his life. Marshall says he is now, and he hopes Curtis realizes how happy he is to witness Curtis and his lovely lady saying their vows. Curtis says, it would mean a lot to them if Marshall was involved in the ceremony, and Marshall says he’s too old to be a groomsman. Portia thanks him for helping with the music; the songs and the arrangement he chose. But they were just wondering if he could take it a step further. Curtis asks if Marshall would play a clarinet solo at the ceremony. Would he do them that honor? Marshall says he’s honored that they asked, but he doesn’t think he can. Curtis asks, why? Did he get a better offer somewhere else? Marshall says he wouldn’t know what to play, and Portia says she and Curtis have a request; a favorite song they share. Marshall says, the wedding is in a few weeks. He won’t have enough time to prepare new music. Curtis says he hears Marshall in his room playing every night. He’s constantly working on his craft. He hears Marshall riffing; it’s definitely in his wheelhouse. Marshall says, that’s him just keeping his skills up. Learning new music is a while ‘nother ball of wax entirely. Portia says, it doesn’t have to be perfect. He can have the sheet music with him if he likes. Curtis asks Marshall to lay it on him straight. Does he not want to perform at their wedding?

Spencer says he’s sorry. He didn’t mean to  overstep. He just hates seeing Cameron like this. Cameron says, like what? and Spencer says, all sad. Cameron says he overheard Josslyn saying it was hard on her too, and Spencer asks if Cameron really believes that. Cameron asks why he wouldn’t, and Spencer tells him, Josslyn was just saying that to save face, but Cameron says, Spencer’s known Josslyn as long as he has. BS is not really her style. Spencer says, maybe not, but something is off  with this break up. Cameron says, last time he checked, she broke up with him, not Spencer, and Spencer says, the excuse Josslyn gave him, that they grew apart. It’s like Break-up Excuse 101; what does that even mean? See? It makes as little sense to Cameron as it does to him. Plus, he’s been though more breakups than Cameron. Cameron says, no he hasn’t. Esme was his first girlfriend. Spencer says, okay, but he’s had more relationships fall apart, like with his father. And with him and Esme, they didn’t grow apart. Cameron says, Spencer found out she was the worst human being in existence next to Jax Taylor, and Spencer says, like with his father. They did things that helped him realize they weren’t who he thought. Cameron asks if Spencer is saying Josslyn isn’t who he thought she was, but Spencer says, no, but he doesn’t think she’s being straight with him.

Josslyn comes out of the hospital elevator, and sees Dex, but before she can walk over to him, Michael says, hey. She says she’s sorry she didn’t get here sooner. She talked to mom this morning, and she said Willow’s condition was stable. She thought Willow might want some pie if she’s up for eating. He didn’t respond to her text, but it doesn’t matter. She brought two forks and two iced teas. He says, Willow is sleeping now, but he’s sure she’ll appreciate it when she wakes up. Josslyn asks how she is, and he says, she’s weak. She’s going to be staying here for a while. Josslyn asks if there’s any update on a bone marrow donor, and he says, actually, they might have found one. She says, that’s great. When did he find out; mom didn’t say anything. Okay, what’s going on? Every time she mentions mom, he acts weird. Is something happening between them?

Nina tells Obrecht, as awful as Harmony was, at least she told Carly the truth on her deathbed. And Carly took it on herself to do a DNA test without her or Willow’s consent. Carly found out Willow was her daughter and didn’t say anything for months. If Willow wasn’t sick, she probably wouldn’t have. Obrecht says, how could that horrible woman keep Nina from yet another child? and Nina says she doesn’t know. She just keeps going through it until she’s dizzy. It’s the cruelty of all of it. Obrecht says, and Carly had the nerve to tell Nina that she was in the wrong for keeping Sonny from her family, and Nina says, she knew Carly had it in for her, but to sit back and watch her relationship with Willow fall apart, knowing Willow was her daughter? It’s cruel. And now when Willow needs a mother the most, of course (🍷) Willow doesn’t want anything to do with her. All she can do is wander around here, helpless, hoping her bone marrow will save Willow’s life. Obrecht says, Nina’s not helpless. She’s doing everything possible to help her daughter; what a good mother should. Nina says, all she can do is wait for the results, and the more she waits, the angrier she gets. She feels like time is slipping by. If she knew Willow was her daughter, she wouldn’t have spent all that time arguing with Michael and Willow for denying access to Wiley, because she thought Wiley was her only connection to a family that was stolen from her, but that’s not the truth. Carly knew better. Nina could kill her.

Sonny asks if Carly is seriously comparing this to what happened in Wiley’s court case, and Carly says, his feelings for Nina might have blinded him, but she saw the pain Nina caused Willow then, and many times since. Willow looked at her and said, if her mom was anything like Nina, she wouldn’t want to find her. So she wasn’t going to let Nina make Willow suffer more. He says, so she’s doing this in Willow’s best interest, and Carly says, not just hers, but Michael’s, Wiley’s, and the new baby. She made a decision for the greater good of her family. Don’t dare tell her that he doesn’t know what that’s like. He says, she can dress this up however she likes. This PR job she’s doing is great in her head, but it’s going to hurt Willow and her family. She can lie to herself, but she’s not going to lie to him. They both know, she’s not protecting anyone. Nina suffered, and she likes it.

Marshall says, it’s not that he doesn’t want to play at Curtis’s wedding, and Curtis says he understands it’s scary, but Marshall knows it’s important to him. Marshall says he’s sorry, but he doesn’t trust himself.  

Obrecht says she understands Nina’s desire to murder Carly, but doesn’t think Nina has it in her, and Nina says, not literally, but she can still make Carly pay. Carly was there from the beginning, encouraging animosity between her and Willow. She understands she’s made mistakes, and takes full ownership of them. She’s going to have to make it up to Willow, but even before Nixon Falls, before she found Sonny, Carly was trying to take Wiley away from her. Carly would undermine her to Michael and Willow, and even if Nina made the smallest mistake, Carly would plant the seed of doubt. Carly was always there trying to reinforce her angry feelings against Nina. Nina cries, and says she’s had enough of it. She’s going to make Carly suffer for this. Obrecht says she knows exactly how Nina feels, but she can’t strike back against Carly.

Carly says, Sonny has no idea how she’s feeling, but he says he knows how she thinks; he knows her better than anyone. She hates Nina because she kept him from the family; understandable. So Carly wanted to hit Nina where it hurt the most, and that’s by taking her child from her. She stole Nina’s chance at being a mother, and she knew that’s what Nina wanted the most. So congratulations. Nina’s in pain, and Willow doesn’t want to have anything to do with her. Carly hurt her, like Nina hurt Carly. Now can they end this madness? Carly says she just wants to make sure to get this straight. Sonny is blaming her for Nina and Willow’s lack of relationship. Nina has her own damn self to blame for her pain. After everything Nina put Willow through, she has every right hate Nina. And guess what? The feeling’s mutual. Nina and Willow hated each other long before she found out they were mother and daughter. Sonny tells her to stop justifying her lies.

Michael says, the potential donor for Willow is Nina, and Josslyn says she’s glad they found a donor, but why does it have to be her? He says, because Nina is Willow’s birth mother, and Josslyn says, what? He says, Nina gave birth to twins; Nelle went to the Bensons, and Willow was given to Harmony. She asks if he’s sure. Has anyone run a DNA test? There’s no way Willow could possibly be related to Nelle or Nina. He says, mom ran a DNA test, and she says, mom? He says, Harmony told her before she died, and mom ran a paternity test on Nina and Willow. She knew for months Nina was Willow’s mother; not that she said anything. She claims she was protecting Willow; that Willow was better off not knowing. If Willow hadn’t been sick, who knows if she would have said anything. They sit down, and Josslyn says, but Willow is sick, so… mom told the truth when it counted. He says, it was almost too late. Willow could have died waiting for a bone marrow donor. Josslyn says she understands why he’s upset, obviously, but he and Willow didn’t tell anybody that Willow was sick, so how was mom supposed to know? He says, the point is, mom was making choices for Willow that she had no right to make. Choices that jeopardized Willow’s life. He doesn’t think he can ever forgive her for that.

Curtis asks Marshall what that even means, and Portia asks if this is about his schizophrenia. Marshall says he can’t play solo since his diagnosis, but Curtis says he’s seen Marshall perform solo at GH. Marshall says, it’s one thing to perform for a few patients who are just looking for something to brighten their day. This is a whole ‘nother ball of wax to play at Curtis’s big occasion, his wedding. Marshall’s anxiety will act up. Portia says, this isn’t a group of anonymous strangers; this is his family and friends. He says, it doesn’t matter. After his diagnosis, he could feel himself going to this scary place every time he performed solo. He’s afraid it could trigger an episode. That’s why he only performs with a band now. He stays in the background, and just does his thing from there. She says, didn’t he tell her that he never had an episode? and he says he’s been fortunate. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen. He’s not going to risk it on their big day. Having him play is only inviting trouble. As much as he’d like to, as much as he wants to, he can’t. He needs Curtis to understand.

Josslyn says, Michael’s not going to forgive mom ever? and he says he’s so angry he can’t even think straight. She says, Willow is pregnant and has leukemia. Of course (🍷) he’s overwhelmed. Michael says, mom knew Willow was looking for her biological family, and she just kept withholding this information. Josslyn tells him, she’s not saying that she thinks mom made the right decision. Of course (🍷) she understands why he’s upset. All she’s saying is, there are extenuating circumstances here. Willow’s long lost mom is a woman she can’t stand; a woman who took him and Willow to court. He says, that doesn’t change the fact that it was Willow’s decision to make. Mom should have come to Willow the moment she found out Nina was Willow’s mother. Josslyn says she hears him. All she’s saying is, she sees mom’s side of it. There are some things people are better off not knowing. He says, but it’s not up to mom to decide what will or won’t hurt Willow. Look what happened; she’s hurt anyway. And it could have had deadly results. It still might. He says he has to get back to Willow, and thanks Josslyn for letting him vent. She tells him, feel whatever he needs to feel, but maybe don’t talk to mom right now. Maybe cool off a little first. He says he’ll try.

Cameron says, Joss breaking up with him came out of nowhere, so he understands why Spencer would think something’s up, but he doesn’t. Spencer asks, why not? and Cameron says, they loved each other; that was real. Spencer says, exactly. Those feelings don’t just disappear overnight. People who love each other don’t split up for no reason. Cameron says, sometimes people split up for a lot of reasons. He was so hurt and angry, he shut himself off to the possibility Joss might be in pain too. Seeing her just now, he believes her when she says this isn’t easy for her. Joss has always been honest with him, so if she says they grew apart, why would he think that’s a lie?

Carly says, the Sonny she used to know would have seen Nina has done nothing but torture Willow right up to the moment she found out Willow was her daughter. He was the one who taught her that sometimes you have to do questionable things to protect the people you care about. And he would understand why she did what she did. But that Sonny’s gone. He says she’s right. He’s changed. They all have. Does she know what that means? It means they don’t have to keep doing the same things they always have. She says, right, and leaves, passing Dex outside the door. Dex comes in, and says he’s sorry it took him so long to find Sonny. Sonny didn’t answer his text. Sonny says he’s been busy, and Dex asks what he can do for Sonny. Sonny says he’s got to see Nina, and leaves, Dex following.

Nina asks who this is, and what have they done to her Aunt Liesl? and Obrecht, says, normally, she would be the first one to tell Nina not to turn the other cheek. When someone wrongs you, strike back. Send a message that there are consequences for hurting you. Every fiber of her being aches to destroy the monster who murdered her Britta. But Britta’s not here, Willow is. Not only does Nina have a new daughter, she also has a new grandchild. That’s where her focus should be. Nina says she told Obrecht, Willow wants nothing to do with her, but Obrecht says, Willow needs Nina to save her life, and she can’t do that when she’s consumed with revenge on Carly. Willow must be her priority now, not Carly. Do not squander her second chance to be a mother. She’s grateful every day for a second chance with her Britta. Cherish this gift you’ve been given, Liebchen.

Dex sees Josslyn, and he asks if she’s okay. She says, not really, and he suggests they get out of here.

Spencer says he guesses Cameron has to trust his instincts. Although his weren’t so great when it came to Esme. Cameron says, maybe he wanted to see things were okay. Maybe Joss experienced their relationship differently. Spencer says, maybe, and Cameron says he has no reason not to trust her. She’s been a part of his life for forever. He would hate for that trust to go away because they didn’t work out as a couple. Maybe they’ll find their way back to being friends. We see Josslyn getting in the elevator with Dex, and Cameron says, Joss was honest with him about her feelings. It’s not like she set out to hurt him. The elevator door closes.  

Nina thanks Obrecht for talking sense into her. She needs to focus on Willow, and she’ll deal with Carly later. Sonny says, sorry to interrupt, and Obrecht says she thinks her work here is done. She and Nina hug, and Obrecht says, Nina is doing the right thing. She leaves, and Sonny asks what she was doing here. Nina says, reminding her that she shouldn’t give up on her daughter, and she won’t. He hugs her.

Obrecht asks Austin if Esme is still at the hospital, and he says, no; she was released. She asks, when? Why? Has she recovered from her injuries? Where did she go? He says he heard they took her away for an arraignment, but he can’t tell Obrecht if she was remanded to prison or out on bail. Obrecht says, Esme could be free, roaming the streets after murdering her daughter. Austin’s phone beeps, and he asks if Obrecht is going to be okay. She says she will be, and he leaves. She says, as soon as she tracks down Miss Prince.

Curtis says, it would mean a whole lot if Marshall performed at their wedding, but he understands if Marshall doesn’t want to. It’s Marshall’s choice and he respects that, but he wants Marshall to know that they believe  in him. He excuses himself, saying, he has to call The Savoy. Portia says, can’t Marshall see how badly his son wants him to be a part of his wedding? but Marshall says he doesn’t think he can. She says she knows he doesn’t want to hear this, but she still thinks there’s a possibility he was misdiagnosed and doesn’t even have schizophrenia. There’s an easy way to find out, and they can see. Then maybe he can show up for Curtis after all. Why doesn’t he want to take the steps to find out for sure? He says, because it’s too late.

Michael comes out of Willow’s room as Carly is coming out of the elevator. She asks, how’s Willow, and he wonders why she’s asking. It’s obvious Carly doesn’t give a damn about her.

Tomorrow, Austin says he’s done taking orders; Victor says, the next time Nikolas defies him will be his last; Dex tells Josslyn that he’s no longer going to be working for Sonny; and Michael tells Carly, if Nina is the enemy, what does that make her?

✍🏾 Shooting Straight…

He’s also making the talk show rounds. I was like, hey, that’s Brick!

⚓️ What She Didn’t Know…

All the captains say the same thing. They didn’t know until they watched the show.

💎 But It’s True…

I saw the show Reza was on, and I agree with him. She’s certainly overreacting.

🧂 No Salt…

What does this even mean? The reality star said she wanted to avoid “misrepresentations” to be made about her “story, relating to any and all topics, prior and during the course of my participation” on “RHOSLC.”

🐶 Gino Unseated…

There’s a new old dog in town.

https://people.com/pets/spike-the-chihuahua-new-guinness-world-records-worlds-oldest-dog/

🌃 Drawing the Curtains…

Join me tomorrow for soap and tea, with a side of wise words, and a little music. Until then, stay safe, stay open to new experiences, and stay never squandering a second chance.

July 22, 2022 – Yesterday Once More, Real Hospital, Holiday Over, a Return, Midseason Hills, Shut Down, Eww, VanderNews, Dead Talk, Never Ending, Another Spin, Nope On the Best, XII Quotes & Finally

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

For today’s show, see yesterday:

👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 🍷 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼 👉🏼

🩺 Britt’s BFF…

This is a new medical one on me. Of course, now I’m worried I have the same condition.

🏝 Some Vacation…

At least it wasn’t at the beginning.

🧱 Hey La, Hey La, Brick Is Back…

Sadly, I guess he won’t be flirting with Carly anymore. Since I don’t watch sports, I had no idea his main gig was on ESPN.

💎 Cringeworthy Once Again…

In watching this, I understood what it is about Diana that I don’t like. She expects others to be empathetic of her without really knowing her, but she’s quick with judgements about people she doesn’t know. There was a poll on Twitter asking if she was soulless – which I think was just a dramatic word Sutton used, and not to be taken seriously – and I read she blocked people who said yes. Why? Is she afraid she might learn something about herself?

https://ew.com/tv/real-housewives-beverly-hills-midseason-trailer/

Kathy puts in her twelve million two cents.

https://extratv.com/2022/07/21/kathy-hilton-dishes-on-rhobh-drama-with-kyle-richards/

I don’t think anyone needs to be paid to spread negative stories about LisaR. She does well enough on her own.

📰 Exclusive…

Phaedra gives the skinny on landing back at Housewives.

https://www.etonline.com/phaedra-parks-shuts-down-rhoa-return-but-is-down-to-join-rhodubai-after-rhugt-experience-exclusive

☢️ Cross Reality Contamination…

Why? Not that he’s not good looking, but from Winter or Summer House? No, just no. <making cross with my index fingers>

🍸 The Queen Speaks…

https://extratv.com/2022/07/20/lisa-vanderpump-opens-up-about-tom-schwartz-and-katie-maloney-s-split/

And while we’re on the subject.

Oh and why not?

⚰️ Walking Closer…

The latest on TWD.

https://people.com/tv/the-walking-dead-final-episodes-trailer-san-diego-comic-con/

Buzz about the 47th spin-off. (Just kidding. I think it’s only the 10th.)

🎃 It Will Never End…

I’m sure somehow the cash cow that is Halloween will be milked well into the year 3000. Michael Meyers: Cryogenically Unfrozen.

https://ew.com/movies/halloween-ends-trailer-jamie-lee-curtis/

🐉 Spinning Off the Spin-Off…

House of the Dragon hasn’t even started yet, and already things are getting complicated.

https://ew.com/tv/steve-toussaint-game-of-thrones-sea-snake-prequel-series/

😱 But He’s Close…

I’m actually toying with the idea of going to the theater to see this. It looks so good.

https://ew.com/movies/jordan-peele-shuts-down-best-horror-director-praise-john-carpenter/

🦮 Quotes of the Week

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. – Dale Carnegie

Never try to outstubborn a cat. Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough for Love

But instead of spending our lives running towards our dreams, we are often running away from a fear of failure or a fear of criticism. – Erin Wright

Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.Steve Maraboli

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. – Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man. – Elbert Hubbard

I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace. – Thomas Paine

If you don’t like my shade, get out of my shadow. – Shereé (yes, that one) Whitfield, Real Housewives of Atlanta

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

I have more in common with a three-toed sloth or a one-eyed pterodactyl or a Kalamata olive than I have with Winston Churchill. – Boris Johnson (What?)

Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.  – Jimi Hendrix

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

🦛 Taking My Hunky Dory and Going…

If all goes according to plan, we’ll all be filling the next two days with activities that are gratifying and/or productive. Or not, if that’s what you like. Then we’ll reconvene on Monday for soap and yachting on the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay doing everything in moderation, but allowing for a splurge now and then, and stay trying to understand where others are coming from. You might not like them anyway, but you won’t hate them. Don’t be a Diana J.