Tag Archives: Summer House

February 20, 2026 – GH Weekdays, A Tribute To Luke, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Animal Accomplishments, An Eight-Spot Of Quotes & 2017

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🍕 Weekday Slices…                                                                          

Monday: 

Brook met Chase at the Brown Dog Bar.

At the bar, Carly griped to Jason about Michael’s custody agreement and Ric handling it.

Ric brought a dressed-up Elizabeth to the hatchet range.

Jacinda brought Michael to the hatchet range, and he said he’d been thinking candlelight dinner, elegant, maybe a tablecloth. She said this place screamed elegance and threw her hatchet. It hit close to the bullseye. She told him, imagine the target is Drew’s melonhead.

Sidwell, Lucy, and Ava dined at the MetroCourt, and Ava said she hadn’t realized it was Valentine’s Day. Lucy said, in Ava’s life, it must be just another day, and Ava said Lucy must have been hoping for a romantic evening and instead, they were droning on about a Botero.

At a nearby table, Alexis said she was surprised Molly invited them and not Cody, and Kristina said Molly had something to tell Alexis. Molly said she wrote a new book.

In her office, Britt told Nathan that either Anna had a nervous breakdown or… There was no actual proof Faison was alive, right? Obrecht ran in and said she had joyous news. Maxie was awake.

Maxie told Felicia to call the doctor, since she was sure Felicia just said Nathan was alive. Felicia said he was and had been living in Port Charles for the last six months.

Marco asked how much Lucas heard, and Lucas said enough to know he had Marco all wrong.

Obrecht said she hadn’t spoken to Maxie herself, but hearing from Nathan would rejuvenate her. Britt said Obrecht had no idea what she was asking.

Maxie said it made so sense. She’d buried Nathan. Felicia said she felt the same way, but Anna proved it.

Carly told Jason that Sonny insisted Ric had no agenda, but she didn’t buy it, and Michael wouldn’t have signed it without Sonny’s influence. Jason’s phone rang and he said Spinelli needed to see him.

Michael threw his ax and it bounced off the target and onto the floor.

Ric said he wanted to take Elizabeth somewhere offbeat. Molly said the hatchet range was fun, but maybe he miscalculated. She asked if he was implying she didn’t know how to have fun, but he said, no, never, but he had to admit she had a cautious streak. She said she’d grab some drinks and he could grab some axes.

Lucas followed Marco inside, and Marco admitted he was talking about Sonny. Lucas said it didn’t sound good. What was the project and why did they need Britt under control? That didn’t sound like legal advice. It sounded like he was threatening to kill Britt if she didn’t do what they wanted. If he was wrong, tell him.  

Lucy told Sidwell a story and he laughed. Ava didn’t, and he asked if it was the story or her martini? Ava said maybe this wasn’t the atmosphere to discuss the Botero and they should go to the gallery, but Sidwell said he’d hoped they could all be friends. Lucy said, in the spirit of friendship, she’d been unfair to Ava. Who was she to judge? Weren’t they all allowed to reinvent themselves once in a while?

Alexis said she didn’t know Molly was writing a book, but Molly said it wasn’t a big deal. Kristina said Molly’s agent was crazy excited and had an editor on board already, and Alexis said she was proud of Molly, but Molly said she’d decided not to publish.

Lucas got loud and said Britt wasn’t there as a concierge doctor and Marco had threatened to end her life. The lies ended there. Marco said, it was his father, and Lucas said, but he knew. Marco said, yes, and Lucas said it made Marco just as guilty and made him a fool for believing in him. He’d defended Marco to everyone including his sister. Marco looked pained, and Lucas said he’d believed every lie, but no more. He started to leave, but Marco grabbed him and said he wasn’t going anywhere.

Brook told Chase that she had no details, but Maxie should be coming home soon. Tonight was about them. They reminisced about past Valentine’s Days, and Chase wondered if the Brown Dog was romantic enough. She said it wasn’t the place; it was them together. He said, forever, and they kissed.

Spinelli joined Carly and Jason and apologized for the intrusion. He had news that couldn’t wait. Earlier today, Maxie awoke. She was up and talking like nothing happened. He was thrilled and grateful and surprised, and couldn’t wrap his mind around it. Carly had to leave for the MetroCourt, and Jason said it was great news. Spinelli said, indeed. He knew all he should feel was relief that his lady love came back to him, but the green-eyed monster… Jason said Spinelli was worried about Nathan, and Spinelli said, what happened when Maxie found out he was still alive?

Felicia explained how they confirmed it was Nathan, but Maxie said she’d buried him. Felicia said Anna had Nathan exhumed because they had to be sure, and there was no body. She hadn’t believed it either, but when she talked him, she knew it was Nathan.

Britt said they didn’t know if Maxie knew Nathan was alive, and Nathan agreed that it couldn’t be rushed. Not just for Maxie’s sake, but for James. Obrecht said, of course (🍷) Nathan was putting others’ needs before his own. She’d follow his instincts and they’d go slowly and carefully, because he and Maxie were meant to be together. Nothing would get in the way of that.

Jacinda said Michael was remarkably bad at ax throwing, but he said it was on purpose. She said, really? and he said, no. She said, a lot of guys couldn’t handle a woman beating them, but he didn’t care, and he said he was glad she didn’t care that he was flawed. They were about to toast, but she stopped, and he asked if she was anti-toasting. She said, there was one born every minute.

Elizabeth hit close to the bullseye, and Ric said they’d call it one, but she said she didn’t need his pity points. Besides, it was cheating. She couldn’t remember the last time she had a night out. He said she was a head nurse and a mom. It was understandable that fun wasn’t a priority. She said, maybe it should be.

Alexis asked why Molly submitted the book to her agent, but Molly said she didn’t submit anything. Kristina said she’d asked to read it, loved it, and sent it. Molly’s agent also loved it and thought it would be a massive hit. Alexis said, only if Molly wanted it to be, and Kristina asked Molly to tell Alexis why she didn’t want it published. Molly said because it would hurt Cody’s feelings.

Carly stopped by Sidwell’s table and thanked him for opening his home for her to make up with her brother, and he said it was his pleasure. His son’s happiness was paramount and Lucas made Marco happy.

Lucas told Marco to get his hands off him and backed away. Marco said he never lied about his feelings. He loved Lucas and wanted to build a life with him. Lucas said they could have done that on the mainland. Marco had been manipulating him the whole time. He didn’t move to this godforsaken island because it was the next step. It was so Marco had easy access to his dad to carry out… what? What was he extorting Britt to do? Marco said he’d brought Lucas there because he wanted them to be together day in and day out. He’d risked everything for him.

Jason said he was sure Maxie would be happy that Nathan was alive, but it didn’t mean she’d stop loving Spinelli. Spinelli said he agreed, but it was the kind of love she had that was the problem. She loved him as a companion, Georgie’s father, and the friend who eventually won her over. Her relationship with Nathan was different. When she saw how wonderful he was with James, why wouldn’t she go back to him? Jason wondered why Spinelli could see Nathan clearly, but not himself.

Felicia told Maxie that Nathan showed up with no phone, no ID, and remembered nothing from the past seven years. He remembered being shot and everything before. He remembered her, Georgie, and that there was a baby on the way. Maxie wondered what he’d been doing, and Felicia said the working theory was that it had something to do with Faison, and Maxie said, don’t tell her that Faison was back from the dead. Felicia said Faison was still dead, but Britt was also alive. She’d shown up before Nathan. Maxie said Britt and Nathan being back at the same time was not a coincidence.

Nathan said he knew Obrecht was coming from a good place, but please let them figure it out for themselves, and Obrecht promised not to interfere. Britt suggested he get it in writing, and Nathan thanked Obrecht for telling him about Maxie. He left to take a walk and clear his head, and Obrecht said he was guarding his heart, afraid to hope in their reunion. Britt said she knew that’s what Obrecht wanted, but she had no idea what Maxie and Nathan wanted. Maxie was with Spinelli now. They had a daughter and were raising a family. Obrecht said Maxie had a child with Nathan too, but Britt said people moved on and she needed to respect that. Obrecht said time was precious and could be stolen at any moment. Who knew how much time they had with the people they loved?

As she brushed Maxie’s hair, Felicia said Britt’s situation was different. She remembered everything and had orchestrated the whole thing herself. She’d made herself disappear and hadn’t known Nathan was alive or what happened to him. Maxie asked if she believed that, and Felicia said she didn’t know what to believe where Britt was concerned, but she thought Nathan was telling the truth. He seemed as confused and mystified as the rest of them. Maxie asked how he was doing, and Felicia said, wonderful. He was the same old Nathan, concerned about everybody but himself. Maxie was the first person he’d asked about and the second was the baby. Maxie said, who wasn’t such a baby anymore. Did he meet James? What did James think of his father?

Jason told Spinelli, give Maxie some credit. She didn’t settle; she chose him. Spinelli said, at the time, Nathan wasn’t a choice. Now he was the large, chiseled one. Jason said Maxie had to tell Spinelli how she felt. She might surprise him. Jason’s phone dinged, and he saw a text of a boat, snowflake, and heart emoji.

Molly said Cody didn’t understand she’d been writing the book before she knew him and was able to see who he was – amazing. That’s what happened in the book. Kristina said, which he would have known had he bothered to read past the second chapter. Molly said, Cody had every right to be upset. The main character was inspired by him and wasn’t portrayed in the best light. Kristina said, then he became the hero and the heroine fell in love with him, and Alexis said it was like Pride and Prejudice. Kristina said it was so good, but Molly said, not good enough to ruin a relationship. She’d written it as a hobby, but it wasn’t more important than Cody. Kristina asked if Molly should stifle her talent for Cody’s sake. It was a bad example for her niece. Molly said their niece had nothing to do with it and she wouldn’t be in this position if Kristina hadn’t stolen her book. Alexis said she thought what was best for Scout was that they be nice to each other and make room for each other’s differences. She had to check in with the sitter and told them to try to be nice to each other while she was gone.  

Lucy said she thought it was wonderful that Lucas forgave Carly and lovely that she’d chosen accept Marco and his amazing father. Carly said, lovely is the word, and hoped they had a great evening. Alexis ran into Ava and said it was interesting company that she was keeping. She had a quick question. Was Jenz Sidwell worth the wrath of Lucy Coe? Ava said, after the fiasco with Ric, she was interested in men of a different caliber. Sidwell was that man and she wouldn’t let Lucy Coe or anybody else run him off.

Marco told Lucas that his father had been trying to bring him into his business since he was 18, but said he’d represent him in his legal affairs. That was it. Lucas said, clearly, things had changed, and Marco said Sonny was the reason his mother was dead. He started to cry and said, no one was holding Sonny accountable except his father, who’d promised him justice. Lucas asked if that’s why Marco was working for him, and Marco said, yes. Lucas asked why he should believe Marco, and Marco said because Lucas knew better than anyone what it meant to lose a mother.

Lucas said, don’t drag his mother into this, and Marco asked how Lucas felt when he heard she was gone and realized he’d never hear her voice again or tell her the things… he thought there would be time to say. Imagine if she hadn’t passed away peacefully in her sleep. His mother took her life, and he knew who was to blame. Lucas said he wanted justice, and Marco said it was all he wanted, but Lucas said, no. He heard Marco, the tone in his voice. He didn’t want justice. He wanted revenge. Did the conversation end with Sonny in a hospital bed or the morgue? He couldn’t be a part of this. Marco said that’s why he lied. He didn’t want to put Lucas in that position. Lucas said, yet here I am, and Marco said he thought he wanted vengeance more than anything, but it turned out that he wanted Lucas just as much. Lucas said he couldn’t have it both ways, and crying, Marco said, I’ll stop. Please stay with me.

Jacinda said she couldn’t believe Michael was drinking a Black Mallard, and he said it’s what he liked. She said, so would she if it was the real deal, and he asked if she thought they were pouring well liquor into the bottle. She said she could almost guarantee it, and he took a sip. He said it was Black Mallard. He wasn’t handy with an ax, but knew his scotch and could prove it by taking a blind taste test.

Ric got a bullseye, and told Elizabeth, ha! And that’s how it’s done. He did a dance, slipped, and fell. She said, exactly like that? Was he okay? He said he was, and they laughed.

Alexis came back and Kristina said it was Molly’s book and Molly’s decision. She was sorry she’d intervened. How about if they buried the hatchet – literally. Alexis said she wished she could, but she had to relieve the sitter. Have fun. Molly and Kristina left.  

Felicia told Maxie that it took time for James to adjust, but Nathan was patient and eventually, James warmed up to him. Now they were two peas in a pod. James adored his father. Maxie said she couldn’t believe this was actually happening, and Felicia said she knew it was a lot. How was she doing? Maxie said she thought it was a miracle that James’s father was back, but she’d watched Nathan die and there was no explanation for this. Felicia said, take all the time she needed to absorb it. She should probably get some rest. Maxie said she was exhausted, but terrified to closed her eyes. What if she didn’t wake up again?

Brook said, poor Spinelli. He must be over the moon that Maxie is awake… Chase said, then Nathan throws a wrench in his world. What would Brook do in her place?

At the Brown Dog, Obrecht ordered schnapps, and saw Spinelli. She said she was thrilled to run into him. She was grateful for the love and guidance he’d shown when Maxie was in a jam. He’d held Maxie’s family together remarkably well. He said he’d do anything for Maxie, and she said, clearly his efforts were no longer necessary. Maxie was awake and coming home to reunite with her beloved Nathan.

In the old harbormaster’s cabin, Britt wondered if the wood could be any wetter, when Jason came in and said, let him. She said he’d cracked her code, and he said, a boat, a snowflake, and a heart. It had to mean this place. It had to mean her.

Chase said, say Brook thought he died and she fell in love and then he came back, and she said, first off, he was never leaving her. She’d feel sorry for the future guy. She would forever and always choose him. They kissed.

Kristina and Molly walked into the hatchet range, and Kristina said, this was a good idea. Seeing Michael with Jacinda and Elizabeth with Ric, she added, but apparently not original.

Elizabeth thanked Ric for a fun night, and he said they should do it more often. She said she thought they just might, and they kissed.  

Her hands over Michael’s eyes, Jacinda said, what if Michael got it right? He said, the winner received a favor to be named later, and she said those were broad parameters and she had a vivid imagination. He said he’d take his chances, and drank. He admitted not knowing which was which. What was the favor? She said she’d think of something.

Ava told Sidwell that she’d just heard from the seller. Maybe they should head to the gallery to sign off on the purchase. Lucy was welcome to join them, but she wasn’t sure Lucy would find it interesting. Lucy said she was going to sit with her delicious souffle. Please go and enjoy his expensive art. Sidwell said it had been a memorable evening. He hoped the three of them would do it again soon. Lucy said he could count on it, and he left with Ava.

Carly said Michael told her about the custody arrangement and that Alexis had a hand in the negotiations, and Alexis said she doubted Carly was happy. Carly said, not at all, but she got that Alexis was doing all she could to make sure Scout stayed with her. She didn’t have to like it to respect it.  

Maxie said she was terrified to go to sleep. She was afraid of lapsing into a coma again. Felicia said that wasn’t going to happen. Did Maxie remember when she had nightmares as a little girl? Maxie said Felicia would hold her hand until she fell back asleep, and Felicia took her hand. She said, close your eyes. I’m not going anywhere.

Obrecht said one thing she’d learned was that true love always found its way, and Spinelli said he couldn’t agree more. They clinked glasses.

Maxie slept, when Felicia’s phone rang. She went into the hallway and said she was wondering when she’d hear from them. Nathan said he just found out, and she said she was with Maxie now. She’d fallen asleep, but they were coming back tomorrow. Maxie couldn’t wait to see him.

Marco said once his father’s project was finished, he was done with all of it, and Lucas said, what about Britt? Marco said she would be done too. He’d make sure of it. He needed to stay until the project was finished. Please. He needed Lucas to believe in him. He held out his hand and after hesitating a moment, Lucas took it. They hugged, but Lucas looked scared.

Jason said Britt took a risk, and she asked why he came. He said because she’d texted. Why do it? She said, because time could be stolen from them at any moment. They shouldn’t waste a second they had together. They kissed.

Tuesday:

Lucas showed up at the MetroCourt and Carly said she’d like to bring their family and Marco’s family together.

Tracy went to Windymere and told Sidwell that they needed to get a few things straight.

At the MetroCourt, Ric told Sonny that he could pick up some of Diane’s slack. Since he was moving operations to Rochester, he needed someone who knew contracts. Turner came in, and Sonny asked her to join them. She said she had update on Rocco.

Laura asked Alexis to come to her office. It had to do with Congressman Cain.

At the hospital, Willow told Elizabeth that she was tendering her resignation.

Chase was at the station, when Molly told Nathan that she was recusing herself from the case. Nathan said they had no new leads against Michael and maybe the case had run its course.

Michael saw Dante in the nook and wondered if they were no longer speaking.

Laura said Drew’s office had been cagey about his condition, and Alexis said his stroke had been serious. He was locked inside himself and couldn’t communicate. He wouldn’t be able to complete his term.

Willow said, right now her family had to be her priority, and Elizabeth said she could extend her leave of absence, but Willow said Drew needed to be properly taken care of. Elizabeth said there were professionals for that, but Willow said, for now, Drew stayed with her.

Molly told Chase that she’d recused herself, and he said he hadn’t meant to imply she was acting improperly. She said she had to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, and could cross a line without realizing. She was moving on and he should do the same.

Dante said, as Michael’s brother, he wanted to talk, but he was acting Police Commissioner. He wasn’t overseeing the case, but it was still his responsibility. Until it was over, it would benefit them both to keep their distance. Michael said it was also an excuse. Wasn’t Dante angry that he lied? Dante said, of course (🍷). He knew Michael’s alibi was shaky, but gave him the benefit of the doubt and it came back to bite him. Michael said he was sorry he’d made the wrong call.

Carly wanted to have Marco and Sidwell over for dinner, but Lucas said it was a terrible idea. She said she wasn’t cooking, and he said that was a given. She was right and he owed her a huge apology.

Tracy said Maxie had recovered and was eager to get to work, but Sidwell doubted she came all this way to tell him in person. She said his days of free reign over Deception were done. Flattering Lucy had gotten him control. Sidwell said when Maxie collapsed publicly, so did Deception’s stock. He took over their transport needs as a favor. She said she wanted a full audit, a detailed documentation of every single shipment.

Ric asked if Rocco was a problem, but Turner said, the opposite. He was doing a great job and logging tons of hours. He’d probably fulfill his sentence ahead of schedule. Sonny said he was grateful for the suspended sentence, and Ric thanked her for signing off on the plea deal. She said she had her reasons.

Michael said he hadn’t wanted to put Dante in the position of having to report it. He didn’t do it, but was the most likely suspect. He needed Dante to find the shooter. Dante asked if Michael was out for justice, and Michael said he was out to save his own ass. He hoped everyone, including Dante, would see he was innocent, and Dante said him too.

Chase said he assumed Nathan was still working on the case, but Nathan said he couldn’t discuss it. Chase said he thought they’d overlooked how Michael could get in Drew’s house.

Willow told Elizabeth that if it became too much, she’d find long-term care for Drew, but didn’t think it was right to start with that. When the time was right, she’d come back to nursing. She was rebuilding her life and unfortunately, leaving GH was the first step.

Sidwell thought an audit was excessive and didn’t want to burden Maxie with it, but Tracy said Maxie wouldn’t be performing the audit. He said he’d give her information on any shipment she wanted, but she said she wanted every single number on every single shipment. He said he was confused. Deception was back in the black, largely thanks to him. She said he’d mistaken Deception for a subsidy of SRE Worldwide. She wanted to go back to the original agreement where he just supplied the zincite.

Lucas said he was so sorry. Carly said Marco was involved in Sidwell’s business. He’d believed Marco, but overheard Marco and his dad and they were working on something illegal. He had no clue what, and got out of there fast.

Laura asked if Scout had seen her father, and Alexis said Willow thought Scout should get settled first. Laura said there was an empty seat in congress and Governor Mendez had called her. Port Charles was the largest city in Drew’s district, and he’d asked for a recommendation. Alexis said if Laura wasn’t the mayor, she’d suggest her, and Laura said, actually, she had the perfect person in mind – Alexis.

Sidwell asked why Tracy cared. Deception was a blip on the Quartermaine financial radar and there was no love lost between her and Lucy. Tracy said she wanted all her investments to be profitable, but her granddaughter was a partner, as was Maxie. For those reasons and more, she wanted the company to be successful and out from under him. He said he preferred his arrangement stay the way it was, but she said, not an option. He suggested she find another hobby. He wasn’t going anywhere. He asked Pascal to show Tracy out. They were done.

Lucas said he couldn’t go into details, and Carly asked if he was going to the police or the WSB. He said he didn’t want Marco arrested. Sidwell took advantage of him when he was emotionally vulnerable. He knew they loved each other. Carly asked what if Marco told Sidwell, but Lucas said, he wouldn’t. She said he didn’t know that, but Lucas said he knew Marco. He couldn’t walk away. At least not yet. Carly said, of course (🍷) he could, but he wouldn’t. Still, he couldn’t stay at Windymere one more day.

Ric said most ADA’s would have thrown the book at Rocco to make a name for themselves, and Turner said Rocco’s accuser was unreliable. Forensics supported none of his claims and he must have realized, since he disappeared. The charge was trespassing and a plea deal was the best choice. Ric said it spoke well of her that she didn’t punish Rocco for Sonny’s reputation, and she said she didn’t fight proxy battles. Sonny said Turner was always up for a fair fight.

Chase said Drew’s house had no sign of forced entry and they must have entered in the back using a key, and Nathan said a lot of people had keys. Chase asked how he could be 100% sure Michael didn’t have a copy.

Dante wondered how he could be sure he didn’t subconsciously push the investigation away from evidence or not want Michael to be guilty, and Michael said he was a great cop with great instincts. Dante said Michael should have told him the truth and let him do his job, and Michael said he trusted Dante, but not the legal system and Dante knew why. Dante said, for what it was worth (🍷), he had faith that Nathan would find out the truth, and Michael said that was all he wanted. Dante left.

Dante went to the station, and told Nathan that he heard Maxie woke up. Nathan said he was all over the place. He was invited to Maxie’s welcome home party, but wanted to wait for Maxie to reach out first. He had something he thought they should have jumped on sooner or possibly overlooked, and Dante asked, what? Nathan said, what if Michael had a key to Drew’s house?  

Pascal told Sidwell that Lucas had been eavesdropping on his conversation with Marco. He didn’t know what Lucas heard, but he had his ear to the living room doors. Sidwell asked what Lucas said when Pascal confronted him, but Pascal said he decided it was best that Lucas not know he was caught. Sidwell wondered why Marco didn’t say anything to him. Perhaps he chose not to pursue it. Pascal said, perhaps he did and was keeping the conversation from Sidwell. Lucas had Marco wrapped around his little finger. If Lucas confronted Marco, could he trust that Marco would come to him?

Lucas said it was his life and his relationship and he could handle Marco, but Carly said Marco wasn’t who he’d thought. How could he trust Marco? He asked how many times Sonny lied to her, but she said she knew who Sonny was at the beginning. Marco was hiding a big piece of his life. If he’d known from the beginning, would he still have gotten involved?  

Sonny said Turner’s talent in the courtroom was better than her talent on the ballfield, and she said if she had a chance to put him on trial, she’d bring her A-game. She left, and Ric asked what was going on between Sonny and the ADA. Who was playing who? Sonny said Turner was ambitious, sharp, and always lobbying for high profile cases. She also never met a press conference she didn’t like, and wouldn’t hesitate to put him behind bars. Ric said, as the former DA who ruined his career by trying to take Sonny down, why was Turner having pleasant conversation with him instead of doing everything she possibly could to put him away?

Chase saw Michael in the nook and walked past him. Michael asked if they could find a way to co-exist. The tension was hard on everyone. Chase said it would make it easier if Michael would turn himself in. He was sure Diane could get him a generous plea deal. Michael said he didn’t frame Willow. The gun was found in her belongings because she shot Drew. Chase said, Willow would never shoot anyone. Michael, on the other hand… Tracy stormed in and said Chase was still blaming Michael for Drew’s shooting, and Chase said, wasn’t it enough that Willow was unjustly accused? Tracy said, Willow was unjustly acquitted.

Willow said she’d put herself on this path and would see it through to the end, and Elizabeth said it wasn’t like they wouldn’t see each other, but the place wouldn’t be the same without Willow. They hugged and Willow thanked her for everything.  

Alexis said she was flattered, but had never considered running for public office, and Laura said that was good news. Port Charles didn’t need a career politician. She had integrity and would fight for their best interest. Alexis said she’d gone to prison, and Laura said she’d paid her debt to society. Alexis said she was disbarred, and Laura said she’d been reinstated. She thought that demonstrated Alexis’s ability to navigate bureaucracy in pursuit of justice. Alexis thought that was a stretch, but Laura didn’t. She said, the most important thing was that Alexis was someone she could work with, in a way she never could with Drew. Alexis said the bar had been set low. Just don’t use the seat to enact petty vendettas. Laura said Alexis wouldn’t be using the higher office as a steppingstone. She’d want the best for Port Charles, and they’d make a good team.

Lucas said Marco represented his father’s corporate interests, but got in deeper after his mom died, and Carly said she thought Marco and Natalia were estranged. He said, that made it worse. They had no chance to reconcile. Marco thought Sidwell would help him get closure, so he got involved in Sidwell’s business. Carly said, business was the word Sonny always used, and he said Marco promised once this was over, he’d keep his distance, so he agreed to stay for now.

Sidwell said he valued Pascal, but never question is son’s loyalty. Pascal said, before Lucas, he had no reason to think so. Sidwell said he didn’t want unnecessary friction with Marco unless absolutely necessary (😐), but he did hear Pascal. Keep an eye on Lucas and make sure he had no more chances to eavesdrop. Pascal asked, what if Lucas demanded Marco choose between him and Sidwell? He understood that Marco remained here to monitor Britt. Sidwell said, if Lucas persuaded Marco to leave, he’d be there to console his son at Lucas’s funeral.

Alexis said she wasn’t sure, but Laura thought she was a natural. they needed someone who understood local issues and could represent them well on a federal level, so they got the support they needed. They could disagree and still work together. Alexis said she didn’t think compromise was a weakness, and Laura said she saw Alexis as someone who wouldn’t put special interests ahead of the people she represented. She wouldn’t let Sidwell use the town for his personal gain. Alexis said Laura would like her to help fight Sidwell?

Molly saw Elizabeth at the hospital and asked if she had a nice Valentine’s Day. She saw Elizabeth and Ric at the hatchet range. She was there with Kristina, but they didn’t stay. They got the sense she and Ric didn’t want to be interrupted.

Nathan said he asked if Michael had the key and he’d said no, and Turner asked if he could take Michael’s word for it. He said, if Michael did have a copy, there was no way to tell when he came into possession of it, and she said they’d start by getting a search warrant.

Willow went to Windymere, and said, Sidwell wanted to see her? and he asked her to call him Jenz.

Molly said she was happy to see Elizabeth and Ric having fun, and Elizabeth said it was fun. And a reminder of how unpredictable Ric could be. Molly said Elizabeth was important to Ric. She’d made a big difference in his life. Elizabeth said she enjoyed spending time with him, and lately, it had been easy and fun.

Sonny said Turner wasn’t out to ruin him, and Ric asked if Sonny liked her. Sonny said, what’s not to like? She was attractive and fair. She’d come after him if she had the chance, but wouldn’t abuse her power to do it. Ric said, so they were friends, and Sonny said they knew where they stood with each other. Ric asked if Sonny was interested in Turner. Not as a respected opponent, but as a woman.

Turner told Dante that she was turning over the case to another prosecutor. She was biased, still believing Willow was guilty. She also didn’t want to wreck her career by publicly admitting they had the wrong person. She didn’t want to be near that, and he should steer clear too.

Chase said, Willow didn’t shoot Drew. Michael did. Michael said he didn’t, and Tracy said Chase was a wonderful man and made her granddaughter happy. But if he couldn’t let this go, he was in the wrong family. Nathan came in and apologized for the intrusion. He was there to serve Michael a search warrant for the keys to Drew’s house. Tracy said they had to call Diane first, but Michael said it was fine. He wouldn’t oppose it – he handed Nathan his keyring – starting with these.  

Carly said, if Marco loved Lucas, Marco wouldn’t let him near his father. Sidwell was dangerous. Lucas said he knew. That was why he was taking Marco with him when he got away from Sidwell.

Laura said she knew it was a lot, but believed she and Alexis could do an awful lot of good for Port Charles. Alexis said she’d consider it, and Laura said, tomorrow. Every day that the seat was empty, the city paid. Alexis said she’d think it over and let Laura know as soon as she could. Laura said, I hope it’s not too long, Congressman Davis.

Sidwell said he’d heard Willow was caring for her husband alone at home, and Willow said she was trying to do the right thing for Drew. Sidwell said, of course (🍷). She was a very appealing public figure, sympathetic and brave. She’d been publicly exonerated, was a cancer survivor, and a nurse. She was a devoted mother who’d repeatedly stood up to the corrupt Quartermaine and Corinthos families. Willow thanked him, but still wasn’t sure why she was there. He said, when a member of congress was incapacitated, it wasn’t unheard of for the spouse to take over and finish the term. He thought she was uniquely qualified to take Drew’s place in Washington.

Wednesday:

Nathan told Dante that he’d gotten a search warrant, but Michael gave him his keys.

Willow met Nina in her office, and Nina said she thought they should have a party for the kids with a bouncy house. Willow thought it sounded great. They’d been through a lot and there was more to come.

In her office, Alexis told Suzanne and Molly that Laura wanted to give her Drew’s job.

Kristina overheard Cody talking on the phone about his book club and said she had a real page turner for him.

Lulu interrupted Laura at work, and Laura said, it was about Maxie, wasn’t it?

Brook went to Maxie’s house and found Spinelli ruminating. She asked why he seemed so down since Maxie was coming home today, and he said it struck him that he’d been happy living there.

Cody said he was reading Pride and Prejudice, and Kristina gave him a copy of Molly’s manuscript. He said he wasn’t touching it. There was a steep price to pay for violating Molly’s privacy.

Alexis said the governor had only asked Laura for a recommendation, and Suzanne was ready to roll, but Alexis said, not yet.

Willow told Nina that Michael gave her joint custody to avoid the visitation hearing. If he was charged, she had something more important to consider. She’d been contacted by Drew’s political associates, and they wanted her to serve the remainder of his term.

Lulu said she was happy for Maxie and her family, and Laura said, that included Nathan now. Lulu said Maxie was coming back to the love of her life.

Nathan told Dante that forensics was on it, and Dante suggested he go home, but he didn’t want to mess things up.

Spinelli said Maxie was coming home, and Brook asked why he was so upset. He said reality had settled in and he realized how he handled what happened today would change his life. If he didn’t rise to the occasion, he could lose Maxie and his family.

Kristina told Cody that she’d violated Molly’s privacy by sending her manuscript to the publisher. Molly never intended for it to be published. It was only a creative exercise. Cody said Molly saw him as a complete doofus, and Kristina suggested he be less self-involved. Casey was loosely based on him and was a doofus at the beginning, but had a true hero’s journey. He was compelling, cool, and deep. Just read the damn book. He said he’d read it when it was published, but she said it wasn’t going to be published.

Alexis said, Laura just made a recommendation, but Molly said, she wouldn’t have asked if she didn’t think the position would be offered. Alexis was perfect for the job. Suzanne agreed, but Alexis said the more she thought about it, the less she thought she’d do it.

Nina said it was a fantastic idea and a wonderful opportunity, but Willow said she didn’t know anything about politics on the federal level. Nina said she was a quick study. She’d been a teacher and a nurse and a amazing spokesperson for New Tomorrow. And Willow had a secret weapon – Nina.

Lulu told Laura that she’d only developed feelings for Nathan because Maxie wasn’t there. She had the right to reclaim her life. Laura said the feelings Lulu had were real and legitimate, and Lulu said even if they were right for her, they were wrong for everyone else.

Dante said he thought Nathan would want to see Maxie, and Nathan said he did, but it wasn’t about him. The last thing he wanted was to confuse James. Maxie had moved on and had a kid with Spinelli before she even met him. He didn’t want to become an obligation.

Spinelli told Brook that Maxie’s husband was alive and in Port Charles after he’d been dead for seven years, and Brook said he was assuming he’d lose without giving Maxie a say. Didn’t he think she’d want one?

Kristina told Cody that Molly never intended on publishing the book and was turning it down. She’d sent it behind Molly’s back, so Molly never got the opportunity to polish it and make the characters the way she wanted them to be. Her editor thought it was perfect and wouldn’t let her change it now. That’s how much Molly cared about him and his feelings. Cody asked if Molly said that.

Molly said Alexis was a fierce and fearless advocate. Who better to speak truth to power? Suzanne said she could make a real difference, and Molly said they needed more truth tellers. Alexis told her that voters said that, but did they believe it? She didn’t know if she could compromise her values. Molly suggested she look at compromise as for the greater good. Look at how she handled Willow and Drew in service of Scout.

Nina told Willow that Drew won the seat because of her. She was the one who had the network and had even introduced him to McConkey, who wouldn’t have given him a second look. She’d made a mistake, but Willow was a different story. Because of her heart, she was more equipped to do good than Drew ever was.

Spinelli said Jason argued that it wasn’t a foregone conclusion, and Brook said Jason was right. He shouldn’t throw in the towel. He said Maxie was the great love of his life, but Brook hadn’t seen Maxie with Nathan. He had, and Maxie was thoroughly in love with him. Nathan was tall, handsome, heroic… She asked how shallow he thought Maxie was.

Nathan said Maxie’s life had changed and he imagined her feelings had too, and Dante asked if he was talking himself into letting her go. Nathan said she had a life with Spinelli that was good and happy, and Dante said, so she shouldn’t have to honor the promises she made before everything changed? Nathan said, for him and Lulu, time stopped, but people moved on. Maxie made a life with someone else, like Dante did with Sam.

Laura said Lulu’s feelings were okay, but Lulu said, then why did she feel guilty? Laura said she was a good person and a good friend, but Lulu said, a good friend visited every week and gave you an impeccable manicure when you couldn’t do it for yourself. She was the type of friend who kissed her best friend’s husband, then tried to make excuses for it being okay to pursue a romantic relationship. Laura said, stop. It was a very complicated situation. Maxie hadn’t even known Nathan was alive and moved on. Lulu said, had she really? She was there and saw up close what Nathan’s death did to Maxie. Now that he was back, why wouldn’t it change everything for her?

Lulu said she suddenly realized her feelings for Nathan were deeper than she thought, and Laura hugged her. She said Lulu had talked about how she felt. Had she talked to Nathan? How did he feel?

Nathan said, if Dante had known Lulu would wake up, would he have given up his life with Sam to be with her? and Dante said he and Lulu weren’t together when she got hurt and Sam died before Lulu woke up. The timing was different and timing mattered. He loved Sam and was committed to her. He’d wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and the kids. Nathan said, of course (🍷). What if Maxie was committed to Spinelli and the life she made with him?

Brook said she wasn’t in Port Charles when Maxie and Nathan were together, but she’d witnessed Maxie and Spinelli become real life partners and build a life. She watched Maxie find her way back to him. When Maxie talked about him, her eyes lit up. She loved telling stories about how smart, funny, and loyal he was, what a wonderful father he was, and how they fit together. Why was he assuming her relationship with Nathan meant more than what they’d created together?

Molly said Alexis managed to get Willow acquitted and navigate the tension and conflict with people she cared about for Scout’s sake. She’d compromised so Scout would be better off. Suzanne said that’s what politics was. The end game was doing the best for her constituents and making compromise worthwhile. Alexis said they had good points, but would she be doing it for the greater good or for her own ego?  

Nina said Drew used his power as a weapon for his personal vendettas, but Willow would use her power to help her constituents. The same ones Drew promised to care for, but ignored. Willow said she didn’t know policy, and Nina said that’s why she’d succeed. People would want to work with her. Drew had almost a year left. It was nothing. If she didn’t like it, she could walk away afterward. If she liked it, it could change the trajectory of her life and empower her in ways she never dreamed.

After reading a little, Cody said Casey was still a doofus, and Kristina said he had the attention span of a four-year-old. She’d cut to the chase. Molly bottled her emotions and writing had been an outlet since she was a kid. She poured her heart out on the page and suddenly wrote a book. It was magical and annoyingly productive, but she’d rather keep it hidden than hurt him. That should tell him how much she cared.

Molly asked how this could be about Alexis’s ego, and Alexis said Drew was a decorated Navy SEAL and wanted to serve his country. He was also a vacuous pit of need that no amount validation could fill, but he wasn’t always like that. Maybe politics corrupted him and turned him into the psycho he was today. Molly said Alexis wasn’t Drew. She had principles and purpose, and a moral compass. Suzanne said she had more faith in Alexis than she had in Drew, and Molly said Alexis didn’t owe anybody anything, but she’d love to see Alexis represent her. Suzanne said her too, but Alexis said it wasn’t just about her. If she took the position, there would be consequences for Scout.

Lulu told Laura that she hadn’t talked to Nathan, but was sure he was thrilled about the reunion. He’d never stopped loving Maxie. Laura said she was sure he’d be thrilled Maxie was awake, but Lulu couldn’t assume to know his feelings. Lulu said she didn’t want to complicate the situation more. She wanted her feelings to go away. She felt most that Maxie deserved her happy ending and so did Nathan. The person she felt bad about was Spinelli.

Spinelli told Brook that he’d choose Maxie 1000 times over, but if circumstances hadn’t ripped Nathan out of her life, what were the odds she’d choose him? Brook said he’d find out, but Maxie got to make the choice. Maybe it was scary for her too. He said if she chose to be with Nathan, he’d be devastated, but he’d support and respect her decision, and Brook said, another reason Maxie loved him. She didn’t settle, she chose him. Let her choose again.

Dante told Nathan that assumption was never a smart thing. Let Maxie set the pace. The kids had their mom back and James would have both parents for the first time. He’ll love that. Nathan said he hoped so. If Maxie wanted to try again, he’d do that. Dante said, because it’s what James wanted? It had to be what Nathan wanted too. Did he?

Cody asked why this was so important, and Kristina said she loved her sister and didn’t think she should pass up the opportunity. Books mattered and she thought Molly’s book could mean something to people. It was a special, lovely story about people taking the time to know someone past the first impression. The world could use more of that and she thought her sister deserved to see her work published. It was just a hobby, but Molly was good, and his opinion mattered. She wanted him to read it, keep an open mind, then decide. He said what if he didn’t love Casey’s hero’s journey? And she said, then her sister was wrong about him. Molly thought he was a hero and this was his chance to prove her right. She left and Cody sat down to read.

Alexis said if she took the position, she’d be a public official. She’d been to prison, been disbarred, and was a recovering alcoholic. It would be brought up in debate, and if it was just her, she’d handle it, but it was all of them. She didn’t think it was fair to impose it on them. Molly said she’d be a model for Scout. She’d be showing her granddaughter how to face challenges head-on, overcome them, and learn how to triumph over adversity. Sometimes people didn’t know who to be or what to do until they were shown. Alexis wondered how Molly got so smart and inspired, and Molly said she learned from the best. What did Alexis want to do? Alexis said she wanted to serve in congress.

Willow said Nina made it sound easy, and Nina said it wouldn’t be, but it would be worth it. And she’d be with Willow every step of the way. They’d do it together. Willow wondered how she’d have time with having the kids part-time, and Nina said, Michael would have them 60% of the time. He’d have to work around her schedule since she’d be serving her country in Washington DC. Willow said, what about Drew? and Nina said she thought it was time to consider long-term care. She’d be doing a wonderful thing, and she was the only person he’d want to serve in his place.

Laura said Lulu thought Maxie would choose Nathan? and Lulu said, Spinelli knew how much Maxie had loved Nathan and thought he’d bow out even though it would shatter him. Laura said, poor Spinelli. He had a beautiful heart. Lulu said she guessed it was good that she and Nathan barely got started. It just didn’t feel that way. They hugged.

Spinelli wondered what happened when Maxie saw Nathan for the first time and was dazzled by his ocean blue eyes, and Brook said, dazzled was a temporary state. She knew in her heart that Spinelli was the one. Spinelli swept Maxie off her feet every day. Spinelli said he did and he would. He would sweep Maxie off her feet, but would need an assist from Brook.  

Dante said Nathan could only speak for himself. What did he want to do? Dante’s phone rang, and he said, thanks for letting him know. He told Nathan that they found a match on one of Michael’s keys. His brother lied. He had the key to Drew’s house.

Thursday:

Dante said Michael told them that he didn’t have the key and he wasn’t stupid, and Nathan said Michael didn’t exactly tell the truth all the time and had been caught in another lie. Dante said he was sorry to say they had to talk to Michael immediately and Nathan was the only one who could do it.

Willow adjusted Drew’s bed and told him Wiley and Amelia were coming over to stay with her. Despite all the obstacles, it was actually happening and both knew he was an obstacle. She hated that it had to be this way, but he hadn’t left her any other choice. She had to do the best for her children. The doorbell rang and she said it must be Alexis who was supervising the drop-off. She’d check on him later.

Ric asked if Michael was okay with the custody arrangement, and Michael said, it could be worse. Wiley wondered when they were leaving, when Michael’s phone rang. Nathan said they needed Michael to come down and answer some questions. It was best if he came now.

Willow said she’d waited so long, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Alexis’s help. She hugged Alexis, who didn’t hug back.

Mac told Georgie and James that they’d done a good job with the sign. No fighting, arguing, name calling, and James wasn’t climbing or breaking speed records. Maxie walked in with Felicia as he said he wanted them safe and sound, and she said, mission accomplished. They hugged.

Dante told Turner that Michael was on his way, and she said it was a smart move to check his keys, but Nathan said Chase had suggested it. Turner said it would determine whether Michael would be charged with attempted murder.

Michael said he had to go to the station and asked Ric to take the kids. Ric wondered what they wanted to question Michael about, and Michael said they’d had a warrant for his keys. They thought he had one for Drew’s house, but he never did. Ric asked, then why were they bringing him in? and Michael said, great question.

Alexis told Willow that she and Ric loathed each other for years and it was hard on Molly. The best thing was for her to put aside er acrimony with Michael. The kids would fare better if they coexisted peacefully. Willow said she’d do her best, and Alexis wondered if she could check on Drew before she brought Scout to see him.

Spinelli came out and said, no. He missed Maxie’s grand entrance. Maxie hugged the kids and said she’d missed them so much. James said she was back and so was his dad. He couldn’t wait for her to see him.

Maxie thanked Brook and Chase for taking care of the kids, and Brook said she was so worried. She’d missed Maxie so much. Maxie said she was back now and never leaving again, and they hugged.

Willow said Drew had a visitor, and Alexis said she hoped he was up for company. He blinked once, and Willow said he blinked once for yes and twice for no. Unfortunately, it was the only way he could communicate. Whatever Alexis thought best for Scout was what they’d do. Elizabeth called, and Willow left. Alexis said she and Drew certainly had issues, but she never wished anything like this would happen to him. (Ha-ha – sure.) It must be horrific. He blinked once.

Ric asked if the kids were ready to go, and Wiley asked if Michael was in trouble, but Ric said, not at all. They just wanted to give him his keys back. Wiley said, the keys Uncle Chase took? (D’oh! Mouths of babes.)

Spinelli thanked Brook for her help picking out his trés chic ensemble, and she said he looked handsome. He said he pulled out all the stops to fight for Maxie, and she said he had this in the bag. Cody came out with James, who wanted to tell Maxie the big news. Cody said, while she was gone, James learned how to jump with Comet. He was always there and James always followed instructions. James said, no negotiating, no begging, no helmet, no riding, and Maxie said she was proud of him. James left to find a video and Cody said he made sure James was safe. Maxie said her son was an adrenaline junkie and it was scary. Her mom said Cody had been there, and not just for riding lessons, but for James’s nightmares too. He said they were family, and she said he’d proven that.

In the interrogation room, Michael said he needed to reschedule since Diane was stuck in court, and Nathan said he could be detained until she was available. Michael asked if he was going to be arrested, when his phone rang. Nathan gave him some privacy, and Michael said, perfect timing. He needed a lawyer. Ric said he’d be there after dropping off the kids, but wanted to give Michael a heads up. He’d tell Michael when he got there, but in the meantime… Michael told him, don’t say anything without a lawyer present. He had the feeling he was walking into a trap, and Ric said he most definitely was, but if they played it right, the PCPD would suffer the consequences, not him.

Spinelli told Maxie that the kids were planning a surprise in the den. Relax while they set it up. He left, and Lulu arrived. Maxie said, you are late, and Lulu said, what else is new? They hugged, and Lulu asked how Maxie was doing. Maxie said it was a little overwhelming, and Lulu said she understood. It was disorienting to find out time didn’t stop for everyone else. Maxie said it would take time to adjust to being normal, and Lulu said Maxie was there for her when she came back and she planned on returning the favor. Maxie said Lulu was such a good friend, when Brook came in.

Michael said, Maxie was coming home and it was too bad Nathan was missing it. Nathan said if Michael wanted to help, answer his questions now, and Michael said he loved Maxie and would do anything for her, except implicate himself.

Turner didn’t get how Michael could be foolish enough to incriminate himself, and Dante agreed Michael wasn’t that sloppy. Turner said, maybe he finally got tripped up by his own arrogance.

Elizabeth brought some cupcakes Aiden made and asked how Willow was holding up. Willow said she was all over the place. She was excited, but scared she’d seem like a stranger. Elizabeth said it might be awkward at first, but they’d re-bond in no time, and Willow said Elizabeth had been a good friend and she’d never forget it. A car pulled in and Willow opened the door. Wiley and Amelia ran to her and she cried, hugging them. She said she’d missed them both so much, and Wiley said they’d missed her too. Ric brought the kids’ bags, and Elizabeth came out. They smiled at each other, and Willow said, it was so hard being away from them. She loved them both. Wiley said they loved her too.

Alexis said Scout missed Drew, but she was taking good care of her. Scout was doing well in school and having a great time with Kristina and Molly. She’d like to bring Scout, but thought she should prepare Scout first since he wouldn’t be able to communicate with her very well. Drew blinked over and over, and Alexis asked if he was trying to tell her something. He blinked once.

The kids were ready in the den, and Maxie left. Lulu said she felt Brook judging her and saw her disapproval. Brook said she didn’t think Lulu should tell Maxie that she and Nathan had feelings for each other unless they’d acted on them, and Lulu said they’d kissed once. Almost twice, but they didn’t. Brook said she was hoping they’d paused at the having feelings floor, but as long as it ended now, she didn’t think Lulu should tell Maxie. It would only hurt her. Lulu was surprised Brook wasn’t going to tell her, but Brook said Maxie needed the support of all her friends, even Lulu.  

Elizabeth said she thought Willow had this, but Willow asked her to stay so it would seem more like a party. Plus, she could use the moral support. Wiley asked if they could save a cupcake for his daddy, and Willow said she thought Michael was coming with them. Wiley said he was, but had to go to the police station. They had his keys. Willow flashed back to putting Drew’s key on Michael’s keychain, and Elizabeth wondered what it could be about, but Willow said she had no idea.

Ric arrived at the station and told Michael that the kids were happily reunited with their mom. Nathan suggested they get started and said, on February 2nd, they’d asked if Michael had the key to Congressman Cain’s house and he’d said no. Did he stand by his statement? Ric said, don’t answer, and told Nathan, cut to the chase. Nathan said they had a warrant for Michael’s keys to see if he had access to Drew’s house and he had a ky that did, but Michael said that was impossible. It must be a mistake.

Maxie said she loved the slide show, and Georgie said they wanted to catch her up on what she’d missed. James wondered when his dad was getting there, but Felicia said Nathan was stuck at work.

Mac said he was glad Cody was able to make it, but thought he’d bring Molly, and Cody said he would have, but things hadn’t been great between them. Mac asked, what happened? and Cody said it wasn’t important. He didn’t want to drag the mood down. Mac said if Cody wanted to talk, he was there.

Chase said they had to go, and Maxie thanked them. Bailey Lou loved spending time with them. Chase said the feeling was mutual, and Maxie said Bailey Lou was lucky to have them in her life.  

Alexis said she was sorry. She knew Drew was trying to tell her something, but she didn’t understand. He was blinking three times, and she didn’t know what he meant. She thought she was agitating him and wanted to get Willow, but he blinked twice. She said she was going to leave. She’d tell Scout that he loved her and was thinking about her, and she’d bring Scout to see him soon.

Back at the Quartermaines’, Chase said, that was a good time, and Brook said she loved Maxie and all the kids were happy. He said he guessed they wouldn’t be babysitting much anymore, and she said he’d miss having a little one around, huh? He said he wasn’t trying to pressure her, since he knew she wasn’t ready to adopt, and she said she loved that he was supportive, but she’d been giving it a lot of thought. They should do it. Let’s start our family. They kissed.

Michael said he’d never had a key to Drew’s, and Ric asked for a private moment with his client. Nathan said it would be better if Michael told the truth, and Ric said, Michael had no key, but Nathan said, it was in his possession. Ric said he wasn’t getting into a legal debate with Nathan. He motioned to Turner through the window and said that was her cue. Turner told Nathan that she’d take it from here, and Nathan left. He told Dante, sorry, but Dante said he did fine. Go see Maxie and tell her that he said hi and was happy that she was home.

In the den alone, Lulu looked at the kids’ Valentine cards to Maxie and flashed back to almost kissing Nathan.

Spinelli told Maxie about his new trick for getting Bailey Lou down, and Maxie said it was impressive. She thanked him for keeping the family together while she was gone, and he said he’d had a lot of help. She said, at the end of the day, he was the glue. When she left, she’d had three kids, and when she woke up she had three kids. That she still had James was most impressive. He said, they made it work, but nothing was the same without her. Things may not go back to the way they were, but she shouldn’t rush to figure things out. He knew it was complicated, but the most important thing was that she was back. Was there anything he could do for her? She said today had been a lot and she probably needed alone time. Let everyone enjoy themselves. She was going to take a walk, clear her head, and get some fresh air. Tell everyone she loved them. She left.

Turner said she strongly suggested Michael cooperate. They had enough to charge him. Ric laughed and said they had nothing, and she said it was the third lie they’d caught Michael telling – his alibi, being on Congressman Cain’s street the night of the shooting, and now he lied about not having a key to Drew’s house. Ric said they had no proof. They could prove the key was on Michael’s keyring, but that didn’t prove Michael put it there. Much less that he used it to get into Drew’s house. They had no chain of evidence. It was pure speculation. He was asking for them to allow his client to leave immediately.

Willow gave the kids Christmas presents that she’d saved, when Alexis came back and Willow stepped aside with her. Alexis asked how the drop-off was, and Willow said, Michael wasn’t there. How was Drew? Alexis said she told him about Scout, but he seemed agitated. It was like he wanted to communicate something, but she couldn’t figure out what it was.

Elizabeth said the kids were so happy with Willow, and Willow said it confirmed he knew in his heart. Everything she’d done to reach this point was worth it. Elizabeth said she wanted Willow to have more moments like this, and Willow asked her to keep an eye on the kids while she checked on Drew.

Turner said, if Michael didn’t put the key on the keyring, then who did? and Ric said there were currently many more people living under the same roof as Michael. Turner asked if he was implying someone from Michael’s own family was trying to frame him, but Ric said he wasn’t implying anything. He was talking about one person in particular. An eyewitness recently saw someone handle Mihcael’s keys who had no reason to. Michael said, Willow? but Ric said, one of the PCPD’s finest – Officer Harrison Chase.

In the nook, Brook thanked Alexis for coming on such short notice, and Chase said they’d come to her last year about the adoption process. Alexis said they’d put it on hold, and Brook said, if she was still willing to represent them, they’d like to look into adopting a child. Alexis said it was a big step. Congratulations. She may have a big commitment coming up, but she’d be delighted to help. How soon did they want to start? Brook said, immediately.

Will allow said Alexis told her that Drew was trying to communicate with her. She knew he was trying to tell Alexis what she’s been up to. Sorry. She couldn’t let him do that. She put a syringe full of the drug into his IV tube.

Georgie said, the party was a huge success. It was great having their mom back home. Spinelli said he wholeheartedly concurred, and James asked if he thought their mom liked the party, and Spinelli said, of course (🍷). James said, then why did she leave? and Georgie said, maybe it was too much. Spinelli said, she loved it, but sometimes when you were full of joy, you needed alone time to process. All she needed from them right now was the promise that when she came back, they’d all be waiting.

At the cemetery, Nathan brushed the snow from his own grave. Maxie came in the gate and said, Nathan? He stood up and said, Maxie? They soap looked at each other.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Lulu is rushing out when she finds a photo of Luke. She says, hi, dad.

In her office, Laura tells Elizabeth that it’s nice to see her. She had no idea Elizabeth was stopping by. Elizabeth says she knows Laura is really busy, but she wants to share some good news. Aiden finally passed his driver’s test. Laura says, thank God. Good for him and good for Elizabeth. Her days being a chauffeur are over. Elizabeth says, that’s true. Now Aiden is in full savings mode and begging her to take him car shopping because he’s obsessed with finding the right one. Laura says she didn’t realize he was that into cars, and Elizabeth says, it’s all he talks about these days. Laura says, that’s really interesting, and Elizabeth says she knows, right? She has no idea who he gets that from. Laura says she does. His grandfather, Luke.

Sonny goes to his old kitchen to visit the moss bowl🎍and finds Carly, who asks if everything is all right with Donna. He says he just dropped Donna off at school. He knocked at the front door, and he guesses she didn’t hear. She asks if everything is okay, and he says Donna told him that she left lunchbox foyer while she was putting on her coat. He said he’d get it and bring it to her. Carly says, Donna’s lunch isn’t for a couple of hours. Does he want to have a cup of coffee with her? He says, Corinthos coffee? and she says, if she had anything else, her whole system would shut down. He says he guesses he’ll take a cup. He sees a poker chip and asks where it came from, and she says, from Donna. She found it. She hopes he isn’t teaching Donna to gamble. He says, Donna isn’t old enough to count cards, but when she is, he will, and Carly says, that’s not funny. He says he found it in a box when he was moving to the new house and gave it to Donna, and she says, take it home with him. Donna will either cover it in glitter or learn to play Texas Hold ‘Em and she doesn’t need either headache. He says he’s got to tell her… It reminds him of… She says, Luke, and he says, Luke.

Lulu goes to the nook where Tracy is having tea, and Tracy asks if she can make… Lulu runs to her and hugs her, and Tracy asks, what’s wrong? She’ll take care of it. She’ll fix it. She’ll hire someone to fix it. Consider it fixed. Lulu says, nothing is wrong. Can’t a stepdaughter need a hug from her stepmonster? Tracy says, of course (🍷), but this is not an ordinary occurrence, and Lulu says she came across a picture of her dad. She shows Tracy, who says, can she? Tracy takes the photo and says, Lulu never had a chance to grieve her father, did she? Lulu shakes her head, and Tracy says, well, it’s important to do. So they’re going to honor her dad. Lulu hugs her again.

Laura tells her assistant to cancel her 4 pm. She has a couple of errands she needs to take care of out of the office. And one more thing. Please remind her to get a birthday gift early. Her grandson is saving up for a car. Her assistant says, knowing teenage boys, he probably wants a convertible, and Laura says, probably.

At All Saints, Lulu lights s candle and sits with Tracy, who holds her hand. Lulu says, it’s so quiet, and Tracy says, it sure is. Lulu says, her dad always told her that he was surprised he didn’t burst into flames when he walked in, and Tracy says, however, a watering hole on the other hand… Lulu says, welcomed him with open arms. This isn’t working. You were right. Tracy says, about what? and Lulu says, this isn’t her dad. Let’s go. Lulu leaves, and on her way out, Tracy blows out the candle. She looks up and says, I know. I know.

Sonny flashes back to seeing Luke on a patio and Luke saying he’s out of there. Sonny asks what he thinks he’s doing, and Luke says, this is where his family lives. His sister, his wife, and son. Sonny says, calm down. Don’t go crazy on him. Does he want to give the neighbors a show? Luke says, that’s fair. As he understands, they’ve got business to do, but they do not do business here – ever. You do not come to my house. You do not speak to my friends. And under no circumstances do you ever go near my family. Understand? Carly asks if Sonny is taking a trip down Memory Lane, and Sonny says, it’s hard not to. Luke spent a lot of time on the Haunted Star. When he first met Luke, he would never have guessed they’d end up where they did. Luke was more than a friend. He was Sonny’s brother. Carly says, he was so good to her mother, and Sonny says, when he wasn’t driving Bobbie crazy. She says, Luke thought she hung the moon, while she… He says, not so much, and she says, not so much. She flashes back to telling Luke that she doesn’t care about ELQ, and he says he does. So turn everything over to him and he’ll take care of everything, and she can wipe her hands of the whole deal. She asks why she’d do that, and he says, because they’re family, calling her Caroline. She says, since when? and he says, since she was born. How about a little Spencer solidarity?

Lulu tells Tracy that church was the last place her dad would ever be. He didn’t even get married in one. Tracy asks what she suggests. They go to Atlantic City? Vegas? What? Lulu says, find some random casino, since it was where Tracy and her dad got hitched… the first time. Tracy says, hitched is a nice way of putting it, and Lulu says her dad tricked Tracy into marrying him when she was drunk beyond belief, so she thinks hitched is pretty generous. Tracy says, there they have the beginning of a complicated, tumultuous… beautiful and oh so real… She flashes back to Luke saying, good morning, beautiful. How do you like your coffee? She says, no, and he says, welcome to our honeymoon, you wildcat. She says, no amount of alcohol in the world could ever make her marry him, and he says, consider the evidence. He shows her his wedding ring and the certificate, and she says, ugh. He says, we have to stay married until death do us part. Tracy remembers smashing a raw egg on Luke’s head, and him saying, oh, Spunky. She tells Lulu, forget the casino. She has a better idea. She takes Lulu’s hand and pulls her along.

Carly says she’s got to get to Bobbie’s, and Sonny says he’ll bring Donna her lunchbox. She thanks him for taking care of Donna, and he says, yeah. She thanks him for talking to her about Luke. It was nice. He says, yeah, it was, and she leaves. He picks up the poker chip, puts it in his coat pocket, and leaves.  

At the Brown Dog, no one is around, and Lulu says she told Tracy that it was too early, but Tracy says, nonsense. The door was open, so somebody has to be here. A janitor comes out, and Tracy says, told you. He says, they’re closed, and Lulu says, see? Tracy says, actually, they’re here to celebrate somebody dear to them, somebody they loved and lost. The man says he’s sorry to hear that, and Tracy says, thanks. He says, but they can’t stay. Come back at 5 when they open.

Tracy counts out $500 into the janitor’s hand, and he says, it’s a steep price for a remembrance, but Tracy says, it’s worth every penny. He tells them to promise not to let anybody else in and don’t do damage. Tracy asks if they look like the types to trash a bar, and he says, her (meaning Lulu), no, but you, definitely. Tracy laughs and Lulu says she’ll make sure Tracy behaves. The janitor leaves, and Lulu says, now what? Tracy says, now we toast, and Lulu wonders what they should drink. Tracy says, the better question is, what was his drink? and Lulu goes behind the bar and gets out two bottles.

Sitting in All Saints, Laura says, what a life we led. Us together and apart. She flashes back to holding a baby and Luke asking what she thinks of Lulu. Laura says, Lulu? That’s her alter ego, her secret identity. He says, Lulu and Lucy Johnson are his favorite identities. That way she can be named after her mother and grandmother. She says, Leslie Lulu, and a young Lucky says, how about just Lu? Leslie Lu. Larua says she loves it, and Luke says him too. In the present, Laura says, no one could ever accuse them of being boring. They burned too brightly for that. As she speaks, we flash back through their life together. She says, even when they built their family, it never stopped being an adventure. It’s because of you, my love. Because you were a force of nature. You didn’t just walk on this earth, you changed it. You changed me. I see you in the kids of course (🍷), in their fire and in their stubbornness and in their refusal to live life small. But there’s more than that. She actually sees glimpses of him every day of her life, in every brave choice she makes, whenever she stands her ground, when she really feels like she wants to turn and run. She thinks that’s why it’s so hard to accept that he’s gone. It just feels wrong. Even saying it sounds like a lie. She knows he’s not here on earth with them anymore, but he never left her. Never once. She feels his presence when life gets too heavy and she feels like she can’t go one more step. It’s his voice she hears, calling her angel, reminding her of who she is. And then somehow, she finds the strength and does go on because what they had was never really over for her. It just transformed because their hearts are bonded together beyond time, beyond loss, beyond this lifetime. Nothing can change that. Nothing. Thank you for the dance. Thank you for the adventure and thank you for the love of a lifetime.

Tracy says she heard Lulu’s father’s drink of choice was scotch, but Lulu says she thought it was rum. Tracy says, actually she thinks his favorite drink was whatever you’ve got, and Lulu says, well, rum and scotch are both available. Tracy says, so how about a little bit each – in separate glasses please. Lulu says, thank God, and Tracy says, her father was the textbook definition of a renegade. Lulu says, no one was going to tell him who to be or what to do, and Tracy says, Lord knows she tried. She flashes back to Luke being in the hospital, and he says, she’s pretty damn mad at somebody. She says, at him for treating life with such callous disregard. She’s furious at him that he refuses to put her, his children, or anybody else ahead of his infantile insistence on living life on his terms. Why for God’s sake? He says, she’s supposed to know him better than anybody. So he had a couple heart attacks… All right, three. So what is he supposed to do, roll up in a ball and not be him? Tracy and Lulu clink glasses, and Lulu says, wow, that is… wow. Switch drinks. They take a sip and Lulu says she’s not sure which is worse. Tracy laughs and says she’s not sure this is the best way to honor Lulu’s father if he had a drinking problem, and Lulu says, don’t tell him that. Tracy says, too late. Her father chased his demons and even caught up with a few. Just not the one who liked to drink with him. Lulu says, but the spark in his eye came back, and Tracy says, her father would not, could not be kept down.

Laura goes to Bobbie’s, and Carly asks if she can give her some coffee. Laura says, oh, please. Great. Carly says, already been day, huh? and Laura says, and then some. It’s nice to see her. Carly says, it’s nice to see Laura. Is everything okay? Laura says, for some reason, she’s been thinking an awful lot about Luke today and doesn’t know why, and Carly says, that’s funny. She and Sonny were just talking about him earlier. Laura says, really? Maybe there’s something in the air. Carly wonders if there’s an anniversary or birthday they missed, but Laura says she doesn’t think so. Then again, they didn’t need an occasion to miss someone. Carly says, no, they certainly don’t.  

Sonny comes into the Brown Dog, and Lulu asks what he’s doing here. He says he was going to ask them the same thing. He saw the car out front and the bar is closed. He thought they might be having car trouble. Lulu says, no car trouble, but he’s right. The bar is closed. Tracy says, Lulu felt that she’d never really grieved Luke, so they’re doing it here today by celebrating, and Sonny says, that’s nice. He doesn’t want to interrupt. He’ll let them go. Lulu says, wait. He loved her dad too. He says he still does, and she suggests he join them. He sits down.  

Laura tells Carly, it’s delicious. So fresh. She thanks Carly for keeping the place going, and Carly says she does it for her mom. This place was so important to her. Laura says, and Luke. She leaves and outside, she flashes back to being with Luke in the kitchen at Bobbie’s. She says she loves him and wants to be his wife. She’s still happy. Please face her. He turns and she says, he still loves her. She can see it in his eyes. Laura’s phone chimes and it’s a text from Lulu: Where R U?  

Elizabeth looks at her phone and smiles. She asks Nurse Emma if everything is okay around here, and Emma says, it’s shockingly quiet around here. Elizabeth says, excellent. She’s going to take off a few minutes early. There’s someplace she needs to be. As she waits for the elevator, she looks at her phone.

Sonny says, Lulu’s dad gave Tracy a run for her money – literally – and Tracy says he doesn’t have to look so amused by it. He says, it definitely worked out in the end, and she says, yeah, but in the beginning… Lulu says, okay, yes. It got off to a rocky start, but her dad ended up falling in love. Tracy says, hopelessly, and Sonny says, a couple so wrong, it turned out so right. Lulu asks if they can talk about how much Luke got away with, and Sonny says, the list is so long. He blew up the Haunted Star. Tracy says, that man never answered for a single con, a single disguise, because he was so damn charming. Sounds like somebody else they know. Sonny asks if she just called him charming, and she says, no. They laugh, and Lulu says, hearing their stories, she misses him less. Sonny says he’s got a million of them, when Laura comes in. She says, maybe, but nobody has more than her. This was a wonderful choice. She thinks Lulu’s dad would feel right at home here. She sits down.

Carly leaves Bobbie’s and outside, she looks at the sign. She flashes back to asking if Luke is calling her a liar. He says, no. He’s calling her a Spencer, through and through. She came out of the womb ready to rumble. She doesn’t suffer fakes or fools and he appreciates that. She says he thinks he knows her so well, and Luke says, she knows him and knows if some arrogant cop and his lovestruck girlfriend got one of his kids thrown in the slammer, he’d wait years if he had to roll over broken glass and hot tar to get revenge. Does that sound familiar? In the present, she looks at the sign and digs around in her bag for something. She takes out the poker chip.

Lulu says her father told her nothing ventured, nothing gained when it came to two things – cards and love, and Tracy says, leave it to him to link cards and love. Laura says she doesn’t know about that. She thinks there’s a lot of luck involved with both. Lulu says, to love, and they clink glasses. Laura flashes back to her and Luke’s first wedding, and Luke says, I, Lucas Lorenza Spencer, take thee Laura Webber Baldwin, to be my wedded wife. To have and hold from this day forward. For better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health. TO love and to cherish till death do us part. Carly comes in and says, of all the random places to meet. This is an interesting group. What’s going on? Lulu says she never got a chance to mourn her father, so she’s doing it tonight. She thought Carly would want to be a part of it. Laura says she’s sure this is why they were all thinking about Luke today, and Carly says she thinks Laura is right. She asks why Sonny gave back the poker chip, and he says he didn’t. She says, he must have. She found it in her purse when she was leaving Bobbie’s. He says, whoever put it there, it wasn’t him, when Elizabeth comes in and says, hi, everybody. Lulu says, she made it, and Elizabeth says, Lulu told her they were celebrating Luke and she wants in. Tracy says, pull up a chair. Scotch or rum? Elizabeth asks if those are the only options, but Lulu says, no, and she sits down.

Sonny says, in some cultures people believe you die twice. Once when you take your last breath and then when your name is mentioned for the last time. Tracy asks if it matters if your actual name is used or would jackass suffice? Then you could live on forever. Laura says she guesses they all mourn in their own ways. Everyone’s rituals are different. Carly says, they all have them in their own way, and Sonny says he’s seen people celebrate with lanterns they put out to sea in remembrance. Lulu says she loves that. It sounds beautiful.

The group stands at the pier with their lanterns, and Laura says sometimes we act like we say one final goodbye and that’s it. And sometimes, in some situations, it is, but with Lulu’s dad, it’s a little but more like, see you later. Sometimes just hearing a certain tone in someone’s voice or hearing a song by one of his favorite artists or sometimes she catches a scent, and it smells like one of his shirts, like he’s right there, standing in the room with her. Sonny says, may Luke be joined with his beloved Haunted Star and may he always roll sevens. He puts his lantern in the water, and Tracy passes out to-go cups and says, Luke’s favorite. Laura says, to Luke, and they all toast, to Luke. Laura says, this just feels right, and Lulu thanks Tracy and tells her that she loves her. Tracy says she loves Lulu too, and Lulu sees a light. She watches as Luke leaves for the last time, turning to look at her and smiling. She says, see you later, dad, and we see the lanterns in the water.

Alone, Sonny flashes back to Luke giving him a gun. Sonny says, it’s a thing of beauty, and Luke says he wants Sonny to have it, but Sonny says, Luke can’t give it to him. It’s his gun. Luke says he just did, and Sonny says, but he can’t let Luke go wherever he’s going. He’s unarmed. Luke says he’s not exactly defenseless, and Sonny says, fast talking can only get him so far. Luke says, that gun belongs in the life they both chose. He’s walking away from that life. He has to find something else, something different, while there’s still time. Sonny raises his cup.

Back home, Elizabeth finds a muffin that Aiden has left for her and flashes back to telling Luke that she baked him some brownies. He says, her specialty, and she says, he remembered. She bets she can make him laugh, and he says, that would be quite a feat. Go for it. She opens her coat and says, ta-da! revealing a silly outfit. He says he likes the socks. He knows she wouldn’t join a cult… She’s working the GH Christmas bash. She asks if he wants to be her date, and he says, that’s about the sweetest offer he’s had this millennium. In the present, she picks up the car magazine underneath the muffin plate and reads.

Laura’s assistant asks how everything went, and Laura says, it was an interesting day. Her assistant says, productive? and Laura says, yes, very, and special. Her assistant says, all was quiet here, so she ran out and got Laura’s grandson a card. It’s on her desk. Laura thanks her and she leaves. Laura sits at her desk and looks at the card. It has a car on the front and says, Happy Birthday – Hope it’s a great ride! She flashes back to being in Luke’s car in disguise, and hearing sirens. Luke pulls over and tells her to focus now. Keep relaxed and breathe. Breathe. She cries and remembers dancing with him. He says he wants her to know that when he looks at her now, he doesn’t see the 18-year-old girl anymore. He sees a woman and she’s magnificent. He’ll always be proud she’s his wife. She says she’ll always be proud he’s her husband. And if she’s as magnificent as he says, it’s because she spent the first half of her life with him. He kisses her hand.

Carly stacks menus, and flashes back to telling Luke that if he thinks relationship advice is going to give him another month of free rent, he’s crazy. Luke says they agreed that his stay there would be open-ended and fully comped and she knows it. Get her head out of her shapely butt, because she knows bullets and love don’t mix. She says she’s going to take her chances. She’s going to Sonny’s party. He says, no Johnny? No escort? She says, Michael wants her there and she cares enough about her family to make an appearance. No more room service and she’s cutting off his spa. He says he doesn’t care about the spa. They’re family and whether she believes it or not, he doesn’t want to see her hurt.  

Tracy sips tea and looks at a framed photograph of Lila. She flashes back to Luke saying they know he’s nobody’s idea of a great catch, but he’s better with her, so much better. They’re a perfect match. They work, damn it, so here he is before her, deeply flawed, offering his broken body, battered heart, and this. He shows her a ring and says, please wear it again. In the present, she cries and says she’d do it all again.

Lulu puts the picture she found in a frame on the mantel, and flashes back to Luke saying he’s confident that whatever life throws at her, she’s smart and strong enough to handle it on her own. Come on. She’s a Spencer and she always be his one and only baby girl. He loves her. She takes the poker chip out of her pocket and thanks him for giving her his luck and his love. She kisses her fingertips, puts the chip by the photo, and touches his face.  

On Monday, Spinelli tells Lulu that it’s not a fight he’s willing to undertake; Wiley tells Willow that he doesn’t like it there; Ric tells Alexis that he has news about Drew’s attempted murder case; and Michael punches Chase in the face. As we’d all like to.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Tribute to a true icon.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-preview-special-tribute-episode-for-luke-spencer-and-anthony-geary/

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-alexa-havins-on-lulu-mourning-luke-in-bittersweet-anthony-geary-tribute-episode-excl/

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-maurice-benard-remembers-anthony-geary-sonny-previews-luke-tribute-show-excl/

Another kudo to Baby Glinda!

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-actress-joins-pixars-toy-story-franchise-in-starring-role/

When will people learn to differentiate between a character and the actor? Throwing apples? Really?

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-star-cameron-mathison-says-drew-is-not-a-good-human-defends-willows-revenge/

I had no idea Turner and Sidwell were married IRL. They look amazing, and I have to admit, if I saw them on the street, I’d turn to look, and I don’t say that often.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/general-hospital-stars-and-their-real-life-partners-a-valentines-day-spotlight/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

The crew was finally able to shed the Salt Lake City women, but not before more shrieking and arguing. At least they left a sizable tip – $35K – which was more than deserved just for having to listen to all the screaming and yelling.  Sous chef Alesia broke up and made up with Ben, but ultimately decided she was not cut out for the galley and returned to being a stew. Luckily, when the new stew arrived, she was copacetic to being the new sous chef. And oh yeah, it was Ellie from Below Deck Mediterranean.

Summer House

Kyle had a hissy fit and ran off, and Carl was sent to put him back together. Ho-hum. Another summer at the beach. While there was background relationship finagling, the main focus was on watching the deterioration of Kyle and Amanda’s marriage. Amanda was tired of Kyle behaving like a single twenty-year-old, while Kyle thought she was stifling his money-making skills. She had to explain to him like he was a toddler how it wasn’t the DJ’ing that was the problem. It was the excessive drinking and the DMs she was getting from women saying he was cheating. He gave her a non-apology apology, and by the end, nothing was any further along than it was when they started.

Vanderpump Rules

I didn’t pay attention to a lot of this because it was the usual who’s zooming who. What I did catch was Audrey’s stand-up act where she roasted her co-worker/castmates. When she got to Angelica, she was nothing but a mean girl squared, causing Angelica to leave in tears. I’m no fan of Angelica’s, but I felt sorry for her. Natalie might have thought Audrey killed it, but all she killed for me was any respect.

Southern Charm

Ugh. Salley. I don’t even know what to say about this woman. She is so insecure and obvious and must have all the attention from all the boys men in the group. I’m surprised she hasn’t spontaneously combusted over her jealousy. Two minutes ago, she was catching feelings for Craig and now she hates him. For whatever reason, Charley remains friends with her and is trying to keep the details of her relationship with Craig to herself. Salley isn’t having it, but she will have a helping of Austen, who loves the attention. Austen, however, has made it clear he’s not loving Salley that way out of respect for Audrey. The group went to Mexico courtesy of Shep, and during dinner, he suggested they make New Year’s resolutions for the person sitting next to them. Venita said Austen should stand up for himself more, which Whitner interpreted to be smack talking Craig. Craig told Venita that she didn’t exist in his world and to f*** off. By the way, Shep put the trip together in hopes of them finding inner peace. Fat chance.

Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills

This week, Denise made an appearance, and admitted what a d-bag Aaron is. He’d assaulted her several times. Disappointment all around. We also found out Erika got shoved around during a post-Tom relationship. More disappointment, but she got out fast, so good. Erika asked Amanda about the cult she’d been in, but we’d all might as well just read the article. The only enlightening thing was that Amanda said it was a religious thing, but she gave very few details. Amanda felt confused since she’d been told to be forthcoming about her opinions, yet got slammed for them. Um… Maybe she should consider her condescending delivery. On the upside, Rachel said she’d danced more in the Hamptons than she had in years. Hot Girl Summer in progress.

The Valley: Persian Style

Golnessa started a new jewelry business, Valley Girl Diamonds, just to bug Sky. Since Mercedeh was working, Tommy was supposed to pick up Shams at school and was a half hour late, even though he only had one job. He dropped off ice for the open house, and she tried to get him to stay and maybe talk to Reza, but nothing doing. At that point, she was reaching the end of the road with this nightmare from New York. Mauricio white gloved Mercedeh’s open house and said her staging had no warmth, but she had still done a good job.

Random Reality Items

This was my first guess. Hint: Do not put foreign objects in your body.

Coming in April. I’ll wait and see. They’re always good to start before it degenerates into drunken brawls at a dinner parties.

Now on Netflix and my short list.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Never Blink. Amazon Prime. First off, this movie makes you want to blink as soon as they start talking about it. A group of scientists has discovered another dimension that happens, well, in the blink of an eye. Gruesome AF, it’s an interesting premise, kind of like Nightmare on Elm Street combined with Strangeland. The action was good, the monsters were creepy enough, and I didn’t hate it. However, for a bunch of ahead-of-their-time scientists, their computers download like they’re on dial-up.

The Long Walk. HBO/MAX. In a totalitarian, impoverished, post-apocalyptic world similar to our own, a lottery is held and 50 males are chosen to make the walk. The rules are simple. Keep walking at 3 MPH or die until one contestant is left standing. Hey, at least you get three warnings before meeting your doom. The winner gets an insane amount of money and one wish. Unlike The Running Man (Stephen King is having a banner year), it’s less the excitement of the journey itself, and more about character development and emotion. Contestants become close, only to watch each other die. Mark Hamill shines as the draconian Mayor, who encourages the walkers along, but doesn’t hesitate to eliminate them. I would have chosen quite a different wish from the winner, but it was still a satisfying ending and well worth watching.

https://dailytarheel.com/article/lifestyle-the-long-walk-review-20251003

Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. HBO/Max. Dunk is a wannabe knight who teams up with a boy named Egg when he can’t seem to get rid of him. Kind of like a Game of Thrones buddy movie, the series is about Dunk’s journey and the obstacles he and Egg meet along the way. While I only just started watching, and would have rather seen beyond The Wall with Jon Snow, it’s a nice treat in the meantime.

https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-game-of-thrones-spinoff-hbo-tv-review-2026

I’m also reading Maurice Benard’s book, Nothing General About It, and loving it. He’s open and honest about his upbringing, struggles with mental illness, and his love for the woman who has stood by him. I appreciate a celebrity biography, and this book gives me an extra layer of enjoyment since there’s so much about him working on General Hospital, which it turns out is the workplace anyone would be blessed to have.

🐾 Astonishing Achievements In Animaling…

🐕 Hopefully, he wasn’t working for the government.

https://people.com/meet-nazgul-dog-who-crashed-2026-winter-olympics-race-11910145

🐺 Once extinct, they’re now all growed up.

https://people.com/deextinct-dire-wolves-hunting-together-as-a-pack-11908890

🐩 A surprising friendship.

https://people.com/dog-forms-2-month-friendship-with-wild-seal-in-viral-tiktok-exclusive-11906273

🌊🐶 To retirement and beyond.

https://people.com/romeo-manatee-is-officially-the-oldest-manatee-ever-recorded-11908666

https://people.com/25-year-old-dog-spends-golden-years-helping-seniors-11905995

🦜 Quotes of the Week

Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.Henry David Thoreau

What I did or said should never be more important than why I did it or said it. Andrea Kelly

The only impossible journey is the one you never begin. – Tony Robbins

If exhausted from severe and long-continued thought, he had to touch the earth again to renew his strength. When this weariness set in he would stop thought, and get down with a little dog or kitten to recover. – William Herndon, Abraham Lincoln‘s business partner

If you fight for your limitations, you may just get to keep them. –  Les Brown

A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t. – Jack Dempsey (Apparently, I’m a champion every morning.)

No one should be ashamed to admit they are wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that they are wiser today than they were yesterday. – Alexander Pope

It’s literally petty in the best way. – Reza Farahan, The Valley: Persian Style

☃️ Up To Snow Good…

Until next time, stay safe; stay not bare beating or dry begging; and stay remembering that assumption is never a good thing.

February 13, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Maxie Wakes Up, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Watching Soon, Bringing the Bowl, Snubbed, Winning Wags, Four Quotes Doubled & Day

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🍕 Weekday Slices…                                                                          

Monday: 

Valentin and Carly discussed Jack showing up during the snowstorm. Valentin said he was going to Windymere.

Lucy brought Sidwell a surprise picnic lunch and found Ava with him.

Mac and Laura told Dante than Anna wasn’t coming back as Police Commissioner.

Cullum told Jack that Anna was in a mental hospital in France.

Gio asked Emma where Anna was, and she said they had to leave her in France. It was worse than any of them thought it could be and she’d lost the grandmother she knew.

Felicia went to see Jason and told him that Anna wasn’t doing well, but had given her a message for him.

Carly said their plan to frame Jack wouldn’t work if Valentin was caught or Sidwell killed him. He asked why she cared.

Ava hoped Lucy brought enough food, but Lucy said she did no such thing. Sidwell said they were in the middle of an auction and Ava was helping him. He went to get supplements for the food so there would be enough, and Lucy asked how much art Ava needed to thrust on a man. Ava said Sidwell loved her taste and Windymere’s interior should be equal to its fabulous exterior. Lucy said she knew what Ava was selling and it wasn’t art. She thought Ava was trying to get back into Windymere, but Ava said Lucy knew nothing about her relationship with Nikolas and less about her relationship with Sidwell. He had the heart of a collector. All Lucy collected was husbands.

Emma told Gio that they thought Anna was having a PTSD episode, but they weren’t sure. She tried her best to get them to see Anna the way she did – fun, funny, and so strong. She’d survived so much. Emma had thought nothing could bring Anna down, but seeing how broken Anna was, she didn’t know if Anna was still in there.

Felicia told Jason that Anna was still in France. She’d been admitted to a private clinic and couldn’t leave because of open criminal charges. Anna said her suspicions were right and Cesar Faison was alive. She’d claimed he’d been holding her captive. Jason said he’d shot Faison himself, and Felicia said that’s why Anna said he was the one who had to stop him.  

Laura said, unfortunately, Anna wouldn’t be well enough to hold a coherent conversation for some time, and Dante said Anna was the best agent he knew. He asked if something went wrong on her assignment, but Mac said, according to Anna, there was no WSB assignment.

Cullum told Jack that Anna had a breakdown in the field. She went rogue and refused WSB protection. She’d deserted her post, initiated an unauthorized operation, and now she was paying the price. Jack found that impossible to believe.

Carly said, what if something happened to Valentin? She couldn’t pull off the plan without him, and what about Charlotte? She refused to tell his daughter that he was dead. He asked if she was playing the daughter card, and she said, yes. He said she knew all the right buttons to push, and she said it was one of her gifts.

Jack said Cullum’s intel was wrong, but Cullum said his source was good. Jack said he knew Anna very well and she didn’t crack. Something else was going on. Cullum said the facts were the facts and Anna was no longer a WSB problem. He highly suggested Jack concentrate on the disaster he’d made with Valentin’s transfer. Valentin had escaped on his watch. Cullum said he wanted Valentin found and left.

Lucy said she’d rather collect husbands than arrests, and Ava said she’d paid her debt to society. Lucy said she counted herself lucky that she wasn’t standing in front of an open window. She was sure Ava wanted to shove her out of one like she did Kristina. Ava said she and Kristina had made peace, and Lucy said she wasn’t going to stand by and let Sidwell fall prey to Ava. All Ava was interested in was his bank account and fat commission checks. Ava said Lucy was no different from her, except she’d been circling Sidwell for a year – flirting, posturing, and wasting his time. Sidwell came back and asked what he’d missed.

Felicia said Anna wasn’t in a coherent state and was having a post-traumatic breakdown, and Jason wondered if there was a chance it wasn’t a breakdown and Anna was telling truth about Faison.

Emma told Gio that Anna was frantic, not focused, and paranoid. She’d been rambling that Faison was after her and after Emma too. Emma tried to say she was fine and it would be okay, but nothing registered and she felt hopeless. There was a knock at the door, and Emma opened it to Josslyn, who asked if Emma was okay.

Ava told Sidwell she’d take a raincheck on lunch. She was going to focus on the auction and keep an eye on his bids and secure the pieces he wanted. She left, and Sidwell said he’d noticed a bit of tension. Lucy said she couldn’t bite her tongue any longer and she’d be happy to enlighten him on Ava’s history. He said he did his homework on all of his associates and was aware of Ava’s past, as he was Lucy’s. Lucy had gotten a second chance, so why couldn’t Ava?

Emma said her grandma was in trouble and in a mental health facility in France, and Josslyn said she was sorry. Could she help? Emma said, not unless she could bring Anna back to reality, and Josslyn asked if there was any idea what caused it. Emma said Anna left on a WSB mission on Halloween. Something bad must have happened, but no one knew what it was, and Anna claimed she’d been kidnapped by Cesar Faison.

Mac told Dante that Anna was staying for treatment and recouperation. Until her legal situation was sorted out, there were no assurances she’d be well enough to resume her duties. Laura said Dante and Mac had both led the department, and Mac said a big part of his life was now in Boston with Maxie, but Dante had done a great job filling in and he supported Dante staying. Dante said he had other commitments. He wasn’t ungrateful, but he had a lot to process. Laura said Anna was irreplaceable and asked Dante to take a few days before deciding. Dante left, and Laura asked how Mac was holding up.

Felicia said, Anna claimed Faison kidnapped her on Halloween, and Jason said he’d talked to her that day. She said she suspected Faison was still alive. He’d thought he got her to see that someone might be using Faison as a distraction, but he didn’t follow up. Felicia said Anna told them she’d been chloroformed in her car and held captive in France. She’d insisted Obrecht and Peter August visited her in her room and Faison had talked to her over an intercom. Jason asked if she’d actually laid eyes on him, and Felicia said, once, for a brief moment. Then she lost it and said Faison was watching Emma and that Faison would never stop. They were bound together forever. The doctor came in and sedated her, when Anna screamed that she had a message for him.

Cullum went to Carly’s and introduced himself. He said he had a few questions for her.

Mac told Laura that it had been one thing after another. First Maxie, and now Anna. He was trying to be strong. Emma seeing Anna like that was eating him alive. Laura said the problem with being the one who took care of everyone else was that you had no opportunity to fall apart yourself. If he needed help, she was there. He said he wished he was as confident as she was. When he’d met Anna, she’d dazzled him and he could tell why his brother fell in love with her. Laura said Anna was one of a kind, and Mac said she’d always bounced back, but maybe she’d realized how much she’d been carrying alone all these years.

In his office on the phone, Jack tried to get Anna’s status, but had no luck. Dante showed up and said he wanted answers about Anna now.  

Carly asked if she needed a lawyer, but Cullum said it wasn’t that serious. She’d been seeing Agent Jack Brennan. She asked if there was a WSB rule against having a personal life, and he said, not officially, but he was concerned the relationship was compromising Jack’s focus. Jack’s most critical case was at a dead end – the pursuit of Valentin Cassadine.

Josslyn wondered if Britt and Nathan both being alive and in Port Charles had been a trigger for Anna, and Emma said that was the word for now. Gio told Josslyn that Emma had just come in from a long flight and asked if it could wait, and Josslyn said, of course (🍷). She was sorry to bother Emma, but was there if Emma needed help. Emma thanked her and said she needed to decompress, and Josslyn left, looking at the cover of Faison’s book in the hallway. Gio said he was sorry Josslyn upset Emma, but Emma said her heart was in the right place. She’d wanted to talk to him alone anyway. She had to leave Port Charles.

Carly said she didn’t understand what capturing Valentin had to do with her, and Cullum said it should be Jack’s number one priority. She said it was, but he said, not from where he was standing. She said, historically, Valentin was a hard man to catch, but Cullum said he thought Jack was coming up empty because he’d been busy elsewhere. She asked if he thought she’d been a distraction, and he said, one of many. Jack had also gotten distressing news about his colleague Anna, who’d had a mental breakdown while on assignment in France. Carly said that didn’t sound like Anna, and he said, anyone could crack under the right conditions. A reminder they all needed from time to time. He left.

Lucy said she’d made mistakes and started over, but unlike Ava, she hadn’t required a re-do because she’d killed someone. Sidwell said there were extenuating circumstances, and Lucy said she felt like they’d gotten close and she enjoyed spending time with him, but she couldn’t bear to watch him become next in the long line of Ava’s victims. He said he was capable of taking care of himself, but she said she couldn’t sit by and watch him fall into Ava’s trap. If they were going to continue being close, he had to make a choice – Ava or her?

Emma told Gio that they’d filled in Grandpa Robert, and he decided she should tell her mom, but she wanted to do it in person. She was sure her mom would want to go and see her grandma together. Gio said she was doing what was right for her family, and Emma said her mom loved her grandma so much. She was going to be devastated. Gio said he was there if she needed anything, and she said she didn’t know how long she’d be gone or when she’d be back. He said, when she got back, he’d be there waiting, and they hugged.

Jack said he’d been on the phone, trying to get information, but was being stonewalled, and Dante asked if Anna was really on a mission. Jack said, of course (🍷), and Dante said, she swore there was no assignment.

Jason asked if Robin knew, but Felicia said, not yet. He asked about Emma, and she said, Robert decided Emma should break the news. She had a favor to ask. He said, name it, and she asked if he could reach out to Jack and fill him in on the conversation with Anna. Tell him about her suspicions that Faison was alive, and his suspicions that Faison was a distraction. He said, absolutely not.

Carly offered Valentin a drink, and he said, cocktail hour. I like it. She said she wanted him to sit down, and he said he liked it a little bit less. She told him that the man at the door was a WSB agent, Ross Cullum. Did he know him? He said he knew of Cullum, and she said he told her that Anna had a mental breakdown. He said Cullum was lying.

Sidwell said he feared Lucy was misguided. He found her charming and delightful, and he enjoyed spending time with her, but he didn’t take ultimatums from anyone, even someone he cared about as much as her. She said then she guessed she’d be going. He could keep the basket. He’d get hungry, since Ava always left people wanting. She left, and outside, she said, you’re going to regret this, Jenz Sidwell. You have no idea how much.

Mac told Laura that he felt helpless. He owed Anna so much. She brought Robin into his life. It had been a joy and privilege to raise her when Anna and Robert couldn’t. Anna changed his life for the better in so many ways and he hoped she knew. Laura said she was sure Anna did. She believed the Anna they all knew and loved would come back, and when she did, he could tell her himself. He said he hoped she found her way back, but he didn’t know when or if that would happen.

Emma brought out her suitcase, and Gio said he’d come with her. After the Nurses Ball, he’d been reeling and her grandma took him in. He wanted to repay her and be there for Emma. Emma said this was something she needed to do on her own. That’s how her grandma would handle it, and her mom. He said he got it and would drive her to the airport, and they hugged. She said she was really scared, and he said him too. Whatever happened, they’d face it together.

Jason told Felicia that they weren’t telling the WSB anything. They caused this. They knew Faison was Anna’s weakness and used it until she broke. It was lucky the French authorities got to her first, so the WSB couldn’t cover its tracks. Felicia said she trusted him because Anna did. Anna knew he’d know what to do.

Valentin spoke to the clinic in France on a burner phone, then broke the phone. He told Carly that Anna’s doctor said she’d had a psychotic break, claiming Cesar Faison was alive and had held her captive. Carly asked if he thought it was a cover story the WSB was using for protection, and he said he didn’t think they set it up, but they were responsible for what happened. And for that, they’d be held into account.

Jack told Dante that it was imperative everything they said stayed between them. He trusted Dante more than anyone here and his gut told him that something was off. Dante said him too. What Jack told him would stay there. The worst-case scenario, he wouldn’t reveal his source. Jack said the photos Anna had sent were doctored. The WSB’s official story was that Anna doctored them herself and went rogue to find Faison. There’s no way that’s true, which means Anna is in real trouble.

Tuesday:

Lucy was getting a mani/pedi to left her spirits, when Ava walked in.

Cody read Pride and Prejudice and flashed back to arguing with Molly about what she’d written. Tracy came in and was shocked that he was reading a book.

Molly joined Kristina for a manicure, and Molly said she knew Kristina had submitted her book to her agent behind her back.

Alexis met with Danny at the Quartermaines, and he said he needed to know all about the Cassadine family.

Lucas came home to find Pascal standing in the foyer. Pascal told him that Marco was unavailable. He had important business to attend to. Lucas asked what Pascal’s problem was with him. Or was he jealous?

Elizabeth brought Portia a take-out lunch, a salad with extra olives. Portia said Isaiah must have ordered it.

Jason told Sonny that it was worse than they thought.

Valentin wanted to go to Windymere, but Carly said she’d go.

Tracy said she’d never seen Cody read a book, and he said, because he was dumb, right? She asked what had gotten into him, took the book from him, then laughed. She said she would expect Hemmingway, but not a regency romance. He said there was more going on with him than what people thought. He wasn’t a bumbling idiot. She said, no one thought that except him, but he said one person in particular did.

Kristina said the book was ready for submission, but Molly said she was never going to submit it. She’d just wanted an honest opinion. Kristina said Molly would have tinkered with it forever. Admit it. Her agent loved her book.

Ava said she thought Lucy and Sidwell were having a picnic, and Lucy said she left it at Windymere along with the relationship. It dawned on her that she deserved more than being another mare in Sidwell’s stable. Something Ava couldn’t understand.

Portia told Elizabeth that Isaiah knew about her latest craving for olives. He was helpful, patient, and easy-going. They fit together, but that could change when they found out who the father of her baby was.

Alexis told Danny that she’d never been invited to a potluck, but she knew the players. She gave Danny some paperwork and said her father had been with Helena, but they weren’t married and she was illegitimate. Danny wondered where Charlotte fell.

Jason told Sonny about Anna and that she was saying Faison had held her captive. She also said Peter August had paid her a visit. Sonny asked if he believed Faison was still alive, and Jason said he believed Faison was still a threat. According to Felicia, Anna was suffering from delusions and paranoia and believed he had to stop Faison.

Valentin asked what point of entry Carly was going to use, and she said a top-secret, little-known opening – the front door. Sidwell had extended an invitation to her because he wanted her to make peace with Lucas for Marco’s sake. Josslyn was using her brother for her own agenda, and she hated that she was about to do the same thing.

Lucas said whenever he showed Marco affection, Pascal popped out and interrupted, but Pascal said he was just doing his job. Lucas said he didn’t think so. He hadn’t realized how bad it was until Pascal was away. Pascal wanted what he had and resented him. Pascal said Lucas was consumed with his paltry romance and blind to what was really going on there, when Marco showed up.

Portia told Elizabeth that she and Isaiah trusted one another. The person she was worried most about was Trina. It would be difficult if Isaiah was the father. Trina was already struggling with her parents splitting up. If Curtis was the father, it would be easier for Trina, but not her. The test was only thing holding up the divorce, but if Curtis was the father, there would be issues about custody and parental rights.

Alexis told Danny that Charlotte’s branch went back to Mikkos’s father, Ivan Stanislovich Cassadine, who’d had three sons. Danny asked if Valentin wasn’t Charlotte’s dad, and she said, herein lies the difficulty in constructing the family tree. The Cassadines had a propensity to lie – it was in their genes. Valentin thought Mikkos was his father, but Victor was. The only ancestor Danny and Charlotte shared was Ivan. Danny said, his great-great-grandfather, and Alexis said, Charlotte’s great-grandfather.

Carly said she knew Lucas moving in with Marco put him in danger, but Josslyn encouraged it, and Valentin said, it was probably a WSB order. Carly said it made her sick that she was about to do the same thing, and he said, being hesitant would get her hurt, but she said she was going. The goal was to get Josslyn out of the WSB and Lucas off the island. She had no choice but to go.

Marco asked if there was a problem, but Pascal said, it was a simple misunderstanding. H’de explained Marco was occupied and Lucas didn’t take it well. Marco said they’d appreciate some privacy and went into the living room with Lucas. Lucas said Pascal was a liar and a loose cannon. Marco had no idea what he was really like. Marco kissed him, and in the foyer, Sidwell said perhaps Pascal should have stayed in France.

Jason told Sonny that felicia thought Anna was suffering from PTSD. He didn’t believe Faison was still alive, but before Anna left, she told him that she was afraid he was. He thought he got her to consider that someone was using Faison against her. What if she’d been on the edge and he’d missed it? He knew the signs and could have helped. Sonny said Jason knew the signs when it came to him, but didn’t know what to look for with Anna, and Jason said he felt he could have done more and chose not to.

Molly told Kristina, the phrase multi-book deal might have been uttered, and Kristina said she was sorry to have rushed Molly’s timeline. Molly said she’d had no timeline. Writing the book had been her way to decompress, a creative outlet for her. Kristina said Molly wrote it for publication and just needed a push. She was welcome. Molly thanked Kristina for tanking her relationship with Cody.

Cody said Molly wrote a romance novel and based the main character on him, and Tracy said it was flattering. He said the character was rude, untrustworthy, and dumb, and Tracy said, maybe not. Had he talked to Molly? He said she never intended for him to read it, and that made it worse. What was even worse than that was that now he knew what she thought of him. She asked how Jane Austen was involved, and he said Molly told him that Casey was like Mr. Darcy. It was confusing, since Darcy was a rich, arrogant guy, and definitely not him. She asked how much he’d read of Molly’s book, and he said, a few chapters. She asked how much he’d read of Pride and Prejudice, and he said, not much. She said he had a lot of reading to do.  

Lucy said maybe Sidwell could divide his attention, but she didn’t need to accept that treatment. Ava had financial incentive. Ava said Sidwell was a client, and Lucy said, a generous one. Ava reminded Lucy how much she made on the sale of Windymere, but Lucy said it was worth every penny. Ava was taking Sidwell for a ride. Ava said that wasn’t fair. Sidwell appreciate sophisticated pieces. He wanted an upgrade and he got it.

Sidwell said he overheard the altercation and asked if Pascal couldn’t keep it together without arousing suspicion. Pascal wondered why Sidwell was trusting Lucas when he was too close. One misstep, and he’d discover something he shouldn’t. Sidwell said they’d been over this, and it annoyed him to go over it again. If Lucas was important to Marco, then… Pascal said, then Lucas was important to Sidwell, and Sidwell asked how it went in France. Pascal said, like clockwork. Anna believed she had made her great escape.

Jason said Britt needed him and he’d abandoned Anna in the process, but Sonny said he couldn’t save everybody. He got Britt’s trust and found out Cullum started the fire. He had a choice and took one. There was no guarantee he could help in France. Anna had family and was getting help. Jason said he couldn’t shake the feeling something wasn’t right. Anna sent Felicia to him for a reason, even if it didn’t make sense. Sonny said he’d never tell Jason to ignore his instincts, but Anna could just be sick and in need of medical care. Jason said, maybe, when his phone chimed. He sighed and said it was Alexis. Something was up with Danny.

Valentin asked Carly to look for an entrance in the wine cellar. He needed to know if it was still open. Carly told him that she’d say she wanted to expand the MetroCourt’s wine list or got lost finding the bathroom, but he said it wasn’t a game. Don’t give Sidwell a reason to be suspicious. If she got caught, it would be a bad day for Lucas and worse for her. More important, it would be bad for him. Play it smart. She said she’d get out safely with an invitation to come back.

Lucy said what she and Sidwell had was real, but Ava Lucy was convenient. Sidwell used her to get a good deal and found her and Lucyness quite tedious. It was obvious to everyone but Lucy. She’d worn out her welcome and didn’t know it. Lucy told the pedicurist that she’d have to reschedule, since she realized this wasn’t stress-free. On her way out, she told Ava, keep in mind that Sidwell’s love of old things extended to Greek sculpture, not his vendors.

Molly told Kristina that Cody found a copy of her book and was curious. Then he realized Casey had been inspired by him. Kristina said he should be flattered by the love scenes, but Molly said, he didn’t read that far. She didn’t think he’d be reading anything else of hers now. Not after how he was depicted.

Lucas said he wasn’t complaining, but that was weird, and Marco asked what was going on. Lucas said Pascal was outwardly hostile and he’d asked what Pascal’s problem was. He didn’t love that Lucas suggested he had feelings for Marco. Marco said, he had it coming. Maybe he could be moved to another property. Lucas said he didn’t want to trash Pascal’s life – not yet – and he wasn’t going anywhere. They kissed.

Elizabeth told Portia that she got both sides. She understood why Portia was putting off the paternity test, but she also seemed stressed not knowing.

Alexis told Jason that Danny asked her to decipher the Cassadine family tree, and Sonny asked why. She said, for school credit, but he only seemed interested in if he was related to Charlotte.

Tracy said when Molly referred to Mr. Darcy, she didn’t mean Cody was like him. She meant her hero was functioning like Mr. Darcy. In the beginning, the leading lady finds Casey deeply unlikeable. Then, over time, they fall in love. It’s a tale as old as time. Like Beauty and the Beast. Cody said, now he was a beast? but she said, Casey was repellant and became irresistible, but not before misunderstandings and arguments that ramped up the sexual tension. He should be flattered. Molly had been thinking about him for months and fashioned her hero after him. He said now he got what she was saying. What happened if Casey wasn’t what he seemed, but with him, what you saw was what you got. What if he was just a heel?

Kristina said it was fiction and Cody would get over it, but Molly said she didn’t think so. He was taking it personally and she hated that she hurt his feelings. Kristina said, he wasn’t supposed to read it, and Molly said Kristina wasn’t supposed to send it, yet here they were. If she’d intended to publish it, she would have made changes and made Casey less obviously based on Cody. Kristina said Molly had no chance to make changes, and Molly said, thanks to her

Sonny told Alexis that what she and Ric put together for Michael’s kids was the best, and she asked if Carly was in agreement. He said, not like him, but Wiley and Amelia needed their mother. Alexis said she wanted an arrangement that everyone could live with, and he said he didn’t want to use the kids as a bargaining chip, like Scout. How was Scout doing? Alexis said she was worried about her father, but starting to relax. She was settling in. Her next step was to get Willow to allow Scout to see Danny. Sonny said she might not want to do that.

Pascal told Sidwell that Anna had been sedated and put on a ship to France. There had been an altercation with a gendarme, and she was arrested and admitted to a mental institution. Sidwell asked if they still had access to her, and Pascal wasn’t certain, but said he could try. Sidwell said, don’t. Let Anna cook until they needed her. There was a knock at the door, and Sidwell opened it to Carly.

Tracy asked if a true heel would go to the trouble of reading Jane Austin to understand his girlfriend’s intentions instead of watching an adaption, and Cody asked if there was a movie. She said, several. Would he like to return the book? He said, no, and she said Molly knew there was more to him than met the eye. What happened to Molly’s character was up to Molly, but what happened in real life was up to him.

Molly told Kristina that her agent didn’t want her to change anything and thought Casey was a major selling point. The readers would fall in love with him. Kristina said Cody should thank Molly for making him look good. Give him a chance to finish the book. He’ll get it. And when he saw it on the shelf, he’d be so proud, like she was. Molly was going to sell the book, right?

Portia said, fine. She’d stay focused on work and Isaia. When her mind drifted… Elizabeth said, she pictured one awful scenario after another. Not knowing gave her more stress. Now was the perfect time to take the leap before she was further along. Then she could focus on the good stuff. Portia said she’d rather do that than spend time with her divorce lawyer. She needed to know the truth so she could move forward.

Valentin looked at pictures of Charlotte, Danny, and Rocco on his phone.

Jason told Danny that Alexis said he’d needed help with a school project, making a family tree of the Cassadine side. He was spotty about the Quartermaine family tree, but Tracy could fill in any blanks. If Danny needed help with anything, he hoped Danny knew he could ask him anytime. Danny said there was no project, and Jason said, Alexis had suspicions. Danny said he wanted to know more about the Cassadine family, and Jason said he appreciated the truth, but why lie? Was he that interested in family history? Danny said, not just his. Charlotte’s too.  

Sonny said Scout needed stability and routine and wouldn’t get it from Danny. He was focused on Charlotte. Charlotte and Danny were a good match in the thrill-seeking department. Alexis said that’s why she wanted Jason to talk to him. God knew what trouble those two could get in together.

Carly said Sidwell told her to stop by, and he said he was glad she took him up on the invitation. He assumed she was there to see her brother. She said, that was the plan, and he said Lucas was in the living room. She went in and Lucas asked what she was doing there. She said she came to apologize, and Sidwell looked all happy.

Lucy went to Sonny’s and said, sorry to barge in, but she needed to talk to him in private. Alexis said she had an appointment and left, and Sonny asked what he could do for Lucy. She said he could clean Sidwell’s clock.

Wednesday:

Curtis went to see Jordan and said he had a surprise for her.

Portia told Britt that she wanted to take the paternity test.

Josslyn looked at Faison’s book bio and the tin of cigarillos. She flashed back to finding them at Windymere, when Trina came in and asked what Josslyn was smoking.

Jason asked why Danny made up a story about a school project, and Danny said his grandma didn’t like talking about the Cassadine side of the family, but he should have been honest. Jason said his grandma would have been cool with the truth. Did he get all the information he wanted? Danny said, yeah.

Charlotte went to see Valentin and they hugged.

Carly said she’d like to speak to Lucas privately, but understood if he wanted Marco there. Marco said it was a private sibling conversation, and he and Sidwell left. Carly said she hadn’t been fair to Lucas and Marco and she was wrong, and Lucas asked, why the sudden change of heart?

Sonny said he thought Lucy and Sidwell were an item, and Lucy said it had definitely blossomed into something deep and meaningful. He asked if Sidwell felt the same, and she said, of course (🍷), but he’d messed with the wrong woman and now he had to pay.

Danny told Jason about being with Charlotte alone at the gatehouse during the storm. They’d had a moment, so he kissed her.

Charlotte said her police escort was outside the Quartermaines’ and had no idea she was gone, and Valentin said he was glad she was okay. She said, thanks to Danny, and he asked if Danny knew he was there.

Lucas said Carly had been hating on Marco and suddenly saw the error of her ways? What did she really want? She flashed back to Valentin telling her to look for the entrance to the catacombs, and she said she understood why Lucas was skeptical, but he was her brother and she missed him. She was sorry she hadn’t been supportive of his relationship. She loved him and didn’t want to fight. He said he appreciated her effort, but an apology wasn’t enough.

Lucy told Sonny that she’d thought she and Sidwell were progressing at a nice pace, when Ava came sniffing around, throwing herself shamelessly at him right in front of her face. She voiced her concerns to Sidwell and told him that he had to choose between her and Ava. He was a complete cad and said he didn’t do ultimatums. She should have listened to Sonny and not gotten involved. Sonny said he was sorry it didn’t work out, and Lucy said, then help her take Sidwell down, but Sonny said the answer was no.

Josslyn said they weren’t hers, and Trina said, let her guess. Josslyn was holding them for a friend. (Ha-ha!) Josslyn said the cigars belonged to her study partner, who accidentally left them there and asked if Trina had changed her sheets. Trina said her mom had stayed the night of the blizzard, and Josslyn asked how it went. Trina said, not great, but it could have been worse.

Britt told Portia that she put a rush on it and once they got Dr. Gannon’s swab, they’d have the results in an hour. For what it was worth (), she admired Portia for standing up for herself. She’d had a right to stand her ground when she’d been pressured for answers. Isaiah came by and said he got Portia’s text, and Portia said she’d decided she was ready to take the test. As soon as Britt got a cheek swab from him, they’d know whether he was the father of the baby.

Curtis made a fire and he and Jordan kissed.

Jason asked if it was the first time Danny and Charlotte kissed, and Danny said, yeah. He hadn’t known he wanted to kiss her until it happened. He liked hanging out with her. They really got each other. Like when Rocco was in trouble and they were on the same page. He knew she was smart, pretty, and stuff, but he’d seen her as a friend. After they kissed, it felt different, in a good way. Jason asked if Charlotte was okay with the kiss, but Danny said he didn’t actually know.

Charlotte said Danny knew everything, and Valentin said she wasn’t supposed to tell anyone, but she said the person they couldn’t trust was Nina. She’d overheard Nina talking to Agent Brennan. They had a deal where Brennan would help Nina with her daughter in return for information from Charlotte about him and she’d had to warn him not to reach out to Nina. He said he wasn’t going to, but thanks, and she said the problem was, she sort of confided to Nina that she’d been in touch with him. He said that’s why she never should have told Danny. Brennan would be looking at her and interviewing those close to her, and he was an expert at getting most people to spill. She said Danny wasn’t most people. He knew it was important to keep quiet and understood lives were on the line. She trusted him completely.

Carly asked if Lucas was saying he’d never forgive her, but he told her that he was saying he needed more. She needed to accept that Marco was a part of his life. She said, done, and he said she had to do more than tolerate Marco. She had to make an effort to know him because he saw a future with Marco. She said they’d gotten serious, and he said living together had strengthened their relationship. When he told Marco that he wanted their own place, Marco said he liked being near his dad, but prioritized Lucas’s feelings and agreed to do it in a couple of months. She said she was happy Marco put Lucas first, and Lucas said he wanted to do the same. That meant he was only letting her back in his life if she was willing to get along with Marco.

Curtis and Jordan snuggled on the sofa, when she sat up and looked at her laptop. He asked if he was keeping her from work, but she said it wasn’t urgent. Sidwell wanted her to see why Windymere had lost power. He’d said he was worried about something, but what that something was, she didn’t know, and she was no closer to taking him down than when she started. Curtis said she’d get him. He knew if she put her beautiful mind to something, nothing and no one could stop her. She said they had that in common, but he said, in his case, maybe it wasn’t always a good thing. She asked what he did, and he said he wanted Portia to take a paternity test, but she was pushing back. In his frustration, he might have made a tactical error that may come back to bite him.

Isaiah asked if Portia was only doing this because Curtis pressured her, and she said he’d threatened to get a court order, but she told him to go ahead. She’d do it when she was good and ready. She’d talked to Elizabeth and realized it was time to learn the truth and face the consequences. He said he wanted the baby to be his (me too), but knew how much it would complicate her life, especially with Trina. She said things were looking better and she and Trina were making progress. She felt it was time to settle this, so she could start planning for the baby’s future. He said, no matter the outcome, he’d still be by her side.

Lucy wondered how Sonny could say no. She thought he’d jump at the chance. Sonny said it was tempting, but what if they made up next week? She said it wasn’t going to happen, and he asked what revenge looked like to her. She said Sidwell had wormed his way into Deception and was shipping cargo under Deception’s auspices with no oversight. He asked if she thought it was illegal goods, and she said, if they were legal, why do it in secret? She was going to find out. He said maybe she was onto something, but making a move like that would be a huge mistake.

Sidwell returned with Marco and said Pascal told him that she’d wanted to see them. Carly told them that there was something she needed to say that she should have said a long time ago, and Lucas asked Pascal for privacy. Pascal left, but kept the door ajar to listen, and Carly said she’d apologized to Lucas and would like to apologize to Marco. She’d judged him unfairly because of his father. Sidwell said they did set off on a shaky foot, and she said, true, but she should have realized Marco was his own man. Clearly, he made Lucas very happy, and if they gave her a second chance, she promised to support their relationship. Marco thanked her and said he knew it wasn’t easy. Carly said she hated apologizing and admitting she was wrong, but this time she was and she was very sorry. Marco said, apology accepted. He wanted her to know that her brother meant the world to him, and he’d never do anything to hurt him. She said he’d better not. She believed they should spend more time together because she wanted to get to know him better. Marco said he liked that idea, and Lucas said they had no idea how much it meant to him. He thanked Carly and they hugged. Sidwell applauded and said he was glad it worked out.

Sidwell said he wasn’t sure Carly would take him up on his offer, especially after their rocky start. He hoped it would be the first of many visits. She was welcome any time. She thanked him and said she thought she’d take him up on it, and he suggested they start now. Join them for cocktail hour. Lucas said he had to head to the hospital, and Carly said, another time then. Sidwell said he looked forward to it, and Lucas said they could take the ferry together and catch up. He kissed Marco, and outside the door, Pascal peeked in, then made a face.

Curtis said, despite Alexis’s advice, he told Portia that he’d get a court order and make her take the test, and Jordan said she was no fan of Portia’s, but wow. Curtis said Portia told him that he was welcome to use a court order, but she was on her own timetable, and Jordan asked if he was going to. He said no. He thought it was incredibly unfair, but once he cooled off, he realized he couldn’t force her. She said he’d respected Portia’s agency as a woman and a person, and he said if he was the father, they’d have to co-parent and he didn’t want acrimony. She suggested he and Portia talk again and find a way to dial it back, when his phone rang and he said he might have chance now. He told Portia that he was glad she called. About the paternity test… Portia said he got his wish. She took it and was at the hospital waiting for the results. She’d keep him posted. He told Jordan that Portia took the test. He was about to find out if he was going to be a father again.

Josslyn said she could see why it was hard for Trina to trust Portia, and Trina said it was impossible. What if her mother hurt her, or worse, hurt her baby brother or sister? Josslyn said they should make up so Trina could be there for her new younger sibling, and Trina said, whoever the father was, she wanted a relationship with the child, which meant she was going to have to let go of her anger toward her mom. Her phone rang, and she said, speak of the devil. Portia said she wanted to let Trina know that she’d decided to take the test. The lab was rushing it, so she should have the results soon.

Valentin said he was glad Charlotte felt she could count on Danny. He was sure Danny was a devoted friend. Charlotte said they’d had each other’s backs more than once, and he told her not to rely on Danny too much. It was a dangerous situation, and they didn’t want to drag him into it. She said Danny could handle himself. He was a good friend. She really should go, since she didn’t want Officer Jeffers to get suspicious. They hugged, and he told her to be careful. She said, him too.

Danny told Jason that he was pretty sure Charlotte kissed back, but it was a blur since Rocco showed up and they had to act normal. Jason asked if they’d talked about it after, but Danny said, not yet, and Jason said he thought Danny should reach out and make sure it was something they both wanted. He didn’t want to make assumptions. His phone rang, and Danny asked if it was important, but Jason said, not more important than him. Danny said they were good, and Jason said let him know what happened. Danny thanked him for listening, and Jason said, anytime.

Trina went to the hospital and she and Portia hugged. Portia said Trina didn’t have to come, but she was glad Trina did. Trina said Portia was right the other night. She couldn’t allow their issues to affect her relationship with the baby. Portia said Trina was going to be the best big sister and asked Trina to sit with her while she was waiting for the results. Isaiah said the lab was analyzing them now, and he started to leave, but Portia asked him to stay. They’d get the results soon and he had as much riding on this as anyone. He said, if it was okay with Trina, and Trina said, whatever was happening, was happening. If he wanted to stay, it was fine by her.

Josslyn thanked Jason for coming, and showed him the book and tin of cigarillos. She asked if these meant anything to him, and he said P.K. Sinclair was Faison’s penname and it was his favorite brand of cigar. Why did she have them? She said another agent was carrying them and a copy of the book with an inscription from C to his muse. He asked who the agent was, and she said, Ross Cullum. Jason flashed back to Britt telling him that Cullum wouldn’t think twice about killing him, and told Josslyn, start at the beginning.

Sonny said Deception was Lucy’s company and she could dig where she wanted, and Lucy said Sidwell would cover his tracks before she found anything. She had to take him by surprise. Now to figure out how… She’d get back together with him. Sonny said Sidwell was a low life, but she said she knew reconciliation was the true path to revenge. He wouldn’t know what hit him. She’d say, please forgive her, and pretend everything was the same. When he dropped his guard, she’d go in for the kill.

Sidwell asked if Marco bought Carly’s apology, and Marco said he did. If she’d been super sincere, he’d be more suspicious, but he could tell it was hard to say and that seemed right. However, it may be a problem for them. Sidwell asked, how so? when Lucas came into the foyer. He heard them talking and stopped outside the door. Marco said it was nice of Sidwell to help broker peace, but as a result, Carly could end up spending more time there and he wasn’t sure they wanted her snooping around.

Josslyn told Jason that the night of the storm, she cut the power to Windymere, which forced everyone to go to the mainland, so she could search. He asked why she didn’t tell him, and she said she’d had no time to fill him in. She ran into Cullum and recognized him from the WSB. He asked if Cullum recognized her, but she said, no. Jack had done everything in his power keep her off Cullum’s radar. She pretended she was looking for Lucas and Cullum pretended to be the caretaker. She thought he bought it and when he left the room, she went through his coat pockets, where she found the cigars and the book. He asked if Cullum saw her, and she said, unfortunately, but she told him that she was using his coat as a blanket and the book fell out. Her curiosity got the better of her and she noticed the woman on the cover looked like Anna. He asked if she reported this to Brennan, but she said, no. Jason was the only person she’d told. He said, keep it that way, and she said, of course (🍷). Brennan reported to Cullum. She wondered if Cullum was some Faison superfan or had a personal connection to him, and Jason said, if he did, it was that he was working on Faison’s final project. Cullum and Sidwell were partners.

Danny texted Charlotte, asking her to meet up, and she replied, sure. When and where?

Valentin asked what happened at Windymere, and Carly said she made amends with Lucas and apologized to Marco. He asked about the catacombs, and she said Lucas had to go to work, but forgot his phone and went back before he got on the ferry. Valentin said, that’s fine, and she said she thought he’d be weird and judgy. He said he was judgy, but she opened the door to more visits. They needed to figure out what Sidwell was up to. Setting Brennan up to take the fall was the only way to protect her brother and daughter. She said, and his daughter. Next time, she was going to find out exactly what was going on at Windymere.

Sidwell asked if Marco was concerned that having Carly around would cause trouble for them, and Marco said she couldn’t keep her nose out of other’s affairs. What if she caught Britt going in and out of the catacombs? Sidwell said he’d advised Britt to be discreet, and Marco said, good luck with that. Britt was a giant pain in the ass with the subtlety of a wrecking ball. Sidwell laughed and said, not anymore. He found a way to keep her under control. He was keeping her medication at Windymere. If she wanted to stay alive and functioning, she had no choice but to complete their project. Marco said it was about damn time, and in the foyer, Lucas looked shocked and Pascal stood quietly behind him.

Sonny asked if Lucy was getting back at Sidwell by spying on him, and she said she knew she could do it. He said it was risky, and she said, no risk, no reward. If she’d use any information to find out what the shipments were. Sonny said it was easier from the inside, and she said, exactly. She’d get so close to Sidwell, she could literally stab him in the back. That would be wrong, but she wanted to make sure she lowered herself to share him with that man-eating… floozie, Ava. Sonny said, those two had no idea what they started with her, and they laughed.

Jordan flashed back to Portia saying that she’d want Curtis to be part of the baby’s life, but not Jordan, and Jordan saying that would be between her and Curtis. Portia said that Jordan took Curtis from her, but would never take her child. When it came down to Jordan or the baby, Jordan knew who Curtis would choose. Jordan paced, then sat on the hearth.

Curtis showed up at the hospital and asked if there was any word, but Portia said, not yet. She told him that she’d keep him posted. They’d get the results soon. Curtis said he was glad they were putting the matter to rest, and sat with Trina. Britt came out and said she had the results. She gave an envelope to Portia, who opened it. She thanked Britt, and Britt left. Trina asked what it said. Who was the baby’s father? There were soap looks all around.

Thursday:

Felicia, Georgie, and James visited Maxie. James gave Maxie a Valentine from him and one from Bailey Lou.

Nathan went to Lulu’s house and said he needed her help.

Chase had a tea party with Bailey Lou as Brook watched from the doorway.

Dante called Jordan to his office and said it was about Anna.

Trina asked who the baby’s father was, and Portia said she and the baby had the same father. Curtis was the dad. Trina and Curtis hugged.

James insisted that Maxie could see them and hear them when they talked, and Felicia said their mom knew they were there and that they loved her. She could see them with her heart.

Chase told Brook that he’d miss Bailey Lou when Maxie came back. He loved the little person she was becoming. When she was a baby, she was completely dependent on them, and they’d had to protect her with Peter August on the loose. It brought them closer together. It was when they first started falling in love. Even then, he saw Brook would be an amazing mother and he couldn’t wait for them to have a child of their own.

Jordan said she didn’t think it was possible for Anna to have a psychotic break, and Dante said Anna was the rock of the family. He didn’t know when she’d recover. He’d been offered the job permanently. She said it was different from being a detective, and he said, that was the problem.

Nathan had to bring the class Valentine treats and all he could think of was candy hearts, and Lulu said, no one liked them. He said he didn’t want to be the lame parent who embarrassed his son, and she said they’d figure it out together. He’d be the coolest dad in the school.

Isaiah told Curtis, congratulations, and left. Trina said she was so happy. The baby would have the best dad ever. Curtis said he was relieved to get answers. Now they had to figure out the best way to move forward. Portia thought they should talk, and Trina left. Curtis thanked her for taking the test, and she said, it was time. So where did they go from there?

Felicia said James did a wonderful job decorating and told Georgie that her mom’s nails looked beautiful. It was James’s turn for alone time with Maxie, and Felicia and Georgie left. James told Maxie that he’d only been to the ER once and it wasn’t that bad. A girl in his class had asked him to be her Valentine, but he said no. He loved Maxie best.

Dante said he’d thought he understood job, but it was so much more, and Jordan said it was a big shift going from detective to administrator. The Commissioner was the face of the department and caught all the blame. When she’d been Commissioner, she’d missed being a detective. She’d thought she was making a difference. He said he didn’t think it was the best use of his skills and he had the added pressure of filling Anna’s shoes. She said no one could take Anna’s place. He needed to find a way to make the job his own. He was a natural leader.

Chase said he didn’t mean to put Brook on the spot. He didn’t want her to think he was pressuring her about adoption. She said, right now, she and Gio were getting to know each other, and she didn’t want to jeopardize their closeness. It was too new. He said he wouldn’t make a move until they were both ready. Now he needed to prove he was good enough for the job he had to begin with. He left for work.

Ava met Trina at the bistro, and asked what was going on. Trina said her mom took the paternity test and her dad was the father. So why did she still feel awful?

Curtis said they had to figure out a way to parent their child, and Portia said she didn’t want to fight with him. He said him neither, and she said that’s why she took the test, so he wouldn’t get a court order. He said he appreciated it. That’s why he proposed they finalize their divorce and establish custody. He suggested a 50/50 split, and she said it wasn’t ideal. He said, under the circumstances, it made sense. With the custody decided, they could focus on being parents and not fighting.

Brook told Bailey Lou that she wouldn’t mind having a little girl like her, when Gio came in. He said he and Bailey Lou hung out all the time and were basically BFFs, and Brook asked if Donna agreed. He said they’d agreed to share him and asked if it was okay if he hung out with them.

Ava asked if Trina wasn’t happy, and Trina said she was. Her dad wanted to be a father again. Ava said, complicated, huh? and Trina said, when they were waiting, it hit her that things didn’t have to be this way. It should be a happy time and if her mom hadn’t cheated, it would have been. She didn’t know who the father was and everything was ugly and public. Ava said it was awful when Portia was on the stand, and Trina said she loved her mother, but wanted to get past not trusting her and didn’t know how.

Portia agreed, and Curtis said he’d have his lawyer draw up a custody agreement. She said he could handle Aunt Stella, and he said, and his dad. It made him happy that they were working together, for the baby’s sake and hers too.

Jordan said the cops at the PCPD looked up to Dante. Considering who his dad was, that was something. They respected him and his integrity, and it spoke volumes about his leadership abilities. He’d be a help to Port Charles and Laura. He said her support meant a lot and guessed that meant she didn’t want her old job back. She said, no thanks. It wasn’t where her life was headed. Her phone chimed and she saw a text from Curtis: Headed back to your place. She told Dante that she had to get going.

Lulu said Nathan didn’t want to show up other parents and make enemies in the PTA. The moms would love him, and some of the dads. She asked how many kids were in James’s class, and he said, twenty-two. She said they’d better get to it.

Georgie told Felicia that she didn’t mean to upset James, but he was talking like their mom would answer. She wanted their mom to open her eyes. She missed her so much. Felicia said so did she, but Maxie was fighting as hard as she could to come back.

James said he’d started playing hockey. Didn’t Maxie want see him play?

Chase went to Dante’s office, and Dante said he wanted to check in with Chase on his first day back in uniform. Chase said, look at them now. Dante was Police Commissioner and he was a patrolman. How things have changed. Dante said what hadn’t changed was that Chase was a damn good cop. The only thing that worried him was Chase’s ability to take orders… from him.  

Gio said Emma was going to San Francisco to tell her mom about Anna’s condition, and Brook asked when she’d be back. He said he wasn’t sure. She and her mom might go to France after. Brook said she knew Gio would miss Emma, and he said it wasn’t the same on the phone or with texts. She said his support meant everything to Emma… unless there was more he wasn’t telling her, and he said he got that Emma needed to be there for her family. Family meant everything to Emma. What if she decided to move back to San Francisco?

Ava said she couldn’t tell Trina that Portia wouldn’t lie again, but with any relationship you were taking a chance that the other person might hurt you or might let you down. Portia was taking a chance on her too. Before taking a chance, she took a step back and thought, what’s the alternative? Walking away? Trina said that wasn’t something she wanted to do, and Ava said, whatever Trina decided, she supported her. She did have empathy for Portia. Ava was a deeply flawed person, and Trina took a chance on her. Trina’s mother was flawed as well, but would walk through fire for her because her mother loved her. Was there a world where Trina would give her a chance to learn from her mistakes and realize she had to be more honest from now on?

Isaiah took a shower in the locker room and came out in a towel to find Portia there. She said she was worried about him and wanted to see how he was doing. But if he didn’t want to see her, she’d leave. He said he didn’t want her to go. There was so much he wanted to say. But not in a towel.

Jordan said, well? And Curtis said he was going to be a father again. They hugged and she said she was happy for him. He said he was thrilled and couldn’t wait to experience the things he missed out on with Trina, and Jordan said he’d be an amazing father. He said, especially if she’d be around. He couldn’t wait to share everything with her too. They hugged again.

Nathan and Lulu assembled goodie bags, and Nathan said she’d saved him serious embarrassment, but she said she was sure he’d have figured it out on his own. He said he was glad he didn’t have to. He loved James so much, but there wasn’t a lot he could do for him. She said he was willing to put James’s happiness above his own. That made him a good father and James was lucky to have him. He said he hoped James thought so too, and she said she was sure he did.

James hugged Maxie and said he missed her so much. Please come back to us.

James said he told Maxie about hockey and the school Valentine’s party, and Felicia asked about treats for the class. James said they wanted to meet his real dad. Not that Spinelli wasn’t his dad too… Georgie came out and said it was Felicia’s turn. James promised to stick around, and Georgie said she’d watch him. Felicia went in, took Maxie’s hand, and held back tears.

Jordan asked if Trina knew, and Curtis said she was there. Now he had to tell Aunt Stella. She said Stella would be thrilled. She was sure Trina was. He said Trina was still struggling to come to terms with it, but imagine how awesome she’d be as a big sis. Jordan said it was a relief that the paternity was finally settled. How did Portia take the news? He said, better than he’d hoped.

Now fully dressed, Isaiah said he had to rise the day off, and Portia said she completely understood. What she didn’t understand was how much she wanted the baby to be his. He said him too. He wasn’t going to lie and say he wasn’t sad about the baby not being his – he took her hands – but he could still love the child because it was hers. If the last months had taught him anything, it was that life was a hell of a lot better with her in it. He’d love to stick around if she’d give him a chance. She kissed him.

Trina said, what if Portia couldn’t be honest and lied to her again, and Ava said she may have to walk away, but she needed to be absolutely certain it was the right thing to do. When Kiki and Griffin got together, she walked away. She turned her back on her daughter. She’d felt betrayed and so hurt that she couldn’t see past her own pride and work through the anger. Then, it didn’t matter. It was too late. Now she knew of course (🍷) that she’d rather have KiKi as she was than spend the rest of her life without her.

Dante said he hoped it wasn’t forever, but he needed to know Chase would respect his leadership, take orders from him, and accept his limits being a patrolman. No more side investigations or building a case against Michael. It wasn’t his job. It would be Mac’s job to get evidence if there was any. Chase flashed back to putting Michael’s key ring on the nook floor, and Dante asked him to give his word that he wouldn’t interfere with an investigation. He could count on Dante to do the same.

Brook asked if Emma told Gio there was a possibility she might not come back, and he said, no, but he’d never seen her so shaken. Anna was the center of the family, and now she was gone. If her family needed her, he was worried Emma would decide to stay. Brook said she thought it was too soon to worry and asked if Emma felt the same about him. They seemed to have a genuine connection. Gio said, before, he knew Emma was smart, beautiful, and compassionate, and Brook said, Emma was a catch. So was he. If it came down to it, he could head to San Francisco and sweep Emma off her feet. What she liked most about Emma was that Emma made him happy.

Felicia told Maxie that Georgie and James were doing well. So was Bailey Lou. She stayed with Brook and Chase when they were there. She’d taken so many pictures, she couldn’t wait to show them to Maxie when she woke up. She made sure they had fun and had plenty of things to look forward to. She and Spinelli kept them on schedule, but there was still a giant hole in the family where she was supposed to be. They were waiting for her to come back to them. They loved her so much and she loved her so much. As a mom, she’d seen Maxie do impossible things her entire life, so she knew Maxie could do this too. She kissed Maxie’s forehead.

Nathan said if it turned out great, he’d share the credit, and Lulu said, James’s classmates and their parents would be impressed. He said his relationship with James wasn’t the only placed he was still finding his way. He was still figuring out where things stood with them. He’d talked to Nina about it. Lulu said she’d talked to her mom, and he asked what Laura said. She said, surprisingly, Laura wasn’t against the idea of them dating, but advised her to take it slow. What about Nina? He said, the same. Dante and Maxie made it complicated, but she thought he should follow his heart.

Trina told Ava that she couldn’t imagine life without her mom. She had no idea what it would look like with her family completely different. Ava said it wasn’t necessarily bad different. Remember, she still had the power to decide how to move forward with her mom.

Isaiah said he needed Portia to be honest. Did she think Curtis would be a problem? She said she didn’t think so. They’d decided on joint custody. They’d raise the baby together, but live completely separate lives. Isaiah asked if she was okay with Jordan being involved in the child’s life, and she said it wouldn’t be long. It would never last because no one could live up to Curtis’s impossible expectations. Their relationship would implode like last time.

Jordan said joint custody would be best for everyone, and Curtis said that’s why they needed to settle it now before a problem came up. They needed to amend the paperwork, file it, and be divorced. She said she felt it was wrong to say, congratulations, and he said he could finally put fighting with Portia behind him and focus on a future with her. She said they could finally live their lives together with nothing hanging over them and holding them back.

Dante said he meant it when he told Chase that he was a good cop. He’d be a plus to have on the force. Did he promise to stay out of the investigation into Drew’s shooting? Could he trust Chase to do the job? Chase could do the same with him. Chase said, yeah, and they shook hands. Dante told him to have a good shift, and Chase left.

Gio gave Bailey Lou some cheese and crackers, and wondered who could say no to her. Brook said he was just as cute when he was little. He’d look at her with those big eyes and big smile when she’d babysit him once in a while. Now she understood why Camilla only called her when someone canceled at the last minute. He said he got excited when she’d come. She had all the fun stories. She said she was glad they had the memories, and he said he was so angry when he first found out the truth. Now he thought he was so lucky, growing up with a cool cousin like her, who turned out to be his mom.

Nathan said he knew he wanted to be with Lulu, but he didn’t want to put her in a tough position, and she said she was worried about that too. She kept hearing her dad’s voice in her head. He’d say, well, cupcake, what would you do if you weren’t afraid? Nathan said, what would she do if she wasn’t afraid? and she said, follow her heart. He took her hands and they put their foreheads together.

James wanted to go ice skating, but Georgie said she thought they were going to the bookstore. Felicia said they could hit the rink next time, and James asked why he couldn’t go skating. From the doorway, Maxie said, James Malcolm West, you are not going skating without a helmet.   

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Nina comes into the Crimson reception area to find Jacinda with a shirtless Michael. She asks if they have to christen every surface in her office.

Elizabeth puts on makeup, when Lucas comes into the locker room. He says, wow. She looks beautiful. She thanks him and says she’s going out with Ric tonight. He says, great, and she says, no snarky comment or offer to hook her up with someone else? Not even a, you could do better than him? He says, trust him. He’s the last person who should be giving her advice on men.

Marco walks into the Windymere lab and says, nice to see Britt finally at work, and she says, it’s not like she had much choice. They both know why she’s cooperating. He says they do, and he has the reward for services rendered right here.

Lucy approaches Windymere and says, Jenz Sidwell, you messed with the wrong woman. Now you have to pay… You’ve got this. Sidwell opens the door and says, she couldn’t stay away.

Nathan and Lulu almost kiss, but she says she’s sorry. She can’t.

The kids and Felicia hug Maxie, who asks if she’s in a hospital, and Felicia says, she is. Maxie says, this place doesn’t look like GH, and James says, it’s not. They’re in Boston. Felicia says they had her transferred for treatment, and Maxie says, for what? Felicia says she had a heart attack, when Spinelli returns. He runs to her and they hug.

Michael tells Nina, come on. What’s the big deal? It’s practically after hours and she already banned them from having sex in her office, so where are they supposed to? Jacinda says, he’s teasing. He spilled coffee on his shirt, so she grabbed him a clean one from wardrobe. Trust her. None of the office furniture was defiled… not today. Nina says she has a magazine to run, so she doesn’t have time to worry about her CEO and the assistant he foisted on her soiling every corner of the building. Michael says, she can relax because he’s not here for Jacinda. He’s here for her.

Elizabeth asks, what’s going on with Marco? but Lucas says, she’s going out. He doesn’t want to ruin her night by throwing all of his problems at her. She asks what he’s talking about. He skipped the Nurses Ball to stay home and watch it with her after her accident. He says he remembers. He had a good time. She says her too. Now she wants to be here for him. She won’t have a good time tonight knowing something is wrong with him. He says, all right. He just found out that Marco isn’t being honest with him. She says, about what? and he says, a few things, like who he really is and what he really does and pretty much everything.

Britt gives herself her shot, and asks if Marco really has to watch her like that. He says, as a matter of fact, he does, and holds his hand out for the used syringe. She says, that wasn’t the same top of the line syringe she’s gotten used to, and he says, so sorry to hear their medical devices are not to her liking. She says her too. It makes her worry about how they’re handling her medication in general. She’d feel better if she could see herself that it’s properly stored. He says, unfortunately, he can’t make that call, but he’ll make sure to pass along her request, and she says, how generous of him. He says he really wishes it didn’t have to be this way, but she says, if that were true, he would do something about it, and he never has and never will. He says, as he told her, he’ll talk to his dad. He wants to allay her concerns. She says, maybe he does, but what happens after dear old dad says no, right? Her health goes to hell, but at least he tried. Does pretending he cares make him feel better about his role in this? Will it be enough to convince him that he’s the good guy Lucas sees when he looks at him? Marco says he is a good guy, and she says, in what world? Good guys do not lie to their boyfriend’s face every day. She’s been there, and take if from an expert, the truth will come out. It always does. Then that will be it, and when it ends, it won’t end well for him.

Georgie says she still can’t believe mom’s awake and talking to them, and James says he told her that mom could hear them. They probably woke her up. They laugh.

Spinelli asks, what happened? but Felicia says she’s not exactly sure. One minute, Maxie was unconscious, and the next, she was standing in the doorway and talking. He says, it sounds miraculous… Does she disagree? She says she wants to talk to the doctor and find out if Maxie is in the clear before they start talking about miracles, and Spinelli says she’s right. The doctor comes out of Maxie’s room and says, Miss Jones is ready for visitors. The kids run in, Spinelli and Felicia following, and Maxie asks where Bailey Lou is. Spinelli says, at home, safe and sound. Chase and Brook have been watching her. Maxie says, okay. The doctor said it’s been about six months. The last thing she remembers is shopping for school supplies. Now it’s Valentine’s Day. She wants to hear about everything. Spinelli says that’s what they’re here for, and Georgie says, there was a blizzard in Port Charles. Maxie says, what? and James says, yeah, the snow was up to the roof. Georgie says, no, it wasn’t, and James says, almost to the roof. Maxie says, that is a lot of snow.

Felicia asks the doctor, how was the exam? Maxie is no longer in danger, is she?

Nathan tells Lulu, sorry. He’s not exactly helping her. She says he really isn’t. Being close to him, she can’t… What if Rocco or Charlotte walked in? He says, that’s a good reason, but is it the only reason? and she asks what he means. He says, once upon time, they chatted about being friends. Maybe there’s still a part of her that thinks that’s all they should be. She says she was thinking about that, but maybe after everything is said and done, they’ll both decide that they’re better off just as friends, and he says, unlikely for him at least. She says, until that time comes, if it ever does, she’d like to live in this time and space to see what these feelings are and see if maybe they’re meant to be more than just… He says, pals? and she says, yeah. He says him too. So if right now in the living room isn’t the right and time place for a kiss, he guesses they’ll have to take a look at their calendars and pick a new location and try again. He’ll wait.

Lucas tells Elizabeth that he’s always known Sidwell had shady business dealings, but Marco swore to him that he was never involved in it. He said he had nothing to do with his father’s business, and like an idiot, he believed Marco. She says, now he doesn’t? and he says, he overheard Marco and his father having a conversation at Windymere. It seems like Marco knows all about whatever’s going on, and whatever is going on, it is not good. She says, maybe he didn’t hear enough, but he says he did, and it went from not good to so much worse. Not only is Marco involved, it sounds like he’s his father’s righthand man. Elizabeth says, Marco is a lawyer. Maybe he was just giving his dad legal advice. Lucas says, what he heard was not legal advice. Marco has been lying to him, maybe since the day they met. She says, sometimes when people talk business, it comes off as aggressive and it just sounds harsher than it really is, and he says, Marco and his father were talking about coercing someone to do something to get what they wanted. He swears it sounded like he was listening to a total stranger. The Marco talking to Sidwell was not the man he fell in love with.

Lucy says she hopes Sidwell doesn’t mind her dropping by like this, and he asks why he should mind. She’s always welcome here at Windymere. Always. She says, good to hear. She wasn’t quite sure what to expect after their last encounter. She doesn’t know exactly how to say this… He says, one of the many things he enjoys in their time together is how open she is. Her honesty is refreshing. So let’s not mince words. Just say what she came to say. She says she should have never asked him to choose between her and Ava.  

Walking into Crimson, Ava says, it’s her, and Jacinda says, it is. Did she expect someone else? Ava says she doesn’t know what she was expecting. Given how unhappy Nina was the day Michael imposed Jacinda on her, she didn’t know if Jacinda would still be around. Jacinda says, well, she is. Unfortunately, Miss Reeves is busy at the moment.

Nina says she presumes the issue is the way she runs Crimson, but Michael says, not at all. Whatever their differences may be, he thinks she does an incredible job as Editor-in-Chief. She thanks him and says she’s grateful they haven’t allowed their personal issues to affect their working relationship. He says he is too, and she says she also really wanted to thank him for deciding to grant Willow partial custody. He says he thought it was time for the kids to have their mother back. Which actually leads him to the reason for his visit. He’d appreciate a little consideration in return. She asks, what kind of consideration? and she says he wants her to take it easy on Jacinda.

Marco tells Britt that Lucas is his personal life. This is business, temporary business. Once it’s over, he and Lucas can finally have a life together. She says, he thinks so? They’re not making pizzas here. They’re developing a potential weapon. What they’re doing is dangerous, and for the record, no one finds Lucas’s moral superiority more annoying than she does, but if he really loved his boyfriend, he wouldn’t lie to him. Not about something like this.

The doctor tells Felicia and Spinelli, Maxie appears to show no signs of cardiac distress and the anti-rejection meds are working like they’re supposed too. Spinelli says he’s all too aware that Maxie adheres to no other timetable but her own, but why did she now regain consciousness? The doctor says, her blood pressure and cardiac ejection fraction have improved over the course of several weeks. Over the same time period, the enzyme levels in her blood stream have decreased. In fact, the last blood test only showed a trace amount of the enzymes presence in Maxie’s system. At this rate of degradation, he thinks the next round of bloodwork will show no trace of the enzymes in her system at all. Felicia says, he’s going to confirm that though? and he says, absolutely. Spinelli asks if he foresees any long-term complication from the coma, and the doctor says, her reflexes are sharp and her vitals are strong. Her motor and cognitive skills remain intact. She’s a little weak, but that’s to be expected. Felicia says, she’s really going to be okay? and he says, they’ve been praying for a miracle. He’d say they got one. Spinelli and Felicia hug.

As he’s taking the goodie bags with him, Nathan drops some and Lulu helps him pick them up. He thanks her and says he couldn’t have done any of this without her. He’ll give these to James to pass out. She’s supposed to kiss him, but hold onto this until the right time and place. They look up to see Brook in the doorway.

 Felicia says she feels like she can breathe for the first time, and Spinelli says, she’s really going to be okay, but she’s already taken in so much. Felicia says, if he doesn’t mind, she’d like to give Maxie the news about Nathan, and he says he thinks that would probably be best.  

Maxie looks at Georgie’s phone and says, oh my God. She did such a great job and looks beautiful. Felicia and Spinelli come in, and Maxie says, Georgie was just showing her her solo in the Christmas pageant this year. And James told her that Santa brought him his very own saddle, which means he must have been on his best behavior for the past few months. James says, and Santa counts it when you try, and Maxie says she’s glad he does. She just wishes she’d been there to help out. They were all alone. Spinelli says, she’s here now and that’s all that really matters, and Maxie says she guesses they’re a family again. And nothing or nobody is ever going to change that.

Brook tells Lulu and Nathan that she didn’t expect Bailey Lou to conk out so fast. She did sing the whole way over here. She guesses Bailey Lou tired herself out. Lulu says, that’s sweet, and Brook says, it is, but she wishes Bailey Lou knew another song, because now she knows way too much about buses and wheels. She’s so sorry she showed up unannounced. Lulu says, it’s no problem. She and Nathan were finishing up the Valentine goodie bags for James’s class. Nathan says, and he was dropping stuff on the way out. He thanks Lulu again for her help and she says, anytime. He leaves, and Lulu asks how Bailey Lou was today, but Brook says, save it. Lulu says, sorry? and Brook asks, what’s going on with her and Nathan?

James says, Maxie should see him ride. He’s been on Comet and Hades let him pet him. Maxie says, okay, so if she asks Cody to tell her how his lessons are going, Cody will say, well, and James is listening to everything he says. James says, ask all she wants. He’s gotten so good, even dad wants to try it. She says, is that so? and Spinelli exchanges looks with Felicia. Felicia says, Spinelli has barely had a chance to get a word in edgewise. Why don’t they give him and Maxie some private time? Georgie tells James, come on. They can try some of the stuff that dad brought back from the bakery. James says he just hopes dad got those cookies, and Spinelli says, as promised. They leave, and Spinelli sits next to the bed. Maxie asks if he’s going to say anything, but he says he doesn’t think he has the words. She says, that has to be a first, and he says he’s imagined this moment every second of every day and night. And now that it’s here, it’s too much for him to grasp. She says she had a lot of surprises today herself, but his being by her side wasn’t one of them, and he takes her hand.

Nina tells Michael, Jacinda isn’t the worst assistant in the world. If they can manage to keep their relationship out of the office… and reception area… and the elevator, she’s sure the two of them can find a way to coexist. Michael says, good, and gets up. They shake hands, he thanks Nina, and he leaves.

Jacinda tells Ava that she can go in, and Ava thanks her. She goes into the office, and says she sees Michael’s hooker is still on the payroll. How is that going for her? Nina says, actually, not too bad, but she’s sure Ava didn’t visit her to discuss her assistant. Ava says, can’t she just visit her very best gal pal in her place of business? and Nina says, she can, but she’s not, and please don’t use the phrase gal pal ever again. Ava says, okay. Fair enough. The truth is, she needs someone to talk to about Jenz Sidwell.

Sidwell gives Lucy a drink and says he’s surprised she’s come to regret her ultimatum. Why the sudden change of heart? Lucy says, there’s not one reason. She thinks they have the best time together and since she’s met him, she’s been so impressed, since the first day. He says, as he has with her, and she says she loves working with him at Deception. He helped the company and helped her a great deal, especially in Maxie’s absence. Not to mention the fact that she shudders to think what would have happened to the company if not for his – she clinks her glass against his – zincite. He says he was happy to provide her some relief in her time of need, and she knows he’d do anything for the women of Deception. She says she knows that because he’s just that kind of man, decent and so charming. That’s why she didn’t want to throw the relationship away. She loves spending time with him, even if it means sharing his time with Ava. So what does he say? Does he think he could give her another chance?

Marco says, Britt is in this deeper than he is. She’s the last person who should be judging him. She says she’s not judging him. She’s trying to get through to him because she’s been in that position. She worked with her own father, but she was a fugitive and he was the only person she could turn to. He has options she never had, so why would he choose to be shackled to his dad? What could he possibly be getting out of this? Marco says they all have their reasons, and she says, from where she’s standing, if he wants a happily ever after with Lucas, he’s doing the one thing that will guarantee he never has it.

Lucas tells Elizabeth that it took him so long to be open to finding love after Brad. Then he met Marco and thought he could be the one. He thought what they had was real. Elizabeth says she’s seen the two of them together, the way Marco looks at him, and the way Lucas lights up around him. That is real. Just because Marco’s not being 100% honest, doesn’t mean Marco’s feelings for him are a lie. His feelings may be the reason he’s not truthful. Lucas says, that runs counter to everything he believes a relationship should be, and she says she would agree, unless Marco is into something dangerous or illegal, which it kind of sounds like he is. Maybe Marco is lying to him because he thinks he’s protecting him. And as hard as it is to accept he may not be the same person Lucas thought, that doesn’t erase everything they’ve shared. What the two of them have is love, and that love does vanish just because of some lies.

Jacinda and Michael kiss, and she asks how things went with Nina. He says, pretty well, if she could believe it. Nina practically gave them her blessing. She says, it’s a relief. Nina is her boss after all, and she doesn’t want it to complicate his custody arrangement with Willow, especially when it’s so new. When exactly was he planning on telling her about that?

Nina says, Jenz Sidwell? She’s heard nothing but bad things about the man. Ava says she’s heard those whispers as well, but it has not been her experience with him, and Nina says, as his art dealer. Ava says, Jenz the client is extremely wealthy and Jenz the man is more that. Nina asks, how? and Ava says, he’s much more loving as a father. She’s seen him with his son and he’s been nothing but supportive of Marco’s relationship with her nephew. The four of them have been spending a great deal of time together. It’s allowed her to connect with Lucas on a whole new level. Nina says, the way she’s talking, it sounds like she’s connecting to Sidwell. Does she have feelings for him? Ava says, it’s too soon to tell, but there’s definitely a little spark… something. She thinks Jenz senses it too. Unfortunately, somebody else has noticed it – Lucy Coe.

Sidwell says, of course (🍷) he’ll give Lucy another chance. She’s truly one of a kind and his position here is owed in large part to her generous guidance and extensive knowledge of this wonderful city. It’s never a dull moment with her around. She says she certainly hopes not, and he says, the idea of not seeing her any more truly bothered him. She says she’s heard that before, but it’s definitely nice to hear again, and he says he thinks they’ve evolved enough to enjoy each other’s company without any expectation of exclusivity. She says she definitely agrees, and he says they have a lot of catching up to do. How does dinner at the MetroCourt sound? She says, absolutely fabulous, and he says, fantastic. He just has one stop to make first.

Looking at Spinelli’s phone, Maxie says, hold on. Is that Brook and Lulu in the same room together? His phone must be on mute. She doesn’t hear them yelling at each other or threatening to smack each other. He says, their interactions have actually been in acceptable decibel levels and there have been no assaults, physically or otherwise. They’ve buried the hatchet to take care of the kids. She says, maybe she should have fallen into a coma earlier, and Spinelli says, ugh. She says, too soon? and he says he’s not sure if there will ever be the right time for that jest. She agrees and says, to be honest, Brook and Lulu getting along is the best news she could have woken up to.

Brook tells Lulu to look her in the eye and tell her that there’s nothing going on between her and Nathan. Then she’ll drop it. Lulu says, things have been so good between them. She doesn’t want to do this. Brook says, exactly, because they’ve been helping Spinelli and Felicia together. But if something is going on between her and James’s dad… He’s Maxie’s husband and that changes things for everyone involved. Lulu says, Maxie is her best friend, and Nathan has been out of her life for seven years. She moved on with Spinelli. Brook says, Lulu is rationalizing, which means she’s right, isn’t she? and Lulu says, yes. She and Nathan have feelings for each other.

Felicia says she just got off the phone with Mac, and he can’t wait to see Maxie, and Maxie says she can’t wait to see him too. Felicia says, the kids have a flight to catch, so say goodbye to mom, but Georgie says she doesn’t want to leave Maxie alone. Spinelli says, she won’t be alone. He’s going to fly back with them, and grandma is going to stay with her. James says he doesn’t want to leave without her, but Maxie says she’ll be okay and she doesn’t want them missing any more school. Besides, she really needs them to help her take care of Bailey Lou. Got it? James says, got it, and she says, give her a hug. She and the kids say, I love you, and Spinelli says they have their orders. They need vending machines, no doubt, and bathrooms, and anything else before they go. He looks at Maxie and says, Maximista… She says her too, and he says, come on, kids. They leave, and Maxie says she’s okay. Felicia doesn’t have to keep crying. Felicia says she knows Maxie is okay. She’s crying because she loves her so much. They hug, and Maxie says she loves Felicia too.

Lulu tells Brook that she realizes the whole situation is complicated and knows it could end up devastating Maxie and confusing James. She’s trying to navigate this. Brook says, good luck with that, and Lulu says, chances are nothing could even come of this, but how are they supposed to know one way or another if she and Nathan don’t have the time and space to explore whatever these feelings are? Brook says, so she’s supposed to give them time and space. Funny. She remembers someone else asking… Oh, right. That was her asking Lulu for the time and space to deal with the repercussions of her teenage pregnancy, but no. Lulu couldn’t give her that courtesy and went ahead and blew up her entire life. Lulu says she never told Gio that Brook was his mom. She wanted Lois to tell them both the truth. She inserted herself into Brook’s personal life and learned from that mistake. Brook says, how convenient. Lulu finally learned a lesson in discretion just in time to need it from someone else. Lulu says that’s not what she’s doing. She just knows people will get hurt if whatever the feelings are with Nathan are real. She’s just trying to be careful about everything. Brook asks if Dante knows she has feelings for his best friend, and Lulu says, no. That’s the whole point of exploring this in private, so no one needlessly gets hurt. Brook says, no. The point is that she and Nathan should never explore this at all. Dante is Nathan’s best friend and Maxie is Lulu’s. Lulu has always had faults, but her friendship with Maxie and her loyalty to her was never one of them. If she and Nathan pursue this, she’ll lose Maxie forever, and sorry, but she deserves to.

Nina says, spark or not, Ava has a far bigger problem than Lucy Coe, and Ava says, what’s that? Nina says, Avery’s father. Or has she forgotten that Sonny and Sidwell absolutely despise each other? Ava says she doesn’t take orders or relationship advice from Sonny. She thinks Lucy will hang herself as far as Jenz is concerned and he’ll focus all his attention on her. The question is, does she let him? Is Nina going on the record in saying she’s against it? Nina says she’s completely absolutely against it, but she will admit that it’s nice to see her friend with a little glow. Ava says, does she have a glow? and Nina says, it’s there, but maybe there’s enough reason to let it sit.

Jacinda asks if Michael compromised with Willow because of her, because he thought their relationship and her past would cost him more if fought her? Michael says, that was a factor in his thinking, but it wasn’t the decisive one. He couldn’t risk being charged with Drew’s shooting, then also having Willow petition for full custody. So he decided to get ahead of the situation. How did she find out? She says, Kristina thought she already knew, and he says he was going to tell her on their date tonight. That is, if she’s not too upset to still go out with him.

Marco says what he’s getting out of this is none of Britt’s business, okay? This project will be over soon and when it is, he and Lucas can finally move forward and build their lives together. Britt says, keep telling himself that, and he says, they can agree that the sooner the project is done, the better it will be for the both of them. Get it online. Give his father and Cullum what they want and then they can all be free to live their lives. He leaves.

Lucas tells Elizabeth, what hurt the most was how he defended Marco to his sister. He chose Marco over Carly, and she was right the whole time. Even after how he acted, she came to Windymere and tried to make things right between them. She accepted his boyfriend for who he is – and get this – she even apologized. Elizabeth says, she loves him, and he says he pushed away his sister for someone whose never been honest. Elizabeth says, she’ll forgive him, and he thanks her for being such a good friend. She says, hold onto that feeling. She’s about to give him some tough love. She believes he and Marco have real feelings for each other, but living in that house is not safe. Sidwell was a dangerous man when he was holding Lucky hostage and he’s just as dangerous now. So Lucas needs to go back, pack his bags, and move out of Windymere tonight.

Michael says he’d rather focus on the good things that are and one of those things is Jacinda, and she says, okay already. She’ll go out with him. She laughs and says, where to? He says, it’s a surprise, and she says, why not let her surprise him for a change? She’ll pick the place. He says, deal, and they kiss.

Ava thanks Nina for the advice. She can always count on Nina and what she says. Jenz sees her value and respects her opinion. It’s been a while since that happened and goes a long way with her. There’s a knock at the door and Jacinda says, you have a visitor. Nina says, there’s no one else on her calendar, but Jacinda says, it’s not for her. It’s for Miss Jerome. Sidwell comes in and Ava asks what he’s doing here. Sidwell greets Nina, and says he went to the gallery and Miss Robinson told him that he might find her here. He has a proposition, a dinner proposition, for her. Ava says she accepts, and he says he’s so pleased. Shall we? He holds out his arm and Ava takes it. As they leave the office, he says, just so she knows, they’re having company, and Lucy says, great news. The MetroCourt has a table for three. Sidwell laughs and says, it’s great, so great.

Marco calls Cullum and says, Britt Westbourne’s medication has been administered for the day. The next time they meet, he’d like to revisit their conversation about Sonny Corinthos. Lucas hears him.  

Britt went into her office to find Nathan, and says, he scared her. He says, sorry. He didn’t mean to. She asks what he’s doing here, and he says he’s got some bad news. She says, how bad? and he says, Anna Devane is convinced their father is alive.  

Brook says, believe it or not, she’s trying to do Lulu a favor. If nothing happened between her and Nathan, she should keep it that way. Because no unanswered question about feelings is worth risking her friendship with Maxie’s. Lulu’s phone rings, and Spinelli says he has the most wonderful news. Maxie woke up. Lulu says, oh my God, and Brook says, what is it? Lulu tells Spinelli, okay, bye, and Brook asks if everything is okay. Lulu says, Maxie is awake.

Maxie says, thanks to Georgie and Spinelli’s videos and James’s very vivid and detailed storytelling, she feels like she’s caught up on everything she missed. She thinks it’s sweet that James is calling Spinelli dad now. Felicia says, James and Spinelli have only grown closer since Maxie’s been in here, but when James said his dad was learning to ride horseback, he wasn’t referring to Spinelli. Maxie asks what she means, and Felicia says, James was talking about Nathan. Nathan is alive.

On Monday, Carly tells Jason that Sonny insists Ric doesn’t have an agenda, but she doesn’t buy it; Molly has something to tell Alexis; and Marco says Lucas isn’t going anywhere. And not in a good way.

🧼 The Only Soap News Fit To Print…

Maximista is back.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/maxie-returns-on-general-hospital-heres-how-kirsten-storms-came-back-to-the-show/

https://ew.com/general-hospital-actress-kirsten-storms-returns-after-brain-aneurysm-11906052

Glad for Cameron, but wishing Drew would drop dead.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-star-cameron-mathison-shares-a-cancer-update-after-his-recent-checkup/

He’ll be missed, but it’s a sweet reason.

https://ew.com/why-steve-burton-is-taking-a-short-break-from-general-hospital-11903840

Because, Roger Howarth.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-comings-goings-roger-howarth-back-on-set-as-matt-clark/

💉 A Dose Of Reality

Below Deck Down Under

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City were still on Deck, and these women argued so loudly and intensely at dinner, they ignored dessert service and Chef Ben coming up to ask about the food. Captain Jason had plans to join them for dessert, but wisely thought better of it. Sous chef Alesia thought Ben was moody, so obviously she’s never seen the show or any competition show where chefs are involved. I thought he was very accommodating and possibly mellowing as he gets older. I wondered if the Salt Lake women would be friends if not for the show and maybe that’s what the real problem is. Angie seems to be an accident waiting to happen, as she ended up with a pretty bad hand injury after dressing up like a lobster or something and getting a door closed on it. All I have to say is, they better have left one hell of a tip, especially after seeing the mess they left behind.

Summer House

We watched more Kyle and Amada’s relationship disintegrating further. It’s not a huge shock since Kyle bitched to everyone except Amanda and talked all kinds of smack about her – she smoked weed every night (his point?), they didn’t have sex (has he met himself?), and their place was like something from Hoarders (bordering; it was sloppy, but not quite a Hoarders situation). His excuse this season for being an a-hole was that Loverboy was not doing well, even though he’d sunk $500K into it and was taking no salary. I was actually surprised, since I’ve tasted Loverboy’s product and thought it was very good. He’d been supplementing his income by DJ’ing, which in and of itself, wasn’t an issue for Amanda, but he was also partying hardy, going so far as sleeping it off at a fan’s house. I’m with Amanda in saying that’s just a no. Maybe Kyle should try to get on a Housewives show since he fits right in with his drinking and screeching.  

Vanderpump Rules

We learned that there was more to Venus than just his long, pretty hair, when he talked about his struggle coming out and the struggles being out afterward. LVP gave him the task of being the host of SUR’s Gay Pride event and his confidence was bolstered. Other than that, it was the usual making up and breaking up, or vice versa. When the group went to a bar after a game of volleyball, Natalie put on lip gloss in anticipation of making out (ew, messy!) and in her interview, told us, I don’t know what says about me but there’s just something so chic about having a couple of drinks and making out with people. And that pretty much sums up the whole season so far.

Southern Charm

The best thing about the past couple episodes is the name of Whitner’s family farm – Itchy Grass Farm. The worst thing has been Craig. He keeps insisting he never said he was worried Charley would fall in love with him, yet we’ve clearly seen it on video. It must be true that they forget about the cameras. Shep insisted on talking to Austen even though Austen said he didn’t want to, and stumbled through a halfway poetic plea for Austen to let Audrey go. In Shep’s interview, he said Austen hadn’t gotten the memo, but it was Shep who hadn’t gotten the memo, since Austen had already broken up with her. He just hadn’t mentioned it to Shep or Craig. A funeral service for Chauncey was held at Patricia’s Whitney’s house, and Austen gave the perfect eulogy: [Chauncey was] a true legend. A noble companion. A four-legged, tongue-dangling potato with the spirit of a lion, and the mental fortitude of a toddler. [He was] a confidant, a snack stealer, a friend. What he lacked for in brain power, he more than made up for in spirit. All dog tributes should be so eloquent. At the end, Madison was about to have her baby.

Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills

Rachel, Kyle, and Dorit took off for the Hamptons, while the rest went to Amanda’s Manifestation Moment party. <sigh> I’m not a fan of the manifestation movement or moment or whatever. If it worked, we’d all be millionaires by now. When the women tried to get Amanda to take accountability for causing the rift between Kyle and Dorit to widen, Sutton called Amanda a wimp, which totally offended her. In Erika’s interview, she said, if Amanda couldn’t handle wimp, perhaps she was I the wrong group, and we got a montage of see-you-next-Tuesday tidings from past episodes. Dorit met with Mauricio and tried to get him to see things from her side, but to no one’s surprise except hers, Mauricio stuck by his boy. On Watch What Happens Live, Reza (The Valley: Persian Style) told Rachel that she was killing the game during her freshman season, and I concur. Loving her.

The Valley: Persian Style

RJ set up a lunch date with Tanin and Sky, where neither knew the other was coming. Then he took their purses and booked, in the hopes that they’d kiss and make up. When Tanin said, Sky made it sound like others were beneath her, Sky said, they were, reenforcing her reputation as bougie princess. She doesn’t just avoid accountability, she honestly thinks she has none. Mercedeh was frustrated at Tommy not wanting to mend fences with Reza, and even though he’d brought it all on himself, he continued to whine about the repercussions of his rampage. Reza decided to make the first move and sent Tommy a beautiful text. While still being an a-hole who refuses to take accountability (WOTD) at the beginning of the episode, Tommy wrote back suggesting they get together after filming. I’m hoping that’s because he wants it to be a genuine moment off-camera and not because he’ll want to change history once the cameras are rolling again. TBD.

Random Reality Items

Oh, the irony. Apparently, Jill doesn’t know 1) Puerto Rico is part of the United States, 2) they speak Spanish there, and 3) there were other performers. I’m thrilled that Dorinda will be replacing her. I’m not a fan of cancelation, but like Ramona before her, she got what she deserved.

https://ew.com/jill-zarin-fired-from-real-housewives-reunion-series-after-racist-rant-about-bad-bunny-super-bowl-show-11904130

Now we’re talking.

Her art is brilliant. I would definitely buy a piece. I’ll be waiting for that website to be up.

https://screenrant.com/1000-lb-sisters-amy-slaton-leaning-into-artistic-era-see-more-artwork/

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Ash. Hulu. More psychological thriller than horror, protagonist Riya wakes up on a foreign planet, the rest of her spaceship’s crew dead, and she can’t remember a thing. When a man claims to have observed the carnage from a distance, he tries help her piece together what happened. Supposedly, the crew was infected by a virus that causes violence, and Riya begins to remember bits and pieces, unsure of the part she may have played in the crew’s demise. It wasn’t my favorite, but I didn’t hate it.

The Blackening. Netflix. This film had been on my not-so short list for a while, and when I saw it was leaving soon, I figured I’d better get to it. It turned out, it was just what I needed – a good laugh. Starting with a group going to a cabin in the woods for some fun and relaxation, the movie turns every horror trope on its ear and laughs at it. It’s a good time partnered with a hint of a message about Blackness. And even though a Black character is technically the first to die, they’re also the last left standing. Lots of laughs, some gore, and a unique perspective.

The Great Flood. Netflix. An asteroid has hit the earth, causing a more than great flood. It’s a catastrophe. It starts with a single mother in a flooded apartment, trying to get to safety. Then the twist comes. It was hard to even find a review without spoilers, but I’m not going to give it away. I started watching because I have a fascination with big waves, and stayed for the wild ride.

No spoilers here.

All the spoilers.

The ‘Burbs. Peacock. I never saw the film, but now I’ll have to. I love Keke Palmer, I love what I’ve seen of this series so far, and even though I’m not done with Season 1, I’m hoping for a Season 2. Samira, Rob, and their newborn move back to Rob’s childhood home in suburbia. While still on maternity leave, Samira becomes fixated on the old, dilapidated Victorian house across the street. At first it’s empty, but when the new owner moves in, Samira is sure he’s up to no good. There’s a rational explanation for everything, but she’s convinced there’s a mystery to uncover.

https://deadline.com/2026/02/the-burbs-creator-finale-cameo-season-2-ideas-1236716853/

Fallout finale. Amazon Prime. A scene with cockroaches that would make any New Yorker cringe and Max’s fight against the Deathclaws were amazing. There were some laughs – like when Steph’s offense of being Canadian is worse than the actual deception and killing she’s waged – and the magnificent setting of New Vegas. But still, like the reviewer below, I was left feeling a little ripped off. Like when I hoped for a pterodactyl in The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and there was barely a glimpse of one holding up a sign that said, Look for me in the third installment of the franchise! I get I should want to watch the next season, but give me a grand gesture at the end of the last one. I still enjoyed it, but something was missing.

https://www.avclub.com/fallout-season-2-finale-recap

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

I think she’s done enough.

https://ew.com/americas-next-top-model-returning-cycle-25-tyra-banks-11905345

🏈 All About That Bowl…

You didn’t think I meant the sports stuff, did you?

The surprises.

https://ew.com/lady-gaga-ricky-martin-make-surprise-appearance-at-bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-11902389

https://ew.com/bad-bunny-super-bowl-2026-halftime-show-featured-real-wedding-11902395

The commercials.

https://ew.com/super-bowl-2026-commercials-best-and-worst-celebrity-ads-11900001

https://ew.com/dunkin-super-bowl-2026-ad-tv-sitcom-stars-good-will-hunting-spoof-11900455

The movie trailers.

https://ew.com/super-bowl-2026-movie-trailers-11899496

The I-Can’t-Wait.

https://ew.com/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-sequel-super-bowl-2026-trailer-brad-pitt-adventures-of-cliff-booth-11902369

🪄 No Second Helping For You…

What Michelle Yeoh said.

https://ew.com/michelle-yeoh-reacts-to-wicked-for-good-being-snubbed-at-the-oscars-11905756

🐶 It’s a Dog’s World…

🐾 It’s the Puppy Bowl for the win.

https://www.usatoday.com/live-story/sports/2026/02/08/puppy-bowl-2026-highlights-winner-super-bowl/88568327007/

https://www.tvinsider.com/1244314/puppy-bowl-2026-winning-team/

🥇 At least he went out a winner.

https://people.com/puppy-bowl-fans-mourn-contestant-teigan-who-died-before-puppy-bowl-2026-aired-11903144

🧙 Brother from another mother… and world.

https://people.com/women-take-in-foster-dog-that-looks-like-dobby-from-harry-potter-exclusive-11903934

🦮 A different Bowl, yet the same.

https://people.com/super-bowl-2026-beth-stern-shares-super-bowl-tradition-great-american-rescue-bowl-11902067

🐕 I can just imagine the fluffy chaos.

https://people.com/goldens-in-golden-2026-largest-unofficial-golden-retriever-gathering-11903043

👰🏻‍♀️ And Golden makes three.

https://people.com/bride-and-groom-include-beloved-pet-golden-retriever-in-wedding-dance-exclusive-11902802

Happy Valentine’s Day!

🦪 Quotes of the Week

Tomorrow becomes never. No matter how small the task, take the first step now. – Tim Ferriss

Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you. – T. A. Barron (So don’t step on any butterflies.)

Life lived for tomorrow will always be just a day away from being realized. – Leo Buscaglia

When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.Henry J. Kaiser

Life is problems. Living is solving problems. – Raymond E. Feist

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goals: my strength lies solely in my tenacity. – Louis Pasteur

I can handle failing, but I can’t handle not knowing what could have been. – Evan Carmichael

I feel like I just got an emotional wedgie. – Rob (Jack Whitehall), The ‘Burbs

❄️ Fire Of the Frost…

Until next time, stay safe; stay being wary of black ice on the roads; and stay remembering, no risk, no reward.

February 6, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Willow Tells Drew All, Soap Suds, This Week’s Reality, Weekend Watching, Watching Soon, Grammy Dish, Spice Minus One, Bowling For Puppies, Best, Octonary Quotes & Stars

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥤 Weekday Big Gulps…                                                                   

Monday: 

Ric went to Sonny’s, and Sonny said Ric needed to make sure Michael didn’t lose his children.

Gio and Emma came into the nook to find Chase and Brook there. Emma asked how mad Tracy was, and Brook asked why she’d be mad.

Suzanne said someone was waiting for Alexis in her office who would only talk to her. Alexis went in to find Willow there.

At Bobbie’s, Lucas told Marco that it was nice to go to Ava’s, and Marco said, and spending the night at the MetroCourt. Lucas suggested they enjoy this unicorn of a day. Maybe it was time they got their own apartment on the mainland.

At a nearby table, Michael said he was sorry Jacinda had to ride out the storm alone, but Jacinda said she was fine. He said he’d missed her, and she said she liked knowing he thought about her. She’d missed him too.

Britt woke up to Jason puttering around, and he said he’d let her sleep. He asked how she was feeling, she said, amazing, and they kissed.

Lucas said living at Windymere had been amazing (WOTD), which was why he thought he and Marco were ready for the next step. They could afford a nice place downtown, close to where they worked. Marco asked if this meant Lucas wasn’t happy at Windymere.

Brook said they couldn’t find Tracy, and Gio said she’d gone to get back the Quartermaine heirlooms. Emma said, Tracy had a plan, and Brook said, that was never good. Gio said they were supposed to meet her, but had to turn back, and Emma said they hadn’t heard from her. Brook said, what if she’d gotten stuck? They had to find her.

Michael and Jacinda talked about making pancakes, and Jacinda said she didn’t like cooking, but she liked watching cooking shows. (Same. I knew we were kindred spirits.) Kristina came in and said it was nice to see Michael smiling.

Ric said he was happy that his and Sonny’s relationship had improved, but he’d represented Willow at the custody hearing. Sonny said it wasn’t about sides, but about the grandkids, and Ric said his hands were tied. Sonny said he wanted Ric to broker a compromise. He was a damn good lawyer and had another chance to prove it.

Alexis asked if it was something with Drew, but Willow said his status was the same. He could only communicate by blinking. It was the reason she needed Alexis now more than ever. Her visitation hearing was coming up and she’d relied on Drew. She’d been proven innocent (nope – not guilty is not necessarily innocent) and Alexis was a fantastic lawyer. She was the only one Willow trusted to show what a good mother she was.

Britt told Jason that she wished she could stay in this moment. It was easier when it was just them. The rest of the world screwed everything up. It would be hard to stay away from him. He said it was temporary. He could help her get out and didn’t want her to be afraid. Walking out of this room was the first step in setting her free.

Ric told Sonny that compromise was the most logical way to end the battle, but Michael and Willow had said goodbye to logical and rational, and Sonny said Willow might be more reasonable without Drew. Ric said Michael would be a harder sell. He’d gone in on Michael hard during the custody hearing. Sonny said somebody had to make the first move and it was going to be them.

Alexis said she didn’t think she was the right person, but Willow said Alexis was the best lawyer she knew and she wasn’t leaving anything to chance. Alexis said, what about Ric? but Willow said she didn’t trust him after he’d disappeared on her. Judge Haran’s death delayed the hearing, and it was torture not seeing her kids. She’d been exonerated and Michael was now under suspicion. Alexis said she hadn’t heard anything of the kind, but Willow said she assumed it was just a matter of time before they charged him. He’d also been endangering her children by openly dating a criminal and she had proof.

Kristina said Scout had loved the snow, but Molly had been absent with Cody, and Jacinda said, they finally figured it out. Michael asked how it was with Scout living there, and Kristina said Scout sometimes felt guilty about being happy without her dad. Michael said Wiley had those moments about Willow, but Drew’s stroke had done what he couldn’t – gotten Drew out of their lives. Kristina asked if he’d heard anything new from the PCPD, but he said he’d heard nothing.

Chase said Tracy’s car hadn’t been involved in an accident, and Gio said it wasn’t in the garage. Brook fretted that Tracy was stuck on a back street, when Tracy walked in saying, the things she endured for this family… What? Gio said, thank God she was alive, and everyone gave her a group hug.  

Jason told Britt that her boat was gone, and she said when she made it back to shore, she’d have to deal with insurance and Jason would have to act like he hated her. He said it would be tough, but all that mattered was that they both knew the truth. They were in this together. He thanked her for trusting him, and she said he was the only person she did trust. He was the only one who knew the hell she’d been going through. Now they had to pretend last night didn’t happen. He said, it did, it was real, and it was amazing. He wouldn’t abandon her. She said she’d try to remember that, and he said she had to believe Cullum and follow his orders. It was the only way to be safe.

Britt said she’d miss this place, and Jason said, as soon as they were back, give him the medicine, and he’d have Brick work on reverse engineering it. She said they usually gave her a week’s supply, and she had four in her room. He suggested that he sneak in and grab one. They were watching her, not her room. Brick would get this done. She said neither one of them were . They must bring out the best in each other. They kissed.

Lucas said Windymere was great, but it was Marco’s dad’s house, and Marco said Luas had seemed okay living with his sister and aunt. Lucas said it was nice to get time with them, and Marco said that’s how he felt. He’d gotten closer to his dad since his mom died and wanted a deeper relationship. Lucas asked if he was afraid he’d lose that if he moved out, and Marco said, sort of. Sidwell was busy and running into him in the kitchen was easier than scheduling time to see him. Lucas said, Pascal creeps me out.

Brook said they’d been concerned, but Tracy said she was fine. She’d gone to retrieve her possessions and got stuck spending the night with Martin Grey. Emma said they’d tried to get to her, and Tracy asked, how hard did they try? Brook told them that she thought Tracy was trying to say she was grateful they’d been smart and obeyed the police, and Tracy said, exactly. It was too late anyway. She was already in hell, but she’d managed to resolve the issue. Brook asked what she did, and Chase asked, where’s Martin?

Jacinda got a call and stepped away, and Kristina asked Michael how it had been living with their brother the acting Police Commissioner and Chase. Michael said, Dante was in a tougher position, when Jacinda came back and said Nina’s last appointment canceled, so she wouldn’t be in until later. Kristina asked how it was going, and Jacinda said Nina hated her and was giving her the boring, busy work, but she had no intention of letting Nina win. Nina was vindictive but knew a ton about the fashion world. She was going to learn from her whether Nina liked it or not, and also make full use of the Crimson closet. Michael said he knew she’d be a perfect fit, and Jacinda said liked Nina knowing that she was more loyal him than her. Michael’s phone rang, and he said it was Sonny. He asked, what’s up? and Sonny said he needed to come to the house. It wasn’t an emergency, but it was important. Michael said he’d be right there.

Willow told Alexis that Jacinda had a long history of arrests before she’d drugged Drew, and Alexis said she didn’t think she was the right lawyer. Willow said her children were more important than her own freedom, and if she wasn’t with them, she might as well be in prison. Alexis would do anything for Scout, and it was the same way with her and her kids. The both understood that you did what you had to for the people you loved. You didn’t have to like it. You just did it.

Jason said they’d dock at King’s Beach and Britt could get a car, but she said her phone washed away. He said she could grab a bus, but she said the bus smelled as she followed him out.

Lucas told Marco that Pascal gave him a weird vibe. He’d gone to the wine cellar and was definitely alone, but suddenly Pascal was behind him. Marco said being quiet and unobtrusive came with the job, but Lucas said, quiet was one thing, but he was positive the cellar was empty. He was standing between the door and Pascal. How did he get in? He thought Pascal had gone through the catacombs. Pascal escorted him out, but he went back and couldn’t find a door. Marco told him, leave the catacombs alone.  

Chase asked if they needed to call the paramedics, but Tracy said she didn’t need to resort to violence. Besides, she needed Martin mobile so he could load things into her car. Emma said, good for her, and Gio said it was the least Martin could do. Tracy said he conceded that she was within her rights. She’d brought the items dearest to her in her car and the rest would be picked up this afternoon. Chase asked if she’d talked to Willow first.

Alexis suggested she familiarize herself with Willow’s case and they’d talk another time, but Willow said she needed her children. If Alexis didn’t help her, there would be no Scout. No nothing. She didn’t like saying it, but they did what they had to for their children and grandchildren. She gave Alexis the folder, and Alexis said they’d do it her way. Willow said she felt better knowing Alexis was on her side, and left. Suzanne brought Alexis her coffee and closed the door. She asked what she could do to help, but Alexis said, nothing. Willow blackmailed her into representing her at the visitation hearing. She’d represent Willow or no Scout. Suzanne said Alexis had no choice, but Alexis said she had one. Suzanne said it was unthinkable, but Alexis said Willow played the Sam’s daughter card and the grandchild card perfectly and gave her no choice.

Michael wondered why Ric was there, and Sonny said they wanted to talk about the best way to approach the visitation hearing. Michael said Ric had been Willow’s lawyer, and Sonny said Ric was his brother. He’d find a way to peace between Michael and Willow.

Tracy said she didn’t feel the need to check with Willow before retrieving her family heirlooms, and Chase said she removed property from Drew’s house without permission. Tracy said, Drew didn’t object, but Chase said Drew couldn’t talk. Gio said Ned could have died when Drew walked away after he collapsed. The least he deserved was to lose the stuff he’d stolen. Tracy said, spoken like a true Quartermaine, and Gio said, yeah, he was. Chase said Tracy had taken the law into her own hands, but Tracy said Martin had been there watching her the whole time. If Drew’s attorney didn’t object, why would Drew? Brook said Tracy had a point, and Chase said, okay. She won. Tracy said she usually did. She was going to look for Yuri to help unload the car, and Gio said he’d help. Jason came in and Chase asked where he was all night. (Dude is so working my last nerve.)

Lucas asked why Marco was touchy about the catacombs. It wasn’t the first time. Maroc said, sorry. He’d gotten lost in a cave when he was a kid and was freaked out about dark enclosed spaces. He didn’t want Lucas to get hurt. Lucas said it was a completely different situation. He was an adult and could take care of himself. Britt came in and walked upstairs, and Lucas asked if that wasn’t what she was wearing yesterday. Marco said maybe she’d gotten stuck and holed up somewhere, but Lucas said, no way. She’d had plenty of time to get home. If that wasn’t the walk shame, he didn’t know what was.

Suzanne said Willow genuinely seemed to love her children, and Alexis said, she also acted like she loved her husband. Suzanne said it was a completely different category, but Alexis said she didn’t know how Willow felt about anyone or anything since she was a convincing liar. If she didn’t know that Willow shot Drew, she’d be helping her, but now she questioned everything. Suzanne said she was a great lawyer. It was hard to defend someone who was guilty, but she’d done it before. Alexis said it was different. She’d be handing over Ameilia and Wiley to a woman who’d shot her husband in the back. Suzanne said the decision wasn’t solely up to her. She’d present the argument to the judge who would make the decision. She had to trust that the system did what it was supposed to do and achieved justice.

Michael told Ric that he didn’t need to compromise. He had full custody, which would hold weight with the judge. Ric said he disagreed. Michael was in a worse position now. Willow had been exonerated and married a congressman. He was facing potential criminal charges and Alexis had given the prosecution a roadmap to follow. Michael said he hadn’t been charged, but Ric said it would still affect the judge’s perception. Willow would get visitation this time. The question was how generous the judge would be. If they decided in her favor, it would open the door to Willow getting full custody. Sonny said they had to get in front of a judge that didn’t decide in Willow’s favor.

Kristina said she loved seeing her brother laugh. Being with Jacinda made his life more bearable. Jacinda said she hoped so. She was so lucky they met at the Port Charles Grill. She couldn’t believe how understanding he was about her not telling him about being with Boyle when Drew was shot. Not many men would understand how she had to protect herself. She never thought Boyle would admit it. Kristina said Michael was one of the most loyal people she knew, and extremely fair. He knew her lie wasn’t meant to hurt him. Jacinda said she could see he was a special guy and she loved spending time with him. She’d never lie to him again. Kristina said she’d always wanted this for her brother. Jacinda got him and treated him well. She was good for him… Willow came in and went over to their table. She told Kristina that Alexis told her that they’d had a great time with Scout. Alexis was going to represent her at the visitation hearing. She was glad Jacinda was there. She couldn’t thank her enough for helping her reunite with her children.

Michael told Ric and Sonny that they were both wrong. He still had the power. Talking was a sign of weakness. If she wanted to compromise, Willow had to come to him. His phone rang, and he said, can you push it?… Okay. He’d be right there… Diane needed him to meet at ADA Turner’s office. Turner wanted to question him about Drew’s shooting.

Jacinda said Willow had lost touch with reality again. The children belonged to Michael. Willow promised Jacinda that she was thinking clearly. She remembered when she first laid eyes on Jacinda in Drew’s bedroom. She had a sketchy past. The judge wouldn’t like Michael being with someone like her and would be generous with visitation. Kristina said, Willow was just proving how unstable she was. She kept doing this. She’d made a scene when she lost custody. At her wedding she told everyone what a bad guy Drew was, then she married him. She thought Willow should take a look at herself and think about what she’d done before she dragged Jacinda through the mud. Willow said she’d expect Kristina to have more empathy, considering the mistakes she’d made. After this unwarranted attack, the judge would think twice about who Alexis exposed Drew’s daughter to.

Alexis told Suzanne that Scout was all she had left of her daughter. She’d do what she had to, to protect Scout. Suzanne said, the hearing would come and go, but her relationship with Scout would resonate through her whole life. Alexis wondered how many compromises she had to make. What if Michael was arrested and Willow got full custody? How could she stay quiet just because she got what she wanted?

Marco said he was sorry and would talk to Pascal, but Lucas said that would just make it weirder. He got Marco wanting to be close to his dad and would put up with it for him. Marco asked Lucas to promise to stay out of the passageways and catacombs, and Lucas said he used to live there. He was very familiar with the catacombs. Marco said, accidents happened. If Lucas got hurt, he’d never forgive himself. Lucas said, okay. He’d stay away. Marco took his hand and thanked him. He said, they could look at apartments later, and Lucas said, fine. They’d live at Windymere for now, but it wasn’t permanent. Marco suggested they look for apartments in May, and Lucas said, deal.

Back in her room, Britt opened the nightstand drawer, but her medicine wasn’t there.

Tracy said, good luck getting Jason to open up, and Chase asked where he was. Danny, Charlotte, and Rocco spent the night in the gatehouse. Yuri found them about 3 am and brought them back. Jason asked if they were okay, and Chase said, yeah. Jason said he didn’t see the problem, and Chase asked if he didn’t think it was a problem for them to know where he was when Emma got a call. She said, yes, this is Anna Devane’s granddaughter…. What happened?

Britt tossed the room, sat on the bed, and said her medicine was gone.

Emma thanked them, and said, oh my God. It was a police officer from a small town in France. They found her grandmother. Chase asked if Anna was okay, and Emma said she didn’t know. Anna had flagged down a car on a remote road. She said she needed help. She’d been held prisoner and escaped. She needed to warn everyone – Cesar Faison was alive.

Tuesday:

Emma found Felicia at the hospital and said her grandma was in trouble.

Jason went to Dante’s office and asked when he’d last heard from Anna. Dante said before she’d left, but apparently, she was found by the side of a road in France. She’d been taken into custody and was in some kind of state. She kept saying she had to warn them because Faison was still alive.

Cullum knocked at Britt’s door and said she seemed to have misplaced something. (He’s a real card.)

Willow went to see Nina, who asked, how was her meeting with Martin? Willow said he claimed the reason he was in Drew’s house was to keep an eye on the place, but he’d had an unexpected visitor – Tracy Quartermaine. She’d let herself in with this. She showed Nina the key and said, Martin took Tracy’s key and she took back the Quartermaine family heirlooms. Nina said she didn’t blame Tracy, but didn’t see Drew giving her a key. Willow asked if there was any way she could use Tracy’s breaking and entering and theft against Michael. (I guess no one remembers the court order about the heirlooms.)

In Turner’s office, Diane said Michael had been reciting this since he could form words, but she wanted to review. He said, don’t volunteer anything and keep his answers short and sweet, and she said, preferably, yes, no, and I don’t know. And the last and most important one… Michael said, Diane knows best, and she said, Diane always knows best. And she hated surprises. Michael said, unless they were in a Tiffany bag, and she said, the smaller the bag, the better. Molly and Nathan came in, and Molly said she wanted to go over the timeline of Michael’s movements the night of Congressman Cain’s shooting. Diane said she was sorry, but Molly had made that impossible.

Turner went to Sonny’s and said her office was questioning Michael. She thought she’d stop by to clarify her role. She saw a Pomeranian with Sonny, and he said the dog wasn’t an alpha dog, but don’t tell him. She said, it wasn’t the size of the dog in the fight… and he said, it was the size of the fight in the dog. The Pom growled.

Nina said Michael seemed like an odd choice for Tracy to bring with her, but Willow said Martin told her that he was alone. Nina said, so Michael wasn’t involved, but Willow said, he could have been involved in some other way. Maybe he and Tracy came up with a plan. Nina said Tracy never said he was in Drew’s house. She saw his car on the block. It sounded like Willow had no evidence. Willow said she had to focus on what she could prove against Michael and Alexis was going to help her.  

Diane said there was a conflict of interest. Since Molly and Michael were cousins, it wasn’t proper for her to interrogate him. Molly said she understood, but it wasn’t a trial or deposition. If Turner followed through, she wouldn’t be involved in the prosecution. Diane said she needed a moment to confer with her client, or they could wait for a subpoena, and Molly and Nathan left. Michael asked if they were going to wait for a subpoena, but Diane said, of course (🍷) not. Turner just handed them a massive gift.

Sonny said the Pom’s name was Fizz. They’d rescued Fizz, but his daughter said Fizz rescued them. He introduced Turner to Fizz, who growled. Sonny said he’d been trying to teach Fizz manners, but he didn’t like cops. Dogs were hypersensitive and maybe he smelled the PCPD on her. Fizz made the same mistake he did, judging her on the first impression. He took Fizz to the kitchen.

Emma told Felicia that she’d gotten a call from Captain Russo, a municipal police captain from a small town outside Dijon. They were holding Anna there. She thought Anna was okay physically, but she didn’t know if Anna was in trouble. He’d said she got in a fight with an officer, but before that, she’d flagged down a car, insisting she had to warn everyone that Cesar Faison was alive when he’d been dead for years.

Dante told Jason that Captain Russo had Anna in custody, and Jason asked if she was hurt. Dante said she’d had an altercation with an officer that had been deescalated. She said Faison was alive and had been holding her hostage, but she managed to escape. Jason wondered why she’d say it if it wasn’t true, and Dante asked if she’d mentioned it to him. Jason said she was adamant that if Britt and Nathan were alive, Faison could be too, but there was no way that was true.

Britt said Cullum took her meds, but he said he’d had them secured. From now on, they’d be kept in the lab at Windymere. She could access them when she was working and it would provide incentive for her to make the progress they needed. Britt said she’d gone there to work. It wasn’t her fault the blizzard took out the power. She needed her meds to perform her work there. Cullum said they allowed her life, but she’d overestimated herself. She’d done good work, but again, she wasn’t the only scientist who could complete the project. She’d officially made herself expendable.

Sonny said Turner was safe. Fizz the terror was in the kitchen. He gave Fizz bacon. It put him in a happy place. Turner said, her too, and he said, so she came there because of Michael. She said she wouldn’t be personally prosecuting him, and he asked if she was saying Michael had been charged. She told him that she wasn’t saying that and it wouldn’t be information she could share. He said he’d never asked her to cross any lines and had been upfront with her. Could she say the same?

Diane told Michael that this was perfect, a huge misstep. Molly was biased in his favor. Michael said he didn’t do it, and she said she believed him. Unfortunately, he’d been caught in a lie, so the truth didn’t matter anymore. Invite them back in. Michael opened the door, and Diane said her client would be happy to answer questions. Molly asked what Michael’s whereabouts were on the night of Congressman Drew Cain’s shooting, and he said he was in his office talking to his sister Kristina…

Willow told Nina that Alexis agreed to represent her. Alexis had already proved her innocence and made Michael look guilty. She could do the same thing again in family court. Nina said she wasn’t sure doing that with no proof would help, and Willow said she could prove Michael was endangering her children by having them around his girlfriend. Drew had compiled a dossier on Jacinda after she’d drugged him. Nina actually did her a favor. Michael had no problem with the children being around a hooker who’d had multiple arrests for solicitation, shoplifting, and who knew what else. No judge would support a father who made such irresponsible choices.

Jason told Dante that he’d shot Faison. He’d thought he got through to Anna, suggesting someone was using Faison as a distraction. Dante said the mention of Faison triggered Anna’s PTSD and he knew that kind. Just when you thought you had it under control, you woke up somewhere and didn’t know how you got there. Jason wondered if it caused Anna to have a break, and Dante said she could be suffering from paranoia and would need someone she knew and trusted to bring her back.

Britt said she was due at the hospital and needed her meds to function and keep up appearances, but Cullum said she’d figure it out. She said she’d been playing by his rules and needed access to her medicine. Let her hold onto a couple of doses. He said Sidwell had given her too much leeway. She’d be dealing with him from now on. His terms were clear. She’d get one dose at a time at Windymere. He left and she cried.

Molly said, that was everything, and thanked Diane and Michael. She’d leave them to discuss things. She and Nathan left, and Michael said he guessed it was over, but Diane said, no. it was definitely not over.

Turner told Sonny that she thought she’d been transparent about her intentions. She enjoyed his company and his cooking, but if he committed a crime she could prove, she’d prosecute him to the full extent of the law. He said he didn’t doubt it. She was ambitious, which wasn’t a bad thing since she wasn’t corrupt. He’d be concerned if she had a vendetta. She asked if he thought that was different, and he said, yeah. Someone without principles was a threat and would do anything – plant, manufacture, tamper with evidence – to get what they wanted and get away with it. Going against him or someone he loved to get what she wanted wasn’t who she was.

Jason said the only way was to talk to Anna in person, so he’d go, and Dante said he’d make arrangements. Keep him in the loop. Jason said he had something to take care of first, and left.

Britt straightened up the room and flashed back to Jason saying he’d get her out of this. She said she should have known it was too good to be true.

Mac said he’d get the next flight to France, and Emma asked if he believed Faison was alive. He said, the better question was, did Anna believe it? and Emma said, she must have a good reason. Felicia said, unless it was a ruse. Anna was strong and wouldn’t suddenly break. Emma said, unless she was pushed too far. She’d been gone for months. They didn’t know what she’d been through or where she’d been. Mac said maybe it was ruse. Anna’s way of sending a flare and reaching out for help. Emma said Anna did reach out to her and she was coming with them.

Dante said he was informed Anna had a mental break, and Nathan asked where she was. Dante said, in police custody in France. She claimed Nathan’s father was still alive. Nathan asked why she’d think that, and Dante said it sounded like the fact he and Britt were alive led Anna to think Faison was too. It might be far-fetched, but did he have any insights?

Jason knocked at the window, and Britt let him in. He said, sorry, but she was supposed to be at work. She said she was on her way. He couldn’t be there. He told her to give him a vial to give to Brick, but she said she couldn’t. Cullum took them and was keeping them at Windymere, and she could only access one dose there. He said he was going to Windymere, but she said, stop. This was over. He had to leave. Cullum was there today and may be watching her.

Turner said Sonny thought because she had principles, it would be a fair fight, but he asked, who said they were fighting? She said if she had to, she’d come for his criminal enterprise with bulletproof evidence and every bit of her legal expertise, and he said, alleged. She said she came as a courtesy. That was it. He said he hoped one day she realized they had a lot more in common than she knew, and, moving closer to him, she said anything was possible, but don’t hold his breath. She left.

Nina asked if Alexis was pushing the scorched earth strategy, but Willow said they didn’t discuss it. But she was sure Alexis would agree they would need an aggressive approach. Michael would have one. Nina said that didn’t mean she had to. The children were the priority, and the judge saw parents use the court as a place to settle scores. The last thing Willow wanted them to see was the same thing. Willow said the last thing she wanted to see was Michael walking away with her children. Nina said the best way was to be the reasonable parent who wanted the best for her children, the rare parent actually seeking peace. Willow said she’d tried peace before, and it didn’t work. It was time for something stronger.

Diane said she needed to know if there was anything out there that could tie Michael to the shooting, but he said, nothing. The last thing he needed was to go to family court being a potential suspect. She said he hadn’t fully grasped how severe this was. He had the means, motive, and opportunity and the authorities knew that. He said it was no secret that he hated Drew, but he didn’t shoot him, and she said the only reason he hadn’t been charged was that the DA’s didn’t want to lose another case. They needed a case stronger than Willow’s and he was one piece of evidence away from being charged and tried for attempted murder.

Willow told Nina that she’d begged for peace, repeatedly, pleading and crying for a drop of mercy. She was sick of it. If she’d gotten time with her kids, it would have been worth it, but all she got was more time away from them and an attempted murder charge. Nina said Willow was in charge now, not Michael or Drew. She was the parent seeking understanding and compromise for the best interest of the children. That was what the court responded to. Willow said that’s what she thought, but last year taught her that it was the fastest way to lose. If she wanted to win, she had to fight for them. She had to go after Michael with everything she had.

Felicia said they had no idea what they’d be walking into, but Emma said she could handle herself. Her grandmother could be pretending and the police called her. Anna gave them her name. Anna needed her and expected her to come. If she had to, she’d go alone. Felicia said it was dangerous, and Emma said she’d call her grandpa for back-up. Mac said Robert would bulldoze the French authorities, and Felicia said if Anna had wanted his help, she would have reached out to him or had him call the French authorities. Emma said, all right. When did they leave?

Nathan wondered why Dante thought he had insight, and Dante said Nathan had lost seven years. He was probably investigating that. Had he uncovered anything that Anna might have stumbled on? Nathan said he was in the dark. Did Emma know? Dante said, she was the one who got the call, and Nathan said, at least now they knew where Anna was. He hoped they could help.

Britt said she needed to go, but Jason said they could figure it out. She had to trust him. She said there was nothing to figure out. She was trapped. He said he was going to find a way. He promised he’d make this okay.  

Michael said Diane thought they were getting ready to prosecute him, but Sonny said they were wasting their time. Michael said, maybe, but Willow still had the advantage. Sonny said, Ric knew what he was talking about, and Michael said Ric was right. He had to compromise. He had to get Willow to the table before he lost his leverage.

Nina said it would make sense if Willow had proof, but she didn’t, and Willow said, everyone knew Michael was guilty. The only reason he hadn’t been arrested was because of his powerful family – the Quartermaines, Sonny, and Dante. Nina said, the Quartermaines would use their influence, but Sonny had always been sympathetic toward her. He wasn’t out to get her. Dante was a fair man and wouldn’t hide or suppress evidence. Willow said she didn’t want to fight with Nina, and Nina said she didn’t either. Willow said Alexis was on her side. She’d been cleared of the shooting, and she would see her children.

Turner asked Molly what the status was on Michael Corinthos, and Molly said, he answered every question. Turner asked if she felt he was truthful, but Molly said she wasn’t sure. It was difficult to give an impartial read. Turner said that’s why she’d asked Nathan to join her. What did he think? Nathan said he was a cop. Michael had driven to Drew’s house, but other than that, the evidence hadn’t changed. Molly asked if Turner still believed Willow was guilty, but Turner said it didn’t matter. There had to be accountability, but she needed evidence. Not footage that could be corrupted or disappear, but solid physical evidence. That was on Nathan. He asked if she wanted him to find evidence that Michael Corinthos did more than stand outside, and she said, and let himself in the house and shot Drew. Then and only then would her office move for securing a conviction.  

Willow looked at the key to Drew’s house.

Mac called Dante that they were headed to France, and told Felicia and Emma that he’d spoken to the French authorities. Felicia asked what they told him, and Mac said they wanted to transfer Anna to a mental health facility this evening. They weren’t equipped to care for her, and it was for her own safety. Felicia said they didn’t know Anna’s state. It could be an elaborate con or a breakdown. She’d be trapped in a state-run institution and that couldn’t happen. Mac said he’d called Doc. Maybe he could recommend a hospital. Felicia said they needed to make arrangements to get there before Anna was committed.

Jason told Dante that he was needed there and couldn’t go. He couldn’t get into it, but it was a family matter he had to handle. He told Dante that he was sorry and left.

Cullum went back to Britt’s and said she’d made a strong argument about keeping up appearances. They needed her in good condition. He took out a syringe and said, consider it a gesture of good will. He’d administer it for her. She said she was a doctor and had… but he repeated that he’d administer it for her. She swabbed an area on her side with an alcohol wipe, and he administered the shot. (It was creepy.)

Wednesday:

Lulu ran into Nathan at Bobbie’s.

Obrecht went to see Nina, who said it would be wise for Willow to stay away from Drew. Obrecht said it would also be best for Drew.

Ric told Alexis that Michael and Willow had one shot at peace and it would take them to make it happen.

Outside the office, Willow stared at the key some more, when Michael showed up.

In her office, Laura talked to Josslyn about infrastructure and they talked about the storm. Laura said Spoon Island was the only place where the power was out for a significant amount of time. She saw that Josslyn had a copy of The Crystalline Conspiracy and asked where she got it.

Jason told Sonny that Anna was in trouble.

Aix-les-Bains, France. Mac and Felicia talked to Dr. Laurantt, who said Anna was agitated and sometimes incoherent. She’d been through a traumatic ordeal. Emma asked if they could see her, and the doctor told them not to say anything that would traumatize her more. Felicia and Mac went in first.

Anna was pacing, when Mac and Felicia came in. She told them that they had to get her out. She had to stop Faison.

Nathan told Lulu that Jen was okay with them breaking in to seek shelter, but he was paying for a new lock and a bottle of whiskey. Lulu said she should be the one paying, but he said it was his way of saying thanks for an unforgettable evening. Other than Christmas with James, it was the best time he’d had since being back.

Josslyn said she’d taken the book out of the library because the woman on the cover looked like Anna, and Laura said it was Anna. She explained about Faison’s pseudonym and said her family still had a connection to him. Britt was his daughter and Obrecht had a relationship with Rocco. Josslyn asked if Faison wasn’t dead, and Laura said, very, very dead. Thank God.

Mac said last they heard, Anna was on a top-secret assignment for the WSB, but Anna said it was all lies. She’d been kidnapped on Halloween. She was chloroformed in her car, came to handcuffed to a chair, then transferred to another location in France somewhere. The attendant spoke French to her, and she knew he was working for Faison. She’d tried to escape and failed, and when she needed a phlebotomy treatment, they brought in Obrecht.

Obrecht told Nina that Drew and Willow had a toxic co-dependent relationship, and this would make it worse. Nina should talk to Willow. Nina said her and Willow’s relationship was still fragile and all she could do was support Willow.

Willow said she and Michael shouldn’t talk without their lawyers, when Alexis came out and suggested they get started.

Nathan asked if Lulu was avoiding him and were they still friends, and she said, absolutely. He said he’d miss her if she wasn’t there, and she said her too. Nathan admitted it would be tough.

Obrecht said Nina wasn’t doing Willow any favors, but Nina said she couldn’t risk losing Willow again. Obrecht said what had gotten Nina into trouble was neglecting to warn Willow about Drew. It was a parent’s job to tell their children the hard truths, even if they didn’t want to hear them – especially if they didn’t.

Michael said Diane was in court, but he showed up as a sign of good faith and figured they could reach a compromise. Ric said their goal was to facilitate an agreement for the good of the children, and Alexis asked if Willow agreed to hear Ric out. Willow said, fine, and Ric said if they went back to family court, it would be a year, maybe two, and there was no guarantee it would be the outcome either of them wanted. Alexis said if they both came to an agreement, they could present it to the judge, but Willow said Michael would soon be charged with shooting Drew and was dating a hooker with a record. She was in a better position, so why shouldn’t she take her chances in court?

Doctor Laurantt asked if Emma’s grandmother wasn’t the Police Commissioner, and Emma said, she was also the best WSB agent on record. She was smart and nothing got by her – ever. That’s why her possible breakdown might not be what it seemed.

Felicia asked if Anna was sure it was Obrecht, and Anna said Obrecht was still loyal to Faison and did what he wanted her to. Felicia said Obrecht had been in Port Charles. She visited James regularly. Anna said she must have skipped town for a few days. After she left, that’s when Faison made an appearance. Mac said, she saw him? and she said, not immediately. First she saw a lit cigarillo in her room, then he talked to her through the intercom. Mac said Faison was dead, but Anna said that’s what they were supposed to think, but it wasn’t true. The same with Britt’s death or Nathan’s. Peter visited her too.

Sonny said Anna was convinced Faison was alive? and Jason said he’d told Dante that he’d go to France, but he wasn’t going. Anna wasn’t the only one in trouble. Britt finally opened up to him, and it was exactly what they thought. She was being forced to work on her father’s project by Sidwell and his partner. Sonny asked who Sidwell’s partner was, and Jason said, Ross Cullum, the WSB director. Sonny said, son of a bitch, and Jason said he was the guy who tried to kill Sonny and almost killed Michael.

Lulu went to Laura’s office bearing coffee, and asked if she could trade it for advice. Laura said, deal, and Lulu said she was falling for her best friend’s husband.

Nina said Nathan just missed their mother, and he said it was a relief. He loved her, but wasn’t in the right headspace to deal with her. After spending time with Lulu when they were holed up during the storm, he needed to confront something he’d already suspected. He had feelings for Lulu.

Alexis said there were still good arguments to be made against Willow, the strongest being the evidence that Drew paid off Judge Haran and had her killed. Willow said they couldn’t prove it and she had nothing to do with it, but Alexis said she was married to the number one suspect and shared her home with him. No judge would be inclined to give her half custody, let alone full custody. Willow said, so because of Drew, she couldn’t have her children? and Alexis said she was pointing out that Willow’s case wasn’t a slam dunk. Willow said, even if Michael was arrested? and Alexis said, in the eyes of the law, the case wasn’t about her best interests. It was about the best interests of the children. Ric said nobody would get everything they wanted, but they could guarantee that both of them would get access to their children, and Willow asked what they were offering.

Jason said Brick connected Cullum to the WSB slush fund that paid for the assassin and the firebomb, and Sonny asked if Cullum was in town. Jason said he was. He’d been pressuring Britt and Britt didn’t scare easily, but she was terrified. Sonny said they’d get eyes on Cullum and know his routine. The more they knew, the easier it would be to take him out. Jason said they couldn’t. Not yet.

Josslyn saw Obrecht walk into Bobbie’s, and said she was just thinking about her. She was reading The Crystalline Conspiracy, and heard the author was Obrecht’s ex. Was that true? Obrecht said, yes, and Josslyn said she’d read his bio. Was it true he smoked those nasty cigarillos? Obrecht asked if Josslyn thought she was a fool. What did she really want?

Anna said Faison came into the room and was as close to her as they were, and Mac asked where he was now. Anna said she wasn’t sure, and started to cry. She thought she passed out, and when she woke up, she was tied up inside the trunk of a car. When they pulled over for gas, she managed to get out. She ran and flagged down a farmer who called the police. Mac asked about the altercation, and she said she was trying to get the officer to listen officer, but he refused… Then he grabbed her. She fought back and now she was in a mental clinic. Felicia said, so Faison was out there somewhere? and Anna grabbed her and said Felicia knew better than anyone what Faison was capable of. They had to get her out so she could stop him. With tears in her eyes, Felicia said, okay.

Outside, Mac said Anna was convinced she’d been held prisoner, and Dr. Laurant said, Faison was dead? Felicia said, very much so, and the doctor said the paranoia caused a break in reality. Emma said, or it was all a ruse. It wouldn’t be the first time Faison faked his death. The doctor said, possibly Anna was reliving a past trauma and created a new reality from the pieces of her history, and Felicia said it did feel like a mash-up of previous encounters. She thought Anna needed time to heal and needed professional help. Mac asked when they could bring her back, but Dr. Laurant said Anna wasn’t going anywhere.

Laura asked if Lulu was talking about Nathan, and Lulu said they’d been getting close. She was feeling like they were more than friends, and she found out her hunch was right when they got stuck together in a café during the storm. Laura asked if something happened, and Lulu said they made their own connection. They kissed and it was wonderful, but when reality set in, they realized they couldn’t pursue it. Laura said, because of Maxie and James, and Lulu said they were at the top of the list, but just now when she saw Nathan, she had second thoughts about staying away.

Nina said she had no idea Nathan was interested in Lulu, and he said they’d bonded since he came back. Their circumstances were strangely similar. They’d both lost time with the ones they loved. Nina said she’d had issues with Lulu in the past, but Lulu was a good person, and Nathan said she was easy to talk to, funny, and beautiful. Being around her was exhilarating, but they had a huge problem. Nina said, starting with Maxie.

Michael said Willow could have the children every other weekend and a month in the summer, but Willow said that was ridiculous. His rationale for keeping the kids was not wanting Drew in their lives. He’d had a massive stroke, and the odds of his recovery weren’t great. So Michael’s reason for keeping them was only to punish her. Michael said he had a stable home and shuttling the kids back and forth wasn’t good for them, but Willow said plenty of kids went back and forth. He was just making excuses. Ric said Willow was right, a lot of kids split their time. What was so unreasonable? Alexis said she thought it made sense to start with 60/40 custody, and Willow said, in Michael’s favor? Alexis said, for now. Could Michael live with that? Michael said he guessed so, and Willow said she needed a minute to think – alone.  

Sonny told Jason that he was all for being cautious, but they had to make a move before Cullum took a shot at him or his children. Michael had third degree burns because of that son of a bitch, and the same almost happened to Kristina because of Sidwell. But he couldn’t go after Sidwell because he was framing Laura for Dalton’s death. Jason said, Britt was there when Sidwell killed Dalton, and Sonny asked if there was proof, but Jason said, no. It was Britt’s word against Sidwell’s, and they couldn’t take action right now.  Sonny said because Sidwell supplied her medicine? and Jason said, Cullum did. That’s why they couldn’t kill him yet. If he died, so did Britt.

Dr. Laurant said Anna was also facing assault charges, but Mac said, it was a misunderstanding. The doctor said they’d sort it out in court. At the moment, Anna knowing she was in a French clinic connected her to reality. Transporting her might fuel her paranoia and she’d think she was a prisoner again. Emma asked if it wasn’t better for her to be surrounded by family and friends, and Dr. Laurant said, eventually, but she advised they keep her until she was mentally strong. Felicia said she thought the doctor was right, and Mac said, with the legal situation, they didn’t have much choice. Emma said she wasn’t leaving until she saw Anna.

Nina asked if Nathan still loved Maxie, and he said, of course (🍷). He always would. It was like no time passed for him, but for her, it was seven years and she’d moved on. That was a good thing, since he wouldn’t want her stuck in the past with a dead guy. She made a family with Spinelli, and he had no intention of interfering. If Maxie recovered… when she recovered, he didn’t want to ruin what she had. Nina said he’d decided it was time for him to move on, and he said he didn’t expect it to be Lulu. She asked how Lulu felt, and he said, the same, but they agreed it couldn’t go anywhere. That didn’t change how he felt and he was sure it didn’t change how Lulu felt either.

Laura said Lulu and Dante were divorced and Maxie was with Spinelli, but Lulu said Maxie was still married to Nathan. Laura said it was a grey area when someone was declared dead, and Lulu said she felt like she was betraying Maxie, especially now. And it could still affect Dante’s friendship with Nathan. Laura asked if she still had feelings for Dante, but Lulu said, no. She’d always love him, but it was clear his heart belonged to Sam for the foreseeable future. They were in a good place. Laura said there were fewer obstacles than Lulu thought.

Alexis told Michael that she knew her defense put him in the PCPD’s crosshairs. She was just doing her job. Sorry. She thought he was a good man and admired that he put his children first. Michael said he hoped Willow did the same.

Willow took Michael’s keys out of his coat pocket and put Drew’s key on the key ring.

Obrecht said she had a difficult time believing that Josslyn happened to pick up the book and develop an interest in Faison’s nicotine habit, and Josslyn said, full disclosure. She checked the book out of the library after she saw a copy at Windymere. She was curious as to why it was there. Obrecht said it was once Faison’s home. Maybe he left a copy. Josslyn said when she found it, it was with a pack of cigarillos. She showed Obrecht a picture on her phone, and Obrecht asked when she took it. Josslyn said, it was during the storm. She looked inside and there was an inscription – for my muse – signed with the initial C. Obrecht said, Faison had one muse, and one muse only – Anna Devane.  

Anna asked what Emma was doing there. Faison was watching. He was always watching. Emma asked if Anna thought he was alive, and Anna said he was and he was obsessed with her, but it was worse now because he had Emma on his radar. He’d mentioned her, a veiled threat. That meant she had to stay away. Emma said she had no choice. The doctor said Anna couldn’t come home. Anna said it was better. Faison would be fixated on her and not Emma. Emma cried, and Anna said she had to leave now before it was too late.  

Laura told Lulu that you couldn’t control who you fell for. She learned the hard way that her actions had consequences. Not just for herself, but the people she loved. Lulu said that’s why her initial reaction was to shut this thing down, and Laura said Lulu was just getting back her life. Go slowly and remember she deserved to be happy. Lulu said being able to talk to and confide in Laura meant more than she’d ever know, and Laura said, for her too.

Nathan said it wasn’t just Maxie. Dante was his best friend, and Lulu was his ex and the mother of his child. Nina suggested they date quietly and see if it went anywhere, but he said he didn’t want to start being dishonest. Nina said she’d done that and look where she was – alone – and he said he thought he should go for it. She said if his heart was telling him to go with Lulu, trust it, and he said that was exactly what he was going to do.  

Willow said she accepted the terms, and Ric said he thought it was wise. Alexis said she’d draw up the paperwork and present it to the judge. She suggested Michael run it by Diane, and he said he would. He and Willow left, and outside, she said she knew it wasn’t easy. He said it was a compromise. Neither of them got what they wanted, but they were doing the best for their kids. She said that’s all she ever wanted.

Jason told Sonny that Britt was going to take a sample and reverse engineer Britt’s medicine, but Cullum restricted access. He had to figure out a way to get his hands on it, but needed a little time. Sonny said he wouldn’t move on Cullum until Jason secured the medicine, and Jason thanked him. Sonny said he understood, but it was to their advantage. Sidwell thought they were in the dark, but he didn’t know how long that would last. Jason said when they got rid of Cullum, Sidwell would think it was WSB blowback, and Sonny said the clock was ticking. Jason said, as soon as Britt was in the clear, Cullum was dead.

Josslyn said a book from the 90s and the cigarillos were weird. Wasn’t Faison dead? Obrecht said, unquestionably, but his memory was alive in those who revered him. Josslyn asked if it was someone impersonating him, and Obrecht said, that, or emulating him. Perhaps it was a passionate fan.

Emma said Anna was safe there, but Anna said she wasn’t. Faison was a monster and had proven he could find her anywhere. That’s why Emma couldn’t be there. Faison wouldn’t leave her alone until they were together. Dr. Laurant came in with an orderly, and Anna tried to jet, but the orderly grabbed her. Emma cried, and Anna said, tell Jason I’m right. He has to stop Faison. Mac and Felicia pulled Emma out of the room, and Anna collapsed.

Thursday:

Michael met with Sonny and Carly in the nook. He told them that he and Willow reached a custody agreement.

Turner ran into Jordan at the rock wall and asked if she could talk to Jordan about a cold case file where Sonny was a person of interest.

Brook and Chase went to Bobbie’s and Chase whined about having to follow rules of the PCPD. He went to the counter where Molly was on the phone about the Michael’s questioning. He eavesdropped and asked if it wasn’t a massive conflict of interest.

Curtis went to see Alexis and asked what he needed to get a court order to compel Portia to get a paternity test.

Kai texted Trina that he needed to see her asap, and she asked where he was.

Lucas told Isaiah that Willow had decided Drew was better off at home under her care, and we all got good laugh seeing him incapacitated in a wheelchair.

Michael said he’d wanted the deal. It was 60/40, him. Sonny thought it was fair, but Carly wondered what he was thinking.

Chase asked if Molly shouldn’t recuse herself, but she said it was preliminary questioning. He asked if Michael was charged, but she said, no. There was no new evidence. Chase said he’d been placed near the scene, but she said Michael had no means to get in and there was no sign of forced entry. Chase’s superiors would fill him in if they deemed it appropriate. Ric came in and she left to sit with him. Brook told Chase that he’d overstepped and Molly saved his career by shutting it down.

Molly told Ric that her editor wanted to publish her book, and he wondered why she wasn’t excited. She said the book might be the reason she and Cody were over.

Jordan said the consensus was that Sonny was involved, but the evidence was largely circumstantial, and Turner wondered, why make the presumption he was guilty? Jordan said she thought Turner knew better. Never give Sonny the benefit of the doubt.

Curtis said Portia was giving him the runaround and he had to protect his interests, but Alexis said she couldn’t help him after she’d torn Portia’s life to shreds on the stand. He said he’d tried to convince Portia to take the test, but she’d said no.

Seeing Isaiah and Portia together, the nurses giggled, and Portia told him that they’d be old news by next week. It was freeing that the secret was out in the open. She missed being Co-Chief, but now she wasn’t his boss, so they had nothing to hide and at the end of the day, she went home with him.

Kai let Trina into Drew’s house and said he was supervising delivery of medical equipment. Willow was bringing Drew back home today.

Elizabeth said she knew Willow was a great nurse, but this was a massive undertaking, and Willow said she appreciated Elizabeth’s concern, but she was hiring help. It would be hard, but Drew’s best chance of recovery was with her. Scout was staying with Alexis, so it was just them and she was the only one who could give him what he needed.

Lucas told Drew, one blink for yes, two for no. He’d get Drew’s therapy set up when he was ready. Willow asked if Drew was ready, and he blinked once.  

Molly told Ric that the character was inspired by Cody, but all aspects of him, both the jerk and the sweet, soulful man she’d gotten to know. The point was, he shouldn’t be insulted if he read it without her permission. They got in a big argument and hadn’t spoken since. Ric said he was sorry, but he didn’t know how Cody would come back without her taking the first step.

Portia asked if Isaiah felt they were moving too fast, and he said, no, but if she felt that way, they’d pull back. He wanted her to be happy and comfortable. Portia’s phone rang and she said duty called.

Curtis asked if he had grounds, and Alexis said, yes, as long as it didn’t jeopardize the health of the baby or mother. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

Turner said Sonny had been questioned dozens of times, but only convicted once, and Jordan said Sonny didn’t make mistakes and wasn’t sloppy. Turner said he seemed to be the PCPD’s default go-to guy. She was concerned that in some cases, they might have allowed the real perp to get away. She’d seen Sonny when his grandson was arrested, and he was nothing but a concerned grandfather. Maybe they should reassess if he was really the boogeyman. Jordan said she’d told Laura that Rocco was innocent, but make no mistake, Sonny was not.

Sonny said he’d advised Michael to compromise, and Carly said he’d negotiated against himself. Michael said he was being investigated for shooting Drew and couldn’t go to the hearing while under suspicion. Sonny said he could have lost custody altogether, and Michael said, it was either compromise or leave the country with the kids.

Chase told Brook that everybody assigned to the investigation was too close to Michael. The acting Police Commissioner was his brother. Brook said Michael had been Chase’s best friend and was his cousin-in-law. He shouldn’t be involved either, but Chase said he wasn’t. She said, then why wouldn’t he let this go?

Kai said Willow asked him to supervise the delivery of medical supplies, and Trina wondered why he was getting wrapped up in this. Willow shot Drew twice, which could have been why he had the stroke. She suggested they leave and that he resign from Drew’s office, and he said it made sense, but he couldn’t do that.

Molly asked why the onus was on her to reach out, since it was dramatic license, and Ric said Cody wouldn’t know that. Men were prone to self-sabotage. Don’t be fooled by his actions. He was probably torturing himself about the ways he’d screwed up. Take it from an expert.

Elizabeth said she was glad Portia was back, and Portia said she’d probably be out on the street if not for Tracy and Laura putting in a good word for her. Elizabeth said she was surprised about Tracy, and Portia said she was ready to prove they were right. Elizabeth asked if she’d gotten quality time with Isaiah, and Portia said things were easy with him and she didn’t have to live up to impossible standards. It had been a long time since she felt comfortable with someone.

Curtis said he didn’t want to force Portia, but didn’t have any choice, and Alexis said he had choices, but kept circling back to the same one. A court order would make it worse and if it was his baby, he’d be setting the tone of how he’d deal with Portia until the child was an adult, litigating every aspect of her life. She’d done it twice and it wasn’t a template he wanted to set.

Lucas said he hadn’t known Portia was back, and Isaiah was surprised he hadn’t heard the whispers. Lucas said personal relationships were tricky at work. If Isaiah needed a sounding board, he was there. Isaiah said there were no issues so far. He hoped that translated to raising the child.

Chase said someone shot the congressman and framed Willow, and Brook said she was found not guilty. What did he stand to gain? He said Michael was the likely suspect and was free, but she said there was a list of suspects, but he was locked in to Michael and not seeing clearly.

Kai told Trina that he realized Drew wasn’t the man he thought, but he was still a human being, and Trina said they did what they could to expose Willow. Now it was out of their hands. Kai said she did what she could. He’d stopped her from calling 911 and insisted they stay quiet. By the time they came forward, it was too late, and that was on him. Now it was on him to keep Drew safe. She said Willow was dangerous. She’d shot her husband and they didn’t know what else she was capable of. Willow walked in from the back.

Ric told Molly not to take Cody’s silence to mean it was over, but if she wanted to reconcile, she had to take the first step. Maybe he should take his own advice. After his ashwagandha adventure, he was grateful to be alive and told Elizabeth that he’d lied about representing Willow pro bono. She was happy he’d told her the truth, but they had a good friendship opportunity, and he didn’t want to ruin it by pushing the envelope. Molly said she liked how Elizabeth saw the man he could be. Maybe she could help him see it too.

Elizabeth asked how Portia was feeling, and Portia said it was a way easier pregnancy than with Trina. She’d been a nervous wreck. Curtis had ended their affair, and she was lying to Taggert. This time, everything was out in the open and Isaiah was making everything smooth. Elizabeth asked if Isaiah and Curtis were managing to co-exist, and Portia said true peace wouldn’t come until she took the paternity test. Elizabeth asked what was stopping her, and Portia said she wanted to enjoy the pregnancy this time. She didn’t think this would happen again and didn’t want or need the pressure. Curtis would have to wait.

Curtis told Alexis that he’d put his life on pause because he had two possible futures – one where he was the baby’s father and the other where he wasn’t. Alexis said she advised him to wait. Court was time consuming, laborious, and adversarial. Portia would come around sooner or later. He said later bothered him. He’d waited 20 years to know Trina was his daughter and it was when Portia was forced to tell him. He had the right to have a part in this baby’s life like he did Trina’s. She suggested he communicate with Portia first before doing something drastic.

Lucas said Isaiah seemed unfazed by fatherhood, but Isaiah said he was quietly freaking out. He didn’t want to add to Portia’s stress. It was enough with Curtis being worried the baby was his. He could dictate Portia’s life, or worse, push for full custody. Lucas suggested he keep the peace, and Isaiah said Portia did tell him that Curtis was a good dad to Trina. So if Curtis put his child’s interest first, he knew Portia would appreciate it if he did the same.

Chase said the evidence pointed to Michael, but Brook said it wasn’t enough. Chase asked what more proof she needed to move the needle, and she said it depended on the proof. Both she and Dante acknowledged that Michael was capable of it, but neither of them accepted the likelihood that he did it. Chase walked out and Brook followed.

Michael told Carly and Sonny that if Willow had gotten sole custody, he would have taken the children and left the county. He’d rather be a fugitive than leave the kids with Willow and Drew. Sonny said Michael did what he had to. He had the kids the majority of the time, and Drew’s stroke left him immobile, so he wasn’t a factor. Michael said the kids were asking for their mother. They loved her and wanted time with her. He prayed Willow would be a good mother 40% of the time.

Willow thanked Kai, and he said he and Trina had plans, so she stopped by to help. Willow said she was waiting for a ramp, but until then, it was easier access with Drew through the back. Trina said she’d wait outside, and left. Willow said she was sorry for stepping on Kai’s plans. He had no idea what it meant to have Drew home.

Lucas said it was good to see Portia, who said it was nice to be back. Curtis joined them, nudging Lucas over, and Lucas stepped away. Curtis asked how Portia was, and she said everything was going great. He asked when she planned to take the paternity test.

Jordan said she just wanted Turner to know that Sonny had a way of pulling people in. Her son TJ (who?) had gotten close to him at one point. It was easy to fall under Sonny’s spell, but doing so was a serious mistake. Turner asked if Jordan thought Sonny was cultivating her to protect his son.

Carly wondered what kind of questions Michael was asked, and Michael said about his movements the night of the shooting. She asked if he left out anything, but Michael said the police knew everything. Sonny flashed back to Turner telling him that she wouldn’t personally prosecute Michael, and he said, don’t worry about it. Michael wasn’t going down for this. Brook and Chase walked in.

Trina and Kai went to Alexis’s office and she asked, what happened/ Trina said they were at Drew’s house and Willow brought Drew home. Alexis was surprised Drew wasn’t going to a facility, and Kai said she’d asked him to oversee the medical equipment being installed. Drew would be living at home with her. Alexis said, the woman who tried to kill him was caring for him?

The technician told Willow that they had a database of caregivers, and to call with any questions. She thanked him and he left. She told Drew, alone at last. (Mua-ha-ha!)

Isaiah brought Elizabeth a flower delivery, and the card said, Stay right there – R. Ric walked in and she thanked him for the beautiful flowers. He asked if she was going to give them to a patient or throw them away, but she said they were coming home with her. He asked if she’d have dinner with him, and she said she hadn’t heard from him in months. He said he’d been reevaluating what was important in his life, without the benefits of ashwagandha, and she said she guessed she made the cut. He said he was sorry for the radio silence and asked for a chance to make it up, and she said, name the time and place.

Jordan told Turner that Sonny would do anything to shield his kids. A good rule of thumb was that whatever Sonny advised, do the opposite.  

Curtis said he needed to figure out how to move forward, and Portia said she’d work with him, but was doing what was best for her child. He said he had the right to know if the baby was his, and she said he would. He told her to take the test next week or he’d get a court order and compel her to tell him. Lucas listened in, and Portia said she planned on carrying through the pregnancy on her own terms. If that wasn’t okay, go get his court order.

Sonny said he was just leaving and told Michael to see his mom out. Michael and Carly left, and Brook said she wanted to run something by Sonny about Gio. Sonny and Brook left and Chase saw Michael’s keychain on the table. He flashed back to Molly saying Michael had no means of getting in and it wasn’t a forced entry, and he saw Drew’s key.

Trina wondered why Willow would do this, and Alexis said maybe she felt guilty. She was Drew’s wife and had power of attorney and the final say in medical decisions. Kai said he decided to keep working for Drew, so he still had access, and Alexis said Drew was still Scout’s father. Be careful and keep an eye on things. Kai said he would, and Alexis said they’d both learned their lesson the night Drew was shot. If they saw anything, don’t wait, and come to her immediately.

Willow said she’d been counting the minutes. Dreaming about this moment where it was just them, no distractions. Could he hear her clearly? Drew blinked, and she said, good, and tucked his hands under the blanket. She said sometimes she felt like he just talked over her. She guessed she could say he was her captive audience now. He had to listen to her now and should know it was her. She was the one who shot him.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

At the hospital, Elizabeth tells Britt that she has patients waiting, and Dr. Rand… Britt says she knows she had patients waiting. She’s a doctor and always has patients waiting. Elizabeth isn’t her supervisor and needs to stop ordering her around and policing her movements. Elizabeth tells her that what she was going to say was that Dr. Randolph is looking for her. Dr. Randolph is Chief of Staff, and unlike her, is Britt’s supervisor. Should she tell Dr. Randolph that Britt is late because she’s moonlighting at Windymere?

At the gym, Kristina thanks Jacinda for joining her, and Jacinda thanks her for the invitation. She’s been meaning to check out this teacher. Everyone at Aurora keeps buzzing about her flow class recently. Kristina says, Rya is the best. She’s so glad they got in the class because it fills up. Jacinda says, so she’s a front row regular. What’s so special about this class? Kristina says, never the front row. (Same.) She can’t take the pressure. But Michael was the one who actually told her about the class. Jacinda says, he doesn’t strike her as the yoga type, and Kristina says, it takes effort, but he manages to find his zen. If she likes the class, they could go together. Jacinda says she’d love that. Michael is always busy. Kristina says, now that the kids will have more time with Willow, she’s sure Michael’s schedule will lighten up and he’ll have more time, and Jacinda says, since when are the kids spending more time with Willow?

Chase is in the nook, when he hears Dante calling for Rocco. Dante comes in and asks if Chase has seen Rocco. He’s got to get him to GH for his community service. Chase says he’s sorry, but he hasn’t. Before Dante goes, he’s curious how the follow-up questions went with Michael.

In the solarium, Michael looks at a picture of Wiley and Amelia on his phone, when Brook comes in. She says, it was a little tense with him and Chase earlier, and they hug. He says, yeah. He’s trying not to let it affect the rest of the family, but he doesn’t think he’s pulling it off. He knows it’s been affecting her. Sorry. She says, he can’t take that on. She’s fine, but if in the future she’s not, she’ll let him know. He says he appreciates it, and she says, Uncle Sonny told her that he had news regarding the kids. He says he has to let them know they can start seeing their mom again.

Willow says she can’t tell Drew what it feels like to finally say it out loud, to finally say it to him. I shot you, Drew – twice – in the back. She still has a hard time believing she did it. Even though she learned how to use a gun at Dawn of Day, she never thought she’d touch one again. She didn’t know there was a part of her capable of hurting someone like that. She’s a mother and a nurse, committed to helping people. She does what she can to help people heal, but that night she realized she had no other choice. It was the only way she’d ever really be free – of him.

Britt says, Elizabeth knows about her being Windymere’s doctor? and Elizabeth says, Dr. Jones mentioned she was working as their concierge doctor. Britt says, let her guess. Lucas snowshoed over here as fast as he possibly could just to tell her that, but Elizabeth says, no. They were just talking about the storm, and he said the two of them barely made it off Spoon Island. Britt says, yes. It was a rough ride, but she made it back shore to before the storm got bad. She’s been moonlighting as a private doctor because it turns out getting her life back in order after coming back from the dead is expensive. Sorry she jumped down Elizabeth’s throat earlier. She overreacted. Elizabeth says, apology accepted, and Britt leaves.

Brook says she thought the visitation hearing wasn’t until next week, and Michael says, there’s not going to be a hearing. They came to an agreement on their own. It’s going be a 60/40 custody split. Brook says, wow. Okay. She wasn’t expecting him to say any of that. All right. She assumes the 60 is time with him. He says, yeah, and she says he doesn’t seem happy. Why did he agree to it? He says he’d rather lose 40% now than go to court and risk losing everything.

Jacinda says, so Michael agreed to let Wiley and Amelia spend 40% of the time with Willow before the visitation hearing? and Kristina says, yeah. Sorry she just blurted it out like that. She assumed Michael told her. Jacinda says, he hasn’t told her anything, and Kristina says she’s sure he didn’t get a chance to yet. Jacinda says, or he’s mad at her and just needs to find his zen before they talk face to face, and Kristina asks why Michael would be mad at her. Jacinda says, when Willow threatened to expose her laundry list of crimes and indiscretions to the family court judge, what if she was using it to back Michael into a corner? She could be forcing him to give up custody of his kids because of her.

Dante says, Chase was demoted because of his involvement in this case. Now he was asking about Michael. Does he really think he should be doing that? Chase says he may have gotten demoted, but he still cares about justice being served. Or does that not count for anything because he’s just a beat cop and Dante now outranks him. Dante says, come on. They’re equals. They’re at home and there are no ranks. And Michael lives here, so when they walk through the door, they’re not suspects, they’re family. Chase says, in an ideal world, that’s how they’d handle it, but the fact remains that Drew’s shooter is still walking around. He hopes if evidence surfaces that shows Michael had something to do with the shooting, Dante won’t do anything to shield him. Dante says, if evidence surfaces for any suspect, he’ll follow it to the letter of the law. Rocco comes in, and Dante asks if he’s got everything he needs. Rocco says, yep, and Dante says, all right. Let’s get out of here. Dante and Rocco leave, Chase looks at Drew’s key on Michael’s key ring, and leaves.

Willow says she knows Drew must have a lot of questions. She’ll do her best to answer them. After she found out about him and her mother, she felt the need to get away. Yes, it was a major shock and a huge betrayal. She thought it was something she could recover from, but she needed to do it alone, without him hovering, and honestly she needed to take a step back and breathe. She was concerned about getting her children. She was living with Elizabeth, working, and doing everything possible to show the court that she was a stable, loving mother who deserved her children, but she just had one problem that would not go away. And yes, she knows he would have helped her with it, but you see, he was the problem. She begged him to leave her alone, but he wouldn’t listen. If she couldn’t get him to leave her alone, she knew she’d never have a chance at getting her children back. And he knew that. He knew what Michael’s terms were and just wouldn’t back off. Something had to change. She was desperate and didn’t know what to do, so she went to the Quartermaine’s and got the gun from Edward’s study. She flashes back to that, and says she didn’t know if she could bring herself to use it. She just knew she needed to have something, some way to get free. She really scared herself that day. She was going to lose her kids, maybe forever. She would have done anything not to cross that line… but then Judge Haran was murdered.

Rocco and Dante arrive at the hospital, and Elizabeth says she’ll get Rocco signed in. Britt comes by and asks when Dr. Navarro is available for a consult. Her patient needs… Rocco! How’s community service going? Rocco says, so far so good. He thinks he’s getting the hang of it. He likes helping patients. Britt says, great to hear. Maybe he’ll be a doctor someday. He says, maybe, if the NHL turns him down, and Britt says, that reminds her. Her mother bought tickets for his next game, so she’ll be in the stands. She’ll try to keep her mother under control, but she already has a foam finger, so she can’t make any promises. Elizabeth says she’ll get Rocco set up with his assignment, and he thanks her. He says, it’s nice to see Britt again, and Dante tells him to text him or his mother when he’s done. Rocco leaves with Elizabeth, and Britt says, great kid. No surprise the patients love him. Dante asks how far Britt thinks she can push him.

Kristina says, Willow’s not above blackmail or much else, but Jacinda isn’t the reason Michael decided to share custody. Jacinda says, really? Because the fact he’s dating a former escort with a criminal record definitely won’t help in front of a judge. It would make sense that Michael tried to cut a deal before the visitation hearing to avoid having to explain her. Kristin says, Michael would never let himself be bullied by Willow or anyone else when it comes to his children. He obviously cares about her, and she told Jacinda that she’s really good for him. Jacinda says she appreciates that, but they both know if she ends up being a problem for Michael in the eyes of the court, he’ll have to rethink their relationship. Maybe being with her is more trouble than it’s worth. Boyle comes in and says he thought that was Jacinda. It’s been a while.

Brook says, the judge might give Willow visitation, but the court already gave him full custody. Why did he think he was at risk of losing his kids? Michael says, because circumstances have changed. Willow was cleared of Drew’s shooting. She’ll likely be back to work at the hospital soon. On paper, she’s perceived as a suitable parent. Brook says, so? He’s better that that. He’s a great dad on paper and in real life. He says, for now, and she says he thinks he’s going to be arrested and charged in Drew’s shooting, doesn’t he?

Willow asks if Drew remembers tracking her down at the hospital the night he was shot, and he blinks once. She says, he interrupted her conversation with Chase. He was doing that thing he always does when he’s threatened by something, anything. She flashed back to Chase saying he knows she’s a great mom and the court will see that too, and Drew saying, thank you so much for your expert opinion, Detective Chase, but how they get Willow’s kids back is up to them. In the present, she tells Drew that Chase talked to Judge Haran for her. He told her that she was the to getting her kids back. If she showed that she was stable and working, she could get her kids back without Drew’s money, power, or congressional influence, because she was enough without him. She hadn’t been told she was enough for anything in so long… and then Judge Haran was dead. She was the woman who gave her a lifeline to her kids without him and she was gone. She leans closer and asks if Drew killed her. Or did he have someone else do it? Drew blinks once.

Outside, Chase looks around, then tries several keys in the backdoor.

Willow says she knows he’s capable of killing Judge Haran. He’s capable of anything, as long as it can keep her dependent on him. Because that’s what the whole thing has been about, manipulating her and using her children in any way he needed to keep her needing him and tied to him. All of that ends now.

Britt asked how she was pushing Dante by going to a hockey game, cheering, and drinking a gallon of hot chocolate just to stay warm, and he says, Rocco doesn’t need her support. In fact, he can’t think of any instance where she should pursue any kind of relationship with his son. She says she’s confused. She thought they’d all come to a truce between Mayor Collins and Nathan tag teaming to play peacemaker with her mother. She doesn’t understand where all this energy is coming from. He says, she doesn’t? She stole seven months of his son’s life and doesn’t have the tiniest clue? Britt says, it’s ancient history. Rocco seems to be thriving despite a few situations that can be chalked up to being 15. And Dante seems to be doing okay too – Mr. Acting Commissioner – so she doesn’t understand why he’s up in her face. He says, she doesn’t care, does she, about what she’s done or who she’s hurt, and she says she’s not defending the hurtful things she’s done, but in this case, she’s defending the outcome. His beautiful boy is in this world because she brought him here. So yes, Rocco is going to be curious about her. She knows he might hate this, but she actually thinks Rocco kind of likes her. He says, because Rocco doesn’t know the real her. The one who uses and manipulates people, something she’s not going to get the chance to do with his son because she’s not going to be in Rocco’s life. She doesn’t deserve to be. She says, maybe not, but Rocco’s not a little boy anymore. He gets to choose who he lets into his life, not Dante.

Boyle says he contacted Jacinda’s agent, who said she was still on hiatus. He was hoping maybe they could get dinner sometime. Kristina says, they’re heading into yoga class, so… and he says, far be it from him to keep them from their fitness regime. Jacinda is more than welcome to bring her friend to dinner. Jacinda says her friend isn’t interested in dinner. This is Kristina Corinthos-Davis. Boyle says, oh, sorry. He didn’t even recognize her, but the offer still stands for dinner with them both. He likes to keep in touch with his constituency. So… Okay. He’s going to hit the weights. It may surprise them, but this – he indicates his dad bod – doesn’t happen on its own. Good to see her. He leaves, and Kristina says, that guy is just so… She feels like she wants to take a shower before class. Is Jacinda ready to go in? Jacinda says, give her a minute. She’s not quite done with him yet.

Michael tells Brook that Diane thinks there’s an excellent chance he’ll be charged in Drew’s shooting. If that happens, his standing in family court will be severely weakened to say the least. Willow could even file for emergency custody. Brook says, and there’s a good chance she’d get it, and he says, yeah. She says, he probably blames Chase for his part in Willow’s exoneration, and he says he definitely doesn’t agree with the choices Chase has made and thinks his loyalty to Willow is incredibly misguided, but he’d never blame her for Chase’s actions. Brook wonders if she can ask him something, and he says, yeah, of course (🍷). She asks if he’s concerned about the kids well-being when they’ll be with Willow. Is he worried about their safety? He says he’s questioned Willow’s priorities since all this began, especially in regard to Drew, but now Drew had a stroke and he’s incapacitated. She says, so he’s not a danger to the kids for the moment, and Michael says he still has misgivings about Willow. If it was up to him, he wouldn’t allow her to see the children at all, but he thinks right now a 60/40 split is the best option he has.

Willow says, if it had just been her he was manipulating, she probably could have detached herself enough to keep thing from escalating to this point, but it wasn’t. He used her kids to hold on to her and hurt them in the process. He twisted Wiley up more than once and had him in tears. She is his mother. Did he think she’d just forget that or did he think she saw it the same way he did, her children as collateral damage, a means to an end.

Chase slips inside and looks at the key. (I’m surprised the key isn’t in the credits at this point. Have one on me. 🍷)

Willow says she trusted Drew wanted what was best for her and her kids. When she flew to Germany, he said he supported her, but he sabotaged her. She flashes back to telling Michael that she spoke to the receptionist in person. She said he didn’t want to see her and should send her away. Michael says, no, that never happened. He’d never say anything like that. He was alone and in pain and missing his family. He would have loved to see her. In the present, she tells Drew that he paid off the receptionist and made her say Michael didn’t want to see her, didn’t he? and he blinks once. She says, then he set up Wiley, her sweet, little boy, to hear that his father didn’t want him anymore. She remembers telling Michael that either Wiley misconstrued something he or someone in his family said or he was making this up to turn her against Drew. She tells Drew that he knew it would make Michael furious and he knew she would defend him because he knew she could never have imagined he’d do something so hateful. She throws a tray across the room, and it crashes, scattering everything. She says he never loved her and never loved her kids. He just wanted to have her to get back at Michael and the Quartermaines for pushing him out of their family. So he systematically destroyed every part of her life, so she was isolated and had nothing but him. And that’s why she shot him. Her only regret is that he didn’t die. Chase calls to Willow and says he heard a crash. Is she okay?. He walks in.

Chase asks if Willow is okay, and she says, sorry. She’s fine. She accidentally knocked over a tray. She guesses she’s emotional and ended up scaring all three of them. Chase says he’s sure she is. How could she not be. She asks if she left the front door unlocked, and he says she must have. He heard she was bringing Drew home and he wanted to check on both of them. She tells Drew, that’s nice of him, isn’t it? and Drew blinks once. She suggests she and Chase go into the living room and let Drew get some rest. Coming from the hospital and getting him here has taken a lot out of him. Chase says, yeah, sure. He hopes Drew makes a swift recovery. He knows Willow is taking great care of him. Willow says she’ll be right back. Get some rest. She kisses Drew on the cheek and follows Chase out, stopping to glare at Drew from the doorway. (I am loving this Willow.)

Brook tells Michael, from the kids’ perspective, this is great news. She knows how much they’ve been missing their mom. He says, they have, but he just didn’t want it to turn into an endless back and forth between him and Willow. He doesn’t want his kids to be stuck in the middle of a tug of war between their parents like he was. She says, don’t let them be. She understands why he feels like he made a huge concession and conceded a ton of territory to Willow, but he can’t look at it that way. He asks how he’s supposed to look at it, and she says, like he’s giving the kids something they desperately want. He’s helping them reclaim their relationship with their mom, who they love and miss and need in their lives. To a degree that’s heathy and safe, of course (🍷), which is a lot easier to manage now that Drew is out of the picture. He says he just doesn’t want his anger to impact the kids, but she says, it won’t. He’s a great dad and will put his kids first. She’ll help him.

Jacinda tells Boyle that she’s sorry Kristina was so abrupt. She’s actually really nice. He says he’s sure she has he famed Corinthos charm just like her father. He’s so sorry for putting her on the spot mentioning her agent. It was indiscreet of him. He knows her privacy is important to her. She says, his is important to him too, and he says, and she’s always been respectful of it. He appreciates that and he meant what he said. Now that they shared the delightful experience of testifying in court, what was between them is out in the open. He was thinking they could grab dinner and they could be out in the open too.

Dante says, Britt isn’t getting it. It’s not just about her past. They both know she is a danger right here, right now. As far as her faking her death, no one was buying that she was living in Croatia making exfoliants and taking a spa day on her off time. Britt says she’s trying to rebuild her life, and he says, that’s great. Do it. Just keep his son out of it. Rocco being a part of her life could get him killed. Just being near her puts him at risk. She says, think what he wants of her, but she’d do anything to protect Rocco, and he says, that’s great. Start by staying away from him.

Michael and Brook sit in the solarium with the kids, and Brook says they have good news. Michael says, they get to see mommy again, and Wiley says, when? Michael says, they’re still figuring that part out, but it will be soon, and Wiley tells Amelia that they get to see mommy. He asks if the judge won’t be mad at mommy, and Brook says, the judge isn’t mad at anyone. She’ll be really happy that mommy and daddy made a compromise and will both get to see them. Wiley says, Aunt Tracy said, never compromise but… Michael says, as wise as Aunt Tracy is, sometimes it’s good to compromise, especially when it helps the people you love. Brook says, with compromise, everyone gives a little and gets a little back. That way, no one’s left out. Wiley says, mommy’s not left out? and Michael says, mommy’s not left out anymore. Wiley hugs him.

Chase tells Willow, sorry about bursting in like that. When he heard the crash, he thought Drew might have fallen or that she needed help. Willow says, no, it’s okay. It was just nice that he came over. She guesses she’s a little overwhelmed, which is strange. She’s used to dealing with patients in situations like this. He says, it’s got to be difficult when the patient is your husband, and she says, it is. It’s a lot for her brain to process. How did this happen? How did they end up here? He says, this, all this, it’s on Michael, and she says she doesn’t know if he heard, but they came to an agreement. The kids get to stay with her, and she gets to see them 40% of the time. He says, that’s great. The kids will be so happy. But he doesn’t think she should trust Michael.

Jacinda tells Boyle that her plans are kind of up in the air right now, so she’s not exactly free to say yes to dinner. Possibly her schedule will clear up in a month or two. He says, cool. Okay. So what does she want him to do? Contact her agency? She says, no. Call her directly. She’ll give him her personal number. He says, personal number? Yeah. Okay. Kristina watches them.

Elizabeth asks if the coast is clear, and Dante says he guesses it is – for now. He guesses she’s surprised he and Britt got into it. She says she had a feeling it was headed in that direction, and he thanks her for getting Rocco out of here. She says she totally understands that Britt can be triggering – let her count the ways – but is that part of the reason Britt got under his skin today? He says he doesn’t know. He feels like he’s watching a car crash in slow motion. His son is about to get hurt and there’s nothing he can do to get him out of the way.

Britt runs into Rocco and he asks if she even likes hockey. She says, that’s the one with the balls and sticks and the shoes you have to rent, right? and he says, yes. Those are part of hockey. You nailed it. Britt says she doesn’t know much about hockey, but she does try to stay open to new things. He says he knows how busy she is. Don’t feel like she has to come to the game.  

Dante says, no matter how much he hates it, Rocco is curious about Britt, and he wants to get to know her and he likes her. Elizabeth says, and he hates that, and he says, of course (🍷). When he sees Britt, he sees a threat and he doesn’t think that’s going to change. Elizabeth says, what Britt did to him and Lulu was horrific, but people do change. Personally, she has no use for Britt, but some people in town do, people she likes and respects. People who’ve grown to trust Britt. He says, like Jason? and she says, yes. Jason is one of them, but it does seem like Britt has reformed and she’s always been an excellent doctor. He asks if Elizabeth would trust Britt with her kids, and Elizabeth tells him that she’ll say this. She didn’t think Britt would knowingly put anyone’s kids in danger, least of all Rocco. He says, that doesn’t make him feel any better, and she says she wishes it did. He says he does appreciate her keeping an eye on Rocco when he’s at the hospital, and she says she’s happy to do it.

Britt says Rocco is right. She’s got a lot of work at the hospital, and she just took another job as a concierge doctor. She’s really busy. She’ll try to make it to the game, but she can’t make any promises. He says, she should work. They’re not that good and she’d be doing all that cheering for nothing. He’ll see her. He starts to leave, but she calls to him. She tells him to wear his mouth guard. She doesn’t want any flying pucks or swinging sticks to ruin that million-dollar smile. He says, yeah, and she says, that’s the one, and Rocco leaves.  

Kristina says, did Jacinda just give her number to Boyle? but Jacinda says, no. It’s nothing like that… She doesn’t know why she was just about to lie. Yes. She gave Boyle her number. Kristina asks, why? He gave her up on the stand. That guy is a walking red flag. Jacinda says, otherwise, he’s been more than decent to her. For the record, she gave him her number, but she gave him no promises. Kristina says, what a relief, but what about the promises to her brother? and Jacinda says she hasn’t made any and Michael hasn’t made any to her. Kristina says she’s just a little confused. She thought things with Jacinda and Michael were good. Jacinda says, as far as she knows, they are. Thanks to Kristina’s brother, she has a pretty great life right now, but who knows how long it will last? Kristina says she doesn’t know what Jacinda means, and Jacinda says, it’s just that there are no guarantees. Boyle is probably a good person, so she’s staying in touch just in case. Kristina says she thinks Jacinda is drastically underestimating Michael. Even if they broke up tomorrow, she’d still have her job at Crimson. Jacinda says, until Willow forces Michael’s hand because she doesn’t want some hooker around her kids or her mother’s place of business. She has to prepare for the worst-case scenario since it always happens. Kristina says she looks forward to Michael proving Jacinda wrong.  

Michael tells Wiley, time for homework. Where’s his backpack? Wiley says, maybe he left it in the nook, and Michael says, check. Then they’ll get to work. Wiley says, okay, and runs out. Michael says he can’t thank Brook enough, and she says she was just here for moral support. Michael says, here’s to hoping he made the right call – time for everyone – and she says he’s doing the best he can for his kids. As a parent, it’s all he can do, right?

Chase puts the keys on the floor in the nook and Wiley sees.

Willow tells Drew, it was nice of Chase to stop by and check on them, wasn’t it? He wished Drew a speedy recovery and he meant it because he’s a kind and generous person. And even though he hates Drew for what he’s done to her – and Chase does hate him – he’s able to put all that aside, but she just couldn’t. She doesn’t know if he’ll find this a consolation, but he didn’t have a stroke. She drugged him with this medicine – she shows him the vial – and as long as he receives his regular dosage, he’ll stay just like this, and she needs him to stay just like this because she needs to make sure that he never has power over her, or anyone, again. But that’s going to take time and effort on her part. She shows him the syringe and approaches the bed. She says, until then, his money, connections, and the power of attorney he signed over to her, are all going to help her forge a new life for herself and for her children that’s all hers. A life where she’s in control. He didn’t leave her a choice, and she swears she tried really hard to come up with one. This was only way back into her children’s lives. She puts the contents of the syringe into his IV and says, so for now, she needs him to stay on this medication.

On Monday, Laura tells Chase and Dante that Anna isn’t coming back as Police Commissioner; Valentin says Carly always knows the right buttons to push; and Felicia tells Jason that she has a message for him from Anna.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

This could definitely be good if she tortures him for a while.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-willow-confesses-she-doesnt-necessarily-feel-proud-says-katelyn-macmullen-excl/

Everyone should have a side gig.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-star-ryan-paevey-shares-a-special-look-into-his-personal-life-with-fans/

This was never a regular show for me, but he was in one of my favorite kick boxing videos.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/the-young-and-the-restless-stars-remember-kristoff-st-john-on-the-anniversary-of-his-passing/

I don’t think any of us expected it to ever happen.

https://ew.com/susan-lucci-recalls-stunned-disbelief-when-she-won-first-daytime-emmy-after-18-losses-11898932

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

The beginning was basically an introduction to the crew. There were familiar faces – Daisy as chief stew, deckhand João, and my favorite chef, Chef Ben. I tuned in late and someone was crying already, but I didn’t even know everyone’s names yet, much less why there was crying so soon. It was the crossover with The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and So. Very. Noisy. Ben was very restrained, especially since his sous chef Alesia seems like an idiot. For me, the less time spent in the kitchen the better, but even I knew more. One of the deckhands said the guests sounded like the group at his local pub, but Daisy summed it up best when she said, these bitches are next level delulu.

The new cast.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/below-deck-down-under-season-4-cast-official-bios-photos-details

Summer House

I immediately found it depressing that, at their age, this group was still gathering for summer parties that always ended up both literally and figuratively messy. You could smell the break-up brewing between Kyle and Amanda. The best thing about the episode was the party theme, a carnival that included a petting zoo. I just hope the animals got to safety before beer cans were crushed against foreheads. This show is just sad anymore.

Vanderpump Rules

This was even worse than Summer House. They’re the right age for messy parties and lives, but that’s about all that’s going on with them. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry about Shayne breaking up – if that’s what they want to call it – with Angelica. After her initial immature reaction, they were still walking down the aisle in her head. Girl, when they guy says he’s not good enough for you, believe him. Luckily, it was World Dog Day and LVP gave a speech. She said she knew the names of all the dogs who walked by, but not the owners. Same. Tom Schwartz also made an appearance.

Southern Charm

Salley is an agent of chaos all right, but Craig isn’t much better. I just don’t get the constant rivalry Craig feels for Austen. But then again, I don’t get what all the girls see in Austen. The dating style of this group is very high school, but it might have something to do with the small pool. They need to get out once in a while. Madison managed to.

Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills

Dorit is an idiot who’s become even more insufferable now that she’s sans PK. Her pearl clutching faces make me want to scream. I’m no Amanda fan, but I had to agree when she said she wanted to get through a dinner without being verbally accosted by Dorit. The others actually disagreed, but why shouldn’t she want one freaking dinner in peace? But when Amanda asked for that, Dorit pivoted to Amanda having once been in a cult. Not only did this have nothing to do with the topic at hand, but it was also Dorit’s attempt to out Amanda. They all made it sound like it was a big secret, and Kyle called it a deep dive. It’s not very deep when it’s right there on Google. Dorit found it on a public blog, so… Poor Rachel broke down, dealing with the viralness of her upcoming divorce, but she still managed to be the voice of reason.

The Valley: Persian Style

Sky insisted on going home, so Bamshad had to follow, but she wasn’t happy with his lack of support as she cursed everyone out. She insisted she’s not snobby, but in the next breath said everyone was beneath her. 🤯 Golnesa was still looking at houses beyond her means, and realized she’d have to rely on Dennis once more. He seems surprisingly easy-going about her tirades. Mercedeh is now working for Mauricio, who still manages to pop up everywhere on Bravo. He does seem like he’d be a good boss though. Tanin hosted a girls night where there was lots and lots of wonderful food, and RJ hosted a boys night that Reza described as minimal and broke down. In their interview, Adam said, it was definitely girls night for the win.

Random Reality Items

Say no more – I’m in!

So does this mean they won’t be acting like high schoolers or are they just taking that act to the city?

Good for her. And I don’t hate a Kinder-Bueno.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Wicked Little Letters. Hulu. I loved this movie. Based on a true story, the town saint begins to get anonymous letters of a profane nature. The town free spirit is immediately suspected, even thought the two were once friends. Funny AF, but also poignant without going to the cornfield. It was one of those movies where I couldn’t stop smiling.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. HBO/MAX. This was an excellent film. I wouldn’t quite call it horror, although it was a bit like Polanski’s Repulsion. Or maybe even Rosemary’s Baby. It was ultimately about a woman not being heard. A lot of the protagonist ’s angst comes from a parenting standpoint, but even though I’m only parent to four-legged creatures, I identified. Rose Byrne was amazing, leading the cast, as were Conan O’Brien as her therapist and A$AP Rocky as a friend she meets along the way.

https://www.polygon.com/if-i-had-legs-id-kick-you-hbo-max/

Falling Skies. Netflix. This is not a new series, but it’s new to Netflix and was new to me. Aliens aren’t on my short list of genres, except for the original V, but it still involved an apocalypse of sorts, so I was like, why not? The cast is good, the story’s not awful, and the effects are adequate. But I just kept wondering, if this life is so intelligent, why are they clunking around in armor that just seemed to get in the way of any movement? It’s also not clear why these monsters are here, although I assume all will be revealed. I haven’t finished watching it yet, but I’m in for the rest of it. I like having a series on tap that I can throw in on a Sunday night.

https://movieweb.com/falling-skies-stream-netflix-january-2026-sci-fi-action/

The rest of my line-up included Fallout on Amazon Prime (only one more episode… sniff…), The Beauty on Hulu (doling episodes out like methadone), and Beyond the Gates on Paramount+ (why did they move People’s Court to 2 pm?).  

🔮 Watch Of the (Near) Future…

Ghouls have hopes too.

https://extratv.com/2026/02/04/fallout-walton-goggins-on-hopes-for-the-ghoul-and-cooper-in-season-3-exclusive/

Bad to the Bowl.

https://people.com/who-is-performing-at-the-2026-super-bowl-11896597

Only watching it for the ads.

https://ew.com/jurassic-park-reunion-super-bowl-sam-neill-laura-dern-jeff-goldblum-exclusive-11896974

Olympic entertainment.

https://ew.com/winter-olympics-2026-performers-11898843

It’s truly a new world. No, really. How did he get this gig?

🏆 Not Your Grammy’s Grammy…

The winners.

https://ew.com/grammy-awards-2026-winners-list-11892584

The best and worst moments.

https://ew.com/grammys-2026-best-worst-moments-11896738

And most important, the fashion.

https://ew.com/grammys-2026-red-carpet-photos-11894866

I actually like Miley Cyrus’s jacket, but it looks cumbersome. And I see Billie Eilish wearing Wednesday.

https://www.purewow.com/news/grammys-red-carpet-fashion

This is just beautiful.

https://www.purewow.com/news/grammys-2026-best-look

🎤 Four-Fifths Of a Reunion…

Just because I like them. Loved the fashion back in the day too.

https://ew.com/spice-girls-reunion-viva-forever-amid-victoria-beckham-family-drama-11900149

🐶 Sunday Goes To the Dogs…

🐕 The competition.

https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/puppy-bowl-2026-photos-see-adorable-shelter-dogs-competing-year

🐾 Meet the players.

https://www.today.com/video/meet-the-cats-and-pups-of-the-2026-great-american-rescue-bowl-257273413830

🐕‍🦺 Almost as good as when the Golden Retriever peed in the ring at Westminster. The audience applauded and a good time was had by all except the handler, who was mortified.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/06/entertainment/video/puppy-bowl-puppies-john-berman-vrtc-digvid

🐩 Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Puppy Bowl, including past Bowls.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl

🥇 Best Of the Best…

Last, but not least – God loves a terrier.

https://ew.com/westminster-dog-show-catherine-ohara-best-in-show-tribute-11899177

🎺 Quotes of the Week

Our ancestors achieved far more with far less. – Kristian Smith

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

Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly. – Franz Kafka

You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it. – Robin Williams

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. – Warren Buffett

Kites rise highest against the wind—not with it.Winston Churchill

I just want to eat shrimp and die alone. – Bailey Taylor, Summer House

The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love. Please, we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love. – Bad Bunny, Grammy Awards

So Sabrina Carpenter releases a dove, and everyone is up in arms, yet it’s okay for several poor groundhogs to be yanked from their hibernation for no reason whatsoever. Priorities.

🥶 Getting Cold Feet…

Until next time, stay safe; stay keeping your faucets dripping if it’s below freezing; and stay leaving other people’s keys alone.

January 23, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Anna Has a New Tormentor, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Watching Soon, Nom List & a Sweater, Tails Of Love, Three Quotes Of Three & Fifteen Feet

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Nibbles…                                                                      

Monday: 

The verdict was read and Willow was found not guilty. Willow hugged Alexis, who didn’t look very happy and didn’t hug back. Trina told Kai that she couldn’t believe Willow got away with it.

Sonny went to Alexis’s office to see Diane and maybe get some carrot cake, but Suzanne was behind in her baking and Diane was in court. Alexis was also in court, and Suzanne said the jury had reached a verdict. They thought it could go either way. Sonny said he hoped Willow got acquitted.

Willow was free to go, court was adjourned, and Willow hugged Nina. Dante told Turner that he was sorry, and she wanted to know who was responsible for the missing traffic cam footage. She wanted their head.

Chase congratulated Willow, and she said he’d played a huge part in it. Drew said he knew she’d be exonerated like he’d promised.

Anna asked who was speaking, and Faison asked if she’d forgotten the voice of who loved her the most. She insisted it wasn’t him. It was impossible. He was dead. He said she should know by now, not even death could part them.

Kai said they should have gone to the police, but Trina said it was too late now, and they left.

Willow thanked everyone for their support, but there was one person she owed a debt of gratitude to – Alexis. Drew agreed and thanked Alexis. She told him to keep his end of the deal. She’d come through for him and expected the same.

Suzanne was surprised that Sonny wanted Willow to go free, since the DA’s office could go against Michael. Alexis had laid out a pretty convincing case against him. Sonny said Alexis had done her job to the best of her ability and he couldn’t fault her. He could understand why she went after Michael. Drew had given Alexis an ultimatum – free Willow or she’d never see Scout again. She had to do something drastic. Suzanne got a text and told him that Willow was just acquitted.

Nina said, now Willow could concentrate on getting her kids back, and Drew said, tonight, they had to celebrate. Nina suggested she pick up champagne and that Chase come too. They could all celebrate together.

Dante said they’d find the person who messed with the footage, when Drew came by and said, no hard feelings. She was just doing her job. She said, how magnanimous of him. and he said he’d be in touch about pressing charges against Michael.

Michael flashed back to his meeting with Willow when she asked what would happen with her seeing the kids if she didn’t go to prison.

Nina thanked Chase, and he said he wasn’t letting an innocent woman go to prison. She promised him that it wouldn’t be forgotten and left. Turner said Chase must be pleased with himself. Willow might have walked out free, but thanks to his interference, he might be the one ending up in prison.

Anna asked if Faison had kidnapped her, and he said this place was better than where she’d kept him on Spoon Island. She asked if it was payback, but he said they always found their way back to each other. She said he had a warped view of their history, and he said what kept him going was knowing they’d be reunited. They’d never be part again.

Back in her office, Alexis threw her papers around and Suzanne asked if she was okay. Alexis said she was fine, but Suzanne said she was acting like she’d lost. Right. Willow was guilty, wasn’t she?

Drew brought Willow home, and she said the only thing that would make it better was having Wiley and Amelia there. He said he’d make good on his promise, and she said she didn’t know what she’d do without him. Drew told Scout that Willow won her case, and Willow said, now she could stay with Scout and her dad, and hugged Scout.

Chase said he didn’t nothing wrong, but Turner said he’d undermined her case with his testimony and betrayed his entire department. He said all he did was tell the truth and the jury agreed with him that she was prosecuting the wrong person, but Turner said, only because they didn’t see a crucial piece of evidence. Dante said they’d find the person, and Chase said they’d find it wasn’t him. He’d never tamper with evidence. Turner said Internal Affairs would look into it, and Chase said they wouldn’t find anything on him. If she’d put the right person on trial, he wouldn’t have had to do her job. He left, and Turner told Dante to build her a case against his brother.

At the Quartermaines’, Sonny told Michael that he’d heard about the verdict, and Michael said, now he was the prime suspect. He’d bolted when they read the verdict, but it was only a matter of time. Sonny said he didn’t know if Michael shot Drew or not and didn’t care, but he’d make sure Michael didn’t go down for this.

Anna said, this wasn’t real. It was a trick. Somebody wanted her to believe Faison was alive. Faison said his children were also thought dead. Hadn’t she considered the possibility? She said no, she was finally rid of him, but he said she could never be rid of him. What they had was eternal.

At the Bad Jen Café, Kai told Trina that they should have done more. Double jeopardy meant they couldn’t go after Willow again. (I think they can if there’s new evidence though.) Trina wondered if Willow going free was so terrible. Drew was a monster and he’d put a lot on himself. Kai said a lot of people despised him, but only Willow committed a crime, and she said they’d also committed a crime and covered it up. Who were they to judge? What Willow did was wrong, but she told the court how much she’d loved Drew and now she was stuck with him, or it would arouse suspicion. Maybe it was punishment enough.

Michael said if he went to prison, his kids would be left with an unstable mother and a terrible stepfather, but Sonny said he wouldn’t let that happen. Michael said, even if he was kept out of prison, it would have a huge impact on visitation. The jury had believed her and the new judge could too. What if she got full custody? Sonny said it would never happen, but Michael said it could, and he couldn’t let them live with Drew. Sonny said it wouldn’t do Michael any good to go down that scenario, but Michael said he had to be prepared for any outcome. He had to protect his children. Sonny promised it would be okay.

As she picked up the papers, Suzanne said she shouldn’t have asked, and Alexis asked how long she’d known. Suzanne asked if Alexis remembered when they’d rehearsed Willow, and Alexis said Suzanne told them she’d find Willow guilty. Suzanne said Willow was defensive and justified too much. It felt like overkill. She hadn’t known for sure, especially after Willow did a beautiful job on the stand, but then during Alexis’s summation, she slipped. She almost indicated that Willow was the one who shot Drew. Her explanation was quick and made perfect sense. Everyone believed her, but she knew Alexis didn’t make mistakes like that. She could read Alexis… a little, and wondered if maybe Alexis did it on purpose to try and throw the case. Alexis said, but she couldn’t do that, could she? It made her physically sick knowing that Willow was guilty, and she had to be quiet. Now Willow was free.

Willow said her freedom was thanks to Scout’s grandma. Now that her case was over, her grandma would have more time to spend with Scout. Scout asked if she could go see Alexis, when there was a knock at the door. Nina asked who was ready to celebrate, and Drew asked to speak with Nina privately. Willow took Scout to the kitchen, and Drew told Nina to leave her coat on. She wasn’t staying and she wouldn’t be seeing Willow anytime soon.

Kai said it was tempting to see it from Trina’s point of view, and Trina said it would be nice not to think about Drew and Willow for once. Kai said he was looking forward to resigning. It wasn’t worth it and he couldn’t pretend any more. Maybe it was time to just move on. She said it would make their lives easier, and he said, Michael could end up getting arrested. They couldn’t stay silent, but if Michael was indicted, he’d come forward on his own.

Dante said he knew Michael was number one, but they should consider Curtis, and Turner said, maybe. She knew Michael was his brother, but because of Alexis’s convincing argument, they had no choice but to focus on him. If they didn’t follow up, they’d be slammed from every angle. Dante said he was working hard at staying objective, and she told him to do his job thoroughly and investigate Michael.

Suzanne asked when Alexis figured it out, and Alexis said, after she rested her case… This had to be confidential. Suzanne said, anything and everything case related always was, and Alexis said, someone came to her with damning evidence against Willow and it checked out. Suzanne asked why they didn’t go to the police, and Alexis said it wasn’t in their best interest, and she told them that they’d implicate themselves for various other crimes. Drew would go after them and make it worse. And she had to look after her client. Suzanne said it was her obligation to defend Willow, and Alexis said it wasn’t her first client who was guilty, but it was just the way she’d defended Willow. She’d nearly destroyed Portia’s life and implicated Michael when he didn’t do it. Suzanne said giving her client the best defense was the ethical thing, but Alexis said, legally, yes. Morally, it didn’t feel like it.

Drew said he’d had a change of heart on telling Willow about his and Nina’s previous conversation. She deserved to know her mother wanted to see her convicted so she could jump in and take control. Nina told him, that’s not what she said, and Drew said she wanted to be the hero and drive a wedge between him and Willow. She said he was nuts. Willow was smart and would see where she was coming from. Drew said Willow would see Nina wanted to undermine their relationship again and she’d be livid. Nina said, would she? They’d see about that. Drew said she needed to leave, and Nina said she didn’t want to ruin her daughter’s celebration, so she’d leave, but trust her, she’d be back.

Faison asked if Anna was feeling any better, and she said her head was clearer and she was even more convinced he wasn’t Cesar Faison. Cesar Faison was dead. His brain was in a jar. Faison said someone’s brain was in a jar, but not his. He was right there with her. She said, show himself, but he said, patience. All in due time. He was sorry to keep her waiting, but his recovery was slow and he couldn’t bear for her to see him in his current state. When he was fully healed, she’d see for herself that he was the one and only Cesar Faison.

Kai said there was no reason for Trina to risk prosecution, but she said it was her idea to break in. If anybody should turn themselves in, it should be her. Kai said there was nothing linking her to the crime scene, but she said he wasn’t facing it by himself. He said if he was charged, he’d feel better knowing she was safe and in the clear. He loved her too much to let her throw her life away. The one good thing that came out of this crazy mess was that it brought them back together. She kissed him.

Sonny said the number one priority was keeping Michael out of prison, and Michael said he didn’t do it. Sonny said, the DA may say there’s not enough evidence to press charges, but Michael said Alexis gave the prosecution a roadmap and Turner would come at him harder to save face. Sonny promised him that it wouldn’t be Turner doing it.

Suzanne asked what else Alexis could have done, and Alexis said, withdraw and the judge would have declared a mistrial. Suzanne said Drew would have made sure she never saw Scout again. Could she live with that? Alexis said, no, and Suzanne said, focus on that, and Alexis said she’d let Willow get away with it, but she couldn’t stand Drew either. Suzanne wondered if anyone could, and Alexis said, no. She couldn’t blame Willow and wished she’d argued that in court. Suzanne asked what she was going to do, and Alexis said, nothing. She couldn’t tell Drew. He wouldn’t believe her because of his huge ego, and he’d take Scout away permanently, then go after the witness. Suzanne said, that settled it. All she could do was move on with her life, which include Scout. As for Willow, she was Drew’s problem now.  

Chase showed up at Drew’s with a bouquet of flowers, and Drew said he’d make sure Willow got them. Chase said he was hoping to give them to Willow himself, but Drew said, unfortunately, the celebration plans fell through… Willow came out and thanked Chase for coming. She asked if the flowers were for her and said he was so sweet. She hugged him, and Drew said he was telling Chase that Nina’s plans fell through. She had to leave, so it was better they celebrate another time. Willow said she was glad Chase stopped by and thanked him again for believing in her. She hoped it wouldn’t cost him his badge. He said if it did, he had no regrets. He stood up for what was right. She said that’s what made him so wonderful, and Chase said, congratulations again. Drew opened the door, and Chase left. Drew said he was sorry Willow’s mother had to leave, but Willow said they had plenty of time to celebrate. She was relieved to have peace and quiet, just them. She asked him to hold her and he did.

Anna said, until Faison felt healed and ready to face her, she was stuck in this room? and he said, be patient. Their reunion would happen soon enough. He’d already made arrangements. Before long, she’d leave there and they’d spend the rest of their lives together in their new home.

Trina said Kai was the kindest, most decent man she knew. Him sacrificing himself wasn’t going to happen. If they came clean, they’d do it together, as a team. He said he agreed.

Sonny went back to the courthouse and told Turner that he’d heard she had a rough day. She asked if he was there to gloat, but he said, not at all. He was there to do her a favor.

Chase found Michael and said, now that Willow was exonerated, could they put it behind them and coexist for the sake of the family? Michael asked how they could when Chase was convinced he’d shot Drew. Even worse, he’d helped Alexis build a case against him. He’d condemned Michael’s kids to a life with Willow and Drew. If Chase thought they were shaking hands and letting bygones be bygones, he was sadly mistaken.

There was a knock at Alexis’s office door, but Alexis said she needed to be alone. Suzanne said someone was asking to see her, and Alexis said, ask them to reschedule. Suzanne said they were pretty insistent, and Alexis opened the door. Scout flew to her, and Suzanne said she figured Alexis would make an exception. Alexis said she was happy to see Scout and hugged her.

Willow said she hoped Drew didn’t mind her letting Chelsea take Scout to visit Alexis. She wanted to spend time alone with them. She gave him a glass of champagne and asked what they should toast to. He said, their future, and she said, to our future. They clinked glasses, and he said he was thinking they should go on vacation. Maybe rent a cabin in the woods. She put her arms around him from behind, and as he was blabbing away, she stabbed him in the neck with a syringe. He fell to the floor, said, Willow… What… She said, everything is going to work out, Drew. You’ll see.

Tuesday:

No soap, because news, but you’re welcome, Canada.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-preempted-nationally-today-get-the-details-on-the-new-schedule/

But wait…

Thank you, Canada.

At the hospital, Lucas said he hoped justice was served, and Elizabeth said, with any luck, they could all put this nightmare behind them and everyone could move on with their lives.

Ava met Nina at the Bad Jen Café, and asked why they were celebrating with espresso at a café instead of martinis in New York. Nina said Willow still had a major problem with Drew.

At a nearby table, Kai kissed Trina, when Curtis came in. He said he was sorry to interrupt, but he’d like a moment with his daughter.

Stella saw Portia at the hospital and said she was on the wrong floor for the obstetrician, but Portia said that wasn’t why she was there.

Tracy and Laura met in an office at the hospital, and Tracy said they both knew Drew was blackmailing Portia and they were on her side, and Laura said if it was only about Drew, she’d be tempted to reinstate Portia, but by her own admission Portia had tampered with a patient’s test results, and she didn’t think the board would ignore that. Tracy said Monica would want them to do what was best for the hospital, and Laura asked if GH could afford to keep a doctor employed who knowingly and intentionally falsified patient test results.

Jason arrived at the hospital and asked Britt why he was there. She said she had something she wanted to show him. Cullum lurked around in the background.

Sonny asked if Turner wanted some advice. She took a hit when Willow was found not guilty. It wasn’t a huge leap to assume his son would be targeted next. He wanted to remind her that would be a big mistake.

Chase said Michael lied to the police about his alibi, and Michael said he never went inside Drew’s house. Chase asked why he should believe him. Willow was acquitted. The jury knew she was innocent. If Michael went down for this, he had no one to blame but himself.

Kai left to get refills, and Curtis asked if Trina had heard from her mom. Trina said her mom texted, but she needed space. Curtis said she shouldn’t have no contact, and she asked if he was assuming the baby was his. He said he’d cross that bridge when he came to it, but her mother was having a meeting with some board members. There was no question she was an excellent doctor, and they knew why she did it. Trina said, to protect her, and he said Portia needed their support on this. She said she didn’t want her mother to lose her career and asked if there was anything she could do, and he said, no, but he thought he could, and left.

Portia said Stella knew she was there to speak to board members. She was hoping they’d lift her suspension and reinstate her. Stella said they may decide to dismiss her, but Portia said she was prepared for the possibility. Stella asked if it was worth risking her career and losing her family, and Portia said she’d tried to protect her daughter and always would. If there were consequences for that, so be it. She walked away and Stella saw Isaiah.

Britt asked what Jason thought, and he said, it’s nice. She said her office was the first step to getting her life back. Speaking of…  She handed him $500 and said it was her first payback installment on her Café Cherie bill. He said he didn’t want her money, but she said she wanted them to be on equal footing. No more taking advantage of him. It was the only way they could move forward. He said, they were moving forward? and she said they were. And with that in mind, she’d like to take him out. Before he got all macho… He said, yes, she could take him out, and she said he hadn’t heard what she had in mind. She needed him in his blue suit… He said, no, but she told him that he’d already said yes. He said, fine, and they kissed. She said she’d pick him up, and he said if she told him where they were going, he could make sure there were no donkeys on the road , but she said she’d see him tonight… in his blue suit, and he left.

Turner said it sounded like a threat, and Sonny said he was reminding her that she’d been compromised. She’d heard Drew extort him and threaten Michael. She said he was right. If Michael was charged, she’d have to recuse herself. Truth be told, she was fine with that.

Michael said, Chase thought he shot Drew and framed Willow, and Chase said he didn’t like thinking it, but it was clear Michael would do anything to get what he wanted. Michael said he didn’t want any of this. He didn’t want the breakup, or Willow putting his kids in danger by bringing Drew into their lives. Chase said, right now, the danger was coming from him. When Drew manipulated Willow, he didn’t offer forgiveness, but went straight to revenge. Michael said Chase was leaving out a key piece, and Chase said, Willow cheated, but Michael betrayed her and their children. It should be him who was locked up.

Lucas said he’d do his best to keep it professional, and Elizabeth said, good. Willow was a great nurse, and she was going to love having her back. Lucas said, if Drew lets her come back. Drew wanted to control her and Lucas felt that she let him. Now they were married. Elizabeth said Willow had been acquitted and they’d see how much independence she had going forward. The phone rang, and Elizabeth said they’d be ready. She told Lucas that medics were on the way with a critical patient.

Ava told Nina to get over it, but Nina said, Willow married Drew to get out of the charges and get her children back. Willow told her that she didn’t love Drew. She didn’t need Drew to get her kids back. Ava said, if Willow decided to end her marriage, it was her choice, and Nina said, Drew destroyed Willow’s entire life because he wanted her to think he cared that she was truly happy. Ava said, Willow got herself a gilded cage situation, and Nina said, exactly. He’d never let her go. Nina’s phone rang, and she asked Willow what was wrong. Willow said, something happened to Drew.

Portia thanked Laura and Tracy for meeting with her, and Laura said, of course (🍷). They’d been tasked to make a recommendation regarding her position. Either she’d be reinstated on a probationary basis or let go. Tracy said they’d read everything they’d been given, but before they made a recommendation, they wanted to give her the opportunity to defend herself.

Isaiah asked if he could talk to Stella, and she said they could talk about patients, but anything else, like the situation between her and Portia, was a no. It was a family matter and he wasn’t family. He said he was involved, and she said he certainly was. He said his relationship with Portia didn’t happen in a vacuum. Her marriage was falling apart before he was in the picture, but Portia wasn’t the only one to blame.

Cullum knocked at Britt’s door and said she looked surprised. Did she think leaving the Five Poppies behind meant leaving him behind?

Portia said she took full responsibility for what she did, and Tracy asked how she characterized that. Portia said she’d used her position as Co-Chief to gain access to a patient’s test results and altered them, but the circumstances were unique and extreme. She didn’t do it to advance her career. She did it as a mother trying to protect her child from a murderer who’d been convicted of five murders and had been targeting her daughter. To be clear, she wasn’t asking if they would have done the same, but maybe they could keep in mind the context… She’d been cleared by the AMA, and although there was a mark on her medical license, she was grateful that she could still practice. She hoped it would be at GH. She was an excellent doctor, and with the exception of this atypical situation, she had a sterling reputation. She hoped they’d recommend her reinstatement and welcomed any questions.

Elizabeth told Willow that they were getting Drew stable. What happened? Willow said they went home to celebrate. Drew had a horrible headache, but they opened a bottle of champagne anyway. They both took a sip, but when it came to the toast, Drew looked confused and was slurring his words. Then it was like one side of his face was melting and he just collapsed. She turned his head to the side and put a couch pillow underneath, then called 911. Elizabeth hugged her, and Willow said, please tell her that she got him there in time.

Michael said Chase couldn’t see how pathetic he was. He was desperate to play the hero and throw away his career. Chase said he did what was right, and Michael said Chase was a damn fool to think he believed him. Just like Drew, he fell for Willow’s innocent victim act and couldn’t see what was in front of his face. Be honest about the real reason he wanted to help. How long before he was back in Willow’s bed? Chase punched Michael in the face.

Michael punched Chase back and they fought. Jason came in and pulled them apart, and Chase said he’d make sure Michael paid for what he did. He left, and Jason asked if Michael was all right, but Michael said, no. The cops were going to come after him next.

Sonny asked if Turner didn’t want a second shot at a high-profile case. Convicting someone who shot a congressman would be good for her career. Turner said she had no interest in convicting an innocent person. She’d had the right person on trial. She knew Willow was guilty, but just couldn’t prove it.

At the hospital, Nina asked Willow, what happened? but Willow said she didn’t know. The doctors hadn’t told her anything. What if she didn’t get him here fast enough? Kai asked if there was anything he could do, and Nina said it was nice of him to drive her. He needed to call Drew’s office and have his assistant cancel his appointments and calls. Kai left, and Willow said she was so scared. She cried, and Kai flashed back to Trina saying, Willow knew what she was doing. She intended to kill Drew and knew what she was doing when she lied on the stand.

Ava asked if there was any word from Kai, but Trina said, no. She hoped it wasn’t serious. Ava said, heaven wouldn’t take Drew and hell was full. Don’t worry. She saw Trina and Kai’s and she was happy things were going well for them. Trina said Kai really surprised her. In the last few months, he’d come through for her in ways she couldn’t imagine.

Stella said, Portia might be carrying Isaiah’s child. She was married and he had no right putting himself in the middle. He said if she wanted to blame him for Portia’s marriage falling apart, go ahead, but don’t put it on Portia when Portia had come through for her. Stella asked what he was talking about, and he said, when she was investigated by the federal government, no one fought harder for her. Stella was known for being fair and kind and accepting everyone who came in, meeting them where they were with no judgement. He was asking that she extend the same grace to Portia.

Tracy asked what Portia would say to a potential patient concerned with trusting her, and Portia said, actions spoke louder than words. Congressman Cain had been blackmailing her for months and tormenting her family, but on September 2nd, he came in with two bullets in his back. She had her tormentor’s life in her hands, or at least his mobility, but as a doctor, she took an oath that had become the bedrock of who she was. She’d given him the best possible care. Dr. Jones could confirm that she’d saved Drew’s life and his recovery spoke for itself. Laura thanked her for her time.

Britt asked if Cullum missed her so much, he had to come to Port Charles, and he said she was stalling. She said, not true, but he said, it ended now. Sidwell set up a lab at Windymere, and she was to bring the project online in three months. She said, impossible, but he said there was an easy solution to that. She could disappear.

Curtis told Laura that nobody knew that if Drew had his way, the blackmail wouldn’t have ended with Heather Webber. He tried to force Portia to chance Michael Corinthos’s test results to make it look like he was addicted to opioids, so he could secure custody of Michael’s children for Willow. That didn’t happen, and the reason was, Portia refused. She risked her career and going to prison to stand up for what was right. That’s who she was, and he thought GH should keep her on staff.

Isaiah asked how it went, and Portia said Laura and Tracy were both fair women, but also professional and gave nothing away. What she didn’t say was that she’d do it all over again. He said, that was best kept out. The board would see she was fantastic. She loved people and gave them the best care whether they deserved it or not. She said, everyone deserved care, and he said he’d walk her out, but Stella returned and said, wait.

Britt told Cullum that she just got her medical license back. She had patients and there was no way her family and friends would buy her walking out of her life again. He said they’d had enough undesirable attention with Dalton. Now the timely completion of the project was their driving consideration. To that end, they’d absorb any and all risks. She said, okay, give her a day, but he said they’d already given her too much leeway. They could call another scientist to take her place. Did she have someone she could call for her medicine? Without it, her nervous system would start to deteriorate and there would be no going back.

Michael said Alexis did a fantastic job of making him look guilty, but he hadn’t done it, and Jason said he believed him. If the cops picked Michael up, he knew what to do. Michael said, call Diane and don’t say anything until she showed up, and Jason said, as bad as it was, it was nothing compared to what Michael had been through already. He fought back after life-threatening burns to get home to his kids. He knew Michael could get through this.

Willow asked Lucas, what happened? and he said the initial diagnosis was a massive stroke. They had Drew on stroke protocol and were monitoring him closely. Tracy asked if he’d recover, but he said it was too early to tell. Severe strokes could cause a number of impairments – aphasia, limited mobility, and in extreme cases, full Locked-In Syndrome – but they wouldn’t know for some time.

Laura said she knew Curtis was going through a rough time and appreciated him coming in. He said the whole world found out along with him that his soon to be ex may be carrying another man’s child, but it had nothing to do with her work. He didn’t think her career would end by the likes of Heather Webber or Drew Cain. Laura said she’d take it all into consideration, and he thanked her for listening. She said, of course (🍷). Even in the midst of incredible turmoil, he and Portia were coming together to fight for a common goal. If the baby was his, she hoped they remembered they were capable of that. He said he hoped so. He wasn’t part of raising Trina and felt like it was his second chance. He wanted to be the best father possible. She said he would be, and he left.  

Stella asked how it went with the board, and Portia said she had to wait and see. Isaiah said he’d give them a minute to talk, but Stella said, stay please. She wanted to apologize. Portia had enough dealing with professional matters, and she didn’t need to add more pressure. Portia thanked her and said she was sorry too. She knew how much family meant to Stella and was sorry for any pain she’d caused Stella or anybody else. Stella said it was a difficult situation, and Portia said she still loved all of them. She left with Isaiah.

Trina told Ava that Mr. Sidwell was a smart buyer. Tell him that he was responsible for the first Restrepo in the northern hemisphere and he’d be fine. It would also go up in value. Ava said Trina was absolutely right. She had business dealings all over the world, and after this, she might be able to set up being Restrepo’s primary dealer. Trina said she had no doubt Ava could make that happen, but be careful. She’d heard Mr. Sidwell might be dangerous. Ava said she was sure there was some truth to that, but she knew how to deal with men like him. They understood each other and her nephew had been living under Sidwell’s roof and was having a great time. She’d look out for her nephew and make a small fortune. She’d be spending a lot more time at Windymere.

Britt said she’d go to Windymere tonight, and Cullum said, glad to hear it. Jason Morgan had been a problem at the Five Poppies. Get Jason out of her life or he would.  

Michael said, with being under investigation, it interfered with his chances of getting custody, and Jason said he was worried about Drew being in the picture. Micheal said he couldn’t send the kids back to Drew’s house. That man was poisonous. He saw how Drew treated his own daughter. Jason said Michael’s kids weren’t going back. Drew would never be in their lives. He gave Michael his word.

Sonny said he knew Turner hated to lose, so he’d let her in on a little secret. With or without Alexis’s legal strategy, the next person prosecuted for shooting Drew was going to get off. She asked if he was going to see to it, but he said, no. No jury would convict someone of shooting a snake like Drew. He didn’t deserve justice. She said, everybody deserved justice, and he said, the cops would do what they do, but the way the case should end was with it getting marked unsolved and put away in a file because Drew got what he deserved. He left.

Kai said he had to speak to the DC aids, and Willow said she was going to the ladies’ room to splash water on her face and be alone for a moment. She left, and Nina told Tracy that she thought it was important for them to stay optimistic for Willow. There was still a chance for Drew to make a full recovery. Tracy said, or he could be a vegetable trapped in a body for the rest of his life. Drew wouldn’t get tears from her. As her late husband Luke used to say, karma is a bitch. She guessed it finally came for Drew.  

In the hallway, Willow took the syringe out of her purse, dumped it in a trashcan, and kept walking.

My guess is, Kai is watching her.

Wednesday:

See Tuesday.

Thursday:

Elizabeth went to Laura’s office and said she was worried about her.

Jack knocked at Josslyn’s door and she said, it must be important. He said it was.

Britt came downstairs into Bobbie’s and saw Cullum sitting at a table. She flashed back to him telling her to get Jason out of her life or he would. Lulu and Rocco came in, and Carly asked Britt what was so important that she had to say it in person. Britt said she was moving out of this dump.

Dante asked how the evidence review was, and Nathan said, ongoing. He had nothing significant to share. Dante wondered if there was proof of Chase’s bias judgement.

At the mansion, Tracy said she’d extend Jason the same courtesy she’d offered Michael. She’d be his alibi for whatever he did to Drew.

Nina asked Lucas about Drew, but he said he could only speak to family. She said Drew was her son-in-law, and Willow had stepped away, and he said he was meeting with a neurologist about Drew’s prognosis, but would only discuss the test results with Willow.

Suzanne told Alexis that Willow was there, and Alexis said she’d gotten Willow acquitted knowing she was guilty. What more did she want? Suzanne suggested it was about lifting the restraining order, and Alexis said, that would be nice. Send her in. Suzanne got Willow, and Alexis asked if there was something wrong. Willow said, Drew had a stroke yesterday.

Dante told Chase that Internal Affairs completed their investigation.

Jack said one of the top brass at the WSB was there – Ross Cullum from the European division – and he believed Cullum was a threat to Josslyn. She’d made an impression with the Five Poppies mission. Cullum didn’t know her identity, but if he found out, he’d realize her potential and connections and put her in dangerous situations. To them, she’d be expendable. Josslyn asked if all agents weren’t expendable, but Jack said he’d kept her off the radar and her dossier was in a sealed black box. Josslyn said it sounded like Jack didn’t trust Cullum, and Jack said Cullum wouldn’t protect her like he did. Josslyn said Cullum wasn’t in love with her mother.

Carly said, tell Jason, but Britt said she thought Carly would want to know why she was moving. The place was small and above a dumpster. The walls were paper thin, and the smell of bacon grease caused her cholesterol to go up whenever she inhaled. Carly asked if she’d like help moving out, and Britt said Bobbie would roll over in her grave. Carly’s mother wouldn’t want to be associated with this slum. Carly said Britt’s mother didn’t want to associate with her.

Cullum said he was honored to meet members of the Spencer clan. They had a reputation at the Bureau. Lulu said she was surprised Cullum didn’t seek out her mother, but he said her mother wasn’t arrested for breaking into Dalton’s lab. Lulu said, the matter had been rested, but he said, not the professor’s disappearance.

Elizabeth said she’d been thinking about Laura since Doc and Ace had left, and Laura said she was fine. Elizabeth told her that she’d said the same things when her boys left, then found herself in an empty home. Fine could mean pushing through to keep the world from seeing the cracks. Laura said, fortunately, she cared about her work and had a lot to keep her busy, and Elizabeth said there wasn’t a lot of opportunity to be sad. If Laura ever needed someone to be sad with or confide in, she was always there.

Tracy said Scout was with Alexis, and Jason said Scout had been through so much. She’d lost her mother and her dad was keeping her brother from her. Tracy wondered if that was why Jason decided to take Drew out of the equation, and he asked why she thought he did it. She said, the litany of Drew’s crimes and his expertise in dealing with problematic people. At first, she thought it was karmic justice, but karma and life rarely lined up. You nearly always had to give karma a push. She didn’t want to see him behind bars, so if they asked, he could say he was with her after the trial. He said he didn’t need an alibi. He wasn’t sorry about Drew, but he had nothing to do with it.

Lucas said he’d have the test results soon, and Kai came by looking for Willow. Nina said Willow wasn’t there, but was there something she could do? He said the story wasn’t out in the press yet and the hospital had kept it quiet, and he’d like Willow to approve a statement. Nina said she could look at it. She was surprised he was still working for Drew after hearing about him blackmailing Portia. He said he was thinking about resigning, but it was hard to separate the good Drew had done from the bad. He flashed back to Trina saying, Willow shot him, and told Nina that he didn’t know how Willow did it. Nina said neither did she.

Willow said she thought the stroke was the result of the shooting and the stress of the trial, and Alexis asked if they had a prognosis. Willow said, not yet. For now, it was uncertain, but Scout needed to know about her dad. She wasn’t sure who should tell her. Alexis said she thought it was best if she explained it to Scout, and Willow thanked her. Alexis thanked Willow for being considerate and careful when it came to Scout. Willow said, of course (🍷). She knew how much Scout loved Alexis, Kristina and Molly. Alexis said she thought it was best if Scout moved in with her.

Dante told Chase that Internal Affairs found him in violation of department policy by launching an unsanctioned investigation based on privileged information. He’d used PCPD resources for personal motive and put the prosecution’s case at risk. They’d concluded he’d run counter to policy, but there was no sign of corruption or laws broken. Chase said, so he wasn’t fired? and Dante said, not fired, but he was being demoted.

Jason said he didn’t know if Danny heard the news, so he’d text him, and Tracy said, maybe Danny could spend time with Scout, but he said, when Drew woke up and found out, he’d use it against them both. She said, if he woke up.

Kai told Nina that he’d met Drew when they were forming the Pediatric Sports Initiative (🍷) to honor Drew’s son who died. He’d thought Drew was someone to admire, but in hindsight, he was being naïve. Nina said she knew how he felt. She’d helped on the campaign trail and Drew gave a speech to some veterans that was so genuine and sympathetic, she forgot the things she knew about him for a moment. For every one good thing Drew did for the voters, he did ten horrible things to Willow or somebody else who didn’t deserve it. Kai said, like his own daughter.

Willow said, yes. She loved Scout and thought it would be better if she was around Alexis and the girls. Drew’s recovery would be difficult and hard for her to watch. Alexis said, what about Danny?

Jack said, yes. He was in love with Josslyn’s mother and didn’t want her to lose a daughter. He also didn’t want to lose one of his agents with potential. She was to cease all Bureau activity immediately. She’d been deactivated. Josslyn said she was supposed to gather intel from Lucas on Sidwell and Marco. She’d encouraged Lucas to move in and now she was supposed to walk away? Jack said they had a new asset on Spoon Island, and she asked, who? He said, Britt Westbourne.

Carly said Britt wouldn’t be missed, and Britt said it drove Carly crazy to see Jason being nice to her and wanting to spend time with her. Carly couldn’t stand seeing him with someone else because she was obsessed with him. Carly was threatened by her because she was the only one who pointed it out. Carly said Britt was threatened because she’d never have what they did, and Britt said she didn’t want it. Their relationship wasn’t admirable. It was pathetic.

Chase said he’d been demoted? and Dante said he could be on patrol. He could take the detective exam again when the department was satisfied. Chase said it was insulting and ridiculous, and Dante said he’d gone against policy. There had to be consequences. Chase wondered if it was that or because someone questioned Dante’s authority.

Nina said she wished she’d cut ties with Drew, but Kai said it was hard to do with her daughter married to him. He had no idea what he was going to do. She said maybe he could focus on being able to do a lot of good work. Don’t make any big decisions right now. Sometimes when people came back from a health crisis, they changed. Kai said, Drew survived an attempted murder and didn’t, and she said, maybe the potential for the good he could do outweighed the bad Drew did. Even the best of them had to make compromises.

Willow said Scout told her that she saw Danny. She never told Drew and didn’t plan to, but she was hesitant to let Scout see him. She was concerned about Drew’s reaction when he found out. Alexis said she understood. Maybe they could have the conversation another time after the prognosis was clear. Willow said, of course (🍷). She needed to get to the hospital, but she’d be in touch. Alexis thanked her and she left. Suzanne asked, what happened? and Alexis said, that woman who she’d lost more sleep over just gave her the best present she could ever imagine – her granddaughter. Suzanne said she was happy for her, and Alexis said when she was with Scout, somehow it was like Sam was still here. It was all she had left of Sam and made Scout more precious than Suzanne could imagine.

In the solarium, Danny told Jason that Drew was still Scout’s dad. He should text her. Jason said he couldn’t because they didn’t know what was happening yet and he had to respect the restraining order. Tracy said Drew could come after them eventually, and Danny said she was right. What would happen to Scout? Jason said Willow had temporary custody after Drew had been shot, so he was assuming she did again. Danny wondered if they could ask Willow, and Jason said he couldn’t be the one to ask, but he knew someone who could.

Laura said she admitted the empty apartment was harder than she’d expected, and Elizabeth said it was the same way when her boys left. Laura asked how she managed, and Elizabeth said, other than videochatting, her friends stepped in to take her out to dinner every night. She’d love to offer the same support. Laura said, company sounded nice. She’d give Elizabeth a call later and they’d make plans. Elizabeth left.

Rocco told Cullum that he broke into the lab because he thought Dalton was testing on animals. He learned that he should have handled things differently. Cullum asked if they had any idea where Dalton might be, and Rocco said, no. Lulu said it had been a relief, since he fabricated a story that Rocco vandalized the lab. Rocco was attacked in juvenile detention, and they thought Dalton might have taken off to avoid facing charges. Cullum said it made sense, and gave them his card. He asked them to reach out if anything came to mind.  

Cullum put money on the counter and left. Carly told Britt that she guessed they were done. Britt said she was sick of Carly’s moral authority act, when she’d lied and schemed her way through life like the rest of them. Carly said she knew what it was like to do what you needed to do and survive, destroying everything you touched. And she knew when someone was baiting her. Is that why Britt called? Just to start a fight?

Josslyn asked how Britt was the new asset. Could Jack trust her? Jack said he could. Sidwell built a lab at Windymere, so Britt could do her research there. She was now classified as a sleeper. Josslyn was to avoid the WSB office and Windymere. If she could distance herself from her uncle, do so. Live her normal life until she heard otherwise. She asked if she had a choice, and he said, no. He appreciated the work she’d done. He needed her to stay sharp and stay invisible. He left.  

Outside Bobbie’s, Lulu said she loved how Rocco handled himself, and Rocco said he didn’t know anything. He was glad it was over. She asked if he didn’t have to get to GH for his community service, and he said he’d like to walk. They hugged, and he left.

Dante said Chase had to take accountability or it would breed resentment. He had to decide if he was willing to do what it took to get back where he was. Chase said, he could end his career or crawl back to the department and accept punishment for being right, and Dante said he didn’t think Chase was right, but that was beside the point. Think about it and let him know. Chase snatched the papers out of Dante’s hand and stormed through the squad room. Nathan asked if everything was okay, and Chase said, no. He should probably start looking for a new partner.  

Alexis said she couldn’t believe Scout was moving in for the foreseeable future, and Suzanne said Alexis earned it. She kept her eyes on the prize and when no one thought she’d win, she did. She knew fighting for Willow was fighting for her granddaughter and she succeeded. Alexis said she couldn’t have done it without Suzanne. She’d proven to be more than an assistant. She was smart, credible, and insightful, but also a good friend, and those were hard to come by.

Willow came back to the hospital and asked if there was an update. Nina said they’d have the results soon. In the meantime, Kai had a statement from Drew’s office for her to review. Kai gave her the paper, and Nina said it was kind of Willow to make arrangements for Scout to stay with Alexis. Willow signed the statement, and Kai thanked her. Lucas came out and said he had a prognosis. He was afraid it wasn’t what they’d hoped.

Lulu went to Laura’s office to check in on her, and told her that she’d just come from meeting with someone from the WSB. Laura assumed Jack was pressuring her, but Lulu said it was an agent she’d never met – Ross Cullum. He seemed okayish. Laura asked if he wanted information on Valentin, but Lulu said, no. He was asking about Henry Dalton.

Chase kicked the backgammon board off the table in the solarium and the pieces flew everywhere.

Britt said she wasn’t trying to start a fight, and Carly told her to find someone else to spar with. Britt said it killed Carly to see Jason so happy and having so much fun at the hatchet range with her. When was the last time he had fun with Carly? In the 90s? (Ha-ha!) His loyalty to the past was why he chose Carly over her, but he was tired of the drama. If he could get out from under his overdeveloped sense of obligation, he’d leave her behind without a second thought and they both knew it.

Danny went to Alexis’s office and said his dad told him that she was probably the only person who could help him. She asked, what’s up? and he asked if she heard about Drew. She said, yes, and he asked if she thought she could ask Willow if he could see Scout.

Lucas said Drew suffered a major stroke that affected both his motor and language skills, and Willow said his stroke was severe. When he regained consciousness, he’d need speech, occupational and physical therapy. A full recovery wasn’t impossible, but unlikely. Lucas said he was sorry. If she had any questions, he was there. Willow thanked him and Elizabeth said she was sorry. Sobbing, Willow threw herself into Elizabeth’s arms and cried. Kai left and Nina was like, hmm…

Carly said she and Jason had been through so much, it tied them together for life, when Jason walked in. He asked if everything was okay, and Britt said it was great. Carly was just reminding her of the reason she wanted nothing to do with him.

Josslyn found Lucas at the hospital and said she was there to broker peace between him and her mother. Her mother missed him. He said he missed her too, but he wasn’t okay with her attitude about Marco. He had enough disapproval from Pascal the butler. Pascal went back to France and now they were blissfully butler free. His phone chimed and he said he had to do rounds, but after he was done, did she want to come and hang out at Windymere. She asked if a glass of wine was involved, and he said, that was a given. She said she was in.

Elizabeth signed Rocco’s volunteer waiver and gave him scrubs to put on in the locker room. It was a dirty job.

Laura wondered why Cullum was asking Lulu questions about Henry Dalton, but Lulu said, not her, Rocco. Laura asked if he said why, and Lulu said, it wasn’t really clear. The WSB was looking into his disappearance. They sounded keen on finding him.

Nathan asked if Dante had a conversation with Chase, and Dante said Chase lost his detective badge, but could be a beat cop. Based on his reaction, that’s a big if. Nathan said he hoped Chase stayed. He was a good cop. Dante said he hoped so too and believed that as well. That didn’t change the fact they were down one detective. Nathan said he’d step up. No more mistakes. Dante said he’d be leaning on Nathan more than ever, and left.  

Chase started picking up the game pieces, when Tracy came in. She asked, what happened? and he said he was sorry. He’d gotten the ruling from Internal Affairs and took it out on the backgammon set. She asked if he was fired, and he said, no, but he was only allowed back as a patrol officer. It was a demotion. She said he knew how she felt about his campaign to save Willow. However, believe her when she said it was the department’s loss. He said he never thought he’d be in this situation. He couldn’t believe it came to this, and he had no idea what to do next. She said he had a lot to discuss with her granddaughter.

Alexis told Danny that before she said this, she wanted to make sure he understood that she thought he was an incredible young man. She thought Scout’s mom would be proud. Danny said he hoped so. He wanted to see Scout to make sure she was okay. She said, that’s why she asked Willow if he could see her, but Willow thought it was best if they kept the restraining order in place until they knew more about Drew’s condition. Willow knew he loved Scout and didn’t feel the same way Drew did. She thought there was a good chance he and Scout would be spending time together very soon, the way their mom wanted it.

Nina sat down next to Willow and said Willow seemed really upset. Willow said she was Drew’s wife. What reaction should she have? Nina said, remember, she didn’t actually love Drew. She only married him to help prove her innocence and get her children back. Willow said, that was before he collapsed in front of her, and Nina said, please don’t turn sympathy into forgiveness, or worse, real love. Willow said she just wanted to make sure her husband got the treatment he deserved. Again, Nina was like, hmm…

🫔 Friday’s Barely Touched Enchilada…

Jason asks Britt, what’s going on? and she says, sadly, nothing new. He says, she wanted him to come here and now she wants nothing to do with him, and she said, his BFF Carly just reminded her again that he’d never put her first. Why doesn’t he tell everyone once and for all who comes first, her or Carly?

Brook finds Chase in the solarium and says her grandmother told her that he was looking for her. Did Internal Affairs make their decision?

Emma and Gio go to the station, and Emma says she’s looking for Chief Scorpio. The desk sergeant says, he’s out on a call, and Emma asks if she has any idea when he’ll be back. Gio says, it’s kind of important, when Nathan comes out and says, maybe he can help.

Lucas tells Josslyn, welcome to my home. He still finds it weird to say that. Josslyn says, not as weird as it is to hear it. She thanks him for the invitation, and he says he’s thrilled she’s able to join him for cocktail hour. He’s slowly getting used to the idea of hosting his own visitors. Josslyn promises to be a no pressure, no drama visitor, and he says, maybe save the tantrums and throwing things for the second visit. She says she makes no promises. She’s excited to see where he and Marco cohabitate. He says, she makes it sound so romantic, and she says, sorry. She’s excited to see where he and his beloved lord over Port Charles on their windswept isle, paired with manor and butler. He says, there you go. She’s got it. This will be a butler free visit. Remember Pascal took his creep self out of town and has to judge them from afar. Wine or a martini? Ava taught him a recipe that won’t disappoint. They go into the living room and Ava says, it better not. She spent years perfecting this recipe and it’s lovely. Shall she make two more?

Anna wakes to find Peter August standing near the bed, and says, Peter? He says, Peter, Heinrich, either will do. Have you missed me, Auntie Anna? (I actually had a Great Auntie Anna as a kid, but she was nothing like this Anna. I wish. She was, however, a champ at Skeeball.)

Brook asks if Chase is going to keep her hanging or tell her what Internal Affairs decided, and he asks if she wants the good news or bad news first. She says, so it’s both kinds. Rip the band-aid off. What’s the bad news? He says he was demoted to patrol officer, and she says, what? How could they do that? He’s the best detective on the force. He says, they don’t seem to feel that way, and she says, what’s the good news? He says, if he accepts the demotion, he can stay on the force. His hours will be more defined, and he won’t have to bring work home with him. She says, more free time is a good thing. They can finally go to Italy for a honeymoon redo. He says, or they can use the free time to focus on building their family. He thinks it’s time they focused on adopting.

Emma thanks Nathan and says, it’s stupid. She should probably text her Uncle Mac. She doesn’t want to involve the police. Gio says, it’s more of a family thing, and Nathan says he doesn’t want push it, but if they squint just the right way, he sort of is family. Obviously with Maxie and James. Emma says she doesn’t want to bother him at work. Forget she said anything. Let’s go. Gio says, they need help and Nathan may give them some. They’re not leaving.

Lucas says he didn’t realize Ava would be here, and she says she’s celebrating. She nailed down the Restrepo for Jenz, so she came by to take measurements for the installation. Lucas congratulates her and says, that’s a huge get. Does she need any help? She says, he has a guest, and since Jenz wasn’t here, Marco kindly assisted her. Marco asks if he heard his name, and she says she was telling her handsome nephew how he welcomed her and measuring tape into his home. Has he met Lucas’s niece Josslyn Jax? Marco says he has. Nice to see her again when one of them isn’t coming or going. Ava says she and Marco took a vote and decided they’d done enough work for the day, right? Cocktails are in order. Lucas says, great minds and perfect timing, and Marco says he hopes that means Josslyn is joining them, and Ava says, please do join us.

Peter says, Anna seems to be under the weather. Should he call for help or leave her here to die like she left him? She says she didn’t, but he says, she did. Did she grieve when he died? She says, this is not happening. He’s not here. He’s dead. He says, that’s what everyone thought. That’s what she thinks. Things change. Death doesn’t mean what it used to. Things aren’t the same as they were before. She asks what he means, and he says, she thought Nathan was dead. She thought Britt was dead. She thinks his father is dead. She says, Faison is dead, but he says, the thing about his family is, they don’t stay dead. Who knows? Maybe, just maybe, all of the people she thinks are dead and buried are right here waiting for her.

Carly says, time out. Leave her out of this mess. Whatever the hell is going on between Britt and Jason has nothing to do with her. Does Jason know what’s going on here? Britt asks if Carly thinks she’s so attached to Jason because her life is so boring. She thought Carly’s super spy boyfriend would be enough to keep her occupied, but she guesses not. Carly says her relationship is none of Britt’s business. This chronic insecurity of Britt’s has nothing to do with her. Britt says, she’s right, and tells Jason, solve the problem. Who comes first, her or Carly? He says he’s not going to answer that, and Britt says, that right there. That is his choice.

Brook says, it’s been a while since they talked about adopting a child, and Chase says he knows. They tabled things because she asked for time to sort things out with Gio. It made sense, but it seems like they’re in a good place and building their relationship. She says, true, but it’s still fragile, and he says, not that fragile. His demotion was a wake-up call. He didn’t realize how much of his identity was wrapped up in his work. She says, because he loves his job, and he says, he did. He does. But he also has a life. He can’t prioritize work over family. She’s the most important thing to him. Building a family with her is his priority and the circumstances are right to get the ball rolling and make it happen… unless it’s not something she still wants.

As they go into the interrogation room, Emma says she didn’t want make it into a big thing, but Nathan says, she’s not. Even if she were, it’s fine. Her grandma gave him a shot at the PCPD and Anna has been a good friend and mentor. He owes her a lot. Gio says, Emma too, and Emma says, that’s why they’re here. That’s why she wants to talk to her Uncle Mac. She’s starting to think that her grandma is in trouble.

Josslyn says he has to check on her mom. She offered to watch Donna and doesn’t need her mom and Donna mad at her. Ava says, no one wants that, but she thinks Josslyn got her dates mixed up. Donna and Avery are with Sonny. When she spoke to Avery, Avery said something about a homemade pizza party. You know Sonny will take any excuse to make a red sauce. So relax. Have a drink. Josslyn says, Ava is right. She must have gotten her dates confused. So she can stay. She’ll take a glass of wine. Martinis aren’t her thing. Ava says, they’re everyone’s thing, even hers. She just doesn’t know it yet. Marco asks which Josslyn prefers, red or white, and Josslyn says, red, pinot noir. Marco says they have a few great ones down in the cellar. He’ll grab one and be back. Josslyn says, if it’s not too much trouble, and Marco says, no problem. Ava says she’d love a peek at his father’s wine cellar. She can imagine the vintages he’s got squirreled away down there. Marco says she’s welcome to join him if she likes, and she follows him out. Lucas says, Josslyn almost made a clean getaway, huh? He’s sorry about the ambush and thanks her for staying. He knows Ava isn’t her favorite persona. Josslyn says, it’s fine. They can coexist. She’s used to pushing her own feelings for Ava aside for those she cares about. He says, like him, and she says, yes. Like him and Avery and Trina. He thanks her and says, that’s why he wants her to get to know Marco better. They’re both very important to him. She says, they’re both important, huh? and he says, of course (🍷). He can’t tell her how grateful he is for her support of his relationship, unlike her mother.

Jason asks if they can go somewhere and talk privately, but Britt says she’s not going anywhere with him – ever. Brad was right. She was fooling herself, letting herself think this could be anything, but it can’t be. Because he’ll never cut the cord with this woman. He asks where this is coming from. Carly isn’t between them. Britt says, Jason married Carly. He ditched her and threw her away like trash and ran to Carly. She thought she could forgive all of it, but she can’t. She’s done. Stay away from her. She leaves, and Carly says, wow. What the hell was that all about? Jason asks what Carly said to her. (Ha-ha-ha!)

Brook says, of course (🍷) she wants to build a family with Chase and adopting a child is absolutely still in the cards for them. All of this is just really sudden. Chase asks what she’s talking about. They had so many discussions about adoption. They even talked to Alexis about it. She says, that’s not what she means. He just found out that he was demoted and lost his detective shield. He says he knows that, and she says, and she knows how much he loves being a detective. He’s so proud of it. They sit on the sofa, and she says, he just lost something really important to him. She doesn’t want him to brush past that. He asks if that’s what she thinks he’s doing, deflecting. He’s trying to focus on them having a child. She says she doesn’t know. Is he?

Nathan says he probably doesn’t know any more than Emma, but the department was told her grandmother was pulled for some top secret WSB assignment. That was the last official update they got. Didn’t she read a text message and get a picture from her grandmother at Maxie’s house on Christmas? Emma says, yeah, a photo and a voicemail, but she hasn’t actually spoken to her grandmother since she left. Gio says, it’s been months, which makes it even weirder, and Nathan says, that doesn’t sound like Anna. Emma says, it doesn’t. She knows on a classified mission contact is limited, but she doesn’t think her grandmother would go this long without speaking to her directly. Gio says he doesn’t either. Anna used to text them every day for a regular status update – while they were living with her. Emma says, yeah, and she’s not the only one her grandmother’s not talking to. Her mom and aunt haven’t heard from her. Gio says, at least Emma got something, a voicemail and text. They haven’t gotten anything. They’ve had no communication from Anna at all.

Anna says, this is not happening. It’s not real. Someone is doing something. They’re using her past against her. Peter says, maybe it’s just her guilt finally having its say. She’s ignored it and the things she’s done. She’s lied to herself about all the lives she’s destroyed. Did she really think she could silence her conscience forever? She says, that’s not true. None of this is. He says, it’s all true and she kept her conscience prisoner for all of it, hoping it was there, with her foot on its neck, listening, growing angrier, while she denied, rationalized, and justified. All the while guilt eating at her soul. She says, shut up! Get away from me! She gets up and walks to the other side of the room, and he says, things have a way of making themselves known. She says, you’re not real, but he says, she’s making this far too complicated. His father will be so disappointed in her, going to such great lengths to deny what’s exactly in front of her face. She says she watched him die. She held his hand and she watched him die. He says, did she, or was it just another one of his father tricks? He had so many, and he’s fooled her before.

Lucas says he’s hungry. How about Josslyn? She says she could eat, and he says, the downside of Pascal being gone is they’ve go to get their own snacks. He’s going to get chips or something. He’ll be back. She says, great. She’ll be here. He leaves, and she gets up and starts looking around. She opens a cupboard next to the fireplace, and Ava says, looking for anything in particular?

Carly asks if Jason thinks she’s responsible for that. Is he blaming her for what just happened? Jason says he’s not blaming her. He’s asking what happened. Britt was happy and they were good. He’s asking what changed. She says she doesn’t know. She has no idea what’s going on with Britt. Britt was trying to push her buttons, and she almost went at her, but she didn’t. Whatever is going on, she had nothing to do with it. He says, one conversation with her, and Britt is back to insecurities and running out the door, and Carly says, when isn’t she? That’s on Britt. It’s not her fault. He asks why it’s so hard for Carly to believe he can love her and still have room for somebody else. Britt’s wrong. There doesn’t have to be a choice. She says she didn’t ask him to choose. She didn’t ask for any of this.

As Rocco rolls up some of the kids’ artwork, Cullum looks in on Rocco. He goes into the room and says, Mr. Falconari, good to see you again. He assumes it’s part of the community service Rocco mentioned earlier. Rocco says, yeah, it’s keeping him pretty busy here, and Cullum says, he most certainly is. In the hallway, Britt comes out of the elevator. Rocco says, the kids love it and it keeps their mind off whatever they’re here for, for a little while anyway, and Cullum says, good thing he’s here then. He doesn’t want to keep Rocco. He was hoping Rocco could point him in the direction of Dr. Britt Westbourne’s office. Britt walks by and sees Cullum with Rocco, as Rocco says, after he finishes cleaning up, he’ll take Cullum right to her.

Britt walks in and says, good afternoon, gentlemen. One of the nurses mentioned that someone very official was looking for her. Cullum says, that would be him… unless Rocco… Rocco says, no. He’s been too busy. Britt introduces herself to Cullum, who says, Ross Cullum, and they shake hands. He says he’s director of the WSB and Mr. Falconari was just about to direct him to her office, and she says she’s got it. She thanks Rocco and says she’ll take it from here. Rocco says, see her around then. You know, 500 hours of community service. Britt says, it’ll fly by. She tells Cullum, let her show him to her office, and he follows her out.  

Carly says she gets that Jason is upset by Britt’s about face, but can she have some credit? She admits there was a time she needed him to show her that she came first, but after everything that happened with the FBI, she knows what it cost him. That’s not who they are anymore. It’s not where they are. She knows a lot of life happened to them and there are things they can’t share, but she doesn’t ever question where she stands with him and hopes he doesn’t with her either. She loves him and she knows he loves her, and he never has to prove anything to her. Jason says he believes her, and she says, good. Now, would she pick Britt for him – he says, here we go – absolutely not. He knows how she feels about that, but it’s his to pick, not hers. Just like he respects the choices she’s made even when they’re wrong, she’s choosing to respect his.

Ava says, Marco and Lucas left Josslyn alone and she seems to have interrupted something. Josslyn says, yes. Her being nosy. Windymere is such a wild place. It’s hard to picture her uncle living here. It doesn’t quite suit him. Ava says, Windymere is an acquired taste, but it can grow on you. Lucas is adaptable. Besides, he did live here with his mother for a short time as child. So for him, it’s probably a homecoming of a sort. Josslyn says she guesses. Although she thinks if she’d asked a year ago what home was for him, it was wherever his family was. So… Ava says, that’s the thing about family. You can make your own. She and Lucas are related by blood, so they’ll always have that unbreakable bond, but being blood relatives needn’t be the sole criteria for determining who is considered family and who isn’t. Of course (🍷) she’s not telling Josslyn anything she doesn’t already know. Look at her and Trina. She loves Trina like she’s her own. They have so many important people in common that they love, it’s really quite special, isn’t it?

Nathan asks if Emma’s mom expressed alarm about Anna, but Emma says, no. She said Emma’s grandma has been known to go off the grid when she’s on assignment and Emma didn’t want to worry her. She has confidence in her grandma’s ability, with good reason, but she can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. Gio says, they spoke to Agent Brennan about it too, and Emma says, they did, yeah. Nathan asks what he had to say, and Emma says, just that one hand of the WSB is not always in communication with the other, but he did say he’d look into things for her. Nathan says, sit tight. He’s going to check the records. Maybe they have an update that he’s not aware of. Emma says, that would be great, and Gio thanks him. Nathan leaves, and Gio asks if she’s okay. He knows he kind of pushed her into this. She says, no. She’s glad he did. She was sitting around and it was driving her crazy. At least now she might get some answers.

Chase says he didn’t just start thinking about having a kid today, and Brook says she knows that. He says, good, because he thinks about it all the time. It’s like the thing he wants most for them in this world. He can’t say she’s too wrong about him not being a detective. He can’t wrap his head around it. When Dante gave him the news, it was like the wind got knocked out of him. She says, of course (🍷). It must have been especially hard hearing it from Dante. He says, Dante is his best friend and was his partner. Dante made it clear that the department didn’t trust him anymore, even though he was right all along. (I’m growing weary of Chase’s self-righteousness.)

Brook says, the PCPD has to know that Chase not being there is their big loss, but Chase says he doesn’t know what they know about anything anymore. She says, when Anna comes back, she can’t imagine Anna will be happy about any of this, and he says he doesn’t know. She was worried about his sympathy for Willow at the beginning. Even if she doesn’t like it, she’ll understand why things went down with him the way they did. She says, there has to be a way for him to get his detective shield back… if that’s something he wants, and he says, it is. He can sit for the detective exam again, if the department’s satisfaction is met and the standards they want him to live up to. He told Dante that he’d think about it and get back to him. She says, that makes sense… But she wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d told the PCPD to shove it.

Josslyn says, Ava can drop the act. She’s not capable of loving anybody but herself. She can pretend, smile, and say all the right things, but any affection of hers has its limits. When it comes down to it, the only person she cares about is herself. Ava says, there it is. That self-righteous judgmental attitude that comes so easily to Josslyn’s mother. It must be so tiring, seeing everybody so clearly and knowing that none of them measure up to her lofty standards. Josslyn says she’s not above anybody and doesn’t pretend to be. She just sees Ava for who she is, and Ava can’t stand her for it. Ava says, maybe, but everybody plays a bit of pretend at one time or another. She suspects even Josslyn does. Lucas and Marco come back, and Lucas says, they couldn’t decide, so they’re going with both. California or France? Which should they try first?  

Jason says, just walk him through what happened with Britt, but Carly says she doesn’t know. Britt called and told her to meet. She showed up and waited. Then Britt told her that she wanted to move and she said, fine. That was it for her, but not for Britt. She started insulting the restaurant, saying this place was a dump. She said Carly’s mother would be rolling in her grave if she saw the place now. He asks if she said nothing back, and she says she pushed back after Britt brought up her mom, but she didn’t say anything like Britt said. She’s telling him, Britt tried to provoke her. Britt wanted to fight with her right here.

In Britt’s office, she says, that’s the second time she’s seen Cullum with Rocco Falconari. What is he doing with that kid? Cullum says, proving a point.  

Emma tells Gio that there’s this default assumption that her grandma is like a superwoman and she gets it. In a lot of ways, she is. She’s looked up to her forever. Gio says he sees why. He thinks they’re a lot alike. She thanks him and says she hopes so. Just because her grandma is super smart and capable doesn’t mean she handle everything. At the end of the day, she’s just a person. An amazing person, but just a person. She’s not indestructible. He says he knows, and Emma says, what if she’s in over her head right now? He says, if she is, Emma took the first step in getting her help, and Emma says, somebody has to do something. She doesn’t need to know global secrets. She just needs to hear her grandma’s voice. She can’t keep sitting around hoping she’s okay. He says, she’s not. She’s here. Trust her gut. She was right about Dalton when everyone was telling her that she was wrong. If Anna is in trouble, Emma is coming through for her right now when she needs Emma the most. He hugs Emma and she cries.

Anna says, Peter hated Faison. He killed him. Peter says, so he thought. Faison played him like he played her, like he played everyone. Cesar Faison always wins and deep down, she knows it’s true. She says, it isn’t real. It isn’t real. It isn’t real. He says, stop. There’s no point in fighting. He should know. His father is so devoted to her, it makes sense that he should be the one with her. She says, stop, stop, stop, and puts her hands over her ears. Peter says, he’s finally ready to show himself to her. He’s waited so long, but he was always ready to have her. She says, oh God, and he says, the time is almost here. She says, oh my God.

Brook says, Chase doesn’t have to decide anything right now. Whether he accepts the demotion and works his way back up to being detective or decides to be a personal chef or a singer or to busk outside of Bobbie’s… He says, she’d let him walk around dressed as a BLT sandwich and hand out flyers? and she says, her undying support is with him, no matter what he decides. He says, that means the world, but he’s known what he wanted to do since he was 10. He wanted to be a police officer. He wanted to be a detective. He rebuilt his career once. He can again. She says, damn straight, and he says he wants to build a family with her. She says she wants that too, and they kiss.

Carly tells Jason that she could tell Britt wasn’t going to stop until Britt got her going and she came pretty close when Britt brought up her mother. He says he can understand that, and she says, it’s a good thing he showed up when he did. He says, yeah, it was. He gets it. Britt wanted to fight for some reason. He’s going find out why. He leaves.

Cullum says he can access Rocco Falconari any time, and Britt says, and do what? Make him disappear too? Rocco is very well connected. He has a mob boss for a grandfather, his grandmother is the mayor, and his father is the current Police Commissioner, and his mother is a journalist. His family will never stop looking for him. Even Cullum couldn’t hide him. Cullum tells her, who said anything about hiding him? Rocco is involved in a high-profile break-in. If it’s determined the lab contained classified information… She says, Cullum will put him in WSB custody? He’s a kid. Cullum says, trust him. He wouldn’t be the first minor in Steinmauer. She says, Rocco is innocent. He hasn’t done anything. Okay. He doesn’t have to hurt Rocco. He doesn’t have to prove anything to her. She’s doing what he wanted. She ended things with Jason. He’s never coming near her again. He told her to get to the lab. She’ll go to Windymere tonight. Damn it. She’s cooperating. He says, actions speak louder than words. There are consequences for actions and there will no longer be possibilities. Those are certainties she can count on. She says she understands, and he says, good. From now on, she will comply for Rocco’s sake and her own. He leaves.

Ava sips her martini, and Marco asks Josslyn what she thinks of the California. Josslyn says she’s no expert, but she likes it, and Lucas says, that’s the most important part. Now they try the French. Is Ava sure she doesn’t want a tiny sip? Ava says, no, thank you. This is perfect and she is an expert. Lucas says, hey, they should check out the catacombs and see what’s down there, but Marco says, it’s probably wet and freezing. Ava says she and her Cardullos are quite happy right here, and Lucas says, come on. He hasn’t been there since he was a kid. Now he’s an adult and Marco is here to protect them, mainly him, from any ghosts. Not that there are any. Come on. Come on. Come on. Let’s go exploring. Marco says, absolutely not.  

Nathan comes back, and Emma asks if he found out anything. He says, not from the latest records, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be found. Emma asks if he thinks there’s something off with her grandma’s situation, and he says, not necessarily, but he thinks the situation warrants him looking into it more. She thanks him, and he says he knows Anna well. If Emma is anything like her, he trusts her instincts. He’s not promising anything, but he’ll put his resources into finding Anna. One way or another, they’ll get answers and he knows exactly where to start looking.

Anna says, if Faison wants her, tell him to stop playing games. Come here to her now. Peter laughs and asks if she still thinks she’s in control of anything. She’s not. His father will come to her when he’s ready. She says she just wants this to stop. Faison, I just want this to end. Please… please… Just stop this. She knows he can hear her and she wants to see him. Show her his face. Just come here. Peter is gone and she’s alone.   

On Monday, Britt says, if Jason ever cared about her at all, leave her alone; Josslyn asks if Jack wants to hear what she found out or not; and Marco wants to take Sonny out of the equation for good.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Pay no attention to those rumors.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/is-cameron-mathison-leaving-general-hospital-as-drew-forget-the-rumors-here-are-the-facts/

I can just imagine that visit to Amsterdam.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-star-finola-hughes-on-annas-reunion-with-faison-it-was-nuts-exclusive/

Returning February 12th.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-comings-and-goings-kirsten-storms-is-back-as-maxie/

I can’t fault her for having a good time.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-willow-stabs-drew-katelyn-macmullen-talks-exhilarating-dark-turn-exclusive/

Why shouldn’t they? Short of a cataclysmic event, I think we can all wait a minute for the news, which literally follows GH.

https://ew.com/general-hospital-fans-fuming-over-trump-preempting-after-cliffhanger-11889288

Betting on him for the win.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/all-my-children-alum-michael-b-jordan-scores-first-oscar-nomination/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Mediterranean

While there was still way too much going on in the boatmance department – Max getting all emo, wanting Cathy to give him definitive answers on what happens after the season, and Eyebrows Joe acting the fool with Kizzy – the final charter included Karen Gravano from Mob Wives. Josh slaved all day over a hot stove and still not everyone was pleased. It was, however, a delight to see Captain Sandy video chat with wife Leah. One guest whined because she wanted crab after they’d already eaten it. In Josh’s interview, he said he wasn’t a chef with a magic arse. He couldn’t just pull a crab leg out. This same cretin bitched about them having no truffles when truffles were out of season and there were no truffles to be had. The captain had the best idea when several of the whiners grumbled about not leaving the dock. She had some deckhands take them out in the tender for a bumpy ride, after which they admitted, Captain Sandy is always right.

Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City

A lot of Part 2 was undecipherable due to everyone talking over everyone. My Reunion pet peeve. Even with the closed captions on, it doesn’t matter. They can’t get it all. There was a big whoop-de-do about Angie having evidence that Lisa’s number was attached to some account. Andy had to start yelling, then he just looked defeated, and walked off. They were like, sorry, sorry, sorry, Daddy Andy, and he came back. Mary’s son had been incarcerated for breaking an ex’s restraining order. There was also the whole thing about Mary’s church being a cult, but having been to churches like hers, I say that’s a no. Lisa claimed she’d supported Mary, but Mary said Lisa came against her. She was very dark and needed help. Of course, the airplane ride where Meredith lost her sh*t was brought up, and even Andy wondered, why no footage? I don’t know why he didn’t answer his own question, but I assume it’s too cumbersome for an entire camera crew to be on a plane, not to mention dangerous. He asked why no one had filmed it with their phones, and Heather said, what POS person would do that? For one, I would. We flashed back to the time Britani recorded an argument on a bus, so again, I made the assumption that there’s a rule against cast members doing their own filming. Maybe a Housewives’ code or something. Still, I would have done it even if for my own personal entertainment. There was a lot of back and forth on this – Meredith against the rest of the cast, sans Lisa – but Meredith stood her ground that she’d only complained about Britani a couple of times and never touched her high body count hair.

Why he walked.

I think Meredith needs to look up the definition of victim.

Vanderpump Rules

It was SUR’s 20th anniversary, and LVP said, let’s have a bloody good party. Technically, SUR was 26 years old, but it was the anniversary of Lisa and Guillermo’s partnership in owning it. Natalie and Kimberly got into it and Lisa had to tell Natalie to STFU several times. That’s one more complaint of mine. This staff doesn’t listen to my girl at all. They’re lucky she’s so lenient. If I’d talked to any of my bosses the way this crew speaks to her, I would have been gone. Lisa’s other concern was Jason’s knowledge of his job, and in her interview, she said, Jason knows more about penis pumps than the menu. She might be right. HE DIDN’T EVEN KNOW ABOUT THE GOAT CHEESE BALLS FOR GOD’S SAKE. In a rare moment, Venus and I agreed that people who don’t even work there know about the goat cheese balls. I knew about the goat cheese balls in Season 1. Guillermo unveiled a photo framed like a painting of the new cast. They looked beautiful, but… yeah. Angelica checked out Jason and Chris’s OnlyFans videos, and apparently they were greasing each other up on film, along with some other guys, and along with doing some other things. I couldn’t fault her for looking, but then she shared it with Kim and Demy, and the three of them squealed like children. Do they realize what an embarrassment they are to their generation when they see themselves? Yeah. Probably not.

Southern Charm

Venita’s mom chastised her for telling Salley not to bug her when things went sideways with Craig. She said Venita was mean and not a good friend. I applauded this, since Venita has a tendency to act superior. Rodrigo and Tyler had an engagement party, and the best moment of the show was Whitney asking if Madison was going to have a gender reveal – after one had been hosted for her at his house. She reminded him that it was a girl, and he told her, congratulations. Austen’s girlfriend Audrey came for a visit, and everyone waited with bated breath for him to break up with her, but it didn’t happen.   

Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills

Jennifer told Kyle that Garcelle didn’t want to be friends with Sutton because it was always about her and she was a troublemaker. Like the good gossip girl she is, Kyle told Sutton. Jennifer and Sutton ended up hugging it out, but no doubt it put a crimp in their friendship. As much as I dislike Amanda, it was the anniversary of her twin baby’s death, and I was sad with her. I can’t even imagine. Rachel was having a dinner party, and wore an ah-ma-zing, bananas outfit, complete with a sunburst tiara – and Amanda, wanting to be around people (obviously not there long enough to know it shouldn’t be these people) attended. Dorit had found out from Sutton that Amanda thought she should tone down her talking about PK being an alcoholic and decided the dinner would be a good time to confront her. When Amanda explained why it was a sad day for her, clueless twit Dorit kept going, only apologizing when Kathy pretty much insisted. There was also a medium at the party and she had nothing for Amanda, which seemed odd, but she was spot-on with messages from loved ones for some of the others. On a humorous note, Dorit announced she’d be writing a book, and called her ghost writer a co-author, proving why she needs a ghost writer. In Erika’s interview, she said Dorit couldn’t write a book herself, or it would never get finished. Best quote from Dorit: For somebody who’s supposed to be an author, she sure doesn’t know how to read the room.

The Valley: Persian Style

The group went to Palm Springs for Adam’s birthday, and Reza was surprising him with a celebration at the same restaurant where they were married. Because she was pissed about the inferior accommodations, Sky decided to confront Golnesa about the weed smoking at her trunk show. It was anticlimactic though, as Golnesa appreciated Sky’s honesty and apologized. When they went back inside and someone asked how it went, Golnesa said Sky smacked her, which was pretty funny, especially seeing Reza’s face. A medium came to the house (must be the thing right now) and was pretty accurate with the messages from loved ones in the Great Beyond. A drag queen presented Adam with a beautiful rainbow cake, complete with a sparkler, and the group half-sang a seriously sad rendition of Happy Birthday. Apparently, Golnesa had invited Dennis, which didn’t sit well with anyone and ended with him and Golnesa arguing. Mercedeh also tried to get Tommy to make peace with Reza, but he said, fuggedaboudit.

Random Reality Items

Coming March 4th, the poor man’s Vanderpump Rules.

This sounds excellent. My favorite show of his was The F Word, which was like a culinary variety show where you saw more of him as a human being, with no screeching at amateurs.

It was only a matter of time. Kyle is way too immature for her. I’ll give him this though. I had a can of Lover Boy and it was pretty tasty.

We’ll see. I miss the original with Caroline Stanbury.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Black Phone 2. Peacock. While I liked the first one better, I didn’t hate this sequel. Protagonist Finn has grown up and The Grabber won’t stay dead. And dead children are calling a phone booth in the middle of nowhere. This time, however, the villain can only attack in dreams a la Freddy Krueger, and he cant be fought on human terms. I have to admit, Ethan Hawke surprised me with how good he is as The Grabber. The other cast members are nothing to sneeze at, the effects are good, and the snowy scenery magnificent. Just for fun, I googled it, and Hawke did some of his own stunts.

The Running Man (2025). Paramount+. I wish I’d seen this on the big screen because the action scenes deserve it. And there were a lot of them. If I had to sum up the movie in one word, it would be exciting. I found myself making noises – always the sign of a good film – and at one point, literally ducked when something fell from a rooftop. In a dystopian future, a man needs cash for his daughter’s medicine, so he signs up for a game show that offers a big cash prize, but also certain death. Along the way, he also uncovers corruption behind the scenes. It has an excellent cast including Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin, the special effects were incredible, and the fast-paced action was one good time.

https://www.polygon.com/the-running-man-streaming-paramount-stephen-king-movie/

https://www.undertheradarmag.com/reviews/the_running_man

https://alisechaffins.substack.com/p/the-running-man-review-2025

11.22.63. Netflix. A man goes back in time to try and stop John F. Kennedy’s assassination. His mentor in time travel tells him, if you f*** with history, history will f*** with you, and it does. An amazing story with tons of twists and turns. And James Franco doing another stellar job as time traveler Jack Epping. I’d read the source material by Stephen King a while ago and loved it. I haven’t finished watching this 8-part series, but I like what I’ve seen so far. Great cast, great acting, great story, and I especially love the time period stuff.

https://www.slashfilm.com/2068646/jj-abrams-stephen-king-miniseries-11-22-63-streaming-netflix/

https://www.bgr.com/2073972/james-franco-stephen-king-time-travel-miniseries-11-22-63-streaming-netflix/

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

All the TV premiere dates.

https://ew.com/2026-tv-premiere-dates-11854588

🏆 The Award Might Go To…

Hear me out. While I’m ecstatic about Sinners, it seems unfair that Wicked: For Good was totally shut out. Yep, it probably shouldn’t have been split into two parts (although who wants to sit through a four hour film?) and I get that it got a turn last year, but this film actually had the more interesting part of the story and the CGI animals deserve their own special Oscar. As does the sweater Elphaba wears during As Long As You’re Mine.

https://ew.com/2026-oscar-nominations-announced-full-list-11889037

I would pay good money for that sweater.

https://people.com/wicked-costumer-says-elphabas-cardigan-going-viral-is-compliment-exclusive-11871960

🐾 Love Is Where You Find It…

🐶 Finding love on the red carpet.

https://people.com/sharon-stone-adopts-rescue-puppy-from-astra-awards-11884878

🗽 I saw him on the news – amazing idea!

https://people.com/pet-influencer-helps-rescue-dogs-find-homes-with-back-rides-in-nyc-exclusive-11869427

👰🏻‍♀️ Can’t say I blame her. Chances are, he won’t cheat.

https://people.com/rilo-kiley-singer-jenny-lewis-marries-her-dog-for-50th-birthday-11883843

🐕 I can identify. Sometimes my house looks like it’s boobytrapped.

https://people.com/chloe-fineman-shares-hilariously-relatable-puppy-proofing-tips-after-family-welcomes-new-dog-11878215

📢 Quotes of the Week

If I see it, I’m going to eat it.Madison LaCroy, Southern Charm

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. – Marcus Aurelius

If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first. – Mark Twain (Don’t let Madison see it.)

Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults. – Benjamin Franklin

We are all ordinary. We are all boring. We are all spectacular. We are all shy. We are all bold. We are all heroes. We are all helpless. It just depends on the day. – Brad Meltzer

Ending an eight-paragraph rant about his family’s dirty laundry with ‘all we want is privacy’ is all I need to know. – Alana Hadid, in reference to Brooklyn Beckham’s Instagram post about his family

Taking risks doesn’t mean shirking responsibility, but embracing possibilities. – Vick Hope

This guy always has tabouli on him like it’s Werther’s Original. – Reza Farahan, The Valley: Persian Style

In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. – Martin Luther King Jr.

❄️ Like Stars Filling the Dark Trees…

Until next time, stay safe; stay not buying every roll of toilet paper because it’s going to snow; and stay taking any excuse to make a red sauce.

August 1, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Jason Confides To Anna, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Farewell Ozzy, Join the Con, Fashionable Return, In the Limelight, Nine Whole Quotes & Beach

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Willow walked down the aisle, expressionless, handed her bouquet to Elizabeth, and Drew held out his hand.

Molly flashed back to what Kristina had said and told Cody that he wasn’t worried about sun exposure. He wanted her hands all over him.

At Alexis’s place, Michael asked Kristina why she was coming between Molly and Cody. She said Molly didn’t know who Cody really was and she’d hired him to seduce Ava.

On the phone, Jack tried to find out about the courier’s location, when Josslyn came in. He wanted her side of the story.

Wiley told Jason that his mommy was marrying Uncle Drew and wondered why she’d do that.

Willow took Drew’s hand, and the ceremony commenced. Lucy asked if there was anyone who knew why the wedding shouldn’t take place, but there were no takers, although there were a lot of soap looks.

Cody said he wasn’t hitting on Molly and wondered what her problem was. She said Ava had been drooling over him, and he asked if she’d been following him.

Kristina told Michael about cutting the brakes to Ava’s car. She’d tried to kill Ava, and instead Ric and Elizabeth almost died.

Carly explained that Wiley’s parents now loved each other in a different way now, but still adored their kids. Even though his mom didn’t want to break the judge’s rules by seeing him and Amelia, that didn’t mean she didn’t love them.

Lucy said today was about joining an entire family, and Drew and Willow had written their own vows. Drew said blah-blah-blah, a bunch of lies, while Willow smiled at him. He promised she’d get her kids back, and Nina told Obrecht that Willow thought Drew was the only path back to her children.

Josslyn said she’d planted the tracker on Greta (the courier who apparently now has a name), and Jack told her that something her mother said got his attention.

Alone with Jason, Carly said it was heartbreaking that Wiley had been confused since his parents broke up. Both Willow and Drew were heartless and selfish. Drew hadn’t wanted an equal, but a yes man, and that’s why she and Drew hadn’t worked out. Jason wondered if there were similarities in keeping AJ from Michael, and Carly wondered if Wiley and Amelia would understand that Michael just wanted to protect them. She was trusting the love they had would be enough, like it had for her and Michael.

Michael was understanding about what Kristina had done and told her that she was lucky that the cops didn’t know. She said Ric and Ava had figured it out and were extorting Alexis.

There was more nonsense from Drew, and he said their future was bright and beautiful. He’d do everything in his power to make her as happy as she’d made him. They’d build on the family they were creating and committing to, and their love. Now and forever. It was Willow’s turn and after slipping her hands out of his, she asked if Drew had slept with her mother. 🍿!

Michael said he wished he could have helped Kristina, but she took full responsibility. She felt lucky she hadn’t killed someone, but now Ric and Ava had power over her mom. Alexis was stealing from the Cassadine trust, so she didn’t go to prison, and she was trying to get Ava and Ric to turn on each other. Ric still had a thing for Elizabeth, so if Cody flirted with Ava, maybe she’d realize she could do better. Kristina wasn’t surprised Cody liked Molly, but was surprised Molly was interested in Cody.

Cody asked why Molly cared, and she said she thought it was inappropriate since Ava was dating her dad. Cody offered to move and picked up her book, finding a western romance hidden inside.

Jack said Carly was pleased to see Josslyn was moving on and dating again, and Josslyn said she thought that was what he wanted. Jack said he did, but understood she was new to this, and it could be confusing and easy to get caught up in feelings. She said there was nothing real going on, and he said Vaughn was playing a part, so it was vital she did the same.

Willow repeated herself and said it was a simple question. Drew tried to deflect, but it didn’t work. She asked if he’d slept with Nina while they were falling in love, and Alexis finally got Scout the hell out of there. Drew said, yes, and it had happened more than once, but he’d never developed feelings for Nina. He tried to turn it around, saying Willow had told him that they couldn’t be involved, but she wasn’t having it. He’d done worse than compromise her marriage. He’d destroyed it. 🍿!

Josslyn said she could handle it, when Jack’s phone rang. A man said they’d lost the courier.

Kristina told Michael that she didn’t think Molly and Cody were a good match and she’d told Molly that she didn’t know who Cody really was. Michael said it wasn’t a terrible plan, and Kristina said she’d told Cody that he’d be doing Molly a favor. Michael said Kristina had dug herself a big hole, but promised to help her get her out of it. She was his sister, and he’d always have her back. She said they could never let Alexis know he knew about the blackmail, when Alexis came in with Scout.

Carly reminisced about when she’d heard Jason had died and how she’d hung onto Drew because he was gone. Drew had accused her of using him as a substitute for Jason and she couldn’t deny it. Jason said he hadn’t been dead and was sure he’d seen Britt. He asked what happened to Britt’s body. He had to be sure. She said she had no idea. He’d have to ask someone in Britt’s family.

Drew wanted to go somewhere private, but Willow said right there was fine, and he said he’d fallen in love with her. She said she’d defended him and told people they were wrong, that they were open and honest with each other. She was such an idiot believing him. He’d said she could keep her children, and she’d never give them up for him, even though that’s what ended up happening. She’d given Michael ammunition and Drew had just wanted her to himself, promising her anything. She realized Michael was telling the truth about what Wiley heard, and Drew said, it was strategy. She said his lies hurt her son and he’d made it possible for her to lose her children. Don’t touch her ever again. She left and Drew tried to follow, but Nina intercepted him. 🍿!

Cody read from the romance novel, which was pretty funny. (I have a friend who writes erotic romances and those are pretty funny to read out loud too.)

Jack told Josslyn that they’d have to see if the tracker stayed when Greta left, but for now, they’d lost the tracker.

Michael asked how the wedding was, and Scout said, weird. Alexis suggested Kristina make Scout lunch, and Kristina took her to the kitchen. Alexis told Michael about what happened and that Nina and Drew had an affair.

Nina said at least now everyone knew Drew was a poor, pathetic excuse for a human being and he didn’t have to pretend anymore. He’d sniffed around a married woman while sleeping with her mother, and ruined Willow’s life. Drew said she’d waited to tell Willow, letting her plan the wedding, but Nina said she’d been clinging to the delusion he’d do the right thing. If he’d loved Willow, he would have let her go before she lost her children and everyone she loved. Drew said Nina had hired an escort to drug him, but she said she hadn’t been there. That was all on him. She didn’t force him to take body shots from an escort over a bar. He was done. The only thing that pleased her was that he’d lost Willow forever. She knew Willow would never forgive him. She left.

The cheese stood alone. 🍿!

Cody asked if Molly was a secret romantic, but she said she’d been obsessed with all things romantic since she was a kid. She’d written two books, Love in Maine and Maine Squeeze. He was impressed, and she said she thought it was time for a third book. It was just research. She gathered up her stuff and left.

Josslyn wondered if the tracker was out of range, and Jack said, otherwise, somebody found it.

Britt told Greta that she was late, and Greta gave her the backpack.

Obrecht ordered a triple schnapps at the bar and told the bartender that no one else would be coming. Jason joined her and said he had some questions about Britt.

Kristina came back, leaving Scout in the kitchen. Alexis told Kristina and Michael about Willow confronting Drew at the altar and Drew admitting it was true. Kristina said they’d tried to tell Willow who Drew was, and Michael said now she finally knew.

Martin said, maybe they dodged a bullet, and asked Lucy if a lot of weddings she officiated at ended up like this. She said he’d be surprised how many, but he said, no, he wouldn’t.

Kai offered Drew a ride, but Drew wanted to find Willow. He said told Martin that he had a job for him.

Nina said Willow was nowhere to be found, and Elizabeth said she wasn’t answering her phone. Nina said Willow needed her mother and wondered where she went.

Willow knocked at Carly’s door and said she needed to see her children.

Tuesday:

Alexis and Kristina discussed Scout, and Alexis said Drew called Scout to say goodnight. Alexis had no idea Nina and Drew were sleeping together. Molly came in and said Kristina was right about Cody; he was a hustler.

Obrecht laughed about Drew’s face when Willow asked if he’d slept with her mother, but added there was nothing funny about Willow and Nina being in pain. Jason said he thought he’d seen Britt.

Britt went to her hotel room and made herself a drink. She opened the backpack and took out a bunch of papers.

Curtis met Nina at the pool and Portia joined them. Nina thought they deserved to know Willow and Drew were finally over. Portia asked why Nina was upset, and Nina said she and Willow were over too. She’d lost her daughter forever.

Drew and Martin crawled over the wall to the Quartermaine mansion. Drew said Willow had to be there.

Cody had Tracy examine his back for errant moles, but she saw nothing except a freckle. Drew burst in and asked where Willow was. Tracy said, he’d misplaced his bride already? How careless of him.

Carly told Willow to keep her voice down, but Willow heard Wiley and yelled for him.

Jason told Obrecht about seeing Britt board the flight to Dubrovnik, and Obrecht said she saw Britt all the time.

Britt got on her laptop as she flipped through the papers, then slammed it shut.

Molly told Kristina and Alexis what happened with Cody. She wasn’t wasting any more time on that con man. He’d also gotten superior about her reading a romance novel, but thanks to her sister, she was on to him.

Nina said she’d realized how lost Willow was when Portia told her how Willow wasn’t fazed about altering Michael’s test results. But before she could tell willow anything, Willow asked if she’d slept with Drew. Curtis admitted he was the one who told Willow.

Drew said he needed to find Willow, but Tracy said Willow wasn’t there and he was trespassing. Martin pretended they were there to discuss Measure C, but Tracy laughed, and Cody said Willow had bailed on Drew. Drew said Nina had told Willow about their involvement, and Tracy was even more amused. Yuri came flying in to escort them out, but Drew said they weren’t leaving until he saw Willow.

Willow said she was Wiley’s mother, but Carly said Willow was in her wedding dress with mascara streaming down her face. She was a mess, and she was going to scare Wiley. Michael came out and Willow said she’d done what he wanted. She didn’t marry Drew and now he had to let her see her kids.

Obrecht told Jason that the sightings had faded. Her consciousness knew Britt was gone, but she continued to look for her. Jason said he’d never seen Britt since she died, but Obrecht said Britt died a hero. It comforted her that Jason’s subconscious looked for her too.

Alexis suggested a movie, but Molly said she wasn’t in the mood. Ava could have Cody. They were perfect for each other. She went upstairs, and Kristina said she’d told Molly the truth, mostly, but she felt crappy about it.

Curtis apologized for betraying Nina’s confidence, and Portia said she’d been about to go to the hospital board. Curtis said it was a last-ditch effort to save Portia’s medical career, and Portia said her confession had been the lesser of two evils. Curtis said he was glad Willow’s eyes had been opened, but he was sorry Nina got hurt. He’d never meant for Nina to lose her daughter.

Michael said Willow had to leave, but she said Drew wasn’t in the picture anymore. He said, right now, she was the problem, and their kids couldn’t see her. Wiley called, mommy! and Michael dragged her away. Wiley asked Carly why his mommy was crying. Willow told Michael that she’d never marry Drew. It was over and he was out of her life for good. Michael said she wasn’t thinking straight, and she cried, saying she couldn’t stand not seeing her kids. He said she wasn’t seeing them tonight and that was final.

Jason said Britt had no grave in Port Charles and asked Obrecht if she was buried elsewhere. Obrecht said something had changed when Britt met Jason. She’d accepted who she was and was at ease and happy. She’d never known Britt to trust anyone, but Britt had started to trust him, telling him about her Huntington’s diagnosis before she even told Obrecht.

Britt watched the Nurses Ball on her laptop and said it didn’t disappoint. A man knocked at her door, and she told him that she didn’t remember calling or texting him, but he said he was sent to relieve her tension.

Drew didn’t want to take Tracy’s word, and Martin went into the living room with Yuri. Tracy said Drew had been living on borrowed time after Cody outed his affair with Nina at the Brown Dog Bar. She knew that the longer it went on, the better the leverage, and now it blew up in his face. He said he and Willow had fallen in love and if not for Nina, they’d be married.

Nina told Curtis that he’d said the right thing and if he’d told her beforehand, she would have tried to talk him out of it. He said he was sorry he got in the way, but Nina thought maybe Willow would have accused her of making it up. Curtis had forced Willow to face reality. She didn’t think they’d come back from it, but as long as Willow was free from Drew, she believed it was worth it.

Willow told Michael that Drew was a liar and a fake. He’d been sleeping with Nina and her eyes were opened. She was wrong and Michael was right. Wasn’t that what he wanted to hear? He said he was glad she knew the truth, but that didn’t change the judge’s ruling, and it stood. She said she and Drew were finished and she’d come back to Michael, and he said there was a time he’d wanted to hear that, but it was too late now. She said she’d do anything he wanted, and he said they were following the ruling for now. That’s why she needed to leave, or he’d have her escorted off the property. He hustled her out the door and she cried. Carly comforted Wiley as Willow looked in through the window.

Nina said Willow accused her of standing by while she threw away her marriage and jeopardized her relationship with her kids, but Portia said that wasn’t true. Everyone had tried to tell Willow the truth. Nina said it wasn’t the truth Willow needed to hear. She’d had the one piece of information that would have turned Willow away from Drew, but she’d been selfish. She let her fear of losing her daughter paralyze her and did nothing. Now Willow was alone without her, Drew, or her children.

Elizabeth and Ric came along and found Willow sitting outside Carly’s door. Willow asked Elizabeth to talk to Michael, but Elizabeth didn’t think it was a good idea. Willow said she needed her children, and Elizabeth said Willow had to think about them. It would scare them to see her like this. She’d bring Willow back in the morning if she thought it was the right thing to do. They gathered Willow up, but Willow said she had nowhere to go. She didn’t have a home.

Michael said Willow wasn’t upset with Wiley, and Wiley asked why she was crying. Michael said she’d had a very bad no good day, but it would be okay. She and Uncle Drew were supposed to get married, but it didn’t happen, and mommy was sad, so she forgot the judge’s rule not to see them. Wiley asked if she was going to get in trouble.

Martin talked to Yuri about working for the Quartermaines, and Yuri said it was an honor and a privilege. Martin said the drama must be difficult, especially for Monica since she was in poor health. (😒When will we be ending this charade?) Yuri said it was hard on her, but better with Michael at home, and Martin said Wiley and Amelia must give her joy. He asked if Monica got a lot of visitors.

Jason said Britt struggled with her Huntington’s diagnosis and was scared, but refused to give up. Obrecht said Britt had opened herself up to new experiences and had enjoyed her first birthday party the night she died. He said he wished he could have been there to celebrate, and she said, perhaps knowing the worst was coming, Britt took chances with experiences and people she might not have otherwise. She thought Britt would have been happy with him if he hadn’t abandoned her for Carly, but Jason saved her life, so no hard feelings. He said, Britt died in the process of saving a life, and she said, Britt died in her arms. Britt knew she’d been poisoned, but didn’t tell her, and all she could do was hold Britt. We flashed back to that, and Jason said he was glad Obrecht was there. She wondered why they couldn’t have had more time.

Kristina explained what she’d told Molly about Cody, and Alexis said Kristina had conveniently left out that she’d asked him to do it. Kristina said he needed to stay on plan and on Ava, and Alexis said, an interesting thing happened at the church. Ava had asked her to meet without Ric. Maybe it was the beginning of her distancing herself from Ric, whose eyes were never off Elizabeth. Kristina said Elizabeth would be fine. What mattered was Ava and Ric calling it quits, and it sounded like it was happening.

Molly slammed her laptop shut and looked at her notes for her new book. She added something.

Jason said they didn’t have to talk about Britt, but Obrecht said she loved remembering Britt, no matter how painful. Jason said he hadn’t been able to talk to anyone about Britt, and Obrecht said Britt always managed to surprise her, even at the end. She’d assumed Britt would donate her body to research to help find a cure for Huntington’s, but she wanted to be cremated. Jason suggested he walk her to her room, and she said she was jealous that he got a glimpse of Britt at the airport. She wished she could see her daughter again. They left.

Britt lay on a massage table while the man worked on her. She thanked him for his service and said, that would be all. He said, too bad she was in a bad mood, and she told him to leave now or he’d find out how bad.

Michael told Wiley that Willow left so she wouldn’t get in trouble, but remember she loved him. Anytime he was sad or scared or missing his mom, Wiley could talk to him or grandma. He loved Wiley bigger than the biggest, bluest ocean. They hugged.

Drew said he was tired of the constant judgement and wanted to make Willow happy, but needed the chance to explain. Cody told him to leave Willow alone. He’d already cost her too much. Drew said he was heading upstairs to talk to his fiancé, and Tracy said, let him. She didn’t know where Willow was, but she wasn’t there.  

Elizabeth took Willow to her house and asked Ric to make tea. She said Willow would feel better after a hot shower and changing her clothes. Did she think she could eat? Willow said she wasn’t hungry. Wiley was there and she saw him and heard him call for her, but Michael wouldn’t let her go to him. Why was he keeping her from her son?

Britt gave herself an injection and got into bed. She said, goodnight, mutter, and closed her eyes.

Jason went back to the bar and picked up Obrecht’s bag. He flashed back to the airport and seeing a logo on Britt’s bag. He took out his phone, bringing up Spyder Finder, and searched for The Five Poppies Resort in Dubrovnik.

Kristina said she felt guilty and wondered why. Keeping Alexis out of prison was more important than a rebound relationship. Alexis said she didn’t want to discourage Molly about the first man she’d shown interest in since TJ, but Kristina said, give her a few days. She’d forget all about him.

Molly continued to make notes, crossing out hero and writing dumb sidekick. On the list of the hero’s qualities, she wrote HONEST and underlined it.

Drew said Willow wasn’t upstairs. Where was she? Tracy said, hopefully somewhere he couldn’t find her. If she had to guess, she thought Willow never wanted to lay eyes on him ever again.

Yuri told Martin that Monica was loved by many. She was a remarkable woman, and they bonded over their similarities. They’d both come far from their meager beginnings. Martin asked if Monica had told Yuri about her life before the Quartermaines, when Tracy called for Yuri. She said Yuri could throw them out now, but Drew said it wasn’t necessary. They were going. They left.

Outside, Martin said he was sorry, and Drew said he was all Willow had left. He had to get her back.

Portia told Nina that things were bleak now, but don’t assume it would last forever. Willow could still come around. Nina said she prayed Willow did. Her only consolation was that Willow finally broke free from Drew’s spell. Curtis said, unfortunately, that could also be temporary, and Nina asked if he thought Willow would go back to Drew. He said, Drew’s ego was so big, he wasn’t going to let Willow go without a fight. He saw himself as Willow’s champion. He used her to justify his actions and without her, he’d be forced to face the person he’d become. He wasn’t saying it would happen, but it could. Drew had manipulated Willow before and might be able to again.

Ric put a jacket on Willow’s shoulders and gave her the tea. Elizabeth gave her something to help her sleep and said Willow was safe there. She could stay as long as she needed, until she figured things out. Willow said she had figured things out. Drew lied and was a terrible person who should be near her or her children. Now that she left him, she and Michael were on the same side. That meant she’d be able to see her children again.

Carly told Michael that she was sorry. She hadn’t known what to do. He said she’d handled it perfectly, and she said, Wiley was sound asleep. What happened? He said, Willow found out that when she was falling in love with Drew, he was sleeping with Nina, and she said, that woman is unbelievable. She could have ended this whole nightmare by telling Willow the truth, but of course (🍷) she did what she always did. She kept her mouth shut to protect her own ass. Now look at the damage. Michael said he’d never seen Willow that desperate, and Carly asked where his head was at. He said he was following the judge’s ruling to the letter and letting nothing jeopardize his custody. In her desperation, Willow was scared and out of control. He didn’t know if he could ever let her near their kids again. He and Carly hugged.

Wednesday:

Isaiah found Portia in her office and said he hoped that meant she was staying.

Rocco went to Laura’s office, and she asked if everything was okay. He said he could use a favor. He was hoping she’d work her magic again and help him with his mom and dad.

At the pool, Temp Maxie (Nicole Paggi – see below) said Brook opened a can of worms, and Brook said she never meant for Rocco to see the file. Unfortunately, he did, so now maybe they could all move on. Maxie said she didn’t think it was helping that Obrecht was back in town because of Brook.

Trina went to Curtis’s office, and he told her that something happened yesterday. Something that could change things between her and Kai.

At the pool, Josslyn asked if Kai was planning on ignoring her all day, and Kai said he was hoping she would ignore him. She was mad at him, right? She said, of course (🍷). Trina told her what happened. He broke Trina’s heart, but considering what went down at the wedding, there may be some hope. Maybe he was finally see how a big mistake he’d made in choosing Drew over Trina.

At a nearby table, Ric said he was surprised that Nina requested a meeting, but Nina said she’d make a deal with the devil if it helped her daughter.

Willow came downstairs and Elizabeth asked if she was comfortable in Jake’s bed. Willow said she slept great and was seeing things more clearly, the good and the bad. She saw that going to Carly’s was a huge mistake and so was her entire relationship with Drew.

In the nook, Drew thanked Michael for seeing him, and Michael asked what he wanted. Drew said he came to tell Michael that everything with Willow, Wiley, and Amelia was over.

Portia told Isaiah that she wouldn’t be here for long. She was planning on leaving. He said, why resign when she didn’t know if the board would ask her to? Maybe it was time to trust him.

Trina said, Drew was having an affair with Nina? and Curtis said Willow found out before the wedding. When they came to the vows, she asked Drew if he’d slept with her mother in front of God and everyone. Trina said she felt sorry for Willow. She’d given up everything. Curtis said he felt bad for Nina too, and Trina asked what that had to do with her and Kai. He said, Willow finally wised up. Maybe Kai would too. Maybe he regretted how it ended with her. She said Kai needed to see Drew for who and what he was, but when it came to the two of them, it didn’t make a difference.

Kai said the situation was messed up, but he’d never said Drew was a saint, and Josslyn said he definitely wasn’t. She watched him ruin her brother’s marriage and her best friend’s relationship. Kai said Drew didn’t ruin his and Trina’s relationship. He did.  

Nina said Ric needed to stay on as Willow’s attorney and fight for custody, and he wondered if she wanted him to pave a path back to Willow for her. She said she thought that was feat beyond his abilities, but it wasn’t about getting into Willow’s good graces. She wanted to insure getting Willow back in Wiley and Amelia’s lives. Willow couldn’t know she’d hired him, because she’d refuse Nina’s help, and Willow couldn’t afford that when it involved her children. Ric wondered if her keeping her involvement a secret was smart, considering her keeping things from Willow landed her in this position in the first place, but Nina said, maybe. See if Willow was receptive, but if Willow didn’t accept Ric’s help, she wouldn’t have any choice.

Elizabeth was sure Willow was overwhelmed on every level and said Willow could stay as long as she needed. Her boys were scattered and hearing Willow upstairs was nice. The house had been too quiet. Willow said she knew that too well. She missed her kids so much and would do anything for them. What she didn’t understand was how Nina could do this to her. Elizabeth said she wasn’t excusing Nina, but maybe Nina thought she was somehow protecting her child, and Willow said Nina claimed she was going to come clean before the wedding, but why would she believe Nina? Thank God Curtis told her before she made that mistake. Elizabeth said, thank God Willow listened, and Willow said she couldn’t believe she’d let Drew control and shape her life like Shiloh and Harmony. She’d sworn she’d never let that happen again. Elizabeth said hindsight always came too late, and Willow said, it was all there. Drew pursued her when she’d begged him not to. She told him that she needed space to focus on her marriage, but he’d pop up everywhere. Elizabeth said he was love bombing, and Willow said he’d blown her life to hell. He promised to fix it, and instead, he ruined everything, and she let him.

Michael asked if Drew was giving up on Willow after he destroyed her family and everyone she’d loved, but Drew said he was just loving her the only way he could. Michael said he didn’t need to hear about Drew’s epic romance. It wasn’t noble or tragic. Drew said, bottom line, Willow left him, and Michael got what he wanted, but Michael said he didn’t want any of this. Drew said he was asking Michael to have grace in victory. Willow was alone and he was out of the picture. Let her be with Wiley and Amelia.

Rocco said Laura had told him it was healthy to ask questions about Britt. He’d emailed Britt’s mom, they connected, and she came to see him. Laura said, Obrecht was in Port Charles? and he said they met up. She was really cool. Kind of kooky, but he liked her. He ran into her at the MetroCourt pool and when his parents saw them talking, they freaked like he’d done something dangerous. Laura said they were shocked. Their relationship with Obrecht was complicated. He said his wasn’t. They thought he shouldn’t be around her, but he didn’t see it that way and wanted to see her again. He didn’t know how to tell them without making it worse.

Lulu said, Rocco went to Obrecht for answers, and Maxie said Obrecht didn’t mention seeing him. Lulu said, she lies like her daughter. Rocco was talking about spending time with her. She’d brought Brook’s son to her and Gio was a lovely young man anyone would be proud to have in their family. She thanked Brook for bringing a liar and criminal into her son’s life, but Brook said it wasn’t her fault Rocco didn’t know about Britt. It wasn’t Lulu’s either, since she’d been gone. Dante should have told him. Lulu told her not to lay that at Dante’s feet. Dante was a wonderful father, which Brook would have known had she let him be a father. Brook said she wasn’t the problem, and neither was Britt or Obrecht. The real problem was Lulu.

Laura said, for Rocco’s parents, Obrecht and Britt were upsetting topics. Britt stole their embryo, which was a crime. It led to the miracle of his birth, for which they were all grateful, but it was complicated. Obrecht had also done her fair share of questionable things. Rocco said he saw that online, and she said, of course (🍷). She did believe people had the ability to change, and during Obrecht’s last few years in Port Charles, she’d seemed to. His mom never saw Obrecht’s efforts or her growth. He said, when they met, Obrecht was nothing like he’d read about. She loved Britt and told him stories about when he was a baby, like how his first solid food was avocado. He wondered if that’s why he liked green so much. It was cool to hear stories about himself that his parents didn’t even know. There had to be other stuff Obrecht could tell him. Laura suggested he lay it out for his parents like he did for her. She thought they would understand, and he may not need her help. He said they didn’t get him the way she did, and they hugged.

Brook said Lulu was acting like Obrecht’s visit was a national crisis and was giving it more life than it needed. Maxie said they needed real facts and to stop the accusations. Rocco reached out because he was curious. It was natural and also natural for Obrecht to want to see Rocco. He was her last connection to Britt. Lulu said Britt was a thief who stole the first seven months of Rocco’s life from her and Dante. Lulu’s phone rang, and Laura said she needed to talk to Lulu as soon as possible. Could she stop by the office? Lulu left, and Maxie was shocked that she was walking out.  

Nina brought clothes to Elizabeth’s place for Willow, and Willow said, let her come in. Elizabeth left to give them privacy, and Willow told Nina that she needed clothes. Nina said she knew things were difficult… and Willow said, what Nina had done was disgusting. Nina said she wanted Willow to know she loved her and was there if Willow needed her. Willow said she didn’t need or want anything from Nina. Nina and Drew had been in her ear for too long and she was done with it. What happened next was for her to decide. Her life, her kids, her future. It was all up to her now.

Michael told Drew that Willow wasn’t allowed contact until the visitation hearing in October, and Drew said it had been scheduled for August, but Michael pushed it back. Talk to Diane. They could settle out of court. No more keeping the children from their mother. Michael said he didn’t feel he could take that risk, and Drew asked if Michael wanted him to beg. He had the power to end all this. Michael said Drew was right, but after what Willow did last night, he’d be a fool to use it.  

Kai said he did what he thought was right, and Josslyn asked how it was right to defend Drew. Kai said he’d stood by his values. Drew was being blamed for something he didn’t do. Whoever that someone was didn’t matter. His principles mattered. She said it was noble in theory, but in reality, he’d betrayed Trina for human garbage. If he lost Trina, her family, her friends, and everyone who cared about him in the process, he’d still have Drew and his principles. Maybe they’d rub off on Drew, but she wasn’t holding her breath. She walked away.  

Curtis said Trina’s loyalty was admirable, but don’t throw away her relationship to prove it. Trina said Kai made her a promise and broke it. Her trust was gone. Curtis said, context mattered. Kai made a call that she wouldn’t have, but in his mind, he did the right thing. He didn’t have all the facts, but he did now. She said the damage was done, and he asked her to please keep an open mind. If she burned a bridge, she might miss what was on the other side – forgiveness and another chance for a person or experience. If she made a decision based on emotions, fear, and anger, she might look back and wonder what could have been. God forbid one day she might need a second chance, but she had to choose wisely. There were no guarantees. She asked how she knew Kai was worth a second chance, but he said he had no right to answer that when it came to Kai. Look into his eyes and listen to what her heart was telling her.

Portia said Isaiah’s friendship and support meant more than he knew. It didn’t hurt that he was an excellent surgeon. She was proud that he was part of her legacy be her bringing him to GH. He said he’d worked at other hospitals and GH was special. He felt trusted and valued, due in large part to her leadership. She said she appreciated him saying that, and he said he’d miss working with her. She said she’d miss working with him too.

Willow said she and Nina had gotten close. She called Nina mom and told her that she loved her. She lived with Nina and Nina was her family. Nina said she still was, but Willow asked, how? She didn’t have her children, and her life was now stained with a lie. Nina said she’d tried to tell Willow, but Willow said she’d failed. Nina said she was so sorry, but Willow said she didn’t care. She’d lost Wiley and Amelia. If Nina had just told her at the beginning, none of this would have happened. Things with Michael wouldn’t have gotten so bad. Nina was just as much to blame as Drew for her losing her kids. Willow opened the door, and Nina left. Outside, she texted Ric: Tried to be upfront with Willow. It didn’t work. Wiring retainer now.  

Drew asked, what happened? and Michael said the kids were staying at Carly’s, when Willow showed up in her wedding dress. She was hysterical and out of control. Wiley was terrified and he had to physically remove Willow. It wasn’t the Willow he knew, and he couldn’t say he knew who Drew was anymore since he was here asking for a favor. Drew said he was asking Michael to give Willow a chance, and Michael wondered why he should listen to anything Drew had to say again.  

Kai was lying on a chaise lounge at the pool, when Trina walked in.  

Brook thanked Maxie for defending her, and Maxie said she told the truth. Neither of them had clean hands. Brook lit the match, but Lulu kept throwing gas on the fire. She was trying to stop it from spreading. Brook said she tried, but when she saw Lulu, she couldn’t think straight. She wished Rocco had never seen the file. She needed to put the fire out before someone else got burned.

Laura said she didn’t want to add to Lulu’s stress, but Rocco was just there and told her that Lulu and Dante had barred him from seeing Obrecht. Lulu said they did, and Laura said Lulu knew she loved her, but she thought Lulu was making a terrible mistake.

Ric asked how Willow was feeling, and Willow said, a good night’s sleep made a huge difference. He said he came to check on her, but was hoping she was up to talking business. He couldn’t shake how he saw her last night. He started out as her lawyer and planned to follow through to the end, pro bono. Willow said he was practically saving her life. What was the best way to get visitation or joint custody? He said, for now, they don’t.

Drew said never set out to hurt Michael, like Michael didn’t set out to hurt Chase when he was with Willow and she and Michael fell in love. Willow was special and magnetic. Michael asked if Drew was saying he never set out to manipulate things. He’d realized something Willow said that didn’t make sense before. Drew was the reason Willow didn’t get to see him in Germany. Don’t try to deny it. His poker face wasn’t as good as he thought.

Michael said he kept wondering why Willow insisted he’d turned her away. No one told him that she was there because Drew paid them not to. Uncle Drew was amazing. There was nothing he wouldn’t do. Drew said he didn’t want to drag up the past or argue. This was about Willow’s future with the kids. Michael said, which she might have had if they’d seen each other. They could have reached a compromise and spared the kids. None of this had to happen. How did Drew feel to have the truth sitting on his chest? (He feels nothing. He has no conscience.) Drew said he wasn’t doing this. Didn’t Michael want Wiley and Amelia to live their best life, including being with their mother? Imagine his life without his. Do the right thing for his kids. Drew left.

Willow asked if custody was off the table, and Ric said, yes, temporarily. Her credibility was damaged, but she’d have another chance in October. By then, she could prove her public meltdowns were the exception. She was under extreme mental stress and emotional trauma, and it wasn’t the rule. She said she didn’t know how she was going to get through months without her kids, but he told her to be grateful. If it was tomorrow, Michael would easily win. Time would give her the chance to build and the chance to convince the judge and Michael that she can play by the rules and manage her emotions. He knew she could do it and would check in from time to time. Stay the course. He left, and Elizabeth asked how Willow felt. Willow said, overwhelmed. She thought she needed to take a walk. She’d be back.

Maxie told Nina that she’d been stuck in New York and missed the wedding that nearly killed Spinelli to pull off. Nina said, he was incredibly helpful, and Maxie said she couldn’t believe she wasn’t there to offer emotional support. Curtis told Willow everything. Who thought that would happen? Nina said he beat her to it, and Maxie said she didn’t want to say I told you so, but if Nina had done it a year ago… She was saying it. Nina said Maxie encouraged her to come clean. Willow was out of control, and she had no idea the relationship would go as far as it did. Maxie asked why Nina decided to tell Willow on her wedding day. Something must have happened.

Kai said he’d seen Josslyn and was hoping Trina would show up, and Trina asked if he wanted to tell her that her parents were right and fighting about Drew wasn’t worth it. He said he didn’t regret warning Drew, but regretted not telling her, and she said, even after learning Drew slept with Willow’s mom, Kai was still defending him. Kai said he didn’t regret it and wouldn’t change anything, and she said, nice to know, but he did something she couldn’t get past. She’d gotten over a lot of things, but betraying her parents wasn’t one of them. He said he guessed nothing was going to change that, and she said she guessed not, and left.

Portia went to Curtis’s office, and he asked if everything was okay. She said, no. She couldn’t do this anymore, living in limbo, the constant threat of wondering when Drew would destroy her life. She knew Drew hurt Curtis and the family as much as her, but she got them into it and felt she should take responsibility for her actions. So she was submitting her resignation today.

At the pool, Rocco asked if he could get Brook anything, but she said, no thanks. He thanked her and said, if not for her, he wouldn’t have known he had another mother.

Lulu told Laura that she wasn’t making a mistake. Laura knew Obrecht was dangerous. Laura said she did know, but she also knew that Obrecht made an effort to change. She’d already met Rocco and nothing happened. He was fine. Her son was curious about a part of his life he’d known nothing about. The more she and Dante made it forbidden, the more Rocco would chase it and shut them out in the process.

Lulu said it was a time in her life that she didn’t want to revisit. She wasn’t there for her son’s birth. Britt was. Laura said she understood revisiting a painful time to satisfy her child’s curiosity. Lulu’s son was growing up, wanted to know more about his life, and was bringing up an uncomfortable conversation for them. Every kid got to the point where their parents were no longer their heroes. They didn’t see their parents as perfect and started to see they were flawed humans who made mistakes. They saw their parents as who they really were. Lulu said, or sometimes they saw their parents as who they really were and they were still heroes, and Laura said she got through it and Lulu would too. She believed Lulu had the opportunity to become closer to Rocco if she actively supported and encouraged him while he was searching for the answers he needed.

Brook said she never meant for Rocco to see the file, but Rocco said she was glad he did. His parents acted like he should forget that time existed, which made him think they were never going to tell him.

Josslyn and Trina hugged, as Kai watched.

Nina told Maxie that she knew it was her last chance to break the hold Drew had over Willow. If they’d gotten married, Willow would be tied to Drew forever and she couldn’t let that happen. Under Drew’s influence, Willow was becoming unrecognizable. She was worried Willow would become someone worse and suspected Willow had done something bad. If she had and it came out, Willow would never be able to see Wiley and Amelia again.

Willow thanked Michael for seeing her, and he said the kids weren’t at home, so he didn’t see a problem with it. What did she want? Willow apologized for her mistake and fully owned it, and Michael asked if she’d been talking to Drew. She said, God no. Last night changed everything. It’s like she was coming up for air after a year of being under water. He said he was sorry it had to happen the way it did, and she said her too. Her mind was now clear, and she was here with no tears, hysterics, or animosity. They were two people who used to love each other before she threw it all away. He asked if she and Drew were really over, and she said, they really were. She’d met his one condition. It wasn’t the way he’d wanted, but she had, so please, could she see Wiley and Amelia?

Curtis said Portia couldn’t preemptively resign. Their plan was close to working and Drew would move to DC. She told him that they’d been saying that for so long, but he said they’d never been this close. It was happening. As long as Drew never found out that he told Willow, they were in the clear.

Drew went to Elizabeth’s house, but Elizabeth said Willow wasn’t there right now. If she was, she’d recommend Drew give her some space. He said he was sorry Willow found out the truth on their wedding day, and Elizabeth said, he was just looking out for Willow because he was worried. Drew said, of course (🍷) he was. He just wished Curtis hadn’t done that.

Thursday:

During the morning chaos at Anna’s place, Outback came out holding her leash. Anna told Gio and Emma to stop what they were doing. They had a situation.

At the pool, Josslyn told Vaughn that she and Brennan followed the tracker, but then it literally fell off the radar. Three hours later, it reappeared. Vaughn wondered what happened during those three hours, when Carly came in.

Stella went to Curtis’s office and said she was going to play the auntie card. Tell her why Trina and Kai broke up.

Willow told Michael that she didn’t come to make demands, but came to apologize. He was right about Drew, their relationship, all of it, and she was completely wrong about Drew. Michael said he never thought he’d hear her say that. He knew her feelings for Drew had been sincere, but Drew hadn’t been sincere with her. She said she’d thought Drew was honest and believed him over everyone else. She took his advice and couldn’t believe how stupid she was. Michael said, Drew manipulated her in more ways than she knew.

Drew told Elizabeth that Curtis misunderstood, and he wished Curtis hadn’t told Willow. He wished a lot of people had acted differently, himself first and foremost, but his main priority was to reunite Willow with her children. Elizabeth said if he wanted to help Willow, leave her alone. Help meant taking a step back. Willow was past her limit. There was a knock at the door, and Elizabeth said Willow wasn’t in a place where she could deal with him. She opened the door to Jason.

Anna said Outback needed a walk. The building didn’t allow pets and if anyone heard her bark, they’d get kicked out. Emma said she was on it, and Anna said they needed to write a schedule, in pen, and put it on the fridge, so they would know when Outback was walked and fed. She was having a house meeting at 7. Emma said she couldn’t make it. She had to prep for Dalton’s special lecture. Anna said she thought Josslyn was his assistant, but Emma said it was good face time with him, and if she stayed on his good side, he’d be more likely to hire her when Josslyn screwed up and got fired. Gio said he had to get to work, and when he opened the door, Dante was there.

Josslyn suggested the tracker might have been in a shielded area, and Vaughn said, or it was found and disabled. She said, then purposely reactivated to lure out whoever was doing the tracking. Carly approached them and said it was nice to see Vaughn again, but could she speak to Josslyn privately right now in her office? Josslyn left with her.

Curtis told Stella that he was staying out of this one. It was up to Trina and Kai if they wanted to share details. Stella said they weren’t sharing anything, but they were perfect for each other. What happened? He said he was trying to respect their privacy, and she said, fine, but don’t tell her it wasn’t a huge mistake on both their parts.

Drew asked if Jason was following him to stop him from talking to Willow, but Jason said he was there to see Elizabeth. Elizabeth told Drew that she’d said all she had to say to him and it was time for him to go. Drew said, despite what they thought, all he wanted to do was help Willow. He suggested Jason talk to Michael about letting her see the kids. He knew she was a good mother. Jason said Drew had ripped Willow’s family apart and he was why she was being kept from her kids. She was picking up the pieces of the life he’d destroyed, and he hoped Willow finally saw it. Drew left.

Willow asked what Michael meant. Drew had slept with her mother. What more could there possible be? Michael said she’d testified that she came to see him at the clinic, but no one told him she was there. She said she spoke to the receptionist, who said he didn’t want to see her and to send her away, but he said, that never happened. He would have never said that. He was alone and in pain, missing his family. He would have loved to see her and hear about the kids. He swore he was telling the truth. He never instructed anyone not to let her visit. She said it made no sense. Someone told the receptionist to do that, but who would… Drew.

Emma introduced Outback to Dante, and Anna said Outback was running the apartment and their lives, the whole thing. He asked Gio how everything was going, and Gio said things were great. He liked being here and was grateful they were letting him stay. Dante said him too, and Gio said he had to get to work. He’d drop Emma off. They left, and Dante said, on a scale of from awkward to awful, how bad was that?

Josslyn asked Carly, what was so important? and Carly said, Vaughn. Josslyn said he was a nice guy and they were seeing each other. What was the problem? Carly asked how well Josslyn knew Vaughn.

Stella said she could see how good Trina and Kai’s relationship was for both of them, and Curtis agreed. She asked what led from them syncing to being apart, and he said, it didn’t involve cheating. They realized they had different points of view on an important subject. She said they were more than capable of finding common ground and adored each other. Trina was happier with Kai than without him. They could pool their resources as a family and do repair matchmaking. Curtis said he didn’t think that was a good idea, and she said, fine. She’d do it herself.  

Willow asked if Michael thought Drew stopped them from speaking to or seeing each other, and he said he did. It wasn’t him or his family. She said Jason had advised her to talk to him. He’d said if they could talk without anyone interfering, they could figure out what was best for the kids. Michael said he thought they would have if he’d seen her that day. Most of this could have been avoided. She said they were in the same room now and talking. So please, could they figure out what to do about the kids together? Right now. Just them.

Jason told Elizabeth that he was sorry. He didn’t know Drew would be there. She said he didn’t beat Drew up, so that was progress. If he was here to check on Willow, she’d stepped out. He said he didn’t know Willow was there, and she said, just until she put herself back together. He said it was a generous thing to do, and she asked why he wanted to see her. He said he needed her help.

He needed a favor. He needed to look at the GH records on the disposition of bodies that went through the GH morgue and where the bodies were sent. She said it was a big ask. She could lose her job. He said she had his word, no one would know, and it had nothing to do with Sonny or the business. It was personal and he wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important and it wouldn’t come back to hurt her in any way. She said she assumed it was someone specific and asked for a time frame. He said, whoever went through the morgue between 2022 and 2023, and she said she guessed she still trusted him. She brought up something on her laptop and said she had laundry to do. She left the room, and he looked on the laptop. He saw that Britt’s body had been sent to the Lawrence Mortuary.

Anna told Dante that it was awkward, but not bad. Gio wasn’t lying about getting to work. He took his job seriously. He and Dante had a lot in common. Dante said they’d never had a chance to talk. When he walked into a room, Gio ran out. He was letting Gio dictate the pace, but no pace had been set. With everything going on with Rocco, he was worried Gio was feeling even more neglected than he had been. Anna asked what was going on, and Dante said Rocco had stumbled on things about his birth and Britt’s role in it. How could he tell his son that the only reason he existed was because someone they trusted stole one of their embryos? She asked if they’d been planning on telling Rocco, and he said they were. But he was too young, then Lulu was in a coma, and it didn’t feel right telling him without her. Rocco decided to reach out to Obrecht, who was more than happy to answer his questions about Britt. She came to Port Charles to tell him in person. Rocco found out the whole truth, but not from him or Lulu, and now he was looking at them differently with a level of uncertainty that never existed. Between that and Gio, he had all the uncertainty he could handle.

Josslyn asked where this was coming from. Carly had never policed her dates. Carly said she had concerns and thought Vaughn was too old for her, but Josslyn said she wasn’t a kid. She was 21, and Carly had been fine with Dex, who worked for Sonny and then became a cop. She wasn’t being exposed to anything she hadn’t already seen. Carly usually trusted her judgement. Carly said she did, but she’d had a conversation with Anna, who wondered if she could trust Vaughn. Josslyn said Anna was upset because Emma was feeling hurt. Now Anna was whispering in Carly’s ear. Carly said she heard what happened in the bar and was in agreement. She doesn’t think it was okay for Vaughn to pit her and Emma against each other. If that’s what he was doing, he wasn’t worth Josslyn’s time.

Emma let Outback off her leash at the pool, and Outback ran to Vaughn’s chaise lounge, jumping on him. He picked her up, and Emma said, of course (🍷). Vaughn brought Outback over and said he believed the dog belonged to her. Did she know her dog’s head smelled like Fritos?  

Drew met Martin at the pool, and Martin said his best advice was to do nothing. Drew said he knew who told Willow about the affair, and Martin asked if it wasn’t Nina. Drew said, it was Curtis, when Curtis came in with Stella.

Curtis said he wasn’t playing matchmaker for Trina and Kai. He respected Trina’s decision. Stella told him not to cramp her style when she tried to do it, and looked over at Drew.

Michael said he wished he and Willow could figure it out between them, but it was too late. She said it was never too late, but he said, the court was involved now. He had full custody, and a visitation hearing was on the calendar. Whatever the ruling was, they’d abide by it. Willow said he was acting like he had to follow the rules, but he got everything he wanted. What about Wiley and Amelia? They missed her. She was their mom. He needed to tell the court that the kids wanted to see her. The two of them could come up with something and have the court sign off. He said he was sorry, but he didn’t want the kids to see her.  

Ellizabeth came back and asked if Jason found what he was looking for, but he said he had no idea what she was talking about. He thanked her and asked if she got a postcard from Jake. She said he was having a great time with Aiden and Lucky. She was glad they were being kept in the loop. She told him to be careful, he said he would, and he left.  

Anna said Dante was juggling a lot. He was a good dad. His instinct was to protect the boys while they figured out who they were. He said he just wanted them both to be okay. He had information on the woman Josslyn put the tracker on and had footage of her placing it. The woman was dropped off at the airport by a MetroCourt Hotel vehicle. He had her name too, but it was probably an alias. Anna said Dalton was also staying at the MetroCourt Hotel.

Josslyn told Carly that she wasn’t in a love triangle. Emma was upset because she got the position as Professor Dalton’s assistant. To get her back, Emma thought she’d make a pass at Vaughn. Carly said, it worked, and Vaughn took Emma on a date, and Josslyn said they weren’t exclusive, but Emma was transparent, so she put a stop to it. Carly asked if Josslyn was really okay with the non-exclusive situationship or was she looking for something more serious.

Gio said he had to get to work, and Emma apologized to Vaughn. Outback was a bit of a flirt. He said Outback was very cute. He’d been meaning to reach out. He was sorry about what happened with Josslyn and hoped Emma’s feelings weren’t hurt. Emma said, that was nice, but she was fine. She thought Josslyn and Vaughn were perfect for each other. She walked off with Outback.  

Martin asked if Drew was sure, and Drew said he’d gotten it from an unimpeachable source. He’d confided in Curtis when he’d thought they were friends. He knew there was nothing left of their friendship, but he never thought Curtis would destroy Willow to get back at him.

Stella watched Curtis looking at Drew and said, rumors were flying at GH about what happened at the wedding. She heard Willow gave it to him at the altar. She was happy Willow found her backbone. Drew approached their table and asked if Stella would mind giving him and Curtis a minute. They needed to discuss something.

Willow asked how Michael could not want the children to see their mother. He got what he wanted. She wasn’t with Drew. How much longer was he going to punish her? He said he wasn’t punishing her. He was doing what was best for the kids and right now, she wasn’t good for them.

Stella went over to talk to Martin, and Drew said Curtis may have heard the wedding didn’t happen. He’d been forced to think about some things, one being that they were once friends. He had no illusions of rebuilding the friendship, but he was sick of them hurting each other back and forth. He wanted to call a truce. They could stay in their respective corners and avoid each other when possible. Curtis asked if Drew was willing to hand over the blackmail material on Portia, and Drew said he’d consider it once he knew they weren’t at each other’s throats. Truce? Curtis said he wouldn’t be the one to break the peace, and Drew said neither would he.

Anna told Dante about Emma being expelled for breaking into a lab, and he said, she could have been prosecuted. Anna said, according to Emma, the university wanted to keep it out of the press and had her sign an NDA. She’d learned Dalton transferred from Emma’s former university, then Emma enrolled in his Environmental Physics class. Dante said it had to be connected, and Anna said she was sure. Emma was passionate about animal rights, and she believed broke into Dalton’s lab to find proof of animal testing. He asked if she thought he was doing the same thing at PCU, and she said, that’s why Emma was set on being his research assistant, but Josslyn got the position. He said, Josslyn, Vaughn, and Dalton must have a connection, and he thought the woman was connected to Dalton as well. Anna said so did she. She knew Dante had a lot on his plate, but she needed to find out what Dalton was up to. She was worried Emma was going to get herself in a situation she couldn’t get out of.

Josslyn told Carly that she didn’t want a serious relationship. She liked getting to know Vaughn and didn’t think it was a bad thing. Carly said it wasn’t, but she wanted Josslyn to be careful, and Josslyn said Anna was in Carly’s head. She and Emma were different people, and she was just having fun. Carly asked her to promise to tell her if it got serious, and Josslyn said she didn’t see that happening, but if it did, she’d tell Carly… after Trina. Carly asked if Josslyn knew she could come to her about anything at any time, and Josslyn said, of course (🍷). They hugged.

Willow asked who Michael was to decide if she should be in her children’s lives, and he said she showed up at his mother’s house in her wedding dress screaming for Wiley. She terrified Wiley. She was going through a lot and not thinking like a mom. He understood. She’d been betrayed by the person she loved and felt burned. He could tell her from experience that burns needed to be healed and it took time. She asked, how much time? and he said his injury was on the outside, but hers was on the inside. She wasn’t in a place to be a parent and proved it last night and right now. She said she’d never forget this. She came to him, begging for a chance to see her children and he turned her away. She grabbed her bag and walked out.  

Curtis went to get Stella and Martin thanked her again for helping him with the 1040. She left with Curtis, and Drew asked what the 1040 was about. Martin said it had to do with the hospital. He knew there was tension between Drew and Curtis, but Curtis’s aunt was a living, breathing angel. She helped him navigate a sticky insurance situation. They were going to deny him treatment and only a real insider could work that miracle.  

Stella asked what Drew wanted, and Curtis said it was possible he and Drew settled on a truce. They’d never be friends again, but at least they weren’t set on annihilating each other.

Martin told Drew that he’d been expecting fireworks, but it looked cordial. Did that mean Drew was evolving and letting bygones be bygones? Drew said not him. He was playing the long game.

Michael found Carly in her office and said Willow had come to the house, and Carly asked if she wanted to see the kids. He said, at first. Then she backtracked, saying they could work together so she could see Wiley and Amelia again. Carly asked if he said no, and he said he did. Right now, with the state Willow was in, she had no business seeing the kids. Carly agreed, and he said, for one moment, he saw the old Willow that he knew, but when it was clear he wasn’t giving her what she wanted, she reverted to the irrational person on Carly’s doorstep. He didn’t know if she’d ever be healthy enough to be around the kids again. They hugged.

Elizabeth asked Willow how her walk was, but Willow said she didn’t go for a walk. She went to see Michael. Elizabeth said, how’d it go? and Willow said, as well as she’d probably think. She was hoping they’d find common ground so she could see the kids, but no. Michael had full custody and didn’t think she should see them. He said she should heal before she saw them. Ric was right. She had to show the world that she was stable, strong, and a good mother. She had to make it so no one would ever take her children away again.

Dante said he’d get what Anna needed, and she thanked him. She said she knew it wasn’t official police business and his experience with the WSB was less than positive. He said, it was terrible, but she’d been incredible to Gio, so he’d do what he could for her granddaughter. She thanked him for not calling her overprotective, and he said he trusted her instincts. She said Emma was incredibly brave, and she was concerned Emma would stumble on a high-risk intelligence threat. She’d seen civilians do that before and they invariably wound up dead. She couldn’t let that happen to her granddaughter.

Josslyn went back to the pool and gave Vaughn a kiss. Gio asked Emma if that was hard to see, but Emma said, no. Not at all. Gio wondered what the tension was with Josslyn and why Emma couldn’t get away from Vaughn fast enough, and Emma said she wanted to steer clear of Vaughn. She stole his facilities master key. Now she could get in any building on campus, including Professor Dalton’s lab.

Vaughn asked if Josslyn’s mom had questions about him, and she said Anna was still digging. She could fend off her mom, but Anna was a problem. She didn’t know how long it would be before Anna exposed him. He said Brennan thought the same thing. He was pulling them from the investigation.

A woman at the mortuary looked through a folder and told Jason that Dr. Britt Westbourne had gotten the eternal peace urn. Her ashes had been picked up on January 12th, 2023… Huh. The form was incomplete. The date and time of the cremation was missing and there was no record of it actually happening. Jason asked if that was odd, and she said she’d never seen it before, but it was just an oversight. Mistakes happen, right?

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

On the phone at the pool, Kristina tells Cody that someone’s not there yet. Dante comes by and she asks if he’s playing hooky, but he says he had time to kill and thought he’d check out the pool. How is she? She says, the same, and he tells her, hang in.

Anna lets Jason in, and he asks if they’re alone. Is she expecting somebody? She says, Dante is chasing down some information for her, but they should have privacy for a while. What’s up? He says he saw something and needs her to tell him that it’s not just in his head.

At the hospital, Lucas says, just the woman he wants to see, and Felicia asks if he wants to point her in the direction of a particular patient. He says, no. This is personal. She says, intriguing, but he says, not exactly. He has a question about his mom. She says she loves an excuse to talk about Bobbie. What does he want to know? He wonders how his mother ever learned to co-exist with Sonny.

Suzanne tells Alexis that her 2 o’clock is here, but Alexis says, it’s currently 3 o’clock. She knows who it’s with. Send him in please. Sonny comes in and Suzanne says, it’s always a treat when he stops by the office. He says he always comes up with excuses to come see her, and she says, oh stop. She knows he’s just here for her carrot cake. He says, why he can’t have both? and she says she’ll get him a slice. She leaves, and Alexis says, none for her. Thanks for asking. Sonny says, she’s a terrific lady. He likes her. Alexis says, the feeling is mutual, and he asks what she wanted to see him about. She says she wants to know why he kidnapped Marco Rios.

In Jack’s office, Josslyn asks why she and Vaughn are being taken off the investigation at PCU. They’re so close to getting what they want. Jack says, it doesn’t matter, and Vaughn asks, why? Jack says, because Dalton is no longer the primary target.

Jason asks if Anna remembers when he came back to Port Charles and she told him that Britt was dead, and she says, of course (🍷). She remembers it was a very difficult conversation. Why is he asking? He says, something about Britt’s death is off. Something’s not adding up.  

There’s a knock at Britt’s door, and manager Pascal says, good evening. Is there something she needed? She says, yes. She’s done for the day and treating herself to a meal at Sonatas in town. Have her car brought around. Pascal says he’s afraid that’s not possible. She’s not going anywhere.

Anna says she’s not sure what Jason means. Britt’s death was terribly sad, but fairly straightforward. Heather Webber was terrorizing the city and had already attacked several individuals, Josslyn being one of them, and Britt intervened and was wounded. That was that, and she ultimately died from that. She died from Heather’s poison. Jason says, she saved Josslyn’s life, and Anna says, they also know that other victims died the same way. She can show him the file. He says, it’s clear how Britt died, just not clear what happened afterward.  

Jack tells Vaughn and Josslyn that it’s likely that Dalton is doing his work at PCU, then shipping the raw data elsewhere. Thanks to the tracker they planted, they tracked the courier to Dalmatia, and a resort and spa called The Five Poppies. However, the tracker stopped transmitting for three hours and resumed again and they don’t know why. Josslyn says she thought they talked about that. Couldn’t it have been a shielded area at the resort that blocked the transmission of signals? Vaughn says, yeah, or someone found the device and manually turned the signal off and on again, hoping to lure whoever planted it out in the open. In this case, them. Jack says, either way, he wants eyes on the resort, and Vaughn asks, whose eyes? Jack says he’s sending the two of them.

Felicia says, Bobbie tolerated Sonny at best, but she never got that vibe from Lucas. Did she miss something? Lucas says, in the past, his feelings about Sonny were ambivalent at best. He was going along to get along. She says, because of his sister, and he says, she loves Sonny, whether she’s married to him, divorced from him, or other. Felicia says, he wants her to be happy, and he says he does, but after what Sonny did to Marco, he can’t keep looking the other way. He was worried they’d broken Marco’s ribs, and they hadn’t, but it was still bad. She says, Mac told her about his allegations against Sonny. He also told her that Marco showed up at the police station and denied Sonny abducted him. Mac also said Marco’s story was a bit hard to believe. Lucas says, Marco wants to let it go, but he can’t, so he confronted Carly. She asks, how’d it go? and he says, Carly didn’t miss a beat. She switched to her default setting and defended Sonny. Felicia tells him that she wishes she could say she was surprised, and he says, Sonny should face charges, but instead, he gets away with stuff like this over and over again. How are his actions remotely okay? She says, they’re not, and he’s not the only one asking that question.

Kristina suggests asking Gio to join them on his next break, but Dante says he doesn’t want to bother Gio while he’s working. He saw Gio at Anna’s this morning, and it was awkward as usual, but there was no arguing this time. He’s calling it a win. She says, as he should. It sounds like progress. He says, speaking of which, it can’t be easy for her to be here after the accident. She says, no matter what, there’s always a moment when she first sees the pool and remembers how everything felt – the fall, the impact, the pain – but when she pushes through that moment, she feels strong. Ava didn’t win. He says he’s proud of her. She’s been able to let go and move on. He’s impressed. Marco comes in, and Kristina say she needs to talk to him, but Dante says he doesn’t know if that’s the best idea. The tension there is tight now. She says, the man saved her life, and she goes over to Marco. She tells him that she just wanted to say… Oh my God. What happened?

Suzanne says, for Sonny, her famous carrot cake and a double espresso. By the way, the new Corinthos blend is beyond delicious. Sonny says, she didn’t have to go to the trouble, but she says, it’s no trouble. She forgot his sugar. Alexis says, he doesn’t take sugar, and Sonny says he’s so sweet already. Alexis says, all right then. No more interruptions. Suzanne leaves, and Sonny says, she’s a hell of a baker. Alexis says, he knows their daughter would be dead if not for Marco. Yet he saw fit to drag Marco into his little war with Marco’s father. He tells her that he’s surprised she’s saying that. He thought she called him over because she was ready to apologize. She says, to whom? and he says, to him.

Jason tells Anna that Obrecht went to Willow and Drew’s wedding before it went sideways. He found her alone in the bar where the reception was supposed to take place. She’d had a couple, and he started talking to her, asking questions about Britt, and she opened up. Anna asks what Obrecht told him, and he says, she thought Britt was giving her body to science for Huntington’s research, but her will said she wanted to be cremated. Anna says they can’t know what Britt was thinking at the time she drew up her will, but he says he thinks he can. He checked with the funeral home responsible for her cremation. They had the date they gave the ashes to Obrecht, but didn’t have the records for the actual cremation. Anna asks if he thinks Britt staged her own death and is alive somewhere, and he says he not only thinks that, he saw her.

Britt says she’s afraid Pascal is mistaken. She’s processed all the data she has and until Greta comes back with a new batch, she’ll be twiddling her thumbs, and she’d like to be twiddling her thumbs at Sonatas. Pascal says, or why not dine at one of the many excellent restaurants here at the resort instead of going all the way to town? and she says, by now, she knows all their menus by heart. She’d like a change of pace. He says, why doesn’t she tell him what she’d like from Sonatas, he’ll place the order, and it will magically appear at her door like everything else she requires. She says she’s been working all day and all she wants is to drive into town, sip a negroni, dine on the catch of the day, and listen to the waves crash on shore. Bring her damn car. He says he didn’t want to mention it, but she’s forced his hand. It seems there have been some concerns about her driving.

Felicia tells Lucas that she, Mac, and Robert have always argued to anyone who will listen that Sonny is a criminal and deserves to be treated as such. It’s a lot more complicated when he’s close to your family. He was Bobbie’s son-in-law, so she couldn’t cut him off completely. Lucas says, why not? It’s what he deserved. she says, yes, but Bobbie couldn’t. She loved the people who loved Sonny, like him. He says, just because Carly loves Sonny and he’s a good dad to his kids, doesn’t change the fact he hurts people, and she says, no, it doesn’t, but Sonny has done good. They saw how devastated Sonny was when they lost Stone and also saw how humane and generous he can be over the years. That’s just as real as whatever he did or didn’t do to Marco. Lucas says, that doesn’t erase the bad. He can’t keep turning back and saying Sonny is a family man with shady business associates anymore. She says, he’s Donna’s father and they adore each other. Carly has to keep him in her life. Lucas says he knows, and he can’t ask his sister to cut ties with the father of her child… children. So maybe it’s best he just take a step back and let Carly live her life and he’ll do the same with his.

Jack says Josslyn and Vaughn are heading to the resort for surveillance and intelligence gathering only. He wants to know everything about the place – security, access points, vulnerabilities, guest and employee movement. If there are shift changes, he needs to know when and how many. Vaughn asks if there’s an individual or individuals that he wants them to key in on, and Jack says he wants to know where the courier brought the backpack and if that’s a shielded area, he needs to know about it. He also needs to know if the person it was delivered to is the end user of the data inside. Vaughn says they’ll definitely get that for him, and Jack says, they’d better. Now listen to him. They are not to attempt to steal data themselves or commit acts of sabotage or engage with any of the targets. There’s no reason to think they need to. Understood? Vaughn says, understood, and Josslyn repeats it. Jack says, good. Their timeline is two weeks. If they need more time, they can realign. They’re booked in the honeymoon suite. Josslyn says, sorry? and he says, it’s a resort and they’re posing as newlyweds. Congratulations on their recent nuptials. Josslyn says, why them? and Jack says, because this is a need-to-know operation. His superiors talked to him about keeping a list of people who are already knowledgeable and they’re already on it. They’ve already been briefed. Josslyn says, but she’s Dalton’s assistant, and Jack says, no. She’s a WSB agent. Josslyn says, right, but should she just quit? She’s worked hard to get close to Dalton. Jack says, she accomplished her mission. Thanks to them, they know what they’re looking for is not in Dalton’s lab. It’s at The Five Poppies, so that’s where they’re headed. Josslyn says, if she quits, won’t Dalton be suspicious? and Jack says, why? Because he’s never had an undergrad who didn’t honor their commitments before? Dalton will be annoyed for a few minutes, then he’ll replace her. She says, he’ll give the job to Emma, who has no idea how dangerous he is.  

Gio comes into the pool area with Emma and Outback. Emma says, Dalton is here. Now’s her chance. Gio says, that’s not a good idea, but she tells him, have a little faith in her, please. She knows what she’s doing. He says, does she? She’s not his assistant. She’s going to freak him out if she keeps up this stalker bit she’s got going on. She says she’s a naturally friendly person. There’s no way she’s stalkery. But just in case, she’s calling for backup. Outback barks.

Lucas tells Felicia that it would be easier if it was just about Sonny, but it’s about Carly too. She basically said that he was infatuated with Marco, and it made him overreact. Felicia says, ouch, and he says, there are so many things wrong with that sentence, he doesn’t know where to begin. But the bottom line is, he got upset, packed up, and moved out of Carly’s house. Felicia says, good for him. Carly doesn’t need to tell him how he feels about the new man in his life and needs to respect his relationship. That’s worth fighting over. Sonny, not so much. He says he’s not sure if he wants to bother anymore. For Carly to dismiss his relationship with Marco like that to justify defending Sonny is mind-blowing. She says she wonders if it made it easier for Carly to make the issue about him and Marco instead of focusing on Sonny, and he says, maybe, but it doesn’t change the fact that Carly will always defend Sonny, and he doesn’t know how to stop Sonny from driving a wedge between him and his sister. Felicia says she does. Follow his mother’s example and simply refuse to let him.

Marco tells Kristina, it serves him right for driving out in the middle of nowhere and going for a walk without telling anyone. He should know better, but that morning was his mother’s memorial and it all came crashing in on him. He was out of it. Kristina says she’s sorry. It was a terrible loss. He says, she’s kind to say that. He knows his mother was hard on her and disrespected her and his sister’s relationship. Kristina says, she also apologized and tried to make amends. That’s more than most people do. Marco says, true. He wishes they could have reached some kind of resolution before she passed, but she never got over her disappointment when he came out. That’s why she was so hard on Ally. He wasn’t around, so Kristina and Ally bore the brunt of her anger and frustration. Kristina says, she was hard on Ally, but his mom was a complicated person. She’ll always be grateful for what his mother did for her and her dad.

Sonny says, Alexis went off on him when Charlie’s burned and he let her because she was upset. Now that things are settled, he wants her to know that he didn’t set fire to Charlie’s, and he didn’t put their daughter in danger. That was Marco’s father who did that. Alexis tells him that he says he doesn’t want to hurt their daughter, but what did he think would happen to her if he’d killed Marco? He says, that didn’t happen, so they don’t have to talk about it, and she says, it traumatized Kristina. She idolizes him and worse than that, she models her behavior after him. He asks what behavior she’s talking about.

At the pool, Danny asks if get Dante something, but Dante says, no. It’s cool. He’s just wondering if he could ask Danny a few questions. If he’s got a minute. Danny asks what he needs. Is he on a case? Dante says, nothing official. An off the books sort of thing. Danny says, okay, cool. What does he need? Dante says maybe Danny can help him out with something. He shows Danny his phone and asks if he’s ever seen the woman before. Danny says, she came by the pool once. Dante asks if he’s sure it was her, and Danny says, definitely. She tipped him $50. Josslyn said she was a good tipper, and she was totally right. Dante says, Josslyn was here? and Danny says he thinks she was meeting her professor. See the guy over there with the dark hair at the bar? Dante says, yeah, and Danny says, he’s Professor Dalton. Dante asks Danny to tell him anything he remembers from that day. No detail is too small.

Britt says, Pascal means the crash? She thinks he’s referring to something that happened two years ago. The donkey survived. (Ha-ha-ha!) Pascal says, but he limped for the rest of his life (I’m dying), and she says, he shouldn’t have camped out in the middle of the road. Fine. She’d just gotten here and started her medication, and she was still learning how to drive manual.  Now she’s perfectly capable of driving herself into town without maiming any of the local fauna, even if they are milling around in the middle of the road. Pascal says, after a long day, is she sure she wants to risk navigating the cliffside roads in the dark, especially after imbibing in Sonata’s famously large negronis? She says, yes. She’s perfectly capable of driving. She flashes back to driving with Jason and calling him grandpa when he tells her to stick to the speed limit, and she says, fine. Have the doorman take her. The hot one. Tell him he can’t talk. Pascal says, that arrangement won’t work either, and she says, why not? He says, in light of her medical condition, he thinks it’s best she stay on the property.

Jason tells Anna that he was at the airport in Paris and Britt just… She was there. She was alone, carrying a purse and some kind of tote bag from the hotel. The Dalmatia or something. It had flowers on it and a logo. He saw her for a second, then she got on the plane. He tried to talk himself onto the flight, but they wouldn’t let him on. Anna asks if there’s a chance it was anyone else, and he says, anything is possible, but he’s almost positive it was Britt. He’s not saying she wasn’t poisoned, but he is saying her body seemed to disappear from the funeral home. Anna says, it doesn’t add up, and he says, it doesn’t. Maybe there was an antidote for the poison. Maybe somebody helped her. He knows it’s not a lot to go on, but it’s not nothing. She says she knew Britt and her family and knows him, and he’s not given to flights of fancy. If he says he saw her, then there’s every possibility Britt is still very much alive.

Kristina tells Marco that last summer she had a terrible accident right here. It was a fall. His mom and Ally saw it happen. She was pregnant at the time, and because of the accident, she lost the baby. Maco says he’s sorry to hear that. It must have been d… There aren’t any words, are there? She says, there aren’t. Afterward, she was in rough shape. She made mistakes, big ones, but his mom did something amazing for her when she didn’t really have to. He says he’s glad she got to see that side of his mom. She could be generous and kind when she wanted to be. She says, even though she said hurtful things about her and Ally, in the end, she was grateful to her. Now she’s grateful to him. She wouldn’t be here except for him. He risked his life to save hers. He says, it was the right thing to do, and she tells him, that’s a generous thing to say, given what happened to his mom that night. If she were in his shoes, she’d be asking if helping was the right thing to do. Does he regret it?

Alexis says she meant Kristina is impulsive and extremely protective of her family, and Sonny says, what’s wrong with being protective? She says, there’s nothing wrong with protecting your family, but she thinks both of them can agree they could use a little less impulsiveness from Kristina. She’s started to subscribe to his philosophy that the ends justify the means. He says, when it comes to family, he does what’s necessary to keep them safe, and she says, like kidnapping an innocent man? He says he’s always thinking of Kristina, and when it comes to protecting her, or any of his grandkids, he’ll do whatever he has to do.

Danny says he remembers the woman walking over to Professor Dalton’s chaise. He thought she was going to talk to him, but she went over to the bar instead. Dante asks if she talked to him, but Danny says, no. He thinks Josslyn was the only person to talk to him. Dalton went to his locker, and he was talking to Josslyn when he saw the woman leaving. Dante asks if she had anything with her, and Danny says, a tote bag and a backpack. Dante says, it’s very cool, him remembering that. Danny says, the woman was fancy, the type of person who wears heels at the pool. It didn’t look like something she’d carry. Dante says, good work. Thanks. Danny reminds him of… Danny says, mom? and Dante says, yeah. She always remembered the little things too. Danny says, she did. Nothing got by her. Dante says, it didn’t, but it would have been nice if they’d been able to get something by her. Maybe just once. Danny says, but it never would happen, and Dante says, no.

Emma goes over to Dalton, holding a flip-flop, and says, sorry. Her dog stole his flip-flop. She got it back, but it’s soggy and has teeth marks in it. What is it with footwear? Dalton says, no worries. It’s just a flip-flop. The dog is so cute, he could probably forgive just about everything. Emma says she has all the literature handled for his lecture tomorrow night. Is there anything else she can do?

Jason says Anna is the first person to believe he saw Britt. Carly obviously thought he was imagining things. She says, Carly didn’t know Britt well enough to understand what she’s capable of, and Obrecht’s daughter died in her arms. He says he gets why they’re skeptical, and if she’d shut him down, he would have understood, but he’d be surprised and disappointed. She says, but not deterred, and he says, no. She says she can’t help thinking Obrecht is involved, because Britt would need help faking her death. He says, from what he saw, Obrecht’s grieving wasn’t an act. If Britt is still alive, she doesn’t know. Anna says, maybe she didn’t need her mother’s help. Her father was a master at staging deaths and manipulating people, so she probably learned what she needed from him. It’s a hell of an education. Jason says, Anna knows these people. She knows how they work. She knows their world. They could work together to find Britt. Anna says, true, but she doesn’t think she wants to look for Britt and advises him not to.

Felicia says, how Lucas’s mom dealt with Sonny was masterful and it wasn’t just one but two ways. First, she bit her lip until it bled. Second, she never closed her door to her daughter. Lucas asks if she’s saying he should move back in, but she says, God no. Bobbie would throw him a party about moving out and be thrilled about him and Marco, but she wouldn’t want him to throw his relationship with his sister away either. He says he doesn’t want to, but he just can’t look the other way when it comes to Sonny. He has to say something. She says, do it. Speak up, but don’t make ultimatums. Don’t put Carly in a position to choose between him and Sonny. He says, because he’ll lose Carly? but Felicia says, because he and Carly will lose each other. One terrible lesson Bobbie learned after Barbara Jean died, that thing you can’t get back, that thing you should never sacrifice, is time with the people you love.

Alexis says, Sonny is taking a big gamble with their daughter’s well-being and frankly, she hates that, but he says he thinks she’s being overprotective (WOTD). Kristina’s come a long way since the accident. Alexis flashes back to telling Kristina that she knows Kristina tried to kill Ava, and Sonny says, have a little faith. Their daughter is stronger than Alexis gives her credit for. Alexis says she hopes to God he’s right.  

Dalton thanks Emma for the offer, but says, Josslyn is handling logistics. Emma says, right. Of course (🍷). Considering the subject matter, she thinks it’s going to be a huge turnout. If it gets to be too much for Josslyn to handle, she’ll be happy to help. He says he’ll keep it in mind. Good to know. Dante watches them, frowning.

Josslyn tells Jack, Emma is just trying to rescue lab animals, if there even are any. She’s in way over her head. Vaughn says, if Emma takes Josslyn’s place as Dalton’s assistant, they’re going to have more trouble with Devane than they already do. Jack says he’ll take care of Emma and her grandmother. Their concerns reflect a lack of understanding about the critical nature of their mission and for its operatives. This mission is deemed low risk, but that assessment belies its stakes. If they don’t get the info he needs, people could die. He tells Vaughn to quit his job at PCU. He doesn’t care what excuse Vaughn gives. Josslyn’s situation is a little more complex. Josslyn says she’ll think of a reason where she’s going and why, and Jack tells her to say she’s been called away to Australia to help with a distant relative, preferably someone her mother has heard of. She says, there’s a friend of her grandmother’s she can say needs help. She doesn’t think her mom will ask too many questions. She’ll just be happy Josslyn is getting distance from Vaughn. He says, good. Come up with backgrounds, deliver their excuses, and pack their bags. They leave in 24 hours.

Britt tells Pascal that forcing her to stay is ridiculous and has nothing to do with her health and safety. He’s just pissed that she took that trip to Paris. Pascal says he still thinks it’s in her best interest to stay on the property at this sensitive juncture. Perhaps another massage will help her embrace the change in her evening’s expectations. She says she does not want another massage. What she wants it to leave. He says, that’s impossible. The policy was clear. She asks what she’s supposed to do. Stay in her room until Greta brings her more data? He says he’ll be sure to relay her question to him, word for word. In the meantime, he’ll have a negroni and the evening special sent up immediately. Bon Soir.

Anna says, when Britt experienced the symptoms of Huntington’s she was determined not to appear diminished or pitied, and Jason says, it makes sense she disappeared when she did. She says, if he’s right, then Britt decided to let people think she was dead, rather than let them watch her decline, and that’s her call. So does he see what she’s saying? If he’s not honoring her wishes, he’s kind of betraying her. She can’t imagine that’s what Britt would want. He says he doesn’t, but she says, even if Britt is alive, she thinks he has to leave her alone.  

Alexis says she’s about to leave, so Suzanne can go home, but Suzanne says, actually, she can’t. Neither can Alexis. She has a 5 o clock. Alexis says, no, she doesn’t, but Suzanne says she has a meeting with Ava Jerome. Should she show her in?

Kristina says she read the coverage after Marco’s mother died. Aurora clearly pointed the finger at her father, insinuating he was responsible. Marco says he appreciates her defending her father, but it’s not something he wants to talk about. He’s still making up his mind and he’ll leave it at that. She says she swears her father had nothing to do with his mother’s death.

Sonny see Lucas at the pool and Lucas says, small world. Sonny says, Donna has a swim lesson and he’s picking her up, and Lucas asks if his other daughter has any idea that he abducted Marco and held him for 24 hours. Sonny says he doesn’t think Kristina heard of Lucas’s allegations against him, and Lucas says, maybe someone should tell her. Sonny says, do what he needs to do, and walks away.  

Dante tells Anna that he got solid info for her from Danny of all people. She has every right to be worried about Dalton. He and the courier were at the MetroCourt pool at the same time. They had no direct contact, but Josslyn was there. Anna says, running interference? and he says, her guess is as good as his. The woman had two bags, a bag and a backpack. She says, the same backpack that Josslyn planted the tracker in? and he says, probably. When they were talking, Danny said this backpack wasn’t something this woman would have. He said she was kind of like, too fancy. She says, so it was Dalton’s bag, and he says, probably. So they did the hand-off at the pool. One more thing she may want to know is when he was talking to Danny, he had his eyes on Dalton and her granddaughter seemed kind of glued to his side.

Emma tells Outback that they make a good team, and tells Gio that she thinks Outback knows she’s helping other rescue animals being tested by Dalton. Doesn’t he, or is she veering into crazy dog lady territory? He says, the better question is, could she have been more obvious? If she keeps hanging around Dalton and offering to help every time he turns around, he’s going suspect something. She says, no, he’s not. He’ll just think she’s the same overeager student she’s always been. She’s been helping with his summer lecture series, and when he’s up on the podium, they’re going to find out what’s going on in his lab. She shows Gio the keys, and he says, if she’s the overeager student, Dalton will expect to see her in the front row taking notes, right? She says, right, and he takes the keys from her and says, that’s why he’s going to search Dalton’s lab.

Jack hands rings to Vaughn and Josslyn, saying, wedding bands and an engagement ring. Do not lose them The WSB sprung for the real thing for authenticity’s sake. (Geez. Think they can spare it?) Make sure they fit. They put the rings on and they both say, it fits. Josslyn puts her rings in her front pocket (where no doubt Carly will find them), and Jack gives Vaughn a passport. He says, Christopher Nash. The two of them will leave Port Charles separately. They’ll meet in New York and travel to Europe using their new identities. Any questions? Josslyn says, does she get one? and he says, when he’s done briefing her. Safe travels. Vaughn says, copy that. He’ll see Josslyn at JFK. He leaves, and Jack says there’s something else he needs to discuss. He doesn’t know what she and Vaughn will be walking into at The Five Poppies, but it’s critical that they sell their cover. She says, it won’t be a problem, and he says, it can’t be a problem. The Five Poppies is the best lead they have to get what they need. Josslyn and Vaughn need everyone they come in contact with to believe they’re totally in love.

Pascal calls Jason asking if it’s John Moore. Jason says, it is, and Pascal introduces himself as the hotel manager at The Five Poppies. He’s following up on Jason’s inquiry on booking a stay. Jason thanks him for calling back, and Pascal says, his pleasure. No worries. As he may know, The Five Poppies is a high-end luxury hotel with cutting edge spa treatments, a private sand beach, and several five star restaurants. May he ask when John was hoping to stay with them? Britt barges in and tells Pascal if he doesn’t give her the keys to her car right now… Pascal apologizes and says, there’s a guest that requires his attention. He’ll call back as soon as possible. Thank you. He hangs up, and we can tell that Jason knows it’s Britt.

On Monday, Chase says Brook can’t adopt until she works things out with Gio; Gio asks Emma to promise to keep this between them; Ava wants to do Alexis a huge favor; and Kristina asks Cody, how about for an extra $10,000? and he says, done.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Temp Maxie returns.

https://www.primetimer.com/features/where-did-maxie-jones-go-on-general-hospital-all-you-need-to-know

It sounds like he’s having a fun career.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/who-is-pascal-on-general-hospital-kelly-thiebaud-dishes-about-the-new-man-in-britts-story-excl/

I just knew it would come to this. Hopefully, Drew will either turn out to have a brain tumor or he’s being controlled by Victor Cassadine from beyond the grave. There was that moment where they showed us the tarot card…

https://parade.com/news/general-hospital-actor-cameron-mathison-aggressive-backlash-fans

While I’m not a game show person, this might be a fun watch.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/sneak-peek-general-hospital-and-young-and-restless-stars-face-off-on-abcs-celebrity-family-feud/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

After more boatmance stuff at the villa – now Barbara is involved – the new guests arrived, one of them already drunk. Whining that she hates food and just wants to drink at lunch, guest Kelly then decided she wanted to ride on the banana boat. She was advised against it, and when the deckhands tried to wrangle her into a lifejacket, she jumped into the water against Captain Kerry’s direct orders. After getting back on deck, she then struggled against the crew trying to get her inside. Once inside, she said she hated everyone and called them all a-holes and democrats. Her friends tried to calm her down, but the captain had enough after Kelly threatened him with her connections. It was time for her to go with the water police. The text said, to be continued, and it’s probably the first time I’ve said, I can’t wait, this season.

The Valley – Reunion Part 1

Jax said he was ready to go to war. When hasn’t he been ready to go to war? Both Kristen and Nia were 8 months pregnant, so bonding. Brittany said she wouldn’t touch Jax’s dirty d*ck with a 10-inch pole, and like the scum he is, he said that’s not what she’d told him four months ago when she’d wanted to hook up one last time. Unfazed, she said she knew better now. Michele and Jesse’s pending divorce was rehashed and no surprise, Jesse was the a-hole where that was concerned. Well, all the time, but this topic makes him extra. I don’t think weaponize means what he thinks it means. Jesse is representing himself in the divorce, but claimed he had a team of consultants, which no doubt includes his mom. Brittany gave us a blow-by-blow of Jax’s temper tantrum after she’d hooked up with Lala’s ex, Julian. It wasn’t pretty, but unfortunately no big shock coming from the most awful human being on the planet.

Also not surprising. This dude is a barnacle.

Real Housewives Of Miami

Marisol said she seemed to set off Adriana, and Adriana was an a-hole. You could take that to the bank. I’m not sure how I’d deposit that, but I’m quickly growing wearing of these women. It’s always the same pattern – fight, make up, have a party where the fight continues as though there was no reconciliation. This time, they began with Lisa’s suggestion that they all say something nice about each other. Like usual, this game degenerated into something else – Guerdy’s texts being rehashed. In the interviews, it sounded like no one had bothered reading them in the first place. In Adriana’s defense, getting that bottle of wine open would have been of the upmost importance to me too.

Real Housewives Of Orange County

You’d think Shannon might consider not having meltdowns in front of others at this point. It never seems to go well for her. Tamra brought Slade’s ex, Jo, to Fancy Pants Heather’s birthday party. In Tamra’s interview, she said, if Gretchen was threatened, that was her problem, but I think that was the goal. Tamra was foiled, however, as I think Jo and Gretchen were the only ones not fighting. Shannon said Katie was worse than Tamra Judge and Alexis Bellino combined, but at least she doesn’t abandon her toasted cheese. Emily literally reached for her popcorn and Terry was high because there was a weed bar. The Josh’s from Million Dollar Listing LA made an appearance as Heather’s realtors. They’d sold her the house and now they were selling it for her. Must be nice.

Random Reality Items

There’s not much substance here, but I miss Kathy.

No, Carl. Just no. Sometimes it’s best to move on.

I seriously doubt this will ever happen. They’re too entrenched in the tradition of sticking it out until death. Being second to the Obamas is not a bad thing either.

Next Gen NYC had a mini-Reunion on Watch What Happens Live with Gia, Emira, and Brooks. Meredith and Chloe were in the audience. It was nothing exciting, but I am hoping for a Season 2.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Trainwreck: P.I. Moms. Netflix. A reality show turns out to be a front for a criminal enterprise. I’d never heard about this before, so it was actually pretty interesting.

https://people.com/trainwreck-p-i-moms-true-story-explained-11770557

Amy Bradley is Missing. Netflix. This actually hadn’t been on my radar, but it was the next thing in the queue and I was multitasking, so I just let it go. An interesting real life mystery that’s never totally been solved, but my money’s on the bass player having coerced her off the boat. The saddest thing was Amy’s brother saying in an interview that he had no children because he’d seen his parents’ trauma and was afraid it might happen to him. I used to want to go on a cruise, but between this and Poop Cruise, not anymore. A captivating story.  

https://www.eonline.com/photos/37802/the-true-story-of-netflixs-amy-bradley-is-missing

Until Dawn. Netflix. At first, I thought, this is full of tropes. Then I went down a tributary, wondering if tropes were really homages. As the film went on, however, I became more intrigued. A group of friends must survive the night or become a part of it. Each time an hourglass is turned, it’s another round with a killer until everyone in the group is dead, only to rise and repeat. I thought they might have had better luck if they’d stuck together like they kept saying they were going to, but didn’t. Overall, I thought the horror was impressive and the story original enough, and I didn’t hate the ending. Clever ending credits too.

Just the basics.

https://www.cbr.com/until-dawn-instant-streaming-hit-netflix-debut/

https://movieweb.com/netflix-until-dawn-streaming-hit-horror-video-game/

All kinds of spoilers.

https://decider.com/2025/07/29/until-dawn-ending-explained-movie-dr-hill-wendigo

Jurassic Park Rebirth. At the cinema. No surprise, I loved this. Several critics felt it had a flimsy plot, but I say, who cares about the plot when you have dinosaurs? And this film has them. The only thing I found unbelievable (yeah, I know) was how people had gotten bored with dinosaurs, so they were creating new species by blending them together. I found it difficult to fathom people getting bored with everyday dinosaurs, and even if that happened, their kids would want to see them. Anyway, the genetically engineered dinos were apparently a hit or miss, some of them being beautiful and others the stuff of nightmares. The adventure stuff was good, the scenery exquisite, and we got aquatic beasts this time too. Even a baby dinosaur is present throughout the film. Aww! A favorite of mine since I was a child, dinosaurs are also on my list of top horror preferences, as follows: zombie apocalypse, zombies, any apocalypse, technology is evil, giant creatures such as Godzilla and dinosaurs. I was glad I decided to see this on the big screen. It was worth the overpriced ticket, and I brought my own snacks.

https://collider.com/jurassic-world-trilogy-missing-paleontologist/

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/jurassic-world-rebirth-review

🦇 Saying Goodbye To the Prince…

While this was livestreamed, I’m sure you can still watch.

🐉 Cosplay This…

Photos and streaming from San Diego Comic Con 2025.

https://ew.com/comic-con-2025-portrait-studio-photos-exclusive-11778912

https://ew.com/how-to-watch-entertainment-weekly-2025-san-diego-comic-con-livestream-11778481

🧵 Here’s a Napkin, Make a Dress…

It’s been almost two years? What the… ? I’m glad to see this show is back. It was a surprise to me that I liked it. I can’t sew to save my life, but discovered I enjoy watching the contestants do it, along with seeing the various challenges thrown at them.

https://ew.com/project-runway-season-21-heidi-klum-return-cover-story-11779892

🐾 Trailblazing Tales…

🐕 Pilaf! Who couldn’t love that little nugget? Be sure to watch the video.

🐈‍⬛ The latest in InstaPets.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/19657/celebrity-pets-on-instagram

🦏 I don’t believe in reincarnation, but if I did, I’d have thoughts.

https://people.com/white-rhino-born-same-day-as-ozzy-osbourne-death-named-after-rocker-11781179

👑 Quotes of the Week

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

A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason. – JP Morgan

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. – John Lubbock

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today. – Will Rogers

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. – Albert Einstein

My past has not defined me, destroyed me, deterred me, or defeated me; it has only strengthened me.Steve Maraboli

When I believe in something, I’m like a dog with a bone. – Melissa McCarthy

Motivation gets you going and habit gets you there. – Hilary “Zig” Ziglar

It’s like trying to talk Shakespeare to a Hershey bar. – Alan Harper (Jon Cryer), Two and a Half Men

🍦 Following the Ice Cream Truck…

Until next week, stay safe; stay dressing appropriately for summer events and leave the swimwear and flip-flops for the beach; and stay never sacrificing time with the people you love. It’s that thing you can’t get back.

June 6, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Anna Gives Sonny a Warning, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Watch Of the Future, Worth Barking About, Decuplet Of Quotes & Summer  

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Elizabeth asked what Lucky knew about her accident, and he said he knew Kristina caused it.

Kristina went to see Michael and said she had so much to tell him.

Laura told Alexis, as Ace’s legal guardian, she got statements from the trust. It looked like 10 million dollars had been removed from the Cassadine estate in the past month and a half.

Rocco showed Lulu the video of Gio smashing his violin at the Nurses Ball and asked, what happened?

Gio showed up at Sonny’s and said he had a question. Did Sonny know?

Brook told Lois, two things would always be true. Gio would always know she gave him up and she would always know Lois lied to her. Gio didn’t want anything to do with her, and she didn’t want anything to do with Lois. Gloria walked in and told her not to talk to her mother like that. If Brook wanted to have it out with someone, have it out with her.

Brook asked if Lois was hiding behind Gloria, but Lois said she was trying to get Brook to understand. Brook said there was nothing to understand. Two people she’d loved and trusted lied to her. Gloria said that was enough.

Rocco asked if it was true that Brook and Dante were Gio’s parents, and Dante said, yeah. Gio was his son and Rocco’s brother.

Alexis told Laura that what she’d seen were investments and apologized for not telling her sooner. She’d thought it was best to diversify some of the trust portfolio and moved some of it to a mutual fund that was high rated. She wanted to make sure Ace’s inheritance remained strong. There was nothing more important than family.

Elizabeth wondered what Kristina had to do with her accident, and Lucky told her about Kristina cutting the brake line to what she thought was Ava’s car. Elizabeth said, it wasn’t Ava’s car though. It was Ric’s.

Michael asked how the family was, and Kristina said she and Molly were great. Her and her mom were… fine. Family was complicated. She couldn’t believe Michael was finally home and walking into a custody battle, but he said it needed to be settled once and for all. Kristina said she knew he wanted to do right by his kids. If he was telling himself that deep down Willow was a good mother and made compromises, it would be the wrong move.

Sonny said Gio had questions and so did he. Why didn’t he come in and get answers? Gio said Sonny didn’t tell him, no, so he must have known, but Sonny said he didn’t know. The first time he heard was when Gio announced it to the world. He hadn’t known Brook was pregnant, which was surprising since he was so close to Lois. Gio said, if he didn’t know, why had Sonny always been so nice to him? Sonny had paid for his lessons, music, and education. Why had he been so generous? Sonny said he knew Gio was special and that hadn’t changed.

Lulu told Rocco that his dad and a lot of people were trying to make sense out of it, and Rocco said, Gio’s mom was Camilla, and his dad was a soldier who died in the war. Dante said they were led to believe that. Gio was lied to and so was everyone else.

Gloria told Brook to calm down and cool off. Emotions were high. She knew it was a lot to process, but Brook’s mother was still her mother, and she was still Brook’s grandmother. She had to show some respect. Brook had been a pregnant teenager, and it didn’t just affect her. Imagine the position she’d put her mother in. Lois said Brook told her that she wasn’t ready to be a mother and she trusted Brook to know herself and respected her wishes. Brook said, by lying? and Lois said, by protecting Brook and doing the best she thought she could for Brook’s child. Gloria said Brook’s mother lied to spare her and it ate her alive, and Brook asked if that’s what Lois told herself, that she was sparing her. Lois said keeping Gio in the family was the only way to ensure he was going to be taken care of and happy. And he was. Gloria said Camilla was a godsend. Would Brook rather they gave him to strangers, and she never saw him again?

Kristina told Michael that she thought Willow would come to her senses and realize being with Drew was a mistake, but Willow was more consumed with Drew now than she ever was, like how it was with Shiloh. She’d been bouncing the kids around and they hardly saw them anymore. Michael said if Drew had his way, it would only get worse. Word had it that Drew bought property in DC.  

Elizabeth told Lucky that they had to tear the car apart to get them. They both had surgery. Ric almost died. How long had he known? Lucky said, since the night it happened. He’d been covering for Kristina ever since.

Gio said there had to be more to it. Did Lois ask for Sonny’s help? Sonny said, she did. She was his oldest friend and the Cerullos were family. He was more than happy to help. That’s what family does. Gio said, Lois lied, but Sonny said it was more complicated than that. Had Gio heard the story about Dante being his son? Gio said, bits and pieces, and Sonny said, when Lois found out, it was before Camilla died. Gio asked Olivia pulled a Lois and never told him about Dante, and Sonny said, she kept it from everybody. He thought she was worried about his affiliations. He wasn’t defending Lois, but she made her choices for a reason. He and Dante knew where Gio was coming from.

Dante said he didn’t know he had a child and definitely didn’t know it was Gio, and Rocco asked, when were he and Brook together? Dante said they’d been camp counselors one summer. They were kids not much older than Rocco. They were teenagers and got careless. They made a mistake. Brook didn’t tell him that she’d gotten pregnant, had a baby, and put it up for adoption. Rocco said, Brook never told him that he had a son? and Dante said he found out the same way everyone else did – when Gio announced it and smashed his violin.

Brook said, if it was up to Gloria and Lois, she wouldn’t have known Gio was hers. She’d continue hoping and praying her son was out there living a safe and happy life. Lois said, he was happy, and Gloria said Brook was acting like they didn’t make sure Gio was loved and well-protected. He was their priority. Brook said they were acting like they’d done nothing wrong and didn’t regret everything. She asked if Lois regretted giving Gio to Camilla, and Lois said, no. Brook asked if Lois didn’t regret lying to her for 22 years and letting her see Gio, never knowing he was her son. Gloria said they made the decision they thought was best, and Brook said, when Camilla died, Gio was an orphan, but they said nothing.

Laura told Alexis not to overextend herself. The Cassadine fortune carried a lot of baggage. Don’t allow it to add to her stress level. Alexis said she needed to follow her conscience, when Suzanne came in and gave Alexis the balance sheets for the Dolos fund, since Laura had been asking about it. Alexis asked if Laura wanted to go over them, but Laura said, in the future, just keep her more informed. Suzanne said she heard congratulations were in order. Laura’s extended family had a new addition. Laura said, excuse me?

Rocco wondered why Brook didn’t tell Dante that he had a kid. He was the best dad. Dante said he didn’t know how much Brook knew, and Rocco said, she knew she had a baby. Lulu said Dante couldn’t answer his questions yet. He was trying to make sense of it himself. Rocco said Gio was his brother, and he missed out on nearly everything with him, and Lulu said she was sorry. His dad would get answers and so would he. Rocco said it was a lot. If it was some big secret, how did Gio find out the truth?

Brook said, Gio was 12 when Camilla died. Didn’t they think he needed a mother? Lois said, it tore Gio apart. They were just getting him through it. Gloria said, the poor boy would have been traumatized all over again, and Brook said her son was alone at his lowest point, but Lois said he was loved and cared for. Brook said, not by her. She was an adult, and they kept her son away from her when he was all alone. She’d never forgive them for that.

Sonny said now that Gio knew Brook and Dante were his parents, circumstances were different, but he got it. Gio asked if it was easy with him and Dante, but Sonny said, not at all. It changed everything. Dante went from being an adversary to being his son. Gio asked if they were cool now, and Sonny said he was proud of that. It took years and it might take time to build a relationship with Dante. Gio said, what if he didn’t want that?

Kristina said taking Michael’s children away didn’t sound like the Willow she knew. She didn’t recognize Willow anymore. Michael said at first, he thought Drew was manipulating her, but she was responsible for her choices. She chose to prioritize Drew and chose to destroy her family.

Lucky told Elizabeth that Kristina showed up at Charlie’s, then ran out. He went after her. She called Ava to try and warn her. Elizabeth said, Ava wasn’t in the car, and Lucky said he found Kristina pulled over near the crash, totally freaked out. She was in shock when she saw Ric and said she’d thought it was Ava. That’s when he knew she’d caused the crash. Elizabeth asked why he hadn’t turned Kristina in to the police.

Lucky said, Kristina could get charged with three counts of attempted murder and go to prison for life, and Elizabeth said maybe that’s where she belonged. He said she didn’t see Kristina’s regret. It wasn’t premeditated, but a crime of passion, a lapse in judgement. When she realized what she’d done, she tried to stop it. Elizabeth said, but she couldn’t. She and Ric could have died. He said the only reason Kristina wasn’t behind bars was because she didn’t die. It was a miracle she survived, and she and Ric were okay. He didn’t see how it benefited anyone to send Kristina to prison. Elizabeth said, what if it kept Ava from being killed? (I don’t know if I’d consider that a benefit.)

Michael told Kristina that he wasn’t the perfect husband, but he loved Willow. He didn’t think they’d ever seen each other clearly and only showed the parts they wanted the other to see, not the dark parts. Kristina said, that would have been honest, and they’d have handled the dark parts, but Michael said Willow couldn’t have handled his.

Lulu told Rocco that Gio found out the truth because of her. She uncovered some information and thought his dad deserved to know the truth. She investigated and found out the baby was Gio. Rocco said Gio was living with them. He didn’t get why Brook kept it from them, and Lulu said she didn’t know what Brook knew. She’d struggled over the right thing to do, but he needed to understand that she respected adoption as well as Brook’s right to make her choice. She took issue with the lies. Gio was his half-brother, and his dad was an amazing father, so when she found out he was here in their lives, she couldn’t keep quiet anymore.

Sonny said he couldn’t tell Gio how to feel, but Dante was a good man and a great father. If Gio give him a chance, Dante would show him. Gio said Dante didn’t like him. He made that perfectly clear after Rocco’s alcohol poisoning. He wasn’t interested in having a relationship because of biology. Sonny said he understood Gio felt hurt, angry, and betrayed. It wasn’t the best state of mind to make decisions. Take his time and see how he felt. Figure it out then and make a decision to what he was open to or not. Gio said, Olivia lied. Did Sonny ever stop hating her for that? Sonny said he never hated her. He was angry and it took a long time to get past that, but loves her. At times he thought about how much time he missed with Dante, but he forgave her and didn’t regret it.

Gloria said she and Brook’s mother her did their best. Brook owed her beautiful life to Lois. Stop hating her and try thanking her. Brook said her child was in pain because they’d both misled him his entire life, but Gloria said they’d made a decision that wouldn’t destroy her life or Gio’s. Brook said they didn’t know what life she would have given Gio, or he would have given her.

Elizabeth asked, what would keep Kristina from trying to kill Ava again? and Lucky said it was a wake-up call, but Elizabeth wasn’t convinced. Why was it on him to cover for her? Her mother was a lawyer. Lucky said it was too late. He helped cover it up, which made him an accessory. She said, so if he went to the police, he’d be charged too, and Lucky said if she felt the need, he’d go, but she told him not to risk prison. It didn’t just affect them. They had to think of Aiden, Ric, Molly, and Alexis, who was still grieving the loss of Sam. She wasn’t sending one of Alexis’s remaining daughters to prison. Lucky said when he saw Lulu, he thought of how much he owed Sam. He thought that’s what drove him to protect Kristina in the first place and didn’t think she would try it again. Elizabeth said it would only harm more people who didn’t deserve to be hurt. She’d keep Kristina’s secret.

Suzanne told Alexis that she was sorry. She assumed Laura knew what happened at the Nurses Ball. Alexis said Suzanne’s knack of oversharing worked out this time. Mayor Collins had the right to know. There was a knock at the door and Marco said he needed to discuss the Dolos fund statement. Suzanne left and Alexis asked what they needed to address.

Michael said he made an error in judgement when it came to Willow. He’s sure she felt the same way. Kristina said it’s not like Drew would make her happy and Michael said he wouldn’t. She destroyed her life to be with him, so it had to seem worth it. He was more important than the children. Kristina said everyone tried to tell Willow and she claimed the children were happy, and he said, the truth was, Wiley and Amelia were no longer emotionally safe. He was going to take the children, no matter the cost to Willow.

Brook said she loved her Quartermaine family, but didn’t trust them. Not until now did she realize they were the family she wasn’t safe with. Gloria said that wasn’t fair or true. Brook’s mother loved her more than anything and every decision she made was to protect her and Gio. Gio wasn’t hurting because of them. That honor went to Lulu Spencer who was messing around in things that were none of her business. Brook said Lulu hated her, so she didn’t expect anything from Lulu. But if this is how they showed her love, she didn’t want any part of it. Lois said she knew Brook was angrier than she’d ever been, but please say she believed Lois loved her.  

Rocco asked if Lulu told Gio, but Lulu said, no. She thought Gio overheard a conversation between her and Lois. She was going to tell Rocco’s dad, but Gio went public before she could. Rocco asked if they wanted him to talk to Gio, and Dante said he appreciated that, but it was on him. He had to figure out where to start. He left.

Sonny told Gio that if he needed a place to stay, he was Gio’s grandfather, so his home was Gio’s home. Even if he wasn’t Gio’s grandfather, it would still be. If there was anything Gio needed, he was here. Gio thanked him, but said, whatever he did next, he’d do on his own for himself, and he left.

Michael said he put his kids in this situation, and it was his responsibility to get them out, and Kristina said she’d help any way she could. Michael said if there was no other option, he’d break Willow down to nothing to keep the kids away. She was going to see a Michael Corinthos she’d never seen before.  

Marco told Alexis that the company was brand new, incorporated in the Grand Keys and in existence less than a month. Their only asset was the 10 million dollars from the Cassadine estate. It had the makings of a shell company, and he wondered if they were dealing with a case of fraud. Alexis said there was no fraud and assured him that they’d been vetted, and he said he realized he was new, but he liked her and the firm. He’d seen set-ups like this before, and it looked like a set-up for money laundering. Was she sure it was good?

Lucky said he was sorry. He owed Elizabeth the truth. She said she was glad he was being honest, but why now? What changed? He said if they’re really doing this, he couldn’t lie to her. He wanted to be worth of her trust. she was the most important thing in the world to him. If she hadn’t survived the crash, he couldn’t have handled it. She said it would be nice when she got her cast off and could move on from all this, and he said that was all he wanted, kissing her cheek. She said, in some ways, they’d taken a horrible situation and made it surprisingly wonderful. Being under one roof was unexpected and part of her would miss this. He said they could still look forward to amazing things like the dinner he was making for her tonight. He went to the kitchen and Elizabeth moved her blanket, uncovering a ring box.

Rocco said he was sure Dante hated how hard it was on Gio, and Lulu said she thought he was right. She had some regrets too, but now she thought Gio needed to figure out how great it was to have Dante for a father. Rocco said he was a good guy. Gio had to see that. Lulu said she thought he would, and he’d see how great it was to have Rocco for a brother. They hugged, when Laura came to the door. She told Lulu that heard it was a very eventful Nurses Ball.

Dante showed up at Sonny’s, and Sonny said he just missed Gio. Dante said he didn’t just miss Gio. He missed 22 years with his kid. He guessed that was Brook’s fault.  

Brook said she believed Lois loved her and believed Lois thought she was doing the right thing, but it was wrong. Not at the Nurses Ball. Were they thinking about Gio, standing up on stage, all alone, smashing his violin? He left the room shattered with nowhere to go and no one to trust. Think about that and tell her that everything they did was for the best for Lois’s grandson. Lois cried and Gio walked in.

Tuesday:

The pool is open! Trina and Kai went to the pool and met Emma there. Emma said her AC went out coming back from Niagara Falls with Gio, and Trina asked where he was now. Emma said she dropped him off at Sonny’s.

Dante told Sonny that he had a hard time seeing Brook the same way and owed Sonny an apology. When he found out Sonny was his father, he didn’t welcome Sonny with open arms. Sonny said they’d gone past that and moved on, and Dante said his mother lied and he gave her the benefit of the doubt, but he was having a hard time doing the same with Brook. Sonny said Dante could be angry with who he wanted, but the important thing was he had a son who was hurting.

Gloria said, thank God Gio came home to his family, but Gio said he wasn’t home and none of them were family. He was grabbing his stuff and leaving.

Alexis wondered if Marco was asking if she was laundering money, but he said, no. He had experience in international banking law and if she found herself entangled or the investment not working out the way she planned or she got in trouble, he was here to help.

Diane gave Ric her witness list and said she’d offered Willow a generous settlement. Ric said he had a few tricks up his sleeve and saw Kristina on the witness list.

In the hallway, Michael told Kristina that he was ready for this to be over, and Jason told Carly to keep cool on the stand. Do what it took to get her grandchildren away from Willow, even if she had to be civil. Drew and Willow came in with Nina, and Willow said she was terrified. Drew said he was here for her and so was her mother, and Nina said, don’t worry. Everything would work out just fine.

Tracy arrived and told Drew, sorry. She was fresh out of ketamine. Willow and Drew went into the courtroom and Drew told Ric that he was counting on him to convince the judge that Michael was no altar boy.

Sasha worried that Ric knew about her and Michael, but Jason said, he didn’t. But if she was called to the stand, she was good under pressure.

Diane said they were about to start and everyone went in. Michael told Jason that they had a problem.

Nina said hi to Sasha, who barely looked at her.

Lois said Gio had every right to be angry, but Brook had nothing to do with this. Gio asked Brook if they’d made her give him up.  

Dante said Gio was reeling, and Sonny said Dante knew what it was like to meet his father as an adult and could relate. Dante said he had a lot of years to make up for, and Sonny said if he and Dante got past it, Dante and Gio could work their way to each other. Dante said he had to get to the courthouse. He was testifying on Michael’s behalf. Sonny told him to go help his brother for both of them, they hugged, and Dante left.

Diane said she wasn’t putting Jason on the stand. Ric would question him about the incendiary device and would say his proximity to Sonny posed a danger to Michael’s children. He wasn’t wrong. Jason said he still wanted to support Michael, but she told him to support Michael from a distance. She asked if Michael was okay, and Michael said, no, but she was right. She said, always, and Michael said he’d be right in. He thanked Jason for understanding. Even after what she’d done, he hated raking Willow over the coals. Jason said it wasn’t about Willow. It was about the kids, and he had to keep them away from Drew. Michael was a great father, and his kids needed him. Jason left and Michael went inside.

Alexis thanked Marco, but said there was nothing to be concerned about. Dolos wasn’t a shell company, and she was perfectly comfortable with the investment. He said if she changed her mind or the investment came under scrutiny, there were ways to mitigate her personal risk. She thanked him, when her phone rang, and he left. She asked what Ric wanted, and he told her to get to the courthouse now. She said she didn’t have a court date, but he said, Kristina did.

Ric said Diane had added Kristina to the witness list. If she testified, she’d most like tell the story about Willow using Michael’s torched body as a bargaining chip. Alexis said, if Willow was worried about that, she shouldn’t have done it in the first place, and he said, like if Kristina didn’t want to go to prison, she shouldn’t have cut his brake lines. Alexis wondered what Diane could ask Kristina that had to do with the divorce, and Ric said, maybe nothing, but she never knew what her daughter might say that would open up a line of questioning. They were starting, so whatever she wanted to do, do it fast.

Josslyn walked into the pool area and Emma glared at her.

Sidwell and Jordan came to the pool and met Dalton at a table. Sidwell introduced Jordan and told her that Dalton was doing cutting edge research at PCU. Jordan said Sidwell told her that he was about to change the world, and Dalton said that was the plan. Josslyn told Trina and Kai that she had to work, but would see them on her next day off. She went over to Dalton’s table and Emma said she was sashaying over like she owned the place and cozying up to Dalton. Trina said Josslyn was working for him, and Emma said Trina’s bestie sabotaged her and stole the job that was practically hers.

Brook told Gio that she had no idea she had a son, but no one made her give him up. She was a teenager and wanted him to have parents who could love and care for him without needing to grow up themselves. Gio thanked her for being honest and got that she didn’t want him, but she said knowing she couldn’t care for him wasn’t the same thing. Gio said she would have found a way, and Brook said it was the hardest thing she’d ever done and carried it with her every day. Lois said, Brook loved Gio enough to give him a better life, even if it meant never seeing him again.

Judge Haran came in and asked to hear from the plaintiff. Diane said her client was seeking full custody of his minor children. They were going to prove the children’s mother abdicated her parental responsibility, beginning with her actions during an extramarital affair with Michael’s uncle. They were offering a 5-million-dollar settlement. Ric said Willow couldn’t be bought. She was a devoted mother and was seeking full custody. The judge told Diane to call her first witness.

On the stand, Carly said she was present at the Quartermaine Christmas party where the video of Willow and Drew having sex in the children’s nursery played, and Diane asked, what happened after it was viewed? Carly said she realized Willow and Nina had left, so she went to the gatehouse where Michael and Willow were living. She found Willow and her mother attempting to remove the children without Michael’s knowledge. Michael showed up before they could sneak away. Diane asked if he stopped them from leaving, but Carly said, he did not. He wanted to avoid confrontation, and Willow was emotionally unaware of how her actions were impacting the children. They were upset, but Willow was only concerned about how the night’s events were affecting her. Diane asked if it was difficult for Michael to watch Willow leaving with the children, and Carly said, it was heartbreaking, but he understood their well-being came first. Diane asked about Willow accompanying Drew to his inauguration, and Carly said Wiley called her. They were spending the night in a hotel suite, and she didn’t think Willow was aware he’d called. He said she was in Uncle Drew’s room. Diane asked if Michael had authorized the children’s transport across state lines, and Carly said, absolutely not.

Josslyn told Dalton that she’d sent out his proposal, and he introduced her to Sidwell. Sidwell said she seemed familiar, and Jordan said she was Carly’s daughter. Dalton said Josslyn was his new assistant, and Sidwell invited her to join them. Josslyn sat down, and Sidwell asked how she enjoyed working with Dalton. She said she couldn’t wait to get into the lab, and Dalton said his screening process was rigorous. He had to find people he trusted. He’d learned that lesson the hard way.

Chase took the stand, and Diane asked if he’d collected Wiley and Amelia from their grandmother’s penthouse. He said they had a court order to do so, and Diane asked if the children were upset. Chase said, not at all. Wiley was especially eager to go home. Diane asked if he hadn’t once been married to Willow, and he said, yes. She asked if Willow had been faithful, and he said, it was complicated. Diane said, yes, or no? and he said, no, she wasn’t.

Jason went to Sonny’s and told him that Diane changed her mind about him taking the stand. Sonny said he hated that the only thing he could do for his son was stay away and the only thing he could do for his grandson was wait him out. Gio had come by earlier and was angry, but Sonny hoped he could make up with his family. Jason said Gio wanted nothing to do with the Quartermaines, and Sonny said, he was especially mad at Lois and Gloria. Jason said, so were the Quartermaines. They were furious and they weren’t the only ones.

Gio asked why he should believe anything they said, and Lois said maybe he shouldn’t. They’d lied to him for his entire life, and she was sorry for that. Gloria told her not to apologize and told Gio not to act like they did a terrible thing. He had a good home, and Camilla was a wonderful mother. She loved him with all her heart, and he loved her the same. He said, then why did she lie to him every day of his life? Even on her deathbed, she didn’t tell him. Lois said they’d spoken to her before she passed, and she’d agreed it would be too confusing to tell him the truth. Brook said, she agreed? Did they pressure a dying woman into keeping their secret?

Ric asked who Willow cheated with, and Chase said, Michael. Ric asked if Michael knew she was married to Chase, and Chase said, he did. Ric had nothing further, and Diane asked to redirect. Did Willow know she was married to him? Chase said, of course (🍷), but… Diane thanked him. The judge told him to step down, then called for a 10-minute recess.

Drew asked if Ric planned on fighting back or was he going to hand the children over to Michael. Ric said, so far, there had been a lot of pearl clutching, even from Michael’s own mother, about him letting Willow take the kids. There were no kidnapping charges filed, and Diane was retreading old territory while they had new and compelling evidence to offer.  

Alexis got to the courtroom and asked to borrow her daughter. In the hallway, she told Kristina that she was getting her out before Kristina got them both thrown in prison.

Dalton said Sidwell had been generous in his support, and Sidwell said Dalton’s research was going to benefit the whole world. Dalton said, if only everybody saw it that way.

Trina told Emma that Josslyn wouldn’t take a job she hadn’t earned, and Kai said Josslyn would be spending the summer in a lab while they hung out at the pool. He intended to make the most of his freedom before training. He asked if Trina wanted to join him and they went into the pool.  

Gloria said Brook should be ashamed to accuse them of such a thing. It was Camilla’s choice. Lois said she didn’t want to pass on and have Gio grieving and questioning his entire life. Camilla made her wishes clear. She didn’t want to die with Gio thinking she wasn’t his mother. Gloria said if Camilla had wanted to tell him, they would have worked things out, and Brook said she got why they didn’t tell him before Camilla died, but afterward, she could have helped him. They made sure she never got the chance.

Diane told Dante that he was up next. Then Kristina, Tracy, and Michael was last. Dante said, Kristina left with Alexis, and Diane said she was testifying that Willow kept Michael’s family from him while he was fighting for his life in the burn unit. Carly said Diane could put her back on the stand, but Diane said they needed to hear from someone close to Michael who could clearly convey what happened. Michael said he thought he knew who could do it.

Sidwell asked Dalton to tell Jordan about his research, and Dalton said he was devising a process to help generate clean energy. Josslyn’s phone rang, she said she had to take it, and left.  

Back at her office, Alexis told Kristina that she was sorry if her absence hurt the case, but there was no choice. Marco came in and said Diane was looking for Alexis. Why wasn’t Kristina in court? Kristina said she was going to tell Diane that it was too triggering, and she was getting flashbacks from the last time Ric shredded her. It was believable. She told Marco that she didn’t think they’d met and introduced herself as the family embarrassment.

Jason asked how much forgiveness Lois needed from Sonny, and Sonny said he didn’t condone what she’d done, but he stood by their friendship because it was Lois. Dante and Brook were spinning and Gio felt the people he trusted the most lied to him. When he was on stage and broke his violin, it broke Sonny’s heart. (Same.) That instrument was his life, and he destroyed it. Jason suggested Gio was taking out his anger out on himself, and Sonny said he knew what it was like and didn’t want it for his grandson.

Brook told Lois and Gloria that they kept saying they wanted to protect Gio, yet they left him without any parents at all. Get out. They weren’t welcome there anymore. Lois said she’d pack her stuff, but Brook said she’d have the staff do it and send it to Bensonhurst. She wanted them out of her sight right now. Lois and Gloria left, Lois giving Brook a long stare (that I couldn’t exactly read).

On the stand, Dante said Michael wasn’t the intended target of the incendiary device. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Diane said, nothing further, and Ric asked Dante to tell the court what this was, giving him a folder. Dante said it looked like Michael’s criminal record, and Ric asked him to read the flagged passage. Dante read that Michael was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served time in Pentenville, and Ric said, nothing further. Diane asked for a redirect and asked Dante to please describe the surrounding circumstances. Dante said, Claudia Zacchara kidnapped Carly who was pregnant. By the time Michael found them, Carly had given birth to Josslyn. Claudia absconded with the baby and in stopping her, Michael accidentally killed her. So he went to prison for protecting his baby sister. Ric then asked, what was the weapon in question? and Dante said, an ax handle. Ric said, for the record, Michael was charged with involuntary manslaughter, not self-defense or justifiable homicide. He had nothing further.

Tracy was sworn in, and Carly got a text from Josslyn: Stay calm on the stand. Don’t lose your temper. Diane said Michael and Tracy had a publicly contentious relationship, yet she was a character witness. Why? Tracy said they had a contentious business relationship. Michael was the lynchpin of the Quartermaine family and was her late brother Alan and his wife Monica’s only biological grandson. He was the future of her family. Drew wanted everything Michael had, including his wife, who enthusiastically obliged. Ric objected and it was sustained.

Ric asked Tracy to explain her arrest, but Tracy asked, why? It was irrelevant. Judge Haran told her to answer the question, and Ric asked if Tracy was arrested for kidnapping Wiley and Amelia. Tracy said she was babysitting at Michael’s request. The children were restless, so she had her bodyguard Yuri take them for a drive. Ric asked if she was refusing to answer, and Tracy said it wasn’t about her. It was about Willow’s fitness as a parent. Willow professed to being the perfect mother, but she was so willing to let Drew use her children as a weapon against their family. Ric asked if she was charged with kidnapping, and the judge told her to answer. Tracy said, yes.  

Tracy left and Diane said she’d like to call Michael, when Josslyn walked in. Diane said, actually, she’d like to request a brief recess to confer with her witness, but Ric said she could prepare on her own time, not the court’s. Judge Haran said she was inclined to agree. Call her next witness or rest her case.

Sidwell said he had another engagement, but Jordan should stay and enjoy the sunshine. He left, and Jordan said she’d love to read more about Dalton’s work. He said he appreciated her interest, but his research was hush-hush, and she said that made her want to read it even more. Why the need for secrecy? He said, the simple answer was that he didn’t want his work subject to public scrutiny until it was complete.

Kai and Trina called for Emma to come in, and she got in the pool. Dalton looked at her and she looked back. (Again, hard to read. Is he a creeper? Is she annoyed?)

Marco said he was the new associate and had only heard good things about Kristina. He left and Alexis said they couldn’t risk Ric questioning her. Kristina wondered if this was how it was going to be. Ric would say jump and Alexis would ask, how high? Alexis said Kristina tried to kill someone and almost killed two people. She didn’t get to be picky about how Alexis covered it up.

Lois went to Sonny’s and said she and Gloria were heading back to Bensonhurst. Her daughter wanted nothing to do with her. Sonny said, she would, but Lois said they’d see about that. Sonny offered to talk to Brook on Lois’s behalf, but Lois said, don’t bother. She was worried about Gio. He had no one looking out for him. Sonny said he’d do everything he could for their grandson, and she said that was all she could ask. She thanked him and left.

Brook said she’d like it if Gio stayed. They could work through this. He said he got it. They were both lied to, but the fact was, none of them wanted him. The feeling was mutual. He walked out.

On the stand, Josslyn said, Willow used the status of Michael’s medical proxy to bar the family from him. He’d filed for divorce, so they were estranged. Michael needed to be surround by family, but it didn’t matter. Willow used Michael’s life-threatening medical condition to get what she wanted and ignored the impact on the family, putting her child’s father’s health in jeopardy. Diane asked where Drew was, and Josslyn said, next to Willow. Diane gave it over to Ric, who said, when Willow forbade the family from seeing Michael, was it after Josslyn’s mother ruthlessly stole the children from their home? Josslyn said, no, and Ric said she didn’t have her niece and nephew taken by her mother? Josslyn said she did, but they were staying with their grandmother. They weren’t removed from their home. Her mother had a court order, so a judge felt they shouldn’t be under Willow’s care. It was perfectly legal. Ric said Josslyn testified that Willow took drastic action after the family used the legal system to separate her from her children. Wouldn’t any mother do anything to fight for her children? Diane objected and said Josslyn wasn’t an expert in motherhood, and the judge said, sustained. Ric said Willow’s only desire was to be reunited with her children. Wasn’t that all she wanted? Carly whispered, don’t take the bait, and everyone waited.

Wednesday:

Anna thanked Jack for stopping by her office. It wasn’t about official police business, but entirely personal.

Emma got out of the pool and Gio gave her a towel. He said he’d been hired as a lifeguard, but was pitching in. He couldn’t stay with her and her grandmother forever. She asked if he’d gotten all the answers he needed.

Lucky directed Elizabeth, sans cast, to a gazebo where a beautiful table was set for dinner. She asked what the occasion was, and he said, her getting her cast off. He thought she’d appreciate a change of scenery and they had a lot to celebrate.

Sonny met Laura at a table by the pool, and she asked if it wasn’t the day of Michael’s hearing. He said he thought it was better if he stayed away. She congratulated him on his new grandson and said that’s why she wanted to meet. She was afraid it would have huge repercussions for the entire family.

Brook stormed into Lulu’s house and Lulu asked what she wanted. Brook said she wanted to know why Lulu blew her son’s life to hell.

Ric asked Josslyn if it wasn’t true that her sister-in-law only desired to be a good mother, but Josslyn said she didn’t know. They weren’t close. She did recall something Willow said at the Nurses Ball though. They were in the ladies’ room and Willow told her that nothing was more important than being with Drew.

Elizabeth said the cast kept her from doing the things she loved, like dancing with him, and Lucky took out his phone. She said, not here, but he said, why not? and put on music. They danced.

Gio told Emma that he’d gotten some answers from Sonny, who had no idea Gio was his grandson. He went back to the Quartermaines’ to get his stuff and ran into Brook, Lois, and Gloria. It was World War III. Lois confirmed that Brook didn’t know he was her son, but that didn’t change the fact that she didn’t want him. Emma said she was sorry, and he said he didn’t know what to believe. Aside from her, the only person he trusted was Sonny. He saw Sonny sitting with Laura and said, and now he wasn’t sure about that.

Laura said there was tension between Lulu and Dante, when Gio interrupted. He asked if Sonny was keeping tabs on him.

Brook said she’d had another ugly encounter with her son, and Lulu said she wasn’t the one who gave up Gio and lied to Dante. Brook said, but she was the one digging into things that were none of her business and was responsible for Gio finding out in the worst way possible. Lulu went at it with Lois backstage where anyone could overhear. Lulu said if she could change it, she would, but Gio was suffering because Brook’s mother perpetuated a huge lie. That wasn’t on her. Brook said she blamed her mother and grandmother, but Lulu couldn’t deny her part in it. She was no way off the hook.

Willow jumped up and said, that was out of context, and the judge told her to sit down and refrain from further outbursts. Ric asked if there was anything more, and Josslyn said it was fuzzy after that. Things escalated when Drew barged in the ladies’ room, threatened her, and told her to stay away from Willow. He said Michael would lose his kids. Ric had no further questions, and Diane called Michael Corinthos III to the stand.

Diane asked if Michael loved his wife and he said he did. She said he not only married her, but made her the adoptive mother to his biological son Wiley, so he must have held her in the highest esteem. He said he did, and she asked if that continued today. He said he was in love and thought it had blinded him to certain red flags. Willow grew up in a cult, Dawn of Day, and he thought she’d suffered from that upbringing more than he’d realized. Ric objected, saying it was speculation, but Diane said Michael had direct insight on his wife’s character. Judge Haran allowed it, and Diane asked him to elaborate. Michael said Willow was taught not to think for herself and to bend to the will of others. She did that with the cult leader Shiloh and was doing it now. She was willing to do whatever Drew wanted even to the detriment of her children. Diane asked for an example, and he said she was a very damaged person. Unless and until her issues were resolved, he didn’t believe she was capable of providing a safe and stable home for their children.

Dalton sat next to Emma and said it was nice to see her again.

Jack said he’d never heard of Dalton, and Anna said he was a world-renowned physicist working on a highly classified project in Port Charles. He was working at Northern Coastal in Berkeley up until a year ago in a secure restricted lab. A student group tried to break in and vandalize the lab, but security caught them before they did any damage. What he was working on was so classified, rather than risk exposure, they had the students sign an NDA and expelled them instead of pressing charges. Within the month, Dalton left Northern Coastal and wound up in Port Charles. Jack said, it could be innocuous, but Anna said it had the earmarks of someone avoiding scrutiny. Dalton specialized in cold fusion. He asked what she thought was going on, and she said her gut was telling her that he was working on something big and potentially dangerous.

Laura told Gio that she asked Sonny to meet her there. It was her idea. Gio apologized and said he was on overload. Sonny said everything was confusing and introduced Laura, saying she was Rocco’s grandmother. Laura said she’d been meaning to reach out and thank him for what he did for Rocco the night he had alcohol poisoning. He was a good friend. Gio said he wished he’d done more. Now he was Rocco’s half-brother. Laura said she was looking forward to getting to know him better, and Gio said he had to get back to work. He left, and Laura said, clearly, Gio was in pain. Sonny said he wished he could do more to help.

Brook said she’d asked Lulu to back off, but Lulu kept digging, even after she said it would hurt her son. Lulu said once she suspected Gio was Dante’s son, she couldn’t drop it, and Brook asked how she figured it out. Lulu said she got suspicious when Dante ripped into Gio after Rocco’s alcohol poisoning and Lois got over the top protective. Things fell into place, especially when she found out Camilla was never pregnant. Brook said she should have stayed out of it, and Lulu asked if Brook really didn’t want to know she was Gio’s mother.

Ric said Michael alleged that Willow was incapable of giving their children a safe and stable environment due to her upbringing, but they should look at Michael’s. He was raised by Sonny Corinthos, a well-known crime lord. Diane started to object, and Ric said, withdrawn. There was no denying that Michael grew up surrounded by violence. He was shot in the head as a child with a bullet meant for his father and Dante had testified that he was caught in a firebomb at the penthouse, which was why he’d been absent from his children’s lives. Even if he wasn’t the target, it didn’t seem like a safe and stable environment for children to grow up in.

Ric said it wasn’t the first time Michael had manipulated the legal system to exact revenge. He’d sued his own father for custody of his half-sister Avery. Ric wanted to revisit the topic of Claudia Zacchara. Involuntary manslaughter was a serious crime.

Elizabeth thanked Lucky for going to all this trouble, and he said he’d thought about this since they were kids. She said, a picnic in a gazebo? but he said it was just the setting for the main event. She asked, what main event? and he said, this, showing her the ring.

Jack asked how Anna knew about the break-in, and she said she did some digging. He said, because Emma was a student? and she said that’s why it was personal. She would involve herself, but he had more resources and latitude. She knew she was on to something. He said he thought it was more like she was being an overprotective grandmother and wondered if it was impairing her usually impeccable judgement.

Dalton said he knew Emma was upset at not getting the job and hoped she didn’t hold it against him, and she said she was sorry she took it badly. She’d been disappointed. He said he had no idea it meant so much to her, and she said she enjoyed his class. She was jealous that Josslyn got to work so closely with him. Vaughn watched them from a nearby table.

Sonny told Laura that he’d spoken to Gio, who wanted to know if he’d known the truth. He hadn’t and thought Gio believed him. He hoped they could keep building a solid relationship. Laura said she thought they could. Gio knew he could talk to Sonny. Sonny said Gio was upset with Dante and Brook, and Laura said she knew Dante had a terrible fight with Lulu. She expected there would be friction for a while. That’s why she thought it was important for both of them to keep an eye out for Rocco. She had the feeling he could use the extra support.

Brook asked if Lulu expected a thank you, and Lulu said she at least expected Brook to stop acting like it was the worst thing ever. Brook said it was up there, and Lulu wasn’t the heroine in the story. Lulu said she wasn’t the villain either, and Brook said, whatever she had to tell herself. Yes. She’d rather be in the dark and sparing Gio the pain. Lulu said Gio would have a family – a father, brother, and a mother again – but Brook said she didn’t know if that was true. Gio pushed them away, and based how furious he was, she didn’t think that was ever going to change.

Diane asked if Michael had contact with his children while he was recovering in Germany, and he said they spoke on the phone. She asked if Willow facilitated the calls, but he said his sister Kristina did. Diane asked if Willow made a concentrated effort to connect him with his children, but he said, no. She said, since the adultery was exposed, had Willow made every action to separate him from his children? and he said, yes. Diane said Willow transported them across state lines for a trip with Drew and he was not advised? and he said, yes, correct. She asked if he’d been advised that on April 14th, Willow signed and filed a document appointing Drew Cain as the children’s guardian in the event anything happened to her, and Michael said, no. She said, no further questions, and submitted photos of Congressman Drew Cain, the guardian of her client’s children, engaging in a frolic with a woman convicted multiple times for solicitation. She asked for the court’s attention on the monitor and showed proof of Willow’s adultery with her uncle-in-law in the children’s nursery playroom. The video played and she rested her case.

Ric said Nina had seen the footage before, and Nina said, at the Quartermaines’ Christmas party. He asked how it came about, and Nina said, Tracy accidentally played it from Michael’s phone. It was from an app. Michael had secretly installed a nanny-cam without her daughter’s knowledge. (Not sure how this applies, since it wasn’t like he would think that would happen.) Ric said it was odd that Michael knew and never said anything, and Nina said, at first, he kept it a secret from Willow. Ric asked if she agreed with what Carly said went down at the gatehouse, and Nina said they did want to leave, and Carly tried to stop them. But when Willow insisted the children needed be with their mother, Michael never put up a fight and gave her permission to take the children. He asked if the children were upset, but she said, not at all, and he asked if it was fair to say Willow loved her children and they loved her back. Nina said Willow was the best mother she’d ever seen. Her children adored her. In her opinion, Michael didn’t want custody. He was just angry and punishing Willow for falling out of love with him.

Diane asked when Nina last spoke with her son-in-law, and Nina said she tried to speak with him at the Nurses Ball, but he was too busy snatching her grandson. Diane said, just answer the question, and Nina said, not since before he went to the hospital. Diane said, the same night he filed for custody, so her opinion on his motives for wanting custody was just speculation, and Nina said, yes.

Felicia went to Anna’s office and asked if she was interested in a bite, but Anna said she’d lost her appetite. Jack was there and she asked him to investigate something she was suspicious of that involved Emma. He accused her of being over-protective. She asked Felicia to put on her P.I. hat. She’d give Felicia the facts and Felicia could tell her if that was the case.

On the phone, Vaughn said he was hanging by the pool… No problem. He’d come right over. He left.

Dalton asked what Emma’s plans for the summer were, but she said she hadn’t figured them out. She might take an internship with a cosmetics lab, but it wouldn’t be like working in his lab. Was there any chance they could meet met up sometime? She had so many questions about things they’d talked about in class. He said he’d be delighted. His door was always open.

Josslyn’s phone dinged and she told Carly that it was work. She left, and Ric asked Sasha her occupation. She said she’d been the cook at the Quartermaines’ for a little over a year. He asked if during that time she witnessed any interaction between Michael and Willow, and she said she had. She even babysat the kids. He asked her to describe their relationship, and she said there was nothing out of the ordinary until she saw Willow kiss Drew on the 4th of July last year. He asked how she felt, and she said she was stunned and felt bad for Michael. They were friends. He said they were once engaged. Was their romantic relationship sexual in nature? Diane said it was irrelevant, but Ric said it spoke of the nature of their relationship, and the judge told Ric to proceed with caution. Sasha said, during the course of their relationship, they had sex, and Ric asked when their relationship ended. She said, 2021, and he asked, when was the last time they had sex?

Vaughn said he had Dalton under surveillance, and Jack said they hit a major snag. As they suspected, Anna was on to Dalton and close to launching her own investigation. Vaughn said, that could spook Dalton and send him underground, and Jack said, or worse, he could halt his research. They didn’t want him selling it, but they did want the technology for themselves. Anna couldn’t get in their way.  

Felicia wondered how Emma would feel about Anna asking the WSB to look into her professor, and Anna said, Emma would tell her that she was overstepping. But she felt she was on to something. Felicia said, was she, or was she overcompensating because of Robin?

Dalton told Emma to let him know when she wanted to meet up, and she said she’d be in touch.

Laura said she was sure everything would be done to shield Rocco, and Sonny said he was a sensitive kid. He’d figure it out. Laura said she thought it was important that he knew he could talk to them. She thought they should present a united front to show the whole family wasn’t torn apart. Sonny said he thought Rocco had a wise grandma, when Boyle approached the table with his phone recording. He said it was their esteemed mayor with Public Enemy Number One. Smile for the camera. It was a livestream for the people of Port Charles.

Lulu said she was sure Gio would come around, but Brook said she wasn’t. It didn’t have to be this way and would have been different if Lulu had come to her and let her decide. Lulu said she thought Brook would keep lying, and Brook said Lulu made a huge life-changing decision for her and her kid. She should have respected Brook as a mother instead of trashing her entire life. Congratulations. Lulu always wanted to destroy her life and finally succeeded.

Ric asked, when was the last time Sasha and Michael had sex? and Sasha said she didn’t understand why he was asking. He said he thought she did, and Diane objected. Judge Haran told him to get to the point, and he asked if Sasha was at the Brown Dog Bar on October 30, 2024. She said, yes, and he asked what she did. She said, drink, and he asked, how many? She said she didn’t know. She was upset after finding out her boyfriend was her cousin. He said, when she left, was she alone? and she said it was none of his business. The judge told her to answer, and she said she left with someone. Ric asked who she left with and reminded her that she was under oath. She said she left with Michael.  

Vaughn suggested Josslyn get involved, but Jack said she was too green to go up against a former agent. Vaughn said he knew how to handle Devane.

Anna said she’d always regret not being there for Robin when Stone died and she was diagnosed with HIV, and Felicia said she didn’t have to be over-protective because of it. Anna said, what if both things were true? She over-compensated, but she also trusted her instincts and they were telling her Dalton was working on something illegal.

Gio asked, who was that guy? and Emma said her professor. Gio said, the physics guy, and she asked if he was still there. He said, yeah. Why? She took off her towel, revealing her bikini bottoms, and Dalton watched.

Lucky said he’d loved Elizabeth almost his entire life, since the first day they met. They had their had ups downs, and he knew they’d been through so much. It seemed like madness, but they’d also matured a lot – her more than him perhaps, but deep down, the connection was still there. He believed more than ever they could still have the life they’d envisioned since they were teenagers. He got down on one knee and said all he wanted was to spend the rest of his days with her and Aiden and her boys. So would she do him the honor of marrying him… again? She said she loved him so much, but the answer was no.

Sonny said he was in no mood, and Boyle said this was why when the people hit the polls, they should vote for Ezra Boyle for mayor and vote yes on Measure C. Laura asked if he was done, but Boyle said he had so much more. Gio walked by with a stack of towels and accidentally on purpose knocked him into the pool. Gio said he was so sorry. He hadn’t seen Boyle. Laura and Sonny laughed as Boyle flailed around in the pool, and Laura said she liked that grandson of Sonny’s. Sonny said, he’s a winner.

Lulu said it was unbelievable. She was just trying to do the right thing and Brook and Dante were thinking the worst of her. Brook said she was glad to hear Dante didn’t believe Lulu’s act, and Lulu said, at least they knew Gio was their son. How it played out was up to them. She was out. She started to walk away, but Brook asked if she thought it was going to be that easy. Lulu was going to blow up her life and walk away? If she did, she was in for a rude awakening. Brook walked out.

Ric said Sasha and Michael left the bar after consuming a lot of drinks. Did they have sexual relations that night? Unless she wanted her baby born in Spring Ridge, answer truthfully. Sasha said, yes. They left the bar and had sex, and he said, here they were, 9 months later. He understood she was claiming Jason Morgan was the father. Was that really true? Or is Michael Corinthos actually the father? Sasha said Ric was a disgusting creep. Yes. It was true. Michael was the father of her baby.

Thursday:

Lucky asked Elizabeth to marry him – again – and she said she loved him so much, but her answer was no. He asked if she meant no now or forever.

At the pool, Lucas met Marco with a Mai Tai, and they clinked glasses.

Maxie met Sonny at a poolside table and asked why he wanted to meet privately. He said he didn’t want Lucy’s spin on it and asked how badly Deception needed Sidwell. She said, right now, they needed Sidwell more than they needed him.

Curtis told Portia to relax, and she said they were sleeping in separate bedrooms. How was she supposed to relax? He said he didn’t want the family to figure out something was wrong and ask questions.

Kai and Trina arrived at her house, Kai bearing flowers.

Jason met Anna at the park, and she said she needed his help. He’d be helping Carly too.

Jack said, Josslyn saw Sidwell and Dalton together? and she said she’d seen on Dalton’s calendar that he had a meeting at the pool. It being Sidwell was just a lucky break, and she was asked to join them. Jack asked if she’d learned anything interesting, and she said Sidwell was sponsoring Dalton’s research.

Ric said, on October 30th, Sasha had sex with Michael which resulted in her pregnancy, and she said, yes. He said, on October 30th, the night before Willow and Drew made love (gag), but she said she wasn’t there. She had no idea. He said, to the best of her knowledge, as far as she knew, was Michael unfaithful first?

Elizabeth said told Lucky that she didn’t see a way of their lives fitting together, and Lucky said he’d disappeared before and didn’t blame her for thinking he wasn’t going to stick around for the long haul, but he knew he could, and he wanted to. She said she loved having him there, and he’d hold on to the ring and prove every day that he was in it for the long haul. She said she believed him, but he had to ask himself, would it really make him happy?

Trina said she hoped Drew would focus on someone else and get off Portia’s back for a while. The doorbell rang, and Trina opened the door to Marshall. He asked how his favorite granddaughter was, and they hugged.

Maxie said, Sonny’s investment kept Deception afloat at a crucial time, but they’d made the money back several times over. Their Youth Truth serum was going through the roof, and the more demand for the product, the more zincite they needed. Sonny asked if Sidwell was the only one who could access it, and she said if he knew someone else who was sitting on a pile of it, introduce her. She’d heard the stories, and wasn’t happy working with Sidwell, but right now they were making money because of him. Money she needed because her kids refused to stop growing and eating. So she was putting her misgivings aside until he gave her a reason not to. Natalia walked in, saw Marco, went to the bar, and ordered a vodka soda.

Jason asked what Carly had to do with it, and Anna said, the new professor at PCU, Henry Dalton, was doing extensive research. It looked above board, but she was concerned that it was more dangerous than he was letting on. She needed help to prove she was right. Jason said he didn’t see what that had to do with Carly, and she said, Dalton hired a new research assistant – Josslyn.

Josslyn asked if she should get close to Sidwell, but Jack said he’d take care of Sidwell. Concentrate on monitoring Dalton. What was inside this box would allow her to clone the contents of his phone. He also knew Anna was suspicious of Dalton. She said, because of Emma, and he said Anna was determined to go after him. She said they needed to find a way to discredit Emma so Anna would stop looking, and he said they couldn’t attract Anna’s attention to the Bureau and had to let it blow over.

Ric asked, how inebriated was Michael? but Sasha said he’d have to ask Michael. He asked if drugs were involved, and she said, absolutely not. He asked if Michael had cheated with other women, and Diane objected. He withdrew the question and said, her witness. Diane said, let’s talk timelines. Sasha testified that she’d witnessed Willow and Drew share a kiss on July 4th, 2024. In a subsequent conversation, did she tell Sasha about a second kiss in early September? Sasha said, yes, and Diane asked if Willow confessed the nature of her feelings. Sasha said Willow told her that she had feelings for Drew that she couldn’t control, and Diane said, let the record reflect both the kisses and Willow characterizing her feelings happened before October 30th. Judge Haran said, so noted, and Diane had nothing further. The judge told Sasha to step down, but Ric had a redirect and asked how much Michael paid her to hid the fact she was carrying his baby.

Natalia said she was glad she ran into Marco, and he introduced her to Lucas. She said, nice to meet him. She needed to talk to Marco alone. Lucas said he’d be at the bar, and left. Marco asked if she realized how incredibly rude she was, and she said she was sorry, but they had important family business to discuss. Allison still wasn’t returning her calls. Could he please ask her to return one text or call. She’d like to join Allison on tour, and they needed to discuss things. Marco said, despite his better judgement, he introduced her to Lucas, who was important to him. Instead of making an effort, she wanted him to convince his sister to bring her on tour. Natalia said stop making her the bad guy. Allison needed to stop her tantrum and realize she needed her.  

Maxie told Sonny that she needed to take care of something quick and went over to Lucas. She said, please tell her that complete snack wearing the hell out of that swimsuit was Marco. He said it was, and she said she needed details. He could start with what Marco and his mother were fighting about. They didn’t look happy. Natalia told Marco to let her explain, as Sonny watched them.

Marshall said it was good to see them, and Curtis said, Aunt Stella and TJ were sorry, but they had to work late. Marshall said he was sorry he wouldn’t be there long enough to them, but it was just a short stop over, then the tour was back on the road. Curtis said they loved him and were proud of him. He was touring with Wynton Marsalis. Trina introduced Kai to Marshall, and Kai said it was nice to finally meet him. Marshall said he’d enjoyed Kai’s games. He had impressive improv skills and Marshall was sorry his career got cut short. Kai said he was on his way back to playing. It was miraculous. He’d met some who made it their mission to get him on the field again.

Elizabeth said she fell in love so young. The feeling had never gone away, and she couldn’t imagine it ever would. Loving him meant she wanted his happiness as much as her own. He said, being with her made him happy, but she said it meant being in Port Charles, the same town, the same house, and the same routine. She knew it was too small of a place for him and the last thing she wanted was for him to live an unfulfilled life just to prove himself to her. Was Port Charles really where he wanted to be?

Sasha said, Michael didn’t pay… She doubled over and Ric asked if she was all right. She said she was fine, and he asked if Michael told her to keep their tryst a secret, but she said they both felt no one else needed to know. He asked, why? and she said because she worked for his family, loved her job, and didn’t want to jeopardize it. He asked what Michael’s reason was, and she said she couldn’t speak for him, but she knew he still loved Willow, even after he found out she’d kissed his uncle, so maybe that. He said, when she found out she was pregnant, did she tell Michael? and she said, yes. He asked if Michael instructed her to keep it secret, but she said, no. She was the one who insisted. Michael was willing to claim the child publicly, but she asked him not to. She knew what was coming for Michael and Willow and didn’t want her baby going through that. She wanted to protect her baby from a life where the people around them tear each other… She gasped in pain.

Lucky said he loved Elizabeth and wanted to be with her, but maybe she was right. Port Charles would always be important, but it wasn’t his home anymore. Being there full time wouldn’t fulfill him, at least right now. Elizabeth thanked him for being honest, and he said he’d give anything to be the kind of person who was content staying, but she said, if he was, he wouldn’t be the person she loved. He said it was unfair. They’d just found their way back to each other. She said it would be more unfair if she asked him to stay, and he suggested she leave with him instead. They could go see the world together.

Trina told Marshall about the day Josh came early and Kai was on his pain meds. He just kept petting her sweater and saying, fuzzy. They all laughed, and Kai said Josh was a great guy, but he couldn’t wait until he could play again and his part in the documentary was over. Trina said, or they could go out in public without someone following them asking questions. Marshall said it was both flattering and a chore, and Kai said, Congressman Cain was generous enough to arrange and pay for his surgery. He felt the documentary was the least he could do.  

Anna said Josslyn would be working closely with Dalton, and Jason said she needed to tell him everything she knew about the professor. Anna said she became suspicious when the Emma thing didn’t add up. Dalton taught at Emma’s previous university. She was arrested for protesting his research, but instead of charging the students, the university swept it under the rug. It was almost as if the school didn’t want to call attention to it. After that, Dalton turned up there at PCU. Jason said none of that told him that it was worth investigating, but she said, the fact that the WSB was looking into it should.

Marco said Ally had worked up the courage to tell Natalia who she really was, and Natalia pushed her aside, like she did him. Natalia said she was trying to be better, and she was better, but Marco said, not enough. In the years when he needed a mother, she wasn’t there. The best thing to do was leave Ally alone and stay away from him too.

Sasha said she thought she was in labor, and Rick suggested it was cheap theatrics. Michael yelled at him to back off and ran up to Sasha, and Judge Haran adjourned the court while the witness got medical attention. Michael promised Sasha that it would be okay, and she said it wasn’t supposed to happen for another month. She couldn’t lose the baby. It couldn’t be like Liam. He said it wouldn’t. They’d get her to the hospital on time. She said there was no time. The baby was coming now. Willow said, let her help.

Willow asked if Sasha was feeling pressure or the urge to push, and Michael asked if she thought she could make it to the hospital, but Sasha said she wasn’t going anywhere. The pain was too strong. He said the paramedics were on their way, but Willow said they wouldn’t be on time. Sasha’s water broke and her contractions were two minutes apart. The baby was coming any second.

Lucky said they could see the world together. Elizabeth was an amazing nurse. Think of the good they could do. Every day would be an adventure. (Packing now.) Elizabeth said, what about their son? and Lucky said he could come too. His parents bounced around. She said he was born into that life and didn’t know any different. Aiden had friends and family here. He had school and Tobias. He was graduating soon and would apply for college. She didn’t know if he wanted to be uprooted. He said, Aiden came first, but when he went to college, they were free and could go wherever they wanted. Elizabeth said it wasn’t just Aiden. She had a life here too, that she loved. She had friends and family and a career that she didn’t want to leave behind. It would make her as unhappy as he would be if he stayed.

Natalia said she knew she made a mistake and wanted to make it right if Marco would give her the chance, but Marco said he had. And she disappointed him every time. He was done thinking she was going to change and done with this conversation. Go get drunk somewhere else. She walked away and Sonny asked her to have a seat. She sat with him and said, when she tried to fix things with her kids, why did she make it worse? He said they were hurt. She needed to give them space. They’d come around when they were ready. She said Marco’s father was doing everything in his power to keep them apart, and Sonny said, Marco seemed like a smart guy. Sooner or later, he’d realize he needed his mommy. Natalia asked why Sonny was being so nice.

Jason asked how Anna knew the WSB was involved, and she said, Brennan. He said, Jack told her? and she said, he may as well have. When she told him her suspicions, he completely dismissed them out of hand. He said her judgement was clouded because of Emma. Jason asked if there was any chance he was right, and she said she was good at what she did. It didn’t behoove Jack to wave off her suspicions. He asked if she thought Jack was trying to throw her off, and she said she was certain of it. The fact that he said there was nothing there meant there was definitely something there. She had no idea about the WSB’s plan, but if it warranted their attention… He said, it’s got to be big, and she said, and therefore dangerous. Josslyn had no idea what she was being pulled into.

Jack said, in order to avoid Anna’s scrutiny, she needed to believe Josslyn was who she thought Josslyn was, and Josslyn said she was a hard-working college student with a job in a science lab. Josslyn said, if Anna asked any questions, she didn’t know what Anna was talking about. Jack said if Anna popped in the lab, Josslyn would be surprised. Under no circumstances was she to run interference. Was he clear?   

On the phone in the hallway, Carly said, what did they mean, the paramedics couldn’t get through?… There was a protest about Measure C? Tell them that a woman was having a baby and to come now.

Drew told Ric that he was nervous at first… Nina interrupted and said, what the hell was Ric doing? He said his job, and she said she gave him everything, even the contact information on the bartender who saw Sasha and Michael leave together. All he had to do was establish they’d had an affair. Carly stormed over and said, it was her. Nina was the reason Ric found out it was Michael’s baby.

Lucky said he fell in love with Elizabeth the moment he saw her sneaking a cigarette outside Kelly’s all those years ago, and he never stopped loving her. He’d always love her. She said she’d always love him. She wouldn’t be who she was today without him. They used to want the same things, but the people they grew into… He said, not so much.

Lucas asked what was with Marco’s mom, and Marco said, same as always. Lucas said he was sorry. If Marco wanted to talk, he was there. Natalia seemed upset. Marco asked if that was Lucas’s way of telling him that he was too hard on her.

Sonny said he’d been where Natalia was at with his son Michael. They were able to find their way back to each other and he thought her kids would do the same. She had to back off and let it happen. Maxie waved to him from the bar, and he said he had a meeting and asked her to think about what he said. She said, yeah, and thanked him. Sonny left, and she looked at Marco. She called Sidwell and said she was done letting him put her off. He owed her and she was coming over to collect. She drained her drink and left.

Portia said, Michael showed up? and Trina said she left out the part about Willow seeing Wiley running into Michael’s arms. It was quite an entrance and exit. He picked up Wiley and walked out. Portia said she was sorry she missed it, and Trina asked why they had to leave early. Portia said she told Trina. They both had work in the morning, plus her father had to phone some affiliates in Japan. But they were there for the most important part, Trina’s song.  

On the patio, Marshall said Kai seemed like a solid young man, and Curtis said he was and he treated Trina well. Marshall said that was all that mattered, but something Kai said had him worried, and Curtis said he thought positively about Drew. Marshall said they both new Drew Cain didn’t deserve his admiration, and Curtis said Drew had been good to Kai, but he hoped Drew didn’t turn on Kai the way Drew turned on him.

Willow said Sasha was doing great. She could do this. Sasha said she couldn’t lose another child, and Michael said the baby would be fine. From the information she’d sent him, he knew the baby was healthy and strong. She’d done everything right and she was going to come through the pregnancy. She was one of strongest people he’d met, and he knew she could do this one last thing. Willow said the baby was crowning. This was it. Take a deep breath and one last big push. Sasha pushed.

Carly said Sasha was Nina’s friend. How could Nina betray her like this? Drew said it happened because Carly insisted on a court date. Now Michael would know she betrayed him, and he’d lose custody of his children. Carly said he didn’t give a damn about Wiley and Amelia. He was helping Willow to hurt Michael. Nina said Carly was trying to take Willow’s children from her to hurt Willow, but Carly said she was protecting her grandchildren. Willow had lost all sense of decency and common sense to be with Drew. Drew said they loved each other and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. He didn’t know why she couldn’t accept that. Carly said she wasn’t the only one who had a problem with him. She knew for a fact Nina was the one who hired Jacinda and had him drugged.  

Sasha wondered why the baby wasn’t crying. Please tell her the baby was okay. The baby began to cry, and Willow picked up the biggest preemie in history. She said, it’s a girl.  

Elizabeth asked if Lucky planned on leaving Port Charles soon, and he said, yeah. He knew it was sudden, but being here and knowing they couldn’t be together hurt too much. He should find Aiden and talk to him. He had no clue how to tell Aiden that he was leaving again. Elizabeth said she might have a thought.

Josslyn told Jack that if she saw Anna, she was her friendly neighborhood student assistant, and he said he’d take care of Devane. She asked what he was going to do, and he said he was just informing her. It was her job to concentrate on the mission and not question outside her purview.

Anna said she couldn’t be 100% certain her suspicions were correct, but Jason said, the fact that the WSB was interested pointed to her being right. Anna said, now Emma was going after Dalton. Emma denied it, but she knew and couldn’t allow her to get involved where she might get hurt. She needed to find out what Dalton was working on and what he intended to do with it. Jason said, and if Josslyn is in danger, and Anna said she couldn’t get directly involved. Dalton would know the WSB had eyes on him. She needed him to look into Dalton for her, but promise not to confront him directly. He said he’d take care of it.

Sonny thanked Maxie for the meeting, and she said she wanted to make sure he wasn’t offended. He said, no, but he thought they should be more careful. Sidwell knew when he invested in Deception that Sonny was an investor. He was positive Sidwell’s interest in Deception was actually an interest in him.

Lucas told Marco that his relationship with his mom had a lot of ups and downs, but they were both willing to work on their issues and got through it. It was hard to believe she was gone. They lost a lot of time fighting, but when they worked things out… Marco asked if it was Lucas’s subtle way of telling him not to cut his mother out, but Lucas said it wasn’t his place. He was just offering his own experience. Marco said he was glad Lucas did, and took his hand.

A police officer gave Natalia a breathalyzer test and said it was .12, way over the limit. Natalia said she felt fine, but the officer said she was under arrest for driving while intoxicated. She argued as he cuffed her and read her rights.

On the patio, Kai left to get Marshall a refill, and Trina said, so? Marshall said he seemed like a nice young man. Did he make her happy? She said, so happy, and he said that was all they needed to worry about. She said she missed him, and he said he missed her too. More than he could ever say.

Portia said she’d told Trina that she and Curtis left early because they had work in the morning and he had a call from affiliates in Japan, and he said she was good at making up stories these days. Portia said she was sick of it. The snide comments, the tension, and straight up anger he’d been throwing her way. He said, deal with it. They can’t figure out what to do about their marriage until he finds Jacinda and pays her off to say Drew hired her for sex then took ketamine on purpose. (He’s out of the loop.)

Willow gave the baby to Sasha and Sasha said she was so beautiful. Michael said she was amazing, and thanked Willow, who nodded. They all looked at the baby, and the paramedics came in with a gurney.  

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Marshall says he’s overjoyed at how happy Trina is with Kai, but Kai’s admiration for Drew Cain is a bit unsettling. Curtis says he doesn’t like it either, but he hopes Kai sees the truth about Drew. Marshall says he hopes it happens sooner rather than later.

Molly goes into the interrogation room and as she’s looking at a folder, she says she’s here to ask a few questions of… Miss Ramirez. A still drunk Natalia says she doesn’t appreciate being held like a common criminal. She holds up her cuffed wrists and says, look at this. It’s harassment because she knows Sonny Corinthos. Tell the police they’re not going to get away with it.

Jordan says, since the Nurses Ball, Sidwell has been well-received. She thinks he should donate to the July 4th celebration, keeping him in the spotlight as a philanthropist both corporately and as a citizen. He says he’d like to look into it, when Marco comes in. Marco says he doesn’t mean to interrupt, but Sidwell says, he’s not. They’re just wrapping up. Unless of course (🍷) … Jordan says she has one last question, about Henry Dalton.

Jason says he’ll get what he can on Henry Dalton and confirm the WSB’s interest in him, and Anna thanks him. He says he’ll be discrete, and she says she appreciates it. ADA Turner comes by and says, it’s a nice night for a stroll, but a curious place for a chat. Or did she interrupt a meeting?

In Sasha’s hospital room, Michael says, the baby is so beautiful, and Sasha says, the doctors say she’s perfect, even if she did come early. Sonny comes in and says he could have told her that. He and Michael hug, and he asks how Sasha feels. She says, better than ever, and Sonny says, congratulations to both of them. Michael introduces him to his new granddaughter Daisy, and Sonny says, hello, little one. Welcome to the world.

Carly and Felicia hug, and Felicia says, Bobbie would be so pleased. Another Spencer woman in the world who also happens to be a Scorpio. Carly says, Daisy has a flair for the unconventional, which means she’ll fit right in with in both families. She’s just thankful Daisy is healthy and safe. Felicia says she thinks the woman Carly should thank is Willow, and Carly turns to see Willow standing there.

Nina knocks on Drew’s door and says she knows he’s in there. He needs to listen to her. He opens the door and says, don’t waste her breath. It’s too late. Nina says, Willow knows? and he says, not yet, but the second she comes home, he’s telling her that her own mother set him up. She tried to destroy his life and reputation. She says, if he does that, they’ll both lose Willow. She guarantees it.

Curtis says he really missed Marshall, and Marshall says he missed his family too. He’s sorry Portia got called back to GH. He kind of got the feeling that she was using work as an excuse to get out of the house. Is there something Curtis wants to tell him?  

Molly says, according to the arresting officer’s report, Natalia blew a .12 on the breathalyzer. Then she grabbed the breathalyzer out of the officer’s hand. Natalia says she doesn’t want to cause any more trouble. This has taken so much of her time already. Just let her pay the fine or whatever. She wants to go. Can she go? Molly says she doubts that’s going to happen, but it’s up to whoever is prosecuting the case, and Natalia asks if she isn’t it. Molly says, normally she would be that, but she’s going to recuse herself because of personal bias. Otherwise, Natalia’s lawyer could claim she’s not impartial. Natalia says she doesn’t know Molly, but Molly says she knows Natalia, for the homophobe that disrespected her sister.

Sidwell tells Jordan, Henry Dalton has innovative ideas on forms of clean energy and he’s funding Dalton’s research. She says she thinks that would be more proof of him being a philanthropist, but he says, not yet. The research is promising, but he’d like to wait to highlight his involvement once it’s successful. Marco says he assumes this is part of Sidwell’s push to position himself as a legitimate alternative to Sonny Corinthos, and Sidwell says, maybe. Before Jordan goes, he’d like her to show Marco more of the latest polling. She says, the latest polls show that 62% of the voters want Sonny’s piers taken from him using imminent domain. That means Measure C is on track to pass. Marco says, that’s the last thing Sidwell wants.

Anna says, not that it’s any of Turner’s business, but she and Jason were discussing her granddaughter, Emma. Emma and Jason’s cousin Gio left the Nurses Ball together. She can understand their concern. She was there, wasn’t she? Turner says she was, and nothing brings you closer together than family. Jason asks if this is official or is he free to go, and Anna says she doesn’t know. Maybe Turner is going to arrest him for speaking to her or her for talking to him. Turner says, they’re both free to go, and Jason leaves. Turner says, Anna has to see how bad it looks meeting in secret. Even if nothing happened, the implication of impropriety is there. Anna is a public servant and needs to be aware of how she’s perceived. Anna says, suspicious minds will always find something wrong. There’s nothing she can do about that. Turner says, her behavior is compromising the public’s trust in the city of Port Charles and their leaders, and Anna says, save it for her stump speech. Turner asks how Anna knows, and Anna says she respects ambition. In Turner’s case, it’s the sheer volume. She’s obviously set her sights on being the new DA. Turner says, Port Charles needs newer, younger blood and a DA who actually lives in Port Charles and is doing their job. Anna says, Robert is a hard man to beat. She’s going to need more than mudslinging.

Curtis tells Marhsall that when he found out about Trina, he and Portia agreed that the only way they could continue their marriage was to be completely honest with each other. He just found out she’s been lying to him for months. Marshall asks if he’s talking about… Curtis says, she hasn’t been unfaithful. That’s all he thinks he wants to say right now. Marshall says he’s truly sorry, but something is different this time. Whatever happened, Curtis is still here. Curtis asks what he means, and Marshall says, he could have walked away, but he didn’t. Why not?

Nina says, if Drew tells Willow about Jacinda, she’ll tell Willow that while they were falling in love, he was also sleeping with her mother. She’ll turn her back on both of them and be completely alone at Michael’s mercy. Is that what he wants? He says he can’t see Willow forgiving either one of them, but he can’t believe Nina had him drugged and paraded around Port Charles. Nina says, no one made him go clubbing or take body shots off a sex worker, and technically speaking, she didn’t drug him. He asks how she could do this to Willow. Willow’s pain at being betrayed was horrible. What kind of mother would do that? She says, the kind desperately trying to save her daughter from him, but now she knows that’s impossible.

Carly says she owes Willow a huge thank you for coming to Sasha’s aid, and Willow says she’s glad she was there to help. She’s happy for Sasha and Michael, and Carly. Carly thanks her, and Willow says, hopefully this means no more fighting. The truth is out there, and the judge’s decision should be obvious now. Carly says her greatest hope is that her grandchildren, all her grandchildren, end up where they’re safe and loved. She leaves, and Felicia asks if Willow is good. Willow says, yeah, but Carly doesn’t understand. Now that Michael’s secret is out, Michael lost.

Michael says he’s sorry he didn’t see Sonny before this, but Sonny says he hears Michael’s been busy. Michael says he’s not the only one. Sonny’s seen two new grandchildren is just as many days. Gio, now Daisy. Sonny says, life is full of surprises and miracles, and he and Michael hug.

Nina says, Willow is completely in love with Drew and will believe anything he tells her. It’s cost her so much. She doesn’t want Willow to lose her kids too. Drew asks, how could she? It’s out there now on record that Michael cheated first and fathered another child. When the judge rules, they’ll finally be free to get out of Port Charles. Nina asks what he’s talking about, and he says they’re about to start a new life in DC, away from all this. Away from all his haters. She says she knows that’s what he wants, but what does Willow want?

Sasha tells Daisy that she’s been waiting for her all along. She loves Daisy so much. In a baby voice, Cody says, I love you too, mama, and comes in. He says he won’t stay. He wanted to make sure she was okay after her courtroom birth. Sasha says, she’s perfect, and he says, they both are. She thanks him and tells Daisy that this is her big old cousin Cody. He says, hey, Daisy. I have so much wisdom to pass on, tiny grasshopper. He tells Sasha that he guesses he has a few apologies to give to Jason, and she says, yeah, he does. Daisy was conceived on the night they broke up. She was at the Brown Dog Bar, and she was devastated. Michael was there. He says, at least something good came from their doomed romance. He’s glad she found her happily ever after. She thanks him and says she hopes he finds his too.

Natalia says, Molly’s sister forgave her, and Molly says, Kristina has a big heart. Now Natalia sees why she can’t be the prosecutor. Another ADA will come. Natalia asks, how long will that take? She didn’t even get her phone call, and someone has to take these off. She shows Molly the handcuffs again, and Molly says she’ll talk to the desk sergeant. Good luck. She leaves and Natalia says, thanks… for nothing.

Curtis tells Marshall that the knows Portia loves him and God knows he loves her too, but the lying hurts. It’s twice that he knows of and he doesn’t want to make the same mistakes he made with Jordan. Marshall asks what he means, and Curtis says he reached a boiling point. It was one lie too many and that was it. In retrospect, Jordan’s lies were work related. They were tied up around bringing Cyrus to justice. For him to ask her for answers just wasn’t fair. Marshall says, he was just trying to make it work, and Curtis says he was fighting for what they had. He quit and sometimes he thinks he gave up too soon. Marshall says, from the sound of things, maybe he should give Portia the second chance he didn’t give Jordan. Curtis says, maybe.

Michael says, Jason told him that there was another attempt on Sonny’s life, and Sonny says, yeah. Brick saved his life. He’s thinking the person behind it could be responsible for whoever bombed the penthouse. He hates that Michael was hurt because of it, and not for the first time. Michael paid a high price for being his son. Michael says he wouldn’t change it if he could. Nothing his kids could ever do would make him stop loving him and the same went for them. Sonny says, thank God, and Michael says, Sonny did everything in his power to protect him, but now he’s an adult and he’s protecting himself and his family. Sonny pats his shoulder.

Marco says, support for Measure C would be going against Sidwell’s own interests. If Sonny sold him the piers and Measure C passed, it would be his property that would be seized. Sidwell says, it won’t come to that. They’re using Measure C as a strategy to get rid of Sonny. Jordan says, so far the strategy is working, and Sidwell says, in passing Measure C, they’re using it to pressure Sonny into selling the piers. Once the piers are his, the voters wouldn’t care about Measure C. Sonny’s hold on Port Charles will be gone. Jordan says, on that note, good night, gentlemen, and she leaves. Marco says he hopes Sidwell has a Plan B, and Sidwell asks, why? Marco says, Sonny Corinthos isn’t the type of man to give up without fight.

Sonny tells Michael how Diane thought Michael would probably be better off if he stayed away from the hearing, and Michael said he knew. She’d said something to Jason. Sonny asked how it was going, and Michael said, honestly, he didn’t know. When his paternity came out, he thought his biggest nightmare came true, but when Sasha gave birth, he got to be there. It felt like a miracle. Sorry he didn’t tell the truth about the baby. Sonny says, as long as the baby is healthy and he and Sasha are on the same page, and Michael says he thinks they are. Sonny says, Drew has been pulling Willow’s strings, and Michael says, it pushed him to the point where he had to fight for Wiley and Amelia. Sonny says, maybe everybody coming together will bring them an opportunity. A smart man knows sometimes compromise is the only solution. And Michael is a very smart man.

Jason visits Sasha, and he says, the baby is beautiful. It looks just like her. Congratulations. She thanks him for everything he did for them. He took a lot of flak from a lot of people for nothing. The secret came out anyway. Jason says they did the best they could in the situation. The good news is she and Michael get to be Daisy’s parents. She wonders if she can ask one more favor. She’s had no time to run it by Michael, but she’s sure he’d agree. Would Jason be Daisy’s godfather? He says, it would be an honor, when Carly asks if she can come in.

Jordan tells Curtis that she’s sorry to just drop by. TJ told her that Marshall was in town and she wanted to say a quick hello. Curtis says, he would have loved that. Unfortunately, he had a late flight. She says she’s sorry she missed him, but please tell her that they had a good visit. He says, it was wonderful and it couldn’t have come at a better time. He needed his dad’s insights. She asks if Portia is there, and he says, no. She’s at GH. They’re both making a lot of excuses not to be alone together. She says she’s sorry, and he says, so is he. He doesn’t know what’s happening with his marriage.

An officer uncuffs Natalia and gives her phone to her, and she says, it’s about time. Privacy please. She makes a call.

Marco’s phone rings and Sidwell asks if he needs to get that, but he says, no. He’s already said all he needs to say to her.

Natalia says, voicemail. Perfect. She leaves a message saying she gets it. Things ended badly earlier at the MetroCourt, but she’s in real trouble. She needs him, so can he please come to the PCPD as soon as he can? Please, Marco. Please.

Molly goes to the pool and sees Cody with a beer, his feet in the water. He yells, Molly! Come join the celebration! Even she must be off the clock by now. She says she has to be… Why the hell not? and he says, a beer for the lady, but she says, actually, she’ll have white wine.

Turner tells Anna she’s not campaigning. Not yet. She’s doing her job. Two of the city’s top officials – the mayor and the Police Commissioner – have close personal ties to known criminals, Sonny Corinthos and Jason Morgan. Why not bring them up on charges? Anna says, give her evidence that will stick in court and she’ll arrest them immediately. Turner says, sounds good, but she’s read Mr. Morgan’s arrest record. All the times he was arrested, he never once saw a conviction. Anna says, that’s the DA’s department, not hers, and Turner says, the DA’s office is limited by the evidence collected, or lack thereof, by the PCPD. Anna says, goodnight, and leaves. Turner says, goodnight, and answers her phone. She says, really? They made an arrest… You know what? She’ll take care of it herself.

Sidwell asks if something happened between Marco and Natalia, but Marco says, just more of the same. She is who she is. He suggests they focus on Sonny. It’s not going to be easy dealing with him. He’s been running Port Charles for decades and stopped other hostile takeover attempts. Sidwell says he sees Marco has done his research, and Marco says, you bet. Sonny’s a heavy hitter. He should never be taken lightly. Sidwell says he’s also done his research. Marco’s friend Lucas is an extended member of Sonny’s family. Marco says, another reason he wants nothing to do with Sidwell’s campaign for getting Sonny out of town.

Nina says, Drew is the main reason Michael and Willow’s custody fight got so vicious so quickly, but now they have the opportunity to cool things down. So why doesn’t he step back a little bit and give Michael and Willow room to talk about a custody arrangement that doesn’t include ripping the family apart? If he advocates for that, Willow will give him all the credit. Drew says, Michael is a Quartermaine, and those people don’t stop until they have everything. So the only way to protect Willow is to convince her that Michael is relentless and not to be trusted. Willow needs to get custody of the kids. Otherwise, Michael will take them from her.

Willow sees Michael at the elevator and asks if he’s leaving. He says he’ll be right back. He’s picking up Wiley and Amelia so they can meet their baby sister. He gets in the elevator.

Jason says he’ll give them a minute, but Carly says, don’t go far. He says he’ll be right outside, and leaves. Sasha says, Michael knew everything, and Carly says she understands. She knows Sasha did everything she could to protect Michael’s baby. All she can ask is that they be honest with each other. Sasha thanks her, and Carly thanks Sasha back. She says, if Sasha and her daughter need anything, please ask her.  

On the phone, Drew asks if Willow is coming home soon, but she says she’s sticking around a little longer. Michael is bringing Wiley and Amelia and she’s hoping to see them. He says, don’t worry. Soon she’ll have full custody, and she’ll get to see them every day.

Cody says, get over here. The water’s great. Molly says she has a few more emails and she’s not messing up her suit. He asks if she can’t be the least bit spontaneous, consequences be damned, and she says she’s perfectly comfortable. Besides, the pool is closed. He says, that’s an easy fix. Just turn the sign over. Does she sleep in her business suit? Does she color code her underwear and organize her socks? She says, okay, okay. Fine. She’ll show him that she’s not uptight. She takes her shoes off and rolls up her pants. She sits next to him and puts her feet in the ware. She says, happy? and he says, elated.  

Turner tells the desk sergeant that she heard Natalia Ramirez was brought in this evening, and he says, she was. Is the acting DA taking DWI cases now? She says she’d like to see Natalia’s file, and he gives it to her. She flips through it and says she needs them to check on priors. She wants everything she can get her hands on about Natalia Ramirez.

Sidwell asks how it’s going with Lucas, and Marco says, they’re taking it slow. But he’s not unsure about the feeling that Lucas could be someone special. He doesn’t want to screw it up. Sidwell says he’s happy for Marco and Port Charles to have the both of them. Marco asks why he wants the piers, and Sidwell says, it’s the perfect place to expand his interests as a mineral importer, as well as his less public pursuits. Marco says he’s going to stop Sidwell there. He represents Sidwell in his legitimate business dealings only. That’s their agreement. He has nothing to do with anything illegal. Sidwell says he does business all over the world. What’s illegal in one place is legal in another. Marco says, Sidwell is a successful businessman many times over. Does he really need to push for more?

Curtis says he told Jordan at the Nurses Ball, Drew was pressuring Portia to have him run favorable coverage about what he’d doing. She asks if he found out what Drew has on Portia, and he says, it’s pretty bad. It could ruin Portia’s life. He saw all the signs, but didn’t want to believe Portia would lie to him to do Drew’s bidding. She says she’s sure Portia felt backed into a corner, and he says, the problem is even worse. The pictures of Drew’s mystery woman. Portia set him up. She hired Jacinda and gave her ketamine to give to Drew. Jordan says, wow. What a mess. Curtis says, after Trina, Portia promised him, no more lies. She broke her promise and chose to manipulate him instead of telling him the truth.  

Nina visits Sasha, who says, she just missed the star of the show. Nina says, that’s okay. She’ll go to the nursery and see her through the glass. She came to see if Sasha was okay. Sasha says she’s a bit tired, but so happy, and Nina says, good. She’s sorry for the way Ric went after her. She’s sure the shock of his harsh treatment probably led to Sasha’s premature labor. She never meant for anything to happen to Sasha or her baby. Sasha says, that’s on Ric, not Nina, and Nina says she wishes that were true. She was the one who told Ric that Sasha and Michael had sex.

Jason tells Carly that Michael asked him not to tell her. At first, he only knew they’d slept together, but when Michael asked for her in the burn ICU was when he put it all together. Carly says, what about the rumors he was the father? and he says he didn’t deny them because they were trying to protect Michael and Sasha. She says, that’s awfully noble. She has to know. For Michael, would he have continued to lie to her?

Sasha asks how Nina knew, and Nina says she just recently figured it out. She was in the Brown Dog Bar and the bartender confirmed it. Sasha says, and she ran to Ric. How could she do that? Nina says she hated doing. She’s sorry she exposed Sasha’s secret, but she couldn’t let Willow’s children be taken away. Sasha says she knows Nina loves Willow, but does she really think the children will be better off with Drew full time?

Jordan says she doesn’t believe Portia set out to lie. Fear is the driving force behind a lot of lies and bad decisions. Curtis says he realizes that, but they just want to keep how far apart they are from Trina, and she says, they can’t keep it from her indefinitely. Trina is too smart. Curtis says, she definitely is and will figure it out. Jordan says, the kindest thing for him and Portia to do for each other is not rush to judgment. Take a beat and look for a way to repair what’s broken instead of fixing his discomfort by ending the marriage. He says, easier said than done, but she says he’s the strongest man she knows. If he wants to save his marriage, he’ll find a way.  

Molly says, Cody told her that he was celebrating, and he says, Sasha had a baby. It was a little premature, otherwise, she’s perfect. She says she can definitely drink a toast to that, and he says, it was a big adjustment finding out Sasha was his cousin. He didn’t react well. She says, yeah. She thinks she remembers a few arrests. They laugh and he says he was feeling pretty miserable and sorry for himself. But seeing how happy Sasha is reminded him that sometimes things don’t you don’t expect to be happy turn out to be great.

At the hospital, Anna congratulates Sonny and says she guesses he and Robert are officially related. He should probably expect a box of cigars. He says, the big exploding kind? and she says, even enemies can find common ground. They have Robin and now they have the baby. He says, love is a powerful thing, and she says, it is. In the spirit of peaceful coexistence, she’d like to share a conversation she had with ADA Turner. She’s making it her mission to go after him. He says he’s aware. Many have tried. Anna says, Turner wants Robert’s job, and she doesn’t think Turner will rest until she puts him behind bars.

Wiley runs to Willow, and she says she’s happy to see him. She loves him so much. He tells her, daddy says they have a new baby sister. He’s taking them to meet her. Can mommy come too? Michael says, absolutely. Please join them.

Molly says she’s surprised Cody came here for a one-man celebration, and he asks if she means instead of a dive bar. Dive bars are more his speed. He guesses he was just feeling nostalgic. This was the spot where he first arrived in Port Charles. Actually, he parachuted in right here. He knocked Britt Westbourne into the pool. Molly says she remembers. There’s a GIF out there of Britt looking like a wet rat. He says that was his fault. It took her a while to forgive him. To Britt. They clink glasses. He says, it was three years ago. That’s a long time. Molly says, it’s not that long, and he says, before he lived here, he barely ever stayed in any place more than a few months at a time. This time he’s glad he stayed.

Sidwell says he understands what Marco is asking of him, but respects him too much to tell him what he wants to hear. Instead, he’ll be honest. He has no interest in changing the way he does business or lives his life. Marco asks what Sidwell is telling him, and Sidwell says, the offer for Marco to be his righthand man is still on the table.

Anna says, Turner wasn’t sharing anything, but she knows Turner is actively investigating Sonny, and Sonny says he appreciates the warning. ADA Turner can dig all she wants. He’s a law-abiding citizen and she ain’t going to find anything.

Turner goes to the interrogation room and Natalia asks if her son is here. He’s her lawyer. Turner says, not yet, and Natalia says, Turner can’t ask her anything without her lawyer present. Turner says, fine, and sits down. Why don’t they talk about Sonny Corinthos while they wait?

Jordan says she’s sure Curtis will figure out the right thing to do, and he says he appreciates her faith. He only knows for sure that Portia is completely vulnerable to Drew. He can’t decide what to do about his marriage until he knows she’s safe from Drew.

Jason says, it would have been difficult, and Carly says if she’d asked if Jason was the baby’s father, would he have lied to her? He says he’s glad she never did, and she wonders why Michael didn’t trust her enough to tell her. He says, Michael thought once she knew, she would be too exited and never be able to hide it, and she says she doesn’t know if she’s mad or grateful, but now that the truth is out that Michael cheated, Willow is convinced she’ll get full custody of the kids. He asks if she thinks Willow is right, and she says, yeah. She’s afraid Willow is right.

Nina said she couldn’t defend what Willow and Drew were doing, but she loved her daughter. As a mother, she had to tell Ric about Sasha and Michael. But she loves Sasha and she’s very sorry that what she did hurt her. Sasha says she’s too tired to fight or hold a grudge. She has her daughter now and that’s all that matters. She does feel sorry for Nina though. They both know Willow is making terrible choices and she’s going to keep making them as long as Drew’s in her life.

Michael and Willow look at the baby along with Wiley and Amelia. They smile at each other as Drew watches.

On Monday, Drew tells Portia that they’ve barely scratched the surface of what she can do; Lulu says she and Danny need to get a few things straight; Jason asks if Dante is threatening to charge Danny with manslaughter (again, no one died, so what the…?); and Sidwell wants to make a deal with Sonny to their mutual advantage.  

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Boo! Hiss! I’m not really into the romance on the show, but why is it every time I like a couple together, one of them leaves?

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/its-official-jonathan-jackson-is-leaving-general-hospital/

That whole thing was so powerful, from his violin performance to him smashing it.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/gh-exclusive-how-giovanni-mazza-brought-gios-pain-to-life/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

The OG Deck is back with Captain Kerry and Chief Stew Fraser. I will miss Captain Lee and Kate forever, but this is what we’ve got. Deckhand Kyle is also back, so turn on your closed captions. The other deckhands and stews were all new to the boat. The only stews that stood out to me were Rainbeau de Roos, whose name I would love to steal, and Solène Favreau, who seemed inept, harried, and not good at receiving correction. They were off to a great start, leaving the guests’ luggage at the dock, and the bosun saying too many things were happening. The first charter brought small children, and Fraser playing princess with the primary’s little daughters was precious. Primary Sam was not as precious, using a black light to comb his room and being super nit-picky with the food. After sending steaks back and having the chef making new dishes, he decided they didn’t want them. It didn’t look like anyone else got a vote, so good thing there were more courses. By the end of the episode, Chef Lawrence babbled at production and was ready to quit.

Meet the cast.

The Valley

I really feel badly for Brittany, the recipient of rage texts and failed party plans. She tried – the operative word being tried – to organize a nice trip to the beach, but apparently Jasmine had been storing up beef at Janet and let fly. Apparently, Janet is a sh*t ass friend, a vibe killer, exhausting, had sh*tty friends, and gave Karen energy. Now tell us how you really feel. Seriously, like Summer House, these people are too old for this. Hell, people ten years younger are too old for this.

Next Gen NYC

I already like this series a lot, but whenever a show is set in NYC, I wonder how much of my liking it is about loving the city. Poor Georgia, the only native New Yorker, is wondering why she suddenly feels like an alien when she gets questions like, who the f*** is Ben Affleck? and discovers that no one saw When Harry Met Sally. Riley Burress says she doesn’t know that show. Perhaps it reminds me of my early NYC days. If I’d the looks of a model, the money of a rock star, and an apartment that wasn’t a railroad flat with a triangular closet. Regardless, it was more fun than you can imagine, and I hope to relive a little of that with this group.

Meet the cast.

Summer House

In the Reunion Part 2, there was a lot of rehashing Lexi and Jesse’s on and off situationship. I was very much over this already, so I kind of tuned out. Not to mention how much I cringe everyone someone talks about Toegate. Oddly enough – or maybe not, since motherhood will mature you – Lindsay was the voice of reason, one of the cast calling her Mother Hubbard. Not so surprisingly, Kyle was an a-hole and did his best to steal her thunder. Gabby’s dress, if that’s what we’re calling it, continued to be distracting.

Random Reality Items

Because he got high.

Will make beds to stay there.

Slade Smiley! NOLA! Shannon’s vajayjay! Premieres July 10th.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Creep. Netflix. I thought this film was genius budget-wise. Two actors, one handheld camera, and no need for special effects, this could have been made for about 25 bucks, so kudos. It didn’t hurt that the story was original and pretty intriguing. A filmmaker takes a gig documenting a dying man’s story for his unborn son. It isn’t long before the filmmaker, and the audience, start to wonder if that’s what’s really going on. Well executed, with twists and turns, and an ending I never saw coming, which is saying a lot. This is kind of an old film, 2016, so there wasn’t a whole lot on it, but apparently, there’s a sequel.

https://www.fortressofsolitude.co.za/creep-netflix-horror-movie-mark-duplass/

Fear Street: Prom Queen. Netflix. Adapted from RL Stine’s book series, this is the third in a trilogy. Nothing new to see here and it’s been done better, but it was worth a quick trip to the 80s. There’s also something to be said for a movie you need absolutely no brain power to watch.

https://www.newjerseystage.com/articles2/2025/06/03/new-release-review-fear-street-prom-queen/

Sirens. Netflix. Julianne Moore is one of my favorite actresses. She is incredible in Boogie Nights, the Midnight Cowboy for the 90s. But I digress. I’ve only watched a couple of episodes so far, but I’ll be in for the rest. The bad sheep sister, who also takes care of a homebound, sick father, tries to rescue her younger sibling from what she believes is a cult. Funny, witty, and keeps you guessing.

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders. Netflix. A three part docuseries on the obvious cold case. I really didn’t know a whole lot about it, especially what was most disturbing. James William Lewis who was tied to the murders, has never been tried.

https://decider.com/2025/05/27/cold-case-the-tylenol-murders-netflix-review/

Day of Reckoning. Amazon Prime. This was a weird film, and I could see why a lot of people didn’t like it, but I enjoyed it. Fifteen years after a load of weird monsters have devastated mankind, they’re back for the survivors. There’s never a concrete explanation as to why this is happening, or why people aren’t better prepared for their return. The plot has more holes than Swiss cheese, but I didn’t care. I loved the monsters. They were reminiscent of the old Ray Harryhausen effects, but a lot gorier. And they all can’t be Godzilla Minus One. I thought it was a good time.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5742568/

Some user reviews. A few spoilers here.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5742568/reviews/

🔮 Looking Forward To Watching…

The second part of Squid Game Season 6 premieres June 27th.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/squid-game-season-3-trailer

Season 7 of Stranger Things premieres November 26th, December 25th, and December 31st. Cute, huh?

https://www.eonline.com/news/1418123/stranger-things-final-season-premiere-date-revealed

https://deadline.com/2025/05/stranger-things-5-premiere-date-netflix-1236414933/

The Black Phone 2 is in theaters October 17th, and will eventually stream on Peacock. I honestly don’t know how I feel about this. The first one had such a perfect ending, I can’t fathom a sequel being as good. That doesn’t mean I won’t watch it though.

https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/the-black-phone-2-debuts-eerie-official-trailer-for-blumhouse-sequel

🐶 Snips, Snails, Puppy Dog Tales…

🏆 The Stanley Pup returns June 6th on TruTV, as well as on NHL Network on June 8th.

https://people.com/stanley-pup-dog-hockey-game-returns-how-to-watch-11749775

🐕 A dog-endorsed book.

https://people.com/the-dogist-elias-weiss-friedman-new-book-exclusive-11749240

🐩 The ray of sunshine that is Pilaf meets some new friends.

https://people.com/demi-moore-announces-she-and-her-tiny-dog-pilaf-are-caring-for-even-smaller-baby-ducks-11748457

🪅 Quotes of the Week

If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?John Wooden

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. – William Shakespeare

A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.Serena Williams

Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth. – John F. Kennedy

I believe the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity, is daring to dare. – Dr. Maya Angelou

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. – John Powell

Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you have to make the decision right. – Dr. Phil McGraw

A mathematical formula for happiness: Reality divided by Expectations. There were two ways to be happy: improve your reality or lower your expectations.Jodi Picoult (I vote for lowering expectations.)

The border to eternity is never ahead of us. It runs parallel to life and can be crossed over at any moment by old and young. – Reinhard Bonnke

There’s plenty of time for finger pointing later. Let’s stay focused. – Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom), Beyond the Gates

🎡 Are You Ready For the Summer…

Until next time, stay safe; stay being careful to watch out for rogue waves at the beach; and stay knowing that sometimes compromise is the only solution.

May 30, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Nina Has a Decision To Make, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Last Last, New Age, Alexander Does the Tonys, Cosplay This, Outside the Yard, 7+1 Quotes & Out

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Nothing to see here. Memorial Day rerun.

Tuesday:

Brook asked Lois if Gio was really her son and Lois said, yes.

Emma followed Gio to the Quartermaines and he told her that his entire life was a lie. He couldn’t stay there. She said she wasn’t going to stop him. She was coming with him.

Michael said he’d missed Wiley, and they were having a sleepover at Grandma Carly’s. He left with Wiley, and Jason told Willow and Drew if they followed Michael, they’d never see Wiley again.

Lulu and Cody had a beer on her porch. She asked how Dante was, and he said Dante was mad, confused, and in shock. He told Dante what he’d known. Lulu said she was sorry the way it came out, but at least now Dante knew the truth. Cody wasn’t sure they made the right call.

Lois told Brook that she and Gloria were trying to do the right thing. They decided to keep Gio close, and they were only trying to look out for Brook’s child. No child was ever more loved. Brook said she couldn’t breathe, and Lois held her.

Emma asked where Gio wanted to go, and he said, anywhere but here. On the way out, they ran into Tracy coming in. She said Drew framed her and had her arrested. Then Jason left her stranded at the police station. She asked what they were doing there instead of the Nurses Ball. What was wrong? Gio flashed back to overhearing he was Brook and Dante’s son and smashing his violin. He said Tracy kept reminding him that he wasn’t a Quartermaine, but the joke was on him. It turned out he was family.  

Willow asked Jason where Michael was taking Wiley, when her phone rang. She asked the nanny where Amelia was now and told Jason that he had no right to take her baby. Jason left and Carly said she would see Nina in court. Sonny said he had something to take care of and Nina asked him to hear her out.

Trina brought Kai back to the apartment and he said he couldn’t get over how beautiful her voice was. Every single thing about her was beautiful.

Cody asked if Lulu was the one who told Gio, and she said she was pretty sure he’d overheard her and Lois talking. Cody said it was on him too, but maybe confronting Lois at the Nurses Ball wasn’t the best idea. He hadn’t given enough thought to how it would affect Gio and equated Gio’s experience to his, but their situations weren’t the same. He’d never felt like he fit in, but Gio grew up with a family who adored him, and they blew it all to hell. Lulu flashed back to Carly saying she’d put this train in motion and needed to get off the track before she got leveled.

Lois brought Brook some water and Brook wanted to hear everything. Lois said Gloria knew Camilla desperately wanted a baby and Camilla was thrilled with the opportunity to be a mother. It was a relief that they could watch over Gio, and she could tell Brook with absolute certainty that her baby went to a loving home. It seemed like the perfect solution, but then Camilla got sick and passed. Gio’s world had fallen apart, and they thought it was wrong to tell him at that point. She was trying to do the right thing. Dante came in and asked, the right thing for who?

Sonny said Jason was acting on Michael’s wishes and Michael had a right to see the kids. Nina said she thought Michael’s return would calm things down and they could make him see compromise was what was best. Sonny said, unless or when Willow got away from Drew, this was how it was going to be. He wondered if Nina could get Willow to see who Drew really was. Drew had runed Willow’s life, tanked her marriage, and she was about to lose her kids. He hoped Drew was worth it.

Michael came back to the house and Sasha was there with the kids. He said he’d missed them so much.

There was champagne waiting at the apartment, and Trina said it was Stella’s way of celebrating her performance, since she couldn’t be there. Kai made a toast to Trina’s undeniable shooting star and to Aunt Stella for being Aunt Stella. Trina felt bad that she was having an amazing night while Gio was having a night from hell. At least Emma was with him and would make sure he was okay. Kai said he had experience in thinking everything was fine and having it suddenly come crashing down. Trina had it too when she’d lost Spencer. Trina said she’d been thinking about it lately, and her mom helped her realize that she didn’t want to lose someone else she cared about.

Tracy told Gio that she’d spent the better part the evening being detained by the man. What was she supposed to know? He said he’d assumed she was in on it. Brook and Dante were his parents, which made her his great-grandmother. Congratulations! It’s a boy! She told him to start at the beginning, but he told her to ask Lois. She said, it was him all this time. He was her great-grandson. He started to leave, but she told him, don’t take another step.

Brook told Dante that she was sorry. She got pregnant that summer – their summer – in camp. She couldn’t tell him because she didn’t know how. She was young and scared out of her mind. She felt so lost and didn’t know what to do. She only knew she couldn’t terminate the pregnancy, so she had the baby and gave it up for adoption. She’d sworn she’d never tell anybody, and swore she didn’t know their child was Gio until tonight.

Emma told Tracy that they were heading out, but Tracy said that wasn’t okay. She wanted Gio to tell her what happened and why he believed that Brook and Dante were his parents. Gio told her that Lois had said they were. He’d overheard her, but it was the truth. Tracy said she understood wanting to run, but he didn’t get to say he was family and just waltz out the door. He was her family. She had two sons, a granddaughter and a grandson. Now she had a great-grandson. She showed him a photo of Edward and Lila, and said they were his great-great-grandparents. Everything in this house was his and everybody who lived there was related to him. Don’t push them away.

Cody said he’d never forget the look Gio’s face, and Lulu said, he looked so lost and betrayed. It made her heart hurt. Cody said, for Gio, Brook, and Dante. He knew she hadn’t wanted it to go down like this, but he couldn’t help feeling guilty. They’d been blinded by the lie and couldn’t see the reason the lie was there in the first place. So many people’s lives had been ripped apart. (Like someone didn’t tell Lulu that was going to happen every five minutes.) Lulu said, things had changed, but it was for the better. It was good that Dante knew. Cody said now Gio knew Camilla hadn’t been his mom, but Lulu said, no one could take away the love they’d shared. Cody doubted Gio appreciated that right now, and Lulu said, maybe someday. Cody said he hoped Gio wasn’t out there alone.

Dante wondered why Brook never told him later, and she said, once she decided to give the baby up, she felt it would be cruel. She didn’t want to burden him with something that couldn’t be changed and make him suffer like she was. He said they had to put all that aside. They had a son who was in trouble. She said she had to find Gio, when Tracy texted that Gio was at the house and to come quickly. Lois wanted to come with them, but Brook said, like hell.

Michael tucked Wiley in and said they would talk in the morning. He told Wiley about flying over the ocean and said his love for Wiley and his sister was bigger than the ocean. Bigger than anything. He was back and now everything would be different.

Trina said she never thought she’d feel so strongly about someone again, then Kai came along. At first, she thought he was a bit of an arrogant jerk and was embarrassed she’d judged a book by its cover. He was neither of those things. She didn’t know how to handle the attraction and felt guilty because of Spencer. Kai said he was a goner from the night Trina dumped her drink on him, and she said she got there at the end. He told her, it was just the beginning, and they kissed.  

Trina said Josslyn had texted and was spending the night at her mom’s, so she and Kai had the place to themselves. Kai asked if she was sure she wanted to do this, and she said she definitely wanted to. They got busy and there was a song part.

Continuing to justify her thoughtlessness, Lulu said, even when change was good, it was hard, and Cody said, Gio’s entire reality had been turned on its head. She said it was worth it if it meant the truth came out. Dante was an amazing father, and despite her many faults, Brook was a loving person and had Chase to rein her in when she went off the rails. She thought Brook would be a good mom. Gio believed he was an orphan and now had a whole other family who would accept him the way the Scorpios had accepted Cody. (It’s mindboggling how clueless she is.)

Brook said it had been her baby and Lois had pretended like she was calling the shots. Meanwhile, she had nothing to do with it. She’d agreed to a closed adoption with the understanding that neither of them knew where the baby went. If Lois changed the plan, she should have told her. They could have figured it out together. Lois reached for Brook’s arm, but Brook shook her off and said what she’d done was unforgiveable. She had zero excuse. She’d lied to everybody, including her own daughter, for 22 years, and lied to Gio his entire life. The list went on. Lois said she wished she could go back, but Brook said that meant nothing to her. Stay away from her and her son. She left, Dante following after giving Lois a look, and alone, Lois sobbed.

Trina and Kai basked in the afterglow. Trina said she hadn’t wanted Kai as a partner, but was glad. He was one of the best things to happen to her. Kai said he felt the same way.

Michael flashed back to Sasha telling him that she didn’t think it was healthy to raise her child as a Quartermaine. He told her that he’d missed the kids so much, and she said he looked great. She asked if he was in any pain, but he said nothing he couldn’t manage. He asked about her, and she said she was great. He thanked her for helping with Amelia, and she said, Amelia knew her from the Quartermaines’. She and Jason thought it would be less scary if she went with him to pick Amelia up. He thanked her for sending the sonograms and said he didn’t want her to start worrying he’d go back on his word and try to be part of the baby’s life. He wouldn’t do that unless she changed her mind.

Drew and Willow ran into the station, and Drew told Mac that they wanted to report a kidnapping. Willow said it was her daughter, and they knew where she was. Drew said, Jason is the one who kidnapped her.

Cody told Lulu that family did Gio no good if he couldn’t trust them. He didn’t know how you came back from a lie this big. Lulu suggested it would happen with love, patience, and time. It wouldn’t be bleak forever. Everyone would help. He said he’d do what he could, and she said she would too, but he said she might want to lay low for a while. He said, goodnight, picked up the rest of his six-pack, and left.

Ned found Lois in the MetroCourt garden and looked at her grimly.

Tracy told Gio that the Quartermaines weren’t perfect, but they were his family, and he said he got that it wasn’t her fault, but he had a family. He loved his mother more than anything and lost her. Now he found out none of it was real. It was a complete lie. The family had now were a bunch of liars, so excuse him if he didn’t jump on the Quartermaine bandwagon. Brook and Dante walked in.

Wednesday:

Maxie met Nina at the Brown Dog Bar and Maxie said she watched the whole thing on TV. Nina said, it got worse when Willow found out Jason took Amelia. This would change everything for the custody hearing. The only way Willow would keep her children was if she ended things with Drew and there was one thing that could happen to push Willow to the edge. Maxie asked if Nina was going to tell Willow that she’d slept with Drew.

Drew said Mac had to arrest Jason, and Willow said Jason took Amelia. Mac asked, where? and Drew said, to Carly’s, but they might not stay, so Mac had to move quickly. Mac asked why Jason took Amelia, and Willow said, Michael told him to. Michael showed up at the Nurses Ball and left with Wiley. She assumed they were headed to Carly’s. Mac said what he was hearing was that the children were with their father. That wasn’t kidnapping. Drew said Jason wasn’t welcome in their house and had terrorized the babysitter. They police had to do something.

Carly came back to the house with Josslyn and Jason, and Josslyn hugged Michael. Carly hugged him and said nothing had been the same without him. He thanked Jason for getting Amelia and told him that it was smart to bring Sasha. He asked Carly if it was okay for them to spend the night, and she said it was more than okay. Donna would be thrilled to see him at the breakfast table, and she would too. Josslyn said his timing was impeccable, and Carly asked how he knew to come home.

Ned asked, why? and Lois said she was really sorry. He said, Brook had a baby when she was practically a baby herself and kept it from him? It was the biggest crisis of their daughter’s life and when she needed support, where was her father? Nowhere because Lois cut him out.

Gio said he was just leaving, but Brook said, don’t go. Please. Dante said they had to talk, and reached for Gio’s arm, but Gio said, don’t touch me. He had nothing to say to them. Brook said Dante didn’t know she’d been pregnant and didn’t know about him, and Gio asked, what was her excuse?  

Ned wondered if Brook thought he’d be angry or ashamed. Did she think he’d disown her or think he didn’t care? Lois said, it wasn’t like that. What teenage daughter wanted to tell her father that she was pregnant? Brook was ashamed and needed her help, so she did what she thought was best for their daughter. Brook didn’t want to terminate the pregnancy, so Lois had to figure out how to get Brook out of town before she started showing. She didn’t want Brook’s whole life derailed because of one careless moment. Ned said he would have supported Brook and helped, and she said, maybe. Or maybe the Quartermaines would have swooped in and taken the baby as if it was another asset.

Brook told Gio that she had a baby and gave them up for adoption. She didn’t know if she had a boy or a girl or where they ended up, except it was a loving home. She didn’t know it was him. Gio said she didn’t want him and gave him away. Out of sight, out of mind. Brook said, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It wasn’t that she didn’t love or want him. She wasn’t ready to be a mother – she was just a kid – but she never forgot him. Gio asked if she ever came looking for him, but she said she didn’t think it was right to bust into his life and upend his whole world. He said, like what happened tonight, and Dante said Gio was angry and confused. He was too. Gio said they’d all been lied to, but it made no difference about what he thought. Brook said she was there to answer any questions, but Gio said it was too late. He was leaving. He walked out the door and Emma followed. Tracy said Brook had to let him go.

Nina said, Drew sold Willow on a fairytale romance, saying he was so in love with her, and Maxie said, and the whole time he was sleeping with her mom. Nina said if she told Willow, she’d see Drew for the liar he was, and Maxie said, one would only hope, but it didn’t guarantee Willow would get back with Michael. Nina said, all that mattered was getting Michael to a more equitable place regarding custody, and Maxie asked if Nina thought it would be easier if Drew was out of the picture. Nina said, exactly, but she didn’t know if she had the guts. What if she lost Willow? Maxie said it was a definite gamble, and Nina said Willow would know she said nothing while Willow threw her life away for a man she knew was lying the entire time. Willow was never going to forgive her for that.

Nina said, as a mother, she knew if she told Willow the truth, Willow might have a chance to hold on to her children. But as a mother, she couldn’t bear the thought of losing Willow. Maxie said she got it. Nina didn’t get the chance to raise Willow. Nina said she didn’t get the chance to be a mother to Nelle and Willow is her only child, and Maxie suggested she stay quiet for now.

Michael told Carly, as soon as he was strong enough, he called Diane and she told him about the court date. He arranged for a flight home asap. Josslyn said he looked great and asked if he was holding out on them, and he said he didn’t want to get their hopes up. After he talked to Diane, he thought surprise was the best strategy. Josslyn said, Willow was definitely surprised, when the doorbell rang. Jason left to get it, and Michael said he knew everyone would be at the Nurses Ball and figured it would be the best time. Jason brought Mac in and Carly asked what he was doing there. Mac said, investigating a kidnapping.

Ned said, the Quartermaines would have loved Brook’s child, and Lois said they would have, but they would have felt it was within their rights to control the child. Gio had the right to grow up to be whoever and whatever he wanted to be. It was her mom’s idea, but she was on board, and Gio grew up happy and healthy, and they were right there in case anything went wrong. She wasn’t thinking about how it might affect anyone 20 years later. Ned said he’d been living with his own grandson for over a year, and Lois said, it wasn’t fair, but she felt it was the best solution. She told herself it was what Ned would have wanted. Ned said she was right in saying it wasn’t fair, when Olivia came in. Ned said he was done here, and Olivia told him, go ahead. She had some words for her good friend Lois.

Dante said Gio was their kid, who Brook never told him about, and he barely knew, and Tracy said she’d let them talk privately. She wanted them to do her a favor. Try not to let their pain obscure the fact they met their son and he’s a wonderful boy. She left and Brook said Dante had every right to hate her. Dante said he didn’t hate her. He just didn’t know why she didn’t tell him. She said she was completely freaked. All she could think was that she’d screwed up and was in huge trouble. She didn’t want him to deal with that trouble too. They hadn’t made any promises. It was a summer romance. What would he have done if she’d told him? He said he had no idea. She never gave him the chance to have a choice. She knew he cared about her and respected her, and she returned that sentiment by lying to him for 22 years.

Emma brought Gio to the footbridge and said, this place was important to her mom. Whenever she needed a minute to think, she came here. Gio said it was peaceful, and Emma agreed. She thought he could take a minute to catch his breath and decide what he wanted to do next. He said he had no idea, and she put her hand on his.

Brook said she’d lied to Dante, and she was sorry, but she did what she had to do. He said she did whatever was easiest, but she said, none of it was easy. She didn’t know the first thing about being a mom. He said he’d like to think if she’d told him, he’d have done the right thing and stepped up. He got why she didn’t tell him then, but why not now? They were friends and she could have told him at any point. She said, too much time had passed, and the fallout seemed like it would be worse. Her only choice was to keep it buried. He asked if she would have told him if she hadn’t been forced to, and she says, probably not. When she gave the baby up, she thought they’d only meet if he came looking for her. She’d made peace with the fact he never did, because it meant he was content in his own life. She had no clue it was Gio, and they were living in the same house. Dante said, so Gloria and Lois knew. Who else? They heard Chase calling for Brook in the foyer, and then he walked in. He asked Brook if it was really Gio, and she nodded. He held her as she cried.  

Lois told Olivia that there was nothing she could say that she hadn’t said to herself, and Olivia said they’d been best friends since preschool. They did everything together their entire lives. How could she? Lois said, Brook didn’t want anyone to know, but when she needed help, obviously, Lois told her mother. Olivia said, Lois was the closest thing she had to a sister. She would have never kept a secret like that from Lois. Lois said, until she was in the exact same position, Olivia couldn’t say what she’d do. She did what she thought was best for Brook and Gio’s privacy. Olivia said, Lois did what was best for herself. She set it up to keep her grandson close, so she didn’t have to share him with anyone, even his mother. Shame on her. Lois said she guessed the glass house Olivia was living in helped her to see clearly. How dare Olivia look down on her when she didn’t tell Sonny that Dante was his son.  

Nina said, Drew’s strategy was to portray Michael as an absentee father who took off on his kids, and Maxie said, to have fun in a burn unit? Nina said it wouldn’t work anyway now that Michael was home, and Maxie said Ric was a good lawyer. Nina said she hoped he won, and Maxie said Sasha had gotten a subpoena. Ric probably thought she saw or heard something at the Quartermaines that would work in Willow’s favor. Nina said, Sasha would probably be a hostile witness now, with Jason in the mix. He thought of Michael as his son. Maxie said, if Cody hadn’t blown Sasha’s cover story, they would have believed Sasha met some guy in a bar, but Cody found out it was Jason. Nina asked when Sasha said she met a random guy, and Maxie said, the night before Halloween, the night before Sam died. Maxie’s phone chimed and she said, Bailey Lous was awake and asking for her. She had to go. Nina thanked her for the talk, and Maxie said she was sorry she wasn’t much help. Nina said she was more help than she knew.  

Carly asked Josslyn to stay the night, and Michael said Wiley and Amelia would be glad to see her in the morning. Josslyn said, okay, and Carly said, a slumber party! Michael thanked Sasha for her help, and she said she was happy to do it. Welcome home. Michael thanked Jason for everything, and Jason said he was proud of Michael, and they hugged.  

Chase asked if Brook was okay, but she said she didn’t know. Dante asked if Chase knew, but Chase said, not about Gio. Brook told him about the baby a few months ago. Dante asked if Chase didn’t think he should know, and Brook said he wanted to tell Dante, but she begged him not to. It was her job to protect Gio’s life, and she knew Dante wouldn’t stop until he found his son. It wouldn’t be fair for Dante to confront him and completely upend his life and tonight proved it.

Olivia told Lois that she didn’t tell Sonny about Dante because she had to protect her son from being weaponized by his father’s enemies. What was she protecting Gio from? Lois said she didn’t lock Gio away in a tower. He grew up in the neighborhood, surrounded by the best people. He was happy and didn’t want for anything. Olivia said, except his real parents, but Lois said, he didn’t long for them. He had a mother who loved him. Olivia said, until he didn’t. Lois let him be orphaned when he had a mother and father right there. Lois said, by then it was too late. She had to respect the choices that were made. Olivia asked if she’d ever talked to Brook about the possibility of keeping the baby, but Lois said she knew Brook wasn’t ready to be a mother. Olivia asked if Lois thought she was ready when she was pregnant with Dante. Yet it was the best decision she ever made. Lois said, but it came at an incredible cost. Olivia gave up so much when she gave birth. She was the life of the party, and then she was a scared, tired, single mother. Brook knew she didn’t want that and she didn’t want it for Brook. Olivia said, they could have helped Brook and Dante. And for the record, she sacrificed nothing. She didn’t know Lois at all and if this was the real Lois, she didn’t want to know her. She walked out.

Sonny walked in and Lois told him, have at it. She deserved it and everyone else had taken their shot. Sonny said he would have helped, and she said he did help, even though he didn’t know Gio was his grandson. He said he could have done more, and Lois said when Brook got pregnant, they didn’t know Dante was his son. When Camilla died, the truth came out and Sonny had so much on his plate, she didn’t want to add another whopper on top of it. He said, Gio lost his mom. Didn’t she think he’d want more family? She said, he loved Camilla. They had an otherworldly connection, and she couldn’t take that away from Gio too. He asked if she was trying to give him a relationship with his grandson when she asked him to pay for Gio’s musical education, and she said she thought that way, she could share Gio with him without the truth ruining all these lives. He said he wished it had been different, but he appreciated what she was trying to do. She said she appreciated him saying that. Brook and Olivia were done. Her daughter and her best friend wanted nothing to do with her anymore. Sonny touched her arm.

Tracy said she was glad Chase was here. Dante was hurt and angry. Brook said Dante had a right to be, and Dante said, Dante is still here. Tracy said he was and his anger was justified. Just don’t direct it at Brook. Direct it at Lois, whose unilateral decision making got them into this fiasco. Brook said Lois betrayed her trust. If that wasn’t bad enough, she confided in Grandma Gloria, and Brook didn’t know the half of it. Lois let her worry and wonder how the baby turned out while she was watching him grow up. They’d asked if anyone knew besides her grandma, but Gloria was the only one she knew of. Dante asked how the hell Gio found out. Why now? Tracy looked at Brook.

Willow asked where her kids were, and Mac said, at Carly’s, fast asleep. He looked in on them himself. Drew said Willow was their mother. Did he have to go above Mac’s head? Mac said, he could try, but it wouldn’t do him any good. He handed Willow a paper and said it was a court order. Michael had been granted emergency custody until the hearing. It was all legal and above board. There was nothing they could do.

Carly said she was happy Michael was home, mostly for Wiley and Amelia. They needed him. Michael said he needed them too. Being separated from them was the hardest part of his recovery. Josslyn went upstairs, and Michael said, Carly told Diane to move on with the divorce without telling him. She said she wanted him to focus on her recovery, but if he thought she overstepped… He said she did the right thing and thanked her, and she said she was so relieved. Was he sure he didn’t leave too soon? He said, if he did, he didn’t care. It was time for him to come home.

Nina asked the bartender if he’d worked the night before Halloween. It was actually the night Congressman Cain got punched. She thinks she asked him to call the police. The bartender said that was him. Why? She said a friend came in the same night and she was wondering if he remembered seeing her. She showed him Sasha’s picture, and he said, Sasha Corbin, the Deception model. He had a huge crush on her. She was hitting the vodka hard. Nina asked if she met up with anyone, and he said he wasn’t into gossip. She said she didn’t like gossip either, but she’d make it worth his while. She slid a $100 bill toward him, and he said, a dude did eventually join her. Nina asked if he’d be able to ID him, and he said, you don’t forget a $500 tip. She showed him Jason’s picture, but he said, that’s definitely not the guy.

In the car, Drew asked Willow, please don’t do this, but she said she had to try. He asked if she wanted him to come with her, but she said the guard wouldn’t let him in, and his presence wouldn’t make things easier. He said he’d be there if she needed him and she said she knew. She got out of the car.

Lois said Brook told her to stay away from her and Gio. She was so afraid she’d lost them both. Sonny held her as she sobbed.

Gio said he couldn’t believe what his Aunt Lois said. Really his Grandmother Lois. Emma said his head must have practically exploded, and he said that’s what happened when he said Brook and Dante were his parents. He was in a daze when Emma found him. She said she knew something was wrong and he insisted on playing, and he said, the show must go on. He looked out to the audience and saw his family, people he’d known his entire life, and part of him shut down. The other part lost it completely. Emma said she didn’t blame him, and he said all he could think was, did they know? Ned, Olivia, and Sonny are his grandparents. Is that why Sonny paid for his music school? Emma said she knew from her mom that Sonny helped people whether they were family or not. She wondered if she could ask him something, and he said, sure. She asked why he smashed his violin. She knew how important it was to him. He said, because the violin was the biggest lie of all.

Chase told Brook that it had been a rough day. Maybe they should go to bed and start fresh in the morning. Ned walked in, and Brook said she needed a minute with her dad.

Willow was about to knock on Carly’s door, when Michael opened it. She said, please don’t do this. Don’t take her children away from her.

Nina asked if the bartender was absolutely positive this wasn’t the man with Sasha that night, and he said it was Jason Morgan, and she wasn’t with him. Nina said, the other man who was a big tipper, did he leave with Sasha? and the bartender said, they were both hammered. They had their hands all over each other. Nina asked if they left together, and he said, lucky bastard. She said, it wasn’t his man, was it? and showed him a picture of Michael. He said, yeah, that’s the guy, and Nina smiled.

Thursday:

There was a knock at Lulu’s door. No surprise, it was Dante.

Tracy met Olivia in the foyer and said she guessed congratulations were in order. Olivia and Tracy’s son were grandparents.

Brook told Ned that she was sorry. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him or love him… He said it was all right and he understood. He hugged her and she cried.

Emma asked why Gio smashed his violin, and he said, because the violin was the biggest lie of all. He thought he got his talent from his mom and after she died, it made him feel like he was carrying a piece of her with him, but it turned out she wasn’t his mom.

Dante told Lulu that it was a messed-up night and he didn’t want to go around in circles. Did she tell Gio that he and Brook were his parents?

In the nook, Jason thanked Sasha for helping with Amelia, and she said she was relieved Michael was back. He deserved to be home with his children. She protectively touched her ever-growing bump.

Michael said he wasn’t discussing custody with Willow now. Go home. She asked him to let her say goodnight, but he said the kids were asleep. She said he knew the kids belonged with her, but he said, not anymore.

Lulu said Brook must have told Dante how she accidently on purpose found out, and he said he assumed she was the one who figured out the baby was Gio. Did she tell Gio? She said, no, but she did confront Lois in a dressing room at the Nurses Ball and thought Gio overheard. He asked why she did it, and she said, for him. She thought he deserved to know the truth and was only trying to help. He said she didn’t help anyone and made everything worse.

Tracy gave Olivia a drink and asked if she was all right, but Olivia said she didn’t know how she was. Gio was her grandson. She remembered when he was a baby. The whole neighborhood fell in love with him. She held him all the time and should have felt that she was holding her own flesh and blood. Tracy said Olivia wasn’t psychic – Olivia gave her a look – at least not then. Olivia wondered how Lois could do this to her and Ned, and Tracy asked if she’d talked to Ned. Olivia said, briefly, but he was in the living room with Brook now.

Brook said Ned had to be disappointed. She’d kept a huge secret and kept his grandson from him. He said he wished she’d come to him, but it was her life and he wasn’t going to second guess the choices she made. She said all she could think about was Gio. She’d wanted to meet her child for so long and it was a total nightmare.

Sasha said she was glad Michael was back and with his kids, but when it came to her and her baby, nothing had changed, and Jason said, obviously, they needed everyone to keep believing he was the father. She said, especially now that his custody case was coming up, and Jason said that he understood it wasn’t about Michael, but about what she needed. She said she felt like a hypocrite, but he said, it was two different situations. Michael could trust her, but couldn’t trust Willow. She said it was like nothing mattered but Drew and Willow was about to lose her children because of him.

Willow asked how Michael could say that. She was the children’s mother and had been their sole parent for months. He said she’d uprooted them from their home and forced them to play family with their great uncle, but she said they loved Drew and Scout and their new home. He said when he talked to Wiley, Wiley always had the same two questions. When was his daddy coming back and when could he and Amelia go home? That’s when it hit him that Willow had been putting her own wants and desires above the kids’ welfare. He had a court order to back him up. She said it was temporary, but he said he was going for full custody. He’d let her have a relationship with the kids on one condition.

Cody found Sasha in the nook, and said he’d come to check on Dante, but Yuri said he left. She asked why Dante wouldn’t be all right, and he said she didn’t hear what happened at the Nurses Ball.

Gio said he should go, and Emma said she wasn’t telling him what to do or how to feel, but she wasn’t leaving him alone. He said he didn’t need a babysitter.

Lulu told Dante that she was sorry. She’d never meant things to come out like this. He said she should have minded her own damn business, but she said she kept thinking about her experience with Charlotte and the time she missed out on. She didn’t want him and Gio to miss out. He asked why she didn’t just tell him, and she said Brook begged her not to. He said she’d never cared about Brook’s feelings before, and she said she never searched for his son. Things just started happening and she suspected it was Gio. Brook wasn’t just keeping a secret; she was lying. Dante said, Brook didn’t know it was Gio. He could buy her wanting to bring them together, but she just wanted everyone to see Brook as bad as she made Brook out to be. It didn’t excuse what Brook did, but Lulu allowed her petty rivalry to upend so many lives. And the one who paid the biggest price was the only one innocent in all of this – Gio.

Willow asked, what condition? and Michael said he’d give her access to the children if she ended her relationship with Drew. She also had to move out and have no contact. Willow said he was being spiteful because he hated seeing her happy, but he said he didn’t care if she was happy or not. He didn’t want that man around his kids. Drew was an awful person and had made her awful. Her life was imploding, and she was making one bad decision after another. Who did she love more, Drew or the kids? It’s time she made that decision. He closed the door, leaving her outside.

Willow went back to the car, and Drew asked, how’d it go? She told him to take her home. She wanted to get out of there.

Michael thanked Jason for coming back and suggested they talk outside. He wanted to thank Jason again for everything he did tonight and looking out for Sasha. Jason said it was no big deal, but Michael said it was a big deal letting everyone think he was the baby’s father. Jason said he’d do anything to protect Michael and his kids, and Michael said it felt wrong not helping Sasha, but Jason said she wanted to raise the baby on her own. Plus, he couldn’t give Willow more ammunition to use in court. Michael said, seeing Sasha made it hit home that the baby was coming soon, and Jason asked if he was hoping Sasha would change her mind. Michael said in an ideal world he’d like to be a father to his child.

Sasha said she felt bad for Gio, Brook, and Dante, and Cody said, it was a colossal mess. It didn’t have to be, and he believed it wouldn’t have been if he hadn’t stuck his nose in it. She said it sounded like Lulu would have uncovered it with or without his help, and he asked why he kept shooting his mouth off. First about Jason being her baby daddy and now this. She said she hated the term baby daddy, and he was just trying to do right by someone he cared about. He said he was sorry he hadn’t been a better friend to her, Dante, or Lulu. He should have told Lulu to drop it.

Ned asked if Brook was able to talk to Gio, and she said she tried to explain that she didn’t know he was her son, and she hadn’t lied. Gio was so angry and so hurt, he accused her of not wanting him and forgetting about him, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Ned said he’d understand when things settled down. It was Lois and Gloria’s doing, not hers. Brook said, just because you understand the facts doesn’t change the way you feel. What if he never gave her a chance to love him? Ned said he highly doubted that would be the case and they hugged.

Olivia said she kept thinking how Gio brought them all together, and Tracy said, oh God. Now she had blood ties to Sonny Corinthos. Olivia said, now she was a member of a large and ever-growing club, and Tracy said, all the more reason to run Sonny out of town. He’d been a terrible influence already and would do more to corrupt Gio. She wouldn’t have it.

Jason said he’d gotten to know Sasha and understood where she was coming from. She thought Michael was a great father. She wouldn’t have helped with Amelia if she didn’t believe that. She’d been through a lot and valued her independence. Michael said he’d do his best to respect her decisions. He knew it was going to be a knockdown, drag out fight with Willow and Drew. Jason asked if there was any room for compromise.

Willow told Drew that Michael was so cold and calculating. She’d never seen him like this. (I believe that’s what she said the last time he was like this.) He’s not the Michael she knew. Drew said, he wouldn’t let her see the kids? and she said, no, and if he got his way, she’d never see them again unless… she breaks things off with him. He said, obviously, that wasn’t going to happen, right? and she said she didn’t know if she had any choice. (What is wrong with this woman? If it was a choice between some guy and my dogs, I’d pick the dogs. Also, if everyone is calling you a donkey, you need to start looking in the mirror for the ears and tail.)

Gio said Emma had been great and now he was yelling at her. She said she was an old pro at getting yelled at. Go for it. He said what he needed was to wake up from this nightmare. Who knew what and when? And were they ever going to tell him? Emma said she thought Brook and Dante were telling the truth. They didn’t know he was their son. Dante didn’t know he had another son. Gio said he believed they weren’t lying. When Rocco had alcohol poisoning, Dante was honest about what he thought of him. He’d always wanted to know what his father thought of him and now he did. His father hated him.

Lulu said it wasn’t about trashing Brook or making her look any kind of way. Dante deserved to know he had a son… Dante said she should have told him immediately, as soon as she suspected it was Gio, and she said she wanted to. Carly warned her… He said, Carly knew? and she said she had to confide in someone. He said she confided in everyone – Carly, Cody, but not him. She said she was sorry, but she wasn’t the bad guy. Brook gave up their baby. He said he was pissed at Brook and would hash it out with her, but that was between them. Gio was feeling like trash now because she wanted to prove how terrible Brook was. For what? To get in his good graces? She asked if he thought she did this to win him back.

Michael said he told Willow that unless she left Drew and severed contact, she couldn’t be part of their children’s lives, and Jason said, assuming the case went his way. Michael said it would, and Jason asked what Willow said. Michael said she thought he was punishing her for being happy, and Jason asked if there was any truth in that. Michael said, maybe a little at first, but then he thought about Wiley and Amelia. The only thing that mattered was what was best for them. Willow kept putting her needs and Drew’s above the kids and he didn’t see that changing.  

Willow said she didn’t want to end things with Drew, but Michael threatened to keep the kids from her, and Drew said he couldn’t. Michael just wanted her to think that. She said, why not? Now that Michael was back in Port Charles, everything changed. Drew said a judge would decide that. She didn’t want to surrender before she went to court. She wouldn’t lose. Trust him. He wouldn’t let that happen. Willow said she did trust him, but it was a huge risk, and he said, even if she gave in, who’s to say Michael would hold up his end of the bargain? She’d be all alone and at his mercy. Willow said he was right. She couldn’t trust Michael at all. She knew he could be a ruthless man, but how he spoke to her was just plain cruel. Drew wondered, what kind of person made a woman choose between her kids and the man she loves? Michael was using it as leverage, to get revenge. She said Michael told her that she was putting her needs above the kids, but that’s what he was doing. He kidnapped them just to keep her apart from them. Drew said, it was an ambush, and she said she couldn’t have such a vengeful cold-hearted man raising her children. She took off her rings and put them on the dashboard, and said she was planning on taking them off after the divorce was official, but after tonight, her marriage was over. She’d return them in the morning. Drew took one of the rings and said, not this one. This stayed with them.

Olivia went into the living room and asked how it was going. Brook said, better, and asked if they could talk. Ned left to give them privacy, and Brook said she understood if Olivia was furious with her. She gave away Olivia’s grandchild and never told her. She was so sorry. Olivia said Brook was under no obligation to tell her anything. No one understood more than she did. She’d been a scared pregnant teenager once herself. Brook said Olivia kept the baby and it worked out, and Olivia said, until Dante went undercover and was shot by his own father because she never told them about each other. She understood more than anyone. Just remember one thing. She was always here for Brook, no matter what. Brook said she wouldn’t mind a hug, and they hugged.

Tracy told Ned that she had a confession to make. She knew Brook had a baby. He asked, for how long? Why didn’t she tell him? She said she just found out and Brook swore her to secrecy. She had started to look for her great-grandson, but somebody beat her to it. He asked if she knew who it was, and she said she had a pretty good idea.

Dante told Lulu that he never said she was trying to win him back, but she said, close enough. It never once crossed her mind to use the information to get back together with him. He said, it will never happen, and she said, obviously. He said she blew up the only chance of him having a relationship with his son, and she asked how it was her fault. He said, Gio wanted nothing to do with him, and she said she was sorry. She hoped he and Gio worked things out, but as far as they were concerned, she didn’t want him back – ever.

Sasha said she couldn’t think of what Cody could have said to get Lulu to back off, and he said he could have tried. It broke his heart tonight. Gio was so hurt and angry. He smashed his violin to pieces on the stage. He saw so much of himself in Gio. Discovering his life was a lie was super painful, and he didn’t like the people who raised him. Gio loved his mom, or at least he thought he did. Sasha said things worked out for Cody in the end. He was welcomed into an amazing family. Maybe the same would be true for Gio. He told her, that’s what Lulu said. He only hoped they were right. It didn’t have to be like this.

Michael told Jason that he didn’t like the idea of taking the kids away from their mother. They loved her, but he had to protect them. Jason said he knew it was a complicated situation, but he trusted Michael to do what was right. As always, Michael had his full support. Michael said that meant a lot, but he wasn’t sure the kids would feel the same way, and Jason said it was only a matter of time before Wiley and Amelia would know he did the best for them.  

Willow said, that ring belonged to Lila, and Drew said she was his grandmother. He had as much right to it as Michael did. He understood if she didn’t want to wear it, but maybe one day when she was old enough, they’d give it to Amelia. Willow said Michael was going to use her infidelity against her, but Drew said Michael wasn’t squeaky clean. They’d dig up whatever Michael was hiding and then blow him out of the water. He started the car (I wondered, where’s Kristina with the wire cutters when you need her?) and they left.

Michael watched a sleeping Wiley and promise that he’d never leave him and his sister again. He kissed Wiley’s forehead.

Sasha said Cody couldn’t go back and change what happened. All he could do was learn from it. He said it wasn’t up to him to expose other people’s secrets, especially when a child was involved, and she said, sometimes parents kept secrets to protect their children. Those decisions should be respected and left alone. She caressed her bump.

Ned said, Lulu knew about the baby too? Was he the only one left in the dark? Tracy said Lois and Gloria were extremely unfair to him. He was an excellent father and would be an even better grandfather. He needed to work on being a better son though. While he was sipping cocktails, she was left to rot at the PCPD. Jason bailed her out. He said he called to check on her several times and was told she wasn’t available. He knew she could take care of herself. She was one of the strongest people he knew. It’s where Brook got her hutzpah. Tracy said he was flattering her to get her to forgive him, and he asked if it was working. She said, no, and he laughed.

Brook wondered if she’d made a mistake and should have kept baby like Olivia, but Olivia said the choice Brook made was as valid as hers. They both required massive sacrifice. They did what they thought was best at the time for themselves and their children. Nobody could fault them. Brook said, except Gio. She tried to talk to him, but he couldn’t get away from her fast enough. Olivia said, once he calmed down – and he would – they’d find him – and they would – and make sure he knew how much they all loved him.

Emma said Dante didn’t hate Gio, but Gio said she didn’t hear the things Dante had said. She said, even if Dante hated him – which he didn’t – he wasn’t alone. He had so many people who cared about him, her included. Why not come back to her grandma’s and stay for a while? She’d love it. He said he couldn’t impose, but she said, we can’t stay here. It was chilly. He said, we? and she said, where he went, she went. He just needed to decide where that was. He said, anywhere but here. The further away, the better. She said, okay. Let’s go.

Lulu told Dante, from now on, they’d stick to co-parenting Rocco. She didn’t even see the need to be friends. He said, sounds like a plan. He’d be back in the morning. He’d be the one to tell Rocco that he had a half-brother, not her. Other than that, stay out of his life please, and stay the hell away from Gio. She’d done enough damage. He left and she cried.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Elizabeth says, it’s been such a long time since she had a yogurt parfait from Perks. Now Ric just happened to show up with one. How weird. He says he does know her. He also got her a dragon berry juice. It’s good for everything. This stuff is going to change her life. She asks if he’s saying her life needs changing, but he says, no. She sounded like she needed cheering up, being cooped up in the house. Elizabeth said, it’s not that bad. She’s sad she missed the Nurses Ball. He asks if she got to watch it on TV, and she says, of course (🍷). The nurses were amazing, and it was hard to top Lucy, Felicia, Anna, and Spinelli. The fact that Spinelli filled in for Tracy at the last moment made it better. He says he can’t imagine which performance was denied because of Tracy’s arrest on the red carpet. There’s a knock at the door and Laura walks in.

Alexis tells Kristina and Lucky, for the record, this meeting is covered by attorney/client privilege. Please start by telling her everything that happened the night Kristina tried to kill Ava.

Carly asks if Curtis has a minute. She didn’t mean to interrupt. He says, no problem. Have a seat. He heard Michael was back from Germany and doing great. She says, better than they expected. They’re thankful and grateful. He says, Michael deserves it. He’s sure the rest of the family has a lot to catch up on. Tell Michael that he’ll reach out later. What can he do for her? She says she’s not sure if he’s aware, but Michael’s divorce proceedings start today. Michael would never ask for a favor, so she’s here to do it for him. Michael could really use his help.

Michael asks Sasha how she’s doing. Is she sleeping okay? Does she have any strong cravings? Does she want to sit down? The baby kicks, and she says, whoa. That was a good one. It’s been happening a lot lately. Does he want to feel it? She puts his hand on her bump.  

Ava goes to Nina’s office and says she sounded panicked on the phone. What’s going on? Nina says, a little. She just got new information that could guarantee her daughter getting full custody of her children. Ava says, wonderful, but Nina says she doesn’t want to use it.

Emma wakes up (in a hotel room? a cabin?), but Gio isn’t there. She gets up and hears the door. He comes in and asks if she’s okay. She says she is now. She thought he took off. He says, no. He would never do that to her, especially now. She’s the only person on earth that he trusts.

On the phone, Brook thanks Anna for letting her know. Even if Gio’s not here, at least he’s with Emma. She’s sure they’ll hear from them any minute… She knows they will and just had to say thanks. Lois walks in and Brook tells her that Gio is with Emma. Lois asks if he’s okay, but Brook says she doesn’t have the right to ask that question. How could he possibly be okay?

Laura says she doesn’t usually barge in, but she didn’t want Elizabeth to stand up. She sees Elizabeth has company, so she’ll see her later. Elizabeth says, it’s okay. She and Ric were just catching up and drinking dragon berry juice. Would Laura like some tea? Laura says she’d love some, but can handle getting tea. Ric offers to get it and goes to the kitchen. Elizabeth says Ric just surprised her by stopping by with breakfast and dragon berry juice. Laura says she’s never heard of it, and Elizabeth says, Ric swears by it. He says it’s good for everything. Laura says she wouldn’t be surprised if Ric stopped by with dragon berry juice every time Lucky stepped out of the house, and Elizabeth asks if she’s suggesting Ric is watching the house and waiting for Lucky to leave. Laura said she’s suggesting he’s not above that behavior, and they laugh.  

Alexis says, Kristina intended to kill Ava, and the accident hurt two other people, so that’s two other crimes. Kristina says she knows she shouldn’t have done it, and Alexis says, the crash was labeled an accident, but if the police investigate, they’ll tie her to the cut brake lines and she’ll go to prison. The question is, for how long? They both need to tell her everything that happened that day. Don’t leave anything out. Kristina says, they told her everything, but Alexis says she’s looking at mitigating circumstances, anything that can reduce Kristina’s culpability. So please walk her through the entire day. Kristina says she went to see Ava. They day before, her dad had collapsed, and Ava just stood there and didn’t do anything.

Curtis says, Michael is his friend, and he’ll help in any way he can, and Carly says, Willow and Drew are accusing Michael of abandonment. Curtis asks what the hell they’re thinking, and Carly tells him that they’re saying Michael could have gotten treatment in Baltimore and been close to Wiley and Amelia. He says, getting the best medical treatment shouldn’t cost Michael his kids, and she agrees. She says she hopes the judge sees through Ric’s argument, but just in case, it would be helpful if Aurora Media would remind people that Drew Cain is a con artist. He’s not a man who uses his position as congressman to help people. He uses his position to get revenge and settle scores. Curtis says, she’s preaching to the choir. He knows exactly the kind of man Drew is. She says, if they focus a media attack on showing all of Drew’s missteps since he took office, it could sway public opinion or it could help the judge rule in Michael’s favor. What does he think?

Nina tells Ava, the night Drew admitted he kissed Willow, Michael stormed out and stayed out all night. Willow told her because she was so worried. It was the same night Sasha found out Cody was her cousin, and they had to break up. The bartender at the Brown Dog Bar told her that Michael and Sasha were there. They got drunk together and left together. Ava says, so maybe they slept together, which would mean Michael is probably the father of Sasha’s baby. All Ric would need was the implication to get a judge to believe Michael cheated before Willow. Plus, that means Michael was hiding a pregnant mistress, which might be enough to get a judge to give Willow full custody. Nina says, exactly. Willow will get everything she wants. Ava asks why Nina hasn’t told Ric, and Nina says, one reason is that she loves Sasha and to exploit that Michael is the father of her baby would be a big betrayal. She doesn’t want to hurt Sasha.

Michael thanks Sasha for letting him feel the baby. It was a good one too. She says, they all are lately. She’s glad he was here when it happened. He says, him too. Actually, he was hoping to ask her for another favor. She says, of course (🍷). Whatever he needs. He says his divorce hearing is today. It would be great if she stayed with Wiley and Amelia while he was in court. She says she loves spending time with his adorable children, but she can’t watch them today. She’ll be at the hearing too. He asks, why? and she says, Ric is calling her as a witness.

Gio looks at his phone and sees tons of unread messages and missed calls. Emma says, a lot of people are probably trying to get in touch with him, but he says he’s not ready for any of that yet. She says he doesn’t have to be. At least not yet. She bets everyone is worried though. He says, half the messages are from people he doesn’t know. People who are so close to him, he doesn’t even have their numbers in his phone. Now they’re family. No. He doesn’t buy it for a single second. That’s also a lie. He’s supposed to believe Tracy prizes family blood relatives more than anything, and now that he’s an official Quartermaine, she cares what he thinks. Emma says, to be fair, Tracy doesn’t really care what anybody thinks, and Gio says, and there’s Sonny. He had some cool conversations with him about music. That’s it, and he’s supposed to think of Sonny as his grandfather now. No. Knowing they’re related doesn’t make him feel different. He’s not having fake relationships with any of them. She says she knows it’s hard, and he says, it’s also a lie. And he’s supposed to believe that Tracy prizes family above everything.

Brook asks why Lois is even here, and Lois says she was concerned about Gio. She knows Brook is furious with her, but she just wanted to make sure Gio was all right. Brook says she doesn’t know how he is. He couldn’t get out of here fast enough last night. All she knows is that Emma told Anna that they were together somewhere. Lois says, they’ve got to find him, and wonders if Anna can track Emma’s phone, but Brook says, no. Gio’s entire life blew up in his face. She needs to explain herself and ask forgiveness, but it’s not more important that Gio’s need for time and space. She’s not going to do to him what Lois is doing to her. Lois asks what she’s talking about, and Brook says, Lois came to get forgiveness and have Brook say she understands. She has no interest in taking care of Lois’s feelings after Lois betrayed her trust.

Lois says she hates what she did, but she only did it because she thought it was best for Brook and Gio. She did exactly what Brook asked and found the baby a good home. Brook says, with her own family, and Lois says, Camilla just lost her husband and said she felt like she had nothing to live for. Ma told her about the baby, and they could feel the light come back to her eyes. All she wanted to do was raise Gio and love him. She promised Brook that she’d find her child a good family and that’s exactly what she did. Brook says, Lois also lied to everyone, including her. Now she knows why Lois encouraged her not to tell Dante about the baby. Lois says she was trying to shield Brook. She was going through so much and she was so scared. Brook says, of course (🍷). All she wanted was to not be pregnant and for this to not be happening. Lois gave her the closest thing to it. She told Brook to tell no one, not even her dad. She could go on tour with Lois for a few months, have the baby, and go back to her life like nothing happened. Lois offered her a lifeline made of secrets and God forgive her, she took it.

Carly says, up until now, Aurora has been neutral, some would say charitable, about Drew’s behavior, but Curtis says he didn’t think it was right to use his platform to further his personal agency. That’s something Drew would do. She says she respects that, but isn’t asking him to print anything that’s not true. She just wants the world reminded that Drew seduced his nephew’s wife. Then he tried to dig up the Quartermaine crypt just to get back at Tracy. And let’s not forget the congressman embarrassed everyone in Port Charles with pictures of him with a sex worker. Curtis says, what about Drew accusing Tracy of drugging him? and Carly says, ketamine is a party drug. It’s more likely Drew took it recreationally. Otherwise, are they supposed to believe Tracy got her hands on some ketamine, dosed Drew, and left the evidence in her car? She doesn’t think so. Curtis admits the scenario seems unlikely. He wants to help Michael, but he can’t.

Michael wonders why Ric would want Sasha to testify unless he found out Michael was the father of her baby, and Sasha says that was her first thought too. But the only people who know are her, Michael, and Jason. Danny knows Jason isn’t the father, but doesn’t know who the father is. She thinks their secret is safe. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, yes. During her deposition, Ric’s questions were pretty straightforward. He wanted to know about Michael and Willow, but no baby related questions at all. Michael says, okay, good, and Sasha says, Diane, on the other hand, asked thoroughly about her seeing Drew and Willow kissing on July 4th, and the fact Willow asked her not to tell him, which Ric hated. Diane doubts Ric will call her as a witness. He says he’s glad Diane is on his side, and she says her too. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, during the deposition yesterday, she realized if she had told him about Drew and Willow kissing when it happened, maybe it would have prevented all of this. Maybe he and Willow would have worked it out and they’d still be married.

Nina said she’d seen firsthand how much being pregnant again meant to Sasha, and Ava said, after what Sasha went through, she was sure. She was happy for Sasha. Nina said her too. Sasha had gone to great lengths to conceal Michael’s paternity. If that information were revealed, Sasha’s whole life would be turned upside down. Ava says, considering the father’s dysfunctional family, that’s the least of what could happen, and Nina says she doesn’t want to ruin Sasha’s happiness. Ava says she understands that, but Sasha did sleep with Michael. Why do they get to keep their dirty little secret when Willow’s life is out there on social media for everyone to comment on? Nina says, it’s not fair, but Drew is at fault. He turned Willow’s life into a circus. That’s another reason she doesn’t want to give Ric ammunition. If Willow gets full custody, she is never ever going to leave Drew.

Michael told Sasha that Drew made his way into the existing cracks in his and Willow’s relationship. If it had been as strong as he thought, there was no way Drew would have gotten between them. Sasha asks if he really believes that, and he says, absolutely. Looking back, as much as he loved Willow, he never saw her clearly. She says, Willow made it hard to see the real her, and he says he was so desperate to make her happy, he doesn’t think he knew who she was. He thought she was a good, honest person, someone better than him. So he made sure to show her only the best parts of himself. He kept a lot from her. He doesn’t think Willow ever got to know the real him. Sasha says she hears him taking responsibility, but what about Willow? He adored her and gave her everything she ever wanted, and she threw their marriage away. She deserves a sleaze like Drew. Michael says, she can have him. They can’t take away his kids.

Curtis says he would like nothing more than to remind the world how unfit Drew is for public office, but it could backfire spectacularly. He may run Aurora Media, but Michael is the majority shareholder. If he runs a smear campaign, Drew could wind up looking like a victim. He wants to take Drew down as much as Carly does, but that ain’t the way to do it. She says she guesses he’s right, and he says, don’t worry. He’s working on something else.

Elizabeth thanks Ric for breakfast, and he says, anytime. Madam Mayor, always a pleasure. Laura says, him too, and he leaves. Elizabeth says she hates to admit it, but the dragon berry juice is really good. She and Ric will always be friends, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t set firm boundaries. Laura says she’s sure Elizabeth has, and Elizabeth thanks her. She says, when it comes to Lucky, Ric is nothing but a problem, and Laura says, of course (🍷). Lucky sees Ric as a potential rival.

Kristina tells Alexis that she wasn’t thinking clearly. If not for Lucky telling her to leave when he did, the cops probably would have seen her. Alexis asks, how? and Kristina says she was freaked out and openly at the scene, but off to the side. Alexis asks, how many were at the scene? but Kristina says she doesn’t know. Lucky says he thinks there were two cops, four paramedics, and at least a couple of firefighters. At the time, everyone was too busy to notice, but cops have bodycams and could probably obtain the footage. Kristina says, the police definitely know she was there, and Alexis says, why? Was she interviewed? Kristina says, no, but she did tell Dante that she saw Ric’s crashed car.

Emma asks if Gio slept at all, and he says, no. He just lied there all night thinking about all the people who’ve been lying to him. Emma asks if he thinks there are people besides Brook and Lois who knew, and he says, not Brook and Dante so much, but Sonny. He and Lois have known each other forever. If she told anybody, it would be him. And that would explain why Sonny’s been so generous, paying for his entire education and all his music stuff. Emma asks if he thinks Sonny lied, and he says he didn’t think his mother… Camilla would. Emma says, she didn’t tell him the whole truth, but she didn’t lie to him about her feelings. She was his mom and loved him. He says, Emma doesn’t know that, and she says she never met Camilla, but the way he talked about her and the stories about him growing up… All he needs to know is that he loved her and she loved him too.  

Lois says she doesn’t have to apologize to anyone. She did what was right. Brook says, it wasn’t right. Instead of the closed adoption she agreed to, Lois gave the baby to her cousin. He grew up down the block. She used to babysit him and play with him, and she never knew he was her son. Lois says, it tore her up every single time, but when Ma suggested Camilla, she was too selfish to say no. She was so scared to send the baby out into the world. This way, she didn’t have to and could look over at him and make sure he was okay. Brook says, he wasn’t okay when Camilla died. She was an adult. Why not tell her then? Lois says, Gio was devastated when his mother died. What was she gonna do? Add to his grief by telling him that his mom wasn’t his mom? Brook says that’s an excuse, and Lois says, Brook was an adult trying to make it in the music business. She was taking every gig she could. Should she have called Brook and told her to come home? No. She gave Gio a good home and gave Brook her freedom and that was the right thing to do.

Alexis asks if the police know Lucky was there, and he says he ran over when he saw Elizabeth was one of the victims. He talked to the paramedics and followed the ambulance to GH. Alexis says, it doesn’t necessarily matter that Kristina witnessed the scene, and Ric and Ava’s footage from the garage doesn’t show Kristina cutting the brakes. Lucky says he thinks the only thing that’s incriminating is the car. That’s why he went to the impound, but the guy said it had already been crushed. He thought that was the end. Alexis says, now they know Ava bribed the guy to say that, because the car is hidden somewhere nobody knows. He asks, what’s the next move? and Alexis says, they need to stay as far away from this as possible. Even if the police know they were both there, it doesn’t necessarily connect them. Lucky says, that’s it? He wants to help in any way he can. Alexis says he’s been very helpful. She has a better idea of how the day went and where they’re most vulnerable. He says, okay, and Kristina thanks him. Not just for helping, but believing she never intended to kill anyone. He says, just call if they need him, and leaves. Kristina asks what Alexis thinks. Is there any way out of this?

Elizabeth says it sounds like Laura knows something. Did Lucky talk to her about Ric? Laura says, no, not at all, and she certainly never asked him about it. Mother’s intuition. When she watched Lucky looking at Elizabeth, it was so clear she was the woman he never fell out love with. Now they were living together again. Elizabeth says, it’s wonderful having him here. She just doesn’t know if it’s enough. When you love someone you know is good at rescuing you, but not so good at the mundane day to day stuff, what do you do to make the relationship work? Laura says, Lucky is so much like his father, and Elizabeth says, yes, and she knows how much Laura and Lucky’s father loved each other. Yet they couldn’t make it work. Maybe she’s naïve to think she and Lucky could.

Portia goes to Curtis’s office, and he says, they need to talk. She says, about what? and he says, the fact that Carly came by and asked him for help with Michael. He couldn’t do it because Drew was holding Portia’s crimes over their heads. She says, he’s not the only one who’s frustrated. She tried to stop Drew herself, but she failed.

Nina says, if she tells Ric the truth about Sasha and Michael, Willow will probably get full custody, and it will have worked out exactly the way Drew promised her. Ava says, and Nina doesn’t want to give him credit? and Nina says, no, but Drew already bought a house in DC. He was talking about bringing Willow and the kids there permanently. If Willow gets full custody, she’ll lose her daughter and her grandkids. Ava says, what happens if Michael gets custody? and Nina says she has no idea, but she knows Willow will want to stay here where Wiley and Amelia are. She has to believe that if Willow’s relationship costs her the children, she’ll eventually leave this man. So maybe she’s just better off in the long run if Willow doesn’t get full custody.

Elizabeth tells Laura that it’s wonderful having Lucky here, taking care of her the way he has. She actually feels like she can depend on him 100%. Does Laura think he’s happy here? Laura says she hopes so. But she thinks that’s what she wants. She wants him to live here with Elizabeth, the woman she knows he loves, and raise their child together. Elizabeth says, those are not bad things to want, but Laura says she doesn’t know if it’s right for both of them. She’d like them to figure out what’s right for them.  

Ava says, Nina is in a no-win situation. Whatever choice she makes is a gamble. If Willow found out she knew about Michael and Sasha and didn’t tell her… Nina says, Drew made it perfectly clear that he wants Willow all to himself. And if he gets that, he’ll move them to DC in a heartbeat. Ava says she doesn’t envy either choice. They have ugly consequences. As a friend, the best advice she can give is for Nina to choose the consequences she can best live with.

Wiley says he was afraid Michael would be gone for a really long time, and Sasha asks why he thinks that. Wiley says, Uncle Drew told them that daddy couldn’t come back for a very long time, and Michael says, Drew was wrong. He’d never stay away a second longer than he had to. Daddy’s doctors fixed him up and he’s all better. Carly comes in and says, it’s so good to see him. Wiley asks if they can go swimming, and Carly asks what daddy thinks. Can they go swimming? Michael says, absolutely, and Wiley asks if mommy can come, but Michael says, not today. Sasha suggests they get their bathing suits on and takes the kids upstairs.

Alexis tells Kristina that the only way out of this mess is Ric’s car. As long as it exists, there’s proof the brake line was cut. Nothing Kristina or Lucky said could mitigate the attempted murder charges. Kristina says, so Alexis is going to continue to pay off Ric and Ava until they bleed the Cassadine trust dry? She hopes no one catches Alexis embezzling. Alexis says, until they find the car, Ava and Ric have the upper hand… until… unless she can get them to turn on each other. They’re both greedy, disgusting, duplicitous people. Kristina says, if they’re not in it together, they can turn on each other. How can we make that happen? Alexis says, we don’t do anything. Kristina doesn’t do anything. Let the PCPD investigate this. She’s got to stop being impulsive. Kristina says, maybe she should pay for what she’s done, but Alexis says, it will devastate Molly. If Kristina doesn’t intend to save her own life, do it for her sister.

Portia says she knows it was crazy to hire a sex worker, but she and Nina thought it would work, and Curtis asks if Nina knows what Drew has on her. Portia says she never told Nina why Drew wants to bring her down. It was enough that both of them needed to stop him. Curtis asks if they happen to know where Jacinda is now, and she says, Australia maybe. Nina gave her a lot of money to take an extended vacation somewhere remote. He says, so Drew can’t track her down, and Portia says, there’s one thing she hasn’t figured out. She and Nina drugged Drew. How did Tracy end up getting arrested or it? He says, Drew framed her.

Gio says he keeps remembering things about his mom, and Emma says, like what? Gio says, his dad Francis was in Iraq and before he died, he sent photos. Camilla never said Gio looked like him. She never said he had his dad’s eyes or his smile. She said he looked more like her side of the family. Emma says, now they know why, and Gio tells her, Camilla said when his dad was killed, she found out she was pregnant. She said having him saved her life. She called him her little miracle. Emma says, that was her truth. It makes sense, except the pregnant part. Having him come into her life at the lowest point, no matter how it happened, gave her a reason to keep on going. And he’s going to stand there and tell her that she’s not his mom. Gio says, she was definitely his mom. Brook is just the woman who gave him away.

Lois says, if she’d told Brook that Gio was her son after Camilla died, she wouldn’t have the life she has now. She wouldn’t be a strong, successful businesswoman working at Deception. She wouldn’t have met and married Chase. Would she have been willing to throw that away? Brook says, she’s asking the wrong question. Gio is her son, and all the choices Lois made robbed her of making her own choices for him. Now he’s an adult and she’ll never get the chance. Lois says she doesn’t know that, but Brook says, he won’t talk to her. She can’t help him through his identity crisis because he doesn’t trust her. Lois says, in time, he will, but Brook says, no, he won’t, because Lois showed them both that the one person you trust more than anyone in the world can lie to your face for years. So Lois should be asking how Brook can ever trust again, or Gio. She took away everything he knew about family and now he is no one.

Curtis asks how Drew knew she’d done something, and Portia says she has no idea… Wait a second. Brad is the only other person who knew. Curtis says, something else to hold over her head and it comes with serious jail time. If he can prove it. She says, he can’t prove her involvement. The ketamine traces back to Brad, an ex-con. Who’s going to believe an ex-con over her? He says he hopes she’s right. He has an idea on how to neutralize Drew. She says, okay. What is it? He says, they’ve got to do something Drew can’t do. They’ve got to find Jacinda.

Emma’s phone dings and she tells Gio that her grandma wants to know when she’s going to be home. He says, she should go back, but she says, he’s not getting rid of her that easy. He says he needs to get away and is thinking of a road trip to Canada. She says, okay, road trip it is. But he can’t just keep avoiding everybody. He needs to take care of how he really feels about family. Are they going back? He says, they’re going back.

Lois says she can make sure Gio knows no one was ever trying to hurt him, but Brook says, two things will never change. Gio will always know she gave him up, and she’ll always know Lois lied. Gio doesn’t want anything to do with her and she doesn’t want anything to do with Lois. Gloria walks in and says, hey! Don’t you dare talk to you mother like that. If you want to have out with someone, have out with me.

Alexis finds Laura in her office and asks if she forgot an appointment. Laura says, they didn’t have an appointment. She was looking over Ace’s trust fund and she’s very concerned. There seems to be a lot of money missing.

Elizabeth asks, how was the meeting? and Lucky says he went to see a lawyer about her car accident. She asks why he did that, and he says, because he knows more about her accident than he told her.

Michael tells Carly that he asked Sasha to watch the kids, but she couldn’t. She has to be in court. Did Carly know she was on the witness list? Carly says, Diane mentioned it. She thinks it’s a waste of time. What can Sasha testify to besides knowing Willow was sneaking around with Drew behind his back?

Ric goes to Nina’s office, and Ava says she didn’t expect him so soon. How did he make it back from his meeting in Beecher’s Corners so quickly? He says he has a fast car and knows a shortcut, and Ava says he’ll have to tell her all about it later. She’ll leave them both to it. She leaves, and Ric says he wanted to come by and make sure Nina is ready to testify. Nina says she actually doesn’t know what she’s going to say now, and he says he’s surprised. She has to testify to what she saw after Michael found out about the affair. She says, Michael let Willow take the children, and he asks if she has something new to add. Nina thinks about it.

On Monday, Brook asks if Lois regrets giving her baby to Camilla; Elizabeth asks what Lucky knows about her accident that he hasn’t told her; and Laura tells Alexis that 10 million dollars has been removed from Ace’s estate.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Take a peek. You know you want to.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/behind-the-scenes-at-the-gh-nurses-ball-2025/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

How does a superyacht not have enough dishes for a 7-course meal?

The Valley

Wah-wah-wah. Poor Jax. He claimed it was the first time he’d allowed himself to be vulnerable, but I swear we’ve heard that several before. Keep throwing that against the wall, Jax. Maybe it will stick eventually. Brittany let him see Cruz and got a horrible therapy session for her trouble. In her interview, she said he wanted to re-live his pre-Brittany days and it was sad since he was a 45 year old father. Agreed.

On my wish list.

Summer House

The Reunion Part 1. I gritted my teeth during the Toegate discussion, especially the debate over how much time should be taken with a toe. The set design evoked a sleepover, which was kind of cool, but I was less than impressed with the wardrobe. As for Gabby’s… dress? No, just no. No. Usually, my only Reunion outfit complaint is it being too extra, but this made me wonder if they knew they were going to be on TV. Kyle had once mentioned on Watch What Happens Live that certain companies would not hire cast members from Summer House, which didn’t surprise me. Imrul also found out there was a downside to letting the world see your party side. He was disinvited from a nephew’s birthday party after they’d seen the show, not feeling he was the best example. As Dr. Phil says, when you choose the actions, you choose the consequences.

Random Reality Items

New Housewives and new Villains, which are kind of the same thing.

He’s off to a great start. I’ve been following that story. Very creepy and very NYC.

Could Kenya be twirling back anytime soon?

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Pee-wee as Himself. HBO/Max. 2-part documentary. I loved this film. At the end of his life, Paul Reubens said, I wanted somehow for people to understand that my whole career, everything I did and wrote, was based in love. From the moment the film started, I got that from his eyes alone. I was a Pee-wee’s Playhouse fan and often watched it Saturday morning, usually with a hangover, along with Lighting Force, a half-hour poor man’s A-Team starring Wings Hauser and a half-hour Tarzan starring a very hot Tarzan. Reubens discusses his entire career and the evolution of Pee-wee Herman, which was fascinating. Some of it is not new news, like his arrest in a porno theater and later for possessing child pornography, both of which were ridiculous. His so-called possession was his vintage erotica collection, which was shown. It was a big stretch saying the photo in question, one out of hundreds, was of someone underage. Still, he bounced back. Speaking of collections, I thought I had a lot of needless stuff, but Reubens was quite the collector of everything, especially pop culture items. I could have spent days combing through his impressive treasure trove. My only complaint is that the film wasn’t longer.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/pee-wee-as-himself-max-documentary-tv-review-2025

A few spoilers here.

https://people.com/paul-reubens-reveals-true-self-shares-his-final-words-in-new-pee-wee-herman-doc-11740098

Mickey 17. HBO/Max. Whenever Bong Joon Ho is involved, I’m in. Mickey is an Expendable, who does the most dangerous work while testing a planet for habitability and when they die – not if, when – they’re simply reprinted and sent back out again. This did make me wish we could reprint our bodies. Make mine thinner please. Only one version of an Expendable is allowed to be alive at the same time, and two Mickeys collide when one is presumed dead. It was a very busy film, so you might have to concentrate, but it was definitely a new concept worth watching.

https://movieweb.com/robert-pattinson-mickey-17-streaming-max/

A few spoilers here.

https://decider.com/2025/05/27/mickey-17-streaming-movie-review

Southern Comfort. AMC+, Amazon Prime, TubiTV, et al. This is an old film from 1981, but it doesn’t feel dated. I’d seen it long ago and for whatever reason, it popped into my head, and I had to watch it again. During the Vietnam War era, a group of National Guardsmen participate in a training exercise in the Louisiana bayou. It’s the perfect cautionary tale of don’t act like you own the place when you don’t. Brion James is exceptional as a local they capture when the stupidity of one of the Guardsmen gets out of hand. Even after all these years, it did not disappoint.

https://www.cbr.com/war-movie-southern-comfort-perfect-for-clint-eastwood-fans/

⚰️ Finale Of the Dead…

As I always say, if I need the ending explained, maybe I shouldn’t be watching it. Obviously, spoilers here, and although I won’t spoil anything, let it suffice to say, it wasn’t exactly uplifting.

https://ew.com/the-last-of-us-season-2-ending-explained-11740827

👑 Gilded Once More…

Great show. Great cast. The Gilded Age returns on June 22nd.

https://www.tvinsider.com/gallery/the-gilded-age-season-3-premiere-date-photos/

🏆 Another Shot…

If you’ve never seen Hamilton on Disney+, you’re missing out. I actually call my subscription to their service a perpetual rental of the show.

https://ew.com/original-hamilton-cast-to-reunite-at-78th-tony-awards-11744341

🩰 Don’t Dream It, Be It…

It always amazes me how much work is put into these costumes. Although I do tend to put a lot of effort into my yearly Halloween theme.

https://ew.com/best-anime-central-2025-cosplayers-from-squid-game-star-wars-fantastic-four-11741525

🐾 Reaching For the Stars…

🐶 Dogs are college students too.

https://people.com/doug-the-pug-receives-unique-honorary-degree-11741828

🐩 A canine at Cannes.

https://people.com/who-is-the-fashionable-dog-on-the-cannes-red-carpet-11737825

🐕 Everything is beautiful at the ballet.

https://www.purewow.com/news/demi-moore-striking-photo-instagram

👄 Quotes of the Week

By hero, we tend to mean a heightened man who, more than other men, possesses qualities of courage, loyalty, resourcefulness, charisma, above all, selflessness. He is an example of right behavior; the sort of man who risks his life to protect his society’s values, sacrificing his personal needs for those of the community. – Paul Zweig

It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.Eleanor Roosevelt

I know now a loss can be a gift. A chance to grow. Losing has taught me to be a better winner and a better person, one who is always looking for opportunities to learn. – Serena Williams

We’re flawed because we want so much more. We’re ruined because we get these things and wish for what we had. – Don Draper (John Hamm), Mad Men, The Summer Man

Don’t spend major time on minor things. – Jim Rohn

If you can get someone to laugh with you, they will be more willing to identify with you, listen to you. It parts the waters. – Robert Orben

Always forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them so intensely. – Percy Colson

He talks in the cadence of a leprechaun. – Kalani Faagata about Florian Sukaj, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé :The Last Resort

🌞 The Song Sings Itself…

Until next week, stay safe; stay using sunscreen now that you’ll (hopefully) be outside more (better yet, do your skin a favor and consider using it year-round); and stay never taking a lifeline made of secrets.

May 23, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Two Bombshells At the Nurses Ball, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Wait List, Rites Of Pet (!) Passage, Two Quartets Of Quotes & Glow

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Brook called a family meeting, and Ned asked Lois if something was going on at Deception. Tracy seemed distracted lately. Lois said it seemed like Tracy being Tracy.

Dante saw Sasha in the nook, and she asked how Rocco was doing. He said he thought Rocco had learned his lesson, and she said he was a really good kid. So was Danny.

Ned asked Brook what the meeting was about, and Brook said it had been tense since Rocco went to the hospital and Gio was walking on eggshells. He’d been beating himself up. Jason said, so had Danny, and Brook said, for the sake of family unity, could they please move on. Gio listened from outside the door.

Cody it was strange there was no record of Gio being born, but was still skeptical, but Lulu said, the more she thought about it, she thought Camilla had never been pregnant. Camilla had been on tour and the Bensonhurst crew wouldn’t have known.

Drew said he was surprised Portia had said anything to Curtis. In order to be blackmailed, a person had to do something wrong, something that could even cost a doctor their medical license.

Sonny said he knew Willow didn’t want an ugly custody fight. Nobody would win. Willow said it was the last thing she wanted for Wiley and Amelia, but Carly and Michael seemed determined to take her kids from her.

Nina asked Carly if Michael was coming home, and Carly said she hadn’t expected the hearing so soon. Nina said the simple solution was to postpone it, but Carly said, nothing doing. Nina said she’d thought they were together on this, but Carly said Willow would never leave Drew and she had to protect her grandchildren. Nina said they were her grandchildren too, and Carly wasn’t doing this.

Drew gave Curtis a hypothetical situation that was actually real about Portia tampering with Heather’s test results. He assumed the hypothetical doctor’s career would be over and it would be devastating for her daughter too.

Lulu found the name of the group Camilla toured with- The Nicola Quartet. They’d been performing in New Zealand when Gio was supposedly born in LA. Cody said they had to be certain if they were going to upend people’s lives, and Lulu said she wasn’t stopping until she had proof. She was going to find the other members of the quartet.

Tracy didn’t think two teenage boys getting drunk was unheard of and Brook said none of them would have called Rocco’s parents when they were Gio’s age. Gio came in and said he’d used bad judgement that Rocco had almost paid for. He couldn’t change things, but would work to gain back everyone’s trust. Lois followed him out to the foyer, and he said she and Brook needed to stop making excuses for him.

Sasha said Danny was sorry for talking Rocco into going to the party, and Dante said Danny was a good kid, but still reckless. Sasha said Danny was taking it seriously, and Dante said he loved Danny, but he was too much like Jason for his own good.

Sonny said Carly should never have interfered and he thought Willow should get a postponement, but Willow said she was sick of having it hanging over her head and Ric said she could win. Sonny said nobody would win, especially the kids. She should wait until Michael got home and they should compromise. Michael had told him that he wasn’t looking for full custody.

Carly said she was hoping Nina would get through to Willow, but she wanted the kids away from Drew now. Willow would never see him for who he was and she had to do something to protect the kids. Nina asked if Carly had just been pretending to work with her to keep her distracted.

Cody looked up a song that Camilla had once played in concert and found it on a file sharing site. Lulu looked for contact info on the remaining quartet musicians and told him that she’d say she was doing a story on touring musicians and had known Camilla. After doing a search, she found the viola guy.

Ned said he was impressed with Gio, and Jason told them, Gio said it all, and left.

Lois told Gio that she wasn’t excusing his behavior, but they’d all made mistakes. It was part of growing up. Gio said he wasn’t a kid anymore, but she said he always would be to her. He said he didn’t know what he would have done without her. Thanks to her and Sonny, he had an amazing life. He could stand on his own now because of them.

Sasha said she thought Jason was fundamentally a good man, and Dante said Jason loved his kids, but wasn’t a huge help when disciplining them. Danny needed boundaries and with Sam gone, he wasn’t getting a lot of them. Jason had to step up the way father should. Jason walked in.

Lulu left a message for the viola guy.

Curtis told Drew to keep his daughter’s name out of his mouth, but Drew claimed it was just hypotheticals. What if the patient found out a doctor was trying to deny her freedom and got a lawyer? The doctor would be facing a crippling lawsuit, and the doctor and her husband would be responsible for part of the enormous settlement.

Sonny said he’d talked with Michael before the accident, and he’d only asked for full custody as a negotiation tactic. If he hadn’t gotten hurt, he and Willow would have worked out joint custody. Willow said Michael wasn’t open to a compromise anymore. She’d flown to Germany, but he’d refused to see her. Sonny said it didn’t seem like Michael at all.

Nina said Carly had gone behind her back and lied to her face. Carly said she never made any promises and Nina was the one lying to her daughter. Nina said she had to stay on Willow’s good side, but Carly thought it was just an excuse to stall. Nina wasn’t a mother and never would be.

Nina said she was a good mother, and Carly said, then act like it. She was acting like a friend. Nina said she’d already lost Nelle and wasn’t losing Willow. Carly said Willow would come around. A good mother sacrificed their own happiness for the good of their child. Nina said Carly had never sacrificed anything. She did what she wanted no matter who it hurt. Carly said Willow should be thankful Nina didn’t raise her, or she’d be a worse mother than she was now.

Dante jetted and Jason wondered what he’d interrupted. Sasha said they’d been talking about Danny, but she should have kept her mouth shut. Jason was glad Danny had so many people looking out for him. There was a knock at the door and a woman served Sasha with papers. Sasha told Jason that she’d been called to testify in Willow’s custody hearing, and Jason said, thanks to Carly, it had been fast tracked. Sasha wondered if Willow knew that Michael was her baby’s father.

Dante came back, and Tracy said he’d missed the family meeting. Dante asked what it had been about, and Brook said, him and Gio. Olivia said the consensus was, Dante was being too hard on Gio and she agreed.

Curtis said, there was no proof, but Drew said a hypothetical doctor wouldn’t give in without it. He was sure the hospital’s system could verify it. A digital footprint lasted forever. Curtis said, so did photos and videos, and no amount of good press would erase the damage done.

Willow said the receptionist was clear that Michael didn’t want to see her, but Sonny said he knew Michael. He wouldn’t want to put his kids through what he’d been through. Willow said she’d been shocked, and Sonny said all the more reason to let it go. Call for a postponement until Michael came home and could speak for himself.

Nina said Willow was an excellent mother, but Carly said Willow was too blind to see who Drew really was. Even if she could, she’d be too gutless to admit it. she just whined and blamed other people. For all they knew, Drew would move them all to DC. Drew was going to do everything in his power to keep the kids from Michael, and Willow would blindly follow. Willow didn’t deserve the kids or to be a mother. Nina slugged Carly and they got into some hair pulling.

Josslyn came in and broke up the fight. Carly told Nina, get the hell out, and Nina said, gladly. There was no way she’d let Carly take willow’s children away and would do whatever it took to stop her. Josslyn asked what was going on.

Jason said only he, Sasha, Diane, and Michael knew Michael was the father. Danny only knew that the father wasn’t him. Sasha said she hadn’t told anyone, and Michael’s name wasn’t on any paperwork. She wondered how Ric thought she could help Willow’s case.

Drew said he intended to prove he was drugged, but Curtis said people would think he was a politician who would say whatever he could to save himself. They’d dismiss him and think less of him. Drew said he had the situation under control, and Curtis said they’d see what happened. Drew said he looked forward to Aurora’s endorsement of Ezra Boyle and Measure C, suggested some editorials on how organized crime was bad for Port Charles, and left.

Dante said he was surprised at Olivia, but she said Dante wasn’t a saint back in the day. Dante said she’d done something about it and gotten him on the right track. No one was doing anything about Gio. Just talking.

Gio said he never realized how much Lois and Gloria shielded him when he was younger, but Lois said, Dante was exaggerating. Gio said he wasn’t. He needed it when he was younger, but didn’t anymore. Lois said family looked out for each other, and Gio said it was clear nothing would change Dante’s mind about him.

Lulu left messages for everyone involved and mentioned Camilla. Her phone rang and it was the cellist, Margaret Harper, returning her call. She said she hadn’t thought of Camilla in years, and it was a tragedy she’d died so young. Camilla had quit the tour with no notice and left them in the lurch, which wasn’t like her. They’d had to cancel the New Zealand leg of the tour. Lulu asked if Camilla had been having a rough pregnancy, but Margaret said, Camilla wasn’t pregnant.

Brook said Gio regretted what he’d done, yet when he was young, Dante couldn’t see that breaking in and stealing was wrong. Gio didn’t need the tough love that Dante had needed. Dante said, as a parent, he got it, and knew Olivia had been trying to make him a better person. He didn’t think Gio was trying to hurt Rocco, but had screwed up, and sometimes you had to be hard on a kid. Brook would see it when she had her own kids.

Gio told Lois that he was sure Dante was trashing him right now.

Josslyn was surprised about the hearing, and Carly said Willow needed be out of Drew’s house. Josslyn wondered how a hearing could be scheduled when Michael was still in Germany, and Carly said she was looking for emergency custody. Josslyn said Carly needed to call Michael and tell him about the hearing.

Jason said some witnesses were never actually called, and Sasha wondered if Ric was hedging his bets. Jason said it was no secret she and Michael had dated and were still friends. Maybe Ric thought she’d overheard or seen something make Michael look bad. Sasha said Ric would be disappointed.

Lois said Dante didn’t think Gio was a bad person, but Gio said Dante had a terrible opinion of him. He’d just stay out of Dante’s way. There was no reason they needed be friends. Olivia came out and told Gio that there was something she needed to say.

Willow said it was only right Michael should be there. She didn’t want Carly to be speaking for him. Nina ran in all disheveled, and Willow asked, what happened to her face? Nina said, Carly happened. She went to see Carly, and she refused to postpone the hearing and said Willow didn’t deserve custody. She told Sonny that Carly had made it clear she was trying to take the kids from Willow, and Willow said there was no room for compromise with Carly involved. She was calling Ric and would tell him to do whatever it took to keep the kids with her where they belonged. She left and Sonny told Nina that he came this close to getting Willow to postpone the hearing. Nina said his ex was a psycho bitch and there was nothing they could do at this point. Carly had gone too far. Sonny said Nina was the one who got Willow’s kids taken from her.

Jason told Sasha not to worry, and she agreed that Ric had no reason to suspect Michael was the father of her baby. Her secret was safe.

Sonny told Nina that he’d been Willow’s last hope. He’d come there for her. If Willow lost her children, Nina had no one to blame but herself. 

Carly said she wasn’t calling Michael, but Josslyn said they were Michael’s kids. He had the right to know. Carly said she didn’t want him to cut his recovery short and come home, and Josslyn asked if she really thought the judge would side with her over Willow who was the children’s mother. Carly said she hoped the judge would look at the facts and see that the kids were in an unhealthy environment. If her strategy didn’t work and Michael lost custody of Amelia and Wiley, he was never going to forgive her.

Dante said when Brook had a child, she’d look at things differently. She was going to be an awesome mom. Brook thanked him, but wouldn’t let him dismiss her opinion. Gio had apologized over and over. What did he want?

Olivia told Gio that it took guts to own up to his mistake. Next time he’d do better. Period. The end. He thanked her and she said her son would come around too. He told her, that’s what Lois had said, but he didn’t think so. She said Dante was upset because he saw so much of his younger self in Gio. 

Lulu told Cody that Margaret was going to send her a picture of her and Camilla on the beach. When the picture came through, Cody said Camilla was hot, but didn’t look pregnant. Lulu said Lois and Brook had been hiding Dante’s son in plain sight.

Curtis listened to the recording he’d made of the conversation with Drew. He looked at Portia’s number in his phone.

Drew called Mac and said he remembered more from that night. He knew who’d drugged him.

Tuesday:

Nina and Drew both tell someone on the phone that the answer is no.

Nina and Drew host on the Nurses Ball red carpet. Nina made sure to make a dig at Drew, asking if his name is Cain or Quartermaine. He tells her, Quartermaine, like there was never any question.

Tracy complained about being late and Olivia asked if Tracy shouldn’t be on vocal rest since she was singing lead. Tracy said she was nervous about Lucy, who was a walking, standing, singing disaster. She didn’t want Lucy’s underwear ruining her act. Olivia said, at this point, Tracy was basically fate’s passenger, and in unison with Ned, she told Tracy, something always happens at the Nurses Ball.

Lulu told Cody that she was riding over with Dante, and he asked if she was going to tell him about her theory. She said she was, but not yet. She had no definitive proof, but if she was right, he deserved to know.

Ric showed up to bug Alexis as she was leaving. He brought her all the paperwork she’d need to cover up her embezzlement and make the investments look legit. She told him to give it a rest.

The Mistress of Ceremonies, Lucy, arrived with a llama. The llama was too precious, and Lucy looked so cute in a red twirly skirt and Nurses Ball T-shirt that I must have.

Nina asked Lucy to tell them about her date, and Lucy said the devastatingly handsome and soft fella was Sebastian. They were on a mission to promote rescue for llamas. She thanked Drew and Nina for replacing the original host who had to drop out. She said they made a glamorous, fabulous, gorgeous pair. Nina asked about Lucy’s special guest, but Lucy said, a lady never tells, but promised it would be worthwhile and fantastic. She told them, Sebastian says, ta, and they left. Sonny and Donna came in.

Brook wondered why Lulu was at the Quartermaines, and Lulu said Dante had offered her a ride. Lois was meeting Sonny at the Ball, and Tracy called her a traitor. Dante was like, really? They were surrounded by Sonny’s family. Olivia and Ned left, Ned telling Tracy to get a ride with Brook and Chase.

Drew blabbed about Measure C to Sonny, but Sonny said the people of Port Charles needed to choose what was best for the city. That was politics, but tonight they were here for something more important. Nina welcomed Donna, who is the cutest child on earth and has Sonny’s dimples. Carly was next, and Drew said, too bad Michael couldn’t be there. Carly said she was sure he missed his favorite nephew. She knew how much they loved to share things. (Snap!) Drew said it was tragic that Michael had been the unintended victim in the attempt on his father’s life and they should pass Measure C for Michael’s sake. (Hard to believe even Drew would think this was the appropriate place and a good look for him.)

Carly said she was against Measure C, which was clearly one politician’s attempt to make himself important at the expense of one of Port Charles’s most generous citizens. Nina asked, what politician? and Carly said, Councilman Boyle. Jordan came in with Sidwell, and Nina asked about her resignation. Jordan said it was about opportunity, and she was now the COO of Sidwell’s company, SRE Worldwide. Sidwell was also picking up the tab for the entire Ball. Sidwell said he’d gotten such a warm welcome from the good people of Port Charles, it was his way of saying thank you to the city. Drew started talking about his own agenda again, when Felicia and Isaiah arrived. Felicia said Isaiah was her friend and co-worker, but not her date, and Nina pointed out that she was married to Chief of Police Mac Scorpio. She asked if Isaiah was single, and he looked at Jordan and said, very.

Ric thought the paperwork would help, but Alexis said it would help if he’d stop blackmailing her. Ric said it wouldn’t be happening if Kristina hadn’t tried to murder Ava, but if their arrangement was unacceptable, he could have Kristina thrown into prison. Kristina came in and wondered why Ric was always there.

Some guy named George told Nina and Drew that they made a great team, and Nina said, lucky her. She introduced Port Charles’s favorite power couple, Ned and Olivia. Drew said he was happy to see how well the family was represented at the Ball, and Ned said he didn’t realize how important the family was to Drew other than using the name. Olivia hustled him off. Portia, Curtis, and Trina came in, and were introduced. Drew said they had a last minute arrival, and Kai said, surprise!   

Kai told Trina that Stella talked to the doctors who gave him the all clear for the night. There was no way he was going to miss her performance. Nina asked about Kai, when Drew interrupted and introduced him as the once and future football star at PCU. Kai said if he got back into football, it was because of the congressman’s generous support. Curtis said he thought the next arrival was coming.

Tracy wanted to walk the red carpet with Lulu and Brook, but Lulu said she was walking with Dante. Dante said he’d promised Charlotte and Rocco that he’d escort their mom. Tracy said, at least her beautiful granddaughter wouldn’t desert her, but Brook said she was planning on walking the red carpet with her husband. However, Tracy was welcome to join them.

Dante and Lulu came in, and Nina remarked on Lulu’s triumphant return. Josslyn and Gio followed, and Josslyn talked up Gio’s violin playing. Gio said he played mostly classical music, but was changing it up tonight, and Josslyn said his performance wouldn’t make up for Nina’s piece of trach co-host. She and Nina had their differences, but she was sorry Nina was stuck working with him. Nina said Josslyn had a feisty spirit like her late grandmother Bobbie Spencer.

Chase’s phone rang and he said it was work. He told the others to go ahead, and Brook walked in with Tracy. On the phone, Chase said, Mac wanted him to what?

Alexis told Kristina that Ric came to see if Molly was there, but she told him that they were meeting at the Ball. Kristina said the Ball wasn’t there, so why was he? Ric asked what happened to her putting her anger away, and she said, that stopped when he decided to help Willow steal her brother’s children from him. Ric said Michael’s mother had pushed the date and reignited the custody battle, and Kristina told him that it said a lot about Willow to choose a bottom feeder like him to represent her. Ric suggested she might want to watch being on her high horse. All it took was one little push. He left and Alexis said Kristina needed to be nicer to him. Kristina said maybe Alexis was losing her mind.

Gio asked if Sonny had seen Lois, but Sonny said it was hard to keep track of her. They talked about Gio’s upcoming number and Sonny asked, how was Gio’s first red carpet? Gio said, Josslyn made it memorable. Josslyn told Carly about taking shots at Drew on the red carpet, and Carly said Drew tried to use Michael to bait her so he could use it at the custody hearing, but she kept cool. Tracy and Brook were introduced, and Tracy grabbed the mic to express support for Measure C. She added that she was heartened her congressman nephew was leading the charge to rid the city of the blight that was Sonny. Drew said it was nice to be on the same side for once, when Chase approached. Nina asked if he wasn’t slated to perform, but Chase said he’d been put back on duty. He asked to talk to Tracy, but she said, in a minute. She was talking about an issue important to the people of Port Charles. Chase said it couldn’t wait, but she said, this couldn’t either. He said he was sorry to do this, but she was under arrest.

Nina took the mic, and Chase suggested he and Tracy discuss it off camera. Tracy said, clearly, it was an erroneous accusation, and she wanted the people of Port Charles to see how ridiculous it was. He said he was arresting her for assault, drugging an individual without their knowledge or consent. Tracy asked, who was drugged? and Chase said, Congressman Drew Cain. Tracy said it was a mistake, but Drew said, no, it wasn’t, and Chase handcuffed Tracy. Dante told Lulu that he hoped Tracy didn’t make Chase use the taser, and Chase read Tracy her rights as he led her away. 

Portia said Curtis seemed distracted, and he said he had some calls to make. He left, and Isaiah looked at Portia, remembering overhearing her say if Curtis found out she lied, her marriage was over. Isaiah brought her a glass of champagne and said, if she ever needed to talk, come find him. Dante told Sonny that he missed Chase arresting Tracy. Drew accused her of drugging him. Sonny said, it couldn’t happen to a nicer person.

Nina introduced Anna and Emma, and said she heard Anna was slated to perform not one, but two acts. Anna said that remained to be seen. The leading vocalist in one act had been led off in handcuffs, and her partner in the other act was the arresting officer. Nina said she was sure Anna would figure it out. Her resourcefulness was legendary. Drew asked if Robin was coming, and Emma said her mom couldn’t make it, so they were here to represent. Anna said there had been so much progress since the first Nurses Ball in 1994. People with HIV were living long and happy lives thanks to the dedication and resourcefulness of scientists and researchers. She believed it was just a question of time before a cure was developed. (Truth. I have a high school friend who has been living with HIV for many, many years now.)

Alexis suggested they not let Ric ruin the evening, and Kristina wondered why she was defending Ric. Alexis said they’d made a truce for Molly’s sake, but Kristina said, since he was going after Michael, all bets were off. Alexis said it would be better to keep things even, and Kristina asked if was because she was emotionally volatile and asked if Alexis was going to have her committed.

Cody saw Molly outside, and they smiled.

Cody continued to stare at Molly, who asked if she had a stain on her dress. Cody said, no, and asked if she was heading in. She said she was waiting on her mom and Kristina, but they hadn’t responded to her texts. Cody said, in that case, and held out his arm. He said he promised to leave his pants on, and she took his arm.

Alexis asked if every time they had a difference of opinion, Kristina was going to accuse her of thinking she was crazy. Kristina said Alexis had tried to have her thrown into a mental institution without her consent and It was hard let go of. Alexis said she was just trying to give Kristina advice, but Kristina said she wasn’t going to be nice to Ric when he was fighting to have her brother’s children taken away. Alexis suggested she stay out of Ric’s face. He wasn’t someone they could afford to piss off for Kristina’s sake. Kristina asked what she was talking about.

Nina asked if Molly and Cody were an item, and Cody said Molly had the pleasure of prosecuting him more than once. Molly said she didn’t technically prosecute him, and Cody said they met while he was in custody. Part of his sentence was to escort beautiful women on the red carpet.

Ned said the MetroCourt looked amazing, and Carly and Olivia clinked glasses. Carly left to check on the waitstaff, and Brook asked if Ned saw what happened to granny. Ned asked what she’d done now.

Chase brought Tracy to the interrogation room where Mac was waiting. He uncuffed her and said, for what it’s worth… (🍷) She told him, save it, and Mac asked him to tell Felicia that he was sorry he couldn’t make it. This was definitely going to take a while.

Lucy said there was a problem, and Anna said she’d heard about Tracy. Lucy asked if she or Felicia could sing, but they were both like, no way. Lucy suggested Maxie could replace Tracy, but Felicia said Bailey Lou was sick and Maxie was home with her. Spinelli had brought Georgie and James without her. Anna said she thought Felicia might have solved their problem. 

Curtis told Jordan that Drew was definitely blackmailing Portia – hypothetically – and she asked what he had on Portia – hypothetically. He said he needed to confirm some things before he said, and she asked if he’d talked to Portia. He said, not yet, but he would… eventually. He looked over and saw Portia with Isaiah. A guy named Scott asked Molly who her date was and said he looked familiar. He wondered if he’d seen Cody in Deception ads, and Cody said that was in his past. He was no longer in the Deception business. Molly told Scott, so he says, and Cody said he’d better get her inside before she realized how much better she could do. 

Nina said it had been the last of the arrivals and their work was mercifully done. She thanked Drew, but he said it seemed they’d saved the best for last. Willow stood at the end of the red carpet sporting a funky new haircut.

Drew walked to Willow, said she looked incredible, and kissed her as cameras flashed. Nina looked sick.

Molly told Cody that neither her mom nor Kristina were responding to her texts. 

Alexis said she thought it was healthier if Kristina let go of her anger. That was the plan and as despicable as Ric was, it was a good plan. Kristina said she changed her mind, and Alexis said, change it back. Kristina accused Alexis of trying to control her like she’d done since Kristina was a child. Alexis was policing what she thought and did, and she was sick of it. Alexis said she was trying to keep Kristina from making a terrible mistake, but Kristina said her mistakes were her own. She didn’t need Alexis to protect her. Alexis said, she did, and if she didn’t protect Kristina, they’d both be going to prison. Ric knew Kristina had tried to kill Ava. 

Mac tossed a folder on the table, and told Tracy that Drew said she was the last person he’d remembered being with the night he was drugged. Tracy said that didn’t mean she drugged him, and she wasn’t the last person he’d been with. Mac said he’d seen the video, but he got a search warrant, and they found a vial of ketamine in her car. Tracy asked why she would have… He framed her.

Ned said if Tracy did drug Drew, she wouldn’t have gotten caught. Something was fishy. Brook got a text from Chase: On my way back, will explain everything when I get there.

Nina said Willow looked amazing and introduced her beautiful daughter who was also one of General Hospital’s finest nurses. She said Willow looked absolutely radiant and asked, what was her secret? Willow said she thought it was because she’d never been so happy.

We saw a man watching the red carpet on a tablet in a private plane. Willow said it was all because of Drew, and Nina said, obviously, they were serious. Willow said they were absolutely, totally committed to each other and to their future. She was thrilled to be blessed with blending a beautiful family. Michael The man continued to watch on the tablet.

 To Be Continued…

Wednesday:

Lucy screeched for her gown and Amy brought it. Lucy said all of their hard work was about to pay off, and Sebastian wanted to say, all of you folks, it’s showtime.

Alexis said she knew Kristina tried to kill Ava. It didn’t matter why she did it. She did it and it couldn’t be undone, so they had to cover it up.

Drew and Willow walked into a less than warm reception, and Willow left to change for her performance.

An announcer said, ladies and gentlemen, please help give a warm welcome to our host Lucy Coe, and Lucy came out in a sparkly gown. She said she was excited to be host for the celebration of community and contribution and was so delighted to welcome everyone to the 2025 Nurses Ball. She promised it would be a night they’d never forget. There was applause and a scream was heard from backstage.

Lucy said she was sorry. Everything was fine. Apparently, a stagehand got too close to Sebastian and llamas were very territorial. The stagehand… Let’s just say he won’t do it again. So yay. Moving on. She shared that she’d started the Nurses Ball 31 years ago – applause – to raise awareness and funds in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It was a teeny idea, and a one-time event grew into a Port Charles institution that she was proud of. They got together with the community to do something for the greater good. Some might think they didn’t have to do so much now, but they had to continue to fight the good fight. She thanked everyone for being there and thanked their amazing benefactor who underwrote the entire ball. That meant every penny went right to the cause. There was more applause, and she thanked everyone. She said they were also going to see all the fine, home-grown talent showing off their stuff. If you saved a life, you were a hero, but if you saved a thousand lives, you were a nurse. She was excited to start the evening by bringing back to the Nurses Ball stage the talented, hardworking, gorgeous medical staff at General Hospital. Once again, proving angels weren’t always wearing wings. Sometimes, they were in scrubs. A group performed Holiday, with Amy and Deanna on lead vocals. Willow and Isaiah also joined them, and they got a standing ovation.

Kristina said she did cover it up and wondered how Alexis knew. Lucky was the only person who knew. Alexis said she talked to Lucky, but after she knew the truth. Kristian said she never meant to hurt Ric and Elizabeth. She’d meant to cut Ava’s brakes. Alexis asked what the hell difference it made. (Right?) Kristina tampered with a car with the intention of hurting somebody and she did hurt two people. Good thing it wasn’t worse. Kristina said she felt terrible. It was all she could think about. She’d give anything to go back and change what she did. She tried to stop it. She called Ava to warn her, but Ava didn’t pick up and she was too terrified to leave a message. Alexis said, good thing she didn’t. It would have been another piece of evidence against her. They knew what she did and could prove it.

Kristina asked, who was they? Ava and Ric or the police? Alexis said Ava and Ric. Ava showed her a video from the security cameras in the garage of Kristina holding the wire cutters and heading toward Ric’s car. They had the car. Kristina said, the car was destroyed. Lucky checked. Alexis said she was sure Ava paid off the impound lot person to say that. They hid the car and only Ric and Ava knew where it was. If the police found it, they would see the brake lines were cut and Kristina would be charged with attempted murder. Kristina said, they hadn’t gone to the police. Why go to Alexis? Alexis said because they were blackmailing her.

Josslyn said she was happy Kai didn’t have to go back, and Kai said he had help. Trina said, Aunt Stella, and Josslyn said, now Trina didn’t have to rush off to see Kai and they could hang out. Trina said, Kai would also get to watch them in person, and Kai said he couldn’t wait. Josslyn noticed Willow and Drew coming in and watched as Willow went past them. She said she’d be back, and left.

Chase apologized for being late, but Brook said she was just glad he made it back. What was going on with granny? She didn’t drug Drew, did she? (Try saying that three times real fast.) Chase said that Mac took over before he got any details, and Brook said she knew Tracy hated Drew, but she couldn’t imagine her doing anything that horrible. Dante suggested her anger had reached epic proportions, and Cody called Drew trash with abs. Chase said Tracy would want Brook to have fun, and she said they had to be there or Gio’s performance. Tracy probably had her legal team on it and there was nothing worry about.

Josslyn found Willow in the bathroom and said she didn’t think Willow could sink any lower, but somehow, she had. It took a lot of nerve being here and all over Drew. Willow said she wasn’t leaving and asked if that was all. Josslyn said Willow would never take Michael’s children away from him.

Drew asked how Kai was feeling, and Kai said, pretty good. He thanked Drew again for everything, and Drew said he was sorry he wasn’t there more after Kai’s surgery. Kai said he’d read about it and hoped everything was okay. Drew said it would be. The documentary was going to be great for both of them. Since Drew is always working, he zeroed in on Portia.

Sonny asked if ADA Turner  was enjoying herself, and she said, perhaps it was the only Nurses Ball they’d be at together. He might find it difficult doing business in Port Charles if Measure C passed. Perhaps he’d relocate to a more welcoming climate. Sonny said Port Charles was his home. Nobody was pushing him out

Drew said he needed Portia to do something, but Portia said he needed to leave her alone. He asked if she’d check on Willow in the ladies’ room, but she said she wasn’t answering to him tonight. She was enjoying a night out with her husband.

Willow said it was none of Josslyn’s business. She was Wiley and Amelia’s mother, and they belonged with her. Josslyn asked, what about their father, the one she was still married to? Out of sight, out of mind? Willow said she hadn’t forgotten Michael. She flew to Germany to talk about all that and he refused to see her. She wanted to work things out, but he didn’t. It made her realize that she couldn’t sit around waiting for Michael to come home and there was nothing more important than moving on with her life and being with Drew. (Wow. Not too admittedly selfish.) She wasn’t going to let Josslyn or anyone else harass her. Drew knocked at the ladies’ room door and asked if Willow was all right. Josslyn said Willow’s hero was there now. Did Willow think he was late because he and his white horse were off scoring blow? Drew walked in and Josslyn reminded him that he was in the ladies’ room. Was he looking for his girlfriend or another hooker? She was sure Willow could help him out. She left. 

Portia met Curtis in the garden and said, the Nurses Ball was a magical night. It made you feel like anything was possible. She was lucky to be there with her handsome husband who she adored… What was wrong? Curtis said it was hard to enjoy the night when he knew she wasn’t being honest with him. She said, about? and he said, Drew blackmailing her.

Lucy introduced Gio, listing his accomplishments, and saying he combined classical sophistication with fresh street energy. It was his first time on the Nurses Ball stage and she asked for a warm welcome. There was applause and Gio did this amazing performance, leaping around the stage while playing. A light show went on around him and smoke from dry ice covered the stage floor. Lulu watched Lois get emotional while watching him. (I have never seen a musician perform on any instrument like this guy just did. It was phenomenal.)

Lois told Gio it was the best performance she’d seen him give. She’d told everybody in the neighborhood to watch him on TV and her phone was blowing up. He made them all so proud. Gio said he missed performing the most. He felt close to his mom on the stage. He felt like she was with him. She would have loved the Nurses Ball. Lois agreed, and Lulu asked to talk to Lois. Before she could, Lucy came backstage and said they needed the area clear for the magician’s water tank act. She told Lois that she needed her – chop-chop – and Lois told Lulu that Lucy was chop chopping already. She left with Lucy, and then Gio left.

Chase said he didn’t know Gio was that good, and Brook said even she was blown away and she saw him rehearse. She asked if it changed Dante’s mind. Or did he still think Gio was spoiled and irresponsible? It took a disciplined, responsible, hard-working guy to play like that. Dante said he thought Gio was great.

Kristina said, Alexis was stealing from the Cassadine estate to pay off Ric and Ava? Alexis said Ace would be fine. There was enough money that he couldn’t spend it in five lifetimes. The real issue was, now she was involved in an embezzlement scheme with the two of them. She needed to play by their rules. If she didn’t, they’d go after Kristina for attempted murder. Kristina was worried about Alexis getting caught, but Alexis said she wasn’t so sure. Ava and Ric thought they had it planned beautifully with shell companies, so their names were hidden. But the bottom line was, if she went down, so did they. The money would stop flowing and all three of them would be in jail. Kristina said they were dangerous. She hated them and they couldn’t be trusted. Alexis said there was no other way, but Kristina said they could tell her dad.

Cody asked if Lulu talked to Lois, but she said she couldn’t get Lois alone. She saw Lois’s face when Gio performed, and she knew she was right. She just needed to confirm her suspicions.

Jordan asked how Sidwell was enjoying his first Nurses Ball, and he said it was absolutely delightful. Isaiah joined them and said Jordan looked beautiful. He congratulated Sidwell. It was shaping up to a very successful event, and it was nice to see his blood money do some good for a change. Sidwell laughed, Isaiah told them to enjoy their night and left. 

Portia admitted Drew was blackmailing her, and Curtis said, over what? She said, Brad figured out that she’d altered Heather Webber’s cobalt levels – which Curtis knew – and he was using it as leverage over her. At first, he asked for small things and she didn’t want to tell Curtis because it was a hospital matter. She thought she’d handle it herself. Curtis was already dealing with so much at Aurora, she didn’t want to add to his stress. She was managing it. Curtis said, until Drew got involved, and she said, that’s when it escalated and became something much bigger. He said, how big? He needed to hear everything now.

Alexis said Kristina couldn’t go to her father. He’d take extreme measures. Kristina said she couldn’t let Ric and Ava blackmail Alexis, but Alexis said she was going to do what they told her. It wasn’t just about doing this for Kristina. She was doing it for Kristina’s sister too.

Curtis said he didn’t get how Portia put them in this position after everything they’d been through in the past, the secrets and lies. She was doing it again. She said she was afraid of exactly what was happening right now, and it was a hospital issue. It snowballed when Drew found out. Then it was too late to tell him. She knew he’d be furious. He said that’s one thing she got right. When he found out Trina was his daughter, Portia promised no more secrets, they’d always be honest. After all that, here they were. Portia said she meant it. She’d never keep something that affected him as much as that did. It was a hospital issue… He said she didn’t get it. It did affect him, all of them. It could be the end of her career. She could end up in prison and it could destroy everything.

Olivia and Carly got on stage, and Carly said they were honored and proud to be the hosting venue. Olivia said the incomparable Lucy Coe was going to delight them with the next performance, and introduced Lucy, Anna, and Felicia… Carly said, hold on. In another expect the unexpected Nurses Ball snafu, welcome to the stage a surprise guest. Anna, Lucy, and Felicia came out in Western wear, along with Spinelli who sang lead on These Boots Are Made For Walking (a karaoke go-to for me).

Kristina said Alexis drew up the commitment papers because Alexis knew what she’d done, and Alexis said it was a strategy to mitigate Kristina’s culpability for what she’d done. She was afraid to tell Kristina because she might tell her sister. Or Molly would find out that she had a mother, sister, and father who were criminals and going to jail. Kristina said she’d be all alone, and Alexis said Molly was also an officer of the court. She’d have to turn Kristina in or look the other way and become an accessory after the fact. She had to protect Kristina to prevent her from going to prison and had to do what Ava and Ric were asking. Kristina needed to let her handle this. Kristina said she’d judged Alexis harshly when Alexis was trying to protect her, as if the guilt she felt about Elizabeth and Ric wasn’t bad enough. Now she had to live with this too. Alexis said it was a mother’s job to protect her children and this was her choice. They exchanged I love yous, and Alexis said Kristina needed to let her handle Ric and Ava. Let her do it her way. Kristina said she was so sorry. Alexis was an incredible mother and woman, and she was so lucky. They hugged.

Curtis asked what Drew was making Portia do, and she said Drew wanted her to get Aurora Media to run positive stories. He said, not only was she lying to him, she was manipulating him. She used their love and marriage to make him play nice with a man that treated him like garbage and was treating her the same way. She said she knew it was wrong, but at that point, she was trying to protect their marriage. He said she didn’t. What she did was keep her mouth shut, first about Brad, then about Drew blackmailing her. She lied because Drew ordered her to and left him and the entire family vulnerable. She didn’t protect their marriage; she ruined it. What kind of marriage runs on lies and manipulation? She asked him to please not walk away. He couldn’t throw away their marriage.

Lois said Spinelli brought down the house. She knew he was brought in at the last minute to replace Tracy, but he was spectacular. Spinelli said, it was an honor to be asked. He didn’t know the music or the moves… Anna said they wouldn’t take no for an answer, and he asked how he could refuse the terrifyingly charming trio. He needed a stiff drink. He left, and Lucy thanked Anna for her brilliant idea. She saved the Nurses Ball. Felicia suggested they get changed and get back to their seats, and they danced out. Lois started cleaning up, and Lulu said she needed to talk to Lois. It couldn’t wait. She had to talk to Lois now. 

Brook told Gio that he was a star, and Gio thanked her and said it meant a lot. Dante watched them, frowning. 

Lois asked what this was all about, and Lulu said she saw Lois watching Gio performing, how emotional and proud she was. Lois said, of course (🍷). He was amazing. Did Lulu not see him play? Lulu said, he was truly great. His mother passed down her music gene. Lois said, she did, but Gio did the work, and Sonny helped with his education and training. She told Lulu that she was going to watch the rest of the Ball. She was sure Dante was waiting. Lulu said Dante was a patient guy. He didn’t mind waiting. That’s what made him a good detective. Lois said Lulu didn’t have to sell her on Dante. She was already a fan. Lulu said he was more than that. He was family. So was Gio and Brook. Lois asked what she wanted, and Lulu said she wanted the truth. She knew Camilla cut her tour short, but not because she was pregnant. Camilla didn’t give birth to a son in LA, but she know Brook did give birth to a son with Dante. And that son was Gio.

To Be Continued…

Thursday:

Portia told Curtis not to walk away. They had a beautiful daughter in there. He said, the daughter she’d lied about and kept from him for years. She said Trina loved him and was part of both of them. Don’t undo what they’d built because she’d made a mistake. He said he was the only one thinking about their family and Trina. He didn’t put them at risk, and what was already done couldn’t be undone.

Nina found Carly in the ladies’ room, and said she was hoping to get Carly alone, but not for round two. Carly asked what she wanted, and Nina said Carly had forced her hand by pushing up the court date. Whatever happened next was on her.

Ned said it was very generous of Sonny to pay for Gio’s musical education. What he saw on stage was exceptional. Sonny said Gio was a great kid and he was happy to help out. Ned said there was no denying Gio’s training had paid off. He noticed Willow and Drew walking in and excused himself. He walked over to Drew and said, you son of a bitch. Don’t think for one second I’m going to let you get away with setting up my mother.

Brook praised Gio’s performance and said her goosebumps had goosebumps. Dante said Brook was right. Gio was awesome and incredibly talented. He congratulated Gio, when Lucy grabbed him and Cody. She told them, let’s go to the dressing room now, and hustled them off.

Lulu asked why Lois looked surprised. She already knew Gio was her grandson and she’d been keeping the truth from him for his entire life.

Curtis said he knew what he and Portia had and what it took to build. She took what they built and broke it. She didn’t trust him enough to tell him the truth, so she lied. Portia said she was sorry. She didn’t know what to do. He said, so she manipulated him. She did Drew’s bidding and left their whole family, and herself, open and vulnerable to Drew. She asked him not to give up on them, and he said he wasn’t. At least not tonight. It would send a signal to Drew that they weren’t a united front and leave her exposed. He wouldn’t do that to her or Trina. They were going to smile and be every bit the loving, happy couple everyone expected. She said, and tomorrow? and he told her, let’s get through tonight, and walked away.

Drew said he had no idea what Ned was talking about, and Ned told him to cut the crap. They both knew his mother wasn’t sloppy. She’d never leave evidence of a crime she committed in her own vehicle. It had Drew written all over it. Drew said Tracy thought she was above the law. That kind of confidence caught up with someone and made them sloppy. Ned said they were going to find out who planted the drugs in Tracy’s car, and told Willow that Drew was an unconscionable ass. They’d all attempted to give her the benefit of the doubt. They’d believed Drew manipulated her and she was as much a victim as Michael. Willow said she was no victim and neither was Michael. He couldn’t be a victim when he wouldn’t even try to solve the problem. Olivia asked what she was talking about, and Willow said she flew to Germany to compromise with Michael, and he wouldn’t see her. Drew was the only person acting in her best interest. Olivia said Drew wreaked havoc and Willow stuck by his side cheering him on. Don’t expect sympathy when the whole thing blew up in her face. Ned and Olivia left.

Carly asked what was next, and Nina said they were going to prove Michael abandoned his children. Perspective was a funny thing. The night of the holiday party, when Michael played the video of Willow and Drew, he wanted Willow to take the children. Carly said, Michael didn’t want to scare the children. That’s how much he loved them. Nina said that was open to interpretation. The facts were the facts. Michael left the children with their mother without so much as a challenge and went to Germany, abandoning the kids. Carly said, for burn treatment, and Nina said, then he refused to see Willow, to speak to the children’s mother, when she flew over. She made the effort and was rejected. That looked bad for Michael. Carly said it was Nina’s spin. Like she’d said, everything was open to interpretation. Nina said there had only been one parent there, a consistent, loving, and stable force for the children, giving them everything they needed, and it wasn’t Michael. It was their mother, and she was going to make sure the court saw that. She left.

Emma talked to Gio about his performance, and Brook said he was great. Gio told Emma that maybe they should make this a regular thing. 

Lois said whatever Lulu suspected, it was absolutely none of her business. Stay out of it. Lulu said she knew Gio was Brook and Dante’s son and could prove it. Dante got Brook pregnant at summer camp. Should she finish or was Lois starting to remember now? (For a while, I couldn’t remember why I hated Lulu before she went into the coma. Now I remember. She’s an entitled mean girl.)

Lucy thanked the audience and told them to check on their silent auction items. We want to take your money away for a good cause. Two detectives, a gifted surgeon, and a cowboy sounded like the beginning of a joke, but she assured them it was no joke. They were the finest Port Charles had to offer, and they were lucky to have them. She introduced Chase, backed up by Cody, Isaiah, and Dante, singing The Look of Love. Chase is a dynamite singer, and the back-up guys were cute.

Lucy wanted to acknowledge one of the newest residents of Port Charles, the CEO of SRE Worldwide. Jenz Sidwell had moved his business and a member of his family to their fair city. He was fitting into their city of communal generosity and had sponsored the festivities. There was scattered applause, but Lucy said they could do better, and the audience applauded more enthusiastically.

Backstage, Chase and Brook kissed, and she said he sounded amazing. Lucy came in and said, no PDA. They’d make people jealous, like her, and it was a working area. Lois joined them and asked if they’d seen Gio. Lucy said he was in his dressing room, and Lois said the tango was about to start.

Portia said she and Curtis couldn’t wait to see Trina on stage, and Trina said she hoped she didn’t let them down. Curtis said she could never let them down, and left to get Portia a drink. Portia asked if Trina and Kai were enjoying themselves, and Kai said they were. They were going to the silent auction. Portia said she was going to wait for Trina’s father and that drink. Bid on something for her. Surprise her. They left, and Nina came in. She told Portia that Curtis was suspicious, but Portia said he was more than suspicious. He knew about Brad and Drew and what they were holding over her. She was worried about what he’d do next.

Jordan said Curtis didn’t seem to be enjoying the evening like the rest of them, and Curtis said Drew was blackmailing Portia. Portia confirmed it. Jordan said she was hoping his instincts were wrong for once, and he said him too. She asked what he was going to do.

Josslyn asked what Vaughn was doing there, and he said, enjoying the evening, supporting a good cause, and keeping an eye on her. Carly joined them and asked, who was Josslyn’s friend?

Lulu told Lois, Brook confided in Cody. Dante got her pregnant at summer camp. Cody drove her the bus station and Lois took her on tour with Miguel Morez, so no one knew. Cousin Camilla was going to keep the baby and went on tour with the Nicola Quartet to cover it up. Gio was born, but not in LA on June 4th. He was born in San Francisco on May 15th as Baby Boy Cerullo.

Vaughn said he knew Josslyn from PCU, and Carly introduced herself. Vaughn said the event was a lot of fun. He’d see Josslyn around and it was nice to meet Carly. He left, and Carly said, he’s cute. What’s the deal with that guy?

Lois asked why Lulu was digging up information on a situation that had nothing to do with her and messing with people’s lives. Lulu said Lois was the one messing with people’s lives. (No, you.) She’d been lying for decades and lying to Gio his entire life. She’d hidden him in plain sight, Dante’s son. She knew Lois and Brook were lying. Lois said Brook didn’t know about Gio. For all she knew, her sone was on the other side of the world and no one could tell her otherwise. She and her mother Couldn’t let Gio go, so they kept him close and kept it a secret from Brook. As Brook’s mother, she made the best decision she could at the time. Lulu said, maybe for her, but not Gio. His whole life was a cover-up. He had no idea where he came from. He wasn’t Camilla and Francis Palmieri’s son. He was Dante and Brook’s. The only question was, who would tell the truth? Gio stood outside the door, overhearing everything.

Lucy said, the next performer was from Australia, but she lived and made music in sunny LA. She asked for a warm welcome for Edie, who sang Old Her

Lois asked if Lulu knew how many lives this would touch and destroy, and Lulu said, like hers? She didn’t mean to be callous. She’d thought of nothing else for months. What Lois had been doing was wrong. Enough lies. It ends now. Either Lois was going to tell Gio and Dante the truth or they’d hear it from her tomorrow. Lulu walked out.

Sonny asked if Anna got a chance to talk to Robin, and Anna said Robin was sorry she couldn’t be there. She and Emma were holding down the fort, and Emma was taking behind-the-scenes photos. Anna said she’d missed a lot of important years, and it felt good to honor Robin and others impacted by HIV, like Stone. ADA Turner asked if she was interrupting, and Anna said, not at all. She had to change for another performance. Mr. Corinthos was all hers. She left, and Turner said, it certainly looked intimate, but Sonny said they were talking about Robin and his great friend Stone Cates. They’re the reason this is happening tonight. She should look them up. He walked away, leaving her look like the jerk she is.

Jordan told Isaiah, nice moves. She wasn’t at all surprised. He said that was nice of her to say, especially since he wasn’t friendly to her date. Jordan said Sidwell wasn’t her date. He was her boss. Isaiah said she was on his arm. Was that part of the job description? She should be on his arm tonight.

Willow said she was relieved Drew’s name was cleared. It made her more confident about her custody hearing. Drew said they were on a winning streak. (Winning!) She’d get permanent custody and then they’d figure out how to start their lives, here in Port Charles or even in DC. Nina approached and said she hoped they were having a great evening. Ric called her and asked if she’d testify on Willow’s behalf at the custody hearing. She told him nothing would give her more pleasure than telling the court what a wonderful mother Willow is. The children belong with her and Drew. She wants them to know, with Tracy’s arrest and Drew’s exoneration, going forward, they had her full support. Willow thanked Nina and hugged her. Drew said it made them happy to hear they had Nina’s support. It meant the world to have her in their corner. Watching all this, Josslyn told Carly that they made her want to throw up. She couldn’t wait for Carly to take Wiley and Amelia away from Willow. Carly said it wouldn’t be long now.

Emma told Anna and Chase, break a leg, and Chase said he had a great partner. He just followed her lead. Emma said her mother would be proud and asked if anyone had seen Gio. Anna said if he didn’t turn up soon, she’d have to put out an APB. Emma left to find him.

Willow told Isaiah that he’d been fantastic, and he said he was glad to contribute to his first Nurses Ball. Maybe she could be his date next year. She said, after his performance, the odds were good. He seemed to be having a good evening. He told her that Willow said the same thing.

Emma found Gio in the garden and said she’d been looking everywhere for him. What was wrong?

Lulu told Cody that she confronted Lois. Lois stonewalled and didn’t make it easy, but finally copped to the whole thing. He asked where she left it with Lois, when Dante approached and asked, what’s going on? 

Kai thought he might contribute to the next Nurses Ball, and Trina asked if he had a hidden talent. He said, other than creating ridiculous paintings, not that he knew of, but he was up for dancing and singing classes if it meant performing with her. She said, a two person act, and he said, the best were. Team work makes the dream work. Trina agreed and they kissed.

Lois saw Lulu talking to Cody and grabbed Brook. Brook asked if it was about granny, and Lois said, no, but they needed to get out of there right now.

Anna and Chase practiced, and Lucy asked where Gio was. Anna said she wasn’t sure, but Emma went to find him. Lucy said that meant he was missing or lost, but Chase said he was probably somewhere. Lucy said he had to be on stage. Nobody liked a silent tango. He wasn’t being professional, like Tracy. Where was he?

Emma asked, what’s going on? Her grandma and Chase were about to go on and were waiting. They needed him to play. Gio said he had to play. That was the gift he got from his mother. He was a violinist, and his mother taught him everything. It was all he had left of her. Emma asked if he was okay. If he was sick, she could tell them that he couldn’t go on. He didn’t have to do this. He said, yeah, he did. The show must go on. He walked to the stage. 

Lucy said Gio scared her half to death, and they were running behind. She handed him his violin.

Dante said Cody and Lulu looked intense, and Cody said Lulu didn’t want to tell Dante, but she’d confided he was by far the standout in their number. No one was looking at the rest of them. Dante said he knew Cody was lying. They were only looking at Chase, who had another performance with Anna. They’d better get a seat.

Lois said she’d explain it at home, but they had to leave, and Brook said, only if it was about granny. Anything else could wait. Gio was about to play, and her husband was dancing the tango. She’d seen the rehearsals, and she wasn’t missing it. Brook left, and Sonny asked if Lois was all right. What was going on? Lois said she was in terrible trouble, but he said they’d fix it after the show.

Lucy said it was a great night. The next act started in the streets of Buenos Aires and Montevideo and was still going bright, this beautiful and ever-evolving art form. She introduced Anna and Chase, with Gio accompanying them, and there was applause. Gio started to play, but stopped and stared into space. Anna went over to him, and he said he wanted to do something he’d never done before. He was dedicating this performance to his parents – Brook Quartermaine and Dante Falconari. Two people who didn’t want him and who didn’t claim him. Who gave him away and lied his entire life. He smashed his violin on the stage floor and walked off.

I wanted to cry and hoped Lulu was happy now.

To Be Continued…

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Lucy asks if everybody is having fun and there’s applause. She says, it’s such a great night and a lot of fun. The next act started in the streets of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. She wishes she could take them there, but she can’t. She can do this – present this beautiful, ever-evolving art form. Keep a long, cool drink handy, because coming at you to tango is Police Commissioner Anna Devane and Detective Harrison Chase and accompanying them on the violin once again is the extraordinary Giovanni Palmieri. There’s more applause, and the three of them come out. Looking grim, Gio begins to play. Anna and Chase begin dancing, but after the first few measures, Gio plays a sour note and stops. Anna goes over to him, saying his name, and he looks at the audience. He says, ladies and gentlemen. I want to do something I’ve never done before… I’m going to dedicate this performance to my parents… Brook Quartermaine and Dante Falconari. Two people who didn’t want me, who didn’t claim me, and gave me away. They lied to him for his entire life. He smashes the violin on the stage floor, looks at a piece of it in his hand, throws it down, and walks out. Everyone looks shocked, and Dante looks at Brook, who has tears in her eyes.

At home watching on TV, Elizabeth says, that was intense even for the Nurses Ball. Poor Gio. Lucas knocks at the door, and she tells him, come in. He walks in wearing a tuxedo and she asks what he’s doing here. He shows her a bottle of champagne and says, happy Nurses Ball.

Emma jets, and Lucy says she told them anything can happen at the Nurses Ball and it just did, but never fear. The show will go on. The show must go on. Picture it like a tiny hiccup. Brook and Lois both leave, and Lucy says, if you have a hiccup, you can drink backward from a glass of water. Have they ever heard that? No? What about a bag? She read if you breathe in and out of a bag it stops the hiccups. Right about this time she bets some of them would like to grab a bag for obvious reasons. Let’s get a drink. Then she’ll get the show going again. Cody goes over to Dante and Dante says he had a child? What was Gio talking about? Lucy says she’s going to do an intermission. Please don’t leave. Have two drinks. She’ll figure something out. They’re going to do something. Dante asks Cody, what happened? as Lucy walks off the stage.

At the station, Mac says it’s the first time he’s ever been glad to see Jason, and Jason says, thanks, I guess. Mac says, the prisoner is in there, nodding at the interrogation room. Jason goes in, and Tracy says, please. Now is not the time for the strong silent act. Get me out of here.

Sonny leaves the room, and Olivia and Ned follow. Lulu starts to go out, but Carly stops her and says, don’t. Hasn’t she done enough already?

Olivia asks if Sonny knew Gio was their grandson, and he asks if she knew anything about Brook having a baby. Ned tells Sonny that he’s embarrassed to say he did not. Chase joins them and Olivia asks, what the hell is going on? 

Walking into an empty room, Dante asks Cody, what was that? What the hell just happened in there? Cody wanted to talk to him. Let’s talk. Cody says he knows it’s a lot to take in, and Dante says, what is this? What does Cody know? Cody says he doesn’t know the whole story, but he knows one thing for sure. Brook had Dante’s baby.

Jason tells Tracy that Diane is calling the judge. Once she’s finished, he’ll post bail, and Tracy will be released. She says, the charges should be dropped. She was framed by that wretched brother of his. He says, even if that happened… She says, even if? Drew sailed up in that barge of his and trespassed on the property. Then he planted that… Jason says, ketamine, and she says, yeah, that, in her car, then called the PCPD and lied that she drugged him. Jason says, that’s probably what happened, and she says, that is what happened. Why is he giving her the dead eye? He says he’s thinking it wasn’t a good idea to team up with Drew.

Josslyn and Trina go backstage, and Josslyn says, could this be happening? Could Brook and Dante be Gio’s birth parents? Trina says she thinks so, and Josslyn says, he’s been told a lie his entire life. He looked crushed. She feels so bad for him. Trina says so does she, and Josslyn says, of course (🍷). Trina knows the feeling better than anybody. Trina says, when she found out Curtis was her dad, that one little piece of information changed everything. Josslyn says she wishes there was something they could do, but Trina says, all they can do is be a safe space for him. Josslyn says, Trina is her safe space. She doesn’t know what she’d do without her. Trina says, I got you, and Josslyn says, maybe they should find him, when Lucy comes in. She says, there they are. What are they doing? Why are they not in costume? Josslyn says, they’re not on for another twenty minutes, but Lucy says, they’re on now. Come. Go change. Run like the wind.

Chase says, it’s not his story to tell, and Olivia says, Brook had a baby? When? This is family they’re talking about. Is it true or not? Chase says, yes, and she says, yes what? He says, yes, Brook had a child in high school with Dante, but they need to talk to Brook. Ned asks what he means. Where did Gio get the idea they were his parents? Clearly Chase knew and was sitting on this. Chase says he has no idea. For all he knows, Gio is just as confused as the rest of them. Sonny says he bets he knows who could clear this up, and Olivia says, not Lois… She was the first one to run out after him. Sonny says, Lois has to know something. He’s sure of it.

Dante asks how Cody knows about this, and Cody says he’s known since that summer. That’s why Brook left camp early. She was pregnant. Dante says, she went to Cody? and Cody says, she needed a ride to the bus and he took her. She was freaking out. Dante says, because she was pregnant with his kid and Cody knew about this and didn’t tell him. They were supposed to be best friends. Why didn’t Cody tell him? Cody says, Brook swore him to secrecy. It’s not a great excuse, but he didn’t know what to do. He was young and stupid. When he didn’t hear anything else about it, he assumed she’d terminated the pregnancy. So what was the point in telling Dante? Dante says, she had the baby, his baby, and Cody says he just found that out yesterday, he swears. Dante says, and that baby was… is Gio, and Cody nods. Dante says, Gio Palmieri is his son, and Cody says, yeah. Dante says his brain is short circuiting, and Cody says he doesn’t blame him. Dante says, Gio is still the little kid lighting sparklers at the 4th of July block party. That was his boy. Cody says, yeah, and Dante asks if Brook knew. Cody says he doesn’t know. Dante has to ask her.

Lucas says, Elizabeth was watching the Nurses Ball? and she says, of course (🍷). The nurses were fantastic and knew she was there in spirit. Lucas says his spirit is there too, but it’s staying off the stage and completely dressed this year. She says, speaking of being dressed, isn’t he overdressed? He says he was working and heard she’d be home because of her injured wheel, so he thought he’d bring the Nurses Ball to her. She says sorry to disappoint him, but she’s not changing, and she won’t look as hot as he does. He takes out a paper crown and puts it on her head and says, there it is. It works on her. She has the perfect head for the camera. She tells him that she’s been saying that all her life, and he says he’s sorry he doesn’t have one for Lucky. She says, Lucky stepped out to run an errand. She’ll fill him in on everything he missed. She’s sure he’s not in a hurry to get back. He’s missing out. Lucas asks if she’s on medication, and she says, no. He says, then she’s not missing out, and he pours the champagne. 

Tracy says, teaming up with Drew was inspired, and Jason says, until it wasn’t. Look at where she is. She says she has no regrets about what she did, but Drew is going to regret what he did to her. Mac comes in and says he doesn’t know how she does it, but Diane worked her magic again. As soon as Tracy signs off, she’s free to go. Tracy goes into the squad room with Mac, and Jason gets on the phone. He asks what they need him to do.

Tracy signs the paperwork and says Mac is lucky she’s not suing the entire department. He says, for what? and she says, false arrest springs to mind. Anyone with a brain can see she was framed. He says, she might want to get a move on unless she wants him to arrest her again for harassment. She asks who she’s harassing, and he says, she’s looking at him. Jason comes out, and Mac says, good. He’s here. He’d say he was going to miss Tracy, but… She says, the feeling is mutual, and tells Jason to take her home. He says he can’t. She’ll have to find another ride. She says, what? and he says he’s got someplace to be. She says, someone’s got to take her home, but Mac says, they’re not a taxi service. Although she happens to be in luck. The number 8 bus stops out front. He leaves.

Lulu and Carly go into the ladies’ room, and Carly asks how Gio found out. Did Lulu tell him? Lulu says, no. She would never do that. Carly says, but… and Lulu says, but she did confront Lois in one of the dressing rooms. It’s possible Gio overheard. She’s got to find Dante. Carly asks, why? It doesn’t matter how Gio found out. At this point, they both know the truth and it’s what Lulu wanted all along. Lulu says, not like this, and Carly says, Dante needs to learn the truth, but he needs to hear it from the people who were actually involved. That means Lois and Brook, not her. She needs to calm down. She set this train in motion and needs to get off the track before she gets leveled. Carly heads for the door, and Lulu asks where she’s going. Carly says she’s going to watch her daughter perform. She suggests Lulu do the same, but the decision is hers. She leaves.

Olivia tells Sonny that Lois is her best friend. How could Lois not let her know they share a grandchild? How could she not let any of them know? Dante comes by and asks if they know where Brook is. Did Sonny know about this? Did Olivia? Olivia says, none of them knew. This is crazy. Dante says, it’s a lot to take in right now, but he has to find Brook. Sonny says, no one knows where she went, and Dante asks if she didn’t tell Chase. Chase says, no, and Dante leaves. Chase starts to follow, but Sonny stops him. Chase says he can’t let his wife go through this alone, but Sonny says, it’s not just about Brook anymore. It’s about Dante too. Ned says, they have to let them hash it out. Does Chase understand what he’s saying?

Lucy gets back on stage and says, see? It’s back? It’s fine. Everything is fine. It’s going to be more than fine. It’s going to be fabulous. The next act is especially powerful and by two PCU students. You know how people say, what’s wrong with kids today? These are two perfect examples of what’s exactly right – Trina Robinson and Josslyn Jax. There’s applause and Trina and Josslyn sing a duet, I’ll Be with You. When they finish, there’s lots of applause and a standing ovation. They hug.

Elizabeth says, it’s more fun to watch with someone else, and Lucas agrees. She asks if he wishes he was there, but he says he doesn’t know. She says, as she recalls, Brad proposed to him at the Nurses Ball. He says, Brad did. And as he remembers, Ric proposed to her at one as well. Elizabeth says, and Carly shared an insight or two with the entire audience, and he says, some things never change. She says, and some things do, and Lucas says, to friends who we love. She says, to friends who love you. They clink glasses and she says, the kids are performing the last song, and he says, yeah, per tradition. His initial instinct was to go watch them perform, but then it hit him. It’s not his job to sit in the audience and fawn over Wiley. She says, they’re in a private living room and he can gush all he wants if he wants. He says, buckle up. It’s going to be a night to remember since they’re in a private living room. She says, they can say all the inappropriate comments they want that they couldn’t say if they were there, and he says, that doesn’t sound like the Elizabeth Baldwin he knows… Like what? She says, the kids are going to be so off-key. Tracy got arrested on the red carpet and she wonders if they had to use a taser. Lucas says he’s just hearing about it now. He’s so glad he came. She says her too. 

Backstage, Portia and Curtis applaud Trina, and Portia says, she was wonderful on stage. Curtis says, it was an amazing performance. She never sounded better. He’s seen a lot of acts at The Savoy, and she and Josslyn killed it. Kai says, her dad is right. She blew him away. It was the best act of the night. Portia says, hands down, and Kai gives Trina a bouquet. Curtis says, nothing can top her and Josslyn tonight, and Kai says, no way. Portia says, that’s why they’re heading home, and Trina asks if everything is okay. Portia says, everything’s fine. It’s just been a long day, and they have work tomorrow. Curtis says, obviously, Trina should stay, and Portia says, have fun and socialize. Trina says she loves them, and Curtis says, they love her too. They leave, and Trina thanks Kai for coming. He says he wouldn’t miss it. Now can he get her autograph? They kiss. In the hallway, Curtis thanks Portia for making it easy, and she says she didn’t want to ruin Trina’s night. Look at how happy she is.

Carly tells Josslyn that their performance was so good, and Josslyn says Lucy begged them to go on early. They were supposed to go on after Anna and Chase’s performance. Then Gio did whatever Gio did. What does she even call that? Carly says she doesn’t know. It was awful. You would have never known Josslyn and Trina were put on the spot. They were amazing and she’s so proud. Josslyn thanks her and says she can’t stop thinking about Gio. It feels awful. And if he’s right, then what? Sonny is his grandfather? Willow and Drew approach, and Willow says they’d like to talk to Carly for a second. Drew says, preferably in private, and Josslyn asks if Carly is all right. Carly says, yeah, and Josslyn leaves. Willow says she wants to end this terrible fight over the kids. It’s not good for anyone, especially Wiley and Amelia. Drew says they want a peaceful path moving forward. That’s why they’re willing to find common ground. He guesses the question is, is Carly?

Olivia says she’s got to find Dante, and Sonny says he knows Dante is hurting, but Dante doesn’t want to hear what he has to say. She says, Dante heard what he had to say. This is life altering, relationship changing, never going to be the same kind of huge. He says, they have to let their son handle things himself. He knows where to find them if he needs support. The same goes for Chase and Brook. They know where to find them. What they need to do is go back into the ballroom and distract their minds. Let the kids do what they’re going to do. Olivia leaves with Sonny, and Ned says he’s right behind her. He says, clearly, Brook confided in Chase and for that, he’s grateful. Chase says, Ned wants to know why she didn’t tell him the truth, and Ned says he’s her father. Did she think she couldn’t trust him with that?

Drew says, Carly knows they have the upper hand when it comes to the custody hearing, but Carly says she doesn’t believe that at all. Drew says, now who’s being delusional? He and Willow talked and really want to try and find a compromise. Carly says, it would be nice if Willow could speak for herself, and Drew says, they’re a unit. (We are Borg.) Carly says she knows. The whole ballroom knows. But the kids are Willow and Michael’s, not his. Willow says she and Drew believe that together they can come up with a custody arrangement that satisfies both sides. Carly says, great. Joint custody. Willow tells her to be realistic, but Carly says she is being realistic. Willow says, they’re willing to let Michael have the kids every other weekend, and Drew says, plus two weeks in the summer. Carly says, really? and Drew says, that way, if they move to Washington, it won’t be as much burden on the kids. Carly asks if Willow agrees with moving Wiley and Amelia to DC. And don’t get her started on Drew. Scout just lost her mother, but they’re going to take her away from her remaining family. Drew says they’re the only family Scout needs, and Willow says she never intended to take the kids away from Michael. They love their father. Carly says she knows that, and Drew says, it’s a fair deal. Carly says she’ll see him in court, and Willow leaves. Drew tells Carly that she can’t say they didn’t try, and she says he may want to run after Willow, but grab some tissues first. He says, the best part about this is when she loses Michael’s kids, he’s only going to have her to blame. He walks away.

Ned says he feels terrible about what Brook had to go through. He had no idea. Chase says, he couldn’t, but Ned says he should have. He could have been there for his little girl. My God. Going through pregnancy and labor at that age, then giving the child up for adoption. Imagine what she went through and how it affected her emotionally. He knows he needs to talk to Brook. chase says, Brook is his daughter, and she loves him so much. She agonized about keeping that part of her life from him. He thinks she thought the truth might hurt Ned. Ned asked if that was really what Brook thought or what Lois made Brook think.

Lucy said, good news, everybody! We did it. We broke our fundraising record. There’s applause and she says, awareness and support for HIV/AIDS research is amazing. She thanks all of them. She’s proud to be a part of all of them. She thanks the amazing performers and the incredible hard-working crew and all the people who did the tiny jobs that made this night possible. Give themselves a round of applause. She thanks them again.

Lucas comes out with a plate of baked goods and says he can’t believe Elizabeth has all these lying around. She says, Aiden is always perfecting his craft, and he says, that kid has a gift. What else did he miss while he was working and driving over. Did anyone faceplant on the red carpet? She says, just Tracy’s arrest and the Quartermaines have a new family member. He asks if someone gave birth on stage, and she says, not exactly. The show comes back on, and Lucy sits in the audience.  

Lucy says she’s very excited for the last performance of five up and comers. It’s special because as they close out this wonderful evening it reminds all of them of what’s truly important. Please enjoy. Georgie, Scout, Wiley, James, and Donna come out, and Elizabeth says, how cute. Lucas says, the cutest, and the kids sing I’ll Be There, cutest kid in the world Donna starting them off. The song ends and there’s applause. Suddenly, Wiley says, daddy! and nuMichael walks toward the stage. Wiley runs to him, and Michael picks him up. Everyone is totally shocked, as one always is at the Nurses Ball, but they’ve outdone themselves this year. Michael looks at Willow, and says, come on, buddy. We’re going home. He walks out carrying Wiley.

Alrighty then.

On Monday, Cody tells Lulu that he doesn’t know if they made the right call; Kai asks if Trina is sure she wants to do this; Emma says she’s not trying to stop Gio, she’s going with him; and Brook says what Lois did was unforgiveable.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit to Print…

The die has officially been cast. We’re moving on.

I still can’t get over his performance.

https://parade.com/news/does-gio-on-general-hospital-really-play-violin

A major part of the Nurses Ball. Why can’t we all have that T-shirt… sniff…

💉 A Dose of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

I’m not even pretending to watch this. Too boatmancy. I’m saving myself for the OG Decks.

The Valley

Is it me, or do all these people look alike? Other than Brittany. Luke looked at a $14K engagement ring for Kristen. When Danny said it made a statement, Luke said the statement was that he had more money than he did. That much for an engagement ring is insane to me. Unless you actually are a millionaire, why? A good portion of the episode revolved around the discussion of Danny being an alcoholic. My jury’s out, but unless it’s an obvious problem, I’m not too keen on making those judgements.

Summer House

The best part about the finale is that the Jesse/Lexi saga is put to rest – for now anyway – and no more Toegate. Although I’m sure all that will be rehashed at the Reunion. The show finally caught up to real life news with Paige and Craig breaking up. No surprise that Craig was a big baby about the whole thing. Hey, sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Get over it and move on. I do love a costume party and there was a huge party with a spooky theme. The specifics were unclear, but it looked Halloween-ish. Lots of gravestone decorations and such. Amanda had zombie contacts which were pretty cool.

Thumbs down on the wardrobe overall.

He’s dead to her.

Random Reality Items

I’m with Melissa. Just make a damn decision already.

Her lawyers are probably exhausted.

You can’t fire me; I quit.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Crimes of the Future. Hulu. I’d wanted to see this when it came out, figured I’d wait for streaming, and then forgot about it. It’s another one you might not want to eat dinner while watching, but it’s Cronenberg, so what else would you expect? Taking place in a grim future world, new organs spontaneously grow in random people. It’s some sort of evolution, but it’s not clear whether it could actually be beneficial in the long run. A sort-of cult has turned it all into performance art and murders abound. The whole thing is rather weird and depressing, but the special effects were amazing, as was to be expected. I’m not sorry I watched it, but I doubt I’d watch it again. If you’re a fan of Cronenberg, this is definitely for you.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/crimes-of-the-future-movie-review-2022

Well, I didn’t think it was that disturbing.  

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14673037/Disturbing-horror-film-caused-mass-crowds-people-walk-screening-set-air-BBC.html

I’m still waiting for The Substance to come to more mainstream streaming.

https://www.cbr.com/body-horror-movie-like-the-substance/#thread

Nonnas. Netflix. On the other end of the spectrum, this is a tug at your heartstrings, feel good, mostly true story that made me want to move to Staten Island. I loved the cast and it brought me back to the days of Sunday dinners in my Aunt Agnes and Uncle Jimmy’s home – Italian and Lithuanian food for days on the table. It was feel good without being saccharin, and I just loved it.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/nonnas-movie-review-2025

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/vince-vaughn-called-his-netflix-hit-nonnas-outlaw-movie

Con Mum. Netflix. I love a true crime story and this one didn’t disappoint. A documentary about a con artist who conned her own son, it has twists and turns, and I have to admit, at one point I wondered if it was possible she was telling the truth. It’s not a story I was familiar with beforehand, so that’s always a plus. It also makes you wonder what you’d actually fall for. I’d like to think I was smarter than that, but you never know until you’re in it.

https://people.com/where-are-graham-hornigold-and-dionne-now-con-mum-11704400

🪤 Will Wait For You…

Coming for sure, I think, June 27th.

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/squid-game-season-three-theory

Hopefully, the apocalypse doesn’t come before Season 2.

https://deadline.com/2025/05/fallout-renewed-season-3-prime-video-1236394147/

I still haven’t finished Season 3 yet, but I’m in.

https://deadline.com/2025/05/yellowjackets-renewed-season-4-showtime-paramount-plus-1236405285/

🎉 Business In the Front, Party In the Tail…

🐈‍⬛ I’m sure I’ve spent money on worse things and kudos for helping a shelter while she’s at it. Love the cake!

https://people.com/15-year-old-cat-gets-lavish-quinceanera-exclusive-11740275

🐶 That one led to this one. Admittedly, it’s a big chunk of change, but if I had that kind of money, I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same. Hey, don’t judge.

https://people.com/pets/gabriel-iglesias-throws-100k-quinceanera-for-his-chihuahua-risa/

🐕 They stole my idea.

https://people.com/animal-shelter-holds-puppy-prom-for-rescue-dogs-11738785

🪻 Quotes of the Week

It doesn’t have to be the ten year plan. Just the next step. – Kristen Kish, Top Chef

To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility — these are marks of maturity and graciousness. – William Arthur Ward

Sometimes all you need is a ticket to Disneyland. – Jamal Menzies, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé, The Last Resort

Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions. – Albert Einstein

Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into visible. – Tony Robbins

I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear. – Rosa Parks

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

Aim for the middle. You’ll never miss. – Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), Deadpool & Wolverine

Remembering those who served on Memorial Day.

❤️‍🩹 Hope In Valor…

Until next week, stay safe; stay never leaving a lit grill unattended; and stay letting the truth be told by those actually involved.

May 16, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Sonny Wants To Make Peace, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Last Weekend’s Watch, Postponed Knight, Tails Of All Kinds, Lucky Number Of Quotes & 16th

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Laura met with Jordan and asked what was going on with Sidwell. Jordan said she thought Laura was in big trouble.

Curtis told Portia that even Willow thought the coverage about Drew was fair. It was factually accurate, and Drew hadn’t yet proved he was drugged. He asked why Portia was defending Drew and she said because she had to.

Lulu said she was trying to get Ned to endorse her mother for mayor, but Tracy said she thought it was about Lulu and Brook. Brook spoke out of fear, panic, desperation, and pain. Lulu said she didn’t know Brook and Chase were planning to adopt, and Tracy said Lulu did know Brook gave up a child when she was young. She’d found the shattered pieces of Brook’s broken heart in Martin’s hotel room and had been tormenting Brook ever since.

Brook wanted Chase and Anna go over their tango number for the Nurses Ball. Gio came in to play the violin and said he’d had a rough night last night.

Emma went to see Dalton and he told her that she didn’t get the research assistant position.

Josslyn met Carly at the MetroCourt to catch up. She asked what was going on with Carly and Sonny.

Sonny said he was considering selling the piers to Sidwell, and Jason asked if Sonny really felt comfortable handing his territory over. Sonny said it was the only chance they had to walk away from the business and for their family’s sake, he wasn’t passing it up.

During the commercial, Gio filled everyone in on Rocco and said he was good. Maxie asked Brook about a tango outfit for Chase, and Brook said Chase would rather break his own leg than wear it. Maxie suggested she just say, pass. Brook said she should never have asked Maxie to pick sides, and she was sorry. Maxie accepted her apology and asked what changed. Brook said she and Chase were starting the adoption process and she thought it was a good time to start acting like an adult.

Emma said she got the best grades in class and thought the job was hers to lose, and Dalton said, unfortunately, that’s what happened. He couldn’t have a research assistant who couldn’t put together a decent data model. Emma said it was perfect, but he said it was a mess. He showed her and she said that wasn’t her work.

Carly said nothing was going on, but Josslyn said Donna had been worried her father was sick. Carly told her that Sonny had heart surgery, and she was sorry she’d lied. The surgery was a success, but they had to keep it quiet. Sonny had been a part of her life for a long time, and she needed to be there for him, but she and Sonny were over. She was with Jack now. His supersonic ears hearing his name, Jack came to their table. Carly asked if he’d been spying on them, but Jack said he kept his business and personal life separate.

Jordan told Laura about the meeting with Sidwell. They’d all decided to put their differences aside to focus on their common goal of driving Sonny out of Port Charles. Because Laura was tied to Sonny publicly, they were probably gunning for her as well, so they could install Boyle as mayor. Laura said if Tracy hadn’t defended her, she really was in trouble. Tracy had a lot of sway in this town. Jordan said it might be Sidwell who came to Laura’s rescue.

Sonny told Jason that he could walk away with millions and put it in legitimate businesses. Sidwell bet if Sonny wasn’t associated with the piers, the referendum would go away. Jason said Sidwell would take control of their territory, and he had the feeling it was a trap.

Curtis asked why Portia had to defend Drew, and Portia said, she had to play devil’s advocate for him. If he ran the editorial, Drew wouldn’t let it stand and might bring a lawsuit. Curtis had forced Drew out of Aurora, and it had the potential to backfire in a big way.

Lulu said she wasn’t aware that Tracy knew about the baby, and Tracy said Brook told her that Lulu stumbled on the information in Martin’s hotel room and had been poking around in Brook’s life ever since. Even if they couldn’t get along, how could Lulu not have compassion for something she’d been through herself? Lulu said she did feel for Brook, but it was complicated. Tracy said Lulu’s father told her that people got to choose the burdens they carried, and she was sorry for adding to Lulu’s, but she didn’t understand why Lulu wanted to add to Brook’s.

Maxie said she hadn’t spoken with Lulu because they’d been busy, and Brook said she was sorry for asking Maxie to choose, but if she had to… Maxie said she loved them equally and would never choose.

Emma said that wasn’t the work she’d completed, but Dalton said he’d have to choose someone else. He was sorry. It wouldn’t affect her grade, and she was still his top student. She said he had no idea how important that job was to her.

Carly asked Jack to join them, and Carly said Jack knew the real reason she was in LA. He’d given her a ride home. Josslyn got a text from Dalton and said she had to leave.

Sonny told Jason, the pros outweighed the cons. There would be a power vacuum, and someone would try to take over. Jason said all the families would make a play for it and Sonny’s conditions went away if he wasn’t in charge. Sonny said selling it to Sidwell would avoid a war. Sidwell would lay down the law real fast. Jason asked if that’s what they wanted for Port Charles. Sidwell was ruthless and they’d be handing him the keys to the city and putting targets on their backs.

Lulu promised Tracy that she wasn’t judging Brook for giving up her child. The article wasn’t judging adoption. She’d pitched three ideas, and the editor had chosen that one. Tracy said Lulu had pitched the adoption article anyway and couldn’t be blamed if it was chosen. She didn’t understand why Lulu was involving herself in something that happened 20 years ago, and Lulu said she thought Brook should tell the baby’s father, but Brook didn’t agree. Tracy said it wasn’t her business and wondered if it was Lulu’s way of disagreeing with Brook publicly. How would Lulu feel if she’d been keeping a big secret for a long time, Brook found out and decided to produce a song about it? Lulu said she wouldn’t love it, and Tracy suggested she rethink things and kill the article.

Emma told Gio that she didn’t get the job with Dalton.

Dalton gave the research assistant position to Josslyn. She’d completed the course work and handed in an impressive data model in a short amount of time. She was smart, motivated, and focused, and he had high hopes for her. She said she was sure she’d learn a lot.

Curtis promised he’d consult with his lawyers before publishing, and Portia wondered how it was going to look for Aurora if Curtis slammed someone who might have been victimized. It might look like he was bullying Drew. Willow’s devotion was sincere, and she could sway public opinion. Could he please do what she was asking for her sake? Curtis asked what it had to do with her.

Jordan said Sidwell was making a move that might unintentionally make life easier for Laura. She told Laura about Sidwell’s offer to buy the piers and that Sonny said he’d think it over. The referendum would no longer be about Sonny and Laura would be a shoo-in for reelection. Laura said Sidwell would be the de facto mob boss of Port Charles, and if she had to choose between them, she’d choose Sonny.

Sonny said Sidwell was on his best behavior and if that changed, they’d let the Feds, and the PCPD shut him down. The people could vote against Sonny and send him packing, and he didn’t want that to happen. He wasn’t getting out of the business unless he sold to Jason and Jason didn’t want it, so he’d have to sell it to the highest bidder. Jason said maybe it was their one shot, and Sonny said there was just one piece of information he needed to know.

Emma wondered how her data model got screwed up, and Gio asked if the original wasn’t on her laptop. Emma said her latest work hadn’t been included and Dalton had already picked someone else. Gio asked if it wasn’t worth giving it one more shot and Emma said she guessed she could talk to Dalton.

Maxie asked Anna if Sidwell had done anything illegal lately, but Anna said not to her knowledge. Maxie said Deception was making a lot of money off his zincite and she was scared he’d do something to pull the rug out from under them. Anna told her to keep documenting their dealings with him and keep looking for other supply chains. Gio told Anna that Emma was headed back to school, and Brook said it was time for Anna, Chase, and Gio to get their act together.

Josslyn wondered when she’d get started, and Dalton said the real work didn’t start until the end of the semester, but she could help him get organized. But before she did anything, there was one condition that was a deal breaker.

Carly told Jack that Josslyn didn’t like how Sonny’s trouble seemed to rub off on her and she wasn’t wrong. She’d lose her mind if she knew Carly was anywhere near the attempted assassination, but she was fine thanks to him. He’d done Brick and Sonny a huge favor and she appreciated it. He said he’d done it for her.

Laura said Port Charles had always had an organized crime presence, and she didn’t see it changing. With Sonny in control, it had been stable and relatively peaceful. When a challenger showed up, it got ugly. Jordan said that’s why she was undercover. If Sidwell gained control and broke the law, she’d be there to catch him. Laura said his offer was an intriguing development, and Jordan said Sidwell was never dull. Laura told her to be careful, and Jordan said she knew what she was doing.

Sonny said before he made a deal with Sidwell, he had to make sure Sidwell wasn’t behind the firebomb. Jason said, if he was, he was probably behind the assassination attempt in LA, and Sonny said it was time they did some digging. Jason said he was on it.

Portia said Willow was her employee and if Curtis went hard against Drew, it could make things difficult for her and the hospital. Curtis said he couldn’t let drew have his way, but Portia said he should let the city handle it. There were legitimate arguments against Measure C and Laura’s reelection, and they should let those arguments speak for themselves. Curtis agreed to lay off Drew – for now.

Dalton said Josslyn had to sign an NDA. She couldn’t talk to anyone about the work she did as his assistant. All the research was exclusively his and she couldn’t use anything as the basis of her own work. She said she was happy to sign it, and he welcomed her on board.

Lulu said this was her journalistic comeback, but Tracy said Lulu could do anything she set her mind to do. Lulu asked if Tracy couldn’t tell Brook to let it go, and Tracy asked if Lulu would be able to let it go. Please do this for her. Lulu said, fine. She’d call the editor and pray they agreed, but she was only doing it for Tracy. She loved Tracy even though she’d gone full stepmonster.

Anna and Chase danced as Gio played that same tango music we always hear when there’s a tango. Maxie was impressed with Chase’s moves.

Carly said Jack hadn’t kept his personal and professional lives separate when he’d helped her. Wasn’t he worried he was going to get in trouble? He said he hadn’t done anything he couldn’t justify, and she wondered if he shouldn’t be doing his actual work. (My eternal question.) He told her that multitasking was the hallmark of being a good agent. Besides he was doing what needed to get done. He’d dedicated his life to the Bureau and earned the right to take a few things for himself. She was everything. They were about to kiss when Lulu interrupted, saying she needed to talk to Carly. In private.

Portia called Drew. She said she thought she made some inroads, and he’d get what he wanted.

Jordan met Curtis at the Brown Dog Bar, and he said he needed someone he could trust. He though his wife was lying to him.

Emma went to Dalton’s office and found Josslyn there. Josslyn said she worked there.

Jason met Tracy at the MetroCourt, and she said she thought he could put his skills to good use for their family. She wanted him to find her great-grandson.

Maxie said she thought it was going to be the performance of the night and took Anna to find her costume. Chase told Gio that he wanted to dance the tango with his wife. Brook said she didn’t know how to tango, but he said, just follow his lead. Gio played and they kissed.

Carly went to Lulu’s house, and Lulu said Carly had warned her not to blow things up the way Robin did, but there was a difference between keeping a secret and perpetuating a lie. Right now, someone was lying – Lois or Brook or maybe both – which was why she needed to find Dante’s son.

Sonny thanked Laura for coming by and said he wanted to discuss a few things. She asked if he was okay, and he said he was doing great. The doctor said he’d make a full recovery. Sidwell wanted to buy his piers and he was considering it. It would solve his problems and hers.

 Tuesday:

Maxie, Lucy, Anna, and Felicia wanted to rehearse their number for the Nurses Ball, and Felicia wondered where their fearless leader was.

Josslyn told Emma that she was Professor Dalton’s research assistant, and Emma said Josslyn stole her job.

On the phone in her office, Portia told Drew that she’d gotten through to Curtis, but couldn’t be at his beck and call 24/7. Trina showed up.

At the Brown Dog Bar, Jordan said she thought Curtis would be better off confiding in someone else about his wife.

Sonny said selling could solve both his and Laura’s problems, but Laura said Sidwell was a horrible man and Sonny couldn’t sell to him. Sonny said she had to see the bigger picture. He didn’t trust Sidwell, but sometimes it was worth making a deal with the devil.

Carly said the child wasn’t Lulu’s and Lulu might think she was doing the right thing, but she was making a huge mistake.

Tracy told Jason that he couldn’t give the information to anyone and explained that Brook had a baby boy she gave up for adoption in high school. She needed Jason to find him.

Josslyn said she’d earned the position fair and square, but Emma said Josslyn should have told her, especially when she’d opened up about how important it was to her. Josslyn promised she didn’t tell Dalton anything that Emma had confided in her, and Emma said Josslyn had stabbed her in the back.

Maxie said she’d fill in for the absentee player, and Lucy said she wanted the number to be a showstopper. They really had to bring it. Sidwell walked in as they were about to rehearse. He said he thought he’d make sure things were running perfectly. (Because he puts on shows in the barn on Spoon Island.)

Jason said it must have been hard on Brook, and Tracy said Brook went to her mother for help, but Lois never told anyone except her own mother. They’d arranged a closed adoption. Jason asked if Brook wanted Tracy to find her son.

Sonny said Sidwell was willing to pay a lot of money for the waterfront property. If he sold, Measure C became a non-issue, and Laura would be free of him. He was a burden to her politically. Laura said she was strong enough and tough enough to do it. She didn’t want Sidwell to build a powerbase in Port Charles, and was surprised Sonny would allow it. If he was willing to sell his property, it could only mean one thing. He was planning his exit strategy.

Lulu said she wanted to find out who Dante’s son was. Then she’d decide if they should be reunited. (Now I remember why I hated this character so much before she went into a coma.) Carly said Lulu was playing God with other people’s lives and looking for a way to justify it. Lulu said she was pretty sure she already knew who Dante’s son was. She thought he was in Port Charles and Dante had been interacting with him without knowing they were related. It was Gio.

Curtis said Jordan was the only one he could talk to about this, and she asked if Portia was in trouble. He said he hoped not and was hoping Jordan would tell him that he was misreading the situation. Portia had become a Drew apologist overnight.

Portia asked what brought Trina by, and Trina said Kai was in physical therapy, so she thought she’d hang out with Portia. Kai had to put on a good front because of the cameras in his face. All she wanted to say was how she felt about Drew. Portia said it wasn’t their job to convince people about Drew’s true nature. Aurora was going to print a negative editorial about Drew and she talked Curtis out of it. Trina asked, why?

Josslyn admitted she should have been more upfront and apologized. Emma said Josslyn had used her daddy’s influence and asked if Josslyn had brought Dalton a check. Josslyn said her father had nothing to do with it and if she found out Dalton was doing anything unethical, she’d let the authorities know. Emma said she’d been an idiot to trust Josslyn and thought they’d bonded. Josslyn said they had, but Emma said she was right about Josslyn all along. Josslyn was nothing more than a selfish, spoiled, untrustworthy bitch. She left and Josslyn had tears in her eyes.

Lulu said Gio was the right age, but Carly said Gio wasn’t adopted. Lulu said, when Camilla died, Gloria and Carmine had taken Gio in with Lois’s help. Carly said it was a huge leap, but Lulu said not if Carly had seen what she did last night.

Sonny told Laura that he thought it was time for him to step back from the business and concentrate solely on family. She wondered if guys in his line of work got to retire, and he said it would be tricky. He wasn’t leaving Port Charles and would have a target on his back. He’d need some security, but he thought it was time for a fresh start. Laura said she had to think about what his retirement meant to Port Charles, especially if he was handing off his territory to Sidwell. He said Sidwell claimed to be legit, and they both laughed. He told Laura that she and the PCPD would keep an eye on him, plus they had the WSB. If he sold to Sidwell, the transition would be peaceful and prevent wars. She said he was selling to a dangerous man, and she was concerned about what Sidwell was planning to do in Port Charles.

Lucy said they’d show Sidwell what they’d been working on, when Emma came in looking for Gio. Anna asked if they could take five so she could talk to Emma, and she and Emma left. Lucy told Sidwell that everything would run like clockwork at showtime, and thanked him for underwriting the Nurses Ball. He said it wasn’t completely selfless and admitted to having an ulterior motive.

Josslyn locked Dalton’s office door and checked the office for bugs. She looked in Dalton’s desk and found a notebook. She started looking through it, then heard someone at the door.

Curtis told Jordan that Portia talked him out of printing an editorial that said Drew hadn’t proved his innocence. She’d said he’d be asking for trouble if he used Aurora Media to attack Drew. Jordan thought maybe Portia was just looking out for him, but he said he’d walked in on several of their private conversations. Something felt off. 

Jason said Tracy couldn’t look for Brook’s kid without her permission, but Tracy said she had a great-grandson out there. Didn’t he think the boy deserved to know his family’s legacy? Jason said it didn’t matter what he thought. It wasn’t his business, and he didn’t want to get involved.

Carly asked why Lulu was convinced Gio was Dante’s son, and Lulu said Dante had ripped into Gio and it got heated. Then Lois intervened, but it was more than meddling. It was over the top protective and Lois said Dante didn’t know who Gio really was. She tried to cover, but Lulu thought it was a slip of the tongue. Carly wondered if Brook knew, and Lulu said Brook was a good liar and she was 50/50 about it. Her theory made sense, and if Gio was Brook and Dante’s son, she had to tell Dante.

Emma told Anna about Josslyn getting the research assistant position. There was no way Josslyn had time to put together a data model that was as good as hers, and Dalton said hers had been corrupted. She told Anna about dropping the thumb drive at the beach, and said Josslyn had sabotaged her.

Dalton’s office door opened, and Vaughn came in. Josslyn asked why he was there, and he said he thought she could use help from the maintenance department. She told him that Emma was upset, but he said it wasn’t their concern. Let’s get to work.

Carly asked if Lulu had thought about what Brook and Dante’s son needed. She had to consider how profoundly she’d turn Gio’s life upside down. Lulu said she’d be giving him a family, but Carly said Gio would learn everyone he loved had lied to him, including his mother. It would be devastating. Lulu asked if it wasn’t better for Gio to know the truth than live a lie, and Carly said even if Lulu was right, she had to let it go. It wasn’t her secret to tell.

Tracy said in exchange for Jason’s services, she would withdraw her support for the anti-Sonny campaign and advocate for Sonny to keep his waterfront property. That’s how much it meant to her. She trusted Jason to do whatever it took, even if it meant breaking the law. Brook’s son was a Quartermaine and deserved to know that.

Sidwell told Lucy that she’d pointed out his donating might change people’s perception of him, and she was right. People had been more welcoming. She was a fantastic ambassador, and he couldn’t thank her enough. She said, in the beginning, she’d had some misgivings, but when she saw how generous he was and how much he loved his son, it became her mission to let everyone else know how special he was.

Laura said Sonny’s presence kept the peace among the local crime bosses and she didn’t think Sidwell gave a damn about it. She thought he’d usher in a new level of crime in the city. Sonny said they both had reservations, but was it his responsibility to make sure Sidwell didn’t get out of line or was it up to her? Laura said she hadn’t been fair in asking him to put the city ahead of his family and himself. If he thought it was time for him to walk away, she fully supported him.

Portia told Trina that she didn’t want Curtis or Aurora to be open to a libel suit. If Drew proved he was drugged, Curtis would be on record casting doubt on the victim. She hadn’t been in favor of Kai’s surgery, but it worked out. Maybe they should back off Drew a little bit. Trina said Kai seemed happy, and Portia said she’d love for their family to find middle ground with Drew. Trina asked if Portia wanted Curtis to make peace with Drew.

Curtis told Jordan that he believed Portia hated drew, and felt she was taking a kinder, gentler position because she had to. That meant Drew had leverage on her.

Vaughn and Josslyn snooped around, took pictures, and copied data.

Anna said maybe Emma was being paranoid, but Emma was positive Josslyn had stolen her data model and passed it off as her own. She wanted to tell Dalton, but Anna said she couldn’t without proof. Why was it so important? Emma said she needed to be a part of Dalton’s groundbreaking research, but Anna said a decision had been made. She knew Emma was disappointed, but felt Emma should let this go.

Watching Lucy and Sidwell with their heads together, Maxie noted that Lucy had gotten over her reservations about Sidwell. Felicia asked, what about her? and Maxie said Sidwell’s zincite had made Deception a lot of money, but she was worried their association with him would come back to haunt them. Felicia said if Maxie kept her eyes open, things would be fine. Sidwell had to leave, and Lucy promised it would be worth the wait to see their performance at the Nurses Ball.

Laura didn’t want Sonny using her political future as a factor in his decision making. He deserved to be secure and happy, and that should be the only thing guiding his thoughts. He wasn’t sure if that meant walking away or staying with the status quo. There was risk in both. She said he was smart and would make the right decision. Whatever he decided, he’d always have her love and respect. He said he wasn’t sure what he was going to do, but he’d let her know.

Jason said he felt for Tracy, but he couldn’t help. Brook made a decision, and he had to respect that. If Brook wanted his help, she could come to him, but he had to hear it from her. Tracy said she’d have to find her great-grandson through other means, and trusted Jason would keep this to himself. He had sealed Sonny’s fate. She was willing to back off, but now she wasn’t going to stop until she ran Sonny out of Port Charles for good. Jason walked away.

Lulu told Carly that the secret affected a lot of people she loved besides Dante and Rocco. Gio would be Tracy’s great-grandson and Sonny’s grandson. Carly said she felt bad, but would still keep it from Sonny, and Lulu said Sonny being in Gio’s life only proved she was right. She didn’t think Sonny knew, but thought Lois went to Sonny for help because he was Gio’s grandfather. Carly said, if Lulu was right, it was one huge mess, and Lulu said, if she was wrong, she’d stop searching. If she was right, she had to tell Dante. Carly said Lulu needed proof and if she didn’t get it, this would blow up in her face.

Portia told Trina that she’d settle for coexisting. Let Drew do his thing, and they’d do theirs. She made her pitch, and it seemed like Curtis was listening.

Jorand said Curtis had good instincts, but needed to talk to Portia. It was better than wondering and being suspicious. But a word of caution from someone who’d caused friction between them by telling him lies. After the first lie, it was hard for her not to dig herself in deeper. There didn’t seem to be a way out. Maybe Portia fell into the same trap, and he should hear her out. Curtis said he’d try, but prayed he was wrong.

Vaughn said he’d have the Bureau run an analysis, but didn’t think Dalton would leave anything incriminating lying around. Josslyn said she signed an NDA about working in the lab, and Vaughn said what they were looking for wasn’t in Dalton’s office… She said, it was in the lab, and they smiled at each other.

Lulu said Ned didn’t know, but she’d fished for info. Like where Lois and Brook were around the time Gio was born. They’d been on a tour with Miguel Morez. Brook claimed she gave birth in San Francisco, but Lulu wondered if the tour stopped in LA where Gio was born. Carly said, good start, but don’t whisper a word until she could back it up. Lulu said she knew she needed proof and knew just where to find it.

Tracy saw Sidwell and said she was doubling down on her effort to rid Port Charles of Sonny. Sidwell said he was just as determined, and she said they’d talk later. She was late for rehearsal. She went into the rehearsal room and told the women, let’s get this show on the road. She wouldn’t be dancing, but would stay put and sing while they danced around her, Maxie said that was how they were doing it and they took their places.

Sonny said Laura’s friendship and support meant everything, and Laura said she felt the same way. She told him to take care of himself, and when Sonny opened the door, Jason was there. Laura left, and Sonny said he told Laura about Sidwell’s offer and how it solved all their problems. Laura didn’t like it, but understood and accepted it. Jason said Tracy offered an alternative. She would cut off her support for Measure C if he did a personal favor for her, but it wasn’t something he was comfortable with. He turned her down, so it still left them in a bind. Sonny said, in spending time with Laura, he got clear on a few things. One thing she’d said was that he needed to take care of his family and that’s what he was going to do.

Wednesday:

Kai’s PT coach was impressed with his progress. Stella stopped by and Kai said he needed a huge favor.

Josslyn told Trina about getting the job with Dalton, and Trina wondered if that wasn’t the job Emma wanted.

Nina showed up at Willow’s and asked if she could come in. Willow said that depended on whether or not Nina accepted her and Drew.

At the MetroCourt, Boyle wanted to gossip with Drew about Laura, who was at a nearby table with Lulu and Lucky, but Drew wanted to focus on Measure C. Boyle asked what Drew had done with Jacinda.

Laura told Lulu not to be too hard on Rocco, and Lucky said Elizabeth was getting better every day. Lulu said they wanted to know the good stuff. Were he and Elizabeth officially back together?

Ric stopped by to see Elizabeth and noticed Lucky’s absence.

At Lulu’s, Kristina told Dante that her mom didn’t think she turned out too great.

Spinelli went to see Alexis, who said she had a job for him.

Jason thanked Carly for helping with Danny while he was gone, and Carly said he was a lot like Jason. He was wild at times, but a good kid. Diane came by and said they had a disaster on their hands of Carly’s making.

Lucky said things between him and Elizabeth were great, and Laura was glad he was there to help Elizabeth. He said it felt right, and Laura asked Lulu how the adoption article was going. Lulu said she put it on hold.

Boyle said he’d never known Jacinda to leave town and wondered if Drew had paid her off. Drew asked if Boyle had seen the press conference where he said he thought she was hired to drug him. Boyle said Willow’s mother had come up to him and Jacinda when they were hanging out.

Willow made it clear she was standing by Drew, and Nina said seeing Willow at the press conference was inspiring. She trusted Willow’s judgment and if Willow believed Drew, she did too.

Diane told Jason and Carly that a court date had been set for June 2nd. Did Carly think Michael would be healed and stronger by then?

Spinelli was intrigued, and Alexis said she was the client and confidentiality was crucial. He said not a day went by when he didn’t think of fair Samantha and he’d do anything for anyone she loved. Alexis said what she was going to ask him to do might save Kristina’s life.

Kristina told Dante that Alexis was trying to have her committed without her consent, but he said that didn’t sound like her. Kristina said she’d seen it for herself. She thought Alexis believed she was overwhelmed, since she’d had a hard year, losing a baby and Sam. Dante said no one would judge her if she decided to get better. Kristina said it would have been different if someone else had come to her, but it was her mom. She couldn’t move past it and didn’t know if she could forgive and trust Alexis again.

Elizabeth told Ric that Lucky was having breakfast with his family. They couldn’t spend every second together. Ric asked if she needed anything and she said she was fine. She noticed he bought a Porsche, and it made her think about the accident. She said before they crashed, he’d said something about the brakes.

Stella said she couldn’t get Kai released if the doctor wouldn’t sign off on it, but Kai said he wanted to support Trina at the Nurses Ball like she’d supported him.

Josslyn told Trina that she felt terrible about Emma. She hadn’t thought she’d actually get the job. She never thought Dalton would choose her. Emma wasn’t happy and Josslyn didn’t blame her. Trina said it wasn’t like Josslyn stole the job. She got it fair and square.

Carly said family court usually took forever, and Diane said the judge had an unexpected opening. Carly said she had to get the kids out of Drew’s house as soon as possible. It was what Michael would want.

A server came by Drew’s house and served Willow with the divorce papers. Michael was filing for divorce and wanted full custody of the kids.

Lucky left, and Laura asked Lulu why she’d put off the article. Lulu said writing the piece might hurt the people she loved.

Dante said Alexis loved Kristina, but Kristina said that didn’t make what she’d done okay. Dante said he didn’t trust Sonny for a long time, but through talking and connecting, they got past that. If it was possible for them, it was possible for Kristina and Alexis. Kristina just wanted to bring their family back together. It’s what Sam would have wanted. When she’d confronted Alexis, Molly had her back, and they were closer than ever. Dante said she had him too, but he felt like something else was bothering her.

Alexis said Spinelli had to find Ric’s totaled car. No one seemed to know where it was. He asked what she wanted with Ric’s car and what did she think she’d find, but she preferred not to say. Could he find the car or not? He said her annoyed exasperation made him feel like he was talking to Sam, and he thought he could find the car by lunch.

Elizabeth said Ric wasn’t able to slow down, and Ric said it was because of the black ice. The insurance company had collected the car, and it was gone. He thought the best thing to do was put it behind them, but if Elizabeth had been seriously injured, he would have made sure someone paid for it.

Drew came home and looked at the papers. Willow said it didn’t make sense, but Drew thought Michael was being vindictive. They needed a lawyer, and he knew exactly who to call.

Diane said she could ask for a postponement, but it risked giving Drew and Willow ammunition. They would say Michael’s health prevented him from raising his children, and it was a persuasive argument. Jason said they may have opened the door for Willow to get full custody.

Josslyn and Trina discussed the Nurses Ball and Josslyn wondered if they should go to The Savoy afterward. Trina said she was excited about performing with Josslyn, but when they were done, she was leaving.

Kai wanted to walk the red carpet with Trina, but Stella said she was sorry. That wasn’t going to happen.

Willow gave Ric the background on her and Michael’s breakup and said Michael had agreed to let her take the kids. Nina said, just for the night, not forever, and Willow said when she went to DC without telling Michael, he filed for full custody. Drew said it had Carly’s fingerprints all over it, and Ric agreed to come on as counsel. If the whole thing aggravated Sonny, all the better.

Carly said they’d keep the court date, and Diane said she’d contact Michael, but Carly said he couldn’t rush his recovery. She’d fight on his behalf.

Stella said the doctor told her, no way Kai could be released this soon, but Kai said he felt great. Stella told him to keep working hard. Tomorrow was another day.  He wondered if he could still be discharged in time for the Nurses Ball, and she said anything was possible.

Trina told Josslyn that Kai had been going through a lot and needed her. He’d handled everything so well, but football and his team were everything. She knew what it was like to have your world ripped away from you and also have somebody there for you at your lowest point. Josslyn had been that person for her, and she wanted to pay it forward.

Spinelli found the lot number Ric’s car was taken to after it was towed, and the lot had Ric’s car marked as destroyed. Alexis said she had reason to believe someone paid off the lot to remove the car. Could he find any tow trucks that had picked up, but not dropped off?

Lucky went home and asked if Elizabeth was doing okay. She said Ric stopped by to show off his new Porsche and she remembered something about the accident when he was there. She’d told Ric to slow down, and Ric said he’d lost control because of black ice.

Laura said both the mayor and journalist positions were similar. They had to be responsible to the people and do the right thing. Lulu said she wasn’t sure what that was. The truth could change lives, and she wasn’t sure she was ready. Boyle butted into their conversation and Laura told him to make an appointment. Or go on social media. He was such a rat. He asked if she was going to sic her best friend Sonny on him.

Diane thought they could file emergency petition for custody. They had video and photos of Drew’s debauchery, and Drew’s press release. One could argue that the children were in danger living with Drew. Carly said there was a good chance she could beat Willow and Drew and rescue her grandchildren.

Ric said he’d get the files from Martin, and Willow said Martin hired a P.I., but found nothing on Michael. Ric said they’d have to ask for a postponement, and Drew said he had the perfect strategy.

Lulu said she thought she just found her next piece, but Boyle said no one would take it seriously if it was written by the mayor’s daughter. Laura thanked Lulu, but said she’d handle it. Boyle prattled on and talked smack about Rocco. He wouldn’t stop, and Laura ended up throwing a drink in his face. She and Lulu laughed. (Me too.)

Kristina told Dante not to worry. Alexis probably picked up on her worry about Molly’s dad. His car had been smashed up and it was triggering. Thank God Ric and Elizabeth were okay. Dante wondered how she’d seen Ric’s car that night.

Spinelli said, victory was theirs. Four tow trucks had visited the impound lot three days after Ric’s car was brought there. Three went to legit destinations and one went to a storage facility on 12th Street. Only one account was opened there that day – Jerome, Ava. They high-fived.

Elizabeth told Lucky that the insurance company had taken the car and there was nothing to do but move on. Lucky seemed surprised that Ric said an insurance company took the car.

Diane said Willow had placed the children in an unsafe environment. Keeping the children in Drew’s home reflected poorly on Willow’s judgement. All the evidence might get the children removed from Willow’s custody, but that didn’t mean Carly was going to get them. They could be placed with their other grandmother, Nina. Carly was willing to take the risk.

Drew said, judges didn’t take kids away from their mothers when they’d done nothing wrong, but Willow begged to differ. They hadn’t had the most stable home life. Drew said, judges understood people fell in love (he’s such an idiot), but Ric wanted to talk legal strategy. Drew said Michael chose to leave the country for treatment when he could have stayed close by. He hadn’t reached out to his kids once through their mother. As far as Willow was concerned, Michael was MIA. Michael had encouraged Willow to take the kids, so they’d paint him like an absentee father. There was no chance he’d get custody.

Thursday:

Outside the boathouse, Brook looked up and says she hoped her child was happy, healthy, and loved. Make today really special. Chase joined her and asked, what’s wrong? She said it was her son’s birthday.

Donna burst in on Gio practicing and asked him to play her song. He played Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

At a coffee shop, Lulu was on the phone trying to track down a Catholic adoption agency based in Brooklyn… St. Ignatius… She told them she could be reached at this number, when Cody walked in. He asked if she was still doing research for her adoption story. Tracy said she’d walked away from it.

Kristina told Dante that she was on her way to work and saw there was an accident. She didn’t know whose car it was, then Molly got the call about her dad, and she figured it must have been Ric. The car looked so bad, she didn’t think anyone was going to survive.

Alexis was getting ready to go when Ric walked into her office and asked where she was off to in such a hurry.

Elizabeth asked why Lucky cared so much about what happened to Ric’s car.

Sonny told Lois that the kids were rehearsing, and Donna heard Gio playing the violin. Lois said, then there was no stopping her. How was he? He said, hanging in, and Donna said Daddy had been sick, but he was all right now. Gio asked if she liked Sleeping Beauty, and she said that was her favorite princess. He said then she’d know this one and played The Garland Waltz by Tchaikovsky (otherwise known as Once Upon a Dream in the Disney classic). Donna danced to the music.

Brook told Chase that she couldn’t stop thinking about her son now that they were starting a family. She’d completely missed his whole life. It had been an abstract thing before, and now it was a gaping hole. Chase said for over 20 years, she’d tried to bury it, and she said, he’d be 22, older than she was when she had him. He said, after all this time, it had been dug up, so of course (🍷) she was thinking about him. She said she dreamt about him all the time now and would give anything to meet her son.

Lulu said she gave up the adoption article, and Cody asked what was with the phone call. She said she was tying up loose ends, and he said he knew she and Brook had stuff and probably always would. But Tracy said Brook was really hurt and found the article invasive and insensitive now that she and Chase were starting the adoption process. Lulu said she wasn’t looking in them, and he wondered why she was asking about agencies. He kept catching her in lies and she explained them with half-truths. He needed the whole story. Lulu said she needed more time to give it to him, but he said, no. Digging into his friends’ personal business wasn’t cool. She said she was looking into adoption agencies that were around when Brook was in high school. Brook gave birth to Dante’s baby, a boy, then gave him up. (Yep. I hated Lulu back in the day and was glad she went into a coma. Now I remember why.)

Lucky told Elizabeth that he was surprised Ric wasn’t suing half of Port Charles. He never expected Ric to let his insurance company handle it. Lucas came by with flowers (white lilies – aren’t those usually for funerals?) and said he wanted to catch up, but could come back if it was a bad time. Lucky said he had a quick errand to run and left. Lucas said he was sorry he interrupted something. He was hoping at least it was the sexy variety.

Alexis said the office was closed and she was on her way out, and Ric said they needed to adjust her investment schedule for Dolos. She said she’d offer him something he never offered her – a way out. With all of his meticulous planning, it was still embezzlement. The more they embezzled, the more likely they were to get caught, and if they got caught, they’d go to prison. He and Ava had already made s pretty penny. If they got out now, she’d let bygones be bygones. She didn’t want to see their daughter get hurt and she would be if she knew her father was blackmailing her mother. He said Ava wouldn’t care, and she asked if he did. He said, of course (🍷), but it was Alexis’s caring that mattered. She asked if he thought she’d be doing this if she didn’t care, and he said they’d now come full circle. Even if he considered her offer, what make her think Ava would? She said, leave Ava to her.

Ric said, they were in this together and would all go down together, and Alexis said don’t come crying to her when Ava dragged him to hell. Out. Now. They left.

Elizabeth said Lucas didn’t interrupt anything. Ric was showing off his new car and she was telling Lucky about it. Sorry to disappoint him. Lucas said the upside was, it sounded domestic, and she said they were living together. He said the temperature had to be rising, and she said it was, and it was incredible, but at same time, terrifying.

Chase said it was okay for Brook to change her mind, but she said she needed to let her son be. It didn’t matter how badly she wanted it. It was probably a good thing St. Ignatius was closed. He said they’d get through the fallout together, but she said, people would get hurt, especially Dante. If her son wanted to find her, she’d face any consequences, but he had to be the one who wanted to find his birth mother. Chase said she had what it took to make a good mom, putting her son’s needs before her own. He couldn’t wait to see her in action with their baby. She was going to be a wonderful mom. She said she had to go to rehearsal and thanked him for being the best husband on the planet. He said it was hard work, but someone had to do it.

Cody told Lulu that he’d assumed Brook didn’t have the baby. She never mentioned it again. Was Lulu positive? Lulu said she was, and he asked if she had proof. She said she broke into Martin’s hotel room to get information on Valentin’s whereabouts. He had nothing on Valentin and Charlotte, but she did find his notes on Brook putting her baby up for adoption. She thought he’d met with Lois, who told him everything. Dante was listed as the father, and she confronted Brook who confirmed it.

Rocco came home and Dante asked, how was school? Rocco said, fine, and Kristina told him that she was glad he was okay, and left. Dante said, now that everything had settled, tell him everything that happened at the beach party.

Donna twirled and bowed as the number ended, and asked if Gio could play another, but Sonny said she had to get to rehearsal. Donna asked if Gio could play at her birthday party, and Gio asked when it was. She said, September 30th, and he said that was a long way away. She said she wanted to make sure no one got him to play at their party first and asked when his birthday was. He said, June 4th, and she asked if he was having a party. He said he wasn’t sure, but if he did, she was definitely invited. Sonny said they had to get to rehearsal… now, and she left with him. Gio began to play, and Lois quietly said, Happy birthday, Gio, and left.

Lois went to the boathouse, and Chase said she’d just missed Brook. He thought she was here for the same reason. It was Lois’s grandson’s birthday.

Lulu told Cody that she tried to get Brook to tell Dante, but Brook said it was better that he didn’t know since the adoption was closed. She thought Dante deserved to know and begged Brook to do the right thing. Brook sicced Chase on her and he threatened to arrest her. Brook said she didn’t send him, but they knew she was a liar. Cody said he never thought she’d keep a secret this big from Dante. They’d been friends forever. Lulu said she tried to stay out of it, but she couldn’t. Brook knew they had a grown son, but Dante didn’t, and it wasn’t right… Forget she said anything. Cody said he’d been lied to most of his life about who he was. Now she was telling him that Dante had a son Brook had been keeping from him. That wasn’t happening. He wanted to help. (This is making me crazy, since Brook didn’t know until Lulu told her, but of course < 🍷> Lulu left that part out. And Cody should know better than to take what she says at face value.)

Rocco told Dante that it was fun at first, then he got dizzy. After that, everything was fuzzy. Danny had nothing to do with it. Dante said Danny shouldn’t have left him alone, but Rocco said Danny shouldn’t be his babysitter. Danny had no way of knowing what he’d do. Dante told him not to defend Danny or Gio, and Rocco said, Gio did nothing wrong.

Sonny told Gio that apparently, parents weren’t welcome at rehearsal and thanked him for playing for Donna. She got a kick out of it. Gio told Sonny that he meant what he said about Donna’s birthday party. He heard her say Sonny wasn’t feeling well. Sonny said he had a minor surgical procedure and then someone attempted to assassinate him, but he was following doctor’s orders and on the mend. He heard it had been an eventful couple of days with Rocco. Thank God he was all right. Gio said, especially since it was all his fault.

At the storage facility, Alexis told the manager that she had an order signed by a judge. What was inside pertained to an ongoing case. He barely looked at it, and told her, whatever you say, unlocking the gate. He left, and she opened it. It was empty except for an oil stain on the floor and an envelope propped up against the wall that said, ALEXIS.

Kristina flashed back to talking to Dante and texted Lucky: You around?

Alexis took out a note that said: LOOKING FOR SOMETHING? She crumpled it and tossed it across the floor, where it bounced to where Lucky was standing.

Lois told Chase that every year on her grandson’s birthday, she allowed herself to remember. Or forced herself to. She wasn’t sure which. He said, probably a mix of both, and she said, it was so tough on Brook. Going through labor and having to give the baby up. She tried to support and comfort her. Brook had more strength in her eyelashes than most people had in their entire body. She was so proud. Chase said Brook was lucky to have Lois by her side. She was scared, but she told him that she felt safe and loved because of Lois. Lois said she wondered how he could be so kind and supportive, then remembered she’d met his dad. He said he also loved her daughter, and she said, Brook loved him too. It had to be brutal keeping it from Dante.

Rocco told Dante that he didn’t see Gio at the party and was almost positive Gio didn’t know he was there either. When Danny came to look for him, he could barely keep his eyes open. The next thing he knew, Gio was there. He didn’t want to get in trouble because of London and the debate trip. Dante said Gio was the adult in that scenario. The last thing he should have worried about was Rocco getting into trouble. Seeing the state Rocco was in, Gio should have called him first thing. Rocco almost got killed. What was Gio thinking?

Gio told Sonny that he should have called Dante or Lulu. Instead, he snuck Rocco into the boathouse. He thought Rocco could drink some water and sleep it off. Sonny asked how he could know Rocco had alcohol poisoning. He was a musician, not a doctor. Gio said, Cody knew, and Sonny said Gio did the best he could at the time. Gio said Dante didn’t see it that way, but Sonny said Dante was afraid for his son and unloaded on the nearest target. Gio said he wished he could go back and do it all over, and Sonny (and I) said, don’t we all? If he knew Gio did something wrong, he’d be angry, but he didn’t think Gio did. He appreciated what Gio did for his grandson. If he was ever in a jam, Sonny wanted to be the first person Gio called. Gio said Sonny might come to regret that, but Sonny didn’t think so.

Elizabeth told Lucky that it was nice to talk to someone about it. She loved Laura and Lulu, but clearly, they wanted her and Lucky back together. Lucas asked if she wanted them together, and Elizabeth said she loved Lucky. Lucas asked if she was in love with him, and she said she didn’t think there was ever a time she wasn’t. She’d been with other men she loved deeply, but with Lucky, there was an intense connection since the beginning and they’d been through so much, good and bad. Since he’d been back, it had been amazing with him and Aiden. It made her want to believe they could make it work this time. Lucas asked if she didn’t think they would.  

Lucky said he never took Alexis for the littering type, and she said she was just having a dramatic moment. He handed her the crumpled paper, and she asked what he was doing there. He said he thought they were there for the same thing. He was under the impression Ric’s car had been crushed at the impound, but apparently, it had been moved. She asked why he was looking for Ric’s car, and he said, the brake lines were cut. That’s what caused the accident. She asked if he knew who cut them, and he said, so did she – Kristina.  

Cody said he was in, and Lulu said it was a relief to know someone had her back. Everyone told her to stay away, but it was time to tell the truth. Her phone rang, and she thanked them for getting back to her… Really?… Were they positive?…. That was all she needed. She thanked them and told Cody that Brook said she used St. Ignatius for the adoption, but they closed their doors in 1987. There was no way Brook placed the baby with them. Cody wondered, why lie? (I guess it doesn’t occur to these two dolts that Lois might have lied to Brook. I’m sooo disappointed in Cody.)  

Brook ran into Gio’s rehearsal room, apologizing for being late. Kristina said she was hoping to watch Donna, but apparently, family members are distracting. But she got to see them. Sonny said they could watch Gio practice, unless it made him nervous. Brook said, Gio played The National Anthem in the PCU stadium, but Gio said it was worse playing for family.  

Elizabeth told Lucas that what she needed in a relationship, Lucky might not be able to give her. He was the kind of guy who always left. What would make a difference now? Lucas said, time… circumstances… life, and she said there was always a part of Lucky that wanted to be out in the world. She wasn’t like that. She liked being settled here with family, friends, and her work. Lucas suggested that in coming home, maybe Lucky realized that’s what he wanted maybe same, but she said, Lucky may not be made for a settled down life. Her biggest fear was asking him to stay and him trying, but in the end, it just not working. Luke called Lucky cowboy, and that’s basically what he was, riding off into the sunset on the hunt for his next adventure.

Lucky told Alexis that he knew it was Kristina the night of the accident. She came into Charlie’s and wasn’t making sense. Then she took off again. He was worried, so he followed her. She pulled over at the site of the crash and said, it was supposed to be Ava driving, not Ric. He realized she was responsible and told her to go back to Charlie’s and act as normal as possible. He went to the impound lot, but they said they’d crushed it already. Alexis said, if only that had been true, and he said, today, Ric told Elizabeth that the insurance company took the car. Somebody is lying. Alexis asked how he ended up here, and he said, instead of destroying it, the impound lot had it towed to this location, but he had to work for the information. What the hell was going on? Why was Ric lying?

Lucas said, what if Elizabeth talked to Lucky? and she said he honestly thinks he’s going to stay this time. Obviously, he loves her and she knows he wants to be with her, but she also thinks he’s so afraid to let her down, she can’t trust him to be honest.

Lucky told Elizabeth that he’d done what he could to protect Kristina. He’d lied to everyone, including Elizbeth. So he felt like he had the right to know. Alexis smoothed out the paper and gave it to him. She said Ava and Ric left it for her, and he said, they had the car? She nodded and said she didn’t know where. They also had footage that strongly implied Kristina cut the brakes. She had to keep paying them or they’d tell Molly what Kristina did and blow up what was left of her family and see to it Kristina was charged and convicted for attempted murder.

Dante said it was all Gio’s fault, but Rocco said, Gio didn’t know how much he had to drink. Dante said it didn’t matter. Gio should have called Rocco’s parents. Rocco had no idea how close they came to losing him. If Cody hadn’t found him, he doesn’t know what would have happened. After losing Sam, he doesn’t want to think about losing his only child. Gio screwed up big time and it’s on him.

Everyone encourages Gio to play, and he begins.

Chase told Lois that keeping it from Dante was difficult, but Brook was his wife, and he made the decision to stand by her. Lois asked if he thought she made a mistake not encouraging Brook to keep the baby, and he said, Brook was so young. Lois said she did her best to protect Brook, but sometimes wondered how all of their lives would have been had she made a different decision. He suggested they focus on the here and now. Soon – God willing – he and Brook would adopt a child and start a family. Wherever Brook’s son was, he was surrounded by a family that loved him. Maybe one day, they’d be lucky enough that he’d come looking for his birth mother.

Lulu said she thought Brook lied because she knew exactly where Dante’s son was, and Cody said that made him think she did too. Did she know where the kid lived? She said she did. He was at the Quartermaines. Cody laughed and said, that would be funny… Oh my God. She was serious. Who was he? She said she thought Gio Palmieri was Dantes son, then smiled like a cat who ate the canary. I want to smack her.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Isaiah practices a dance for the Nurses Ball when Willow comes in. She said, nice moves, Dr. Gannon, and he says, thank you, Nurse Corinthos. How about her? He assumes she’s here to rehearse. She says, honestly, right now she’s just grateful to have a distraction. He asks, from what? Her job? She says, no, her marriage. She won’t be Nurse Corinthos much longer.

Nina tells Curtis that she can’t figure out why he and Aurora Media aren’t going full court media press to take down Drew.

In her office, Portia is reading The Invader’s headline, Set Up Or Cover Up? on her tablet, when Ava comes in. She asks if it’s an okay time, and Portia says, yes. She was just perusing the latest developments of Drew’s drug fueled night out on the town. She hands Ava the tablet and Ava laughs and says, on the town, on a bar top, on a woman who for once is not his nephew’s wife. She has to admit, when the story broke, she had to wonder if this was Portia’s handiwork.

Tracy meets Drew at the boathouse and asks how he even got on the property. He says he drove over in his new boat, and she laughs. She says, of course (🍷) he did. How nautical of him. He says he figured he’d be welcome though, since they’re working together to take down Sonny.

Sonny brings Donna home to Carly’s, and Carly asks, how was rehearsal? Donna says, so fun, and Carly says she’s sure Donna had a good time. And she’s sure daddy was proud to see her. Sonny says, daddy couldn’t see her. It was a closed rehearsal. They wouldn’t let him in. The kids get too excited with dads watching. Donna says, before they rehearsed, Gio played the violin for her and daddy.

Lulu tells Cody that she knows she’s right. She just needs to slow down and think. The baby Brook was pregnant with… Cody says, Dante’s baby. She thinks the baby is Gio? Gio walks in with Brook.

Gio asks if he heard his name, and Cody says, yeah. They were just talking about what happened at the Quartermaines with Rocco. Gio says he’s sorry about what happened. He should have handled it differently. Lulu says she’s just glad Rocco is okay, and Brook says, it’s a good thing Gio got Rocco back to the boathouse. If he hadn’t, Cody wouldn’t have found them and then gotten Rocco home. Cody says, it was definitely a team effort. What matters is they were looking out for Rocco. Gio says, as long as Rocco is all right, and he asks if Brook wants to get coffee. She says, let’s do it, and they go to the counter. Lulu says, a mother/son coffee date? (Hating her more every day.)

Sonny says, Gio played Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star for them on the violin, and Donna says, it was perfectly beautiful. She can’t wait to see him perform at the Nurses Ball. Carly tells her, it’s time to tackle homework, Donna thanks Sonny, and goes upstairs. Carly says, she’s a mess, and Sonny says he can’t wait to see her perform at the Nurses Ball. Carly asks, how is he doing? She hopes he’s not overdoing it. He says, Dr. Gannon told him to stay active, and Donna is the best medicine. Carly says she hates to ruin a good mood, but since he’s here, there’s something she needs to tell him. He asks if he should take his pills, and she says, he should keep them handy. They’ve got a court date for Michael’s divorce and custody hearing.

Willow says they’ve got a date for the divorce hearing, also custody, and Isaiah asks when it’s happening. She says, June 2nd, and he says, that soon? She says she figured it was a long way off. Michael is still in Germany getting treatment. Now the date is on the calendar and in her face. He says, when they talked, she was worried the judge might find her and Drew’s relationship unfavorable. Is that still the case? She says, no. She has complete faith in Drew. He says, even with… you know, but she says, Drew was set up and a judge will see that. Drew will do whatever he has to, to protect her and her children.

Tracy asks how far Drew is pushing this, and he says he thought he made himself clear. She gives him what he wants when he runs Sonny Corinthos out of town. When Measure C passes, they’ll take over the piers and have Ezra Boyle running for mayor on the anti-Sonny ticket. She says, Ezra Boyle is an idiot. He’s also a slob. She doesn’t understand why he, of all people, is a piece in the getting rid of Sonny puzzle. Drew says, Ezra getting elected is going to eliminate Sonny’s hold on the mayor’s office, but she says, drop it and drop him. They can get Measure C passed without removing Laura. With the exception of an obvious blind spot, she’s a good mayor. He says, clearly, she’s soft on Sonny and as long as Laura is in office, Sonny has a foothold on the city. If she truly wants Sonny gone, Mayor Collins has to be collateral damage.

Portia says, whoever tried to take Drew down seems to have failed, but Ava says she wouldn’t be too sure about that. People aren’t buying his story about being set up. Portia says, he seems to have a lot of support, but Ava says, not really. Poor, deluded Willow believes him, but that doesn’t mean anybody else does. Just think. Drew could be out of office and out of her hair in a month. Portia says, as wonderful as that sounds she highly doubts it, but Ava says, we’ll see. The people of Port Charles can be downright puritanical when comes to passing judgement against others. Portia says, here’s hoping, because right now, Drew is putting more pressure on her than ever.

Nina says she doesn’t get it. Curtis should want to nail Drew against the wall as much as she does. Curtis says he does, but Portia persuaded him not to sensationalize Drew’s story. Nina says, Drew did it to himself when he went on a ketamine bender and did body shots off a woman at a club full of people with cameras. He says, even so, Portia thinks it would make Aurora look bias, but Nina says, Drew has a financial stake in Aurora and negative coverage would show the opposite of bias. He says his feelings for Drew aren’t exactly secret, and she says, what she doesn’t get is that Portia knows better than anyone what Drew has done. She doesn’t understand why Portia would want to go easy on him. Curtis says, Portia is being blackmailed.  

Gio thanks Brook for sticking up for him with Lulu, but she says she didn’t have to. She was pointing out the truth. He was looking out for Rocco and Rocco is alive because of him. He says, because of Cody, and she says, because of both of them. If Lulu can’t see that, it’s her problem. He says, and Dante’s. Things have been tense since the night of the party. He doesn’t know how long he can keep dodging Olivia. He hates the idea of her being angry with him. She says, everything will go back to normal soon. She promises. The barista calls out, Brook Lynn and Guyo, and Brook laughs. She says, that’s us, and they get their coffee. On their way out, Brook asks if they’ll see Cody and Lulu at the Nurses ball, and Cody says, oh yeah. Lulu says she wouldn’t miss it, and Brook says, this guy will knock their socks off. Gio says he doesn’t know if he’ll do that, but Brook says, he’s a star. Cody says, he’s all right, and Brook says, see ya. They leave and Lulu says, I rest my case.

Portia tells Ava that Drew is already disappointed she hasn’t come through with more than she has, but his latest demand is impossible and ridiculous. Ava says, Drew is impossible and ridiculous. What does his majesty insist on now? Portia says, he wants no negative coverage on him in all Aurora Media outlets. That’s one. Ava says, good luck with that. What else does he want? Portia says, he wants Curtis to support him on the Measure C referendum and also wants to get Curtis’s endorsement for Ezra Boyle as mayor over Laura. Ava asks if either thing is even remotely possible, and Portia says, no. She doesn’t give a damn about Measure C and if all of a sudden she takes a strong interest, Curtis is going to get suspicious. Ava says, Drew thinks everybody is as easy to manipulate as Willow, and Portia says, as Curtis’s former friend, he should know better. Curtis is Laura’s friend and supports what she does as mayor. He’s not going to go against her. Ava says, everybody knows that. Drew certainly should. Portia says, maybe he knows and doesn’t care. No way Curtis would support a cretin like Boyle, even if Laura wasn’t running. Ava says she’s sorry to add to Portia’s already full plate, but she should know Drew appears to be making demands on Trina as well.

Nina asks why Curtis thinks Portia is being blackmailed, and he says, it’s the only thing that makes sense. She says, and he suspects that because Portia asked him to have Aurora go easy on Drew? and he says, she supported all his programs at GH. At first, the whole thing seemed innocuous, but then asked himself why Drew only asked Portia. She’s Co-Chief, and as far as he knows, Drew never approached Terry. Nina says, the Pediatric Sports Initiative (🍷) is a good program, and he says he knows. At first, he thought Portia was being objective in acknowledging the program’s merits. That’s the thing. If you look at each thing separately, you can explain it away. Nina says, but if you look at it all together… He says, it’s the only thing that makes sense. Drew has leverage over his wife. He found her at Drew’s house. Nina asks why she said she was there, and he says, she said she was there to try and talk Drew out of pressuring Kai to have his surgery. Nina says, that’s not unreasonable, but he says, then she tried to mitigate the situation by saying if Kai’s surgery went well, then it would show Drew had good intentions all along. Nina says, it doesn’t make sense. She doesn’t believe Portia would ever willingly support Drew. He says, so she’s thinking he’s holding something over Portia? but she says she doesn’t know. He tells her that he’s already said too much. He should be having this conversation with Portia. She says he knows where to find her if he wants to talk. She can’t believe how much damage Drew has done. It seems like everything rolls off that man’s back. The latest scandal should have been enough to send Willow running, but it somehow bonded her closer to him and it’s going cost Willow her children.

Willow tells Isaiah, don’t get her wrong. It’s not like she doesn’t have regrets about the way things ended with Michael. She made choices that weren’t fair to him. Isaiah says, most people in relationships can say that at one time or another, and she says, maybe. She’s genuinely sad about how she and Michael ended things, but she knows she’s finally where she’s supposed to be with Drew. He says, since they’re talking, if she doesn’t mind him asking… She says, go ahead, and he asks where the kids fit in with all this. She asks what he means, and he says, in a perfect world, what would she want after the divorce was settled – the ideal scenario for her children? She says, Michael is a good father, but she wants the kids with her, and in an ideal world, Michael would understand the children belong with their mother. He says, and Drew?

Tracy says, remind her when Laura was soft on Sonny as mayor, and Drew says, even the appearance of impropriety is unacceptable. Tracy and I laugh, and she says, sorry. Are there photos of Laura doing body shots off a hooker on top of a bar somewhere? He says he was set up. Laura is protecting the resident mobster. They revised the plans for the esplanade and the reason Laura called for the referendum is because she’s cornered. Tracy says she doesn’t like it any more than he does, but it’s not Laura’s fault law enforcement is so incompetent they haven’t put Sonny behind bars. Drew asks why she’s protecting Sonny, because that’s what she’s doing when she sticks up for Laura. She says, Laura is her friend and Lulu’s mother, and Sonny has been a plague on this city and her family – Drew says, our family – for decades. Sonny has to go. He says he couldn’t agree more. Sonny has to pay for the pain he’s caused all of them. That’s why he agreed to work with her. They have a common goal, a common enemy, but they do need to get really clear on the terms of their deal.

Sonny asks how a divorce hearing could be scheduled when Michael is out of the country, and Carly says she had Diane petition the court for the earliest possible date. Michael served Willow with divorce papers before the fire. It’s exactly what he wanted. Sonny says, when he was here, and she says, he made his wishes clear. They had the paperwork and all they did was get a date. He asks, when is it? and she says, June 2nd. She thought they were safe until August, but an earlier date popped up, so they were slotted in. He says, but Michael’s not here. Please tell him that she didn’t ask Michael to cut his treatment short in Germany for this. She says she wouldn’t do that. She’s going to handle this herself. He says, that’s a mistake.

Back at the nook, Gio asks how Rocco is feeling, and Rocco says, good. He cleaned every inch of his mom’s house twice and is basically grounded until he’s 54, but good. Brook says, glad to hear it. Not about the grounded part. Rocco tells Gio that he wants to apologize. He put Gio in a really bad position that night and he’s sorry. Gio says, Rocco can’t take the blame. He was the adult… Rocco says, Gio didn’t make him play the game. Gio didn’t force him to get drunk. Gio didn’t even know he and Danny were at the party. He begged Gio not to call his parents, and he told that to his dad. Gio says, his dad is still mad, isn’t he? and Rocco says, yeah, but he needs to understand that Gio helped him get back here and he’s grateful to Gio for that. Gio wishes he’d done more to help him, and Rocco says, it stinks that Gio is being blamed. None of this is his fault. He’s so sorry.

Portia asks, exactly what kind of demands is Drew making of her daughter? and Ava says, fortunately not the same kind he’s making of her, but imagine her surprise when Trina stopped by the gallery with a camera following her every move. Portia says, Drew’s documentary, and Ava says, so she knows about it. Portia says, Drew’s guy Josh wanted to be in the operating room when Kai was having his surgery. Finish telling her what happened with Trina. Ava says, Josh was quite polite and did his best to seem invisible but… Portia says, he was following Trina around with the camera, and Ava says, yes. Trina was lovely of course (🍷), as always, but she could tell Trina was uncomfortable with a camera in her face. She shooed Josh away. Portia says, thank you for that, and Ava says, of course (🍷). Then Trina told her that Drew was behind the documentary. Since he was paying for Kai’s surgery she felt a need to be a part of the project. She and Kai are sort of together now and she felt it was the least she could do. Portia says, Drew is so good at that, convincing people to do his bidding, then making them feel like it was their idea. Now he has her daughter in his tentacles. Ava says, just a little. She’s keeping an eye on things. Portia says, more than a little. He’s pressuring her and Trina to weaponize themselves against Curtis. She doesn’t want to hate anybody, but she truly hates Drew Cain and all of it. It’s got to stop. Ava says, she’s right about that. She thinks Portia has clearly reached the point where she needs to change tactics. Portia says, how? What can she do? Ava says, at this point, she needs to tell Curtis the truth.

Curtis asks Nina if there’s been any movement in Willow’s custody case. She still has the kids, right? Nina says, yes, but who knows for how long. The court date is June 2nd, which doesn’t leave much time. Drew convinced Willow to embrace it. Curtis says, Drew doesn’t have a problem doing that, does he? and Nina says, no, he doesn’t, and now he wants Willow to push for full custody on the grounds that Michael has abandoned them. He says, because he went to Germany? and she says, yes. He has Willow believing that if she goes after Michael in court when he’s out of country for recovery treatment in a burn unit, it will somehow end with her getting permanent sole custody of her children. He says, even if that was possible, Michael’s family won’t stand for that, and she says, never ever. She has a bad feeling this is going to end in disaster.  

Willow tells Isaiah, Drew is a great father. He should see Drew with his daughter Scout and her kids. He loves them and they love him. They’re really building a new family together. Isaiah says he’s not judging. He’s happy for her. She thanks him, and he says, but he hopes she’s prepared for the possibility Michael won’t feel the same way. She says, he asked her what she wanted in an ideal world. Ideally, Michael would see what’s truly best is for the children to be with their mother. Their mother is with Drew, and being with her and Drew gives Wiley and Amelia love and stability they wouldn’t have otherwise. He asks what she means by otherwise, and she says she doesn’t want this to turn into an ugly situation where she has to fight Michael for sole custody, and he never gets to see his kids. Isaiah says, so she’s going for sole custody?

Sonny asks if Michael knows he has a court date, and Carly says, technically, no. He asks what she means, and she says, the court notified Diane, then Diane notified her, and she asked Diane not to tell Michael. Sonny says, she knew he’d want to be here, and she says, yes, but she doesn’t want him to give up one minute of his recovery. Trust her. She’s got this. He asks what she means by she’s got this, and she says, Diane is going to argue that Willow put the children in an unsafe environment. She’ll get an emergency custody order, and the kids will come home with her until their father comes home. He asks if she thinks it’s going be that easy. Willow is going to have her lawyer, Drew, and Nina there for back-up. Willow is their mother, and since Michael can’t physically be in court, she’ll be the only parent at the hearing. Carly says, that’s right. And Drew will be by her side playing hero and he’ll be the reason she loses those kids. He’s proof she’s unfit. Sonny says, he’s a congressman, and she says, a congressman who partied on ketamine and did body shots off a call girl in a bar on video. A congressman who slept with his nephew’s wife in the kids’ nursery, also on video. He says, when they show the video in court… She says, no judge will let Michael’s kids within ten feet of Willow or Drew. They’ll come home with her and stay with her until their loving father comes home.

Cody says, no offense, but when it comes to Gio and Brook, he thinks Lulu is seeing what she wants to see. Lulu says she thinks she saw what she saw, and he says, okay. Gio is a good kid with no parents. Lois helped raise him and Brook saw him grow up. He thinks the way they treat Gio is more Bensonhurst than anything else. Lulu says she’ll give him this. She’s not sure Brook knows Gio’s her son. She’s not positive. He says, she doesn’t know if Gio is Brook’s son, but she says she knows Brook is a good liar. She’s experienced it firsthand. Brook has been lying to Dante for years and lying to Cody since he came to Port Charles. He says, that may be so, but none of it adds up to Gio being Brook and Dante’s son. Lulu says, everything in her gut is telling her he is. She just needs to prove it.

Gio says he appreciates Rocco letting him off the hook, and Rocco says, he shouldn’t have been on it in the first place. Gio says he can handle Rocco’s parents being mad, but Rocco’s got to promise, no more drinking until he’s 21. Rocco promises, and Gio says, okay. He says, Rocco and his dad are lucky to have each other. Don’t let what happened with him cause it to go wrong. Rocco says he won’t. So they’re good? Gio says, they’re good, and Rocco leaves. Brook says, Gio handled that well, and he thanks her. She says, it’s big of him to protect Rocco and Dante’s relationship like that. He says, Rocco needs his dad and at this point, he can’t worry about what Dante thinks. Brook says, he’ll get over it. He’s just a hothead worried about his kid. Gio says, everyone keeps telling him that Dante is just worried about his kid, but that doesn’t mean Dante doesn’t feel the way he feels about him. Dante made it perfectly clear that he has no use for him and he’s good with that. Brook says, everyone also says it’s temporary, but Gio says, he doesn’t want her or anybody else trying to convince him that deep down, Dante really likes him. It’s obvious he doesn’t and there’s no point in pretending. He tells her that he’s got to go study, and leaves.

 Drew says, if and when he succeeds in removing Sonny, he wants the Quartermaine name back, and Tracy says, they already established that. She’s only giving him one thing. He says he wants to be clear on the terms. He gets access to the Quartermaine estate and grounds again. She says, good luck with that, and he says, as of now. She says, that’s not the way deals work. If he wants access, he’ll have to talk to Monica, and she doesn’t think what happens to Sonny is going to matter. Drew asks if she doesn’t think it will matter that he’s rid the town of the man who murdered the only child Monica had with Alan. It feels to him like it would hold a lot of weight. She says, Drew destroyed Michael’s marriage and prevented Monica from seeing her great-grandchildren. He says, that’s not what… but she says she’s not debating this. He’ll get the name back when he gets rid of Sonny. For the rest, he’s on his own. He says, that’s not good enough, but she says, it better be good enough. Find another dock. Get back on his damn barge. It’s Monica’s property… Alan gave it to her. (Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!) Tracy leaves, and Drew laughs. He’s about to leave, then doubles back.

Willow tells Isaiah that when Michael refused to see her in Germany, it sent a really clear message. She has to do whatever it takes to protect her children and get custody of them. He says he hears her. He’s sure she’s had plenty of advice from other people and doesn’t need more from him. She says she’s sorry. She shouldn’t have snapped at him. He says, it’s fine. He just wants her to know that he thinks she’s an excellent nurse and during the time he’s known her, he’s only seen her to be a good person with a kind heart. Trust it. He leaves.

Sonny says he gets that Carly has a plan, and she says, let her guess. He doesn’t like it. He says, it’s not her call, but she says, Michael can’t be here to fight for his kids, so she has to do it for him. He says, there’s no guarantee it’s going to work, and she says, with that evidence, she thinks there’s a pretty good chance, but he says, she’s overstepping. This is Michael’s life. It’s his family and he’s not going to thank her for making decisions without his permission. He’s just saying, it’s going to cost her. She says, Michael will understand she’s doing this to protect him and his family. And if he’s mad at her, she can live with that. It’s worth it to make sure her grandchildren are happy and safe, and the only way to do that is to get custody of them.

Tracy asks Brook if everything is all right, and she says she feels bad for Gio. Dante came down on him and he’s taking it hard. Tracy says, Gio is a good kid and Dante is scrupulous to a fault. They’ll figure it out. Brook says she hopes so, but that’s not the only reason she feels a little blue today. Tracy asks, what is it? and Brook says, it’s her baby’s birthday today.

Lulu tells Cody, the way Lois reacted to Dante tearing into Gio. Then she got into it with Dante. She was protective in a way that goes way beyond cousins. Cody says, like she was tapping into her primal grandmaternal instinct, grandmama bear, and Lulu says, yes, and if Brook is telling the truth, Lois handled the baby’s adoption. Paired with the fact that Gio’s mother was conveniently a Cerullo cousin, it all makes sense… Cody’s still not buying it. He says he’s not not buying it, but if it’s true, Lois went through a lot of trouble to cover this up. She wonders how they prove it. Gio’s so-called mother is Cousin Camilla. She’s the key.

Ava says Curtis already knows Portia tampered with Heather Webber’s blood tests. All she has to tell him now is that Brad and Drew found out and they’re using it as leverage. Portia says, he’s going to wonder why she didn’t tell him right away and she doesn’t have a good answer for that. Ava asks, how is, I couldn’t tell you because I was being blackmailed, not an acceptable answer? It’s the point of blackmail. Portia says, Curtis won’t see it that way. She made a choice the moment she started giving into Brad and left her whole family vulnerable. Ava says, she got in over her head. It happens. She can still fix it and Curtis can help her get out. Portia says she knows Curtis and there’s no third chance. He’ll never forgive her for this.

Curtis asks if there’s any way Willow can get a postponement, and Nina says she suggested it, but Drew shot it down and Willow fell right in line. He says, what was the reason? and she says, because this is the perfect time to steal Michael’s children right out from under him and present the children to Willow as his gift. He asks if those were Drew’s words, and she says, no, but his thoughts were so loud, they might as well be spoken words. (Love that!) Drew thinks that he and Willow are going to walk into court looking like the perfect stable couple with the perfect stable built-in family, and Michael won’t be there to defend himself, so they’ll win. Curtis says, all the more reason to make a postponement happen. If Drew won’t listen to reason, then she needs to find someone who will. Maybe a lawyer or someone who has sway over Michael. She says, there might be one person Michael will listen to. She’s got to go. She thanks him for listening and thanks him for everything. He says, anytime, and she leaves. He makes a call and says he needs to see someone in his office now.

Sonny asks if Carly thinks Willow is a bad mother. The Quartermaines would do anything they could to keep their kids safe. Carly says, hell yeah. Willow’s not the woman they thought she was. She’s not the woman Michael married, and not the woman Michael allowed to adopt his child and start a family with. Sonny says, she changed, and Carly says, hell yeah. She’s trying to take Michael’s kids from him and raise them with their great uncle. She’s infatuated with Drew, who isn’t the man they thought he was. Sonny says, they all bought his act, and she says, yeah. If he’s asking her if she questions Willow, absolutely. She doesn’t trust Willow anymore and doesn’t want Drew or Willow anywhere near Michael’s children. He says he hopes it works out for her. If it doesn’t, and Michael loses his children because of her, she could lose her own child.

Brook tells Tracy that now with everything that’s come out, all these feelings are back and coming out with a vengeance. She can’t stop them or push them away. Tracy says she doesn’t think Brook should. The only way out is through. Brook says she’s going through it all right. She can’t stop thinking about her son and wishing him a happy birthday. He’s 22. Tracy says she has something that might cheer Brook up, and Brook says, by all means. Tracy says, consider this a little birthday present for her and her boy. She spoke to Lulu and she’s dropping the adoption article. Brook says, really? How did she… It doesn’t matter. She’s so relieved. Tracy says she thought Brook might be, and Brook says she hated that Lulu was digging around with no consideration for anyone else. She doesn’t want Lulu disrupting her son’s life. Tracy says, she’s not gonna, so Brook can relax. Unless Brook chooses otherwise, no one will know she gave up a child for adoption. They hug.

While on her laptop, Lulu tells Cody that Brook said she gave birth in San Francisco. According to this, Baby Boy Cerullo was born on May 15th, around the time Gio was born. The records also indicate the mother is Brook Cerullo. He can’t think it’s a coincidence. Cody says, no. Using Lois’s last name was probably the easiest thing to do. Lulu says, and Brook wasn’t a legal adult. Lois didn’t go to a lot of trouble to hide this. He says, why would she? She had no reason to believe anyone would dig up Gio’s real origin story. She tells him, Gio said he was born on June 4th in LA. According to the records, a lot of baby boys were born that day in LA, but no Baby Boy Cerullo or Palmieri. He says, all this proves is there wasn’t a baby born under that name in LA County. He could have been born in Orange County or Ventura, or Camilla used a different name. She says, he’s absolutely correct, and he says, statistically, it was bound to happen someday. She says, there’s only one way to prove Camilla’s not really Gio’s mother. Find out where Camilla was and what she was doing the day Brook gave birth.

Portia says, when it comes to secrets and lies, Curtis has zero tolerance, and Ava says, he’s going to have to get over that because it’s an impossible standard. Portia says, it’s why he and Jordan broke up. They didn’t grow apart. He left because Jordan lied. Ava says, if he forgave her for keeping Trina a secret all those years, this is nothing, but Portia says, not when she’s been lying to him for months. Ava says, stop lying now and her marriage might survive. After another six months, not so much. She’s digging herself in deeper. Isaiah approaches the room and hears them, and Portia says she can’t. If Curtis finds out that she lied to him again, her marriage is over.

Drew goes to Curtis’ office and says, Curtis wanted to see him? Curtis says, yeah, he did, and Drew says he sounded stressed on the phone. What’s wrong? Curtis says, Drew’s been blackmailing his wife.

Sonny finds Willow and asks if she’s got a minute. She says, yeah… What does he need? He says he heard she and Michael have a court date, and she says, they do. He says, it’s going to get ugly, and she says she thinks so too, but he says he thinks they can stop it before it starts. She says, how? and he says he knows how much she loves her children, and she knows how much he loves his grandkids. She says, they love him too, and he says, then she should know that they can figure out a compromise. Willow wonders if they should be talking without… He says, no lawyers, no Drew, no Carly. Just cooler heads trying to figure out what’s best for the kids and also find a way to make peace.

Nina knocks on Carly’s door, but Carly says she doesn’t have time for this. Nina tells her to make time. It’s their last chance to stop this before Drew completely wrecks their grandchildren’s lives.

On Monday, Lulu tells Cody that she’s not stopping until she has proof; Drew tells Curtis that he has the situation under control; Sasha wonders why Ric Lansing is calling her to testify; and Nina slugs Carly.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

A bittersweet comeback.

https://www.tvinsider.com/1192056/general-hospital-nurses-ball-2025-details-lynn-herring-exclusive/

A reminder that Monica isn’t really upstairs. And Lesley isn’t with her either.

https://soaphub.com/general-hospital/news-gh/rivals-monica-lesley-two-legends-gone/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

I remember the disco ball helmet!

The Valley

So now that Jax has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, does that mean Brittany will get double the rage texts?

I can’t wait to see Lala with this group.

Summer House

Lexi broke up with Jesse for the last time… I think. It’s really been hard to keep score with those two. Lindsay made an Instagram post detailing what the last year had brought to her, and Carl was miffed because it all started with their break-up. I don’t see why he’d care unless he still cared, but maybe he didn’t want everyone to be reminded about how he blindsided her on camera. It wasn’t the worst episode, but the finale looks great. Not just because it’s finally the end of the season, but it’s some kind of costume party.

Lindsay’s Freedom Dinner.

Random Reality Items…

They’re probably waiting to see if they get a better offer elsewhere.

For those brave enough to go.

A miscommunication? Sure. I believe it if she believes it.

I love how some of the old case shaded the reboot. Did they think they’d be on it until retirement? They don’t even work at SUR anymore.

👀 Weekend Watch…

The Ugly Stepsister. AMC+/Shudder. Subtitled. Whatever you do, don’t watch this while eating dinner. And this is coming from someone who has a strong stomach for gore. I actually loved the real Grimm’s Fairytales as a kid, and this is closer than any Disneyfied version. Cinderella’s stepsister will do anything to marry the prince, including cutting off body parts and swallowing tapeworms.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-ugly-stepsister-horror-movie-review-2025

A Deadly American Marriage. Netflix. A true crime documentary that kept me guessing for a while.

https://people.com/a-deadly-american-marriage-true-story-11733406

The first wife.

https://people.com/all-about-margaret-fitzpatrick-jason-corbett-first-wife-11734052

The kids.

https://people.com/where-are-jason-corbett-kids-now-11730696

The killers.

https://people.com/where-are-jason-corbett-killers-molly-thomas-martens-now-11730846

Heart Eyes. Netflix. At first, I sighed and thought, typical slasher film with typical slasher film characters, but I have to admit, the ending was one I didn’t see coming. I appreciated a chaotic drive-in movie scene, but not so much the cornfield that was bigger than the one that clown is hiding in. Still, so much better than I expected it to be and not a waste of my time. Takeaway point: Never underestimate the underdog.

https://www.cbr.com/heart-eyes-netflix-streaming-hit/

https://www.pajiba.com/film_reviews/heart-eyes-is-a-killer-box-of-chocolates-you-never-know-what-youre-gonna-get.php

⚔️ No Knight Yet…

Looks like I got excited about a year too soon.

https://www.avclub.com/a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-delayed-to-2026

🐾 All Pets All the Time…

🐩 The famous.

https://vocal.media/petlife/the-famous-pets-of-celebrities

🐕 The not-so famous.

https://bestfriends.org/stories/features/10-inspiring-pet-adoption-stories-2024

🦚 And the fashionable.

https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/instagram-famous-dogs-model-springs-top-10-fashion-trends

🪇 Quotes of the Week

Gardens, scholars say, are the first sign of commitment to a community. When people plant corn they are saying, let’s stay here. And by their connection to the land, they are connected to one another.Anne Raver

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. – Albert Einstein

To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves. – Mahatma Gandhi

It’s a general moral principle that the more power you have over someone, the greater your duty is to use that power benevolently. Well, who is the one person in the world you have the greatest power over? It’s your future self. You hold that life in your hands, and what it will be depends on how you care for it.Rick Hanson

If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters. – Alan K. Simpson

Attitude, not aptitude, determines altitude.Hilary “Zig” Ziglar (Corny, but I like the alliteration.)

Hell was made for people like you, Leslie. Enjoy the burn. – Mona Wilson (Karan Kendrick), Beyond the Gates

🌾 The Gateway To Summer…

Until next week, stay safe; stay celebrating the rebirth and renewal of spring; and stay never forgetting, the only way out is through.

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

Standard

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!